Japan's top security envoy plans China trip

TOKYO • Japan's top security diplomat could visit China as early as this week, ahead of a possible visit by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to repair strained ties between the neighbours.

Mr Shotaro Yachi, the head of the National Security Council, plans to visit Beijing for talks with Mr Yang Jiechi, China's top diplomat who serves as state councillor, Japan's public broadcaster NHK and other media reported yesterday.

Mr Yachi is expected to lay the groundwork for a summit between Mr Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping, following their meeting in April in Jakarta on the sidelines of international conferences.

Mr Abe is considering travelling to China around the time of a Sept 3 ceremony in Beijing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, reports said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

60 deaths from dengue in Myanmar this year

YANGON • Dengue fever has killed 60 people in Myanmar as of July 10 since its outbreak in January, local newspaper The Messenger reported yesterday.

The disease has infected more than 10,000 people in the country this year, doubling last year's figure, the Ministry of Health was quoted as saying.

There are about 200 to 250 dengue fever cases reported daily across the country, with Yangon registering the highest death rate. An official with an anti-dengue fever project said this year's increase in cases comes despite nationwide preventive and control measures.

XINHUA