June 3, 2019 Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: ___ EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a weekly look at developments in the South China Sea, the location of several territorial conflicts in the region.
May 30, 2019 New Zealand becomes first in world to unveil 'well-being' budget New Zealand on Thursday announced a new budget worth billions of dollars to benefit mental health services and child poverty in its first so-called "well-being" budget.
May 30, 2019 China says laser report 'not consistent with the facts' China's defense ministry says a report that Australian navy helicopter pilots were targeted with lasers, apparently coming from Chinese fishing boats, was "not consistent with the facts."
May 30, 2019 James Marape sworn in as Papua New Guinea's prime minister Former Papua New Guinea Finance Minister James Marape has been sworn in as the country's new prime minister, following the resignation of Peter O'Neill last week.
May 28, 2019 Australian jailed to 10 years over British backpacker rape An Australian man who kidnapped and repeatedly raped a British backpacker during a monthlong ordeal in the country's Outback has been jailed for 10 years.
May 28, 2019 Morrison sworn in as Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison has been sworn in as Australia's prime minister, 11 days after retaining the position in the country's general election.
May 28, 2019 UN Assembly remembers victims of violence against religion The U.N. General Assembly has adopted a resolution designating Aug. 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
May 28, 2019 Australian navy pilots struck by lasers in South China Sea A witness says Australian navy helicopter pilots were hit by lasers while exercising in the South China Sea, forcing them to land as a precaution.
May 28, 2019 Malaysia to send back plastic waste to foreign nations Malaysia says it will send back some 3,000 metric tonnes (330 tons) of non-recyclable plastic waste to countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia in a move to avoid becoming a dumping ground for rich nations.
May 27, 2019 Australian cardinal won't fight sentence if he loses appeal An Australian court spokesman says disgraced Catholic cardinal George Pell will not fight for a reduced jail sentence if he fails in his appeal of his conviction for molesting two choirboys in the 1990s.
