Xinhua Asia-Pacific News Summary at 0600GMT, Feb. 11

Two Sydney men have been arrested over an alleged terror plot after police suspected a public beheading was being organized, and the men will appear in court later on Wednesday.

News Corporation reported Australia's Joint Counter Terrorism Taskforce arrested the men on Tuesday and seized a hunting knife, flag and other items during a raid on a property.(Australia-Arrest- Terror Plot)

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WELLINGTON -- The New Zealand government Wednesday expressed disappointment at the five-year prison sentence handed down to Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said New Zealand shared the disappointment of other members of the international community about jail term, which followed the rejection of an appeal against a sodomy conviction.(New Zealand-Anwar-Conviction)

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WELLINGTON -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to New Zealand last year has piqued Chinese investor interest in the country, particularly in the tourism sector, according to the new chief of the New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA).

Xi, accompanied by major media coverage, arrived for a short visit in November and signed a number of agreements on bilateral trade and investment, said newly elected NZCTA chairman Martin Thomson.

"His visit was hugely important to relationships, investment and reputation for New Zealand," said Thomson in an e-mail interview with Xinhua.(New Zealand-China-Bilateral Trade)

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CANBERRA -- Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has issued a message for the upcoming Chinese New Year of Sheep, praising Chinese Australians for their contribution to their country.

In the message dated Feb. 5 but made available to media on Wednesday, Abbott said the Sheep "symbolizes success achieved through quiet fortitude", which illustrates the nature of Australia's Chinese community. (Australia-PM-Chinese New Year) Endi