CHINA

Xi's envoy to attend Orsi's inauguration

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun, serving as President Xi Jinping's special envoy, will attend Uruguay's new President Yamandu Orsi's inauguration on Saturday in the country's capital Montevideo, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Wednesday. Xi sent a congratulatory message to Orsi on his election as president in November. China is Uruguay's largest trading partner and its largest importer of beef, soybeans and wool. The two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023.

BRAZIL

Capital hosts first BRICS Sherpas meet

Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira opened the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas, or chief negotiators, on Tuesday in Brasilia, emphasizing the need for a stronger, more inclusive multilateralism. The global order is undergoing profound changes, with existing institutions struggling to adapt and emerging economies demanding greater participation in global decisions, he said. "In this evolving scenario, BRICS plays a fundamental role in promoting a more just, inclusive and sustainable world order."

THAILAND

Bus crash kills 18 after brakes fail

A bus crashed and killed 18 people in Thailand on Wednesday after the brakes apparently failed as it went down a hill, police said. It was carrying local government officials on a field trip when it veered off the road in Prachin Buri Province, east of the capital Bangkok. A total of 49 people were on board when the bus crashed, and the survivors were sent to two hospitals for treatment.