Talks between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chinese leaders have failed to narrow gaps on how to end the crisis in Syria and resolve Beijing's territorial disputes with its smaller neighbours over the South China Sea.

BURMA’S South East Asian neighbours expressed grave concern over the trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but China said it would not interfere in the regime’s affairs.

MYANMAR’S military government yesterday said detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi had not been harmed in last week’s clashes between her supporters and pro-government groups, rejecting rumours she had been injured.

NINE more deaths were reported from SARS in China yesterday as the country's premier warned the deadly virus was going to be a long-term problem.