welcome to newsday, reporting live from singapore, i'm steve lai. the headlines: a ship carrying two hundred tonnes of aid to gaza prepares to leave cyprus after securing all necessary permits to travel. —— 200 tonnes. it's the final day of china's national people's congress. it's the final day of china's national people's congress. we'll look at what the government in beijing could announce about the year ahead. and the biggest night on the entertainment calendar is finally upon us. will oppenheimer dominate the 2024 oscars? welcome to bbc news. we begin in cyprus, where a spanish charity ship carrying vital supplies is preparing to set sail for gaza — along a new maritime aid corridor.

it's been loaded with around 200 tonnes of food and medical supplies. but, without a working port, it's not clear yet where the ship will actually dock — or how its cargo will be distributed inside gaza. 0ur middle east correspondent quentin somerville is in the port city of larnaca in cyprus and sent us this report. it's a drop in the ocean of gaza's need, but this is the first direct aid shipment by sea about to leave cyprus. the spanish ship the open arms, seen here in larnaca port, getting ready to set sail. it has a long journey ahead of it. the barge has 200 tonnes of desperately needed essentials — rice, flour and pre—prepared meals. this has taken months in planning. the cargo was loaded all weekend. the final security clearances from israel came through in the last few hours. well, we've done truckloads of food through the rafah crossing. we've done airdrops

with thejordanian army. this is the next step into providing food aid into gaza. they are suffering and this is what we're doing. but this is only a small breakthrough. israel's offensive has led to a collapse in civil order. few aid organisations dare risk delivering to the north. gaza is on the brink of famine. world central kitchen, the us charity, provided the speeded—up footage of preparations under way to build a pier to receive the aid. gaza has no functioning port. and israel will be watching. this aid will be allowed to pass, says its defense minister. translation: we will bring the aid through a maritime route that is coordinated with the us on the security and humanitarian side with the assistance of the emirates on the civil side and appropriate inspection in cyprus. we will bring goods imported by international organisations with american assistance.

at the operations centre here in cyprus, they're mapping its route. it would normally take 15 hours, but the vessels involved and the cargo means it could take as long as two days. so starting point is larnaca port, and the landing zone is somewhere in the gaza strip. the open arms is on a journey that should be unnecessary. all the food that the hungry of gaza need is right by their border in israel and egypt, but the politics of war keeps it from their grasp. quentin sommerville, bbc news, larnaca. the hamas—run health ministry says more than 31,000 palestinians have now been killed since israel

began its military action following hamas�*s attack on october the 7th. around 1,200 people were killed, and more than 250 people were taken hostage. with the latest — here's our senior international correspondent, orla guerin — and a warning, her report contains images you may find distressing. from the skies over gaza, aid comes dropping. but so little, and so late. on the ground, a desperate rush. many come away empty—handed. like this woman. "i'm taking care of orphans," she says. "i want to feed them." and here, some of the most vulnerable, born prematurely into war and man—made hunger. staff say all the babies delivered at this hospital in rafah since december have been underweight. struggling from their first

breaths as many mothers have struggled. dr ahmed al—shair says there's been no properfood for pregnant women for the past four months. no meat, milk, eggs, fruit or vegetables. barak is fighting to keep her children alive. she can't hide the bullet holes, and she can't hide her despair. "i'm feeding my baby with water," she says, "just so she doesn't die. "i shouldn't be giving her this at her age. "but i have nothing else." after five months of war, much of gaza is in ruins, and hunger is killing now as well as israeli missiles and bombs.

this man was buried alive after an israeli air strike. palestinian civil defence prised him free. but they say nine people were killed here in this residential building, crushed as they slept — the fate of many palestinian civilians. in gaza, the muslim holy month of ramadan will be marked in the rubble, amid grief and burials and a looming famine. whatever aid may trickle in by air or sea won't be enough, and won't stop the war. beijing is preparing for the final day of the national people's congress. the annual political extravaganza held each spring allows the chinese government to review the past year, and set goals for the

upcoming 12 months. high on the agenda this year — economic stablisation, defence spending, and tensions with taiwan. what should we expect, stephen? people in beijing are starting their working week on the last day of the congress and after today, they would expect to see less security around the streets were standing so, for example, the bridges that a parliamentary police guarding them will slowly not see some many of those police and the street corners with increased security willoughby east off in the coming days as life returns to normal. as for the day at the great people, the morning session is basically closed session is basically closed session to review the report that in the afternoon, a series

of boats which will, no doubt, unanimously be carried as they always are, this rubberstamp session as people approve a series of government work reports, we may or may not hear from the leadership at that session and what used to happen today was the premier�*s press conference now, that's been cancelled, it seems that president xi doesn't want to share the limelight for even a couple of hours with anyone in the senior levels of the party, that have been going on for three decades and no more. as for people getting out of this and the whole package of this session, our chinese citizens closer to understanding what the government intends to do about the major economic headaches facing this place? i think the hearing some of the ride sounds, if you talk to people, they're happy to hear that to be a consumption lead recovery with better wages, better jobs recovery with better wages, betterjobs for recovery with better wages, better jobs for university graduates but a support for the

tech sector. but, this congress, very sort of thing on communist party rhetoric and pretty thin on specifics so we don't really know how the government intends to achieve these things, the turnaround, these things, the turnaround, the chinese economy that fixed the chinese economy that fixed the major problems and the property sector around the like so, i suppose, property sector around the like so, isuppose, people property sector around the like so, i suppose, people will have to wait and see in the months and years ahead, how the government really does intend to fix things but that said, they probably pretty happy with some of the messages, the vision that come out of this congress. thank you for getting us up to speed with today. let's get more analysis on the npc with gary, an ambassador to china, hejoins us from seattle. just to get your thoughts on the npc, a lot of focus from the outside world looking on is china's economy because it does seem to be

struggling?— because it does seem to be struggling? well, obviously, that is the — struggling? well, obviously, that is the number _ struggling? well, obviously, that is the number one - that is the number one objective for the leaders of the communist party in china, there's so much rampant unemployment, the housing crisis is very much on people's minds where people have paid money for housing units that are not being built, whether developers have defaulted and so, you have all these empty buildings halted construction and so, the real estate market is very severely depressed and prices dropping so, the huge challenge for the chinese government, high unemployment, young people graduating out of colleges with no job prospects and of course, very slow economy so that even restaurants and shops are not making the money that they would normally hold to have and so, it is of great concern of the people of china so, as you correspond indicated that there are positive messages coming

out of there, what are the specifics? how can you raise the wages of working people in the wages of working people in the factories, at the same time, the chinese leaders are going to focus on trying to stabilise the economy but also, focusing and putting a priority on high—tech, given the trade tensions between the us and china whether us government is not allowing the sale of sophisticated advanced ships to china that china might need for its development of artificial intelligence or even its military programme, china is therefore having to resort to other means, they will try to focus on the manufacturing of their own ships but that will take several years as well as the fact that the us government will not allow the machinery thatis will not allow the machinery that is made by us companies of western companies to be shipped to china so that china can make some of these advanced ships,

nonetheless, china will eventually capture what it's going to slow down the progress. going to slow down the progress-_ going to slow down the progress. going to slow down the rouress. ~ ., , . ., progress. what is meant for this slow — progress. what is meant for this slow progress - progress. what is meant for this slow progress by - progress. what is meant for this slow progress by for - progress. what is meant for i this slow progress by for other countries that in deal so much with china, i'm thinking of us here in southeast asia, china is a second largest economy, other countries and economies depend on it for trade, if it is slowing down, we know that a target of 5% of gdp but, china is closely watched, not an impact that you see will play out from a slowdown in china's growth. out from a slowdown in china's urowth. , , ., ., growth. given the slowdown in china's growth, _ growth. given the slowdown in china's growth, it _ growth. given the slowdown in china's growth, it will - growth. given the slowdown in china's growth, it will be - growth. given the slowdown in china's growth, it will be veryl china's growth, it will be very hard to achieve all these objectives of the chinese leaders want which is affordable housing, good wages, creation ofjobs for affordable housing, good wages, creation of jobs for the affordable housing, good wages, creation ofjobs for the people coming out of the colleges a nervous it is our high schools and even just adequate wages for the current factory workers, the world economy is very much slow in growth, yes, we have a robust economy here in the us and that create

opportunities for all those made in china products and we will keep the factories going in china but when you have a small economy in the rest of the world and china is the manufacturing hub for all of those goods that people around the world go on, the people around the world don't have enough money disband all watching their wallets very carefully, that means less demand for these made in china goods which hurts the chinese economy and obviously the objectives of the chinese government so, it'll be slow china will not have more than 10% growth that they've experienced over the many, many years ago, that projecting many 5% growth, that's better than most other countries but when you have so many people still in poverty, people still making very little money, 5% growth, to be very challenging in terms of helping the chinese leaders achieve the objectives that they want of greater prosperity for all the people in china.

just if we consume out and look at the bigger picture, i want to ask you us elections this year that are up and how they may or may not impact china us relations? , ., , , may or may not impact china us relations?— relations? obviously, whether it's a democratic— relations? obviously, whether it's a democratic or _ relations? obviously, whether| it's a democratic or republican candidate for president, numbers of congress, every major election that we have, the rhetoric against china always heats up. a lot of strong, bold statements about clamping down on relations with china, trade with china and so, you will see more of the by the biden administration has been announcing some of these measures, at the congress just passed, the house of a and it is just passed legislation, that would effectively call for the banning of tiktok unless a parent company divest tiktok and you are seeing the white house supporting that type of legislation and the white house

already announced of rules that will prohibit the sale of personal data of americans from going to china or to any other country and so, a lot of these measures are, in terms of privacy, protecting, individual data, for the debtor of individual americans, a lot are individual americans, a lot are in china and restrictions on machinery and advanced ships so i think that tensions will increase and how both sides can manage those tensions because both sides still need to co—operate with each other on many other issues, whether it is the nuclear weapons such as whether north korea orfighting global terrorism, addressing climate change which is going to impact people in both china and the us and all around the world. ., �* , , and the us and all around the world. . �*, , ., world. that's right, they do have so many _ world. that's right, they do have so many other - world. that's right, they do - have so many other overlapping issues besides how they get along and how their economies

work together, because a much. ambassador to china. let's turn to the us now — where president biden and donald trump, are expected to clinch their party's nominations this week, for november's presidential election, and both men have been campaigning in the swing state of georgia. joe biden won it four years ago but with a majority of fewer than 12,000. now there's a fear among democrats, that african americans may be turning away from the party. gary o'donoghue, has more from the state's capital, atla nta. victory here in november could turn on just how many african americans decide to vote. are you going to vote this upcoming election? i wasn't looking at doing it. wasn't? 0k. it's an attitude voting advocates are trying to combat and they're finding frustration with the democrats on the doorstep. the republicans, they can say one thing and people will catch on to it, you know, and it sticks. and so i want us to

have more one—liners. i do want more aggression. 88% of black voters supported joe biden in 2020, but some surveys show that as many as one in four could now back donald trump, with the cost of living a big factor. with eight months to go until the election, this race is going to be a long one, and few seem excited about the trump—biden rematch. a lot of people in my community kind of feel like we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. biden is a good president. he's not a great president. and a lot of us are concerned about his age. look, i'm not a young guy. that's no secret. the biden campaign has sought to address the age issue head—on. here in georgia, his focus was squarely on voters of colour. and we're here to say a simple thank you, thank you, thank you. 2020 was the first time in more

than a quarter of a century that democrats won the presidential election here. and with more than a third of georgia's voters coming from the african—american community, joe biden knows he needs that support to win and cannot take it for granted. 70 miles up the road, it was a very different looking crowd for donald trump, who's facing 13 criminal charges in the state connected to the last election. his message to black voters was blunt. i did more for black people than any president other than abraham lincoln. it's true. the road to the white house runs through battlegrounds like georgia, and joe biden will take comfort that despite doubts, some african americans still want to be seen with him. gary o'donoghue, bbc news, atlanta. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. also in the news this hour: a man and a woman have been arrested in hull, in connection with an investigation into a funeral director. they were arrested after

reports of "concern for care of the deceased". humberside police said they removed thirty—four bodies from legacy independent funeral directors and took them to the mortuary. the metropolitan police has confirmed that more than 30 current and former officers are suing it "for personal injury and losses following their role in the grenfell tower fire". 72 people died in the fire, in a tower block in west london, in 2017. victims of islamist—inspired terror attacks have signed a joint letter against what they describe as anti—muslim hate. signatures warn its irresponsible for some politicians to equate extremists with the majority of british muslims who strongly deplore such violence. it comes as the government prepares to set out a new definition of extremism. it says it will make it easier to ban funding and engagement with islamist and far—right groups. you're live with bbc news.

several news agencies have withdrawn a photograph of the princess of wales, and her three children — saying it appears to have been manipulated. this is the photo — which was sent out by kensington palace on sunday. it's the first image of princess catherine since her surgery, injanuary, and was taken by her husband, prince william. it appears to show some inconsistencies in the alignment of the hand of their daughter, princess charlotte. the palace has not commented on the retraction of the photo by the news agencies. it's hollywood's big night — the oscars. the ceremony is well under way. da'vine joy randolph was the first winner for the night, scooping the award for best supporting actress for her role in the holdovers. christopher nolan's oppenheimer, which has 13 nominations, is expected to sweep up many of the top awards. then there's barbie — last year's biggest hit at the box office —

which has eight nods. let's speak now to my colleague peter bowes in los angeles. they are looking red carpet ready, i understand not everyone is happy at the awards tonight? everyone is happy at the awards toniaht? ~ , , ., ., tonight? well, yes, the award ceremony _ tonight? well, yes, the award ceremony is — tonight? well, yes, the award ceremony is always _ tonight? well, yes, the award ceremony is always going - tonight? well, yes, the award ceremony is always going to l tonight? well, yes, the award i ceremony is always going to end with lots of people being happy and if you unhappy but i think, generally, the mood here is a bead, there was one pitch at the beginning, a significant one, the oscars started about five minutes late and that's because there was a pro—palestinian protest here in los angeles, very close to the dalby theatre woods across the from where we are, i was delayed getting a commonly taxi drivers in los angeles on oscar sunday are very savvy and know how to get to the venue, there was a minor chaos because a dozen people were marching down sunset boulevard demanding an immediate ceasefire in the ward between israel and gaza and a number of the notable figures presenting the oscars were also delayed as well and tom, we

haven't seen anything like this before and it does, to some extent, highlight the international favour of the oscars this year? i international favour of the oscars this year?- oscars this year? i think --eole oscars this year? i think peeple are _ oscars this year? i think people are very - oscars this year? i think people are very aware i oscars this year? i think| people are very aware of international tensions, we had the zone — international tensions, we had the zone of interest which is a film _ the zone of interest which is a film set — the zone of interest which is a film set during the holocaust here — film set during the holocaust here and _ film set during the holocaust here and that one, the first british— here and that one, the first british versions — make films ever— british versions — make films ever to — british versions — make films ever to prevail in the category and the — ever to prevail in the category and the british director, who is and the british director, who isjewish. _ and the british director, who isjewish, took to and the british director, who is jewish, took to the and the british director, who isjewish, took to the podium and he — isjewish, took to the podium and he talked of an occupation that has— and he talked of an occupation that has led to a conflict, occupation of course being a very— occupation of course being a very loaded word in relation to israel— very loaded word in relation to israei and _ very loaded word in relation to israel and the middle east that led to— israel and the middle east that led to a — israel and the middle east that led to a conflict which is involved so many innocent peorrie. _ involved so many innocent people, he also did reference the victims of the october 7 attack— the victims of the october 7 attack but it was quite a powerful speech and not long afterwards, the director of the ukrainian _ afterwards, the director of the ukrainian documentary, 20 days in mariupol, he won for best feature, _ in mariupol, he won for best feature, best documentary

feature, _ feature, best documentary feature, very emotional speech because — feature, very emotional speech because this is the first time that— because this is the first time that ukraine has one and he said. — that ukraine has one and he said, listen, iwish that ukraine has one and he said, listen, i wish i didn't have — said, listen, iwish i didn't have two— said, listen, i wish i didn't have two have ever made this film _ have two have ever made this film because it's about mario paut— film because it's about mario paul being surrounded by them and it— paul being surrounded by them and it shows the full violence and it shows the full violence and had _ and it shows the full violence and had a _ and it shows the full violence and had a go at russia, invading _ and had a go at russia, invading his country. just to exlain invading his country. just to exniain to — invading his country. just to explain to us, _ invading his country. just to explain to us, zone - invading his country. just to explain to us, zone of - explain to us, zone of interest, the first british world in the internationalfilm category, this is a film largely about german history in the german language so why is a british connection? it’s the german language so why is a british connection?— british connection? it's nice with their — british connection? it's nice with their european - with their european coproduction because it involves polish funding as well, _ involves polish funding as well, polished talent but it's about— well, polished talent but it's about auschwitz and the concentration camp, the british element — concentration camp, the british element is a director who i mentioned, jonathan glazer but also, _ mentioned, jonathan glazer but also, you — mentioned, jonathan glazer but also, you were talking about the sound in the film is amazing and that comes from johnnie — amazing and that comes from johnnie burn, a british sound

designer— johnnie burn, a british sound designer working from his home in brighton who created this haunting soundtrack, you hear, jonathan — haunting soundtrack, you hear, jonathan glazer said it two movies. _ jonathan glazer said it two movies, one you watch and want to listen— movies, one you watch and want to listen t0~ _ movies, one you watch and want to listen to. in many ways, want — to listen to. in many ways, want to— to listen to. in many ways, want to listen to is more disturbing because you hear the cries_ disturbing because you hear the cries of— disturbing because you hear the cries of people who you don't see the — cries of people who you don't see the victims in the concentration camp but you the suffering — concentration camp but you the sufferinu. �* , concentration camp but you the sufferinu. v , concentration camp but you the sufferinu. �* , , ., suffering. let's bring in paul. a box office _ suffering. let's bring in paul. a box office analyst, - suffering. let's bring in paul. a box office analyst, it's - a box office analyst, it's notable, isn't it, there's a lot of interest, as one of those dark courses in a way, one of those films that you have to watch and really understanding and be moved and listen to it. == understanding and be moved and listen to it— listen to it. -- the zone of interest- — listen to it. -- the zone of interest. the _ listen to it. -- the zone of interest. the sound - listen to it. -- the zone ofj interest. the sound design listen to it. -- the zone of i interest. the sound design is so important _ interest. the sound design is so important in _ interest. the sound design isj so important in oppenheimer interest. the sound design is - so important in oppenheimer and the zone — so important in oppenheimer and the zone of— so important in oppenheimer and the zone of interest, _ so important in oppenheimer and the zone of interest, we - so important in oppenheimer and the zone of interest, we don't. the zone of interest, we don't give _ the zone of interest, we don't give attention— the zone of interest, we don't give attention to _ the zone of interest, we don't give attention to that - the zone of interest, we don't give attention to that and - the zone of interest, we don't give attention to that and we i give attention to that and we have — give attention to that and we have the _ give attention to that and we have the screen _ give attention to that and we have the screen experience i have the screen experience which — have the screen experience which is _ have the screen experience which is so _ have the screen experience which is so communal- have the screen experience which is so communal and. which is so communal and immersive _ which is so communal and immersive but _ which is so communal and immersive but you're - which is so communal and - immersive but you're listening with— immersive but you're listening with your— immersive but you're listening with your ears _ immersive but you're listening with your ears and _ immersive but you're listening with your ears and the - immersive but you're listening with your ears and the impactl with your ears and the impact of a _ with your ears and the impact of a great _ with your ears and the impact of a great sound _ with your ears and the impact of a great sound system - with your ears and the impact of a great sound system in i of a great sound system in theatre _ of a great sound system in theatre and _ of a great sound system in theatre and you _ of a great sound system in theatre and you your- of a great sound system inl theatre and you your phone presumably, _ theatre and you your phone presumably, you're - theatre and you your phone . presumably, you're immersed theatre and you your phone - presumably, you're immersed in

that experience, _ presumably, you're immersed in that experience, so _ presumably, you're immersed in that experience, so powerful- that experience, so powerful and we — that experience, so powerful and we just— that experience, so powerful and we just saw— that experience, so powerful and we just saw them - that experience, so powerful and we just saw them win i that experience, so powerfulj and we just saw them win for cinematography _ and we just saw them win for cinematography for- and we just saw them win for - cinematography for oppenheimer sound _ cinematography for oppenheimer sound is— cinematography for oppenheimer sound isjust _ cinematography for oppenheimer sound is just as _ cinematography for oppenheimer sound is just as important - cinematography for oppenheimer sound is just as important as - sound is just as important as the visuals, _ sound is just as important as the visuals, cinematography| sound is just as important as - the visuals, cinematography and sound. _ the visuals, cinematography and sound, without _ the visuals, cinematography and sound, without that, _ the visuals, cinematography and sound, without that, you - the visuals, cinematography and sound, without that, you don't l sound, without that, you don't have _ sound, without that, you don't have a — sound, without that, you don't have a movie _ sound, without that, you don't have a movie so, _ sound, without that, you don't have a movie so, it's - sound, without that, you don't have a movie so, it's really- have a movie so, it's really important _ have a movie so, it's really important-— important. you mentioned oppenheimer— important. you mentioned oppenheimer beginning i important. you mentioned oppenheimer beginning to important. you mentioned - oppenheimer beginning to pick up oppenheimer beginning to pick up wins? robert downey oppenheimer beginning to pick up wins? robert downeer for best supporting actor so it's getting up there in terms of talent. i getting up there in terms of talent. . , ., ., ., ., , talent. i was a movie that was the front _ talent. i was a movie that was the front runner— talent. i was a movie that was the front runner going - talent. i was a movie that was the front runner going into - the front runner going into this— the front runner going into this evening _ the front runner going into this evening but _ the front runner going into this evening but you - the front runner going into this evening but you neverj this evening but you never know. _ this evening but you never know. we've _ this evening but you never know, we've seen - this evening but you never know, we've seen many. this evening but you never- know, we've seen many surprises during _ know, we've seen many surprises during the — know, we've seen many surprises during the oscars _ know, we've seen many surprises during the oscars ceremony- know, we've seen many surprises during the oscars ceremony and i during the oscars ceremony and something — during the oscars ceremony and something to _ during the oscars ceremony and something to follow _ during the oscars ceremony and something to follow up - during the oscars ceremony and something to follow up on - during the oscars ceremony and something to follow up on what| something to follow up on what you said — something to follow up on what you said earlier, _ something to follow up on what you said earlier, this _ something to follow up on what you said earlier, this is - something to follow up on what you said earlier, this is a - you said earlier, this is a global— you said earlier, this is a global rdn _ you said earlier, this is a global rdn is _ you said earlier, this is a global rdn is watching i you said earlier, this is a i global rdn is watching and these — global rdn is watching and these movies— global rdn is watching and these movies are - global rdn is watching and these movies are so - global rdn is watching and these movies are so globalj global rdn is watching and i these movies are so global in nature, — these movies are so global in nature, it's— these movies are so global in nature, it's the _ these movies are so global in nature, it's the language - these movies are so global in nature, it's the language of. nature, it's the language of cinema _ nature, it's the language of cinema around _ nature, it's the language of cinema around the - nature, it's the language of cinema around the world. i nature, it's the language of. cinema around the world. we have to leave _ cinema around the world. have to leave it but it is still to play for oppenheimer, it could well when best picture in the next hour. late it could well when best picture in the next hour.— in the next hour. we will be watching — in the next hour. we will be watching closely. _ in the next hour. we will be watching closely. more - in the next hour. we will be watching closely. more on l in the next hour. we will be watching closely. more on a live pages for the oscars but

thatisit live pages for the oscars but that is it for now. hello there. march so far has been quieter but colder, and the wind direction has played its part. we've seen an easterly wind so far, and in the last few days, it's brought a lot of cloud in off the north sea and temperatures struggled along those exposed coasts — only around six degrees. but the story is set to change as we go through the next few days. with the wind direction swinging round to a south—westerly, temperatures may well peak into the mid—teens, but there's still a chance of seeing a return to some showers or longer spells of rain. monday, however, will be a quieter story. this weakening weather front still producing cloud thick enough for some drizzle first thing monday morning — a lot of cloud and some fog around as well early on. some showery outbreaks of rain moving out to the far north of northern ireland, into the far north—west of scotland. and still, the wind direction coming from an easterly. here, always that little bit cooler, 8—9 degrees. but out to the west, with the best of any brightness, we could see temperatures peaking at 12 celsius. now, as we move into tuesday,

this weather front could bring some showery outbreaks of rain into wales and southern england for a time. it's a really messy story on tuesday. there'll be outbreaks of rain drifting their way steadily east, there'll be further drizzle as well a little bit further north. but the far north of scotland could cling onto some sunshine. here, not quite as warm, around 6—8 degrees, but further south, we'll see temperatures peaking at 13 celsius. low pressure will sit to the north by the middle part of the week, and this trailing cold front will introduce the risk of more rain. but the south—westerly winds starting to pick up, the milder air moving in, so despite a lot of cloud around potentially on wednesday, there should be some breaks in the cloud. temperatures will start to rise — highs of 16 degrees. brighter, with a few scattered showers, into the far north and west. so as we move into thursday and friday, weatherfronts will continue to bring the threat of showers or longer spells of rain and some

of the showers could be heavy and thundery, but the wind direction will continue to push this milder air across the country, so temperatures on the rise, particularly in comparison to march so far. so, yes, there is a risk of some showers or some heavier rain from time to time, but it will be mild with it, with highs of 16 celsius.

china wraps up its annual meeting. we'll see what lies ahead for the world's second largest economy. a talks to have a ceasefire. raising prospects of more disruption in the red sea. hello and a warm welcome to asia business report. thank you forjoining me. now, let's begin in china where after a week of meetings, the annual parliamentary gatherings come to an end today. during this year's national people's congress, premier li keqiang promised to turn things around for the economy and set a growth target of 5% for this year — similarto growth target of 5% for this year — similar to last year's goal. law makers pledged to enact new laws that would modernise china's economy. bay ginning has said developing artificial intelligence and other —— beijing said

developing artificial intelligence like robotic