Govt official criticized for piggyback ride over a large puddle

A senior Japanese politician is under fire after getting a piggyback over a large puddle while inspecting the deadly aftermath of a typhoon - and joking he could get in trouble for doing it.

Duterte once again tests ties with US

The Philippines moved to shore up relations with the United States on Tuesday with guarantees that a treaty between them would be honored and security ties were "rock solid", despite President Rodrigo Duterte's railings against Washington.

Minor violations reported as crucial cease-fire holds

The cease-fire in Syria appeared to be holding on Tuesday despite sporadic and minor violations, with observers saying most of the country was calm amid the latest attempt by the United States and Russia to bring some quiet in the country's devastating civil war, now in its sixth year.

Police to unveil new force against drones

After months of tests, Dutch police will become the world's first force to train and employ an army of eagles, using the centuries-old skill of falconry against the modern-day scourge of unauthorized drones.

US flies bombers over ROK in show of force

Two US B-1 bombers flew over the Republic of Korea on Tuesday in a show of force after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear test last week, while a US envoy called for a swift and strong response to Pyongyang from the United Nations.

Government to ban plastic cups and dishes

France's latest efforts to reduce pollution will also affect nature lovers hitting the countryside for an outdoor meal: Under a controversial new ban, picnickers won't be able to buy plastic goblets to drink their beloved wine, or plastic knives to make ham and butter baguette sandwiches.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Progress in judicial protection of rights

Editor's note: The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China on Monday issued a white paper on new progress in the judicial protection of human rights in China. Following is the full text of the document.

Remarks by Li Keqiang at the 11th East Asia Summit

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith,

Li's remarks at the 19th ASEAN Plus China, Japan and ROK Summit

Your Excellency Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith,

Remarks at the 19th China-ASEAN Summit to Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations

Your Excellency Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith,

Illegal workers fuel US fishing industry

Hawaii's high-quality sea-food is sold with the promise that it's caught by local, hard-working fishermen. But the people who haul in the prized catch are almost all undocumented foreign workers, con-fined to US boats for years at a time without basic rights or protections.