Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Jan. 3

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia is expected to make an announcement related to the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, a senior government official said Wednesday.

Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the Malaysian government is still in discussion with U.S. company Ocean Infinity on the search for the missing aircraft. (Malaysia-MH370-Search)

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LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan) -- At least two people were killed and four others injured as a roadside bombing struck a vehicle in Washir district of the southern Helmand province on Wednesday, spokesman for provincial government Omar Zawak said.

"The gruesome incident occurred in Washir district today afternoon killing two commuters on the spot and injuring four others," Zawak told Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Roadside Bombing)

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MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte issued a memo on Wednesday imposing stricter rules on official foreign travels in a bid to curb "extravagant and lavish" trips abroad by government officials and employees.

In a memo signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Duterte's office directed all government officials and personnel "to strictly observe" the new rules. Those official or personnel who will not comply with the new directive could face administrative charges, the memo warned. (Philippines-Foreign Travels-Rules)

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SEOUL -- Top diplomats of South Korea and the United States made a phone call to discuss issues on the Korean Peninsula, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.

South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha had a telephone conversation earlier in the day with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to discuss measures to deal with the nuclear issue and recent situations on the Korean Peninsula. (S. Korea-U.S.-Phone Call) Enditem