Highlights: Hong Kong paralyzed for fifth day, students guard campuses
Anti-government protesters paralyzed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some main roads, as university students barricaded campuses and authorities struggled to calm the violence.
South Korea, U.S. defense chiefs reaffirm commitment to defend against North Korea
The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States reaffirmed on Friday U.S. commitment for the defense of South Korea against North Korea and efforts to denuclearize the North, the South’s Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said.
China strongly condemns attack on Hong Kong government official in London
China’s embassy in the United Kingdom strongly condemned and expressed strong indignation on Friday at the attack on a Hong Kong government official in London.
Cambodian judge ends investigation of opposition leader
A Cambodian judge has closed an investigation into treason charges against opposition leader Kem Sokha, and he could now be brought to trial or the charges dropped, his daughter said on Friday.
Japan wants ‘sensible response’ from South Korea over intelligence pact
A senior Japanese diplomat on Friday asked his South Korean counterpart for a “sensible response” regarding Seoul’s decision not to renew an intelligence sharing pact, known as GSOMIA, with the agreement expiring in a week.
Australia braces for heavy winds, lightning amid bushfire threat
Australia braced on Friday for strong winds that began to whip up bushfires in two states, potentially adding to a toll of more than 270 homes destroyed and 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of land ravaged during the past week.
North Korea calls U.S. candidate Biden a ‘rabid dog’ nearing death
North Korea’s state media on Friday stepped up a personal attack on former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden for slandering its leader, calling the Democratic presidential candidate “a rabid dog” that needed to be put down.
Hong Kong condemns attack on justice secretary as protests paralyze city
The Hong Kong government condemned on Friday an attack by a “violent mob” on the city’s justice secretary in London, the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests.
North Korea says it will remove Mt Kumgang resort facilities if South insists on talks
North Korea said on Friday it had sent South Korea an “ultimatum” about its Mt Kumgang tourist resort, saying it will unilaterally remove South Korea’s facilities there if Seoul insists on talks about the issue.
Bolivia’s dueling parties strike deal to end political chaos
Bolivia’s interim government and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country’s political crisis.
