News
*) Leaders of Russia, China to meet amid tensions with West over Ukraine Chinese President Xi Jinping is set for his first face-to-face meeting with a world leader in nearly two years. Xi will host Russia's Vladimir Putin amid tensions with the West over the Ukraine crisis. The two leaders will meet in Beijing before releasing a joint statement reflecting their "common views" on security and other issues, says the Kremlin. Both sides say they coordinated their positions on Ukraine during a meeting between both countries' foreign ministers. *) Biden: Qurashi killed in northwest Syria operation US President Joe Biden has confirmed Daesh leader Abu Ibrahim Al Hashimi al Qurashi killed himself following a raid by US Special forces in Northwest Syria. Biden monitored the mission from the White House. He described al Qurashi's suicide as a "final act of desperate cowardice". The Daesh leader detonated a suicide vest, which also killed other members of his family- including his two wives and one child. Several other people are reported to have died during heavy gunfire and shelling. *) Deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi facing new charges Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is facing additional charges brought by the military. She's remained in detention since the junta forcefully removed her and other democratically elected leaders last year. The new charges are linked to bribery, while she's already been sentenced for six years on other charges. *) Hundreds of migrants protest in Mexican city of Tapachula Hundreds of migrants have been protesting in the Mexican city of Tapachula over the slow pace of visa approvals. Many have threatened to form a new caravan heading towards the US border. Mexican authorities have tried to stem the flow of Central American migrants amid pressure from Washington. But migrant numbers have been growing in Mexico because of lengthy federal procedures. And finally … *) Winter Olympics begins with opening ceremony The Winter Games in Beijing gets under way amid “closed loop” restrictions for participants and without international fans. The Chinese capital is now the only city to host both the Winter and Summer games. Covid-19 infections among personnel have spiked, but officials say the event will continue as planned.