Briefly

CHINA

Vice-president meets bank chairman

Vice-President Han Zheng met with Jose Vinals, group chairman of London-based Standard Chartered, on Friday in Beijing. Han said that China and the United Kingdom, whose economies are highly complementary, enjoy broad prospects for trade cooperation. He reiterated China's commitment to reform and opening-up and expressed support for enterprises from all countries to achieve better development in China. Han also said that international financial organizations are welcome to participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and make contributions to augmenting Hong Kong's role as an international financial center.

UNITED STATES

Record set for deadliest half-year

This year's unrelenting bloodshed across the United States has led to the grimmest of milestones: The deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006. From Jan 1 to June 30, the nation endured 28 mass killings, all but one of which involved guns. The death toll rose just about every week, a constant cycle of violence and grief. Six months. 181 days. 28 mass killings. 140 victims. One country. A database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University tracks this large-scale violence dating back to 2006.

THAILAND

Parliament to hold 2nd vote next week

Thailand's parliament confirmed on Friday it would vote again on a new prime minister next week, after lawmakers foiled liberal front-runner Pita Limjaroenrat's bid for the top job. Deputy house speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan said that the ballot would take place next Wednesday. Pita's Move Forward Party won the most seats in May elections, buoyed by young Thais eager for progressive reforms after nine years of army-backed rule. But the millionaire's campaign to lead the next government was knocked back on Thursday by the legislature's military-appointed senators.

Agencies - China Daily