Russia warned of ‘unprecedented’ flooding in coming days as locals in a city partially submerged by rising waters took to the streets in rare protest at the authorities’ handling of the crisis.

Tremors were felt across the Xinjiang region and as far away as the neighbouring countries Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Xi reaffirms strong relationship with Central Asian nation as it remains crucial to China’s future plans.

Xi seeks to position China as supportive partner in meetings with Kazakh and Ethiopian leaders in Beijing.

Kazakhstan bill comes after years of efforts by Astana to crack down on dual citizenship and leads up to visa-free regime with China.

The trio returned to Earth on Wednesday after being stuck in space for just over a year after their original capsule was hit by space junk.

PM Srettha Thavisin said he expects visa waivers for travellers from China to bring in some US$980 million over the next five months, as Thailand also looks at ways of increasing Indian tourist arrivals.

Scrapping visa application fees could entice back more of the 11 million Chinese visitors who went to Thailand pre-pandemic. But some tourism officials want more big-spending Russians, Belarusians and Kazakhs instead.

The decision to scrap the show came a few days after Leps promised to do everything possible to help Russia’s military.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who once studied and served as diplomat in Beijing, meets Xi and turns 70 in ancient Silk Road city of Xian ahead of China-Central Asia summit.

Analysts said the comments at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting were tailored to his Indian hosts and other members.

Russia’s invasion ranks high on agenda during meeting between Chinese foreign minister and counterparts from five Central Asian countries.

Qin Gang will chair China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xian to discuss plans for the first C+C5 heads of state summit next month.

Communist Party chiefs from border regions such as Xinjiang and Yunnan play leading role in campaign to woo Central and Southeast Asia.

Secretary of state aims to show US is a ‘reliable partner’ and different from Moscow and Beijing, in talks with Central Asian leaders.

Premier Li Keqiang hailed energy cooperation, trade deals during video link meeting with Kazakh prime minister.

Exit polls gave Tokayev, who faced no real opposition, between 82.2 per cent and 85.5 per cent of the votes cast in the former Soviet republic. The runner-up to Tokayev had managed just 5.2 per cent of the vote, according to the polls.

The Chinese leader’s first trip abroad in more than 2 years saw him visiting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where he signed a series of deals with local leaders.