Iran rejects U.S. sanctions on Syria, vows to boost trade with ally
Iran on Thursday condemned as inhumane a fresh round of U.S. sanctions against its regional ally Syria and said it would expand its trade ties with Damascus.
Beijing residents rush coronavirus test clinics as emergency rules expand
China’s capital has mandated coronavirus tests for hundreds of thousands of people as it widens measures against a new outbreak of the disease that has sent anxious residents flooding to clinics for voluntary tests, putting a strain on the system.
Top U.S, China diplomats meet in Hawaii as tensions flare
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii on Wednesday, in high-level face-to-face talks that have become rare amid tensions between the two strategic rivals.
Hong Kong’s Disneyland reopens after five-month coronavirus break
Hong Kong’s loss-making Disneyland theme park reopened on Thursday to a limited number of local visitors and with enhanced health measures after the coronavirus outbreak forced it to close in late January.
Nepal’s parliament approves new map including territory controlled by India
The upper house of Nepal’s parliament approved a new map of the country on Thursday including land controlled by India, in a row that has strained ties between the South Asian neighbours.
Iran says it successfully tests new naval cruise missile
Iran said on Thursday its navy had successfully fired a new locally made cruise missile during war games in the northern Indian Ocean and near the entrance to the Gulf.
Lockdown dances for women at Madrid intellectual disabilities centre
Adjusting to life under lockdown has been tough for the 52 residents of Madrid’s Alas centre for women with intellectual disabilities, who often struggle to grasp abstract concepts and develop social and practical skills.
Former Japanese justice minister, lawmaker wife arrested for suspected vote-buying
A former Japanese justice minister and his lawmaker wife were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of vote-buying, prosecutors said, in a serious blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he struggles with falling public support.
Hong Kong security law draft to be put before China’s top parliament body
The top decision-making body of China’s parliament will review a draft of national security legislation for Hong Kong during a session in Beijing that began on Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Kazakhstan tightens COVID-19 restrictions, former president tests positive
Kazakhstan said on Thursday it would tighten coronavirus-related restrictions during the coming weekend and an aide said former President Nursultan Nazarbayev had tested positive for COVID-19.
