Briefly

CHINA

Albanese to pay a visit, expand cooperation

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will pay an official visit to China from Saturday to July 18 at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday. This visit comes at a time China-Australia relations continue to improve and develop under the leadership of the two countries' leaders and through the joint efforts of both sides, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. China is willing to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and advance the development of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, she added.

Foreign Minister to attend ASEAN meeting

Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the ASEAN Plus foreign ministers' meetings in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur from Thursday to Friday, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday. Wang will attend the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Beijing looks at these high-level meetings as an opportunity to build on consensus among attending parties, direct focus more on development and cooperation, and prepare for this year's leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

UNITED STATES

Texas flood toll passes 100 as bodies recovered

The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Texas rose to more than 100 on Monday, as rescuers continued their grim search for people swept away by torrents of water. Among the dead were at least 27 girls and counselors who were staying at a youth summer camp on a river when disaster struck over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Forecasters have warned of more flooding as rain falls on saturated ground, complicating recovery efforts involving helicopters, boats, dogs and some 1,750 personnel. President Donald Trump confirmed he planned to visit Texas on Friday, as the White House slammed critics claiming his cuts to weather agencies had weakened warning systems.

China Daily - Agencies