China's population aging deepens

Latest census data shows China's population on the mainland reached 1.41 billion last year.

Officials say it has been growing more slowly over the past decade.

“The census shows that China's population growth has slowed over the past decade, the average annual growth rate was 0 . 53 %, 0 . 04 percentage point lower than the previous decade. That is a result of multiple factors and natural result of China's economic and social development, especially in the process of industrialization and urbanization.”

The data also indicates that the aging of China's population has further deepened as people aged 60 or above account for 18.7 percent of the total population, over 5.4 points higher than the level in 2010.

Relaxed one-child policy brings lower-than-expected birth rate rebound

China relaxed its one-child policy in 2016.

It boosted the country's birth rate, but only for a short period of time.

Gao Ang explains why.

Chinese FM calls for deepening BRI cooperation to drive global economic recovery

The Chinese Foreign Minister is calling for deepening Belt and Road cooperation to boost an early recovery of the world economy.

Wang Yi has addressed the opening ceremony of the fifth Silk Road International Exposition and the Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East and West China via video link.

He suggested BRI partners deepen public health cooperation.

He also called for more to be done to facilitate the movement of people and goods and strengthen "soft connectivity" of policies, rules, standards and institutions.

Putin orders tightening regulation of civilian weapons after school shooting

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to urgently tighten the control of civilian weapons following the deadly school shooting in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.

At least 11 people, including 9 children, were killed and 32 others injured in the incident.

One of the attackers has been detained and the other was killed.

Classes will be canceled in all schools in the city on Wednesday and all educational institutions in Tatarstan will be inspected.

Queen sets out UK governments recovery programme

The UK's Queen Elizabeth II has set out the government's legislative agenda for the coming year during a session that officially begins the annual parliamentary session.

The Queen gave priority to her country's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"My government's priority is to deliver a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the United Kingdom stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before."

She also said the government will invest in new green industries as part of its post-pandemic economic recovery plan.