Asia
More than 100 China experts urge China to release Canadians
Toronto, Jan 22 (AP/UNB) — More than 100 academics and former diplomats are calling on China to release two Canadians who have been detained in apparent retaliation for the arrest of a top Chinese tech executive in Canada.
Filipino Muslims vote on autonomy after long peace effort
Marawi, Jan 22 (AP/UNB) — Muslims in the southern Philippines voted Monday in a referendum on a new autonomous region that seeks to end nearly half a century of unrest, in what their leaders are touting as the best alternative to a new wave of Islamic State group-inspired militants.
Taliban target military base, police center, killing 12
Kabul, Jan 21 (AP/UNB) — A coordinated Taliban assault on a military base and police training center in eastern Afghanistan on Monday morning killed at least 12 and wounded over 30 people, provincial officials said.
Swine flu kills at least 48 in India
Dhaka, Jan 20 (UNB) - At least 48 people have died and 1,173 have tested positive for swine flu since the beginning of the year in a western Indian state popular with foreigners, according to authorities.
Myanmar army ordered to take offensive against Arakan Army
Naypyitaw, Jan 18 (AP/UNB) — Myanmar's military announced Friday that the Arakan Army, a Buddhist rebel group in Rakhine state, has been classified a terrorist organization after mounting a flurry of recent attacks.
Indian guru gets life sentence in murder of journalist
New Delhi, Jan 18 (AP/UNB) — An Indian court sentenced a popular and flamboyant spiritual guru and three followers to life in prison on Thursday in the murder 16 years ago of a journalist who published a letter about the guru's alleged sexual exploitation of women.
BOJ warns Japan faces new risks as population shrinks
Tokyo, Jan 17 (AP/UNB) — Japan faces unforeseen risks in guiding economic policy as its population of about 126 million ages and declines, the governor of its central bank said Thursday.
Taiwan holds live-fire exercises following China threats
Hsinchu, Jan 17 (AP/UNB) — Taiwan held live-fire exercises along its east coast Thursday amid renewed threats from China to bring the island under its control by force if deemed necessary.
North Korean official reportedly heading to US for talks
Beijing, Jan 17 (AP/UNB) — A senior North Korean official has arrived in Beijing, reportedly en route to the United States for talks ahead of a possible second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Malaysia says it won't host any more events involving Israel
Putrajaya, Jan 16 (AP/UNB) — Malaysia's foreign minister said Wednesday that the government will not budge over a ban on Israeli athletes in a para swimming competition and has decided that the country will not host any events in the future involving Israel.