Japan signals openness to Belt and Road

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said his government will "properly respond to" individual cooperation programs related to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Hunt for thieves after Ritz robbery

PARIS - Police have recovered some jewels stolen from the Ritz Hotel in a dramatic heist, but are still searching on Thursday for two thieves and the rest of the missing luxury merchandise.

Trump vows to rewrite US libel laws after venting fury at tell-all

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed to rewrite United States libel law after an explosive book portrayed him as out of his depth in the White House.

Russia's 'werewolf ' killer cop on trial for 59 more murders

MOSCOW - A former Russian policeman convicted of killing 22 women went on trial on Wednesday for a further 59 murders in a case that could make him Russia's most prolific serial killer in recent history.

US could re-enter Paris accord

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington could "conceivably" rejoin the global Paris climate agreement if a better deal could be reached, from which he announced the withdrawal last year.

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Seoul is 'open' to inter-Korean summit

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea's President moon Jae-in said on Wednesday that he is open to meet with Kim Jongun, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, if it is necessary to improve inter-Korean relations.

Expert: US arms sale could change regional balance

The decision by the United States to sell Japan anti-ballistic missiles is aimed at changing military balance in the region, according to a Chinese expert.

13 killed as storm triggers mudslides

MONTECITO, California - Mudslides, boulders and tons of debris killed at least 13 people on Tuesday in communities along California's scenic coastline ravaged by a series of intense wildfires that burned off protective vegetation last month.

British PM 'desperate' for China visit, minister says

Liam Fox, Britain's secretary of state for international trade, has said Prime Minister Theresa May is "desperate to get a visit to China".

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Iran claims end to wave of protests

TEHERAN - Iran's Revolutionary Guard has said that the nation and its security forces have ended the wave of unrest linked to anti-government protests that erupted last month.