Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with regional countries to build a maritime community with a shared future in the South China Sea, a think tank said in a report Sunday.
The report, titled “Transforming the South China Sea into a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China’s Actions,” was published by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with the Xinhua News Agency.
China and the SCS coastal countries not only share interests in peace and development and a common aspiration for a better future, but also draw strength from a common and ancient history and civilization, the report said.
“Through dialogue and consultation, economic integration and multilateral exchanges, countries in the region can transform the SCS into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, recognizing the importance of building a maritime community with a shared future,” the report said.
It calls for efforts to maintain peace and stability, promote cooperation and development in the South China Sea, and turn the South China Sea into a sea of friendship.
“Peace, stability and prosperity in the SCS brings enormous benefits to both the region and its people,” the report says. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN, June 8 (Xinhua) — Iran on Saturday strongly condemned the new entry ban to the United States for citizens of several countries, including Iran, calling the move “a clear sign of deep-rooted hostility towards Iranians.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US administration’s decision in a statement, saying the restrictions were aimed solely at people based on their nationality and religion, state news agency IRNA reported.
Such policies reflect discriminatory thinking and violate fundamental principles of international law, including the principles of non-discrimination and respect for human rights, the Foreign Ministry added.
The statement calls on the UN and international human rights bodies to publicly speak out against Washington’s “unilateral and discriminatory measures.”
Iran will use all available means to protect the rights of its citizens and respond to the consequences of such actions by the US administration, the statement said. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, June 8 (Xinhua) — The U.S. State Department on Friday evening instructed consulates around the world to resume processing visa applications for international students applying to Harvard University, reversing guidance issued a day earlier to reject such requests, The Washington Post reported.
The article, citing a cable sent by the State Department, said the new directive reversed a previous one issued on Thursday, less than an hour before a judge blocked Donald Trump’s administration from restricting foreign students from entering the country to study at Harvard.
“Consular sections should resume processing visas for foreign students coming to the United States to study at Harvard University, including on exchange programs,” the Washington Post reports.
The telegram comes after the Trump administration’s second attempt to block visas for foreign students planning to study at Harvard. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In his message, Xi Jinping noted that over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the “paophaw” fraternal friendship between China and Myanmar has stood the test of time and become even stronger.
Adhering to the jointly upheld Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, the two countries are committed to good-neighborliness, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and firmly supporting each other on issues of common interest and major concerns, setting a fine example of friendly exchanges between the countries, he said.
Xi Jinping recalled his meeting with Min Aung Hlaing in Russia in May, when the two leaders reached an important consensus on building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.
China attaches great importance to developing ties with Myanmar and is willing to work with Myanmar to seize the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to accelerate high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and push forward lasting progress in building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi stressed. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MINSK, June 8 (Xinhua) — A friendly match between the youth teams of China and Belarus in Minsk on Saturday marked the official opening of the National Football Stadium built with the support of China. The opening ceremony was attended by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
As A. Lukashenko noted in his speech, the National Football Stadium will become a symbol of strong Belarusian-Chinese friendship. “We are officially opening the greatest “monument”. We are opening this grandiose structure. For Belarus, this is the greatest event. The magnificent arena, as well as the new international-level swimming pool, were designed and built by our friends from the People’s Republic of China,” the Belarusian president noted.
The head of the Belarusian state expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, as well as all Chinese partners for the construction of the National Football Stadium, which is the largest and most modern football stadium in Belarus and was built with the support of China. “I hope that in the near future, along with friendly games, national championship matches, we will be able to host official international meetings here and enjoy the performance of the best football players in the world,” A. Lukashenko noted.
Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Physical Culture and Sports of the People’s Republic of China, Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Zhang Jiasheng said that the completion of the stadium construction was not only a significant project of technical and economic Chinese-Belarusian cooperation, but also a clear indication of political trust, practical cooperation and rapprochement between the peoples of the two countries. He expressed hope that the stadium would become a platform for the dreams of the youth of China and Belarus to come true, as well as a bridge for deepening humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
The National Football Stadium of Belarus is a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative. It is located in the industrial district of Minsk and covers an area of 12.43 hectares, with a total construction area of 48,000 square meters. The stadium is designed for 33,145 spectators and meets international standards for a professional football field, and is also a multifunctional sports and cultural complex.
The stadium’s design is dominated by white and red colors, symbolizing the cultural characteristics of Belarus and friendship with China. The facade consists of 472 curved steel slats, creating the effect of dynamic lines when the viewing angle changes. The roof is decorated with 1,860 different types of patterned glass, reflecting elements of the Belarusian flag.
The central field lawn is equipped with an intelligent turf system, combining natural grass and artificial fibers, which ensures its green appearance all year round. Automatic drainage, soil heating, ventilation and irrigation systems create optimal conditions for players.
In an interview with Xinhua, Belarusian Sports and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese people for building a stadium of the highest standards, which will allow Belarus to host international competitions. He noted that Belarusian athletes, coaches and experts highly appreciate the quality of sports facilities built with China’s support.
The general contractor for the project was Beijing Urban Construction Group. Sha Yi, head of the technical team for the project, said that the company had mobilized key resources, overcome difficulties, and ensured progress in implementing the project, contributing to the development of sports infrastructure in Belarus. “This stadium has also become an important platform for strengthening sports and cultural exchanges between the two countries,” Sha Yi noted.
In a friendly match, the youth teams of Belarus /U-21/ and China /U-22/ played to a 1:1 draw. Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan and S. Kovalichuk presented awards to athletes from both countries. Young footballer from Belarus Arseny Skopets noted that the new stadium impressed him with its beauty and comfort. He expressed joy from the game with the Chinese team and hope for further development of sports and friendly cooperation. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NICOSIA, June 8 (Xinhua) — A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by Liu Jianchao, director of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, concluded a three-day visit to Cyprus on Saturday.
During the visit, Liu Jianchao met and held talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Speaker of the House of Representatives and leader of the Democratic Rally Party Annita Demetriou and a number of party and government leaders.
The CPC delegation also visited the local organization of the Cyprus Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL) in the Paphos district, and Liu Jianchao delivered a keynote speech to representatives of various sectors of Cypriot society, outlining China’s policy toward Europe.
Meanwhile, the two sides expressed their commitment to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to firmly support each other on issues of mutual core interests, strengthen inter-party exchanges, advance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and further advance China-Cyprus relations and China-EU relations. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
PARIS, June 8 (Xinhua) — French President Emmanuel Macron will make an official visit to Greenland on June 15, French newspaper Le Monde reported on Saturday, citing a source in the French presidential administration.
At the invitation of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Macron will become the first foreign head of state to visit Greenland since US President Donald Trump’s threats of annexation, Le Monde reports.
The three leaders will hold talks on security in the North Atlantic and the Arctic, as well as climate change, the energy transition and the supply of critical minerals, the Elysee Palace said.
This visit is aimed at “strengthening cooperation with Greenland in these areas and contributing to the strengthening of European sovereignty,” Le Monde notes, citing a source in the Elysee Palace.
D. Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, which has a strategic location and is rich in resources. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Photo taken on June 6, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Jinshan Software Park of Zhuhai in south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
A delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong has just concluded a four-day tour of Chinese mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), describing the trip as a “compulsory course” for everyone based in Hong Kong.
“The GBA, as an emerging economic brand, has been underreported in terms of its potential and opportunities,” multiple consuls general, chamber of commerce leaders, and executives of multinational firms told Xinhua, underscoring the region’s untapped potential as a “blue ocean” for innovation and the need for enhanced global promotion to unlock its full economic and strategic potential.
“These cities blend ‘sci-fi glamour’ with everyday vibrancy — stunning and unforgettable,” members of the delegation echoed this remark when commenting on their visits to Chinese mainland cities of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai in the GBA.
The GBA’s technological landscape is nothing short of revolutionary. Tencent’s “Digital Library Cave” in Shenzhen’s Nanshan Science Park is a prime example. By harnessing high-definition scanning, gaming-engine rendering, and dynamic lighting, Tencent has recreated an immersive and interactive experience to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of the Mogao Grottoes.
Photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
This not only breathes new life into cultural heritage but also sets a precedent for using technology in education and tourism. As Nasar S A SH Alghanim, consul general of the State of Kuwait in Hong Kong, remarked, such innovations are “transforming how we engage with history and our daily life,” highlighting the far-reaching implications for various sectors.
George Leung, CEO of SCOR Reinsurance Company (Asia) Limited., called the tour “beyond expectation,” admitting his prior focus on GBA infrastructure projects had overshadowed its cutting-edge sectors like agricultural drones and biopharmaceuticals. “This trip reshaped my understanding. We are now considering recalibrating our business strategies to align with these emerging trends,” he said.
Discussing XPeng AeroHT’s futuristic flying cars, Johannes Hack, vice chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, praised the GBA’s “determination and execution in advancing low-altitude economy,” calling its “trial-and-error, rapid-iteration model” a template for innovation. “Flying cars turn childhood dreams into reality,” he told Xinhua.
The GBA’s mainland cities exceed expectations — rich cultural heritage, vibrant talent, scenic beauty, and policy-supported industries, complemented by Hong Kong’s role as an international financial and professional services hub, said Maurits ter Kuile, consul general of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, after testing a game at a studio in Zhuhai’s Kingsoft Software Park.
Photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Guangdong Medical Valley in Nansha district, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
Over four days, the delegation visited cooperation zones in Hengqin, Qianhai, Nansha, and Hetao, focusing on such frontier areas as artificial intelligence (AI), smart driving, robotics, and biopharmaceuticals. Many delegates exchanged contacts, expressed investment interest, or planned follow-up visits, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a gateway for global deals with the GBA and broader collaboration in technologies.
Brian Davidson, British consul general to Hong Kong and Macao, described the tour as an “eyeopener,” noting the region’s “boundary-breaking” drive. “Innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity here support staggering growth — they solve current challenges while anticipating future ones,” he said.
Philippine Consul General in Hong Kong Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. emphasized the GBA’s ability to translate trends into impactful solutions, citing achievements in information and communications technology, biopharmaceuticals, and AI. “As a ‘future economic blue ocean,’ the GBA offers endless opportunities. I stand ready to facilitate two-way investment between the GBA and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” he said.
The GBA balances visionary planning with practical implementation, said Alfred Cheng Man On, head of corporate banking at Bank Negara Indonesia’s Hong Kong branch, adding, “On-the-ground visits clarify how the GBA and Hong Kong reinforce each other, with positive ripple effects across broader regions.”
Meanwhile, delegates agreed that the journey to the GBA mainland cities revealed a region that is not only at the forefront of technological innovation but also a paragon of livability, presenting a compelling case for global investment and collaboration.
Photo taken on June 6, 2025 shows a delegation of consular corps and business communities in Hong Kong visiting Zhuhai in south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xinyi)
In Zhuhai, delegates admired coastal landscapes and eco-parks, with Inaki Amate, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, comparing the city to Danang in Vietnam and Malaga in Spain.
“Similarly, GBA mainland cities offer a work-life balance that drives innovation and attracts talent,” Amate told Xinhua, noting “the GBA together as a global brand must be elevated collaboratively.”
He encouraged the Hong Kong business community to leverage its financial and legal expertise to help mainland’s GBA firms “go global,” while encouraging European investors to tap into GBA innovation sectors and support reciprocal ventures like GBA factories in Europe to boost employment and brand presence.
0:15 Firm building a GPS for the Moon — A Spanish tech company, GMV, is developing LUPIN—a lunar GPS system that helps rovers and astronauts navigate the Moon’s surface safely. Designed with the European Space Agency, LUPIN identifies the best routes by using satellite data to avoid hazards and guide explorers to their destinations.
1:31 How an AI agent could help you — If you’ve heard of AIAgents, you probably think of them as a sort of personalized robot assistant that can carry out tasks on your behalf. That would be wrong, says Kanjun Qiu, CEO of Imbue, an AI research lab. She says that, correctly used, AI agents are an advanced software tool that empowers users to customize and interact with their digital space more fully, without requiring the advanced skills of coders.
4:07 Uncertain global economic outlook — Amid trade tensions and a rise in nationalism, the world’s chief economists are unanimous in predicting a poor year for the global economy. It’s not all bad news, though: the rise of AI adds opportunity as well as disruption, while a reshuffle in global geopolitics could allow more marginal markets to shape their own destinies.
7:22 Students find careers with AI — In Latvia, students are getting help planning their futures with an AI career coach called Nākotnes darbs, or “future of work”. This web-based platform starts with a personality test, asking users to rate their interest in 60 different activities, such as repairing bicycles or working in a lab.The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
Join the United Nations Ocean Conference on June 9, 2025, in Nice, France. A global moment to reflect, unite, and act for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean.
The India Pavilion, christened Bharat Mandap, has emerged as one of the top five most admired pavilions at the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, according to Yamamoto-san, Deputy Pavilion Director and representative of the Japan Travel Bureau (JTB). Competing alongside pavilions from the United States, Italy, France, and Japan, Bharat Mandap has captivated visitors with its seamless blend of India’s ancient cultural heritage and modern aspirations, earning praise from Expo officials, Japanese locals, and global social media audiences.
For the first time, the Ministry of Culture has taken the helm in curating the India Pavilion, a responsibility previously held by the Ministry of Commerce. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) was appointed as the nodal agency to design and execute this international showcase, which will remain open to the public until October 13. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, described the Pavilion as a “comprehensive reflection of India’s ancient knowledge systems, modern technological aspirations, and growing global footprint.”
Located in the Expo’s ‘Connecting Lives Zone,’ Bharat Mandap is more than an architectural marvel—it is a vibrant symbol of India’s cultural diplomacy. Despite receiving its space allocation later than others, IGNCA collaborated efficiently with Japanese authorities to create a Pavilion that marries heritage with innovation. The result is an immersive experience featuring interactive cultural sessions, artistic installations, and exhibits that have drawn accolades from global dignitaries and visitors alike.
Unlike other pavilions with long queues and restricted access, *Bharat Mandap* offers a welcoming and inclusive environment. Highlights include sections showcasing India’s advancements in innovation, Ayurveda, ISRO, and sustainability, alongside live cultural performances like Garba dances and yoga sessions led by Indian Acharyas. Visitors can also savor authentic Indian cuisine, try on traditional Himachali caps, and explore family-friendly photo-op corners adorned with Indian handicrafts. These offerings have made the Pavilion a crowd favorite, sparking widespread engagement online.
The Pavilion’s design is steeped in symbolism, with a striking image of Padmapani Bodhisattva, inspired by the Ajanta cave murals, at its spiritual core, embodying India’s ethos of compassion. Architectural elements like the Blue Lotus Façade, Bodhi Tree Installation, and Flowing Waters reflect philosophical themes of interconnectedness, peace, and transformation. The Lotus Courtyard and Oneness Lounge echo the ancient Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
Dr. Joshi emphasized the Pavilion’s broader mission: “To represent India on this global stage is not just about showcasing culture—it is about inviting the world into India’s living heritage. The Bharat Mandap is a space where tradition meets transformation, where the eternal Indian spirit engages with the global future.”
Running until October 13, under the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives,’ Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, has attracted over 160 countries and 9 international organizations, with an estimated 28 million visitors expected.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Under President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the U.S. Department of State is committed to answering your questions transparently and unfiltered. We want to make sure we’re getting information directly to you about how an America First foreign policy is making America great again.
U.S. Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott answers this week’s questions about student visas, Israel and Iran, the economic impact of our foreign agreements, investments in Africa, Syria, how we’re combatting human trafficking, and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
We’ll be answering more of your questions soon!
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
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In May 2025, Dr. Natasha Schatzman, aerospace engineer in the Aeromechanics Office at NASA Ames Research Center, received the inaugural Alex M. Stoll Award from the Vertical Flight Society (VFS). This award honors a professional in the field of vertical flight who “demonstrates an exceptional commitment to advancing not only the mission of their organization but makes extraordinary contributions to enhancing the well-being and happiness of their colleagues.” Dr. Schatzman began her career at Ames in 2008 as a student intern while simultaneously completing her undergraduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). She stayed at Georgia Tech through graduate school and finished her Ph.D. dissertation in 2018 in the Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Department. Currently, Dr. Schatzman is focusing on assessments of rotorcraft performance and aeroacoustics through experimentation and modeling at Ames Research Center. The Alex M. Stoll Award is the second time she has been honored by the VFS. In 2023, Dr. Schatzman received the François-Xavier Bagnoud Vertical Flight Award which is given to a member “who is 35 years old or younger for their career-to-date outstanding contributions to vertical flight technology.” More information on Dr. Schatzman’s 2025 award is at: https://vtol.org/awards-and-contests/vertical-flight-society-award-winners?awardID=28
EU food safety policy aims to protect human health and consumer interests, and foster the smooth operation of the single market. Recent developments have broadened food safety objectives to include the mitigation of crisis-induced food insecurity. The EU ensures that standards are adhered to in the areas of feed and food-product hygiene, animal health, plant health, food-borne zoonotic diseases and prevention of food contamination. The EU also regulates labelling for food and feed products.
The European Ombudsman conducts inquiries into cases of maladministration by European Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies, acting on their own initiative or on the basis of complaints from EU citizens, or any natural or legal person residing or having their registered office in a Member State. The Ombudsman is elected by the European Parliament for the duration of the parliamentary term.
As the second pillar of the common agricultural policy (CAP), the EU’s rural development policy is designed to support its rural areas and meet the wide range of economic, environmental and societal challenges they face. Greater flexibility (in comparison with the first pillar) enables regional, national and local authorities to formulate their rural development support schemes based on a ‘menu’ of EU-wide measures. Unlike the first pillar, which is entirely financed by the EU, second-pillar programmes are co-financed by EU funds and regional or national funds.
Youth is a national policy area, so EU-level harmonisation is not possible. The EU therefore plays a supporting role, especially when it comes to mobility and opportunities across the EU. For instance, Key Action 1 of the Erasmus+ programme about mobility for individuals encourages exchanges of young people within the EU and with third countries. Over the past few years, the European Union has strengthened its policies towards young people, as illustrated by the European Solidarity Corps programme and the DiscoverEU project.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs), as well as data services, now surpass traditional telephone services in importance for both consumers and businesses. With the surge in on-demand content and 4G/5G growth, the EU has introduced a telecommunications regulatory framework. This encompasses all types of telecommunications, including broadcasting. Research indicates that telecommunications services, network equipment, content and applications contribute up to EUR 1 trillion to the EU’s GDP annually, representing about 4.7% of the EU’s GDP.
Effective consumer protection policy ensures that the single market functions properly. It safeguards consumers’ rights against merchants and provides extra protection for vulnerable consumers. Consumer protection rules can boost market outcomes overall. They promote fairer markets and, with better consumer information, foster greener, more social outcomes. Empowering consumers and safeguarding their interests are key EU policy goals.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HEFEI, June 8 (Xinhua) — China and other member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) discussed low-carbon development issues, from new energy vehicles (NEVs) to common ideas for a green future, at a recent dialogue in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province.
The dialogue focused on NEVs and advanced photovoltaic production and supply chains, and demonstrated the growing commitment of RCEP member countries to promote sustainable development.
The dialogue was held as part of the RCEP 2025 Huangshan Regional Government and Sister City Cooperation Forum, which was held from June 4 to 6 and brought together about 300 participants from 15 countries that have joined the RCEP. A total of 27 agreements were signed, covering areas such as trade, technology and sister city relations.
During the event, a number of joint projects were presented and signed, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and deepening regional cooperation.
As protectionism and unilateralism continue to challenge global supply chains, the NIE automotive industry faces growing uncertainty.
Against this backdrop, as the world’s largest free trade agreement in terms of population and trade volume, RCEP is becoming a stabilizing force that brings greater certainty to the global economy. This view was echoed by many forum participants.
Automotive cooperation in the NIE among RCEP member states is gaining momentum. In May, PT SGMW Motor Indonesia (Wuling) celebrated the production of its three millionth electric vehicle worldwide. Geely has started trial production of its EX5 model at its plant in Indonesia, with mass production set to begin in the third quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has begun construction of a passenger car plant in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone. The plant, which has a planned capacity of 10,000 units per year, is expected to begin operations by the end of this year.
Forum participants noted a clear shift in NIE automobile cooperation among RCEP member countries from early-stage automobile exports to deeper localization. This shift was marked by the establishment of regional manufacturing hubs and the development of full supply chains, including battery materials and key components.
For example, the SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile plant in Indonesia has implemented an integrated system covering both vehicle production and parts supply to support the modernization of the country’s automobile industry.
Major Chinese battery makers such as China Aviation Lithium Battery (CALB), Gotion High-Tech, and SVOLT Energy Technology have also expanded their operations in RCEP countries, building factories in Thailand, Vietnam, and elsewhere. Some have already begun local production, accelerating the regional growth of the EV ecosystem.
“ASEAN is a dynamic region with growing demand for mobility solutions, increasing environmental awareness and a young population that embraces change,” said Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines President Edmund Araga.
In recent years, RCEP members have set targets to reduce carbon emissions. Cambodia aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and increase the share of renewable energy to 70 percent by 2030. Thailand plans to increase the share of electric vehicles in its car production to 30 percent by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
“RCEP has created a long-term cooperation mechanism for us,” said Malaysian Electric Vehicle Association President Dennis Chua, adding that battery development and waste recycling are expected to be key areas of long-term cooperation between Malaysia, China and other RCEP members.
In the first four months of 2025, China’s NIS auto output rose 48.3 percent year-on-year to nearly 4.43 million units, while sales jumped 46.2 percent to 4.3 million, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed. NIS vehicles accounted for 42.7 percent of the country’s total auto sales during the period.
“China has become a global leader in NEVs, not just in terms of manufacturing but also in research and development, battery innovation, infrastructure and scale,” said Edmund Araga. “Together, we can shape the future of mobility in Asia and around the world.” -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xi, Myanmar leader exchange congratulations on 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties
BEIJING, June 8 — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In his message, Xi said that over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the “Paukphaw” (fraternal) friendship between China and Myanmar has stood the test of time and grown even stronger.
Upholding the jointly advocated Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, the two countries have been committed to good neighborliness, deepened mutually beneficial cooperation, and firmly supported each other on issues regarding their respective core interests and major concerns, setting a fine example of friendly exchange between countries, he said.
Xi recalled his meeting with Min Aung Hlaing in Russia in May, when the two leaders reached important consensus on building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future.
China attaches great importance to the development of its ties with Myanmar and stands ready to work with Myanmar to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative and push for solid progress in building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Xi stressed.
Geneva, Switzerland, 6 June 2025 – Recent analysis by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reveals significant gaps remain in early warning coverage globally, with many government alerts lacking clear instructions or multilingual accessibility. Risk communication serves as the bridge between detecting threats and taking protective action-when messages fail to resonate with audiences in a way that leads to action, even the most advanced early warning systems may not be effective.
“Countries must look beyond technology alone. We must strengthen the weakest links in the early warning chain – between systems and people, between warning and response, and between authority and trust” said Kamal Kishore.
This call to strengthen communication systems was echoed throughout the Global Platform sessions.
Risk Communication Gains Prominence
Recognition of communication’s essential role was evident throughout this year’s Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which featured an increased focus on risk communication across multiple sessions and events. The conference included its first dedicated thematic session centered on risk communication, signaling the international community’s growing understanding that effective communication is fundamental to disaster risk reduction.
A key focus emerged around strengthening the Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to ensure no one is left vulnerable during disasters. Sessions like, “Bridging the Gap: Critical Media’s Role in Strengthening Alerts and Enhancing Disaster Preparedness,” highlighted a stark reality: when disasters strike, people often rely on local radio, television, or community messaging groups like WhatsApp for information, rather than formal government alert systems alone. This recognition drove discussions about media’s role not merely as a projector of warnings, but as a trusted intermediary between experts and the public.
Sessions explored how to develop clear, accessible, and inclusive communication frameworks that address accessibility gaps and ensure technical systems reach last-mile communities. The focus on media partnerships reflects the urgent need to strengthen coordination between media, governments, and disaster risk reduction agencies for more effective messaging, while investing in inclusive communication approaches including sign language, Braille, and audio alerts.
“Media has an absolutely critical role in this whole process,” said Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. “This is not just a technical problem which scientists do. This is something which has to be conveyed to the general public in an easily understandable, usable, actionable way and that is something that media does much better than any scientist could do.”
Innovation on the Ignite Stage
Throughout the Global Platform, the Ignite Stage showcased cutting-edge approaches to risk communication that exemplified the shift toward more engaging, accessible, and community-centered messaging. These brief but impactful presentations demonstrated how creativity and technology can transform how disaster risk information reaches and resonates with diverse audiences.
Presentations included virtual reality classrooms for disaster and climate education, offering immersive learning experiences that help students understand hazards in ways traditional textbooks cannot. Creative risk communication initiatives honored the legacy of Pablo Suarez, a pioneer in using games and creativity for disaster preparedness, while sessions on “serious fun” explored how to communicate risks through engaging formats.
These presentations reinforced that effective risk communication must move beyond technical messaging to content and formats that capture attention, engage emotions, and inspire action.
Shifting Communication Approaches
Panelists at the first dedicated thematic session on risk communication at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Souce: Antoine Tardy/UNDRR
“You can’t logic people into preparedness. You have to move them. We’re losing people’s attention and in a disaster, attention is everything. So let’s get creative let’s use formats people already love,” said Barrise Griffin, Youth Delegate and DRR expert from the Bahamas.
A fundamental finding emerged: while new technologies offer greater opportunities for communities to connect and self-organize, the most vulnerable groups-young persons, persons with disabilities, migrants, displaced persons, and indigenous communities-are often forgotten in risk communication efforts.
Session panelists emphasized the need to move beyond one-way messaging toward genuine dialogue where communities become partners rather than passive recipients. Speakers showcased innovative approaches that prioritize human connection alongside technological advancement, from survivor storytelling projects that build awareness through lived experience to platforms that translate technical forecasts into local languages and cultural contexts.
Creating Trust Through Community Partnership
Youth advocates meet with Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Source: Antoine Tardy/UNDRR
The various sessions revealed trust and localisation as fundamental infrastructure for effective risk communication-without them, even the most advanced warning systems can fail to motivate protective action. Trust must be built through consistent engagement with communities, using local messengers and voices that people can relate to and believe.
This insight connects directly to the challenge of misinformation and disinformation, which was identified as growing threats amplified by social media. Building resilience against misinformation and disinformation requires establishing trusted communication pathways before disasters strike, creating relationships that can withstand the information overload that often accompanies emergencies.
Rather than viewing populations as passive recipients of warnings, these sessions emphasized the need to position communities as active partners with valuable knowledge, experiences, and capabilities. When people feel heard and involved in risk conversations, they develop greater agency to assess their situations and take protective action.
Effective risk communication must go beyond translation to cultural adaptation, incorporating local culture, languages, music, and trusted community voices. This ensures that risk information not only reaches communities but resonates with their lived experiences and decision-making processes. Several examples demonstrated this principle in action: platforms that contextualize weather forecasts into local languages, child-centered preparedness programs that build lasting cultures of safety, and community-based approaches that integrate traditional knowledge with modern early warning systems.
The emphasis on localisation extends to involving communities in designing the systems themselves, particularly ensuring that persons with disabilities help create accessible early warning approaches that address their specific needs and experiences.
“Trust is the most powerful infrastructure in disaster preparedness because building the trust takes time, consistency and humility but without it even the best systems can fail,” said Dr. Nairwita Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Professor and Winner of WIN DRR Award 2024 from Haringhata Mahavidyalaya, India, during the thematic session on risk communication and education.
Building Resilient Communication Systems
As the Global Platform comes to an end, the focus on risk communication signals recognition of communication as critical infrastructure for disaster resilience. The discussions demonstrate that effective early warning requires not just detecting hazards and issuing alerts, but building the social foundation that enables communities to receive, understand, and act on risk information.
The path forward requires sustained investment in inclusive communication approaches that prioritize trust-building, community engagement, and accessible design. It demands moving beyond traditional top-down warning systems to embrace dialogue-based approaches that respect local knowledge while leveraging technological innovation responsibly.
When hazards threaten, everyone deserves clear, actionable information delivered through trusted channels in ways that resonate with them and empower their response. The Global Platform’s elevation of risk communication marks a crucial step toward making that vision reality.
Geneva, Switzerland, 6 June 2025 – The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 placed inclusion at the center of building resilient communities, with an intentional focus on ensuring that disaster risk reduction strategies address the needs of women, persons with disabilities, and other most at-risk groups. Throughout the five-day gathering, delegates, practitioners, and community leaders demonstrated that resilience can only be achieved when no one is left behind.
The platform’s second key theme, “Prioritizing gender equality, accessibility and inclusion to leave no one behind,” resonated across preparatory days, formal sessions, learning labs, and side events, reinforcing that while disasters affect everyone, they disproportionately impact certain groups including women, persons with disabilities, and older persons, and when these groups are empowered to lead risk reduction efforts we all benefit.
Breaking Barriers and Building Commitment
The RISK Award Ceremony 2025 highlighted how inclusion drives innovation in disaster risk reduction. ChildFund International won the €100,000 award for empowering indigenous children and youths in Bolivia’s Chiquitano Nation to lead emergency preparedness by combining ancestral knowledge with modern technology.
“The Risk Award is an honour to ChildFund in Bolivia, its partners but, most importantly, to the Chuiquitano People, who will bridge their ancestral indigenous wisdom with new technologies to empower children to get on the frontline of Disaster Risk Reduction,” said Ms. Ximena Loza, Country Director for Bolivia.
The Global Platform’s Gender Pledge Wall became a powerful symbol of commitment, with 165 pledges from participants, including 34 from Governments, including the making concrete pledges to advance gender equality in their disaster risk reduction work. The pledges ranged from policy commitments to grassroots initiatives, creating a commitment of action spanning all levels of society.
“I strongly believe our solutions must be gender-responsive. If we listen, engage, and invest in what works for women, we can build solutions that work for everyone,” emphasized Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The Inclusion Hub served as a central gathering space fostering dialogue between persons with disabilities, women leaders, and policymakers. With 147 persons with disabilities registered for the Global Platformand nearly 500 participants expressing interest in disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction, the event demonstrated significant engagement from the disability community and allies affiliated with the disability stakeholder group.
Inclusion Hub sessions covered critical areas including inclusive disaster risk governance for effective risk management, gender-responsive and socially inclusive understanding of disaster risk, risk-informed development approaches, and financing gender-responsive and socially inclusive resilience building. These discussions demonstrated the platform’s commitment to not just talking about inclusion but creating it in practice.
Integrating Inclusion Throughout the Platform
Inclusion was integrated throughout the Global Platform, from technical sessions on early warning systems to informal discussions on community preparedness. This represented a fundamental shift in how the disaster risk reduction community approaches resilience building, moving beyond treating inclusion as a separate topic to integrating it into every conversation.
Whether discussing early warning systems, risk communication, or preparedness planning, speakers consistently emphasized that effective solutions must be designed with and for the most marginalized. The platform revealed how inclusion manifests differently across various disaster risk reduction challenges. In early warning systems, it means ensuring alerts reach everyone through accessible formats and trusted community channels. In risk assessment, it requires disaggregated data that captures how different groups experience hazards. In preparedness planning, it demands meaningful participation from women, persons with disabilities, older persons, and indigenous communities as leaders and decision-makers, not merely as beneficiaries.
A key message is that communities who have been excluded from DRR governance possess critical knowledge and capabilities that benefit us all. Indigenous forecasting methods, women’s community networks, and disability advocates’ understanding of accessibility barriers emerged as essential resources for building resilient societies. Sessions highlighted successful examples where traditional wisdom enhanced modern early warning systems and where community-led initiatives achieved stronger outcomes.
The conversations also confronted persistent gaps honestly. Despite years of commitments, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing disaster services, women remain underrepresented in disaster risk reduction leadership, and intersectional vulnerabilities-such as those faced by adolescent girls with disabilities-often remain invisible to planners and responders.
A Special Session on Progress Implementing The Gender Action Plan to Support Implementation of the Sendai Framework (Sendai GAP) highlighted progress that has been made over the past year since the Sendai GAP was launched. Success stories highlighted the impact that gender-responsive disaster risk reduction has had across diverse stakeholders, from disaggregated data informing budget allocations in Burundi, to how the Sendai GAP implementation tools have supported Kiribati; how women leadership has expanded across Mali, to how the transgender community in Pakistan has worked with provincial government to ensure inclusive disaster risk reduction is inclusive of all.
Looking Ahead
As the Global Platform concluded, the message was clear: inclusion is not an add-on to disaster risk reduction-it is fundamental to its success. The path forward requires strengthening data collection to better understand how disasters affect different groups while scaling successful models like community-based early warning systems that integrate traditional knowledge and ensure accessibility for all.
Equally important is investing in leadership development for women, persons with disabilities, and most at-risk communities to take central roles in disaster risk reduction planning and implementation. This shift demands embedding inclusion requirements into national and local disaster risk reduction strategies with dedicated resources and accountability mechanisms, while leveraging innovation to develop accessible early warning systems and preparedness resources that serve everyone effectively.
The Global Platform 2025 demonstrated that when inclusion guides disaster risk reduction efforts, communities become stronger and more resilient. As climate change continues to intensify disaster risks, the imperative to leave no one behind has never been more urgent-or more achievable.
The outcomes from Global Platform 2025 will inform the midterm review of the Sendai Framework implementation, ensuring that inclusion remains central to global disaster risk reduction efforts through 2030 and beyond.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SFST to visit the UK and Norway Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong on June 13. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. Issued at HKT 12:00
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — As China’s annual national college entrance examination, also known as the “gaokao,” kicked off on Saturday morning, a volunteer in Shenyang helped wheelchair-bound examinee Wang Zhenyu safely into the exam room by coordinating with police to open a “green corridor” – a small gesture that reflects nationwide efforts to support examinees.
While students are trying their best, authorities are working hard to ensure the exam is safe and fair for the 13.35 million examinees across the country. In many places, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is being deployed for this purpose.
In Benxi City, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, every gaokao exam hall is monitored by a real-time intelligent surveillance system that automatically detects behavioral irregularities – from whispering and frequent glances between students to inattentiveness of proctors – to strengthen discipline and fairness during exams.
AI-powered monitoring systems have also been implemented in other provinces, including Jiangxi, Hubei and Guangdong, enabling real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis and early warning. By accurately identifying behavioral violations without human intervention, the advanced technology eases the burden on examination staff and enhances the fairness and integrity of the examination itself.
These advanced measures play an important role in supporting this year’s gaokao. Authorities and communities across the country have implemented a wide range of initiatives to ensure the safe and fair administration of the exam, addressing concerns related to technological risks and environmental conditions, as well as the physical and mental well-being of students.
TECHNOLOGIES THAT ENSURE FAIRNESS
On May 28, China’s Ministry of Education announced that it would strengthen security measures for this year’s exams, with a particular focus on technological safeguards. The upgrades include stricter entry controls, increased screening of devices such as phones and smartwatches, radio signal blocking at all exam sites, and greater use of intelligent surveillance and screening systems to strengthen the exam’s security network.
Upgraded security gates at entrances have become a key component in ensuring fair examination conditions in Liaoning Province. At each examination site, students must pass through two intelligent security gates that can detect small metal objects, including mobile phones, smart watches, smart glasses, hidden earphones and other high-tech cheating devices. If the alarms are triggered, teachers conduct a check with hand-held metal detectors.
“Cheating technology is evolving every year, so this year the screening procedure at school entrance is stricter than ever,” said Liu Yang, principal of Benxi City High School. “At the school gate, students are reminded not to bring in prohibited devices, and lockers are provided for safe storage. On exam days, dedicated staff also inspect key areas such as walls, toilets and trash cans to prevent any form of information transfer from outside.”
Biometric verification has also become a standard part of exam security. At the entrance, examinees undergo facial recognition, fingerprint or iris scanning to prevent people from impersonating exam candidates. Identity checks are carried out several times before, during and after exams, and each time takes only a few seconds.
In parallel, national radio services actively monitor exam centres and surrounding areas for suspicious signals. By identifying and blocking unauthorised wireless communications, they help prevent fraud using electronic devices.
SOCIAL SUPPORT
In addition to technical precautions, many regions have taken additional steps to create a calm and favourable environment for exams. These include postponing performances, temporarily closing libraries, cultural centres, museums and sports facilities, and changing the working hours of government agencies and businesses.
In east China’s Anhui Province, the Anhui Huangmei Opera House suspended all performances from June 5 to 9 to minimize noise near exam venues. Similarly, cultural institutions in Jiangsu, Fujian and Henan provinces have postponed street performances, traditional lion dances and puppet shows to ensure a quiet atmosphere for students.
To ease traffic congestion and ensure timely arrival at exam sites, many cities have taken special measures such as postponing office opening times and encouraging carpooling or public transportation. Traffic police have designated priority lanes and are ready to escort examinees caught in traffic jams, ensuring that everyone gets to the exam site on time. In Benxi City, students can even order taxis with “gaokao free ride” stickers by phone or hail them on the street and show their pass to take the exam.
To protect students from adverse weather conditions, Beijing 101 Middle School set up rain and sun shelters, provided them with more than 200 umbrellas, and provided first aid by medical personnel on site. In the exam rooms, silent fans and purified drinking water created a comfortable environment.
Beijing has also introduced customized support measures for students with special needs, including providing exam papers in Braille and large print, as well as separate testing rooms, so that every examinee can take the exam with dignity and confidence.
The Anhui Communist Youth League has launched a nationwide campaign to support students’ mental health, sending counselors to schools to give talks on stress relief and offering online counseling to reduce test anxiety.
This nationwide effort reflects not only the scale of the gaokao’s facilities, but also the deep social significance attached to it. Behind every quiet exam room or smooth ride to the testing center is a collective commitment to ensuring fairness, opportunity, and hope for the future.
Since its re-establishment in 1977, the gaokao has become one of the most powerful tools for promoting educational equality and social mobility in China. Based on merit-based selection principles, the exam allows students from all backgrounds to participate in a fair “competition.” This standardized system provides transparency and accountability in university admissions for a population of more than 1.4 billion people.
For many, the gaokao is a turning point in life, the only chance to change their future through determination and hard work. It has become a symbol of fairness, opportunity, and the belief that personal effort can change a person’s destiny. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MINSK, June 8 (Xinhua) — China’s U-22 men’s youth team played a 1-1 draw with Belarus’ U-21 team in a friendly match on Saturday. The game was held at the new National Football Stadium of Belarus, built with China’s support. The football arena, which can accommodate 33,000 spectators, was almost full, with fans actively supporting both teams.
At the beginning of the match, the Belarusian team, using the home advantage, actively attacked. Already in the first 10 minutes, they earned several corners, but were unable to convert them into goals. In the 13th minute, the Chinese team carried out a counterattack: midfielder Mutellip Iminkari went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the ball hit the post.
The Belarusians relied on aerial play, using their height, and the Chinese responded with quick attacks, creating several dangerous moments. However, the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, already in the 1st minute, a Chinese defender committed a foul in his penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty. Player number 22 from the Belarusian team, Nikita Baranov, confidently converted the kick, opening the score – 1:0.
The Chinese did not give up and continued to attack. In the 65th minute, the coaching staff made substitutions, and in the 74th minute, M. Iminkari effectively finished off a corner kick, leveling the score – 1:1.
The Belarusians actively pressed until the end of the match, but the Chinese defense held out, and the game ended in a draw.
China U-22 goalkeeper Li Hao noted after the match that “even though it was a friendly match, the atmosphere at the new stadium felt like a serious tournament. The Belarusians created a lot of problems for us, but we showed a decent level.”
Arseny Skopets, goalkeeper for the Belarus U-21 team, said he was generally pleased with his performance. “China is a strong opponent. I hope we will have more matches like this,” he said.
According to the China Football Association, the U-22 team is holding a training camp in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from May 23 to June 10 to prepare for the 2026 U-23 AFC Asian Cup and the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games. As part of the preparation, the team traveled to Belarus to play friendly matches. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pay an official visit to Greenland on June 15, the French daily Le Monde reported on Saturday, citing a French presidential office source.
At the invitation of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, prime minister of Greenland’s self-government, French President Macron will be the first foreign head of state to visit Greenland since U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of annexation, Le Monde reported.
According to the French presidential office, the Elysee, the three leaders will hold talks over security in the North Atlantic and the Arctic, as well as issues related to climate change, energy transition, and supply of critical minerals.
This visit aims to “strengthen cooperation with Greenland in these areas and contribute to strengthening European sovereignty,” Le Monde noted, citing the Elysee source.
Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland, a strategically located and resource-rich autonomous territory of Denmark.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, although Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 jolted the western Indian-Antarctic Ridge at 23:20 GMT on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
According to preliminary data, the epicenter of the tremors was located at a point with coordinates of 47.83 degrees south latitude and 116.02 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10.0 km. –0–
Call for UK Spending Review to abandon welfare cuts.
The UK and Scottish Governments must work together to support shared economic growth, with more flexibility to encourage investment and an end to spending that bypasses devolution, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.
Ahead of the UK Spending Review on 11 June, the Finance Secretary is calling on the Chancellor to:
relax fiscal rules to enable investment in public services and stimulate economic growth
fully fund the employer National Insurance increase for Scotland’s public services
end the use of spending powers that bypass devolved governments
abandon UK welfare cuts or, if UK Ministers do persist with these cuts, shield the Scottish Government’s budget from the impact for at least two years
award funding for the Acorn carbon capture project
ensure Scotland receives a share of GB Energy funding that matches its leading contribution to UK clean energy goals
Ms Robison said:
“The UK Spending Review is an opportunity for the UK Government to abandon some of its damaging policies such as cuts to welfare support for disabled people, to scrap the two child benefit cap and to reinstate a universal winter fuel payment. We are also aware of the huge impact of the increase in employer’s National Insurance, not least on public services. I hope UK Ministers will use the spending review to fully fund the costs of this tax hike on jobs to vital public services like the NHS.
“The UK Government should also use the spending review to empower the devolved administrations with more flexible fiscal rules that can enable investment in public services. And we need an end to spending that bypasses devolution so we can direct funds to best meet local needs.
“We called on UK Ministers to involve us at an early stage of this process, but since they’ve refused to provide us with any clarity on their spending priorities it’s clear that its business as usual for Westminster.
“We continue to call on the Treasury to use the Spending Review to change course, providing the funding we need to deliver for the people of Scotland.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Transformative £86 billion boost to science and tech to turbocharge economy, with regions backed to take cutting-edge research into own hands
Funding package worth more than £22.5 billion a year in 2029 will boost Britain’s world-leading status in research and innovation.
£86 billion to fund everything from new drug treatments and longer lasting batteries to new AI breakthroughs to generate billions for the UK economy and drive our Plan for Change
includes up to £500 million for regions across the UK, with local leaders part of decision making
announcement comes ahead of next week’s Spending Review, where the Chancellor will make clear that investing in Britain’s renewal will deliver change for working people and their communities
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce a transformative £86 billion in the Spending Review to turbo-charge our fastest growing sectors, from tech and life sciences, to advanced manufacturing and defence, as part of the government’s plan to invest in Britain’s renewal through our Modern Industrial Strategy.
Britain will boost its world-leading status in research and innovation with a bumper funding package worth more than £22.5 billion a year in 2029/2030. From exploring new drug treatments and longer lasting batteries, to new AI breakthroughs, the package will drive new jobs and economic growth as well as ensuring the UK leads the way in pioneering the technologies of the future.
It comes ahead of the Spending Review, where the Chancellor will set out how the government will invest in Britain’s renewal by investing in the people’s priorities: health, security and the economy. The Chancellor will outline this government’s laser focus on investing in Britain’s renewal through projects that will bring jobs and prosperity, putting more money in working people’s pockets.
The new R&D package will mean local leaders have government backing to develop ‘innovation clusters’ across the country, to unlock the talent and opportunity in every region and nation.
It is those with skin in the game who know what is best for their region. That’s why, through the new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, local leaders will be given the powers to decide how to target their research investment in the region and make the most of skill sets of the community, boosting high skilled jobs and igniting growth across the country, the core mission of the government’s Plan for Change.
The package will see every corner of the country benefit. In Liverpool, that means leveraging its expertise in life sciences to accelerate drug discovery, in Northern Ireland that means harnessing its reputation for cutting edge defence equipment to shore up our national security. And in South Wales, it means boosting expertise in designing cutting edge semiconductors that power the devices like mobile phones and electric cars we rely on every day to support growth and new jobs in those regions.
The new funding will build on work already underway to transform local communities through the Innovation Accelerator pilot scheme – a new funding approach and partnership between local authorities and government. It has supported new technology developed by the Greater Manchester advanced diagnostic accelerator, delivering quicker and cheaper detection for liver, heart and lung diseases, whilst Moonbility from the West Midlands is using AI software helping train companies to simulate, in real time, potential disruption to the network so they can alert passengers on delay length, giving advice on replanning journeys.
This government is making investments in Britain’s future that will deliver dividends for decades to come. Every £1 invested in R&D generates up to £7 in benefits to the UK economy and leverages double in private investment in the long run, with businesses that receive their first R&D grant funding seeing jobs and turnover go up by over 20% in the following years – providing a major boost to the UK economy. R&D is also at the heart of around 3 million jobs in the UK, with the power to create many more as discoveries advance.
The announcement comes ahead of London Tech Week, the UK’s flagship technology festival, with more expected in the coming days, as this government doubles down on plans to ensure the UK is once again open for business and setting the conditions for a decade of national renewal and the economic growth that is at the heart of our Plan for Change.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
Britain is the home of science and technology. Through the Plan for Change, we are investing in Britain’s renewal to create jobs, protect our security against foreign threats and make working families better off.
Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:
R&D is the very foundation of the breakthroughs that make our lives easier and healthier – from new medicines enabling us to live longer, more fulfilled lives to developments in AI giving us time back, from easing our train journeys through to creating the technology we need to protect our planet from climate change.
Incredible and ambitious research goes on in every corner of our country, from Liverpool to Inverness, Swansea to Belfast, which is why empowering regions to harness local expertise and skills for all of our benefit is at the heart of this new funding – helping to deliver the economic growth at the centre of our Plan for Change.
Alongside this, nearly £5 million is being invested to kickstart a new partnership between the high-growth regions of Manchester and Cambridge, strengthening the link between these hubs of innovation to attract more business investment, and pilot new approaches to collaboration, setting examples for cities, universities and governments worldwide.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
This is exactly how we turn our potential into progress. This investment backs regions to lead the way in the industries that will define the future.
From life sciences and advanced manufacturing to clean energy and AI, regions across the UK have the skills and the ideas – they just need the investment and the power to match.
This will drive innovation that not only grows the economy but creates jobs, builds opportunity, improves health and changes lives.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
Our region is already an advanced manufacturing powerhouse and this announcement boosts my mission to create new growth, new jobs and new opportunities in 2 exciting ways.
We will now be able to support more research and development projects in established sectors, like the car industry and green energy, which are cornerstones of the North East economy, and we can also invest in new technologies from kitchen table innovations to our fast-emerging trailblazers in the space industry and AI.
Notes to editors
The fund would give dedicated awards of at least £30 million to each of the 7 Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England – Greater Manchester, West Midlands, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, North East, and Greater London as well as to one equivalent region in each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be agreed with devolved governments. The fund will also include a competition, which will be open to all other parts of the UK. This will similarly support high potential innovation clusters to grow, and be based on a principle of co-creation with UKRI. This will allow us build on the strengths that we know exist across the country.
Following a review of the Treasury’s Green Book, the Chancellor to invest billions in the regions to support economic growth, making deliberate choices to stabilise the public finances in invest in Britain’s renewal. This announcement on R&D follows on the back off £15.6 billion of government investment in local transport in city regions in the North, Midlands and South West, which also empowers local leaders to make the best investment decisions for their areas which they know best and ensure value for money.
The Cambridge x Manchester Innovation Partnership will be led by Research England on behalf of UKRI. It includes a £4.8 million investment over 3 years which embeds place-based growth, led by the universities of Cambridge and Manchester.