Taliban kill 15 in attack on Afghan security checkpoint: local officials
Taliban militants ambushed a government checkpoint in Balkh province in Afghanistan’s north, killing at least 15 members of the security forces, local officials said on Tuesday, the latest in an escalating series of insurgent attacks.
UK’s Queen Elizabeth stresses reconciliation after ‘quite bumpy’ 2019
Queen Elizabeth will stress the value of harmony and reconciliation in her Christmas message this year, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday, after a “quite bumpy” year for her own family and for Britain as it struggled with Brexit.
Russia releases Japan fishing boats detained near disputed islands
Russia on Tuesday released five Japanese fishing boats detained last week near Russian-controlled islands claimed by Japan, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, adding that all crew members are in good health.
Fewer than 900,000 new Japanese babies this year for first time on record
The number of babies born in Japan fell an estimated 5.9% this year to fewer than 900,000 for the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, the welfare ministry said on Tuesday.
U.S. National Security Adviser warns UK about allowing Huawei in 5G: FT
U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien has warned UK about allowing China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] into its 5G telecommunications networks, saying such a move would pose a risk to UK’s secret intelligence services, the Financial Tim…
At least 26 killed as Indonesian bus tumbles into ravine
An Indonesian bus plunged over a hill and tumbled 150 meters (164 yards) into a ravine late on Monday, killing at least 26 people and injuring 13, media reported on Tuesday.
Australia’s Cotton On probes Chinese supplier amid forced labor fears
Australian clothing retailer Cotton On Group on Tuesday said it is investigating a Chinese supplier after British supermarket operator Tesco PLC suspended ties with the same supplier due to fears of the use of forced prison labor.
Nepal detains 122 Chinese for suspected cyber crime, bank fraud
Police in Nepal have detained 122 Chinese nationals in its biggest crackdown on crime by foreigners entering the country on tourist visa, officials said on Tuesday.
Five in hospital after balloon drop sparks stampede at Australian shopping center
Five people were hospitalized after Christmas shoppers were crushed in a midnight balloon drop of gift vouchers at a Sydney suburban shopping center.
South Korea, Japan, China leaders to promote North Korea-U.S. dialogue
China, Japan and South Korea have agreed to work together to promote dialogue between the United States and North Korea, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday following a summit between the three countries in China.
