Morning brief: Philippine, Chinese vessels collide in South China Sea; at least 19 Hajj pilgrims die, & more

A Philippine supply ship dangerously approached a Chinese vessel and slightly collided with Beijing’s ship after it illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,China’s coast guard claimed. In other news, at least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims died while on the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, authorities from both countries said on Sunday (June 16).

Click on the headlines to read more

The Chinese coast guard reported a collision between a Philippine ship and a Chinese vessel, on Monday, near the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea,on Monday (Jun 17).

In a statement, Jordan's foreign ministry said that 14 pilgrims died and 17 others were missing during the performance of Hajj. Meanwhile,Iranian Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand said that five pilgrims died in Mecca and Medina.

Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who has been accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been extradited to the United States, The Washington Post reported on Sunday (June 16) citing people familiar with developments.

China on Sunday (June 16) offered to send Australia two new pandas as the ties between the nations improve after years of tension.Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who was on a visit to Australia — the first by a Chinese leader in seven years, made the announcement during his visit to Adelaide Zoo.

WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: PM Netanyahu denounces Israel military's 'tactical pause' plan