KAMPONG SPEU, Cambodia -- Cambodia inaugurated on Friday the Chinese-built National Road No. 51 linking Kampong Speu and Kandal provinces in the kingdom's southwestern region.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Wu Guoquan, economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, presided over the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by some 700 people. (Cambodia-China-National Road)

- - - -

WELLINGTON -- New Zealand dairy companies Yashili and Fonterra are optimistic about China's market potential after the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade deal, came into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

Wei Song, CEO of Yashili New Zealand Dairy Co., Ltd, told Xinhua: "China is a big consumer of dairy products and has strong market potential. New Zealand is recognized as a golden milk source and one of the largest dairy exporters in the world." (New Zealand-China-Diary Export)

- - - -

SEOUL -- South Korea reported 339,514 new COVID-19 cases as of midnight Thursday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 11,162,232, the health authorities said Friday.

The daily caseload was down sharply from 395,597 in the previous day, staying below 400,000 for two straight days, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. (South Korea-COVID-19)

- - - -

CANBERRA -- Medical regulators have approved a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose for vulnerable Australians in the lead-up to winter.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) on Friday officially recommended a second booster vaccine for over-65s, Indigenous Australians older than 50, those in disability care and all immunocompromised people over 16. (Australia-COVID-19-Vaccination)