China pledges further opening as leaders scramble for free trade
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged further economic opening on November 19 as leaders of Asia-Pacific countries sought new free-trade options following Donald Trump's election to US president on promises to scrap or renegotiate trade deals.
Civilian casualties from Mosul are overwhelming capacity, UN warns
Mounting civilian casualties from fighting in eastern Mosul between Iraqi forces and Islamic State are overwhelming the capacity of the government and international aid groups, the United Nations said on November 19.
As he shapes Cabinet, Trump meets former rival Romney and retired Gen. Mattis
President-elect Donald Trump and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney set aside a fierce rivalry on November 19 and held talks likely to feed speculation that Romney could be in line to be the next US secretary of state.
Indonesia steps up anti-terrorism measures ahead of year-end holidays
Indonesian police is deploying a so-called “Indonesia Prevents” operation to prepare for possible terror attacks ahead of Christmas and New Year.
Climate talks set 2018 deadline to agree rules
Nearly 200 nations agreed around midnight on November 18 to work out the rules for a landmark 2015 global deal to tackle climate change within two years in a new sign of international support for a pact opposed by US President-elect Donald Trump.
Pacific rim leaders scramble for trade options in Trump era
Leaders of Pacific rim nations scrambled to find new free-trade options on November 18 as a looming Donald Trump presidency in the United States sounded a possible death knell for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Malaysia takes measures to cope with Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysian police will block 58 streets at 10 major areas in Kuala Lumpur from 7am on the morning of November 19 to cope with the planned rally of the Bersih movement.
Battle for Aleppo escalates, U.N. sees 'bleak moment'
Syrian rebels fought fiercely with pro-government forces trying to advance into opposition-held areas of eastern Aleppo and warplanes kept up their bombardment of the area on November 18 in a renewed bid by Damascus to retake the entire city.
Asian-Pacific news agencies discuss modern media challenges
Challenges facing the modern media and how to cope with them were the focus of discussion at the November 18 discussion at the 16th General Assembly of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) in Baku, Azerbaijan .
Lao National Assembly wraps up second session
The second session of Laos’ 8th National Assembly wrapped up in Vientiane on November 18 after 26 days of sitting.