Tsai-McCarthy meeting: Is Taiwan in danger of being loved to death?
China has launched military drills in response to a much-anticipated meeting between Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
They met in California on Wednesday, a week after President Tsai was feted in New York with a leadership award.
Ms Tsai hailed their "strong and unique partnership", and Mr McCarthy said that arms sales to Taiwan must continue.
Beijing, in turn, has vowed a "resolute response" and sent warships into the waters around the self-governed island.
Taiwan, it appears, is caught in the middle of a dangerous love triangle. read more
China has launched military drills in response to a much-anticipated meeting between Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
They met in California on Wednesday, a week after President Tsai was feted in New York with a leadership award.
Ms Tsai hailed their "strong and unique partnership", and Mr McCarthy said that arms sales to Taiwan must continue.
Beijing, in turn, has vowed a "resolute response" and sent warships into the waters around the self-governed island.
Taiwan, it appears, is caught in the middle of a dangerous love triangle. read more
Macron counting on Xi to 'bring Russia to senses'
French leader Emmanuel Macron has urged his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help stop Russia's war in Ukraine.
"I know I can count on you to bring Russia to its senses, and bring everyone back to the negotiating table," he told Mr Xi in Beijing.
Mr Xi said China and France had the "ability and responsibility" to safeguard world peace.
But Moscow said there were "no prospects for a peaceful settlement" so far and its offensive would continue.
Mr Macron is on a state visit to China that is being highly scrutinised after years of deteriorating relations between the West and China, which has refused to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. read more
French leader Emmanuel Macron has urged his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help stop Russia's war in Ukraine.
"I know I can count on you to bring Russia to its senses, and bring everyone back to the negotiating table," he told Mr Xi in Beijing.
Mr Xi said China and France had the "ability and responsibility" to safeguard world peace.
But Moscow said there were "no prospects for a peaceful settlement" so far and its offensive would continue.
Mr Macron is on a state visit to China that is being highly scrutinised after years of deteriorating relations between the West and China, which has refused to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. read more
Israel strikes Lebanon and Gaza after major rocket attack
Israel's military says it has struck targets linked to Palestinian militant group Hamas inside Lebanon and across the Gaza Strip.
The attacks come after a major rocket barrage on Israel from Lebanon, which the Israelis blamed on Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Hamas' "terrorist" infrastructure was hit in southern Lebanon.
Tensions are high after Israeli police raided Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque on consecutive nights earlier this week.
The mosque is Islam's third holiest site, and the Israeli raids have triggered violent confrontations with Palestinians inside and caused outrage in the wider region. read more
Israel's military says it has struck targets linked to Palestinian militant group Hamas inside Lebanon and across the Gaza Strip.
The attacks come after a major rocket barrage on Israel from Lebanon, which the Israelis blamed on Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Hamas' "terrorist" infrastructure was hit in southern Lebanon.
Tensions are high after Israeli police raided Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque on consecutive nights earlier this week.
The mosque is Islam's third holiest site, and the Israeli raids have triggered violent confrontations with Palestinians inside and caused outrage in the wider region. read more
Two Israeli women killed in West Bank shooting attack
Two Israeli women have been killed and another seriously injured in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military and medics say.
The women were in a car that crashed after being shot at near the settlement of Hamra, in the Jordan Valley.
Local media reported the women who died were sisters in their 20s. The third woman, said to be their 48-year-old mother, is in a critical condition.
The military said its troops had "started a pursuit of the terrorists".
The shooting took place hours after Israeli warplanes carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. read more
Two Israeli women have been killed and another seriously injured in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military and medics say.
The women were in a car that crashed after being shot at near the settlement of Hamra, in the Jordan Valley.
Local media reported the women who died were sisters in their 20s. The third woman, said to be their 48-year-old mother, is in a critical condition.
The military said its troops had "started a pursuit of the terrorists".
The shooting took place hours after Israeli warplanes carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. read more
One tourist killed and seven wounded in car ramming attack in Tel Aviv
An Italian tourist has been killed and seven other people wounded in a suspected car ramming attack near a beach in Tel Aviv, Israeli medics say.
Italy's foreign minister said Israel had identified the man killed as Italian citizen Alessandro Parini.
Footage from the scene showed an overturned car near a promenade and an Israeli police officer opening fire.
Local police said the suspected attacker had been shot dead by officers.
The attack comes after two British-Israeli sisters were killed and their mother injured in a shooting in the occupied West Bank earlier on Friday. read more
An Italian tourist has been killed and seven other people wounded in a suspected car ramming attack near a beach in Tel Aviv, Israeli medics say.
Italy's foreign minister said Israel had identified the man killed as Italian citizen Alessandro Parini.
Footage from the scene showed an overturned car near a promenade and an Israeli police officer opening fire.
Local police said the suspected attacker had been shot dead by officers.
The attack comes after two British-Israeli sisters were killed and their mother injured in a shooting in the occupied West Bank earlier on Friday. read more
Chinese military rehearsing encirclement of Taiwan
China's military has begun rehearsing the encirclement of Taiwan during three days of military drills.
Beijing - which views Taiwan as a breakaway province of China - called the operation a "stern warning" to the island's government.
The exercises began hours after President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the United States.
The Taiwanese Defence Ministry said 71 Chinese military planes and nine ships crossed the Taiwan Strait median line.
The line is an unofficial dividing line between Chinese and Taiwanese territory. read more
China's military has begun rehearsing the encirclement of Taiwan during three days of military drills.
Beijing - which views Taiwan as a breakaway province of China - called the operation a "stern warning" to the island's government.
The exercises began hours after President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the United States.
The Taiwanese Defence Ministry said 71 Chinese military planes and nine ships crossed the Taiwan Strait median line.
The line is an unofficial dividing line between Chinese and Taiwanese territory. read more
Iran installs cameras to find women not wearing hijab
Iranian authorities have begun installing cameras in public places to identify unveiled women, the police have announced.
Women seen not covering their hair would receive a "warning text messages as to the consequences", police said.
This would help prevent "resistance against the hijab law", police said.
Protests were sparked last year by the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman arrested for allegedly violating the hijab rule.
Since Ms Amini's death a growing number of women have been discarding their veils, particularly in larger cities, despite the risk of arrest. read more
Iranian authorities have begun installing cameras in public places to identify unveiled women, the police have announced.
Women seen not covering their hair would receive a "warning text messages as to the consequences", police said.
This would help prevent "resistance against the hijab law", police said.
Protests were sparked last year by the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman arrested for allegedly violating the hijab rule.
Since Ms Amini's death a growing number of women have been discarding their veils, particularly in larger cities, despite the risk of arrest. read more
US urges China to show restraint amid Taiwan drills
China has carried out a second day of naval drills around Taiwan, as tensions continue to mount after President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the US last week.
The drills - which Beijing has called a "stern warning" to Taipei - have used naval and air forces to simulate the encirclement of the island.
Taiwan said dozens of Chinese jets flew sorties around the island on Sunday, while nine ships were also spotted.
The operation, dubbed "Joint Sword" by Beijing, will continue until Monday.
Taiwanese officials have been enraged by the operation, and on Saturday defence officials in Taipei accused Beijing of using Ms Tsai's visit - where she met with US House speaker Kevin McCarthy - as an "excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously undermined peace, stability and security in the region". read more
China has carried out a second day of naval drills around Taiwan, as tensions continue to mount after President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the US last week.
The drills - which Beijing has called a "stern warning" to Taipei - have used naval and air forces to simulate the encirclement of the island.
Taiwan said dozens of Chinese jets flew sorties around the island on Sunday, while nine ships were also spotted.
The operation, dubbed "Joint Sword" by Beijing, will continue until Monday.
Taiwanese officials have been enraged by the operation, and on Saturday defence officials in Taipei accused Beijing of using Ms Tsai's visit - where she met with US House speaker Kevin McCarthy - as an "excuse to conduct military exercises, which has seriously undermined peace, stability and security in the region". read more
China simulates hitting 'key targets' on Taiwan
China has simulated precision strikes against key targets on Taiwan and its surrounding waters during a second day of military drills.
The drills - which Beijing has called a "stern warning" to the self-governing island - are a response to Taiwan's president visiting the US last week.
As the Chinese military simulated an encirclement of the island, the US urged China to show restraint.
Taiwan said about 70 Chinese aircraft flew around the island on Sunday.
Eleven Chinese ships were also spotted. read more
China has simulated precision strikes against key targets on Taiwan and its surrounding waters during a second day of military drills.
The drills - which Beijing has called a "stern warning" to the self-governing island - are a response to Taiwan's president visiting the US last week.
As the Chinese military simulated an encirclement of the island, the US urged China to show restraint.
Taiwan said about 70 Chinese aircraft flew around the island on Sunday.
Eleven Chinese ships were also spotted. read more
Ukraine war: Who leaked top secret US documents - and why?
What to make of the dozens of classified American Defence Department documents - maps, charts and photographs - now circulating on the internet?
Complete with timelines and dozens of impenetrable military acronyms, the documents, some of them marked "top secret", paint a detailed picture of the war in Ukraine.
They tell of the casualties suffered on both sides, the military vulnerabilities of each and, crucially, what their relative strengths are likely to be when Ukraine decides to launch its much-anticipated spring offensive. read more
What to make of the dozens of classified American Defence Department documents - maps, charts and photographs - now circulating on the internet?
Complete with timelines and dozens of impenetrable military acronyms, the documents, some of them marked "top secret", paint a detailed picture of the war in Ukraine.
They tell of the casualties suffered on both sides, the military vulnerabilities of each and, crucially, what their relative strengths are likely to be when Ukraine decides to launch its much-anticipated spring offensive. read more
Louisville, Kentucky shooting: Five people dead, police say
Police in Louisville, Kentucky, have confirmed that at least five people have been killed in a shooting in the city.
An additional six people have been injured and taken to local hospitals, including a police officer.
Members of the public have been asked to stay away from a part of East Main.
Video from the area appears to show heavily armed police cordoning off a commercial property in the area.
In a brief news conference, Louisville Police said that officers responding to the report encountered active gunfire. read more
Police in Louisville, Kentucky, have confirmed that at least five people have been killed in a shooting in the city.
An additional six people have been injured and taken to local hospitals, including a police officer.
Members of the public have been asked to stay away from a part of East Main.
Video from the area appears to show heavily armed police cordoning off a commercial property in the area.
In a brief news conference, Louisville Police said that officers responding to the report encountered active gunfire. read more
US, Philippines begin largest-ever drills after China exercises
The US and the Philippines are holding their largest-ever joint military drills a day after China concluded its large-scale exercises around Taiwan.
Beijing staged three days of drills simulating blockades of Taiwan in response to the island's leader meeting the US House Speaker last week.
The US had called on Beijing to show restraint. Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday said China's actions were "irresponsible".
The US drills were earlier scheduled.
Both the US and Philippines flagged last month that their annual Balikatan exercise would be their largest-ever, after Washington earlier this year secured a new defence deal with the South-East Asian nation. read more
The US and the Philippines are holding their largest-ever joint military drills a day after China concluded its large-scale exercises around Taiwan.
Beijing staged three days of drills simulating blockades of Taiwan in response to the island's leader meeting the US House Speaker last week.
The US had called on Beijing to show restraint. Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday said China's actions were "irresponsible".
The US drills were earlier scheduled.
Both the US and Philippines flagged last month that their annual Balikatan exercise would be their largest-ever, after Washington earlier this year secured a new defence deal with the South-East Asian nation. read more
Evan Gershkovich: US says journalist is wrongfully detained in Russia
The United States has designated journalist Evan Gershkovich as being "wrongfully detained" by Russia and called for his immediate release.
Mr Gershkovich, an experienced Russia reporter, was arrested last month in the city of Yekaterinburg while working for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
He has since been formally charged with spying, but the WSJ denies this.
It is the first time Moscow has accused a US journalist of espionage since the Soviet era.
The "wrongfully detained" designation in the US means the case will now be transferred to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This will raise the profile of the case and allow the government to allocate more resources to securing his release. read more
The United States has designated journalist Evan Gershkovich as being "wrongfully detained" by Russia and called for his immediate release.
Mr Gershkovich, an experienced Russia reporter, was arrested last month in the city of Yekaterinburg while working for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
He has since been formally charged with spying, but the WSJ denies this.
It is the first time Moscow has accused a US journalist of espionage since the Soviet era.
The "wrongfully detained" designation in the US means the case will now be transferred to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This will raise the profile of the case and allow the government to allocate more resources to securing his release. read more
Pentagon leak shows S Korea torn on sending Ukraine weapons
A leaked Pentagon document seen by the BBC reveals a sensitive conversation between high-level South Korean officials on whether to sell weapons that could be used in Ukraine.
The intercept targeted two of President Yoon Suk Yeol's senior advisors.
They are torn between US pressure to send ammunition to Ukraine and their policy not to arm countries at war.
One of the advisers suggests sending the shells to Poland instead, to avoid appearing to have given in to the US.
Washington has been scrambling to trace the source of the leaks, which the Pentagon says are a serious risk to national security. read more
A leaked Pentagon document seen by the BBC reveals a sensitive conversation between high-level South Korean officials on whether to sell weapons that could be used in Ukraine.
The intercept targeted two of President Yoon Suk Yeol's senior advisors.
They are torn between US pressure to send ammunition to Ukraine and their policy not to arm countries at war.
One of the advisers suggests sending the shells to Poland instead, to avoid appearing to have given in to the US.
Washington has been scrambling to trace the source of the leaks, which the Pentagon says are a serious risk to national security. read more
Ukraine war: Leak shows Western special forces on the ground
The UK is among a number of countries with military special forces operating inside Ukraine, according to one of dozens of documents leaked online.
It confirms what has been the subject of quiet speculation for over a year.
The leaked files, some marked "top secret", paint a detailed picture of the war in Ukraine, including sensitive details of Ukraine's preparations for a spring counter-offensive.
The US government says it is investigating the source of the leak.
According to the document, dated 23 March, the UK has the largest contingent of special forces in Ukraine (50), followed by fellow Nato states Latvia (17), France (15), the US (14) and the Netherlands (1). read more
The UK is among a number of countries with military special forces operating inside Ukraine, according to one of dozens of documents leaked online.
It confirms what has been the subject of quiet speculation for over a year.
The leaked files, some marked "top secret", paint a detailed picture of the war in Ukraine, including sensitive details of Ukraine's preparations for a spring counter-offensive.
The US government says it is investigating the source of the leak.
According to the document, dated 23 March, the UK has the largest contingent of special forces in Ukraine (50), followed by fellow Nato states Latvia (17), France (15), the US (14) and the Netherlands (1). read more
Elon Musk tells BBC that owning Twitter has been quite painful
Twitter boss Elon Musk has told the BBC that running the company has been "quite painful" and "a rollercoaster".
However, the multi-billionaire entrepreneur also says that he would sell the company if the right person came along.
Mr Musk, who also runs car maker Tesla and rocket firm SpaceX, bought Twitter for $44bn (£35.4bn) in October.
He was taking part in an interview on Twitter Spaces, which attracted more than three million listeners.
Asked about the decision to add a label to the BBC's main Twitter account describing it as "government funded media", Mr Musk said: "I know the BBC is generally not thrilled about being labelled state media." read more
Twitter boss Elon Musk has told the BBC that running the company has been "quite painful" and "a rollercoaster".
However, the multi-billionaire entrepreneur also says that he would sell the company if the right person came along.
Mr Musk, who also runs car maker Tesla and rocket firm SpaceX, bought Twitter for $44bn (£35.4bn) in October.
He was taking part in an interview on Twitter Spaces, which attracted more than three million listeners.
Asked about the decision to add a label to the BBC's main Twitter account describing it as "government funded media", Mr Musk said: "I know the BBC is generally not thrilled about being labelled state media." read more
Pentagon leaks: US thinks UN head Guterres too accommodating to Moscow, files suggest
The US government believes the UN Secretary General is too willing to accommodate Russian interests, according to fresh revelations in classified documents leaked online.
The files suggest Washington has been closely monitoring Antonio Guterres.
Several documents describe private communications involving Mr Guterres and his deputy.
It is the latest from a leak of secret documents, which US officials are scrambling to get to the bottom of.
The documents contain candid observations from Mr Guterres about the war in Ukraine and a number of African leaders. read more
The US government believes the UN Secretary General is too willing to accommodate Russian interests, according to fresh revelations in classified documents leaked online.
The files suggest Washington has been closely monitoring Antonio Guterres.
Several documents describe private communications involving Mr Guterres and his deputy.
It is the latest from a leak of secret documents, which US officials are scrambling to get to the bottom of.
The documents contain candid observations from Mr Guterres about the war in Ukraine and a number of African leaders. read more
Dalai Lama defended over tongue-sucking remark
A top Tibetan leader has defended the Dalai Lama over a video that showed him asking a child to suck his tongue.
Penpa Tsering, head of Tibet's government-in-exile, has called the spiritual leader's actions "innocent" and said it demonstrated his "affectionate behaviour".
The video sparked outrage after it went viral on social media, with users calling his actions inappropriate.
The Dalai Lama's office has apologised over the incident.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be heard asking the boy to kiss him on his cheek and then his lips after the boy asks if he can give him a hug.
The leader then put his forehead to that of the boy's, before sticking out his tongue, saying "and suck my tongue". read more
A top Tibetan leader has defended the Dalai Lama over a video that showed him asking a child to suck his tongue.
Penpa Tsering, head of Tibet's government-in-exile, has called the spiritual leader's actions "innocent" and said it demonstrated his "affectionate behaviour".
The video sparked outrage after it went viral on social media, with users calling his actions inappropriate.
The Dalai Lama's office has apologised over the incident.
In the video, the Dalai Lama can be heard asking the boy to kiss him on his cheek and then his lips after the boy asks if he can give him a hug.
The leader then put his forehead to that of the boy's, before sticking out his tongue, saying "and suck my tongue". read more
Jack Teixeira: US airman charged over Pentagon documents leak
The US airman accused of leaking confidential intelligence and defence documents has been officially charged in a court appearance in Boston.
Jack Teixeira, 21, wore shackles and a prison uniform as he stood before a federal judge on Friday.
After a shout of "love you, Jack" from a person in the courtroom, the defendant replied "you too, dad".
Mr Teixeira faces up to 15 years in prison over charges of unauthorised transmission of defence information.
He is also charged with the unauthorised removal and retention of classified documents. read more
The US airman accused of leaking confidential intelligence and defence documents has been officially charged in a court appearance in Boston.
Jack Teixeira, 21, wore shackles and a prison uniform as he stood before a federal judge on Friday.
After a shout of "love you, Jack" from a person in the courtroom, the defendant replied "you too, dad".
Mr Teixeira faces up to 15 years in prison over charges of unauthorised transmission of defence information.
He is also charged with the unauthorised removal and retention of classified documents. read more
The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan dies aged 46
The co-founder and guitarist of Irish rock band The Script, Mark Sheehan, has died.
The 46-year-old died in hospital on Friday following a brief illness, the band announced.
Sheehan formed the group in 2001 alongside vocalist Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power.
A statement on the band's social media pages said Sheehan was a "much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend".
It asked fans to respect the privacy of his family and bandmates.
Contemporaries of Sheehan's in the entertainment industry were quick to honour his memory. read more
The co-founder and guitarist of Irish rock band The Script, Mark Sheehan, has died.
The 46-year-old died in hospital on Friday following a brief illness, the band announced.
Sheehan formed the group in 2001 alongside vocalist Danny O'Donoghue and drummer Glen Power.
A statement on the band's social media pages said Sheehan was a "much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend".
It asked fans to respect the privacy of his family and bandmates.
Contemporaries of Sheehan's in the entertainment industry were quick to honour his memory. read more
Sudan fighting: The military rivalry behind the clashes in Khartoum
The fighting that has erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country is a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country's military leadership.
There are clashes at key strategic places across the capital as members of a paramilitary force - Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - and regular soldiers fight. read more
The fighting that has erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country is a direct result of a vicious power struggle within the country's military leadership.
There are clashes at key strategic places across the capital as members of a paramilitary force - Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - and regular soldiers fight. read more