The opinion poll comes at a time when diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have intensified following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks over Taiwan.

Authorities in China's central Henan province, where the Shaolin Temple is, approved Shi Yongxin's arrest on “suspicion of embezzlement, misappropriating funds and accepting bribes as a non-state employee”, a statement read.

More than 1.7 million Sabahans are set to head to the state polls on Nov 29, with a record-breaking 596 candidates vying for 73 legislative seats.

No damage has been reported but ashfall is expected in parts of Kagoshima and the neighbouring Miyazaki prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Shenzhou-22 is being sent to the Tiangong space station ahead of schedule to put China's manned space program back on track, Chinese state media reported on Saturday (Nov 15).