China media: Obama chided for remarks on Xi Jinping
US President Barack Obama faces criticism in China after he said President Xi Jinping had consolidated power at an unprecedented rate. In remarks to top US executives on Thursday, Mr Obama went on to criticise Mr Xi on human rights and accused him of worrying China’s neighbours by tapping... read more »
Philippines braces as monster Typhoon Hagupit nears coast
Thousands of people in the Philippines sought shelter in churches, schools and other makeshift evacuation centres on Friday as monster Typhoon Hagupit bore down on the disaster-weary nation. The storm, which would be the strongest to hit the country this year, is forecast to impact eastern... read more »
Car bombs in Kirkuk, Baghdad kill 33
The first major attack in the disputed Iraqi city of Kirkuk in months killed 18 people ton Thursday, while two car bombs in a frequently targeted Shiite district of Baghdad left 15 dead. “It’s a busy street with restaurants and shops, there is great destruction,” a Kirkuk police... read more »
Russia’s Putin calls for Russians to be self-reliant
Speaking to both chambers in the Kremlin, Mr Putin condemned Western governments for seeking to raise a new iron curtain around Russia. Russia has been hard-hit by falling oil prices and by Western sanctions imposed over its role in eastern Ukraine. The government has warned that Russia will fall... read more »
