Hungary’s ruling Fidesz could quit European conservative bloc: Orban
Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party may leave the European Union’s umbrella centre-right bloc after receiving mixed signals about its intentions following Fidesz’s suspension from the group, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday.
UAE in weapons making push as allies restrict sales
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making a push to develop high-tech military hardware that would give it control over critical defense capabilities and lessen reliance on imports.
South Korea suspends notice to Japan on ending intelligence pact: report
South Korea has suspended the effectiveness of its notice given to Japan on terminating an intelligence sharing agreement, Yonhap news reported on Friday quoting an unnamed key ruling party official.
Kazakhstan to host Syria talks on December 10-11
Kazakhstan will host a fresh round of Syria peace talks sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran on December 10-11, Kazakh foreign minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi told reporters on Friday.
Hong Kong holds its breath ahead of polls amid lull in violence
Hong Kong is holding its breath ahead of elections on Sunday, which carry added significance after brutal attacks on candidates and months of unrest by protesters seeking the freedom to choose their own leader.
South Korea tells Japan it will reverse decision to end intel-sharing pact: NHK
South Korea on Friday told the Japanese government it will continue to share real-time intelligence on North Korea, reversing an earlier decision to end a cooperation pact amid a spat over trade and history, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.
Security forces reopen entrance to Iraq’s key Umm Qasr port
Security forces reopened the entrance to Iraq’s main Gulf port of Umm Qasr on Friday after forcibly dispersing protesters who had been blocking it since Monday, port officials told Reuters.
U.S. voices concern over China’s attempts to sway Taiwan election
The United States is concerned about China’s attempts to influence Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections, the top U.S. official in Taiwan said on Friday, as China stepped up pressure on the self-ruled island ahead of the vote in January.
Senior China diplomat urges U.S. to meet China halfway, improve relations
Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said on Friday the United States should meet China halfway and promote a healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, as the countries continue to clash on multiple fronts including trade and South China Sea.
China makes representation to U.S. over ships in South China Sea
China lodged stern representations with the United States after U.S. navy ships sailed in the South China Sea near islands claimed by Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily briefing on Friday.
