China says ex-soccer star’s call for ouster of Communist Party is ‘absurd’
China on Friday called retired soccer star Hao Haidong’s remarks “absurd” after the celebrated player called for the ouster of the ruling Communist Party in a video released on Thursday, the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-dem…
Indonesia reports 703 new coronavirus infections, 49 new deaths: official
Indonesia reported 703 new coronavirus infections on Friday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 29,521.
Philippines reports three new coronavirus deaths, 244 more cases
The Philippines’ health ministry on Friday confirmed three new coronavirus deaths and 244 more infections, the lowest single-day increase in cases in two weeks.
Once targeted by officials, street vendors make unexpected comeback in China
Three weeks ago, Beijing authorities swooped in on Shan Peng and her makeshift street stall, seizing her merchandise – yogurt and casual pants – and even her electric tricycle.
Traditional owners say Rio Tinto knew importance of caves razed for mine
Rio Tinto Ltd knew the cultural and historical significance of two caves in Western Australia years before it blew them up last month as part of an iron ore mine expansion, traditional owners said on Friday.
Beijing city government to further cut COVID-19 emergency response level
Beijing’s municipal government said on Friday it will lower its COVID-19 emergency response from level II to level III effective from Saturday, state media reported.
Libyan government says it has entered Haftar stronghold Tarhouna
Forces loyal to Libya’s internationally recognised government said on Friday they had entered Tarhouna, the last major stronghold of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar near Tripoli, capping the sudden collapse of his 14-month offensive.
Thailand to tout ‘trusted’ tourism in coronavirus era
Thailand is positioning itself as a trusted destination for international tourists after travel restrictions ease, capitalising on its relative success in containing the coronavirus outbreak, industry officials say.
Dutch PM says his attitude to ‘Black Pete’ winter tradition has undergone ‘great changes’
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said his attitude towards “Black Pete”, a figure from the country’s winter holiday celebrations that has been criticized as a racist caricature, had undergone “great changes” in recent years.
China says social media firms should not selectively create obstacles for media
China said on Friday that social media companies should not selectively create obstacles for media agencies, responding to Facebook Inc’s decision to start labeling state-controlled media organisations.
