Wuzhizhou Island, Hainan offers stress-free beach break

Wuzhizhou Island, a major surfing and underwater diving spot, welcomed more than 10,000 tourists a day during the 2018 Spring Festival holiday, drawing crowds with its diverse entertainment, activities and services.

Failure risk in plans behind Ankara's anger

ISTANBUL - Turkey's strong reaction against the entry of pro-Damascus forces into Afrin, where Turkish troops are fighting Kurdish militia, has to do with concerns that the move could undermine Ankara's plans at home and in Syria, according to analysts.

Indian police arrest six as inquiry widens into bank fraud

MUMBAI - An Indian court has remanded six people including a general manager at state-run Punjab National Bank in police custody for nearly two weeks, after the latest arrests in a probe into an alleged $1.8 billion fraud.

UK government seeks longer post-Brexit transition period

British Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated her government could seek a longer post-Brexit transition period than previously suggested after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union on March 29, 2019.

France unveils tough measures for asylum-seekers

The government of French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled tough proposed immigration rules on Wednesday that human rights organizations say will victimize asylum-seekers.

US govt urged to mend relations with Cuba

HAVANA - A US Congressional delegation on Wednesday urged President Donald Trump's administration to improve relations with Cuba amid tensions stemming from alleged "acoustic attacks" against US diplomatic personnel in Cuba.

Trump: Why not arm teachers?

WASHINGTON - In the aftermath of the latest mass school shooting at a Florida high school that left 17 dead, US President Donald Trump has raised the idea of arming teachers.

Court to decide on fate of diesel cars

LEIPZIG, Germany - A German court will rule on Thursday whether major cities can ban heavily polluting diesel cars, potentially hitting the resale value of 15 million vehicles in Europe's largest car market and forcing automakers to pay for costly modifications.

DPRK to send delegation for Olympic finale

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has planned to send a high-ranking delegation to the closing ceremony of the 23rd Winter Olympics, boosting hope for a lasting atmosphere for dialogue with the Republic of Korea, Seoul's unification ministry said on Thursday.

Boko Haram attacks another college in Nigeria

DAMATURU, Nigeria - The families of dozens of girls missing for several days after a Boko Haram attack on their school in northeast Nigeria on Thursday faced an anxious wait for their return after confirmation some had been rescued.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Govt steps up push to oust rebels

DAMASCUS - The Syrian capital's Eastern Ghouta area and the Kurdish-held Afrin enclave have grabbed the headlines recently after witnessing intense battles.