Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 0600 GMT, June 21

SYDNEY– Governor of Australia’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia, Philip Lowe has pushed back against fears that Australia is headed for a recession due to rising inflation and cost of living pressures. Speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia in Sydney on Tuesday, Lowe acknowledged that Australia, like many other nations, was…

SYDNEY — Governor of Australia’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), Philip Lowe has pushed back against fears that Australia is headed for a recession due to rising inflation and cost of living pressures.

Speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AMCHAM) in Sydney on Tuesday, Lowe acknowledged that Australia, like many other nations, was experiencing the highest rates of inflation in many years. (Australia-Reserve Bank-Economy)

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DHAKA — Four million people, including 1.6 million children, stranded by flash floods in northeastern Bangladesh are in urgent need of help, said the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) here Monday.

In a statement, UNICEF said it is on the ground to protect children and to deliver emergency water and health supplies.

“Children need safe drinking water right now. Preventing deadly waterborne diseases is one of several critical concerns,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. (Bangladesh-Flood-UNICEF)

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SEOUL — South Korea’s export fell in the first 20 days of this month owing to fewer business days, customs office data showed Tuesday.

Export amounted to 31.28 billion U.S. dollars during the June 1-20 period, down 3.4 percent from the same period of last year, according to Korea Customs Service.

It was attributed to fewer business days. The number of working days in the 20-day period was 13.5 days, down by 2 days from a year earlier. (South Korea-Export)

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KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia recorded 2,093 new COVID-19 infections as of midnight Monday, bringing the total tally to 4,542,705, according to the health ministry.

The newly reported infections included one imported case and 2,092 local transmissions, data released on the ministry’s website showed.

Three more deaths were reported from the pandemic, bringing the death toll to 35,735. (Malaysia-COVID-19 Update) Enditem