A NEW AGE OF PARTNERSHIP

As commercial ties with Africa undergo a transformation, links between various sectors are flourishing and increasing numbers of talented and educated Africans are coming to China to master the skills required to ensure success

Japan military seeks record spending hike

TOKYO - Japan's Defense Ministry is seeking to more than double spending on missile defense, including purchases of costly arsenals from the United States.

Bridge offers 'gateway to tomorrow'

A cross-sea bridge built with Chinese aid which has been described as a "gateway to tomorrow" opened in the island nation of Maldives on Thursday.

Challenges grow in Afghanistan

The cleavage between political figures on the one hand and the state and nation on the other has resurfaced in Afghanistan following a series of issues. Political controversies loom large with parliamentary and provincial elections around the corner.

French superstar faces rape probe

PARIS - France's biggest international star Gerard Depardieu on Thursday issued a strong denial after it emerged he faces an inquiry into allegations by a young actress of rape and sexual assault.

IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Cyclists saddle up for China ride

BERLIN - Two amateur cyclists from Germany are in the final stages of embarking on the challenge of a lifetime for charity.

UK proposes energy drinks ban for children

The government of the United Kingdom has proposed banning children from buying energy drinks following concerns about the impact on their health.

Govt backs plaintiffs in Harvard lawsuit

The US Department of Justice, questioning Harvard University's use of race as a criterion in its admissions process on Thursday, supporting Asian-American applicants suing the Ivy League school for discrimination.

Trains roll to rescue drought victims

MALLALA, Australia - Until a few months ago, train driver Gavin Slater had never seen anything like it. Five locomotives, with a combined 15,000 horsepower, ready to pull 101 wagons brimful of grain.

Road tunnel gets 'smart' with vertical crop farm

OKCHEON, South Korea - Behind a blue wall that seals a former highway tunnel stretches a massive indoor farm bathed in rose-tinted light.

Thousands brave heat to honor 'favorite adopted son' McCain

PHOENIX - Thousands of people paid their respects to US Senator John McCain on Wednesday, standing for hours in the broiling Arizona sun before filing past the flag-draped casket that his tearful wife, Cindy, lovingly pressed her face against after a ceremony for the former prisoner of war who represented Arizona for decades.