Briefly

CHINA

Thai princess to visit Beijing and Guangdong

Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will pay a six-day visit to China starting on Thursday, marking her 50th visit to the country. Calling the princess an old and good friend of the Chinese people, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning extended a warm welcome to the princess and told a regular news briefing on Wednesday that the princess will visit Beijing and Guangdong province. She will also attend an event held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to celebrate her 50th visit.

UNITED STATES

Deal averting default clears first hurdle

A deal to raise the US debt ceiling passed its first major test in Congress on Tuesday, surviving a crucial procedural vote amid a conservative backlash that resurrected the threat of the country's first-ever default. Lawmakers have until Monday next week to greenlight an agreement to allow more borrowing. It needs lawmakers' support at a crucial vote on Wednesday in the House of Representatives.

DPRK

Reconnaissance satellite launch suffers accident

The launch of a military reconnaissance satellite conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Wednesday suffered an accident, the Korean Central News Agency reported. The National Aerospace Development Administration of the DPRK launched the military reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 as scheduled. But its carrier rocket fell into western waters after losing thrust due to the abnormal starting of the second-stage engine after separation during the first stage of the normal flight.

Agencies - Xinhua - China Daily