China, Japan to hold high-level consultations on maritime affairs
(VOV) - China and Japan will hold the fourth round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs next week, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on December 4.
Paris bar reopens three weeks after attacks
One of the Paris cafes where drinkers died in a hail of bullets on Nov. 13 reopened on December 4, three weeks to the day after the Islamist militant attacks that killed 130 people.
Russia warns of Syrians linked to IS in Thailand
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) told Thai authorities that 10 militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) entered Thailand to attack citizens, interests of Russia and allied countries fighting IS, Thai police and media said on December 4.
Workshop enhances trust building among Asian countries
(VOV) -Confidence building among countries plays an important role in ensuring peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, said Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Hiroshi Fukada at an international symposium held by the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) in Hanoi on December 4.
Britain joins Syria air war; Putin vows more sanctions on Turkey
Britain joined US-led air strikes against Islamic State in Syria on December 3, but Vladimir Putin issued bitter new denunciations of Turkey for shooting down a Russian plane, demonstrating the limits to international solidarity.
Russia-Turkey tension undermines anti-IS efforts
(VOV) - Tension soared between Russia and Turkey following Turkey’s shooting down of a Russian warplane on the Syrian border. It is adversely impacting international efforts to fight IS in the Middle-East.
Thailand arrests additional suspects in Bangkok blast
A number of suspects in Erawan shrine bombings, which killed 20 people and injured over 120 others, were arrested abroad, Thai police announced on December 3.
Indonesia re-elected to IMO Council for 2016-2017
Indonesia was re-elected as C-category member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for 2016-2017 during the 29th session of the IMO Assembly held in London from November 23 – December 2.
Indonesia checks Airbus planes after AirAsia crash conclusion
Indonesia’s Ministry of Transport on December 3 began checking all Airbus A320s registered in the country after a faulty component was found to contribute to the crash of an AirAsia plane, causing loss of 162 lives, in 2014.
Spain's ruling party seen winning election but well short of majority-poll
Spain's ruling People's Party will win a December 20 parliamentary election but fall short of a majority, according to a closely watched official poll which also showed a leap in support for a new reformist party that may play the role of kingmaker.