Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — A large-scale presentation of forestry products from Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province under the brand “Nine Treasures and Eighteen Delicacies” was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, the other day. The event is in line with the strategy of the CPC Provincial Committee and the Heilongjiang Provincial Government to “Globally Promote Heilongjiang Quality Products” aimed at deepening international exchanges and expanding the development prospects of the industry.
According to the website of the Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Government, participation in the exhibition is an important step in deepening the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting dual /domestic and international/ circulation. The product line of “Nine Treasures and Eighteen Delicacies” is purposefully developing the Eurasian market, creating international sales channels and actively promoting Heilongjiang brands on the world stage.
The exhibition featured forest fruits, mushrooms, medicinal plants, forest livestock products and birch sap drinks. These environmentally friendly food products, which had previously received recognition at the Harbin Trade Fair and the World Forestry Conference, attracted considerable attention due to their natural properties. Of particular interest was the innovative tea drink project, which uses birch sap as a raw material for the first time in China.
As part of the business program, a seminar on “Trade and Investment Cooperation between China and Russia in the New Era” was held, where the Forestry and Grassland Administration of Heilongjiang Province put forward a concept of bilateral cooperation based on commodity trade, resource complementarity and green transformation. The parties agreed to focus on research and deep processing of forest products, expansion of export-import operations, carbon trading, and will also consider prospects for cooperation in the development of forest tourism and the creation of cross-border forest industry parks.
The Nine Treasures and Eighteen Delicacies Forest Products Development Association reached agreements with Russian enterprises, thereby creating a channel for Chinese forest products to enter the Russian market. These agreements will strengthen the influence of Chinese brands in Russia and open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation in the field of forest products.
It should be noted that Heilongjiang Province has exceptional ecological potential: more than 700 kinds of forest food products and unique ecosystem resources form a solid foundation for the development of the industry. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — A government delegation from Harbin City, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, led by Deputy Mayor Jiang Jun, paid a working visit to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on Thursday. During the visit, the delegation took part in a series of important events, including government talks, familiarization visits to enterprises, business meetings and signing of projects, which contributed to strengthening friendly ties with the Sverdlovsk Region and Yekaterinburg, as well as deepening industrial, trade and economic cooperation with Russia.
As reported on the website of the Harbin city government, while participating in working talks between the Heilongjiang provincial government and the Sverdlovsk regional government, Jiang Jun emphasized that Harbin attaches great importance to developing trade with Russia. He expressed hope that the sausage processing project, implemented by Harbin enterprises jointly with the Ural Agro-Industrial Group, will become a starting point for pragmatic cooperation with the Sverdlovsk region.
Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region Vasily Kozlov noted that friendly relations between the Sverdlovsk Region and Harbin have lasted for more than 30 years. Over these years, the parties have established close cooperation in industry, trade, science, education and culture. He expressed hope for further deepening of trade and economic exchanges between the two sides.
During working talks with representatives of the Yekaterinburg government, Jiang Jun presented the key advantages of Harbin: potential in Russian-Chinese trade, a developed industrial system, a powerful scientific and educational base, logistics services, platforms for openness to the outside world and cross-border settlements. He pointed out the high complementarity of the economies of the two cities and the significant potential for cooperation in the areas of mineral resources and manufacturing, proposing to identify priority projects for joint implementation.
Yekaterinburg Mayor Alexey Orlov acquainted the guests with the economic features and scientific and educational advantages of the city, expressing his readiness to develop cooperation in the areas of trade, winter sports and youth exchanges based on existing good relations.
In addition, the Chinese delegation visited the large manufacturing and retail enterprise Sima-land in Yekaterinburg, where they studied its basic indicators, development history, product range and plans for the future. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The European Union said on Saturday it was ready to retaliate to defend its interests if the United States pressed ahead with imposing a 30% tariff on European goods from August 1.
U.S. President Donald Trump latest salvo surprised the bloc, the United States’ largest trading partner, which had hoped to avoid an escalating trade war after intense negotiations and increasingly warm words from the White House.
Ursula von der Leyen, head of the EU executive which handles trade policy for the 27 member states, said the bloc was ready to keep working towards an agreement before August 1,but was willing to stand firm.
“We will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required,” she said of possible retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods entering Europe.
EU ambassadors will discuss next steps on Sunday, before trade ministers meet in Brussels on Monday for an extraordinary meeting. They will need to decide whether to impose tariffs on 21 billion euros of U.S. imports in retaliation against separate U.S. tariffs against steel and aluminium, or extend a suspension which lasts until the end of Monday.
The EU has so far held back from retaliating against the U.S., although it has readied two packages that could hit a combined 93 billion euros of U.S. goods
European capitals swiftly backed von der Leyen’s position.
German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche called for a “pragmatic outcome to the negotiations”.
Trump’s proposed tariffs”would hit European exporting companies hard. At the same time, they would also have a strong impact on the economy and consumers on the other side of the Atlantic,” she said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that the European Commission needed more than ever to “assert the Union’s determination to defend European interests resolutely”.
Retaliation might need to include so-called anti-coercion instruments if Trump did not back down, Macron said.
The tool, drawn up during Trump’s first term and used against China, allows the EU to go beyond traditional tariffs on goods and impose restrictions on trade in services, if it deems that a country is using tariffs to force a change in policy.
Spain’s Economy Ministry backed further negotiations but added that Spain and others in the EU were ready to take “proportionate countermeasures if necessary”.
Trump has periodically railed against the European Union, saying in February it was “formed to screw the United States”.
His biggest grievance is the U.S. merchandise trade deficit with the EU, which in 2024 amounted to $235 billion, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The EU has repeatedly pointed to a U.S. surplus in services, arguing it in part redresses the balance.
RETALIATION
Combining goods, services and investment, the EU and the United States are each other’s largest trading partners by far. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU said in March the trade dispute could jeopardise $9.5 trillion of business in the world’s most important commercial relationship.
Bernd Lange, head of the European Parliament’s trade committee said he was now convinced the first stage of countermeasures should come into force on Monday, followed quickly by the second package.
Trump has said he would mirror any retaliatory moves.
Still, Trump has repeatedly announced sweeping tariffs in recent months, only to row back or suspend them before his own self-imposed deadlines. The expectation that he will again relent has led to increasingly muted responses on financial markets, which have recovered since plunging after his initial “Liberation Day” announcement of big global tariffs in April.
Three EU officials who spoke on condition on anonymity said they saw Trump’s latest threats as a negotiating ploy.
Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING, said Trump’s move suggested that months of negotiations remained deadlocked and that the situation was inching towards a make-or-break moment for the transatlantic trade relationship.
“The EU will now have to decide whether to budge or to play hardball,” he said. “This will bring market volatility and even more uncertainty.”
Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, noted that the brunt of the U.S. tariffs, if implemented, would be felt by U.S. consumers.
However, there would also be clear repercussions for the euro area economy, already struggling with weak growth.
The European Central Bank had used a 10% tariff on EU exports to the United States as the baseline in its latest economic projections, which put output growth in the euro area at 0.9% this year, 1.1% in 2026 and 1.3% in 2027.
It said a 20% U.S. tariff would curb growth by 1 percentage point over the same period and also pull down inflation to 1.8% in 2027, from 2.0% in the baseline scenario. It did not even offer an estimate for the possibility of a 30% tariff.
Iga Swiatek took another stride towards tennis greatness by ruthlessly tearing apart American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova 6-0 6-0 and lifting her first Wimbledon trophy on Saturday.
The big occasion turned into a nightmare for Anisimova who became the first woman to lose a Wimbledon final by that painful scoreline since 1911 and the first to do so at any major since Steffi Graf routed Natasha Zvereva at the 1988 French Open.
Already a U.S. Open champion and a four-times French Open winner, Swiatek’s demolition job at the All England Club meant that she became the youngest woman since a 20-year-old Serena Williams in 2002 to lift major titles on all three surfaces.
Her superb display on the sun-drenched lawns of London also ensured that she emerged as the first player since Monica Seles in 1992 to win her first six major finals.
“It’s something that is just surreal. I feel like tennis keeps surprising me, and I keep surprising myself,” Swiatek told reporters after hoisting the gilded Venus Rosewater Dish.
“I’m really happy with the whole process, how it looked like from the first day we stepped on a grasscourt. Yeah, I feel like we did everything for it to go in that direction without expecting it, just working really hard.
“It means a lot, and it gives me a lot of experience. Yeah, I don’t even know. I’m just happy.”
Swiatek’s triumph ended a barren 13-month run for the Polish 24-year-old, who served a short suspension late last year after an inadvertent doping violation linked to contaminated sleep medication melatonin.
“I want to thank my coach (Wim Fissette). With the ups and downs now, we showed everybody it’s working,” Swiatek added.
SCORCHING START
On another warm afternoon on Centre Court, Swiatek got off to a scorching start by breaking a nervous Anisimova three times en route to dishing out the first bagel, prompting some spectators to get behind the shell-shocked American.
A frustrated Anisimova shrieked and desperately looked to her team in the stands for any kind of guidance after conceding yet another break point early in the second set and it was not long before her machine-like opponent pulled away further.
Anisimova continued to disappointingly crack under pressure, before Swiatek completed the brutal mauling in 57 minutes with a backhand winner on her second match point to become the first Wimbledon champion from Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk celebrated with a picture of himself watching a post-match interview while holding a bowl of pasta and strawberries, Swiatek’s cheat meal at Wimbledon, while President Andrzej Duda was effusive in his praise.
“Iga! Today, on the grasscourts of Wimbledon, you wrote history – not only for Polish sport, but also for Polish pride. On behalf of the Republic of Poland – thank you,” Duda wrote.
Victory took Swiatek to 100 wins from 120 matches at the majors, making her the quickest to get to there since Williams in 2004, and denied Anisimova the chance to become the first American to win the title since her compatriot in 2016.
Swiatek jumped for joy on court before running towards her team in the stands to celebrate her triumph. The Friends fan was equally delighted to receive a congratulatory hug from American actress Courteney Cox, who was among the spectators.
All this while, Anisimova was left to wonder what could have been as she sat in her seat, before the tears began to flow during her on-court interview.
Few would have envisioned the American to hit the heights she did in the last fortnight after she fell outside the top 400 following her mental health break two years ago.
“I didn’t have enough today,” said Anisimova, who began the tournament with a 6-0 6-0 win over Yulia Putintseva but admitted to running out of gas in the final.
“I’m going to keep putting in the work, and I always believe in myself. I hope to be back again one day.”
It was bitter disappointment for U.S. fans hoping for an “American Slam” this year after Madison Keys won the Australian Open at the start of the year and Coco Gauff triumphed at the French Open last month.
Iran plans to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog despite restrictions imposed by its parliament, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday, while stressing that access to its bombed nuclear sites posed security and safety issues.
A new law passed in Iran following last month’s Israeli and U.S. bombing campaign stipulates that inspection of Iran’s nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) needs approval by the Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s top security body.
The Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted a nuclear programme which Western countries have long said was aimed at building an atomic weapon. Iran has long said its nuclear programme is purely peaceful.
Any negotiations over Iran’s future nuclear programme are likely to require its cooperation with the IAEA, which angered Iran last month by declaring on the eve of the Israeli strikes that Tehran was violating non-proliferation treaty commitments.
“The risk of spreading radioactive materials and the risk of exploding leftover munitions … are serious,” state media cited Araqchi as saying. “For us, IAEA inspectors approaching nuclear sites has both a security aspect … and the safety of the inspectors themselves is a matter that must be examined.”
While Iran’s cooperation with the nuclear watchdog has not stopped, it will take a new form and will be guided and managed through the Supreme National Security Council, Araqchi told Tehran-based diplomats.
“The IAEA’s requests for continued monitoring in Iran will be … decided on a case-by-case basis by the Council with consideration to safety and security issues,” Araqchi said.
Iran will not agree to any nuclear deal that does not allow it to enrich uranium, Araqchi reiterated. Iran would only agree to talks limited to its nuclear programme and not encompassing defence issues such as its missiles.
Axios cited sources on Saturday as saying Russian President Vladimir Putin had voiced support for the idea of an accord in which Tehran would bebarred from enriching uranium. Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted an “informed source” as saying Putin had not sent any such message to Iran.
Speaking to the state news agency IRNA, Araqchi said Iran was carefully considering the details of any renewed nuclear talks with the U.S. and seeking assurances that Washington would not again resort to military force. “We are in no hurry to enter into unconsidered negotiations,” he added.
Araqchi also said any move by Britain, France and Germany to reimpose international sanctions on Iran through a so-called “snapback” mechanism under an earlier nuclear deal would “end Europe’s role” in Iran’s nuclear issue.
Under the terms of a U.N. resolution ratifying a 2015 nuclear pact, the three European powers could reimpose United Nations sanctions against Tehran by October 18, 2025.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — China has made a major breakthrough in clean energy technology with the launch of the world’s most powerful floating direct-drive wind turbine.
The 17-megawatt turbine, jointly developed by state-owned enterprises China Huaneng Group (CHG) and Dongfang Electric Corporation, officially rolled off the production line on Thursday in the coastal city of Fuqing, east China’s Fujian Province, CHG confirmed to Xinhua News Agency on Saturday.
One of its power units can generate 68 million kWh of environmentally friendly electricity per year, which will be enough to supply electricity to approximately 40 thousand households.
According to CHG, the demonstration test of the wind turbine will take place in waters near the city of Yangjiang in southern China’s Guangdong Province.
The giant machine, with an operational availability of over 99 percent, has a record rotor diameter of 262 meters, and the blade capture area during rotation is about 53 thousand square meters, which is equivalent to 7.5 standard football fields. At the same time, the height of the central hub of 152 meters is comparable to a 50-story residential building.
This wind turbine can withstand extreme marine conditions, including waves over 24 meters high and typhoons of force 17. Unique stabilization technology allows continuous power generation even when the floating platform is tilted at extreme angles.
Liu Xin, director of the offshore wind energy department at China Huaneng Alternative Energy Technology Research Institute, highlighted the turbine’s adaptability, noting that its integrated intelligent sensing system provides holistic stability control for safe and efficient operation in the complex and variable deep-sea environment.
A team of researchers has made a technological breakthrough in floating wind energy system coupling modeling technology and high-fidelity model testing technology.
Notably, all major components, including blades, generators and transformers, are made in China, and the design includes, for the first time, Chinese-made large-diameter main shaft bearings.
This technological breakthrough opens the door to exploiting China’s vast deep-sea wind resources. According to the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, the depth of China’s coastal waters ranges from 5 to 50 meters, where the country has about 500 GW of electricity from wind energy resources, while similar resources on the deep-sea shelf are about 3 to 4 times larger.
Data from the World Wind Energy Council (GWEC) highlights the global importance of these resources, showing that more than 80 percent of the world’s offshore wind resources are located in waters deeper than 60 meters.
Floating wind technologies and solutions will further unlock the potential of deepwater offshore wind energy in the future, GWEC data shows.
According to GWEC, the global installed capacity of floating wind turbines is estimated to reach 278 MW by the end of 2024, with Norway, the UK, China and France leading the four largest markets in this field. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BAGHDAD, July 13 (Xinhua) — The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s recent announcement to begin the disarmament process marks an important milestone in efforts to consolidate long-term peace and stability, the Iraqi presidency said Saturday.
The process of disarming the PKK is an important and historic step towards ending decades of armed conflict and repeated security breaches that have cost the lives of countless civilians, the Iraqi presidential residence said in a statement.
This event paves the way for a more stable and secure future, strengthening the prospects for peace and constructive cooperation throughout the region, the presidential administration said, stressing the importance of the full commitment of all parties to maintaining security, respecting sovereignty and supporting the legitimate rights of all communities.
The disarmament is also expected to “strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and Turkey based on mutual respect, common interests and a shared vision of regional security and prosperity,” the document says.
In a recorded address in June released earlier this week from a prison on the island of Imrali near Istanbul, Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed PKK leader, said the PKK’s more than 40-year armed struggle against Turkey for self-rule was over and details regarding disarmament would be quickly implemented.
A group of PKK militants burned their weapons in a symbolic ceremony in Sulaymaniyah province on Friday, Iraqi media reported.
The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Government to urgently align itself with over twenty nations — including Spain, Ireland, Turkey, China, Qatar, South Africa, and Brazil — that are coordinating concrete international measures in response to Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.
An emergency summit of The Hague Group will take place in Colombia next week, with participating states seeking to enforce the International Court of Justice’s binding orders and address grave breaches of international law in Gaza.
“More than 58,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children have been killed, and Gaza has been reduced to rubble. The international community is moving decisively, and it’s time for New Zealand to take a principled stand,” said Maher Nazzal, spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand.
New Zealand has a proud legacy of supporting international law and human rights, from opposing apartheid to championing nuclear disarmament. It must now show moral clarity and leadership by joining the growing international coalition demanding an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and full accountability for crimes committed.
“We urge the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to publicly commit to joining this initiative and to represent New Zealand at the upcoming summit. Inaction in the face of atrocity is complicity,” Maher Nazzal added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Editor’s Note: The Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing is currently presenting “Heritage,” an exhibition on the folk traditions of the Fagaras region, showcasing hand-stitched blouses and other garments.
This photo shows the entrance of the “Heritage” exhibition at the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing, July 9, 2025. The display marks the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse and showcases traditional Romanian heritage. [Photo by Liu Ziying/China.org.cn]
The show, co-curated by artist Raluca Jurcovan and artisan Mariana Neacsu, runs through Aug. 22. The exhibition
features 17 hand-stitched traditional Romanian blouses, accompanied by other garments and a series of photographs documenting everyday life in Draguș, a village significant to Romanian sociological research.
“Heritage” celebrates Romanian cultural identity through traditional garments, including the “ie” blouse, as well as
photographs that reflect the history and values of the Fagaras region, known for preserving traditional crafts and community life.
Jurcovan, a visual artist and ethnographic researcher, and Neacsu, a master folk artisan, curated the exhibition to combine historical craftsmanship with personal heritage. Each piece on display represents both the skills passed down through generations and the ongoing creative energy of rural Romania.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the textures, embroidery, and stories embedded in the clothing, experiencing firsthand how Romanian culture connects its past with its present.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Chen Yi continued her giant-killing spree, defeating more favored teammate Kuai Man to reach the women’s singles final in the WTT US Smash in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The unseeded 20-year-old from the southeastern province of Zhejiang, who had eliminated China’s world No. 1 and world champion Sun Yingsha and Japan’s ninth seed Hina Hayata, outlasted fifth-seeded Kuai 4-3 (6-11, 11-3, 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1, 11-9) to set up a title clash against former Chinese national team star Zhu Yuling.
“Kuai Man and I know each other very well,” said Chen. “We both know whoever is more determined and decisive would win this game.”
Zhu, a former World Cup winner who now plays for Macao, China, swept seventh-seeded Japanese Mima Ito 4-2 (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8) in the other semifinal.
The 30-year-old Zhu previously stepped away from China’s national team to recover from cancer, pursue her studies, and later become a professor at Tianjin University. She joined the Macao team last year.
Earlier in the day, South Korea’s An Jae-hyun/Lim Jong-hoon beat France’s Alexis Lebrun/Felix Lebrun 3-1 to win the men’s doubles title.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Universities Alliance was officially established in Tianjin, northern China, the Zhongxinshe news agency reported.
The alliance was launched at a thematic forum on cooperation between universities within the framework of the SCO Digital Economic Forum. More than 200 representatives of universities from China and other SCO countries took part in it.
This sub-forum is devoted to the topic “Innovation in education and transnational training of personnel within the digital economy” and is intended to discuss the interaction between digital technologies and higher education, exchange practical experience in the transformation and modernization of personnel training in universities in the era of digital intelligence, and is also aimed at promoting practical cooperation in the field of the digital economy.
The event noted that the SCO Digital Economy Alliance of Universities, adhering to the principles of joint consultation, joint construction and joint use, will build a high-level education community in the field of digital economy, create an educational cooperation platform characterized by openness, interaction and innovation, so as to give impetus to the high-quality development of the digital economy around the world.
Let us recall that from July 10 to 11, the SCO Digital Economic Forum was held in Tianjin, jointly organized by the State Data Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the Tianjin People’s Government. It was attended by more than 1,500 guests representing governments, enterprises, universities and think tanks of the SCO member states. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of sweeping 30 percent tariffs on European Union (EU) exports on Saturday has provoked a fierce backlash across the bloc, with officials and industry leaders demanding a strong and united response amid continued trade talks.
The proposed tariffs, set to take effect on Aug. 1, target EU imports and were justified by Trump as a correction of a “far from reciprocal” trade relations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Saturday that the tariffs would “disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”
While emphasizing the EU’s continued commitment to a negotiated solution, she said the bloc “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
European lawmakers and national leaders voiced growing frustration, with many urging immediate retaliatory steps.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s committee on international trade, said the U.S. letter is “both impertinent and a slap in the face” after weeks of negotiations.
He urged the EU to begin retaliatory measures on Monday as scheduled, stating that “the period of waiting is over.”
European Council President Antonio Costa said the tariffs would drive inflation, fuel uncertainty and stall growth. “The EU remains firm, united and ready to protect our interests,” he said, urging progress toward a “fair agreement” with Washington.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “strong disapproval” of the U.S. move, and said the EU must speed up preparing “credible countermeasures” using all tools, including anti-coercion, available if talks fail.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the move as a “unilateral escalation,” and said the EU is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary.
“Everyone loses out from an escalated trade conflict, and it will be U.S. consumers who pay the highest price,” he warned.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized the U.S. tariffs for negatively impacting transatlantic trade and called for “unity and determination” to protect the EU’s interests.
European industries voiced alarm over the fallout, particularly in sectors tightly integrated with the U.S. market.
Germany’s major industry lobby group, the BDI, called the U.S. move “an alarm signal,” warning that it could derail recovery and undermine innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Tariffs as a means of exerting political pressure lead to higher costs, jeopardize jobs and undermine international competitiveness, both in Europe and in the United States,” said Wolfgang Niedermark, a senior BDI executive.
Isabel Schnabel, a European Central Bank board member, said the tariffs could trigger medium-term inflation and supply chain shocks.
The automotive sector, which is already deeply integrated with the EU and the U.S., is already feeling the pain.
Slovakia, one of Europe’s top car-exporting nations, reported a noticeable drop in orders for the coming third quarter. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said relocating production to the U.S. was not feasible in the short term and emphasized that the damage had already begun.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) said the cost to manufacturers was already in the billions and climbing daily.
“It is regrettable that there is a threat of a further escalation of the trade conflict,” said VDA President Hildegard Mueller.
“The costs for our companies are already in the billions, and the sum is growing every day,” she said, noting that suppliers were also significantly affected by the import duties.
Emanuele Orsini, president of Confindustria, Italy’s major association representing manufacturing and service companies, condemned the U.S. approach as “unpleasant,” while Paolo Mascarino, president of the Italian food and drink industry federation Federalimentare, said the tariffs “exceed any threshold of tolerability” and would trigger significant drops in exports.
Dan O’Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, said the U.S. move was “provocative” and significantly raised the risk of a wider economic confrontation between the two economies.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ANKARA, July 13 (Xinhua) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday declared a “new page” in Turkey’s history as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) begins the process of disarmament.
“As of yesterday, the 47-year-old terror has entered the phase of cessation. Turkey has begun to close a long, painful chapter filled with pain and tears,” Erdogan said, addressing members of his ruling Justice and Development Party in the Kizilcahamam district of Ankara province.
A group of PKK militants burned their weapons in a symbolic ceremony in Iraq’s northern Sulaymaniyah province on Friday.
“From now on we will sit down and talk – not with weapons or violence, not about conflicts, but about unity, brotherhood and personal dialogue, removing the obstacle of terror,” he said.
According to Turkey’s semi-official Anadolu Agency, the disarmament ceremony was attended by Iraqi officials, representatives of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, the Kurdistan Regional Government, security forces, civil society organizations and media.
The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than four decades.
Türkiye regularly carries out military operations against PKK militants in northern Iraq, where the group has its hideouts. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
New Caledonia’s pro-and-anti-independence parties have committed to an “historic” deal over the future political status of the French Pacific territory, which is set to become — for the first time — a “state” within the French realm.
The 13-page agreement yesterday, officially entitled “Agreement Project of the Future of New Caledonia”, is the result of a solid 10 days of difficult negotiations between both pro and anti-independence parties.
They have stayed under closed doors at a hotel in the small city of Bougival, in the outskirts of Paris.
French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls (centre) shows signatures on the last page of New Caledonia’s new agreement. Image: RNZ Pacific/FB
The talks were convened by French President Emmanuel Macron after an earlier series of talks held between February and May 2025 failed to yield an agreement.
After opening the talks on July 2, Macron handed over them to his Minister for Overseas, Manuel Valls, to oversee. Valls managed to bring together all parties around the same table earlier this year.
In his opening speech earlier this month, Macron insisted on the need to restore New Caledonia’s economy, which was brought to its knees following destructive and deadly riots that erupted in May 2024.
He said France was ready to study any solution, including an “associated state” for New Caledonia.
During the following days, all political players exchanged views under the seal of strict confidentiality.
While the pro-independence movement, and its Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), remained adamant they would settle for no less than “full sovereignty”, the pro-France parties were mostly arguing that three referendums — held between 2018 and 2021 — had already concluded that most New Caledonians wanted New Caledonia to remain part of France.
Those results, they said, dictated that the democratic result of the three consultations be respected.
Group photo of participants at the end of negotiations. Image: Philippe Gomes
With this confrontational context, which resulted in an increasingly radicalised background in New Caledonia, that eventually led to the 2024 riots, the Bougival summit was dubbed the “last chance summit”.
In the early hours of Saturday, just before 7 am (Paris time, 5 pm NZ time), after a sleepless night, the secrecy surrounding the Bougival talks finally ended with an announcement from Valls.
He wrote in a release that all partners taking part in the talks had signed and “committed to present and defend the agreement’s text on New Caledonia’s future.”
Valls said this was a “major commitment resulting from a long work of negotiations during which New Caledonia’s partners made the choice of courage and responsibility”.
The released document, signed by almost 20 politicians, details what the deal would imply for New Caledonia’s future.
In its preamble, the fresh deal underlines that New Caledonia was “once again betting on trust, dialogue and peace”, through “a new political organisation, a more widely shared sovereignty and an economic and social refoundation” for a “reinvented common destiny.”
New Caledonia’s population will be called to approve the agreement in February 2026.
If approved, the text would be the centrepiece of a “special organic law” voted by the local Congress.
It would later have to be endorsed by the French Parliament and enshrined in an article of the French Constitution.
What does the agreement contain? One of the most notable developments in terms of future status for New Caledonia is the notion of a “State of New Caledonia”, under a regime that would maintain it as part of France, but with a dual citizenship — France/New Caledonia.
Another formulation used for the change of status is the often-used “sui generis”, which in legal Latin, describes a unique evolution, comparable to no other.
This would be formalised through a fundamental law to be endorsed by New Caledonia’s Congress by a required majority of three-fifths.
The number of MPs in the Congress would be 56.
The text also envisages a gradual transfer of key powers currently held by France (such as international relations), but would not include portfolios such as defence, currency or justice.
In diplomacy, New Caledonia would be empowered to conduct its own affairs, but “in respect of France’s international commitments and vital interests”.
On defence matters, even though this would remain under France’s powers, it is envisaged that New Caledonia would be “strongly” associated, consulted and kept informed, regarding strategy, goals and actions led by France in the Pacific region.
On police and public order matters, New Caledonia would be entitled to create its own provincial and traditional security forces, in addition to national French law enforcement agencies.
New Caledonia’s sensitive electoral roll The sensitive issue of New Caledonia’s electoral roll and conditions of eligibility to vote at local elections (including for the three Provincial Assemblies) is also mentioned in the agreement.
It was this very issue that was perceived as the main trigger for the May 2024 riots, the pro-independence movement feared at the time that changing the conditions to vote would gradually place the indigenous Kanak community in a position of minority.
It is now agreed that the electoral roll would be partly opened to those people of New Caledonia who were born after 1998.
The roll was frozen in 2007 and restricted to people born before 1998, which is the date the previous major autonomy agreement of Nouméa was signed.
Under the new proposed conditions to access New Caledonia’s “citizenship”, those entitled would include people who already can vote at local elections, but also their children or any person who has resided in New Caledonia for an uninterrupted ten years or who has been married or lived in a civil de facto partnership with a qualified citizen for at least five years.
Provincial elections once again postponed One of the first deadlines on the electoral calendar, the provincial elections, was to take place no later than 30 November 2025.
It will be moved once again — for the third time — to May-June 2026.
A significant part of the political deal is also dedicated to New Caledonia’s economic “refoundation”, with a high priority for the young generations, who have felt left out of the system and disenfranchised for too long.
One of the main goals was to bring New Caledonia’s public debts to a level of sustainability.
In 2024, following the riots, France granted, in the form of loans, over 1 billion euros (NZ $1.9 billion) for New Caledonia’s key institutions to remain afloat.
But some components of the political chessboard criticised the measure, saying this was placing the French territory in a state of excessive and long-term debt.
Group photo of participants at the end of negotiations with the signed agreement. Image: Philippe_Gomes/RNZ Pacific
Strategic nickel A major topic, on the macro-economic side, concerns New Caledonia’s nickel mining industry, after years of decline that has left it (even before 2024) in a state of near-collapse.
Nickel is regarded as the backbone of New Caledonia’s economy.
A nickel “strategic plan” would aim at re-starting New Caledonia nickel’s processing plants, especially in the Northern province, but at the same time facilitating the export of raw nickel.
There was also a will to ensure that all mining sites (many of which have been blocked and its installations damaged since the May 2024 riots) became accessible again.
Meanwhile, France would push the European Union to include New Caledonia’s nickel in its list of strategic resources.
New Caledonia’s nickel industry’s woes are also caused by its lack of competitiveness on the world market — especially compared to Indonesia’s recent rise in prominence in nickel production — because of the high cost of energy.
Swift reactions, mostly positive
New Caledonian politicians Sonia Backès (left to right), Nicolas Metzdorf, Gil Brial and Victor Tutugoro. Image: Nicolas Metzdorf/RNZ Pacific
The announcement yesterday was followed by quick reactions from all sides of New Caledonia’s political spectrum and also from mainland France’s political leaders.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed “pride” to see an agreement “on par with history”, emerge.
“Bravo also to the work and patience of Manuel Valls” and “the decisive implication of Emmanuel Macron,” he wrote on X-Twitter.
From the ranks of New Caledonia’s political players, pro-France Nicolas Metzdorf said he perceived as one of the deal’s main benefits the fact that “we will at last be able to project ourselves in the future, in economic, social and societal reconstruction without any deadline.”
Metzdorf admitted that reaching an agreement required concessions and compromise from both sides.
“But the fact that we are no longer faced with referendums and to reinforce the powers of our provinces, this was our mandate”, he told public broadcaster NC La 1ère.
“We’ve had to accept this change from New Caledonia citizenship to New Caledonian nationality, which remains to be defined by New Caledonia’s Congress. We have also created a completely new status as part of the French Republic, a sui generis State”, he noted.
He said the innovative status kept New Caledonia within France, without going as far as an “associated state” mooted earlier.
“At least, what we have arrived at is that New Caledonians remain French”, pro-France Le Rassemblement-LR prominent leader Virginie Ruffenach commented.
“And those who want to contribute to New Caledonia’s development will be able to do so through a minimum stay of residence, the right to vote and to become citizens and later New Caledonia nationals”
“I’m aware that some could be wary of the concessions we made, but let’s face it: New Caledonia nationality does not make New Caledonia an independent State . . . It does not take away anything from us, neither of us belonging to the French Republic nor our French nationality,” Southern Province pro-France President Sonia Backès wrote on social media.
In a joint release, the two main pro-France parties, Les Loyalistes and Rassemblement-LR, said the deal was no less than “historic” and “perennial” for New Caledonia as a whole, to “offer New Caledonia a future of peace, stability and prosperity” while at the same time considering France’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
From the pro-independence side, one of the negotiators, Victor Tutugoro of UNI-UPM (Progressist Union in Melanesia) said what mattered was that “all of us have placed our bets on intelligence, beyond our respective beliefs, our positions, our postures”.
“We put all of these aside for the good of the country.”
“Of course, by definition, a compromise cannot satisfy anyone 100 percent. But it’s a balanced compromise for everyone,” he said.
“And it allows us to look ahead, to build New Caledonia together, a citizenship and this common destiny everyone’s been talking about for many years.”
Before politicians fly back to New Caledonia to present the deal to their respective bases, President Macron received all delegation members last evening to congratulate them on their achievements.
During the Presidential meeting at the Elysée Palace, FLNKS chief negotiator Emmanuel Tjibaou (whose father Jean-Marie Tjibaou also struck a historic agreement and shook hands with pro-France leader Jacques Lafleur, in 1988), stressed the agreement was one step along the path and it allows to envisage new perspectives for the Kanak people.
A sign of the changing times, but in a striking parallel — 37 years after his father’s historic handshake with Lafleur, Emmanuel Tjibaou (whose father was shot dead in 1989 by a radical pro-independence partisan who felt the independence cause had been betrayed — did not shake hands, but instead fist pumped with pro-France’s Metzdorf.
In a brief message on social networks, the French Head of State hailed the conclusive talks, which he labelled “A State of New Caledonia within the (French) Republic,” a win for a “bet on trust.”
“Now is the time for respect, for stability and for the sum of good wills to build a shared future.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Signatures on the last page of New Caledonia’s new agreement. Image: Philippe Dunoyer/RNZ Pacific
New £63 million boost for Britain’s electric vehicle revolution
Funding will help to build a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport.
major boost to charging investment to break down barriers to electric vehicle ownership and boost charging infrastructure across the UK, cutting costs for families, businesses and the public sector
£63 million package to support at-home charging for households without driveways, transition NHS fleets to save millions for the health service in England, create thousands of chargepoints at business depots across the UK
builds on £400 million invested in charging infrastructure and recent Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate updates to kickstart economic growth, create thousands of green jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change
Drivers across England are set to benefit as the government today (13 July 2025) announces a £63 million investment package to supercharge Britain’s electric vehicle infrastructure, driving down charging costs and putting money back in the pockets of working people as part of the Plan for Change.
A pioneering £25 million scheme for local authorities will expand access to cheaper at-home charging. This will provide access to cheaper household rates, allowing consumers to save up to £1,500 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car, transforming how thousands of households without driveways power up their electric cars.
The innovative cross-pavement technology will allow cables to run safely beneath pavements, connecting homes directly to parked vehicles, enabling more families to tap into cheaper domestic electricity rates for as little as 2 pence per mile even if they don’t have a driveway.
The fund is the latest move to bolster the UK’s growing charging network which has reached a record 82,000 public chargepoints, with a further 100,000 expected to be installed as a result of the government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund and £6 billion of private investment committed to 2030.
To ensure the savings the EV transition can bring are felt in the public sector too, the NHS in England is also receiving a major sustainability upgrade with an £8 million fund to power the electrification of ambulances and medical fleets across over 200 NHS sites, saving millions in costs which can be invested into patient care.
Standing firmly on the side of British drivers, this latest investment is part of our major plan to support motorists, including a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and bring down and frozen fuel duty at 5p until Spring 2026, saving the average motorist £50 to £60 over the year.
This investment underpins the government’s Plan for Change mission to kickstart economic growth and make life easier for working people, ensuring the transition to net zero delivers for working families whilst creating good jobs and driving economic growth across all regions of the UK.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
We are making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle. We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, so we are tackling that head on so that everyone – whether or not they have a driveway – can access the benefits of going electric.
Our investment is about more than just charging points – it’s about charging up Britain’s economy. I’m proud that through this boost, we are helping deliver cheaper bills for families, massive savings for the NHS to reinvest in patient care, and thousands of new green jobs.
This is what our Plan for Change mission to kickstart Britain’s economy looks like in practice. We’re not just boosting charging infrastructure, we’re building a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport, whilst creating thousands of good jobs across the country.
In a pioneering move to help EV drivers plug into the rapidly expanding charging network, government is also modernising EV charging signage on major roads. EV charging hubs have more than doubled since the beginning of 2023 and immediate changes will allow larger EV charging hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time. Government is committed to boosting charging for long journeys, with £400 million announced in the Spending Review to support charging infrastructure, including on the strategic road network.
Alongside the boosts for electric car drivers, the government is also launching a major new grant scheme to help businesses install charging points at depots nationwide, supporting the nation’s heavy goods vehicles, vans and coach drivers in the transition to zero emissions.
The action follows recent updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate to make it easier for the sector to switch to electric as part of government’s ongoing work to back British manufacturing. With over 1.2 million people employed in the freight and logistics sector in the UK alone, today’s announcement is the latest move to keep industry at the forefront of international competition in the face of global economic headwinds.
Over 1,200 new charging sockets will deliver a more efficient, modern health system whilst generating millions in cost savings over the next two decades for the taxpayer on maintenance and fuel costs – valuable savings that can be prioritised for patient care and help rebuild the NHS.
Owning and buying an EV is becoming increasingly cheaper, with 2 in 5 of used electric cars sold at under £20,000 and 34 brand new electric cars are available from under £30,000.
The UK was also the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with over 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year. There are now more than 82,000 public chargepoints in the UK – with one added every 30 minutes – ensuring that motorists are always a short drive from a socket.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said:
This is a win-win: cheaper travel for the NHS and cleaner air for our communities.
As part of our Plan for Change, we’re investing in green energy to build an NHS fit for the future — cutting pollution and saving millions in fuel costs.
Edmund King, AA president, said:
There are more public chargers than people realise, but they are often hidden in plain sight. Increasing signs for the public network is vital to help the EV transition as it will create confidence for drivers both now and in the future.
It is great to see more support for those without off-street parking so that they can also benefit from the EV revolution.
Delvin Lane, CEO, InstaVolt said:
We are pleased that the government has taken the crucial step of delivering official EV charging signage on the strategic road network – a move we believe will improve consumer confidence and bolster EV adoption. This marks a major milestone for the EV industry and drivers across the UK.
At InstaVolt, we have been relentless in our campaigning and have built a strong, collaborative relationship with the government to push this initiative forward. Our opinion research suggests that the rollout of clear, official signage will make a significant difference—helping EV drivers easily locate public charging points while on the move, and reassuring those considering making the switch to electric vehicles.
For years, we have emphasized that the UK’s public EV infrastructure, so critical to mass adoption, is already largely in place, and now this signage will finally showcase it to drivers in a visible, accessible way.”
As the UK’s largest ultra-rapid public charging network with over 2,000 chargers nationwide, InstaVolt is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation and excited to see how these signs will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Ian Johnston, CEO, Osprey:
Signage impacts all the UK’s drivers because consumers need to see it to believe it. Osprey have tirelessly highlighted the benefit that clear EV road signage would bring to drivers looking to make the switch and to the charging businesses installing the critical infrastructure underpinning transport decarbonisation.
This is a welcome first step and we look forward to continuing to work closely with ministers and officials to achieve clear signage for the hundreds of high-quality EV charging hubs being opened across the nation.
NHS Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Gormley said:
The NHS has already implemented hundreds of projects that reduce emissions and drive significant cost savings, all while improving patient care.
This new £8 million investment, across 62 NHS Trusts and around 224 sites, supports the renewed commitment in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to deliver a more sustainable NHS while also helping hospitals to save millions on fuel and maintenance costs and reducing air pollution. These savings can be reinvested directly into frontline care, ensuring the NHS continues to deliver for our patients and communities.
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK said:
With 82,000 public charge points already installed across the UK, this positive action on strategic road signage will help more drivers see the extensive charging network that’s rapidly being built across the country. This has been a priority for our industry and will boost consumer confidence in making the switch to electric vehicles.
Our members are investing £6 billion to ensure the deployment of charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. Today’s announcement shows government recognising the vital role charging plays in the transition, and we look forward to working together to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s leading EV market.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
July 11, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured several important provisions to support servicemembers and boost American competitiveness and national security in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC approved this week and the full Senate will now consider. Among the provisions that the Senator secured in the Committee-passed legislation, Duckworth successfully led a provision to expand IVF access for uniformed servicemembers and ensure military families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress and other federal employees already have. As President Donald Trump continues to misuse our military to intimidate American citizens across our nation, Duckworth also successfully secured provisions that would safeguard Americans’ civil rights when servicemembers assist law enforcement on U.S. soil.
“The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country and our Constitution,”?said Duckworth.?“While I don’t support every provision included in this bill, I’m proud that it includes several of my provisions to support our servicemembers and their families, boost American manufacturing, improve Americans’ faith in their military as well as rein in the Trump Administration. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue improving this NDAA and ensure Congress passes a strong final bill that lets our troops know we have their backs.”
NDAAs set our nation’s defense policy and laws, authorize funding for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and ensure that our servicemembers have the tools they need to defend our nation. Additionally, this year’s committee-passed legislation authorizes funding to support a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members.
Key Duckworth-led provisions secured in this year’s Committee-passed NDAA would:
Expand access to IVF for military families by requiring TRICARE to cover fertility treatment services, including IVF, to ensure servicemembers and their families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress already receive. This is the second time Senator Duckworth secured this provision in the committee-passed version of an NDAA bill.
Regarding this provision, Duckworth said: “Even before I was wounded, I had made the difficult decision to delay building a family because I knew getting pregnant would impact my ability to be an Army aviator—and to advance in the career I loved. Because of the miracle of IVF—and my access to reproductive healthcare through the VA—I’m now a mom to two beautiful girls. The reality is that the men and women of the uniformed services face unique challenges when trying to start or build a family, and studies show that servicemembers and Veterans have higher rates of infertility compared to the general population. After successfully securing this provision in last year’s Committee-passed bill, I’m so proud my colleagues helped me build on this progress by including it in this year’s bill as well. It’s past time our nation provides our military families with the same access to IVF that all Members of Congress already have and ensure our heroes can start the families they’ve dreamed of.”
Strengthen public trust of the military and enhance civil rights by requiring that servicemembers identify themselves as part of the military when assisting federal law enforcement in the United States. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, this provision ensures that servicemembers identify themselves properly—to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.
Regarding this provision, Duckworth said: “In my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military. I’m proud my colleagues agreed that this is a necessary requirement to provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises, and I hope the rest of my colleagues in the Senate do too.”
Ensure all servicemembers know their legal obligations during deployments both at home and abroad by mandating legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States. In light of the Trump Administration’s increasing use of troops to support law enforcement within the United States, this provision will ensure troops know how to responsibly operate within the bounds of domestic laws and protect American civil rights.
Establish a senior leader of DoD Programs for military to civilian transition efforts by directing DoD to appoint a senior official to oversee policy and programs related to the transition of servicemembers to civilian life or to the reserves. This would elevate and strengthen DoD’s attention on services to assist troops as they leave service and enter civilian life, providing a streamlined conduit for coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Explore international co-production of auxiliary vessels by requiring DoD to identify opportunities to enter joint ventures between U.S. military, U.S. companies and foreign partners to co-produce auxiliary vessels and small boats. Senator Duckworth’s effort aims to increase our nation’s sealift capacity and shipbuilding workforce through leveraging the strengths of our allies and partners in constructing smaller vessels as well as building our ability to surge production of these vessels closer to the point of need in the event of conflict.
Enhance Congressional oversight of the military justice system by requiring the President and DoD to notify Congress of any removal of Judge Advocates General, to ensure that military commanders have the legal advice they need to make their difficult decisions. In addition to notice, the President and DoD must provide a justification for the involuntary removal of any of the top Judge Advocates General (JAG) at least five days before the JAG is removed. This follows Secretary Hegseth’s unceremonious firing of JAGs, which are our military’s legal experts on everything from administrative and domestic protections to international law.
Protect servicemembers from dangerous PFAS in their protective garments by requiring the DoD’s to articulate its plan for acquiring chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat protective garments free from toxic PFAS chemicals as soon as possible.
Enable the nonpartisan, Duckworth-created Afghanistan War Commission to finish its final report by authorizing DoD to provide non-reimbursable support services—like staff, facilities and funding—and authorizing the Commission to enter into contracts to obtain essential goods and servicesauthor, including the ability to publish its final report through a private publisher. These provisions align its authorities with similar commissions, including the 9/11 National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
Expand the successful Southeast Asia Cyber Pilot Program to allow U.S. forces to work with the Pacific Island nations to improve their cyber capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities, building resilience against threats in DoD’s priority region.
Expand exchange opportunities for allies and partners by authorizing DoD to offer exchange opportunities at universities with ROTC programs for servicemembers from partner nations, creating a cost-effective way to train future leaders of key partner militaries.
Ensure fairness in Special and Incentive Pay for Reservists by directing DoD to deliver a special and incentive pay assessment framework – which was required in the FY24 NDAA — by June 1, 2026, and also requiring DoD to make a specific determination about the percentage of aviation incentive pay that goes to maintaining skill proficiency. This provision is essential to ensuring Reservists are paid fairly when they are required to maintain skills and certifications that are expensive to maintain.
Direct a GAO Report on Aviation Safety to review DoD policies and procedures for data gathering, risk assessment and risk mitigation of U.S. military flights, especially as in U.S. domestic civilian airspace. This provision follows investigations into the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport and close calls with military flights throughout civilian airspace.
Bolster our nation’s aviation supply chain by encouraging the use of domestically manufactured helicopters in Initial Entry Rotary Wing pilot training by the Army.
Improve servicemember mental health services and confidentiality by emphasizing support for consistent compliance with suicide prevention policy and confidential access to mental health care without retaliation for all servicemembers and across all branches. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Expand robotic enhancements for armaments manufacturing by authorizing an additional $5 million for the Secretary of the Army to expand prototyping and production capacity by integrating robotics, automation and digital manufacturing into the munitions industrial base.
Use advanced manufacturing to improve the rapid repair of equipment in forward-based locations by authorizing digital manufacturing as part of the prototyping program for contested logistics and removing the sunset for the program. This provision would allow DoD to develop best practices regarding forward-based commercial, advanced digital manufacturing facilities for rapid, distributed parts production closer to the point of use.
Elevate research on total force optimization by expressing support for investments in biomechanical, physiological, and psychological research to mitigate injury risks and improve physical resilience in combat operations.
Improve equipment connectivity for military airfields by encouraging the Air Force to integrate connectivity solutions for flightline support equipment, such as generators, light carts, and support vehicles, that are critical for ensuring our military aircraft can safely take off and land. This will improve equipment readiness to ensure our Airmen are prepared for expeditionary flightline operations in contested environments.
Advance U.S. bio-industrial manufacturing innovation by supporting the innovative work being done at advanced facilities like the University of Illinois’s Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) by requiring more information on how DoD is investing in this technology critical for national security.
Illuminate gaps in the military footwear industrial base by requesting DoD provide data and analysis on the necessary war reserves for footwear and textiles, and the accompanying surge needs in the event of crisis or conflict. This report language is a modified version of the Senator’s Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act, which recognizes that our defense industrial base for combat boots needs investment in order for it to support our troops and help ensure they have the sturdiest and most protective boots in a possible war.
Strengthen domestic suppliers of critical uniform components by prohibiting the DoD from sourcing clothing, fabrics or components from countries of concern—such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia—when using domestic sourcing waivers under the Berry Amendment, to prevent further weakening of the U.S. clothing and textile industrial base.?
Allow the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) to explore investments in nuclear energy and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing by authorizing inclusion of nuclear energy as a covered technology under Section 149 of Title 10 and directing OSC to explore the value of investments in PCBs. This change would enable DoD to explore new investments with these key industries critical for our national security.
Accelerate commercially-useful Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers (FTQC) by recognizing the importance of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program, which aims to build a commercially useful FTQC by 2033, and encouraging the Department to concurrently prepare algorithms to operate those machines, while the hardware is being built. This provision recognizes the importance of the development of the first FTQC, which is being built at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, Illinois.
Improve cross-state medical license reciprocity for Title 32 National Guard medical providers by requiring DoD to analyze any barriers to ensuring medical license reciprocity for Guardsmen to train under Title 32 status. This follows reports from National Guardsmen medical providers that they struggle to get the permissions necessary to conduct essential training across state lines, especially in specialized hospitals for trauma care – vital kinds of training for combat care.
Protect Rock Island Arsenal by restricting the Secretary of the Army from using any funds authorized for restructuring Army commands until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, ensuring operations at Rock Island Arsenal are not unnecessarily affected.
Improve Arsenal Workload Sustainment by establishing a 5-year pilot program requiring DoD to give preference to public-private partnerships in arsenals, especially those non-public partners that ensure equitable workshare to DoD employees to protect critical skills. This provision is a modified version of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act that Duckworth introduced alongside U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) as well as U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) to help ensure Army arsenals and factories remain active and viable while preserving the skilled workforce, equipment and production capacity critical to our nation’s defense industrial base.
Improve the governance of the organic industrial base by directing the Army to analyze the effectiveness of their current governance and resourcing model for the Army’s arsenals, depots as well as ammunition plants and identify opportunities for changes to ensure the enterprise and its workforce can support the military’s munitions and sustainment requirements now and in the future. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK).
Improve predictive manufacturing analytics at Army Arsenals by urging the continued implementation of industrial control networks across our Army’s arsenals to enable the collection, aggregation and analysis of data associated with the manufacture and repair of equipment and supplies.
Ensure Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC)’scontinued success by securing a one-year extension of the Joint Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, which supports the operations of the North Chicago-based Lovell FHCC. This provision, led with Senator Durbin, will help safeguard continued access to vital services for military families and Veterans in the area.
Improve the “Warm Hand-off Process” for Servicemembers by changing the current “opt-in” option on the DD-2648 form for sending servicemembers’ information to state veterans’ agencies to an “opt-out” option, aiming to streamline information flow to state services and improve the “warm hand-off” process for servicemembers when they separate or retire from the military service. The Senator helped secure this provision alongside U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
Support the construction of a Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal by authorizing $50 million in Major Construction funds for a new addition to the Child Development Center at Rock Island Arsenal and to consolidate the existing facilities into a single building and make upgrades to meet DoD guidelines and safety requirements. This project will provide a necessary service to the Arsenal and surrounding community.
Support the design of a new Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Scott Air Force Base by authorizing $6 million in Planning and Design funds for the construction of a new aircraft maintenance hangar to support the training and operational mission of the 126th Aerial Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base. The current hangar was constructed in 1956, remains in disrepair and no longer meets Department of Defense standards or mission requirements, making a new hangar critical to the Wing’s mission.
Support the design renovation to General Jones Readiness Center by authorizing $5 million in Planning and Design funds for major alternations to the General Richard L. Jones National Guard Readiness Center in Chicago. This facility was built in 1931 and remains one of the largest readiness centers in the country. Renovating it to meet mission requirements is a top priority for the Illinois National Guard.
Improving the Tactical Vehicle Fleet by authorizing an additional $168 million to speed up replacement of Marine Corps HMMWVs with modernized vehicles to improve readiness for global missions.
In addition to these provisions, Duckworth also successfully worked to protect Universities across the country from having their DoD funding for critical technological research cut unnecessarily.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN, July 12 (Xinhua) — Iran has always been and will be “ready for talks” on its nuclear program, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in Tehran on Saturday.
“However, naturally, it should be ensured that if negotiations are resumed, this will not lead to a war started by the United States or other parties,” A. Araghchi noted at a meeting with foreign ambassadors and representatives.
As reported by the Iranian Student News Agency, citing A. Araghchi, the recent clashes between Israel and Iran have proven that there is no alternative to returning to diplomacy and finding a solution based on negotiations and agreements.
He said the United States “betrayed diplomacy and the negotiating process” by helping Israel attack Iran and then deliberately striking Iranian nuclear facilities.
If the United States seeks to resume negotiations, it must ensure that such a scenario does not happen again, the Iranian foreign minister said.
He said that any talks must respect the Iranian people’s nuclear rights, including the country’s uranium enrichment program. Stressing that the only subject of discussion could be Iran’s nuclear program, he added that military aspects were not negotiable.
Tehran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is not ending and is only taking on a new form, he continued, adding that in the future, Iran’s relations with the IAEA will be coordinated by the country’s Supreme National Security Council, which will make decisions on further cooperation taking into account security issues. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHANGHAI, July 12 (Xinhua) — China exported medical equipment to more than 190 countries and regions last year, according to the 1st China Conference on International Cooperation in Medical Equipment held in east China’s Shanghai Municipality.
The conference, which runs from Friday to Saturday, is hosted by the China Medical Equipment Association. Hou Yan, chairwoman of the association, said China’s import and export volume of medical equipment has seen an average annual growth rate of 9.4 percent over the past five years, demonstrating the continuous improvement of international competitiveness and the growing influence of Chinese brands, as well as the consistent deepening of international cooperation.
The conference aims to build a high-level, large-scale and multi-dimensional platform for international exchanges and cooperation, as well as share China’s innovative results and practical experience in the field of medical equipment, Hou Yan added.
The conference is attended by guests from 17 countries and regions, including senior health officials, experts and business representatives. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union starting on August 1, after weeks of negotiations with the key U.S. allies and top trading partners failed to reach a comprehensive trade deal.
In an escalation of the trade war that has angered U.S. allies and rattled investors, Trump announced the latest tariffs in separate letters to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on Truth Social on Saturday.
Both the EU and Mexico responded by calling the tariffs unfair and disruptive while pledging to continue to negotiate with the U.S. for a broader trade deal before the August deadline.
The European Union and Mexico are among the largest U.S. trading partners.
Trump has sent similar letters to 23 other U.S. trading partners this week, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, setting blanket tariff rates ranging from 20% up to 50%, as well as a 50% tariff on copper.
Trump said the 30% tariff rate was “separate from all sectoral tariffs”, which means 50% levies on steel and aluminum imports and a 25% tariff on auto imports would remain at those levels.
The August 1 deadline gives countries targeted by Trump’s letters time to negotiate a trade deal that could lower the threatened tariff levels.
The spate of letters shows Trump has returned to the aggressive trade posture that he took in early April when he announced a slew of reciprocal tariffs against trading partners that sent markets tumbling before the White House delayed implementation.
But with the stock market hitting record highs in recent weeks and a bullish economy, Trump is showing no signs of slowing down his trade war.
Trump promised to use the 90-day pause in April to strike dozens of new trade deals with trading partners, but has only secured framework agreements with Britain, China and Vietnam.
The EU had hoped to reach a comprehensive trade agreement with the U.S. for the 27-country bloc.
Trump’s letter to the EU included a demand that Europe drop its own tariffs, an apparent condition of any future deal.
“The European Union will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit,” Trump wrote.
EU President von der Leyen said the 30% tariffs “would disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”
She also said while the EU will continue to work towards a trade agreement, they “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”
Mexico’s economy ministry said Saturday that it was informed the U.S. would send a letter during a bilateral meeting Friday with U.S. officials.
“We mentioned at the roundtable that it was unfair treatment and that we did not agree,” the ministry’s statement said.
MEXICO’S TARIFF RATE LOWER THAN CANADA’S
Mexico’s proposed tariff level is lower than Canada’s 35% rate, with both letters citing fentanyl flows even though government data shows the amount of the drug seized at the Mexican border was significantly higher than the Canadian border.
“Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done, is not enough. Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a Narco-Trafficking Playground,” Trump wrote.
Mexico sends more than 80% of its total exported goods to the U.S. and free trade with its northern neighbor drove Mexico to overtake China as the U.S.’s top trading partner in 2023.
The EU had initially hoped to strike a comprehensive trade agreement but more recently had scaled back its ambitions and shifted toward securing a broader framework deal similar to the one Britain brokered that leaves key details to be negotiated.
The 27-country bloc is under conflicting pressures as powerhouse Germany urged a quick deal to safeguard its industry, while other EU members, such as France, have said EU negotiators should not cave into a one-sided deal on U.S. terms.
Trump’s cascade of tariff orders since returning to the White House has begun generating tens of billions of dollars a month in new revenue for the U.S. government. U.S. customs duties revenue shot past $100 billion in the federal fiscal year through to June, according to U.S. Treasury data on Friday.
The tariffs have also strained security relationships with some of America’s closest partners.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said last week that Japan needed to wean itself from U.S. dependence in key areas. The fight over tariffs has also prompted Canada and some European allies to reexamine their security dependence on the United States, with some looking to purchase non-U.S. weapons systems.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BRUSSELS, July 12 (Xinhua) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday warned that Washington’s decision to impose 30 percent tariffs on EU exports risks seriously disrupting key transatlantic supply chains, and vowed that the EU would retaliate if necessary.
“The introduction of 30 percent tariffs on EU exports would disrupt key transatlantic supply chains to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic,” von der Leyen said in a statement.
The head of the European Commission made the corresponding statement following the statement by US President Donald Trump, who announced that his administration would impose tariffs of 30 percent on EU exports, citing a long-term imbalance in bilateral trade and a lack of reciprocity.
U. von der Leyen responded that the EU remains committed to a negotiated settlement, but stressed that the European Union will take measures to protect its economic interests if negotiations fail.
“We remain committed to continuing to work towards reaching an agreement by 1 August,” she added. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard the EU’s interests, including taking proportionate countermeasures if necessary.” –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, July 12 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday morning that a 30 percent tariff will be imposed on goods from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1.
The new duties were announced in letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The messages were published on Trump’s Truth Social page.
D. Trump criticized Mexico for “failing to stop drug cartels” from smuggling drugs, including fentanyl, into the United States and accused the country of not cooperating enough with Washington to curb illegal immigration.
As for the European Union, the US President criticised it for its tariff and non-tariff barriers, accusing them of creating “long-term, large and persistent trade deficits”.
“Our relations, unfortunately, are far from reciprocal,” the president wrote in his letter.
Trump used much of the same language in his letter as he did in messages sent earlier this week to other leaders, warning them against retaliation, urging them to move companies to the United States and hinting at the possibility of adjusting tariffs if they cooperate.
Over the past week, the US president has sent more than 20 similar letters to other US trading partners, including Canada, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Brazil, imposing uniform tariff rates on goods from these countries, ranging from 20 to 50 percent. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) — The inclusion of the Xi Xia Imperial Tombs in the UNESCO World Heritage list marks a significant achievement in China’s efforts to implement and promote the Global Civilization Initiative, said Rao Quan, vice minister of culture and tourism and director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Friday inscribed the Xi Xia Imperial Tombs on its World Heritage list, bringing the total number of World Heritage sites in China to 60.
“The application efforts for inclusion in this list have systematically demonstrated to the international community China’s continued commitment to strengthening the holistic and systematic protection, conservation and sustainable use of its cultural and natural heritage,” Rao Quan said in an interview with Xinhua.
It was also an opportunity to showcase to the world the historical and cultural values of Chinese civilization, as well as its outstanding features, Zhao Quan added.
The Xi Xia Tombs, located at the foot of Mount Helan in Yinchuan, capital of Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, were built by the Tanguts, an ethnic group that lived in northwest China during the 11th to 13th centuries.
According to Zhao Quan, the Xi Xia Imperial Tombs are the largest, most significant in status, and best-preserved archaeological site that has survived to this day from the Western Xia period (Xi Xia, 1038-1227).
The survival of these tombs to this day is an important testimony to the cultural fusion and interaction between numerous traditions, serves as vital evidence of the diverse but unified architecture of Chinese civilization and the process of forming a single multinational state, and occupies an irreplaceable place in the history of world civilizations, he added.
Speaking about the follow-up work related to the Xi Xia Imperial Tombs, the official promised to steadily strengthen the protection of cultural heritage, promote academic research on cultural relics and archaeological finds, strengthen the capacity of heritage management institutions, and improve the systems for displaying and interpreting the cultural value of the site.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Zhao Quan assured that the National Administration for Cultural Heritage will launch a special campaign to strengthen the protection of China’s World Heritage sites and nominate more sites for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
The deputy minister called for a more thorough and complete display of Chinese civilization, and for making greater contributions to promoting inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning, and to the prosperity of world civilizations. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, July 12 /Xinhua/ — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hee in the city of Wonsan in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Saturday as part of the second round of strategic dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
“The heads of the foreign policy departments thoroughly discussed current issues of developing bilateral relations, including the schedule of upcoming political contacts. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for further cooperation in practical areas,” the statement published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted.
As stated in the report, a keen exchange of views took place on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia (NEA). Mutual commitment to a political and diplomatic solution to the problems existing there was confirmed. The parties emphasized their determination to jointly counter the hegemonic aspirations of extra-regional players, which are leading to escalating tensions in NEA and the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Following the negotiations, a Plan for Inter-Ministerial Exchanges between Russia and the DPRK for 2026-2027 was signed.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, S. Lavrov arrived at Wonsan airport on Friday night, beginning his visit to the DPRK. His visit will last from July 11 to 13. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Xinhua) — China hopes to work with Sri Lanka to further develop strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and lasting friendship, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, noted that China and Sri Lanka enjoy traditional friendship, and recalled that in January this year, the two heads of state held fruitful talks and reached an important consensus on deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and jointly building a community with a shared future for China and Sri Lanka, indicating the direction and providing guidance for the development of bilateral ties.
The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that China is a reliable partner of Sri Lanka, and the two sides should deepen high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road and practical cooperation in various fields.
The two sides should jointly and effectively implement the two flagship projects of Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, accelerate negotiations on the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and create new growth points for cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy, Wang said.
The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that maritime cooperation between China and Sri Lanka is mutually beneficial, is not directed against third parties and should not be subject to their influence.
China hopes to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Sri Lanka on platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum to jointly maintain stability and development in the region, he said, adding that the so-called “Indo-Pacific Strategy” provokes bloc confrontation and forces parties to take one position or another, which is not in line with the trend of the times and will not be supported by countries in the region.
V. Herath, for his part, assured that Sri Lanka attaches great importance to relations with China and firmly adheres to the one-China principle. Sri Lanka is grateful to China for its firm support in protecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its timely assistance during times of difficulty, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister added.
Sri Lanka-China cooperation has brought great benefits to the people of Sri Lanka and effectively promoted the overall development of the region and regional connectivity, V. Herath continued. The Minister added that Sri Lanka is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields including economy and trade, investment, infrastructure and maritime affairs, so as to further deepen the Sri Lanka-China strategic cooperative partnership. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Baku, July 12 /Xinhua/ — Interim President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Azerbaijan on Saturday on a working visit, the main focus of which was the development of energy cooperation and the implementation of a project to export Azerbaijani gas to Syria through Turkey.
As reported by the press service of the President of Azerbaijan, during the meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the parties noted the importance of Azerbaijani gas supplies for solving Syria’s acute energy problem and strengthening its energy security. The discussion focused on specific steps to implement this project.
During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan /SOCAR/ and the Syrian government.
The presidents also discussed cooperation in the political, trade and economic, humanitarian, cultural and educational spheres, including the provision of scholarships to Syrian students and the restoration of cultural monuments. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed about a purported drone attack on the city hall in Enerhodar, where most staff of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) live, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
During a visit to Enerhodar today, the IAEA team members based at the ZNPP were taken to the city hall and could see some damage at the top of the building, which they were told was caused by a drone strike at around 1am on Friday morning. There were no reports of casualties. Enerhodar is located about 5 km from the ZNPP.
If confirmed, it would be the latest in a series of drone incidents near the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, further endangering nuclear safety during the conflict.
“As drone attacks have become increasingly common during the war, so have the risks they pose to the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. I’m deeply concerned about the increased frequency of such incidents. In the case of Enerhodar, they also add to the psychological stress for plant staff, which can also impact nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.
Less than two weeks ago, the IAEA team at the ZNPP was informed of a drone attack that reportedly damaged several vehicles near the site’s cooling pond.
In February, a drone severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine, built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor unit 4 destroyed in the 1986 accident and to protect it from external hazards.
Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – also regularly report of drones being detected near the respective sites.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed about a purported drone attack on the city hall in Enerhodar, where most staff of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) live, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
During a visit to Enerhodar today, the IAEA team members based at the ZNPP were taken to the city hall and could see some damage at the top of the building, which they were told was caused by a drone strike at around 1am on Friday morning. There were no reports of casualties. Enerhodar is located about 5 km from the ZNPP.
If confirmed, it would be the latest in a series of drone incidents near the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, further endangering nuclear safety during the conflict.
“As drone attacks have become increasingly common during the war, so have the risks they pose to the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. I’m deeply concerned about the increased frequency of such incidents. In the case of Enerhodar, they also add to the psychological stress for plant staff, which can also impact nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.
Less than two weeks ago, the IAEA team at the ZNPP was informed of a drone attack that reportedly damaged several vehicles near the site’s cooling pond.
In February, a drone severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine, built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor unit 4 destroyed in the 1986 accident and to protect it from external hazards.
Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – also regularly report of drones being detected near the respective sites.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed about a purported drone attack on the city hall in Enerhodar, where most staff of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) live, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
During a visit to Enerhodar today, the IAEA team members based at the ZNPP were taken to the city hall and could see some damage at the top of the building, which they were told was caused by a drone strike at around 1am on Friday morning. There were no reports of casualties. Enerhodar is located about 5 km from the ZNPP.
If confirmed, it would be the latest in a series of drone incidents near the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, further endangering nuclear safety during the conflict.
“As drone attacks have become increasingly common during the war, so have the risks they pose to the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. I’m deeply concerned about the increased frequency of such incidents. In the case of Enerhodar, they also add to the psychological stress for plant staff, which can also impact nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.
Less than two weeks ago, the IAEA team at the ZNPP was informed of a drone attack that reportedly damaged several vehicles near the site’s cooling pond.
In February, a drone severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine, built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor unit 4 destroyed in the 1986 accident and to protect it from external hazards.
Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – also regularly report of drones being detected near the respective sites.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed about a purported drone attack on the city hall in Enerhodar, where most staff of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) live, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
During a visit to Enerhodar today, the IAEA team members based at the ZNPP were taken to the city hall and could see some damage at the top of the building, which they were told was caused by a drone strike at around 1am on Friday morning. There were no reports of casualties. Enerhodar is located about 5 km from the ZNPP.
If confirmed, it would be the latest in a series of drone incidents near the ZNPP and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine, further endangering nuclear safety during the conflict.
“As drone attacks have become increasingly common during the war, so have the risks they pose to the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. I’m deeply concerned about the increased frequency of such incidents. In the case of Enerhodar, they also add to the psychological stress for plant staff, which can also impact nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.
Less than two weeks ago, the IAEA team at the ZNPP was informed of a drone attack that reportedly damaged several vehicles near the site’s cooling pond.
In February, a drone severely damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl plant in northern Ukraine, built to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor unit 4 destroyed in the 1986 accident and to protect it from external hazards.
Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – also regularly report of drones being detected near the respective sites.