China's behind-the-scenes role in Iran war

BANGKOK (AP) – China’s role as an unofficial mediator in the latest war in the Middle East is drawing attention across the world as it seeks to project the image of being a responsible global power while U.S. actions are straining its long-standing alliances.

US stocks fall on shaky Wall Street as Brent oil touches $107

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks pulled back from their record heights on a shaky Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell 0.4% Thursday to halt its weekslong rally. The Dow Jones lost 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.9%. Stocks also took a hit after the price for a barrel of Brent crude briefly jumped above $107.

Samson's century leads Chennai to big win over Mumbai

MUMBAI, India (AP) – Sanju Samson smashed his second century this season for Chennai Super Kings and Akeal Hosein dismantled Mumbai Indians’ top order with a four-wicket haul in a 103-run win in the Indian Premier League on Thursday.

Estonian foreign minister visits Vietnam to boost tech, trade ties

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) – Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on Wednesday and said his country aims to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in trade, technology and digital transformation.

4 tickets to World Cup final are listed for more than $2 million

FIFA’s resale site has four tickets on sale for the World Cup final for just under $2.3 million each.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

HONG KONG (AP) – The Hong Kong government is seeking to confiscate millions of dollars in funds and corporate shares it says are linked to crimes committed by jailed former media tycoon Jimmy Lai, according to a court document seen by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Voting begins in India's West Bengal state after a national voter list purge

KOLKATA, India (AP) – Voting in one of India’s most closely watched state elections began Thursday after a national voter roll revision removed millions of names and raised concerns over disenfranchisement in West Bengal, one of the few large states not governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party.

Kharge Faces EC Action After Controversial Comment on Modi

The Election Commission of India has issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over remarks in which he referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "terrorist," stating that the comment appears to violate the Model Code of Conduct.

 

US to send Afghans who helped with war from Qatar to third country

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is in discussions to potentially send more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted America’s war effort and relatives of U.S. service members stuck in Qatar to a third country, the U.S. government and some advocates said. Congo is an option, the advocates said.