News in Brief (2024-01-15)

China firmly against visits of
US lawmakers to Taiwan
WASHINGTON, Jan 14: China is strongly against visits of US Congress delegations to Taiwan and any official communications between the US authorities and the region, Spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Washington Liu Pengyu told TASS. "The US needs to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and stipulations of the three China-US joint communiques, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, stop official contact with the Taiwan region, stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and refrain from interfering in elections in the Taiwan region in any form," Liu added. — TASS
Indonesia's Mount Marapi erupts again
AGAM, Jan 14: Indonesia's Mount Marapi erupted again on Sunday, spewing smoke and ash high into the air, but no casualties were reported. The Marapi Volcano Observation Post in West Sumatra province recorded an eruption with an ash column about 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) high from its peak, followed by ash rain. Sprays of ash from the eruption were seen blanketing roads and vehicles in nearby villages. — AP
Four migrants drown off France
PARIS, Jan 14: Four people were found dead overnight in another suspected drowning of migrants trying to cross the dangerous English Channel from northern France, authorities said Sunday. Another person rescued in critical condition is being treated in a hospital in the French coastal town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, according to the French maritime authorities for the English Channel and the North Sea. —AP
Two perish in light plane crash
SYDNEY, Jan 14: Two men died in a light plane crash in Dugandan in Australia's state of Queensland on Sunday, local media reported. Emergency services were called to the incident across the road from the Boonah Golf Club shortly before midday on Sunday, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. — Xinhua