China

Australian sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling

The man was named in Australian media as Karm or Cam Gilespie.

He is believed to have been arrested at an airport in 2013 with 7.5kg (16 Ibs) of methamphetamine, also known as ice, in his luggage, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reports.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was "deeply saddened to hear of the verdict".

US to ban passenger flights from China

The Department of Transportation said it was punishing Beijing for refusing to let US flights to China resume following the coronavirus outbreak.

In recent weeks the countries have sparred over the pandemic and China's policies in Hong Kong.

But Washington said it would continue to "engage" on the air travel issue.

The Department of Transportation order applies to four airlines - Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines.

China donates medical equipment to Tonga

During the handover ceremony Monday, China’s Ambassador to Tonga Cao Xiaolin said Tonga and China are good brothers and sisters who always help take good care of each other.

“As Tonga responds to the global pandemic, our hearts go out to our Tongan brothers and sisters. China reciprocates the kindness and stretch our helping hands to Tonga. We concern what our Tongan friends concern and put ourselves into your shoes. We gathered medical supplies through various channel at very short time.’’

Missouri sues Chinese government over coronavirus handling

In the lawsuit, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt alleges China did little to stop the spread of the virus.

Mr Schmitt claims Missouri residents have suffered possibly tens of billions of dollars in economic damages.

China's foreign ministry denounced the move, saying the "frivolous lawsuit has no factual or legal basis".

A spokesperson said: "Really absurd. Based on the principle of sovereign equality, US courts have NO jurisdiction over the Chinese government."

Arrival of medical assistance from China for Tonga yet to be confirmed

The Health Director – Dr. Siale ‘Akauola says discussions are still underway to determine whether or not the aircraft will be allowed to land, given the strict conditions of the border closures however they are looking into enforcing strict conditions on the flight if it does arrive.

TBC reports borders have been closed to all international commercial flights and ships arriving in the country with the exception of a repatriation flight for Australian volunteers last week.

     

Coronavirus: Italy's death toll overtakes China's

The number of deaths now stands at 3,405, which is more than in China where the virus originated last year.

There have been 3,245 reported deaths in China, but there have been questions over the reliability of its data.

A lockdown imposed on 12 March in Italy has been extended beyond the original 25 March end date. Nearly all Italians have been told to stay at home.

Despite these measures, the number of new cases and deaths has continued to spiral.

There have been 220,000 cases of the virus worldwide with more than 9,000 deaths.

China says coronavirus disease 'curbed' in Wuhan and Hubei

His visit comes as China recorded its lowest number of infections, just 19 on Tuesday, all in Wuhan apart from two who had arrived from overseas.

China has seen 80,754 confirmed cases, 3,136 of whom have died.

The visit was Mr Xi's first trip to the city since the outbreak began.

According to state media, Mr Xi arrived in Wuhan on Tuesday to inspect epidemic prevention and control work in the province.

Dozens trapped as China quarantine hotel collapses

About 47 of the 70 had been pulled from the rubble of the five-storey Xinjia Hotel by Sunday, state media says.

Videos posted online show emergency workers combing through the building's wreckage in the southern province of Fujian.

It is not clear what caused the collapse or if anyone has died.

It happened at about 19:30 local time (11:30 GMT).

Chinese state media says the hotel was being used as a quarantine facility monitoring people who had had close contact with coronavirus patients.

The hotel reportedly opened in 2018 and had 80 guest rooms.

China orders travellers quarantined amid coronavirus outbreak

Travellers from the virus hotspots of South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy arriving in the capital will have to be isolated, a Beijing official has said.

Shanghai and Guangdong announced similar restrictions earlier.

Authorities are worried the virus might be imported back into the country.

Although most virus deaths have been in China, Monday saw nine times more new infections outside China than in.

Shanghai said it would require new arrivals from countries with "relatively serious virus conditions" to be isolated, without naming the countries.

Tongans evacuated from China in good health

Among the evacuees are four students and 51 athletes and officials.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said the he students are currently on quarantine in New Zealand are in good health and are well supported by the New Zealand Government.

“The 4 Tongans were among other Pacific Islander students who opted to leave China and were safely transported to New Zealand for required quarantine before they can return to Tonga.”