BAGHDAD (AFP) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's bloc was leading in Iraq's predominantly Shiite southern province of Basra, the country's third-biggest constituency, early results showed Sunday.

TOKYO (AFP) - A strong earthquake, measuring 6.6 magnitude, hit northern Japan Sunday afternoon, said the Japanese government, which did not issue a tsunami warning.

BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday that the United States violated Beijing's sovereignty by selling arms to Taiwan and welcoming the Dalai Lama to the White House.

BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday that Beijing would maintain the "continuity and stability" of its policies, when asked if it would pursue its stimulus measures in place since late 2008.

BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday he hoped one day to visit Taiwan, amid warming relations between Beijing and the self-ruled island.