Washington, United States | AFP | The US Air Force test-launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile from California early Wednesday, the military said. Air Force Global Strike Command spokesman Joe Thomas told AFP from California that the test was routine and not meant to be a show of force in …
Read More »Activity resumes at North Korea nuclear test site
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Satellite images indicate activity has resumed at North Korea’s nuclear test site, US-based analysts said Tuesday, as tensions remain high over fears of an sixth atomic test by the reclusive state. Images of the Punggye-ri site captured on April 25 appear to show workers …
Read More »Israel shows off new F-35 stealth fighter jets
Tel Aviv, Israel | AFP | Israel showed off its new F-35 stealth fighter jets recently delivered from the United States on Tuesday as part of an air show marking its annual Independence Day celebrations. Three of Israel’s five stealth fighters took to the skies along the Mediterranean coast off …
Read More »China demands immediate halt to US missile shield in South Korea
Beijing, China | AFP | China called Tuesday for the immediate suspension of a controversial missile defence system hours after Washington confirmed the shield was now operational in South Korea. “China’s position is clear-cut and firm. We oppose the deployment of the THAAD system in (South Korea) and urge relevant …
Read More »Trump to have a chat with Putin today
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump will speak with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by telephone Tuesday, the White House said in a statement. There was no indication about the topics of discussion for the two leaders. The call was scheduled for 12:30 pm (1630 GMT). Trump …
Read More »ANALYSIS: Trump’s fondness for strongmen trumps rights concerns
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump makes no secret of his empathy for strongmen with spotty rights records, but his embrace of Rodrigo Duterte shows he still has the power to shock. Trump has invited the Philippines leader to Washington, despite his unabashed support for an …
Read More »Twitter, Bloomberg team up for streaming news channel
Washington, United States | AFP | Twitter is launching a 24-hour streaming news channel in partnership with the Bloomberg news agency, in a major expansion of its video operations. Bloomberg Media chief executive Justin Smith confirmed the partnership late Sunday, retweeting a Wall Street Journal article referring to the tie-up. …
Read More »US spending deal: More military funds, none for border wall
Washington, United States | AFP | US congressional leaders on Monday unveiled a bipartisan deal funding government through September, with a compromise that includes President Donald Trump’s call for increased military spending but ignores his demand to fund a border wall. The agreement was struck late Sunday after weeks of …
Read More »North Korea warns of nuclear test ‘at any time’
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | North Korea warned Monday that it will carry out a nuclear test “at any time and at any location” set by its leadership, in the latest rhetoric to fuel jitters in the region. Tensions on the Korean peninsula have been running high for weeks, …
Read More »CIA chief Pompeo flies to South Korea for ‘internal meeting’
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | CIA director Mike Pompeo was in South Korea Monday for an “internal meeting”, the US embassy in Seoul confirmed, following reports of an unannounced visit as tensions mount over growing nuclear threats from the North. South Korea’s largest daily Chosun Ilbo reported Monday that …
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