JAKARTA -- The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a major boost to regional and global economic recovery under the new normal of COVID-19 situation, the Chinese ambassador to ASEAN said on Sunday.

In a written interview with Xinhua, Deng Xijun, Chinese ambassador to ASEAN, noted that the signing of the trade deal itself has given a strong shot in the arm to regional and global economic recovery and set an example on a global scale. (Indonesia-China-RCEP)

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MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines on Monday reported 1,738 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection, bringing the total number in the country to 409,574.

"Our average number of (daily) cases has been in that stable condition, wherein there are less than 2,000 for the past weeks already," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media briefing. (Philippines-COVID-19 infections)

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TOKYO -- Japan's economy in the July-September period increased an annualized real 21.4 percent compared to the previous quarter, logging the largest gain in 40 years, government statistics revealed Monday.

However, a gradual resumption of economic activities has yet to bring the economy back to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, according to government data. (Japan-Economy)

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SYDNEY -- The annual New Year Eve fireworks show in Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, has been canceled and replaced with a two-day street food festival this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Melbourne City Council said on Monday.

The change has been made to avoid large-scale outdoor gathering as the fireworks show usually attracts about 400,000 people to the city which could become a public health threat during a pandemic, the city council said in a statement. (Australia-Fireworks show-Cancelled) Enditem

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