Trump proposes barring Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on US routes

The Trump administration on Thursday proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on routes to and from the United States, saying the reduced flight time this practice enables puts American carriers at a disadvantage, Reuters reported.

The proposal is another escalation of the trade war between the world's two largest economies and was announced after Beijing on Thursday tightened controls for rare earths exports crucial for some U.S. industries.

U.S. airlines have long criticized the decision to allow Chinese carriers to use Russian airspace on U.S. routes because it gives them the advantage of decreased flying time and burns less fuel, lowering costs, according to Reuters.

Japan's ruling coalition splits, throwing Takaichi's PM bid into doubt

Japan's Komeito party on Friday said it would quit its coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) throwing the LDP's grip on power into uncertainty as new leader Sanae Takaichi awaits a parliamentary vote to confirm her as prime minister, Reuters reported.

Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito told party members that the 26-year partnership had broken down over an "inadequate" explanation by the LDP of its handling of a political funding scandal that has roiled the ruling group.

He said Komeito would not back Takaichi in the parliamentary vote expected later this month, according to Reuters.

Peru's president removed from office amid soaring crime

Peru's Congress has voted to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, hours after a late-night session was called to debate her impeachment, BBC reported.

An overwhelming majority of lawmakers from across the political spectrum approved her ousting on grounds of "permanent moral incapacity".

In an address on national television following the vote, Boluarte questioned the implications it would have on the stability of Peru's democracy.

One of the world's most unpopular leaders, with an approval rating of 2-4%, Boluarte's tenure has been plagued by frequent protests, scandals and investigations, as well as a surge in gang violence, according to BBC.

Taiwan to build air defence dome against 'hostile threats'

Taiwan will build a dome-like air defence system to guard against "hostile threats", President William Lai announced a day after his government warned that China is enhancing its ability to attack the island, BBC reported.

Lai did not mention China by name - but Beijing has long claimed self-governed Taiwan as its own and hasn't ruled out the use of force to take it. 

Lai also said there was a "clear necessity" to boost spending - a likely reference to increasing Chinese incursions into Taiwanese waters and airspace, including military drills that simulate an invasion. 

But defence has become a polarising subject in Taiwan, which remains divided about how the government should respond to the Chinese threat, according to BBC.