Jakarta / AFP Indonesia’s defence minister said on Thursday suspected communists killed in 1960s military-backed massacres “deserved to die”, as a backlash mounts against efforts to resolve one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history. Hardline ex-general Ryamizard Ryacudu made the comments to a gathering of former military figures and nationalist groups convened in response to moves by …

  Manila / AFP The leader of the Philippines’ communist insurgency said on Thursday he expects to end nearly 30 years in exile by returning from Europe to Manila as early as next month. While running for office last month, Rodrigo Duterte, now the newly elected president, said Jose Maria Sison, the rebel leader and Communist Party of the Philippines …

  DUSHANBE / AP Officials from China’s traditionally Muslim region of Xinjiang say they will not interfere with fasting and other standard religious activities during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The officials said at a news conference on Thursday that restaurants will be allowed to keep their own hours and activities in mosques and homes will be legally protected. …