Marriott Poised For Aggressive Expansion

Marriott International announced at the International Luxury Travel Market Asia fair in Shanghai earlier this month that it plans to double its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and particularly in China.

Westin Shimei Bay focuses on providing multifaceted wellness

The breath of early summer is mixed with the humid air from the sea, the aroma of flowers and palms, the reddening sky and the rhythm of rain and wind blowing over the green mountains.

Four Seasons Beijing teaches care for mind and body

The Global Wellness Day kicked off in Four Seasons Hotel Beijing on June 10, unveiling its exclusive spa treatments and wellness training to participants.

Roundup

Appointment

Washington embraces unity - for a moment

WASHINGTON - The president called on all citizens of the United States to set aside their differences. One of his fiercest critics prayed for him and the safety of his family.

Fighter jet deal, ship visits bolster US ties with Qatar

DUBAI, UAE - A deal between the United States and Qatar for F-15 fighter jets and a visit to Doha by two US warships on Thursday showed the vital military links Washington maintains with a country now in a dispute with several other Arab nations.

Bob Dylan accused of plagiarizing lecture

LOS ANGELES - Bob Dylan has been accused of borrowing heavily for part of the Nobel Literature Prize lecture he finally delivered to the Swedish Academy last week.

Putin: Sanctions made Russia stronger

MOSCOW - Russia has climbed out of recession despite the continuing Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, adding that the restrictions have forced the country to "switch on our brains" to reduce its dependence on energy exports. Speaking in a live call-in show televised nationwide, Putin deplored the US Senate's decision on Wednesday to impose new sanctions on Russia as a reflection of Western efforts to contain Russia but insisted that the measures only have made the country stronger.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Minister faces censure over Abe scandal

TOKYO - Japan's main opposition Democratic Party on Tuesday filed a censure motion against a senior minister in the latest education scandal to hit the government.

Mumbai's adored Padmini taxis near end of the road

MUMBAI - They were named after a legendary Indian queen and were synonymous with Mumbai for half a century but the last Premier Padmini taxis will soon embark on their final journey - to the scrapyard.

Asylum-seekers win legal damages

CANBERRA - The Australian government has reached a settlement of around A$90 million ($68 million) with more than 1,900 asylum-seekers who sued over their treatment at an immigration camp in Papua New Guinea, a minister and lawyers said on Wednesday.