Chinese vice premier calls for solid progress in building Hainan Free Trade Port

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang is urging efforts to develop the Hainan Free Trade Port into a gateway that leads China's opening up in the new era.

During an inspection tour in the southern island province, Ding visited an information facility of social management, airport and harbor ports to learn about preparations for the independent customs operation of the free trade port.

Hainan is hosting the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference.

This year’s gathering reflects efforts in Asia to promote multilateralism, boost development and jointly respond to global challenges.

The forum has released its Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report, which projects Asia's GDP to expand by 4.5 percent this year.

Mainland official condemns DPP Authority's false claims on navigation

An official from China's central government has blasted the Democratic Progressive Party Authority's claim that the mainland is obstructing the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.

The spokesperson from the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said both sides of the Strait are Chinese territory, and there are no so-called international waters in the region.

He noted that China respects all countries' navigation rights in accordance with international and Chinese laws, but firmly opposes illegal activities that undermine China's sovereignty and security under the guise of "freedom of navigation."

U.S. reaches agreement with Russia, Ukraine on Black Sea ceasefire: White House

The White House says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a Black Sea ceasefire.

It came after the United States held separate talks with Kyiv and Moscow.

The U.S. says they will ensure safe passage for commercial shipping and stop military strikes in the waterway.

The Kremlin says Russia has approved a list of energy facilities spared during a 30-day partial ceasefire.

Moscow and Washington also agreed to ensure the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative.

Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry has rejected the possibility of transferring control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine or any other country.

No agreements on territories with U.S., Russia: Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country did not reach any agreements with the United States nor Russia regarding territories.

U.S. and Ukrainian delegations had a second round of discussions in Saudi Arabia following U.S. talks with Russia.

Zelenskyy said Washington has delivered a new proposal on minerals in Ukraine.

U.S. National Security Advisor claims responsibility for group chat leak

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz says he is taking full responsibility for the inclusion of a journalist in an online chat about military plans in Yemen.

But he denied knowledge of how it happened and promised investigations.

Waltz and several high-ranking officials of the administration under U.S. President Donald Trump have been under fire after the potential breach of national security protocol.

At least 20 dead in South Korea wildfires

Forestry authorities in South Korea say wildfires in the country’s southeast have killed at least 20 people.

The blazes that started in the Gyeongsang regions have scorched 14,000 hectares of land.

Strong winds and dry conditions are hindering firefighting efforts.

China's World Cup hopes fade after home defeat to Australia

China saw its hopes of directly reaching next year’s World Cup dash after a 2-0 home defeat to Australia.

They can now go for third or fourth place in the group to move into the next round of qualifying.

China next takes on Indonesia and Bahrain in June.