Biden vows to stand with Asia on freedom, hits at China on Taiwan

23 Sept 03:03 Key points summarised by AI

President Biden affirmed the U.S. commitment to Southeast Asian nations, defending freedom of the seas and democracy, while criticizing China's "coercive" actions towards Taiwan as a threat to regional peace and stability.
Biden reiterated a "rock-solid" U.S. commitment to Taiwan, expressing deep concern over China's escalating military and political pressure on the self-ruled island.
He announced that Washington would initiate discussions with Indo-Pacific partners to develop a new regional economic framework, aiming to strengthen U.S. engagement and address economic gaps in its regional strategy.
Biden also condemned Myanmar's military coup, calling for the release of political prisoners and a return to democracy, and spoke out for human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.