Global National: China orders new trial for Schellenberg

China's top court struck down the death sentence for Canadian Robert Schellenberg and ordered a new trial, and authorities report that Nancy Guthrie has been missing for one week while investigators examine a new message.

China's top court has overturned the death sentence for Canadian Robert Schellenberg and ordered a new trial. Schellenberg has been detained in China for more than a decade on drug smuggling charges. The report places the decision in the context of a reported easing of tensions between Beijing and Ottawa after Prime Minister Mark Carney's trip to China last month. Key developments: - China's top court struck down Schellenberg's death sentence and ordered a new trial. - Schellenberg is a Canadian national who has been detained in China for over a decade on drug smuggling charges. - The report links the court decision to a reported diplomatic thaw following Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China. - Nancy Guthrie, age 84 and the mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for one week. - Authorities say they are investigating a new message received in the Nancy Guthrie case, and U.S. President Donald Trump said officials reported having clues they considered strong. Summary: The court's decision removes the death sentence and requires a new trial for Robert Schellenberg, with the new trial the next formal legal step. In the separate case, Nancy Guthrie has been missing for a week and authorities are examining a new message as part of their ongoing investigation.