11 December, 2014
China has rejected a U.S. government report about Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The U.S. State Department released the report. It examined the historic, geographic and legal basis for China's claims in the area. It found that China's claims do not honor the U.N. Law of the Sea treaty, an international agreement that China signed.
Both China and the United States released reports in the past week that detailed the dispute over ownership of some reefs, small islands and surrounding waters in the South China Sea.
China says the U.S. report violates its promise to not take sides in the dispute.
Several nations dispute parts of the South China Sea. It is one of the busiest shipping areas in the world. It is also rich in mineral, oil and gas resources.
Teen suicide bomber attacks French Cultural Center in Kabul
A 16-year-old suicide bomber killed at least one person Thursday in an attack at the French Cultural Center in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said "several" people died in the explosion. He said none of the victims were French. A top Afghan official identified one of the dead as a German citizen.
Afghan officials say the bomber had hidden explosives in his clothes before entering the building.
Earlier, the Taliban claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a bus. Six soldiers were killed. Many people were injured in the two explosions.
Golden Globe nominees announced
The Hollywood film awards season began Thursday with the announcement of nominees for the 72nd Golden Globe Awards.
The film "Birdman" received seven nominations, the most of any film.
It was nominated for "Best Comedy or Musical" along with "The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Into the Woods," "Pride," and "St. Vincent."
"Boyhood," which took 12 years to film, received five nominations, including "Best Drama." Other "Best Drama" nominees include "Foxcatcher," "The Imitation Game," "The Theory of Everything" and "Selma."
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association will present the Golden Globe Awards in a ceremony January 11 in Los Angeles, California.