World News Roundup: China eyes Argentina nuclear deal; Russia-Ukraine spat; Iranian families reunite at border library

Following is a summary of current world news briefs.

Explainer: What underlies U.S.-China tensions ahead of crucial G20 meeting?

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina this week for what some see as the most important meeting in years between the leaders of the world's two largest economies. After months of bitter bickering between their governments over trade and security that has raised questions about the very future of a complex but economically pivotal relationship, the two leaders took a step back from the edge with an ice-breaking telephone call early this month.

Two U.S. Navy ships pass through Taiwan Strait, opposing China

The United States sent two Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday in the third such operation this year, as the U.S. military increases the frequency of transits through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China. The voyage risks further heightening tensions with China but will likely be viewed in self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from U.S. President Donald Trump's government amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing.

China, vying with U.S. in Latin America, eyes Argentina nuclear deal

Argentina and China are aiming to close a deal within days for the construction of the South American nation's fourth nuclear power plant, a multi-billion dollar project that would cement Beijing's deepening influence in a key regional U.S. ally. Argentina hopes to announce an agreement on the Chinese-financed construction of the Atucha III nuclear power plant during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit on Sunday following the summit of leaders of G20 industrialized nations in Buenos Aires, Juan Pablo Tripodi, head of Argentina's national investment agency, told Reuters in an interview.

Argentine judge seeks help from Turkey, Yemen in Saudi crown prince case

An Argentine judge reviewing a Human Rights Watch complaint against Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked the foreign ministry on Wednesday to seek information from Turkey, Yemen and the International Criminal Court. The office of federal judge Ariel Lijo confirmed the request to Reuters just hours after bin Salman landed in Buenos Aires for the G20 summit of industrialized nations.

Ailing Central American migrants in dire conditions dig in at U.S. border

Thousands of Central American migrants are digging in for the long haul at a filthy, overcrowded sports complex in sight of the United States, while a small number have opted to return home after clashes with border forces dimmed hopes of crossing. The bedraggled men, women and children of a caravan of mostly Hondurans began cramming into the complex in Tijuana about three weeks ago. They now number more than 6,000 in a space the city government first prepared for a third as many.

UK government to face challenges to May's Brexit plan in parliament

British Prime Minister Theresa May's bid to win approval for her Brexit deal will have to overcome attempts to block or change it by rival lawmakers on Dec. 11, a proposed format for the debate published on Wednesday showed. The government has set out the details of a debate on a motion to approve May's plan to take the country out of the European Union, allowing for amendments to be discussed which could try to reshape the deal she brought back from Brussels.

Jewish Americans sue Airbnb over West Bank listing ban

A group of Jewish Americans sued Airbnb Inc on Wednesday in U.S. federal court, accusing the home rental company of religious discrimination over its decision last week to remove listings for about 200 homes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The 18 plaintiffs, including Israeli-American families and individuals who said they own or wish to rent affected homes, accused Airbnb of "redlining" Jewish-owned properties while letting Muslims and Christians rent their homes.

Sick Venezuelan migrants, Colombians get surgery aboard U.S. ship

Three-year-old Emily is curled in the corner of a bunk bed, under anesthesia. Her Venezuelan mother watches over her, swaying as the hospital ship pitches back and forth off the coast of northern Colombia. Emily's parents spent years in Venezuela trying to get a mass removed from her right eyelid, but shortages of food and medicine forced them to migrate across the border to Colombia to seek treatment, as their nation's healthcare system collapsed.

Russia to deploy new missiles to Crimea as Ukraine tensions rise

Russia said on Wednesday it planned to deploy more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea as tensions rose with Ukraine over Moscow's seizure of three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews. Russia has steadily poured new military hardware into Crimea since it annexed it from Ukraine in 2014. Moscow's announcement about new missiles comes as it and Kiev try to pin the blame on each other for the confrontation on Sunday.

Separated by travel ban, Iranian families reunite at border library

During the six-hour drive from New York City to a tiny town in northern Vermont, Iranian student Shirin Estahbanati cried at the thought of seeing her father for the first time in nearly three years. Since then, he had suffered a heart attack, and she hadn't dared leave America to comfort him. But as she traveled north, she also couldn't stop worrying. What if she missed the turnoff and drove across the U.S.-Canadian border by mistake?

(With inputs from Reuters)