Coronavirus toll rises to 361 in China

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 1,410m while 6,145 people remain missing, according to the latest update issued by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as rescue, relief and recovery operations continue across the affected districts.

Beijing reiterated its opposition to "long-arm jurisdiction" and unilateral economic sanctions, stating that any sanctions not authorised by the UN Security Council have no basis in international law. Defending sovereign trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said normal economic and trade cooperation between sovereign nations is not directed at third parties and should not be subjected to external coercion or interference.

The meeting emphasised the need to further strengthen the democratic environment and values of the two countries. Both sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a sustainable and dignified level based on mutual respect, equality, fairness and justice.

He observed that "it was passed with the support of some Democrats who normally have been very supportive of India," noting that key lawmakers "opted to join hands with their Republicans, and it was passed. So it's nothing you can do about it; it has been passed."

Ahead of Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington in September, public discussions surrounding US-China relations have largely focused on trade, security, technology and strategic competition, according to a report by Freedom House.