Australia and Papua New Guinea failed to sign a long-awaited mutual defense treaty as expected on Wednesday, as Canberra seeks to deepen ties with Pacific nations and counter Beijing's rising influence.

China's coast guard said Tuesday it had "taken control measures" against several Philippine vessels at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, as Beijing moves to reinforce its territorial claims and maritime rights in the contested region.

The pact -- seen as an attempt to counter Beijing's rising Pacific influence -- is expected to be signed by leaders Anthony Albanese and James Marape on Wednesday in Port Moresby.

More than 1,000 people, mostly university students, rallied near the National Parliament in Dili to protest against the plan approved last year to procure cars for each of the 65 members of parliament.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended a delay on enforcing a ban against TikTok until Dec. 16, marking the fourth postponement of a law designed to force the app's sale from its Chinese owner.

Trump, 79, has intensified his long-established hostility toward the media since his return to the White House, repeatedly badmouthing journalists critical of his administration, restricting access and bringing lawsuits.

Kirk was an electrifying presence on the US far-right, with a huge following that helped Donald Trump build the youth vote in his election victory last November.

Kirk, a powerful voice in conservative politics at just 31 years old, had been dead only a few hours when a somber-looking Trump sat behind his desk in the Oval Office to deliver an ominous message.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes the pomp of a royal welcome for US President Donald Trump on a state visit to Britain this week will offer him protection from possible pitfalls on anything from free speech to scandal over Jeffrey Epstein.

In July, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck off the Kamchatka peninsula, triggering tsunamis up to 4 meters high across the Pacific and sparking evacuations from Hawaii to Japan.

Sara Ferrer Olivella and Sugiono discussed various issues related to development in Indonesia. 

The recommendations were put forward in a report by the committee's lawmakers after months of testimony from families, social media executives and from influencers.

The bombing resulted in the death of six people, none of whom were the top Hamas officials Israel was targeting, according to the militant group and Israeli sources quoted by national media.

A United Nations commission accused Israel of committing "genocide" in the Palestinian territory, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials had incited the crime.

Rubio showed no daylight between himself and Netanyahu on a visit to Jerusalem on Monday, saying Israel could "count on our unwavering support" for its military push in the devastated Palestinian territory.