Typhoon Usagi has entered Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after it was downgraded to a tropical depression.

The storm was forecast to leave Guangxi for waters off the region's southern coast tonight .

On Monday, Usagi left at least 25 people dead after making landfall in south China's Guangdong Province.

The typhoon also forced 310-thousand people from their homes and incurred direct economic losses of 7.1 billion yuan in Guangdong.

Usagi is the strongest storm to hit eastern Guangdong in 40 years and the most powerful to hit China this year.

 

Chinese premier meets Venezuelan president

 

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has met with visiting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro here in Beijing.

Li Keqiang hailed the China-Venezuela strategic partnership as fruitful.

The premier also said China believed the Venezuelan government and people would continue to progress in national development. 

For his part, Maduro says bilateral cooperation benefits both nations.

He stressed that Venezuela will enhance cooperation with China in areas including energy, finance, mining, agriculture and infrastructure construction.

 

China's ex-banker with houses under several IDs stands trial for forgery, trading state papers

 

A former Chinese banking official who amassed a real estate empire under multiple fake identities is standing trial for forgery and trading in forged official documents.

The trial opened Tuesday against Gong Ai'ai, a former deputy president of a rural bank in the northern province of Shaanxi. 

Four former government employees are also on trial for their role in the wrongdoing. 

Gong, who allegedly accumulated 45 properties worth 160 million US dollars, is nicknamed as "Sister House" among the Chinese public.

 

Kenya forces 'clearing' Westgate centre

 

Kenyan security forces say they have taken control of all floors of the Nairobi shopping centre attacked by suspected al-Shabab militants.

The interior ministry said troops were combing the Westgate complex and it is "unlikely" any hostages were left in the building. 

At least 62 people have been killed with more than 170 injured and there are fears the death toll will rise.

The Kenyan Red Cross said over 60 people remain unaccounted for.

The Somali Islamist al-Shabab movement has said it carried out the attack in retaliation for Kenyan military operations in Somalia.

 

Iran agreed to meet P5+Germany on Nuk issue

 

Iran has agreed to a meeting later in the week with the P5 plus Germany to discuss the country's nuclear program.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton made the announcement after a meeting with Iran's new Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif.

The meeting, which is scheduled on Thursday will involve U.S Secretary of State John Kerry.

But the White House said there's no meeting scheduled for U.S President Barack Obama with Iran's newly-elected President Hassan Rouhani at the UN General Assembly.

Both heads of state will attend the UNGA this week.

 

Ten killed in massacre in northwest Mexico

 

At least 10 people have been killed and three others injured by gunfire in northwestern Mexico.

Gunmen opened fire at a party crowd in Chi/huahua state Sunday night. 

The gunmen burst into a house where people were celebrating a baseball game victory.

The motive behind the attack is not yet clear.

Local police are still searching the attackers in nearby neighborhoods.

 

China-Australia Military Culture and Friendship Week to Start

 

A Chinese delegation has arrived in Canberra to kick off this year's Australian Defence Force and People's Liberation Army Culture and Friendship Week.

It is the first time the PLA has conducted military change in a western country.

During the eight day visit, the 86-member delegation will hold a photography exhibition and a concert.

Senior officers from the Australian Defence Force are also slated to attend the events and have discussions with their Chinese counterparts.

The event officially begins on Wednesday.

 

Blackberry in $4.7bn takeover deal with Fairfax

 

Struggling smartphone maker Blackberry, has agreed a takeover deal with Fairfax for 4.7 billion US dollars.

Fairfax already the largest shareholder, is offering 9 dollars per share in cash to buy the company.

The news follows Friday's announcement Blackberry would cut 4-thousand 500 jobs globally.

Financial problems for the Canadian tech firm appeared to surface this year following the disappointing sales of its new Z10 smartphone model.

It is expected the loss would likely surge to 1 billion US dollars.

 

Emmys draw record number of audience in 8 years

 

A new report shows that a total of 17.6 million viewers tuned in to the award ceremony for the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, making it the most watched Emmys in eight years.

The number was the best for the Emmys since 2005 when the ceremony was viewed by 18.6 million people. 

The number stands in contrast with that last year as the event, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, drew 13.3 million people.