China says population fell for third year in a row in 2024
China said Friday its population fell for the third year running in 2024, extending a downward streak after more than six decades of growth as the country faces a rapidly ageing population and persistently low birth rates.
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South Korea's Yoon refuses questioning again
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday again refused investigators' efforts to question him over his failed martial law bid, as the deadline on his detention neared.
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US trade envoy finds China's shipbuilding policies warrant 'urgent action'
The US Trade Representative said Thursday that its probe into China's practices in the shipbuilding, maritime and logistics sectors found that Beijing's undermining of fair competition warranted "urgent action."
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Russia and Iran to sign 'partnership' pact
Russia and Iran will sign a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty on Friday during a visit to Moscow by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, cementing ties between two of the world's most heavily sanctioned countries.
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Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 as Thunder rout Cavaliers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder avenged last week's defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers with a crushing 134-114 victory in a lopsided clash between the league-leading NBA rivals on Thursday.
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Sabalenka digs deep to battle into Australian Open second week
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka had to battle hard to beat Denmark's Clara Tauson 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 on Friday and reach the second week of the Australian Open after suffering another bout of the serving jitters.
Read moreIsraeli cabinet to meet on ceasefire after PM says hostage deal finalised
Israel's security cabinet was set to meet Friday after final details of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal were ironed out, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, with the United States "confident" the truce would begin as planned this weekend.
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Asian traders give mixed reaction as China's economic growth slows
Asian markets were mixed Friday as data showing China's economy grew slightly quicker than expected last year failed to inspire investors, with Beijing battling to revive consumption and boost the battered property sector.
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North Korea warns of stronger action over South's drills with US, Japan
North Korea condemned on Friday joint military drills between South Korea, Japan and the United States held this week, threatening to respond by exercising its right to self-defence "more intensively".
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Atletico hold slender Liga lead as Spain's big two resume battle
Atletico Madrid lead Spain's two giants by a whisker heading into the second half of the La Liga season, after racking up 15 victories on the spin across all competitions.
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