The Philippines said on Wednesday it was "gravely concerned" that Chinese boats were preparing to build structures at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, shattering an appearance of cordiality at an Asian summit in Laos.

• September 7, 2016

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday said he would travel to Ukraine with his French counterpart next week to discuss if, and when, a new round of talks involving Russia could be arranged on the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

• September 7, 2016

Syria's main opposition negotiating group would reject any deal struck by Russia and the United States on Syria's fate that was very different from its own proposed transition plan, the group's general coordinator Riyad Hijab said on Wednesday.

• September 7, 2016

Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged his support to the man emerging as the likely next leader of Uzbekistan on Tuesday, during a visit that put a stamp on Moscow's claim to be the ex-Soviet republic's closest ally.

• September 6, 2016

Britain is pressing for a "unique" deal with the European Union to restore sovereignty, reduce immigration and boost trade with the bloc after their split, the minister charged with negotiating Brexit said on Monday.

• September 5, 2016

A European Parliament committee on Monday backed visa-free travel to the European Union for Georgia and moved toward granting another ex-Soviet republic, Ukraine, the same right, after migration worries delayed the process before the summer.

• September 5, 2016

Britain and Russia said on Sunday they hope to improve their relations through dialogue following the first meeting between new British Prime Minister Theresa May and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• September 4, 2016

The euro zone will not release additional bailout money for Greece at a meeting in Bratislava this month, Germany's Handelsblatt Global reported on Sunday, citing European Union diplomats.

• September 4, 2016