China says South China Sea lighthouses not meant to alter 'status quo'
China does not seek to change the existing status of territorial claims in the South China Sea with its newly built lighthouses, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, arguing that Beijing already had "indisputable sovereignty" in the contested waters.
Putin says Russia stepping up fight on terrorism after Syria strikes
President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday Russia had foiled 20 militant attacks this year and was stepping up efforts to root out domestic terrorism, almost three weeks after launching air strikes against Islamist fighters in Syria.
As Russia reasserts itself, NATO opens biggest exercises in years
NATO and its allies opened their largest military exercise in more than a decade on Monday, choosing the central Mediterranean to showcase strengths that face threats from Russia's growing military presence from the Baltics to Syria.
U.N. condemns Iran's execution of minors, notes 'worrying trend'
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned Iran's execution of two minors last week, while voicing his concern about the rise in executions in the Islamic republic.
China economy logs weakest growth since 2009
China's economic growth dipped below 7 percent for the first time since the global financial crisis on Monday, hurt partly by cooling investment, raising pressure on Beijing to further cut interest rates and take other measures to stoke activity.
Germany sees Iran sanctions in place until January at least
Germany's foreign minister said on Sunday sanctions against Iran would likely remain in place until at least January as world powers wait to see whether Tehran sticks to its commitments under a plan to curb its nuclear program.
Iran deal closer to reality as U.S. prepares sanctions waivers
The United States approved conditional sanctions waivers for Iran on Sunday, though it cautioned they would not take effect until Tehran has curbed its nuclear program as required under a historic nuclear deal reached in Vienna on July 14.
China wants naval drills with Southeast Asia in South China Sea
China's defense minister said on Friday that he is willing to hold joint drills in the disputed South China Sea with Southeast Asian countries, covering accidental encounters and search and rescue, striking a conciliatory tone over an increasingly tense spat.
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