U.S. disrespects facts and science regarding COVID-19: spokesman

A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry says that the order of U.S. President Joe Biden to review COVID-19 origins disregards facts and seriousness of science. 

Zhao Lijian says the United States disrespects science, is irresponsible to people's lives and sabotages the achievement made in the global fight against the pandemic. 

He also questioned the United States' motive in trying to shift the blame rather than reflecting on its own pandemic response, which has resulted in over 33 million cases and 600,000 deaths. 

For more on Washington's move, here is current affairs commentator Einar Tangen.

Improving electoral system will open new chapter of good governance in Hong Kong: central gov't spokesperson

A spokesperson from China’s central government has commended the passage of a bill by Hong Kong’s Legislative Council to improve the electoral system in the special administrative region.

The spokesperson also says the move is another institutional achievement in ensuring law-based governance in Hong Kong and it will open a new chapter of good governance.

Chinese inactivated vaccines effective against COVID-19 in phase-3 human trials: study

A study says that two inactivated vaccines developed by China's Sinopharm have shown to be safe and effective against COVID-19 in phase-3 human trials.

The study in The Journal of the American Medical Association is the world's first published phase-3 study results of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. 

The randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trials involved more than 40,000 people aged 18 and above. The vaccination procedure included two shots with an interval of 21 days.

Both vaccines triggered strong immune responses 14 days after they were administered.

Apple's China data center starts operation

Apple's first Chinese data center has been put into operation in Guizhou Province. 

With a contracted investment of 1 billion U.S. dollars, the data center in Gui'an New Area plans to offer iCloud services on the Chinese mainland.

The data center is expected to further improve the service speed and reliability for Chinese users.

Real Madrid confirm Zinedine Zidane's departure as first team coach

Real Madrid has confirmed Zinedine Zidane's resignation as first team coach.

The announcement comes a few days after a season where the team failed to win a title for the first time in 11 years.

One of the reasons behind Zidane's departure is thought to be the lack of public support from the club.

This is the second time the 48-year-old has left Real Madrid before his contract runs out. He stepped down in 2018 shortly after winning the Champions League for the third time in a row. 

He made a surprise return the following season.

Sanxingdui Ruins-themed event to be held in Sichuan

An event themed on the prehistoric Sanxingdui Ruins will be held in Guanghan, Sichuan Province on Friday.

The event is set to introduce the latest achievements involving archaeological excavation at the site and unveil key projects on promoting Sanxingdui culture globally.

It will also offer visitors an immersive experience of a lifelike night tour.

The Sanxingdui Ruins are believed to be the remnants of the Shu Kingdom dating back at least 4,800 years.

It's dubbed one of the greatest archeological finds in the 20th century.

iHeartRadio Music Awards host Usher got advice from Justin Timberlake

Usher says that he asked for advice from several people as he prepares to lead the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

The R&B singer will host the ceremony in Hollywood.

Producers say the show will have more than 800 people in the audience.