Hot world events in the past 24 hours

1. President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump talk on the phonemention new developments about North Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. Source: Reuters

On January 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump had a phone call to discuss bilateral trade relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

During the phone call, President Xi Jinping assessed that in 2017, China-US relations generally remained stable and achieved important progress.

He stressed that maintaining a stable development of bilateral relations is in the interests of both countries, as well as in line with the common aspirations of the international community.

2. Japan prepares plan to evacuate citizens from South Korea

Late last month, the Japanese cabinet approved a plan to purchase two Aegis Ashore missile defense systems from the US to bolster the country's defenses against ballistic missile threats. Photo: Guardian

Sputniknews reported that on January 16, local media reported that the Japanese government has begun implementing a plan to evacuate its citizens as well as US citizens from South Korea by sea in case of a North Korean attack.

The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, citing sources familiar with the matter, said the plan detailed plans to evacuate people from South Korea to the island of Tsushima and then to Japan's Kyushu.

This plan could be implemented if the airport in Seoul is blocked or cannot operate after an emergency.

3. Large explosion causes many buildings to collapse in Belgium, 14 people injured

Scene of the explosion. Source: Twitter

At least 14 people were injured and several buildings collapsed or were damaged in a large explosion in the Belgian port city of Antwerp. Police have ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.

Belgian news agency RTBF reported that a gas leak was the cause of the explosion at 9:30 p.m. on January 15 local time (around 3:30 a.m. on January 16 Vietnam time). However, this information has not been verified.

Fourteen people were taken to hospital, including one in critical condition and five seriously injured, according to police. The explosion collapsed or severely damaged several buildings.

4. America quietly prepares for the Korean War

5.Japanese TV mistakenly warns of North Korea missile launch

NHK broadcaster falsely alarmed about North Korean missile via phone app. Photo: Reuters

NHK reported that North Korea had launched a missile and warned people to take shelter, then apologized for the mistake a few minutes later.

"North Korea appears to have launched a missile... Government: 'Evacuate inside or under buildings'," NHK's website and mobile app posted at 6:55 p.m. on January 16.

But just five minutes later, NHK admitted sending the error message. "We are very sorry," the station posted on its website without further explanation, according toAFP.

The incident comes just days after a false warning of an incoming ballistic missile was sent to phones, causing panic among residents in Hawaii.

6.US Air Force sends 6 B-52 strategic bombers to Guam

B-52 bomber. Source: AFP/VNA

According to The Japan Times, on January 16, the US Air Force announced that it had deployed six B-52 strategic bombers to the territory of Guam, amid tensions with North Korea.

The six planes, carrying 300 crew members, joined a group of three US Air Force B-2 stealth bombers recently deployed to Guam, home to Andersen Air Force Base, a key US outpost in the Pacific.
7.Thai Deputy Prime Minister ready to resign if found guilty

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, General Prawit Wongsuwan. Photo: The Nation

Speaking to the press on January 16, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security and defense, General Prawit Wongsuwon, announced that he was ready to resign if the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) provided evidence accusing him of violating the law.

Previously, Thai media reported that Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon used a diamond ring and 24 watches, many worth up to 7 million baht (equivalent to 5 billion VND), but they were not included in his personal asset declaration.

8.US and dozens of countries discuss North Korea, China stays out

North Korea's nuclear threat was the main topic of the Vancouver conference. Photo: KCNA/AP

The United States and Canada on January 16 co-hosted a conference in Vancouver on the nuclear threat from Pyongyang, as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain simmering and direct dialogue between the two Koreas continues.

The summit comes at a crucial time. However, with diplomatic attention focused on the North-South dialogue, analysts say the Vancouver summit will not yield much.

A total of 18 countries attended the conference, hosted by the United States and Canada, including South Korea and Japan. China, North Korea's largest trading partner, did not attend.