Cop29 is Azerbaijan’s moment to step into the global sunshine

The UN climate conference will shine a spotlight on the major oil producer’s energy transition, peace efforts with Armenia and geocritical location.

US Speaker Johnson floats, then walks back repeal of bipartisan chip law Trump attacked

The Republican leader ‘apologised profusely’ for his initial comments on the popular programme, a fellow congressman said.

Jodi Picoult novel the most banned book in US schools; Atwood, Alice Walker close behind

Once recommended for young adults, Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes leads among 4,200 titles banned in schools, writers’ group PEN America says.

Female Iranian student strips to protest harassment and is arrested, reports say

The woman sat outside a university in her underwear before defiantly walking in the street to the astonishment of passers-by.

Trump 2.0: older, more aggressive and potentially a bigger China hawk

Would a second Donald Trump US presidency mean even more tariffs and antagonism toward Beijing?

Robot retrieves 1st melted fuel from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear reactor

Around 800 tonnes of fatally radioactive molten fuel remains in the plants, and the mission is a step in a long-term clean-up operation.

Diversify economy and tackle livelihood issues, Xi Jinping tells Macau’s next leader

Sam Hou-fai says talk with Xi showed Chinese president’s solid understanding of city’s challenges, including healthcare and urban renewal.

What Joe Biden’s latest Taiwan arms package says about US cross-strait intentions

The US$2 billion deal includes an advanced air defence system that has been used by Ukraine to counter Russian attacks.

No – but yes. Why Brazil is staying open to China’s Belt and Road Initiative without joining it

Brasilia is not signing up for Beijing’s infrastructure scheme – but that doesn’t mean it’s not interested.

Hong Kong move by snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan could spare him from UK tax reform: experts

Seven-time champion arrived in Hong Kong amid plans by UK to abolish non-domicile tax status as part of revenue shake-up.