Equatorial Guinea argues luxury Paris mansion was part of embassy when raided
Equatorial Guinea argued on Monday that a luxury mansion in central Paris used by the son of the country’s president was protected by diplomatic immunity when it was raided by French authorities in 2012.
China’s epidemic control is showing an improving trend: state media
Control of the coronavirus epidemic in China is showing an active and improving trend, state television quoted a meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang as saying on Monday.
Hundreds of Americans flown home from cruise ship, 14 with coronavirus
More than 300 American cruise liner passengers, including 14 who tested positive for coronavirus, were flown home to military bases in the United States after two weeks under quarantine off Japan.
Egypt pursues criminal investigation into Egyptian academic studying in Italy
The Egyptian public prosecutor’s office is pursuing a criminal investigation into an Egyptian researcher studying in Italy on charges of spreading fake news that posed a threat to security and social stability, it said on Sunday.
Rise in coronavirus infections prompts Japan to limit public crowds
Japan canceled the emperor’s birthday celebrations next week as it moved on Monday to limit crowds to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and said it will close the Tokyo Marathon to all but elite professional runners.
Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way
The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo’s northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups “wherever they are found”.
No let up in Taliban attacks, fresh orders awaited over deal with U.S.
Taliban fighters attacked Afghan government forces overnight, and militant commanders said on Monday insurgency operations would go-ahead until they receive fresh instructions based on a deal with the United States to reduce violence in the country.
North Korea imported purebred horses from Russia as Kim Jong Un took snowy ride
North Korea, whose leader Kim Jong Un was filmed riding through the snow on a white stallion last year, has spent tens of thousands of dollars on 12 purebred horses from Russia, according to Russian customs data.
China seeks help of national tech giants to track coronavirus with QR codes
China’s government is enlisting the help of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd to expand color-based systems for tracking individuals affected with the coronavirus nationwide.
China may delay key parliament, political panel meetings
China’s parliament and its top political consultative body are both considering delaying annual meetings set for March, state media said on Monday, as the country battles a coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 1,700 people.
