Japan’s Abe drafts rising star Koizumi, allies in broad cabinet reshuffle
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe drafted the popular son of charismatic ex-premier Junichiro Koizumi in a broad cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday that kept allies in key posts, as Abe faces a tax rise and aims to amend the pacifist constitution.
New Zealand PM apologizes over party’s handling of sexual assault complaints
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday apologized for her party’s handling of sexual assault complaints against a party staffer and accepted the resignation of the party president over the matter.
Canadian province Manitoba set to re-elect majority Progressive Conservative government
Voters in Canada’s western province of Manitoba were set to re-elect the right-leaning Progressive Conservative (PC) party led by Brian Pallister on Tuesday, CTV news predicted, as poll results were tabulated.
Japan’s Tepco struggles to restore power after typhoon
Japanese utility Tokyo Electric Power said on Wednesday it won’t be able to restore electricity to all the homes lacking power after Typhoon Faxai until Friday or later, with media saying at least two people had died because they had no power.
Japan resupply mission to space station delayed by launch pad fire
Japan said it halted a resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday because of a launch pad fire that grounded the rocket.
North Korea could warm up to talks after removal of ‘war maniac’ Bolton
Having once branded John Bolton a “war maniac”, North Korean officials could see U.S. President Donald Trump’s removal of his national security adviser as a chance to resume denuclearization talks without facing an unyielding hawk on the other side.
Mugabe’s body leaves Singapore for burial in Zimbabwe
The body of Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe was en route from Singapore to Zimbabwe on Wednesday, five days after he died in hospital in the city-state, according to an event schedule issued by his embassy and flight data.
Canada again sails warship through sensitive Taiwan Strait
Canada has sailed a warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, the Canadian government said on Tuesday, three months after a similar operation and amid strained ties between Beijing and Ottawa over a series of thorny diplomatic issues.
Three Australians detained in Iran
Three Australian citizens have been detained in Iran, the Australian government said on Wednesday, adding that it was helping the families of the three but gave no further details.
Philippines’ Duterte says Xi offering gas deal if arbitration case ignored
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said his Chinese counterpart has offered Manila a controlling stake in a joint energy venture in the South China Sea, if it sets aside an international arbitral award that went against Beijing.
