Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1645 GMT, March 26

Myanmar military has claimed total control of Kokang region in northeastern Shan state, according to the ruling party's Union Daily on Thursday.

However, heavy engagements between the two sides reportedly continued in the region over the past week almost on a daily basis amid peace talks in Yangon. (Myanmar-Kokang-Control)

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PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan -- Some 10 members of the Taliban insurgent group have surrendered to authorities in northern Afghan province of Baghlan, an official source said on Thursday.

"A 10-member group of Taliban renounced violence and joined the peace and reconciliation process in Jilga district late on Wednesday," District Governor Mohammad Sarwar told Xinhua. ( Afghanistan-Taliban-Surrender)

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NEW DELHI -- Indian police have arrested a suspect in the gang rape of a 72-year-old Catholic Church nun in a breakthrough in investigation of the case, said local media Thursday.

The suspect, identified as Sikander Sheikh alias Salim, was picked up from Nagpada area in south Mumbai Wednesday night by police, said Press Trust of India. (India-Gangrape-Arrest)

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SEOUL -- South Korea on Thursday decided to join the China- proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)as one of prospective founding members, the country's finance ministry said.

The Ministry of Strategy and Finance said in a statement that the South Korean government decided on it after making discussions on the issue among related ministries before sending the decision letter to China. (S.Korea-China-AIIB) Endi