Syrian army takes control of military base in northeast following U.S.-led coalition's withdrawal
DAMASCUS, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak Air Base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition troops, the Defense Ministry said Thursday.
Qasrak has been a key coalition hub in Hasakah since 2018, allegedly supporting operations against the Islamic State group in coordination with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
U.S. forces began withdrawing equipment and personnel from Qasrak in late February, with convoys of armored vehicles and heavy machinery reportedly moving toward neighboring Iraq.
This transfer is part of a broader U.S. troop drawdown in Syria. In February, Syrian forces took control of the al-Tanf base near the borders with Iraq and Jordan, as well as the al-Shaddadi base in Hasakah province. Control of the Rmeilan base near the Iraqi border was also transferred in mid-March.
The withdrawals come amid ongoing coordination between the Syrian government and the SDF to integrate Kurdish-led institutions and security forces into the state framework.
Tensions persist in parts of northeastern Syria, where coalition positions have faced sporadic drone and rocket attacks in recent months. Most have been intercepted, with no casualties confirmed. ■
2026-04-16 20:23:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
DAMASCUS, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak Air Base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition troops, the Defense Ministry said Thursday.
Qasrak has been a key coalition hub in Hasakah since 2018, allegedly supporting operations against the Islamic State group in coordination with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
U.S. forces began withdrawing equipment and personnel from Qasrak in late February, with convoys of armored vehicles and heavy machinery reportedly moving toward neighboring Iraq.
This transfer is part of a broader U.S. troop drawdown in Syria. In February, Syrian forces took control of the al-Tanf base near the borders with Iraq and Jordan, as well as the al-Shaddadi base in Hasakah province. Control of the Rmeilan base near the Iraqi border was also transferred in mid-March.
The withdrawals come amid ongoing coordination between the Syrian government and the SDF to integrate Kurdish-led institutions and security forces into the state framework.
Tensions persist in parts of northeastern Syria, where coalition positions have faced sporadic drone and rocket attacks in recent months. Most have been intercepted, with no casualties confirmed. ■
2026-04-16 20:23:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
China to further open up telecom, biotechnology and healthcare sectors
BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- China will steadily expand its pilot opening-up programs in areas including value-added telecommunications, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
The decision was announced by spokesperson He Yadong in response to a media inquiry on advancing the high-quality development of China's services industry.
To further open up the industry, the ministry will also improve management of the negative list for cross-border trade in services and build national demonstration zones for the innovative development of trade in services, the spokesperson said.
On the services consumption front, the ministry will continue to foster new consumption models and scenarios, while stepping up efforts to develop high-quality, diverse and convenient lifestyle services such as domestic services, accommodation and catering, the spokesperson said.
Citing wholesale and retail as a key component of the services industry, the spokesperson said that measures will be taken to ensure the reasonable layout of bulk commodity spot markets, diversify business models in industrial consumer goods markets, and foster major agricultural product wholesale markets.
The services industry is a pillar of China's economy. Its value-added output exceeded 80 trillion yuan (about 11.7 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2025, accounting for 57.7 percent of the country's GDP.
According to the outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the country will comprehensively improve the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the services industry to better support industrial upgrading, meet the livelihood needs of the people, and create employment opportunities. ■
2026-04-16 20:31:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- China will steadily expand its pilot opening-up programs in areas including value-added telecommunications, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
The decision was announced by spokesperson He Yadong in response to a media inquiry on advancing the high-quality development of China's services industry.
To further open up the industry, the ministry will also improve management of the negative list for cross-border trade in services and build national demonstration zones for the innovative development of trade in services, the spokesperson said.
On the services consumption front, the ministry will continue to foster new consumption models and scenarios, while stepping up efforts to develop high-quality, diverse and convenient lifestyle services such as domestic services, accommodation and catering, the spokesperson said.
Citing wholesale and retail as a key component of the services industry, the spokesperson said that measures will be taken to ensure the reasonable layout of bulk commodity spot markets, diversify business models in industrial consumer goods markets, and foster major agricultural product wholesale markets.
The services industry is a pillar of China's economy. Its value-added output exceeded 80 trillion yuan (about 11.7 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2025, accounting for 57.7 percent of the country's GDP.
According to the outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the country will comprehensively improve the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the services industry to better support industrial upgrading, meet the livelihood needs of the people, and create employment opportunities. ■
2026-04-16 20:31:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Urgent: U.S. launches "Economic Fury" operation to maximize economic pressure on Iran: Hegseth
WASHINGTON, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Treasury is launching an operation called "Economic Fury" against Iran to maximize economic pressure, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing on Thursday.
2026-04-16 20:32:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
WASHINGTON, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Treasury is launching an operation called "Economic Fury" against Iran to maximize economic pressure, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing on Thursday.
2026-04-16 20:32:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Iran's envoy signals Tehran's readiness for serious talks
ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on Thursday said Tehran is prepared to engage in serious and constructive talks.
Speaking in an interview with official Pakistan TV after an event at the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, the envoy said Iran was entering the proposed negotiations with full seriousness and a clear objective of achieving a positive outcome.
He added that Tehran's negotiating team had been defined at a senior level, with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian Parliament, set to lead it, while the foreign minister would be the second representative.
The ambassador said the final composition of Iran's delegation would depend on the level of representation from the other side.
Pakistan was playing the role of a "responsible state" and a "sincere mediator" in facilitating dialogue, he said.
Earlier in his address, Moghadam also underscored confidence in Pakistan's diplomatic role, saying Islamabad remained a trusted venue for dialogue. "We only trust Pakistan," he said, referring to contacts with the United States. ■
2026-04-16 20:33:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on Thursday said Tehran is prepared to engage in serious and constructive talks.
Speaking in an interview with official Pakistan TV after an event at the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, the envoy said Iran was entering the proposed negotiations with full seriousness and a clear objective of achieving a positive outcome.
He added that Tehran's negotiating team had been defined at a senior level, with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian Parliament, set to lead it, while the foreign minister would be the second representative.
The ambassador said the final composition of Iran's delegation would depend on the level of representation from the other side.
Pakistan was playing the role of a "responsible state" and a "sincere mediator" in facilitating dialogue, he said.
Earlier in his address, Moghadam also underscored confidence in Pakistan's diplomatic role, saying Islamabad remained a trusted venue for dialogue. "We only trust Pakistan," he said, referring to contacts with the United States. ■
2026-04-16 20:33:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Egypt, Türkiye urge swift resumption of U.S.-Iran talks to reduce escalation
CAIRO, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan stressed the importance of renewed regional efforts to push for the resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday.
The remarks came during a phone call between the two ministers Wednesday, during which they discussed the latest regional developments.
During the call, the two ministers exchanged views on developments related to U.S.-Iran negotiations, according to the statement.
The two top diplomats agreed to continue consultations and coordination and to push for de-escalation in light of "the serious repercussions of the current situation for regional peace and security."
The call came after recent U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement, amid differences over key issues including Iran's nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States and Israel jointly launched a war against Iran in late February that lasted nearly six weeks, targeting Iran's military facilities, nuclear infrastructure and senior leadership, while Iran responded by attacking U.S. and Israeli interests across the Middle East.
The war is currently paused under a fragile two-week ceasefire, with international and regional hopes that the two sides will reach a deal before the truce expires on April 22. ■
2026-04-16 20:38:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
CAIRO, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan stressed the importance of renewed regional efforts to push for the resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday.
The remarks came during a phone call between the two ministers Wednesday, during which they discussed the latest regional developments.
During the call, the two ministers exchanged views on developments related to U.S.-Iran negotiations, according to the statement.
The two top diplomats agreed to continue consultations and coordination and to push for de-escalation in light of "the serious repercussions of the current situation for regional peace and security."
The call came after recent U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement, amid differences over key issues including Iran's nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States and Israel jointly launched a war against Iran in late February that lasted nearly six weeks, targeting Iran's military facilities, nuclear infrastructure and senior leadership, while Iran responded by attacking U.S. and Israeli interests across the Middle East.
The war is currently paused under a fragile two-week ceasefire, with international and regional hopes that the two sides will reach a deal before the truce expires on April 22. ■
2026-04-16 20:38:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Missing helicopter crashed in Indonesia
JAKARTA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Debris from a helicopter carrying eight people, which lost contact on Thursday over Sekadau, Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, has been found, Basarnas Chief Mohammad Syafii said in a statement.
Search and rescue teams are still in operation. ■
2026-04-16 20:38:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
JAKARTA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Debris from a helicopter carrying eight people, which lost contact on Thursday over Sekadau, Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, has been found, Basarnas Chief Mohammad Syafii said in a statement.
Search and rescue teams are still in operation. ■
2026-04-16 20:38:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Lebanese president, U.S. secretary of state discuss Lebanon-Israel ceasefire
BEIRUT, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday spoke over phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the potential Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, according to the Lebanese presidency.
Aoun expressed appreciation for Washington's efforts to reach a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
For his part, Rubio said the United States will continue its efforts to secure a ceasefire, a step he described as vital for achieving peace, security and stability in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, sources told local media LBCI that Aoun told Rubio during the phone call that he would not speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel and Lebanon held their first diplomatic talks since 1993 earlier this week in Washington, with both sides agreeing to launch "direct" negotiations after the meeting. U.S. President Donald Trump said the countries' leaders were expected to speak Thursday.
Lebanese health authorities said Wednesday that the cumulative death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the country has risen to 2,167, with 7,061 others injured since March 2. ■
2026-04-16 20:39:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
BEIRUT, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday spoke over phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the potential Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, according to the Lebanese presidency.
Aoun expressed appreciation for Washington's efforts to reach a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
For his part, Rubio said the United States will continue its efforts to secure a ceasefire, a step he described as vital for achieving peace, security and stability in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, sources told local media LBCI that Aoun told Rubio during the phone call that he would not speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel and Lebanon held their first diplomatic talks since 1993 earlier this week in Washington, with both sides agreeing to launch "direct" negotiations after the meeting. U.S. President Donald Trump said the countries' leaders were expected to speak Thursday.
Lebanese health authorities said Wednesday that the cumulative death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the country has risen to 2,167, with 7,061 others injured since March 2. ■
2026-04-16 20:39:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
IEA warns of jet fuel shortage for Europe in weeks amid supply disruptions: media
PARIS, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Europe may have only about six weeks of jet fuel remaining if current supply disruptions persist, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol warned on Thursday.
Birol cautioned that flight cancellations could occur soon if oil supplies remain blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a report by French-language media outlet L'actualite.
He described the situation as potentially the largest energy crisis ever faced, attributing it to disruptions in the flow of oil, gas and other vital resources through the Strait of Hormuz.
The disastrous situation will have major repercussions for the global economy, Birol said, warning that the longer the disruption lasts, the more serious the consequences will be for global economic growth and inflation. ■
2026-04-16 20:42:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
PARIS, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Europe may have only about six weeks of jet fuel remaining if current supply disruptions persist, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol warned on Thursday.
Birol cautioned that flight cancellations could occur soon if oil supplies remain blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a report by French-language media outlet L'actualite.
He described the situation as potentially the largest energy crisis ever faced, attributing it to disruptions in the flow of oil, gas and other vital resources through the Strait of Hormuz.
The disastrous situation will have major repercussions for the global economy, Birol said, warning that the longer the disruption lasts, the more serious the consequences will be for global economic growth and inflation. ■
2026-04-16 20:42:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Highlights of Asian Judo Championships 2026
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (L) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (L) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (rear) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (R) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (R) of Bahrain celebrates with his coach after the men's -60kg final against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
...
2026-04-16 20:45:14
[新华网] [Full Text]
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (L) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (L) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (rear) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (R) of Bahrain competes against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei during the men's -60kg final at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
Ruslan Poltoratskii (R) of Bahrain celebrates with his coach after the men's -60kg final against Yang Yung Wei of Chinese Taipei at the Asian Judo Championships 2026 in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Bei He)
[Media]
...
2026-04-16 20:45:14
[新华网] [Full Text]
Hamburg Garden inaugurated at 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show
SHANGHAI, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The Hamburg Garden at the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show venue was officially unveiled on Thursday, marking the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship of Shanghai and Hamburg.
Blending the distinctive characteristics of northern German gardens with elements of Hamburg's urban culture, the Hamburg Garden features two waterways symbolizing the convergence of the Elbe and the Huangpu, the mother rivers of Hamburg and Shanghai, respectively.
Carola Veit, President of the State Parliament of the City of Hamburg, led a parliamentary delegation on a visit to Shanghai to jointly unveil the garden.
"This garden vividly captures the enduring and ever-deepening friendship between Hamburg and Shanghai over four decades, and will foster greater exchanges and cooperation between the two cities in urban green development and sustainable development in the years ahead," Veit said.
The garden will open to the public during the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show, which is set to officially open on Saturday, showcasing the cultural charm and ecological achievements of the two cities, local officials said. ■
2026-04-16 20:46:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
SHANGHAI, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The Hamburg Garden at the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show venue was officially unveiled on Thursday, marking the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship of Shanghai and Hamburg.
Blending the distinctive characteristics of northern German gardens with elements of Hamburg's urban culture, the Hamburg Garden features two waterways symbolizing the convergence of the Elbe and the Huangpu, the mother rivers of Hamburg and Shanghai, respectively.
Carola Veit, President of the State Parliament of the City of Hamburg, led a parliamentary delegation on a visit to Shanghai to jointly unveil the garden.
"This garden vividly captures the enduring and ever-deepening friendship between Hamburg and Shanghai over four decades, and will foster greater exchanges and cooperation between the two cities in urban green development and sustainable development in the years ahead," Veit said.
The garden will open to the public during the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show, which is set to officially open on Saturday, showcasing the cultural charm and ecological achievements of the two cities, local officials said. ■
2026-04-16 20:46:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Neuer rebounds from costly error as Bayern seals Champions League semifinal place
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer endured a night of extremes as his side edged past Real Madrid to reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Television cameras lingered on Neuer's reaction after his costly mistake allowed Arda Guler to score into an empty net, with the veteran goalkeeper taking a deep breath in an apparent attempt to regain composure.
The error contrasted sharply with his performance in last week's 2-1 first-leg win, and helped turn the quarterfinal into a tense contest before Bayern advanced 6-4 on aggregate.
Neuer, 40, recovered to make several key saves in the second half as Bayern held on in a chaotic match.
"He is a world-class keeper, maybe the best," Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said. "To get over something like that proves his exceptional quality."
The Germany international has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks, including calls from former players and pundits for a return to the national team, while also welcoming the birth of his second child with his wife Anika.
"At first, you must manage to deal with a crazy game. We haven't experienced anything like that before," said Neuer, a member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
Bayern's victory keeps it on course for a treble, with a Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain ahead, a German Cup semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen, and the Bundesliga title within reach as early as next weekend.
Neuer has reaffirmed his decision to retire from international football to focus on club commitments, while uncertainty remains over his future at Bayern.
"We are happy, I am happy, that we made it. We enjoy the moment together," he said.
Bayern returns to domestic action on Sunday against Stuttgart, with the chance to secure the Bundesliga title. ■
2026-04-16 20:51:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer endured a night of extremes as his side edged past Real Madrid to reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Television cameras lingered on Neuer's reaction after his costly mistake allowed Arda Guler to score into an empty net, with the veteran goalkeeper taking a deep breath in an apparent attempt to regain composure.
The error contrasted sharply with his performance in last week's 2-1 first-leg win, and helped turn the quarterfinal into a tense contest before Bayern advanced 6-4 on aggregate.
Neuer, 40, recovered to make several key saves in the second half as Bayern held on in a chaotic match.
"He is a world-class keeper, maybe the best," Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said. "To get over something like that proves his exceptional quality."
The Germany international has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks, including calls from former players and pundits for a return to the national team, while also welcoming the birth of his second child with his wife Anika.
"At first, you must manage to deal with a crazy game. We haven't experienced anything like that before," said Neuer, a member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
Bayern's victory keeps it on course for a treble, with a Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain ahead, a German Cup semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen, and the Bundesliga title within reach as early as next weekend.
Neuer has reaffirmed his decision to retire from international football to focus on club commitments, while uncertainty remains over his future at Bayern.
"We are happy, I am happy, that we made it. We enjoy the moment together," he said.
Bayern returns to domestic action on Sunday against Stuttgart, with the chance to secure the Bundesliga title. ■
2026-04-16 20:51:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Security in Islamabad beefed up again: sources
ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Large-scale combing search operations have been launched in different areas of Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad, with patrol units and special squads patrolling the city, according to local police on Thursday.
Meanwhile, special checkpoints have been set up at various locations. Army and Rangers personnel are also present at the checkpoints along with the Islamabad Police, Xinhua witnessed.
Similar arrangements took place last week before the peace talks between the United States and Iran to end their recent hostilities in the Middle East region.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. team and arrived at Islamabad on Saturday. Prior to their arrival, the Iranian delegation, led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reached Pakistan the same day. The two sides had intensive talks for over 20 hours and reached no agreement.
Speculation arose from media reports that the two sides are likely to hold another round of talks in Islamabad. Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Thursday that Islamabad remains the only venue for talks with the United States, adding that "we only trust Pakistan," while speaking at an event here.
A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that the country is maintaining communication channels between the United States and Iran as part of its efforts to facilitate dialogue, adding that no dates have been finalized for the next round of talks between the two sides, and consultations are ongoing for a mutually agreed schedule.
Sources said that over 10,000 security personnel were mobilized and deployed on both sides of the road from Nur Khan airbase to Serena hotel during the last talks, but this time the number is almost doubled and the presence and movement of military personnel is extended to other roads.
Meanwhile, separate sources said that the federal capital administration has ordered the concerned departments to beautify the respected area, including the roads leading from the Nur Khan airbase to Serena hotel and the red zone. ■
2026-04-16 20:56:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Large-scale combing search operations have been launched in different areas of Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad, with patrol units and special squads patrolling the city, according to local police on Thursday.
Meanwhile, special checkpoints have been set up at various locations. Army and Rangers personnel are also present at the checkpoints along with the Islamabad Police, Xinhua witnessed.
Similar arrangements took place last week before the peace talks between the United States and Iran to end their recent hostilities in the Middle East region.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. team and arrived at Islamabad on Saturday. Prior to their arrival, the Iranian delegation, led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reached Pakistan the same day. The two sides had intensive talks for over 20 hours and reached no agreement.
Speculation arose from media reports that the two sides are likely to hold another round of talks in Islamabad. Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Thursday that Islamabad remains the only venue for talks with the United States, adding that "we only trust Pakistan," while speaking at an event here.
A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that the country is maintaining communication channels between the United States and Iran as part of its efforts to facilitate dialogue, adding that no dates have been finalized for the next round of talks between the two sides, and consultations are ongoing for a mutually agreed schedule.
Sources said that over 10,000 security personnel were mobilized and deployed on both sides of the road from Nur Khan airbase to Serena hotel during the last talks, but this time the number is almost doubled and the presence and movement of military personnel is extended to other roads.
Meanwhile, separate sources said that the federal capital administration has ordered the concerned departments to beautify the respected area, including the roads leading from the Nur Khan airbase to Serena hotel and the red zone. ■
2026-04-16 20:56:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Urgent: Lufthansa to close CityLine unit amid strikes, fuel cost surge
BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Lufthansa will permanently cut the 27 operational aircraft at its Lufthansa CityLine unit from service starting on Saturday, the group announced Thursday, citing strike disruption and surging fuel costs amid Mideast tensions, as it seeks to curb further losses at the loss-making airline. ■
2026-04-16 20:56:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Lufthansa will permanently cut the 27 operational aircraft at its Lufthansa CityLine unit from service starting on Saturday, the group announced Thursday, citing strike disruption and surging fuel costs amid Mideast tensions, as it seeks to curb further losses at the loss-making airline. ■
2026-04-16 20:56:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Malaysia increases enforcement efforts to stem fuel smuggling
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has increased enforcement efforts to stem the smuggling of subsidized fuel out of the country, particularly at fuel stations near the country's borders, the country's police said on Wednesday.
The enforcement efforts will include the General Operations Force (GOF) who will monitor 36 filling stations that have been classified as hotspots and another 55 at-risk locations, with the operation being under the oversight of the Internal Security and Public Order Department of the Royal Malaysian Police, the department's acting director Fisol Salleh said in a statement.
"This step is part of integrated efforts, in cooperation with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, to strengthen control and enforcement in border areas, ensure the distribution of subsidized fuel to eligible groups, and prevent leakage that could affect national interests," he said, adding that the current high price of fuel is driving smuggling activities.
The police will continue to improve operational effectiveness through continuous monitoring, risk assessment and strategic collaboration with related agencies to combat all forms of misuse and smuggling of subsidized fuel, he said. ■
2026-04-16 21:03:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has increased enforcement efforts to stem the smuggling of subsidized fuel out of the country, particularly at fuel stations near the country's borders, the country's police said on Wednesday.
The enforcement efforts will include the General Operations Force (GOF) who will monitor 36 filling stations that have been classified as hotspots and another 55 at-risk locations, with the operation being under the oversight of the Internal Security and Public Order Department of the Royal Malaysian Police, the department's acting director Fisol Salleh said in a statement.
"This step is part of integrated efforts, in cooperation with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, to strengthen control and enforcement in border areas, ensure the distribution of subsidized fuel to eligible groups, and prevent leakage that could affect national interests," he said, adding that the current high price of fuel is driving smuggling activities.
The police will continue to improve operational effectiveness through continuous monitoring, risk assessment and strategic collaboration with related agencies to combat all forms of misuse and smuggling of subsidized fuel, he said. ■
2026-04-16 21:03:30
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
172 suspected measles deaths in Bangladesh as new cases surge
DHAKA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh recorded 1,191 new suspected measles cases and six more deaths in the past 24 hours as of Thursday morning, the country's health authority said.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest suspected measles-related cases and deaths occurred between 8 a.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. on Thursday.
The latest figures bring the total number of suspected cases to 20,352 and the death toll to 172 since the outbreak began last month.
DGHS data compiled between March 15 and April 16 shows 3,065 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 34 confirmed deaths over that period. ■
2026-04-16 21:03:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
DHAKA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh recorded 1,191 new suspected measles cases and six more deaths in the past 24 hours as of Thursday morning, the country's health authority said.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest suspected measles-related cases and deaths occurred between 8 a.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. on Thursday.
The latest figures bring the total number of suspected cases to 20,352 and the death toll to 172 since the outbreak began last month.
DGHS data compiled between March 15 and April 16 shows 3,065 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 34 confirmed deaths over that period. ■
2026-04-16 21:03:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Kompany to miss Champions League semifinal first leg after booking in Bayern win
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich's progression to the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain comes with an unwanted footnote for Vincent Kompany.
The 40-year-old Bayern coach will miss the first leg in Paris on April 28 after picking up his third yellow card of the campaign during his side's 4-3 win over Real Madrid, which sealed a 6-4 aggregate victory.
The news emerged in the immediate aftermath of the match. Board member for sport Max Eberl, speaking to broadcasters about Bayern's "great mentality as we returned three times after setbacks," was informed of the suspension during a television interview.
"We entered the locker room happy that no player was banned. Now it's the coach, my goodness," Eberl said.
Kompany took the setback in his stride.
"Then it's one game without me on the touchline," he said, while questioning the disciplinary rules in an expanded competition format with more fixtures.
"I am not happy about the yellow card, but I am back for the second leg," he added.
Kompany was booked after protesting to the fourth official over a foul in the buildup to Real Madrid's third goal, and the incident underlined his animated presence on the touchline throughout the tie.
Despite the suspension, Bayern remains in contention on multiple fronts, with a 35th Bundesliga title within reach, a place in the German Cup final still possible, and now a Champions League semifinal against PSG.
Kompany, in his second season in charge, has drawn praise for restoring Bayern to Europe's elite, though he played down his own role.
"The outside noise doesn't concern me too much," he said.
"One moment you're a bad coach, the next a good one. I was promoted with Burnley with 101 points, then was relegated from the Premier League with 20 points, and then won the [second-tier] Championship."
Reflecting on the dramatic victory over Real Madrid, Kompany focused on the collective effort.
"Pictures are the best words," he said. "Ours is the total together, when we all met to celebrate in a big group." ■
2026-04-16 21:04:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich's progression to the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain comes with an unwanted footnote for Vincent Kompany.
The 40-year-old Bayern coach will miss the first leg in Paris on April 28 after picking up his third yellow card of the campaign during his side's 4-3 win over Real Madrid, which sealed a 6-4 aggregate victory.
The news emerged in the immediate aftermath of the match. Board member for sport Max Eberl, speaking to broadcasters about Bayern's "great mentality as we returned three times after setbacks," was informed of the suspension during a television interview.
"We entered the locker room happy that no player was banned. Now it's the coach, my goodness," Eberl said.
Kompany took the setback in his stride.
"Then it's one game without me on the touchline," he said, while questioning the disciplinary rules in an expanded competition format with more fixtures.
"I am not happy about the yellow card, but I am back for the second leg," he added.
Kompany was booked after protesting to the fourth official over a foul in the buildup to Real Madrid's third goal, and the incident underlined his animated presence on the touchline throughout the tie.
Despite the suspension, Bayern remains in contention on multiple fronts, with a 35th Bundesliga title within reach, a place in the German Cup final still possible, and now a Champions League semifinal against PSG.
Kompany, in his second season in charge, has drawn praise for restoring Bayern to Europe's elite, though he played down his own role.
"The outside noise doesn't concern me too much," he said.
"One moment you're a bad coach, the next a good one. I was promoted with Burnley with 101 points, then was relegated from the Premier League with 20 points, and then won the [second-tier] Championship."
Reflecting on the dramatic victory over Real Madrid, Kompany focused on the collective effort.
"Pictures are the best words," he said. "Ours is the total together, when we all met to celebrate in a big group." ■
2026-04-16 21:04:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Bosch posts steady 2025 results, seeing China as key growth engine
STUTTGART, April 16 (Xinhua) -- German automotive supplier Bosch said China remained a key growth driver in 2025, as it reported steady annual performance on Thursday despite continued pressure from weak global markets.
The company posted sales of about 91 billion euros (107.4 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, up slightly from 90.3 billion euros (106.6 billion dollars) a year earlier. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue rose 4.1 percent. Its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin stood at 2 percent, weighed down by cost pressures and subdued market conditions.
Bosch's sales in China rose 4.9 percent to 149.8 billion yuan (22.5 billion dollars) in 2025, highlighting the country's continued role as a core pillar of its global operations.
The group said its China business recorded broad-based growth across key segments. Smart mobility expanded on the back of local innovation and partnerships, industrial technology posted double-digit growth driven by restructuring and recovering demand, while energy and building technology grew following acquisitions in residential and light commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of the Bosch Group, said the company would continue to ramp up investment in China to about 6 billion yuan (900 million dollars) annually. He added that the country remains a key growth engine for its global business and is increasingly emerging as a major hub for technological innovation. ■
2026-04-16 21:05:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
STUTTGART, April 16 (Xinhua) -- German automotive supplier Bosch said China remained a key growth driver in 2025, as it reported steady annual performance on Thursday despite continued pressure from weak global markets.
The company posted sales of about 91 billion euros (107.4 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, up slightly from 90.3 billion euros (106.6 billion dollars) a year earlier. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue rose 4.1 percent. Its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin stood at 2 percent, weighed down by cost pressures and subdued market conditions.
Bosch's sales in China rose 4.9 percent to 149.8 billion yuan (22.5 billion dollars) in 2025, highlighting the country's continued role as a core pillar of its global operations.
The group said its China business recorded broad-based growth across key segments. Smart mobility expanded on the back of local innovation and partnerships, industrial technology posted double-digit growth driven by restructuring and recovering demand, while energy and building technology grew following acquisitions in residential and light commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of the Bosch Group, said the company would continue to ramp up investment in China to about 6 billion yuan (900 million dollars) annually. He added that the country remains a key growth engine for its global business and is increasingly emerging as a major hub for technological innovation. ■
2026-04-16 21:05:45
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Malaysia, Singapore seek to accelerate special economic zone, deepen green tech cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia and Singapore are looking to fast-track the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and expand cooperation in green technology, including carbon capture, as both countries navigate a more complex global energy landscape.
The matter was discussed during a meeting between Malaysia's Ministry of Economy and Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology, Tan See Leng, in Putrajaya on Wednesday, Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said in a statement.
Beyond trade and investment, both sides held discussions on advancing collaboration in green technologies, particularly carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), as well as strengthening preparedness to address global energy challenges amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to him, the JS-SEZ, a flagship cross-border initiative, is expected to be a game changer in raising economic complexity and investment flows between the two countries, with both sides agreeing on the need to accelerate its implementation.
Both officials also emphasized that sustained, strategic cooperation would deliver mutually beneficial outcomes, while stressing the importance of translating large-scale investments into tangible economic and career opportunities, especially for younger workers in Johor and across Malaysia, he added. ■
2026-04-16 21:07:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia and Singapore are looking to fast-track the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and expand cooperation in green technology, including carbon capture, as both countries navigate a more complex global energy landscape.
The matter was discussed during a meeting between Malaysia's Ministry of Economy and Singapore's Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy, Science and Technology, Tan See Leng, in Putrajaya on Wednesday, Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said in a statement.
Beyond trade and investment, both sides held discussions on advancing collaboration in green technologies, particularly carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), as well as strengthening preparedness to address global energy challenges amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to him, the JS-SEZ, a flagship cross-border initiative, is expected to be a game changer in raising economic complexity and investment flows between the two countries, with both sides agreeing on the need to accelerate its implementation.
Both officials also emphasized that sustained, strategic cooperation would deliver mutually beneficial outcomes, while stressing the importance of translating large-scale investments into tangible economic and career opportunities, especially for younger workers in Johor and across Malaysia, he added. ■
2026-04-16 21:07:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Xinjiang's farm circles grow "oases" in desert
In Kunyu city, located on the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang, 8,000 mu (533 hectares) of winter wheat is transforming barren sand into a series of lush oases. From above, the landscape reveals massive center-pivot irrigation systems, with 380-meter arms that rotate like giant compasses, spraying water from 180 synchronized nozzles to create circular fields. This method is not only visually striking but also highly efficient, reducing water usage by 20 to 30 cubic meters per mu compared to traditional flooding techniques. This demonstrates that even one of the world's harshest deserts can be converted into thriving farmland through innovative engineering.
2026-04-16 21:09:31
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
In Kunyu city, located on the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang, 8,000 mu (533 hectares) of winter wheat is transforming barren sand into a series of lush oases. From above, the landscape reveals massive center-pivot irrigation systems, with 380-meter arms that rotate like giant compasses, spraying water from 180 synchronized nozzles to create circular fields. This method is not only visually striking but also highly efficient, reducing water usage by 20 to 30 cubic meters per mu compared to traditional flooding techniques. This demonstrates that even one of the world's harshest deserts can be converted into thriving farmland through innovative engineering.
2026-04-16 21:09:31
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Urgent: Syria says all U.S.-used military sites handed over to interim authority
DAMASCUS, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Syria's foreign affairs authority said Thursday that all military sites previously used by U.S. forces in the country have been evacuated and transferred to the Syrian interim authority, marking the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal. ■
2026-04-16 21:19:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
DAMASCUS, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Syria's foreign affairs authority said Thursday that all military sites previously used by U.S. forces in the country have been evacuated and transferred to the Syrian interim authority, marking the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal. ■
2026-04-16 21:19:00
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]