THE GUARDIAN

China vows to resist ‘interference’ as Taiwan welcomes support from Aukus allies

China’s president, Xi Jinping, has vowed to resist “interference from external forces” as Taiwan welcomed support from major allies after a US-Australia ministerial forum pledged stronger ties with the island and the European parliament called for a bilateral trade deal.

AL JAZEERA

Israel, Egypt leaders meet to de-escalate Gaza tensions 

The meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi likely focused on de-escalating tensions between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza Strip, and could lead to an easing of restrictions on the occupied enclave, analysts say. 

THE GUARDIAN

North Korea says it has test-fired long-range cruise missile

North Korea has carried out successful tests of a new long-range cruise missile over the weekend, its state media outlet KCNA said, sparking fresh criticism from the US amid a protracted standoff over denuclearisation. 

THE GUARDIAN

Biden tells Xi US and China must not ‘veer into conflict’

Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have spoken in their first phone call for seven months, amid continuing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

THE GUARDIAN

Taliban to allow 200 foreigners to leave on charter flights

Two hundred Americans and other foreigners who remain in Afghanistan were expected to depart the country on charter flights from Kabul on Thursday after the new Taliban government agreed to their evacuation.

THE GUARDIAN

US-led meeting to set out framework for Taliban cooperation

The US is convening an expanded group of western nations to set a framework for cooperation with the new Taliban government, amid fears that isolating the militant group could backfire.

THE GUARDIAN

Bolsonaro supporters clash with police before major rally in Brasília

Pre-dawn skirmishes have erupted between police and supporters of Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, as rightwing activists tried to force their way towards congress before major pro-government rallies that have put Latin America’s biggest democracy on edge.

THE GUARDIAN

Afghanistan: Taliban claim to have taken control of Panjshir valley

The Taliban have fought their way to the capital of Panjshir, the last Afghan province holding out against their rule, and seem on the brink of total victory.

AL JAZEERA

Syrian air defences ‘shoot down’ Israeli missiles over Damascus 

Syrian air defences have shot down missiles fired by Israel in the skies over the capital, Damascus, SANA state news agency said early on Friday. 

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors violence in Syria, confirmed the attack. 

THE GUARDIAN

Afghanistan: Taliban expected to announce new government

The Taliban are expected to announce a new government in Afghanistan within hours, as chaos and confusion deepened and the country teetered on the brink of economic collapse more than two weeks after the Islamist militia seized control.