HONG KONG -- Hong Kong ranked third globally in the lates Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) published by the British think tank Z/Yen Group and China Development Institute in Shenzhen Friday, rising by one place from the March issue of the index this year.

A spokesperson for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said, "This is an unequivocal affirmation of Hong Kong's status and strengths as a leading global financial center. Hong Kong has remained among the top in various areas of competitiveness, including human capital, infrastructure, financial sector development, and reputational and general." (Hong Kong-Financial Centers-Ranking)

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HONG KONG -- The HKSAR government on Friday voiced full support for the Chinese Foreign Ministry's issuance of "Fact Sheet: U.S. Interference in Hong Kong Affairs and Support for Anti-China, Destabilizing Forces."

The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR said Friday that a fact sheet on U.S. interference in Hong Kong affairs released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry is a strong response to the U.S. bullying acts such as the so-called "Hong Kong Business Advisory" and its sanctions on officials of the central government in the HKSAR. (Hong Kong-Fact Sheet)

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COLOMBO -- Sri Lankan authorities on Friday began administering the COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 12 to 19 years who have comorbidities and are disabled.

Sri Lanka's Army Commander and Head of the National Operations Center for the Prevention of COVID-19, General Shavendra Silva said the vaccination drive was rolled out at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in capital Colombo, Anuradhapura in the north-central province and Kurunegala in northwestern Sri Lanka. (Sri Lanka-Vaccination-Children)

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HANOI -- Vietnam reported 8,537 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, the lowest daily number since Aug. 11, according to the country's Ministry of Health.

The new infections included 8,530 locally transmitted and seven imported, taking the country's total tally to 736,972, with 18,220 deaths, the ministry said. (Vietnam-COVID 19)