JAKARTA -- Indonesia's famed resort island of Bali on Sunday welcomed back the first batch of Chinese tourists by charter flight after the Chinese government optimize its COVID-19 rules.

The flight carrying a total of 210 Chinese tourists from China's southern metropolis Shenzhen touched down at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali at 10:40 local time on Sunday. (Indonesia-China-Tourism)

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DHAKA -- The presidential election of Bangladesh will be held by Feb. 23, the Election Commission (EC)'s secretary Md Jahangir Alam said here on Sunday.

He made the announcement at a news conference Sunday evening at his office, saying the incumbent president Abdul Hamid is not to be re-elected for another term, as the country's constitution allows a maximum of two terms for a person in the post. (Bangladesh-Presidential Poll)

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- A Chinese New Year carnival was held on Sunday at New Zealand's famous Takapuna Beach in North Shore Auckland, which attracted thousands of tourists and local families to appreciate cultural performances, lion dances, food and music.

The event was welcomed by local businesses, residents and visitors. (New Zealand-Chinese New Year-Carnival)

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TOKYO -- On the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the iconic Tokyo Tower in the Japanese capital was lit in red to celebrate the traditional festival.

In its fifth run this year, the special illumination event on Saturday was held as a symbol of friendship between China and Japan. (Japan-Chinese Lunar New Year-Tokyo Tower)

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CANBERRA -- Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Sunday that the worst part of the country's inflation crisis was in the past.

Ahead of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releasing consumer price index (CPI) data for the final quarter of 2022 on Wednesday, Chalmers said he was optimistic that price increases would start to moderate in 2023. (Australia-Inflation)