Death toll rises as bushfires spread across Australia

Third death confirmed on Wednesday bringing the number of victims killed to 12 during the months-long bushfires.

North Korea's leader promises 'new strategic weapon,' leaves room for talks

North Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programs and to introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, although he signaled there was still room for dialogue with the United States.

Twelve dead, several missing as Australia counts the cost of devastating bushfires

A third person was confirmed dead on Wednesday in devastating bushfires that engulfed Australia's southeast coast this week and a fourth was missing and feared dead, as navy ships rushed to provide supplies and assist with evacuations.

Taiwan leader spurns China's offer to unify under Hong Kong model

Tsai Ing-wen, who is seeking re-election in a January 11 vote, promises to safeguard island's freedom and democracy.

Protesters burn security post at U.S. Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending more troops to region

Protesters angry about U.S. air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East.

Three dead, several missing as Australia counts the cost of devastating bushfires

Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

US to deploy 750 more troops to Iraq after Baghdad embassy attack

US President Trump blames Iran for protesters storming US embassy compound in Baghdad as he calls on Iraq for support.

Kim says North Korea to show 'new strategic weapon,' leaves room for talks

North Korea's leader plans to further develop nuclear programs and to introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, state media said on Wednesday, but he left room for dialogue with the United States after it ignored a year-end deadline he had set for talks.

Trump says he thinks North Korea's Kim is a 'man of his word'

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had signed a contract about denuclearization and that he thought the North Korean leader was a "man of his word."

Taiwan leader rejects China's offer to unify under Hong Kong model

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday the island would not accept a "one country, two systems" political formula Beijing has suggested could be used to unify the democratic island, saying such an arrangement had failed in Hong Kong.

Trump says he does not want, nor foresee, war with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran, after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Hong Kong gears up for huge New Year's Day anti-government march

Tens of thousands of Hong Kong protesters are expected to join a New Year's Day march on Wednesday as anti-government demonstrations that have embroiled the Chinese-ruled city for over half a year spill into 2020.

Australian bushfires claim third victim as authorities struggle to reach cut-off areas

Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

Australian bushfires claim third victim as more than 100 blazes burn

Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third death in devastating bushfires that engulfed the country's southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

Protesters burn security post at U.S. Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region

Protesters angry about U.S. air strikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East.

World welcomes 2020, but celebrations shadowed by wildfires, protests, Korea tensions

The world celebrated the New Year on Wednesday with fireworks displays from Sydney to London, although celebrations were clouded by deadly wildfires in Australia, protests in Hong Kong and India and new nuclear tensions with North Korea.