Asia (except ME & Indian SC)

YANGON, March 24 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition marking the seventh anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) was held in Nay Pyi Taw, the capital of Myanmar, on Thursday, according to a release from the Chinese embassy in Myanmar.

The exhibition showcased the achievements of the LMC projects implemented by 16 ministries and agencies of Myanmar, the release said.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Than Swe praised the LMC's contribution to the regional sustainable development and its assistance to the people of Myanmar.

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares fell Friday in Asia as worries over turmoil in the banking sector and recession risks overshadowed gains on Wall Street.

Benchmarks declined in most major markets, while U.S. futures were higher. Oil prices fell.

Investors are worried that more banks might suffer a debilitating exodus of customers following the second- and third-largest U.S. bank failures in history. That turmoil is clouding the outlook for what the Federal Reserve will do with interest rates after hiking them to market-rattling heights over the last year.

BEIJING (AP) — When China suddenly scrapped onerous zero-COVID measures in December, the country wasn’t ready for a massive onslaught of cases. Hospitals turned away ambulances, crematoriums burned bodies around the clock, and relatives hauled dead loved ones to warehouses for lack of storage space.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea claimed Friday to have tested a nuclear-capable underwater drone designed to generate a gigantic “radioactive tsunami” that would destroy naval strike groups and ports. Analysts were skeptical that the device presents a major new threat, but the test underlines the North’s commitment to raising nuclear threats.

BANGKOK (AP) — China threatened “serious consequences” Friday after the U.S. Navy sailed a destroyer around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea for the second day in a row, in a move Beijing claimed was a violation of its sovereignty and security.

The warning comes amid growing tensions between China and the United States in the region, as Washington pushes back at Beijing’s growingly assertive posture in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway it claims virtually in its entirety.

BEIJING, Mar 23 (APP): The commemorative flag of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, which was carried into space, was displayed at an exhibition in China.

The ‘Dreaming of the Universe and Asking the Sky: 30 Years of China’s Manned Spaceflight Achievement Exhibition’ was recently held in the West Hall of the National Museum of China, featuring an impressive collection of items that highlight China’s success in space exploration.

BEIJING, Mar 23 (APP): Pakistan Day was celebrated with national spirit and great fervor at the Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing here on Thursday.

Pakistan Day commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran. Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque raised the national flag and hoisted it to the mast’s summit, with the invigorating tune of the national anthem.

BEIJING, March 23. /TASS/: Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia made it possible to expand and deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Shu Jueting, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce of China, announced on Thursday.

"During the visit, documents were signed on trade and economic cooperation, in particular on soybeans, forestry, trade shows, the supply of frozen products and infrastructure facilities. The parties are gradually expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation," she said at a briefing, commenting on the Chinese leader’s trip to Moscow.

BEIJING, March 23 (Reuters) - China would like to enhance communications with Ghana to seek proper resolution of Ghana's debt issue, its foreign ministry said on Thursday,

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remark in response to a question on Ghana's finance minister visiting Beijing for a proposed restructuring of Ghana's debt.

BEIJING, March 23 (Reuters) - China has never deliberately pursued a trade surplus with the United States, Shu Jueting, a commerce ministry spokesperson, said on Thursday, despite signs that China is continuing to reduce its reliance on American exports.