BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday kick-started its 38th and 39th summits under the chairmanship of Brunei via virtual conference, with fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting economic recovery high on the agenda.

As this year marks the 30th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, expectations are also high that the upcoming summits would herald a new chapter for the relationship, which has grown from strength to strength and weathered difficulties and challenges, including the pandemic. (ASEAN Summit-Kicking Off-Agenda-2nd LD Writethru)

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TOKYO -- The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned of another possible major volcanic eruption of Mt. Aso in southwestern Japan, where an increase in volcanic earthquakes was observed, local media reported Tuesday.

The JMA said on Monday the magnitude of the volcanic tremor in the No.1 Nakadake crater of the volcanic mountain rose sharply from late Sunday to early Monday while confirming changes obviously caused by expansion in the shallow part of the crater. (Japan-Volcano Eruption-Warning)

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WELLINGTON -- Farmers' hard work in leading New Zealand's export-led recovery from COVID-19 is being rewarded with high prices forecast for milk and very strong returns for meat, Trade and Export Growth and Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said on Tuesday.

The government is committed to helping all exporters through high-quality trade deals, such as last week's announced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Britain, and New Zealand's continuing negotiations with the European Union (EU) on an FTA, O'Connor said. (New Zealand-COVID-19-Export Recovery)

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CANBERRA -- Australia has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 ahead of the climate change conference.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday revealed the government's "uniquely Australian" plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Under the plan, which will not be legislated, about 20 billion Australian dollars (15 billion U.S. dollars) will be invested in low-emissions technologies by 2030. (Australia-Carbon-Emission) Enditem

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