Weapons storage blaze fires off rockets in Baghdad, killing four

China pressures Hong Kong to squash independence calls ahead of poll: sources


HONG KONG China pressured the Hong Kong government to disqualify six candidates who advocated independence from a crucial citywide election, as part of a campaign to bolster its interests and win seats for its allies, two sources with knowledge of the matter said.




ASEAN, China to adopt communications protocol to ease tensions at sea


MANILA Southeast Asian countries and China will establish hotlines and adopt communications protocols to avoid potential naval clashes in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, a Philippines foreign ministry official said on Friday.




Cover up, stay in: Singaporeans wary as Zika spreads


SINGAPORE Many of Singapore's five million people are covering up and staying indoors to avoid mosquito bites as health experts warned that the outbreak of the Zika virus in the tropical city-state would be difficult to contain.