Resumed ROK-DPRK talks 'a positive sign'

Seoul and Pyongyang held their first high-level talks in seven years on their armed border on Wednesday, further sending positive signals on the possibility of improved ties and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, analysts said.

Hollande visit highlights 'incredible' historic bond

US President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande celebrated the long-standing ties between their nations on Monday by touring the sweeping Virginia estate owned by Thomas Jefferson, the former US president and famed Francophile.

White House puts a taste of US on menu

A slab of dry-aged rib-eye steak, American caviar and salad representing US first lady Michelle Obama's garden were expected on the four-course menu for an elegant state dinner at the White House on Tuesday.

Putin wishes China success in Sochi Games

Russian President Vladimir Putin wished Chinese athletes a successful Winter Olympic Games in Sochi on Monday, promising to enhance sports cooperation and youth links between the two nations.

ROK, DPRK to hold high-level meeting

Senior officials from Pyongyang and Seoul will hold a rare meeting on Wednesday, as China called for all parties to avoid actions that could raise tensions in Northeast Asia.

Congress moves to call for vote on debt limit

The US House of Representatives may hold a vote on Wednesday on the debt ceiling, according to several Republican lawmakers, as the Feb 27 deadline before a potential US default looms.

China sends contingent to Thai, US military drill

China has sent 17 soldiers to make its debut in Asia's biggest military exercise, co-hosted by the United States and Thailand, in a move experts said reflects Beijing's growing military capability and impact on the region.

Neighbors vow to continue border talks

China and India have expressed agreement on the nature of future efforts to resolve their ongoing border issues.

Tokyo unveils armed forces reforms

Tokyo has announced plans to ease its decades-long self-imposed arms embargo and partly remove constitutional restrictions on the involvement of Japanese armed forces in support of allies.

Ex-Japanese leader meets former 'comfort women'

Tomiichi Murayama, the former Japanese prime minister known for his 1995 apology over the country's wartime aggression, met on Tuesday with three South Korean "comfort women" who served as sex slaves to Japanese troops.

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Switzerland warned after immigration vote

The European Union warned it will review ties with Switzerland after the non-member Alpine country voted on Sunday to restrict EU immigration in a closely fought referendum.