China-Taiwan: Tensions spike ahead of Pelosi's expected visit
Taiwan is bracing for a potential show of force from China as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was expected to arrive on the island late Tuesday.
Her visit - which is not backed by the White House - would be the first by such a senior US official in decades.
Pelosi is the third-highest ranking official in the US government and a long-time critic of Beijing.
China has repeatedly warned against the visit and on Tuesday said the US would "pay the price".
Taiwan is a self-ruled island, but claimed by China, which sees it as a breakaway province. read more
Taiwan is bracing for a potential show of force from China as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was expected to arrive on the island late Tuesday.
Her visit - which is not backed by the White House - would be the first by such a senior US official in decades.
Pelosi is the third-highest ranking official in the US government and a long-time critic of Beijing.
China has repeatedly warned against the visit and on Tuesday said the US would "pay the price".
Taiwan is a self-ruled island, but claimed by China, which sees it as a breakaway province. read more
Taiwan: Nancy Pelosi meets President Tsai to Beijing's fury
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a visit that has been strongly condemned by China.
Ms Pelosi, the most senior US politician in 25 years to visit Taiwan, said her delegation had come to make it "unequivocally clear" that the US would not "abandon" the island.
China had earlier said the US would "pay the price" for Ms Pelosi's visit.
Taiwan is self-ruled, but China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually unite with it. read more
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a visit that has been strongly condemned by China.
Ms Pelosi, the most senior US politician in 25 years to visit Taiwan, said her delegation had come to make it "unequivocally clear" that the US would not "abandon" the island.
China had earlier said the US would "pay the price" for Ms Pelosi's visit.
Taiwan is self-ruled, but China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually unite with it. read more
Taiwan: Pelosi leaves Taipei to sound of Chinese fury
In a statement issued on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "those who play with fire will not come to a good end, and those who offend China will be punished".
"The United States is violating China's sovereignty under the guise of so-called democracy," he added.
The US walks a diplomatic tightrope with its Taiwan policy.
On the one hand, it abides by the "One China" policy, which recognises only one Chinese government, giving it formal ties with Beijing and not Taiwan. read more
In a statement issued on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "those who play with fire will not come to a good end, and those who offend China will be punished".
"The United States is violating China's sovereignty under the guise of so-called democracy," he added.
The US walks a diplomatic tightrope with its Taiwan policy.
On the one hand, it abides by the "One China" policy, which recognises only one Chinese government, giving it formal ties with Beijing and not Taiwan. read more
Taiwan braces as China drills begin after Pelosi visit
China is kicking off its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi's visit.
The live fire drills began at 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and in several areas were due to take place within 12 miles of the island.
Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.
Ms Pelosi made a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
The drills are Beijing's main response, although it has also blocked some trade with the island. read more
China is kicking off its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi's visit.
The live fire drills began at 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and in several areas were due to take place within 12 miles of the island.
Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.
Ms Pelosi made a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
The drills are Beijing's main response, although it has also blocked some trade with the island. read more
China's missiles 'imitating North Korea' - Taiwan
Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.
China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan's north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.
The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.
North Korea - a strong ally of China's - has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months. read more
Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.
China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan's north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.
The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.
North Korea - a strong ally of China's - has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months. read more
China-Taiwan: Joseph Wu defends US Speaker Pelosi's visit
Taiwan's foreign minister has defended US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's brief but controversial trip to the island in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
Joseph Wu condemned the large-scale military exercises that China began around the island on Thursday.
He said Ms Pelosi's visit was "extremely significant" and China's response would not stop democratic politicians being invited to Taipei.
Mr Wu also warned that China's territorial aims go far beyond Taiwan. read more
Taiwan's foreign minister has defended US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's brief but controversial trip to the island in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
Joseph Wu condemned the large-scale military exercises that China began around the island on Thursday.
He said Ms Pelosi's visit was "extremely significant" and China's response would not stop democratic politicians being invited to Taipei.
Mr Wu also warned that China's territorial aims go far beyond Taiwan. read more
Tinder: CEO Renate Nyborg to leave dating app after one year
Tinder chief executive Renate Nyborg is leaving the firm less than a year after becoming the boss of the dating app.
Her exit was one of a number of management changes at Tinder announced by parent company Match Group.
Tinder's plans to adopt new technology, including virtual currencies and metaverse-based dating, are also being reviewed in the strategic shake-up.
The announcements came as Match reported second-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations. read more
Tinder chief executive Renate Nyborg is leaving the firm less than a year after becoming the boss of the dating app.
Her exit was one of a number of management changes at Tinder announced by parent company Match Group.
Tinder's plans to adopt new technology, including virtual currencies and metaverse-based dating, are also being reviewed in the strategic shake-up.
The announcements came as Match reported second-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations. read more
Israel-Gaza: Israel arrests 19 militant suspects after Gaza flare-up
Israel says it has arrested 19 members of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad in raids across the occupied West Bank, after carrying out airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
Eleven people have been killed in the air strikes, including a child and PIJ leader Tayseer Jabari.
Israel said the strikes followed an "immediate threat" from the group.
Scores of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel overnight, most of them intercepted, Israel's military said.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza in just over a year.
The 11-day war in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead before a ceasefire was agreed. read more
Israel says it has arrested 19 members of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad in raids across the occupied West Bank, after carrying out airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
Eleven people have been killed in the air strikes, including a child and PIJ leader Tayseer Jabari.
Israel said the strikes followed an "immediate threat" from the group.
Scores of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel overnight, most of them intercepted, Israel's military said.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza in just over a year.
The 11-day war in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead before a ceasefire was agreed. read more
Alex Jones must pay $49.3m for Sandy Hook hoax claim
US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $49.3m (£41m) in damages after falsely claiming a 2012 school shooting was a hoax.
A jury in Texas ruled the radio host must pay $45.2m in punitive damages, in addition to $4.1m in compensatory damages they awarded a day earlier.
The two-week defamation trial was brought by the parents of a child killed in the attack.
Twenty children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook in Connecticut.
The lawsuit was filed by Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the separated parents of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who died in the primary school shooting. read more
US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $49.3m (£41m) in damages after falsely claiming a 2012 school shooting was a hoax.
A jury in Texas ruled the radio host must pay $45.2m in punitive damages, in addition to $4.1m in compensatory damages they awarded a day earlier.
The two-week defamation trial was brought by the parents of a child killed in the attack.
Twenty children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook in Connecticut.
The lawsuit was filed by Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the separated parents of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who died in the primary school shooting. read more
Israel-Gaza: Death toll rises as Israel kills second top militant
Israel has killed a second top militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, as the death toll continues to rise from air strikes in Gaza.
Six children and several PIJ fighters - including leaders Khaled Mansour and Tayseer Jabari - are among the 32 Palestinians reported to have died.
Nearly 600 Palestinian rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel since Friday, an Israeli official said.
Israel says it launched the operations due to "immediate threat" from PIJ.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza since an 11-day conflict in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead. read more
Israel has killed a second top militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, as the death toll continues to rise from air strikes in Gaza.
Six children and several PIJ fighters - including leaders Khaled Mansour and Tayseer Jabari - are among the 32 Palestinians reported to have died.
Nearly 600 Palestinian rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel since Friday, an Israeli official said.
Israel says it launched the operations due to "immediate threat" from PIJ.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza since an 11-day conflict in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead. read more
China-Taiwan: Beijing conducts new military drills near island
China's military says it is continuing large-scale military drills around Taiwan after its previously announced live fire exercises ended on Sunday.
The Chinese army's Eastern Theatre Command said that it would practice anti-submarine attacks and sea raids.
The earlier four days of exercises were Beijing's response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island.
Taiwan has accused China of using these drills as practice for an invasion of the island. read more
China's military says it is continuing large-scale military drills around Taiwan after its previously announced live fire exercises ended on Sunday.
The Chinese army's Eastern Theatre Command said that it would practice anti-submarine attacks and sea raids.
The earlier four days of exercises were Beijing's response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island.
Taiwan has accused China of using these drills as practice for an invasion of the island. read more
Trump says FBI agents 'raided' his Mar-a-Lago Florida home
Ex-US President Donald Trump has said his Florida home was "raided" by the FBI, and that agents broke open a safe.
Mr Trump said in a statement that Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach was "occupied by a large group of FBI agents".
The search was reportedly connected to an investigation into Mr Trump's handling of official papers.
US media reports that the search is related to documents which the president may have taken to Mar-a-Lago on leaving the White House.
Mr Trump's lawyer, Christina Bobb, told NBC News that some papers had been seized during the search. read more
Ex-US President Donald Trump has said his Florida home was "raided" by the FBI, and that agents broke open a safe.
Mr Trump said in a statement that Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach was "occupied by a large group of FBI agents".
The search was reportedly connected to an investigation into Mr Trump's handling of official papers.
US media reports that the search is related to documents which the president may have taken to Mar-a-Lago on leaving the White House.
Mr Trump's lawyer, Christina Bobb, told NBC News that some papers had been seized during the search. read more
Ukraine war must end with liberation of Crimea – Zelensky
The war in Ukraine began with Crimea and must end with its liberation, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Ukraine's president was speaking after a string of explosions hit a Russian airbase there, killing one person.
Mr Zelensky did not mention Tuesday's blasts but said: "Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give it up."
Russia's defence ministry said ammunition detonated at the base. Meanwhile, Ukraine denied any responsibility for the explosions.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials say 13 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and another one in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south. read more
The war in Ukraine began with Crimea and must end with its liberation, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Ukraine's president was speaking after a string of explosions hit a Russian airbase there, killing one person.
Mr Zelensky did not mention Tuesday's blasts but said: "Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give it up."
Russia's defence ministry said ammunition detonated at the base. Meanwhile, Ukraine denied any responsibility for the explosions.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials say 13 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and another one in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south. read more
China says Taiwan military drills are over after Pelosi visit
China says it has completed nearly a week of military drills around Taiwan following a visit to the self-governing island by US politician Nancy Pelosi.
Sea and air operations were successful, said China's military, which vowed to keep patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
Ms Pelosi's brief trip incensed Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.
Taiwan has accused China of using the drills as practice for an invasion.
The island's government rejects Chinese claims of sovereignty and sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Beijing seeks to isolate the island internationally. read more
China says it has completed nearly a week of military drills around Taiwan following a visit to the self-governing island by US politician Nancy Pelosi.
Sea and air operations were successful, said China's military, which vowed to keep patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
Ms Pelosi's brief trip incensed Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.
Taiwan has accused China of using the drills as practice for an invasion.
The island's government rejects Chinese claims of sovereignty and sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Beijing seeks to isolate the island internationally. read more
Ukraine war: Crimea airbase badly damaged, satellite images show
Satellite images appear to show major damage and a number of destroyed Russian warplanes at a Crimea airbase following explosions there this week.
The Saky base in the west of Russian-ruled Crimea was rocked by a string of blasts on Tuesday, killing one person.
The base's runways appear intact, but at least eight aircraft seem damaged or destroyed with several craters visible.
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility - but this new evidence suggests the possibility of a targeted attack.
The images, from the US-based Planet Labs, show large areas of scorched earth left from fires that erupted. read more
Satellite images appear to show major damage and a number of destroyed Russian warplanes at a Crimea airbase following explosions there this week.
The Saky base in the west of Russian-ruled Crimea was rocked by a string of blasts on Tuesday, killing one person.
The base's runways appear intact, but at least eight aircraft seem damaged or destroyed with several craters visible.
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility - but this new evidence suggests the possibility of a targeted attack.
The images, from the US-based Planet Labs, show large areas of scorched earth left from fires that erupted. read more
UN alarm as Ukraine nuclear power plant shelled again
More shelling of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been reported, with Ukraine and Russia again blaming each other for the attack.
Each side said there were 10 hits on the office and fire station of Europe's biggest power plant on Thursday.
At a meeting of the UN Security Council called to discuss the situation, the head of its nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, warning it was a "grave hour".
UN Secretary General António Guterres also said it could "lead to disaster".
China and the US both called for UN experts to be allowed to urgently visit the plant, but similar demands in the past have so far not been acted upon. read more
More shelling of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been reported, with Ukraine and Russia again blaming each other for the attack.
Each side said there were 10 hits on the office and fire station of Europe's biggest power plant on Thursday.
At a meeting of the UN Security Council called to discuss the situation, the head of its nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, warning it was a "grave hour".
UN Secretary General António Guterres also said it could "lead to disaster".
China and the US both called for UN experts to be allowed to urgently visit the plant, but similar demands in the past have so far not been acted upon. read more
Taliban break up rare protest by Afghan women in Kabul
Taliban fighters have dispersed dozens of female protesters in Kabul, almost a year after the militant group seized power.
About 40 women marched through the Afghan capital demanding rights, before the Taliban broke it up by firing into the air.
The fighters seized their mobile phones, stopping one of the first women's protests in months.
Since the Taliban takeover, women rights' have been severely restricted.
The protesters chanted demands for "bread, work and freedom", carrying a banner reading "August 15 is a black day" - a reference to the day the Taliban captured Kabul in 2021. read more
Taliban fighters have dispersed dozens of female protesters in Kabul, almost a year after the militant group seized power.
About 40 women marched through the Afghan capital demanding rights, before the Taliban broke it up by firing into the air.
The fighters seized their mobile phones, stopping one of the first women's protests in months.
Since the Taliban takeover, women rights' have been severely restricted.
The protesters chanted demands for "bread, work and freedom", carrying a banner reading "August 15 is a black day" - a reference to the day the Taliban captured Kabul in 2021. read more
Salman Rushdie off ventilator and able to talk
Author Salman Rushdie has been taken off a ventilator and can talk again, nearly two days after being stabbed.
Mr Rushdie, 75, was attacked while speaking at an event in New York state and was in a critical condition.
He has faced years of death threats for his novel The Satanic Verses, which some Muslims see as blasphemous.
The man charged over Friday's attack has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, and has been remanded in custody without bail.
Hadi Matar, 24, is accused of running onto the stage and stabbing Mr Rushdie at least 10 times in the face, neck and abdomen. read more
Author Salman Rushdie has been taken off a ventilator and can talk again, nearly two days after being stabbed.
Mr Rushdie, 75, was attacked while speaking at an event in New York state and was in a critical condition.
He has faced years of death threats for his novel The Satanic Verses, which some Muslims see as blasphemous.
The man charged over Friday's attack has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, and has been remanded in custody without bail.
Hadi Matar, 24, is accused of running onto the stage and stabbing Mr Rushdie at least 10 times in the face, neck and abdomen. read more
Salman Rushdie: Iran blames writer and supporters for stabbing
As news emerged of Friday's attack, eyes turned to Tehran where the fatwa - religious edict - calling for the writer's assassination was first issued more than three decades ago.
But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani - giving the country's first official reaction - said Tehran "categorically" denied any link, adding "no-one has the right to accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran".
However, he said freedom of speech did not justify Mr Rushdie insulting religion in his writing.
"In this attack, we do not consider anyone other than Salman Rushdie and his supporters worthy of blame and even condemnation," the spokesman said during his weekly press conference in Tehran.
As news emerged of Friday's attack, eyes turned to Tehran where the fatwa - religious edict - calling for the writer's assassination was first issued more than three decades ago.
But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani - giving the country's first official reaction - said Tehran "categorically" denied any link, adding "no-one has the right to accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran".
However, he said freedom of speech did not justify Mr Rushdie insulting religion in his writing.
"In this attack, we do not consider anyone other than Salman Rushdie and his supporters worthy of blame and even condemnation," the spokesman said during his weekly press conference in Tehran.
Ukraine hits Russian Wagner mercenary HQ in east
Ukrainian artillery has struck a headquarters of Russia's shadowy Wagner paramilitary group of mercenaries in eastern Ukraine, reports say.
The extent of damage to the military base of the group - which has been linked to war crimes - is not clear.
Luhansk's governor claims its secret location was revealed after a Russian journalist shared its address.
Last week, pro-Kremlin correspondent Sergei Sreda posted a photo on Telegram of the base with its apparent address.
The image, shared on the social media site but since deleted, shows five people in military uniform with a street sign in Popasna, Luhansk visible in the top left corner. read more
Ukrainian artillery has struck a headquarters of Russia's shadowy Wagner paramilitary group of mercenaries in eastern Ukraine, reports say.
The extent of damage to the military base of the group - which has been linked to war crimes - is not clear.
Luhansk's governor claims its secret location was revealed after a Russian journalist shared its address.
Last week, pro-Kremlin correspondent Sergei Sreda posted a photo on Telegram of the base with its apparent address.
The image, shared on the social media site but since deleted, shows five people in military uniform with a street sign in Popasna, Luhansk visible in the top left corner. read more
Alaska primary: Sarah Palin seeks comeback backed by Trump
Republican Sarah Palin, who is eyeing a political comeback, is through to November's election in Alaska in the state's House of Representatives race, US media project.
Her rivals are Republican Nick Begich III and Democrat Mary Peltola. The fourth contender is not yet known.
Ms Palin, 58, rose to prominence as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008.
She largely left the spotlight before the 2016 election of Donald Trump, who has become her key ally and supporter.
This year Alaska's party primaries have been replaced with open primaries - the top four runners advance to the poll. read more
Republican Sarah Palin, who is eyeing a political comeback, is through to November's election in Alaska in the state's House of Representatives race, US media project.
Her rivals are Republican Nick Begich III and Democrat Mary Peltola. The fourth contender is not yet known.
Ms Palin, 58, rose to prominence as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008.
She largely left the spotlight before the 2016 election of Donald Trump, who has become her key ally and supporter.
This year Alaska's party primaries have been replaced with open primaries - the top four runners advance to the poll. read more