"xinhua-news-agency"

Biden is expected to make the announcement in coming days, along with choices for other key health posts, including head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, 43 close contacts had been quarantined in designated places and 109 were under observation at home, according to the Harbin epidemic response headquarters.

The first phase of vaccination will be carried out on the groups of people with highest risk of COVID-19 infections.

The United States remains the nation hit the worst by the pandemic, with the world's highest caseload and death toll, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the global deaths.

The Prime Minister also detailed the new measures, which include giving city mayors the option of shutting down busy streets and squares after 9 p.m.

The Russian chief arms control negotiator also noted that Russia would refuse any agreement on the New START that was timed to coincide with the US presidential election.

The total caseload of the top three countries combined accounted for more than half of the global cases, according to the tally.

During the event, newly developed strategic weapons and other military weapons were on display.

China claims sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, which is also claimed in whole or in part by Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.