US President Donald Trump's comment about the coronavirus has angered Chinese authorities.&nbsp;

Recently, the US president referred to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus as ''Chinese''.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman responded by asking the US to ''take care of its own business'' before commenting on China.

The virus began from a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan in 2019.

Also read: Ca<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-asymptomatic-kids-sustain-coronavirus-for-longer-than-adults-287039" hreflang="en">n asymptomatic kids sustain coronavirus for longer than adults?</a>

Earlier this month, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson claimed that the US army had brought the virus to China.

To this, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo responded by asking China to end its disinformation campaign in a bid ''to shift blame'' for the outbreak.

Until now, more than 170,000 people have been infected globally, with 80,000 alone in China.

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Earlier today, Chinese authorities claimed that there was only a single new case in the country, while all others were imported cases. 
 
Since the beginning, many have referred to the virus as ''Wuhan virus'' or ''Chinese virus'', something the World Health Organization (WHO) has strictly warned against, for it could perpetuate stigma against a particular region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-our-healthcare-workers-safe-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-287036" hreflang="en">Are our healthcare workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic?</a>

However, many US officials continue to refer to it as either the ''Chinese virus'' or ''Wuhan virus''.

Geng Shuang, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that the tweet amounts to the ''stigmatisation of China''.

"We urge the US to correct its mistake and stop its groundless accusations against China,” he added.

Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency called Trump's rhetoric ''racist and xenophobic''.

As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attempting-to-disinfect-south-korean-church-officials-mistakenly-infect-people-with-covid-19-287013" hreflang="en">Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19</a>

Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia.

US President Donald Trump's comment about the coronavirus has angered Chinese authorities. Recently, the US president referred to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus as ''Chinese''.

US President Donald Trump's comment about the coronavirus has angered Chinese authorities. Recently, the US president referred to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus as ''Chinese''. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman responded by asking the US to ''take care of its own business'' before commenting on China. The virus began from a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan in 2019. Also read: Can asymptomatic kids sustain coronavirus for longer than adults? Earlier this month, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson claimed that the US army had brought the virus to China. To this, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo responded by asking China to end its disinformation campaign in a bid ''to shift blame'' for the outbreak. Until now, more than 170,000 people have been infected globally, with 80,000 alone in China. Earlier today, Chinese authorities claimed that there was only a single new case in the country, while all others were imported cases. Since the beginning, many have referred to the virus as ''Wuhan virus'' or ''Chinese virus'', something the World Health Organization (WHO) has strictly warned against, for it could perpetuate stigma against a particular region. Also read: Are our healthcare workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic? However, many US officials continue to refer to it as either the ''Chinese virus'' or ''Wuhan virus''. Geng Shuang, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that the tweet amounts to the ''stigmatisation of China''. "We urge the US to correct its mistake and stop its groundless accusations against China,” he added. Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency called Trump's rhetoric ''racist and xenophobic''. As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside. Also read: Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19 Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia.

Mind your own business: China to Trump after he calls COVID-19 'Chinese virus'

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers.

Brent crude fell $1.13 to $32.72 a barrel by 0230 GMT, tumbling after last week's plunge of 25%, the largest weekly fall since 2008. The front-month price opened at a high of $35.84 but slipped to a low of $31.63.

US crude was at $31.01, down 72 cents after slipping below $30 earlier in the session, despite US President Donald Trump's pledge to fill strategic oil reserves in the world's largest oil consumer "to the top".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-to-61-over-opec-supply-cut-reports-265782">Oil prices jump to $61 over OPEC+ supply cut reports</a>

The US Fed slashed interest rates on Sunday in its second emergency cut this month and said it would expand its balance sheet by at least $700 billion in coming weeks in a bid to ease tension in financial markets.

Oil prices have come under intense pressure on both demand and supply sides. Worries about the pandemic slashing oil buying persist, while oversupply fears have grown after top exporter Saudi Arabia ramped up output and slashed prices to increase sales to consumers in Asia and Europe.

Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Countries and Russia failed to extend a production cut agreement which has been supporting prices since 2016.

"Fear remains the crux of the problem here as market players remain unconvinced that monetary policy easing and liquidity injections will solve an essential healthcare crisis," OCBC Bank's economist Selena Ling said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-10-after-russia-indicates-open-to-cooperation-with-opec-285465">Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC'</a>

"The end-game to me remains not about more policy bazookas, but a peak in global COVID-19 infections and fatalities, and, or a COVID-19 vaccine cure in the horizon."

Despite the massive drop in both oil and natural gas prices last week, the US oil drilling rig count rose for a second week in a row to its highest since December, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

Still, the number of rigs is expected to fall as producers deepen spending cuts on new drilling.

More pain will be felt by US producers as Brent's premium to WTI is close to its narrowest since 2016, making US crude oil uncompetitive in international markets. Exports are set to fall by 1 million barrels per day each in April and May, sources have said.

"The big loser will be US shale, where the Republican government will possibly face a bailout decision on a heavily indebted industry sooner rather than later," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at Oanda in Singapore.

&nbsp;

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers.

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers. Brent crude fell $1.13 to $32.72 a barrel by 0230 GMT, tumbling after last week's plunge of 25%, the largest weekly fall since 2008. The front-month price opened at a high of $35.84 but slipped to a low of $31.63. US crude was at $31.01, down 72 cents after slipping below $30 earlier in the session, despite US President Donald Trump's pledge to fill strategic oil reserves in the world's largest oil consumer "to the top". Also Read: Oil prices jump to $61 over OPEC+ supply cut reports The US Fed slashed interest rates on Sunday in its second emergency cut this month and said it would expand its balance sheet by at least $700 billion in coming weeks in a bid to ease tension in financial markets. Oil prices have come under intense pressure on both demand and supply sides. Worries about the pandemic slashing oil buying persist, while oversupply fears have grown after top exporter Saudi Arabia ramped up output and slashed prices to increase sales to consumers in Asia and Europe. Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Countries and Russia failed to extend a production cut agreement which has been supporting prices since 2016. "Fear remains the crux of the problem here as market players remain unconvinced that monetary policy easing and liquidity injections will solve an essential healthcare crisis," OCBC Bank's economist Selena Ling said. Also Read: Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC' "The end-game to me remains not about more policy bazookas, but a peak in global COVID-19 infections and fatalities, and, or a COVID-19 vaccine cure in the horizon." Despite the massive drop in both oil and natural gas prices last week, the US oil drilling rig count rose for a second week in a row to its highest since December, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday. Still, the number of rigs is expected to fall as producers deepen spending cuts on new drilling. More pain will be felt by US producers as Brent's premium to WTI is close to its narrowest since 2016, making US crude oil uncompetitive in international markets. Exports are set to fall by 1 million barrels per day each in April and May, sources have said. "The big loser will be US shale, where the Republican government will possibly face a bailout decision on a heavily indebted industry sooner rather than later," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at Oanda in Singapore.

Oil prices slide again on coronavirus fears, price war

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day in a row, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing.

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The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new coronavirus cases on Friday compared with 114 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 7,979. The death toll rose by five to 72<a href="https://t.co/E24cJgsx0I">https://t.co/E24cJgsx0I</a>
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The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 107 new coronavirus cases on Saturday compared with 110 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 8,086.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-weighs-on-south-korea-february-trade-ministry-says-worse-to-come-283540">Coronavirus weighs on South Korea February trade; ministry says worse to come</a>

In contrast, 204 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment. The death toll rose by one to 73.

For the second day in a row, the daily number of recovered people exceeded that of new confirmed cases since South Korea's first patient was confirmed on January 20.

With the latest figures, South Korea has continued to see a steady drop in the number of new cases, raising hopes that the outbreak may be slowing in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Officials, however, urged to stay vigilant as the emergence of clusters of infection in the capital Seoul and metropolitan areas continues.

"It's the weekend, and we understand that you feel frustrated, but please stay at home and avoid contacting with other people as much as possible," a health ministry official told a briefing.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-813-more-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-total-3150-283468">South Korea reports 813 more coronavirus cases in 24-hours, total 3,150</a>

Of the latest 107 cases, 62 were from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic is located, while 15 and 13 were in Gyeonggi and Seoul, respectively. Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has seen a drop in new case numbers.

South Korea, which has the second-highest number of infections in Asia after China, has been testing hundreds of thousands of people and tracking potential carriers like detectives, using the cell phone and satellite technology.

The KCDC has distributed guidelines for publishing travel logs of coronavirus patients to local government, factoring in the National Human Rights Commission of Korea's suggestions to ensure both public health protection and privacy, said Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director at the KCDC, at a briefing.

The guidelines advise not to include private information such as detailed residence addresses and workplaces.

The new coronavirus has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and left more than 5,000 dead.

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day in a row, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing.

South Korea reported more recoveries from the coronavirus than new infections on Saturday for the second day in a row, as a downward trend in daily cases raised hopes that Asia's biggest epidemic outside China may be slowing. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new coronavirus cases on Friday compared with 114 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 7,979. The death toll rose by five to 72https://t.co/E24cJgsx0I — WION (@WIONews) March 13, 2020 × The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 107 new coronavirus cases on Saturday compared with 110 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 8,086. Also Read: Coronavirus weighs on South Korea February trade; ministry says worse to come In contrast, 204 patients were released from hospitals where they had been isolated for treatment. The death toll rose by one to 73. For the second day in a row, the daily number of recovered people exceeded that of new confirmed cases since South Korea's first patient was confirmed on January 20. With the latest figures, South Korea has continued to see a steady drop in the number of new cases, raising hopes that the outbreak may be slowing in Asia's fourth-largest economy. Officials, however, urged to stay vigilant as the emergence of clusters of infection in the capital Seoul and metropolitan areas continues. "It's the weekend, and we understand that you feel frustrated, but please stay at home and avoid contacting with other people as much as possible," a health ministry official told a briefing. Also Read: South Korea reports 813 more coronavirus cases in 24-hours, total 3,150 Of the latest 107 cases, 62 were from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu where a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic is located, while 15 and 13 were in Gyeonggi and Seoul, respectively. Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has seen a drop in new case numbers. South Korea, which has the second-highest number of infections in Asia after China, has been testing hundreds of thousands of people and tracking potential carriers like detectives, using the cell phone and satellite technology. The KCDC has distributed guidelines for publishing travel logs of coronavirus patients to local government, factoring in the National Human Rights Commission of Korea's suggestions to ensure both public health protection and privacy, said Kwon Jun-wook, deputy director at the KCDC, at a briefing. The guidelines advise not to include private information such as detailed residence addresses and workplaces. The new coronavirus has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and left more than 5,000 dead.

South Korea reports 107 new coronavirus cases, total 8,086: Report

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Thursday it will make available 200 million dollars for companies manufacturing and distributing medicines and other items needed to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Companies manufacturing and distributing products, including medicines and personal protective equipment, are increasingly strained as production and distribution ramp-up to address COVID-19.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-may-cause-61-million-loss-to-pakistan-adb-284934">Coronavirus may cause $61 million loss to Pakistan: ADB</a>

The support from ADB, working in partnership with commercial banks, will provide such companies in Asia and the Pacific with additional working capital to meet expansion and other requirements.

"The support will target companies in the supply chain that are critical to fighting the virus," said ADB`s Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance Steven Beck.

"We are looking to support companies that want to ramp up production and therefore need to engage suppliers," he added.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-likely-to-cost-global-economy-1-trillion-in-2020-285755">COVID-19 likely to cost global economy $1 trillion in 2020</a>

Given that a single pool of supply chain finance is typically used for a subsequent delivery over a period of 120 to 180 days, the 200 million dollar facility could support more than 400 million dollars of financing over the next 12 months.

A total of 50:50 risk sharing from partner commercial banks could boost support under the facility to 800 million dollars over the same period.

The funds will be made available through ADB`s supply chain finance programme and provided to selected companies within weeks.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-could-get-bigger-in-winters-study-285720">Coronavirus outbreak could get bigger in winters: Study</a>

ADB said it is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on trade finance and is in regular contact with client banks to assess whether additional support is required.

ADB's response to COVID-19 to date includes two million dollars announced on February 7 to enhance detection, prevention and response in China and the Greater Mekong Subregion; another two million dollars announced on February 26 to support response in all its developing members; and an 18.6 million dollar private-sector loan signed on February 25 to Wuhan, China-based pharmaceutical distributor Jointown Pharmaceutical Group to support the continued supply of essential medicines and personal protective equipment.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Thursday it will make available 200 million dollars for companies manufacturing and distributing medicines and other items needed to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Thursday it will make available 200 million dollars for companies manufacturing and distributing medicines and other items needed to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Companies manufacturing and distributing products, including medicines and personal protective equipment, are increasingly strained as production and distribution ramp-up to address COVID-19. Also read: Coronavirus may cause $61 million loss to Pakistan: ADB The support from ADB, working in partnership with commercial banks, will provide such companies in Asia and the Pacific with additional working capital to meet expansion and other requirements. "The support will target companies in the supply chain that are critical to fighting the virus," said ADB`s Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance Steven Beck. "We are looking to support companies that want to ramp up production and therefore need to engage suppliers," he added. Also see: COVID-19 likely to cost global economy $1 trillion in 2020 Given that a single pool of supply chain finance is typically used for a subsequent delivery over a period of 120 to 180 days, the 200 million dollar facility could support more than 400 million dollars of financing over the next 12 months. A total of 50:50 risk sharing from partner commercial banks could boost support under the facility to 800 million dollars over the same period. The funds will be made available through ADB`s supply chain finance programme and provided to selected companies within weeks. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak could get bigger in winters: Study ADB said it is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on trade finance and is in regular contact with client banks to assess whether additional support is required. ADB's response to COVID-19 to date includes two million dollars announced on February 7 to enhance detection, prevention and response in China and the Greater Mekong Subregion; another two million dollars announced on February 26 to support response in all its developing members; and an 18.6 million dollar private-sector loan signed on February 25 to Wuhan, China-based pharmaceutical distributor Jointown Pharmaceutical Group to support the continued supply of essential medicines and personal protective equipment.

ADB to provide $200 million to support strained supply chains in fight against COVID-19

Due to the recent fall in oil prices, Mukesh Ambani, president of Reliance Industries, is no longer the richest person in Asia. According to reports, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, the founder of e-commerce major Alibaba Group has pushed Ambani to take the top spot in Asia.

Ambani loses $5.6 Bn in a single day, no more Asia's richest man!

Asian shares struggled to find their footing on Wednesday and bonds held stunning gains, as an emergency rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve seemed to stoke rather than soothe fears over the coronavirus' widening global economic fallout.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-slip-as-fed-rate-cut-fails-to-boost-confidence-284125">Nifty, Sensex slip as Fed rate cut fails to boost confidence</a>

The surprise 50 basis point cut, the Fed's first off-schedule move since the depths of the financial crisis more than a decade ago, came with comments highlighting both the scale of the challenge and the limits of monetary policy.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.2%, though most of the gains were confined to South Korea where the government announced a big stimulus package.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/world-bank-announces-up-to-12-billion-in-immediate-funds-for-coronavirus-284072">World Bank announces up to $12 billion in immediate funds for coronavirus</a>

European futures pointed to a steady open, with FTSE futures flat and EuroSTOXX 50 futures up 0.3%.

After Wall Street tumbled overnight, futures for the S&amp;P 500 rose 1.4% on the resurgent performance of Joe Biden in Democratic Party primaries. A moderate, Biden is now set up as the main challenger to self-described democratic socialist Bernie Sanders.

Currencies and bonds showed little such exuberance. The dollar remained on the back foot and the yield on benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasuries, which falls when prices rise, held at 0.9748% - not far over the once-unimaginable low of 0.9060% hit overnight.

"U.S. Treasuries are moving even lower and credit spreads are widening in Asia today. That is not the usual effect that you would see from a movie like this," said Rishi Jalan, Citigroup co-head of debt capital markets syndication.

"This decision shows the coronavirus impact is real and could have a material impact on growth. For market participants, it shows thinking of 'The Fed is expecting something that we have not yet priced in.'"

Japan's Nikkei closed flat, while Australia's S&amp;P/ASX 200 fell 1.7%. Stocks in Hong Kong and China traded either side of flat.

Korean stocks bucked broader weakness, rising 2% after the government announced a $9.8 billion stimulus package to mitigate the impact of the virus outbreak.

The dollar touched a five-month low against the safe-haven Japanese yen and slipped against most other Asian currencies.

"Given the way that the market's reacted, it's telling you that there's a little bit of panic," said Andrew Gillan, head of Asia ex-Japan equities at Janus Henderson in Singapore.

"They're a bit worried that interest rate cuts are not going to make a massive difference...and what's going to be required is probably going to be more fiscal stimulus," he said, his fund having invested, for example, in Chinese cement and construction stocks in anticipation of more government support measures.

The Fed's surprise move followed a massive shift in money market pricing late last week.

Futures swung rapidly to expect such a cut at the Fed's March meeting.

Now they imply another 50 basis points of easing by July, even as the investors and the Fed itself raise questions about the efficacy of easing to deal with a public health crisis.

"We do recognize that a rate cut will not reduce the rate of infection, it won't fix a broken supply chain; we get that," Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told reporters at a press conference.

More than 3,000 people have been killed by the coronavirus, about 3.4% of those infected - far above the seasonal flu's fatality rate of under 1%.

It continues to spread quickly beyond the epicenter in China, with Italy overnight reporting a jump in deaths to 79 and South Korea reporting more than 500 new cases on Wednesday.

"The question here is whether a conventional interest rate response is sufficient," said Sameer Goel, chief strategist, Asia macro, at Deutsche Bank in Singapore.

"It's still not clear how big the problem ultimately is, or could be, and until you know that, it's hard to know how much medicine to apply to it."

In currencies, the U.S. dollar clawed back some of its losses on the euro and yen but was broadly on the back foot.

It last traded at $0.6596 per Australian dollar and $1.1160 per euro. After falling to as low as 106.84 yen, the dollar pared losses to buy 107.42 yen by midafternoon.

Oil prices firmed on expectations of production cuts, with Brent rising 90 cents to $52.79 per barrel and U.S. crude up 1.9% at $48.06 a barrel.

Gold rose 0.2% to $1642.21 an ounce.

Asian shares struggled to find their footing on Wednesday and bonds held stunning gains, as an emergency rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve seemed to stoke rather than soothe fears over the coronavirus' widening global economic fallout.

Asian shares struggled to find their footing on Wednesday and bonds held stunning gains, as an emergency rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve seemed to stoke rather than soothe fears over the coronavirus' widening global economic fallout. Also read: Nifty, Sensex slip as Fed rate cut fails to boost confidence The surprise 50 basis point cut, the Fed's first off-schedule move since the depths of the financial crisis more than a decade ago, came with comments highlighting both the scale of the challenge and the limits of monetary policy. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.2%, though most of the gains were confined to South Korea where the government announced a big stimulus package. Also read: World Bank announces up to $12 billion in immediate funds for coronavirus European futures pointed to a steady open, with FTSE futures flat and EuroSTOXX 50 futures up 0.3%. After Wall Street tumbled overnight, futures for the S&P 500 rose 1.4% on the resurgent performance of Joe Biden in Democratic Party primaries. A moderate, Biden is now set up as the main challenger to self-described democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. Currencies and bonds showed little such exuberance. The dollar remained on the back foot and the yield on benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasuries, which falls when prices rise, held at 0.9748% - not far over the once-unimaginable low of 0.9060% hit overnight. "U.S. Treasuries are moving even lower and credit spreads are widening in Asia today. That is not the usual effect that you would see from a movie like this," said Rishi Jalan, Citigroup co-head of debt capital markets syndication. "This decision shows the coronavirus impact is real and could have a material impact on growth. For market participants, it shows thinking of 'The Fed is expecting something that we have not yet priced in.'" Japan's Nikkei closed flat, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.7%. Stocks in Hong Kong and China traded either side of flat. Korean stocks bucked broader weakness, rising 2% after the government announced a $9.8 billion stimulus package to mitigate the impact of the virus outbreak. The dollar touched a five-month low against the safe-haven Japanese yen and slipped against most other Asian currencies. "Given the way that the market's reacted, it's telling you that there's a little bit of panic," said Andrew Gillan, head of Asia ex-Japan equities at Janus Henderson in Singapore. "They're a bit worried that interest rate cuts are not going to make a massive difference...and what's going to be required is probably going to be more fiscal stimulus," he said, his fund having invested, for example, in Chinese cement and construction stocks in anticipation of more government support measures. The Fed's surprise move followed a massive shift in money market pricing late last week. Futures swung rapidly to expect such a cut at the Fed's March meeting. Now they imply another 50 basis points of easing by July, even as the investors and the Fed itself raise questions about the efficacy of easing to deal with a public health crisis. "We do recognize that a rate cut will not reduce the rate of infection, it won't fix a broken supply chain; we get that," Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told reporters at a press conference. More than 3,000 people have been killed by the coronavirus, about 3.4% of those infected - far above the seasonal flu's fatality rate of under 1%. It continues to spread quickly beyond the epicenter in China, with Italy overnight reporting a jump in deaths to 79 and South Korea reporting more than 500 new cases on Wednesday. "The question here is whether a conventional interest rate response is sufficient," said Sameer Goel, chief strategist, Asia macro, at Deutsche Bank in Singapore. "It's still not clear how big the problem ultimately is, or could be, and until you know that, it's hard to know how much medicine to apply to it." In currencies, the U.S. dollar clawed back some of its losses on the euro and yen but was broadly on the back foot. It last traded at $0.6596 per Australian dollar and $1.1160 per euro. After falling to as low as 106.84 yen, the dollar pared losses to buy 107.42 yen by midafternoon. Oil prices firmed on expectations of production cuts, with Brent rising 90 cents to $52.79 per barrel and U.S. crude up 1.9% at $48.06 a barrel. Gold rose 0.2% to $1642.21 an ounce.

Asian shares struggle despite Fed cut; resurgent Biden boosts US futures

Myanmar is set to be placed on a watchlist by a global finance watchdog this week, amid concerns of money-laundering by transnational drug traffickers and weak regulation of its financial system, two sources familiar with deliberations said.

A decision to put Myanmar on the "grey list" by the Paris-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-remain-on-the-fatf-grey-list-281389">Financial Action Task Force</a> (FATF) would mean the inter-governmental body had found "strategic deficiencies" in the country's ability to counter money-laundering and terrorism financing.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-remain-on-the-fatf-grey-list-281389">Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list</a>

While being on the list does not carry any sanctions, it could curtail the growth of financial, investment and trade flows to and from the Southeast Asian nation, a high-level official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters.

Kyaw Win Thein, the head of Myanmar's Financial Intelligence Unit who is attending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-remain-on-the-fatf-grey-list-281389">FATF </a>meeting in Paris this week, told Reuters that Myanmar "is not on the grey list so far". Its fate will be decided at a plenary meeting on Thursday, he said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-remain-on-the-fatf-grey-list-281389">FATF </a>typically announces its decisions on Friday at the end of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-remain-on-the-fatf-grey-list-281389">Paris </a>plenary meetings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-calls-for-stricter-actions-from-pakistan-on-crackdown-of-terror-groups-269771">FATF calls for stricter actions from Pakistan on crackdown of terror groups</a>

Kyaw added that Myanmar's government has developed a strategic implementation plan to improve its ability to counter-money laundering.

He declined to elaborate but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-myanmar-economic-corridor-turning-out-to-be-another-cpec-275688">Myanmar </a>recently introduced new requirements for companies to disclose beneficial ownership, and for banks to undertake better customer due diligence. It has also passed laws legalising its casinos after concerns unregulated gaming establishments were being exploited by transnational crime groups.

Two sources with knowledge of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-calls-for-stricter-actions-from-pakistan-on-crackdown-of-terror-groups-269771">FATF's </a>proceedings and its investigation into Myanmar said the watchdog found that implementation of the nation's anti-money laundering action plan was far from complete and it was on track to be put on the grey list at the meetings this week.

Myanmar lies at the heart of the "Golden Triangle" region, the epicentre of illicit drug production and trafficking in the Asia-Pacific. It also has "significant" problems with illegal jade mining, arms trafficking and logging, among other offences, an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fatf-meet-to-begin-in-paris-today-outcome-to-decide-paks-fate-on-terror-listing-255569">FATF </a>report in 2018 found.

"Myanmar faces extremely high levels of proceeds-generating crimes" and was "exposed to a large number of very significant money laundering threats", the report said.

The report also noted that the "activities of large-scale transnational crime groups" were "closely related" to ethnic armed groups which control swathes of Myanmar's territory.

Myanmar's government is in peace talks with most of those groups and some have been incorporated into Border Guard Forces allied to the country's military.

Meanwhile, corruption remains a "very significant challenge" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-myanmar-economic-corridor-turning-out-to-be-another-cpec-275688">Myanmar </a>while its state-owned financial institutions and enterprises were "poorly governed and weakly regulated", the report added.

Twelve countries are on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-calls-for-stricter-actions-from-pakistan-on-crackdown-of-terror-groups-269771">FATF's </a>grey list. Myanmar's expected inclusion on the list follows its first evaluation by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-calls-for-stricter-actions-from-pakistan-on-crackdown-of-terror-groups-269771">FATF </a>since the watchdog changed its assessment methodology in 2012.

Myanmar is set to be placed on a watchlist by a global finance watchdog this week, amid concerns of money-laundering by transnational drug traffickers and weak regulation of its financial system, two sources familiar with deliberations said.

Myanmar is set to be placed on a watchlist by a global finance watchdog this week, amid concerns of money-laundering by transnational drug traffickers and weak regulation of its financial system, two sources familiar with deliberations said. A decision to put Myanmar on the "grey list" by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) would mean the inter-governmental body had found "strategic deficiencies" in the country's ability to counter money-laundering and terrorism financing. Also read: Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list While being on the list does not carry any sanctions, it could curtail the growth of financial, investment and trade flows to and from the Southeast Asian nation, a high-level official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. Kyaw Win Thein, the head of Myanmar's Financial Intelligence Unit who is attending the FATF meeting in Paris this week, told Reuters that Myanmar "is not on the grey list so far". Its fate will be decided at a plenary meeting on Thursday, he said. The FATF typically announces its decisions on Friday at the end of its Paris plenary meetings. Also read: FATF calls for stricter actions from Pakistan on crackdown of terror groups Kyaw added that Myanmar's government has developed a strategic implementation plan to improve its ability to counter-money laundering. He declined to elaborate but Myanmar recently introduced new requirements for companies to disclose beneficial ownership, and for banks to undertake better customer due diligence. It has also passed laws legalising its casinos after concerns unregulated gaming establishments were being exploited by transnational crime groups. Two sources with knowledge of the FATF's proceedings and its investigation into Myanmar said the watchdog found that implementation of the nation's anti-money laundering action plan was far from complete and it was on track to be put on the grey list at the meetings this week. Myanmar lies at the heart of the "Golden Triangle" region, the epicentre of illicit drug production and trafficking in the Asia-Pacific. It also has "significant" problems with illegal jade mining, arms trafficking and logging, among other offences, an FATF report in 2018 found. "Myanmar faces extremely high levels of proceeds-generating crimes" and was "exposed to a large number of very significant money laundering threats", the report said. The report also noted that the "activities of large-scale transnational crime groups" were "closely related" to ethnic armed groups which control swathes of Myanmar's territory. Myanmar's government is in peace talks with most of those groups and some have been incorporated into Border Guard Forces allied to the country's military. Meanwhile, corruption remains a "very significant challenge" in Myanmar while its state-owned financial institutions and enterprises were "poorly governed and weakly regulated", the report added. Twelve countries are on the FATF's grey list. Myanmar's expected inclusion on the list follows its first evaluation by the FATF since the watchdog changed its assessment methodology in 2012.

Myanmar set to be placed on global money laundering watchlist: Report

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia.

According to a report, the victim was a tourist from China's Hubei province. She had arrived in France in January and was kept in quarantine in a hospital since January 5.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547">Also Read:&nbsp;United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic extend flight ban to China</a>

Only three deaths have so far been recorded outside mainland China -- in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan.

More than 2,600 new cases of a&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;have been confirmed i<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-143-new-deaths-reported-in-china-as-toll-rises-to-1523-280766">n China with deaths up by 143</a>, health officials said on Saturday.

Most of the new deaths in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-grips-chinas-capital-despite-reduced-emissions-from-coronavirus-economic-slowdown-280690">central Hubei province </a>and in particular the provincial capital of Wuhan, a city of 11 million people where the outbreak began in December.

The total number of infections across mainland China was 66,492 after 2,641 new cases were confirmed as of Friday, the National Health Commission said.

China is confident the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-quarantines-returning-residents-as-china-struggles-to-pick-up-economy-280760">epidemic will be over soon</a>, its vice minister of foreign affairs said.

Watch : Coronavirus Outbreak - What India stands to lose?

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"The impact of the epidemic on the Chinese economy will be short term and temporary," Qin Gang said at the Munich Security Conference.

"When the epidemic is over, the subdued consumer demand will be released rapidly and the economy will rebound strongly."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-of-couples-are-married-in-mass-wedding-ceremony-braving-the-fears-of-ncov-279212">In Pics: Couples get married in South Korea braving coronavirus fears</a>

The virus is killing about 2% of those infected and has spread faster than other respiratory viruses that emerged this century.

A WHO-led joint mission with China is due to start its outbreak investigation this weekend, focusing on how the new&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;is spreading and its severity.

(With inputs from Reuters)

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia. According to a report, the victim was a tourist from China's Hubei province.

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia. According to a report, the victim was a tourist from China's Hubei province. She had arrived in France in January and was kept in quarantine in a hospital since January 5. Also Read: United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic extend flight ban to China Only three deaths have so far been recorded outside mainland China -- in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan. More than 2,600 new cases of a coronavirus have been confirmed in China with deaths up by 143, health officials said on Saturday. Most of the new deaths in central Hubei province and in particular the provincial capital of Wuhan, a city of 11 million people where the outbreak began in December. The total number of infections across mainland China was 66,492 after 2,641 new cases were confirmed as of Friday, the National Health Commission said. China is confident the epidemic will be over soon, its vice minister of foreign affairs said. Watch : Coronavirus Outbreak - What India stands to lose? × "The impact of the epidemic on the Chinese economy will be short term and temporary," Qin Gang said at the Munich Security Conference. "When the epidemic is over, the subdued consumer demand will be released rapidly and the economy will rebound strongly." In Pics: Couples get married in South Korea braving coronavirus fears The virus is killing about 2% of those infected and has spread faster than other respiratory viruses that emerged this century. A WHO-led joint mission with China is due to start its outbreak investigation this weekend, focusing on how the new coronavirus is spreading and its severity. (With inputs from Reuters)

France confirms first coronavirus death outside Asia as China toll rises to 1,500

Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong.

In fact, the spread of the novel coronavirus may be impossible to contain once it breaches other megacities in Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship</a>

Gabriel M Leung, one of the World Health Organisation's leading scientists has said that the prevalence of local cases in large Asian cities is increasing. Additionally, these involve people who had never been to Mainland China before falling ill.

"The big question, which will be settled within the next week or two, is whether these local transmission stains are sustained. It's very difficult to stop the establishment of local sustained transmission", said Leung.

Many scientists believe that such transmissions could lead to self-sustaining outbreaks in cities around the world.

<img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f380fa7-fdba-4395-99fb-7f4eba3ea362" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/127457-untitled-design-3.jpg" />

The Lancet, a leading weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published a paper on the potential domestic and international spread of the n-Cov outbreak.

In it, experts have envisioned two scenarios if the virus is not successfully contained: it joins the family of four coronaviruses that affect millions of people in the winter-spring season. Together, the four are responsible for an estimated one-quarter of all colds

Or it becomes a seasonal-flu-like coronavirus which could very well become another seasonal pathogen that causes pneumonia.

<img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8da361f1-0c4f-4aa0-91f9-511a8f8db910" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_30_0.jpg" />

The death toll in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/newborn-baby-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-just-30-hours-after-birth-278877">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;rose to over&nbsp;560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients.

&nbsp;

The virus which has already spread to twenty countries reached a &nbsp;cruise liner in the port of Yokohama south of Tokyo where ten more people tested positive with nearly 3,700 people on the ship facing two weeks quarantine on the Diamond Princess.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong.

Asian megacities outside of Mainland China are poorly equipped to contain the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, as per a leading epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong. In fact, the spread of the novel coronavirus may be impossible to contain once it breaches other megacities in Asia. Also read: Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship Gabriel M Leung, one of the World Health Organisation's leading scientists has said that the prevalence of local cases in large Asian cities is increasing. Additionally, these involve people who had never been to Mainland China before falling ill. "The big question, which will be settled within the next week or two, is whether these local transmission stains are sustained. It's very difficult to stop the establishment of local sustained transmission", said Leung. Many scientists believe that such transmissions could lead to self-sustaining outbreaks in cities around the world. The Lancet, a leading weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published a paper on the potential domestic and international spread of the n-Cov outbreak. In it, experts have envisioned two scenarios if the virus is not successfully contained: it joins the family of four coronaviruses that affect millions of people in the winter-spring season. Together, the four are responsible for an estimated one-quarter of all colds Or it becomes a seasonal-flu-like coronavirus which could very well become another seasonal pathogen that causes pneumonia. The death toll in the coronavirus rose to over 560 with the number of infections surging to 28,000 in China as officials in Wuhan said they faced a shortage of hospital beds and equipment to treat the patients. The virus which has already spread to twenty countries reached a cruise liner in the port of Yokohama south of Tokyo where ten more people tested positive with nearly 3,700 people on the ship facing two weeks quarantine on the Diamond Princess. (With inputs from agencies)

What happens if the coronavirus breaches Asian megacities?

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage."

"While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London.

The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-online-anti-vaxxers-fuelling-samoa-measles-deaths-266415">U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths</a>

The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months.

Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said.

"Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-vaccine-now-mandatory-to-limit-deadly-outbreak-262803">Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak</a>

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday. Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage." "While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London. The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF. Also read: U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months. Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said. "Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch." Also read: Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak

Measles vaccine drive aims to protect 45 million children in Africa, Asia

Britain's Prince Charles will announce on Tuesday that US&nbsp;pop singer Katy Perry will become an ambassador for the British Asian Trust to help its fight against child-trafficking, the charity said.

Perry, 35, who is already a goodwill ambassador for United Nations children’s organisation UNICEF, met the British heir-to-throne at a meeting of the Trust's supporters and advisers in Mumbai last November while he was on a visit to India.

"I was impressed by their strong plan - from on-ground initiatives to fundraising - that will aim to cut child trafficking in half," Perry said in a statement.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eec443e6-d8e4-4e50-bb72-ef914423d360" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_44.jpg" /> 
Singer Katy Perry attends a red carpet gala event honoring Dolly Parton as the MusiCares person of the year, ahead of the Grammy Awards | Reuters</h6>

"That is why I am especially honoured to be named an ambassador for the British Asian Trust’s Children’s Protection Fund, and to help shine my light&nbsp;on the work that the British Asian Trust will be doing in South Asia, and to be a part of finding solutions to child-trafficking."

Perry's appointment will be announced at the Trust's annual royal dinner at London's Banqueting House which will focus on anti-trafficking measures and plans to combat child labour. The event will also be attended by British ministers and philanthropists.

The charity, founded by the prince and British Asian business leaders in 2007 to fight poverty, inequality and injustice in South Asia, said there are believed to be 5.8 million children working in forced labour in India, with many having to work 15 hours a day.

Britain's Prince Charles will announce on Tuesday that US pop singer Katy Perry will become an ambassador for the British Asian Trust to help its fight against child-trafficking, the charity said.

Britain's Prince Charles will announce on Tuesday that US pop singer Katy Perry will become an ambassador for the British Asian Trust to help its fight against child-trafficking, the charity said. Perry, 35, who is already a goodwill ambassador for United Nations children’s organisation UNICEF, met the British heir-to-throne at a meeting of the Trust's supporters and advisers in Mumbai last November while he was on a visit to India. "I was impressed by their strong plan - from on-ground initiatives to fundraising - that will aim to cut child trafficking in half," Perry said in a statement. Singer Katy Perry attends a red carpet gala event honoring Dolly Parton as the MusiCares person of the year, ahead of the Grammy Awards | Reuters "That is why I am especially honoured to be named an ambassador for the British Asian Trust’s Children’s Protection Fund, and to help shine my light on the work that the British Asian Trust will be doing in South Asia, and to be a part of finding solutions to child-trafficking." Perry's appointment will be announced at the Trust's annual royal dinner at London's Banqueting House which will focus on anti-trafficking measures and plans to combat child labour. The event will also be attended by British ministers and philanthropists. The charity, founded by the prince and British Asian business leaders in 2007 to fight poverty, inequality and injustice in South Asia, said there are believed to be 5.8 million children working in forced labour in India, with many having to work 15 hours a day.

Prince Charles names Katy Perry as Asian charity ambassador

Indian shares ended higher for a third straight session on Wednesday, boosted by metal stocks and on hopes of more monetary stimulus to cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus outbreak.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-latest-breaking-budget-news-after-Budget-Sensex-rises-over-260-in-early-trade">Nifty </a>closed up 0.91 per cent&nbsp;to 12,089.15 and the benchmark&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-latest-breaking-budget-news-after-Budget-Sensex-rises-over-260-in-early-trade">Sensex&nbsp;</a>ended 0.87&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;higher at 41,142.66.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-virus-outbreak-delays-indias-cotton-exports-to-china-278865">Virus outbreak delays India's cotton exports to China</a>

Market focus will shift to RBI on Thursday as it will detail its interest rate decision, the first one after the union budget that did little to boost investor sentiment.

Rising inflation in Asia's third-largest economy was expected to keep the Reserve Bank of India from cutting rates again until late this year, according to a Reuters poll published last month.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-oil-falls-1-as-demand-fears-outweigh-hopes-for-bigger-opec-cuts-278841">Oil falls 1% as demand fears outweigh hopes for bigger OPEC+ cuts</a>

Meanwhile, the People's Bank of China is likely to lower its key lending rate the loan prime rate on February&nbsp;20, and cut banks' reserve requirement ratios in the coming weeks, policy sources told Reuters.

The Nifty metals index closed 2.74&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;higher and led gains among the domestic sectors.

Tata Motors was the biggest gainer, finishing up 10.89&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;after recording its best intra-day gain since October last year.

Zee Entertainment was the biggest laggard, falling 7.3 per cent.

Indian shares ended higher for a third straight session on Wednesday, boosted by metal stocks and on hopes of more monetary stimulus to cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus outbreak.

Indian shares ended higher for a third straight session on Wednesday, boosted by metal stocks and on hopes of more monetary stimulus to cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus outbreak. The Nifty closed up 0.91 per cent to 12,089.15 and the benchmark Sensex ended 0.87 per cent higher at 41,142.66. Also read: Virus outbreak delays India's cotton exports to China Market focus will shift to RBI on Thursday as it will detail its interest rate decision, the first one after the union budget that did little to boost investor sentiment. Rising inflation in Asia's third-largest economy was expected to keep the Reserve Bank of India from cutting rates again until late this year, according to a Reuters poll published last month. Also read: Oil falls 1% as demand fears outweigh hopes for bigger OPEC+ cuts Meanwhile, the People's Bank of China is likely to lower its key lending rate the loan prime rate on February 20, and cut banks' reserve requirement ratios in the coming weeks, policy sources told Reuters. The Nifty metals index closed 2.74 per cent higher and led gains among the domestic sectors. Tata Motors was the biggest gainer, finishing up 10.89 per cent after recording its best intra-day gain since October last year. Zee Entertainment was the biggest laggard, falling 7.3 per cent.

Sensex, Nifty end higher as metals advance; rate decision eyed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/latest-south-east-asia-news-reward-offered-by-indonesia-to-whoever-can-remove-a-tire-stuck-on-a-crocodiles-neck-277740">Indonesia </a>needs to sign a new renewable energy contract in the next three years to counter its massive demographic shift, according to a report in 'Indonesia&nbsp;Clean Energy Outlook'.

The country&nbsp;is Southeast Asia's largest economy and democracy and is rapidly&nbsp;approaching a demographic shift in the next ten years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/latest-south-east-asia-news-reward-offered-by-indonesia-to-whoever-can-remove-a-tire-stuck-on-a-crocodiles-neck-277740">Reward offered by Indonesia to whoever can remove a tire stuck on a crocodile's neck</a>

Experts claim that Asia's next clean energy battle will not be in India or China but in Indonesia.&nbsp;In a decade, almost half of its population will enter the workforce and 7 out of 10 people will be working by 2030, the report said. 
&nbsp; 
The country's conventional poverty rate has declined and it is experiencing enormous urban migration.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-indonesias-mt-sinabung-erupts-696#mt-sinabung-spews-massive-smoke-117135">Indonesia's Mt Sinabung erupts</a>

Although the situation is similar to that of other countries in Southeast Asia, it has not negotiated a new renewable energy contract in three years. &nbsp;

According to the report, it will become the largest contributor to the region's ballooning energy demand over a short period of time due to rapid growth and will soon&nbsp;join both India and China as a global hotspot for power needs.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indonesia-to-increase-imports-from-india-amid-new-delhi-malaysia-spat-report-276398">Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat</a>

Indonesia's&nbsp;electricity needs are reportedly set to almost double in the next 10 years. Without immediate measures, it can offset the region's positive growth due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the report claimed.

However, Indonesia expects to put an end to stalled clean energy growth in March.

According to sources, a ministry regulation has been&nbsp;aiming to attract investment in the sphere of renewable energy.&nbsp;Malaysia and Vietnam have supported Indonesia in its endeavour.

Indonesian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-presidential-election-prabowo-subianto-vs-joko-widodo-209329">Joko Widodo</a> implied in a speech last year that reducing coal will become a national policy.

However, to meet the goal of 23 per cent renewables from 12 per cent in its energy mix by 2025 it will need to cancel coal projects which already exist in the construction pipeline.&nbsp;

Indonesia needs to sign a new renewable energy contract in the next three years to counter its massive demographic shift, according to a report in 'Indonesia Clean Energy Outlook'.

Indonesia needs to sign a new renewable energy contract in the next three years to counter its massive demographic shift, according to a report in 'Indonesia Clean Energy Outlook'. The country is Southeast Asia's largest economy and democracy and is rapidly approaching a demographic shift in the next ten years. Also read: Reward offered by Indonesia to whoever can remove a tire stuck on a crocodile's neck Experts claim that Asia's next clean energy battle will not be in India or China but in Indonesia. In a decade, almost half of its population will enter the workforce and 7 out of 10 people will be working by 2030, the report said. The country's conventional poverty rate has declined and it is experiencing enormous urban migration. Also see: Indonesia's Mt Sinabung erupts Although the situation is similar to that of other countries in Southeast Asia, it has not negotiated a new renewable energy contract in three years. According to the report, it will become the largest contributor to the region's ballooning energy demand over a short period of time due to rapid growth and will soon join both India and China as a global hotspot for power needs. Also read: Indonesia to increase imports from India amid New Delhi-Malaysia spat Indonesia's electricity needs are reportedly set to almost double in the next 10 years. Without immediate measures, it can offset the region's positive growth due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the report claimed. However, Indonesia expects to put an end to stalled clean energy growth in March. According to sources, a ministry regulation has been aiming to attract investment in the sphere of renewable energy. Malaysia and Vietnam have supported Indonesia in its endeavour. Indonesian President Joko Widodo implied in a speech last year that reducing coal will become a national policy. However, to meet the goal of 23 per cent renewables from 12 per cent in its energy mix by 2025 it will need to cancel coal projects which already exist in the construction pipeline.

To combat Asia's energy battle, Indonesia needs to sign new renewable energy contract: Report

China said Monday it "urgently needs" protective medical equipment as the death toll in the country from a highly contagious coronavirus passed that of the 2002 SARS crisis, with more than 17,000 infected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-coronavirus-killed-more-people-than-sars-in-mainland-china-278354">Also read: Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China</a>

Fears of the virus have spurred people in the densely-populated country of 1.4 billion to stock up on single-use surgical masks, while frontline medical personnel at the centre of the outbreak have reported equipment shortages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines</a>

"What China urgently needs at present are medical masks, protective suits, and safety goggles," the foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a press briefing.

At full capacity, China's factories are only able to produce around 20 million masks a day, according to the ministry of industry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-doctors-say-cocktail-of-flu-hiv-drugs-appears-to-help-fight-coronavirus-278168">Also Read:&nbsp;Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus</a>

The foreign ministry said countries including South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Hungary have donated medical supplies.

Tian Yulong of the industry ministry said earlier Monday that authorities were taking steps to bring in masks from Europe, Japan and the US, adding that supply and demand in China remained in "tight equilibrium" as factories returned to production after the Lunar New Year lull.

He said they were now operating at "between 60 and 70 per cent capacity".

In addition to Hubei, the province of more than 50 million people at the centre of the outbreak, several other provinces and cities across China have made it compulsory to wear masks in public as virus fears have grown.

These include Guangdong -- China's most populous province -- plus Sichuan, Jiangxi, Liaoning and the city of Nanjing, with a combined population of more than 300 million.

The death toll from the coronavirus soared past 360 on Monday, exceeding the 349 mainland fatalities from the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, although SARS killed a higher percentage of people infected.

China said Monday it "urgently needs" protective medical equipment as the death toll in the country from a highly contagious coronavirus passed that of the 2002 SARS crisis, with more than 17,000 infected.

China said Monday it "urgently needs" protective medical equipment as the death toll in the country from a highly contagious coronavirus passed that of the 2002 SARS crisis, with more than 17,000 infected. Also read: Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China Fears of the virus have spurred people in the densely-populated country of 1.4 billion to stock up on single-use surgical masks, while frontline medical personnel at the centre of the outbreak have reported equipment shortages. Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines "What China urgently needs at present are medical masks, protective suits, and safety goggles," the foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a press briefing. At full capacity, China's factories are only able to produce around 20 million masks a day, according to the ministry of industry. Also Read: Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus The foreign ministry said countries including South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Hungary have donated medical supplies. Tian Yulong of the industry ministry said earlier Monday that authorities were taking steps to bring in masks from Europe, Japan and the US, adding that supply and demand in China remained in "tight equilibrium" as factories returned to production after the Lunar New Year lull. He said they were now operating at "between 60 and 70 per cent capacity". In addition to Hubei, the province of more than 50 million people at the centre of the outbreak, several other provinces and cities across China have made it compulsory to wear masks in public as virus fears have grown. These include Guangdong -- China's most populous province -- plus Sichuan, Jiangxi, Liaoning and the city of Nanjing, with a combined population of more than 300 million. The death toll from the coronavirus soared past 360 on Monday, exceeding the 349 mainland fatalities from the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, although SARS killed a higher percentage of people infected.

Battling shortage, China 'urgently needs' masks and medical equipment to tackle Coronavirus

China's loss of life from coronavirus hopped over 360 on Monday to outperform the number of fatalities of its SARS emergency two decades back in 2003, with many individuals dying in Wuhan the epicentre of this outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines</a>

During the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, the number of deaths in mainland China was 349 along with 5,327 cases of infections.

SARS, caused by a pathogen similar to the new coronavirus&nbsp;killed 774 people worldwide - with most of the other deaths in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-doctors-say-cocktail-of-flu-hiv-drugs-appears-to-help-fight-coronavirus-278168">Also Read:&nbsp;Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus</a>

The coronavirus infection has already spread across China and to around two dozen nations. Yet, the zone hit hardest is the Hubei area, of which Wuhan is the provincial capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor</a>

A Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-medical-workers-strike-for-china-border-closure-278344/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, China is expecting other countries to make judgements and respond to the crisis reasonably and based on scientific evidence.&nbsp;

China recently claimed that the United States has created and spread fear about the coronavirus.

In a bid to prevent the spread of the virus, the United States became the first nation to suggest a partial withdrawal of its embassy staff. It was also the first country to impose a ban on Chinese travellers. These details were given out by Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry.

China's loss of life from coronavirus hopped over 360 on Monday to outperform the number of fatalities of its SARS emergency two decades back in 2003, with many individuals dying in Wuhan the epicentre of this outbreak.

China's loss of life from coronavirus hopped over 360 on Monday to outperform the number of fatalities of its SARS emergency two decades back in 2003, with many individuals dying in Wuhan the epicentre of this outbreak. Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines During the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, the number of deaths in mainland China was 349 along with 5,327 cases of infections. SARS, caused by a pathogen similar to the new coronavirus killed 774 people worldwide - with most of the other deaths in Hong Kong. Also Read: Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus The coronavirus infection has already spread across China and to around two dozen nations. Yet, the zone hit hardest is the Hubei area, of which Wuhan is the provincial capital. Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor A Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone. China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week. Meanwhile, China is expecting other countries to make judgements and respond to the crisis reasonably and based on scientific evidence. China recently claimed that the United States has created and spread fear about the coronavirus. In a bid to prevent the spread of the virus, the United States became the first nation to suggest a partial withdrawal of its embassy staff. It was also the first country to impose a ban on Chinese travellers. These details were given out by Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry.

Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China

The mysterious coronavirus has fast-spread to four continents and has affected over 147,000 people.

China, where the virus first emerged, has been taking steps to control the epidemic.

It has even received appreciation from the World Health Organisation for its efforts in containing the virus, which includes building hospitals from the ground within a one-week window.

However, the veracity of the information flowing in from China has been put to the test owing to a report by the New York Times.

According to the report, a Chinese doctor named Li Wenliang had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019.

The virus had not been identified then. But Wenliang understood the dangers it possessed.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="135778da-9bc5-479e-9e24-48285fed93b7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_63.jpg" /> 
Passengers arrive at LAX from Shanghai, China, after a positive case of the coronavirus was announced in the Orange County suburb of Los Angeles, California, US</h6>

The report states that he tried to warn his medical school classmates in an online chat group.

The words used by the doctor to describe the virus were ''so frightening''. To which, one recipient replied with, ''Is SARS coming again?''

The mysterious disease was then identified as the coronavirus.

As per the report, the government tried to silence the doctor and bury the whole matter.

Officials from the Health Authority of Wuhan summoned Dr Wenliang and confronted him for sharing this information.

Wenliang was later ordered to sign a statement which labelled his warning as ''illegal behaviour''.

The report goes on to say that the government’s initial handling of the epidemic allowed the virus to gain a tenacious hold.

It blames the officials for choosing secrecy over openly confronting the growing crisis.

The report further alleges that this was done to avoid political embarrassment.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/did-china-hide-on-coronavirus-outbreak-earlier-278242/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The coronavirus is now on a relentless march outward from Wuhan, throughout the country and across the globe, killing at least 360 people in China, one in the Philippines and infecting more than 14,380 worldwide. In fact, a Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone.

China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-social-media-applications-tackling-false-claims-against-coronavirus-278258">Here's how social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus</a>

The mysterious coronavirus has fast-spread to four continents and has affected over 147,000 people. China, where the virus first emerged, has been taking steps to control the epidemic.

The mysterious coronavirus has fast-spread to four continents and has affected over 147,000 people. China, where the virus first emerged, has been taking steps to control the epidemic. It has even received appreciation from the World Health Organisation for its efforts in containing the virus, which includes building hospitals from the ground within a one-week window. However, the veracity of the information flowing in from China has been put to the test owing to a report by the New York Times. According to the report, a Chinese doctor named Li Wenliang had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019. The virus had not been identified then. But Wenliang understood the dangers it possessed. Passengers arrive at LAX from Shanghai, China, after a positive case of the coronavirus was announced in the Orange County suburb of Los Angeles, California, US The report states that he tried to warn his medical school classmates in an online chat group. The words used by the doctor to describe the virus were ''so frightening''. To which, one recipient replied with, ''Is SARS coming again?'' The mysterious disease was then identified as the coronavirus. As per the report, the government tried to silence the doctor and bury the whole matter. Officials from the Health Authority of Wuhan summoned Dr Wenliang and confronted him for sharing this information. Wenliang was later ordered to sign a statement which labelled his warning as ''illegal behaviour''. The report goes on to say that the government’s initial handling of the epidemic allowed the virus to gain a tenacious hold. It blames the officials for choosing secrecy over openly confronting the growing crisis. The report further alleges that this was done to avoid political embarrassment. The coronavirus is now on a relentless march outward from Wuhan, throughout the country and across the globe, killing at least 360 people in China, one in the Philippines and infecting more than 14,380 worldwide. In fact, a Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone. China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week. Read more: Here's how social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus

Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report

Indonesian authorities are offering a reward to anyone who can rescue a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crocodile-named-merry-mauls-woman-to-death-in-indonesia-190985">saltwater crocodile</a> with a motorbike tyre stuck around its neck -&nbsp;and survive. 
The contest will see one brave croc hunter land an unspecified amount of cash, but it will mean coming face to face with the 13-foot (4-metre) reptile in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.

Local conservation authorities have been trying -&nbsp;and failing - for several years to find a way to untangle the croc after video showed it gasping for air.&nbsp;That sparked worries the tire was slowly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-villagers-kill-nearly-300-crocodiles-in-a-revenge-attack-152071">killing the beast</a>. After a recent sighting, the province's governor instructed his resource-strapped conservation agency to figure out how to end years of fruitless attempts.

<img alt="Saltwater Crocodile" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7790ee6c-cd3f-4811-91de-7e73d365ef0f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2822%29_6.jpg" /> 
[ The crocodile can be seen here slowly dying as the tire continues to hamper its breathing&nbsp;(Courtesy: AFP) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-human-limbs-found-inside-20-foot-long-crocodile-34515">Indonesia: Human limbs found inside 20-foot long crocodile</a>

The agency offered few details on the reward, or how outsiders might pull off the task. But its chief -&nbsp;who said the cash would come out of his own pocket -&nbsp;warned that he was not calling on amateurs to hunt down the reptile, but rather addressing people with a background in wildlife rescue and a thirst for conservation.

"We're asking the general public not to get close to the crocodile or disturb its habitat," said Hasmuni Hasmar, head of the Central Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency.

Indonesian authorities are offering a reward to anyone who can rescue a saltwater crocodile with a motorbike tyre stuck around its neck - and survive. The contest will see one brave croc hunter land an unspecified amount of cash, but it will mean coming face to face with the 13-foot (4-metre) reptile in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi.

Indonesian authorities are offering a reward to anyone who can rescue a saltwater crocodile with a motorbike tyre stuck around its neck - and survive. The contest will see one brave croc hunter land an unspecified amount of cash, but it will mean coming face to face with the 13-foot (4-metre) reptile in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi. Local conservation authorities have been trying - and failing - for several years to find a way to untangle the croc after video showed it gasping for air. That sparked worries the tire was slowly killing the beast. After a recent sighting, the province's governor instructed his resource-strapped conservation agency to figure out how to end years of fruitless attempts. [ The crocodile can be seen here slowly dying as the tire continues to hamper its breathing (Courtesy: AFP) ] Also Read: Indonesia: Human limbs found inside 20-foot long crocodile The agency offered few details on the reward, or how outsiders might pull off the task. But its chief - who said the cash would come out of his own pocket - warned that he was not calling on amateurs to hunt down the reptile, but rather addressing people with a background in wildlife rescue and a thirst for conservation. "We're asking the general public not to get close to the crocodile or disturb its habitat," said Hasmuni Hasmar, head of the Central Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency.

Reward offered by Indonesia to whoever can remove a tire stuck on a crocodile's neck

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-hits-42000-for-first-time-nifty-at-a-record-high-274544">Indian markets </a>have climbed to&nbsp;a record high with the announcement of phase one trade deal between the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-iran-conflict-a-high-stakes-bet-on-who-blinks-first-274636"> US</a> and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-isnt-like-youve-got-china-on-your-border-when-trump-shocked-modi-with-his-remark-274653"> China</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-elements-of-the-us-china-trade-deal-a-pact-to-pause-the-economic-conflict-274516">Also read:&nbsp;Key elements of the US-China trade deal: A pact to pause the economic conflict</a>

Although it's just the first step, this deal between the world's two largest economies can benefit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/family-of-british-explorer-return-old-buddha-statue-to-sri-lankan-temple-274652">Asia</a>'s third-largest economy India in several areas.

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Firstly, if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-inside-chinas-trafficking-problem-266666">China</a> starts exporting goods to the US which is its biggest market, then there will probably be a reduction&nbsp;in the dumping of unsold goods to&nbsp;India.

The global trade wars have increased the apprehensions of the global economies which are getting into recession and&nbsp;demand slowing.

So, this deal will indirectly help India by keeping the demand intact in many other markets.

But the trade deal will have a negatives side as well.&nbsp;

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The renewed demand in these economies will yield a price hike in oil prices which will, in turn, will impact India as it imports over 80 per cent of its crude oil.

With the pre-trade war levels due to this deal, India will also miss the opportunity to be the manufacturing hub of the world, as some companies had earlier shown interest in shifting their manufacturing base to India from China, owing to high US tariffs.

Indian markets have climbed to a record high with the announcement of phase one trade deal between the US and China. Also read: Key elements of the US-China trade deal: A pact to pause the economic conflict Although it's just the first step, this deal between the world's two largest economies can benefit Asia's third-largest economy India in several areas.

Indian markets have climbed to a record high with the announcement of phase one trade deal between the US and China. Also read: Key elements of the US-China trade deal: A pact to pause the economic conflict Although it's just the first step, this deal between the world's two largest economies can benefit Asia's third-largest economy India in several areas. × Firstly, if China starts exporting goods to the US which is its biggest market, then there will probably be a reduction in the dumping of unsold goods to India. The global trade wars have increased the apprehensions of the global economies which are getting into recession and demand slowing. So, this deal will indirectly help India by keeping the demand intact in many other markets. But the trade deal will have a negatives side as well. × The renewed demand in these economies will yield a price hike in oil prices which will, in turn, will impact India as it imports over 80 per cent of its crude oil. With the pre-trade war levels due to this deal, India will also miss the opportunity to be the manufacturing hub of the world, as some companies had earlier shown interest in shifting their manufacturing base to India from China, owing to high US tariffs.

US-China trade deal: Hits and misses for India

Asian shares rose to new 19-month highs on Monday ahead of the expected signing on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/details-of-us-china-deal-to-be-published-after-signing-white-house-273483">Phase One</a>&nbsp;China-US&nbsp;trade deal, although markets have yet to see the details of the agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-headed-for-weekly-gain-as-mideast-tensions-ease-273346">MSCI's broadest index</a> of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.47 per cent&nbsp;higher, touching its highest point since June 2018. Japanese markets were closed for a holiday.

South Korea's trade-sensitive Kospi added 0.73 per cent&nbsp;and Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.74 per cent, while Taiwan shares added 0.6 per cent&nbsp;in the first trading day after Taiwanese re-elected President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-strengths-as-global-financial-hub-intact-despite-protests-carrie-lam-273828">Tsai Ing-wen</a> by a landslide on Saturday.

Mainland Chinese shares lagged the regional index after China's major equity indexes logged their sixth consecutive weekly rise last week, the longest such streak since the first quarter of 2019.

The benchmark <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-jumps-634-points-as-us-iran-tensions-ease-auto-and-realty-stocks-gain-273229">Shanghai Composite Index</a> ended the morning session up just 0.06 per cent.

Investors in China are looking ahead to trade and economic growth data due this week, which is expected to shed more light on some early signs of economic improvement after the country logged its slowest pace of growth in nearly three decades in the third quarter.

Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-erase-losses-as-mideast-tensions-ease-oil-ticks-up-273093">Nikkei</a> was closed for a holiday. It fell sharply early last week when Iran attacked bases hosting US&nbsp;military in Iraq, only to rally almost a thousand points when the two countries stepped back from hostilities.

E-Mini futures for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-stocks-march-back-to-record-highs-as-middle-east-tensions-ease-273438">S&amp;P 500</a> edged up 0.28 per cent, to be just off all-time highs.

The main event of the week will be the signing of the Phase One&nbsp;trade deal between the United States and China on Wednesday. The Trump administration has invited at least 200 people to the White House for the ceremony.

"A calmer geopolitical backdrop and the signing of the US‑China Phase One&nbsp;agreement is, on balance, favourable for global growth," said Joseph Capurso, an FX strategist at CBA.

"However, the 86-page Phase One&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-vice-premier-liu-to-sign-us-trade-deal-next-week-in-washington-273242">agreement</a> has not yet been made public.&nbsp;There are doubts how comprehensive the deal is, and whether the Phase One&nbsp;agreement will be implemented in full by both governments."

Washington has reserved the right to reimpose tariffs if it judges China is not abiding by the deal.

"If there is any surprise from the Phase One&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that may actually cause some kind of volatility," said Tommy Xie, economist and head of greater China research at OCBC in Singapore.

"People are really focused on whether China is really committed to purchasing additional $200 billion in goods and services from the US&nbsp;over the next two years, there's not much commitment from China yet."

Xie said China's fourth-quarter and 2019 full-year GDP figures, due on Friday, are also likely to draw close scrutiny as investors look for signs that improvements seen in recent manufacturing surveys are reflected in broader growth and investment figures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sp-500-snaps-win-streak-as-middle-east-tensions-push-down-wall-street-272037">Wall Street</a> slipped and bonds rallied on Friday when data showed US&nbsp;nonfarm payrolls missed forecasts with a rise of 145,000, while wages and hours worked were soft.

"This is the perfect employment report for the Fed to continue to run the economy 'hot', as views on the natural rate of unemployment continue to drop," said Alan Ruskin, Deutsche Bank's global head of FX strategy. "This is perfect for risky assets."&nbsp;

On Monday, the euro gained 0.06 per cent&nbsp;to $1.1126, up from a $1.1083 low on Friday. Support comes in around $1.1060, while the recent peak at $1.1239 marks stiff resistance.

The dollar was firm on the yen at 109.61 but faces tough resistance around 109.70 where rallies have repeatedly failed in the past couple of months.

Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was stuck at 97.357, well within the recent trading range of 96.355 to 97.817.

The pound dipped 0.18 per cent&nbsp;to $1.3035 after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bank-of-england-sam-woods-warns-financial-sector-may-crackdown-273799">Bank of England</a> policymaker Gertjan Vlieghe said he will vote for a cut in interest rates later this month, barring an "imminent and significant" improvement in the growth data.

Spot gold slipped 0.37 per cent to $1,556.30 per ounce, having hit a seven-year top last week of $1,610.90 at the height of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-kill-your-protesters-us-president-trump-to-iranian-authorities-273818">Iran-US&nbsp;tensions</a>.

Oil prices were slightly firmer after suffering the first weekly loss since late November.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-edges-above-65-as-middle-east-concerns-support-273441">Brent crude</a> futures were up 6 cents at $65.04 a barrel, while US&nbsp;crude added 10 cents to $59.14 a barrel.

Asian shares rose to new 19-month highs on Monday ahead of the expected signing on Phase One China-US trade deal, although markets have yet to see the details of the agreement.

Asian shares rose to new 19-month highs on Monday ahead of the expected signing on Phase One China-US trade deal, although markets have yet to see the details of the agreement. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.47 per cent higher, touching its highest point since June 2018. Japanese markets were closed for a holiday. South Korea's trade-sensitive Kospi added 0.73 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng was up 0.74 per cent, while Taiwan shares added 0.6 per cent in the first trading day after Taiwanese re-elected President Tsai Ing-wen by a landslide on Saturday. Mainland Chinese shares lagged the regional index after China's major equity indexes logged their sixth consecutive weekly rise last week, the longest such streak since the first quarter of 2019. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index ended the morning session up just 0.06 per cent. Investors in China are looking ahead to trade and economic growth data due this week, which is expected to shed more light on some early signs of economic improvement after the country logged its slowest pace of growth in nearly three decades in the third quarter. Japan's Nikkei was closed for a holiday. It fell sharply early last week when Iran attacked bases hosting US military in Iraq, only to rally almost a thousand points when the two countries stepped back from hostilities. E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 edged up 0.28 per cent, to be just off all-time highs. The main event of the week will be the signing of the Phase One trade deal between the United States and China on Wednesday. The Trump administration has invited at least 200 people to the White House for the ceremony. "A calmer geopolitical backdrop and the signing of the US‑China Phase One agreement is, on balance, favourable for global growth," said Joseph Capurso, an FX strategist at CBA. "However, the 86-page Phase One agreement has not yet been made public. There are doubts how comprehensive the deal is, and whether the Phase One agreement will be implemented in full by both governments." Washington has reserved the right to reimpose tariffs if it judges China is not abiding by the deal. "If there is any surprise from the Phase One deal that may actually cause some kind of volatility," said Tommy Xie, economist and head of greater China research at OCBC in Singapore. "People are really focused on whether China is really committed to purchasing additional $200 billion in goods and services from the US over the next two years, there's not much commitment from China yet." Xie said China's fourth-quarter and 2019 full-year GDP figures, due on Friday, are also likely to draw close scrutiny as investors look for signs that improvements seen in recent manufacturing surveys are reflected in broader growth and investment figures. Wall Street slipped and bonds rallied on Friday when data showed US nonfarm payrolls missed forecasts with a rise of 145,000, while wages and hours worked were soft. "This is the perfect employment report for the Fed to continue to run the economy 'hot', as views on the natural rate of unemployment continue to drop," said Alan Ruskin, Deutsche Bank's global head of FX strategy. "This is perfect for risky assets." On Monday, the euro gained 0.06 per cent to $1.1126, up from a $1.1083 low on Friday. Support comes in around $1.1060, while the recent peak at $1.1239 marks stiff resistance. The dollar was firm on the yen at 109.61 but faces tough resistance around 109.70 where rallies have repeatedly failed in the past couple of months. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was stuck at 97.357, well within the recent trading range of 96.355 to 97.817. The pound dipped 0.18 per cent to $1.3035 after Bank of England policymaker Gertjan Vlieghe said he will vote for a cut in interest rates later this month, barring an "imminent and significant" improvement in the growth data. Spot gold slipped 0.37 per cent to $1,556.30 per ounce, having hit a seven-year top last week of $1,610.90 at the height of Iran-US tensions. Oil prices were slightly firmer after suffering the first weekly loss since late November. Brent crude futures were up 6 cents at $65.04 a barrel, while US crude added 10 cents to $59.14 a barrel.

Asian shares rise ahead of US-China 'phase one' trade deal

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on.

According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899.

The dwindling number of births will put more strain on welfare finances to support snowballing costs of supporting an ageing population, which would undermine economic growth, analysts say.

There were 512,000 more deaths than births this year, the first time the figure has surpassed 500,000, with 864,000 babies born. Last year, 918,400 babies were born.

This was the biggest decline in births since 1975, driven by fewer women aged 25 to 39, said a ministry official in charge of compiling the data.

The government is hoping for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent&nbsp;- which would appear a tall order given the rate was 1.42 per cent&nbsp;in 2018.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on. According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899.

Japan's childbirth hit the lowest figure in 2019 since the government started compiling data, the official government sources said on. According to a report published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the estimated number of babies born in the country in 2019 fell to 864,000 — the lowest since 1899. The dwindling number of births will put more strain on welfare finances to support snowballing costs of supporting an ageing population, which would undermine economic growth, analysts say. There were 512,000 more deaths than births this year, the first time the figure has surpassed 500,000, with 864,000 babies born. Last year, 918,400 babies were born. This was the biggest decline in births since 1975, driven by fewer women aged 25 to 39, said a ministry official in charge of compiling the data. The government is hoping for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent - which would appear a tall order given the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018. (With inputs from Reuters)

Japan's childbirth rate hits lowest level since records began in 1899

Communities across Asia commemorated the more than 230,000 victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Thursday, the 15th anniversary of one of the world's most deadly disasters.

On the morning after Christmas Day in 2004, a 9.1 magnitude quake off northern Sumatra island triggered a tsunami with waves as high as 17.4 meters (57 feet) that swept over vulnerable coastal areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and nine other countries.

"It still haunts me. I can remember it all the time," said Suwannee Maliwan, 28, who lost both parents and five other relatives when the tsunami hit the Thai province of Phang Nga.

"Sometimes I dream that a wave is coming. I'm still scared," she said. "Sometimes I want to move somewhere else, but it's not possible because I was born here, my mom and dad passed away here."

<img alt="Tsunami 2004" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54bd5617-9ce5-4ec8-b5a4-cf4f1254617c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_25.jpg" />

Women scatter flower petals in the waters of the Bay of Bengal during a prayer ceremony for the victims of the 2004 tsunami on the 15th anniversary of the disaster, at Marina beach in Chennai, India, December 26, 2019. (Reuters Photo)

Memorials were scheduled in the Indonesian province of Aceh, where entire villages were flattened and more than 125,000 people perished in the giant waves. Since then, the area has been largely rebuilt, with some 25,600 residential, commercial, government and school buildings constructed inside a high-risk zone, that had suffered virtually total devastation in 2004.

In Thailand, where more than 5,300 people were killed, including tourists visiting resort islands in the Andaman Sea, officials held a memorial ceremony and called for more awareness and preparedness for disasters.

"The government wants to lift safety standards and build awareness across all sectors in preparing and protecting people against disasters," Deputy Interior Minister, Nipon Bunyamanee, said at an opening ceremony. He said December 26 had been designated national accident prevention day.

Officials later laid wreaths at a memorial centre in Phang Nga province to pay tribute to King Maha Vajiralongkorn's nephew, Bhumi Jensen, who was last seen jet-skiing off the coast when the tsunami hit.

An interfaith service for Muslim, Christian and Buddhist victims was also scheduled.

Survivors from Ban Nam Khem, the worst-hit Thai village, will hold a candlelight vigil in the evening. At least 1,400 people were killed when waves struck the fishing village.

In India, where more than 10,000 people died in the tsunami, survivors also were to hold memorial ceremonies. More than 35,000 people died in Sri Lanka.

Communities across Asia commemorated the more than 230,000 victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Thursday, the 15th anniversary of one of the world's most deadly disasters.

Communities across Asia commemorated the more than 230,000 victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Thursday, the 15th anniversary of one of the world's most deadly disasters. On the morning after Christmas Day in 2004, a 9.1 magnitude quake off northern Sumatra island triggered a tsunami with waves as high as 17.4 meters (57 feet) that swept over vulnerable coastal areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and nine other countries. "It still haunts me. I can remember it all the time," said Suwannee Maliwan, 28, who lost both parents and five other relatives when the tsunami hit the Thai province of Phang Nga. "Sometimes I dream that a wave is coming. I'm still scared," she said. "Sometimes I want to move somewhere else, but it's not possible because I was born here, my mom and dad passed away here." Women scatter flower petals in the waters of the Bay of Bengal during a prayer ceremony for the victims of the 2004 tsunami on the 15th anniversary of the disaster, at Marina beach in Chennai, India, December 26, 2019. (Reuters Photo) Memorials were scheduled in the Indonesian province of Aceh, where entire villages were flattened and more than 125,000 people perished in the giant waves. Since then, the area has been largely rebuilt, with some 25,600 residential, commercial, government and school buildings constructed inside a high-risk zone, that had suffered virtually total devastation in 2004. In Thailand, where more than 5,300 people were killed, including tourists visiting resort islands in the Andaman Sea, officials held a memorial ceremony and called for more awareness and preparedness for disasters. "The government wants to lift safety standards and build awareness across all sectors in preparing and protecting people against disasters," Deputy Interior Minister, Nipon Bunyamanee, said at an opening ceremony. He said December 26 had been designated national accident prevention day. Officials later laid wreaths at a memorial centre in Phang Nga province to pay tribute to King Maha Vajiralongkorn's nephew, Bhumi Jensen, who was last seen jet-skiing off the coast when the tsunami hit. An interfaith service for Muslim, Christian and Buddhist victims was also scheduled. Survivors from Ban Nam Khem, the worst-hit Thai village, will hold a candlelight vigil in the evening. At least 1,400 people were killed when waves struck the fishing village. In India, where more than 10,000 people died in the tsunami, survivors also were to hold memorial ceremonies. More than 35,000 people died in Sri Lanka.

"I'm still scared": Asia marks 15 years since Indian Ocean tsunami killed 230,000

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-south-korea-committed-to-dialogue-to-resolve-north-korea-issue-china-269879">Japan</a> since the government started compiling data in 1899.

Japan has a humongous ageing population, and this development might increase the strain on welfare finances for the elderly. This, according to analysts might undermine economic growth.

Additionally, there were 512,000 more deaths than births in Japan this year.

As per figures provided by Reuters, this is the first time that the number of deaths is more than 500,000, with the approximate figure of new babies at 864,000 this year.&nbsp;

Last year alone, 918,400 babies were born.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-meets-japans-abe-in-beijing-calls-for-advancing-bilateral-ties-269799">government of Japan</a> announced hopes for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent, which might be difficult to achieve considering the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018.

This momentous decline in births may be attributed to fewer women aged 25 to 39.

Since 1975, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-releases-japan-fishing-boats-held-near-disputed-islands-269911">Japan</a> hasn't witnessed a decline this big.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of Japan since the government started compiling data in 1899.

The number of babies born in Japan fell by 5.9 per cent this year, with fewer than 900,000 births. According to the Welfare Ministry, this is a first in the history of Japan since the government started compiling data in 1899. Japan has a humongous ageing population, and this development might increase the strain on welfare finances for the elderly. This, according to analysts might undermine economic growth. Additionally, there were 512,000 more deaths than births in Japan this year. As per figures provided by Reuters, this is the first time that the number of deaths is more than 500,000, with the approximate figure of new babies at 864,000 this year. Last year alone, 918,400 babies were born. The government of Japan announced hopes for a birth rate of 1.8 per cent, which might be difficult to achieve considering the rate was 1.42 per cent in 2018. This momentous decline in births may be attributed to fewer women aged 25 to 39. Since 1975, Japan hasn't witnessed a decline this big. (With inputs from agencies)

Number of babies born falls by 5.9% for first time in Japan's history

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-north-korea-talks-more-important-than-anything-south-korea-tells-china-269749">Chinese</a> President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations.

''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said.

According to Xi, the relationship between the two countries is facing important developments. He asserted his country's stand on maintaining close communication with the Japanese side. He hopes to benefit more people through cooperation.&nbsp;

''China and Japan should enhance mutual trust in security, safeguard the multilateral mechanism and uphold free trade'', he added.

Abe praised the current momentum of relations between both countries. Abe said that this relationship is important for the peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

The Japanese PM hopes to expand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-prepare-for-trilateral-summit-amid-tensions-269632">practical cooperation</a> with China in trade, investment, innovation, tourism, culture, sports and other areas.

''The two countries should strengthen communication and coordination on regional issues'', he added.

Abe is in China for the 8th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting, which will take place in China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Tuesday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will chair the meeting.

Xi called on the two countries to expand practical cooperation in various sectors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations. ''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations. ''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said. According to Xi, the relationship between the two countries is facing important developments. He asserted his country's stand on maintaining close communication with the Japanese side. He hopes to benefit more people through cooperation. ''China and Japan should enhance mutual trust in security, safeguard the multilateral mechanism and uphold free trade'', he added. Abe praised the current momentum of relations between both countries. Abe said that this relationship is important for the peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. The Japanese PM hopes to expand practical cooperation with China in trade, investment, innovation, tourism, culture, sports and other areas. ''The two countries should strengthen communication and coordination on regional issues'', he added. Abe is in China for the 8th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting, which will take place in China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Tuesday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will chair the meeting. Xi called on the two countries to expand practical cooperation in various sectors. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi meets Japan's Abe in Beijing, calls for advancing bilateral ties

After six months of demonstrations in the city, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-next-hong-kongers-rally-for-chinas-uighurs-269572">Hong Kong</a> is preparing for a fresh wave of protests in the Christmas week.&nbsp;

The protesters are planning to convene in districts across the city, including locations like prime shopping malls. On Christmas eve, protesters are planning to meet in five malls, counting down to Christmas near the city's harbourfront.&nbsp;

Yesterday, masked demonstrators attacked the police physically and threw bricks and bottles.

The police's response to this included bursts of pepper spray. As Reuters reported, one officer drew his weapon out but did not fire it.

Hong Kongers have been protesting against Chinese interference in the city's affairs. The city, as per the ''One country, two systems'' scheme was guaranteed freedoms when the British left in 1997.

China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place.

Watch:&nbsp;Violent clashes at Uighur support rally in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-violent-clashes-at-uighur-support-rally-269595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Instances of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-who-at-officers-seize-guns-269548">police brutality</a> have been causing a major uproar, with many demanding an independent investigation into it. The police have consistently denied using excessive force.

Earlier on Sunday, more than 1,000 people rallied in support of China's ethnic Uighur Muslims, who have been detained en masse in camps in China's northwestern Xinjiang region.

Beijing and Hong Kong's government have made clear any call for independence would never be tolerated.

"Advocating Hong Kong independence ... is not conducive to the overall and long term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong," the city government said in a statement overnight.

The protests, which are now running into its six month, have become <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-face-off-with-police-in-mall-protests-269485">less violent and organised</a>. Since June this year, more than 6,000 people have been arrested.

In the last weekend alone, 52 people were arrested.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After six months of demonstrations in the city, Hong Kong is preparing for a fresh wave of protests in the Christmas week. The protesters are planning to convene in districts across the city, including locations like prime shopping malls.

After six months of demonstrations in the city, Hong Kong is preparing for a fresh wave of protests in the Christmas week. The protesters are planning to convene in districts across the city, including locations like prime shopping malls. On Christmas eve, protesters are planning to meet in five malls, counting down to Christmas near the city's harbourfront. Yesterday, masked demonstrators attacked the police physically and threw bricks and bottles. The police's response to this included bursts of pepper spray. As Reuters reported, one officer drew his weapon out but did not fire it. Hong Kongers have been protesting against Chinese interference in the city's affairs. The city, as per the ''One country, two systems'' scheme was guaranteed freedoms when the British left in 1997. China says it is committed to the “one country, two systems” formula put in place. Watch: Violent clashes at Uighur support rally in Hong Kong Instances of police brutality have been causing a major uproar, with many demanding an independent investigation into it. The police have consistently denied using excessive force. Earlier on Sunday, more than 1,000 people rallied in support of China's ethnic Uighur Muslims, who have been detained en masse in camps in China's northwestern Xinjiang region. Beijing and Hong Kong's government have made clear any call for independence would never be tolerated. "Advocating Hong Kong independence ... is not conducive to the overall and long term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong," the city government said in a statement overnight. The protests, which are now running into its six month, have become less violent and organised. Since June this year, more than 6,000 people have been arrested. In the last weekend alone, 52 people were arrested. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Protests planned across city during Christmas week after massive Uighur rally

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-observers-to-monitor-uzbekistan-parliamentary-election-on-december-22-265553">Voters in Uzbekistan</a> were heading to the polls Sunday in its first parliamentary election since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and authoritarian rule.

Polling stations in Central Asia's most populous country opened at 0800 local time (0300 GMT) and will close 12 hours later.&nbsp;

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took charge in 2016 after the death of hardline predecessor and former patron Islam Karimov, who had ruled for almost three decades.

Mirziyoyev has been lauded for doing away with many of Karimov's authoritarian excesses, releasing some political prisoners, battling forced labour and opening up the landlocked state to tourism and foreign investment.&nbsp;

But choices on the ballot in the former Soviet republic are few,&nbsp;all five parties competing are represented in the outgoing parliament.&nbsp;

Muslim-majority but staunchly secular Uzbekistan is home to 33 million people, over 20 million of whom can vote.

Rubber stamp

Britain's influential magazine The Economist this week named Uzbekistan as its country of the year, saying "no other country travelled so far" in 2019.

Yet the reform drive has so far not allowed real competition to Mirziyoyev, 62, to develop.&nbsp;

The 150-member lower house where no party has ever achieved a commanding majority has a long-earned rubber stamp reputation.

Currently the Liberal Democratic Party is the largest in the legislature with 52 seats, followed by Milli Tiklanish, known in English as the National Revival Democratic Party, with 36. &nbsp;

The People's Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party also known as Adolat and the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan are also represented there.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uzbekistan-to-waive-visa-restrictions-for-chinese-citizens-249263">Residents of the capital Tashkent</a> said they wanted to see more from their elected officials and voiced concerns they would not have dared express under Karimov.

Shahzod Alikulov, a builder, said the future parliament should ease the burden of the majority-rural population who feel the sharp end of energy shortages.&nbsp;

"For people to have gas, electricity, roads. That is what I will give my vote for," he told AFP.

Nigina Luftfullaeva, a 22-year-old student, said she would like the new parliament to help eradicate endemic corruption.

"Maybe we will never be able to get rid of it fully, but it would be nice to get rid of it at least partly," Luftfullaeva told AFP.

'New Uzbekistan?'

The elections are being held under the slogan "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-close-and-trusted-friend-of-uzbekistan-ambassador-farhod-arziev-247005">New Uzbekistan, new elections</a>" as authorities seek to brand them as the latest example of a newfound openness.&nbsp;

But the Organisation for Security and &nbsp;Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has sent an observer mission to the polls, has said many features of past votes remain in place.

"Very few campaign posters are visible," the group's pre-election report said.&nbsp;

"So far, very little evidence of outdoor campaign activities has been observed."

Karimov was often criticised by international watchdogs over torture and forced labour allegations.

Mirziyoyev has continued to honour Karimov publicly but has been credited with eradicating much of the slavery in the country's cotton sector and lifting Uzbekistan out of isolation.

Luca Anceschi, a senior lecturer in Central Asian Studies at the University of Glasgow, said it was too early to say whether the vote holds any significance in the broader context of Uzbekistan's political transformation.&nbsp;

Popular participation in the poll "seems a crucial element of Mirziyoyev's strategy of support building", Anceschi told AFP.

As to whether parliament can evolve as an institution, he said, "the jury is out".

Voters in Uzbekistan were heading to the polls Sunday in its first parliamentary election since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and authoritarian rule.

Voters in Uzbekistan were heading to the polls Sunday in its first parliamentary election since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and authoritarian rule. Polling stations in Central Asia's most populous country opened at 0800 local time (0300 GMT) and will close 12 hours later. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took charge in 2016 after the death of hardline predecessor and former patron Islam Karimov, who had ruled for almost three decades. Mirziyoyev has been lauded for doing away with many of Karimov's authoritarian excesses, releasing some political prisoners, battling forced labour and opening up the landlocked state to tourism and foreign investment. But choices on the ballot in the former Soviet republic are few, all five parties competing are represented in the outgoing parliament. Muslim-majority but staunchly secular Uzbekistan is home to 33 million people, over 20 million of whom can vote. Rubber stamp Britain's influential magazine The Economist this week named Uzbekistan as its country of the year, saying "no other country travelled so far" in 2019. Yet the reform drive has so far not allowed real competition to Mirziyoyev, 62, to develop. The 150-member lower house where no party has ever achieved a commanding majority has a long-earned rubber stamp reputation. Currently the Liberal Democratic Party is the largest in the legislature with 52 seats, followed by Milli Tiklanish, known in English as the National Revival Democratic Party, with 36. The People's Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party also known as Adolat and the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan are also represented there. Residents of the capital Tashkent said they wanted to see more from their elected officials and voiced concerns they would not have dared express under Karimov. Shahzod Alikulov, a builder, said the future parliament should ease the burden of the majority-rural population who feel the sharp end of energy shortages. "For people to have gas, electricity, roads. That is what I will give my vote for," he told AFP. Nigina Luftfullaeva, a 22-year-old student, said she would like the new parliament to help eradicate endemic corruption. "Maybe we will never be able to get rid of it fully, but it would be nice to get rid of it at least partly," Luftfullaeva told AFP. 'New Uzbekistan?' The elections are being held under the slogan "New Uzbekistan, new elections" as authorities seek to brand them as the latest example of a newfound openness. But the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has sent an observer mission to the polls, has said many features of past votes remain in place. "Very few campaign posters are visible," the group's pre-election report said. "So far, very little evidence of outdoor campaign activities has been observed." Karimov was often criticised by international watchdogs over torture and forced labour allegations. Mirziyoyev has continued to honour Karimov publicly but has been credited with eradicating much of the slavery in the country's cotton sector and lifting Uzbekistan out of isolation. Luca Anceschi, a senior lecturer in Central Asian Studies at the University of Glasgow, said it was too early to say whether the vote holds any significance in the broader context of Uzbekistan's political transformation. Popular participation in the poll "seems a crucial element of Mirziyoyev's strategy of support building", Anceschi told AFP. As to whether parliament can evolve as an institution, he said, "the jury is out".

Uzbekistan: Polls held under pro-reform leader

Asian city-state&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet.

But this week&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;police had to clarify that using a&nbsp;phone&nbsp;while crossing the road was not illegal after rumours circulated online that doing so could result in a S$1,000 ($733) fine under revised rules.

"There is a message circulating online which claims erroneously that pedestrians who use their mobile&nbsp;phones while crossing the roads may be fined up to $1,000 from December 1, 2019. This is false,"&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;police said in a statement on Facebook".

"However, we advise pedestrians to avoid using such devices when crossing the road, as such usage would distract them from the road conditions and the movement of vehicles around them."

All major domestic media outlets including broadcaster Channel NewsAsia and The Straits Times newspaper carried the police clarification.

But some people said such a&nbsp;law&nbsp;would be a good idea.

"Please make this an offence, simply because people who do this have no regards for other people's safety, and&nbsp;many&nbsp;a time at the traffic lights vehicles have to wait for them to finish crossing even when the lights are not in their favour," reader Alan Kiong commented on the Straits Times' Facebook page.

"Time to look into the matter. No to zombie world," said another Facebook user, I'sha Md Eusuff.

People in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;spend more than 12 hours a day on gadgets such as mobile&nbsp;phones, tablets, computers and video game consoles, according to a 2017 study by consultancy Ernst &amp; Young.

Asian city-state Singapore is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet. But this week Singapore police had to clarify that using a phone while crossing the road was not illegal after rumours circulated online that doing so could result in a S$1,000 ($733) fine under revised rules.

Asian city-state Singapore is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet. But this week Singapore police had to clarify that using a phone while crossing the road was not illegal after rumours circulated online that doing so could result in a S$1,000 ($733) fine under revised rules. "There is a message circulating online which claims erroneously that pedestrians who use their mobile phones while crossing the roads may be fined up to $1,000 from December 1, 2019. This is false," Singapore police said in a statement on Facebook". "However, we advise pedestrians to avoid using such devices when crossing the road, as such usage would distract them from the road conditions and the movement of vehicles around them." All major domestic media outlets including broadcaster Channel NewsAsia and The Straits Times newspaper carried the police clarification. But some people said such a law would be a good idea. "Please make this an offence, simply because people who do this have no regards for other people's safety, and many a time at the traffic lights vehicles have to wait for them to finish crossing even when the lights are not in their favour," reader Alan Kiong commented on the Straits Times' Facebook page. "Time to look into the matter. No to zombie world," said another Facebook user, I'sha Md Eusuff. People in Singapore spend more than 12 hours a day on gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, computers and video game consoles, according to a 2017 study by consultancy Ernst & Young.

Fake phone law dupes many in Singapore, but wins support too

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India achieved most wins ever at the South Asian Games in Nepal.

The Indian team won&nbsp;310 medals, which includes 172 gold, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals.

"India sets new record! India ends the #SouthAsianGames with a new medal record as they reach 310 medals, one more than their tally in 2016. India won 172 golds, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. Many congratulations to all the athletes for the fantastic feat. #SAG2019 #TeamIndia," SAI Media tweeted.

India had won 309 medals in the 2016 edition of the South Asian Games. 
 
Nepal is at the second position in the medal tally with a total of 204 medals.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka and Pakistan landed in the third and fourth spots respectively.

The contingent had ended Monday with a total medal count of 279 medals.&nbsp;

But the athletes have been able to add 31 more medals to take the total tally to 310.&nbsp;

Today is the last day of the South Asian Games 2019.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India achieved most wins ever at the South Asian Games in Nepal. The Indian team won 310 medals, which includes 172 gold, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. "India sets new record!

India achieved most wins ever at the South Asian Games in Nepal. The Indian team won 310 medals, which includes 172 gold, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. "India sets new record! India ends the #SouthAsianGames with a new medal record as they reach 310 medals, one more than their tally in 2016. India won 172 golds, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. Many congratulations to all the athletes for the fantastic feat. #SAG2019 #TeamIndia," SAI Media tweeted. India had won 309 medals in the 2016 edition of the South Asian Games. Nepal is at the second position in the medal tally with a total of 204 medals. Sri Lanka and Pakistan landed in the third and fourth spots respectively. The contingent had ended Monday with a total medal count of 279 medals. But the athletes have been able to add 31 more medals to take the total tally to 310. Today is the last day of the South Asian Games 2019. (With inputs from ANI)

India takes top spot on medal tally at South Asian Games

China has spent billions of dollars to project soft power in Asia but it has struggled to win the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens in parts of the region, a study said Tuesday.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-and-trade-a-high-stakes-game-of-chicken-216697">Xi Jinping</a> doubled China's foreign affairs budget in six years from 30 billion to 60 billion yuan ($8.5 billion) to bolster its global diplomacy, according to the AidData research lab at the College of William &amp; Mary in Virginia.

"Public diplomacy is a critical ingredient in Beijing's toolkit to neutralise potential threats, overcome internal disadvantages, and outmaneuver regional competitors," said the report, carried out with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-misread-indias-action-to-nullify-article-370-jaishankar-251943">Asia Society Policy Institute</a> and the China Power Project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The "toolkit to influence South and Central Asia" includes huge infrastructure investments, state-backed media operations, twin cities, military diplomacy, and Confucius Institutes, which teach students about Chinese language and culture.

The report found that 95 percent of China's financial diplomacy goes to infrastructure and only five percent goes to other areas such as humanitarian assistance or debt relief.

Two nations captured half of Beijing's investment in the region: Pakistan and Kazakhstan, both key countries in Xi's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure programme.

Beijing has also ramped up cultural events, scholarships, and student exchanges, and almost every country in South and Central Asia now has at least one form of Chinese state-owned media, including television, radio and print media.

China has organised 61 exchange trips for South and Central Asian journalists between 2004 and 2017.

The report said Beijing aimed to both expand China's broadcasting operations and cultivate relationships with journalists, promote pro-China coverage and "suppress negative criticism."

But none of the public diplomacy tools had led to a closer voting alignment with Beijing at the United Nations, according to the report.

Across South Asia, Beijing's "inroads with ordinary citizens" were "superficial at best" and largely shaped by potential economic prospects "as opposed to deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and language."

In neighbouring Kazakhstan the "buckle" in China's Belt and Road project there is "strong Sinophobia" among Kazakh elites.

Political leaders have tolerated Uighur organisations in Kazakhstan despite having signed agreements with Beijing to help it contain separatist movements, according to the report.

Upwards of one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, including ethnic Kazakhs, are believed to be held in re-education camps in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Kazakhstan is home to 75 percent of the Uighurs living in the region, and local activists have encouraged former detainees and citizens with relatives in Xinjiang to speak out.

"If Beijing is to maintain stability at home it will likely need to not only convince political elites but the Kazakh public, who may be predisposed to support the interests of their Uighur brothers in Xinjiang," the report said.

China has spent billions of dollars to project soft power in Asia but it has struggled to win the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens in parts of the region, a study said Tuesday.

China has spent billions of dollars to project soft power in Asia but it has struggled to win the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens in parts of the region, a study said Tuesday. President Xi Jinping doubled China's foreign affairs budget in six years from 30 billion to 60 billion yuan ($8.5 billion) to bolster its global diplomacy, according to the AidData research lab at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. "Public diplomacy is a critical ingredient in Beijing's toolkit to neutralise potential threats, overcome internal disadvantages, and outmaneuver regional competitors," said the report, carried out with the Asia Society Policy Institute and the China Power Project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The "toolkit to influence South and Central Asia" includes huge infrastructure investments, state-backed media operations, twin cities, military diplomacy, and Confucius Institutes, which teach students about Chinese language and culture. The report found that 95 percent of China's financial diplomacy goes to infrastructure and only five percent goes to other areas such as humanitarian assistance or debt relief. Two nations captured half of Beijing's investment in the region: Pakistan and Kazakhstan, both key countries in Xi's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure programme. Beijing has also ramped up cultural events, scholarships, and student exchanges, and almost every country in South and Central Asia now has at least one form of Chinese state-owned media, including television, radio and print media. China has organised 61 exchange trips for South and Central Asian journalists between 2004 and 2017. The report said Beijing aimed to both expand China's broadcasting operations and cultivate relationships with journalists, promote pro-China coverage and "suppress negative criticism." But none of the public diplomacy tools had led to a closer voting alignment with Beijing at the United Nations, according to the report. Across South Asia, Beijing's "inroads with ordinary citizens" were "superficial at best" and largely shaped by potential economic prospects "as opposed to deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and language." In neighbouring Kazakhstan the "buckle" in China's Belt and Road project there is "strong Sinophobia" among Kazakh elites. Political leaders have tolerated Uighur organisations in Kazakhstan despite having signed agreements with Beijing to help it contain separatist movements, according to the report. Upwards of one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, including ethnic Kazakhs, are believed to be held in re-education camps in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang. Kazakhstan is home to 75 percent of the Uighurs living in the region, and local activists have encouraged former detainees and citizens with relatives in Xinjiang to speak out. "If Beijing is to maintain stability at home it will likely need to not only convince political elites but the Kazakh public, who may be predisposed to support the interests of their Uighur brothers in Xinjiang," the report said.

China's diplomatic push in Asia sees mixed results: Study

A court in Zimbabwe on Thursday appointed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/life-and-times-of-zimbabwes-robert-mugabe-from-liberator-to-oppressor-247919">Robert Mugabe</a>'s daughter to identify assets left by the late former leader so they can be distributed to his beneficiaries, his lawyer said.

Zimbabweans are keen to know how much wealth Mugabe accrued during his 37 years in power. Many assume that he and his family amassed a vast fortune - perhaps as much as $1 billion, according to a leaked US&nbsp;diplomatic cable from 2001.

The Master of High Court in Harare appointed Bona Chikore executor of her father's estate, the Mugabe family lawyer Terrence Hussein told reporters, adding that this had been agreed by family members.

Hussein said Mugabe's wife Grace and Bona attended Thursday's meeting at the court but sons Robert Jr and Bellarmine Chatunga were away. They, however, gave written consent that their sister should be appointed executor.

For many years, Mugabe and Grace were widely reported by Zimbabwean and foreign media to have deposited money and bought properties abroad, including in Asia, where they spent most of their annual family holidays. The family has denied this.

But a legal dispute that spilled into the public in 2014 over a $5 million villa in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/business-activity-in-hong-kong-shrinks-the-most-in-21-years-pmi-266073">Hong Kong</a> suggested Mugabe's family had been buying overseas property. The government said it owned the house.

Hussein said journalists and United States and Britain, who were critical of Mugabe, should prove that he had properties abroad so they could be registered with the court.

"This is the good thing about saying falsehoods, those falsehoods will be exposed. Where are the properties?" Hussein said when asked about reports that Mugabe had properties abroad.

Hussein told Reuters on Tuesday that the process of establishing Mugabe's assets would take some time, casting doubt on a state media report that the former leader left $10 million and some properties in the capital.

A court in Zimbabwe on Thursday appointed Robert Mugabe's daughter to identify assets left by the late former leader so they can be distributed to his beneficiaries, his lawyer said.

A court in Zimbabwe on Thursday appointed Robert Mugabe's daughter to identify assets left by the late former leader so they can be distributed to his beneficiaries, his lawyer said. Zimbabweans are keen to know how much wealth Mugabe accrued during his 37 years in power. Many assume that he and his family amassed a vast fortune - perhaps as much as $1 billion, according to a leaked US diplomatic cable from 2001. The Master of High Court in Harare appointed Bona Chikore executor of her father's estate, the Mugabe family lawyer Terrence Hussein told reporters, adding that this had been agreed by family members. Hussein said Mugabe's wife Grace and Bona attended Thursday's meeting at the court but sons Robert Jr and Bellarmine Chatunga were away. They, however, gave written consent that their sister should be appointed executor. For many years, Mugabe and Grace were widely reported by Zimbabwean and foreign media to have deposited money and bought properties abroad, including in Asia, where they spent most of their annual family holidays. The family has denied this. But a legal dispute that spilled into the public in 2014 over a $5 million villa in Hong Kong suggested Mugabe's family had been buying overseas property. The government said it owned the house. Hussein said journalists and United States and Britain, who were critical of Mugabe, should prove that he had properties abroad so they could be registered with the court. "This is the good thing about saying falsehoods, those falsehoods will be exposed. Where are the properties?" Hussein said when asked about reports that Mugabe had properties abroad. Hussein told Reuters on Tuesday that the process of establishing Mugabe's assets would take some time, casting doubt on a state media report that the former leader left $10 million and some properties in the capital.

Zimbabwe court appoints Mugabe daughter to identify his assets

North&nbsp;Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-and-trump-have-special-relationship-state-media-257802">Kim Jong Un</a> has opened a flagship construction project close to Mount Paektu, a symbol of the Korean nation and the supposed birthplace of his father and predecessor, state media reported Tuesday.

The North has poured huge resources into the rebuilding of Samjiyon, the closest town to the dormant volcano that straddles the border with China.

The project is on a vast scale and includes a museum of revolutionary activities, a winter sports training complex, processing plants for blueberries and potatoes, and 10,000 apartments.

Kim is closely associated with the scheme and has visited the area several times, reportedly riding a white horse to the mountain's summit in October.

Kim had "worked heart and soul to turn Samjiyon County, the sacred place of the revolution, into the utopia town under socialism", the North's official KCNA news agency said.

The North is subject to multiple sets of international sanctions imposed over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and KCNA portrayed Samjiyon as a demonstration of resilience.

The Korean people were, it said, "advancing along the straight road chosen by themselves without any vacillation despite the worst trials".

The opening comes with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-and-kim-jong-un-hail-immortal-china-north-korea-relationship-254034">nuclear negotiations with the US deadlocked</a> since the Hanoi summit broke up in February.

Pyongyang has set Washington an end-of-year deadline to offer it new concessions and has&nbsp;issued a series of increasingly assertive comments in recent weeks as time runs out.

KCNA released a picture of Kim,&nbsp;in a black leather trenchcoat and surrounded by fur-hatted officials,&nbsp;cutting a red ribbon at an inaugural ceremony,&nbsp;with a statue of his father Kim Jong Il in the background.

According to North Korean propaganda the elder Kim was born at the nearby Mount Paektu Secret Camp where his own father Kim Il Sung was fighting the Japanese,&nbsp;although independent historians and Soviet records say he was actually born in Russia, where the North's founder was in exile.

The official story plays a central role in Pyongyang's teachings about the Kim family, who have led the country for three generations, and every year 100,000&nbsp;students and workers or more are taken on study trips to the area.

The scale of the Samjiyon project is immense: thousands of workers swarmed over the site during construction, AFP saw, many of them soldiers. Much of the North's army is devoted to construction.

Students have been sent to work on the scheme during university holidays, KCNA reported previously, while diplomats say children have also been deployed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has opened a flagship construction project close to Mount Paektu, a symbol of the Korean nation and the supposed birthplace of his father and predecessor, state media reported Tuesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has opened a flagship construction project close to Mount Paektu, a symbol of the Korean nation and the supposed birthplace of his father and predecessor, state media reported Tuesday. The North has poured huge resources into the rebuilding of Samjiyon, the closest town to the dormant volcano that straddles the border with China. The project is on a vast scale and includes a museum of revolutionary activities, a winter sports training complex, processing plants for blueberries and potatoes, and 10,000 apartments. Kim is closely associated with the scheme and has visited the area several times, reportedly riding a white horse to the mountain's summit in October. Kim had "worked heart and soul to turn Samjiyon County, the sacred place of the revolution, into the utopia town under socialism", the North's official KCNA news agency said. The North is subject to multiple sets of international sanctions imposed over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and KCNA portrayed Samjiyon as a demonstration of resilience. The Korean people were, it said, "advancing along the straight road chosen by themselves without any vacillation despite the worst trials". The opening comes with nuclear negotiations with the US deadlocked since the Hanoi summit broke up in February. Pyongyang has set Washington an end-of-year deadline to offer it new concessions and has issued a series of increasingly assertive comments in recent weeks as time runs out. KCNA released a picture of Kim, in a black leather trenchcoat and surrounded by fur-hatted officials, cutting a red ribbon at an inaugural ceremony, with a statue of his father Kim Jong Il in the background. According to North Korean propaganda the elder Kim was born at the nearby Mount Paektu Secret Camp where his own father Kim Il Sung was fighting the Japanese, although independent historians and Soviet records say he was actually born in Russia, where the North's founder was in exile. The official story plays a central role in Pyongyang's teachings about the Kim family, who have led the country for three generations, and every year 100,000 students and workers or more are taken on study trips to the area. The scale of the Samjiyon project is immense: thousands of workers swarmed over the site during construction, AFP saw, many of them soldiers. Much of the North's army is devoted to construction. Students have been sent to work on the scheme during university holidays, KCNA reported previously, while diplomats say children have also been deployed.

Kim Jong Un opens a flagship construction project close to Mount Paektu

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