Briefly

CHINA

Beijing, Tokyo to talk about maritime affairs

China and Japan will hold the 15th round of consultations under the two countries' High-level Consultation Mechanism on Maritime Affairs in Tokyo on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning announced on Friday. Officials from departments of foreign affairs, defense, maritime law enforcement and marine management from both sides will attend the consultations. China looks forward to a thorough exchange of views on maritime issues with Japan during the consultations to increase mutual understanding and trust, properly manage differences and advance pragmatic maritime cooperation, Mao said.

UNITED STATES

Robert Kennedy Jr to make presidential bid

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a lawyer, will make a bid for the White House in 2024, becoming the second long-shot Democratic candidate to challenge President Joe Biden in his expected run for reelection. Kennedy, 69, the son of assassinated 1968 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, filed papers with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday. Marianne Williamson, the self-help guru who warned of the "dark psychic force" unleashed by former president Donald Trump, launched a Democratic presidential bid for 2024 in March, calling for "justice and love".

MIDDLE EAST

More restrictions lifted on Yemen's imports

A coalition led by Saudi Arabia lifted 8-year-old restrictions on imports headed for Yemen's southern ports in a sign that peace talks are progressing with the Houthi group. This follows the easing of restrictions in February on commercial goods entering the Houthiheld western port of Hodeidah, the country's main seaport, as Yemen's warring sides work to reinstate an expired truce deal. The government said late on Thursday that commercial ships would be allowed to dock directly in southern ports and all goods would be cleared, with some exceptions.

Agencies - China Daily