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We will not be bullied, says S.Africa president after US barbs
South Africa will not be bullied, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a national address Thursday, after criticism this week of his government from senior US officials including President Donald Trump.
'Intolerable' US claim sparks new row over Panama Canal
Panama on Thursday rejected the United States' claim of securing free passage for its government vessels through the Panama Canal, while bowing to US pressure to quit a key Chinese project.
Deadline looms for US federal worker resignations under Musk plan
More than two million US federal workers were hours away from a deadline Thursday to quit with eight months' pay or risk being fired on the spot in a plan by billionaire Elon Musk to gut the civil service.
Confirmation for Trump's FBI nominee delayed over 'enemies lists'
US Democrats forced a delay Thursday in a key vote on Kash Patel's nomination to lead the FBI amid a mushrooming scandal over Republican "enemies lists" allegedly drawn up to help US President Donald Trump take revenge on his perceived adversaries.
Trump trade envoy pick says universal tariffs should be 'considered'
US President Donald Trump's trade envoy nominee Jamieson Greer told his confirmation hearing Thursday that universal tariffs should be "studied and considered" as a potential way to reverse offshoring and deficits.
Rubio debuts as personable, bilingual face of 'America First'
Making his debut as the top US diplomat, Marco Rubio has conducted most business entirely in Spanish, forging quick bonds with Latin American leaders.
Global stocks climb as trade fears ease
Stock markets rose Thursday on easing trade tensions and some strong company earnings, with London hitting a record high.
Trump's pick to lead FBI facing anger over 'enemies lists'
US President Donald Trump's pick to lead the nation's premier law enforcement agency faces a crucial test in his confirmation bid Thursday as senators decide whether to advance his nomination to the floor.
UK says satellite system key to Chagos US base deal
Britain's government insisted Wednesday that it must hand back the Chagos Islands to Mauritius to secure continued access to satellite communications at a key US-UK military base.
'Wolf warrior' Chinese ambassador appointed to European affairs post
China's former ambassador to France, who earned a reputation for his fierce defence of national interests, has been appointed to a prestigious post in charge of European affairs, Beijing announced Thursday.
Shein, Temu face cost of adapting to new US customs rules
US tariffs on Chinese imports and the closing of a customs loophole will wreak disruption on the business models of e-commerce giants Shein and Temu, with consumers potentially bearing the brunt of the cost, analysts say.
M23 addresses crowds in captured DR Congo city, as fighters advance
Rwandan-backed M23 said Thursday it wanted to "liberate all of the Congo" in its first public meeting since seizing the eastern city of Goma after deadly clashes, as its fighters advanced towards another regional capital.
M23 calls public meeting in captured DRC city as fighters advance
Rwandan-backed M23 called its first public meeting on Thursday since seizing the Congolese city of Goma after deadly clashes, as its fighters advanced towards another regional capital.
Marcos says no influence over Philippine VP's impeachment trial
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said Thursday he will play no role in determining the timing of his vice president's impeachment trial, now expected to take place following mid-term elections in May.
Controversial former Chinese ambassador appointed to European affairs post
China's controversial former ambassador to France Lu Shaye has been appointed to a prestigious post in charge of European affairs, Beijing announced Thursday.
Japan's 'geeky' PM Ishiba to navigate Trump relations
Days after Donald Trump's 2016 election victory, Japan's then-prime minister Shinzo Abe rushed to deliver him a gold-plated golf club, becoming the first leader to visit and setting the tone for a relationship both men said was close.
Israel orders army to plan to let Palestinians leave Gaza
Israel's defence minister ordered the army on Thursday to start making preparations to allow for "voluntary" departures from the Gaza Strip, after US President Donald Trump floated a proposal to move Palestinians out of the territory.
Most markets track Wall St gains, USPS rethink provides boost
Asian and European markets rose Thursday, tracking gains on Wall Street and following the US Postal Service's U-turn on a ban on parcels from China and Hong Kong, though trade war fears continue to dampen sentiment.
US skipping G20 talks due to S. Africa's 'anti-American' agenda: Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday he would skip Group of 20 talks this month in South Africa, accusing the host government of an "anti-American" agenda.
Most Asian stocks track Wall St gains, USPS rethink provides boost
Asian markets rose Thursday, tracking gains on Wall Street and following the US Postal Service's U-turn on a ban on parcels from China and Hong Kong, though trade war fears continue to dampen sentiment.
Pain and anger as Turkey marks two years since quake disaster
Tens of thousands of survivors held torchlit vigils across southern Turkey at 4:17 am Thursday, expressing pain and anger as they marked the exact moment two years ago when a devastating earthquake struck, claiming more than 53,000 lives in Turkey and some 6,000 in neighbouring Syria.
Bangladesh protesters raze buildings linked to ousted leader
Hundreds of Bangladeshi protesters smashed down buildings connected to ousted former leader Sheikh Hasina on Thursday, hours after students with excavators began demolishing a museum to her father.
AI risks 'disaster' without 'cast-iron guarantees': expert
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems must come with "cast-iron guarantees" against mass harm to humans, especially as the likelihood of their integration into weapons grows, a leading expert has told AFP.
Chagos islanders' dream of return now waiting on Trump
Chagos islanders still dream of returning home five decades after being expelled by Britain, but with Donald Trump in the White House they may have to wait a little longer.
US government vessels to sail free through Panama Canal: State Dept
The United States said Wednesday that its government vessels would be allowed to sail for free through the Panama Canal, following heavy pressure from President Donald Trump.
Asian markets advance after Wall St gains, US Postal Service U-turn
Asian markets rose Thursday, tracking gains on Wall Street and following the US Postal Service's U-turn on a ban on parcels from China and Hong Kong, though trade war fears continue to keep sentiment at bay.
US aid cuts come at deadly moment for malaria control
The sudden freezing of US aid to malaria projects comes as deadly new variants are spreading in Africa and could have a devastating impact, the head of a major NGO told AFP.
US waives aid ban to boost Haiti mission
The United States said Wednesday it was making an exemption in President Donald Trump's aid freeze to support a security mission in troubled Haiti, although some assistance was put on hold.
UN chief warns against Gaza 'ethnic cleansing' after Trump comments
The UN chief warned Wednesday against ethnic cleansing in Gaza as he rejected US President Donald Trump's bombshell proposal for the United States to take control of the Palestinian territory and displace all its people.
US appears to backtrack as Trump Gaza plan sparks global outcry
US President Donald Trump's administration appeared to backtrack Wednesday after his proposal to take over Gaza sparked uproar, with the UN chief warning against "ethnic cleansing" in the Palestinian territory.
Merkel urges parties to calm pre-election 'turmoil'
Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday urged politicians to dial back tensions ahead of elections this month after her centre-right CDU party sparked uproar by accepting the far right's support.
Guatemala promises surge in deportation flights, courting Rubio
Guatemala's leader promised Wednesday to allow a surge of deportation flights from the United States as he won a show of support from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a boost after simmering tensions in the Central American country.