Asia

China dismisses role in war against Ukraine, calls on Kyiv to temper rhetoric

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian has once again denied Beijing's involvement in Russia's all-out war against Ukraine, urging Kyiv to refrain "from irresponsible remarks."

China calls on US to show ‘sincerity’ on Iranian nuclear issue

China has urged the United States to show "sincerity" on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Zelensky claims Ukraine captured 2 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia

Ukrainian soldiers have captured two Chinese nationals who were fighting in the ranks of the Russian military against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated.

USAID cancels all remaining Afghanistan humanitarian aid contracts: CNN

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has canceled all remaining contracts for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, a USAID official has told CNN.

China refutes involvement in Ukraine ‘peacekeeping’ contingent

Beijing has rejected a media report suggesting that China could take part in a potential EU deployment of ‘peacekeeping’ forces to Ukraine, reaffirming its stance in favor of a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

China considering joining Ukraine peacekeeping mission: Die Welt

Beijing is reportedly considering joining a peacekeeping force as part of the European-led "coalition of the willing" to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, the German media outlet Die Welt has reported, citing unnamed diplomatic sources.

Afghanistan says US lifted bounties on senior Taliban officials, including Sirajuddin Haqqani

The United States has lifted bounties on three senior Taliban figures, including the interior minister who also heads a powerful network blamed for attacks against Afghanistan’s former Western-backed government, officials in Kabul have claimed.

China urges end to US meddling in Beijing-Tehran cooperation

China has called on the United States to stop its interference in Beijing’s economic collaboration with Tehran.

Taliban frees US detainee

A United States citizen abducted by the Taliban has been released after two years in captivity, the US Department of State has confirmed.

US weighs travel ban on dozens of countries, including Iran

The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo seen by Reuters.

China, Russia, Iran to hold nuclear negotiations in Beijing on Friday

Beijing will hold a meeting on Friday with Tehran and Moscow on the Iranian nuclear issue, China’s foreign ministry has stated, with both nations sending their deputy foreign ministers.

Satellite images show Taliban’s diversion of Helmand river away from Iran

Satellite images confirm that the Taliban has once again diverted the flow of the Helmand River towards the Godzareh depression instead of allowing water to reach Iran as previously agreed.

US intel discloses Russia and China seeking to recruit disgruntled federal employees

Russia and China have recently directed their intelligence services to ramp up recruiting US federal employees working in national security, targeting those who have been fired or feel they could be soon, according to four people familiar with recent US intelligence on the issue and a document reviewed by CNN.

Trump says US generals involved in Afghanistan withdrawal should be fired

US President Donald Trump said “every single one” of the military generals involved in the US withdrawal from Afghanistan must be fired, seated next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Cabinet meeting.

US drops wording on not supporting Taiwan independence

The United States Department of State has dropped wording stating that Washington does not support independence for Taiwan, according to reports.

North Korean missiles show improved accuracy in Russian attacks on Ukraine: Reuters

North Korean missiles used by Russia in attacks on Ukraine have become more accurate, Reuters has reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

CIA claims COVID-19 likely originated from lab leak in China

The US Central Intelligence Agency claimed in a Saturday statement that the coronavirus likely originated from a lab leak in China, shifting from its previously neutral stance just a few days after Director John Ratcliffe was sworn in, according to multiple outlets.

Taliban announces prisoner swap with US

The Taliban government announced it had released two American citizens from prison in return for an Afghan fighter held in the United States.

Trump planning early trip to China amid trade war: WSJ

Incoming US President Donald Trump is seeking to visit Beijing in his first 100 days in office to improve relations with President Xi Jinping, as the prospect of a new trade war looms, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday citing sources.

South Korea’s president detained after hours-long standoff at residence

South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been arrested and is being questioned over his declaration of martial law last month, anti-corruption investigators announced on Wednesday, bringing to an end an early-morning standoff outside his official residence in Seoul.

Putin orders Russian govt., top bank to work with China on AI tech

President Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian government and the state-owned bank Sberbank to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology partnerships with China, according to instructions published on the Kremlin web portal.

Taliban says hit ‘several points’ in Pakistan in retaliation for deadly attacks

Taliban fighters have targeted “several points” in neighbouring Pakistan, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense has announced, days after Pakistani aircraft carried out aerial bombardments inside Afghanistan.

China puts sanctions on several US defense firms over Taiwan military sales

Beijing has imposed sanctions on seven American defense companies and their executives in response to Washington’s sale of arms and military equipment to Taiwan in violation of the One-China principle, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced.

Pakistan carries out air attack against Afghanistan, Taliban vows retaliation

The Pakistani military has conducted air attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of the Pakistan Taliban armed group, TTP, in Paktika province, according to security officials.

Dozens killed in Azerbaijan plane crash

An Embraer passenger plane flying from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday with 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities has announced, adding that 32 people have survived.

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