Manila / AFP Manila has rejected Beijing’s demand that it “disregard” an international ruling that invalidated the Asian giant’s claims to much of the South China Sea before negotiating on the issue, the Philippines’ foreign secretary said on Tuesday. China last week denounced a UN-backed tribunal’s finding that there was no legal basis for its claims to most of …

  BRUSSELS / AFP The EU on Tuesday followed the US to launch a new legal challenge at the World Trade Organization over duties and quotas China imposes on its raw materials exports.The EU said China is violating WTO rules with restrictions on exports of key materials such as graphite, cobalt, chromium and magnesia which help Chinese industry at the …

  Srinagar / AFP Indian Kashmir residents said on Tuesday they are facing shortages of prescription drugs, as parts of the region remained under curfew for an 11th day following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. As the overall death toll from days of violence rose to 45, shopkeepers warned supplies were running low because trucks were unable to …