Asia (except ME & Indian SC)

Quake shakes part of Indonesia’s Papua, no immediate reports of casualties

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — An earthquake shook Indonesia’s easternmost province Monday, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.4 quake was centered 135 kilometers (83 miles) southwest of Abepura, a subdistrict in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province. It occurred at a depth of 13 kilometers (8 miles).

Flooding displaces 10,000 around China as Beijing gets a relative respite from sweltering heat

BEIJING (AP) — Heavy flooding has displaced thousands of people around China as the capital had a relative respite from sweltering heat.

Beijing reported 9.8 straight days when the temperature exceeded 35 C (95 F), the National Climate Center said Monday.

Such a streak was last recorded in 1961 — decades before most Beijing residents had air conditioning or even fans. A lack of rainfall may be contributing to the heat, with the typically dry capital receiving even less than usual this year.

US recommends Americans reconsider traveling to China due to arbitrary law enforcement, exit bans

BEIJING (AP) — The U.S. is recommending Americans reconsider traveling to China because of arbitrary law enforcement, exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.

No specific cases were cited, but the advisory comes after a 78-year-old U.S. citizen was sentenced to life in prison on spying charges in May.

It also follows the passage last week of a sweeping Foreign Relations Law that threatens countermeasures against those seen as harming China interests.

Malaysian FM to visit Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and attend NAM Coordination Bureau meeting in Azerbaijan

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), July 2 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian Foreign Minister Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir will pay an official visit to Kyrgyzstan and a working visit to Uzbekistan for two days starting Monday.

Zambry in a statement on Sunday said he will next go to Baku, Azerbaijan to participate in the Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (CoB-NAM) at the Foreign Ministers level from July 5 to 6.

China complains to France after Chinese tourists hurt in riots

BEIJING, July 2 (Reuters) - China's Consulate General in Marseille complained to France after a bus carrying a Chinese tour group in the southern city had its windows smashed leading to minor injuries, China's Consular Affairs Office said in a statement on Sunday.

The Consulate General's formal complaint called for France to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and their property, the statement said.

Heatwave hits parts of Japan: weather agency

TOKYO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Temperatures climbed in many places from western to northern Japan on Sunday, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warning scorching heat is expected to continue in the regions on Monday.

Daytime highs on Sunday hit 35.3 degrees Celsius in Toyota City in Aichi prefecture, 35.1 degrees in Shimanto City in Kochi prefecture, and 31.7 degrees in central Tokyo, according to the JMA.

Weather officials said temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees in cities of Nara, Gifu, Nagoya and Kofu, and 32 degrees in central Tokyo on Monday.

The most serious danger to world's security now is the United States: U.S. foreign policy veteran

BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States has become the most profound source of instability worldwide, Richard Haass, who is stepping down as president of the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations, said Friday.

After running the organization for two decades, Haass said he has come to a disturbing conclusion that the most serious danger to the world's security right now is the United States itself, he told The New York Times in an interview.

China Unicom Beijing, Huawei unveil groundbreaking achievements in 5G capital innovation project

SHANGHAI, Jul 01 (APP): China Unicom Beijing and Huawei at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2023, have presented their remarkable achievements from the 5G Capital innovation project during the first half of 2023, following the fourth anniversary of the successful commercial launch of 5G.

The collaborative effort between the two partners has led to significant advancements in the range, coverage and overall user experience of 5G networks.

China-Africa Economic Expo: Zanzibar Pres Mwinyi sees growth prospect

CHANGSHA (Hunan, China), July 1 (NNN-Dailynews) — Zanzibar Pres Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who is attending the third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo that opened on Thursday in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, was impressed with data indicating strong trade growth between China and African countries.

“Africa still has enough land, labour force and opportunities for business. We invite Chinese companies to invest in the African continent,” said Dr Mwinyi, adding that the investment environment has also been improved in many African countries.

China urges Netherlands to not abuse export control measures

BEIJING, July 1 (Reuters) - China has urged the Netherlands to not hinder bilateral cooperation in the semiconductor industry and to not abuse export controls, China's Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

The statement was made in response to questions from the media, it said. It also said the two countries have communicated frequently and at various levels on the topic.

The Dutch government on Friday announced new restrictions on exports of some semiconductor equipment, boosting a U.S.-led drive to curb supplies of high-tech components to China.

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