World News Briefs -- May 31, 2019

AFP: Sino-US ties take spotlight at Asian security forum

China and US defence chiefs will square off over territory, trade tensions and high-tech rivalry during informal talks on the sidelines of a security forum in Singapore this weekend.

Beijing is sending its defence minister for the first time since 2011 to the so-called Shangri-La Dialogue, which is also attended by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan and a host of top military officials from around the world.

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MIDDLE EAST

Almost 950 killed in a month of northwest Syria violence: monitor.

Saudi Arabia asks nations to respond to Iran with ‘firmness’.

Iran rejects Saudi Arabia's 'baseless' allegations at Arab summit.

Iran rejects US Mideast peace plan at Quds Day rally.

Iraq's president calls on neighbours, allies for Iran's stability.

Iraq: Series of deadly explosions hit Kirkuk.

Turkey says no delay in delivery of S-400s from Russia.

ASIA

Trump-Xi trade war summit at G20 in Japan still up in the air as ‘conditions not right’, China adviser says.

U.S. 'playing with fire' on Taiwan, China says ahead of defense meeting.

China, Japan boats engage in cat-and-mouse chase near disputed Islands.

Report: North Korea executes envoy to US.

Questions hang over North Korean food supply as clock ticks on TB catastrophe.

Philippines' Duterte warns over South China Sea 'flashpoint'.

Philippines ships trash back to Canada after heated row.

AFRICA

UN calls for evacuation of Libyan refugees amid 'dire' conditions.

Algerians rally for change despite arrests.

Sudan bans Al Jazeera amid protests over military rule.

Burundi threatens to cut ties with UN envoy: diplomats.

Morocco suspect admits killing Scandinavian hiker.

Angolan rebel leader Savimbi gets funeral in reconciliation bid.

Tanzania latest African nation to ban plastic bags.

EUROPE

Putin submits bill to withdraw Russia from nuclear treaty.

Pompeo visit to Germany highlights differences, commonalities.

Donald Trump in the UK - Brexit, Huawei and banquet with the queen.

All Germans urged to wear kippah in protest against antisemitism.

Bosnia mass killings: Efforts under way to identify victims.

U.N. report says Assange has been subjected to 'psychological torture'.

AMERICAS

Trump announces tariffs on Mexico over immigration.

Mexico president says to respond prudently to Trump threats, urges national unity.

US-Canada relationship 'never stronger' says Mike Pence, but Canadians aren’t so sure.

Pence calls on Canada to do more to engage Cuba over Venezuelan crisis.

China hopes Canada understands consequences of siding with U.S..

At least six inmates killed in Ecuador prison violence.

Nicaragua gov't says it released 50 more political prisoners.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS fight: US-led coalition says it killed 1,300 civilians in Syria and Iraq.

Exclusive: FRANCE 24 questions AQIM jihadist leader.

Lyon bomb suspect 'pledged allegiance to IS'.

Dutch hostage killed fleeing Abu Sayyaf captors in Philippines.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US-China trade breakthrough ‘unlikely’ at G20 meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

Former Chinese officials warn of lengthy trade war.

Singapore rated world's most competitive economy.