Labor strikes cause chaos across nation

Trains grind to a halt as standoff between government and various unions simmers

Media praises Trump talk about withdrawing US troops from ROK

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has backed presumptive US Republican nominee Donald Trump with a website praising him as "a prescient presidential candidate" who vowed to rethink and possibly withdraw US troops from the Republic of Korea.

UN alarmed about families used as 'human shields'

The United Nations raised alarm on Tuesday concerning the fate of 300-400 Iraqi families rounded up by Islamic State group jihadists, possibly for use as human shields in the battleground city Fallujah.

PM to delay proposed sales tax increase

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told lawmakers on Wednesday that he has decided to delay a scheduled sales tax hike by two-and-a-half years, putting his plans for fiscal reforms on the back burner amid more weakness in the economy.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Tea-inspired journey

Drinking tea, China's national beverage with a history of more than 4,700 years, is an age-old tradition for Chinese people. Spring teas are especially popular for their rich flavors.

The Westin Qingdao offers children food paradise

With the summer holidays coming up, The Westin Qingdao launched the Kids' Exclusive Food Paradise on May 20.

White tea believed to heal illnesses

A good product usually has a story to tell. The story of white tea is that of a local woman in Fuding, Fujian province, in ancient times, who found white tea on Tailao Mountain to cure a plague of measles among children.

Roundup

AWARD

Echoes of 1990 as Man U faces Palace

Manchester United will attempt to salvage something from its tumultuous season - and potentially keep manager Louis van Gaal in a job - in Saturday's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.

Family ties make Wembley return special

While the FA Cup final will always inspire a degree of reverence, Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie will have more reason than most to feel emotional at Wembley on Saturday.

Villa owner promises EPL return

Aston Villa's Chinese owner Tony Xia has pledged to restore the relegated Premier League club to its former glory as soon as possible.