Manila / AFP Two US aircraft carriers have started exercises in the Philippine Sea, defence officials said on Sunday, as Washington’s close ally Manila faces growing pressure from Beijing in the South China Sea. The US Pacific Command said the USS John C Stennis and USS Ronald Reagan, among the world’s largest warships, began conducting air defense drills, sea …

  Sydney / AFP Three years after being ousted from power following a tumultuous period of infighting in which two prime ministers were deposed, Australia’s opposition Labor said on Sunday it was ready to return to Canberra ahead of national elections. The July 2 poll is tipped to be a tight race, and could see the ruling Liberal-National coalition become …

  LONDON / AP It’s often said that David Cameron is a lucky politician who has seemed to coast through politics on instinct and charm during a career that has culminated in six years as British prime minister. But now his luck may be running out. In calling a referendum on Britain’s membership in the European Union, Cameron has made a …