A Japanese institute has rolled out a robot to ensure that people abide by social distancing measures, in a social experiment in a football club shop in Osaka, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan’s institute develops robot asking people to follow social anti-COVID measures

Before and after her first-round victory at the U.S. Open, Naomi Osaka wore a mask bearing the name of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was fatally shot by police.

It's just one of seven face coverings, each in honor of a different person, that Osaka brought to Flushing Meadows &nbsp;the same number of wins it takes to claim a Grand Slam trophy. The world's highest-earning female athlete hopes she can get the chance to raise awareness about racial injustice by using each mask during her stay in New York.

It's quite sad that seven masks isn't enough for the amount of names, so hopefully I'll get to the finals so you can see all of them,&nbsp;said Osaka, the champion at the 2018 U.S. Open and 2019 Australian Open.

She overcame some uneven play late Monday night to beat 81st-ranked Misaki Doi 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in an all-Japanese matchup in an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The No. 4-seeded Osaka's movement was an issue at times; she is coming off a left hamstring injury that forced her to withdraw from the final of the Western &amp; Southern Open on Saturday.

It was during that tournament last week that Osaka took a public stand by saying she would refuse to play her semifinal, joining athletes in various other sports who walked out to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by a police officer in Wisconsin.

Osaka's move prompted tournament organizers to halt action entirely for a day. When play resumed, Osaka agreed to compete, after all, because the day off for the Western &amp; Southern Open brought additional attention to the issue.

Osaka walked out on court for her match Monday night with a black mask and white lettering with the name of Taylor, a 26-year-old who was fatally shot when police officers burst into her Louisville, Kentucky, apartment using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation in March.

Osaka put the mask back on for her postmatch interview.

Against Doi, Osaka wound up with 38 unforced errors, 13 more than her winners total. But after a forehand into the net gave the second set to Doi, Osaka quickly went ahead in the third by breaking in the opening game.

Doi never has been past the fourth round at any Grand Slam tournament. She is now 1-8 for her career at the U.S. Open and 0-18 against opponents ranked in the top 10.

Osaka is now 34-1 in Grand Slam matches when taking the first set; the only loss came against Simona Halep at the 2016 French Open. 
Next up for her is a match against Camila Giorgi of Italy.

She's very unpredictable for me,&nbsp;Osaka said, so I guess I just have to be on my toes.

Before and after her first-round victory at the U.S. Open, Naomi Osaka wore a mask bearing the name of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was fatally shot by police.

Before and after her first-round victory at the U.S. Open, Naomi Osaka wore a mask bearing the name of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was fatally shot by police. It's just one of seven face coverings, each in honor of a different person, that Osaka brought to Flushing Meadows the same number of wins it takes to claim a Grand Slam trophy. The world's highest-earning female athlete hopes she can get the chance to raise awareness about racial injustice by using each mask during her stay in New York. It's quite sad that seven masks isn't enough for the amount of names, so hopefully I'll get to the finals so you can see all of them, said Osaka, the champion at the 2018 U.S. Open and 2019 Australian Open. She overcame some uneven play late Monday night to beat 81st-ranked Misaki Doi 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in an all-Japanese matchup in an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium. The No. 4-seeded Osaka's movement was an issue at times; she is coming off a left hamstring injury that forced her to withdraw from the final of the Western & Southern Open on Saturday. It was during that tournament last week that Osaka took a public stand by saying she would refuse to play her semifinal, joining athletes in various other sports who walked out to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by a police officer in Wisconsin. Osaka's move prompted tournament organizers to halt action entirely for a day. When play resumed, Osaka agreed to compete, after all, because the day off for the Western & Southern Open brought additional attention to the issue. Osaka walked out on court for her match Monday night with a black mask and white lettering with the name of Taylor, a 26-year-old who was fatally shot when police officers burst into her Louisville, Kentucky, apartment using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation in March. Osaka put the mask back on for her postmatch interview. Against Doi, Osaka wound up with 38 unforced errors, 13 more than her winners total. But after a forehand into the net gave the second set to Doi, Osaka quickly went ahead in the third by breaking in the opening game. Doi never has been past the fourth round at any Grand Slam tournament. She is now 1-8 for her career at the U.S. Open and 0-18 against opponents ranked in the top 10. Osaka is now 34-1 in Grand Slam matches when taking the first set; the only loss came against Simona Halep at the 2016 French Open. Next up for her is a match against Camila Giorgi of Italy. She's very unpredictable for me, Osaka said, so I guess I just have to be on my toes.

Tennis ace Naomi Osaka wears mask in memory of Breonna Taylor at US Open

Archaeologists have excavated more than 1,500 human bones in the western Japanese city of Osaka. The site is called the "Umeda Tomb" and is thought to be a burial site dating back to 160 years.

Archaeologists have excavated more than 1,500 human bones in the western Japanese city of Osaka. The site is called the "Umeda Tomb" and is thought to be a burial site dating back to 160 years. According to city officials, the "Umeda Tomb", is believed to be one of seven historical gravesites from the late Edo and early Meiji periods around the 1850s to 1860s. The researchers came across 350 small graves as well as remains of animals like four piglets, horses, and cats during the excavation. As per the Osaka City Cultural Properties Association, people buried at the site were most probably residents from around Osaka Castle town, with many believed to be in their 30s or small children. Some looked to have had signs of disease on their hands and feet, it said. According to the association, multiple bodies were found in some graves and many experts believe that they were buried together due to deaths related to an epidemic disease. (Inputs from Reuters)

'Umeda tomb': Archaeologists excavate over 1,500 human bones in Osaka

Osaka's Mayor in Japan, Ichiro Matsui said that men should shop for basic groceries amidst spread of Coronavirus pandemic as women take more time in buying groceries and spend more time outside than men. Osaka Mayor get slammed & criticised for this sexist remark.

Japanese Mayor: 'Men should shop amid COVID-19 outbreak as women take more time in buying groceries'

The mayor of Japan's Osaka came under fire after he made sexist comments amid coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to reporters on Thursday,&nbsp;Ichiro Matsui said that women should refrain from grocery shopping as they are "indecisive" and "take a long time".

Men should be entrusted with grocery runs because women "take a long time as they browse around and hesitate about this and that," local media quoted the 56-year-old leader as saying.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-death-toll-passes-190000-us-has-most-fatalities-with-over-50000-294484">Global coronavirus death toll passes 190,000; US has most fatalities with over 50,000</a>

"Men can snap up things they are told (to buy) and go, so I think it's good that they go shopping, avoiding human contact," the Osaka mayor also said.

During the media interaction, Matsui was challenged by a reporter after his statement to which he responded saying that his remarks might be "viewed as out-of-touch, but said they were true in his family."

The statement sparked massive outrage on social media, as people condemned the Japanese leader's statement and accused him of being "disrespectful &nbsp;to women and men."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-prosecute-american-citizen-for-alleged-meddling-in-hong-kong-294470">China to prosecute American citizen for alleged meddling in Hong Kong</a>

Another user on social media said that his comment was "full of prejudice against women". &nbsp;"There are indecisive men and nimble and sharp women," the user added.&nbsp;

Japan is under a state of emergency over the pandemic, and residents in some areas have been asked to shop less frequently and only send one family member out to get supplies to limit contact.

Despite its highly educated female population, Japan ranked 121 out of 153 countries in the World Economic Forum's 2020 gender gap index, primarily because of its poor showing in political representation.

Traditional gender roles are still deeply rooted in Japanese society and women are often still expected to take primary responsibility for childcare and domestic chores, even while holding down professional jobs.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The mayor of Japan's Osaka came under fire after he made sexist comments amid coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ichiro Matsui said that women should refrain from grocery shopping as they are "indecisive" and "take a long time".

The mayor of Japan's Osaka came under fire after he made sexist comments amid coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ichiro Matsui said that women should refrain from grocery shopping as they are "indecisive" and "take a long time". Men should be entrusted with grocery runs because women "take a long time as they browse around and hesitate about this and that," local media quoted the 56-year-old leader as saying. Also read: Global coronavirus death toll passes 190,000; US has most fatalities with over 50,000 "Men can snap up things they are told (to buy) and go, so I think it's good that they go shopping, avoiding human contact," the Osaka mayor also said. During the media interaction, Matsui was challenged by a reporter after his statement to which he responded saying that his remarks might be "viewed as out-of-touch, but said they were true in his family." The statement sparked massive outrage on social media, as people condemned the Japanese leader's statement and accused him of being "disrespectful to women and men." Also read: China to prosecute American citizen for alleged meddling in Hong Kong Another user on social media said that his comment was "full of prejudice against women". "There are indecisive men and nimble and sharp women," the user added. Japan is under a state of emergency over the pandemic, and residents in some areas have been asked to shop less frequently and only send one family member out to get supplies to limit contact. Despite its highly educated female population, Japan ranked 121 out of 153 countries in the World Economic Forum's 2020 gender gap index, primarily because of its poor showing in political representation. Traditional gender roles are still deeply rooted in Japanese society and women are often still expected to take primary responsibility for childcare and domestic chores, even while holding down professional jobs. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: Osaka mayor under fire after he says men should do grocery shopping as women are 'indecisive'

Japan's sumo wrestlers faced off for the Spring Grand Tournament on Sunday in front of empty seats in Osaka, western Japan, with fans asked to stay away to help limit the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku said it would be difficult for wrestlers to prepare mentally for the tournament without spectators but that they would nevertheless compete to the utmost of their ability during matches.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-japan-asks-india-to-reconsider-visa-suspensions-284859">Coronavirus: Japan asks India to reconsider visa suspensions</a>

"All of the wrestlers will hear fans cheering in their hearts and do their best to meet expectations," he said.

"I hope the power of sumo will bring courage and emotionally move people not only in Japan but across the world," Hakkaku said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-quarantine-visitors-from-china-south-korea-over-virus-284527">Japan to quarantine visitors from China, South Korea over virus</a>

Other sports events such as baseball, soccer and rugby have also been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, to which Japan dramatically escalated its response by closing schools and cancelling mass events.

Japan's sumo wrestlers faced off for the Spring Grand Tournament on Sunday in front of empty seats in Osaka, western Japan, with fans asked to stay away to help limit the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

Japan's sumo wrestlers faced off for the Spring Grand Tournament on Sunday in front of empty seats in Osaka, western Japan, with fans asked to stay away to help limit the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku said it would be difficult for wrestlers to prepare mentally for the tournament without spectators but that they would nevertheless compete to the utmost of their ability during matches. Also read: Coronavirus: Japan asks India to reconsider visa suspensions "All of the wrestlers will hear fans cheering in their hearts and do their best to meet expectations," he said. "I hope the power of sumo will bring courage and emotionally move people not only in Japan but across the world," Hakkaku said. Also see: Japan to quarantine visitors from China, South Korea over virus Other sports events such as baseball, soccer and rugby have also been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, to which Japan dramatically escalated its response by closing schools and cancelling mass events.

Japan's sumo wrestlers face off for spring tournament in front of empty seats

Major cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been canceled due to the deadly new coronavirus, the latest in a growing list of events quashed as the epidemic spreads globally.

The traditional spring celebrations in Tokyo and Osaka, which attract millions of people wanting to see the white and pink flowers, will not go ahead as planned in April.

"We are sincerely sorry for those who were looking forward to the viewing... but please give us your understanding," the Japan Mint in Osaka said Friday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-defends-school-closure-plan-despite-criticism-283268">Coronavirus: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe defends school closure plan despite criticism</a>

Other cherry blossom events -- feverishly anticipated by locals and tourists -- are likely to follow suit, according to local media.

Organizers of Tokyo's Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival said people could still enjoy the blooming trees that grow along public roads.

Trees in Tokyo will soon be in full bloom, with friends, families, and colleagues typically flocking to parks for sometimes raucous, alcohol-fuelled celebrations.

The cancellations come as authorities step up efforts to tackle the outbreak in Japan, which has reported more than 230 infections and five deaths.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/new-coronavirus-case-in-california-is-of-unknown-origin-283443">New coronavirus case in California is of unknown origin</a>

Schools are closed and the government is urging people to work from home or commute during off-peak hours and avoid large gatherings. &nbsp;

The operator of Tokyo's two Disney resorts -- Disneyland and DisneySea -- said Friday the parks would be closed for around two weeks due to the virus.

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has also shuttered for a fortnight.

Major cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been canceled due to the deadly new coronavirus, the latest in a growing list of events quashed as the epidemic spreads globally.

Major cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been canceled due to the deadly new coronavirus, the latest in a growing list of events quashed as the epidemic spreads globally. The traditional spring celebrations in Tokyo and Osaka, which attract millions of people wanting to see the white and pink flowers, will not go ahead as planned in April. "We are sincerely sorry for those who were looking forward to the viewing... but please give us your understanding," the Japan Mint in Osaka said Friday. Also read: Coronavirus: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe defends school closure plan despite criticism Other cherry blossom events -- feverishly anticipated by locals and tourists -- are likely to follow suit, according to local media. Organizers of Tokyo's Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival said people could still enjoy the blooming trees that grow along public roads. Trees in Tokyo will soon be in full bloom, with friends, families, and colleagues typically flocking to parks for sometimes raucous, alcohol-fuelled celebrations. The cancellations come as authorities step up efforts to tackle the outbreak in Japan, which has reported more than 230 infections and five deaths. Also see: New coronavirus case in California is of unknown origin Schools are closed and the government is urging people to work from home or commute during off-peak hours and avoid large gatherings. The operator of Tokyo's two Disney resorts -- Disneyland and DisneySea -- said Friday the parks would be closed for around two weeks due to the virus. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has also shuttered for a fortnight.

Japan cherry blossom festivals cancelled as virus fears grow

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-news-australian-open-serena-williams- crashes-out-in-third-round-after-a-shocker-276265">Serena Williams</a> enters her fourth decade as a Fed Cup player with the United States on Friday and Saturday as the 2020 qualifiers get underway.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-sports-news-sofia-kenin-makes-fierce-comeback-to-beat-garbine-muguruza-to-win-her-first-grand-slam-at-australian-open-278021">Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final</a>

The 38-year-old icon teams with newly-crowned Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and teenage star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../gauffs-melbourne-run-brought-to-an-end-by- kenin-276624">Coco Gauff</a> as the US tackle Latvia in Everett, Washington.

In total, there are eight ties with the winners earning places in the new-look Fed Cup finals in Budapest from April 15-17 where 2019 champions France, runners-up Australia, hosts Hungary and wildcard Czech Republic will be waiting.

Three talking points ahead of this week's qualifiers:

It was back in 1999 that Serena Williams made her Fed Cup debut in a semi-final win over Italy.

Teammate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ash-barty-loses-semi-final-to-sofia-kenin-dream -of-winning-aussie-open-shattered-277523">Sofia Kenin</a> was just eight months old while Coco Gauff was still almost five years away from being born.

Williams has a 100 per cent record in singles in the Fed Cup, winning 13 out of 13 rubbers.

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One of the greatest to ever wear the red, white, and blue.<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> hits the practice courts for <a href="https://twitter.com/FedCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedCup</a> Qualifying in Everett, WA. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamUSATennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamUSATennis</a>🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/gtcIpqXEwQ">pic.twitter.com/gtcIpqXEwQ</a>
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However, despite her longevity, her relationship with the tournament has been very much on-off, playing only in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018.

Kenin, now the top-ranked US player at seven in the world after her stunning Grand Slam breakthrough in&nbsp;Melbourne, has a Fed Cup singles record of 1-3 while 15-year-old Gauff has yet to make her debut.

&nbsp;Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is making her first Fed Cup appearance since helping Japan defeat Great Britain in the 2018 World Group II play-offs.&nbsp;

The world number 10 has won five out of six singles ties she has contested since her 2017 debut.

However, Japan, whose best Fed Cup run was a semi-final spot in 1996, have a tough task this weekend, facing Spain in La Manga.

The tie is on clay, easily playing into the comfort zone of a Spain team led by Carla Suarez Navarro, her nation's top player in the absence of Australian Open runner-up Garbine Muguruza.

It will be an emotional week for 31-year-old Suarez Navarro as the world number 55 is in her final season as a professional, 12 years after her Fed Cup bow.

Spain are five-time champions, behind the USA (18), Czech Republic (10) and Australia (seven) on the all-time list.

Places at the Tokyo Olympics are also up for grabs on Friday and Saturday in the eight ties.

Under Fed Cup rules, players are required to be part of a nominated team on at least three occasions in a four-year Olympic cycle.

That excludes players who have represented their nation 20 or more times in their careers, who must be nominated on at least two occasions in the Olympic cycle.&nbsp;

Crucially for this week, all players must be nominated at least once in the 2019-20 cycle.

Serena was 2012 Olympic champion in London while Rio 2016 gold medallist Monica Puig comfortably fulfils the basic qualifying criteria despite a current lowly world ranking of 83.

Serena Williams enters her fourth decade as a Fed Cup player with the United States on Friday and Saturday as the 2020 qualifiers get underway. Also read: Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final The 38-year-old icon teams with newly-crowned Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and teenage star Coco Gauff as the US tackle Latvia in Everett, Washington.

Serena Williams enters her fourth decade as a Fed Cup player with the United States on Friday and Saturday as the 2020 qualifiers get underway. Also read: Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final The 38-year-old icon teams with newly-crowned Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and teenage star Coco Gauff as the US tackle Latvia in Everett, Washington. In total, there are eight ties with the winners earning places in the new-look Fed Cup finals in Budapest from April 15-17 where 2019 champions France, runners-up Australia, hosts Hungary and wildcard Czech Republic will be waiting. Three talking points ahead of this week's qualifiers: It was back in 1999 that Serena Williams made her Fed Cup debut in a semi-final win over Italy. Teammate Sofia Kenin was just eight months old while Coco Gauff was still almost five years away from being born. Williams has a 100 per cent record in singles in the Fed Cup, winning 13 out of 13 rubbers. One of the greatest to ever wear the red, white, and blue.@serenawilliams hits the practice courts for @FedCup Qualifying in Everett, WA. #TeamUSATennis🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/gtcIpqXEwQ — USTA (@usta) February 5, 2020 × However, despite her longevity, her relationship with the tournament has been very much on-off, playing only in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018. Kenin, now the top-ranked US player at seven in the world after her stunning Grand Slam breakthrough in Melbourne, has a Fed Cup singles record of 1-3 while 15-year-old Gauff has yet to make her debut. Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is making her first Fed Cup appearance since helping Japan defeat Great Britain in the 2018 World Group II play-offs. The world number 10 has won five out of six singles ties she has contested since her 2017 debut. However, Japan, whose best Fed Cup run was a semi-final spot in 1996, have a tough task this weekend, facing Spain in La Manga. The tie is on clay, easily playing into the comfort zone of a Spain team led by Carla Suarez Navarro, her nation's top player in the absence of Australian Open runner-up Garbine Muguruza. It will be an emotional week for 31-year-old Suarez Navarro as the world number 55 is in her final season as a professional, 12 years after her Fed Cup bow. Spain are five-time champions, behind the USA (18), Czech Republic (10) and Australia (seven) on the all-time list. Places at the Tokyo Olympics are also up for grabs on Friday and Saturday in the eight ties. Under Fed Cup rules, players are required to be part of a nominated team on at least three occasions in a four-year Olympic cycle. That excludes players who have represented their nation 20 or more times in their careers, who must be nominated on at least two occasions in the Olympic cycle. Crucially for this week, all players must be nominated at least once in the 2019-20 cycle. Serena was 2012 Olympic champion in London while Rio 2016 gold medallist Monica Puig comfortably fulfils the basic qualifying criteria despite a current lowly world ranking of 83.

Serena Williams enters fourth decade as Fed Cup player as young guns shine

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racquet-kicking-osaka-admits-she-was-a-bit-childish-275957">Australian Open: After kicking racket, Osaka admits she was 'a bit childish'</a>

The match in US Open was later headlined by the consolation given by Osaka to Gauff after she beat her in the third round.

Australian Open debutant Gauff is looking forward to the re-match against the defending champion Osaka.&nbsp;

Coco Gauff defeated former World No 1, Venus Williams, in the first round in straight sets. She came back from behind in the second round, after losing the first set to Sorona Cirstea, the 15-year-old American managed to secure the next two sets to proceed to the next round. The scoreline in the second round as 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Whereas Naomi Osaka, despite her childish tantrum in the second round, found it easy to till now to reach the third round.&nbsp;

She beat Marie Bouzková and Zheng Saisai in first and second round respectively in straight sets.&nbsp;

World No 3 Naomi Osaka will look forward to securing a second consecutive Australian Open Title. Whereas, the debutant Coco Gauff is playing her third Grand Slam, will eye a maiden Grand Slam win.&nbsp;

The match will take place on Friday.&nbsp;

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0.

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the Grand Slam for the second time in a row. Last time, Gauff was beaten by Osaka in the US Open 2019 by straight sets 6-3, 6-0. Also read- Australian Open: After kicking racket, Osaka admits she was 'a bit childish' The match in US Open was later headlined by the consolation given by Osaka to Gauff after she beat her in the third round. Australian Open debutant Gauff is looking forward to the re-match against the defending champion Osaka. Coco Gauff defeated former World No 1, Venus Williams, in the first round in straight sets. She came back from behind in the second round, after losing the first set to Sorona Cirstea, the 15-year-old American managed to secure the next two sets to proceed to the next round. The scoreline in the second round as 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Whereas Naomi Osaka, despite her childish tantrum in the second round, found it easy to till now to reach the third round. She beat Marie Bouzková and Zheng Saisai in first and second round respectively in straight sets. World No 3 Naomi Osaka will look forward to securing a second consecutive Australian Open Title. Whereas, the debutant Coco Gauff is playing her third Grand Slam, will eye a maiden Grand Slam win. The match will take place on Friday.

Australian Open: Defending champion Osaka set to face 15-year-old Gauff

Tennis champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humbled-naomi-osaka-reveals-pressure-of-being-number-one-254168">Naomi Osaka</a> threw a tantrum against Zheng Saisai at the Australian Open but offered a light-hearted apology to her racket sponsor after overcoming her frustrations to set up a third-round clash with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-naomi-osaka-trolls-serena-williams-calls-her-mom-274595">Coco Gauff</a>.

Third-seed Osaka threw her racket after dropping serve early in the second set, slammed a ball into the court and gave her racket a kick for good measure before regaining her composure and earning a 6-2 6-4 win on a gusty day at Margaret Court Arena. 
&nbsp; 
“I mean, my racket just magically flew out of my hand,” Osaka told reporters with a smile. “I couldn’t control it. Sorry, Yonex. I think that’s how I dealt with my frustration. It was a bit childish. I just want to play one match without throwing my racket or kicking it. That’s all I want.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-returns-to-winning-ways-with-pan-pacific-open-crown-251214">Naomi Osaka returns to winning ways with Pan Pacific Open crown</a>

<img alt="Naomi Osaka" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e162c995-5630-4e86-bb8d-4a9ddfa401ef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2867%29.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Naomi Osaka offered a light-hearted apology to her racket sponsor for throwing a tantrum (Courtesy: AFP) ]

The match echoed of her tumultuous third-round win over Hsieh Su-wei at the same venue last year, when Osaka was distracted by her opponent's unorthodox technique of slices and drop-shots.

Hsieh was ultimately overhauled by Osaka and she claimed her second Grand Slam Title with another thunderous victory over Petra Kvitova.

“Yeah, it’s really tough, because you start thinking she’s not hitting winners,” said Osaka who was determined to avoid a third set against Zheng.

“You’re the one making all the errors. And you try to tell yourself not to make that many errors, but you have to go for those balls. “So it’s like you’re walking a very fine line between being very aggressive or attempting to push but that’s her game. So it’s very hard.”

Osaka was broken again after her tantrum and fell 4-2 behind, but fought off her rainclouds and shot Zheng down in a firestorm of winners.

Gauff set up a blockbuster rematch with her US&nbsp;Open conqueror Osaka by beating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 4-6 6-3 7-5 at the Melbourne Arena. “I played her at the US&nbsp;Open so I know what to expect,” Gauff said of Osaka in her on-court interview. “I think she’s a great competitor on and off the court.”

Tennis champion Naomi Osaka threw a tantrum against Zheng Saisai at the Australian Open but offered a light-hearted apology to her racket sponsor after overcoming her frustrations to set up a third-round clash with Coco Gauff.

Tennis champion Naomi Osaka threw a tantrum against Zheng Saisai at the Australian Open but offered a light-hearted apology to her racket sponsor after overcoming her frustrations to set up a third-round clash with Coco Gauff. Third-seed Osaka threw her racket after dropping serve early in the second set, slammed a ball into the court and gave her racket a kick for good measure before regaining her composure and earning a 6-2 6-4 win on a gusty day at Margaret Court Arena. “I mean, my racket just magically flew out of my hand,” Osaka told reporters with a smile. “I couldn’t control it. Sorry, Yonex. I think that’s how I dealt with my frustration. It was a bit childish. I just want to play one match without throwing my racket or kicking it. That’s all I want.” Also Read: Naomi Osaka returns to winning ways with Pan Pacific Open crown [ Naomi Osaka offered a light-hearted apology to her racket sponsor for throwing a tantrum (Courtesy: AFP) ] The match echoed of her tumultuous third-round win over Hsieh Su-wei at the same venue last year, when Osaka was distracted by her opponent's unorthodox technique of slices and drop-shots. Hsieh was ultimately overhauled by Osaka and she claimed her second Grand Slam Title with another thunderous victory over Petra Kvitova. “Yeah, it’s really tough, because you start thinking she’s not hitting winners,” said Osaka who was determined to avoid a third set against Zheng. “You’re the one making all the errors. And you try to tell yourself not to make that many errors, but you have to go for those balls. “So it’s like you’re walking a very fine line between being very aggressive or attempting to push but that’s her game. So it’s very hard.” Osaka was broken again after her tantrum and fell 4-2 behind, but fought off her rainclouds and shot Zheng down in a firestorm of winners. Gauff set up a blockbuster rematch with her US Open conqueror Osaka by beating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 4-6 6-3 7-5 at the Melbourne Arena. “I played her at the US Open so I know what to expect,” Gauff said of Osaka in her on-court interview. “I think she’s a great competitor on and off the court.”

Australian Open: After kicking racket, Osaka admits she was 'a bit childish'

The 2020 Australian Open action will commence with World No 3 and defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-naomi-osaka-trolls-serena-williams-calls- her-mom-274595">Naomi Osaka</a> facing Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova.&nbsp;

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Reunited and it feels so good 💕 <a href="https://t.co/CDWrz0pL4m">pic.twitter.com/CDWrz0pL4m</a>
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka/status/1217767637339402240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bouzkova crashed out of Hobart Internationals in Women's doubles when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../what-a-journey-its-been-sania-mirza-after- winning-hobart-international-tournament-275116">Sania Mirza</a> and Nadiia Kichenok beat Bouzkova and her partner Tamara Zidanšek.&nbsp;

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"I'm just really happy to be back playing tennis. It's been a long time... I think I speak for all the players, this is probably the best slam there is. I'm really excited to be back." 
 
We're so happy to have you back, <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a> 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DoublesDownunder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DoublesDownunder</a> <a href="https://t.co/LZBPUtGQbV">pic.twitter.com/LZBPUtGQbV</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1218761450144944128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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World No 1 Ashleigh Barty will go head-on against Lesia Tsurenko, homegirl Barty will be looking forward to lifting the cup as she will be the first Australian woman to win the Grand Slam in her home country since Chris O'Neil in 1978.&nbsp;

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Home is where the heart is 💛💚 Thank you Adelaide! <a href="https://t.co/KY5TeVsn1E">pic.twitter.com/KY5TeVsn1E</a>
— Ash Barty (@ashbarty) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashbarty/status/1218469147438280705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The 23-times Grand Slam winner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wta-auckland-open-williams-breaks-three-year- title-drought-to-win-273787">Serena Williams</a> looks confident equalling Margaret Court's most Grand slam record (24). World No 8 had a great start to the year after winning the Auckland Open. She will be facing Russia's Anastasia Potapova in the first round.&nbsp;

In one of the most highly anticipated fixtures 15-year-old Coco Gauff will go toe-to-toe with tennis veteran Venus Williams in the first round.

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Ciao Melbourne 🍝🍝🍝 <a href="https://twitter.com/Barilla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Barilla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/TYYPlrgjOK">pic.twitter.com/TYYPlrgjOK</a>
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff/status/1218754378430943232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Former Australian Open champion (2018) Caroline Wozniacki will begin her last tournament of her career against Kristie Ahn. She is one of the three players who have won the Australian Open. Along with her, Serena Williams (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017) and Osaka (2019) will be a part of this competition.&nbsp;

Seven players are making their Grand Slam debut. Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Leylah Fernandez, Han Na-Lae, Ann Li, Greet Minnen, Nina Stojanovic, and Martina Trevisan are the debutants. Out of these, &nbsp;four (Han Na-Lee, Ann Li, Greet Minnen and Martina Trevisan) will be playing on day 1.

The first day is likely to face a thunderstorm as forecasted. 90 per cent chances of showers are predicted.

The 2020 Australian Open action will commence with World No 3 and defending champion Naomi Osaka facing Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova. Reunited and it feels so good 💕 pic.

The 2020 Australian Open action will commence with World No 3 and defending champion Naomi Osaka facing Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova. Reunited and it feels so good 💕 pic.twitter.com/CDWrz0pL4m — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 16, 2020 × Bouzkova crashed out of Hobart Internationals in Women's doubles when Sania Mirza and Nadiia Kichenok beat Bouzkova and her partner Tamara Zidanšek. "I'm just really happy to be back playing tennis. It's been a long time... I think I speak for all the players, this is probably the best slam there is. I'm really excited to be back." We're so happy to have you back, @MirzaSania 🙌#AusOpen | #AO2020 | #DoublesDownunder pic.twitter.com/LZBPUtGQbV — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2020 × World No 1 Ashleigh Barty will go head-on against Lesia Tsurenko, homegirl Barty will be looking forward to lifting the cup as she will be the first Australian woman to win the Grand Slam in her home country since Chris O'Neil in 1978. Home is where the heart is 💛💚 Thank you Adelaide! pic.twitter.com/KY5TeVsn1E — Ash Barty (@ashbarty) January 18, 2020 × The 23-times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams looks confident equalling Margaret Court's most Grand slam record (24). World No 8 had a great start to the year after winning the Auckland Open. She will be facing Russia's Anastasia Potapova in the first round. In one of the most highly anticipated fixtures 15-year-old Coco Gauff will go toe-to-toe with tennis veteran Venus Williams in the first round. Ciao Melbourne 🍝🍝🍝 @Barilla #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/TYYPlrgjOK — Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 19, 2020 × Former Australian Open champion (2018) Caroline Wozniacki will begin her last tournament of her career against Kristie Ahn. She is one of the three players who have won the Australian Open. Along with her, Serena Williams (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017) and Osaka (2019) will be a part of this competition. Seven players are making their Grand Slam debut. Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Leylah Fernandez, Han Na-Lae, Ann Li, Greet Minnen, Nina Stojanovic, and Martina Trevisan are the debutants. Out of these, four (Han Na-Lee, Ann Li, Greet Minnen and Martina Trevisan) will be playing on day 1. The first day is likely to face a thunderstorm as forecasted. 90 per cent chances of showers are predicted.

Australian Open: First Grand Slam of 2020 kicks off tomorrow

Japan's Naomi Osaka trolled 23-times grand slam winner Serena Williams.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-and-federer-pledge-a250000-towards-relief-workers-in-charity-event-274432">Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief&nbsp;</a>

World number 3 was alongside Williams for the fund-raiser match ahead of Australian Open, where she tweeted a photo of her and Williams captioning it "me and my mom lol."- @naomiosaka.

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me and my mom lol. <a href="https://t.co/HvCoPpgShm">pic.twitter.com/HvCoPpgShm</a>
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka/status/1217404376223928321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-hazardous-air-condition-causes-troubles-to-players-in-the-qualifiers-274250">Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze</a>

Both Naomi and Serena were among the tennis stars to take part in the exhibition match which was meant to be a part of 'Rally for Relief', an initiative to raise funds for the relief workers involved in curbing the Australian Bushfire.

The Australian star tennis player Nick Kyrgios had proposed the idea for the fundraiser by a tweet where he said: "C'mon @TennisAustralia surely we can do a pre @AustralianOpen exho to raise funds for those affected by the fires?".

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Come out in your green and gold in Sydney this Thursday and support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamAustralia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamAustralia</a> in the <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATPCup</a> quarter finals at 10am. 🇦🇺 🟢🟡🎾<a href="https://t.co/g27WPldXK1">https://t.co/g27WPldXK1</a>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1214400291220553728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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World men's number 1 Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and defending champions were present in the match. They raised $5 million after&nbsp;the match.

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Thank you so much to everyone who supported Rally for Relief last night! We've raised almost $5,000,000 and counting 🙌 
 
Get involved | <a href="https://t.co/9RPgZ7ucg9">https://t.co/9RPgZ7ucg9</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rally4Relief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rally4Relief</a> <a href="https://t.co/U8Eeu1UefU">pic.twitter.com/U8Eeu1UefU</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1217589621984350209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Australian Open was off to a poor start when the qualifiers were delayed and stopped due to hazy smoke that covered Melbourne due to the Bushfires.&nbsp;

With the news of Maria Sharapova calling of the match due to smog raised concerns over the tournament.

Year's first Grand Slam is set to commence on January 20 and conclude on February 2.&nbsp;

Defending Champion Osaka will look forward to a second successive title reign whereas Serena Williams will look forward to winning the Grand Slam to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slams. 
&nbsp;

Japan's Naomi Osaka trolled 23-times grand slam winner Serena Williams. Also read- Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief World number 3 was alongside Williams for the fund-raiser match ahead of Australian Open, where she tweeted a photo of her and Williams captioning it "me and my mom lol.

Japan's Naomi Osaka trolled 23-times grand slam winner Serena Williams. Also read- Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief World number 3 was alongside Williams for the fund-raiser match ahead of Australian Open, where she tweeted a photo of her and Williams captioning it "me and my mom lol."- @naomiosaka. me and my mom lol. pic.twitter.com/HvCoPpgShm — NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 15, 2020 × Also read- Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze Both Naomi and Serena were among the tennis stars to take part in the exhibition match which was meant to be a part of 'Rally for Relief', an initiative to raise funds for the relief workers involved in curbing the Australian Bushfire. The Australian star tennis player Nick Kyrgios had proposed the idea for the fundraiser by a tweet where he said: "C'mon @TennisAustralia surely we can do a pre @AustralianOpen exho to raise funds for those affected by the fires?". Come out in your green and gold in Sydney this Thursday and support #TeamAustralia in the @ATPCup quarter finals at 10am. 🇦🇺 🟢🟡🎾https://t.co/g27WPldXK1 — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 7, 2020 × World men's number 1 Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and defending champions were present in the match. They raised $5 million after the match. Thank you so much to everyone who supported Rally for Relief last night! We've raised almost $5,000,000 and counting 🙌 Get involved | https://t.co/9RPgZ7ucg9#Rally4Relief pic.twitter.com/U8Eeu1UefU — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2020 × Australian Open was off to a poor start when the qualifiers were delayed and stopped due to hazy smoke that covered Melbourne due to the Bushfires. With the news of Maria Sharapova calling of the match due to smog raised concerns over the tournament. Year's first Grand Slam is set to commence on January 20 and conclude on February 2. Defending Champion Osaka will look forward to a second successive title reign whereas Serena Williams will look forward to winning the Grand Slam to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slams.

Tennis: Naomi Osaka tweets picture of Serena Williams, calls her 'mom'

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Nissan</a> boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Carlos Ghosn</a> jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies.

The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions.

Citing people involved in the investigation,&nbsp;Nippon Television Network&nbsp;(NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29.

He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said.

He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fugitive-carlos-ghosn-to-be-summoned-by-lebanese-judiciary-official-271961">Beirut</a>.

Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29.

But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery.

The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan.

"It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday.

"I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin.

The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosn-used-our-jets-illegally-in-escape-from-japan-turkish-company-says-271956">Turkey</a> as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe.

Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets.&nbsp;

"Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters.

"The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents

A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters.

Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter."

Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape. The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies. The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions. Citing people involved in the investigation, Nippon Television Network (NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29. He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said. He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to Beirut. Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29. But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery. The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan. "It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday. "I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin. The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in Turkey as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe. Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets. "Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters. "The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets. Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters. Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter." Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn reportedly escaped Tokyo on public bullet train

Chinese&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;are adding seats on short- and mid-range&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-airlines-slash-flights-to-hong-kong-as-unrest-escalates-262832">Asian flights</a> in a strategic shift away from prestigious but loss-making North American routes to a market that promises better returns and growth.

Over the past decade, the number of seats on US&nbsp;routes operated by China's top three state-owned carriers rose fourfold, but such breakneck expansion came at a price. The nation's international aviation industry has been in the red for at least three years, with&nbsp;losses&nbsp;reaching 21.9 billion yuan ($3.13 billion) in 2018, according to recent China Air Transport Association data.

In response,&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;are increasingly seeking growth closer to home. Out of 105 international routes that&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;carriers plan to add to over 800 existing ones for the new winter-spring season, most focus on East&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;and Southeast&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;with some European routes also thrown into the mix.

"Chinese&nbsp;carriers are now taking a more commercial approach to international services," said John Grant, senior analyst at aviation data firm OAG. "If you could fly an aircraft for four hours and stay profitable compared to a 12-hour sector and not make any money, then you could do that thrice on a daily basis, thus making a better business sense."

For example, China Eastern has recently received approvals to open new routes from tier-two cities of Qingdao and Chengdu to South Korea's Cheongju-si and to Osaka in Japan. It will also fly Shanghai to Aomori Prefecture in Japan and from Xining to Japan's Nagoya.

Loong Air too received approval last month to open a new route linking Chengdu with Jakarta. Air China has been operating a Beijing-Phnom Penh route since the start of this year and China Southern has been flying from Guangzhou to Cebu in the Philippines since January.

The&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;have not responded to requests for comment.

And as demand on North American routes weakens, four&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;have dropped six US-bound flights so far this year, according to aviation data provider Variflight. For example, Air China suspended Beijing-Hawaii flights in August while Xiamen&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;suspended its Xiamen-Shenzhen-Seattle route.

After a decade of double-digit growth,&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;visitor numbers to the United States have fallen last year and the US&nbsp;National Travel and Tourism office forecasts another 5 per cent&nbsp;decline this year as a combination of a stronger dollar, China's cooling economy and trade tensions between Beijing and Washington take their toll.

US&nbsp;Travel Association Chief Executive Roger Dow told Reuters the US&nbsp;share of the global&nbsp;long-haul&nbsp;market has shrunk to 11.7 per cent&nbsp;last year from 13.7 per cent in 2015.

In all, while the number of seats on flights to North America operated by China's top three&nbsp;airlines, rose 2.9 per cent&nbsp;in the past three years, the capacity on Southeast&nbsp;Asian and European routes jumped 30.6 per cent&nbsp;and 34.6 per cent&nbsp;respectively.&nbsp;

"The demand on North American routes is not as strong as before, so&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;are shifting their capacity on these routes to places like Japan, South Korea and Southeast&nbsp;Asia, to protect their fares," Luya You, transportation analyst at BOCOM International said.

She added Air China and China Southern management expected Japan and Korea to contribute most capacity growth next year with slower growth in North America.

Long-haul&nbsp;flights tend to be more lucrative for&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;because there is less competition from low-cost carriers than on short routes, which means higher fares can more than make up for the higher cost of fuel, bigger planes and bigger crews.

However, as&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;airlines, backed by state and local government subsidies, chased market share they have driven their&nbsp;long-haul&nbsp;rates so low that they stand to make more money on international routes closer to home, experts say.

OAG's Grant says they can do that without much additional investment because latest generation wide-body aircraft can also work well on shorter routes.

At the end of 2018, China's top three carriers had orders for 60&nbsp;long-haul&nbsp;planes, mostly Boeing 787s and 777s and Airbus A350s, all of which can be easily reassigned.

"Undoubtedly, Southeast&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;is where they are going to reallocate their order over the next couple of years," Grant said.

Chinese airlines are adding seats on short- and mid-range Asian flights in a strategic shift away from prestigious but loss-making North American routes to a market that promises better returns and growth.

Chinese airlines are adding seats on short- and mid-range Asian flights in a strategic shift away from prestigious but loss-making North American routes to a market that promises better returns and growth. Over the past decade, the number of seats on US routes operated by China's top three state-owned carriers rose fourfold, but such breakneck expansion came at a price. The nation's international aviation industry has been in the red for at least three years, with losses reaching 21.9 billion yuan ($3.13 billion) in 2018, according to recent China Air Transport Association data. In response, Chinese airlines are increasingly seeking growth closer to home. Out of 105 international routes that Chinese carriers plan to add to over 800 existing ones for the new winter-spring season, most focus on East Asia and Southeast Asia with some European routes also thrown into the mix. "Chinese carriers are now taking a more commercial approach to international services," said John Grant, senior analyst at aviation data firm OAG. "If you could fly an aircraft for four hours and stay profitable compared to a 12-hour sector and not make any money, then you could do that thrice on a daily basis, thus making a better business sense." For example, China Eastern has recently received approvals to open new routes from tier-two cities of Qingdao and Chengdu to South Korea's Cheongju-si and to Osaka in Japan. It will also fly Shanghai to Aomori Prefecture in Japan and from Xining to Japan's Nagoya. Loong Air too received approval last month to open a new route linking Chengdu with Jakarta. Air China has been operating a Beijing-Phnom Penh route since the start of this year and China Southern has been flying from Guangzhou to Cebu in the Philippines since January. The airlines have not responded to requests for comment. And as demand on North American routes weakens, four Chinese airlines have dropped six US-bound flights so far this year, according to aviation data provider Variflight. For example, Air China suspended Beijing-Hawaii flights in August while Xiamen Airlines suspended its Xiamen-Shenzhen-Seattle route. After a decade of double-digit growth, Chinese visitor numbers to the United States have fallen last year and the US National Travel and Tourism office forecasts another 5 per cent decline this year as a combination of a stronger dollar, China's cooling economy and trade tensions between Beijing and Washington take their toll. US Travel Association Chief Executive Roger Dow told Reuters the US share of the global long-haul market has shrunk to 11.7 per cent last year from 13.7 per cent in 2015. In all, while the number of seats on flights to North America operated by China's top three airlines, rose 2.9 per cent in the past three years, the capacity on Southeast Asian and European routes jumped 30.6 per cent and 34.6 per cent respectively. "The demand on North American routes is not as strong as before, so airlines are shifting their capacity on these routes to places like Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia, to protect their fares," Luya You, transportation analyst at BOCOM International said. She added Air China and China Southern management expected Japan and Korea to contribute most capacity growth next year with slower growth in North America. Long-haul flights tend to be more lucrative for airlines because there is less competition from low-cost carriers than on short routes, which means higher fares can more than make up for the higher cost of fuel, bigger planes and bigger crews. However, as Chinese airlines, backed by state and local government subsidies, chased market share they have driven their long-haul rates so low that they stand to make more money on international routes closer to home, experts say. OAG's Grant says they can do that without much additional investment because latest generation wide-body aircraft can also work well on shorter routes. At the end of 2018, China's top three carriers had orders for 60 long-haul planes, mostly Boeing 787s and 777s and Airbus A350s, all of which can be easily reassigned. "Undoubtedly, Southeast Asia is where they are going to reallocate their order over the next couple of years," Grant said.

Chinese airlines turn to Asia as long-haul losses pile up

The prospect of a Naomi Osaka-Serena Williams US&nbsp;Open final rematch that hung tantalisingly over the year's final Grand Slam disappeared on Monday with Swiss Belinda Bencic the spoiler by claiming a 7-5, 6-4 fourth-round win over the Japanese holder.&nbsp;

It was a subdued exit for the world number one compared to the chaotic scenes of a year ago when Osaka claimed her first major title amidst controversy after an explosive confrontation between chair umpire Carlos Ramos and an enraged Williams.&nbsp;

That match saw Williams deducted a point and later a game for her behaviour, which included a smashed racket and calling Ramos a "liar", and provided the juiciest storyline coming into this year's US&nbsp;Open which picked up steam through the first week as the two women again appeared on a collision course.

Osaka is now gone though and, according to Williams, Ramos was never here. "I don't know who that is," she had said when earlier asked about Ramos and last year's events.

The Portuguese umpire is officiating at Flushing Meadows but not in any of Williams' matches so for the former-world number one it is out sight out of mind as she continues her quest for a record-equalling 24th career Grand Slam on Tuesday with a quarter-final meeting against China's Wang Qiang.

There were lessons learned last year in Osaka's victory and the 21-year-old Japanese, who will now lose her number one ranking to Australia's Ash Barty, said Monday's loss to the 13th seeded Swiss Bencic provided another learning moment.

Osaka's sadness

"For me, right now I have this feeling of sadness," said Osaka. "But I also feel like I have learned so much during this tournament.

"I feel like the steps that I have taken as a person have been much greater than I would imagine at this point.

"So I hope that I can keep growing."

The defeat means not only that Williams not have to face Osaka on the court, she will also not be dragged into questions about last year's fiery final, a topic she has made clear is off limits.

Tennis fans may still be seeking closure for what has grown into one of Grand Slam tennis's most infamous moments but the central figures, Osaka and Williams, have already moved on.

"Honestly, I'm not that mad at this," said Osaka. "Of course, I can look at this and be very disappointed and mad, but I feel like -- like, I'm not mad at it.

"Of course, I would like to reach higher, like, rounds.

"Hopefully I'll do well in Japan because I always do well in Japan, and just keep building off of it to end the season."

The prospect of a Naomi Osaka-Serena Williams US Open final rematch that hung tantalisingly over the year's final Grand Slam disappeared on Monday with Swiss Belinda Bencic the spoiler by claiming a 7-5, 6-4 fourth-round win over the Japanese holder.

The prospect of a Naomi Osaka-Serena Williams US Open final rematch that hung tantalisingly over the year's final Grand Slam disappeared on Monday with Swiss Belinda Bencic the spoiler by claiming a 7-5, 6-4 fourth-round win over the Japanese holder. It was a subdued exit for the world number one compared to the chaotic scenes of a year ago when Osaka claimed her first major title amidst controversy after an explosive confrontation between chair umpire Carlos Ramos and an enraged Williams. That match saw Williams deducted a point and later a game for her behaviour, which included a smashed racket and calling Ramos a "liar", and provided the juiciest storyline coming into this year's US Open which picked up steam through the first week as the two women again appeared on a collision course. Osaka is now gone though and, according to Williams, Ramos was never here. "I don't know who that is," she had said when earlier asked about Ramos and last year's events. The Portuguese umpire is officiating at Flushing Meadows but not in any of Williams' matches so for the former-world number one it is out sight out of mind as she continues her quest for a record-equalling 24th career Grand Slam on Tuesday with a quarter-final meeting against China's Wang Qiang. There were lessons learned last year in Osaka's victory and the 21-year-old Japanese, who will now lose her number one ranking to Australia's Ash Barty, said Monday's loss to the 13th seeded Swiss Bencic provided another learning moment. Osaka's sadness "For me, right now I have this feeling of sadness," said Osaka. "But I also feel like I have learned so much during this tournament. "I feel like the steps that I have taken as a person have been much greater than I would imagine at this point. "So I hope that I can keep growing." The defeat means not only that Williams not have to face Osaka on the court, she will also not be dragged into questions about last year's fiery final, a topic she has made clear is off limits. Tennis fans may still be seeking closure for what has grown into one of Grand Slam tennis's most infamous moments but the central figures, Osaka and Williams, have already moved on. "Honestly, I'm not that mad at this," said Osaka. "Of course, I can look at this and be very disappointed and mad, but I feel like -- like, I'm not mad at it. "Of course, I would like to reach higher, like, rounds. "Hopefully I'll do well in Japan because I always do well in Japan, and just keep building off of it to end the season."

Lesson learned, Naomi Osaka moves on after US Open loss

US-China trade war in 10 dates

Australia's parliament voted Monday to implement a maritime border treaty with East Timor, potentially unlocking billions in offshore oil and gas revenue after a bitter decade-long dispute.

The treaty is expected to provide a major boost to East Timor, one of Asia's poorest countries, by establishing new arrangements for sharing revenue from the Greater Sunrise gas fields in the Timor Sea.

It comes just days after East Timor's parliament voted in favour of ratifying the treaty, which the two countries signed at the United Nations in March 2018 and was the first-ever reached under a special conciliation mechanism of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Discovered in 1974, the lucrative Greater Sunrise fields - located 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of East Timor and 450 kilometres northwest of Darwin - are estimated to be worth between US$40 and $50 billion.

East Timor plans to develop the gas fields through a pipeline that would reach the country's south coast, with hopes it would provide much-needed employment opportunities, though Australia has cast doubt on the smaller nation's capacity to do so.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in the Senate Monday that the treaty "settled a long-running dispute over our maritime boundaries, agreed upon a pathway for the development of Greater Sunrise and laid the foundation for a new chapter in our bilateral relations".

Australia has seen its international reputation damaged by the dispute with its less powerful neighbour, with Dili dragging Canberra to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague after contesting a previous deal signed in 2006.

East Timor wanted that treaty, which also covered the vast Greater Sunrise fields, torn up after Australia was accused of spying to gain a commercial advantage during the negotiations.

As the dispute escalated, a group of energy companies including Australia's Woodside, ConocoPhillips, Shell, and Osaka Gas decided to mothball plans to develop the fields.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said during the House of Representatives debate on Friday that the lengthy dispute "has not done a great deal for Australia's standing as good neighbours to one of the newest nations on the planet".

Australia has continued to profit from an oil field stake that is set to be handed to East Timor under the treaty, taking an estimated AUS$60 million in the 12 months after the treaty was signed but not ratified, national broadcaster ABC reported.

East Timor was invaded by Indonesia in 1975 before it gained independence in 2002 after a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999, which will be marked by 20th-anniversary celebrations on August 30.

Australia's parliament voted Monday to implement a maritime border treaty with East Timor, potentially unlocking billions in offshore oil and gas revenue after a bitter decade-long dispute.

Australia's parliament voted Monday to implement a maritime border treaty with East Timor, potentially unlocking billions in offshore oil and gas revenue after a bitter decade-long dispute. The treaty is expected to provide a major boost to East Timor, one of Asia's poorest countries, by establishing new arrangements for sharing revenue from the Greater Sunrise gas fields in the Timor Sea. It comes just days after East Timor's parliament voted in favour of ratifying the treaty, which the two countries signed at the United Nations in March 2018 and was the first-ever reached under a special conciliation mechanism of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Discovered in 1974, the lucrative Greater Sunrise fields - located 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of East Timor and 450 kilometres northwest of Darwin - are estimated to be worth between US$40 and $50 billion. East Timor plans to develop the gas fields through a pipeline that would reach the country's south coast, with hopes it would provide much-needed employment opportunities, though Australia has cast doubt on the smaller nation's capacity to do so. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in the Senate Monday that the treaty "settled a long-running dispute over our maritime boundaries, agreed upon a pathway for the development of Greater Sunrise and laid the foundation for a new chapter in our bilateral relations". Australia has seen its international reputation damaged by the dispute with its less powerful neighbour, with Dili dragging Canberra to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague after contesting a previous deal signed in 2006. East Timor wanted that treaty, which also covered the vast Greater Sunrise fields, torn up after Australia was accused of spying to gain a commercial advantage during the negotiations. As the dispute escalated, a group of energy companies including Australia's Woodside, ConocoPhillips, Shell, and Osaka Gas decided to mothball plans to develop the fields. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said during the House of Representatives debate on Friday that the lengthy dispute "has not done a great deal for Australia's standing as good neighbours to one of the newest nations on the planet". Australia has continued to profit from an oil field stake that is set to be handed to East Timor under the treaty, taking an estimated AUS$60 million in the 12 months after the treaty was signed but not ratified, national broadcaster ABC reported. East Timor was invaded by Indonesia in 1975 before it gained independence in 2002 after a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999, which will be marked by 20th-anniversary celebrations on August 30.

Australia ratifies maritime boundaries with East Timor

Representatives from the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-muller-to-testify-before-house-committees-on-us-russia-probe-in-july-congress-230456&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMqYiKornjAhXKso8KHeq_DFMQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sjx_-5jhYFhUOAKW0ZERJ">United States and Russia</a> are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump has said that he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including most recently at the G20 summit in Osaka last month.

China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks, said the officials, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

"A good meeting would be some greater clarity about where the Russians see things going with the Chinese," one official said.

China's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks.

"At present, we cannot see the preconditions or basis for China participating in these negotiations between the United States and Russia," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation, which will include Tim Morrison, a top aide at the White House National Security Council, and representatives from the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Agency, the US officials said.

Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, will lead the Russian delegation, the US officials said.

"We actually feel that - touch wood - we've actually got to a point where we can try to start this again," one US official said.

"I say touch wood because we're always just one incident away from unfortunately things getting derailed," the official said.

Relations between the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-russia-relations-are-getting-worse-and-worse-226830&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMqYiKornjAhXKso8KHeq_DFMQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0tvrZETUunIs5K2GbpcHAL">United States and Russia</a> have been sour for years, deteriorating after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war.

Trump has sought better relations but has been hamstrung by a two-year investigation into the 2016 influence campaign by Russian operatives to attack Trump's Democratic rival in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton.

The investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller found there was insufficient evidence that the Trump campaign illegally conspired with Moscow. The Kremlin has denied any meddling.

Relations also frayed over Russia's poisoning of a former spy and his daughter on British soil, the detention of Ukrainian navy boats and crew near Crimea, and Russia's detention of US citizens, among other incidents.

The Geneva meeting will be just two weeks before the United States withdraws from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty that required both countries to eliminate short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles.

US authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation.

No breakthrough is expected on the INF treaty, the US officials said.

US officials also are not planning to discuss renewal of the 2011 New START treaty, a US-Russia arms control pact which limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons.

One of the officials told reporters it would be "premature" to talk about New START, which is set to expire in February 2021 but can be extended for five years if both sides agree, calling the issues a "next-year problem."

Representatives from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday.

Representatives from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday. US President Donald Trump has said that he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including most recently at the G20 summit in Osaka last month. China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks, said the officials, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity. "A good meeting would be some greater clarity about where the Russians see things going with the Chinese," one official said. China's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks. "At present, we cannot see the preconditions or basis for China participating in these negotiations between the United States and Russia," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation, which will include Tim Morrison, a top aide at the White House National Security Council, and representatives from the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Agency, the US officials said. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, will lead the Russian delegation, the US officials said. "We actually feel that - touch wood - we've actually got to a point where we can try to start this again," one US official said. "I say touch wood because we're always just one incident away from unfortunately things getting derailed," the official said. Relations between the United States and Russia have been sour for years, deteriorating after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war. Trump has sought better relations but has been hamstrung by a two-year investigation into the 2016 influence campaign by Russian operatives to attack Trump's Democratic rival in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton. The investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller found there was insufficient evidence that the Trump campaign illegally conspired with Moscow. The Kremlin has denied any meddling. Relations also frayed over Russia's poisoning of a former spy and his daughter on British soil, the detention of Ukrainian navy boats and crew near Crimea, and Russia's detention of US citizens, among other incidents. The Geneva meeting will be just two weeks before the United States withdraws from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty that required both countries to eliminate short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles. US authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation. No breakthrough is expected on the INF treaty, the US officials said. US officials also are not planning to discuss renewal of the 2011 New START treaty, a US-Russia arms control pact which limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons. One of the officials told reporters it would be "premature" to talk about New START, which is set to expire in February 2021 but can be extended for five years if both sides agree, calling the issues a "next-year problem."

US, Russia to discuss nuclear arms limits in Geneva on Wednesday: Officials

After riding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-china-of-serious-consequences-if-hong-kong-rights-not-honoured-232315">China</a>'s demand train for nearly two decades, Asia's coal industry is looking to a future of smaller markets and slimmer pickings, as buying declines in the world's second-biggest economy and climate change concerns blunt demand.

By far the biggest user of coal-fired power, China is buying less thermal coal from global markets, said delegates to Asia's premier coal conference last month in Bali, both as renewables gain market share and as it digs up more of its own supply.

A backlash against coal is also growing in the West. Last week, investors managing nearly half the world's invested capital demanded ahead of a Group of 20 summits in Osaka that governments take urgent action on climate change.

Delegates to Coaltrans in Bali, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-troops-flood-jakarta-streets-after-post-election-riots-220989">Indonesia</a>, however, said that while coal's glory days are done, reports of its imminent demise have been greatly exaggerated.

"Coal will continue to provide low-cost energy. We are looking at increasing demand in Southeast Asia, so we are still positive," said Hendri Tan, marketing director at PT Adaro Indonesia, a unit of PT Adaro Energy, Indonesia's second-biggest coal producer.

Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of thermal coal, used primarily for power generation, shipping out 429 million tonnes last year and accounting for 43% of the 1 billion-tonne-a-year seaborne market, according to Australian government data.

Around 124 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity is under development in Southeast and South Asia, both key markets for Indonesia, and that is expected to offset declining demand from China, said the chairman of Indonesia Coal Mining Association, Pandu Sjahrir.

Indonesia itself is expected to add some 50 million tonnes a year of coal-fired power demand by 2023, he said, a rise of 55% that would make it one of Asia's biggest consumers.

As China takes less, economies like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines are also expected to pick up the slack, delegates said.

Between 2014 and 2018, China's coal demand fell by 2.4%, while India's swelled by 16.7%, according to BP's Statistical Review of World Energy report this year. Over the same period, Vietnam's coal use grew by 65% and Indonesia's by 36%, helping to offset falls in the United States, Japan and Germany as well.

 
Beach parties end, belly dancers, stay home

Indonesia shot to prominence as a coal producer last decade as it dug out and shipped the fuel to meet power demand from China, eventually outstripping then leader Australia.

As China's manufacturing might grow, so too did its hunger for electricity, turning it into a net thermal coal importer around 2004. That was a bonanza for miners and helped establish Coaltrans in Bali as the industry's main event in Asia.

 
During the boom years, companies would battle to outdo each other at Coaltrans with lavish beach parties. One Uzbekistan company flew in belly dancers to entertain potential customers drinking free-flow vodka and eating caviar, delegates said.

"People were throwing money at everything," said SMG Consultants' Alistair MacDonald, who has attended Coaltrans since 2000. But times have changed, he said.

"The bankers aren't here. A lot of the services like insurers aren't here any more," he said. "It's a lot more domestic (Indonesian) players, and they want to be perceived as energy companies, not as coal companies."

Staring at prospects of tougher conditions ahead, Indonesia's large thermal coal miners are diversifying into other geographies and other industries, Sacha Winzenried, a partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, told Reuters.

"They are looking into renewables, other infrastructure, supply chain support such as water, utilities, shipping and logistics," Winzenried said.

Indonesia's Adaro Energy bought an Australian coal mine from Rio Tinto last year. And Indonesian state coal miner Bukit Asam is targeting commercial operation of four coal processing plants in South Sumatra that would extract gas from, as well as burn, coal.

Financing dries up

Delegates also noted the difficulty of getting financing for their businesses, working capital and further investments, and some were pessimistic on the coal industry's longevity.

One mining engineer in his fifties, who had spent most of his career in coal at a major miner and also had an MBA, saw his career options as limited.

"I've spent twenty years in coal. Where can I go next?" he said. "I would not recommend any young people join this industry."

Still, renewables are not expected to make the same inroads in emerging Asian economies as in developed nations, because Asian governments are working to provide cheap baseload power from coal, and renewables can't compete on scale or price, said an industry analyst, declining to be named due to his listed company's policy.

"Less coal will mean a less polluted world," he said. "But if you don't want (coal) to exist, then you have to come up with a realistic alternative."

After riding China's demand train for nearly two decades, Asia's coal industry is looking to a future of smaller markets and slimmer pickings, as buying declines in the world's second-biggest economy and climate change concerns blunt demand.

After riding China's demand train for nearly two decades, Asia's coal industry is looking to a future of smaller markets and slimmer pickings, as buying declines in the world's second-biggest economy and climate change concerns blunt demand. By far the biggest user of coal-fired power, China is buying less thermal coal from global markets, said delegates to Asia's premier coal conference last month in Bali, both as renewables gain market share and as it digs up more of its own supply. A backlash against coal is also growing in the West. Last week, investors managing nearly half the world's invested capital demanded ahead of a Group of 20 summits in Osaka that governments take urgent action on climate change. Delegates to Coaltrans in Bali, Indonesia, however, said that while coal's glory days are done, reports of its imminent demise have been greatly exaggerated. "Coal will continue to provide low-cost energy. We are looking at increasing demand in Southeast Asia, so we are still positive," said Hendri Tan, marketing director at PT Adaro Indonesia, a unit of PT Adaro Energy, Indonesia's second-biggest coal producer. Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of thermal coal, used primarily for power generation, shipping out 429 million tonnes last year and accounting for 43% of the 1 billion-tonne-a-year seaborne market, according to Australian government data. Around 124 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity is under development in Southeast and South Asia, both key markets for Indonesia, and that is expected to offset declining demand from China, said the chairman of Indonesia Coal Mining Association, Pandu Sjahrir. Indonesia itself is expected to add some 50 million tonnes a year of coal-fired power demand by 2023, he said, a rise of 55% that would make it one of Asia's biggest consumers. As China takes less, economies like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines are also expected to pick up the slack, delegates said. Between 2014 and 2018, China's coal demand fell by 2.4%, while India's swelled by 16.7%, according to BP's Statistical Review of World Energy report this year. Over the same period, Vietnam's coal use grew by 65% and Indonesia's by 36%, helping to offset falls in the United States, Japan and Germany as well. Beach parties end, belly dancers, stay home Indonesia shot to prominence as a coal producer last decade as it dug out and shipped the fuel to meet power demand from China, eventually outstripping then leader Australia. As China's manufacturing might grow, so too did its hunger for electricity, turning it into a net thermal coal importer around 2004. That was a bonanza for miners and helped establish Coaltrans in Bali as the industry's main event in Asia. During the boom years, companies would battle to outdo each other at Coaltrans with lavish beach parties. One Uzbekistan company flew in belly dancers to entertain potential customers drinking free-flow vodka and eating caviar, delegates said. "People were throwing money at everything," said SMG Consultants' Alistair MacDonald, who has attended Coaltrans since 2000. But times have changed, he said. "The bankers aren't here. A lot of the services like insurers aren't here any more," he said. "It's a lot more domestic (Indonesian) players, and they want to be perceived as energy companies, not as coal companies." Staring at prospects of tougher conditions ahead, Indonesia's large thermal coal miners are diversifying into other geographies and other industries, Sacha Winzenried, a partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, told Reuters. "They are looking into renewables, other infrastructure, supply chain support such as water, utilities, shipping and logistics," Winzenried said. Indonesia's Adaro Energy bought an Australian coal mine from Rio Tinto last year. And Indonesian state coal miner Bukit Asam is targeting commercial operation of four coal processing plants in South Sumatra that would extract gas from, as well as burn, coal. Financing dries up Delegates also noted the difficulty of getting financing for their businesses, working capital and further investments, and some were pessimistic on the coal industry's longevity. One mining engineer in his fifties, who had spent most of his career in coal at a major miner and also had an MBA, saw his career options as limited. "I've spent twenty years in coal. Where can I go next?" he said. "I would not recommend any young people join this industry." Still, renewables are not expected to make the same inroads in emerging Asian economies as in developed nations, because Asian governments are working to provide cheap baseload power from coal, and renewables can't compete on scale or price, said an industry analyst, declining to be named due to his listed company's policy. "Less coal will mean a less polluted world," he said. "But if you don't want (coal) to exist, then you have to come up with a realistic alternative."

Future tense: Fastest-growing market Asia rethinks coal's prospects

China's state planning agency on Sunday said it has cut the number of sectors subject to foreign investment restrictions, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-report-progress-in-beijing-trade-talks-206635">Beijing</a> moved to fulfil its promise to open major industries.

The loosening in curbs, though widely anticipated, comes after the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-recession-risk-rises-as-us-china-trade-tensions-heat-up-report-219279">China</a> agreed on the weekend to restart trade talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112">US President Donald Trump</a> offering concessions on tariffs and an easing of restrictions on tech company Huawei.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said it has eased foreign investment curbs on sectors including petroleum and gas exploration and widened access to agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

NDRC published on its website the new, shorter so-called negative list that sets out industries where foreign investment is limited or prohibited.

The number of sectors and subsectors on the negative list was cut to 40 from 48 in the previous version, which was published in June last year. The new list takes effect on July 30.

The NDRC document said domestic shipping agencies, gas and heat pipelines in cities with more than 500,000 people, cinemas and performance agencies no longer needed to be controlled by Chinese entities. It also widened access to petroleum and gas exploration, agriculture and some metals resources exploration.

China has repeatedly promised to further open its markets to foreign investment but has stressed such decisions would be based on the economy's own needs and not due to external pressure.

It shortened the negative list last year, easing curbs on sectors including banking, the automotive and heavy industries, while also allowing 100% foreign ownership in some industries where ownership caps previously applied.

Foreign investment in China was previously assessed on a case-by-case basis with approval granted by the local branch of the commerce ministry. Under the negative list system, only investments in industries specified in the list are prohibited or subject to review.

Despite the reforms of recent years, foreign businesses say progress has been slow with foreign investment in many industries still restricted while fresh promises of greater access do little more than repeat earlier pledges.

China's state planning agency on Sunday said it has cut the number of sectors subject to foreign investment restrictions, as Beijing moved to fulfil its promise to open major industries.

China's state planning agency on Sunday said it has cut the number of sectors subject to foreign investment restrictions, as Beijing moved to fulfil its promise to open major industries. The loosening in curbs, though widely anticipated, comes after the United States and China agreed on the weekend to restart trade talks with US President Donald Trump offering concessions on tariffs and an easing of restrictions on tech company Huawei. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said it has eased foreign investment curbs on sectors including petroleum and gas exploration and widened access to agriculture, mining and manufacturing. NDRC published on its website the new, shorter so-called negative list that sets out industries where foreign investment is limited or prohibited. The number of sectors and subsectors on the negative list was cut to 40 from 48 in the previous version, which was published in June last year. The new list takes effect on July 30. The NDRC document said domestic shipping agencies, gas and heat pipelines in cities with more than 500,000 people, cinemas and performance agencies no longer needed to be controlled by Chinese entities. It also widened access to petroleum and gas exploration, agriculture and some metals resources exploration. China has repeatedly promised to further open its markets to foreign investment but has stressed such decisions would be based on the economy's own needs and not due to external pressure. It shortened the negative list last year, easing curbs on sectors including banking, the automotive and heavy industries, while also allowing 100% foreign ownership in some industries where ownership caps previously applied. Foreign investment in China was previously assessed on a case-by-case basis with approval granted by the local branch of the commerce ministry. Under the negative list system, only investments in industries specified in the list are prohibited or subject to review. Despite the reforms of recent years, foreign businesses say progress has been slow with foreign investment in many industries still restricted while fresh promises of greater access do little more than repeat earlier pledges.

China eases foreign investment curbs amid cooling trade tensions

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday praised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-saudi-crown-prince-salman-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-discusses-counter-terrorism-231041">Saudi Arabia</a>'s efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Japan will help the kingdom with a sweeping reform plan.

"Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' is an unprecedented major reform aimed at shifting away from dependence on oil and at diversifying industry, under your majesty's initiative," Abe told the crown prince at the beginning of a bilateral meeting after a summit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-officially-opens-in-japans-osaka-with-trade-tensions-looming-231047">Group of 20 leaders in the city of Osaka</a>.

"Japan will continue its utmost efforts by government and the private sector to help achieve its success," Abe said.

Riyadh announced the reform plan in 2016, with goals ranging from overhauling its state-owned Public Investment Fund to increasing visits of Muslim pilgrims and encouraging more Saudis to play sports.

Despite last October's murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi agents, big investors are pushing ahead with deals and pouring money back into its stock market as well as Vision 2030 projects that aim to diversify the economy of the world’s top oil exporter and create jobs.

"Saudi wants to do the utmost to continue our old but a new strong partnership with Japan," the crown prince told Abe through an interpreter.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Japan will help the kingdom with a sweeping reform plan.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil and promised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Japan will help the kingdom with a sweeping reform plan. "Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' is an unprecedented major reform aimed at shifting away from dependence on oil and at diversifying industry, under your majesty's initiative," Abe told the crown prince at the beginning of a bilateral meeting after a summit of Group of 20 leaders in the city of Osaka. "Japan will continue its utmost efforts by government and the private sector to help achieve its success," Abe said. Riyadh announced the reform plan in 2016, with goals ranging from overhauling its state-owned Public Investment Fund to increasing visits of Muslim pilgrims and encouraging more Saudis to play sports. Despite last October's murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi agents, big investors are pushing ahead with deals and pouring money back into its stock market as well as Vision 2030 projects that aim to diversify the economy of the world’s top oil exporter and create jobs. "Saudi wants to do the utmost to continue our old but a new strong partnership with Japan," the crown prince told Abe through an interpreter.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offers Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman help in reducing oil dependency

Chinese President Xi Jinping recalls 'Ping-Pong' Diplomacy. Xi said, ''The small ball played a big role in moving world events.Xi upholds the cooperation over confrontation. U.S President Donald Trump said that He loves the Chinese Culture. Watch this video to know more.

No new U.S tariffs on Chinese products

Suresh Prabhu, PM Modi's sherpa at G20 summit in Japan: India under the leadership of PM Modi has been championing that we need anti-corruption measures at global level. So, fight against corruption should be done by all #G20 countries by combating foreign bribery.

India's Sherpa At G20 Osaka Summit, Suresh Prabhu Briefs Media

White House advisor and US President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump termed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-become-great-friends-well-work-together-in-many-ways-including-military-trump-to-pm-modi-at-g20-231285">US president's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> as a ''subsequent productive conversation.''

"We are here at the G20 in Osaka and Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe just concluded a meeting with the President talking about 5G technology, particularly with a focus on its security implication," said Ivanka Trump, in a video tweeted by the White House.

"A subsequent productive conversation, a one-on-one meeting between the President and Prime Minister Modi (was held) where the same issues were covered, of course, 5G, as well as trade relations between the United States and India, a critical trading partner, a critical security partner and a critical ally. So it was a productive discussion, everything from Iran to national security was covered by the President and the US delegation with their Indian counterparts," added the US President's daughter, who is a part of his delegation at the G-20 Summit in Osaka, Japan.

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Trump and PM Modi held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit in Osaka.

During the meeting, Trump had agreed to resolve trade issues which have been bone of contention between New Delhi-Washington ties.

"We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer...We'll work together in many ways including military," Trump said.

No discussions took place on the Indo-Russia S-400 missile defence deal, on which Washington has been raising concerns to India.

White House advisor and US President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump termed US president's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ''subsequent productive conversation.

White House advisor and US President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump termed US president's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ''subsequent productive conversation.'' "We are here at the G20 in Osaka and Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe just concluded a meeting with the President talking about 5G technology, particularly with a focus on its security implication," said Ivanka Trump, in a video tweeted by the White House. "A subsequent productive conversation, a one-on-one meeting between the President and Prime Minister Modi (was held) where the same issues were covered, of course, 5G, as well as trade relations between the United States and India, a critical trading partner, a critical security partner and a critical ally. So it was a productive discussion, everything from Iran to national security was covered by the President and the US delegation with their Indian counterparts," added the US President's daughter, who is a part of his delegation at the G-20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. More from President Trump's meeting with Prime Minister Modi: pic.twitter.com/GoKa9Q4Uje — The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 28, 2019 × Trump and PM Modi held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit in Osaka. During the meeting, Trump had agreed to resolve trade issues which have been bone of contention between New Delhi-Washington ties. "We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer...We'll work together in many ways including military," Trump said. No discussions took place on the Indo-Russia S-400 missile defence deal, on which Washington has been raising concerns to India.

White House advisor Ivanka terms Trump-Modi meet as 'productive'

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