China&nbsp;has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London&nbsp;stock&nbsp;exchanges because of&nbsp;political&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with Britain.

Suspending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/experts-optimistic-about-chinas-capital-market-249642">Shanghai-London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect</a> scheme casts a shadow&nbsp;over&nbsp;the future of a project meant to build ties between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Britain and&nbsp;China</a>, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/made-up-china-denies-allegations-of-forced-labour-at-shanghai-prison-269719">Shanghai-London deals</a>, all said that politics was behind the suspension.

Two of them highlighted Britain's stance&nbsp;over&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-severely-challenged-one-country-two-systems-principle-xi-in-his-new-year-address-271325">Hong Kong protests</a> and one pointed to remarks&nbsp;over&nbsp;the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong.

All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke&nbsp;on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly.

British&nbsp;companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242">Boris Johnson</a> approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests.

China&nbsp;blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain.

The&nbsp;China&nbsp;Securities Regulatory Commission and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-china-lifts-asian-shares-oil-up-on-drawdowns-mideast-tensions-270929">Shanghai&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange</a> did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/alibabas-hong-kong-shares-rise-66-on-debut-in-heavy-volume-264639">Stock&nbsp;Connect</a>, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by&nbsp;China&nbsp;to open up its capital markets as well as&nbsp;linking them globally.

Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent&nbsp;of its share capital.

However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason.

Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect.

Other hopefuls such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-buoyed-by-wall-st-rally-but-china-worry-caps-gains-267070">China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance</a>, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added.

SDIC Power and&nbsp;China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment.

"It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to&nbsp;China's&nbsp;links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals.

Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE.

The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December&nbsp;4, Refinitiv data showed, with&nbsp;political&nbsp;volatility and concerns&nbsp;over&nbsp;Britain's EU divorce crimping&nbsp;stock&nbsp;market fundraisings.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies. The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential Shanghai-London deals, all said that politics was behind the suspension. Two of them highlighted Britain's stance over the Hong Kong protests and one pointed to remarks over the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong. All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly. British companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister Boris Johnson approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests. China blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain. The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Shanghai Stock Exchange did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London Stock Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields". Stock Connect, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by China to open up its capital markets as well as linking them globally. Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent of its share capital. However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason. Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of Stock Connect. Other hopefuls such as China Pacific Insurance, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added. SDIC Power and China Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment. "It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to China's links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals. Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE. The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December 4, Refinitiv data showed, with political volatility and concerns over Britain's EU divorce crimping stock market fundraisings.

China halts listings between Shanghai, London due to tensions: Sources

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hit out at Russian President Vladimir Putin for "deliberately lying" about Poland being responsible for the outbreak of World War-II.

"President Putin has lied about Poland on numerous occasions, and he has always done it deliberately," Morawiecki said in a statement, adding, "this usually happens when Russian authorities feel international pressure related to their activities. In recent weeks Russia has suffered several significant defeats."

Putin in a speech recently had blamed Poland for the outbreak of World War-II and also accused it of anti-semitism in pre-war Poland. Putin said the Polish ambassador in Warsaw at the time had put up a Nazi salute in Warsaw and had agreed to sends Jews to Africa.

As the row escalated, the Polish foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to complain about Putin’s comments.

Morawiecki said European Union sanctions on Russia in the aftermath of the Crimea conquest and the recent Russian doping scandal were responsible for Putin taking a shot at his country.

"I consider President Putin's words as an attempt to cover up these problems. The Russian leader is well aware that his accusations have nothing to do with reality –- and that in Poland there are no monuments of Hitler or Stalin," Morawiecki said.&nbsp;

"Such monuments stood here only when they were erected by the aggressors and perpetrators –- the Third Reich and Soviet Russia," he added.

World War-II broke out in on September 1, 1939 after Hitler's Nazi Germany attacked Poland after which the Soviets attacked Poland on September 17 and occupied a part of the country carving Poland into two parts. Germany and the former Soviet Union had&nbsp;secret clause under the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact to split Poland.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hit out at Russian President Vladimir Putin for "deliberately lying" about Poland being responsible for the outbreak of World War-II.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hit out at Russian President Vladimir Putin for "deliberately lying" about Poland being responsible for the outbreak of World War-II. "President Putin has lied about Poland on numerous occasions, and he has always done it deliberately," Morawiecki said in a statement, adding, "this usually happens when Russian authorities feel international pressure related to their activities. In recent weeks Russia has suffered several significant defeats." Putin in a speech recently had blamed Poland for the outbreak of World War-II and also accused it of anti-semitism in pre-war Poland. Putin said the Polish ambassador in Warsaw at the time had put up a Nazi salute in Warsaw and had agreed to sends Jews to Africa. As the row escalated, the Polish foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to complain about Putin’s comments. Morawiecki said European Union sanctions on Russia in the aftermath of the Crimea conquest and the recent Russian doping scandal were responsible for Putin taking a shot at his country. "I consider President Putin's words as an attempt to cover up these problems. The Russian leader is well aware that his accusations have nothing to do with reality –- and that in Poland there are no monuments of Hitler or Stalin," Morawiecki said. "Such monuments stood here only when they were erected by the aggressors and perpetrators –- the Third Reich and Soviet Russia," he added. World War-II broke out in on September 1, 1939 after Hitler's Nazi Germany attacked Poland after which the Soviets attacked Poland on September 17 and occupied a part of the country carving Poland into two parts. Germany and the former Soviet Union had secret clause under the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact to split Poland.

President Putin has lied about Poland on numerous occasions: PM Mateusz Morawiecki

A Sudanese court sentenced 29 members of the national intelligence service to death by hanging on Monday over the killing of a teacher in detention in February during protests that led to the overthrow of former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-sudan-president-bashir-sentenced-to-two-years-in-detention-for-corruption-268286">Omar al-Bashir</a>.

The group that spearheaded the protests welcomed the ruling, the first to deliver sentences over crackdowns on demonstrations in the months before and after Bashir was toppled in April.

Prosecuting members of the intelligence services is seen as a test of how far <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-ethiopia-sudan-views-come-closer-on-giant-nile-dam-sudanese-minister-269627">Sudan</a>'s transitional government will go to erase Bashir's legacy and challenge the security apparatus.

"This day is a victory for justice, a victory for all Sudanese and a victory for the revolution," teacher Ahmed al-Khair's brother Saad told reporters after the verdict.

Also Watch: Sudan's former President convicted

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Thirteen defendants were sentenced to prison terms and a further four were acquitted in the ruling, which could face several stages of appeal.

The judge listed 27 agents from Kassala, capital of eastern Kassala state, who received death sentences. Another two agents from Khashm al-Qirba, the town in Kassala state where teacher Khair was killed, were also sentenced to death, a lawyer said.

Khair's death became a rallying point during 16 weeks of protests against Bashir's rule. His family said security officials initially claimed he had died of poisoning, though days later a state investigation found he had died of injuries from beating.

Hundreds of people rallied outside the court in Omdurman where the verdict was delivered on Monday, some waving national flags or holding pictures of Khair.

They broke into celebration after the ruling. Security forces fired tear gas to try to clear the rally and reopen roads. One woman, who suffered from asthma, died after inhaling tear gas, according to a doctors' committee linked to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-bashir-names-new-pm-as-protest-leaders-dismiss-emergency-199253">the anti-Bashir protests</a>.

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), which spearheaded protests against Bashir, said the trial restored confidence in the judiciary.

"With this ruling, the revolution will have paid off its debt to the martyrs a first time, to be followed as many times as the number of martyrs," it said.

The SPA is an important member of the Forces of Freedom and Change coalition that struck a three-year power-sharing deal with the military in August.

Dozens of protesters were killed during crackdowns on the protests against Bashir, and dozens died when security forces cleared a sit-in pushing for further change in June.

A Sudanese court sentenced 29 members of the national intelligence service to death by hanging on Monday over the killing of a teacher in detention in February during protests that led to the overthrow of former president Omar al-Bashir.

A Sudanese court sentenced 29 members of the national intelligence service to death by hanging on Monday over the killing of a teacher in detention in February during protests that led to the overthrow of former president Omar al-Bashir. The group that spearheaded the protests welcomed the ruling, the first to deliver sentences over crackdowns on demonstrations in the months before and after Bashir was toppled in April. Prosecuting members of the intelligence services is seen as a test of how far Sudan's transitional government will go to erase Bashir's legacy and challenge the security apparatus. "This day is a victory for justice, a victory for all Sudanese and a victory for the revolution," teacher Ahmed al-Khair's brother Saad told reporters after the verdict. Also Watch: Sudan's former President convicted × Thirteen defendants were sentenced to prison terms and a further four were acquitted in the ruling, which could face several stages of appeal. The judge listed 27 agents from Kassala, capital of eastern Kassala state, who received death sentences. Another two agents from Khashm al-Qirba, the town in Kassala state where teacher Khair was killed, were also sentenced to death, a lawyer said. Khair's death became a rallying point during 16 weeks of protests against Bashir's rule. His family said security officials initially claimed he had died of poisoning, though days later a state investigation found he had died of injuries from beating. Hundreds of people rallied outside the court in Omdurman where the verdict was delivered on Monday, some waving national flags or holding pictures of Khair. They broke into celebration after the ruling. Security forces fired tear gas to try to clear the rally and reopen roads. One woman, who suffered from asthma, died after inhaling tear gas, according to a doctors' committee linked to the anti-Bashir protests. The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), which spearheaded protests against Bashir, said the trial restored confidence in the judiciary. "With this ruling, the revolution will have paid off its debt to the martyrs a first time, to be followed as many times as the number of martyrs," it said. The SPA is an important member of the Forces of Freedom and Change coalition that struck a three-year power-sharing deal with the military in August. Dozens of protesters were killed during crackdowns on the protests against Bashir, and dozens died when security forces cleared a sit-in pushing for further change in June.

Sudan sentences 29 intelligence agents to hang for teacher's killing

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;reaffirm&nbsp;US&nbsp;support&nbsp;for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level&nbsp;US&nbsp;visit&nbsp;since President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment over his handling of relations with&nbsp;Ukraine.

Trump's conduct of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;policy has raised questions about his commitment to the country's security as it battles Russia-backed rebels and seeks to recover Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014.

A senior State Department official said&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;will stress in talks with Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> and other top officials that as "Ukraine&nbsp;faces its challenges, the United States is with them."

Pompeo&nbsp;also will&nbsp;reaffirm&nbsp;US&nbsp;backing of Zelenskiy's anti-corruption reforms, said the official, who could not be further identified under the rules of a briefing on&nbsp;Pompeo's January&nbsp;3-7 trip to&nbsp;Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on December&nbsp;18 impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from his bid to push Zelenskiy to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender to run against Trump in the 2020 election, and a debunked theory on election interference.

The senior State Department official dodged questions about whether&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;would raise with Ukrainian leaders the investigations sought by Trump.

"I can't tell you every topic that's going to come up in those bilateral meetings," said the official.

The House inquiry concluded that Trump sought the investigations in return for granting Zelenskiy an Oval Office&nbsp;visit. It also found that Trump held back $391 million in congressionally approved aid that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;needed to defend against Russia-backed separatists.

Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have promoted&nbsp;unsubstantiated allegations that Biden, while vice president, blocked an investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm whose board members included his son, Hunter.

They also have trumpeted a discredited theory that it was&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;that interfered in the 2016&nbsp;US&nbsp;presidential election.

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;intelligence community and a bipartisan Senate investigation concluded that Russia interfered to swing the vote to Trump over his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegation.

The State Department official also evaded questions about whether&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;sought the early departure from Kiev of the acting&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador, William Taylor, whose testimony was a key factor in the House Democrats' impeachment case.

Taylor is leaving Kiev before&nbsp;Pompeo's arrival even though his term does not expire until mid-January.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will reaffirm US support for Ukraine this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level US visit since President Donald Trump's impeachment over his handling of relations with Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will reaffirm US support for Ukraine this week, the State Department said on Monday, on the highest-level US visit since President Donald Trump's impeachment over his handling of relations with Ukraine. Trump's conduct of Ukraine policy has raised questions about his commitment to the country's security as it battles Russia-backed rebels and seeks to recover Crimea, seized by Moscow in 2014. A senior State Department official said Pompeo will stress in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other top officials that as "Ukraine faces its challenges, the United States is with them." Pompeo also will reaffirm US backing of Zelenskiy's anti-corruption reforms, said the official, who could not be further identified under the rules of a briefing on Pompeo's January 3-7 trip to Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on December 18 impeached Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, stemming from his bid to push Zelenskiy to open investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender to run against Trump in the 2020 election, and a debunked theory on election interference. The senior State Department official dodged questions about whether Pompeo would raise with Ukrainian leaders the investigations sought by Trump. "I can't tell you every topic that's going to come up in those bilateral meetings," said the official. The House inquiry concluded that Trump sought the investigations in return for granting Zelenskiy an Oval Office visit. It also found that Trump held back $391 million in congressionally approved aid that Ukraine needed to defend against Russia-backed separatists. Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have promoted unsubstantiated allegations that Biden, while vice president, blocked an investigation into the Ukrainian energy firm whose board members included his son, Hunter. They also have trumpeted a discredited theory that it was Ukraine that interfered in the 2016 US presidential election. The US intelligence community and a bipartisan Senate investigation concluded that Russia interfered to swing the vote to Trump over his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegation. The State Department official also evaded questions about whether Pompeo sought the early departure from Kiev of the acting US ambassador, William Taylor, whose testimony was a key factor in the House Democrats' impeachment case. Taylor is leaving Kiev before Pompeo's arrival even though his term does not expire until mid-January.

Pompeo set to reaffirm support to Ukraine: US State Department

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicaragua-unrest-mounts-as-government-opposition-talks-resume-147062">Nicaraguan government</a> said it freed more than 90 people on Monday&nbsp;who&nbsp;rights groups say were jailed for anti-government activity, including about a dozen people&nbsp;who&nbsp;were arrested after ferrying water to a group of&nbsp;mothers&nbsp;on&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;strike.

Dozens of people have been jailed since April 2018, after demonstrations against President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daniel-ortega-wins-third-consecutive-term-as-nicaragua-president-8504">Daniel Ortega</a>'s attempt to cut welfare benefits escalated into broader protests of his rule.

The protests also left more than 300 people dead, according to rights groups.

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The interior ministry said 91 people have been released as part of a "special act" aimed at national reconciliation, including prominent student protester Amaya Coppens.

The&nbsp;Nicaraguan and Belgian national, along with a dozen other&nbsp;protesters, delivered water last month to nine&nbsp;mothers&nbsp;who&nbsp;were on a&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;strike&nbsp;demanding the release of their children that they consider to be political prisoners.

The police cut off water and electricity supplies to the church in the city of Masaya soon after the&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;strike&nbsp;began. The&nbsp;mothers&nbsp;were later transported to a hospital.

During the&nbsp;strike, the government accused 13 activists&nbsp;who&nbsp;brought water to the&nbsp;mothers&nbsp;of planning to carry out terrorist attacks.

On Monday, a video posted on social media showed Coppens waving a large blue-and-white&nbsp;Nicaraguan flag, chanting, "Yes, we did it!"

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Another freed prisoner, Olga Valle, said in a separate video: "Families, take in your people. We left, we did it. Long live free&nbsp;Nicaragua."

The opposition Blue and White National Unity movement said about 80 people are still jailed for political reasons.

"We continue demanding the liberation of every single political prisoner," the grouping of opposition organizations said in a statement.

The Nicaraguan government said it freed more than 90 people on Monday who rights groups say were jailed for anti-government activity, including about a dozen people who were arrested after ferrying water to a group of mothers on hunger strike.

The Nicaraguan government said it freed more than 90 people on Monday who rights groups say were jailed for anti-government activity, including about a dozen people who were arrested after ferrying water to a group of mothers on hunger strike. Dozens of people have been jailed since April 2018, after demonstrations against President Daniel Ortega's attempt to cut welfare benefits escalated into broader protests of his rule. The protests also left more than 300 people dead, according to rights groups. The interior ministry said 91 people have been released as part of a "special act" aimed at national reconciliation, including prominent student protester Amaya Coppens. The Nicaraguan and Belgian national, along with a dozen other protesters, delivered water last month to nine mothers who were on a hunger strike demanding the release of their children that they consider to be political prisoners. The police cut off water and electricity supplies to the church in the city of Masaya soon after the hunger strike began. The mothers were later transported to a hospital. During the strike, the government accused 13 activists who brought water to the mothers of planning to carry out terrorist attacks. On Monday, a video posted on social media showed Coppens waving a large blue-and-white Nicaraguan flag, chanting, "Yes, we did it!" Another freed prisoner, Olga Valle, said in a separate video: "Families, take in your people. We left, we did it. Long live free Nicaragua." The opposition Blue and White National Unity movement said about 80 people are still jailed for political reasons. "We continue demanding the liberation of every single political prisoner," the grouping of opposition organizations said in a statement.

Nicaragua frees protesters who aided mothers on hunger strike

Bolivia's government expelled&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;and&nbsp;Spanish&nbsp;diplomats on Monday, escalating a&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;dispute after Mexico's embassy in La Paz granted asylum to allies of&nbsp;Bolivia's former socialist president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-victim-of-coup-mexican-president-amlo-265630">Evo Morales</a>.

Bolivian caretaker President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Jeanine Anez</a> said her administration had asked&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;ambassador María Teresa Mercado and several&nbsp;Spanish&nbsp;officials&nbsp;to leave the country within 72 hours and called them "persona non grata".

Shortly after, Mexico's foreign ministry said it would recall Mercado to ensure her safety and branded&nbsp;Bolivia's move as "political in nature".

In Madrid, Spain's foreign ministry said it would expel three&nbsp;Bolivian&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;staff over the matter.

Bolivia's disputed October election sparked widespread protests and Morales resigned last month in the face of growing civil and military pressure. Anez took over by default and has made sharp policy shifts away from his socialist government, fraying ties with leftist allies in the region.

Morales, meanwhile, claimed he was toppled in a right-wing "coup" and many of his allies have rallied behind him with the country headed for new elections in 2020. He fled the country and was granted asylum in Mexico. He is now in Argentina.

Mexican&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said the government aims to&nbsp;uphold ties with&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;and has not declared the&nbsp;Bolivian ambassador to Mexico persona non grata.

"For now, the foreign ministry does not have the intention of breaking&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Bolivia," Interior Minister Olga Sanchez told reporters. She added that tension between the two nations was nevertheless undeniable.

On Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-next-government-to-weigh-legalising-drugs-152482">Mexico's governmen</a>t said&nbsp;Bolivian authorities harassed and intimidated its&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;staff and impeded the departure of&nbsp;Spanish&nbsp;officials&nbsp;visiting its embassy in the capital where a number of Morales' allies had holed&nbsp;up.

Anez said the&nbsp;Bolivian government would not tolerate people "trying to cover&nbsp;up&nbsp;and protect criminals who have committed crimes of sedition, armed&nbsp;uprising and terrorism" and that&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;would not be a "colony" of any other country.

According to&nbsp;Bolivia's government, a former senior aide to Morales, Juan Ramon Quintana, is among nine people who have taken asylum in the&nbsp;Mexican&nbsp;embassy.

Mexico said last Thursday that it was asking the International Court of Justice to mediate the dispute.

Mexican&nbsp;Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/migrants-will-pay-the-price-of-mexicos-tariff-deal-with-trump-226455">Marcelo Ebrard</a> said in a Tweet that Mercado had "fully represented Mexico and its cause in favor of asylum and peace". Mercado wrote in a post in response she was proud to&nbsp;uphold Mexico's "principles and tradition of asylum."

Bolivia's government expelled Mexican and Spanish diplomats on Monday, escalating a diplomatic dispute after Mexico's embassy in La Paz granted asylum to allies of Bolivia's former socialist president Evo Morales.

Bolivia's government expelled Mexican and Spanish diplomats on Monday, escalating a diplomatic dispute after Mexico's embassy in La Paz granted asylum to allies of Bolivia's former socialist president Evo Morales. Bolivian caretaker President Jeanine Anez said her administration had asked Mexican ambassador María Teresa Mercado and several Spanish officials to leave the country within 72 hours and called them "persona non grata". Shortly after, Mexico's foreign ministry said it would recall Mercado to ensure her safety and branded Bolivia's move as "political in nature". In Madrid, Spain's foreign ministry said it would expel three Bolivian diplomatic staff over the matter. Bolivia's disputed October election sparked widespread protests and Morales resigned last month in the face of growing civil and military pressure. Anez took over by default and has made sharp policy shifts away from his socialist government, fraying ties with leftist allies in the region. Morales, meanwhile, claimed he was toppled in a right-wing "coup" and many of his allies have rallied behind him with the country headed for new elections in 2020. He fled the country and was granted asylum in Mexico. He is now in Argentina. Mexican officials said the government aims to uphold ties with Bolivia and has not declared the Bolivian ambassador to Mexico persona non grata. "For now, the foreign ministry does not have the intention of breaking diplomatic relations with Bolivia," Interior Minister Olga Sanchez told reporters. She added that tension between the two nations was nevertheless undeniable. On Friday, Mexico's government said Bolivian authorities harassed and intimidated its diplomatic staff and impeded the departure of Spanish officials visiting its embassy in the capital where a number of Morales' allies had holed up. Anez said the Bolivian government would not tolerate people "trying to cover up and protect criminals who have committed crimes of sedition, armed uprising and terrorism" and that Bolivia would not be a "colony" of any other country. According to Bolivia's government, a former senior aide to Morales, Juan Ramon Quintana, is among nine people who have taken asylum in the Mexican embassy. Mexico said last Thursday that it was asking the International Court of Justice to mediate the dispute. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said in a Tweet that Mercado had "fully represented Mexico and its cause in favor of asylum and peace". Mercado wrote in a post in response she was proud to uphold Mexico's "principles and tradition of asylum."

Bolivia expels Mexican, Spanish officials as diplomatic standoff heats up

Former world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/behind-the-swarovski-crystals-there-is-a-girl-says-sharapova-after-us-open-victory-426#us-open-tennis-tournament-54091">Maria Sharapova</a> will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month after being awarded a wildcard to play in the Australian Open warm-up.

The five-times Grand Slam champion, who last played a competitive match in the first round of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2019-serena-williams-wins-first-round-against-maria-sharapova-245883">US&nbsp;Open in August</a>, has dropped to 133rd in the world after a season in which injuries restricted her to eight tournaments.

The 32-year-old Russian will join current world number one Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova in a strong field at the Queensland&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Centre from January&nbsp;6-12, 2020.

Sharapova's lowly ranking means she will also need a wildcard to get directly into the main singles draw for this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-maria-sharapova-hands-harriet-dart-a-double-bagel-in-campaign-opener-190097">Australian Open</a>, which begins on January&nbsp;20.

Sharapova won her third major title at Melbourne Park in 2008 but also tested positive for a banned substance at the tournament in 2016 and served a 15-month suspension from the game.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month after being awarded a wildcard to play in the Australian Open warm-up.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month after being awarded a wildcard to play in the Australian Open warm-up. The five-times Grand Slam champion, who last played a competitive match in the first round of the US Open in August, has dropped to 133rd in the world after a season in which injuries restricted her to eight tournaments. The 32-year-old Russian will join current world number one Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova in a strong field at the Queensland Tennis Centre from January 6-12, 2020. Sharapova's lowly ranking means she will also need a wildcard to get directly into the main singles draw for this year's Australian Open, which begins on January 20. Sharapova won her third major title at Melbourne Park in 2008 but also tested positive for a banned substance at the tournament in 2016 and served a 15-month suspension from the game.

Ahead of Australian Open, Sharapova to return as Brisbane wildcard

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">North Korea</a> has withdrawn its women's soccer team from the final round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mary-kom-beats-challenger-in-trial-for-olympics-qualification-270761">2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers</a> being staged in South Korea in February, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said.

The AFC said on Tuesday the North had sent a letter informing it of its withdrawal from the tournament and that global governing body FIFA was also aware of the decision.

The two Koreas remain technically at war after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-comments-hostile-and-unnecessary-us-envoy-stephen-biegun-268473">the Korean War</a> ended in a truce and not a peace treaty, and while there was a flurry of&nbsp;sports&nbsp;diplomacy between the neighbours last year ties have again cooled over stalled negotiations over the North's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

"The AFC can confirm that DPR Korea Football Association sent an official letter to withdraw from the Women's Olympic Football Tournament 2020 Asian Qualifiers Final Round," the AFC said in an emailed statement.

The third round of group stage matches for the qualifying tournament will be held from February&nbsp;3-9 in South Korea and China.

North Korea were drawn in Group A alongside hosts South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar. Australia are in Group B with hosts China, Taiwan and Thailand.

The top two teams from each group advance to a two-legged playoff in March. The two playoff winners will join Japan, who have already qualified by virtue of being hosts, at next year's Olympics in Tokyo.

Also Watch: Fineprint: US vows action if North Korea provokes

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North Korea has withdrawn its women's soccer team from the final round of 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers being staged in South Korea in February, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said.

North Korea has withdrawn its women's soccer team from the final round of 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers being staged in South Korea in February, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said. The AFC said on Tuesday the North had sent a letter informing it of its withdrawal from the tournament and that global governing body FIFA was also aware of the decision. The two Koreas remain technically at war after the Korean War ended in a truce and not a peace treaty, and while there was a flurry of sports diplomacy between the neighbours last year ties have again cooled over stalled negotiations over the North's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. "The AFC can confirm that DPR Korea Football Association sent an official letter to withdraw from the Women's Olympic Football Tournament 2020 Asian Qualifiers Final Round," the AFC said in an emailed statement. The third round of group stage matches for the qualifying tournament will be held from February 3-9 in South Korea and China. North Korea were drawn in Group A alongside hosts South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar. Australia are in Group B with hosts China, Taiwan and Thailand. The top two teams from each group advance to a two-legged playoff in March. The two playoff winners will join Japan, who have already qualified by virtue of being hosts, at next year's Olympics in Tokyo. Also Watch: Fineprint: US vows action if North Korea provokes ×

North Korea pulls out of women's football 2020 Olympic qualifier in South Korea

With just&nbsp;days&nbsp;to go&nbsp;before&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;elections, its giant neighbour is trying a push-and-pull strategy on the island Beijing claims as Chinese territory, rattling its&nbsp;sabre&nbsp;while trying to coax electors with outwardly friendlier policies.

Taiwan, which says it is an independent country, has long been wary of Chinese attempts to sway its&nbsp;elections&nbsp;in favour of candidates who may look more kindly upon Beijing.

Fear of&nbsp;China&nbsp;has become a major element in the campaign, boosted not only by the anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong but also by a speech Chinese President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-turns-to-financial-experts-to-tame-economic-risks-270512">Xi Jinping</a> gave in January outlining&nbsp;China's "reunification" agenda, including threats of force.

Taiwan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-interfering-in-election-every-day-taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-263144">Tsai Ing-wen </a>and her team are pressing home a message that people need to "protect" Taiwan from&nbsp;China&nbsp;when they vote in the January 11 presidential and parliamentary election.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;Defence Ministry said&nbsp;China&nbsp;had sailed another carrier group through the Taiwan Strait just weeks after the last mission.

Taiwan Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-aircraft-carrier-sails-through-taiwan-strait-again-270359">Joseph Wu</a> quickly took to Twitter to denounce it.

"There it goes again!" he wrote. "Military threats like this only toughen&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;determination to defend itself and preserve regional peace and stability."

A few&nbsp;days&nbsp;before&nbsp;that, retired but influential Chinese General Wang Hongguang outlined at a state-media organised forum in Beijing how&nbsp;China&nbsp;could bring Taiwan to its knees by invading its outlying islands and "terrifying" Taipei into submission.

At the same time,&nbsp;China&nbsp;has rolled out policies promising better treatment for the Taiwanese business community, which has invested billions in&nbsp;China, and on Saturday revised a law to give those promises a firmer legal basis.

China&nbsp;has also encouraged Taiwanese abroad, even in places where Taiwan has its own representative offices, to seek consular help from Chinese embassies.

Taiwan says&nbsp;China&nbsp;has sinister intentions, and it must defend its freedoms.

Taiwan only enjoys democracy now after decades of struggle, Tsai's running mate, William Lai, told supporters on Saturday.

"How can we go backward, and become a second Hong Kong or Tibet?" he said.

China&nbsp;has ramped up pressure on Tsai since she won office in 2016, cutting off talks and flying bombers around Taiwan, believing she wants to push for the island's formal independence.

Tsai says Taiwan is already an independent country: the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107">Republic of&nbsp;China</a>, its official name.

China&nbsp;may have overreached recently, said one senior foreign envoy in Taipei, describing Xi's January speech as effectively "Xi campaigning for Tsai" because of how badly it was received in Taiwan.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Beijing doesn't see it that way.

Jin Canrong, Deputy Dean of the School of International Studies at Beijing's elite Renmin University and a government adviser, said Xi's speech marked a shift in policy away from preventing independence to actively promoting "reunification".

China&nbsp;is confident that it could successfully use force against Taiwan, he added.

"China&nbsp;really does have the military ability, which is the say the armed ability, to resolve the Taiwan issue," Jin said. "Although we would pay a price, in the end, we would win."

Any invasion would be bloody and difficult, as&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;military is well-armed, though the island could probably not hold out for long unless US&nbsp;forces came quickly to their aid, military experts have said.

Opposition presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, which favours close ties with&nbsp;China&nbsp;and who is trailing in the polls, says the best way to deal with&nbsp;China&nbsp;is to talk to Beijing and stop demonising the Chinese for electoral gain.

Han adviser Su Chi, a former general secretary of&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;National Security Council, said he believed Xi was actually a "dove among the hawks" when it came to Taiwan and wanted a peaceful solution.

"There are loud voices in the mainland for using force to reunify Taiwan, especially in the People's Liberation Army. I think he (Xi) doesn't really want this," Su said.

But Tsai's returning to the office would not necessarily mean relations with&nbsp;China&nbsp;would continue to worsen, as Beijing may realise it must talk to her, said senior legislator Lo Chih-cheng of the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-urgent-need-for-infiltration-law-in-face-of-china-president-tsai-ing-wen-270657">Democratic Progressive Party</a> (DPP).

"If our party or our president continues to be in power, eventually&nbsp;China&nbsp;has to come to terms with the incumbent government. They refuse to talk to the DPP because they believe the KMT had a chance to come back," he told Reuters at his campaign office in a Taipei suburb.

"After seeing the probable defeat of the KMT, leaders in Beijing may believe that in the foreseeable future the KMT may not come back to power again," he added. "So it might be reasonable or sensible for them to come to terms with the DPP government."

With just days to go before Taiwan's elections, its giant neighbour is trying a push-and-pull strategy on the island Beijing claims as Chinese territory, rattling its sabre while trying to coax electors with outwardly friendlier policies.

With just days to go before Taiwan's elections, its giant neighbour is trying a push-and-pull strategy on the island Beijing claims as Chinese territory, rattling its sabre while trying to coax electors with outwardly friendlier policies. Taiwan, which says it is an independent country, has long been wary of Chinese attempts to sway its elections in favour of candidates who may look more kindly upon Beijing. Fear of China has become a major element in the campaign, boosted not only by the anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong but also by a speech Chinese President Xi Jinping gave in January outlining China's "reunification" agenda, including threats of force. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and her team are pressing home a message that people need to "protect" Taiwan from China when they vote in the January 11 presidential and parliamentary election. On Thursday, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said China had sailed another carrier group through the Taiwan Strait just weeks after the last mission. Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu quickly took to Twitter to denounce it. "There it goes again!" he wrote. "Military threats like this only toughen Taiwan's determination to defend itself and preserve regional peace and stability." A few days before that, retired but influential Chinese General Wang Hongguang outlined at a state-media organised forum in Beijing how China could bring Taiwan to its knees by invading its outlying islands and "terrifying" Taipei into submission. At the same time, China has rolled out policies promising better treatment for the Taiwanese business community, which has invested billions in China, and on Saturday revised a law to give those promises a firmer legal basis. China has also encouraged Taiwanese abroad, even in places where Taiwan has its own representative offices, to seek consular help from Chinese embassies. Taiwan says China has sinister intentions, and it must defend its freedoms. Taiwan only enjoys democracy now after decades of struggle, Tsai's running mate, William Lai, told supporters on Saturday. "How can we go backward, and become a second Hong Kong or Tibet?" he said. China has ramped up pressure on Tsai since she won office in 2016, cutting off talks and flying bombers around Taiwan, believing she wants to push for the island's formal independence. Tsai says Taiwan is already an independent country: the Republic of China, its official name. China may have overreached recently, said one senior foreign envoy in Taipei, describing Xi's January speech as effectively "Xi campaigning for Tsai" because of how badly it was received in Taiwan. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Beijing doesn't see it that way. Jin Canrong, Deputy Dean of the School of International Studies at Beijing's elite Renmin University and a government adviser, said Xi's speech marked a shift in policy away from preventing independence to actively promoting "reunification". China is confident that it could successfully use force against Taiwan, he added. "China really does have the military ability, which is the say the armed ability, to resolve the Taiwan issue," Jin said. "Although we would pay a price, in the end, we would win." Any invasion would be bloody and difficult, as Taiwan's military is well-armed, though the island could probably not hold out for long unless US forces came quickly to their aid, military experts have said. Opposition presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, which favours close ties with China and who is trailing in the polls, says the best way to deal with China is to talk to Beijing and stop demonising the Chinese for electoral gain. Han adviser Su Chi, a former general secretary of Taiwan's National Security Council, said he believed Xi was actually a "dove among the hawks" when it came to Taiwan and wanted a peaceful solution. "There are loud voices in the mainland for using force to reunify Taiwan, especially in the People's Liberation Army. I think he (Xi) doesn't really want this," Su said. But Tsai's returning to the office would not necessarily mean relations with China would continue to worsen, as Beijing may realise it must talk to her, said senior legislator Lo Chih-cheng of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). "If our party or our president continues to be in power, eventually China has to come to terms with the incumbent government. They refuse to talk to the DPP because they believe the KMT had a chance to come back," he told Reuters at his campaign office in a Taipei suburb. "After seeing the probable defeat of the KMT, leaders in Beijing may believe that in the foreseeable future the KMT may not come back to power again," he added. "So it might be reasonable or sensible for them to come to terms with the DPP government."

Ahead of Taiwan elections, China unveils friendly policies for business community

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;police will deploy more than 6,000 officers on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-to-continue-new-year-eves-fireworks-despite-massive-protest-petition-270998">New&nbsp;Year's Eve</a>, local media reported on Tuesday, as protesters plan rallies around the city to urge people not to give&nbsp;up&nbsp;the fight for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">democracy</a> in 2020.

Protests planned on&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's Eve include a lunchtime rally in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's Central business district with people urged to wear masks and "Don't forget 2019 - Persist in 2020" according to social media posts.

Events dubbed "Suck the Eve" and "Shop With You" are also set for the bar and entertainment district of Lan Kwai Fong in the central business district, as well as promenades near Victoria Harbour, and in major shopping malls.

Police will deploy more than 6,000 officers to deal with potential&nbsp;unrest&nbsp;over the&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's period, according to the South China Morning Post&nbsp;newspaper, citing unnamed sources.

The police say they have arrested nearly 6,500 people since the protests began escalating in June in what is the worst political crisis faced by the city in decades. The police commissioner, Chris Tang, warned the force would not let&nbsp;up&nbsp;in its arrests to try to restore stability to the city.

On&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's Day, tens of thousands are expected to join a major pro-democracy march, after it received police approval to proceed, with organisers hoping to sustain the protest movement's momentum into the&nbsp;new&nbsp;year.

The previous such march by organisers, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-gives-protesters-green-light-for-big-march-on-sunday-266462">Civil Human Rights Front</a>, in early December, drew an estimated 800,000 people.

"On&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year's Day, we need to show our solidarity to resist the government. We hope&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people will come onto the streets for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's future," said Jimmy Sham, a leader of the group&nbsp;told reporters.

The protests began in June in response to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party and have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement.

The demonstrations planned for&nbsp;New&nbsp;Year&nbsp;follow a pick&nbsp;up&nbsp;in clashes since Christmas Eve when riot police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters following scuffles in shopping malls and in a prime tourist district.

Hong Kong police will deploy more than 6,000 officers on New Year's Eve, local media reported on Tuesday, as protesters plan rallies around the city to urge people not to give up the fight for democracy in 2020.

Hong Kong police will deploy more than 6,000 officers on New Year's Eve, local media reported on Tuesday, as protesters plan rallies around the city to urge people not to give up the fight for democracy in 2020. Protests planned on New Year's Eve include a lunchtime rally in Hong Kong's Central business district with people urged to wear masks and "Don't forget 2019 - Persist in 2020" according to social media posts. Events dubbed "Suck the Eve" and "Shop With You" are also set for the bar and entertainment district of Lan Kwai Fong in the central business district, as well as promenades near Victoria Harbour, and in major shopping malls. Police will deploy more than 6,000 officers to deal with potential unrest over the New Year's period, according to the South China Morning Post newspaper, citing unnamed sources. The police say they have arrested nearly 6,500 people since the protests began escalating in June in what is the worst political crisis faced by the city in decades. The police commissioner, Chris Tang, warned the force would not let up in its arrests to try to restore stability to the city. On New Year's Day, tens of thousands are expected to join a major pro-democracy march, after it received police approval to proceed, with organisers hoping to sustain the protest movement's momentum into the new year. The previous such march by organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front, in early December, drew an estimated 800,000 people. "On New Year's Day, we need to show our solidarity to resist the government. We hope Hong Kong people will come onto the streets for Hong Kong's future," said Jimmy Sham, a leader of the group told reporters. The protests began in June in response to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party and have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement. The demonstrations planned for New Year follow a pick up in clashes since Christmas Eve when riot police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters following scuffles in shopping malls and in a prime tourist district.

Hong Kong gears up for New Year countdown unrest

Militants killed 18 people in an attack on a village in eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dr-congo-ebola-death-toll-2231-to-date-report-270888">Congo</a>, a regional official and a local human rights group said on Monday, the latest in a 60-day counter-offensive that has killed nearly 200 civilians.

The attack occurred in Apetina, in a remote forested area a few miles from the Ugandan border where attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist group, have increased since October&nbsp;30, when the army launched a campaign to root them out.

Democratic Republic of Congo <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opposition-leader-felix-tshisekedi-declared-winner-in-dr-congo-presidential-election-189319">President Felix Tshisekedi</a> has said the campaign has dismantled nearly all of the ADF's sanctuaries, but attacks continue unabated. Earlier this month, 22 were killed in ambushes on two villages in the same region.

"There was a raid by ADF rebels in...​​Apetina on Sunday night. These rebels killed 18 people and burned down eight houses," said Donat Kibwana, the administrator of Beni territory.

He said that the army was alerted to the attack but arrived after the killings had occurred. CEPADHO, a human rights group, also said that 18 had been killed.

The Congolese government has blamed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-people-killed-in-twin-attacks-in-dr-congo-182195">ADF for attacks</a> going back years, including dozens of night-time massacres since 2014 that have killed hundreds of civilians. But repeated military operations have failed to fully eradicate the group.

The recent surge in violence has complicated efforts to stamp out an Ebola outbreak in the area. Infections have started to rise in areas health workers have been unable to access because of insecurity.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-two-iranian-judges-for-overseeing-iranian-regimes-miscarriage-of-justice-269258">US&nbsp;Treasury</a> this month imposed sanctions on six members of the ADF, including its leader Musa Baluku. Islamic State has claimed some ADF attacks this year, but researchers say there is a lack of hard evidence linking the two groups.

Militants killed 18 people in an attack on a village in eastern Congo, a regional official and a local human rights group said on Monday, the latest in a 60-day counter-offensive that has killed nearly 200 civilians.

Militants killed 18 people in an attack on a village in eastern Congo, a regional official and a local human rights group said on Monday, the latest in a 60-day counter-offensive that has killed nearly 200 civilians. The attack occurred in Apetina, in a remote forested area a few miles from the Ugandan border where attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist group, have increased since October 30, when the army launched a campaign to root them out. Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has said the campaign has dismantled nearly all of the ADF's sanctuaries, but attacks continue unabated. Earlier this month, 22 were killed in ambushes on two villages in the same region. "There was a raid by ADF rebels in...Apetina on Sunday night. These rebels killed 18 people and burned down eight houses," said Donat Kibwana, the administrator of Beni territory. He said that the army was alerted to the attack but arrived after the killings had occurred. CEPADHO, a human rights group, also said that 18 had been killed. The Congolese government has blamed the ADF for attacks going back years, including dozens of night-time massacres since 2014 that have killed hundreds of civilians. But repeated military operations have failed to fully eradicate the group. The recent surge in violence has complicated efforts to stamp out an Ebola outbreak in the area. Infections have started to rise in areas health workers have been unable to access because of insecurity. The US Treasury this month imposed sanctions on six members of the ADF, including its leader Musa Baluku. Islamic State has claimed some ADF attacks this year, but researchers say there is a lack of hard evidence linking the two groups.

Militants kill 18 in attack in eastern Congo

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-police-arrest-15-in-fresh-shopping-mall-protests-270781">Hong Kong garrison</a> carried out air and sea exercises, according to state-run CCTV.

The drills which included emergency deployment, joint force delivery and joint patrolling was posted in the military channel, reports said.

The military exercise comes even as Hong Kong has been gripped by months of violence on the streets with protesters demanding more accountability from the government. On Monday, Hong Kong police appealed for an end to violence asserting that citizens were fed up with the social unrest and longed for peace and stability.

"We appeal to the organiser and participants to remain calm and rational. Let us kick start 2020 with peace and get Hong Kong back on the right track," Hong Kong police Public Relations chief, Kwok Ka-Chuen said amid reports of renewed violence in the new year.

Reports indicate Hong is set for multiple protests in the New Year starting Tuesday in several areas including Lan Kwai Fong, Victoria Harbour and in popular shopping malls.

The police have already given permission for a pro-democracy march on January 1. Authorities said they would deploy crowd control patrols while urging citizens to be peaceful.

Police Commissioner Chris Tang said: "If you use violence, you will not get public support. We, police, will do all we can to arrest you."

The police have already arrested several hundred protesters in the past months with no indication of end to the current cycle of violence.

On Sunday, at least one thousand people took part in a rally despite the rains wearing black masks to hide their identities. On Saturday, riot police had arrested several protesters and used pepper spray to break up the gathering as clashes continued in the city.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong garrison carried out air and sea exercises, according to state-run CCTV. The drills which included emergency deployment, joint force delivery and joint patrolling was posted in the military channel, reports said.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong garrison carried out air and sea exercises, according to state-run CCTV. The drills which included emergency deployment, joint force delivery and joint patrolling was posted in the military channel, reports said. The military exercise comes even as Hong Kong has been gripped by months of violence on the streets with protesters demanding more accountability from the government. On Monday, Hong Kong police appealed for an end to violence asserting that citizens were fed up with the social unrest and longed for peace and stability. "We appeal to the organiser and participants to remain calm and rational. Let us kick start 2020 with peace and get Hong Kong back on the right track," Hong Kong police Public Relations chief, Kwok Ka-Chuen said amid reports of renewed violence in the new year. Reports indicate Hong is set for multiple protests in the New Year starting Tuesday in several areas including Lan Kwai Fong, Victoria Harbour and in popular shopping malls. The police have already given permission for a pro-democracy march on January 1. Authorities said they would deploy crowd control patrols while urging citizens to be peaceful. Police Commissioner Chris Tang said: "If you use violence, you will not get public support. We, police, will do all we can to arrest you." The police have already arrested several hundred protesters in the past months with no indication of end to the current cycle of violence. On Sunday, at least one thousand people took part in a rally despite the rains wearing black masks to hide their identities. On Saturday, riot police had arrested several protesters and used pepper spray to break up the gathering as clashes continued in the city.

China's army in Hong Kong carries out air, sea exercises: Report

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