Chinese, South Korean FMs hold talks in Beijing

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China and South Korea should eliminate misunderstandings and enhance mutual trust through regular communication.

He made the remarks while holding talks with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul in Beijing.

Noting that bilateral ties have been through some rough patches, Wang said it's hoped that Seoul sticks to mutually beneficial cooperation and abides by the one-China principle.

Cho said his country attaches great importance to its relations with China, and looks forward to working closely with China to develop a healthier and more mature strategic cooperative partnership.

China, U.S. to hold first meeting of inter-governmental dialogue on AI

China and the United States will host the first meeting of the inter-governmental dialogue on artificial intelligence in Geneva on Tuesday.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the two countries will exchange views on the technological risks of AI, as well as on global governance and other issues of concern.

Israel steps up offensive in Gaza while Blinken reiterates opposition to Rafah operation

The Israeli army is intensifying its offensive inside the Gaza Strip.

Its latest actions have forced civilians to continue to flee the already-devastated Palestinian enclave.

The fiercest bombardment has been taking place in Jabalia that is home to one of the largest refugee camps in the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is reiterating Washington's opposition to a major ground operation in Rafah.

Michael Cohen testifies against Trump at hush money trial

A former fixer of Donald Trump has told jurors that the U.S. Republican presidential candidate personally approved a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016.

Michael Cohen is by far the most important witness to have taken stand against Trump.

The former president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

UN chief voices concern over violence in Sudan's North Darfur

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is gravely concerned about the outbreak of fighting in Sudan's North Darfur.

Renewed hostilities are putting more than 800,000 civilians at risk.

The UN chief is also alarmed by reports of the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated zones.

Meantime, the capital Khartoum and its adjacent areas have been placed under a curfew.

Thousands evacuate as wildfires burn out of control in western Canada

Thousands of people in the Canadian province of British Columbia have evacuated as wildfires rage fiercely across the landscape.

According to one estimate, there're 146 active blazes burning, including dozens in British Columbia and Alberta that are characterized as out of control.

Hazy conditions are also affecting neighboring U.S., prompting at least four states to issue air quality alerts and warnings.

Experts have pinned the blame on climate change as prolonged heat and increased occurrences of lightning are believed to have been fanning the flames.