LONG-RANGE MISSILE: Japan’s first long-range missile was deployed at a south-western army camp, officials said today. 

The upgraded type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed and produced by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture.

The missile has a range of about 620 miles, a significant extension from the 125-mile range of the original that would allow it to reach mainland China.

SEARCH AND RESCUE: Indonesian search teams rescued 21 people from a raft this morning, a day after their boat sank in rough seas.

Everyone on board the ship was found safely, said Muhammad Rizal, who heads the search and rescue office in Palu city. 

Rescuers found the survivors, who were mostly fishing crew, on a raft about 29 miles from the place where the boat sank in the northern waters of Taliabu Island.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: The president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, was sworn in for a third term on Monday three months after a disputed general election.

Opposition parties and civil society rejected the results of the election, which the Constitutional Council said that President Touadera won with 77.9 per cent of the vote.

“You have to be a fool to believe that,” said activist Frederic Godoba.

CHINA: China’s factory activity expanded in March, ending two months of contraction, the government said today.

The official manufacturing purchasing managers index rose to 50.4 from 49 in February, the National Bureau of Statistics reported, notching the strongest reading in a year.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index is measured on a scale of 0 to 100 and a reading above 50 indicates expansion.