France has asked its foreign allies to send several thousand members of their security forces to help guard the Paris Olympics, officials said Thursday, underlining the strains caused by the sporting extravaganza which begins in July.

China's National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday that the country's economy grew to the tune of 5.3 percent in the first three months of the year, ahead of economists' expectations. Manufacturing and infrastructure are fuelling that growth, while housing and domestic consumption are still a source of concern. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is on a three-day visit to China, Berlin's top trading partner

Following the arrest of suspected left-wing terrorist Daniela Klette in Berlin, investigators are now hoping for new insights into crimes committed by the Red Army Faction.

ing Abdullah II of Jordan defends his country's actions in shooting down Iranian missiles on Saturday, saying that Jordan's security comes above all else. Also, MPs in the UK back a new bill to ban smoking in the country, but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces rebellion from within the Conservative Party. Finally, Paris Saint-Germain mount a comeback to beat Barcelona and qualify for the Champions League semi-final, with one Spanish newspaper blaming the result on "suspect refereeing".

Barcelona riot police kept Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona fans apart to prevent potential clashes ahead of the second match in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Authorities in Germany's Bavaria say they want to restrict the use of cannabis at festivals and beer gardens. Germany legalized recreational marijuana earlier this month, a move opposed by the Bavaria-based CSU.