Beijing voices opposition to economic bullying

The Chinese Commerce Ministry has said the country opposes power politics and unilateral bullying in economy and trade.

The statement came in response to media reports that the Trump administration plans to pressure other countries to curb their trade activities with China in exchange for U.S. tariff exemption.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson warned all countries will become victims if international trade is based on the law of the jungle.

The spokesperson also expressed China's readiness to strengthen coordination with other countries to protect their interests and promote international justice.

Over 970 sign "anti-tariff declaration" against Trump's tariff policy: media

Over 970 people, including dozens of the world's top economists, have reportedly signed an "anti-tariff declaration" criticizing the tariff policy adopted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The economists included Nobel laureates James Heckman and Vernon Smith.

The authors denounced the Trump administration's so-called "reciprocal" tariffs that are affecting more than 180 countries and regions around the world.

They said the tariff rates are calculated using an erroneous and improvised formula with no basis in economic reality.

Report highlights China's agricultural productivity breakthrough in next decade

A report says China is expected to experience a breakthrough in agricultural productivity in the next decade.

The Chinese Agriculture Outlook Committee has released the report, saying the country's grain output is projected to hit 709 million metric tons this year.

The report also says imports of bulk agricultural products are expected to decline, as domestic production rises and consumption growth eases.

PLA expels Philippine vessel from waters near Huangyan Dao

The Chinese military has expelled a Philippine naval vessel that illegally intruded into the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao Island on Sunday.

Military spokesperson Zhao Zhiwei says the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized forces to track, monitor, issue warnings and expel the Philippine vessel.

The spokesperson describes the Philippine move as a violation of China's sovereignty, saying it contravenes Chinese law and related provisions of international law.

Moscow, Kyiv trade blame over violating Easter ceasefire

Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for breaking an Easter ceasefire.

Both sides accuse the other of hundreds of attacks.

Russia says Ukraine broke the truce more than 1,000 times.

Ukraine reports nearly 3,000 violations by Russia.

The 30-hour ceasefire, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, aims to mark the religious holiday.

Iran serious in talks with United States: deputy foreign minister

A senior Iranian diplomat has said the country is serious in its indirect negotiations with the United States.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also said Iran wants no delay in the diplomatic process.

Tehran and Washington held their second round of indirect talks in Italy on Saturday.

69 percent of Gaza under Israeli displacement orders: UN agency

The UN aid agency for Palestinians says 69 percent of the Gaza Strip is under active Israeli displacement orders.

UNRWA says the Israeli army issued at least 20 displacement orders between March 18 and April 14.

The agency says it currently operates 115 shelters across Gaza, housing more than 90,000 displaced people.

It also says around 420,000 people have been displaced again since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18.