Japan tries to justify Abe's shrine visit

Japan has sent senior diplomats on far-flung missions worldwide to justify the troublemaking pilgrimage by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors convicted war criminals.

Kazakhstan ready to join 'Silk Road' project

Kazakhstan's announcement that it will participate in the Silk Road Economic Belt project proposed by China will strengthen cooperation between Beijing and Central Asian governments, experts said on Sunday.

Thai protest leader says 'no' to civil war

The leader of a movement trying to topple Thailand's government says he will call off his protest if civil war threatens to break out but rejects any compromise with the government ahead of a planned "shutdown" of the capital.

US, Iran share common ground in Middle East

To Iran, the United States was the "Great Satan", while Washington slammed Teheran as a "rogue state" that was part of an "axis of evil."

Egypt's leaders hope for stamp of legitimacy from referendum

Egypt will hold a referendum this week on a new constitution, in a vote seen as a test of popularity for army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as he eyes the presidency after ousting Mohammed Morsi.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Israelis pay respects to Sharon at parliament

Israelis were on Sunday paying their respects to Ariel Sharon, whose controversial life inspired admiration and provoked revulsion and whose death drew emotional reactions even after eight years in a coma.

Apology letter showed goodwill toward China

Despite limited interaction with China in a political life dominated by regional conflicts, the late Ariel Sharon reportedly once showed his commitment to good ties with Beijing by writing a letter of apology to the then Chinese president for a canceled radar contract.

Christie 'humiliated' in scandal over traffic

New Jersey governor fires one of his top aides and makes public apology

Official: China's space policy open to world

Xu Dazhe, the new chief of China's space industry, is seeking more international cooperation in Washington less than a month after his country's first successful soft landing on the moon.

Japan must show respect: France

French FM calls for easing of tensions to protect world economic order

Hainan fishing zone rule 'nothing new'

The new fishing rule issued by Hainan province is no different than the China Fisheries Law created in 1986, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday, adding that Washington is sensationalizing it to jeopardize Beijing's relations with its neighbors.