The speaker of the House will stop in four Asian countries this week, but made no mention of a possible stop in Taiwan. Rumors she might visit the island democracy has fueled tension with China.

China said it was conducting military exercises off its coast after warning U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to scrap possible plans to visit Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

The city of Kanazawa produces most of Japan's fine gold leaf, but there aren't enough young people to take over the craft. The same situation is playing out for small family businesses across Japan.

China's leaders effectively acknowledged the struggling economy won't hit its official 5.5% growth target this year and said Thursday they will try to prop up sagging consumer demand.

President Xi Jinping warned against meddling in China's dealings with Taiwan during a phone call with his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, that gave no indication of progress on diplomatic relations.

The divisions over Taiwan come amid several challenges between the two superpowers, Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. tariffs and Chinese aggression in the Pacific.

The assassination, allegedly motivated by a grudge Abe's suspected killer held against the Unification Church, has put the relationship between Japan and the church under a new spotlight.

In a speech marking the 69th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, Kim said his country is ready to use nuclear weapons in any potential clash with the US or South Korea.

That's the title of a newly released report from Amnesty International, covering a range of issues affecting girls and women under Taliban rule. Foremost among them are child and forced marriage.

As the Taliban struggles to maintain control over Afghanistan, India may become an unlikely ally to help them stabilize.

Houses and buildings had cracked walls and some collapsed in Abra, where new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office less than a month ago, plans to travel to meet victims and local officials.

Those executed were a former National League for Democracy lawmaker, a democracy activist and two men accused of violence after the country's takeover by the military last year.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in nearby towns but residents were advised to evacuate.

Groups are urging the new president to order security forces to cease all unlawful use of force against protesters who have been demonstrating against the government over the economic crisis.

Sri Lankans have taken to the streets for months demanding their leaders resign over the economic crisis. The protests forced out former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last week.