China says Taiwan scaremongering with attack talk
China said on Wednesday Taiwan was scaremongering with talk of a possible Chinese attack, after Taiwan’s foreign minister said Beijing could resort to military conflict to divert domestic pressure if an economic slowdown bites.
Highlights: Hong Kong on edge as violence spreads
Hong Kong prepared for more clashes on Wednesday as anti-government protesters planned to paralyze parts of the Asian financial hub for a third day, with some transport, schools and many businesses closing after an escalation of violence.
Australians ordered to evacuate as firefighters struggle to contain bushfires
Australian officials ordered people in several communities, including a major tourist destination, to evacuate immediately on Wednesday as firefighters struggled to contain bushfires raging across the country’s east coast.
A $5 billion bill and Japan tensions in focus as U.S. defense heads visit South Korea
A $5 billion demand to meet the cost of hosting American troops, and tensions between Seoul and Tokyo that threaten to undercut regional cooperation are set to top the agenda when senior U.S. defense officials visit South Korea this week.
Factbox: U.S. and South Korea’s security arrangement, cost of troops
The 70-year security alliance between the United States and South Korea is under fresh focus as Washington seeks a sharply higher share of cost to be borne by Seoul for hosting U.S. troops as deterrence against North Korea.
Massive mural of Greta Thunberg stares down at San Francisco
A massive portrait of Greta Thunberg gazed down onto San Francisco on Tuesday night after an artist unveiled a mural of the Swedish teen activist in a bid to remind residents of the dangers posed by climate change.
Catholic cardinal Pell gets last chance to overturn Australia sex offences conviction
Catholic cardinal George Pell will have one last chance to overturn his conviction for sexually assaulting two teenaged choirboys after the Australian High Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the former Vatican treasurer’s appeal.
Abe’s mission unaccomplished: pushing to revise Japan’s pacifist charter
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe surged back to power seven years ago, pledging to bolster Japan’s defenses in response to a growing threat from China and aiming to amend the pacifist constitution.
Hong Kong readies for more chaos as violence spreads citywide
Hong Kong prepared for more clashes on Wednesday as anti-government protesters paralyzed parts of the Asian financial hub for a third day, with some transport links, schools and many businesses closing after an escalation of violence.
Suspected suicide bombing at police headquarters in Indonesia’s Medan
A suspected suicide bombing outside police headquarters in Indonesia’s city of Medan in North Sumatra killed the perpetrator and wounded some officers on Wednesday, police said, just a month after an attack on a former security minister.
