North Korea’s Kim to unveil ‘new path’ in New Year speech after U.S. misses deadline
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to make a closely watched New Year address on Wednesday which is likely to offer a glimpse of a “new path” he has vowed to take if the United States fails to meet his deadline to soften its stance over denucleariz…
Thousands of Australians flee to beaches to escape bushfires
Thousands of tourists and residents swarmed to beaches on Australia’s east coast on Tuesday to escape fierce wildfires bearing down on several seaside towns at the peak of the summer holiday period.
Singapore diplomat defends ‘fake news’ law in Hong Kong paper
A Singapore diplomat defended the Asian city-state’s controversial law against “fake news” in a letter published on Tuesday in the South China Morning Post, saying the Hong Kong newspaper reported untrue accusations about the measure.
South Korea indicts former justice minister and confidant of president
South Korean prosecutors indicted former Justice Minister Cho Kuk on Tuesday on a dozen charges including bribery, two months after he resigned over a scandal involving family investment and university admissions for his children.
Saudi Arabia condemns attacks by Iran-backed militias against American forces in Iraq
Saudi Arabia condemned attacks launched last week by Iranian regime-backed militias against American forces in Iraq, an official source said in statement published by the state-owned Saudi Press Agency.
China rattles saber – and offers friendship – days before Taiwan’s elections
With just days to go before Taiwan’s elections, its giant neighbor is trying a push-and-pull strategy on the island Beijing claims as Chinese territory, rattling its saber while trying to coax electors with outwardly friendlier policies.
‘Persist in 2020’ – Hong Kong gears up for New Year countdown unrest
Hong Kong police will deploy more than 6,000 officers on New Year’s Eve, local media reported on Tuesday, as protesters plan rallies around the city to urge people not to give up the fight for democracy in 2020.
Thousands of people trapped in Australian coastal town by huge wildfires
Thousands of tourists and residents in an Australian seaside town hunkered down in public buildings or waded into water at the seafront on Tuesday as wailing emergency sirens warned of a looming, fierce firefront.
Three people feared dead in Australian bushfires: authorities
Three people caught in bushfires in Australia’s southeast are feared dead, authorities said on Tuesday, as huge fire fronts cause widespread devastation and forced thousands of holidaymakers to flee to beaches to escape the flames.
I’m using all my strength to fight climate change, says Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a her New Year’s message she is fighting climate change with all her strength to enable future generations to live in peace and prosperity.
