Reuters: U.S. issues China travel advisory amid increased tensions
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Thursday renewed its warning for U.S. citizens traveling in China to exercise increased caution due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws” amid heightened diplomatic tensions over the arrest in Canada of a Chinese technology company executive.
The updated travel advisory maintains the warning at “Level 2” but also warns about extra security checks and increased police presence in the Xinjiang Uighur and Tibet Autonomous Regions.
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MIDDLE EAST
US intensifies bombing in Syria after Trump announced withdrawal.
Trump gives no timetable for pullout from 'sand and death' Syria.
Syria: North sees deadliest fighting in months.
Assad will remain in power 'for a while', says Jeremy Hunt.
US warns Iran against conducting planned missile launches - Pompeo.
'US is in no position to lecture': Tehran balks at US warning on missile tests.
Saudi prosecutors to seek death penalty for five suspects in Jamal Khashoggi killing: state media.
UN envoy heads to Yemen, Saudi Arabia as Hodeida truce holds.
Yemen cholera epidemic strain 'came from eastern Africa'.
Israel vows to 'worsen' conditions for Palestinian prisoners.
ASIA
Thousands flee clashes between Buddhist group and Myanmar army.
US issues fresh travel warning after China detentions.
North Korea's acting ambassador to Italy Jo Song-gil reportedly 'disappears' with his family.
Sabarimala: India's Kerala paralysed amid protests over temple entry.
Thailand braces for powerful storm at southern beach towns.
India responds to Trump's 'Afghan library' dig at PM Modi.
AFRICA
US airstrike in Somalia kills 10 al-Shabab extremists.
China dismisses Africa debt fears at start of FM tour.
5 dead as Nigeria chopper crashes during Boko Haram attack.
Boko Haram raids military posts in northeast Nigeria.
Over 600 cases of Ebola in Congo and 268 deaths, health ministry reports.
DR Congo election observers say setbacks kept many from voting.
Two killed as Tunisian security forces storm armed group hideout.
Madagascar opposition protest ahead of court's vote verdict.
Somalia tells UN not to interfere after expelling envoy.
Arrest warrant issued for Ethiopia’s ex-spy chief.
EUROPE
Bail sought for ex-Marine held in Moscow for alleged spying.
Final toll from collapsed Russian building: 39 dead.
Macron govt on tenterhooks as new tax regime takes effect.
French police arrest gilets jaunes protests leader Eric Drouet.
Police reinforcements for Northern Ireland in case of no-deal Brexit.
Denmark train crash death toll rises to eight.
Cargo ship loses 270 containers near German island in North Sea.
Annual migrant deaths in Mediterranean fall by over a quarter: UNHCR.
AMERICAS
Nancy Pelosi elected Speaker as Democrats hope to end shutdown with 'nothing' for Donald Trump's border wall.
Democrats to take on Trump as divided US Congress gets to work.
Mexico had more than 1,700 homicides in December.
Brazil's Bolsonaro begins starts firing 'left-wing' public servants.
In Bolsonaro's Brazil, indigenous groups fear more violence.
Colombia coca production: US 'deeply concerned' by rise.
New York murder rate lowest in almost 70 years.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Turkey, Iraq to boost anti-terror cooperation.
Wife of jihadist charged with terrorist crimes in France.
Australian-born terrorist Neil Prakash cannot go to Fiji, says Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.
Racist or Islamist — lone-wolf attackers show similar patterns.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US stocks fall as China fears trigger gloom.
Apple’s shock downgrade rattles global stock markets. Apple shares close nearly 10% lower after sales warning.
OPEC oil output posts biggest drop since 2017 on Saudi move.
Google shifted $23bn to tax haven Bermuda in 2017, filing shows.
