Biden: US will defend Philippines if vessels are attacked — Radio Free AsiaJimmy Lai provided HK$1.5 million loan to activists, court hearsSingapore minister Iswaran charged in rare corruption caseWater meter charges planned for MastertonYear in Politics: The year of three prime ministers and a swing to the rightRare Star Wars Jawa figure found in loft sells for NZ$40,000Firefighters battle large bush fire in the Far NorthEthnic army seizes city on MyanmarChilean vet helps dogs, cats and rabbits injured in wildfiresMillions of donkeys killed each year to make medicine