Detention tension

Hong Kong: An activist holds an illustration of Simon Cheng during a gathering outside the British Consulate-General building in Hong Kong on Wednesday, following reports that Cheng had been detained by mainland Chinese authorities on his way back to the city. AFP

US approves sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan 

Washington: The US State Department has approved the sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan, in a move expected to anger Beijing. Taiwan will get the latest version of the Lockheed Martin-built fighter in the $8 billion deal, the State Department said. Beijing regards Taiwan as a part of China awaiting reunification, but the island is self-ruled and is a close ally of the United States. AFP

China rules out allowing same-sex marriage

Beijing: Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China's legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighbouring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists. Taiwan's parliament passed a Bill in May that endorsed same-sex marriage. China has a thriving gay scene in major cities. Reuters 

Aus court upholds sex abuse verdict of Cardinal

Melbourne: An Australian appeals court has upheld convictions against Cardinal George Pell, 78, the most senior Catholic to be found guilty of sexually abusing children. The decision brought cheers from scores of abuse survivors and victims' advocates demonstrating outside court. Pell's lawyers will examine the judgment and consider an appeal to the High Court, Australia's final arbiter, his spokeswoman Katrina Lee said. He was sentenced to six years in prison in March. AP