Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych says he will not ask Russia for military support to resolve domestic crisis.

He said this at a press conference on Friday in Russia's Rostov-on-Don, some 1,000 km southwest of Moscow, in his first public appearance after a week-long hiding.. 

Yanukovych said he was surprised that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been "silent." 

The ousted president blamed "irresponsible" Western powers for chaos and lawlessness in his country. 

He said the current Supreme Rada, the parliament, was illegitimate because power in Ukraine has been seized by nationalists "who represent absolutely minority of the population." 

He accused the opposition of violating the agreement on constitutional reform signed on Feb. 21. He said the agreement, if implemented, could have calmed the situation. 

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang says China believes the Ukrainian people are able to resolve their problems themselves, as protestors in Crimea call for a referendum over the future status of the Crimea Autonomous Republic in southern Ukraine.

He says China respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

China issues report on U.S. human rights

China has responded to US criticism of its human rights record by publishing its own report on American human rights issues.

In the report, China says there are still serious human rights problems in the U.S, with the situation in many fields deteriorating.

It calls America's vast surveillance program, both at home and abroad, a blatant violation of international law and it seriously infringes on human rights.

The report also mentions US drone strikes in Pakistan, which have killed more than 900 civilians since 2004.

 

China, Britain hold strategic dialogue in London

Visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Friday met with British Foreign Secretary William Hague in London in a formal strategic dialogue between the two countries.

Yang Jiechi said China is willing to conduct high-level dialogues and exchanges at all levels with Britain, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance communication on China-Europe relations, and bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. 

He said the two sides should intensify cooperation in international affairs and jointly safeguard the post-WWII international order, thus contributing to world peace and development.

 

Thai protest leader announces end to Bangkok shutdown

Thai anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has announced the operation to paralyze the capital Bangkok, which has lasted from Jan. 13, will be ended on March 3. 

He said Protesters will withdraw from all rally sites in the city except the one at the Lumpini Park, adding all future activities will be moved to the park. 

The shutdown operation, during which a number of government offices and major intersections have been besieged or occupied, has been aimed at pressuring caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down. Yingluck has repeatedly and categorically rejected the request.

 

China-made aircraft checked after landing incidents

China's aviation watchdog has announced mandatory inspections for all Chinese-made MA-60 aircraft.

The announcement made Friday follows two incidents involving the plane's landing signal system.

The MA-60 was introduced in 2000 and is China's only home-grown passenger plane in service.

 

China legalizes private lending in Wenzhou

Local authorities in the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou are set to legalize private lending this weekend.

It will be the first such move on the Chinese mainland.

Under the new regulations, companies are allowed to borrow money through private financial institutions.

The move is part of the Chinese government's efforts to liberalize the country's financial sector.

A liquidity crunch in underground lending caused a credit crisis in Wenzhou back in 2011.

 

Cuckold blamed for fatal Guizhou bus fire

Police in Guizhou province say they have established a motive for Thursday's deadly bus arson that killed six people.

They say the suspect, surnamed Su, believed his wife was having an affair, and thus he "took revenge on society" by igniting a barrel of gasoline on the bus.

A four month old boy is among the six people killed. 35 others were injured. Survivors say the flames spread quickly. 

The suspect was slightly injured in the fire - he was formally arrested on Friday.

 

China scraps tariffs on oil exploration facilities

The Chinese government has taken a major step to improve the competitiveness of the nation's oil and gas exploration sector.

A variety of equipment vital to the industry has been added to China's duty-free list, including drilling equipment, semi-submersible drilling rigs, liquified natural gas carriers, and several other pieces vital to exploration and high-end manufactoring.

The measure takes effect on Saturday.