Asia (except ME & Indian SC)

BEIJING (AP) — China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative meshes perfectly with the goals of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.

Putin’s comments to a Belt and Road forum in Beijing may help alleviate concerns over potential tensions between China and Russia, given Beijing’s rapidly expanding economic footprint in Central Asia, Moscow’s traditional sphere of influence.

Putin told some three-dozen leaders attending the conference that China’s moves “fit perfectly into our plans.”

Beijing, Apr 25 (AP) China said Thursday that it will hold joint naval drills with Russia next week, in another sign that the countries' militaries are growing closer.

The drills will be held off the northern port city of Qingdao, Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said at a monthly briefing. Taking place from Monday to Saturday, they will feature ships and submarines along with fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and marine units.

BANGKOK, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's cabinet approved in principle on Wednesday an extended waiver of the fee for visa on arrival of foreign tourists to Thailand, according to a summary of cabinet meeting published online.

The waiver of the one-time entry fee for visa on arrival which was proposed by the Royal Thai Police, will be extended from May 1 until Oct. 31.

Such temporary waiver of the fee for visa on arrival will be extended in accordance with 2019's ministerial regulation for one-time entry of tourists from specified foreign countries.

BEIJING, April 25. /TASS/. The Chinese government welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing and his participation in the second One Belt One Road international forum, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Thursday.

"China welcomes the visit of President Vladimir Putin who will take part in the second One Belt One Road international forum. Chinese President Xi Jinping and a number of the country’s top officials will meet with the Russian leader," he said at a regular press briefing.

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The mainland is firmly opposed to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and military contact in any form between the two sides, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference. "Our stance has been consistent and clear," he said.

In response to remarks by the American Institute in Taiwan that the mainland is exerting its influence on Taiwan elections, Ma said the mainland has repeatedly stressed that it never interferes with elections on the island.

BEIJING (AP) — China’s finance minister tried Thursday to dispel complaints its Belt and Road infrastructure-building initiative leaves developing countries with too much debt, promising “sustainable financing” as leaders gathered to celebrate the project.

Liu Kun’s comments came as Chinese authorities blanketed the capital with security for the forum celebrating President Xi Jinping’s signature foreign initiative.

24 Apr 2019; DW: A court in Hong Kong handed down sentences of up to 16 months to eight leaders of the city's "Umbrella Movement" on Wednesday, a month after they were found guilty of organizing a 79-day pro-democracy protest in 2014.

The movement had demanded Hong Kong's 5 million voters be given the right to choose the leader of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

What were the sentences?

24 Apr 2019; DW: Oil prices surged to a nearly six-month high after the US government said it would not extend sanctions exemptions to countries importing oil from Iran when they expire in early May.

Eight governments — India, China, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan — had been given six months to wean themselves off Iranian oil. Greece, Italy and Taiwan are believed to have eliminated imports from Iran. 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank on Wednesday maintained Malaysia's 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast at 4.7 percent, but warned of the risks emanating from uncertainty in the external environment and increased fiscal reliance on oil-related proceeds might drag the growth.

The international financial institution said in its April 2019 edition of the World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, private consumption will continue to be the main driver of Malaysia's growth, albeit expanding at a more measured pace.

UNITED NATIONS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that the Belt and Road Initiative is a "very important opportunity" to the world.