World Briefs

CHINA is barring foreign travelers from Tibet over a period of several weeks that includes a pair of sensitive political anniversaries. Travel agencies say foreign tourists would not be allowed back into Tibet until April 1. It’s not clear when the ban started. 

VIETNAM is on high alert after African swine fever was discovered in its northern provinces. More than 200 pigs have been slaughtered after household farms in Hung Yen and Thai Binh provinces were suspected to be contaminated, the Department of Animal Health said.

EU A hacking group has targeted European democratic institutions including think tanks and non-profit groups ahead of highly anticipated EU parliamentary elections in May, Microsoft said. A group called Strontium targeted email accounts for more than 100 people in six European countries.

US steps up winter-warfare training as global threat shifts. After 17 years of war against Taliban and al-Qaida-linked insurgents, the military is shifting its focus to better prepare for great-power competition with Russia and China, and against unpredictable foes such as North Korea and Iran.

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin sternly warned the United States against deploying new missiles in Europe, saying yesterday that Russia will retaliate by fielding new weapons that will take just as little time to reach their targets. 

VATICAN Pope Francis says that those who are constantly attacking the church are linked to the devil. Francis o told pilgrims from southern Italy that the church’s “defects” must be denounced in order to correct them. Francis spoke on the eve of a Vatican summit on clergy sex abuse and cover-ups by the church’s hierarchy.

FOOTBALL Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi ownership has expanded its portfolio of soccer clubs by purchasing Sichuan Jiuniu FC, which plays in China’s third tier. City Football Group, of which Man City is the flagship team, already has partnership with New York City in Major League Soccer, Melbourne City in Australia’s A-League, Girona in Spain’s top division, Yokohama in Japan, and Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay.