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Beijing slams Taiwan VP for attending Shinzo Abe’s funeral


Beijing (AFP) – China accuses Taiwan of a “political plot” after its Vice President William Lai attended former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe’s funeral. “There is no so-called Vice President” of Taiwan, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin says.

©AFP

Yosemite fires rage as firefighters scramble to contain blaze


Yosemite National Park (United States) (AFP) – Firefighters and rescue services are scrambling to protect the Yosemite National Park’s ancient sequoia trees from blazing wildfires. “We’ve got a ton of hand crews, fire engines, bulldozers all on scene working tremendously hard,” says fire official Joshua Boehm.

©AFP

UN passes 6-month extension of cross-border Syria aid


United Nations (United States) (AFP) – The UN Security Council adopts a resolution extending a system for cross-border aid to Syria by six months, the duration demanded by Russia while other members had sought a full year.

©AFP

Scene outside Tokyo temple where Abe’s funeral is being held


Tokyo (AFP) – Images show the entrance of Zojoji temple in Tokyo and men wearing black suits as family and friends of assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe gathered inside for a private funeral. Abe was shot at close range on Friday while giving a campaign speech in the city of Nara, days ahead of the upper house elections that saw his ruling party strengthen its hold on power. IMAGES 

©AFP

Bhutan’s trailblazing beauty queen speaks up for LGBTQ community


Thimphu (Bhutan) (AFP) – Tashi Choden will not only be the first contestant to represent Bhutan at the Miss Universe competition — she is also the Himalayan country’s only openly gay public figure. The remote country is famed for its philosophy of “Gross National Happiness”, in which it prioritises citizens’ well-being on par with economic growth. 

©AFP

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