World briefs

CHINA coach Gao Hongbo resigned on yesterday after a 2-0 defeat in Uzbekistan almost certainly ended hopes of automatic qualification for the 2018 World Cup. Marat Bikmaev and Otabek Shukurov scored a goal each in Tashkent to leave China with just a single point from the first four games in Asia’s third round of qualification.

RUSSIA said it’s working with China to counter U.S. plans to expand its missile-defense network, which the two nations see as targeting their military assets. The upgrades aim to give Washington the ability to launch a nuclear strike “with impunity.” More on p10

THAILAND Police searches yield no evidence or suspects that would corroborate an intelligence report of possible car bomb attacks in Bangkok and its outskirts. More on p12

PHILIPPINES The country’s president Duterte says he will not abrogate a defense treaty with the United States but is questioning its importance and that of joint combat exercises, which he says only benefit America.

CAMBODIA A truck transporting Cambodian garment workers to their factory flipped over at a curve yesterday, injuring 54 of them, including seven who are in critical condition, police said. The driver, who fled the scene, appeared to have been going too fast and crashed at a bend in the road in the eastern Svay Rieng province.

PAKISTAN A journalist says authorities barred him from leaving the country after his newspaper published an article of his contending there is a rift between the government and military on tackling militants.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO’s prime minister says he rejects calls for a cease-fire and negotiations by a former militia leader whose fighters have staged deadly attacks in recent weeks. Clement Mouamba spoke yesterday during a memorial for 21 people killed in attacks in the southern Pool region, including 11 soldiers.

AUSTRALIA The opposition decided to block government plans for a public but non-binding vote on recognizing gay marriage, arguing it would better if the issue is decided in Parliament.