Former China Sinochem VP sentenced to 11-1/2 years prison for graft
A former senior executive at China’s state-run Sinochem Group was sentenced on Tuesday to 11-and-a-half years in prison for taking bribes, a court in eastern Shandong province said.
Vietnam seizes two tonnes of ivory, pangolin scales
Vietnamese authorities have seized more than two tonnes of pangolin scales and ivory from Africa, state media reported on Tuesday.
South Korea, Japan, China leaders to promote North Korea-U.S. dialogue
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday that South Korea, China, and Japan agreed to help promote North Korea-U.S. dialogue to end North Korea’s nuclear program, during their trilateral summit in Chengdu, China.
Hong Kong ‘silent night’ protests planned for Christmas Eve
Hong Kong anti-government protesters plan to stage gatherings in prime shopping malls and a ‘silent night’ rally in a popular tourist precinct on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, despite police warnings they would move in if trouble flares.
Australian PM under pressure as bushfires fuel climate debate
Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.
Australia’s Cotton On probing ties with Chinese firm in forced labor controversy: ABC
Australian clothing retailer Cotton On Group is investigating its relationship with a Chinese printing firm suspected of using forced prison labor and which was recently suspended as a supplier by Tesco, ABC News reported.
Venezuela arrests 11 after weekend raid of military outpost: Maduro
Venezuela has arrested 11 people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro goes to hospital after fall, no injuries detected
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro fell at his presidential residence in the capital Brasilia on Monday and was taken to a hospital for a scan, according to a statement.
U.S. military tracking Santa – and any ‘Christmas gift’ from North Korea
While the North American Aerospace Defense Command stays alert for any signs of a North Korea missile launch – what officials in Pyongyang have described as a “Christmas gift” – it is also tracking the legendary figure who delivers presents to children across the world, the command said on Monday.
UK Queen stresses reconciliation after bruising Brexit year
Queen Elizabeth will stress the value of harmony and reconciliation in her Christmas message this year, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday, after a year in which the tortuous Brexit process aggravated deep divisions in Britain.
