Asia
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Taiwan's president says state visits are 'basic right' after trip he says Beijing tried to block
President Lai Ching-te was supposed to travel to the African kingdom of Eswatini, but he had to cancel the initial trip owing to Chinese pressure, Taiwan’s government said.
China
Explosion at a fireworks plant kills at least 26 people in China
The blast happened in Hunan province's capital city of Changsha, home to a hub for fireworks manufacturing.
India
Modi's party wins control of India's West Bengal in a key state election
Opposition parties have sharply criticized the polls after the Election Commission removed millions of voters from electoral rolls.
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Taiwan explained: Why China claims it, and why the U.S. is involved
Tensions have escalated in recent years as China has rapidly ramped up its military capabilities and conducted more intrusive operations near the island. 
A North Korean women's soccer team is set to play in a tournament in South Korea
The game on May 20 will be a rare sports exchange between the war-divided rivals. 
Australia
Australia begins hearings into Bondi Beach attack and rising antisemitism
The attack, which left 15 dead at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, fueled calls for tougher gun controls and more action to tackle hatred towards Jews.
China
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Trump's war against Iran offers an opening for China
Analysis: The Middle East conflict could bolster Beijing's strategic position, pushing some countries to seek its help.
Taiwan
Taiwan president defiant on visit to Eswatini as China calls him a 'rat'
President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini, one of 12 countries with formal ties to Taipei, on an unannounced trip.
Iconic endangered bird returned to New Zealand's capital after a century's absence
“They are a part of who we are and our sense of belonging here,” said Paul Ward, founder of the Capital Kiwi Project. 
French teen charged in Singapore over a vending machine straw-licking video
Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, 18, allegedly committed the offense at a mall on March 12. Mischief carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.
South Korean court sentences ex-President to 7 years for charges including resisting arrest
Yoon Suk Yeol's conviction comes on top of a life sentence he has already received on rebellion charges stemming from his authoritarian push.
