China committed to high-level opening-up: commerce minister

The Chinese commerce minister has said the country’s market remains committed to opening-up and its policies are consistent.

Wang Wentao was speaking while meeting Chairman Oliver Zipse of the board of management of BMW AG in Beijing.

He said the Chinese government will advance high-level opening-up and optimize business environment.

The two sides exchanged views on topics including the German carmaker's cooperation with China and the European Union's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles.

Wang pointed out the unilateral and protectionist actions of certain countries have brought significant uncertainty to the global economy.

He emphasized China hopes to work with the European side to become a pillar of the multilateral trading system, injecting certainty and stability into the world.

Zipse said Europe's green transformation cannot be achieved without cooperation with China and the company remains optimistic about China's economic prospects.

U.S. military launches fresh strikes on Yemen

The U.S. naval forces have reportedly carried out three strikes on the Hodeidah airport in the Yemeni Red Sea port city.

The U.S. military strikes also targeted a district in Marib Province in central Yemen.

However, media reports did not provide details on casualties or damage caused by the attacks.

The Hodeidah airport has been closed to civilian flights since late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control over several northern cities.

Tensions between the Houthis and the U.S. military have escalated since Washington launched fresh airstrikes on Yemen on March 15.

Israel proposes two-phase hostage release plan to Hamas: Egyptian sources

Egyptian sources say Israel has proposed a two-phase plan to Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The initial phase of the proposal involves Hamas releasing 11 living hostages and the bodies of 16 deceased individuals.

This will be followed by a 40-day truce.

In the second phase, Israel's proposal calls on Hamas to release all the remaining hostages in a single batch.

Israel has resumed strikes on Gaza, ending a ceasefire with Hamas brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States that began on January 19.

South Korea declares state of disaster over massive wildfires

South Korea has declared a state of disaster over wildfires that broke out in the country's southeast.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has inspected the affected regions.

Four firefighters have reportedly died so far.

European nations tighten U.S. travel advisories amid detentions

Several European countries have updated their travel advisories for the United States following the detention of multiple European nationals upon arrival.

Germany's Foreign Office said it is taking the recent incidents involving German travelers seriously.

In response to the incidents, Britain revised its travel advice, warning of strict enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

Finland issued a similar update, saying even valid travel documents might not guarantee entry under current U.S. policies.

Direct flight route links Chinese, Norwegian capitals

Hainan Airlines has launched its direct flight route between Beijing and Oslo, further strengthening air connectivity between China and Northern Europe.

Chinese Ambassador to Norway Hou Yue said the direct flight will help deepen bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, culture and tourism.

She welcomed more Norwegian travelers to visit China and experience its magnificent landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

The Oslo-Beijing route is Hainan Airlines' first direct service linking China with Northern Europe.

Chinese, Serbian companies to deepen trade, economic cooperation

A Chinese business delegation has concluded its visit to Serbia.

The president of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade led the delegation.

Companies from the two countries reached multiple cooperation intentions in cross-border e-commerce, agricultural trade and information technology.