Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China, ASEAN fully complete negotiations on CAFTA 3.0
BEIJING, May 21 — China and the ten ASEAN countries have fully completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), the Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has been well received by the local public and tourists. Today (May 21), the museum welcomed its 5 000 000th visitor since its expansion and reopening in 2019.
To mark this extraordinary moment, the HKMoA arranged a special souvenir – a porcelain plate designed from the museum’s collection – which was presented by the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, and an exclusive guided tour by the Museum Director of the HKMoA, Dr Maria Mok, for the 5 000 000th visitor. The visitor is Anabelle Champagne, a university student and tourist from Canada. It is the first time she and her friend have visited the HKMoA. She is interested in traditional art and she thinks the HKMoA has rich and diverse collections.
With its modern architectural features and rich collections, the HKMoA has become one of Hong Kong’s cultural landmarks and a popular tourist attraction. It has been listed three times among the 100 most popular art museums in the world by the international art publication “The Art Newspaper” in 2022, 2024 and 2025. In 2024, the HKMoA recorded a total of over 1.76 million visitors, with an increase of over 40 per cent compared to 2023. Local visitors, as well as visitors from Mainland China and overseas, each accounted for one-third of the total audience. Among them, one-third had visited the museum more than once, reflecting the HKMoA’s strong appeal as a destination worth revisiting. More than 60 per cent were young visitors under the age of 30.
Established in 1962, the HKMoA is the first public art museum in Hong Kong and the custodian of an art collection of over 19 500 sets of items, representing the unique cultural legacy of Hong Kong’s connections across the globe. By curating a wide world of contrasts, from old to new, Chinese to Western, local to international, with a Hong Kong viewpoint, the museum aspires to refreshing ways of looking at tradition and making art relevant to everyone, creating new experiences and understanding.
The HKMoA will continue to spare no effort in fulfilling its mission, serving as a bridge between Chinese and Western cultures to facilitate Hong Kong’s fulfilment of its positioning as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. For details of the HKMoA’s new exhibitions, please visit the museum’s websites (hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/home.html), Instagram page (www.instagram.com/hkmoa) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hkmoa).
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SHANGHAI, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today published its unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2025 (the “Interim Financial Statements”) and a supplemental discussion titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for the corresponding periods (the “MD&A”).
Please refer to the Inside Information on Additional Disclosures and Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements dated May 21, 2025 published on the websites of the HKEX at https://www.hkexnews.hk/index.htm.
About Bilibili Inc.
Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.
For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Bilibili Inc.
Juliet Yang
Tel: -86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
Email: ir@bilibili.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: -86-10-6508-0677
Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: -1-212-481-2050
Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SHANGHAI, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced the proposed offering (the “Notes Offering”) of US$500 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Notes”), subject to market conditions and other factors, only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company intends to grant the initial purchasers in the Notes Offering an option to purchase up to an additional US$75 million principal amount of the Notes, exercisable for settlement within a 30-day period beginning on, and including, the date on which the Notes are first issued.
The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to enhance its content ecosystem to facilitate user growth, facilitate IP asset creation, and unleash its inherent potential. The Company also plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to improve its overall monetization efficiency, fund the Concurrent Repurchase (as defined below), fund future repurchases (from time to time) under its share repurchase program, and for other general corporate purposes.
When issued, the Notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of the Company. The Notes will mature on June 1, 2030, unless repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Holders may convert their Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the seventh scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, the Company will cause to be delivered the Company’s Class Z ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share. Holders may elect to receive the Company’s American depositary shares (“ADS”), each representing one Class Z ordinary share, in lieu of Class Z ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion, subject to certain procedures and conditions set forth in the terms of the notes. The interest rate, initial conversion rate and other terms of the Notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the Notes.
The Company may redeem for cash all or any part of the Notes on or after June 6, 2028 if the last reported sale price of the Class Z ordinary shares has been at least 130% of the conversion price for the Notes then in effect for at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during any 30 consecutive trading day period preceding the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company provides notice of redemption (the “Optional Redemption”). In addition, the Company may redeem for cash all but not part of the Notes at any time if less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued remains outstanding at such time (the “Cleanup Redemption”). The Company may also redeem the Notes upon the occurrence of certain tax-related events (the “Tax Redemption”). Holders of the Notes may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes in cash on June 1, 2028, or in the event of certain fundamental changes. In connection with certain corporate events or if the Company issues a notice of Optional Redemption, Cleanup Redemption or Tax Redemption, it will, under certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for holders who elect to convert their Notes in connection with such corporate event or such Optional Redemption, Cleanup Redemption or Tax Redemption.
Concurrently with the Notes Offering, a certain number of the Company’s Class Z ordinary shares are proposed to be borrowed from third parties and offered in a separate underwritten offering by Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. and Morgan Stanley Asia Limited (the “Underwriters”), each acting severally on behalf of itself and/or its respective affiliates (the “Concurrent Delta Offering”). The Underwriters will use the resulting short position to facilitate hedging transactions by certain investors subscribing for the Notes, who employ a convertible arbitrage strategy (the “Convertible Arbitrage Investors”). The Company has been advised that each Underwriter is concurrently entering into privately negotiated derivative transactions relating to the Class Z ordinary shares, enabling Convertible Arbitrage Investors to establish their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes. The number of Class Z ordinary shares subject to the Concurrent Delta Offering will be determined at the time of pricing of the Concurrent Delta Offering, and is expected to generally correspond to such initial short positions of the Convertible Arbitrage Investors. No new Class Z ordinary shares will be issued in the Concurrent Delta Offering. Any securities sold in the Concurrent Delta Offering will be offered and sold through a concurrent SEC-registered offering pursuant to a separate prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Concurrent Delta Offering. The Notes Offering and the Concurrent Delta Offering are contingent upon each other.
The Company also intends to purchase a number of its Class Z ordinary shares offered in the Concurrent Delta Offering for an amount expected to be up to US$100 million at the offering price (the “Concurrent Repurchase”) pursuant to its existing share repurchase program.
The Company will use part of the proceeds from the Notes Offering for the Concurrent Repurchase. The Concurrent Repurchase enables investors to establish some of their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes and reflects the Company’s confidence in its long-term strategy and growth. The repurchased shares will be cancelled. It is generally expected that the Concurrent Repurchase will help offset some of the potential dilution for the Company’s shareholders upon conversion of the Notes.
Other Matters
The Notes, the Class Z ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Notes or the ADSs deliverable in lieu thereof, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws. They may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons, except in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any of these securities, nor shall there be a sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.
This press release contains information about the pending Notes Offering, and there can be no assurance that the Notes Offering will be completed.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the terms of the Notes, whether the Company will complete the Notes Offering, a description of various hedging activities, and statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, contain forward-looking statements. Bilibili may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: results of operations, financial condition, and stock price; Bilibili’s strategies; Bilibili’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Bilibili’s ability to retain and increase the number of users, members and advertising customers, provide quality content, products and services, and expand its product and service offerings; competition in the online entertainment industry; Bilibili’s ability to maintain its culture and brand image within its addressable user communities; Bilibili’s ability to manage its costs and expenses; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the online entertainment industry, general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
About Bilibili Inc.
Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.
For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Bilibili Inc.
Juliet Yang
Tel: -86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
Email: ir@bilibili.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: -86-10-6508-0677
Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: -1-212-481-2050
Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SHANGHAI, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced a separate SEC-registered underwritten offering of its Class Z ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share (the “Concurrent Delta Offering”).
Concurrently with such offering, the Company announced the proposed offering (the “Notes Offering”) of US$500 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The proposed Notes Offering is subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company intends to grant the initial purchasers in the Notes Offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional US$75 million in principal amount of the Notes. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to enhance its content ecosystem to facilitate user growth, facilitate IP asset creation, and unleash its inherent potential. The Company also plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to improve its overall monetization efficiency, fund the Concurrent Repurchase (as defined below), fund future repurchases (from time to time) under its share repurchase program, and for other general corporate purposes.
In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company announced the Concurrent Delta Offering, under which certain number of the Company’s Class Z ordinary shares are proposed to be borrowed from third parties and offered in a separate underwritten offering by Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. and Morgan Stanley Asia Limited (the “Underwriters”), each acting severally on behalf of itself and/or its respective affiliates. The Underwriters will use the resulting short position to facilitate hedging transactions by certain investors subscribing for the Notes, who employ a convertible arbitrage strategy (the “Convertible Arbitrage Investors”). The Company has been advised that each Underwriter is concurrently entering into privately negotiated derivative transactions relating to the Class Z ordinary shares, enabling Convertible Arbitrage Investors to establish their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes. The number of Class Z ordinary shares subject to the Concurrent Delta Offering will be determined at the time of pricing of the Concurrent Delta Offering, and is expected to generally correspond to such initial short positions of the Convertible Arbitrage Investors. No new Class Z ordinary shares will be issued in the Concurrent Delta Offering. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Concurrent Delta Offering. The Notes Offering and the Concurrent Delta Offering are contingent upon each other.
In addition, the Company intends to purchase a number of its Class Z ordinary shares offered in the Concurrent Delta Offering for an amount expected to be up to US$100 million at the offering price (the “Concurrent Repurchase”) pursuant to its existing share repurchase program.
The Company will use part of the proceeds from the Notes Offering for the Concurrent Repurchase. The Concurrent Repurchase enables investors to establish some of their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes and reflects the Company’s confidence in its long-term strategy and growth. The repurchased shares will be cancelled.
The Company has filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (including a prospectus) with the SEC. The Concurrent Delta Offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Concurrent Delta Offering. You may obtain these documents by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, a copy of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: Prospectus-ny@ny.email@gs.com, Telephone: 1 (866) 471-2526; or Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: prospectus@morganstanley.com, Telephone: 1 (866) 718-1649.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any of these securities, nor shall there be a sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.
This press release contains information about the pending Concurrent Delta Offering and Concurrent Repurchase, and there can be no assurance that the Concurrent Delta Offering and Concurrent Repurchase will be completed.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the terms of the Notes, whether the Company will complete the Notes Offering, whether the Concurrent Delta Offering and/or Concurrent Repurchase will be completed, a description of various hedging activities, and statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, contain forward-looking statements. Bilibili may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: results of operations, financial condition, and stock price; Bilibili’s strategies; Bilibili’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Bilibili’s ability to retain and increase the number of users, members and advertising customers, provide quality content, products and services, and expand its product and service offerings; competition in the online entertainment industry; Bilibili’s ability to maintain its culture and brand image within its addressable user communities; Bilibili’s ability to manage its costs and expenses; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the online entertainment industry, general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
About Bilibili Inc.
Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.
For more information, please visit: http:/ir.bilibili.com.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Bilibili Inc.
Juliet Yang
Tel: -86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
Email: ir@bilibili.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: -86-10-6508-0677
Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: -1-212-481-2050
Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tokyo stocks closed lower on Wednesday as investors sold off positions ahead of the upcoming Japan-U.S. finance ministers’ meeting.
A stronger yen, which briefly rose to the mid-143 range against the U.S. dollar, added downward pressure.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 37,298.98, down 230.51 points, or 0.61 percent, from the previous trading day.
Market participants were cautious amid speculation that the United States might call for corrective measures against the weak yen. As the yen strengthened further in the afternoon, selling intensified in Nikkei futures, widening the index’s decline.
The broader TOPIX index also declined, ending 5.95 points lower, or 0.22 percent, at 2,732.88.
Of the listed stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, declining stocks numbered 816, while 747 rose and 69 remained flat.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — A train loaded with 1,610 tons of feed wheat flour arrived from Almaty to Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province, on Tuesday.
This batch of flour will be delivered to local feed factories. Let us recall that the special train delivered agricultural products from Central Asia to Hubei Province for the first time, writes the Changjiang Ribao newspaper /Yangtze Daily/.
To meet Hubei Province’s demand for feed raw materials, in recent years, regular China-Europe/Central Asia railway services have opened routes linking the province with cities in Kazakhstan, including Uralsk and Kokshetau.
Currently, textiles, electronic products, automobiles and other goods are shipped from Hubei to Central Asia. At the same time, a warehouse for goods from Kazakhstan’s Turkestan region has been established in Wuhan.
Two more freight trains carrying agricultural products are expected to leave Kazakhstan for Wuhan by the end of this month. The volume of such products imported from Central Asia to Hubei will exceed 500,000 tons per year.
According to statistics, Wuhan’s Wujiashan Station has handled a total of 293 China-Europe/Central Asia freight trains since the beginning of this year. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TAIYUAN, May 21 (Xinhua) — A warm front sweeping across northern China has prompted local authorities to sound a high-temperature alert and take measures to secure water supplies and guard against diseases and pests.
The National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued a yellow alert for high temperatures on Wednesday, warning that temperatures could rise above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan and Hubei provinces. China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red being the highest, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
This is a critical period for most winter wheat in Shanxi Province, which is at its peak of maturity. During this period, hot, dry winds can disrupt this process and affect the yield of this crop.
Yuncheng City, one of the province’s major winter wheat producing regions, has taken a series of measures to combat drought and ensure a stable summer grain harvest. Technicians are using UAVs equipped with devices to monitor field conditions, leaf and soil moisture levels, to ensure efficient irrigation.
Efforts to protect the wheat crop have also been stepped up in Hebei Province. Emergency teams, including students and teachers from China Agricultural University and local agricultural officials, are helping farmers use light-duty spot irrigation techniques to effectively water their crops.
Shaanxi Province has prepared emergency water supply plans tailored to the current drought and water conditions to ensure safe drinking water for residents. Local authorities are also closely monitoring reservoir levels and optimizing distribution plans.
The period of high temperatures is expected to be prolonged, intense and widespread, with the current heatwave expected to continue until Thursday, said NMC chief forecaster Chen Tao. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LONDON, May 21 (Xinhua) — The British government on Tuesday announced 100 new sanctions against Russia’s military, energy, financial sectors and those conducting information operations against Ukraine.
London said it was also working to lower the $60-a-barrel oil price ceiling, which would further limit Russian oil revenues.
On the same day, the European Union approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The EU is trying to increase pressure on Russia to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine.
In response to the sanctions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Russia never bows its head to ultimatums. It is obvious that Europe wants to rearm Ukraine to continue the war, she added. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The organizers of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) unveiled posters, jury lineup and select highlights for the upcoming festival at a press conference in Beijing on May 20.
Organizers brief media at a press conference for the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) and the 30th Shanghai TV Festival (STVF), Beijing, May 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
Pan Min, director of the Shanghai Film Bureau, announced that renowned Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore will lead the jury for the main competition of the Golden Goblet Awards. Joining him are Argentine screenwriter-director Iván Fund, Chinese actor-director Huang Bo, Greek producer Thanassis Karathanos, Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao, Chinese director Yang Lina and Chinese actress Yong Mei.
Pan revealed that the Golden Goblet Awards this year received a record 3,900-plus film submissions from 119 countries and regions across five competition categories. Submissions included over 2,800 competition entries, with notable growth from the Americas and Africa, as well as an 18% rise in short film submissions.
As an internationally influential film festival, SIFF has long been a prominent platform for showcasing Chinese-language cinema and a vital arena for promotion and distribution. Approximately 60 Chinese films, including competition nominees, new releases and beloved classics, will be featured this year.
A promotional image showing Golden Goblet Awards jury members for the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
This year’s SIFF has refined its screening sections to broaden its perspectives, Pan said. For example, the new “Master Duo” format will honor two film masters together, while the Asia Now section will highlight regional cinema with a “Filmmaker in Focus” program. Other additions include the “UK Focus” program in the Contemporary World Cinema section and “Amplify” under the Spectrum section for outstanding genre films worldwide.
The festival’s Film Panorama screening schedule will be announced June 3, with tickets going on sale on June 5 through major ticketing platforms Damai and Taopiaopiao. The opening film, “She’s Got No Name,” directed by Peter Chan, will have a special citywide screening after the opening ceremony on the evening of June 14 at more than 100 cinemas across Shanghai. The day before the press conference, a selection of the films to be screened during the festival were revealed, including IMAX showings of “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” “The Brutalist” and “Nosferatu.”
Running June 13-22, this year’s SIFF marks both the 130th anniversary of world cinema and 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. The opening session, themed “Era of Splendor: Dreams Ignite New Journeys,” celebrates Chinese cinema’s achievements over the past 120 years while inspiring new creative journeys. The Film Panorama will feature a special section titled “Resonance: A Brief Encounter of Chinese and World Cinema,” showcasing iconic global films to highlight cinematic exchange between China and the wider world.
Building on the success of the Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance initiated by SIFF, this year’s Belt and Road Film Week will incorporate forums and other events. Selected films recommended by alliance members will also be screened across the Yangtze River Delta, with Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Hefei joining Shanghai in showcasing these works.
A poster for the opening film “She’s Got No Name” directed by Peter Chan. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
Organizers noted that 2025 also marks several significant diplomatic anniversaries — 50 years of China-EU relations, 55 years of China-Italy ties and 50 years of China-Thailand relations — bringing increased European and Southeast Asian film engagement through exhibitions, screenings and co-productions. The Film Panorama will host an Italian Film Week, showcasing over 20 Italian cinematic classics across nearly 100 screenings, from “Rome, Open City” to “Cinema Paradiso.”
The festival continues to develop its “6+1” tiered talent nurturing framework. The fourth SIFF Young adds producer roles, while SIFF Project’s new Genre Films category attracted more than 530 submissions. The upgraded SIFF ING focuses on new technologies and formats, featuring special tracks for AIGC and vertical-screen formats to support emerging talent, attracting more than 3,600 submissions. For the first time in 21 years, the Asian New Talent Awards will be officially combined with the Golden Goblet Awards.
Four official posters inspired by Shanghai’s architecture and culture for the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
SIFF, under the guidance of China Film Administration and co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the Shanghai Municipal Government, will organize 10 to 12 SIFForum sessions and two to four MasterClass sessions. These will cover technological innovation, international cooperation, literary adaptations and IP commercialization, with the aim of exploring new pathways for Chinese cinema’s high-quality development.
In addition, the film festival will be followed by the 30th Shanghai TV Festival (STVF) running from June 23-27, organized by the National Radio and Television Administration, CMG, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. Events include an Ultra HD productions showcase, thematic forums, and a joint International Film & TV Market with SIFF. The International TV Showcase will feature award-winning global programs, while a BBC partnership will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The festival’s prestigious Magnolia Awards will honor top productions, having received nearly 1,000 entries from 43 countries and regions, including submissions from the BBC, Sony, HBO, Warner Bros. and Disney.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The opening ceremony of the 44th Young Designers’ Exhibition (YODEX) 2025, was held on May 9 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2, Mr. Chin-Tsang Ho, the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Economic Affairs and other distinguished guests are officially opening the events. The exhibition, running from May 9 (Friday) to May 12 (Monday), is jointly guided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), and organized by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), and executed by the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI).
With the theme “Preferred Future”, YODEX 2025 presents a rich woven tapestry of perspectives on future living through the lens of design. This year’ s events feature participation from 59 domestic schools, 122 departments, nearly 10,000 young designers, and approximately 3,500 design works. Additionally, 10 schools from seven countries- including the United States, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, India, and Australia-have joined the showcase. The event also highlights the outcomes of 11 industry-academia cooperation projects, emphasizing the interwoven synergy between design talents and industry. The public is warmly invited to experience firsthand the bold yet pragmatical imagination and creativity of Taiwan’ s next generation of designers.
Beyond an exhibition, YODEX is also a key platform for industry-academia cooperation and a talent pipeline for enterprises seeking outstanding creatives. This year’ s YODEX Industry-Academia Collaboration Program features participation from seven companies and institutions-including Gamania Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd., FAMICA INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD., and the NEW TAIPEI CITY DESIGN CENTER-under the themes of “Future Education”, “Future Health”, and “Future Entertainment”. A total of 365 student teams submitted proposals, with 19 teams selected for six months of co-creation with industry partners.
To promote regional talent development, this year also witnessed the expansion of YODEX Industry-Academia Cooperation, with four companies-YEE CHAIN INTERNATIONAL CO., Ltd., Tair Chu Enterprise Co, Ltd, KENDA RUBBER INDUSTRIAL Co.,Ltd. and SLICETHINNER MANUFACTURING COMPANY Ltd.-partnering with nine universities. A total of 105 students worked on solutions tailored to local industry needs, encouraging local employment and retention of design talent.
This year’ s upgraded Professional Day features cross-disciplinary professionals, student pitch sessions, and corresponding matchmaking. A record of 14 industry forums cover topics like IP licensing, packaging, education, sustainability, and tech, deepening industry-academia collaboration.
The 2025 44th Young Designers’ Exhibition gathers Taiwan’s design schools and industry resources to explore the future of design. Through cross-disciplinary collaborations and international exchanges, it showcases diverse aspects of design education and practice. Welcome to this events from May 9 to May 12 to eyewitness how the young designers creatively imagine and project the issues like environment, technology, and humanity while exploring the possible future living.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The first port and terminal standardization subcommittee under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was officially established in China on Tuesday, with its secretariat hosted by the country, the Ministry of Transport has announced.
The subcommittee, approved by the ISO, is established under the ISO Technical Committee for Ships and Marine Technology. It is the first ISO technical body in the port sector initiated by the ministry.
The newly established subcommittee will promote global “hard connectivity” of port infrastructure and “soft connectivity” of rules and standards, said Xu Wenqiang, director of the ministry’s science and technology department, at a press conference.
The subcommittee will focus on leading global green and intelligent development in port operations, system construction, and technology applications, with 23 participating members and 27 observing members.
Ports and terminals serve as crucial logistics nodes for maintaining stable global supply chains. Standardization plays a vital role in enhancing their competitiveness and modernizing governance systems.
Since last year, the ISO has visited Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao and other locations in China, highly commending the country’s achievements in port and terminal standardization.
In terms of port infrastructure, China’s coastal ports lead the world in overall scale. Chinese ports hold eight and six positions respectively among the global top ten ports by cargo throughput and container throughput. In port intelligence development, China ranks first worldwide in both completed and under-construction automated terminals. The world record for container handling efficiency at automated terminals has also been set and maintained by Chinese ports.
Through continuous innovation, China has developed advanced technical achievements in port construction and operation, particularly in terminal guidelines, operational requirements and green development, creating a standard system characterized by safety, sustainability, intelligence and efficiency, said Xu.
The establishment of this subcommittee marks a solid step forward in global port standardization, injecting strong momentum into building an efficient, safe and sustainable global shipping network, said Li Ying, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Crowds gathered at the Hokkaido booth during the 34th Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair, drawn by live demonstrations of handcrafted rice balls and an array of regional delicacies from the northern Japanese prefecture.
“This year, 14 Hokkaido-based enterprises are showcasing 36 specialty products, with 12 companies and 34 products making their debut at the fair,” said Takayuki Kano, Vice Governor of Hokkaido, expressing hopes that the event would help Hokkaido businesses secure local distributors and expand their footprint across China.
Held in Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, this year’s fair, which concluded on Wednesday, attracted over 1,500 enterprises from 38 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan and Switzerland, alongside participants from 23 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.
During the fair, foreign officials and corporate representatives highlighted Heilongjiang’s growing appeal as an investment destination and pledged to deepen their engagement with the Chinese market.
Jonathan Pauwels, director of product development and branding for agricultural equipment manufacturer Case IH’s Asia-Pacific division, spoke about his company’s more-than-two-decade journey in the region.
“We established our first factory in Harbin as early as 1999 and set up an agricultural machinery product development and research center in 2013. Over the past decade, we have continuously invested approximately 1 billion yuan (about 139 million U.S. dollars) in Heilongjiang to promote smart manufacturing. Now, many of our new agricultural machinery products have been introduced to the entire Chinese market,” he said.
With 40 global production facilities and 49 R&D centers, Case IH plans to expand its investments in Heilongjiang over the next five years by localizing components, developing advanced combine harvesters, and expanding exports from its Harbin base, according to Pauwels.
Cao Jingheng, senior vice president of Nestle Greater China, attributed the renewed confidence of foreign companies to Heilongjiang’s “revitalization through opening up” strategy. The province’s fertile black soil, premium dairy pastures, and business-friendly policies prompted Nestle to establish its first Chinese mainland factory in Harbin’s Shuangcheng district in 1987. To date, the Swiss conglomerate has invested 3 billion yuan in the province, supporting 33,000 dairy households and creating 10,000 jobs.
“China is now Nestle’s second-largest global market. We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation with Heilongjiang by introducing Swiss technologies and managerial experience, while bringing more premium local products to international markets,” Cao said.
The fair also attracted new entrants like Canadian athletic apparel brand Lululemon. Since opening its first store in Heilongjiang in 2022, sales have surged, according to Kang Tai, the company’s general manager of government affairs.
“We are confident about our development in Heilongjiang and plan to expand our presence and collaborate with the province to promote winter sports development,” Kang said.
Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized China’s enduring appeal to global investors, adding that the fair and the concurrent events serve as a vital platform for international businesses to explore opportunities in Heilongjiang and beyond.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CHANGCHUN, May 21 (Xinhua) — Early in the morning, Maria Zaitseva, a tourist from Vladivostok, arrived in China through the Hunchun border crossing, once again setting off on her familiar and favorite journey.
Arriving in Hunchun City, Jilin Province, she headed straight to the mall, took out her shopping list from her bag, and started shopping. Electronics, seasonal clothing, daily necessities… the wide range of products to choose from and the friendly service of the salespeople delighted her.
The city of Hunchun /Jilin Province, Northeast China/ is located at the junction of the state borders of China, Russia and the DPRK. In recent years, Hunchun has attracted more and more Russian tourists due to its convenient location, simplified entry rules and a variety of services.
“As far as I know, the hashtag ChinaTravel /travel to China/ is very popular now and I noticed that such a trend as ChinaShopping /shopping in China/ has begun to attract the attention of our compatriots. Hunchun is our very first and convenient stop for a shopping tour in China,” said Maria.
In Hunchun, many road signs and signboards are duplicated in Russian, and some stores accept payments in rubles, making shopping easier for Russian tourists.
“Good quality and good price!” Maria commented on a pair of Chinese-made sunglasses she bought in Hunchun. “After the discount, the glasses cost less than 300 yuan,” she added.
At the request of her friends, Maria is also ready to buy several Chinese-made power banks. “I heard that a new, smaller and more fashionable battery has appeared, and my friend asked me to buy one,” she said.
Like Maria, many Russian tourists plan to buy Chinese-made goods, especially those essentials that combine fashionable design and affordable prices.
Li Wenlong, the owner of an eyeglass shop in Hunchun, communicates fluently in Russian with Russian customers.
“Myopia glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses – we can receive hundreds of Russian tourists a day,” Li Wenlong said, noting that “we often put frames on the shelves that are suitable for European-type appearance, particularly for Russians, as well as popular frame shapes that they like.”
“My feeling about shopping in China is that there is a lot of choice and it is very convenient,” said Svetlana Kapitsyna, a Russian who has lived in Hunchun for a long time. She has become accustomed to paying for purchases using her mobile phone.
“You can pay by scanning or touching, and it’s very safe and secure,” Svetlana said.
In recent years, the cross-border e-commerce sector in Hunchun has developed rapidly, and many Russian tourists can buy Chinese goods through e-commerce platforms.
Song Xueyan, manager of Yutong International Travel Agency in Hunchun, said many Russian tourists place orders on Chinese e-commerce platforms in advance and arrange for the purchased goods to be delivered by mail to the hotels in Hunchun where they will be staying, or ask Chinese friends to help them pick them up.
According to customs data, by the end of 2024, 667 thousand people crossed the state border through the Hunchun checkpoint.
“With China’s continuous optimization of visa-free entry, transportation, payment and VAT refund policies when leaving the country, the popularity of ChinaShopping is rapidly growing, especially in border cities such as Hunchun,” Li Wenlong said.
“As tour operators, we will continue to improve the quality of our services, closely monitor market demand and constantly improve our business models to provide Russian tourists with a more convenient, diverse and safe shopping experience,” he added. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LOS ANGELES, May 21 (Xinhua) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will not attend the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ meeting in South Africa.
“We decided not to participate in the G20 meetings this year hosted by South Africa, either at the Foreign Ministry level or at the presidential level, and that had a lot to do with some of these issues that they had on their agenda that we don’t think reflect the priorities of this administration,” he told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.
Relations between South Africa and the United States have deteriorated since the African country’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an expropriation law in January. In March, the United States expelled South Africa’s then-ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, further straining tensions.
Ramaphosa is currently visiting the United States and is scheduled to meet with Trump on trade and bilateral issues. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MEXICO CITY, May 21 (Xinhua) — A New York pilot was steering the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtemoc when its masts crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, killing two cadets and injuring more than 20 crew members, the Mexican Navy confirmed on Tuesday.
According to international rules, when foreign ships pass under the Brooklyn Bridge, the local government appoints a specialized pilot, Mexican Navy Minister Raimundo Pedro Morales explained at a daily morning press conference.
“In New York, in particular, a vessel must be operated by a specialized port pilot from the state government. All maneuvers that the vessel performed, from leaving the berth to the collision, took place under the control of the pilot,” he said.
“At this point, we cannot say whether the pilot used the means available correctly. We can only say that he had little time to do so, since the distance from the pier to the bridge was very short,” added R. Pedro Morales.
The training ship, which had more than 180 people on board, was preparing to sail to Iceland as part of a training mission, the minister said.
“The US Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard and insurance experts will determine the causes /of the incident/ and the extent of liability of the parties,” said R. Pedro Morales, adding that it will take about 30 days to prepare a preliminary report.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum paid tribute to the victims, highlighting their achievements in science and military affairs.
A Mexican Navy sailing vessel making a holiday visit to New York collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two people and injuring more than 20 others. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday described the U.S. attempt to impose a global ban on advanced Chinese computer chips as a typical act of “unilateral bullying and protectionism” that seriously undermines global semiconductor production and supply chains.
The Chinese side took into account that the US Department of Commerce recently issued a guideline that, under the pretext of so-called “violations of US export controls,” was intended to impose a ban on the use of advanced Chinese computer chips, including Huawei Ascend-specific chips, worldwide, an official representative of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.
The move by the United States deprives other countries of the right to develop advanced computer chips and high-tech industries such as artificial intelligence, a statement from a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce said.
By abusing export controls to contain and oppress China, the United States violates international law and basic norms of international relations, seriously harms the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and harms China’s development interests, the official said.
The Chinese side draws special attention to the fact that such measures by the United States may constitute restrictions of a discriminatory nature against Chinese companies. And any organizations and individuals who implement or assist in the implementation of these measures will certainly be held legally liable on suspicion of violating Chinese laws and regulations, the Ministry of Commerce warned.
As the official representative of the department noted, innovative development and mutually beneficial cooperation are the dominant global trends. The Chinese side urges the United States to immediately correct its erroneous actions, comply with international trade and economic rules, and respect the right of other countries to scientific and technological development, the official representative emphasized.
The Chinese side will closely monitor the development of the situation regarding the US measures and take decisive measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests, the official representative added. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHANGHAI, May 21 (Xinhua) — China’s pizza market is expected to exceed 100 billion yuan (about 13.9 billion U.S. dollars) in the next five years, with growth driven mainly by smaller cities, according to an industry report released at the ongoing SIAL Shanghai international food expo.
In 2024-2025, the market size is expected to grow from 48 billion to 60.8 billion yuan. By the end of March 2025, there were more than 60 thousand pizzerias in China.
In terms of the growth rate of the pizzeria chain for the period from 2016 to 2022, cities of the third and lower levels surpassed cities of the first category – the growth was 10 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively. In the period from 2025 to 2027, another 15 thousand pizzerias are expected to open.
Notably, in 2022, the online segment’s share in the Chinese pizza market surpassed the offline sales share for the first time, reaching 58.1 percent. The online segment will continue to expand in the coming years, the report notes.
Pizza arrived in mainland China in 1990, when the country’s first foreign-invested pizzeria opened. Initially considered a Western dish reserved for upper-class cities, pizza has gained widespread popularity in the decades since.
Analysts attribute the market expansion to the active introduction of takeaway services, increased consumer spending in smaller cities and growing demand for pizza options tailored to local tastes.
However, the report notes that the density of pizzerias in China is still low compared to other countries. As of 2022, China had 11.7 such establishments per million people, compared to 232.4 in the United States, and compared to Japan and the Republic of Korea, it is only a third of those countries. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) — China’s courier sector handled 16.32 billion parcels in April 2025, up 19.1 percent year on year, the State Post Administration said Tuesday.
The sector’s total operating revenue rose 10.8 percent year-on-year to 121.28 billion yuan (about $16.86 billion), the department said last month.
In the first four months of this year, China’s courier sector handled a total of 61.45 billion parcels, up 20.9 percent year-on-year.
According to the aforementioned department, the sector’s revenue from January to April was 466.91 billion yuan, up 10.9 percent year-on-year. -0-
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Frankie Yick and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):
Question:
There are views pointing out that although the United States (“US”) has seen its ranking as Hong Kong’s major important trading partner decline in recent years, the imposition of high tariffs on Hong Kong goods and the elimination of the duty-free de minimis treatment for small parcels continue to have a significant impact on Hong Kong’s freight and logistics sector. Members of the sector have predicted that the US tariff trade war against China will lead to a sustained decline in Hong Kong’s freight volumes and could trigger an immediate supply chain disruption crisis, and the measures taken under the five major strategies as indicated earlier on by the Secretary of Transport and Logistics will be difficult to see results in the short term. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has assessed the specific impact of the tariff trade wars launched by US to date on Hong Kong’s freight and logistics sector (including sea, land, and air transport);
(2) in order to make up for the shortfall resulting from the loss of the US market and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a regional logistics hub, of the short-term measures taken by the authorities to assist the logistics sector in accelerating the development of new markets; and
(3) in response to cash flow problems faced by logistics companies due to shipment delays or cancellations caused by the tariff trade wars, of the support measures put in place by the Government, such as the consideration of providing low-interest loans to these companies to address their immediate needs?
Reply:
President,
Hong Kong has long supported and upheld the multilateral trading system. The imposition of tariffs and other trade protectionist measures by certain countries not only disregards Hong Kong’s status as a free port with zero tariffs, but also damages the global multilateral trading system. Such measures disrupt global supply chains, harming all parties involved including the implementing countries themselves.
As previously announced by the Chief Executive, in response to the relevant developments, the Government will strengthen its strategy in seven areas, including to fully seize the opportunities in our country, China’s development, and actively integrate into the national development; to strengthen international exchanges and deepen regional ties and co-operation; to accelerate industrial transformation; to intensify efforts to develop technological innovation; to vigorously advance international financial co-operation; to proactively attract foreign companies and capital to establish in Hong Kong; and to provide various support to help Hong Kong enterprises.
Having consulted the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), our reply to the Hon Frankie Yick’s question is as follows:
(1) Hong Kong recorded a 3.2 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo volume in thefirst quarter of 2024, reaching 1.16 million tonnes. Container throughput of our port also grew by 2.7 per cent year-on-year to approximately 3.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units. The observed growth in cargo volumes is believed to be attributable to shippers’ urgency to ship goods ahead of the anticipated implementation of reciprocal tariffs. Recently, our country and the United States (US) have reached a provisional agreement to reduce bilateral tariffs for 90 days. It is expected that shippers will maximise shipments during this window. However, it is expected such volume growth is unlikely to be sustained. In fact, the negative impact of the reckless imposition of tariffs by the US on global trade will be far-reaching. The overall global trade volume is expected to fall, and the logistics industry will inevitably be affected.
(2) In light of the new international trade environment, we must make preparations to avoid and mitigate risks while seizing new opportunities arising from the changing landscape. To this end, the Transport and Logistics Bureau will closely monitor developments, maintain proactive engagement with the trade, and lead Hong Kong’s logistics sector to cope with challenges by adopting five major strategies.
Firstly, we will explore emerging markets including the Middle East and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), while continuing our collaboration with the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL) to promote Hong Kong’s logistics advantages by conducting promotional visits to and exploring other markets along the “Belt and Road”. Secondly, we will strengthen collaboration with ports located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and establish a comprehensive “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal transport system, thereby developing new cargo sources. Thirdly, we are actively studying the exemption of the import and export licence requirements for certain products to attract more transhipment cargoes. Fourthly, we will deepen international port and shipping co-operation by pursuing digitalisation and green and smart transformation of our port to enhance Hong Kong’s port competitiveness. Fifthly, we will further expand Hong Kong’s maritime and aviation networks to diversify our markets and reduce reliance on the US market.
(3) The HKSAR Government has been assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in addressing challenges and maintaining competiveness amid a complicated and ever-changing economic environment through various funding schemes and support measures. As regards alleviating cash flow pressure, the Government has kept on enhancing the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) so as to meet the financing needs of SMEs during the economic downturn. Borrowing enterprises under the SFGS (including enterprises in the logistics sector) are now allowed to apply for principal moratorium arrangement for up to 12 months (the application period will last until November 17, 2025), and the maximum loan guarantee periods of the 80% and 90% Guarantee Products be extended to ten years and eight years respectively. At the same time, the partial principal repayment options will be offered to new loans so as to provide more repayment flexibility.
The HKMA, together with the banking sector, introduced in April 2025 additional support measures to further assist SMEs in obtaining bank financing and in their upgrade and transformation. In addition, all the 18 participating banks in the Taskforce on SME Lending have reaffirmed their commitment to actively implementing the “9+5” SME support measures launched by the HKMA and the banking sector in 2024. Referencing the principles under the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme, the banking sector will continue offering flexible repayment arrangements and deferment of repayment period. The total amount of dedicated funds for SMEs set aside by these banks in their loan portfolio has increased from $370 billion in October 2024 to more than $390 billion at present.
As regards export credit insurance, further to the 2024 Policy Address initiative on increasing the maximum indemnity percentage of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) to 95 per cent, ECIC already launched three more support measures on April 10, 2025, including extending the free pre-shipment cover for holders of the Small Business Policy (SBP); offering a 50 per cent discount on pre-shipment risks to cover premiums for non-SBP holders; and aligning the premium rates for new markets with those for traditional markets to assist exporters in tapping into the new markets. ECIC will also provide 20 additional free credit assessment service on the buyers in the Mainland, ASEAN and Middle East, collaborate with various financial institutions to provide financing support for e-commerce, and providing credit insurance for export services relating to multinational supply chain to support Hong Kong export trade.
Thank you, President.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The 2025 Young Pin Design Award, jointly supervised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), and organized by the Industrial Development Administration ,MOEA , and executed by the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI) and Good Design Association has officially revealed the winners at the awards ceremony ,held on May 11 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2.
The award ceremony honors the emerging talents, who have presented outstanding creativity and execution across various design fields and providing a platform for Taiwan’s next-generation designers to electrify their design creativities.
This year’s contest received an impressive 4,862 entries from 122 departments across 59 universities in Taiwan. Following the preliminary selection, a jury composed of experts from academia, industry, and design practices has selected entries that stood out for their innovation, design execution, and market potential. A total of 644 projects were shortlisted from 4,862 entries and awarded the “Young Pin Design Award Finalist”. Among selected 664 projects, 127 design works stood out in the final selection and were awarded across 9 categories, including 60 “Young Pin Design Awards”, 3 “Young Pin Special Awards for Circular Design”, 3 “Special Awards for Packaging Design”, 52 “Young PinSponsor Awards”, as well as 9 “Best of Young Pin Design Awards”, the highest prize from the jury.
For the full list of 2025 Young Pin Design Award winners, please visit the official Golden Pin Design Award website: https://www.goldenpin.org.tw/zh-TW
Source: Peoples Bank of China
Announcement on Open Market Operations No.95 [2025]
(Open Market Operations Office, May 21, 2025)
The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB157 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on May 21, 2025.
Details of the Reverse Repo Operations
|
Maturity |
Rate |
Bidding Volume |
Winning Bid Volume |
|
7 days |
1.40% |
RMB157 billion |
RMB157 billion |
Date of last update Nov. 29 2018
2025年05月21日
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on April 25, 2025 shows a group photo of the crew of Shenzhou-19 and Shenzhou-20 manned spaceships. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Shenzhou-20 crew members, who are currently on board China’s space station, will conduct their first extravehicular activities (EVAs) within the next few days, the China Manned Space Agency announced on Wednesday.
Since entering the Tiangong space station on April 25, the three astronauts have completed a series of tasks in orbit, including the rotation with their predecessors Shenzhou-19 crew members, the maintenance and upkeep of the space station platform, inspections and tests of EVA suits, and medical rescue exercises.
All space science experiments have been progressing as planned, the agency said.
It also confirmed that the three Shenzhou-20 crew members are in good health and the space station is operating smoothly, ready for the upcoming space walk.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The State Council Information Office hosted a group interview Tuesday, inviting five representatives from the civil affairs system to share their stories. From aid workers to eldercare professionals, these stories celebrate people who have worked tirelessly to assist those in need.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SCIO briefs media on Yangtze River Economic Belt development in Chongqing
China SCIO | May 21, 2025
The State Council Information Office (SCIO) recently organized a media trip to southwestern China’s Chongqing municipality, bringing together over 40 journalists — including foreign correspondents from the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Iraq, Qatar, and Japan — to observe the progress of high-quality development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
A press briefing was held Monday during the trip, where Hu Henghua, deputy secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and mayor of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, briefed the media and answered questions.
On May 19, 2025, the State Council Information Office holds a press briefing in Chongqing about the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. [Photo by Liu Jian/China SCIO]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Mok Jin Jin, a Malaysian student at Nankai University in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, has observed a shift in his family’s lifestyle since they received a Chinese-made blender.
His mother now frequently tries new healthy breakfast beverages like soy milk, milkshakes and freshly made juices. She particularly appreciates the one-button self-cleaning function, which saves her time and effort.
Not long ago, Mok purchased the blender through a Chinese e-commerce platform as a gift for his family. “Chinese-made products excel in performance and design. They not only improve the living quality but also fulfill consumers’ expectations of modern consumption,” Mok said.
The notion that Chinese products were “cheap and low-quality” was for long a common stereotype. However, in recent years, China has made significant strides in technological innovation and industrial upgrades, resulting in a remarkable improvement in the competitiveness of Chinese products.
At the same time, China’s increasingly diverse consumer market has provided foreign consumers with a more international, fashionable and multifaceted shopping experience.
“International brands are ubiquitous in China’s major cities, and global products are easily accessible through online shopping platforms. This has made shopping in China extremely convenient,” Mok said. He was also pleasantly surprised to find several Malaysian food brands available in Chinese supermarkets and on e-commerce platforms. “It’s wonderful to be able to enjoy familiar tastes while abroad,” he said.
Phan Dinh Thang, a Vietnamese student studying Chinese at Nankai University, echoed this sentiment. “Shopping in China feels like ‘global shopping’ with an incredibly wide range of options,” he said. As more Vietnamese people learn Chinese, they find it easier to purchase quality products on Chinese e-commerce platforms.
Thanks to China’s robust supply chain system and efficient logistics network, goods shipped from China to Vietnam not only arrive quickly but are also cost-effective and often more affordable than local options in Vietnam. “This has made ‘Chinese shopping’ a new trend in Vietnam and highlights the increasingly close consumer ties between China and Vietnam,” Phan explained.
With China continuously optimizing its international consumption environment, such as offering visa exemptions for some countries, enhancing departure tax refund policies and expanding international credit card payment channels — making shopping trips to China a new trend in cross-border tourism.
Maltseva Varvara, a Russian visitor, shared her experience: “The best thing about shopping in China is how fast, convenient and hassle-free it is.” After linking her international credit card to Alipay, Varvara found it easy to pay as she simply needed to scan via her phone by using a quick tap on its screen. “The recent improvements in the departure tax refund policy have made shopping and traveling in China even more convenient and welcoming.”
Some overseas consumers have formed “shopping groups” and flown long distances to China to purchase popular products. According to data from China’s Ministry of Commerce, the number of foreign visitors to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and southwest China’s Chongqing in 2024 was nearly double the figure of the previous year. These five cities are home to almost 70 percent of China’s tax refund stores, while their imports of consumer goods accounted for over half of China’s total last year.
Foreign consumption in China has seen a noticeable increase. The National Immigration Administration reported that, since the implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the number of foreign visitors has grown by 40.2 percent year on year, with 71.3 percent of them entering visa-free.
The recent signing of a visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia has made travel for Malaysian tourists more convenient. “It’s much easier for my friends and family to visit China now, and they get to experience firsthand the increasingly convenient living environment and vibrant consumer market here,” Mok said.
China’s Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping recently stated that China will continue to improve its international consumption environment, increase the supply of high-quality products, and create more diversified consumption scenarios to boost inbound consumption.
Li Wei, dean of the Honor College of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, said that China is fostering an open, inclusive and diverse consumption environment that appeals to foreign visitors. “This offers more opportunities for global consumers and businesses.”
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LONDON, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 14, 2025, 12:12 p.m. (Beijing Time), Adaspace successfully launched 12 satellites of the Space Computing Constellation 021 Mission from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center through the Long March 2D launch vehicle. The successful entry of the satellites into the intended orbit marks the successful launch of the world’s first space computing constellation, which will open a new chapter of the global “space computing era”. Space Computing Constellation 021 Mission is not only the first constellation of “Star-Compute” program initiated by Adaspace, but also the first constellation of “Three-Body Computing Constellation” of Zhejiang Lab. The constellation consists of 12 computing satellites in one orbit invested by different entities and developed by Adaspace. The launch and orbiting of BAYC#7537 computing satellite marks Web3’s transformation from the virtual economy to the space computing network.
According to the introduction, the “protagonist” of this launch consists of 12 computing satellites in one orbit invested by different entities and developed by Adaspace, including Neijiang (Star Era-27), Neijiang High-Tech (Star Era-28), Taizhou (Star Era-29), Haikou (Star Era-30), Ma’anshan Intelligent Computing-1 (Star Era-31), Chongzhou (Star Era-32), Tiantie Technology (Star Era-33), BAYC #7573 (Star Era-34), Yukongzhe (Star Era-35), “Grand Neobay”(Star Era-36), Zhejiang-1 (Star Era-37) and Zhejiang-2 (Star Era-38). After the assembly of 12 satellites in one orbit, the on-orbit verification and application of the basic functions of space-based computing, such as chain building, networking and cloud formation, will be finished through interstellar laser high-speed interconnection, stable constellation networking and distributed computing management.
What is a computing constellation? In the past, satellites were only used for communication, navigation and remote sensing. Computing satellites are defined as the fourth type of satellites, which will become the basis of the first three satellites, and then form a new network system called computing constellation through the interconnection of satellites.
According to Wang Jian, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of Zhejiang Lab, the constellation can raise the computing power of a single satellite from level T to level P and realize interconnection between satellites like the Internet connects different computers together. “The construction of space computing constellation enables the single satellite to be of greater value and has far-reaching implications for the transformation of the aerospace industry.”
“The primary mission of this launch is to realize the transformation from ‘computing on Earth’ to ‘computing in space’ for specific scenarios to meet the growing demand for space-based instant computing and to help China take the lead in building a space computing infrastructure in the world.” The relevant official of Adaspace said. In short, support computing power with space power.
As a representative sign in the series, the holder of BAYC #7573 has repeatedly promoted the innovative application of AI. Naming the satellite after BAYC #7573 AI not only recognizes its cultural value, but also symbolizes the Web3 community’s deep involvement in cutting-edge technology. Both AI computing and Web3 have empowered the future.
Media Contact:
Organization: BAYC
Contact Person: David
Website: bayc.io
Email: bd@bayc.io
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Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
In an interview with Channel News Asia today, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, outlined ASEAN’s strategic goals for the first-ever ASEAN-GCC-China Summit to be held in Malaysia next week, emphasising the importance of economic cooperation and regional resilience. The interview also covered ASEAN’s coordinated efforts to address the impacts of US tariffs, delivering humanitarian aid to Myanmar, and facilitating Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN shares perspectives on the Inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
A large-scale urban project will begin on June 1 “Summer in Moscow”, which will last three months. It will once again unite all the bright charity, cultural and sports events of the next season, which will take place in all districts of the capital. Most of them will be held outdoors.
The festival “Gardens and Flowers” runs until September 7. City sites will be transformed into blooming gardens, and rare plants will be seen on the capital’s streets. Muscovites and tourists will be immersed in the atmosphere of summer, will be able to take bright photo sessions and walk along picturesque routes.
One of the main gastronomic events of the year will be the festival “Moscow is on the wave. Fish week”, which will take place from May 30 to June 8. There will be fish corners on Shkolnaya Street, and open-air shopping chalets will offer various types of fresh, dried and chilled fish and seafood. Chefs will prepare unusual and classic dishes especially for guests at the festival venues.
As part of the historical festival “Times and Epochs” From June 11 to 15, visitors will see historical periods from Antiquity to the Great Patriotic War. Children and adults will learn to hold swords in their hands or sit at a loom, and professional reenactors will help them with this.
The Tastes of Russia festival will take place from July 4 to 13. On the streets of the capital, you can try the cuisine of the peoples of Russia and get acquainted with dishes that have become the calling card of different cities – from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Tastings and culinary experiments will give you new recipes and help you choose combinations of products for your home table.
The Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve will host vintage market — an exhibition and sale of items from the Soviet and pre-revolutionary eras. Guests will enjoy a varied program with the participation of collectors and historians. Muscovites and tourists will be able to get acquainted with the photography craft of the film camera era, hear the sound of gramophone records from the 1920s, dance a square dance and polka to the sounds of a gramophone, remember Viktor Tsoi and the rock era of the 1980s, learn the history of the Olympic bear and purchase figurines of the mascot of the 1980 Olympics, as well as admire antique items and add badges, postcards, dishes and other things with history to their collections.
From June 1 to September 7, there will be a summer clubThis is a sports and creative art space that will house beauty trucks, fashion pop-ups, greenhouses, a lecture hall, a climbing wall and many play areas.
On the same dates, a festival will be held on Chistoprudny Boulevard “Street. Dancing” — a bright event for experienced dancers and those who want to learn breakdance, hip-hop, funk, shuffle and Latin. Within its framework, professional dancers will conduct master classes, organize flash mobs and battles.
On the same days, a plein air painting will take place on Strastnoy Boulevard “Street. Art”. Art master classes, exhibitions of art objects, painting lessons in an art studio and performances by artists are organized here. Everyone is invited to participate. In addition, the participants of the competition “Moscow life in the summer” will paint unusual art objects: arches, balls and floor lamps – applications are being accepted until the end of May.
Sergei Sobyanin: Large-scale project “Summer in Moscow” will begin on June 1
Festival “Moscow Estates” will allow Muscovites and guests of the capital to immerse themselves in past eras in an original interactive format. The previous summer season was a record-breaking one: the event took place on the territory of 40 estates, which were visited by more than 700 thousand people. The festival was also held in winter.
The capital will also host the Ice Moscow Tea festival, which will bring together more than 500 gastronomic establishments. Throughout the summer, they will offer visitors ice Moscow tea. The drink is prepared according to original recipes. As part of the project “Moscow Tea Party” Restaurants, cafes and hotels will continue to serve special tea sets in a signature service and with signature treats. Tea “Moscow” can be found in popular retail chains, souvenir shops and other places in the capital.
For participants Russpass gamesusing augmented reality technologies, will offer 100 new sites where you need to look for cartoons as part of the Summer in Moscow project. For each meeting with them, virtual points are given in the form of experience. Using them, you can buy tickets to museums and other places in the capital with a discount of up to 99 percent as part of the Russpass bonus program. The game is available in the Russpass mobile application.
An augmented reality game has been launched for guests of the Winter in Moscow venues
From June 1 to August 31, the capital will host an international open festival “Teatralny Boulevard – 2025”. Moscow will be transformed into a single large theater stage, where Muscovites and guests of the capital will be able to immerse themselves in the world of theater, try themselves in the role of an actor, decorator and director, as well as take part in a production or visit a creative workshop, learn more about the history of the theater and take a photo with their favorite artist. And of course, guests will see the best productions of Russia and foreign participants.
Over the course of three months, more than 600 productions will be presented at 14 venues in the capital, including the amphitheater on Pokrovsky Boulevard and the amphitheater in the Polytech Museum Park. More than three thousand artists from all over the world will take part in them.
June 1st Museum-Reserve “Kolomenskoye” a large-scale celebration of International Children’s Day will take place. Previously, it was held for many years on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, but this year the beloved event will take place at a new site that will be able to accommodate even more guests.
Every year, the main theme of the festival is a dedication to beloved children’s poets, artists, writers, legendary films and cartoon characters. In previous years, festivals were dedicated to the legacy of Sergei Mikhalkov, Nikolai Nosov and Korney Chukovsky. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the film “The Adventures of Buratino”, which millions of children in our country have watched and continue to watch. Therefore, the festival will be held in honor of the cult character of Alexei Tolstoy.
World Festival of Circus Arts “Idol 2025”will be held in Moscow for the ninth time. Its venue will be the arena of the Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue, the largest circus in Europe. Guests will be able to attend performances for a whole month. The main events are scheduled from July 17 to 20, and then, until August 17, viewers will be able to enjoy the gala show of the winners.
Since 2013, the festival has established itself as one of the most significant events in the world of circus arts. It has brought together more than 1,700 artists from 50 countries, including participants and spectators from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Austria, the USA, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Cuba and many other countries. The main awards – “Golden Idol”, “Silver Idol” and “Bronze Idol” are awarded by a professional jury for the most spectacular, unusual, flawlessly performed number. The prizes “Golden Manege”, “Silver Manege” and “Bronze Manege” are presented by representatives of the media. The audience sympathy prizes “Golden Audience Hall”, “Silver Audience Hall” and “Bronze Audience Hall” are awarded based on the results of audience voting.
The Summer in Moscow project will also feature a tent circus. The structures will be located in several picturesque corners of the city. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of real magic and fun. Some of the best Russian artists will present their productions and numbers. Spectators will see a show with aerial gymnasts on canvases, acrobats on a swing trapeze, clown duets, equilibrists, and jugglers. There will also be numbers with animals.
Victory Park will be transformed into an open-air museum. In the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory, a large-scale patriotic project has been prepared for visitors. They will be offered walking and bus tours with professional guides, as well as tours in retro cars. In total, four walking routes run through the park, on which 25 monuments of Poklonnaya Gora are located.
For young visitors, interactive quests along tangled military roads and secret partisan paths will be organized. All comers will be able to receive a stylized Red Army book, in which they can collect star stamps for completing tasks. The most active participants will receive memorable souvenirs and prizes.
On the territory of Victory Park you can play skittles, chess and laser tag, as well as assemble a soldier’s kit bag, write a letter to the front and much more.
Moscow Children’s Arts Festival “Sky”will be held for the third time in the capital from May 31 to June 1 in the Muzeon Arts Park. It will unite various types of art (theater, circus, music, dance), as well as science, literature and architecture. Guests will enjoy premieres, children’s operas and tours of leading regional theaters, an architectural workshop, master classes of musicians and choreographers, literary and scientific programs. Theaters and creative groups from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Voronezh, Krasnoyarsk, Tobolsk, Almetyevsk and Kaliningrad will present their performances and numbers. About 90 different productions will be held at 12 venues. Guests will be able to see them from 11:00 to 20:00, admission to all events is free. Last year, the festival was visited by more than 180 thousand people.
In early July, the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve will celebrate Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. This summer, the festival will be held in a multi-genre festival format for the 11th time. Last year, it was visited by 57 thousand people, for whom more than 250 artists from famous Moscow theaters and groups performed. The venue hosted lectures, over 200 master classes and other events.
An extensive educational program has been prepared for guests of Zaryadye Park. It will begin on International Children’s Day, June 1. Each participant will be able to try themselves in the role of a physicist, chemist, biologist or engineer. Guests will also be treated to a large quest created jointly with scientists from the Lomonosov Moscow State University.
On June 21 and 22, the Zaryadye Park will host the Theatre Weekend festival. This year, the program is dedicated to the 165th anniversary of Anton Chekhov’s birth and the 80th anniversary of the Victory. Spectators will see performances by leading Moscow theaters: the A.P. Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, the Russian Academic Youth Theater, the Moscow Sovremennik Theater, the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army, the Praktika Theater, and others. The festival’s motto this year will be “Make way for the young!” Therefore, groups from the Moscow Art Theater School, the Moscow State Institute of Culture, the Russian Institute of Theater Arts – GITIS, as well as special guests – actors from the Donetsk Republican Academic Youth Theater will perform on stage.
On June 28 and 29, the Zaryadye Park will host the New Classics festival. This year, the program is dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the birth of the avant-garde pianist and composer Alexander Mosolov. Spectators will hear his composition “Factory. Music of Machines” for the first time. Part of the work was lost, and composer Nikolai Popov and director Yuri Kvyatkovsky will supplement it, creating a large festival form. “Moscow. Music of Machines” will connect two musical eras – the avant-garde Moscow of the early 20th century and today’s Moscow. The main theme of the festival will be a dialogue between man and technology, and Zaryadye Park will once again become a space where modern classics meet the future, and traditions intertwine with innovations.
From June 1 to September 7, film screenings will be held in the atmospheric space of the park under a glass crust as part of the “Cinema Summer in Zaryadye” festival. Viewers will see masterpieces of Russian cinema created by Vladimir Menshov, Tatyana Lioznova, Karen Shakhnazarov, Grigory Alexandrov, Mikhail Kalatozov, Alla Surikova and others. The films of these directors have already become classics. They are still watched with interest by viewers of different ages.
Guests will be treated to 30 films, ranging from romantic comedies set against the backdrop of summer landscapes to poignant war dramas, exciting space adventures and profound social studies.
As part of the Summer in Moscow project, two photo exhibitions will be held on Tsvetnoy Boulevard. They are dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of People’s Artist of the USSR Yuri Solomin and the 110th anniversary of the birth of People’s Artist of the USSR Vladimir Zeldin.
The exhibition in memory of Yuri Solomin will be prepared by the Moscow Directorate of Mass Events under the supervision of the State Academic Maly Theatre and his granddaughter Alexandra Solomina.
The exhibition dedicated to Vladimir Zeldin will be organized by the Moscow Directorate of Mass Events together with the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army. Muscovites and guests of the city will be able to get acquainted with the creative legacy of the legendary actors and see photographs from their family archives.
On June 21 and 22, Moscow will host two significant events dedicated to preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War: “Memory Line” on the Krymskaya Embankment of the Muzeon Arts Park and “Memory Watch. Eternal Flame” in the Alexander Garden. Every year, Muscovites and guests of the capital come to support them with their entire families.
For 11 years, on June 21, the day before the start of the Great Patriotic War, the Crimean embankment of the Muzeon Art Park is illuminated by the light of 1,418 candles. Each candle is a symbol of one of the days of the war. The burning “memory line” runs from June 22, 1941 to May 9, 1945.
The first candle in the campaign is symbolically lit from a piece of the Eternal Flame on Poklonnaya Hill. Anyone can join the event and light a candle, thereby reminding themselves and their loved ones of the importance of preserving the memory of the terrible years of the war. Every year, the line lights up in a matter of hours and continues to burn throughout June 22.
During the event “Memory Watch. Eternal Flame” all those wishing to can remember the events of June 1941 and honor the memory of those who died for their Motherland by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every year young men and women from youth associations, public organizations and patriotic clubs, as well as Muscovites and guests of the capital, join in. At 04:00 a documentary recording of Yuri Levitan’s message about the beginning of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 will be played. After that, there will be a minute of silence and the laying of flowers.
On April 26, the Victory Park project began on the territory of the Victory Park. The Main Patriotic Park, implemented by the Victory Museum with the support of the Moscow Government. Until October, on weekends, visitors will be able to take the quest “Forward to Victory!” for free, which is held at more than 80 interactive sites, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 1940s.
From August 28 to 31, the Gorky Festival will be held in Gorky Park. The theme of this year’s event is “Gorky Chekhov”. The theatrical program will be held at the Moscow Youth Theater, the main events, as always, will be presented in Gorky Park and Neskuchny Garden.
Guests can expect theatrical performances, exhibitions and installations, a theatrical laboratory, a music program and a circus show. Last year, the festival covered 18 venues, which were visited by more than 330 thousand spectators.
In June, the capital will host the IV Moscow Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the world and the largest jazz festival in Russia. On June 9 and 15, the opening and closing ceremonies will be held in the P.I. Tchaikovsky Concert Hall. From June 10 to 14, festival events will be held in the Hermitage Garden, Zaryadye Park, Muzeon Arts Park, VDNKh, and the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve. Guests will enjoy over 400 hours of live music performed by over 1,000 musicians.
The III Moscow Summer Music Festival “Zaryadye” will be held from June 2 to July 6. World-class stars and invited artists will present concerts, special and children’s projects on the stage of the Zaryadye Hall. The closing of the festival will take place in the open air in the park’s amphitheater.
With the arrival of the long-awaited summer, more than 55 million guests are expected in over 50 capital parks, for whom a multi-format festival program has been prepared.
Muscovites and tourists can expect large-scale events, including the park festival “Gardens and Vegetable Gardens”, City Day and many others.
The parks will host over 10,000 local events. Sports enthusiasts will be able to attend daily morning exercises, outdoor training, and much more. Participation in the classes will help improve health, improve physical fitness, and develop teamwork skills.
The cultural program includes parties in summer cinemas, immersive performances and dances. Professional artists and creative groups will present their numbers and theatrical performances. Every weekend, park visitors will be treated to music, dance flash mobs and open-air karaoke, and the Park Symphony festival will combine musical rhythms of different genres.
Residents and guests of the capital will be able to attend gastronomic events: open master classes by famous chefs and lectures on culinary trends. Special places will be equipped for picnics.
Young Muscovites will enjoy an extensive entertainment and educational program. From June 9 to July 19, the Moskino Cinema Park will host the first creative camp, “Youth of Moscow.” Participants will be able to demonstrate their skills in choreography, vocals, humor, and other creative areas. The shifts will be dedicated to different areas of art: KVN, vocals and music, cinema, producing, original genre, and event organization. The “KVN School” shift is aimed at developing skills in humor and teamwork, while the “Original Genre School” will help aspiring circus performers, cheerleaders, gymnasts, and acrobats improve their skills in the performing arts, and learn how to work with props in interactive productions. As part of the “Dance School,” children will develop their abilities and try themselves in various choreography styles, learn to express emotions in dance, and create their own unique productions. In the “School of Vocals and Music” young Muscovites will be able to improve their vocals, work on their voices with professionals and unite into youth musical groups. The shift “School of Cinema, Producers and Event Organizers” will be aimed at developing organizational skills, producing and acting skills.
The final race will be held in the format of the Art Quarter festival, where an open large-scale gala concert will take place, uniting all directions. It will be prepared by young people from different shifts of the camp.
From June 28 to August 4, the patriotic camp “Youth of Moscow. Capital. Summer” will operate for the fourth time. The site will be the territory of the recreation center “Red Carnation”. Participants will have six thematic shifts.
The “Achieve” shift will bring together athletes, “Manage” — representatives of student government, “Improve” — young professionals, and the “Help” shift will bring together Moscow volunteers. Young Muscovites will be able not only to develop their skills in various fields, but also to find friends, realize their creative potential, and gain new emotional experience. Songs with a guitar and meetings around a large fire will become a tradition of the camp. Meetings and master classes with participants of a special military operation are planned. All shifts will also teach how to provide first aid, resist fire, and ensure safety for yourself and your loved ones in emergency situations.
City residents aged 18 to 35 can apply for participation. Registration is open on the portal “Youth of Moscow”.
In honor of Youth Day, the capital will host a large number of events — from master classes and intellectual games to creative concerts and events. The flagship event will be held in Khodynka Pole Park on June 28 and 29. This year, the festival concept provides for the synergy of key areas for the comprehensive development of the city’s youth. Eight key zones dedicated to various topics will be prepared for guests: patriotism, career guidance, creativity, personal development, friendship, sports, volunteering and trends. Visitors will enjoy educational lectures, trainings and master classes, a job fair, competitions in various sports and much more.
Traditionally, on Youth Day, the KVN League Summer Cup “Youth of Moscow” and the “Space Basketball” tournament will be held, in which youth teams will take part. Young performers who want to make a name for themselves throughout the city will be able to perform on an open stage.
From May 25 to September 7, the Youth Point festival will be held on Bolotnaya Square. The site will host hubs — interactive modern spaces dedicated to art, sports, development, and future competencies. The festival program will include large open discos, master classes in sketching, water painting, sports activities, and much more.
On July 5 and 6, the Bauman Garden will host the charity festival “City of the Caring”, dedicated to the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. The entertainment program will include activities for the whole family. Guests will enjoy creative master classes, a charity quest, a no-lose lottery and photo zones for summer photos. A play area will be set up for children. At the “Fluffy Friend” site, guests will be able to meet animals from shelters and choose pets for themselves. A charity fair will also open, where goods from Moscow non-profit organizations (NPOs) will be presented. All proceeds from sales will be directed to helping their wards.
Visitors will be able to get to know the city’s social projects better and take part in them.
From May 29 to September 7, Moscow will host a festival of urban sports. Throughout the summer, sports training and entertainment events aimed at popularizing an active lifestyle among residents of the capital will be held in the capital’s parks. The most active participants will receive prizes.
The project “Summer. Beach. Moscow Sport” will be held from May 31 to August 31. It is organized for those who spend the summer in Moscow. Zumba, stretching, functional training, beach volleyball, yoga and fiery fitrock training will be held in beach recreation areas on weekends. In addition, there will be an opportunity to play tetherball, frisbee and beach tennis.
From May 31 to September 7, training sessions for the new season of the Sports Weekend project will take place, thanks to which city residents can do sports for free under the guidance of professional trainers on Saturdays and Sundays at more than 50 unique venues in the city, as well as online.
From June 1 to September 7, the “Chess Square” space will be available near the Metropol Hotel. On weekdays, anyone can take chess sets and play easy games. On weekends, there will be family, open and children’s tournaments, as well as master classes by famous grandmasters.
From June 1 to September 30, a new season of free training will be held as part of the My Sports District project. Participation in them will be interesting for city residents who love sports and want to do them regularly. Classes are held all year round and change depending on the season.
On July 5, large-scale sports events “Moscow Sports Day” and “Moscow Sports Night” will take place. Guests will enjoy more than 20 themed sports grounds, master classes, tournaments and a concert with popular artists at “Moscow Sports Day”, as well as more than 15 zones with sports activities and autograph sessions with famous athletes at “Moscow Sports Night”.
From May 25 to September 7, art pavilions of the Made in Moscow project will operate in tourist areas of the capital. Here you can buy more than 70 thousand products from local manufacturers – from clothes and cosmetics to children’s toys and food products.
The flagship venue will be the Green Market on Bolotnaya Square, where a rollerdrome with a summer cinema will be available for the first time. Guests will be treated to a rollerdrome show, discos and events organized with the participation of the capital’s Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy, which became a partner of the flagship venue for the first time this summer season.
The mos.ru portal is resuming its work on the city space booking service “Everyone on the street!”. From May 20, you can submit applications for holding events.
Representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, individual entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals and individuals can book a site free of charge.
More than 100 venues will be available for booking, including chalets for master classes, stages, gazebos, sports and dance floors, located in every district of the city.
Last year, the city hosted the festival “Summer in Moscow. Everyone out on the street!” for the first time – a new format of interaction between the city, business and Muscovites within the framework of the event program. Its key feature was that the agenda of summer recreation in the capital was created by Muscovites themselves. About 25 thousand events (every fourth) were organized by residents, businesses or NGOs. About 1.1 thousand entrepreneurs organized about 8.5 thousand events and presented their projects to a wide audience.
For the capital’s entrepreneurs, a special project called “Time of Opportunities” is starting, previously called “Come on in!” This is an excellent opportunity to vividly tell about your business, making it memorable for a wide audience. Shops, restaurants and cafes, service enterprises, fitness centers and sports studios, educational centers and creative studios can take part in the project.
Participants will receive a summer business box, which includes a set of free services from market leaders for business promotion, the opportunity to post information about their events on the mos.ru poster, in the Yandex Maps and 2GIS applications, as well as media support in the media: on television, in online publications, print media and Telegram channels.
The Russpass website will organize a collection of feedback from visitors. Entrepreneurs who have collected the largest number of positive reviews will receive a package for promoting their business, “The Most Active”.
To become part of the project, you need to prepare a unique special offer. These can be thematic master classes, seminars, shows, performances and much more. You also need to fill out a participant’s questionnaire.
As part of the special project “Come on in!”, more than 700 organizations from various fields made over 900 offers to city residents and tourists. These were discounts and bonuses, free master classes, gastronomic tastings, tickets to performances and sports classes. More than six thousand people took advantage of them.
On April 15, a selection began among the capital’s entrepreneurs who will present their products in the art pavilions of the Made in Moscow project market, which is part of the city’s summer program Summer in Moscow.
The selection will be held for participants of the Made in Moscow project – these are self-employed people, individual entrepreneurs, representatives of small, medium and large businesses that produce children’s goods, clothing and footwear, accessories, household and animal goods and much more in the capital.
To do this, you need to register in the project on the website business.madeinmoscow.rf, having previously familiarized yourself with the conditions (availability of a capital tax identification number, as well as a full or partial production cycle on the territory of Moscow).
A large-scale market of local goods will cover the main tourist sites, including Bolotnaya Square. More than 700 Moscow brands will be able to get space on the shelves for selling goods. Entrepreneurs will not only present their products, but will also hold thematic lectures and master classes, organize prize draws and tastings.
Participation in the summer market “Made in Moscow” is a free measure of support provided to businesses by the capital Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development.
This allows local brands to increase their recognition among city residents, as well as sales of goods that they produce in the city. Thus, last year from August 1 to September 9, as part of the forum-festival “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” on Bolotnaya Square, the market of the future “Made in Moscow” was open. It was visited by more than 150 thousand people, and the revenue of the market participants reached 50 million rubles.
It is also worth noting the successful experience of the Made in Moscow magic market as part of the city’s winter program “Winter in Moscow”. It was held from December 20 to February 28 at seven popular sites – from Arbat to Kuznetsky Most. It was visited by more than 570 thousand people. Moscow entrepreneurs sold over 50 thousand goods.
The market became one of the key measures of city support, which was used by more than 500 Moscow brands. A rich entertainment program was organized for guests, including more than 3.5 thousand thematic events, including master classes and fashion shows.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, May 21 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed hope that the appointment of a new prime minister in Sudan would help bring peace, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
The head of the world organization took note of the appointment of Kamil Idris as Prime Minister of Sudan, noted S. Dujarric.
“The Secretary-General hopes that this appointment will serve as a first step towards inclusive consultations aimed at forming a broad-based technocratic government and establishing peace,” the statement said.
A. Guterres stressed that efforts to achieve consensus must be a priority and lead to tangible progress for the benefit of all Sudanese people, including through a ceasefire, the provision of basic services to the entire population and the establishment of a basis for a common vision for the future of Sudan.
The Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council and Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, signed a constitutional decree on Monday appointing K. Idris as Prime Minister.
The post has been vacant since civilian leader Abdallah Hamdok resigned in January 2022 following the military coup carried out by A.F. Al-Burhan in October 2021. –0–