China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have completed negotiations to further refine their free trade area to include the digital and green economy and other new industries, China's commerce ministry said on Wednesday (May 21).

ASEAN, made up of 10 Southeast Asian countries, is China's largest trading partner, with the value of total trade reaching US $ 234 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to Chinese customs data.

Israeli troops fired what they say were "warning shots" at a group of diplomats in the city of Jenin in the West Bank on Wednesday. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed the group had entered a restricted area without authorization. No injuries were reported.

Palestinian news agency WAFA said the delegation included diplomats from at least 20 countries, including Japan. They were visiting the city to assess the situation.

Israel has decided to recall most of its delegation involved in ceasefire and hostage release talks with the Islamic group Hamas in Qatar.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on Tuesday that "the senior members of the negotiating team will return to Israel." The office said its working-level representatives will remain in Doha. Qatar is mediating the negotiations.

Two Israeli embassy staff members a man and a woman were shot and killed near a Jewish museum in the US capital Washington on Wednesday evening.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the deaths in a social media post. Police said in a news conference that a 30- ear-old male suspect has been taken into custody.
Ref : NHK

Photo: Bangkok Post