China's foreign exchange reserves rise to 3.209 trln U.S. dollars

China's foreign exchange reserves totaled 3.209 trillion U.S. dollars at the end of January, up by 6.7 billion dollars, or 0.21 percent, compared to the end of December last year, official data showed Friday.

The U.S. dollar index fell while global financial asset prices climbed last month, driven by macroeconomic data from major economies as well as monetary policies and expectations of key central banks, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange said in a statement.

China's foreign exchange reserves rose in January due to the combined effects of factors such as currency translation and changes in asset prices, according to the statement.

The fundamental conditions and long-term trends underpinning China's economic growth remain strong. These factors will continue to support the overall stability of China's foreign exchange reserves, the administration said.

A freight train and a bus collided in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday afternoon, killing at least eight people, local media reported.

At around 15:40, a train collided with a bus at a railway crossing in Ratchathewi District, triggering a fire accompanied by an explosion. Several other cars and motorcycles were also involved.

More than 20 people were injured, according to the Thai transport ministry, as rescuers rushed to the scene to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations.

Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasakulkiat said in an interview with Thai media that the bus had stopped at the railway crossing due to a red light, preventing the railway barrier from lowering. The freight train was too heavy to brake in time, leading to the collision.