Iraqi security forces use live fire to disperse protesters in Baghdad
Iraqi security forces opened fire on Wednesday to disperse protesters gathered on Baghdad’s Shuhada bridge, shooting live bullets in the air, a Reuters witness said. There appeared to be no casualties.
China urges re-elected Canadian government to free Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou
China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged Canada’s re-elected Liberal Party government to immediately release detained Huawei [HWT.UL] executive Meng Wanzhou.
On Norway’s icy border with Russia, unease over military buildup
Under a soft winter sun in northern Norway, U.S. Marines train in the ice and snow as they learn how to fight in the freezing cold.
Top U.S. diplomat says Moon-Abe meeting is ‘encouraging sign’ for relations
The United States was very encouraged by a recent meeting between the leaders of South Korea and Japan, a top U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday, as strained ties threatened to undercut three-way security cooperation on North Korea.
U.S. embassy in Iraq condemns violence against protesters: statement
The U.S embassy in Baghdad condemned on Wednesday the killing and kidnapping of unarmed demonstrators by security forces, and urged Iraq’s leaders to engage urgently with the thousands who have been protesting against the government.
EU, China agree to protect 100 of each other’s regional foods: EU Commission
The European Union and China have agreed to protect 100 European geographical indications in China and 100 Chinese geographical indications in the EU, said a statement from the EU Commission on Wednesday.
Schools in Indian capital reopen, air quality still unhealthy
Schools in India’s capital New Delhi reopened on Wednesday after closing for two days due to a spike in air pollution that triggered a public health emergency and prompted protests by residents and environmental groups.
Philippines VP accepts Duterte’s offer of post in drugs war
The vice president of the Philippines on Wednesday accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer of a lead role in his brutal war on drugs, even though she expected her political rival’s administration would try to thwart her progress.
China, France reaffirm support of Paris climate agreement, call it ‘irreversible’
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday issued a joint statement reaffirming their strong support for the “irreversible” Paris Agreement on climate change, from which the U.S. announced its exit this week.
China and France sign deals worth $15 billion during Macron’s visit
China and France signed contracts totaling $15 billion during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official told a news briefing on Wednesday.
