April 17, Wednesday, 2024

1. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he has asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to pressure Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. He also said Germany values economic ties with its largest trading partner, China.
2. The multibillion dollar plan by Japan’s Nippon Steel to acquire US Steel may have run into another obstacle. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she understands the views of President Joe Biden in opposing the takeover.
3. People in Wajima City have hoisted carp streamers to pray for the recovery of their community, which was heavily damaged in the January 1 earthquake that hit Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula in central Japan. Carp streamers are traditionally flown to celebrate the Boy’s Festival on May 5, which is now a national holiday for Children’s Day.