Chinese vice premier says meeting with U.S. in-depth, candid and constructive

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said here on Sunday that the China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs were in-depth, candid and constructive.

He, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, made the remarks when briefing the press following the high-level meeting with the U.S. side.

The senior Chinese official said the two sides have reached a series of major consensuses, adding that China and the United States have also agreed to establish an economic and trade consultation mechanism.

No tsunami warning issued after 6.2-magnitude quake hits off Indonesia

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's western Aceh province on Sunday, but no large waves were triggered, according to the country's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency.

The tremor occurred at 15:57 local time, with epicenter located 21 km southwest of Aceh Barat Daya regency at a depth of 45 km.

The agency did not issue a tsunami warning, as the tremor was not expected to generate significant waves.

India-Pakistan ceasefire brings relief as guns fall silent

People living close to border areas and the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan Sunday woke up to a calm morning as guns have fallen silent four days after an incessant military conflict.

The uneasy calm has brought relief to people in both countries, especially those living on the boundaries between them.

A ceasefire reached by the two neighbors seemed to be holding, despite the accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides.

Iran says latest nuclear talks "more serious," rejects U.S. call to dismantle facilities

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that indirect negotiations with the United States in Oman to revive the 2015 nuclear deal had become "much more serious and frank," as President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected U.S. demands for Tehran to dismantle its nuclear infrastructure.

The talks in Muscat, facilitated by Oman, mark the latest effort to salvage the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, prompting Iran to reduce compliance with its nuclear commitments gradually.

Hamas to free Israeli-American hostage in bid to secure ceasefire, reopen crossings

Hamas said on Sunday it will release Israeli-U.S. hostage Edan Alexander from the Gaza Strip as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen border crossings for aid delivery.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and head of the group's negotiating team, said in a statement that Hamas had been in contact with the U.S. administration in recent days and had shown "great positivity" toward mediation efforts.

"As part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire, open crossings, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, the movement will release Edan Alexander," al-Hayya said.

Israel conducts fresh airstrikes on Yemeni ports on Red Sea: Houthi TV

The Israeli military launched airstrikes on three ports in western Yemen's Hodeidah province late Sunday, shortly after issuing evacuation warnings, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The strikes targeted the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and As-Salif, all located along the Red Sea. No casualties were reported.

Local residents told Xinhua that Houthi workers had been preparing the ports to receive fuel shipments ahead of the attacks.■