US denies report of Korea troop drawdown
The Pentagon has denied a South Korean newspaper report claiming the US military top brass had discussed reducing troop numbers at its base there.


Pope makes call to protect women, children
Pope Francis has pleaded for action to protect women and children from exploitation, abuse and enslavement at the start of his weeklong visit to Asia.


Suu Kyi to contest Rohingya genocide case
Aung San Suu Kyi will appear before the International Court of Justice to contest a case accusing Myanmar of genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority.


Protesters stay holed up on HK campus
Riot police have encircled a Hong Kong campus where fewer than 100 protesters remain holed up, with some hiding and others looking for a way to escape.


China 'will strive for US trade deal'
China will try to reach a trade deal with the United States, the Chinese commerce ministry says, as fears mount that negotiations are unravelling.


Ex-UK consulate staff accuses Chinese cops
A former worker at the British Consulate in Hong Kong says he was beaten, deprived of sleep and chained by Chinese police and agents, claims which China denies.


Thai court removes maverick politician
The maverick leader of Thailand's new Future Forward party violated election laws and cannot keep his seat in parliament, a court has ruled.


Police surround Hong Kong campus holdouts
Protesters remain in a besieged Hong Kong university, with some trying to escape through sewers and others trying to clamber down ropes to waiting motorbikes.


Pope arrives in Thailand for Asia tour
Pope Francis is expected to highlight issues of concern like human trafficking as he visits Thailand and Japan to boost Catholic morale in the two countries..


US personnel dead in Afghan chopper crash
A helicopter crash has claimed the lives of two US service members in Afghanistan, but the US military says preliminary reports do not indicate an attack.


Australian hostage released by Taliban
Australian Timothy Weeks and American Kevin King have been released by the Taliban as part of a stalled hostage swap deal, sources say.


Sri Lanka may struggle to form government
New Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa faces legal barriers in appointing a government because of a 2015 constitutional amendment that curtails his powers.


Sharif flown to London for treatment
Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been released from jail and flown to London for medical treatment.


US, South Korea disagree on defence costs
Talks between US and South Korean officials over how much Seoul should pay for hosting the US military have broken off following disagreement over the amount.