China, Russia agree to deepen partnership

China and Russia have agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed and released the joint statement following their talks in Beijing.

President Xi outlined an agreement with his Russian counterpart that they should look to areas where both countries' interests converge and play to each of their advantages to complement each other.

During their talks, Xi Jinping said the steady advancement of China-Russia relations has contributed to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting greater democracy in international relations.

The Chinese leader highlighted both countries' role as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and urged the two sides to work more closely together.

The two presidents also attended the opening of the "China-Russia Years of Culture" event and a special concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

China-Russia Expo to further boost bilateral cooperation

The eighth China-Russia Expo is underway in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.

The northeast Chinese province neighbors Russia.

The bilateral trade exhibition has been held alternately in China and Russia since 2014.

This year, the event has welcomed over 5,000 professional buyers from more than 120 delegations.

Wang Yi to attend SCO foreign ministers' meeting, visit Kazakhstan and Tajikistan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will embark on a Central Asian tour from Saturday to Tuesday.

The trip includes official visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

In the Kazakh capital, the Chinese foreign minister will attend the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

China urges Philippines not to infringe upon its rights in South China Sea

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin has urged the Philippines to stop its provocations and infringements of China's rights in the South China Sea.

The statement came after China's Coast Guard expelled a convoy of Philippine vessels from the waters near Huangyan Island.

The coast guard said surveillance showed the Philippine boats were conducting activities which were not related to fishing operations.

Gaza ceasefire talks deadlocked as Netanyahu pursues destruction of Hamas

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to flee Israel's bombardment in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has blamed Israel for a deadlock in truce negotiations.

Hamas says it remains open to more mediation efforts while stressing its key demands, including the pullout of Israeli troops from Gaza.

This comes even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas by military means.

Nigeria inaugurates key gas projects

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated three pivotal gas projects.

The projects are expected to support the most populous African nation's energy sector and promote industrial growth.

Brazilian president promises new homes for flood victims

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced that the federal government will guarantee homes for flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul.

During a visit to the southern state, the president also announced recovery measures.

He said all people who lost their homes will have the right to have a house.

Laos, Thailand prepare for cross-border train service

Laos and Thailand are carrying out trial runs of a train service in preparation for the start of a cross-border service.

The two sides are trialing nine journeys each day.