U.S. warily eyes New Year’s threats in cities abroad
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. authorities are monitoring investigations overseas of alleged plots by Islamic State operatives or sympathizers to launch attacks over the New Year’s holiday period, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
Hong Kong university appoints Beijing-backed academic despite objections
HONG KONG (Reuters) – One of Hong Kong’s top universities has appointed a pro-Beijing professor as its chairman despite widespread objections and fears of diminishing academic freedom in the Chinese-ruled city.
Senior Chinese military officer sacked after drink binge death
BEIJING (Reuters) – A senior Chinese military officer has been sacked for a drinking binge in which another officer died, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday, the latest incident of poor behavior in the world’s largest armed forces.
Bangladesh sentences two to death for blogger killing
DHAKA (Reuters) – A fast-track court in Bangladesh sentenced two former students to death on Thursday for the 2013 murder of an online critic of religious militancy, lawyers said.
Paris attacks weigh on New Year hotel bookings
PARIS (Reuters) – Hotels and restaurants in Paris are still suffering in the wake of last month’s Islamist militant attacks with bookings for New Year celebrations down 30-40 percent, a hotel federation said.
Belgium makes 10th arrest in Paris attacks investigation
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – A man was arrested during a search of a house in Brussels on Wednesday, federal prosecutors said on Thursday, making him the 10th person to be held in Belgium over the militant attacks in Paris which killed 130 people in November.
Amid maritime disputes, China confirms building second aircraft carrier
BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Thursday confirmed it is building a second aircraft carrier, as neighbors worry about Beijing’s new assertiveness to claims in the South China Sea.
South Korea defends accord with Japan to settle ‘comfort women’ issue
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea defended on Thursday an agreement with Japan to settle the issue of “comfort women” following criticism it was inadequate, saying it was the best any government could do in the lifetimes of the elderly victims of abuse.
Gunmen kill senior militia leader in Yemen’s Aden: residents
ADEN (Reuters) – Unknown gunmen shot and killed a senior Yemeni militia leader and four people traveling in his convoy in the southern city of Aden, residents and militia sources said on Thursday.
China says consulted widely on army reform, Xi closely involved
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s military consulted widely on its sweeping reform program, with President Xi Jinping closely involved by speaking with soldiers on the frontlines and hand-writing suggestions, the army’s newspaper said on Thursday.
