Hong Kong charges 44 protesters with rioting, grants bail
More than 40 people appeared in a Hong Kong court on Wednesday charged with rioting for their role in a recent protest that turned violent when thousands of activists clashed with police near Beijing’s main representative office in the city.
Ex-chairman of China Development Bank under probe by graft-buster
A former chairman of the China Development Bank, Hu Huaibang, is being investigated for suspected serious violations of discipline, the country’s graft-busting agency said on Wednesday.
My focus is restoring power-sharing in North Ireland: UK PM Johnson
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his priority was to try to restore the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland on a visit when he will meet local parties.
Iran to reduce nuclear deal commitments more unless Europe protects it: Zarif
Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to protect it from U.S. sanctions by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister told state television on Wednesday.
Israel approves new homes for settlers, Palestinians in West Bank
Israel has approved the construction of 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers and 700 new homes for Palestinians in an area of the occupied West Bank where it has full control, an Israeli official said on Wednesday.
Hong Kong braces for Typhoon Wipha; schools, financial markets shut early
Hong Kong on Wednesday raised a tropical cyclone signal 8, its third highest level, as schools and financial markets closed and office workers left work early to get home before the storm.
China to halt individual Taiwan tourism permits for 47 mainland cities
China will stop issuing individual travel permits for Taiwan to people in 47 mainland cities from Aug. 1, its culture and tourism ministry said on Wednesday, citing the state of ties with the self-ruled island, but gave no details.
Indian coffee tycoon Siddhartha’s body found floating in river
Authorities in Southern India recovered the body of coffee baron V.G. Siddhartha floating in a river on Wednesday, two days after his disappearance sparked speculation that he was under intense financial strain.
North Korea tests more missiles despite efforts at diplomatic solutions
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two similar missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.
China hopes for denuclearization efforts by United States, North Korea
China hopes the United States and North Korea will make positive efforts to promote denuclearization as well as long-term peace and stability, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday.
