May wins Cabinet backing for Brexit deal but pitfalls remain

LONDON (AP) — In a hard-won victory, British Prime Minister Theresa May persuaded her fractious Cabinet to back a draft divorce agreement with the European Union on Thursday, a decision that triggers the final steps on the long and rocky road to Brexit. But she faces a backlash from her many political...

Southeast Asian-centered trade deal set for further delays

SINGAPORE (AP) — Leaders of Southeast Asian nations have again pushed back an agreement on a pan-Asian free trade deal amid a whirlwind of diplomacy Wednesday at their annual summit. In convening talks among the leaders of countries participating in the plan, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said a...

The Latest: Southeast Asian-centered trade pact delayed

SINGAPORE (AP) — The Latest on the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, meeting this week in Singapore (all times local): 5:35 p.m. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says a final agreement on a Southeast Asian-centered free trade agreement will be pushed back until 2019....

Singapore's leader says Southeast Asian nations pushing back agreement on a pan-Asian free trade deal to 2019.

Japan's Abe, Pence to visit Australia amid China concerns

SYDNEY (AP) — Regional security and the strengthening of ties with Japan and the U.S. will be high on the agenda for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison when he meets leaders from both countries amid continuing concerns about the growing influence of China in the Asia-Pacific. Morrison will meet Prime...

The Latest: UK Cabinet to discuss draft Brexit deal

LONDON (AP) — The Latest on negotiations over Britain's exit from the European Union (all times local): 5 p.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May's office has confirmed that the Cabinet will meet Wednesday to consider a draft divorce deal with the European Union. Downing Street says negotiators from the...

Former president of Mexico warns of US trade policy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A former president of Mexico warned of the possible consequences of U.S. trade policy during a lecture at Brown University in Rhode Island. The Providence Journal reports that Ernesto Zedillo said Monday a trade war with China could reach "epic proportions, with irreversible...

At Southeast Asian summit, pushback against going it alone

SINGAPORE (AP) — The annual gathering of Southeast Asian leaders began Tuesday with a warning from the host, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, about threats against international rules that underpin world stability and economic growth. "The international order is at a turning point," Lee said at...

US analysts locate secret North Korean missile sites

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. analysts said Monday they have located 13 secret North Korean missile development sites, underscoring the challenge that the Trump administration faces in trying to reach its promised broad arms control agreement with Pyongyang. The administration has said it is hopeful about...

Pence, Abe agree on North Korea sanctions, new trade talks

TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday reaffirmed the need to keep sanctions on North Korea to achieve its denuclearization as they showcased their bilateral alliance, while Pence also urged Japan to do more to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. Pence and...