Beijing may base security agencies in Hong Kong as part of new laws
A proposal to impose national security laws in Hong Kong could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases in the global financial hub, raising fears of direct enforcement by Chinese authorities in the city and the prospect of fresh protests.
U.N. prosecutor: remains of Rwandan war crimes suspect found in Congo
The remains of a fugitive major suspect in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide have been identified in a grave in the Republic of the Congo, a United Nations war crimes prosecutor said on Friday.
Beijing, on HK, says no country would let separatists endanger security
China said on Friday it opposed foreign interference in Hong Kong and that no country would allow separatists to endanger national security, responding to the latest U.S. criticisms about Beijing’s handling of the city.
Indian PM visits cyclone stricken Kolkata promising help, Bangladesh counts cost
Peering down from his aircraft, Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw on Friday the devastation and flooding caused by the most powerful cyclone to strike India and Bangladesh in more than a decade, before landing in the stricken city of Kolkata.
China to bolster disease control system in post-virus overhaul
China will strengthen its disease control centres and improve the deployment of resources to resolve shortcomings in its health system exposed by the novel coronavirus outbreak, the state planning agency said on Friday.
China drops word ‘peaceful’ in latest push for Taiwan ‘reunification’
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang left out the word “peaceful” on Friday in referring to Beijing’s desire to “reunify” with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, an apparent policy shift that comes as ties with Taipei continue on a downward spiral.
Japan asks China to be open about its aims after defence spending hike
Japan’s chief government spokesman on Friday urged China to be open about what it spends on its military and its security goals after Beijing announced a 6.6% increase in its annual defence budget.
Coronavirus cases in Singapore surpass 30,000: Reuters tally
Coronavirus cases in Singapore topped 30,000 on Friday as the city-state reports hundreds of new infections in cramped migrant worker dormitories every day.
UK set to outline quarantine measures for international arrivals
The United Kingdom will later on Friday spell out details of its plans for a COVID-19 quarantine for travellers arriving from overseas, a measure that airlines have warned will devastate their industry.
Russia reports record daily rise in new coronavirus deaths
Russia on Friday reported 150 new fatalities from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, a record daily rise, taking the country’s official nationwide death toll from the virus to 3,249.
