Chinese president Xi Jinping arrives for the opening of the 19th national congress of the Communist party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters
BBC: Xi Jinping: 'Time for China to take centre stage'
China has entered a "new era" where it should "take centre stage in the world", President Xi Jinping says.
The country's rapid progress under "socialism with Chinese characteristics" shows there is "a new choice for other countries", he told the Communist Party congress.
The closed-door summit determines who rules China and the country's direction for the next term.
Mr Xi has been consolidating power and is expected to remain as party chief.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraq takes disputed areas as Kurds 'withdraw to 2014 lines'. Kurdish forces abandon long-held lands to Iraqi army and Shia fighters.
Iraq's military declares mission accomplished in Kirkuk. Iraq's military declares mission accomplished in Kirkuk.
Syria war: UN says it is ready to go into Raqqa.
Turkey Red Crescent alarmed by humanitarian 'drama' in Syria's Idlib.
Iran's Khamenei threatens to 'shred' nuclear deal, blasts 'foul-mouthed' Trump.
Qatar's leader denounces 'unjust siege'.
Israel raids Palestinian media firms for 'incitement' .
ASIA
North Korea congratulates China ahead of Communist Party congress.
Report: North Korea hiding behind Hong Kong shell companies.
North Korea defector: Hundreds of 'reformers' killed after Jang Song Thaek purge.
'Many people will die' as North Korean sanctions bite, defector says.
US drones target Taliban commander in Pakistan’s tribal areas.
Rohingya crisis: Drone footage shows thousands fleeing.
Taliban overruns 2 districts in southern Afghanistan. Taliban kills scores in Afghanistan's Paktia and Ghazni.
AFRICA
Farmajo blames al-Shabab for Mogadishu blast.
More than 300 people died in the worst terrorist attack ever to hit Somalia, and officials still aren't sure who caused it. Thousands march over ‘Somalia’s 9/11;’ attack details emerge.
UN, US failed to prevent ‘ethnic cleansing’ in South Sudan.
Senior Kenyan electoral official resigns ahead of poll.
Uganda bans protests over presidential age limit bill.
Panama Papers: Africa's elite are plundering their countries.
Four Britons kidnapped in southern Nigeria: police.
Togo unrest: Opposition protesters demand presidential term limit.
Mugabe's wife sues over $1.35-mn diamond ring: report.
EUROPE
Talk of ‘no deal’ Brexit rises as divorce negotiations stall.
Spain warns Catalonia on self-rule as deadline looms. Spain says Catalonia's autonomy at risk as deadline looms.
Turkey-Europe locked in war of words as EU summit opens.
Portugal fires: Minister resigns as government faces challenge. Portuguese minister resigns over 106 wildfire deaths.
Ukraine anti-graft protesters clash with riot police.
Malta: Europe reels from murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Bosnian Serbs pass resolution against NATO membership.
AMERICAS
Russian troll factory paid US activists to help fund protests during election.
Trump slams NFL for not forcing players to stand for US anthem.
Second US judge orders freeze on Trump travel ban.
Puerto Rico youth stranded with school still out from storm.
California drill preparing 9.3 million for ‘INEVITABLE’ magnitude 7 earthquake tomorrow.
Venezuela opposition refuses swearing in, small protest breaks out.
Canada passes US-style sanctions bill targeting ‘corrupt’ Russian officials.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
After IS collapse in Raqqa, US faces other extremism threats.
Experts: Islamic State 'death spiral' most dangerous part of fight for U.S. coalition.
MI5 intelligence chief Andrew Parker warns UK faces accelerating terror threat.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US, Canada and Mexico talks on NAFTA trade stall on trade deficit issues.
'Future city' to be built in Canada by Alphabet company.
Rio Tinto charged with fraud by US authorities.
