World News Briefs -- March 10, 2020 (Evening Edition)

Daily Mail: China prepares to declare VICTORY over coronavirus outbreak as President Xi visits quarantined residents in Wuhan and the city closes all of its 14 makeshift hospitals

* Xi's visit is viewed as a sign that Beijing believes the outbreak is under control
* He first inspected Huoshenshan, a 1,000-bed hospital constructed in 10 days
* He then toured a community to call on volunteers and residents in quarantine
* It came as the last of Wuhan's 14 makeshift 'fang cang' hospitals closed today
* Beijing urged its citizens to seize the victory of a 'people's war' against the virus
* The disease has killed at least 4,060 people and infected over 114,400 globally

Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited Wuhan for the first time since the city emerged as the centre of the coronavirus epidemic in January - a major sign that Beijing believes the outbreak is under control.

The timing of Xi's visit indicates that China is ready to declare victory over the health crisis, which has killed at least 3,136 people in the nation and 4,062 worldwide, according to experts.

Xi today inspected a 1,000-bed hospital constructed in 10 days to fight the deadly disease before touring a local community to call on residents in quarantine.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkish, Russian defense ministers discussed Syria's Idlib in call: Turkish defense ministry.

Saudi bourse leads Gulf rally as oil prices recover.

Saudi Arabia increases oil output to record high.

Arrested Saudi royals allegedly aimed to block crown prince's accession.

The leading royals targeted in Saudi Arabia's sweeping crackdown.

Israeli court rejects Netanyahu's request to delay trial.

Turkish leader to meet Macron, Merkel over rising refugee crisis.

Turkey wants a new refugee deal before March summit.

Turkey defies EU pressure to shut border, says to host migration summit.

Turkey says U.S. offering Patriot missiles if S-400 not operated.

Turkey's first coronavirus patient confirmed.

ASIA

U.S. warns Taliban that level of violence 'not conducive' for peace process.

Exclusive: Afghan government to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners from jails - decree.

Xi visits Wuhan, signaling tide turning in China's coronavirus battle.

Japan unveils fresh economic package to offset virus damage.

North Korea seeks attention with weapons test: Seoul.

Foreigners evacuating North Korea claim no COVID-19 in country.

North Korea condemns Japan on 75th anniversary of firebombing.

Mongolia seals off cities, bans flights after first virus case.

Ashraf Ghani sworn in for 2nd term as Afghan president.

Taliban prepare for Afghan president to order prisoner swap.

US calls for a UN vote on Taliban deal: diplomats.

Myanmar army sues Reuters over report on deaths of Rohingya women.

Xanana Gusmao returns as East Timor PM in coalition government.

AFRICA

Sudan moves against Bashir loyalists after assassination attempt.

Racked by protests, Algeria bars political gatherings over virus.

Arrests in Sudan after PM survives assassination attempt.

Germany's Merkel meets Libyan military commander Haftar.

Malawi police fire tear gas as protest leader arrested.

Nigeria sweats after coronavirus sparks oil fall.

Tanzanian opposition lawmakers found guilty of making seditious statements.

One year on, Mozambique still reels from Cyclone Idai.

South African court clears Cyril Ramaphosa over donation.

EUROPE

Virus disrupts Italy as infections top 10K, deaths at 631.

All of Italy on lockdown as coronavirus cases surge.

Italy faces first day of nationwide coronavirus lockdown, Europe to discuss spread of epidemic.

Vladimir Putin opens door to stay on as Russia's president Putin backs amendment allowing him to stay in power beyond 2024.

Kremlin says Trump won't visit Moscow in May.

Russia ready to beat back any aggressor like Soviet Union did in WWII — Putin.

Russia is accused of hacking Australian files on the MH17 probe as prosecutors say Moscow's meddling has cast a 'dark shadow' over trial of four suspects in the disaster.

UK lawmakers challenge government over ‘high risk’ Huawei.

AMERICAS

Coronavirus clusters swell on both sides of the US.

Washington debates steps to bolster U.S. economy as coronavirus cases mount.

As Americans take virus precautions, Trump flouts advice.

Biden and Sanders face off as six states, including key battleground Michigan, hold primary contests.

Biden hopes for decisive blow to Sanders as six US states vote.

Congress set for classified briefings on securing elections.

In setback for Trump, court says House panel can get Russia report material.

Venezuelan riot police block opposition march on congress.

Canada presents bill banning conversion therapy.

Chile robbery: Armed gang steals $15m from Santiago airport.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Schools close in north-east Kenya after al-Shabaab targets teachers.

US strikes in Somalia nearly on par with strikes in Iraq, Syria.

Taliban fought IS with 'limited' US military support, US general reveals.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow surges in late rally to close up 1,100 points after Trump promised payroll tax cut in response to Wall Street's biggest one-day point drop ever amid coronavirus fears and oil price war. Stocks rebound from big losses on hope for US economic aid.

Saudi Arabia, Russia raise stakes in oil production standoff.

Economic toll of virus goes global and hits close to home.

Oil prices rebound after falling to lowest levels in 4 years.

Russia reaches out to OPEC as Riyadh opens oil taps.

US airlines to trim capacity as virus hits demand.

Workers in US gig economy most vulnerable to virus outbreak.