Beleaguered Thai PM defends herself against rice charges
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday showed up to defend herself against charges linked to a ruinous government rice pledging scheme that could lead to her removal from office, the latest development in a political cris…
China rebel village votes, but hopes fade for fair poll
WUKAN, China (Reuters) – Villagers in southern Guangdong who launched an open revolt against local authorities in 2011 held an election on Monday amid intensifying pressure against protest leaders, who have either been detained or sought asylum abroad….
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 …
China, Japan spar over Xi’s comments on Nanjing Massacre
BEIJING (Reuters) – China said on Monday it was extremely unhappy with Japan for lodging a protest over comments in Germany by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who recalled Japan’s wartime invasion of the city of Nanjing and resulting massacre.
Ten ways the Ukraine crisis may change the world
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – As Moscow and the West dig in for a prolonged stand-off over Russia’s annexation of Crimea, risking spillover to other former Soviet republics and beyond, here are 10 ways in which the Ukraine crisis could change attitudes and poli…
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.
