On December 1, India will assume the G20 presidency. In Bali, PM Modi is expected to highlight India's commitment to address global challenges.

Gravitas: India takes centre stage at G20 summit

The summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations has kicked off in Cambodia. The three-day summit in the Cambodian capital will also include the East Asia Summit. This time the ten nation bloc faces a multitude of issues, including the crisis in Myanmar. Russia has finally come face to face with other nations.

WION Fineprint | G20 Summit 2022 | Avrom: West trying to contain Russian interests in Southeast Asia

Avrom: West trying to contain Russian interests in Southeast Asia

U.S. President Joe Biden held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid simmering tensions over Taiwan. Both leaders held talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

G20 Summit 2022: US, China talks amid simmering tensions

The summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations has kicked off in Cambodia. The three-day summit in the Cambodian capital will also include the East Asia Summit. This time the ten nation bloc faces a multitude of issues, including the crisis in Myanmar.

G20 Summit 2022: Indonesian Presidency motto 'recover together, recover stronger'

ASEAN Summit 2022: Cambodia hands over chairmanship to Indonesia

It is the final day of the ASEAN summit which is currently underway in Cambodia. The Asian heads of the government and the representatives held talks with various global leaders on Day 2. The East Asia Summit is also scheduled to take place later today.

ASEAN Summit 2022: East Asia Summit to take place today

Japan and South Korea are set to hold their first official talks in almost three years on Sunday. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will meet in Cambodia on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. Both countries have shown willingness to bolster bilateral ties in recent times.

South Korea, Japan set to hold first official talks in almost three years

G20 Summit 2022: Widespread discomfort due to Russia's presence in the Summit

ASEAN Summit 2022: US President Biden thanks Cambodian PM stance over war in Ukraine

G20 Summit 2022: Summit to be dominated by Russia-Ukraine conflict

G20 Summit 2022: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Summit in Bali

G20 Summit 2022: India heads towards G20 Presidency

Ahead of 17th G20 summit, Indian Envoy to Indonesia Manoj K. Bharti spoke to WION's Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Bali. He highlighted the close ties between Delhi & Jakarta & how the India diaspora is playing an important role in the southeast Asian country. Indian PM Modi will be Indonesia from 14th to 16th to attend the G20 summit. During this year's G20 summit, India will be handed over the presidency of the grouping.

Ahead of Bali G20 summit, Indian Envoy to Indonesia Manoj K. Bharti speaks to WION

President of the United States Joe Biden made another faux pas on Saturday when he said&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;when referring to Cambodia, which is hosting the ASEAN summit.

While meeting his counterparts from ASEAN in Phnom Penh, Biden said, "Now that we're back together here in Cambodia, I look forward to building even stronger progress than we've already made, and I want to thank the Prime Minister of Colombia for his leadership as ASEAN chair and for hosting all of us."&nbsp;

He was alluding to the 10-nation regional bloc's current chair, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.&nbsp;

The US President, who is on a quick trip that includes stops at the G20 meeting in Indonesia, the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, and the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, recently made a similar error while speaking to reporters at the White House.

The Democratic president, who will be 80 on November 20, announced this week that he plans to seek re-election in 2024. A final decision is anticipated to be made early in the following year.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-countries-resisted-mentioning-15degc-goal-in-cop27-text-us-climate-envoy-533576">Some countries resisted mentioning 1.5°C goal in COP27 text: US climate envoy</a>

Republicans have seized on Biden's sporadic verbal slip-ups and propensity to veer from the script during live appearances as evidence that he is past his prime and unfit for office.&nbsp;

Supporters&nbsp;point out that Biden&nbsp;has been improvising in public talks for decades despite having overcome a childhood stutter.

(with inputs from agencies)

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President of the United States Joe Biden made another faux pas on Saturday when he said Colombia when referring to Cambodia, which is hosting the ASEAN summit. While meeting his counterparts from ASEAN in Phnom Penh, Biden said, "Now that we're back together here in Cambodia, I look forward to building even stronger progress than we've already made, and I want to thank the Prime Minister of Colombia for his leadership as ASEAN chair and for hosting all of us.

President of the United States Joe Biden made another faux pas on Saturday when he said Colombia when referring to Cambodia, which is hosting the ASEAN summit. While meeting his counterparts from ASEAN in Phnom Penh, Biden said, "Now that we're back together here in Cambodia, I look forward to building even stronger progress than we've already made, and I want to thank the Prime Minister of Colombia for his leadership as ASEAN chair and for hosting all of us." He was alluding to the 10-nation regional bloc's current chair, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The US President, who is on a quick trip that includes stops at the G20 meeting in Indonesia, the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, and the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, recently made a similar error while speaking to reporters at the White House. The Democratic president, who will be 80 on November 20, announced this week that he plans to seek re-election in 2024. A final decision is anticipated to be made early in the following year. Also Read: Some countries resisted mentioning 1.5°C goal in COP27 text: US climate envoy Republicans have seized on Biden's sporadic verbal slip-ups and propensity to veer from the script during live appearances as evidence that he is past his prime and unfit for office. Supporters point out that Biden has been improvising in public talks for decades despite having overcome a childhood stutter. (with inputs from agencies)

Another slip-up from Biden, thanks Colombia instead of Cambodia at ASEAN summit

US President Joe Biden on Saturday (November 12) held talks with Southeast Asian leaders during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cambodia. Biden hailed the new US-ASEAN pact as a critical which will help tackling "the biggest issue of our time."

This was Biden's first visit to Southeast Asia as a president. The US president said that the region was at the heart of his administration's Indo-Pacific strategy and Washington was committing resources, not just rhetoric, under a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

"Together we will tackle the biggest issues of our time, from climate, to health security, to defend against the significant threat to the rule-based order," he said, opening a meeting in Cambodia with leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"We will build an Indo Pacific that's free and open, stable and prosperous, and resilient and secure," he added.

ASEAN is engaging a host of leaders, including Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Biden's presence comes as the United States seeks to reassert itself after a period of regional uncertainty about its commitment under US predecessor Donald Trump, and concerted efforts by rival China to boost its influence and fill the void.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden on Saturday (November 12) held talks with Southeast Asian leaders during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cambodia.

US President Joe Biden on Saturday (November 12) held talks with Southeast Asian leaders during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cambodia. Biden hailed the new US-ASEAN pact as a critical which will help tackling "the biggest issue of our time." This was Biden's first visit to Southeast Asia as a president. The US president said that the region was at the heart of his administration's Indo-Pacific strategy and Washington was committing resources, not just rhetoric, under a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "Together we will tackle the biggest issues of our time, from climate, to health security, to defend against the significant threat to the rule-based order," he said, opening a meeting in Cambodia with leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "We will build an Indo Pacific that's free and open, stable and prosperous, and resilient and secure," he added. ASEAN is engaging a host of leaders, including Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. Biden's presence comes as the United States seeks to reassert itself after a period of regional uncertainty about its commitment under US predecessor Donald Trump, and concerted efforts by rival China to boost its influence and fill the void. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US-ASEAN pact to tackle 'biggest issues of our time,' says Biden in Cambodia

The three-day ASEAN Summit is underway in Cambodia. In the first meeting of the grouping since Covid-19 pandemic, this is the day two of the summit that began on Friday. On Saturday, the leaders of the group will be holding separate meetings with their counterparts from India, US and Japan.

ASEAN Summit 2022: Myanmar tops agenda; nations say 'Stop military abuses'

The summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations has kicked off in Cambodia. The three-day summit in the Cambodian capital will also include the East Asia Summit. This time the ten nation bloc faces a multitude of issues, including the crisis in Myanmar. India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar addressed the summit. Watch the video to know what he said.

ASEAN Summit 2022: India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar addresses summit

ASEAN Summit 2022: Global leaders join Southeast Asian summit; call for timeline on Myanmar peace

"As I called on all ASEAN members to take every measure possible to stop Russia playing hunger games with the world. Green Corridor should be exempted from the conflict, whatever happens on the battleground, Russia should not use this corridor as a blackmail as a leverage in international relations," said Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba.

ASEAN Summit Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba holds press conference

ASEAN Summit kicks off in Cambodia; Myanmar crisis to dominate talks

The group of 20 countries are all set to meet in Bali for the G20 annual summit. The theme for the summit is - Recover Together, Recover Stronger. Ukraine war, inflation and food security. The two-day summit will kick-off on the 15th November.

ASEAN Summit 2022: Dispute in South China Sea on agenda

An overloaded ferry carrying school children reportedly sank in a river resulting in the deaths of 10-11 children in Cambodia. The incident took place in the Campbell Province about 53 kilometers southeast of the capital of Nam Fen.

Cambodia Boat Mishap: At least 11 children dead after boat sinks in Kandal province

Cambodian police said on Saturday (October 15) that three people, including a 15-year-old operator, have been detained after a boat sank, killing 11 children.&nbsp;

The small overloaded boat carrying students home from their school sank in the Mekong River late Thursday (October 13). The boat was carrying students aged between 12 and 15.&nbsp;

News agencies have stated that the boat carried 18 people from a school on the other side of the river. Seven people survived the accident.&nbsp;

Provincial police chief Chhoeun Sochet told Reuters that the incident occurred on Thursday in Kandal province about 53 kilometres (33 miles) southeast of the capital Phnom Penh.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shocking-rotting-dead-bodies-found-on-hospital-roof-in-pakistan-probe-launched-525602">Shocking! Rotting dead bodies found on hospital roof in Pakistan, probe launched</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Floods wreak havoc in Thailand; Govt redirects water to save monuments&nbsp;

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"This tragedy was&nbsp;caused due to the boat owner's overloading the vessel, carelessness, and there were no life jackets for protection," he said in a social media post.&nbsp;

Three individuals had been detained for questioning over the incident, local police chief Am Thou told AFP. "They may have to face legal action. We are looking into what charges they may face," he said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his condolences and ordered respective authorities to assist victims' families. He also warned people to be cautious during heavy flooding, as the water level in the Mekong River has risen.&nbsp;

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Cambodian police said on Saturday (October 15) that three people, including a 15-year-old operator, have been detained after a boat sank, killing 11 children. The small overloaded boat carrying students home from their school sank in the Mekong River late Thursday (October 13).

Cambodian police said on Saturday (October 15) that three people, including a 15-year-old operator, have been detained after a boat sank, killing 11 children. The small overloaded boat carrying students home from their school sank in the Mekong River late Thursday (October 13). The boat was carrying students aged between 12 and 15. News agencies have stated that the boat carried 18 people from a school on the other side of the river. Seven people survived the accident. Provincial police chief Chhoeun Sochet told Reuters that the incident occurred on Thursday in Kandal province about 53 kilometres (33 miles) southeast of the capital Phnom Penh. ALSO READ | Shocking! Rotting dead bodies found on hospital roof in Pakistan, probe launched WATCH | Floods wreak havoc in Thailand; Govt redirects water to save monuments × ALSO READ | Pak’s finance minister Ishaq Dar called 'thief', faces heckling at Washington airport "This tragedy was caused due to the boat owner's overloading the vessel, carelessness, and there were no life jackets for protection," he said in a social media post. Three individuals had been detained for questioning over the incident, local police chief Am Thou told AFP. "They may have to face legal action. We are looking into what charges they may face," he said. Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his condolences and ordered respective authorities to assist victims' families. He also warned people to be cautious during heavy flooding, as the water level in the Mekong River has risen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cambodian boat accident kills 11: Three, including 15-year-old boat operator, detained

After a two-year of gap due to Covid-19 Cambodia is marking the festival of the dead. The festival is being celebrated to honor the ancestors.

Festival of dead returns to Cambodia after two years of Covid-19

From 'Langoor Mela' in India's Amritsar to a flooded street in Cambodia's Phnom Penh, here are some impactful images from around the world on 26 September 2022.

World in Pictures: 'Langoor Mela' in India's Amritsar; Flooded street in Cambodia's Phnom Penh

The last surviving senior leader of Cambodia’s radical Khmer Rouge regime has had an appeal against his conviction for genocide rejected at a war crimes tribunal in the capital.

Cambodia: Former Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan loses genocide appeal

The United Nations-backed Khmer Rouge war crimes court decided to uphold the genocide conviction and life sentence which was imposed on the last surviving leader from Cambodia’s communist regime — Khieu Samphan. 91-year-old Samphan was the head of state for the regime that is infamous for killing almost a quarter of the country’s population during their reign in the 1970s, according to AFP.

Earlier,&nbsp;Samphan&nbsp;was charged by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in 2018 with violations of the Geneva Convention and also with the genocide of the Vietnamese minority.&nbsp;

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"The Supreme Court chamber finds no merit in Khieu Samphan's arguments regarding&nbsp;genocide&nbsp;and rejects them," Chief Judge Kong Srim said in his judgement, according to The Guardian.

The judgment also made it clear that Samphan had "direct contemporaneous knowledge of the commission of crimes and shared the intent for their commission" during his tenure.&nbsp;

During the communist regime, it was estimated that around 1.5 to 2 million people died in Cambodia due to extreme torture, mass executions and labour camps. The worst affected were the country’s minorities as around 20,000 ethnic Vietnamese and 100,000 to 500,000 Cham Muslims were killed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-reserve-hikes-interest-rates-to-highest-level-since-2008-518597">US Federal Reserve hikes interest rates to highest level since 2008</a>

"By no stretch of the imagination could it be seriously stated that the CPK revolution was implemented in a benevolent or altruistic manner," the ruling said with CPK referring to the communist party.&nbsp;

The only other person who was convicted by the special court was Kaing Guek Eav, head of the S-21 torture interrogation centre infamous for putting captives through inhuman tortures.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations-backed Khmer Rouge war crimes court decided to uphold the genocide conviction and life sentence which was imposed on the last surviving leader from Cambodia’s communist regime — Khieu Samphan.

The United Nations-backed Khmer Rouge war crimes court decided to uphold the genocide conviction and life sentence which was imposed on the last surviving leader from Cambodia’s communist regime — Khieu Samphan. 91-year-old Samphan was the head of state for the regime that is infamous for killing almost a quarter of the country’s population during their reign in the 1970s, according to AFP. Earlier, Samphan was charged by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in 2018 with violations of the Geneva Convention and also with the genocide of the Vietnamese minority. Also read | Russia has drafted several anti-war protesters into military, reports say "The Supreme Court chamber finds no merit in Khieu Samphan's arguments regarding genocide and rejects them," Chief Judge Kong Srim said in his judgement, according to The Guardian. The judgment also made it clear that Samphan had "direct contemporaneous knowledge of the commission of crimes and shared the intent for their commission" during his tenure. During the communist regime, it was estimated that around 1.5 to 2 million people died in Cambodia due to extreme torture, mass executions and labour camps. The worst affected were the country’s minorities as around 20,000 ethnic Vietnamese and 100,000 to 500,000 Cham Muslims were killed. Also read | US Federal Reserve hikes interest rates to highest level since 2008 "By no stretch of the imagination could it be seriously stated that the CPK revolution was implemented in a benevolent or altruistic manner," the ruling said with CPK referring to the communist party. The only other person who was convicted by the special court was Kaing Guek Eav, head of the S-21 torture interrogation centre infamous for putting captives through inhuman tortures. (with inputs from agencies)

Former Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan loses appeal in Cambodia genocide case

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-un-iranian-president-raisi-targets-us-over-nuclear-accord-says-serious-about-reviving-it-518463">UN</a>-backed court for the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia will deliver its last decision, capping 16 years of labour with a decision on the appeal of the last surviving regime leader from his conviction for genocide.

Khieu Samphan, a 91-year-old former head of state, will be judged by the tribunal, officially known as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), at 9:30 am (0230 GMT).

It will be the final decision made by the tribunal, which has spent more than $330 million and only brought charges against five Khmer Rouge officials, two of whom passed away during trial.

The hybrid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ny-top-prosecutor-files-financial-fraud-lawsuit-against-trump-his-children-ex-prez-dubs-it-a-witch-hunt-518517">court</a>, which was established to try the senior members of the homicidal ultra-communist regime that killed about two million people between 1975 and 1979 through famine, torture, forced labour, and mass executions, was made up of both Cambodian and international judges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pig-butchering-crypto-scam-how-a-wrong-text-message-can-swipe-out-millions-of-dollars-515534">‘Pig butchering’ crypto scam: How a wrong text message can swipe out millions of dollars</a>

The "Brother Number One" of the regime, Pol Pot, passed away in 1998 before the court was established, thus he never had to face justice.

The verdict on Thursday marked "a new milestone for the ECCC in its aim to bring truth and justice to Khmer Rouge victims, those who perished, and survivors," according to tribunal spokesman Neth Pheaktra.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The UN-backed court for the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia will deliver its last decision, capping 16 years of labour with a decision on the appeal of the last surviving regime leader from his conviction for genocide.

The UN-backed court for the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia will deliver its last decision, capping 16 years of labour with a decision on the appeal of the last surviving regime leader from his conviction for genocide. Khieu Samphan, a 91-year-old former head of state, will be judged by the tribunal, officially known as the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), at 9:30 am (0230 GMT). It will be the final decision made by the tribunal, which has spent more than $330 million and only brought charges against five Khmer Rouge officials, two of whom passed away during trial. The hybrid court, which was established to try the senior members of the homicidal ultra-communist regime that killed about two million people between 1975 and 1979 through famine, torture, forced labour, and mass executions, was made up of both Cambodian and international judges. Also read | ‘Pig butchering’ crypto scam: How a wrong text message can swipe out millions of dollars The "Brother Number One" of the regime, Pol Pot, passed away in 1998 before the court was established, thus he never had to face justice. The verdict on Thursday marked "a new milestone for the ECCC in its aim to bring truth and justice to Khmer Rouge victims, those who perished, and survivors," according to tribunal spokesman Neth Pheaktra. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Cambodia's Khmer Rouge court to render final verdict

Authorities have reported that hundreds of Taiwanese are among the untold numbers of captives who are being detained against their will and made to labour in telecom fraud networks by human trafficking organisations in south-east Asia, The Guardian newspaper reported.

Major operations have been started by police forces in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battle-to-protect-our-homeland-taiwan-president-issues-warning-for-china-509321">Taiwan,</a> China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Vietnam to rescue their citizens and dismantle the trafficking rings.

The traffickers, many of whom are associated with well-known triads, mostly target young Asians via social media, promising them well-paid jobs and lodging in nations like Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, the report said. When they arrive, their passports are stolen, and they are frequently sold to different organisations and made to work in establishments that engage in unlawful phone or web frauds, it added.

Vietnam and Taiwan appear to have the highest cohorts of casualties. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indiana-governor-eric-holcomb-in-taiwan-following-high-profile-us-visits-509023">Authorities in Taiwan</a> claim that over 5,000 of their nationals have gone to Cambodia and never returned. Although victims claim there are likely many more, police stated that they had identified at least 370 of them as being held against their will.

At least 46 persons have recently travelled back to Taiwan. Some of them claim they or others were forced to sign contracts while others claim they were abused, raped, refused food and water, and regularly threatened. In Cambodia, ineffective law enforcement and corruption have complicated or prevented rescues. The culprits reportedly include Taiwanese, Chinese, Thai, and Cambodian people, according to various accounts.

In recent weeks, news of the trafficking network has received extensive coverage in Asia. A video that went viral last week claimed to show dozens of Vietnamese citizens running out from a casino near the Cambodian border. Guards brandishing sticks pursued the group of individuals as they fled from a building and dove into a river to cross the border into Vietnam by swimming. During the escape, one 16-year-old is said to have drowned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-safest-cities-in-the-world-right-now-509132#al-fujayrah-(united-arab-emirates)-509069">Safest cities in the world right now</a>

Young Taiwanese woman Yu Tang, who asked the Guardian not to use her last name, claimed that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-marriage-to-the-death-penalty-lgbtq-rights-across-the-globe-509186#a-crime-in-africa-509179">Taiwanese</a> woman located her in a group for job seekers and contacted her via Facebook in April. A job in call or assistance centres for the online gaming and casino businesses was offered to her.

“I didn’t believe them but then we met in public,” she said. The man appeared “normal”, Yu Tang said. She agreed to take the job and was met at the airport by different individuals, as well as several others also seeking work.

They were met once more by individuals who "claimed they were travel brokers but looked like thugs" at the Phnom Penh airport. The operatives grabbed the groups' passports and claimed they needed them to arrange for sim cards, but they never gave them back.

Yu Tang claimed that once the victims were transferred to Sihanoukville and told they would be engaged in a phone scam operation, all talks with the traffickers were deleted from their phones. In addition, they were informed that if they wanted to be released, they would need to find additional recruits and pay US$17,000 in order to do so. Yu Tang claimed that when a man complained, he was knocked out and shocked with a stun pistol. She claimed that man was still missing in Taiwan.

Yu Tang claimed that she was able to get a sim and that she immediately started looking into the trafficking organisation. She discovered information for a local politician's office and contacted them via Facebook, reported the Guardian.

Police and army personnel came to collect her the following day. She claimed that despite the boss's offer to pay them to "pretend nothing had happened," they turned it down. Since then, she has returned to Taiwan.

Yu Tang claimed that she witnessed at least 50 other Taiwanese being detained at the same office where she was taken, and that the neighbourhood was full with similar structures, leading her to assume that there are more more Taiwanese still trapped in Cambodia than the authorities have reported. She claimed that many people were made to sign documents that would be presented to any authorities who inquired about their status and that as detention times increased, people were more afraid to speak up.

Yu Tang claims that now that she is back in Taiwan, she is constantly contacted by the relatives of victims and potential victims asking for her help in assisting them in escaping, as well as the police looking for her inside information. Yu claimed that so far, she has assisted eight people in going back to Taiwan.

In connection with the trafficking ring, Taiwanese police claim to have detained at least 67 people, including 16 on Monday who had alleged ties to local gangs.

Sar Kheng, the interior minister for Cambodia, announced on Friday that his department would conduct a statewide investigation into the statuses of foreigners working in or residing at hotels, rental homes, and casinos.

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Another US delegation in Taiwan amid soaring tensions with China

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Authorities have reported that hundreds of Taiwanese are among the untold numbers of captives who are being detained against their will and made to labour in telecom fraud networks by human trafficking organisations in south-east Asia, The Guardian newspaper reported.

Authorities have reported that hundreds of Taiwanese are among the untold numbers of captives who are being detained against their will and made to labour in telecom fraud networks by human trafficking organisations in south-east Asia, The Guardian newspaper reported. Major operations have been started by police forces in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Vietnam to rescue their citizens and dismantle the trafficking rings. The traffickers, many of whom are associated with well-known triads, mostly target young Asians via social media, promising them well-paid jobs and lodging in nations like Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, the report said. When they arrive, their passports are stolen, and they are frequently sold to different organisations and made to work in establishments that engage in unlawful phone or web frauds, it added. Vietnam and Taiwan appear to have the highest cohorts of casualties. Authorities in Taiwan claim that over 5,000 of their nationals have gone to Cambodia and never returned. Although victims claim there are likely many more, police stated that they had identified at least 370 of them as being held against their will. At least 46 persons have recently travelled back to Taiwan. Some of them claim they or others were forced to sign contracts while others claim they were abused, raped, refused food and water, and regularly threatened. In Cambodia, ineffective law enforcement and corruption have complicated or prevented rescues. The culprits reportedly include Taiwanese, Chinese, Thai, and Cambodian people, according to various accounts. In recent weeks, news of the trafficking network has received extensive coverage in Asia. A video that went viral last week claimed to show dozens of Vietnamese citizens running out from a casino near the Cambodian border. Guards brandishing sticks pursued the group of individuals as they fled from a building and dove into a river to cross the border into Vietnam by swimming. During the escape, one 16-year-old is said to have drowned. Also read | Safest cities in the world right now Young Taiwanese woman Yu Tang, who asked the Guardian not to use her last name, claimed that a Taiwanese woman located her in a group for job seekers and contacted her via Facebook in April. A job in call or assistance centres for the online gaming and casino businesses was offered to her. “I didn’t believe them but then we met in public,” she said. The man appeared “normal”, Yu Tang said. She agreed to take the job and was met at the airport by different individuals, as well as several others also seeking work. They were met once more by individuals who "claimed they were travel brokers but looked like thugs" at the Phnom Penh airport. The operatives grabbed the groups' passports and claimed they needed them to arrange for sim cards, but they never gave them back. Yu Tang claimed that once the victims were transferred to Sihanoukville and told they would be engaged in a phone scam operation, all talks with the traffickers were deleted from their phones. In addition, they were informed that if they wanted to be released, they would need to find additional recruits and pay US$17,000 in order to do so. Yu Tang claimed that when a man complained, he was knocked out and shocked with a stun pistol. She claimed that man was still missing in Taiwan. Yu Tang claimed that she was able to get a sim and that she immediately started looking into the trafficking organisation. She discovered information for a local politician's office and contacted them via Facebook, reported the Guardian. Police and army personnel came to collect her the following day. She claimed that despite the boss's offer to pay them to "pretend nothing had happened," they turned it down. Since then, she has returned to Taiwan. Yu Tang claimed that she witnessed at least 50 other Taiwanese being detained at the same office where she was taken, and that the neighbourhood was full with similar structures, leading her to assume that there are more more Taiwanese still trapped in Cambodia than the authorities have reported. She claimed that many people were made to sign documents that would be presented to any authorities who inquired about their status and that as detention times increased, people were more afraid to speak up. Yu Tang claims that now that she is back in Taiwan, she is constantly contacted by the relatives of victims and potential victims asking for her help in assisting them in escaping, as well as the police looking for her inside information. Yu claimed that so far, she has assisted eight people in going back to Taiwan. In connection with the trafficking ring, Taiwanese police claim to have detained at least 67 people, including 16 on Monday who had alleged ties to local gangs. Sar Kheng, the interior minister for Cambodia, announced on Friday that his department would conduct a statewide investigation into the statuses of foreigners working in or residing at hotels, rental homes, and casinos. Also WATCH | Another US delegation in Taiwan amid soaring tensions with China

Cambodia: Telecom scam gangs traffic Taiwanese, push them into cyber slavery

U.S. officials have announced that the country would return to Cambodia 30 looted antiquities, including bronze and stone statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities carved more than 1,000 years ago.

United States to return back 30 looted antiquities to Cambodia from historic sites

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