Chinese president stresses sustainable development

Chinese President Xi Jinping is calling on efforts to realize stronger, greener and healthier global development.

In a congratulatory letter to a high-level forum, President Xi says China is willing to work with all countries to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The president also reiterated China's Global Development Initiative, emphasizing a people-centered, inclusive, innovative approach as well as the harmonious co-existence between humans and nature.

China rejects NASA chief's remarks on its space program

China says it advocates the peaceful use of outer space and stands against arms races.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China has developed its aerospace industry on self-reliance.

He was responding to a question regarding NASA chief Bill Nelson's remarks about China's space program.

The spokesperson pointed out that the United States has played a negative role in creating space junk, provoking an arms race in outer space, and undermining global strategic stability.

He urged the NASA chief to review and correct negative U.S. actions, and make contributions to long-lasting peace and security in outer space.

Russian gas flows to Europe steady via Nord Stream, Ukraine

Operator data shows that flows of Russian gas to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and through Ukraine are steady.

Russian gas producer Gazprom earlier said it will reduce capacity through the pipeline to 40 percent.

Nord Stream is scheduled to undergo regular annual maintenance starting next week, taking flows down to zero.

Gazprom said its supply of gas to Europe through Ukraine remains unchanged.

Copenhagen shooting suspect had history of mental health issues: police

Danish police said that the 22-year-old suspect in a weekend shooting at a Copenhagen mall had a history of mental health issues.

The police chief says the suspect is also known among psychiatric services.

At least three people were killed and four injured in the incident.

The police believe the victims were randomly targeted and there was nothing to indicate that it was an act of terror.

Australia scraps requirement to declare COVID-19 vaccination status

Australia has scrapped its requirements for international travelers to declare COVID-19 vaccination status.

It marks an end to all Australia's international travel restrictions more than two years after they were first introduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Everyone flying to Australia will still need to wear face masks during the duration of the flight.

The announcement came despite a continuous rise in COVID-19 case numbers in the country.

Australia reported more than 25,000 new COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths on Monday.

Farmers in Yunnan benefit from application of clean energy

Farmers in Yunnan Province are expanding and benefiting from the application of clean energy.

Enhanced currency swap agreement signed between PBOC, HKMA

The People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority have announced an upgraded Currency Swap Agreement.

It has become a long-standing arrangement with no need for renewal.

The size has expanded from 500 billion yuan, or roughly 75 billion U.S. dollars, to 800 billion yuan.

The PBOC says the agreement will further deepen financial cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, better support the development of Hong Kong as an international financial center, and foster the development of the offshore Renminbi market in Hong Kong.

The PBOC and the HKMA jointly established the currency swap arrangement in 2009.

China completes clean sweep of diving golds at FINA World Championships

China's diving team completed a clean sweep of gold medals across 13 disciplines at the FINA World Championships in Budapest.

Yang Jian defended his men's 10-meter platform title to bring the curtain down on their campaign in spectacular fashion.

Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani won the women's three meter springboard earlier on the last day of competition.

Domestic films contribute 85 pct of China box office total in H1

China's box office earnings totaled 17 billion yuan, or roughly 2.5 billion U.S. dollars, in the first half of this year.

Domestic titles accounted for nearly 85 percent of the revenue.

War blockbuster "The Battle at Lake Changjin II", comedy "Too Cool To Kill" and feature film "Nice View" were the top-three movies during the six-month period.

All three films were released during the week-long Chinese New Year holiday.