Taiwan president calls for breakthrough in cross-straits relations
TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan and China need to drop historical baggage to seek a breakthrough in cross-straits relations, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in her first public comments since China’s ruling Communist Party unveiled a new leadership line-u…
Thai capital draped in yellow as tens of thousands gather for late king’s funeral
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Amid beating drums, the whistle of an ancient flute and an artillery salute, Thailand began an elaborate ceremony steeped in ancient rites to mark the start on Thursday of a lavish cremation ceremony for revered late King Bhumibol A…
Turkish court releases eight rights activists on bail in terrorism trial
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A Turkish court on Wednesday ordered the release on bail of eight human rights activists, including the director of the local branch of Amnesty International, pending a verdict in their trial on terrorism charges.
Taiwan president says Taipei, Beijing need to focus on better dialogue
TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taipei and Beijing need to drop their historical retaliation, focus on better dialogue and peacefully develop cross-strait relations, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Thursday.
Trump says Russia hurting U.S. efforts on North Korea nuclear issue
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Russia was hurting U.S. efforts to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons while China had been helpful.
Iraqi government launches military operation to recapture towns
(Reuters) – The Iraqi government launched an offensive early on Thursday to recapture from Islamic State the western Iraqi towns of Rawa and al-Qaim close to the Syrian border, al-Arabiya television reported.
Desperate for news, Rohingya refugees tune in to ‘WhatsApp radio’
COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh (Reuters) – Sat in his hillside grocery shop in a Bangladesh refugee camp, Rohingya Muslim Momtaz-ul-Hoque takes a break to listen to an audio recording on his mobile phone, while children and passers-by gather round to hear the…
Japan to propose strategic dialogue with U.S., India and Australia: Nikkei
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan will propose a strategic dialogue among leaders of the United States, India and Australia, aiming at counteracting China’s expansion under its “Belt and Road” policy, Foreign Minister Taro Kono told the Nikkei business daily.
Thousands turn out to see lavish funeral of Thailand’s late king
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thousands of people turned out in Bangkok to watch the funeral procession of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday, with buildings draped in yellow marigolds and mourners lining the streets on the eve of his cremation….
Opposition boycott overshadows Kenya election re-run
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenyans vote on Thursday in a presidential election re-run overshadowed by an opposition boycott that will almost certainly hand victory to President Uhuru Kenyatta, but with a mandate compromised by low turnout and procedural flaws…
