Briefly

CHINA

Lao foreign minister to pay official visit

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane will pay a fourday official visit to China starting on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning announced on Monday. The visit marks Thongsavanh's first trip to China since taking office in November, as well as the first of its kind by a foreign minister to the country following the annual two sessions this year, which Mao said highlights the high importance both sides place on their ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with Thongsavanh and they will exchange views on strengthening bilateral and multilateral strategic coordination, she said.

PHILIPPINES

Duterte 'will accept' possible arrest by ICC

Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte said in Hong Kong that he was ready for possible arrest amid reports the International Criminal Court was about to issue a warrant over his crackdown on drugs while in power. The office of the current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday no official communication had been received from Interpol yet, but indicated Duterte could be handed over. A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry Commissioner's Office in Hong Kong said it was aware of Duterte's visit, which is "a private holiday". Duterte has denied he authorized extrajudicial killings.

China Daily - Agencies