BEIJING (AP) — AIDS activists were skeptical of a pledge by China’s government to fight discrimination against people with the disease, saying Dec. 1 that the move would mean little without improvements in education to increase awareness and alter mindsets.
All about the money — Economy, not rights, rules the new China–US world
BEIJING (AP) — As a dangerous confrontation flared between China and Taiwan in 1996, Bill Clinton deployed the Seventh Fleet to deter the two rivals from going to war. Five years later, when a U.S. spy plane collided with a Chinese fighter, George W. Bush faced a prolonged international crisis. Meanwhile, human rights and democracy in China were a perennial hot-button issue.
Bush scrambles for North Korea breakthrough
LIMA, Peru (AP) — President George W. Bush scrambled allies Saturday, Nov. 22, to secure a North Korea disarmament deal before he leaves office, rushing hard for a late, legacy-shaping win.
Obama victory sparks cheers around the globe
TOKYO (AP) — Across the globe, people in city squares and living rooms, ballrooms and villages cheered the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president, raising hopes that America’s first Black commander in chief would herald a less confrontational America.
Kidnapped reporter freed from terrorist
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Mellissa Fung says captors kept her blindfolded for four weeks in an underground cave so low the Asian Canadian journalist could barely stand. Chains bound her hands and feet during her last week as a prisoner.
Japan picks woman astronaut for 2010 space flight
TOKYO (AP) — Japan has chosen a female astronaut to board the space shuttle Atlantis in 2010, the country’s first mother to go on a space mission, officials said Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Buddha boy in Nepal re-emerges from the jungle
KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A teenage boy whom many believe is the reincarnation of Buddha has re-emerged from the jungle in southern Nepal, attracting thousands of devotees, officials said Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Myanmar activists losing powerful ally: LAURA BUSH
WASHINGTON (AP) — Activists opposing Myanmar’s military-run junta will lose a powerful ally in January when first lady Laura Bush moves out of the White House.
Filipinos, weary of poll fraud, awed by U.S. vote
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The drama and glitter of the U.S. elections had many Filipinos enthralled. What left them envious was how fast and orderly the process went.
Mother held daughter captive at home for 8 years
TOKYO (AP) A Japanese girl was held captive at home for eight years by her mother, officials revealed for the first time Oct. 30, acknowledging that authorities repeatedly missed the abuse despite several warning signs.