asia
7 dead, 31 rescued after boats capsize in Philippines
Manila, Aug 3 (AP/UNB) — At least seven people died and 31 others were rescued when three ferry boats separately capsized in bad weather Saturday between two central Philippine island provinces, the coast guard said.
Hong Kong protesters surround police station
Hong Kong (AP) — Residents and protesters in Hong Kong have surrounded another police station after they were cleared from an area near one that they vandalized earlier in the night.
North Korea confirms another test of rocket launcher system
Seoul, Aug 3 (AP/UNB) — North Korea said Saturday its leader Kim Jong Un supervised another test-firing of a new multiple rocket launcher system that could potentially enhance the country's ability to strike targets in South Korea and U.S. military bases there.
Civil servants join Hong Kong protests as Beijing accuses US
Hong Kong, Aug 3 (AP/UNB) — Hong Kong civil servants and supporters crowded into a public park Friday to join a pro-democracy movement that China's top diplomat accused Western nations of provoking.
Bill to end death penalty comes as Sri Lanka plans hangings
Sri Lanka, Aug 2 (AP/UNB) — A bill to abolish the death penalty has been submitted to Sri Lanka's Parliament, while the president has sanctioned the hanging of four drug convicts.
India again rejects Trump's Kashmir mediation offer
Bangkok, Aug 2 (AP/UNB) — India on Friday again rejected President Donald Trump's offer to mediate its dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir.
Top China envoy: US 'fanning flames' of Hong Kong protests
Hong Kong, Aug 2 (AP/UNB) — China's top diplomat is accusing the U.S. and other unidentified Western nations of "fanning the flames" of street protests in Hong Kong targeting Beijing and the semi-autonomous region's administration.
North Korea fires projectiles in 3rd weapons test in 8 days
Seoul, Aug 2 (AP/UNB) — North Korea fired unidentified projectiles twice Friday into the sea off its eastern coast in its third round of weapons tests in just over a week, South Korea's military said.
Pompeo says US not asking Asia to take sides
Bangkok, Aug 1 (AP/UNB) — U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that Washington isn't asking any Asian nation to take sides as it engages with the region where China is battling for influence and aggressively expanding territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Seoul says hiding North Korean diplomat has left Italy
Seoul, Aug 1 (AP/UNB) — South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Thursday that a North Korean diplomat who went into hiding in Italy last year is now under protection outside the country.