Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
On May 11 local time, the opening ceremony of the Chinese Book Center and the China-Bangladesh Youth Exchange Meeting “Reading China” were held at the National Library in Bangladesh. Director General of the China International Literature Commission (CICG) Du Zhanyuan, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Cultural Counselor in Bangladesh Farooqui and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of Bangladesh Rahman attended the event and delivered speeches. About 300 people, including representatives of the media, colleges and universities, and enterprises from both countries, attended the event.
Du Zhanyuan noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh and the Year of People-to-People Exchanges between the two countries. In order to further implement the important achievements of the meeting between the two leaders, China and Bangladesh have joined hands to establish a Chinese Book Center and hold the China-Bangladesh Youth Exchange “Reading China”, hoping to deepen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and mutual understanding between civilizations, and accumulate strength and wisdom for the friendship between China and Bangladesh and the common development of the two countries for generations. He noted that books are an important medium for the dissemination of human civilization, exchanges and mutual understanding. He hoped that young people would take books as their companions, enhance their understanding of each other’s cultures through reading and exchanges, and jointly inject youthful vitality into the sustainable development of the Chinese and Bangladeshi civilizations.
The Bangladesh Chinese Book Centre has received more than 1,200 books, including “Xi Jinping on Governance” and other important works by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, as well as books on Chinese culture, science and technology, agriculture and other categories.
This event is an important event of people-to-people exchanges held by CICG in the context of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh and the celebration of the “China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchange Year”. It was organized by CICG, the Bangladesh Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, hosted by the CICG Cultural Communication Centre and the Bangladesh Archives and Library Service, and sponsored by the Confucius Institute of the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MINSK, May 13 /Xinhua/ — Belarus has mined about 200,000 tons of peat since the beginning of the year, the press service of the country’s Energy Ministry reported on Monday.
The department noted that weather conditions allow maintaining dynamic rates of extraction. As of May 12, peat industry organizations extracted 2.5 times more peat than on the same date last year.
To fully satisfy domestic demand and supply foreign markets, it is planned to extract more than 1.9 million tons of peat in the current season. –0–
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 13 (Xinhua) — Foreign ministers and officials from Britain and the European Union met in London on Monday but failed to reach a major breakthrough on the situation in Ukraine.
The talks reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s security, including the creation of a coalition of air, land and sea “assurance forces”, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.
The foreign ministers of France, Spain, Germany, Italy and representatives of the European Commission stressed that the suspension of hostilities remains a prerequisite for further diplomatic progress.
However, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy refrained from commenting on the sequence of a possible ceasefire.
Monday’s meeting is seen as part of preparations for the upcoming UK-EU summit scheduled to take place in London next Monday. –0–
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC’s The Weeknight where he emphasized that Democrats will continue pushing back on the reckless Republican scheme to rip away the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people.
ALICIA MENENDEZ: Joining us now, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
SYMONE SANDERS-TOWNSEND: Well, sir, I know we’re going to get to the tariffs in a second, but first your reaction to what we’re seeing now from the bill that Republicans in the House of Representatives have put out from the Ways and Means Committee writ large. This is the bill, if you will, and there are lots of thoughts going around about it. But your reaction, sir. Is this what you expected from your Republican colleagues?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good evening. Great to be with everyone. Donald Trump and House Republicans promised that they were going to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. They, of course, have failed to do that. Costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. So that’s a broken promise. Instead, they are trying to enact one of the largest healthcare cuts in American history, if not the largest. At this point, it looks like $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid that will devastate children and families and seniors and everyday Americans with disabilities. Hospitals could close. Nursing homes could shut down. And the reality is, because of this House Republican bill, if it were to pass and become law, people will die. And this is all being done in service of trying to provide a massive tax break to MAGA billionaire donors like Elon Musk, and give almost nothing to everyday Americans that Donald Trump and House Republicans promised they would focus on when they lied repeatedly on the campaign trail last year.
MICHAEL STEELE: You know, Mr. Leader, on Saturday, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget noted the deficit impact of this bill is well above the Ways and Means allowable increase of 4 to 4.5 trillion, so lawmakers are going to need to make adjustments, including offsets and so forth. You have NBC news noting Speaker Johnson convened a video call on Monday with members of both the tax writing Ways and Means Committee and the SALT Caucus, group of blue state Republicans, to sort of address that. So you have the reality, sir, that they can’t control the numbers the way they like in order—because of the fact that, to your point, they’re going to have to make some steep cuts in areas that they’re saying they’re not going to make those cuts. And then you have unresolved other issues among the more middle of the road, conservative, moderate Republicans on SALT and other issues. How do you see this playing? How does this get shaped in the House ultimately? Particularly the Democrats decide to go, all right, you guys put your bill on the table and see what happens.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there’s a great deal of uncertainty. You have House Republicans fighting with House Republicans, House Republicans fighting with Senate Republicans. They don’t know whether to take orders from Donald Trump or Elon Musk or both. The whole thing is in disarray. They’ve decided to go it alone with this one big ugly bill and try to jam these far-right extremist policies down the throats of the American people. And, you know, we’ll see what happens this week. We’re going to continue to press our case as Democrats that we are defending the healthcare of the American people. Republicans, of course, are trying to undermine it. And this is not inconsistent with what they’ve repeatedly tried to do, which is take away healthcare from the American people. What’s egregious about this situation is that it’s all being done in service of trying to reward the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. And then to make matters worse of course as you indicated, Michael, they are further adding to our nation’s debt and deficit. These people aren’t fiscally responsible. They’re fiscally irresponsible. They need to stop lying and pretending that the case is otherwise to the American people.
ALICIA MENENDEZ: So they released this sweeping tax plan today, except they’ve not actually dealt with, as Michael referenced there, the real friction point here, which is SALT. Let me read you just a little bit of the reporting. A legislative text currently calls for the SALT deduction cap to be hiked to $30,000, and applies only to those who make up to $400,000 a year. One House Republican close to the process told NBC News there would be enough GOP votes to sink the bill if that SALT figure remains in the final product. I want you to game this out with me. If those, you know, Republicans who say that SALT is a deal breaker because they represent districts where that is a deal breaker for their voters, let’s say they fold. Let’s say they decide not to hold the line, they vote with Trump on this tax plan, on this budget. Do you currently believe you can flip their seats?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Yes. And you know, these Republicans who have been, you know, allegedly advocating to address the situation with State and Local Tax Deduction are all phonies. Understand that in 2017, it was Republicans through the GOP Tax Scam that imposed the tax cap, the SALT cap, $10,000 on everyday Americans and as a result, have cost people in states across the country, in places like New York, in New Jersey, in Connecticut, in Illinois, Pennsylvania and California, amongst others, thousands of dollars a year in additional cost. That is because of what Republicans did in 2017. And so, if nothing were to happen with respect to the State and Local Tax Deduction provision this year, then the cap would go away, and it would provide thousands of dollars of additional income to everyday Americans. And so, the notion that Republicans are going to try to get away with a $30,000 per year cap—that’s not helping middle-class Americans across the country. And these so-called swing seat Republicans in these blue-leaning states will be held accountable next year, and many will lose.
SYMONE SANDERS-TOWNSEND: Before we get to the tariffs. Mr. Leader, there is reporting from March 31 in the Guardian that talks about how Republican districts were the ones that have benefited the most from these clean energy spending bills. This is from the bills that were passed in the Biden administration, the tax rates Republicans who now control Congress have to decide if they will eliminate, the IRA’s grants and, more crucially, the tax credits that have spurred a boom in clean energy activity in their own districts. A total of 78% of the spending has gone to Republican-held suburban and rural districts across the U.S. That’s according to data from Atlas Public Policy. In this current bill that we now know about, and scanning through it, there are reductions here that will hit those Republicans in those districts. There’s also a severe cut to Medicaid that the—and I’m just going to read here—the Congressional Budget Office on Sunday night said that 8.6 million people would go uninsured if the health portions of this package become law. Do you have four Republicans, five Republicans or any of the, you know, 12 Republicans, frankly, that have signed letters indicating that they are concerned about the deficit or the Republicans that have signed letters indicating that they’re concerned about cuts to Medicaid, who are willing to vote with you against this bill? What does your whip count tell you?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, you know, that remains to be seen, whether these Republicans who have taken all these public positions, because they are on the run in the communities they represent all across the country. The American people are unhappy with them and the failure of Republicans to be a check and balance on an out-of-control executive branch. They’re just functioning as a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme policies. But this is going to be the ultimate test. Now, with respect to the clean energy tax credits, and you correctly point out Symone, that many of the provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, standing up a clean energy economy, creating clean energy jobs and also cheaper energy, have benefited red districts and red communities and red states across the country. So, to vote to repeal these things is a vote to undermine the very constituents that you represent. Now, there were 21 Republicans who signed a letter saying don’t touch the clean energy tax credits. Where are those 21 Republicans right now? All it takes is a fraction of them to actually keep their word as communicated to the people that they represent, and the bill will fail. And so, you’ve got challenges with respect to fiscal irresponsibility, challenges as it relates to Medicaid, challenges as it relates to State and Local Tax Deduction, challenges as it relates to the clean energy tax credits. All you need are three or four Republicans in either the House or the Senate to just keep their word to their constituents, and this bill will fall. We’re going to continue to strongly oppose these egregious provisions that don’t help the American people, they hurt the American people, and press our Republican colleagues to have some courage and some backbone for their constituents and do the same.
MICHAEL STEELE: So there’s an interesting—the politics here is very interesting, so I love Symone’s question because it really just kind of reframes some realities that I think Democrats are going to have to work through. And one of them, and what you’re starting to hear on the streets right now is that the Republicans are doing this little Artful Dodger kind of game where they’re, you know, they’re now talking about, oh, we’re going to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans. And Trump is floating that out there. And, of course, you’ve got a whole lot of reminiscent playback to ‘read my lips, no new taxes’ from George Bush 41. But now, you have the president also on Monday issuing an executive order asking drug makers to voluntarily reduce the prices of key medicines in the United States, but the order cites no obvious legal authority to mandate lower prices with this executive order. Trump also opted not to propose measures that could have more teeth, such as calling for his administration to work with Congress on legislation or writing regulations to change how government health programs pay for some drugs. That’s not the point, right? The point is, hey, I’m cutting drug prices. So do you see politically, the Republicans, not so much legislatively doing anything with teeth, but rather framing political narratives that make it more difficult for Democrats, as Symone offered up a little bit before, to go after some of those seats that could be on the chopping block otherwise.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, they’re certainly going to try, but the reality is the core promise that Donald Trump and Republicans made to the American people was that they were going to improve the economy, and they inherited one that was moving in the right direction. The big challenge was the high cost of living in the United States of America. It’s a challenge that we need to tackle. They promised that costs would go down on day one, that they would address inflation. Costs haven’t gone down, they’re going up. Inflation is going up. And a lot of it has to do with Trump’s reckless mismanagement of the economy, particularly as it relates to the on-again, off-again tariffs and the mess that he has made with respect to the American economy. And so, fundamentally, no matter how much Republicans try to distract from that reality, they will be held accountable for their failure to keep their word, for their failure to lower the high cost of living and, in fact, to actually increase costs and make life more unaffordable for everyday Americans. And as you pointed out, with respect to this so-called executive order, it has no force of law. And so, it’s not a serious effort to lower costs. If there was a serious effort, we’d actually have seen up until this point, more than 100 days into this administration, a single bill that was actually designed to address the high cost of living in the United States of America. Instead, we get legislation to try to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
ALICIA MENENDEZ: Leader Jeffries, you referenced tariffs so I’ll allow this to be the last question. China took a tough stance on the threat of increased tariffs from the U.S. They managed to bring that threat down without any real concessions. If you are the Chinese, what have you learned about the Art of the Deal?
LEADER JEFFRIES: China punked the administration and the administration backed down. That’s no surprise because we’ve seen that happen over and over and over again.
ALICIA MENENDEZ: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you so much for being with us.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese FM meets foreign guests participating in fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
BEIJING, May 12 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday met respectively with some foreign ministers and representatives of the participating countries of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing.
When meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel held a fruitful and important meeting in Moscow, charting the course for further progress in China-Cuba relations.
China will continue to support Cuba in its just struggle to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity and oppose blockade and sanctions, and advance the building of the China-Cuba community with a shared future to achieve new progress continuously.
Rodriguez expressed heartfelt gratitude for China’s firm support to Cuba in opposing the blockade and sanctions, as well as its valuable assistance in helping Cuba overcome economic difficulties.
Cuba will continue to steadfastly uphold the one-China principle and work with China to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their meeting in Moscow, Rodriguez said.
When meeting with Uruguayan foreign minister Mario Lubetkin, Wang said that China is willing to work with Uruguay to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership with stronger political mutual trust, higher-level mutually beneficial cooperation and closer multilateral collaboration.
Lubetkin said that Uruguay highly appreciates the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi, supports free trade and is willing to jointly practice multilateralism, adding that the Uruguayan side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the “one country, two systems” policy.
When meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Wang said that President Xi and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte paid mutual visits last year, noting that China is willing to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership to continuously reach new heights.
The two heads of state jointly announced the opening of Chancay Port, which has become a symbol of promoting solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and accelerating their development and revitalization, Wang said, adding that China is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Peru in various fields.
Schialer said that Peru firmly abides by the one-China principle, looks forward to deepening all-round cooperation with China in politics, economy, trade, science, technology, culture and so on, and is willing to jointly build Chancay Port Industrial Park, further promote free trade cooperation between the two countries, and speed up the negotiation and signing of double taxation avoidance agreements.
During the meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, Wang said that President Xi held a fruitful meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Moscow, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage.
China firmly supports the solidarity and self-strengthening of regional countries and is willing to work with Venezuela and other Latin American countries to oppose hegemonic and bullying moves and safeguard international justice, Wang added.
Noting that Venezuela is satisfied and proud of the establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between Venezuela and China and the important achievements in cooperation in various fields, Gil said that China plays an important role in safeguarding international rules such as the UN Charter, and Venezuela firmly supports China’s just position.
When meeting with Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Wang said that China is willing to work with Guyana, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, explore cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy and green economy, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in healthcare, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
China will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Guyana, and help Guyana upgrade its industries and achieve economic self-reliance, Wang added.
Noting that Guyana regards China as a reliable good friend, Todd said that Guyana is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and welcomes more Chinese investment, Guyana appreciates China’s leadership in improving global governance and is willing to jointly adhere to multilateralism and safeguard international law and international rules.
When meeting with presidential adviser of Nicaragua Laureano Ortega Murillo and minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, Wang said that China is willing to work with Nicaragua to consolidate high-level mutual trust, continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Nicaragua, and give priority to implementing cooperation projects conducive to Nicaragua’s accelerated independent development.
China supports its enterprises to invest and do business in Nicaragua, and believes that Nicaragua will continue to adhere to friendly relations with China and provide a favorable business environment, Wang added.
Laureano said that Nicaragua firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes unilateral acts of imposing excessive tariffs, noting that Nicaragua firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi which contribute to global peace, security, stability and development.
When meeting with Colombian foreign minister Laura Sarabia, Wang congratulated Colombia on taking over the rotating presidency of the China-CELAC Forum, saying that China has always viewed China-Colombia relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective and is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to carry out cooperation on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.
Sarabia expressed her gratitude to China for its support of Colombia’s peace process and efforts to explore diversified development. She said that Colombia is willing to join the Belt and Road Initiative and promote more tangible results in bilateral cooperation and looks forward to China increasing investment in Colombia.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Laureano Ortega Murillo, presidential adviser of Nicaragua, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. Wang met with Laureano Ortega Murillo and Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua, here on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Laureano Ortega Murillo, presidential adviser of Nicaragua, and Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laura Sarabia in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laura Sarabia in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Hugh Todd, minister of foreign affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Hugh Todd, minister of foreign affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that Taiwan had never been and never would be a country.
“Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future,” spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily press briefing in response to Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities’ “Taiwan independence” fallacy.
The remarks made by the DPP authorities once again fully exposed their habitual tactics of distorting history, manipulating facts, and spreading falsehoods in their pursuit of “Taiwan independence,” Lin said.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the World Anti-Fascist War, and the restoration of Taiwan, Lin noted, adding that Taiwan’s restoration to China in 1945 is a victorious outcome of WWII and an integral part of the postwar international order.
A series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, have all confirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, and the historical and legal facts are beyond doubt, he added.
There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Lin stressed.
Although national reunification has yet to be fully realized, the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China have never changed and cannot be changed — this is the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait, Lin said.
Lin stressed that no matter what the DPP authorities say or do, they cannot change the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory, nor can they alter the one-China principle, which is a widely recognized consensus in the international community.
“China will be reunified, and this is unstoppable,” said Lin.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s State Council Information Office on Tuesday unveiled an emblem commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Highlighting a striking yellow number “80” in the center, the emblem also features symbolic elements of the Great Wall, olive branches, brilliance, and “1945-2025.”
The Great Wall symbolizes the spirit of the Chinese people uniting together and fighting with courage, representing the decisive role of a national spirit to which patriotism is central in the victory of the war against Japanese aggression.
The olive branches demonstrate that after an arduous war of resistance, the Chinese people have won peace with victory, and that the Chinese people unite with people of all other countries to cherish and safeguard peace.
A “gate of victory” formed by brilliance symbolizes that the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is a victory of justice over evil, light over darkness, and progress over reaction. It indicates that the country has bright prospects for realizing national rejuvenation under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China.
The emblem may be used in decorations for events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as in the production of materials for publicity, educational activities, and relevant foreign affairs events, according to the office.
Fighting from 1931 to 1945, the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression began the earliest and lasted the longest. As the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War, China served as the mainstay of resistance against Japanese militarism, making pivotal contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tourists visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in central China’s Hunan Province, May 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China has rolled out new regulations on inspection work regarding eco-environmental protection, replacing the previous version issued in 2019.
China aims to fully harness eco-environmental protection inspections as a key tool for identifying and addressing issues, according to the regulations issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council.
Greater efforts are needed to promote high-quality development through high-level environmental protection, deepen reforms in the ecological civilization system, and advance the modernization of the eco-environment governance system and its capabilities, according to the regulations.
The inspection work will focus on areas such as progress in pollution control, the green transition of development models, ecological protection and restoration, and initiatives promoting carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
China has steadfastly advanced its “Beautiful China” initiative, emphasizing eco-environmental protection as a top priority in its social and economic development.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The relations between Russia and China can serve as a solid example of relations between two countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Speaking to reporters at the Kremlin early Sunday, Putin noted Chinese President Xi Jinping had paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War from May 7 to 10.
The Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era is an example of modern, equal relations between two countries, Putin said.
During Xi’s visit, the two heads of state held “extremely fruitful” talks and adopted joint statements, Putin recalled.
A series of intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements were also signed, covering energy, trade, science, culture and other fields, he added.
Putin stated that it is deeply symbolic for Moscow and Beijing to hold commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, as the peoples of both countries paid a high price for victory.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Commuters wait for a delayed Jubilee line tube at Westminster station in London, Britain, on May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A power outage struck the London Underground, causing widespread travel disruptions across the capital on Monday afternoon, Transport for London (TfL) confirmed.
Transport for London (TfL) said the issues had been caused by a short power outage which happened at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT). Power has since been restored, but delays and suspensions in major lines are ongoing.
Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “Due to a brief interruption of the power supply to our network, several lines lost power for a short period earlier this afternoon.
“We apologise to customers whose journeys will have been affected. We are working to get the whole network up and running again as quickly as possible,” Mann said.
It’s believed a cable fault caused a small fire, which was brought under control by firefighters.
“The fault was resolved within seconds and did not interrupt supply from our network, but a consequent voltage dip may have briefly affected power supplies on the low voltage distribution network in the area,” said a spokesperson for the National Grid.
Local media showed pictures of chaos and disruptions on the London underground networks. One passenger said they were stuck on their train for “quite a long time” as the doors weren’t opening due to a lack of power.
Queues of passengers, including tourists with huge suitcases, the elderly and disabled people, were seen making their way up broken-down escalators in some stations, as no lifts were working.
“We were told to immediately leave the station,” said another passenger.
It remains unclear when the services will resume completely.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (C), Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (L) and Syria’s foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shibani attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye, on May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, reiterating Türkiye’s commitment to facilitating peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to a statement by Erdogan’s office.
Erdogan emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire is essential to create the proper environment for initiating talks and urged all parties to seize the current window of opportunity for a diplomatic dialogue aimed at ending the conflict.
He expressed his willingness to host the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Türkiye on the occasion of peace negotiations.
The call with Zelensky came just one day after Erdogan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the Turkish president said his country is ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul again.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Erdogan said Türkiye had become a “pivotal actor in global peace diplomacy,” citing its role in offering mediation, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed the president’s message, stating that Türkiye is “ready to provide all kinds of contributions, especially in terms of facilitating and hosting” the Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
During a joint press conference on Monday in Ankara with his Syrian and Jordanian counterparts, Fidan noted that discussions are still ongoing regarding the modalities of the proposed meeting.
“Ukraine demands a ceasefire before talks begin, while Russia prefers to start negotiations prior to any truce being declared,” Fidan said, adding both sides are seeking to secure continued U.S. support.
“Despite this, our position is clear. We invite both parties to come together as soon as possible to initiate a ceasefire,” he stated.
In a statement to journalists at the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin proposed the resumption of direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. Putin said Russia remains committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine to address the root causes of the ongoing conflict and lay the groundwork for a lasting and stable peace.
In response, Zelensky said it is a positive sign that Russia has begun to consider ending the war. However, he required a ceasefire starting Monday as the first step towards the goal.
In 2022, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held direct talks in Istanbul but failed to reach a consensus on halting the fighting.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Twenty-five historically and artistically significant artifacts, spanning multiple periods of ancient Egyptian civilization, have been repatriated from the United States to Egypt, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.
The Egyptian Consulate General in New York oversaw the return of the artifacts, which the ministry described as the largest batch of illegally smuggled antiquities recovered in recent times.
The collection includes stone and wooden sarcophagus lids, ceramic and gilded wooden funerary masks, a large alabaster vase, and a portrait of a woman dating back to the Greco-Roman period (around 332 BC-640 AD).
Among the recovered items are also a wide range of jewelry crafted from various metals, a rare gold coin from the reign of Ptolemy I, and small bronze and stone statues depicting aspects of ancient Egyptian beliefs and artistic traditions.
The recovery was the result of a joint effort between the Egyptian Consulate General in New York, the related district attorney’s office in New York City, and U.S. security agencies. The operation also involved prolonged negotiations with several private collectors in possession of the artifacts.
Additional support was provided by the relevant Egyptian authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Cultural Sector of the Foreign Ministry, and the Public Prosecution Service.
Egypt has intensified its global campaign in recent years to recover stolen antiquities, stepping up efforts to preserve and reclaim its ancient treasures.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A press briefing is held by the Chinese side following the China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
In the just concluded China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Switzerland, China and the United States engaged in candid, in-depth and constructive communication across multiple areas, reaching a series of important consensuses and making substantive progress.
This marked a crucial step toward resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation, laying the foundation and creating the conditions for further bridging gaps and deepening cooperation.
With a combined economic output accounting for over one-third of the global total and a bilateral trade volume representing about one-fifth of global trade, China-U.S. trade ties play a pivotal role in the world economy. Amid a sluggish global recovery and heightened geopolitical tensions, the importance of keeping communication channels open between the two sides is clear. The substantive progress achieved reflect joint efforts to manage differences and find common ground in a complex global environment.
China has always taken a consistent and constructive approach to its economic relationship with the United States, seeking to bring bilateral ties back to a stable and healthy trajectory through dialogue and consultation. Encouragingly, the United States has shown a willingness to engage in that process.
But there is no ignoring the damage already done. Over the past month, unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States have taken a significant toll, not only on the Chinese and U.S. economies but also on the global economy. Domestically, U.S. businesses and consumers are paying more, while U.S. inflationary pressure continues to rise.
The global impact is even more concerning. These tariffs have disrupted the stability of global industrial and supply chains and undermined the rules-based multilateral trading system. International institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank have repeatedly warned that protectionism poses a major threat to the global economic recovery. In this context, the recent round of China-U.S. talks has provided a much-needed signal of stability and certainty.
The positive outcomes of the latest talks reaffirm that for major countries, equal and constructive dialogue — not confrontation — is the only effective way to address differences. Given the distinct national contexts and priorities, disagreements are to be expected. What matters most is that such differences are managed with mutual respect for each other’s core interests and through sustained dialogue.
No country will surrender its legitimate development rights to unreasonable demands. It is through equal dialogue and consultation can both sides clearly state their concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and explore the root causes of friction.
It is in the United States’ own interest to maintain a stable, sustainable and mutually beneficial economic relationship with China. Decades of mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, services and two-way investment have brought concrete gains to businesses and people on both sides. Despite recent tensions, this foundation of shared interests remains strong.
China has consistently maintained that economic and trade disputes should be addressed through rational and respectful dialogue rather than through pressure or threats. Unilateral coercion does not resolve problems; it only heightens tensions, increases risks and undermines the long-term interests of both sides.
The convening of the China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs marked a positive step forward in China-U.S. economic and trade relations, helping to lay a foundation for continued dialogue and future negotiations.
While we are glad to see the resumption of dialogue, we are also fully prepared for the long-term, complex and arduous nature of resolving differences between the two counries.
The two sides need to maintain the current momentum of dialogue, control differences, accumulate consensus and strengthen trust through equal consultation.
What is more important, both sides should approach this most consequential bilateral relationship in the world with a longer-term perspective and broader vision, keeping in mind the fundamental well-being of their peoples and the bigger picture of global peace and prosperity.
Strengthening cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit and managing differences with mutual respect is not only the responsibility of China and the United States, but also the shared expectation of the international community.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China will take practical and effective measures to resolutely prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.
Strengthening the export control of strategic mineral resources is crucial to national security and development interests, according to a ministry spokesperson.
Since China implemented export restrictions on some strategic minerals, it has been found that some foreign entities have colluded with illegal domestic individuals, attempting to evade export control measures through smuggling and other means, the spokesperson noted.
To curb the smuggling of these strategic resources, China has launched a campaign to crack down on illegal and non-compliant activities such as false declaration, concealment, and transshipment through third countries, the spokesperson said.
China has also intensified customs inspections and efforts to combat and investigate such activities, thoroughly uncovering the illegal entities and smuggling networks behind them, in a bid to effectively safeguard national security and development interests, according to the spokesperson.
More actions will also be initiated to crack down on illegal activities in the near future, the spokesperson added.
On Monday, China also convened a meeting in Changsha, capital of central Hunan Province, to strengthen “full-chain control over strategic mineral exports.”
Participants included officials from several central government departments and strategic mineral-rich provincial-level regions.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that all departments and localities should closely track the flow of strategic minerals, strengthen information analysis and sharing, and promptly issue warnings and take relevant measures to prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s Zheng Qinwen advanced to the quarterfinals of the WTA Italian Open for the third consecutive year after defeating former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 on Monday.
The pair had previously faced off at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto in 2022, where Zheng edged out a three-set victory.
Zheng Qinwen returns a shot during the women’s singles round of 16 match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Bianca Andreescu of Canada at the WTA Italian Open in Rome, Italy, May 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
Eighth seed Zheng made a strong start, racing into a 3-0 lead in the opening set. Andreescu managed to hold serve, and the two then exchanged breaks in the fifth and sixth games. Zheng double-faulted in the seventh game to hand Andreescu a break.
The Canadian took full advantage, holding and breaking again to move ahead 5-4. Zheng regrouped at a critical moment, breaking back in the tenth game and then surging through three straight games to take the set 7-5.
Despite hitting six double faults in the first set, Zheng stayed composed.
“After going up 3-0, I might have relaxed a bit and lost some focus, playing less aggressively and letting the match slip into her rhythm,” Zheng reflected afterward. “But what I’m proudest of today is that even when I made mistakes, I didn’t let it affect my mindset. I kept calm and fought for every point.”
Carrying that momentum into the second set, Zheng stormed to a 4-0 lead. Although she was broken in the fifth game, she immediately broke back before closing out the set 6-1.
A highlight of the match came when Zheng pulled off a stunning tweener, a between-the-legs shot in the second set.
“In the four years since I joined the tour, this is the second time I’ve successfully hit a tweener in a match. At that moment, I felt amazing, because when I hit a really great point, I actually enjoyed tennis even more. I don’t like making mistakes on court because I’m being timid,” Zheng said.
In the quarterfinals, Zheng will face top seed Aryna Sabalenka in what will be their first-ever meeting on clay. Zheng called Sabalenka is an aggressive player, and said she will need to withstand those few shots when Sabalenka goes on the attack.
“On clay, I still want to maintain a certain level of consistency while looking for some opportunities to be aggressive,” she said.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
“Hong Kong and ASEAN countries have strong economic and trade relations, and the Chinese community in Southeast Asia is closely connected with the Greater Bay Area.” Cai Guansheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong, described Hong Kong’s unique position as follows: “The left hand is the Greater Bay Area, the right hand is ASEAN.” He added: “Companies from other cities in the Greater Bay Area can team up with Hong Kong entrepreneurs and enter the global market together.”
Since early April, the US has been wielding its tariff baton without authorization, and Hong Kong, a free port, has been subjected to groundless attacks. In the past few years, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into China’s national development strategy by participating in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; on the other hand, it has been strengthening trade and economic ties with overseas markets, including ASEAN countries, using its unique advantages to overcome the crisis and explore new opportunities for growth.
Building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is Hong Kong’s Major Opportunity
Against the backdrop of the US tariff abuse, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Li Jiachao stressed that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has a population of about 87 million and a regional GDP of over 14 trillion yuan. “The state is the greatest opportunity and the greatest certainty for Hong Kong,” he said.
HKSAR Secretary-General Chen Guoji added that the Hong Kong government actively supports local companies and talents to tap into the boundless business opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, and encourages Guangdong enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s comprehensive advantages and professional services to accelerate their entry into the global market.
Expanding Trade Share with ASEAN: Finding New Partners and Markets
In addition to actively integrating into the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is actively exploring the ASEAN market, taking advantage of the “one country, two systems” system, free and open economy, and advantageous geographical location. All this allows it to play an important role in rebuilding global supply chains. Hong Kong and ASEAN countries have broad cooperation opportunities and common interests,” Li Jiachao said.
According to data released by the HKSAR government, ASEAN countries’ share of Hong Kong’s market has grown from 7.4% in 2018 to 8.7% in 2024, second only to China’s hinterland. Since 2019, ASEAN has overtaken the United States to become Hong Kong’s second-largest export market.
Accelerated adoption of various measures and expansion of development prospects
In addition to strengthening trade ties with China’s hinterland and ASEAN countries, Hong Kong has taken a range of measures, including firmly adhering to free trade policies, promoting industrial transformation and upgrading, actively pursuing scientific and technological innovation, and advancing international financial cooperation.
Hong Kong SAR Financial Secretary Chen Maobo recently said that many multinational enterprises are investing in Hong Kong, viewing it as a bridge between China’s hinterland and the world. Hong Kong has always adhered to the rule of law, an internationalized and friendly business environment, an inclusive culture, and provides access to the world’s most dynamic consumer and innovation market – China’s hinterland.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JINAN, May 13 (Xinhua) — Four people were killed and two others were injured in a traffic accident in Juancheng County, east China’s Shandong Province, on Monday, the local public security bureau said.
The accident happened at around 2.13pm on 12 May when a car collided with an e-bike that had run a red light and then crashed into two three-wheelers parked on the side of the road. The driver of the car was taken into police custody and was found not to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Two victims, including the driver of the car, were hospitalized and are in a non-life-threatening condition.
Further investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. -0-
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Gary Peters (D-MI) today introduced the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, which would protect domestic transit operations and supply chains from malign Chinese influence by preventing any appropriated funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars:
“It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems, and we cannot let them succeed,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By preventing American tax dollars from being used to purchase Chinese government transit buses or rail cars, our legislation would help protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from the CCP.”
“When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers, not opening our checkbook to adversaries like China,” said Sen. Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our workers and companies, keep the United States safe, and close a loophole that Chinese companies are exploiting to win government contracts and undercut American workers.”
“At every opportunity, the Chinese Communist Party works to exploit America and put our nation’s critical infrastructure at risk,” said Sen. Scott. “We cannot allow an adversarial regime access to supply chains and transit that we rely on every day, and we definitely cannot allow U.S. tax dollars to fund any projects that allows such access. We must prioritize Americans’ safety, American jobs, and American manufacturing, and put an end to our dangerous dependence on a regime that openly seeks our downfall.”
“Domestic transit vehicle manufacturers shouldn’t be victim to Chinese companies exploiting loopholes and engaging in unfair trade practices that harm business and pose significant national security concerns,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad to support the STOP China Act to close the loopholes and help Minnesota’s strong transit manufacturing industry continue to succeed.”
“Companies in Communist China circumvent U.S. laws so that they can continue to receive taxpayer-funded contracts from American public agencies,” said Sen. Ricketts. “This bill will close that loophole. It will help protect domestic supply chains and American manufacturers. We must ensure taxpayer dollars never fund America’s adversaries.”
“China’s attempts to exploit critical American infrastructure with taxpayer funds will not be tolerated,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The STOP China Act would prevent hard-earned American dollars from purchasing Chinese-made vehicles in our transit infrastructure, protecting our national security and supporting American manufacturing.
“China is actively working to undermine American workers and our economic success, particularly in the transportation industry, by flooding global markets with artificially cheap vehicles, from electric vehicles to buses,” said Sen. Peters. “This bipartisan bill would help level the playing field for Michigan manufacturers, suppliers, and workers as we continue to lead the world in mobility innovation by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support companies owned and operated by the Chinese Community Party.”
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) cosponsored the legislation. Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-01) and John Garamendi (CA-08) are leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Background:
Congress passed the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act, which prohibits companies with ties to China’s government from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to build U.S. rail cars and buses, as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. However, China has taken advantage of other government funds in the law to continue competing for transit business in the U.S. The Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act would prevent any appropriated funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses. It would also require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China.
The legislation is endorsed by Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TIANJIN, May 13 (Xinhua) — Sipping coffee in her office in the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), 36-year-old Russian Svetlana Olkhovikova is intently checking information on orders from partners in Russia, Uzbekistan and other countries.
With her excellent command of Chinese and experience in foreign trade, she established and registered two foreign trade companies in Tianjin, a port city in northern China.
Tianjin Ruidehe Machinery Trading Company, founded in September 2023, is engaged in the export of agricultural machinery, and Hesu Biopharmaceutical Company, established in March 2024, is engaged in cross-border trade in medical equipment and components.
“Both companies have already established cooperation with enterprises in more than 20 countries and regions around the world, including Russia, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea,” Svetlana said fluently in Chinese.
“China has been the best era for entrepreneurship for me,” she added. From choosing an office location to registering companies, from extending a work visa to home service when opening a bank account, she was always amazed by the efficiency of the local government and its humane approach to entrepreneurs.
As a foreign entrepreneur, she had to learn Chinese laws and the tax system, which was not easy, but the government’s service provision gave her confidence and peace of mind.
“My grandfather used to say that the hospitality of the Chinese is like a flame that never goes out. By creating my business in Tianjin, I finally realized that this is not an exaggeration, but a reality,” the businesswoman shared.
In choosing China for business, she valued not only the favorable business environment, but also the country’s mega-market, sophisticated production and supply chain system, and ever-improving conditions for innovation.
“The Chinese market is huge, many quality products are becoming increasingly popular abroad. People from all over the world can find many development opportunities here,” said S. Olkhovikova. During her entrepreneurial activities, she deepened her understanding of China’s economic development and strengthened her confidence in the “Made in China” brand.
“Our cooperation with Chinese companies is going very smoothly. Chinese partners are pragmatic and efficient, produce inexpensive and high-quality goods, and offer customized solutions – all thanks to China’s powerful production capabilities and high level of professionalism,” the entrepreneur stated with confidence.
Svetlana’s family, believing that China has enormous development potential, fully supports her business ventures. “My uncle runs an agricultural processing company in Russia, and my company in China can supply him with high-quality equipment, especially powerful tractors,” she continued.
Svetlana spent her childhood in a village a few hundred kilometers from Moscow. Her father was a farmer, her mother taught at school, and Svetlana, who was raised by her grandmother, often heard stories about China. “My grandmother said that the Chinese are kind, my grandfather told me about the Confucian principle of ‘the joy of meeting a friend who has come from afar’, and my uncle advised: ‘Only by acquiring more knowledge can we expand our horizons’,” she said.
In 2005, S. Olkhovikova entered Voronezh State University /VSU/ to major in International Relations. Learning about China from books and lectures, she became interested in this country.
In 2008, she first came to China on a six-month Chinese language program organized by Qingdao University and VSU. Later, while working for a Russian trading company, she became even more fascinated with China thanks to active business contacts with Chinese partners.
Years later, after careful consideration, Svetlana decided to pursue an MBA at Tianjin University. She was attracted by the university’s rich history and recognized the practical value of its curriculum for researching China’s economic development. She visited agricultural machinery manufacturing plants in Tianjin to explore the potential for Sino-Russian cooperation in the agricultural sector through the “customization of production plus localization of services” format.
Now that she has established her business in China, she continues to implement this idea. Despite being very busy, Svetlana continues to persistently study Chinese and get to know the country better.
“There are many opportunities in China. The openness and inclusiveness here provide fertile ground for enterprising people from all over the world. The Chinese say that if the circumstances are right, expressed in the right time, the right place and the support of the people, people around you will lend a helping hand if you boldly seize the opportunities of the times,” she added.
“I believe that a wonderful future awaits me. And I am ready to contribute to the promotion of cooperation between Russia and China,” Svetlana said. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with foreign ministers and representatives of the Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China, who are here to attend the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
BEIJING, May 12 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with foreign ministers and representatives of the Caribbean countries who came to China to attend the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing.
The foreign ministers and representatives come from Caribbean countries that have diplomatic relations with China, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in the past ten years, the China-Caribbean comprehensive cooperative partnership has entered the fast lane, and cooperation in various fields has achieved notable outcomes.
Leaders of all Caribbean countries with diplomatic ties to China have made visits to China, a large number of key cooperation projects have been put into use or advanced steadily, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly active, Wang said, adding that the forum has helped both sides achieve mutual success, promoted South-South cooperation, and enhanced the influence of the global South.
Wang said that Caribbean countries are indispensable members of the China-CELAC Forum. Looking forward to the future, the two sides should deepen political mutual trust and continue to support each other on issues concerning respective core interests. The two sides should advance practical cooperation, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and help Caribbean countries accelerate self-driven development.
To promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, Wang added, China will provide more government scholarships and training opportunities. The two sides should strengthen multilateral cooperation and build a more just and equitable global governance system. China will continue to provide assistance to Caribbean countries in dealing with climate change and support Caribbean countries in playing a greater role in international affairs.
Foreign ministers of Caribbean countries expressed gratitude for China’s long-standing strong support in critical sectors such as infrastructure, which has helped improve people’s well-being, enhance economic resilience, and accelerate sustainable development in the region.
They reiterated that the One-China principle is the cornerstone of China-Caribbean relations, and Caribbean countries will continue to steadfastly uphold it. Caribbean countries look forward to strengthening South-South cooperation through the China-CELAC Forum platform, they said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with foreign ministers and representatives of the Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China, who are here to attend the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The total number of applications for auto trade-in subsidies in China exceeded 10 million by Sunday, under a mass renewal program initiated in 2024, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.
Of that total, applications made in 2025 amounted to 3.23 million, with consumers scrapping nearly 1.04 million cars and purchasing 2.19 million new vehicles with auto trade-in subsidies. New energy vehicles (NEVs) accounted for more than 53 percent of all auto trade-ins since the beginning of the year.
The program aims to expand domestic demand and shore up the Chinese economy through equipment upgrades and trade-ins of consumer goods.
China’s auto market maintained robust growth from January to April, with sales rising 10.8 percent to 10.06 million units, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said on Monday.
Notably, NEVs posted strong growth. NEV production surged 48.3 percent year on year to nearly 4.43 million units in the first four months, with sales up 46.2 percent year on year to 4.3 million units.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
With his arms slightly bent and body leaning into the turns, Yuan Lei skillfully shifted his weight to maintain balance as his motorcycle glided through the winding mountain roads, the roar of the engine and rush of the wind only deepening the quiet in his mind.
“Riding demands complete focus, which allows me to clear my mind,” said Yuan, a 43-year-old college professor in Beijing. “Free from any confines or barriers, I feel truly connected to nature on a motorcycle.”
Yuan is a seasoned motorcyclist who purchased his first Kawasaki motorcycle in 2016. Every two weeks, he hits the road amid the towering mountains north of Beijing and goes on long-distance trips across the country once or twice a year.
Yuan is part of a growing community of motorcyclists in China who see riding not just as a mode of transportation, but as a lifestyle to be fully embraced. With motorcycling often requiring a substantial upfront investment and sparking a deep sense of wanderlust, this rising trend has unlocked considerable potential for consumption.
To begin with, buying a motorcycle involves a significant investment. Entry-level models on the market typically range from 20,000 yuan (about 2,775 U.S. dollars) to 30,000 yuan, while imported premium brands like Ducati and BMW can cost several hundred thousand yuan or more.
“It becomes even more expensive when you consider safety gear, travel costs, and aftermarket accessories,” said Jiang Xun, a 37-year-old enthusiast and a motorcycle store operator in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province.
Despite the high costs, the number of motorcycle enthusiasts has continued to grow. Jiang sees new faces every time he attends rider meetups. He estimates that the motorcyclist population grows by about 10 percent annually, with the majority of newcomers being young people aged 20 to 35. This surge in enthusiasm has driven an increase in the production and sales of motorcycles across China.
According to statistics from the China Chamber of Commerce for Motorcycle, in 2024, the production and sales volume of motorcycles in China reached over 19.97 million and 19.92 million, respectively, both showing growth. In the first two months of this year, the figures were approximately 2.46 million and 2.52 million, reflecting year-on-year increases of 16.96 percent and 16.21 percent, respectively.
Jiang’s firsthand experiences speak volumes. “At our peak, my shop sold 500 to 600 units annually,” Jiang recalled. “Even when demand dipped slightly, we still managed to sell over 300 units last year.”
Data from the Tmall new life research institute shows that the motorcycle market on Tmall, an e-commerce platform — encompassing complete vehicles, equipment and aftermarket services — surpassed the 10-billion-yuan mark in 2022.
Motorcycles made their way into the lives of urban Chinese in the 1980s along with the reform and opening up. However, motorcycles have come a long way in recent years to reemerge as a popular vehicle choice, thanks to the gradual relaxation of regulations.
Beijing imposed restrictions on motorcycles in 1985 due to the pollution and traffic chaos they brought, prompting other cities to follow suit. Starting from 2010, these blanket prohibitions were gradually lifted in some cities, replaced by a more targeted approach to regulating the use of motorcycles.
In recent years, the Ministry of Public Security has introduced a slew of measures to further relax restrictions, including raising the age limit for licensing to 70 and allowing riders to apply for licenses outside their provinces of residence.
Apart from boosting the purchase of motorcycles and gear, motorcycle riding as a lifestyle has driven demand for hospitality, catering, and other leisure-related services.
A leisure industry centering on motorcycle culture has emerged, noted Hu Ming, a researcher at the postdoctoral practice base of Jiangnan Rural Commercial Bank in Jiangsu Province.
A new business has even emerged from this trend. While cruising along popular winding roads tucked away in Beijing’s mountains, riders may find themselves “ambushed” by photographers at nearly every bend available for parking.
These amateur photographers capture stylish poses of motorcyclists through their lenses and sell the snapshots to riders via a photo stock app.
Shi, 51, started his roadside café and began taking snapshots of passing cyclists and motorcyclists last year in Beijing.
On his landing page of the photo stock app, stunning images of motorcyclists performing the iconic knee dragging or knee down move immediately capture attention. He mentions that he sells up to 18 photos over a weekend, each priced at 10 yuan, while noting that he is still a novice in the business.
“Today’s motorcyclists are no longer just seeking speed and thrills; they embrace motorcycling as a lifestyle and a canvas for personal expression,” said Chen Sining, organizer of a Nanjing-based motorcycle club.
Yuan is eagerly anticipating his next motorcycle road trip, as he was exhilarated by his previous experiences of “riding gradually into the breathtaking scenery, rather than just engaging in sightseeing.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China continued to be one of the leading sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Germany last year, according to a report released on Monday by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the federal agency responsible for promoting foreign investment.
Chinese companies initiated 199 FDI projects in Germany last year, nearly matching the 200 projects recorded in 2023. The 2023 figure marked a 42-percent year-on-year increase and the highest level since 2017. Among all source countries, China ranked third, following the United States and Switzerland.
The report noted that Germany attracted a total of 1,724 FDI projects in 2024, excluding mergers and acquisitions. This represents a slight decline from 1,759 projects in 2023 and 1,783 in 2022, highlighting the growing share of Chinese participation in Germany’s FDI landscape in recent years.
In 2024, seven projects involved investment volumes exceeding 500 million euros (555 million U.S. dollars), including some backed by Chinese investors.
Thomas Bozoyan, the report’s author and a GTAI expert, noted that China continues to play a pivotal role in Germany’s foreign investment profile. He emphasized that Germany has emerged as a key beneficiary of China’s expanding commercial footprint across Europe.
Bozoyan pointed out that Chinese investment is increasingly focused on high-tech industrial sectors such as renewable energy, battery supply chains, automotive, medical technology, and robotics, with a particular emphasis on software-driven solutions within these fields.
According to the report, Chinese companies launched 31 projects in the renewable energy sector in 2024. Roughly one-quarter of all Chinese FDI projects in Germany involved either production facilities or research and development operations.
Bozoyan also noted that beyond Germany, China’s outbound investment has shown strong global growth, particularly accelerating after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. (1 euro = 1.11 U.S. dollar)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has “a special place in my heart” at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday.
Bach, addressing the assembly for the final time before his tenure ends in 2025, highlighted Asia’s pivotal role in his leadership.
Yao Ming, China’s basketball icon, speaks during the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 11, 2025. International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has “a special place in my heart” at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
Bach credited three consecutive Asian-hosted Olympic Games – PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, and Beijing 2022 – as the “defining chapter” of his presidency, praising the continent’s resilience amid global challenges.
“Asia always has and always will have a special place in my heart,” said Bach, who was awarded the OCA Order of Merit, lauded the Asian Games as a “model of success” for other continental bodies.
In his welcome address at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, OCA first vice president Timothy Fok Tsun-ting described Kuwait as the “heartbeat” of the OCA, emphasizing Asia’s collective achievements.
“The Opening Ceremony and General Assembly will display not only the unity of Asia but also the diversity of Asia, the spirit of Asia and pride of Asia,” Fok stated, calling the event a milestone in building a “brighter future” for the continent’s sports movement.
Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming, a guest speaker, reflected on the Olympics’ unifying power, recalling his experience at Sydney 2000.
“Sports can overcome hurdles, break down barriers, and unite the youth of the world behind one common goal,” said the NBA Hall of Famer.
IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry and the president of the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, also attended the two-day conference.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Russia is determined to work towards a long-term settlement in Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin clearly outlined his position on resuming negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions.
Commenting on the potential new sanctions that European countries might impose on Russia, Peskov noted that “language of ultimatums” is unacceptable for the country.
On Saturday, Ukraine said that Kiev is ready for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia starting Monday, while major European countries demanded that Russia agree to the ceasefire or face additional sanctions.
Putin early Sunday proposed to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, adding that a ceasefire agreement could be discussed during the meeting.
In a post on X late Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to engage in negotiations, and he will be in Türkiye on Thursday.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Apple is weighing price increases for its fall iPhone lineup, a step it is seeking to couple with new features and design changes, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Monday, adding that the company is determined to avoid any scenario in which it appears to attribute price increases to U.S. tariffs on goods from China, where most Apple devices are assembled.
New iPhones set to be released in the fall include some design and format changes, including an ultrathin design. The investment bank Jefferies estimates that of the approximately 65 million iPhones Apple sold in the United States last year, around 36 to 39 million were Pro or Pro Max models.
This fall’s lineup is expected to include a thinner model that would stand in the place of the current iPhone 16 Plus, which retails for 899 U.S. dollars in the United States.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook “has been facing pressure over the U.S.-China trade conflict, which threatens Apple’s supply chain,” noted the report. In response, he built up inventory in March before tariffs were announced and shifted manufacturing for the U.S. market to India. He said earlier this month that a majority of iPhones shipped to the United States in the April-to-June quarter would come from India.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed manager of Brazil’s national team on a deal that runs until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Monday.
The 65-year-old will leave his current role at Real Madrid after the club’s last La Liga match of the season against Real Sociedad on May 25.
Carlo Ancelotti looks on before the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 Final match between Real Madrid and Mexico’s CF Pachuca at Lusail Stadium on Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)
“The greatest national team in the history of football will now be led by the most successful coach in the world,” the CBF said in a statement.
It added that the Italian would officially begin his tenure with the five-time World Cup champion on May 26.
Ancelotti replaces Dorival Junior, who was sacked on March 28 following Brazil’s 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires.
The CBF had reportedly also considered former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, ex-Benfica manager Jorge Jesus and current Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira for the role.
Ancelotti, whose 30-year managerial career has included spells at Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, among other clubs, becomes the first foreign manager of Brazil’s national team.
“Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move. It is a statement to the world that we are determined to reclaim the top spot on the podium,” CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues said.
“He is the greatest coach in history and now he is leading the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters for Brazilian football,” Rodrigues added.
Ancelotti won 15 trophies across two spells as Real Madrid manager and last season led the Spanish club to a Champions League and La Liga double.
Brazil is currently fourth in the 10-team South American World Cup qualifying group, 10 points behind leader Argentina with four matchdays remaining.
The top six teams will earn an automatic place at football’s showpiece tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year. The seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, which would protect domestic transit operations and supply chains from malign Chinese influence by preventing any appropriated funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars:
“China’s attempts to exploit critical American infrastructure with taxpayer funds will not be tolerated,” said Senator Blackburn. “The STOP China Act would prevent hard-earned American dollars from purchasing Chinese-made vehicles in our transit infrastructure, protecting our national security and supporting American manufacturing.
“It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems, and we cannot let them succeed,” said Senator Cornyn. “By preventing American tax dollars from being used to purchase Chinese government transit buses or rail cars, our legislation would help protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from the CCP.”
“When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers, not opening our checkbook to adversaries like China,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our workers and companies, keep the United States safe, and close a loophole that Chinese companies are exploiting to win government contracts and undercut American workers.”
“At every opportunity, the Chinese Communist Party works to exploit America and put our nation’s critical infrastructure at risk,” said Senator Scott. “We cannot allow an adversarial regime access to supply chains and transit that we rely on every day, and we definitely cannot allow U.S. tax dollars to fund any projects that allows such access. We must prioritize Americans’ safety, American jobs, and American manufacturing, and put an end to our dangerous dependence on a regime that openly seeks our downfall.”
“Domestic transit vehicle manufacturers shouldn’t be victim to Chinese companies exploiting loopholes and engaging in unfair trade practices that harm business and pose significant national security concerns,” said Senator Smith. “I’m glad to support the STOP China Act to close the loopholes and help Minnesota’s strong transit manufacturing industry continue to succeed.”
“China is actively working to undermine American workers and our economic success, particularly in the transportation industry, by flooding global markets with artificially cheap vehicles, from electric vehicles to buses,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan bill would help level the playing field for Michigan manufacturers, suppliers, and workers as we continue to lead the world in mobility innovation by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support companies owned and operated by the Chinese Community Party.”
U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.) cosponsored the legislation. Congressmen Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.) are leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Background:
Congress passed the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act, which prohibits companies with ties to China’s government from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to build U.S. rail cars and buses, as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. However, China has taken advantage of other government funds in the law to continue competing for transit business in the U.S. The Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act would prevent any appropriated funds to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses. It would also require the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China.
The legislation is endorsed by Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)
Abundance-Oriented Caucus to Focus on Peters’ Priorities: Unleashing American Energy, Building More Housing, Investing in Science
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50), along with a bipartisan group of Congressmembers, launched the Build America Caucus as a founding member. The caucus will support the abundance movement: to ensure government delivers for Americans by tackling the self-imposed red tape that has led to a constricted and costly energy system, out-of-control housing costs, decades of infrastructure delays, and lagging investments. The caucus will also reinforce America’s lead in, and need to support, scientific discovery. The American people have lost faith in government’s ability to get things done, and instead often see government as an obstacle to timely results. The Build America Caucus will work to restore the public’s trust by advancing substantive legislation to cut red-tape and lower the cost of living.
Rep. Peters’ remarks at the caucus launch below:
“America prides itself on accomplishing big things: winning world wars, sending man to the moon, or discovering the next medical breakthrough.
“During World War II, San Diego factories built a bomber an hour, a bomber an hour.
“We did it because the need was urgent. So, we found a way.
Our challenges have not gone away — our capacity to achieve great things has.
“Homelessness is on the rise, our electrical grid can’t meet future demand, and our competitors like China are supplanting our role as the scientific powerhouse of the world.
“We know we must build more housing, expand our grid, and invest in basic scientific research. Yet, we let NIMBYs from both sides hold projects hostage. We let so-called “environmental” groups mire transmission and clean energy projects in decades of litigation. And this administration slashes scientific funding and deters the best minds in the world from coming here.
“Today, we launch the Build America Caucus, the pro-growth abundance caucus, to think bigger and take real action to solve these problems, not just pay lip service. People are frustrated with all the delay, gridlock, and government-imposed red tape. Too often, we as lawmakers see that problem as the system we work in, instead of the system we have the power to change.
“I am working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to rework the 50-year-old environmental laws that are ironically used to stop clean energy projects. This isn’t easy. We came close last year with the Energy Permitting Reform Act in the Senate, but it came with immense opposition from those who think the status quo is acceptable. We know that it is not.
“This caucus will stand ready to face the pressure from all sides on strong bipartisan efforts like this, as a commonsense majority that tunes out the noise so that we can get shit done.
“There are many political fights in D.C., but when I go back home, what I hear about over and over is the cost of living. The cost of housing, and electricity, and childcare. They are counting on us to put politics aside to make their lives better. That’s exactly what the Build America Caucus plans to do.”
Background:
Representative Peters has long championed the movement to make government more efficient, build more housing, update outdated laws to deliver reliable and affordable energy to power our economy, and invest in scientific innovation.