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Historical starting point for new stage of development

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which begins on October 18, will set the leadership and establish the policies for the next five years, at least. While Party national congresses are always seminal events in the political life of the country, there is reason to expect that this congress will have even greater and longer-reaching impact.

World condemns 'heinous act' in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - China joined an international chorus of condemnation over the truck bombing in the Somali capital of Mogadishu that killed at least 276 people and injured about 300.

Vietnam braced for deluge as toll hits 72

HANOI - Vietnam braced on Monday for fresh storms as the official death toll from last week's floods and landslides rose to 72.

Iraqi forces seize areas around Kirkuk

BAGHDAD - Iraqi security forces on Monday gained more ground in the multiethnic province of Kirkuk with the aim of taking control of the disputed areas that were seized by Kurdish fighters in 2014, the Iraqi military said.

Austrian set to become Europe's youngest leader

VIENNA - At age 31, Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz is poised to become the first millennial to lead a European country following his party's victory in a national election on Sunday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Solar contest sets scene for energy ties

DENVER, Colorado - In the hot desert sun northeast of downtown Denver, a small cluster of buildings erected almost overnight is drawing attention.

Hidden treasures brought to life in British film vault

BERKHAMSTED, England - In a refrigerated vault outside London filled with old film reels, a team of curators is bringing to life forgotten masterpieces of early cinema history.

Glacier damage threatens trekking, tourism at Annapurna Base Camp

KATHMANDU - Melting glaciers have eroded huge swathes of land in the Annapurna Base Camp over the years, casting a shadow over the prospects of trekking in the region.

Japan zoo mourns death of love-struck penguin

TOKYO - An elderly penguin who shot to fame in Japan after falling in love with a cardboard cutout of a cartoon character has died, at the ripe old age of 21.

Mountaineer legend says it's down to luck

FRANKFURT - Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner is perhaps one of the world's last great adventurers: he has conquered the planet's highest peaks, crossed Antarctica and hunted for the elusive yeti.