South Africa’s Zuma denies wrongdoing over $23 million home upgrade
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South African President Jacob Zuma has denied any wrongdoing over a $23 million state-funded security upgrade to his private home, in his first public response to allegations he had benefited unduly from the “excessive” spendin…
Cambodian police thwart opposition rally over TV license
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Cambodian police used batons to break up a protest on Monday by opposition party supporters demanding a license be granted for a new television channel, clashes that rights groups said left two people wounded.
Philippine ship dodges China blockade to reach South China Sea outpost
SECOND THOMAS SHOAL, South China Sea (Reuters) -The Philippine government vessel made a dash for shallow waters around the disputed reef in the South China Sea, evading two Chinese coastguard ships trying to block its path to deliver food, water and fr…
South Korea plans $1.3-billion tanker aircraft buy to boost air defense
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea on Monday kicked off the process to buy four in-flight refueling tanker aircraft, in a deal seen to be worth around 1.4 trillion won ($1.31 billion), with planemakers Boeing and Airbus expected to compete, sources said.
Yemen president urges Iran to stop interference: newspaper
DUBAI (Reuters) – Yemen’s president called on Iran to stop supporting separatists in the south and religious groups in the north of the Arabian peninsula country, which is trying to stabilize after more than two years of political upheaval.
Former China mining boss, linked to ex-security chief’s son, on trial for murder
BEIJING (Reuters) – A former Chinese mining magnate with links to the eldest son of retired security tsar Zhou Yongkang went on trial on Monday over charges including murder after being accused of leading a 36-member gang on a crime spree spanning two …
Thai court throws out murder charges in Saudi ‘Blue Diamond’ case
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A Thai criminal court on Monday dismissed a case against five men, including a senior police officer, charged with murdering a Saudi businessman over precious stones worth millions of dollars stolen a quarter of a century ago.
Tibetan Communist who urged reconciliation with Dalai Lama dies
BEIJING (Reuters) – Phuntso Wangye, a veteran Tibetan Communist leader who became an outspoken critic of Beijing’s hardline policies towards the Himalayan region, died on Sunday, his son said. He was 91.
North Korea declares no-sail warning off coast to conduct firing drills
SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea declared a no-sail warning on Monday for areas off its west coast near a disputed border with South Korea and has notified the South that it will conduct firing drills, a South Korean government official said.
China to crack down on videos, audios promoting terrorism
BEIJING (Reuters) – China will crack down on videos and audio recordings that promote terrorism, religious extremism and separatism, the government said on Monday.
