7.3-magnitude quake rocks Japan; no damage reports
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's east coast early Saturday, triggering small tsunamis but causing no apparent damage.
Tsunamis of up to 40 centimeters were reported at four areas along the coast, but a tsunami advisory was lifted less than two hours after the quake.
Japan's meteorological agency said the quake was an aftershock of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck the same area in 2011, killing about 19,000 people.
The operator of the troubled Fukushima nuclear plant says no damage or abnormalities have been found.
China calls for cyberspace code amid U.S. spying row
The Chinese government has issued a statement, calling for the establishment of an international code for cyberspace.
It comes amid accusations of the United States spying on the phone records of its allied countries.
Chinese foreign ministry says "it is the latest testimony that cyber security is a common focus of all countries".
The US National Security Agency is being accused of collecting the telephone records of some 70-million people in France as well as tapping German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cellphone.
Germany to send senior security officials to Washington for spying talks
Germany is sending a delegation to Washington next week to seek clarifications of widespread U.S. spying allegations.
High-ranking representatives of the German security services as well as the chancellery are due to hold talks with White House officials as well as representatives of the U.S. National Security Agency.
According to German media reports, the European Union will also send representatives to the U.S. to discuss Washington's surveillance activities in Europe.
Voters turn out massively in Madagascar election, no major incidents reported
The first round of Madagascar's long-awaited presidential election has ended with no major incidents reported.
Voters have turned out massively to choose their new president among 33 candidates for the next five years.
It's the first election since the military-backed coup four years ago in the island nation.
Nearly 5,000 national observers and 800 international observers were involved in the process.
The provisional results are expected to be announced in 10 days.
Chemical inspectors verify 19 Syrian chemical sites
International chemical weapon inspectors have so far visited 19 of Syria's 23 disclosed chemical weapons' sites.
The Organization for the Prohibition of the Chemical Weapons says its teams are working with the Syrian authorities to prepare an initial declaration, which will include a general plan to destruct the country's chemical arsenal.
The OPCW notes that its inspectors are currently working in three teams with "good access" to sites in Syria.
Xi Jinping: China to further friendly relations with neighboring countries
Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to build better relations with neighboring countries by engaging in more "advancing and proactive" neighboring diplomacy.
He was speaking at a conference on diplomatic work, which mapped out the goals and strategy for China's diplomacy with its neighbors for the next five to 10 years.
Xi Jinping said China should maintain and make good use of this period of important strategic opportunities, and safeguard sovereignty and development interests.
Beijing has been involved in a series of diplomatic activities, highlighting the importance of neighboring areas, since the 18th CPC National Congress in November last year.
China first amends consumer rights law after 20 years
China's top legislature has passed a revision to the law on consumer rights and interests, the first time since the law was adopted in 1993.
The revision focused on better protection of rights and interests of consumers, added regulations on booming Internet shopping and tightened liabilities of business.
The law came when the country has been trying to turn domestic consumption into an engine of its economic growth.
Wang Jingchun wins "best actor" in Tokyo film festival
Chinese actor Wang Jingchun has won the "best actor" award at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Wang was honored for his role in "To Live and Die in Ordos".
The Swedish dramedy "We are the best" was awarded the top prize, the Sakura Grand Prix.
The best director honor went to Icelandic director Benedikt Erlingsson for his equine drama "Of Horses and Men."
Chinese director Yang Huilong won the top prize in the Asian Future section for new Asian directors with "Today and Tomorrow".
Li Na enters first WTA Championships semi-final
Li Na has swept injured Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 6-1 to become the first Chinese to enter the semi- final of the year-end WTA Championships.
Azarenka hurt her back in the sixth game of the first set.
In the semis Li will take on either Petra Kvitova or Angelique Kerber.
The other semis will see world No. 1 Serena Williams take on Jelena Jankovic.
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