World News Briefs -- January 25, 2017

The Government of Xi Jinping has issued warnings to the US on a number of issues. Jason Redmond, Reuters

ABC News Online: China warns Donald Trump via US media to stay out of South China Sea dispute

China has sent its strongest message yet to US President Donald Trump that it will not back down on its claims in the South China Sea.

In a rare move, a senior Chinese official used an English-language interview to warn the new administration not to challenge Beijing over the territorial disputes.

"There might be a difference [of opinion] over the sovereignty of these islands but it's not for the United States," Lu Kang, China's most senior Foreign Ministry spokesman, told NBC News.

"That might be between China and some other countries in this region."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Russian long-range bombers strike Daesh targets in Deir ez-Zor for fourth time.

Kremlin hails Syria talks in Astana as a success, says more possible.

Russia's Lavrov to meet Syrian opposition in Moscow on Jan. 27: RIA.

Under cover of night, Syrian wounded seek help from enemy Israel.

As dust of war settles, east Mosul buries its dead anew.

Kuwait hangs 7 prisoners, including royal, in mass execution. Prince among seven prisoners executed by Kuwait.


UN condemns Israel's West Bank settlement plans.

Hamas warns US against moving Israel embassy.

ASIA

China warns US it has sovereignty over South China Sea.

US faces stiff China pushback in S. China Sea: experts.

Official: Taliban launch nearly 19,000 attacks in 10 months.

US President Donald Trump invites Narendra Modi. Modi vows to work closely with US after Trump invite.

South Korean governor's island visit 'extremely regrettable': Japan.

People will rise against N Korean regime, says defector. North Korean elite turning against leader Kim: defector.

China says hopes Mongolia learned lesson after Dalai Lama visit.

AFRICA

Somali militants ram car bomb into hotel, killing at least 15. Somalia: Al-Shabab attack at Mogadishu hotel 'kills 15'.

Death toll in Nigeria IDP camp bombing climbs to 236.

Gambia's new president to arrive in the country on Thursday.

Mali: Security Council, UN mission condemns attack on Kidal base that kills one 'blue helmet'.

Six years after uprising, Sisi says Egypt 'on right track'.

No Turkey-type migrant deal with Libya, says EU commission.

South Sudan ambassador dismisses rift with Ethiopia.

EUROPE

Moscow: "No illusions" about restoring ties with US quickly.

Putin urges Europe to stay united.

Brexit: Theresa May promises White Paper on EU exit plan. UK PM May says she will publish 'White Paper' setting out Brexit plan.

Muslim spy scandal deepens rift between Germany and Turkey.

French candidate Fillon faces questions over wife's work. French would-be president Fillon fights scandal over wife's work.

French President Hollande visits Colombia rebels.

Rome's mayor to face prosecutors over alleged abuses of power.

Russian parliament votes to ease domestic violence penalties.

AMERICAS

Trump moving forward with border wall, weighs refugee cuts. Donald Trump: 'We will build Mexico border wall'.

Nikki Haley confirmed as ambassador to United Nations.

Trump's down to 3 in Supreme Court search.

US Senate committee moving forward with Russia hacking probe.

Dems indignant as FBI Director Comey keeps his job.

Scores of inmates at large after Brazil prison break.

Venezuela's economic woes will deepen, IMF predicts.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

13 Pakistani suspects among 16 arrested in Saudi Arabia on terror charges.

Guantanamo war court resumes under President Trump.

Belgium holds seven in hunt for returning Syria militants.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow hits 20000 for first time.

Panama suspends Panama Papers investigation.

Zuckerberg dismisses presidential bid rumours.