China

HONG KONG (AP) — Most of Hong Kong and other parts of southern China ground to a near standstill Friday with classes and flights canceled as powerful Typhoon Saola passed along the coast.

Many workers stayed at home and students in various cities saw the start of their school year postponed to next week. Trading on Hong Kong’s stock market was suspended and hundreds of people were stranded at the airport after about 460 flights were canceled in the key regional business and travel hub.

BEIJING, Aug 31 (APP): China will hold the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in October, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Thursday.

With connectivity as the priority, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to provide a new platform for international economic cooperation and inject new impetus into the development of all countries as well as global economic growth, Wang said during his regular briefing held at the International Press Center.

NEW DELHI/BEIJING, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip a summit of G20 leaders in India next week, sources familiar with the matter in India and China told Reuters, a development that would dash chances of a meeting there with U.S. President Joe Biden.

Xi's absence also could be a shot at host India, according to some analysts, who see it as a signal China is reluctant to confer influence on its southern neighbour that boasts one of the fastest growing major economies as China's slows.

BEIJING/ HONG KONG Aug 31 (Reuters) - China issued its highest typhoon warning on Thursday as Super Typhoon Saola, packing winds of more than 200 kph (125 mph), headed towards the southeastern coastline, threatening Hong Kong and other major manufacturing hubs in nearby Guangdong province.

BEIJING, August 30. /TASS/: Statements on Taiwan’s independence that appeared in a document published by the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee do not correspond to reality, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters.

SHANGHAI (AP) — Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Wednesday said she warned Chinese leaders that U.S. businesses might stop investing in their country without prompt action to address complaints about worsening conditions due to raids on firms, unexplained fines and unpredictable official behavior.

BEIJING, Aug 29 (APP): Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque underlined the role of canals as conduits of commerce, culture and connectivity.

He made these remarks while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of World Canal Cities Forum recently at Yangzhou city in Jiangsu province of China.

During the visit, the ambassador met the local leadership, interacted with various business enterprises, visited Jiangdu district and some key infrastructure and agricultural projects.

BEIJING, Aug 29 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit China this week, Beijing’s foreign ministry said.

During the Wednesday visit, “the two sides will have in-depth communication on China-UK relations and on international and regional issues of shared concern”, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing.

“It is hoped that the UK side will work alongside China in upholding a spirit of mutual respect, conduct in-depth exchanges, enhance understanding, and promote the stable development of China-UK relations,” he added.

BEIJING (AP) — The top Chinese official in charge of economic relations with Washington told Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Tuesday he was ready to “make new positive efforts” to improve cooperation following an agreement to reduce trade tension by launching groups to discuss export controls and other commercial disputes.

BEIJING, Aug 28 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA) — China and El Salvador strengthen collaboration in infrastructure construction and educational exchange while evaluating new opportunities for cooperation.

The ambassador of El Salvador, Aldo Álvarez, stressed in an interview with Prensa Latina the solid relationship and the good state of the political dialogues between the two countries, despite the short time of bilateral ties.