HK police release student leader

HONG KONG • Pro-democracy student leader Joshua Wong was released from custody just before midnight on Thursday, after being detained for trying to intercept the motorcade of a top Chinese official.

His actions came on the last day of a three-day trip by Mr Zhang Dejiang, who chairs China's legislature.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

China claims support for stand on sea dispute

BEIJING • China yesterday said over 40 countries support its opposition to a United Nations court case filed by Manila over disputed waters in the South China Sea.

China wants all disputes to be resolved bilaterally.

REUTERS

Maoists form new party in tie-up with hardliners

KATHMANDU • Nepal's Maoists joined hands with hardline splinter groups to form a new political party on Thursday, in a bid to bolster their strength after a string of splits.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE