Syria declares victory over Islamic State in Deir al-Zor
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian government declared victory over Islamic State in the eastern city of Deir al-Zor on Friday, a big blow to the jihadists as their last stronghold in Syria crumbles.
Taiwan president visits U.S. territory of Guam despite Chinese ire
HAGATNA, Guam (Reuters) – Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen arrived on the U.S. Pacific island of Guam on Friday on her way back from visiting Taipei’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific, a trip that caused strong objections from China, which claims Taiwan a…
Policeman, PKK militant killed in southeast Turkey: governor’s office
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A policeman and a militant from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) were killed in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir on Friday, the local governor’s office said.
China disputes Trump’s claims of fentanyl ‘flood’ into United States
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s drug control agency disputed on Friday U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that most of the synthetic drug fentanyl at the heart of the U.S. opioid crisis was produced in China.
New Zealand offer to take 150 refugees could help Australia defuse PNG stand-off
WELLINGTON/SYDNEY (Reuters) – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she would offer to take 150 refugees held by Australia when she meets counterpart Malcolm Turnbull on Sunday, promising Canberra a breather from a stand-off at a Papua New Gui…
China says has agreement with Vietnam on managing South China Sea dispute
BEIJING/HANOI (Reuters) – China and Vietnam have reached agreement on managing their dispute in the South China Sea through friendly talks, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Friday, following an ugly spat over the summer between the two communist neigh…
Pakistan’s ex-PM appears in court for trial over finances
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan’s former prime minister Nawaz Sharif attended an anti-corruption trial on Friday ordered by the country’s Supreme Court when it removed him from office earlier this year.
Trump, dogged at home, heads on longest presidential Asia trip in years
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Beset by challenges at home, President Donald Trump on Friday embarked on the longest trip to Asia by an American president in more than a quarter century, looking for help to pressure North Korea to stand down from a nuclear cri…
U.S. bomber drills aggravate North Korea ahead of Trump’s Asia visit
SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two U.S. strategic bombers conducted drills over South Korea, the U.S. Air Force said, raising tensions with North Korea just days before President Donald Trump visits the region seeking to shut down Pyongyang’s nuclear pro…
U.S. draft U.N. resolution seeks extension of Syria chemical probe
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United States has circulated a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that would extend by two years the mandate of an international inquiry into chemical weapons attacks in Syria, after Russia vetoed an extension last we…
