Southeast Asian nations, among worst ocean polluters, aim to curb plastic debris
Thai zero-waste advocate Thanaboon Somboon never leaves his home without what he calls a full “weaponry” of reusable shopping bags, coffee tumblers and stainless steel straws for his daily battle against single-use plastic.
Black-clad protesters in Hong Kong press for extradition bill to be axed
Thousands dressed in black marched in Hong Kong on Friday to press for the full withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill that has triggered violent protests and plunged the financial hub into political crisis.
Bank of England’s Carney dismisses Johnson claim on no-deal Brexit
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has dismissed a claim by Boris Johnson, the front-runner in the race to become prime minister, that Britain can avoid the hit of European Union trade tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
North Korea has more than sanctions to overcome for foreign investment: report
A historic visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping this week may have bolstered Kim Jong Un’s hopes that economic relief may be coming soon, but a new report reveals North Korea’s road to international investment may be blocked by more than sanctions.
Malaysia sex scandal clouds Mahathir’s succession plan
Leaked sex videos purporting to show a potential successor to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad with another man have deepened rifts within the ruling coalition and raised concerns of a turbulent transition from the 93-year-old leader.
Mexico promotes tree diplomacy with El Salvador to boost poor areas
Millions of new trees will soon begin sprouting in El Salvador thanks to a program funded by the Mexican government that aims to help impoverished communities that often create fertile ground for fleeing migrants.
China moves to suspend some history tests for U.S. college credit by 2020
Beijing on Thursday ordered a suspension of history exams run by a U.S. non-profit for students seeking credit at American colleges, as the ruling Communist Party cracks down on educational material it deems unfriendly.
Trump pulls back from launch of military strikes on Iran after initial approval: NYT
U.S. President Donald Trump approved military strikes on Friday against Iran in retaliation for the downing of an unmanned $130-million surveillance drone, but pulled back from launching the attacks, the New York Times said.
‘I Love Thee, China’: North Korea woos Xi in lavish state visit
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed that strengthening bilateral ties, at a time of “serious and complicated” international affairs, was good for regional peace, North Korean state media said on Friday.
FAA prohibits operators from flying over some Iran-controlled airspace
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday issued an emergency order prohibiting U.S. operators from flying in an overwater area of Tehran-controlled airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to heightened tensions.
