Chinese tennis star missing: she had reported abuse from a CCP leader

Today's headlines: Chinese coast guard blocks Philippine ships in the South China Sea. Gang smuggling lumber between Russia and China busted. Taiwan launches upgraded version of F-16 fighter jet. Covid-19 infection spike in South Korea. Explosion with riots in Shiite neighborhood of Kabul. Egypt and Qatar in aid of Gaza.

CHINA

The head of the World Women's Tennis Association has expresses doubts about the authenticity of the email published by Chinese state TV Cgtn on behalf of tennis player Peng Shuai. The tennis player disappeared two weeks ago after reporting sexual abuse by former vice premier Zhang Gaoli. In the missive Peng "says" she is doing well and has taken a rest.

PHILIPPINES-CHINA

The Duterte government has condemned three Chinese coast guard vessels for blocking and using water cannons on Philippine supply boats. The Manila boats were headed to Thomas Shoal, an atoll in the South China Sea disputed by the two countries.

RUSSIA-CHINA

Authorities accuse a criminal organization from the Zabajkal (Eastern Siberia) of smuggling an entire forest, worth about 60 million euros, into China. The Zabajkal's "best businesswoman" Olga Levochkina, and Chinese businessman Sin Syu Min will be held accountable.

TAIWAN

Taipei has unveiled the first F-16 fighter jet in its new upgraded version. The modernization of the air fleet with the cooperation of U.S. giant Lockheed Martin will cost the island's government about billion - a response to Beijing's military threats.

SOUTH KOREA

There is a new peak of Covid-19 infections, which reached 3,292 yesterday. Numbers expected by South Korean authorities after the easing of restrictions following the success of the vaccination campaign. At the moment 78.5% of the population has received the two doses, adults are more than 90%.

AFGHANISTAN

Two people died and five were wounded in an explosion yesterday in the Hazara (Shiite) district of Kabul. The Taliban government said the device blew up a minibus. The local branch of Isis claimed the attack.

GAZA

Qatar and Egypt struck a deal yesterday to supply the Gaza Strip with fuel and construction materials. The two countries - often at odds with each other, especially in Libya - say the initiative will serve to improve difficult living conditions in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave.