China warns Britain ties at risk after warship mission
China on Friday warned Britain ties were at risk unless it took steps to “rectify” the situation, after a British warship sailed close to South China Sea islands claimed by China, while a major newspaper said sealing a free trade deal could now be hard…
UK’s former EU ambassador warns of Brexit crisis: Guardian
Britain’s former ambassador to the European Union has warned that there is a higher risk of a Brexit crisis than financial markets are currently pricing in, the Guardian reported.
Germany’s top spy not convinced migrants were hunted down in Chemnitz
Germany’s domestic spy chief told a newspaper he was not convinced that migrants were hunted down in the eastern city of Chemnitz after the fatal stabbing of a German man, and suggested a video showing violence may be “targeted misinformation”.
Pakistan removes economist from key role following Islamist backlash
Pakistan’s new government canceled the appointment of a renowned Princeton economist to its Economic Advisory Council, an official said on Friday, after a strong backlash against the choice of a member of the Ahmadi religious minority.
Australia’s new prime minister to face hostile parliament in test of mettle
Australia’s new Prime Minister Scott Morrison, elected to heal his fractured party, faces his biggest test on Monday, in steering the government through a hostile first session of parliament.
Singapore diplomat urges gay sex ban challenge after India ruling
A veteran Singapore diplomat has called on the gay community to challenge a law that bans gay sex in the conservative city-state, following India’s scrapping of similar British colonial-era legislation.
Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes 200 km SW of Zahedan, Iran: USGS
An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck 200 km southwest of the Iranian city of Zahedan at a depth of 26 km, the U.S. Geological Survey reported on Friday.
U.S. F-22 jets escort Russian strategic bombers over Arctic Ocean: Ifax
Two U.S. F-22 fighter jets escorted Tu-95MC Russian strategic bombers over the Arctic Ocean, the Interfax news agency cited the Russian Defence Ministry as saying on Friday.
North Korea’s founding anniversary a chance for Kim to raise cash, project new image
North Korea’s celebrations marking its 70th anniversary on Sunday are expected to showcase a country that has secured a nuclear arsenal and is now focusing on developing its economy and cultivating international relations.
Thais urged to drop charges over posts on British tourist’s rape complaint
Human Rights Watch on Friday urged Thai authorities to drop legal cases against 12 people arrested over Facebook posts they shared about a British tourist’s complaint that she had been raped on a holiday island.
