Chilean lawmakers warn democracy at stake as violence spikes
Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country’s 30-year-old democracy.
China warns of ‘firm counter measures’ after Trump signs U.S. legislation on Hong Kong
China’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday said it will take “firm counter measures” if the United States continues to interfere in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong says U.S. legislation backing protesters sends wrong signal
The Hong Kong government on Thursday expressed strong opposition to U.S. legislation backing protesters in the Chinese-ruled city, saying the bill will send the wrong signal to demonstrators.
Trump plan to label Mexican cartels as terrorists may backfire, Mexico, experts warn
Mexico on Wednesday rejected “interventionism” after U.S. President Donald Trump said he will designate the Latin American nation’s cartels as terrorist organizations, while a former U.S. official warned of unintended outcomes from such a move.
Brazilian cosmetics company backs NGO after firefighters arrested
Brazilian cosmetics company Natura Cosmeticos SA said on Wednesday that it was concerned about a state police raid against a nongovernment organization (NGO) that it has partnered with on sustainably developing the Amazon rainforest region.
Exclusive: South Korea, Japan set to back air traffic deal after near misses
South Korea and Japan are setting aside historical grievances to redraw responsibilities for air traffic control over the East China Sea following recent near misses.
China media releases court footage showing alleged spy confessing to fraud
Chinese state media has released trial footage it says proves a Chinese defector seeking asylum in Australia is a convicted criminal with a history of fraud.
Trump approves legislation backing Hong Kong protesters
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law congressional legislation backing protesters in Hong Kong despite angry objections from Beijing, with which he is seeking a deal to end a damaging trade war.
Fire, drought, heatwaves: Australia prepares for tough summer
Australia’s fire and drought-ravaged east will suffer continued hot and dry conditions this summer, increasing the chances of severe weather events, the country’s weather bureau said on Thursday.
Britain’s December election prompts surge in voter registrations
The number of Britons registering to vote before a midnight deadline expired on Tuesday was up 31 percent compared to a similar period before a 2017 election, with data showing almost 4 million registrations ahead of the Dec. 12 election.
