Qin Gang urges G20 members to promote multilateralism

The Chinese foreign minister has urged the Group of 20 members to work closely in enhancing multilateralism and promoting global development.

Qin Gang made the remarks while addressing a session during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Indian capital.

Qin said the G20 must enhance cooperation and contribute its share to global development and prosperity.

China strengthens measures to stabilize employment

Chinese authorities have vowed to create a more standardized and sustainable social security system.

Human Resources and Social Security Minister Wang Xiaoping highlighted employment as the basis to improving people's wellbeing and pledged to offer better services.

South Korea lifts COVID-19 test for arrivals from China

South Korea has lifted its on-arrival COVID-19 test for travelers from China.

Many other countries are also welcoming tourists from China with open arms, as Chinese travel agencies and online travel companies have restarted outbound group tours. 

Japan's lower house of parliament approves record budget 

Japan's lower house of parliament has approved a record budget of nearly 836 billion U.S. dollars for fiscal year 2023.

The budget includes a record 50 billion dollars in defense spending.

The approval has drawn criticism across the country, with protesters rallying to express grave concerns over undermined peace and higher living costs.

Fighting escalates in eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut

Ukraine says Russian forces continue to press forward with their offensive in the eastern city of Bakhmut.

Meanwhile, Russia says it has repelled a drone attack in Crimea.

Russia approves new procedure to monitor export prices

The Russian Energy Ministry has approved a procedure to monitor oil prices for export.

The rule takes effect from Saturday.

Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov says the new policy will allow authorities to monitor the real cost of sales of Russian oil.

Number of deaths from Greece train crash rises to 43

The Greek prime minister says an investigation indicates that Tuesday's deadly train collision was caused by human error.

Police have arrested the stationmaster in the city of Larissa and detained two others.

The Greek transport minister has resigned following the incident.

The head-on collision between a passenger train and a freight train has left at least 43 people dead in one of Greece's worst-ever rail disasters.