Vietnam seizes two tonnes of ivory, pangolin scales
HANOI – Vietnamese authorities have seized more than two tonnes of pangolin scales and ivory from Africa, state media reported. Trade in ivory and pangolin is illegal in Vietnam but wildlife trafficking remains…
Australian firefighters die as flames circle Sydney; prime minister cuts short holiday
SYDNEY – Two volunteer Australian firefighters died on Thursday night in the battle against blazes around Sydney, prompting Prime Minister Scott Morrison to cut short a vacation to return to…
Vietnamese grass is greener in battle against plastic straws
LONG AN – A Vietnamese entrepreneur is promoting an environmentally friendly way to sip drinks by using grass stems to make reusable, biodegradable straws. Tran Minh Tien, 32, runs his…
Famed Australian corporate raider charged with child pornography offences: media
SYDNEY- Australian police have charged former corporate raider Sir Ron Brierley with child pornography offences, Australian media reports. Brierley – who shot to fame by launching takeover bids for Australian…
Vietnam hopes for Chinese restraint in South China Sea in 2020
SINGAPORE – Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam’s…
Ecstasy on the barbie: Australia seizes more than half a tonne of drugs smuggled in barbecues
SYDNEY – Australian police have arrested two men for allegedly smuggling 645 kilograms of ecstasy hidden inside hundreds of aluminium barbecues, the culmination of a six-month investigation spanning three countries.…
Qantas to put more experienced crew on board world’s longest flights: sources
SYDNEY – Qantas Airways Ltd plans to have more experienced pilots on board the world’s longest non-stop flights than on its current long-haul flights for the first 18 months as…
Australia’s climate stance sparks anger at UN summit
MADRID – Campaigners have slammed Australia on the final day of a UN climate summit as its policy of using old carbon credits to count towards future emissions targets emerged…
Australia names first female intelligence chief
SYDNEY – Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed a woman to head a major Australian spy agency for the first time. Rachel Noble will become next director-general of the Australian…
Malaysia seizes Vietnamese oil tanker that was tracked in North Korea
KUALA LUMPUR/SINGAPORE – A Vietnamese oil tanker which Reuters reported visited North Korea in February has been seized by Malaysia after it was found adrift off the Malaysian coast, maritime…
