Manila (AFP) May 6, 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos said Monday the Philippines would not respond in kind to China's deployment of water cannon against its vessels, ruling out the use of "offensive" equipment as Manila asserts its sovereignty in the disputed South China Sea. Beijing has dispatched hundreds of coast guard and other vessels...

Paris (AFP) May 6, 2024 French President Emmanuel Macron was on Monday set to warn Chinese leader Xi Jinping against backing Russia in the conflict over Ukraine but also seek to enlist his help in finding an end to the war. Xi is making a state visit to France marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and China. The trip is...

Laoag, Philippines (AFP) May 6, 2024 US and Filipino troops fired missiles and artillery at an imaginary "invasion" force during war games on the Philippines' northern coast Monday, days after their governments objected to China's "dangerous" actions in regional waters. Thousands of troops are conducting land, sea and air manoeuvres against...

Tehran (AFP) May 6, 2024 UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi is set to arrive in Iran on Monday, where he is expected to speak at a conference and meet officials for talks on Tehran's nuclear programme. The visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticising Iran for...

Niamey, Niger (AFP) May 5, 2024 New Russian military advisors and military equipment have arrived in Niger, according to state television in the African country that wants US forces to leave. A first set of about 100 Russian advisors had arrived in Niger on April 10 along with air defence systems. Two military transporters arrived Saturday,...

Washington (AFP) May 4, 2024 Throughout the annals of American space exploration, a select few spacecraft have had the distinction of carrying human beings beyond Earth. Next week, Boeing is poised to join this elite group with the long-awaited launch of its Starliner capsule, just the sixth class of vessel built in the United States for...