<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-16/Dozens-killed-as-Israel-mounts-major-ground-offensive-in-Gaza-City-1GIEDjngPWo/img/a5ff8c9abb3a451b874c126e7abd01a4/a5ff8c9abb3a451b874c126e7abd01a4.png' alt='Displaced Palestinians flee northern Gaza along the coastal road toward the south after Israel's military says its expanded operation has begun, Gaza Strip, September 16, 2025. /VCG'

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday it launched a “large-scale ground operation” in Gaza City on the night of September 15, as local officials reported heavy strikes in the biggest urban center that left dozens dead or missing.

The army said it had urged civilians to leave in recent days, but hundreds of thousands of the city’s roughly one million residents – many already displaced multiple times – are believed to remain. Many residents indicated that the high cost of moving, the perilous journey, and immobility caused by illness or disability were the main reasons they remained in the city instead of fleeing.

WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, said at least 53 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since dawn, most of them in Gaza City.

According to an IDF spokesperson, troops advanced “gradually, with heavy fire to support the forces.” Around 10 p.m., units from the 98th and 162nd Armored Divisions entered Gaza City under the cover of extensive airstrikes, with the 36th Division expected to join in the coming days to “encircle Gaza City from all sides.”

The military said about 130,000 reservists are being mobilized, a process due to be completed within days.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at the opening of his corruption trial in Tel Aviv, called the operation “intense” and said, “The state of Israel is at a critical stage in this struggle, and there are consequences.” His plan to seize control of Gaza City, announced last month, has drawn international criticism.

Israel has massed forces for weeks in preparation for what Netanyahu and other officials have described as a major ground and air offensive to “conquer” Gaza City.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee on social media platform X called Gaza City “a dangerous combat zone,” warning civilians that staying “puts you at risk.” He said the IDF had begun dismantling Hamas infrastructure and noted that more than 40 percent of residents had fled in recent weeks.

Defense Minister Israel Katz added on Tuesday, “Gaza is burning,” vowing that the military would strike Hamas “with an iron fist. We will not relent, and we will not turn back until the mission is completed.”

U.S. offers support, EU plans new sanctions

In launching the assault, Israel’s government defied European leaders threatening sanctions and ignored warnings from some of its own military commanders that the operation could be a costly mistake. Meanwhile, Washington appeared to offer its backing, conveyed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Hours before the escalation, Rubio offered backing at a press conference alongside Netanyahu. While the U.S. wished for a diplomatic end to the war, “we have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen”, he said.

In Brussels, a spokesperson for the European Commission said the EU would agree on Wednesday to impose new sanctions on Israel, including the suspension of certain trade provisions.

“The EU has consistently urged Israel not to intensify its operation in Gaza City,” EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said. “A military intervention will lead to more destruction, more death and more displacement, and we have been clear that this will also aggravate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and also endangers the lives of hostages,” he said.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the assault “reckless and appalling” and called for an immediate ceasefire. Britain and France are expected this month to become the first major Western powers to recognize Palestinian independence.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City as “totally and utterly unacceptable” and demanded an end to the “carnage.”

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s decision to launch the invasion, calling his conduct “amateurish and sloppy.” In an interview with Ynet, Lapid questioned the lack of a clear plan for Gaza’s future, the fate of Israeli hostages, and an exit strategy from the war.

Separately, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Tuesday criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on the situation in Gaza and Israeli hostages, calling them “blatant bias toward Israeli propaganda” and “double standards.”

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-16/China-urges-U-S-Japan-to-withdraw-Typhon-missile-system-deployment-1GIIC8AKuis/img/e95c770e30c8468c818365fffef873a7/e95c770e30c8468c818365fffef873a7.png' alt='China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a regular news briefing in Beijing, China, September 16, 2025. /VCG'

China urges the United States and Japan to withdraw the Typhon missile system deployed in Japan as soon as possible as the deployment poses a substantive threat to regional strategic security, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing that, despite China’s grave concerns, the U.S. and Japan went ahead with deploying an intermediate-range missile system in Japan under the pretext of joint exercises and training.

“China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes this,” Lin said.

He stressed that the U.S. deployment of such a system in Asia undermines the legitimate security interests of other countries, increases the risk of an arms race and military confrontation in the region, and poses a substantive threat to regional strategic security.

Lin urged the U.S. and Japan to respect the security concerns of other countries, heed the voices of regional countries, and correct their wrongful actions.

Due to its history of militarist aggression, Japan’s military and security moves have always been viewed with great vigilance by its Asian neighbors and the international community, the spokesperson added.

China urges Japan to reflect deeply on its history of aggression as this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Lin said.

Japan should be cautious in its words and deeds in the military and security arenas, avoid assisting villainous acts, and refrain from doing anything that would break the trust of its Asian neighbors or undermine regional peace and stability, he said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council order to issue a set of regulations on managing Chinese citizens employed by foreign diplomatic and consular missions in China.

The 12-article regulations, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aim to facilitate the recruitment of Chinese citizens by foreign diplomatic and consular missions in China while safeguarding the legal rights and interests of Chinese employees.

According to the regulatory document, foreign diplomatic missions hiring Chinese citizens must post job and recruitment information on a platform established by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Such missions should also sign service agreements with agencies appointed by local foreign affairs offices and departments, clarifying issues such as the rights and interests of Chinese employees, the regulations state.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-15/UNHRC-to-hold-urgent-debate-on-Israeli-airstrike-on-Qatar-1GGUmfWBFDi/img/452c26b33cba4d6e89979268e919f57b/452c26b33cba4d6e89979268e919f57b.png' alt='A general view of participants of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council at the UN headquarters in Geneva, September 9, 2025. /VCG '

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will hold an urgent debate in Geneva on Tuesday regarding Israel’s September 9 airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, the Council announced on Monday.

Hamas said five of its members were killed in the attack, though its leadership was reportedly unharmed. The strike has prompted U.S.-aligned Gulf Arab states to close ranks, heightening tensions in ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations in 2020.

The debate was requested by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states, and by Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The request came as leaders of Arab and Islamic states were meeting in Doha on Monday, where they were expected to warn that Israel’s attack on Qatar, along with other “hostile acts,” threatens coexistence and efforts to normalize relations, according to a draft resolution from the gathering.

Tuesday’s urgent debate will mark the 10th of its kind at the UNHRC since its establishment in 2006.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-14/news-1GFkRBYyB1u/img/9690ead47ccf4168bd621fc4e14567b7/9690ead47ccf4168bd621fc4e14567b7.jpeg' alt='Chinese and U.S. delegations convene for economic and trade talks in Madrid, September 14, 2025. /CMG'

The Chinese and U.S. delegations convened on Sunday for talks on economic and trade issues in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

In the coming days, the two sides will discuss issues such as U.S. unilateral tariff measures, the abuse of export controls and TikTok, a spokesperson with China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

The Chinese delegation is headed by Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

China’s position on the TikTok issue is clear and consistent, the spokesperson said. China is firmly committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and will handle the TikTok issue in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-14/DPRK-condemns-joint-U-S-South-Korea-Japan-military-drills-1GFdCNJKNdm/img/a7112db821434310a29b52ec0a1ea3cf/a7112db821434310a29b52ec0a1ea3cf.png' alt='Members of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade landing during the joint military exercise Iron Fist 23 with U.S. Marines at Manda Beach, Tokunoshima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. /VCG'

Senior officials of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday condemned upcoming military drills by the United States, South Korea and Japan, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday.

Seoul will launch two simultaneous drills on Monday, including Freedom Edge, a trilateral outdoor multi-domain exercise with the United States and Japan, and Iron Mace, a tabletop drill simulating a nuclear-attack response with the United States, South Korean media reported.

Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), said the “Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula” fabricated by the United States and South Korea are a dangerous idea.

She said the DPRK will regard it as an unfiltered demonstration of their anti-DPRK confrontational stance and a “succession” of confrontational policy.

The reckless show of strength made by the three countries in real action near the DPRK will inevitably bring bad results to themselves, she added.

Pak Jong Chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, said Iron Mace is a “nuclear war rehearsal aimed at using nuclear weapons against the DPRK from A to Z,” while Freedom Edge is the most comprehensive and offensive war drill for aggression in its scale, content and nature.

The reckless military moves of the three countries pose a grave challenge to the security interests of our state and a major danger of undermining regional stability and escalating military tension, he said.

Pak stressed that if the hostile forces persist in their muscle-flexing, the DPRK will respond to them with “counteraction in a very clear and intensified way.”

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-13/Yemen-s-Houthis-claim-fresh-missile-strike-on-Israel-in-retaliation-1GDGXwCyoiQ/img/d722772426ff4143980c1b5f1805151b/d722772426ff4143980c1b5f1805151b.png' alt='Houthi soldiers patrol a street in Sanaa, Yemen, September 12, 2025. /VCG'

Yemen’s Houthi armed group launched a hypersonic ballistic missile toward Israel this morning, targeting what it described as “sensitive sites” in the Jaffa area in southern Tel Aviv.

In a statement broadcast on the group’s al-Masirah TV on Saturday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said that the missile had multiple warheads and caused residents to flee to bomb shelters. He also claimed that the strike had “achieved its objectives.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen into Israeli territory early Saturday morning.

Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom, said in a statement that there were no reports of hits or casualties.

The IDF issued an alert shortly after the launch, and a few minutes later, air defense sirens were heard in wide areas of central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, waking millions of residents and prompting them to rush to shelters.

Sarea said the group would continue carrying out strikes in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and pledged resilience against what he called Israeli “aggression” toward Yemen, referring to Wednesday’s airstrikes.

The Houthi-run health ministry said on Thursday that Israeli airstrikes hit two newspapers and a nearby resident’s house in Sanaa, as well as other civilian facilities in the northern province of al-Jawf. The strikes killed at least 46 people and injured 165 others, mostly civilians.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-13/Upcoming-China-U-S-talks-in-Spain-Tariffs-export-curbs-and-TikTok-1GDnwmJpf56/img/53f7b0c931374760bf2db1e5980fc123/53f7b0c931374760bf2db1e5980fc123.png' alt='Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (R), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prior to the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism in London, Britain, June 9, 2025. /Xinhua'

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will travel to Spain for talks with U.S. officials on a range of economic and trade issues, including U.S. unilateral tariffs, abuse of export controls and TikTok, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday.

He, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will lead a delegation to Spain from September 14 to 17.

Hours before the Chinese announcement, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would meet with senior Chinese officials, including He, to discuss economic and trade issues in Madrid.

The meeting will be the fourth round of China-U.S. economic and trade talks in six months.

Tariffs

Negotiations on the U.S. imposition of unilateral tariffs on Chinese products have dominated the last three rounds of talks.

Following the first meeting between He and Bessent – the lead officials for economic and trade affairs for China and the U.S., respectively – in Geneva in May, Beijing and Washington issued a joint statement and agreed to establish a China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism.

The Geneva talks were marked by substantial progress, leading to a significant reduction in bilateral tariffs. The U.S. removed 91 percent of its additional tariffs, and China reciprocated by lifting 91 percent of its retaliatory tariffs. Furthermore, the U.S. suspended 24 percent of its “reciprocal tariffs” for 90 days, with China doing the same for its corresponding countermeasures.

In the subsequent meeting in London in June, the first held under the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, the two sides agreed in principle on the framework for implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone talks on June 5 and consolidating the outcomes of the Geneva talks.

He and Bessent last met in Sweden in July. According to a joint statement on the meeting, issued on August 12, China and the U.S. agreed to extend the tariff truce for another 90 days, pushing the deadline to early November.

China has long criticized the U.S. for using tariffs as a form of trade protectionism, stressing that it is a self-damaging and unilateral approach that breaks multilateral trade rules and disrupts global supply chains.

Export controls

Compared with the past Chinese statements announcing scheduled talks between He and Bessent, it seems that export controls are being highlighted for the first time as a significant agenda item in a China-U.S. economic and trade meeting.

On Friday, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 32 Chinese entities to the so-called Entity List, targeting sectors including semiconductors, biotech, aerospace, and commercial trade and logistics, and subjecting them to strict export controls.

In its response, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Saturday questioned the U.S. move’s intent since it comes just as talks are about to start in Spain and vowed to take necessary measures to protect Chinese businesses’ legitimate interests.

The latest sanctions came after the BIS in May released a guidance that, under the pretext of so-called presumed violations of U.S. export control rules, attempts to impose a global ban on advanced Chinese computing chips, including specific Huawei Ascend chips.

Over the past few years, the U.S. has repeatedly broadened its export controls on China’s semiconductor and AI sectors under the pretext of national security. These restrictions have expanded from specific integrated circuits to encompass nearly the entire supply chain, including manufacturing, outsourcing, and software.

By implementing discriminatory export controls on AI models and integrated circuits that provide underlying computing power support, the U.S. is, in essence, creating a tiered structure within the realm of AI, favoring certain entities while depriving the vast number of developing countries, including China, of the right to achieve technological advancement, according to a white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations,” released in April.

Citing findings of a U.S. think tank, the white paper said entities are added to the U.S. export control Entity List based on confidential, non-transparent information, with opaque and poorly defined criteria. Furthermore, the threshold for removal is so high that entities find it extremely difficult to get delisted, even through judicial means.

Read more:

China slams U.S. for adding Chinese entities to export control list

China launches anti-dumping probe on certain U.S. analog IC chips

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-13/Upcoming-China-U-S-talks-in-Spain-Tariffs-export-curbs-and-TikTok-1GDnwmJpf56/img/30456f81ba474d3ab4b830b702cd3469/30456f81ba474d3ab4b830b702cd3469.png' alt='VCG'

TikTok

Both the Chinese and U.S. statements on the upcoming talks in Madrid explicitly include TikTok on the agenda, treating it as a key topic for discussion alongside traditional economic and trade issues.

Citing unfounded national security concerns and alleged risks to data privacy, Washington has sought to ban TikTok, which is owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance but operated independently, for many years.

In April 2024, then U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok within 270 days or face a ban from U.S. app stores by January 19, 2025. Following his return to office, Donald Trump began a series of extensions. He issued three separate executive orders, on January 20, April 4, and June 19, 2025, each delaying the ban’s enforcement.

The most recent extension pushed the new deadline to September 17, 2025, allowing TikTok to continue operating for its approximately 170 million users in the United States, nearly half the country’s population. American users have consistently voiced opposition to Washington’s actions against TikTok, arguing that a ban would threaten their livelihoods and free speech.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Friday that Beijing is firmly committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and will handle the TikTok issue in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

Beijing urges Washington to work with China, resolve concerns through dialogue based on mutual respect and equal consultation, and find solutions that ensure an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, including TikTok, to continue operations in the U.S., the spokesperson said.

This will promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, added the spokesperson.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday signed presidential orders on the enforcement of multiple laws.

According to the presidential orders, a series of key laws, such as the law on public health emergency response, the national park law, a revised Arbitration Law, an atomic energy law, and a law on promoting public education on the rule of law, were adopted by Chinese lawmakers at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Friday.

The law on public health emergency response put forward the establishment and improvement of a nationwide public health emergency reporting system.

The law specifies the establishment and improvement of an authoritative and efficient monitoring and early warning system featuring multiple sources and rapid response for public health emergencies.

It stipulates that medical and health institutions, as well as their staff performing duties, shall report the occurrence or potential occurrence of public health emergencies through the online direct reporting system within two hours.

The law, consisting of 65 articles in eight chapters, will take effect on November 1, 2025.

The revised Arbitration Law stipulates that arbitration proceedings can be conducted online with the consent of the parties involved.

It also encourages arbitration institutions to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with overseas arbitration bodies and relevant international organizations and to participate actively in the formulation of international arbitration rules.

To meet the evolving needs of arbitration practice and better build China into a preferred venue for international commercial arbitration, the revised law explicitly supports arbitration institutions in establishing branches outside China to conduct arbitration activities.

The revised law, comprising 96 articles in eight chapters, will take effect on March 1, 2026.

The new law dedicated to promoting the high-quality development of national parks will take effect on January 1, 2026.

The atomic energy law and the law on promoting public education on the rule of law will take effect on January 15, 2026, and November 1, 2025 respectively.

(Cover via VCG)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-12/Poland-rejects-Trump-s-claim-on-alleged-Russian-drone-incursions-1GBZReJB46k/img/f4c766ac01914e0eb15635648d782ac0/f4c766ac01914e0eb15635648d782ac0.png' alt='U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One in Maryland, U.S., September 11, 2025. /VCG'

Poland rejected on Friday a suggestion made by U.S. President Donald Trump that the alleged Russian drone incursions into its airspace could have been a mistake, a rare contradiction of the U.S. president from one of Washington’s closest European allies.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded on X: “We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn’t. And we know it.”

Trump on Thursday said that the alleged incursion into Poland’s airspace “could have been a mistake,” while expressing frustration with the incident.

His remarks so far stand in contrast to the strong statements from European leaders, some of whom accused Russia of carrying out a deliberate drone incursion to test the readiness of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Russia has rejected the accusation made by Poland, the EU, and NATO that it launched the drones. The Russian Defense Ministry said that none of its strike targets were in Poland, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the EU and NATO “accuse Russia of provocations on a daily basis” without evidence.

The Polish military shot down drones over Poland after its airspace was repeatedly violated overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, according to a statement from the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command.

Tusk had invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, seeking consultations with NATO allies over a threat to national security.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that NATO will continue to closely monitor the situation in the east, with its air defense systems kept on standby.

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-11/Who-was-Charlie-Kirk-What-we-know-about-the-shooting-and-the-suspect-1GAhdM0bOAo/img/135580987b174277b855b76cb1e19999/135580987b174277b855b76cb1e19999.png' alt='People attend a vigil for youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, who was shot at a public event at Utah Valley University, in Orem City Center Park, Orem, Utah, September 10, 2025. /CFP'

U.S. right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was credited with building President Donald Trump’s base among younger voters, galvanizing conservative youth and rising to international prominence through a group he founded at age 18.

Kirk, an Illinois native who founded the conservative student group Turning Point USA rose to prominence in the Republican Party during Trump’s presidency. He had just returned from an overseas speaking tour when he was killed while addressing a large outdoor crowd on the Utah Valley University Campus in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. He was 31 years old.

The Utah governor described Kirk’s death as a “political assassination.” Authorities said the motive is unknown and it was not immediately clear whether a suspect had been arrested.

On Sunday, Kirk headlined an event in Tokyo organized by the far-right Sanseito party, which made big gains in Japan’s upper house election in July. He also recently spoke in South Korea before returning to the U.S.

Kirk had 5.3 million followers on his X account and drew an audience of more than 500,000 monthly listeners to podcasts of his radio program, “The Charlie Kirk Show.” He also authored or contributed to several books, including “Time for a Turning Point” and “The College Scam.”

Influence built on campuses

In addition to founding Turning Point USA in 2012 with conservative activist Bill Montgomery, Kirk also launched Turning Point Action in 2019 as a non-profit advocacy group backing conservative candidates for office.

Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to advancing conservative causes on college campuses, was instrumental in driving youth support for Trump in the November 2024 election.

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote on his online platform Truth Social in announcing Kirk’s death. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor.

Kirk, the son of a counselor at a mental-health clinic and an architect, launched his political career after a 2012 op-ed he wrote for the conservative media outlet Breitbart that led to appearances on Fox News, according to the New York Times.

Fox then booked Kirk to discuss the national debt. That appearance led to a speech at Benedictine University, where he met Montgomery, a Tea Party activist. Montgomery encouraged Kirk to spread his message to college campuses, and registered the name Turning Point USA for Kirk in July 2012.

Kirk is survived by his wife Erika, a former Miss Arizona USA beauty pageant winner, and their two children.

‘Threat to democracy’: World reacts to Kirk’s killing

World leaders condemned the killing, warning of the dangers of political violence.

“I am appalled by the murder of Charlie Kirk. There is no justification for political violence and every act of it threatens democracy,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X.

“We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear – there can be no justification for political violence,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X.

“An atrocious murder, a deep wound for democracy and for those who believe in freedom. My condolences to his family, to his loved ones, and to the American conservative community,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization,” said Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Charlie Kirk’s death is the result of the international hate campaign waged by the progressive-liberal left,” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on X. 

“This is what led to the attacks on (Slovak Prime Minister) Robert Fico, on (Czech former premier) Andrej Babis, and now on Charlie Kirk. We must stop the hatred! We must stop the hate-mongering left!”

(With input from agencies)

Some say Xinjiang is nothing but dust and desert, with no blue skies. But stand by the shores of Sayram Lake, watch the deep blue waters ripple in the breeze, and you’ll realize Xinjiang is far more than what you’ve been told. Here, you’ll see people deeply connected to their land, with cultures blending naturally into everyday life. No filters. No retouching. Just raw, honest beauty, captured as it truly is. Along the way, CGTN digital reporter Wang Tao spoke with travelers visiting Xinjiang for the first time. Let’s hear their impressions and see if their stories sound different from the ones you’ve heard before.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-10/Mainland-History-of-Taiwan-s-return-to-China-will-never-be-forgotten-1GypoiQVSyQ/img/06e8349a3d9a4fb08b522d639527ec9c/06e8349a3d9a4fb08b522d639527ec9c.jpeg' alt='Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, speaks during a press conference, September 10, 2025. /CMG'

A Chinese mainland spokesperson emphasized that history will never be forgotten, commenting on a CGTN global poll which found that the majority of respondents recognize Taiwan’s return to China as an outcome of China’s victory in World War II.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks during a press conference on Wednesday.

The poll, conducted by CGTN among 12,000 respondents from 40 countries, showed that 66.7 percent of the respondents are aware of the history of Taiwan’s recovery. Most respondents said that Taiwan’s return to China was an outcome of China’s victory in World War II, and any secessionist actions constitute a denial of the war’s outcome.

Chen said that the results demonstrated that history will never be forgotten, let alone tampered with. He reiterated that the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation provided crucial international legal foundations for Taiwan’s restoration to China.

He stressed that although the two sides of the Taiwan Straits have not yet been reunified, China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity have never been divided. The fact that the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one China has never changed, he added.

Chen criticized Taiwan region’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for engaging in what he called provocative moves aimed at secession. He said that their actions are attempts to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Straits, deny China’s sovereignty, and challenge the post-war international order.

“We hope the international community will stand on the side of human progress and more broadly understand and support the Chinese people’s just cause of opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and striving to achieve national reunification,” Chen said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-10/China-urges-U-S-to-respect-core-interests-in-defense-chiefs-call-1GyGfQ3t4Pe/img/4aba4170b298485d8cff36477916d1ec/4aba4170b298485d8cff36477916d1ec.png' alt='A file photo of national flags of China and the United States. /VCG'

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun stated on Tuesday that China and the United States should respect each other’s core interests during a video call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Dong told Hegseth during the call, which the latter requested, that both sides should adopt an open attitude, keep communication and engagement active, and develop a military-to-military relationship grounded in equality, respect, peaceful coexistence, and steady, positive growth.

Dong warned that any efforts to support “Taiwan independence” through force or to use the Taiwan question to contain China, as well as any interference, will be firmly thwarted.

China is committed to working with regional countries to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and firmly opposes infringements and provocations by certain countries or deliberate attempts by external forces to stir up trouble, he said.

Dong said that China remains committed to its own development and strongly defends its legitimate rights and interests. “Containing, deterring, or interfering with China will absolutely lead nowhere.”

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-09/Expert-on-why-China-proposed-the-Global-Governance-Initiative–1GwH5MJNvTG/img/c3abdfc0fab94e1190565646acc42bd0/c3abdfc0fab94e1190565646acc42bd0.jpeg' alt='A view of the central business district in Beijing, China. /VCG'

The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) reflects China’s clear assessment and policy response to the current international situation at the political and security level, and it contributes Chinese wisdom and a stabilizing force to resolving international security dilemmas, an expert has said.

During an exclusive interview with CGTN, Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University, said the original aim of the proposal is to advocate for a new vision of security centered on cooperation rather than confrontation.

China proposed the GGI during the recently held Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, marking another important public good that China has shared with the world to promote building a more just and reasonable global governance system.

It is the fourth landmark global initiative proposed by China, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

Why China proposed the GGI

Cui said that with the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation reemerging, some countries are keen to establish closed and exclusive “small circles,” leading to a resurgence of zero-sum games.

Meanwhile, some major countries apply double standards and use or discard international rules whenever they see fit. Unilateralism and power politics are impacting the international system with the UN at its core, resulting in a clear trend of weakening global security mechanisms, Cui noted.

Faced with a growing “security deficit,” China has recognized the importance of collective security and cooperative governance, he said. “Against this political and security backdrop, China has proposed the GGI, which encompasses five key principles of adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions.”

The proposal reflects China’s clear assessment and policy response to the current international situation at the political and security level, with the original aspiration being to advocate for a new vision of security centered on cooperation rather than confrontation, Cui said.

Meanwhile, from the economic sphere, global governance also faces severe challenges, he said, noting that economic globalization is encountering headwinds, with the world economy experiencing a weak and unbalanced recovery, marked by prominent structural difficulties such as low growth, high debt and high inflation, as well as the widening North-South development gap.

Cui said the original intention of the GGI in the context of economic development is to rectify governance imbalances, resist protectionism, and promote the establishment of a more inclusive and balanced economic governance system, thereby creating favorable conditions for both its own and global development.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-09/Expert-on-why-China-proposed-the-Global-Governance-Initiative–1GwH5MJNvTG/img/af2ba21c7a94404d89f34bbaaecd5ed6/af2ba21c7a94404d89f34bbaaecd5ed6.jpeg' alt='An exterior view of the main venue of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 in north China's Tianjin, September 1, 2025. /VCG'

How to decifer the five key principles?

Elaborating on the five key principles of the GGI, Cui said upholding sovereign equality is the cornerstone of modern international law. Meanwhile, safeguarding the international rule of law, with the UN Charter at its core, is the fundamental guarantee for global governance, and practicing multilateralism is the essential pathway to addressing global challenges.

He added that advocating for a people-centered approach emphasizes that global governance should take the well-being of all peoples as its starting point and ultimate goal. He said focusing on action-oriented implementation means that global governance must prioritize execution and tackle global issues with concrete results rather than mere diplomatic rhetoric.

Notably, “abiding by international rule of law” and “practicing multilateralism” can be regarded as the most lacking yet crucial principles of the current global governance system.

“Together, they point to one direction: building a just and collaborative international order,” he said.

The expert said it is not only a general trend globally but also the common expectation of the vast majority of countries.

Without sovereign equality, there can be no true multilateralism and exclusivity, he said, adding that without a people-centered approach and action-oriented implementation, global governance loses its value and purpose, and that cooperative commitments cannot be translated into tangible outcomes.

“Only through coordinated advancement can a durable and effective governance system be built,” Cui said.

These principles serve as a key step in overcoming the difficulties of global governance and moving toward a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-09/China-s-top-legislator-meets-Portuguese-prime-minister-1Gx6kcRKcrC/img/c953f4fd849b4b22be0558989556cd52/c953f4fd849b4b22be0558989556cd52.png' alt='China's top legislator Zhao Leji (R) meets with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in Beijing, China, September 9, 2025. /Xinhua'

China’s top legislator Zhao Leji met with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China is ready to work with Portugal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and deepen bilateral cooperation.

Portugal is welcome to participate in the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, and jointly practice true multilateralism, he said.

China’s NPC is willing to deepen friendly exchanges with Portugal’s parliament and enhance exchange of experience in legislation and supervision, Zhao said.

Hailing Portugal-China relations as a model for bilateral ties, Montenegro said Portugal sticks to the one-China policy and appreciates China’s efforts in global governance.

Portugal stands ready to deepen practical cooperation and cultural exchanges with China and promote exchanges between legislative institutions to advance bilateral ties, he said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-08/Palestinian-gunmen-kill-6-in-Jerusalem-bus-shooting-attack-1GvlUZzCsb6/img/9ece6cd7ad0f4cb6927c8cc7582742a1/9ece6cd7ad0f4cb6927c8cc7582742a1.png' alt='Gunshots are seen on a wind-shield of a bus at the bus stop where a shooting attack took place in Jerusalem, Israel, September 8, 2025. /VCG'

At least six people were killed in a shooting at a bus stop in Jerusalem on Monday, Israeli authorities said.

Police said two assailants opened fire at a bus stop and then on a bus before security personnel and a civilian returned fire, killing the attackers scene.

Israel’s Magen David Adom ambulance service said the dead included a woman and five men, while six others were seriously injured. Hospitals in Jerusalem, where the injured were taken, reported receiving 38 patients, most of whom had light to moderate wounds.

The attack occurred at Ramot Junction, near Ramot, a neighborhood settlement in East Jerusalem.

Citing Israeli security officials, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported that they were Palestinians from the villages of Qatanna and Al-Qubeiba in the Ramallah Governorate in the occupied West Bank, armed with a handgun and an improvised submachine gun.

Footage from the scene showed two buses with shattered windows and bullet holes. Dozens were seen fleeing from a crowded bus stop during the morning rush hour. First responders described a chaotic scene covered in broken glass.

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he was conducting “a situation assessment with senior security officials following the attack in Jerusalem.”

The European Union on Monday condemned the shooting and emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We condemn this attack, just as we condemn all loss of lives,” EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said. “We call for de-escalation, and this highlights how necessary and crucial a ceasefire is.”

The attack occurred during nearly two years of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, which have been accompanied by an escalation of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as well as an increase in Palestinian attacks against Israelis.

(With input from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS leaders’ meeting via video link in Beijing on September 8, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-07/Explainer-How-will-Japan-pick-its-next-leader–1GtDsQVjQmA/img/8f6ee01e9fbe4d92b5e66b5287c3fb62/8f6ee01e9fbe4d92b5e66b5287c3fb62.jpeg' alt='Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a press conference at the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan, on July 21, 2025. /VCG'

With Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announcing his resignation, attention turns to who will next steer the world’s fourth-largest economy.

The process to pick Japan’s next leader is more complicated than before, as Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has ruled Japan for most of the post-war period, and its junior coalition partner lost their majorities in both houses of parliament during his tenure.

Party leadership race

First, the LDP must pick a new president to replace Ishiba. The date has not yet been set.

In the last party leadership race in September 2024, candidates needed to secure 20 nominations from the party’s lawmakers to be eligible to run.

Candidates will embark on a period of debates and campaigns across Japan, culminating in a vote by lawmakers and rank-and-file party members. In the last race, there were nine contenders, and Ishiba won in a run-off.

LDP vote

Based on the last leadership race, each lawmaker has one vote, with an equal number distributed among the rank-and-file members in the first round of voting.

A candidate securing a simple majority in that poll becomes party leader. If no one secures a majority, a run-off vote follows between the two candidates with the most votes.

In the second round, each lawmaker again gets one vote, but the share of the rank-and-file drops to 47 votes – one for each of Japan’s prefectures.

In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner will be decided by lot. That has never happened in a leadership contest, but it was used in 2010 to decide who would chair the LDP’s upper house caucus.

Parliament votes

Since the party does not have a majority in either house, it is not guaranteed that the LDP president will become prime minister.

In 1994, the LDP formed a three-way alliance with its arch rival, the Japan Socialist Party, and a smaller startup party to regain power, having socialist leader Tomiichi Murayama elected as prime minister.

Based on precedent, the more powerful lower house will first vote on its choice for prime minister. Lawmakers can nominate any candidates from the chamber, and historically the leaders of opposition parties have been put forward for the vote.

Any candidate who secures a simple majority in the first round wins approval. If no one secures a majority, a run-off poll follows between the two candidates with the most votes.

Voting then passes to the upper house, where a similar process begins, although only members of the lower house are eligible to be prime minister.

If there is a disagreement between the houses, the choice of the lower house prevails. This happened in 2008 when the lower house chose the LDP candidate and the upper house picked an opposition candidate.

The new prime minister may also call a snap general election to seek a national mandate.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Saturday strongly condemned the transit of Canadian and Australian warships through the Taiwan Straits, calling the move a provocation that undermines regional stability.

According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the theater command, the Canadian frigate Ville de Quebec and the Australian guided-missile destroyer Brisbane sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Saturday, “stirring up trouble and provoking incidents.”

Shi said the PLA Eastern Theater Command has deployed naval and air forces to closely follow, monitor and guard against the passage and has taken effective measures to respond and handle the situation.

He warned that the actions of Canada and Australia sent the wrong signals and heightened security risks in the region.

Shi stressed that the PLA maintains a high state of readiness and will resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-06/China-prepares-first-batch-of-aid-for-earthquake-hit-Afghanistan-1Gs8juH7LZ6/img/41c68f5b3afc49f7b2578abd96fee4b7/41c68f5b3afc49f7b2578abd96fee4b7.jpeg' alt='Preparations to send emergency humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Afghanistan have been in full swing at Zhengzhou International Airport in the capital of central China's Henan Province, September 6, 2025. /CGTN'

Preparations have been in full swing at Zhengzhou International Airport since Saturday morning, as China readies the first batch of emergency humanitarian aid – part of a total package worth 50 million yuan (about $7 million) – for earthquake-hit Afghanistan. 

The two cargo flights, carrying tents, blankets are scheduled to depart early Sunday morning and arrive in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, at 9 a.m. local time.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-06/China-prepares-first-batch-of-aid-for-earthquake-hit-Afghanistan-1Gs8juH7LZ6/img/412b0cdc95c94d9f9dbaf81a8665262c/412b0cdc95c94d9f9dbaf81a8665262c.jpeg' alt='China's first batch of emergency humanitarian aid for earthquake-hit Afghanistan is seen in the capital of Henan Province, September 6, 2025. /CGTN'

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-05/Putin-says-Western-troops-in-Ukraine-would-be-legitimate-targets-1GqkR8wOWru/img/1a6e84044dcc47ca9c004a2473afd3ed/1a6e84044dcc47ca9c004a2473afd3ed.png' alt='Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, September 5, 2025. /VCG'

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that any Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be legitimate targets for Moscow to attack, in a warning to Kyiv’s allies as they discuss measures for its future protection.

Putin was speaking a day after French President Emmanuel Macron said 26 countries had pledged to provide postwar security guarantees to Ukraine, including an international force on land, sea and in the air.

Russia has long argued that one of its reasons for going to war in Ukraine was to prevent NATO from admitting Kyiv as a member and placing its forces in Ukraine.

“Therefore, if some troops appear there, especially now, during military operations, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for destruction,” Putin told an economic forum in Vladivostok. “And if decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop.”

Ukraine seeks stronger security guarantees from Western countries to guard against potential future attack. France and Britain, which co-chair a “coalition of the willing” in support of Ukraine, have signalled they are open to deploying troops to Ukraine after the war ends. U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Washington will not put troops on the ground but may provide other support such as air power.

Putin said security guarantees must be set in place for both Russia and Ukraine.

“I repeat once again, of course, Russia will implement these agreements. But, in any case, no one has discussed this with us at a serious level yet,” he said.

Trump hosted Putin for a summit in Alaska last month that failed to achieve any breakthrough. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long been pushing for a direct meeting with Putin.

Putin said on Friday that he did not see much point in such a meeting because “it will be practically impossible to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian side on key issues.” 

However, he reiterated an offer he made earlier this week to host Zelenskyy for talks in Moscow. “I said: I’m ready, please, come, we will definitely provide working conditions and security, a 100% guarantee. But if they tell us: ‘we want to meet with you, but you have to go somewhere else for this meeting,’ it seems to me that these are simply excessive requests on us.”

Zelenskyy, without directly addressing the possibility of Moscow as a venue, said on Friday: “We are ready for any kind of meetings. But we don’t feel that Putin is ready to end this war. He can speak but it’s just words.”

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-04/Chinese-premier-meets-Pakistani-prime-minister-1GoJk46qS7C/img/d87cb77f82bd4cd1a7350b10506e3fc0/d87cb77f82bd4cd1a7350b10506e3fc0.png' alt='Chinese Premier Li Qiang (R) meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, China, September 4, 2025. /Xinhua'

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met in Beijing on Thursday with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, as well as commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Li said that China is ready to work with Pakistan to actively build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), advance major connectivity projects such as ports, highways and railways, and better achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

China is willing to import more high-quality products from Pakistan and welcomes Pakistan to leverage platforms like the China International Import Expo, Li said.

China stands ready to assist Pakistan in enhancing its counterterrorism capabilities and hopes both sides will jointly ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, said Li.

Sharif said that Pakistan adheres to the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s positions on issues related to Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Pakistan looks forward to accelerating the construction of key connectivity projects, Sharif said.

Pakistan will continue to resolutely combat all forms of terrorism and is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to uphold regional peace and stability as well as international fairness and justice, Sharif said.

During Sharif’s visit, the two sides signed multiple cooperation documents covering fields including CPEC, economy and trade, artificial intelligence, science and technology, agriculture, cultural heritage protection, judiciary, and people’s livelihoods.

They also jointly issued a 2025-2029 action plan to foster an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-04/Full-text-of-President-Xi-s-speech-at-V-Day-commemorative-meeting-1GoGtFYsbJK/img/f72a47b8659b45c0b351a355e43f470a/f72a47b8659b45c0b351a355e43f470a.jpeg' alt='Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech during a grand commemorative meeting to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. /Xinhua'

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Wednesday addressed a grand commemorative meeting in Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Here is the full text of his speech.

All my fellow Chinese across the nation,

Your Excellencies heads of state and government and representatives of international organizations,

Distinguished guests,

All officers and soldiers participating in the parade,

Comrades and friends,

Today, we gather here to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It is an occasion for us to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future.

On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the National People’s Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Central Military Commission, I pay high tribute to our veteran soldiers and comrades, patriots and officers who fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and to the Chinese nationals from home and abroad who made important contributions to our victory. I express my sincere thanks to foreign governments and friends that supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression. I also extend a warm welcome to our guests from around the world who are with us today.

Comrades and friends,

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great war fought with tenacity and valor. Under the banner of the national united front against Japanese aggression established at the initiative of the CPC, the Chinese people stood up to fight the formidable enemy with an iron will, formed a great wall with flesh and blood to defend the nation, and ultimately achieved the first complete victory in resisting foreign aggression in modern times.

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War. With huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people made major contributions to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace.

History cautions us that humanity rises and falls together. Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in peace and support each other, can we uphold common security, eradicate the root cause of war and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.

Comrades and friends,

The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence and forges ahead. In the past, when faced with critical struggles between good and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction, the Chinese people rallied together to defy the enemy. They fought for the survival of the country, for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and for justice of the whole humanity. Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilization. We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with all peoples around the world in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has been, and will always be, the heroic armed forces that the Party and the people can fully trust and rely on. All service members should faithfully perform their sacred duty, speed up the building of a world-class military, and firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. All service members should provide strategic support for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and make greater contributions to the peace and development of the world.

History carries the legacy of the past and inspires the future. On the new journey in the new era, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups should, under the strong leadership of the CPC, follow Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era. We should stay firmly on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance. We should press ahead with enterprise and resolve, and advance in unity the cause of building China into a great country on all fronts and realizing great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is irresistible! The noble cause of peace and development of humanity will prevail!

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-03/HKSAR-holds-ceremony-to-mark-V-Day-1Gn10RGMwIo/img/9e7ca2d44756492090b426920e1978de/9e7ca2d44756492090b426920e1978de.jpeg' alt='A ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is held in south China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, September 3, 2025. /Xinhua'

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday held a ceremony at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The event, which began at 8 a.m., featured the national anthem, a flag-raising ceremony, a rifle volley by the Police Rifle Squad, a moment of silence, wreath laying by the Guard of Honor, and bowing in tribute by all attendees.

Among those present were HKSAR Acting Chief Executive Eric Chan and other senior HKSAR government officials. Also in attendance were Wang Songmiao, secretary general of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Chen Feng, deputy head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Li Yongsheng, deputy commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, and Tan Zhiwei, deputy commander-in-chief of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, along with representatives from various sectors of Hong Kong society, veterans, and youth representatives.

In February 2014, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress designated September 3 as the Victory Day of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

In August 2014, the HKSAR government announced that since that year, an official ceremony would be held on September 3 annually to commemorate Victory Day.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the commemorative gala for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.

Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), arrived in Beijing on Tuesday to attend the upcoming events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-02/Zelenskyy-to-discuss-security-guarantees-with-key-allies-in-Paris-1Glq89iMSAM/img/07dac3c0bcde47638dbcb1e31c98c32e/07dac3c0bcde47638dbcb1e31c98c32e.png' alt='Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds a press conference outside Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, August 29, 2025. /VCG'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with European leaders in Paris on Thursday to discuss security guarantees aimed at preventing Russian attacks if a peace deal with Moscow is reached, his office said.

The Ukrainian leader was set to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for “intensive discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine,” Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of Zelenskyy’s office, wrote on social media Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Starmer, who will jointly chair the talks, are heading up a “coalition of the willing,” seeking to come up with robust European proposals for how to protect Ukraine from a future Russian attack, should an elusive peace deal be struck.

Von der Leyen told the Financial Times in an interview published on Sunday that Europe was drawing up “pretty precise plans” for a multinational troop deployment to Ukraine as part of post-conflict security guarantees that would have the backing of U.S. capabilities, Reuters reported.

However, Germany’s defense minister Boris Pistorius on Monday harshly dismissed as premature remarks by Von der Leyen, saying she lacked the mandate to discuss the matter.

The issue of Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraine has dominated diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine crisis in recent weeks. Kyiv is pressing for a European peacekeeping force and NATO-style defense guarantees, if membership of the alliance is off the table.

Russia has long said it would never tolerate the presence of any Western troops in Ukraine.

(With input from agencies)

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Beijing on Monday to attend the upcoming events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh arrived in Beijing on Monday to attend the upcoming events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-31/White-House-mulls-plans-for-Department-of-War-says-report-1GhWlYMD6Ug/img/73457df739154877b4b4962e8ac6de59/73457df739154877b4b4962e8ac6de59.png' alt='File picture of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. /VCG'

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is drawing up plans to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing a White House official.

The move came after Trump’s recent indication to revive a name last used in 1947.

Restoring the discarded name of the Department of Defense could be done by an act of Congress, but the White House is mulling other methods to make the change, said the report.

The Pentagon started developing legislative proposals to make the change in the early weeks of the second term of Trump, who has floated the idea of a name change repeatedly. “One idea was to ask Congress for authority to restore the former name during a national emergency, while also reviving the title of secretary of war for the department’s top civilian official,” it said.

The old name “had a stronger sound,” Trump said on Monday at the White House. “As Department of War we won everything, we won everything and I think we’re going to have to go back to that.”

The change would be made “over the next week or so,” Trump said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-31/EU-ministers-urge-U-S-to-reconsider-visa-ban-on-Palestinian-officials-1Gi7EJnorgA/img/38bf7aa72a884b70ab490123a1b2d46c/38bf7aa72a884b70ab490123a1b2d46c.png' alt='An Israeli armored vehicle is seen moving in an area of the Gaza Strip from southern Israel, August 31, 2025. /VCG'

European Union (EU) foreign ministers met in Copenhagen on Saturday and unanimously urged the United States to reconsider its recent decision to deny entry visas to Palestinian officials.

The U.S. Department of State said Friday in a statement that it is “denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.”

The meeting also discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, but participants were deeply divided over whether to impose further sanctions against Israel.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told a press conference that while member states broadly agree on the gravity of the situation, consensus has not been reached on concrete measures.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who chaired the meeting, said an increasing number of member states believe Israel is unlikely to change course without stronger pressure.

Outside the meeting venue, demonstrators gathered to urge Denmark and the EU to take stronger action over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

(With input from Xinhua)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-30/Chinese-president-meets-with-Kazakh-president-1Ggi8VpEdsk/img/0b809f8d92c1457c92bdc31e8385583c/0b809f8d92c1457c92bdc31e8385583c.png' alt='The national flags of China and Kazakhstan are displayed in a hotel, north China's Tianjin Municipality, August 30, 2025. /China Media Group'

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Saturday in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-30/Russia-makes-massive-raids-on-Ukraine-s-military-sites-1GguGBaqF2M/img/e81a637820414fb5a7f749cc5446a9bf/e81a637820414fb5a7f749cc5446a9bf.png' alt='People clean up debris after Russian drone and missile attack in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, August 30, 2025. /VCG '

Russia said on Saturday that it conducted a massive overnight strike on Ukraine’s military enterprises and airbases.

“The targets of the strike were achieved, and all designated objectives were hit,” Russia’s defense ministry said in a statement, adding that the raids involved high-precision weapons fired from land, air and sea.

On the same day, Kyiv said Russia launched 537 drones and 45 missiles targeting seven locations overnight, with 510 drones and 38 missiles intercepted.

Britain has barred Israeli officials from its biggest defense trade show over its escalation of the war against Hamas in Gaza, its latest effort to pressure a historically close ally over the conflict.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government said in July it would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel took steps to relieve suffering in the enclave and met other conditions, enraging the Israeli government.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense said that as a result of the trade fair ban it would not run its national pavilion as it has done previously at London’s Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) event.

Israeli defense companies, such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision, will still be able to attend.

Britain’s move had echoes of a dispute at the Paris Air Show three months ago, when France blocked off with black partitions the stands of Israeli defense companies after they refused to remove attack weapons from display, sparking a furious response from Israel.

A British government spokesperson said on Friday that the Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza was wrong.

“As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”

“There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” the spokesperson added.

Israel said Britain’s decision was a “regrettable act of discrimination” and “introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition.”

The four-day show, due to open on September 9, features national delegations and private companies, who showcase military kit and weapons at London’s Excel center. The event takes place every other year.

DSEI is organized by a private company, Clarion Defence and Security, but with backing from the British government and the military.

(Cover: An F35 jet is launched from the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales, February 20, 2024. /VCG)

On Chinese President Xi Jinping’s bookshelves, photos of him and his wife, Peng Liyuan, are prominently displayed, reflecting the softer side of the Chinese leader.

Although their work often kept them apart, Xi and Peng have always shared a deep mutual understanding and concern for each other.

“Don’t sever genuine connections due to distance, lose sight of true feelings amid a hectic life, or overlook your core emotions amidst the hustle and bustle,” Xi said when addressing a Spring Festival gathering in 2017.

The warmth of family

“I have a very happy family. My wife and I both have our own careers, but we work together to build the family,” Xi once said.

In 2004, while serving as the secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi shared with Yan’an Television that he would call Peng every day, as they could not often be together.

During a visit to a farmer’s home in Costa Rica in 2013, Xi instinctively broke off a piece of the host’s pastry and gently passed it to his wife, the gesture so natural it spoke of years of quiet intimacy.

In 2014, during Xi’s state visit to India, Peng accompanied his visit. She accepted the invitation to sit on a swing, gently swaying a few times before patting the empty seat next to her. Her husband responded without hesitation, settling in beside her. Together, they swung in quiet harmony, a tender moment that spoke volumes about their closeness.

Combining love for family with love of country

Xi has consistently emphasized the interconnectedness between family and nation, saying that the family is the basic unit of society where love for one’s country and family should unite.

“Only when millions of households prosper can the nation truly prosper,” Xi has said.

From his early days as a local official to his role as the country’s top leader, Xi has always aspired to help countless families live a good life.

As Party chief of Liangjiahe Village in north China’s Hebei Province, he lived and worked alongside farmers. In Zhengding County, Hebei Province, Xi, then secretary of the CPC Zhengding County Committee, visited every village to assess the welfare of the local people.

Since elected as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in October 2012, Xi has conducted at least 30 inspections across the country, many of which focused on poverty alleviation and development.

At the end of 2020, through eight years of hard work, China achieved the goal of eliminating extreme poverty as the 98.99 million people in rural areas who were living below the poverty threshold all shook off poverty, all the 128,000 impoverished villages and 832 designated poor counties got rid of poverty, according to the white paper titled “Poverty Alleviation: China’s Experience and Contribution.”

Looking forward to the 2025 conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Xi underscored the importance of prioritizing people’s livelihoods in the country’s future development. 

At a symposium on China’s economic and social development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) in late April, Xi stressed the importance of benefiting the people in formulating the plan, calling for ensuring and enhancing people’s livelihoods through development and steadily advancing common prosperity.

(Cover: Photo of Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan. /Xinhua)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-28/China-urges-Philippines-to-stop-hyping-up-issues-on-maritime-affairs-1GcU69oCE6Y/img/540c58ceabb44be1b88b3e0afa913980/540c58ceabb44be1b88b3e0afa913980.png' alt='A China Coast Guard vessel in the South China Sea. /VCG'

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday urged the Philippines to immediately stop “hyping up” issues concerning maritime affairs between the two countries, and cease any infringing and provocative acts that may complicate the current situation.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks in response to a question about a spokesperson for the Philippines’ maritime council, who stated that the Philippines will not stop its routine resupply mission at Ren’ai Jiao in the South China Sea.

Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao and has always been China’s territory, Guo said. He stressed that the activities of Chinese vessels in waters under its jurisdiction are legitimate and beyond reproach.

The Philippines has “grounded” a warship there for a long time, which violates China’s sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. This action also violates Article 5, which stipulates that no settlement activities should be carried out on uninhabited islands and reefs, he said.

“China has long demanded that the Philippines tow away the military vessel and restore Ren’ai Jiao to its original state of hosting no personnel or facilities,” Guo said.

Guo said that, in a show of goodwill, China has long maintained a provisional humanitarian arrangement with the Philippines. Under this deal, the Philippines can transport living necessities, provided it does not transport construction materials, informs China in advance, and after on-site verification has been conducted.

However, the Philippines has recently taken a series of actions that infringe upon and provoke tensions at sea. These acts have infringed upon China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, jeopardized marine peace and stability, and undermined the political foundation for China and the Philippines to handle maritime issues properly.

China’s position on safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering, Guo said. He urged the Philippines to stop all infringing acts immediately. 

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-28/Trump-s-strategy-against-India-is-bound-to-fail-deal-or-no-deal-1GcVG4qJrIQ/img/75c4da144b8747a39a800dbf8971c281/75c4da144b8747a39a800dbf8971c281.png' alt='India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 13, 2025.'

Editor’s note: Ankit Prasad is a CGTN biz commentator. The article reflects the author’s views and not necessarily those of CGTN.

The US’s 25 percent additional punitive tariffs against India for buying and allegedly “profiteering” from Russian oil came into force on August 27, taking the overall tariff to 50 percent and marking a nadir in India-US ties that few could have imagined when Donald Trump returned to the White House this January. It’s hard for many to digest just how dramatically the scenario has shifted as compared to just weeks earlier when the US president had been hinting regularly at a trade deal being imminent.

How close that deal was and why it fell through are up for debate but India’s acceptance of its prospects being dashed has been hastened by the various statements and accusations emerging from Washington. That a US president and his administration would now seek to blame the Russia-Ukraine conflict on India is an indication of how lopsided and outlandish the American side’s logic has become.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-28/Trump-s-strategy-against-India-is-bound-to-fail-deal-or-no-deal-1GcVG4qJrIQ/img/e2033a0dc7434b6b956745ab22ec6d1a/e2033a0dc7434b6b956745ab22ec6d1a.jpeg' alt='White House deputy chief of staff for policy and US homeland security advisor Stephen Miller (L), alongside counselor to US President Donald Trump, Peter Navarro (3rd L), have made provocative statements accusing India over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Here they are seen speaking after Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 10, 2025. /VCG'

Many believe, perhaps correctly, that the Russian oil argument is just a deception, and the real motive is to strong-arm India and secure more favorable trade terms. The precision and passion, respectively, with which Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the aforementioned Navarro speak about India’s own tariffs back this claim up. Bessent says India has been “recalcitrant” in trade negotiations, while Navarro has called India the “Maharaja” of tariffs. Everything we’ve heard from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi so far has also hinted at a trade deal motive.

In India there is a famous saying that aptly describes the entire American situation: “Kahin pe nigahen, kahin pe nishana”, meaning “Eyes locked here (looking at Russian oil), target over there (at trade concessions).” But can the Trump administration’s unorthodox and provocative negotiation tactics, i.e. The Art of the Deal, possibly pay off in India’s case?

READ | India-US trade turmoil: When a bargain becomes an extortion

Of late, and simultaneously as the additional tariffs were imposed, Bessent and Navarro each made what are being seen as back-handed attempts at reconciliation. Bessent said to Fox News that “at the end of the day we (India and the US) will come together,” while expressing frustration with lengthy negotiations and mocking India’s Rupee. Navarro, on the other hand, told Bloomberg that Modi is a great leader and India is a mature democracy, but it should “act like one.” Back in India, tongues were set wagging by a German newspaper FAZ’s claim, since echoed by Japan’s Nikkei Asia, and widely reported by Indian media, that Prime Minister Modi was refusing US President Trump’s calls.

By all accounts, it appears the situation has the potential for fluidity, as neither side has closed the doors to negotiations, though the most recent round has been delayed. The two sides did hold an intercessional 2+2 meeting of defence and foreign affairs officials, while the FBI and India’s CBI coordinated to take down a call-centre scam syndicate, meaning trade and tariffs haven’t claimed the gamut of ties as collateral. But while the Trump administration may favour this hot-and-cold style of dealmaking, it has left no clear off ramp for the Indian government. The reason for this is that in India now, a trade deal with the US is no longer just an economic issue, it is a political hot potato.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-28/Trump-s-strategy-against-India-is-bound-to-fail-deal-or-no-deal-1GcVG4qJrIQ/img/e200b269284a4ea6b56ac402d9b5fea3/e200b269284a4ea6b56ac402d9b5fea3.jpeg' alt='India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day, August 15, 2025 in New Delhi, India. /VCG'

Trump, whose popularity in India had plummeted following his repeated claims of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire in May, did himself no favors by declaring the Indian economy “dead”. Those remarks were widely and hotly debated in the colorful Indian political media. India’s Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi firmly agreed with Trump in his initial reaction, but his Congress party has since changed tack to cornering Narendra Modi over his failed relationship with the US president, signaling the “dead economy” barb didn’t have the intended response from the public. Modi and his BJP party have meanwhile thrown the databook at their critics, arguing that India’s economy is more vibrant than ever.

Perhaps most significantly, Modi has used the tussle with the US to pivot India’s economic motives and also catalyze the foreign policy shifts that had begun during last year’s BRICS summit in Kazan. In his annual Independence Day speech, Modi made a fervent pitch for self-sufficiency. Less than two weeks later, from the soil of the home state he shares with Mahatma Gandhi (no relation to Rahul Gandhi) Modi raised a pitch for “swadeshi” or “Made in India” goods. His references to the volatility with the US have been in his trademark style — i.e. with no direct mentions but leaving nobody in any doubt about whom he’s talking about.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-28/Trump-s-strategy-against-India-is-bound-to-fail-deal-or-no-deal-1GcVG4qJrIQ/img/58901f4a686b481982c81113a0689bfb/58901f4a686b481982c81113a0689bfb.jpeg' alt='Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg official residence in New Delhi, India, 19 August 2025. /VCG'

This week, the Indian prime minister will travel to China for the first time since 2018 for the SCO Summit, marking another forward step following the events of Kazan. This follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s successful visit to New Delhi earlier this month where a number of consensuses were reached, including issues on border disputes, direct flights, rare-earths trade, tunnel machines and more. Next year, India will be the host of the BRICS and has already received support from China.

The Trump administration’s actions — from the repeated claims on the India-Pakistan ceasefire to blaming and punishing India over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and from declaring the Indian economy “dead” and all the other disrespectful statements — perhaps represent something it did not count on. It may or may not succeed in forcing India to make trade concessions, but in a country where state elections are extrapolated to gauge the “national mood” every 6-8 months, it certainly has succeeded in earning the ire of the common Indian and accentuating the arguments of the country’s strategic autonomy hawks. And they have long memories.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-27/Mainland-accuses-DPP-of-selling-out-Taiwan-s-interests-to-U-S–1Gbd5kbXub6/img/98edb9c595d24f8ca12063261e3148cb/98edb9c595d24f8ca12063261e3148cb.png' alt='Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, speaks at a press briefing in Beijing, China, August 27, 2025. /CMG'

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan for kowtowing to the United States and selling out the island’s interests, calling them shameless and absurd.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query about the recent U.S. imposition of a 20-percent tariff on goods imported from Taiwan, which has dealt a heavy blow to the island’s traditional industries.

According to local media reports, the number of employees forced to take unpaid leave due to the U.S. imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” on Taiwan had risen by over 650 as of August 15, compared with the end of July. Among the nearly 4,000 workers currently on unpaid leave, 91 percent are from the manufacturing sector.

Zhu said the tariff hikes, coupled with the appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar, have hit the island’s small and medium-sized enterprises and traditional manufacturing industries the hardest.

“These sectors are the livelihood of millions of local residents, yet many enterprises are now struggling, with the interests and welfare of a large number of employees increasingly undermined,” Zhu said.

Driven by its political agenda of seeking “Taiwan independence” by relying on the United States, the DPP authorities have allowed Washington to take whatever it wants while concealing the truth from the people, and are now reaping the bitter fruits of their actions, she said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-27/China-rejects-call-to-join-U-S-Russia-nuclear-disarmament-talks-1GbsEYTj8mQ/img/bf70a8cd13c64bc4be880563f36e9b24/bf70a8cd13c64bc4be880563f36e9b24.png' alt='A U.S. nuclear submarine operates during military exercises off Cartagena, Colombia, February 28, 2022. /VCG'

It’s neither reasonable nor realistic to ask China to join the nuclear disarmament negotiations with the United States and Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to reports that U.S. President Donald Trump said recently that the U.S. and Russia are discussing cuts to their nuclear arsenals and expressed hope for China’s participation.

The country sitting on the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal should earnestly fulfill its special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament, further make drastic and substantive cuts to its nuclear arsenal, and create conditions for the ultimate realization of complete and thorough nuclear disarmament, Guo said.

“China’s nuclear strength is by no means on the same level with that of the U.S. Our nuclear policy and strategic security environment are also completely different,” Guo said.

Noting China follows a policy of “no first use” of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defense, he said China always keeps its nuclear strength at the minimum level required by national security, and never engages in arms race with anyone.

China’s nuclear strength and nuclear policy contribute to world peace, the spokesperson added.

A 10-part documentary, “Victory,” produced by China Media Group (CMG), will air on CCTV-1 and CCTV-10 beginning August 26. The documentary chronicles the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It will air on CCTV-1 at 8:00 p.m. on premiere day and on CCTV-10 at 9:20 p.m. the following day. Two consecutive episodes will be shown each night.

The series offers a vivid account of China’s arduous 14-year journey, which began much earlier and lasted longer than any other theater of war. It illustrates how the Chinese people, with immense national sacrifice, sustained the main Eastern battlefield, making a significant contribution to the ultimate victory.

Unprecedented access to history

In a first for a Chinese production, the documentary uncovers a wealth of rarely-seen historical footage and images from countries including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. This includes the original narration by famous American journalist Edgar Snow, documentary film clips by renowned Soviet cinematographer Roman Karmen, and exclusive historical photos authorized by American photographers Robert Capa and Harrison Forman.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-26/-Victory-CMG-s-documentary-on-China-s-war-of-resistance-airs-Tuesday-1G9M8XPZ0By/img/6eef7eabb6c840ebb8feddafa4a4673f/6eef7eabb6c840ebb8feddafa4a4673f.jpeg' alt='A scene of the Chinese people, as documented by celebrated American war correspondent Robert Capa. /CMG'

Bringing the human element to the forefront, the series features oral history from over 50 surviving veterans of the war, with the oldest being 103. Additionally, it incorporates professional and authoritative academic support from interviews with more than 20 leading domestic and international experts.

Rigorous scholarship and storytelling

The entire documentary is structured by combining a chronological timeline with a thematic approach, integrating the thoughtful and analytical style of a historical political commentary. With a clear thesis and a rigorous logical framework, the film incorporates commentary and analysis from top experts at institutions, including the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, the Academy of Military Sciences of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-26/-Victory-CMG-s-documentary-on-China-s-war-of-resistance-airs-Tuesday-1G9M8XPZ0By/img/7fad92a1f589461c826d702321a55866/7fad92a1f589461c826d702321a55866.jpeg' alt=''

The series strives to be objective and rich in detail, using a narrative-driven approach to explore profound questions and honor the indomitable spirit of resistance.

Don’t miss the premiere of “Victory” on CCTV-1 at 8:00 p.m. on August 26, with a rebroadcast on CCTV-10 at 9:20 p.m. the following day.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-26/Chinese-VP-meets-special-envoy-of-Republic-of-Korea-president-1G9xJgcdb8c/img/3b60713f5e85486dbfac4a8186898dbb/3b60713f5e85486dbfac4a8186898dbb.png' alt='Chinese Vice President Han Zheng (R) meets with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing, the capital of China, August 26, 2025. /Xinhua'

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Han said China is willing to work with the ROK to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate strategic mutual trust, expand common interests, enhance multilateral coordination, and promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of the bilateral ties.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula, Han said China is ready to work with the international community, including the ROK side, to jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II and uphold true multilateralism.

Park Byeong-seug said the new ROK government attaches great importance to its relations with China and respects the one-China principle.

The ROK is willing to bring the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries back on track for the benefit of the people of both countries under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, he added.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-25/Death-toll-rises-to-six-from-Israeli-airstrikes-on-Yemen-s-capital-1G82PldWuf6/img/b8b0f532c96446a595929cdff7b3e62e/b8b0f532c96446a595929cdff7b3e62e.png' alt='Smoke billows after an Israeli air strike on Yemen's Huthi-held capital Sanaa. /VCG'

The death toll rose to six from Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa, with 86 others wounded, the Houthi-run health ministry said on Monday.

Seven children and three women are among the injured, and 21 are in critical condition, according to the ministry. Houthi officials told Xinhua on Sunday night that the toll could rise, as several of the wounded remain in critical condition.

The strikes, carried out Sunday afternoon, targeted fuel and power stations, the presidential palace complex, and other civilian facilities, according to the Houthis. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed in a statement that an air strike was conducted in Yemen.

The military claimed that the sites included the presidential palace, the Asar and Hizaz power plants, and a fuel storage facility, which they said were used for military purposes. Israeli state-owned Kan TV reported that 14 warplanes took part in the attack, dropping approximately 40 bombs in the area.

In a statement released on Sunday evening, the Houthis accused Israel of “brutal aggression” against civilian facilities. They held both Israel and the United States responsible for what they called a “heinous crime.”

The Houthis vowed to strike back in retaliation.

The strikes occurred two days after the Houthis launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, damaging homes with shrapnel but resulting in no fatalities.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah port, have launched repeated attacks on Israel since November 2023 to support Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 will be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will chair the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, as well as the “SCO Plus” Meeting, delivering keynote speeches as world leaders and heads of international organizations convene in this major northern Chinese port city.

Over the years, President Xi has called for building a closer SCO community with a shared future, emphasizing efforts to build an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world marked by lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.

Here are some of his key quotes on the subject.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-25/Xi-s-key-quotes-on-building-closer-SCO-community-with-shared-future-1G7NizVEfbG/img/0457f218770746d49e3599264ddc3286/0457f218770746d49e3599264ddc3286.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-25/Xi-s-key-quotes-on-building-closer-SCO-community-with-shared-future-1G7NizVEfbG/img/0f09baca425846b098283e45dadc61e4/0f09baca425846b098283e45dadc61e4.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-25/Xi-s-key-quotes-on-building-closer-SCO-community-with-shared-future-1G7NizVEfbG/img/6815aac3e2bf4157a43978a31e740ba6/6815aac3e2bf4157a43978a31e740ba6.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-25/Xi-s-key-quotes-on-building-closer-SCO-community-with-shared-future-1G7NizVEfbG/img/ffba83bf39194fe0acaa1911806a93a2/ffba83bf39194fe0acaa1911806a93a2.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-25/Xi-s-key-quotes-on-building-closer-SCO-community-with-shared-future-1G7NizVEfbG/img/c26a7370c36d4fccbc5ec8bb2f570370/c26a7370c36d4fccbc5ec8bb2f570370.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-25/Xi-s-key-quotes-on-building-closer-SCO-community-with-shared-future-1G7NizVEfbG/img/575077157e61472e86fd4fca4d7e0ea0/575077157e61472e86fd4fca4d7e0ea0.jpeg' alt=''

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-24/Russian-State-Duma-chairman-to-visit-China-1G6qyM9hhHa/img/bca6a948e03a4372bb01a1a0c1a5ea57/bca6a948e03a4372bb01a1a0c1a5ea57.png' alt='Russia's State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin attends the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. /VCG'

At the invitation of Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian parliament’s lower house, the State Duma, will lead a delegation to visit China from August 25 to 26.

During the visit, Volodin will attend the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-24/Egypt-sends-new-aid-convoy-to-Gaza-amid-famine-declaration-1G6u2rDCpWM/img/9c10e8472a384b219232163b463fdefb/9c10e8472a384b219232163b463fdefb.png' alt='Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen amid a hunger crisis in Gaza City, Palestine, August 24, 2025. /VCG'

Egypt on Sunday sent a new humanitarian convoy to Gaza, resuming aid deliveries after Israel closed the crossings over the weekend, state news agency MENA reported.

The convoy, part of the “Provision of Honor: From Egypt to Gaza” initiative run by the Egyptian Red Crescent, crossed from Rafah to Kerem Shalom for inspection by Israeli authorities before entering Gaza. It carried flour, legumes, bread, fuel, medicines and other essential supplies.

The delivery came days after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN-backed body, confirmed famine in parts of Gaza and warned of catastrophic hunger and acute shortages of food, medicine and fuel.

On Friday, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged decisive international action to compel Israel to halt the spread of famine, after the IPC described the situation as a “man-made” disaster.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said last week it has provided more than 70 percent of all aid delivered to Gaza since the war began, sending over 550,000 tonnes of supplies, though around 5,000 trucks remain stuck on the Egyptian side of Rafah.

Gaza’s health authorities said on Sunday that 62,686 Palestinians have been killed and 157,951 injured during 22 months of Israeli military operations. They added that famine and malnutrition have caused 289 deaths, including 115 children.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-23/Central-delegation-returns-to-Beijing-after-celebrations-in-Xizang-1G4MVdBJpS0/img/7b3d7d6937e5407384ed572e77172afb/7b3d7d6937e5407384ed572e77172afb.png' alt='Wang Huning (C), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the central delegation, visits Tashilhunpo Monastery in the city of Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, August 23, 2025. /Xinhua'

The central delegation to southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Saturday flew back to Beijing after attending the region’s 60th anniversary celebrations, visiting local officials and residents, and inspecting economic and social development in Xizang.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and head of the central delegation, visited the city of Xigaze with the main group of the delegation on Saturday morning.

Wang stressed the need to fully implement the Party’s policies for the governance of Xizang in the new era while pursuing more progress to ensure enduring stability and promote the high-quality development of the autonomous region.

Other groups of the delegation visited Qamdo, Nagqu, Nyingchi and Shannan to learn about local efforts in the sectors of education, medical and healthcare, and cultural relic protection.

A farewell ceremony was held when the central delegation departed.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-23/KMT-legislators-fend-off-DPP-recall-campaign-in-China-s-Taiwan-region-1G4Mbmwid6E/img/4b651e4b094c44a2a4cb5652ae2012bc/4b651e4b094c44a2a4cb5652ae2012bc.png' alt='A protester holds up a placard reading "send back for review" in Taipei, Taiwan, China, May 21, 2024. /VCG '

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in China’s Taiwan region suffered a major political blow as seven opposition Kuomintang (KMT) legislators facing recall votes on Saturday retained their seats in the legislature, marking the defeat of all 32 recall motions pushed by the ruling DPP this year.

The targeted KMT lawmakers held a steady lead after ballot counting began at 4 p.m., and by around 6 p.m., they had all declared victory over the recall attempts, according to local news reports.

Saturday’s recall votes marked the second round of the DPP’s campaign to claw back ground in the island’s legislature, as the party currently holds fewer than half of the 113 seats. In the first round, 24 KMT lawmakers and the mayor of Hsinchu all survived recall attempts.

Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, on Thursday addressed a UN Security Council briefing on Syria, calling for heightened vigilance against the resurgence of terrorist forces entrenched in the West Asian country.

Fu expressed grave concern over growing terrorist activity in Syria, citing reports that foreign terrorist fighters played a key role in recent violent incidents in Syria’s western coastal region and the southern city of Suwayda. “Continued tolerance of terrorism will only bring greater harm to Syria and other countries in the region,” he warned.

China urged the Syrian interim authorities to take robust measures to crack down on all terrorist groups designated by the Security Council, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement. Fu emphasized that the Security Council’s sanctions regime is intended to target terrorist groups operating in Syria and safeguard regional peace and security.

Regarding potential adjustments to sanctions, Fu stressed the need for a cautious and well-researched approach. He said that any decisions should take into account Syria’s counterterrorism and security situation, the capacity of the interim authorities and the broader implications of changes to avoid emboldening terrorist elements.

Fu also noted that Syria remains at a critical juncture. Helping the country achieve a political transition and restore peace and stability is a shared goal of the international community. China supports the Syrian interim authorities in continuing inclusive dialogue and promoting a political process in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254.

He urged Syrian authorities to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all Syrians and to release findings of the investigation into the coastal violence as soon as possible. He also called for a transparent and responsible inquiry into the Suwayda incident and for all Syrian parties to work together to maintain stability and avoid further conflict.

Reiterating China’s consistent position, Fu stated that Syria’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be fully respected. “Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights is entirely illegitimate,” he said, adding that unauthorized foreign troops should not be stationed in the disengagement zone between Syria and Israel. He called for the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force, as authorized by the Security Council, to be fully respected and upheld.

(Cover: Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East situation at the UN headquarters in New York, U.S., August 10, 2025./ VCG)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-22/Central-delegation-visits-officials-residents-in-Lhasa-1G38tduZdWE/img/abacfcc557e14926ab0131f376a6bcde/abacfcc557e14926ab0131f376a6bcde.png' alt='Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of a central delegation, and members of the delegation visit patriotic figures from Xizang's religious circles at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, August 21, 2025. /Xinhua'

Entrusted by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, members of a central delegation on Thursday visited local officials and residents in Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and head of the delegation, attended the event.

When visiting senior officials of the city of Lhasa and representatives from various ethnic groups and sectors, Wang called for efforts to advance the four major tasks – ensuring stability, facilitating development, protecting eco-environment, and strengthening frontiers, thereby making new contributions to promoting lasting peace, stability, and high-quality development in Xizang.

When visiting patriotic figures from Xizang’s religious circles at the Jokhang Temple, Wang expressed the hope that they will resolutely safeguard national unity and ethnic solidarity, and actively participate in building a modern socialist new Xizang.

The delegation also inspected the development of higher education at Xizang University and visited a park to observe afforestation and greening efforts.

Wang stressed the need to focus on ensuring and improving people’s wellbeing, promote employment and income growth for the public, and steadily advance common prosperity.

The delegation is here for celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday left the Xizang Autonomous Region after attending celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the region.

The American Soybean Association (ASA), representing more than 500,000 U.S. soybean farmers, said Tuesday that U.S. soybean farmers are “standing at a trade and financial precipice” and urged the Trump administration to strike a trade deal with China as soon as possible.

“U.S. soybean farmers cannot survive a prolonged trade dispute with our largest customer,” said Caleb Ragland, president of ASA, in a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump.

China imported an average of 61 percent of the world’s available soybean supplies over the last five years, and China has been the top buyer of U.S. soybeans for years, according to the association.

However, China has not purchased any U.S. soybeans for the upcoming months as the harvest season approaches quickly, said Ragland.

“The further into the autumn we get without reaching an agreement with China on soybeans, the worse the impacts will be on U.S. soybean farmers,” Ragland said.

“Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress,” he said. “Prices continue to drop, and at the same time, our farmers are paying significantly more for inputs and equipment.”

The letter calls for prioritizing soybeans in bilateral trade talks.

The United States and China have carried out three rounds of high-level trade talks this year and recently agreed to extend tariff suspension until November 10, 2025.

(Cover: A view of the grain handling terminal of Jiangsu Nantong Grain& Oil Group in Nantong City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, January 1, 2023. /VCG)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged concerted efforts to write a splendid chapter of Chinese modernization in Xizang Autonomous Region when he met with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the plateau region.

Xi is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, he extended sincere greetings and heartfelt wishes to the people of all ethnic groups in Xizang.

Xi led a central delegation arriving in the regional capital, Lhasa, earlier in the day in order to attend activities marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the region.

Also on Wednesday afternoon, Xi held separate meetings with representatives of cadres who come to work in Xizang from other parts of the country, local officials at various levels and from various departments, judicial workers and police officers, as well as patriotic members of the religious circles, among others.

Xi also met with military officers ranked colonel and above, along with representatives of grassroots role models and civilian personnel from troops stationed in Lhasa. He conveyed his greetings to all military personnel in Xizang on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.

Senior leaders including Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and head of the central delegation, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, attended these meetings.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged Xizang Autonomous Region to build a modern socialist new Xizang that is united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-19/What-did-Trump-Zelenskyy-and-European-leaders-discuss-at-White-House–1FXXfwAS35K/img/e34e768b3fa54fc78cbed0726f3a3033/e34e768b3fa54fc78cbed0726f3a3033.png' alt='L-R: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pose for a group photo in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2025. /VCG'

The White House rarely hosts so many foreign dignitaries at once as it did on Monday, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seven European leaders arrived to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump. 

The latest talks took place three days after the U.S. and Russian presidents met in Alaska, where progress was reportedly made but no deal was announced. 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb attended the talks following a bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy earlier in the day.

The Monday meetings at the White House mainly centered on security guarantees for Ukraine and a potential trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Disagreements still exist on some key issues, such as whether a ceasefire is needed before further negotiations.

Security guarantees for Ukraine

During his bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump was asked by the media whether U.S. troops would be included in the security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump did not give a direct answer, stating that he would meet with European leaders later to discuss the issue.

Trump said that European countries would all be involved and that Ukraine would receive significant security assistance. 

“They are the first line of defense because they’re there, but we’re going to help them out also. We’ll be involved,” Trump said, without specifying what support the United States would provide.

At a multilateral meeting among U.S., Ukrainian, and European leaders later that day, “security guarantees” were mentioned nearly 20 times, highlighting how important the issue was to all parties.

Zelenskyy said that the parties will keep discussing security guarantees and emphasized that it is very important that “the United States gives such a strong signal and is ready for security guarantees.”

Several European leaders referenced NATO’s Article 5 – the principle of collective defense among member states – and expressed hope to use it as a model for proposing related measures to enhance Ukraine’s security guarantees. 

After the White House meetings, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had “a very good meeting” with Ukrainian and European leaders. “During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America,” he said.

Zelenskyy told the media after the meetings that the details of the security guarantees will be finalized within 10 days, noting that Ukraine has proposed purchasing approximately $90 billion worth of U.S. weapons.

The Financial Times, meanwhile, reported on Monday that Ukraine has submitted a proposal to the United States to purchase $100 billion worth of American weapons, to be financed by Kiev’s European partners.

Read more: Why Ukraine talks fell short of a breakthrough, but still matter

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-19/What-did-Trump-Zelenskyy-and-European-leaders-discuss-at-White-House–1FXXfwAS35K/img/a479c35a9d0a4a4aad164454536ab1f4/a479c35a9d0a4a4aad164454536ab1f4.png' alt='U.S. President Donald Trump holds a meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House, August 18, 2025. /VCG'

Potential trilateral meeting

Before Monday’s bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president reiterated that he hopes to end the conflict with Russia through diplomatic means and said Ukraine is ready for a trilateral meeting with the leaders of the United States and Russia. Trump said he will be able to facilitate such a meeting if Monday’s talks go well and believes it could offer a “reasonable chance” to end the conflict.

Trump told reporters later at the start of the multilateral meeting with Ukrainian and European leaders that the next step would be to arrange the trilateral meeting. “I just look forward to working and having a great result,” he said.

Zelenskyy noted that all sensitive issues, including territorial matters, would be discussed by the three leaders during the planned meeting.

Macron said that a trilateral meeting is the only way to resolve the issue. 

He also suggested that a quadrilateral meeting might be necessary afterward. “I think, as a follow-up, we need probably a quadrilateral meeting. Because when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent,” he said.

In the social media post, Trump said that after the meetings, he called Russian President Vladimir Putin and began arranging a bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, with the location to be determined. He added that after the bilateral meeting, a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian leaders would take place.

German Chancellor Merz told the media after the meetings that Putin agreed to meet Zelenskyy within the next two weeks during a phone call with Trump.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-19/What-did-Trump-Zelenskyy-and-European-leaders-discuss-at-White-House–1FXXfwAS35K/img/b6ba2af640b54488a60f3c8c1b95c10c/b6ba2af640b54488a60f3c8c1b95c10c.png' alt='President Trump sits across the table from President Zelenskyy, and European leaders during a meeting at the White House, August 18, 2025. /VCG'

Differences remain to be solved

Differences on some key topics continued to exist between U.S. and European leaders. During the opening remarks to the media at the start of the multilateral meeting, Merz said that now the way is open for “complicated negotiations” and that all parties hope to see a ceasefire.

Merz argued that a trilateral meeting between the U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian leaders should not happen without a ceasefire. “I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire,” said Merz.

Trump, however, responded that while achieving a ceasefire would be ideal, it’s not necessary. “We just got into negotiations,” he said.

At the start of the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump told him, “I don’t think you need a ceasefire.”

Territorial issues continue to be a central factor in the peace negotiations. Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday that Zelenskyy could end the conflict with Russia “almost immediately” if he chooses to. “No getting back Obama given Crimea…and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!” he wrote.

When asked by the media on Monday about whether Ukraine is prepared to “keep sending Ukrainian troops to their deaths for another couple of years” or “redraw the maps” in a peace deal, Zelenskyy did not answer directly.

He also emphasized on Monday that territorial issues will be decided between Russia and Ukraine.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-19/Wang-Yi-Sound-China-India-ties-serve-the-two-peoples-interests-1FYe9ygBc40/img/6c9fae1938e4482eb5f6323a40578b87/6c9fae1938e4482eb5f6323a40578b87.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets Shri Ajit Doval, India's national security adviser and special representative for the India-China boundary question, in New Delhi, India, August 19, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday stressed that a sound and stable China-India relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is also the common expectation of developing countries.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made his remarks at the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question in New Delhi. 

Wang, who is the Chinese special representative for the boundary question, held comprehensive, in-depth and productive discussions with Shri Ajit Doval, India’s national security adviser and special representative for the India-China boundary question.

Wang pointed out that the important consensus reached by the two leaders during their Kazan meeting has charted the course and provided strong impetus for improving China-India relations and properly addressing the bilateral boundary issue.

Since the beginning of this year, bilateral ties have returned to a steady path of development, and the border situation has continued to stabilize and improve, the top Chinese diplomat said.

“As two major neighbors and two major developing countries, China and India share similar visions and broad common interests. Mutual trust and mutual support should define the relationship between two major emerging countries,” Wang noted.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-19/Wang-Yi-Sound-China-India-ties-serve-the-two-peoples-interests-1FYe9ygBc40/img/30391da81ac44fc8a11c49738a278354/30391da81ac44fc8a11c49738a278354.jpeg' alt='The 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question is held in New Delhi, India, August 19, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

He underlined that China attaches great importance to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, and looks forward to India’s positive contribution to the success of the event.

Wang urged two sides’ joint efforts to follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, adopt a dual-track approach in handling bilateral ties and the boundary issue.

He also called for increasing mutual trust through dialogue, expanding exchanges and cooperation, and working toward reaching consensus on issues such as border management, boundary negotiations and cross-border exchanges.

Such efforts will help properly resolve specific issues, achieve further progress, and create favorable conditions for the sustained improvement and development of bilateral relations, Wang added.

Doval, for his part, said that the Kazan meeting between the two leaders marked a turning point for India-China relations as mutual perceptions between the two sides have seen positive changes, border areas have remained peaceful and stable, and the relationship has made breakthrough progress.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-19/Wang-Yi-Sound-China-India-ties-serve-the-two-peoples-interests-1FYe9ygBc40/img/69172ce9c4124a81896f9b5d3e23cfd3/69172ce9c4124a81896f9b5d3e23cfd3.jpeg' alt='Wang Yi speaks at the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question in New Delhi, India, August 19, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

In a turbulent international environment, both India and China face common challenges, making it necessary to enhance understanding, deepen trust and strengthen cooperation, which is vital for the well-being of both peoples as well as world peace and development, said Doval.

He reaffirmed that India firmly adheres to the one-China policy.

Noting this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China, Doval said Prime Minister Modi looks forward to visiting China for the SCO Tianjin Summit. Doval believes that Modi’s visit will inject new momentum into bilateral ties.

India supports China, as the rotating chair, in hosting a successful summit, and stands ready to maintain communication and dialogue with China in a pragmatic and constructive manner, continuously creating conditions for the final settlement of the boundary question, he added.

The two sides exchanged views on the early outcome of boundary negotiations and reiterated their commitment to giving full play to the role of the mechanism of the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question.

They agreed to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement on the basis of the political guiding principles reached in 2005 and in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual understanding. At the same time, the two sides will strengthen regular border control and jointly safeguard peace and stability in border areas.

The two sides also agreed to hold the 25th round of talks between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question in China.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-18/China-urges-relevant-nations-to-stop-interfering-in-Hong-Kong-affairs-1FWmhpRomSA/img/21cbdb4c6f7549efa168c3ab00ac66b1/21cbdb4c6f7549efa168c3ab00ac66b1.png' alt='A view of south China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, August 9, 2025. /VCG'

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday urged relevant countries to respect China’s sovereignty and the rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs in any form.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a query regarding Australia sheltering anti-China rioters.

Mao said the HKSAR government has issued a solemn statement, strongly opposing any country harboring criminals in any form.

Regarding China-Australia relations, China’s position remains consistent, she said, expressing hope that Australia will work with China to uphold the principles of equality, seek common ground while reserving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-Australia ties.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-18/Economists-say-Trump-tariffs-won-t-significantly-reduce-U-S-debt-1FWtTRBt90k/img/e9da68eb3b774fde9794d87a62210e23/e9da68eb3b774fde9794d87a62210e23.png' alt='Cranes unload shipping containers from the container ship at the Port of Los Angeles in California, U.S., August 15, 2025. /VCG'

U.S. economists believe that raising tariffs may slow the growth of U.S. debt but will not lead to any significant reduction, according to a report published by Fortune magazine on Sunday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that revenues from raised tariffs could both reduce America’s national debt of $37 trillion and fund a public “dividend.”

Earlier this month, Trump said his primary purpose was “to pay down debt, which will happen in very large quantity,” adding that there is a possibility “we’re taking in so much money that we may very well make a dividend to the people of America.”

The Fortune’s report, citing some U.S. economists, expressed skepticism over the president’s claim.

Joao Gomes, a professor of finance and economics at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, told Fortune that the tariff income may offset some costs of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” projected by the Congressional Budget Office to add three trillion to the debt by 2030, but is unlikely to make a meaningful dent in overall debt.

Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow with the American Enterprise Institute, said Trump’s claim of raising $300 billion is just “a drop in the ocean” compared with the country’s growing debt. “The country is on a really dangerous debt trajectory,” he said.

Lachman also warned that while Trump frames tariffs as a tool for job creation or debt reduction to bolster political support, investors are unlikely to be convinced. “Markets aren’t dumb. They can do the arithmetic and figure out that this is nonsense,” he added.

The report also noted that current revenues from the tariffs do not even cover the interest on the U.S. debt, let alone reduce its total. Citing U.S. Treasury data, it pointed out that national debt interest expenses totaled $60.95 billion in July, while tariff revenues amounted to only $29.6 billion.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-17/Books-of-Xi-s-discourses-on-deepening-reform-comprehensively-published-1FUJreWZRNm/img/e8000da29d67415a9334a9a4fe9f06eb/e8000da29d67415a9334a9a4fe9f06eb.png' alt='A view of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. /VCG'

The first and second volumes of a compilation of discourses by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on adhering to deepening reform comprehensively have been published.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-17/China-achieves-best-performance-at-World-Games-in-Chengdu-1FUOzzSjFOo/img/f50ac166b7c24df4b94ef44acf8403d0/f50ac166b7c24df4b94ef44acf8403d0.png' alt='The Chinese team wins the gold medal in the three-person acrobatic gymnastics event during the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, August 16, 2025. /VCG'

Topping both the gold and overall medal tables for the first time, China has achieved its best-ever performance at the World Games in Chengdu, China’s delegation officials announced on Sunday.

China’s 321 athletes competed in 152 events across 28 sports, capturing 36 gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze medals. The tally marks the country’s best record since it began participating in the World Games, said Zhang Xin, deputy head of the delegation, at a press conference.

The Games was held from August 7 to 17 under the slogan “Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders.” China sent a 489-member delegation, its largest in the event’s history.

“China won gold medals in 18 sports, 45 athletes stood on top of the podium, and broke two world records,” Zhang said, adding, “10 Chinese para-athletes showed their quality of tenacious, winning five golds and one silver at the Games.”

According to Zhang, most of the athletes were trained in schools, social clubs or independently. “They delivered satisfactory performances while adhering to principles of zero appearance of doping and zero controversy in sportsmanship,” he said.

Manzoor Ahmad Sofi, a carpet weaver, rolls a small carpet and places it in a corner of the living room in his two-story house in Wantpora, Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The veteran artisan, in the profession for nearly 50 years, looks worried for the first time as he thinks about the Kashmir handicrafts industry that was once the backbone of the region’s economy.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-16/U-S-50-tariff-threatens-handicrafts-in-Indian-administered-Kashmir-1FT6rwlbwRO/img/ee5e272c62ef4a5088eff4d5894ee186/ee5e272c62ef4a5088eff4d5894ee186.jpeg' alt='Veteran carpet weaver Manzoor Ahmad Sofi at his home in Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir. He has been in the trade for nearly 50 years but fears new U.S. tariffs will affect the centuries-old handicrafts industry. August 5, 2025. '

“The Kashmir handicrafts industry was brought down gradually over the years, forcing artisans like me to quit and look for other options,” Sofi told CGTN. “Political unrest and machine-made goods sold in the name of Kashmir handicrafts marked the beginning of its end,” he said after a brief pause, adding that only a few artisans chose to continue the centuries-old legacy and cultural heritage.

“Artisans who stayed in the profession turned to overseas markets to survive and support their families. Exporting handmade goods such as pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché and wood-carving items from the conflict-torn region gave them some relief, and their condition had only begun to improve after a long struggle.

However, this changed when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on Indian products. The move, meant to pressure India to cut Russian oil imports, struck another blow to the centuries-old craft.

“I don’t believe this fragile industry will survive if heavy taxes are imposed on its products,” Sofı said. “I’m worried the carpets I have woven may not find buyers easily, and ultimately this industry will collapse,” he added.

Kashmir’s handicrafts were introduced to the valley by Persian Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani with the advent of Islam in the region in the 14th century, laying a strong foundation for its rich heritage, which today generates about $138 million in annual exports, 25 percent of which go to the U.S. market.

Tariq Dar, a pashmina shawl exporter and manufacturer who runs the brand Pashmkaar Kashmir, sells a large quantity of costly pashmina shawls to the U.S. He says the American fondness for handmade goods makes it a big market for traders like him.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-16/U-S-50-tariff-threatens-handicrafts-in-Indian-administered-Kashmir-1FT6rwlbwRO/img/61f904a1368b4995867a7fd2ff25e09b/61f904a1368b4995867a7fd2ff25e09b.jpeg' alt='An artisan works on an unfinished shawl at the workshop of Pashmkaar Kashmir, a leading manufacturer and exporter of pashmina shawls, in the Hazratbal area of Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir. August 4, 2025. '

“The USA is a big market. People there love to purchase handmade goods. But if our clients are made to pay a 50 percent tariff instead of the earlier 6 percent, it won’t be good for global business,” Dar told CGTN. “The new taxes will make it harder for U.S. consumers to buy our products, and in the end, it is the artisans who will suffer,” he said, adding the move would encourage the artisans to “discontinue the centuries-old practice.”

Dar said he believes Trump will change his decision in the coming days, as Americans value the crafts.

Maqbool Jan, an award-winning papier-mâché artist, suggests that global trade bodies and governments should formulate policies to benefit and promote crafts on the verge of extinction.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-16/U-S-50-tariff-threatens-handicrafts-in-Indian-administered-Kashmir-1FT6rwlbwRO/img/758834645c994c4baac18f5890c16f5e/758834645c994c4baac18f5890c16f5e.png' alt='Handmade papier-mâché goods are largely exported to European and American markets. Artisans of this centuries-old craft say global trade bodies and governments should exempt handicrafts from taxes. August 7, 2025. '

“The imposition of additional taxes will disturb the lives of people who depend on the global market. One must understand that buying expensive goods will be impossible for common people, especially when inflation is rising continuously,” Jan said. “This will increase unemployment not only in a small place like Kashmir but across the world. I don’t understand from where customers will arrange extra money to buy these items,” he added.

Jan suggests that all handicraft items imported and exported worldwide should be tax-free. He says this step will not only boost the sector but also generate employment for thousands of men and women.

“Tax-free handmade goods will become cheaper, and as a result, more people will purchase them, benefiting the artisans,” Jan told CGTN. “This will not only save crafts on the verge of extinction but also help eradicate unemployment, as youth will once again join these centuries-old professions,” he concluded.

(All photos by CGTN’s Wasim Nabi)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-16/European-leaders-ready-to-push-for-Zelenskyy-Trump-Putin-meet-1FTf782D3RS/img/decceac0e8114cf9a6d175c79537c079/decceac0e8114cf9a6d175c79537c079.png' alt='EU flags against the backdrop of the Berlaymont building, the main headquarters of the European Commission. /VCG'

European leaders said in a joint statement on Saturday that they are ready to push for a trilateral summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The joint statement was issued by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President Antonio Costa.

They said Trump had briefed them and Zelenskyy earlier in the day on a summit between the U.S. president and his Russian counterpart, which was held in Alaska on Friday.

The leaders urged further negotiations involving Zelenskyy, whom Trump is set to meet in Washington on Monday.

In the statement, the leaders underlined that Ukraine must receive “ironclad security guarantees” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They welcomed Trump’s declaration that Washington was prepared to provide such guarantees, expressing readiness to work with Trump and Zelenskyy toward a trilateral summit “with European support.”

“No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to the EU and NATO,” the statement said.

Reaffirming their support for Kyiv, the leaders stressed that Ukraine alone must decide on its territory and that international borders “must not be changed by force.”

The statement pledged continued support for Ukraine. As long as fighting continues, the leaders said, Europe will maintain pressure on Russia through strengthened sanctions and broader economic measures targeting its war economy.

Trump said Friday he had a “very productive meeting” with Putin in Alaska, noting that the two sides agreed on “many points” and made some progress, though no deal was reached.

(With input from Xinhua)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-15/Premier-Li-urges-efforts-to-build-ecological-civilization-in-new-era-1FRuKYgSe64/img/bc4f1a00231441868a772f686c8f0694/bc4f1a00231441868a772f686c8f0694.png' alt='A view of a modern agricultural park in Guang'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, August 14, 2025. /VCG'

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday stressed the need to firmly establish and implement the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” and urged efforts to write a new chapter in the building of ecological civilization in the new era.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the National Ecology Day main event and at a symposium on putting this concept into practice.

The foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand held an informal meeting in Anning, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Friday, with all sides pledging to help maintain Myanmar’s stability and jointly combat cross-border crimes.

Since the first quadrilateral meeting last year, the situation in Myanmar has generally stabilized, and efforts are underway to advance post-earthquake reconstruction and safeguard its sovereignty, independence and national stability, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He called for adhering to a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” approach, supporting the choices of the Myanmar people, and resolving differences through dialogue.

Wang stressed the importance of mediation by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and assistance from neighboring countries, with ASEAN serving as the main channel, while also giving full play to mechanisms like the Informal Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Myanmar Neighboring Countries’ Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

He also urged prioritizing people’s livelihoods and development, supporting Myanmar in improving people’s well-being and post-quake reconstruction, and promoting cooperation in various fields for people’s benefits, while warning against external forces that could undermine regional stability.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-15/FMs-of-China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand-hold-informal-meeting-1FRB7iRiUKY/img/63941e8607694ce3bfab587c1bb81289/63941e8607694ce3bfab587c1bb81289.png' alt='The foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand hold an informal meeting in Anning, southwest China's Yunnan Province, August 15, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe expressed gratitude for the support from China, Laos and Thailand in addressing challenges and reiterated Myanmar’s commitment to advancing domestic peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue. He said Myanmar is actively preparing for transparent elections by year-end to return power to the people.

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane expressed his country’s support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process and elections to achieve peace, stability and national reconciliation.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Thailand is willing to work with other ASEAN countries to provide support and assistance for Myanmar to hold elections on the basis of the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-15/FMs-of-China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand-hold-informal-meeting-1FRB7iRiUKY/img/9a2d93ec868f499aabc1716e969aad50/9a2d93ec868f499aabc1716e969aad50.png' alt='The foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand hold an informal meeting in Anning, southwest China's Yunnan Province, August 15, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

The four foreign ministers also exchanged views on joint efforts to combat cross-border crime.

Wang emphasized that combating such crimes is related to people’s well-being, represents a common concern of the four countries, and requires coordinated action.

He called for strengthening institutional building, strengthening joint operations and border control, strengthening capacity building and judicial coordination, and strengthening transformative development and social governance.

All parties agreed to deepen law enforcement cooperation, intensify efforts against cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud, drug and arms trafficking and human trafficking, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-14/Wang-Yi-China-supports-Thailand-Cambodia-dialogue-to-rebuild-trust-1FPAyHiXk9q/img/30646a5aea2642cd97273cf3a9514bec/30646a5aea2642cd97273cf3a9514bec.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa in Anning, southwestern China's Yunnan Province, August 14, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Thursday that China supports dialogue and consultation between Thailand and Cambodia to rebuild trust and resolve differences, reaffirming China’s backing for ASEAN’s approach to addressing internal issues.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa in Anning, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, where the 10th Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is taking place. 

Wang said China is willing to provide necessary assistance in line with the wishes of both sides. Maris commended China’s objective and fair stance, as well as its constructive role in helping to ease tensions.

The two ministers also discussed bilateral relations and future cooperation. 

Wang noted that over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties, China and Thailand have stood by each other, advancing practical cooperation across various fields. He said China is ready to work with Thailand to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen strategic coordination, and inject fresh impetus into building a China–Thailand community with a shared future, while advancing MLC cooperation to new heights.

He called for maintaining high-level exchanges, expanding cooperation and organizing activities for the second half of the 50th anniversary celebrations to strengthen public support for bilateral relations. Wang urged faster progress on the China–Thailand railway, encouraged more Chinese investment in Thailand, and highlighted cooperation opportunities in green development, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, while calling for more policy support and facilitation for Chinese enterprises in Thailand.

Describing the MLC as the most successful subregional cooperation mechanism, Wang said China is ready to work with Thailand, as co-chairs, to ensure the meeting’s success and safeguard regional peace and stability. 

For his part, Maris praised the achievements in Thai–Chinese relations over the past five decades and voiced hopes for even closer cooperation in the next 50 years at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He lauded Anning as a modern, beautiful city that reflects China’s development vision and reaffirmed Thailand’s strong commitment to the MLC under China’s strategic guidance. 

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-14/China-hopes-Cambodia-Thailand-will-rebuild-friendship-FM-1FPAjyOg7Be/img/76650ac5871d442d9314e0f572f84acb/76650ac5871d442d9314e0f572f84acb.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in Anning, southwest China's Yunnan Province, August 14, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

China hopes Cambodia and Thailand will strengthen contacts and exchanges, as well as restore friendship and mutual trust, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday during his meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in Anning, southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

Wang said that Cambodia and Thailand are both good neighbors and close friends of China, adding that China believes the parties involved can effectively resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, and supports ASEAN in playing a constructive role to maintain its unity.

Today’s world is characterized by interconnected change and turbulence, making peace and stability even more crucial, said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He said that holding the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning to discuss development plans, voice the call for peace, and build consensus on tranquility is very important.

China praises Cambodia’s efforts to crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, and hopes Cambodia will continue to take strong actions to collaborate with other regional countries in fighting cross-border crimes, according to Wang.

Sokhonn said Cambodia and China are an all-weather community with a shared future, maintaining close high-level exchanges. 

Cambodia highly values its relationship with China, appreciates China’s generous support and aid, and looks forward to deepening cooperation and achieving more results, Sokhonn added.

He said China plays a constructive role in international and regional affairs and is a symbol of peace and development. 

Noting that the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives have achieved remarkable results, Sokhonn said Anning symbolizes peace and tranquility, and Cambodia is ready to fully support and participate in it. He expressed hope that this meeting will help accelerate Lancang-Mekong cooperation and promote regional prosperity and stability.

Sokhonn also provided an update on recent developments in Cambodia-Thailand relations and expressed gratitude to China for actively encouraging peace and dialogue to help ease tensions.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-13/China-to-review-anti-dumping-measures-on-some-Indian-optical-fibers-1FOfB340j5u/img/577948d4391b4a07a6b27a322141a987/577948d4391b4a07a6b27a322141a987.png' alt='The Chinese Ministry of Commerce. /VCG'

China’s Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday that on August 14, 2025, it will launch an expiry review of anti-dumping measures aimed at single-mode optical fibers originating in India.

The expiry review, requested by the domestic optical fiber industry, will determine if terminating the anti-dumping measures will lead to renewed dumping and harm, the ministry said in a statement.

The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council will maintain the anti-dumping duties during the review – with the scope and rates remaining unchanged, according to the ministry.

China started to impose anti-dumping duties on imported single-mode optical fibers from India in August 2014, featuring tariff rates ranging from 7.4 percent to 30.6 percent. Such duties were reviewed and extended for five years in 2020.

Stretching for almost 2,000 kilometers from Xining in northwest China’s Qinghai Province to Lhasa in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, the world’s highest railway, is a miracle created by China at the “roof of the world.”

Carrying the dream of the Chinese nation, the railway has witnessed tremendous changes in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and has driven the rapid economic and social development of the two regions.

Today, a “modern transportation network” – integrating highways, railways, aviation and pipelines – has been laid out, creating a brighter future for millions of residents living on the plateau. Xizang is embracing the world with greater openness and inclusiveness.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-12/China-announces-anti-dumping-rulings-on-butyl-rubber-from-3-countries-1FMohLB1xfO/img/7c4bbe112eb54f8bb4b40029dc93cfb0/7c4bbe112eb54f8bb4b40029dc93cfb0.png' alt='China's Ministry of Commerce. /VCG'

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday announced preliminary rulings on its anti-dumping investigations into halogenated butyl rubber from Canada, Japan and India.

According to a statement, the ministry has decided to terminate its probes into halogenated butyl rubber imports from India due to their low market share, while confirming anti-dumping violations in such products from Canada and Japan.

Under China’s anti-dumping regulations, importers of Canadian and Japanese halogenated butyl rubber must pay security deposits of up to 40.5 percent to Chinese customs, starting August 14, the statement said.

China launched the investigations on September 14, 2024.

Halogenated butyl rubber is primarily used in airtight layers of tubeless tires, heat-resistant inner tubes, medicinal bottle stoppers, shock-absorbing pads, adhesives, and sealing materials.

On Tuesday, the ministry announced a preliminary ruling in its anti-dumping probe into Canadian rapeseed imports. It concluded that Canadian rapeseed had been dumped, causing material damage to China’s domestic industry, and established a causal link between the dumping and the damage. As a result, provisional anti-dumping measures in the form of deposits will be imposed on these imports.

Starting Thursday, importers of Canadian rapeseed should provide deposits to Chinese customs authorities based on a deposit rate of 75.8 percent.

Responding to a media query, a ministry spokesperson said that the investigations followed principles of fairness, impartiality, openness and transparency while strictly adhering to China’s relevant laws and World Trade Organization rules.

Preliminary evidence indicates that dumping exists in the imported products under investigation, the spokesperson said, adding that relevant domestic industries have suffered material damage.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-12/Foreign-Ministry-China-backs-peaceful-settlement-of-Ukraine-issue-1FMzHR0i1gc/img/c509415604804e209a0bba1aea87f295/c509415604804e209a0bba1aea87f295.png' alt='China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. /VCG'

China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine issue and is glad to see Russia and the United States keep in contact, improve their relations and advance the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked to comment on a report saying that U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, plan to meet on August 15 to discuss the Ukraine issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the European Union’s representatives have not been invited to the negotiation.

“We hope all parties concerned and stakeholders will take part in the negotiation process in due course and reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to parties concerned at an early date,” Lin said.

“Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” – this core concept in China’s pursuit of ecological progress has not just led to significant improvement in the country’s environment, but also generated new growth impetus for the world’s second largest economy.

CGTN has designed a series of hand-drawn illustrations to highlight how China is exploring diverse pathways – from eco-tourism to new energy industries – to achieve both ecological sustainability and economic development.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-11/How-China-promotes-green-development-1FKJhoTZOsE/img/602d346a2e4b40eca880e32907f300b3/602d346a2e4b40eca880e32907f300b3.jpeg' alt='Yu Peng /CGTN'<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-11/How-China-promotes-green-development-1FKJhoTZOsE/img/e20f12c7463145028c04bd076a914596/e20f12c7463145028c04bd076a914596.jpeg' alt='Yu Peng /CGTN'<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-11/How-China-promotes-green-development-1FKJhoTZOsE/img/d50cd635c8fd4054b047c4f5e9f1bf20/d50cd635c8fd4054b047c4f5e9f1bf20.jpeg' alt='Yu Peng /CGTN'<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-11/How-China-promotes-green-development-1FKJhoTZOsE/img/a919c8c2dd374c1c9ddb06873cd9c10f/a919c8c2dd374c1c9ddb06873cd9c10f.jpeg' alt='Yu Peng /CGTN'<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-11/How-China-promotes-green-development-1FKJhoTZOsE/img/7a526c5cf56748f69447dd3d3eda9725/7a526c5cf56748f69447dd3d3eda9725.jpeg' alt='Yu Peng /CGTN'<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-11/How-China-promotes-green-development-1FKJhoTZOsE/img/7660f6a45f9f40938eb2e284be5c61b5/7660f6a45f9f40938eb2e284be5c61b5.jpeg' alt='Yu Peng /CGTN'

China opposes U.S. politicizing and weaponizing technology and trade issues, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gua Jiakun on Thursday. The U.S. Justice Department recently announced that two Chinese nationals were charged with sending advanced AI chips made by Nvidia Corp. to China in violation of U.S. export restrictions.

“China opposes the U.S. politicizing tech and trade issues and using them as weapons to maliciously blockade and go after China,” Guo said in response to the indictment.

He emphasized that the U.S. should earnestly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals.

The 12th World Games officially began on Thursday night with an opening ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Running from August 7 to 17, the Chengdu World Games will feature 34 sports, 60 disciplines and 256 events with approximately 4,000 athletes from around 110 countries and regions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the important role of sports in promoting inclusiveness and mutual learning among different civilizations on different occasions.

Here are some of Xi’s key quotes on the importance of sports.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-07/President-Xi-Jinping-s-key-quotes-on-the-importance-of-sports-1FDyGcxmXYI/img/5cdffa36ef014ea1b69c778ddfb681f5/5cdffa36ef014ea1b69c778ddfb681f5.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-07/President-Xi-Jinping-s-key-quotes-on-the-importance-of-sports-1FDyGcxmXYI/img/15b524193ae648dea6861a71418734ee/15b524193ae648dea6861a71418734ee.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-07/President-Xi-Jinping-s-key-quotes-on-the-importance-of-sports-1FDyGcxmXYI/img/9b3c8922ae8340b7bb85c2d86d6f59d1/9b3c8922ae8340b7bb85c2d86d6f59d1.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-07/President-Xi-Jinping-s-key-quotes-on-the-importance-of-sports-1FDyGcxmXYI/img/ae8de5f722aa4857a90cf539b51ee314/ae8de5f722aa4857a90cf539b51ee314.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-07/President-Xi-Jinping-s-key-quotes-on-the-importance-of-sports-1FDyGcxmXYI/img/6070ae3044514a5689ff49748e2d5121/6070ae3044514a5689ff49748e2d5121.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-07/President-Xi-Jinping-s-key-quotes-on-the-importance-of-sports-1FDyGcxmXYI/img/43afbe032d014345ac2dfddb140c74a3/43afbe032d014345ac2dfddb140c74a3.jpeg' alt=''

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-06/Saudi-Aramco-president-stresses-China-as-key-strategic-market-1FCC6SJPteM/img/71bb4cefee624507998ed99063281482/71bb4cefee624507998ed99063281482.png' alt='A file photo of Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin H. Nasser. /VCG'

Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin H. Nasser said on Tuesday that China is an important strategic market for Aramco, and the company plans to further expand its investments in China.

Speaking at a media conference call for Aramco’s half-year 2025 financial results, Nasser made the remarks in response to a question from Xinhua.

“We have excellent collaboration with our Chinese partners. China is an important strategic market for Saudi Aramco,” he said.

Nasser noted that China hosts a number of integrated refining and petrochemical projects, and Aramco is actively participating in the investment and construction of these large-scale projects. 

He emphasized that Aramco already has major investments in China and plans to further increase its investment in multiple areas in the future. “We have in the pipeline a number of investment plans in China that could be promising,” he said.

Nasser also pointed out that China holds a significant position in the global chemical market. “China will continue to be a main market for Saudi Aramco when it comes to supply of crude, investments and projects like liquids-to-chemicals,” he said.

As the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) draws to a close, China has achieved a series of historic milestones, from economic resilience and green transition to technological breakthroughs.

Despite evolving priorities across all 14 five-year plans, from industrialization and economic reform to sustainability and innovation, the overarching goal has remained constant – advancing national development and prosperity.

Marking a strategic pivot from growth-centric targets, the 14th Five-Year Plan has championed high-quality development, serving as a catalyst for nationwide progress across all sectors.

At a press conference on the country’s high-quality fulfillment of targets set for the 14th Five-Year Plan period on July 9, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country’s top economic planner, described the five years as a period of “pioneering progress, transformative breakthroughs, and historic achievements.”

“China has become the most stable, reliable, and dynamic force in global development,” he said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-06/How-China-s-14th-Five-Year-Plan-guides-its-economic-growth-1FCldnOMERa/img/4bcaf8e9f7cc43b290b0edd636d3d1ad/4bcaf8e9f7cc43b290b0edd636d3d1ad.png' alt='A view of the Bund in east China's Shanghai, June 26, 2025. /VCG'

A resilient economy

According to the NDRC, China’s economic increment is projected to exceed 35 trillion yuan (around $4.89 trillion) in the five-year period, contributing about 30 percent annually to global economic growth.

Over the first four years, the economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.5 percent. Despite various global challenges, the growth of China, given its vast economic scale, is an unprecedented achievement.

The growth has especially been driven by deepening economic transformation. Domestic demand accounted for 86.4 percent of the GDP increase on average, with final consumption contributing 56.2 percent – an 8.6 percentage point increase over the previous planning period, underscoring the rising dynamism of China’s consumer market.

The steady economic performance has also translated into tangible improvements in people’s livelihoods. Urban job creation exceeded 12 million annually, reflecting the populous country’s stable labor market.

Over the period, China has added 114 national-level regional medical centers, bringing the total to 125. Direct settlement for cross-provincial medical bills has been established nationwide, benefiting over 400 million people.

China’s national strength has been significantly enhanced during the five-year period, which will also offer opportunities for global development, Zheng said, adding that no matter how the international landscape evolves, the country will manage its own affairs well and push forward the Chinese modernization.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-06/How-China-s-14th-Five-Year-Plan-guides-its-economic-growth-1FCldnOMERa/img/1221fa2fc7f74676a732d1396f1ffb6d/1221fa2fc7f74676a732d1396f1ffb6d.jpeg' alt='A Chinese passenger jet C919 at the Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, November 10, 2024. /VCG'

Major tech breakthroughs

During the 14th Five-Year Plan, China placed innovation in an important position. Over the past five years, the country’s total investment in research and development has reached a new high.

In 2024, China’s R&D spending surged nearly 50 percent, or 1.2 trillion yuan, from the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), according to the NDRC. Its R&D intensity reached 2.68 percent, approaching the average of OECD economies.

Continuous investment in research funding has yielded concrete outcomes. In June 2022, China unveiled its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. The carrier, named after Fujian Province, is China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult.

In early 2024, the country’s first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, was completed and put into operation, opening up a new chapter for the country’s shipbuilding and cruise industries.

On land, the world’s first fourth-generation nuclear power plant, China’s Shidaowan high-temperature gas-cooled reactor nuclear power plant, officially went into commercial operation in 2023, promoting the safety as well as the scientific, technological and innovation capabilities of China’s nuclear power developers.

In the sky, the C919, China’s first self-developed trunk jetliner in accordance with international airworthiness standards and with its own independent intellectual property rights, has entered commercial service.

In space, the returner of the Chang’e-6 lunar probe has brought back samples collected from the moon’s far side for the first time in human history, marking another milestone in China’s space exploration endeavors.

“These ‘firsts’ demonstrate China’s major innovative breakthroughs,” Zheng said, adding that driven by scientific and technological innovation, industries are steadily upgrading toward mid-to-high-end development.

Across numerous sectors, China is accelerating its transformation from quantitative growth to qualitative progress, emerging as a global innovation frontrunner.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-06/How-China-s-14th-Five-Year-Plan-guides-its-economic-growth-1FCldnOMERa/img/16e70f92a0e3496395539cb06e22e36d/16e70f92a0e3496395539cb06e22e36d.jpeg' alt='Wind turbines are seen in Jiamusi City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 21, 2025. /VCG'

Green development

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has deeply embedded green development across industrial and social production, pioneering a development path that harmonizes economic growth with environmental protection.

As a responsible major economy, China has not only met but exceeded its sustainability promises. NDRC data reveals that from 2021 to 2024, energy consumption per unit of GDP fell 11.6 percent, cutting carbon emissions by around 1.1 billion tonnes, nearly half the European Union’s total emissions in 2024.

As a global leader in renewable energy, China’s installed renewable energy capacity reached 2.09 billion kilowatts by May 2025, more than doubling that in 2020. One in three kilowatt-hours of electricity nationwide is now from green sources.

The adoption of green lifestyles has surged, with new energy vehicle ownership soaring to 31.4 million in 2024, up significantly from 4.92 million in 2020.

Driven by China’s large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in programs, items at the highest energy-efficiency levels account for 90 percent of total sales revenue, effectively promoting investment, consumption, energy conservation and carbon reduction.

The achievements of green development have become a feature and highlight of the country’s high-quality development throughout the 14th Five-Year Plan period, said Guo Liyan, deputy head of the Economic Research Institute at the NDRC.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-05/China-to-dispatch-new-batch-of-UN-peacekeepers-to-South-Sudan-1FAUbdWpWP6/img/a29fae413b77408f92fc48b685d7c97f/a29fae413b77408f92fc48b685d7c97f.jpeg' alt='The departure ceremony of the 11th Chinese peacekeeping police force to South Sudan is held in Beijing, China, August 5, 2025. /Chinese Ministry of Public Security'

Seventeen Chinese police officers are departing for South Sudan on Wednesday to take part in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, according to China’s Ministry of Public Security.

The 11th Formed Police Unit will be dispatched to the mission area classified by the UN as one of the world’s most dangerous and challenging due to extreme climate, rampant armed conflicts, gang violence and disease outbreaks like malaria.

This year marks both the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and the 25th anniversary of Chinese police participation in UN peacekeeping operations, the ministry noted.

The ministry’s International Cooperation Bureau noted that China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is the second largest contributor to the peacekeeping operations.

The rotating dispatch of police forces to South Sudan’s mission area is a concrete manifestation of China implementing the Global Security Initiative and fulfilling its responsibility and commitment as a major country, said the bureau at Tuesday’s departure ceremony.

Family members of the police officers attended the send-off ceremony, bidding farewell to their heroes and heroines.

The overseas tasks for UN peacekeepers may include securing refugee camps, conducting patrols and quelling riots or community violence.

Chinese teams typically serve the 12-month rotations after selection for skills in English, shooting, and crisis management. Many of them operate in volatile regions like South Sudan’s capital city Juba and northwestern town Wau.

Their duties will also include humanitarian assistance, such as delivering aid, distributing food, and evacuating civilians during armed conflicts.

Some special operations lead to weapons seizures, hostage rescues, and anti-crime operations like dismantling drug networks.

Chinese peacekeepers have maintained “zero complaints, zero repatriations” while earning international recognition, including UN Peace Medals for their professionalism in maintaining global stability.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-05/China-to-play-constructive-role-to-mend-Cambodia-Thailand-ties-1FAWerVtxF6/img/a8506c8a7e464cb09e44c05cbf33def2/a8506c8a7e464cb09e44c05cbf33def2.jpeg' alt='The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, China. /VCG'

China will continue to support ASEAN in promoting talks for peace and play a constructive role in its own way for the turnaround of Cambodia-Thailand relations, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said Tuesday.

It is reported that from August 4 to 7, the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodia and Thailand is being held in Malaysia, and China is invited to attend an extraordinary session of the GBC meeting on August 7.

In response to a media query, Guo said that since the informal consultation among China, Cambodia and Thailand was successfully held on July 30, there has been no fighting along the Cambodia-Thailand border, the situation on the ground has been deescalating, and the ceasefire has been gradually implemented by Cambodia and Thailand.

Guo added that under the active coordination of Malaysia, the rotating chair of ASEAN, the two countries are holding the GBC meeting to have multi-tiered communication through a variety of avenues on developing a detailed mechanism for ceasefire monitoring, which is conducive to an effective and sustained end of the fighting. “China commends and welcomes that,” he said.

According to the will of Cambodia and Thailand, China has actively maintained close communication with the two countries, Malaysia and other regional countries, cemented the ceasefire, promoted communication and dialogue, and helped deescalate the situation, noted the spokesperson.

“China will continue to support ASEAN in promoting talks for peace, uphold a just and fair position, and play a constructive role in its own way for the turnaround of Cambodia-Thailand relations,” Guo said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made instructions on the formulation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), emphasizing that it must focus on the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization, with a long-term vision of building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation. 

Xi has stressed the importance of staying committed to expanding high-standard opening up and promoting high-quality development on all fronts.

Here are some of Xi’s remarks on the 15th Five-Year Plan on various occasions.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-04/Xi-Jinping-s-remarks-on-the-formulation-of-15th-Five-Year-Plan-1Fz3AK83iEw/img/703ca1c461f042c7b00f0d21b3ecf463/703ca1c461f042c7b00f0d21b3ecf463.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-04/Xi-Jinping-s-remarks-on-the-formulation-of-15th-Five-Year-Plan-1Fz3AK83iEw/img/be03b6d4ae13490f8a372aa1d8de5919/be03b6d4ae13490f8a372aa1d8de5919.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-04/Xi-Jinping-s-remarks-on-the-formulation-of-15th-Five-Year-Plan-1Fz3AK83iEw/img/5b4610b940254f64b81019c139c4705b/5b4610b940254f64b81019c139c4705b.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-04/Xi-Jinping-s-remarks-on-the-formulation-of-15th-Five-Year-Plan-1Fz3AK83iEw/img/2c85bf96c5664406ae36771572deebb3/2c85bf96c5664406ae36771572deebb3.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-04/Xi-Jinping-s-remarks-on-the-formulation-of-15th-Five-Year-Plan-1Fz3AK83iEw/img/e6795a84ff1a4bc5bf4a7a0fb8e2016c/e6795a84ff1a4bc5bf4a7a0fb8e2016c.jpeg' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-04/Xi-Jinping-s-remarks-on-the-formulation-of-15th-Five-Year-Plan-1Fz3AK83iEw/img/7375ba1143164904a4495d1ac6ff2360/7375ba1143164904a4495d1ac6ff2360.jpeg' alt=''

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-04/Suspended-Thai-PM-submits-defense-statement-to-constitutional-court-1FzkXfIUd3O/img/6f5aee080d0847268118511a734f5d44/6f5aee080d0847268118511a734f5d44.png' alt='Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivers a speech in Bangkok, Thailand, July 8, 2025. /VCG'

Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has submitted her formal statement to the Constitutional Court defending against allegations of ethics violations, Secretary General to the Prime Minister Prommin Lertsuridej said on Monday.

Paetongtarn has completed and endorsed all supporting documents, and her representatives have already delivered them to the court, Prommin told reporters at the government house ahead of the deadline for submission.

Prommin dismissed the rumors regarding Paetongtarn’s resignation before the court ruling, saying, “We are proceeding according to the law and affirming our righteousness.”

Last week, the court set Monday as a final deadline for Paetongtarn to tender the defense statement, after granting two extensions, citing her request to seek additional time to complete the explanation.

On July 1, the court suspended Paetongtarn after accepting the case petitioned by a group of senators seeking her removal from office over a leaked phone call on the border issue with Cambodia.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-03/Brazil-India-reject-U-S-demands-to-stop-buying-Russian-oil-1FxogtqcnsY/img/417e085c7f6f4efd83a2ebf3386bef30/417e085c7f6f4efd83a2ebf3386bef30.png' alt='Oil pumping units are seen in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, July 14, 2025. /VCG'

The United States’ attempt to pressure Brazil and India into cutting back on Russian oil imports by dangling the possibility of lower tariffs has reportedly failed, as both nations have rejected the demands.

The move comes as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Moscow, with U.S. lawmakers recently offering to consider a reduction in tariffs – some as high as 50 percent – on Brazilian goods if the South American country agrees to curb its oil trade with Russia.

Celso Amorim, chief advisor to the president of Brazil, said on Saturday that Brazil is firmly against unilateral economic sanctions imposed on trade partners for their business with other countries. He emphasized that normal economic and trade relations between nations should not be subject to political interference.

In an interview with CNN Brazil on the day, Amorim responded to a U.S. request for Brazil to stop importing Russian oil, saying that Brazil opposes economic sanctions under any circumstances, unless they are authorized by the United Nations Security Council.

He said, Brazil will not accept conditions attached to its energy policy in exchange for a tariff deal with the U.S., and will oppose using economic measures for geopolitical purposes.

The U.S. government on Wednesday announced that it would impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on Brazilian exports. Major Brazilian exports, including coffee and meat, are expected to be significantly impacted.

India to maintain Russian oil imports, sources say

India will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of penalties, two Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday, not wishing to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

On top of a new 25 percent tariff on India’s exports to the U.S., Trump indicated in a Truth Social post last month that India would face additional penalties for purchases of Russian arms and oil. On Friday, Trump told reporters he had heard that India would no longer be buying oil from Russia.

But the sources said there would be no immediate changes.

“These are long-term oil contracts,” one of the sources said. “It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight.”

Justifying India’s oil purchases from Russia, a second source said India’s imports of Russian grades had helped avoid a global surge in oil prices, which have remained subdued despite Western curbs on the Russian oil sector.

Unlike Iranian and Venezuelan oil, Russian crude is not subject to direct sanctions, and India is buying it below the current price cap fixed by the European Union, the source said.

The New York Times also quoted two unnamed senior Indian officials on Saturday as saying there had been no change in Indian government policy.

Indian government authorities did not respond to Reuters’ request for official comment on its oil purchasing intentions.

However, during a regular press briefing on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has a “steady and time-tested partnership” with Russia.

“On our energy sourcing requirements … we look at what is there available in the markets, what is there on offer, and also what is the prevailing global situation or circumstances,” he said.

Trump has threatened 100 percent tariffs on U.S. imports from countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine.

Russia is the leading supplier to India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, accounting for about 35 percent of its overall supplies.

India imported about 1.75 million barrels per day of Russian oil from January to June this year, up 1 percent from a year ago, according to data provided to Reuters by sources.

But while the Indian government may not be deterred by Trump’s threats, sources told Reuters this week that Indian state refiners stopped buying Russian oil after July discounts narrowed to their lowest since 2022 – when sanctions were first imposed on Moscow – due to lower Russian exports and steady demand.

(With input from Reuters)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-03/Experts-doubt-Trump-s-drug-tariffs-will-lower-prices-or-boost-security-1FxAy0srlDi/img/0daa7e6026224ea985d67d2b1dd11f2c/0daa7e6026224ea985d67d2b1dd11f2c.png' alt='File photo of a pharmacy manager at work in a pharmacy in Corona, California, U.S. /VCG'

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently threatened high tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, claiming the move would lower drug prices and enhance America’s national security.

However, industry insiders argue that both goals are unlikely to be achieved, given the complexities of the global supply chain and high production costs in the United States. They say the tariff policy itself introduces further uncertainty for U.S. pharmaceutical companies.

Following the pharma tariff threat, healthcare stocks across the U.S. generally fell on August 1.

On July 31, Trump sent letters to the CEOs of 17 major pharmaceutical companies, demanding that they slash drug prices within 60 days or face consequences. The move comes after previous threats to impose tariffs as high as 200 percent on imported pharmaceuticals.

Several major U.S. pharmaceutical companies have since announced plans to increase domestic investment to avoid potential tariffs. Johnson & Johnson plans to invest $55 billion to strengthen local production and R&D, while Eli Lilly announced a $27 billion investment to build four new plants in the U.S. Additionally, British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has committed $50 billion to expand its drug manufacturing in the U.S. The total planned investment by pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. is now estimated to exceed $250 billion.

However, experts believe these investments are unlikely to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign-made essential drugs and ingredients, nor are they expected to lower healthcare costs for American consumers.

Erin Fox, associate chief pharmacy researcher at the University of Utah Health, said the pharmaceutical industry is already highly globalized, with many raw materials and finished drugs sourced from around the world.

A complex supply chain, she noted, cannot be fully relocated with a single executive order from the White House, according to China Media Group.

Some pharmaceutical companies see domestic investment as a significant financial risk, she added, noting that the cost of building and operating a new plant in the U.S. is astronomical, and the potential returns are disproportionately low, making such investments unprofitable.

The process of establishing a complete supply chain takes several years, but the inconsistency and uncertainty of U.S. tariff policies make it difficult for companies to commit to such long-term projects, Fox said.

The Trump administration’s promise to lower drug prices is also unlikely to materialize, according to experts.

CNN quoted Stephen Farrelly, head of Global Healthcare at ING, as saying that even if pharmaceutical companies successfully build plants in the U.S., costs for labor, electricity, and transportation are significantly higher than in other countries – meaning “Made in America” drugs may not lead to lower prices.

Facing high tariffs, generic drug manufacturers – who operate on very thin profit margins and make up a large portion of the U.S. market – are more likely to leave the country than move their factories back to it, Farrelly said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-02/Nanjing-Massacre-film-takes-China-s-box-office-by-storm-tops-1b-yuan-1FvIdbxvRmw/img/df93fe703ca24bfba8cd0b5e732d7bad/df93fe703ca24bfba8cd0b5e732d7bad.png' alt='"Dead To Rights," a film on the Nanjing Massacre, is screened at a theater in Wuhan City, central China, July 28, 2025. /VCG'

“Dead To Rights,” a film on the Nanjing Massacre, has taken China’s summer box office by storm, surpassing 1 billion yuan (about $140 million) in just eight days.

Directed by Shen Ao, the film became the first post-Spring Festival release to achieve this box office milestone and has maintained its daily box office dominance in China since its July 25 debut, according to industry trackers Maoyan and Beacon.

The film has topped daily box office charts in all provincial-level regions across the Chinese mainland for five consecutive days through Friday. So far, it has attracted over 30 million admissions, reflecting its strong resonance with audiences.

Drawing on verified photographic evidence of Japanese wartime atrocities during the Nanjing Massacre, “Dead to Rights” tells the story of a group of Chinese civilians who seek refuge in a photography studio during the brutal occupation of Nanjing by Japanese aggressors.

In a desperate bid for survival, they are compelled to assist a Japanese military photographer in developing film, only to discover that the negatives contain damning evidence of atrocities committed by Japanese forces across the city. Determined to expose the truth, they secretly keep the negatives and risk their lives to smuggle them out to the outside world.

“In that era, photographs usually preserved life’s most cherished moments. A single image could carry an entire family’s memories,” said director Shen Ao in an interview. Yet during the Nanjing Massacre, he added, Japanese forces weaponized photography for propaganda. “The studio in our film holds the crimes they tried to erase. Truths that need to be exposed.”

The director stressed that few people truly understand how these photographic records of Japanese wartime atrocities survived, highlighting the film’s mission to depict how Chinese civilians risked their lives to preserve the damning evidence.

“Dead To Rights” currently holds an 8.6 out of 10 rating on Douban, a key film review site.

“The simplicity and restraint of the storytelling make every scene piercingly poignant. The few images – such as the knife held to a baby, the rolling heads, the red river of blood – are more than enough to communicate the horror,” observed a popular comment on Douban. The film avoids sensationalism, allowing these chilling images to speak for themselves, the comment added.

A Maoyan user recalled a touching moment after the screening, when a young girl asked her mother if there were any “post-credit scenes.” The mother gently replied, “The real ‘post-credit scene’ begins when we step out of the cinema.” The comment continued, “Indeed, the lively streets, the bustling crowds, the aroma of food in the air – these are the true miracles.” This sentiment captures the film’s profound message: a call to cherish the peace and vitality of modern China, all made possible by the sacrifices of the past.

Renowned director Feng Xiaoning hailed the film as “a new high point” for Chinese cinema. “When the film ended, the entire audience remained seated, unmoving, until the credits had fully rolled. Everyone was lost in deep thought,” he said in a video circulated widely. “I believe every Chinese, and everyone in the world with a conscience, will be shaken by this film.”

According to the latest projections, “Dead To Rights” is now expected to gross over 4 billion yuan in total revenue, an upward revision from earlier estimates. If achieved, it would become China’s second-highest-grossing film of the year so far, trailing only the animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2.”

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

Eighty years ago, driven by a longing for peace and a belief in cooperation, countries around the world came together to establish the UN – now the most important multilateral institution globally. Since then, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter have served not only as a cornerstone of international order but also as a beacon guiding humanity towards dignity, justice and sustainable development.

Yet today, the world continues to face serious challenges, including conflict, inequality and environmental crises. At this historical juncture, it is more important than ever to reflect on how we can make the multilateral system more inclusive, action-oriented and adaptable in the face of future tests.

During the 5th China-Africa Future Leaders’ Dialogue, CGTN spoke with several young representatives from China and Africa to discuss the unique roles young people play in promoting global peace and social justice, reducing poverty, expanding access to education and addressing climate change.

The World Youth Conference for Peace was held in Beijing on Tuesday. Representatives of Chinese and foreign youth jointly issued the World Youth Peace Initiative.

Here is the full text of the initiative:

 World Youth Peace Initiative

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations.

Eighty years ago, in face of the dark and evil forces of fascism, people from different countries, nations, social systems and ideologies united together and, through tremendous sacrifice, secured the triumph of justice and peace, marking the beginning of a new chapter in rebuilding post-war world order and the pursuit of lasting peace for humanity.

Over the past 80 years, under the themes of peace and development and propelled by waves of scientific and technological innovation, human civilization has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity, the world has become more interconnected than ever before, and humanity has increasingly become a community with a shared future that shares weal and woe.

Today, 80 years on, transformations of the world unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. Changes of the world, of our times, and of the historical trajectory are taking place in ways like never before. Once again, humanity has come to a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games.

As representatives of the youth from around the world, we deeply cherish peace and understand the responsibilities borne by our generation. Only by treasuring peace and upholding unity can humanity embrace a brighter future. To this end, we solemnly issue this World Youth Peace Initiative, calling on young people across the globe to unite in safeguarding peace, promoting development, and shaping our shared future.

We call on youth to defend world peace. History must not be distorted; justice must be upheld and peace be safeguarded. Young people of all nations should draw wisdom from history and take concrete actions to defend peace, oppose all forms of war and violence, and reject unilateralism, hegemonism, and protectionism. Together, we should defend the hard-won outcomes of the victory in World War II, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and put true multilateralism into practice, to contribute youthful strength to the cause of global peace.

We call on youth to pioneer mutual learning among civilizations. To safeguard world peace, we should first construct defenses of peace in our minds. Young people of all nations should uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, and let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority, to contribute youthful wisdom to fostering harmony among civilizations and deepening friendship among peoples.

We call on youth to advocate win-win cooperation. Development is the cornerstone of peace. Young people of all nations should adhere to the philosophy of win-win cooperation and common development. By making full use of multilateral and regional mechanisms and platforms, we should deepen and expand youth cooperation, actively participate in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the outcomes of the Summit of the Future, to inject fresh momentum into bridging global development divides and promoting inclusive, equitable global growth.

We call on youth to tackle climate change. Climate change poses a threat to our shared home on Earth. Young people of all nations should act on the spirit of “promoting global solidarity” and actively engage in global climate actions, to demonstrate commitment of the youth in delivering innovative solutions to the climate crisis, improving global ecological governance, and addressing international challenges hand in hand.

We call on youth to promote “technologies for social good.” While technological advances bring opportunities for peace, they also pose new challenges. Young people of all nations should stand at the forefront of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, shoulder responsibilities, and work for the goal that technological advances benefit the entire humanity, and that digital development remain inclusive, to contribute youthful solutions to improving global tech governance and building an inclusive, fair, and sustainable global future.

Eighty years ago, our predecessors illuminated darkness with unity. Eighty years later, it is up to us – the youth – to define the future through action. Let us take the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations as a new starting point, unite for peace and work hand in hand for the shared future of mankind!

(Cover: World Youth Conference for Peace. /CGTN)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Noting that China and Nepal are connected by mountains and rivers, and their friendly exchanges have a long history, Xi said that no matter how the international and regional situations change, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation, setting a model for friendly relations between countries with different social systems and of different sizes.

In recent years, China-Nepal relations have seen sound and stable development, and political mutual trust has grown ever stronger, said Xi, adding that the Belt and Road cooperation as well as cooperation in various fields have witnessed increasing expansion, and the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring everlasting friendship for development and prosperity between the two sides has been continuously deepened.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations and is ready to work with Poudel to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields so as to better benefit the peoples of both countries and contribute to regional peace and development.

For his part, Poudel said that over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have consistently upheld mutual trust, sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence, adding that their friendship has withstood the test of time.

Noting that China is a trustworthy neighbor and development partner of Nepal, he said Nepal is grateful for China’s long-standing support for its development and for respecting Nepal’s sovereignty and independence.

Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to working hand in hand with China to further deepen cooperation in various sectors and realize the shared vision of peace, progress and prosperity, he added.

Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to award citations for merit to two military units and five individuals.

An office of Troop 63920 of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was honored with a first-class citation for merit, while Ding Yang from Troop 92853 of the PLA received a first-class citation for merit in defense-related science and technology.

Troop 96712 of the PLA was awarded a second-class citation for merit.

Wang Haidou from the former Army Academy of Armored Forces, Gao Yuqi from the Army Medical University, Yang Zichun from the Naval University of Engineering and Chen Wei from the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences were honored with third-class citations for merit in defense-related science and technology.

(Cover: Soldiers march in Beijing, April 13, 2025. /VCG)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-31/SCO-agricultural-ministers-seek-stronger-ties-at-Kunming-meeting-1FsE97EXmUg/img/e05e37a8e9944db4bafe1b3fec8ba065/e05e37a8e9944db4bafe1b3fec8ba065.jpeg' alt='Agricultural ministers from member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) pose for a group photo in Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 30, 2025 /CGTN'

Agricultural ministers from member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have agreed at a recent meeting to strengthen collaboration as they seek shared solutions to common challenges such as food security.

The 10th SCO Agricultural Ministers’ Meeting, held in Kunming, capital city of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, from July 30 to 31, brought together officials and researchers from more than 10 member states, observer states and dialogue partners. The participants held extensive discussions on rural development, poverty reduction and technological exchange.

“In the context of food security, I think the SCO agriculture sector is going to play a crucial role,” said Sohail Khan, deputy secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. “We have many things in common, and many that are not. We need to sit down and work together on the technologies that are going to be climate resilient.”

Khan added that the SCO is an important organization to solve many pressing issues at the regional level.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-31/SCO-agricultural-ministers-seek-stronger-ties-at-Kunming-meeting-1FsE97EXmUg/img/3e8e9f4831324589a4e170e7df5b92a4/3e8e9f4831324589a4e170e7df5b92a4.jpeg' alt='The 10th SCO Agricultural Ministers' Meeting is held in Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province from July 30 to 31, 2025. /CGTN'

Agriculture is a key pillar of the SCO economies, with each country offering its own strengths and facing diverse challenges. Since the launch of the ministerial meeting mechanism 15 years ago, agricultural collaboration has expanded significantly, particularly in talent cultivation, trade and investment.

A notable example is the Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Industry Demonstration Zone in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. Since the establishment of an SCO technology exchange and training base there in 2010, Chinese experts have trained more than 50,000 professionals from SCO countries and helped build 14 industry demonstration parks abroad.

Han Jun, Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said at the meeting that China’s agricultural trade with SCO member states reached $18.6 billion, a 3.8-fold increase compared to 2010.

Han said China is ready to leverage the Yangling base to expand digital agriculture training, promote technology sharing and strengthen talent development.

“We will make efforts to promote the voluntary exchange of germplasm resources and to strengthen research, development, and adoption of advanced technologies, from water-saving farming and biological breeding to smart agriculture, livestock and aquaculture health, and deep processing of agricultural products,” said the minister.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-31/SCO-agricultural-ministers-seek-stronger-ties-at-Kunming-meeting-1FsE97EXmUg/img/3076e2fb86f04aaeb5dd5db26b85774f/3076e2fb86f04aaeb5dd5db26b85774f.jpeg' alt='Deputy Agricultural Minister of Russia signs the joint statement adopted at the meeting, July 30, 2025. /CGTN'

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement, with participants expressing hope to enhance mutual learning.

“Now we are facing climate threats, so climate resilient agriculture has become a boon for the coming days,” Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary of India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, told CGTN.

“India has launched digital agriculture mission, where we have lots of possibilities and lots of new things we can do. We hope to expand cooperation with all the member nations in the field of research, technology and germplasm,” he added.

Sohail Khan put transportation and logistics as the priority to enhance collaboration.

“Transportation and logistics mean everything. We have to work hard to develop efficient railway and highway systems to facilitate the smooth movement of agricultural goods across the region,” said Khan.

(CGTN’s Zhang Kai contributed to this report.)

China has called for making full use of the China-U.S.economic and trade consultation mechanism to deliver more mutually beneficial results, following a new round of trade talks held in Stockholm.

In response to a question on the latest Stockholm talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the importance of dialogue.

“We hope the U.S. will work with China to fully leverage the consultation mechanism in line with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their recent phone conversation,” Guo said at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.

He added that China hopes both sides will continue to build consensus, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation through dialogue based on equality and mutual respect, and reciprocity. 

Guo voiced the hope that the two sides could strive for more win-win outcomes to jointly promote the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-U.S.relations.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-30/Commerce-Minister-Wang-urges-U-S-to-meet-China-halfway-on-trade-ties-1FqW2HA0enm/img/58b3950cee5543efa9f5c847d0d57f51/58b3950cee5543efa9f5c847d0d57f51.png' alt='Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao (R) meets with a delegation led by Rajesh Subramaniam, chair of the Board of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC), in Beijing, July 30, 2025. /Chinese Commerce Ministry'

Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with a delegation led by Rajesh Subramaniam, chair of the Board of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC), in Beijing on Wednesday. The two sides exchanged views on China-U.S. economic and trade relations, as well as the development of U.S. companies in China.

Wang pointed out that the facts show that despite past challenges, China and the United States remain vital economic and trade partners.

“Decoupling” and “breaking supply chains” will not work, and equal dialogue and consultation are key to resolving differences, Wang stressed.

Wang said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and the U.S. have reached the Geneva consensus and the London framework, and the trade and economic teams of China and the US held trade talks in Stockholm over the past two days.

He expressed hope that the U.S. side will work together with China to maintain the stable, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade ties.

Wang reiterated that opening up is China’s fundamental national policy, and the country’s door will only open wider. China’s policy on utilizing foreign investment has not changed and will not change, he stressed.

Highlighting China’s large consumer market, growth potential and innovative vitality, Wang welcomed enterprises from all countries, including U.S. firms, to invest in China and share development opportunities.

Subramaniam said the USCBC is pleased to see continued dialogue between the economic and trade teams of the two governments and welcomes the positive outcomes achieved.

He noted that China has sent a positive signal of its commitment to further reform and open up, which has helped boost market confidence.

Subramaniam affirmed that the USCBC and its member companies remain committed to long-term development in China and will do their utmost to play a constructive role in expanding China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-29/Xi-sends-message-to-World-Youth-Conference-for-Peace-1FoYlnY5aSc/img/d7f9fae629f346cbadd1410254a42189/d7f9fae629f346cbadd1410254a42189.png' alt='A picture taken at the World Youth Conference for Peace in Beijing, July 29, 2025. /CGTN'

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to the World Youth Conference for Peace on Tuesday.

Xi pointed out that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, the Chinese people, alongside the global community, through bloody and arduous fights, completely defeated fascism, achieving the hard-won peace.

Emphasizing that the future of peace depends on the youth, Xi said that he hopes young people from all countries take this conference as an opportunity to exchange ideas, enhance understanding and forge friendships. 

The youth should work together to advocate for peace and act for peaceful development, contributing their wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi added.

The World Youth Conference for Peace, held in Beijing, was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the All-China Youth Federation.

China firmly opposes using the South China Sea issue as a pretext to strengthen military alliances or carry out targeted military deployments and actions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Guo made the remarks in response to recent developments following Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the United States. During the trip, the two sides reaffirmed that the so-called U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the South China Sea, and announced plans to deepen military cooperation, including the deployment of U.S. intermediate-range missiles and the co-construction of ammunition depots. Reports also indicated that Japan plans to sell six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines.

“Such moves will not solve any problem, nor will they intimidate China. They also run counter to the shared aspiration of Asia-Pacific countries for peace, development, and stability,” Guo pointed out.

Guo stressed that while countries are free to pursue defense cooperation, such arrangements should not target third parties, interfere in maritime disputes, or provoke confrontation.

“We urge the Philippine side to stop heightening tensions, shifting blame, and drawing in external forces to back its position,” he said.

Guo also called on the Philippines to adopt a truly independent foreign policy and take concrete actions to uphold regional peace and stability.

China and South Korea should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday in a phone call with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun.

China and South Korea are important neighbors and cooperation partners, and upholding good neighborliness serves the common interests of the two peoples, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

After the inauguration of the new South Korean government, the two heads of state held a phone call, bringing fresh and positive dynamics to bilateral ties and charting the course for joint future work, Wang said in the call made at the request of South Korea.

He emphasized that China and South Korea should be genuine strategic cooperative partners and work together to elevate bilateral relations to higher levels. For that goal, the two sides should maintain policy stability, Wang said, adding that China has always attached great importance to developing cooperation with South Korea, and has maintained a consistent and stable policy toward South Korea.

Wang expressed hope that South Korea will likewise ensure that its China policy is stable, sustainable and predictable without vacillation.

The two countries should also uphold independence and autonomy. China-South Korea relations are based on shared interests and have brought benefits to the two peoples. They are not targeted at any third party, nor should they be constrained by any third party, said Wang.

In addition, he noted that China and South Korea should enhance mutual benefits. China and South Korea share close economic ties and deeply integrated industrial and supply chains.

As beneficiaries of multilateralism and free trade, China and South Korea should jointly oppose “decoupling” and disruptions to supply chains, and work together to maintain the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, Wang stressed.

He also said China supports South Korea in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting later this year.

Cho said South Korea attaches great significance to relations with China and looks forward to more high-level exchanges between the two countries, so as to promote greater development of the two countries’ strategic cooperative partnership in the future.

Noting that South Korea and China enjoy close economic and trade relations and have established a good cooperation model, Cho said South Korea is ready to actively advance bilateral free trade negotiations and deepen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

South Korea looks forward to strengthening communication and coordination with China, facing up to history, and jointly maintaining regional peace and stability, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on coordination and cooperation in multilateral areas, among other issues.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-27/How-is-China-s-unified-national-market-taking-shape–1FlJSQLKzyU/img/923b8a6d50004e399a7f7407b3c1eb05/923b8a6d50004e399a7f7407b3c1eb05.png' alt='The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completes tunneling, December 30, 2024. /VCG'

Deep in the Tianshan Mountains of China’s far west, workers recently marked a milestone: the completion of all eight vertical shafts of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – the world’s longest expressway tunnel. Once operational, it will slash travel time between Urumqi and Korla by more than half, saving logistics firms an estimated 70 million yuan ($9.7 million) each year.

Beyond the concrete and steel lies a broader ambition: China is accelerating efforts to build a unified national market in a bid to promote efficient allocation of resources, safeguard fair competition, and attract global resources and investors.

Physical and soft connectivity

Under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), China has made infrastructure a national priority. High-speed railways, expressways, seaports and 5G networks now reach even the country’s most remote regions, connecting them to major economic centers. By the end of 2024, China’s railway network spanned over 150,000 kilometers, expressways totaled 180,000 kilometers, and more than 3.6 million 5G base stations were operational.

For example, in Hefei, solar panels can now reach German ports in just 27 days via a sea-rail intermodal route – 12 days faster than traditional shipping. Along the southeastern coast, 5G upgrades in places like Zhangzhou now extend coverage 50 km offshore, enabling digital transformation of the fishing industry.

Connectivity is not limited to physical infrastructure. Regulatory and administrative reforms are advancing to unify market rules and simplify operations across provincial borders. One-stop digital portals, unified e-procurement platforms, and remote service centers have made cross-regional business and citizen services more convenient.

In Jiangxi, a cybersecurity firm successfully secured contracts in other provinces thanks to a unified electronic procurement platform. In the Yangtze River Delta, cross-provincial business registration and social services are now a standard practice. A nationwide mechanism for interconnecting data exchanges is also steadily taking shape, laying the groundwork for a unified digital market.

Fueling the dual circulation strategy

From the lychee orchards of Guangdong to the highlands of Xizang, and from the power bases of Gansu to the megacities of eastern China, the vision of a unified national market is becoming a powerful engine for China’s dual circulation strategy, which takes the domestic market as the mainstay while allowing domestic and international markets to reinforce each other.

In the southern city of Gaozhou, freshly harvested lychees now travel across provinces with ease, thanks to improved logistics. Major infrastructure projects like the South-to-North Water Diversion and West-to-East Power Transmission are reshaping the geographic flow of resources like water and electricity, supporting more balanced development.

These internal linkages are also opening new doors abroad. In Zhengzhou, China-Europe freight trains now carry an expanding mix of goods from agricultural produce to electric vehicles and to Central Asia and beyond.

Further south, the Pinglu Canal in Guangxi, China’s first large-scale river-sea corridor, is under construction. Once completed, 5,000-tonne ships will be able to travel from inland ports directly to international waters, boosting trade with Southeast Asia.

As China prepares for its 15th Five-Year Plan, further integration is expected. Key priorities include unifying standards and regulations, expanding national data and logistics networks, and enabling smoother flows of capital, technology and talent.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-27/Forum-in-Beijing-aims-to-boost-China-Japan-people-to-people-exchanges-1FlYQIi73TW/img/937995a51ce240d5b71631733278d10f/937995a51ce240d5b71631733278d10f.png' alt='The second China-Japan Forum on Friendship and People-to-People Exchange is held in Beijing, China, July 27, 2025. /CGTN'

Over 50 experts and scholars from nearly 20 universities and research institutions in China and Japan gathered at a forum in Beijing on Sunday to discuss how to boost people-to-people exchanges and foster cultural understanding between the two countries.

The forum, co-hosted by the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and the Japan-China Friendship Center, covered topics such as high-quality development and modernization in both countries, social governance from comparative perspectives, China-Japan cooperation in times of global transformation, and the joint pursuit of lasting world peace and development.

Xie Fuzhan, president of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, highlighted the essential role of people-to-people ties in shaping China-Japan relations. He stressed the need for objective understanding and cultural exchange, especially at a time when bilateral relations are at a crossroads.

Kenji Kanasugi, the Japanese ambassador to China, said the biggest challenge facing China-Japan ties today is improving public sentiment. He noted that emotional understanding requires long-term efforts and dialogue, enabling both peoples to see the tangible benefits of better bilateral relations.

Cheng Yonghua, executive vice president of the China-Japan Friendship Association, emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from history while looking towards the future. He called for a faithful commitment to the principles enshrined in the four political documents between the two countries, and for translating the consensus of mutual partnership and non-threat into concrete actions.

Miyamoto Yuji, president of the Japan-China Friendship Center, said that amid profound global changes, pursuing peace and development has become a common imperative. He underscored the importance of strengthening academic and people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.

In his closing remarks, Zhou Shuchun, executive vice president of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, said the success of the forum reflects the deep-rooted tradition of friendship between the two nations and offers renewed hope for future cooperation.

The forum, launched in 2024, is part of a joint effort to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the Chinese and Japanese peoples. It is held alternately in both countries.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-26/Trump-says-he-was-never-informed-his-name-appeared-in-Epstein-files–1FjYzpDwLlu/img/740b5235fb62437b8833eb8dabdcfbfe/740b5235fb62437b8833eb8dabdcfbfe.png' alt='U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media after he arrived at Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire, Scotland, July 25, 2025. /VCG'

U.S. President Donald Trump denied on Friday that he had ever been told that his name appeared in files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“No, I was never — never briefed, no,” Trump told reporters in Scotland after the Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi told him in May about his name appearing multiple times.

The newspaper noted that Trump was also told that many other high-profile figures were named, and that the Justice Department did not plan to release any more documents related to the investigation.

The disclosure of Trump’s appearance in the Justice Department’s records on the case threatened to deepen a political crisis that has engulfed his administration for weeks. For years, some Trump supporters have promoted conspiracy theories about Epstein’s clients and the circumstances of his 2019 death in prison.

The White House sent mixed signals following the story. It released an initial statement characterizing it as “fake news,” but a White House official later told Reuters the administration was not denying that Trump’s name appears in some files, noting that Trump was already included in a tranche of materials Bondi assembled in February for conservative influencers.

Trump, who was friendly with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s, appears multiple times on flight logs for Epstein’s private plane in the 1990s. Trump and several members of his family also appear in an Epstein contact book, alongside hundreds of others.

Much of that material had been publicly released in the criminal case against Epstein’s former associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after her conviction for child sex trafficking and other crimes.

During her trial, Epstein’s longtime pilot testified that Trump flew on Epstein’s private plane multiple times. Trump has denied being on the plane.

Trump has faced intense backlash from his own supporters after his administration said it would not release the files, reversing a campaign promise.

The Justice Department said in a memo earlier this month that there was no basis to continue probing the Epstein case, sparking anger among some prominent Trump supporters who are demanding more information about wealthy and powerful individuals who had interacted with Epstein.

Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein and has said their friendship ended before Epstein’s legal troubles first began two decades ago.

Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement that did not directly address the Journal’s report.

“Nothing in the files warranted further investigation or prosecution, and we have filed a motion in court to unseal the underlying grand jury transcripts,” the officials said. “As part of our routine briefing, we made the President aware of the findings.”

(With input from AFP, Reuters)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-26/China-lodges-protest-with-Japan-over-Taiwan-region-official-s-visit-1FkktmRHKFy/img/3cc1a6c5578143edad5c9cd5b54d17c9/3cc1a6c5578143edad5c9cd5b54d17c9.png' alt='A file photo of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, China's Taiwan region. /VCG'

The Chinese Embassy in Japan on Friday lodged solemn representations and strong protests with Japan over a recent visit by a “foreign affairs” official of China’s Taiwan region to the country.

The Japanese government disregarded China’s repeated demarches and insisted on allowing Lin Chia-lung, the head of the “foreign affairs department” of the Taiwan region, to enter the country and engage in provocative activities promoting “Taiwan independence” in Japan, said Shi Yong, minister of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, to Masaki Kanai, director-general of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

China will never tolerate this, said Shi.

China demands that the Japanese government abide by the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and honor its solemn commitments on the Taiwan question, he added.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, and the one-China principle is an inviolable red line that brooks no political manipulation, said Shi.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-25/China-EU-reach-key-agreements-at-summit-Chinese-Foreign-Ministry-1FitFnsbQAM/img/2e2df3f90a5b49dfb2869ee4196940e1/2e2df3f90a5b49dfb2869ee4196940e1.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a regular press briefing in Beijing, China. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

China and the European Union have reached several important agreements at a summit, including on climate change and export controls, said a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that at the 25th China-EU Summit, marking the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, held in Beijing on Thursday, both sides underscored the importance of China-EU relations.

The two sides pledged to uphold and deepen their partnership, maintain strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and jointly strive for an even brighter future in the next 50 years of bilateral ties, said Guo.

Leaders of China and the EU issued a joint statement on climate change, showing their shared commitment to addressing climate change and pursuing green development, among others, he said.

The two sides also agreed to establish an upgraded export control dialogue mechanism to facilitate timely communication on issues of mutual concern and jointly safeguard the stable and unimpeded flow of China-EU industrial and supply chains, added the spokesperson.

Read more:

President Xi calls for China-EU cooperation to provide more stability, certainty for world

Chinese premier: Cooperation should be keynote of China-EU relations

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday presided over a State Council executive meeting, where attendees were briefed on the current progress of flood and drought prevention and control efforts, as well as the work plan for the next stage.

The executive meeting also reviewed and approved interim measures for natural disaster investigation and evaluation, while announcing steps to gradually implement free pre-school education.

As China enters a key phase of flood prevention, the meeting urged all relevant departments to strengthen coordination and collaboration to help the country safely navigate the flood season.

Ensuring people’s safety should remain the top priority of all work, the meeting emphasized, calling for efforts to enhance monitoring and warning systems for emergencies and improve risk management in key areas, projects and vulnerable points.

For drought-affected areas, it is important to guarantee adequate irrigation for crops and secure drinking water supplies, the meeting emphasized.

While emphasizing the importance of investigating and evaluating natural disasters, the meeting stressed the need to enhance capabilities in disaster prevention, reduction, and relief.

The meeting also underscored the gradual implementation of free pre-school education as an important initiative that would benefit the public, urging local governments to develop specific plans and prepare related subsidies.

For children whose families face economic difficulties, who are orphans, or who have physical challenges, relevant departments should ensure the alignment of support measures and guarantee that their daily needs are met, according to the meeting.

It is also important to accelerate the construction of related infrastructure, improve wages for kindergarten teachers, and safeguard both the physical and psychological well-being of kindergarten children, the meeting noted.

(Cover: A view of a drainage station in Fanchang District, Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, July 8, 2025. /VCG)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-24/EU-backs-potential-counter-tariffs-on-93-billion-euros-of-U-S-goods-1Fh0e4SVsC4/img/5f9c3950dfd54db7ae37d32c624b17ae/5f9c3950dfd54db7ae37d32c624b17ae.png' alt='A ship-to-shore crane unloads shipping containers at the container port in Frankfurt, Germany, April 10, 2025. /VCG'

The European Union’s member countries voted on Thursday to approve counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros ($109 billion) of U.S. goods, which could be imposed should the bloc fail to reach a trade deal with Washington, EU diplomats said.

The 27-nation bloc’s executive European Commission said on Wednesday its primary focus was to achieve a negotiated outcome with Washington to avert 30 percent U.S. tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will apply on August 1.

The Commission said it would press on in parallel with plans for potential countermeasures, merging two packages of proposed tariffs of 21 billion euros and 72 billion euros into a single list and submitting this to EU members for approval.

No countermeasures would enter force until August 7. So far, the EU has held back from imposing any countermeasures, despite Trump’s repeated announcements of tariffs, the broadest of which have been postponed. EU member states authorized the first package of countermeasures in April, but these were immediately suspended to allow time for negotiations.

According to EU diplomats, the EU and the U.S. appear to be heading towards a possible trade deal, which would result in a broad 15 percent tariff on EU goods imported into the U.S., mirroring a framework agreement Washington struck with Japan. Trump would still need to take any final decision.

Under the outlines of the potential deal, the 15 percent rate could apply to sectors including cars and pharmaceuticals and would not be added to long-standing U.S. duties, which average just under 5 percent.

There could also be concessions for sectors such as aircraft, lumber as well as some medicines and agricultural products, which would not face tariffs, diplomats said.

Washington does not, however, appear willing to lower its 50 percent tariff on steel.

Experts have warned the U.S.’s tariff hikes could drive major European economies to decouple from the U.S. market. 

Gavran Igor, an economic analyst from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), said that Washington is using trade policy as a tool of political coercion. “This is no longer trade policy, but economic aggression,” he said.

Igor said once punitive tariffs take effect on August 1, it will disrupt value chains and hurt EU economies, especially for smaller economies.

The analyst said the EU has begun shifting toward a more assertive but diversified trade strategy in a bid to offset the expected losses from a more protectionist United States. Igor believes the long-term solution lies in aligning with stable and predictable partners, particularly in East Asia.

“China stands out, not just for its market scale, but for its economic consistency. Unlike the U.S., where trade policy flips with every administration, China provides planning stability over decades,” he said.

(With input from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the deadly crash of a Russian passenger plane on Thursday. 

President Xi said he was shocked to learn of the tragic plane crash in Russia’s Amur Oblast, which caused heavy casualties.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep condolences for the victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-23/China-advocates-peaceful-resolution-to-Iran-nuclear-issue-1Ff59TLlv1u/img/01c6bcfabb66434fbbef54bef60454b5/01c6bcfabb66434fbbef54bef60454b5.png' alt=''

China advocates a peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a daily news briefing on Wednesday.

China has maintained communication with all relevant parties and will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the resumption of dialogue and negotiations, aiming for a solution that addresses the legitimate concerns of all sides, Guo added.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Sweden from July 27 to 30 for economic and trade talks with the United States, upon mutual agreement, the Commerce Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Following the important consensus reached during the phone talks between the two heads of state on June 5, the two sides will leverage the role of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism and continue to engage in consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern based on the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, said a spokesperson with the ministry.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-22/China-and-EU-reap-the-benefits-after-50-years-of-trade-cooperation-1Fdsg0FoU2k/img/416a45ba87bb4a9ab5840c6dddaab36d/416a45ba87bb4a9ab5840c6dddaab36d.png' alt='A China-Europe freight train departs from Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 4, 2025. /VCG'

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Fifty years ago, on May 6, 1975, China and the European Economic Community, the precursor to today’s European Union (EU), established diplomatic relations, marking a pivotal moment in modern international diplomacy.

Over the decades, China-EU ties have become a key pillar of the global landscape, shaping developments in politics, security, trade, investment, technology and environmental cooperation.

The China-EU partnership is particularly evident in economic and trade relations. The official data shows that bilateral trade grew from $2.4 billion to $780 billion and investment has increased from almost zero to nearly $260 billion over the past five decades.

Across numerous sectors, especially automotive and luxury industries, Europe contributes design expertise, regulatory rigor and innovation, while China brings high-quality manufacturing, skilled labor and a vast and dynamic consumer base. Together, they have created jobs, revitalized industries and boosted global growth.

The China-EU freight train service has also become a vital artery for bilateral trade. A major milestone in this growing partnership was reached late last year, when the 100,000th China-Europe freight train arrived in Duisburg, Germany, underscoring the scale, resilience and growing relevance of this transcontinental link.

China also leads in global green technology, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, areas that strongly resonate with the EU’s goals of carbon neutrality and digital transformation.

With over 400 million middle-income earners, China is not only the world’s factory, but also a fast-growing consumer market. According to the Rhodium Group, China’s total consumption has kept pace with economies of similar size, and over the past two decades, its consumption growth has significantly outstripped countries with comparable GDP per capita levels.

Cooperation between China and the EU has yielded fruitful results, he said, with each providing significant support for the other’s development and providing tangible benefits to nearly 2 billion Chinese and EU people, making important contributions to global peace and development, and setting an example of mutually beneficial cooperation in the era of economic globalization, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

Guo made the remarks at a daily news briefing when introducing the upcoming 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing.

China hopes that the EU will work with China, view its relations with China from a comprehensive, dialectical and forward-looking perspective, draw experience and inspiration from bilateral relations over the past 50 years, follow the trend of the times, meet the expectations of the two peoples and the international community, pool consensus, rise above differences, jointly plan for the cooperation in the next 50 years, and open up a brighter future for the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, Guo said.

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-21/Iran-says-Europeans-fail-to-respect-2015-nuclear-deal-1FbMqZnC4bC/img/6b57e322f3744a44a34dba3b1c918e08/6b57e322f3744a44a34dba3b1c918e08.png' alt='Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei speaks to the press in Tehran, Iran, May 26, 2025. /VCG'

Tehran on Monday accused Britain, France and Germany of failing to respect the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, after they threatened to reimpose sanctions over its atomic program.

“The European parties have been at fault and negligent in implementing” the nuclear agreement, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.

The three European countries – known as the E3 nations – have warned that sanctions could be reimposed on Iran if it does return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program.

Baghaei also said on Monday that Iran and the E3 will hold nuclear talks at the deputy foreign minister level in Istanbul on Friday.

The talks scheduled for Friday come after foreign ministers of the E3 countries, as well as the European Union’s foreign policy chief, held their first call on Thursday with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi since Israel and the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear facilities a month ago.

The three European countries, along with China and Russia, are the remaining parties to a 2015 nuclear deal reached with Iran, from which the United States withdrew in 2018, that lifted sanctions on the Middle Eastern country in return for restrictions on its nuclear program.

The E3 have said they would restore UN sanctions on Tehran via the “snapback mechanism” by the end of August if nuclear talks that were ongoing between Iran and the U.S. before the Israel-Iran air war do not resume or fail to produce concrete results.

“If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the ‘snapback’ for which they lack absolutely [any] moral and legal ground,” Araqchi said earlier in the week.

The snapback mechanism can be used to restore UN sanctions before the UN Security Council resolution enshrining the deal expires on October 18.

Prior to the Israel-Iran war, Tehran and Washington held five rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman but faced major stumbling blocks such as uranium enrichment in Iran, which Western powers want to bring down to zero to minimize any risk of weaponization.

Tehran maintains its nuclear program is solely meant for civilian purposes.

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-21/Japan-s-PM-hangs-on-after-election-debacle-1FbNXTUpBYc/img/11a29c2bd1b3492a9aa6169b73ab2167/11a29c2bd1b3492a9aa6169b73ab2167.png' alt='Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a press conference at the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo, Japan on July 21, 2025. /VCG'

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba clung on Monday even after an election debacle left his coalition without a majority in the upper house, as painful new US tariffs loom.

In Sunday’s election Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost continuously since 1955, and its partner Komeito fell a projected three seats short of retaining a majority in the upper house.

Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the “Japanese first” Sanseito, which made strong gains with its “anti-globalist” drive echoing the agenda of populist parties elsewhere.

The debacle comes only months after Ishiba’s coalition was forced into a minority government in the more powerful lower house, in the LDP’s worst result in 15 years.

However, asked late on Sunday if he intended to remain in office, Ishiba told local media, “That’s right.”

“Although I’m acutely aware of our grave responsibility for the election results, in order to not let politics become stagnant, I believe I must fulfil my responsibility as the party with the most votes and to the people of the country, while listening carefully and sincerely to the voices of the local people,” Ishiba told a news conference on Monday.

He called the election result “extremely regrettable”.

It was unclear in any case who might step up to replace Ishiba given the LDP’s frequent leadership changes in recent years.

The election saw 125 seats in the 248-seat upper house contested.

The coalition needed 50 of those but local media reported they only won 47, with the LDP winning 39 and Komeito eight, giving them 122 deputies.

Second-placed was the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), which won 22 contested seats, followed by the Democratic Party For the People (DPP) with 17.

The right-wing Sanseito party won 14 seats.

Sanseito wants “stricter rules and limits” on immigration, opposes “radical” gender policies, and wants a rethink on decarbonization and vaccines.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-20/news-1Faif5Y5lxS/img/2843ff43229140f0b09dbbacf8150880/2843ff43229140f0b09dbbacf8150880.png' alt='Japan's upper house election starts in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture, July 20, 2025. /VCG'

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition is likely to lose its majority in the upper house, local media and exit polls projected on Sunday, in a result that could spell the end of his premiership and usher in heightened political uncertainty.

Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito won around 41 of the 125 seats contested, falling short of the 50 needed to retain control of the 248-seat chamber, according to Nippon TV and TBS. 

NHK exit polls projected the coalition would win between 32 and 51 seats, while the right-wing populist Sanseito party made strong gains, securing 10 to 22 seats in addition to the two it already held.

The defeat compounds a series of setbacks for Ishiba, who came to power less than a year ago. Last October, his coalition was forced into a minority after losing control of the more powerful lower house in snap elections he called shortly after taking office.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-20/news-1Faif5Y5lxS/img/bd416fa69a8a47b0867cabc41166dfa4/bd416fa69a8a47b0867cabc41166dfa4.jpeg' alt='Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's prime minister and president of the Liberal Democratic Party, delivers a campaign speech in Yokohama, Japan, July 6, 2025. /VCG'

If the exit polls are correct, the result would mark the first time since World War II that Japan’s ruling bloc is in the minority in both houses of parliament, significantly undermining its ability to pass legislation.

The loss also comes amid growing public discontent over inflation, shrinking pensions and stalled wages, as well as rising concerns about U.S. tariffs. A 25 percent tariff on Japanese exports, including autos, is set to take effect on August 1 if no deal is reached with Washington.

Despite repeated efforts, including high-level meetings with U.S. officials, Ishiba has failed to secure an agreement. His insistence on eliminating all tariffs has drawn criticism and is seen as a key obstacle to progress.

The LDP, which has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, now faces deepening political and economic challenges as it grapples with a weakened mandate, a fragmented opposition and a surging populist right.

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-20/Rwanda-welcomes-peace-declaration-between-DRC-M23-rebels-1FaoBLygsIE/img/cd4d88c3f1604eb882fa231c578f70a4/cd4d88c3f1604eb882fa231c578f70a4.png' alt='People make their way to the center of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, January 26, 2025. /VCG'

Rwanda on Saturday welcomed the signing of a declaration of principles between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group in Doha, Qatar, aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DRC.

Following months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, the declaration outlines a framework of core principles agreed upon by both parties and sets the stage for continued dialogue toward a comprehensive peace agreement.

“The declaration in Doha is a significant step forward toward the peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC, by addressing the root causes of the conflict and restoring security and stability in our region,” said a statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Rwanda praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, noting that they build on the work of the African Union and other regional initiatives. The country also reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to sustainable peace and economic development in the Great Lakes region.

“We all have to support continuation of progress to the conclusion,” the statement added.

The signing follows a peace agreement reached between Rwanda and the DRC last month in Washington, which calls for a cessation of hostilities between the two neighboring countries.

The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, an allegation Kigali strongly denies. In turn, Rwanda accuses the Congolese army of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda that is linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.

Eastern DRC has endured decades of instability and conflict. Violence intensified in late 2021 with the resurgence of the M23, which has since seized significant territory in the region, including the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-19/DR-Congo-govt-M23-sign-declaration-of-principles-to-end-conflict-1F8FftYIYNO/img/1245c9a056d54b25b0833f264e1dbfd3/1245c9a056d54b25b0833f264e1dbfd3.png' alt='Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi (C) addresses the media as he sits between peace mediator Sumbu Sita Mambu, a high representative of the head of state in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (L) and Benjamin Mbonimp (R), executive secretary of armed group M23, during the signing of a ceasefire deal in Doha on July 19, 2025. /VCG'

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed a declaration of principles with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group in Doha on Saturday to end the conflict in the country’s eastern region.

After months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, the declaration lays out a framework of core principles agreed upon by both parties and sets the foundation for continued talks aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace deal.

“The agreement outlines the key principles both parties have committed to,” said Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatari minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the signing ceremony.

Qatar remains committed to pushing forward negotiations following the declaration in efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement that brings peace, development and stability to the DRC people, said the minister.

Security conditions in the eastern DRC have deteriorated since January amid a resurgence of fighting involving M23 rebels.

The group has taken control of several key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and worsening an already dire humanitarian emergency.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced Saturday the start of the construction of a hydropower project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River.

Premier Li made the announcement while attending a groundbreaking ceremony in Nyingchi City, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the dam site of Nyingchi’s Mainling hydropower station. Representatives from various organizations, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the Power Construction Corporation of China, spoke at the ceremony.

The ceremony was also attended by members of an expert advisory committee for the construction of the hydropower project, as well as local residents.

The project consists of five cascade hydropower stations, with a total investment estimated at around 1.2 trillion yuan (about $167.8 billion).

The project will primarily deliver electricity for external consumption while addressing local demand in Xizang.

A ceremony has recently been held in Beijing to inaugurate the China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd. for the smooth construction and operation of the hydropower project. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing attended the inauguration ceremony.

(Cover: A view of the Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon in Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China, March 25, 2023. /VCG)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-18/China-denounces-Canada-s-tariffs-on-products-containing-Chinese-steel-1F71zLrWwdq/img/95d179e3d55d4d55a3b6f8b5f3a83869/95d179e3d55d4d55a3b6f8b5f3a83869.png' alt='A view of the Walters Group steel construction facility in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, July 16, 2025. /VCG'

In the name of protecting its own industries, Canada has announced unilateral measures such as imposing additional tariffs on products containing Chinese steel, which has violated the WTO rules, disrupted the international trade order, and undermined China’s interests, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

On Wednesday, Canada announced that in response to U.S. steel tariffs and global steel overcapacity, it will tighten existing quotas, and impose additional tariffs on imports outside the quota, starting from August 1. The country will implement additional tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports from all non-U.S. countries containing steel melted and poured in China.

In response, the spokesperson said this is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, adding that China is strongly dissatisfied and opposes such an act.

The main reason for the difficulties faced by Canada’s domestic steel industry is the unilateral tariff measures of the United States, the spokesperson said. However, the Canadian government has avoided the contradiction and attempted to shift the damage to other trading partners including China.

“Canada’s actions are unreasonable, illegal and unhelpful, and will seriously jeopardize the normal economic and trade cooperation between China and Canada,” noted the spokesperson.

The spokesperson expressed China’s hope that Canada will immediately correct its wrongdoings and stop its restrictive measures to maintain the multilateral trading system and the overall interests of China-Canada economic and trade relations.

The Chinese side will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the spokesperson added.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-18/China-slams-U-S-Senate-Democrats-report-for-hyping-up-China-threat–1F74010gPAs/img/1fcd58c4e3994a6082d97a5b7a8625f7/1fcd58c4e3994a6082d97a5b7a8625f7.png' alt='Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a regular press briefing. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

China on Friday firmly opposed a U.S. report amplifying the so-called “China threat” and urged relevant U.S. politicians to cease smearing and suppressing China.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks during a regular press briefing, responding to a query about the report in which Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee called for congressional action toward restoring the country’s global reputation and influence to prevent the U.S. from being overtaken by China as the world’s leading power.

Lin said the report, filled with Cold War thinking, peddles major country confrontation and the false narrative of “China threat,” with the real aim of going after and suppressing China. China firmly opposes it.

He stressed that China follows an independent foreign policy of peace and always acts as a positive and stable force for good, and has no intention to and will not engage in a contest with any country for influence.

Noting that China follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation in viewing and handling its relations with the U.S., Lin urged relevant U.S. personnel to foster a right perception of China, view China and China-U.S. relations in an objective and rational way, stop attacking, smearing, containing and going after China, and contribute to a steady, sound and sustainable bilateral relationship.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-17/Reform-opening-up-revitalizes-old-industrial-base-in-northeast-China-1F4xotufTO0/img/cb76073330394f9b824cdc97adc59e98/cb76073330394f9b824cdc97adc59e98.png' alt='Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, June 16, 2025. /VCG'

Ten years ago, on July 17, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of improving institutional mechanisms and innovation in promoting the revitalization of the old industrial base in northeast China.

A decade on, China’s northeastern region, including Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces, has frequently appeared on the itinerary of Xi, reflecting his enduring concern for the region and the importance of the full revitalization of northeast China in the new era.

Comprehensive deepening of reform and opening up is crucial for the full revitalization of northeast China, Xi said on February 8, noting that related policies and regulations must be fully implemented in the process of deepening the reform of state-owned assets and enterprises and promoting the development of the private economy.

In recent years, the northeastern region has achieved remarkable results in resolving deep-seated contradictions and removing institutional and mechanism barriers by deepening the reform of state-owned assets and state-owned enterprises, and promoting the deep integration of central enterprises and local state-owned enterprises. 

For example, Bensteel Group, a time-honored enterprise in Benxi City, Liaoning, has been revitalized through restructuring with Ansteel Group, improving the modern corporate system and promoting industrial transformation and upgrade.

The region has also optimized the layout of state-owned capital and continuously optimized the business environment, injecting strong impetus into its comprehensive revitalization. The tourism industry, especially the “ice and snow economy,” has become a key driver for high-quality development in the region. 

For example, during this year’s eight-day Spring Festival holiday, Harbin saw a 20.4 percent increase in tourist visits, totaling a record high of 12.15 million. Tourism revenue also increased 16.6 percent, reaching a record 19.15 billion yuan (about $2.67 billion), according to the city’s bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism.

Near the entrance of the Harbin Ice-Snow World, an iconic winter attraction, a row of giant red characters stands out: “Snow and ice are also valuable assets.” This statement, first made by Xi about nine years ago, has reshaped the country’s ice-and-snow sector and spurred the stellar growth of related industries.

In addition, the openness of northeast China further improved in 2024, according to official data from China’s State Council Information Office (SCIO). The region’s foreign trade volume reached a new high for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, totaling 1.25 trillion yuan ($170 billion), an increase of 1.6 percent. Exports increased by 8.1 percent, outpacing the national export growth by 1 percentage point, the SCIO said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-17/UK-Germany-sign-friendship-treaty-deepening-ties-in-face-of-threats-1F5sP7EuOkM/img/83c0e60b61e0421583eb894faee90106/83c0e60b61e0421583eb894faee90106.png' alt='German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) is greeted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London, UK, July 17, 2025. /VCG
'

Britain and Germany signed a wide-ranging friendship treaty on Thursday, deepening ties in areas ranging from defense to transport, marking Friedrich Merz’s first trip to London as chancellor, the latest visit to help reset UK ties with the EU.

Merz’s day trip follows a three-day state visit to Britain by French President Emmanuel Macron, signaling greater cooperation between Europe’s top three powers at a time of threats to the continent and uncertainty about their U.S. ally.

Europe has been confronted with new U.S. tariffs since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, as well as questions about the U.S. commitment to defend its European allies.

“The treaty is, on the one hand, a sign of the normalization of German-British relations after Brexit,” said Nicolai von Ondarza at Berlin’s SWP think-tank. “On the other hand, the treaty is a sign that the UK has become even more important as a security partner due to transatlantic uncertainty.”

Germany has similar friendship treaties with just a handful of countries, like France, underlining the closeness of their ties.

Coming nearly a decade after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the treaty includes a clause on mutual assistance, which is “highly significant” in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, said Ondarza.

It builds on a defense deal agreed last year that included the joint development of long-range strike weapons, and comes after France and Britain agreed last week to reinforce cooperation over their respective nuclear arsenals.

Deeper defense

As part of Thursday’s announcement, Britain and Germany pledged to “pursue joint export campaigns” to drum up orders from other countries for equipment they make jointly, such as the Typhoon Eurofighter jet and the Boxer armored vehicle.

That could help boost sales and represents a significant reversal from the previous 10 years, when Germany blocked Saudi Arabia and Türkiye from buying Typhoons.

Typhoons are made by a consortium of European companies, including BAE Systems in Britain and Airbus in Germany, with the different partner governments responsible for orders to different countries. Meanwhile, German-British joint venture Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land produces the Boxer armored vehicle.

Further deepening ties, German defense technology company Stark has agreed to build a new factory in Britain, its first production facility outside of Germany, to create AI-powered unmanned systems.

Beyond defense, the treaty also includes an agreement to develop a new direct rail link between the two countries and jointly combat irregular migration, as part of Starmer’s push to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving in Britain to counter the populist Reform UK party.

Germany pledged to outlaw the facilitation of illegal migration to Britain, with a law change by the end of the year.

That would give law enforcement the tools to investigate warehouses and storage facilities used by migrant smugglers to conceal dangerous small boats intended for illegal crossings to Britain.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-16/Chinese-FM-meets-with-Uzbek-counterpart-in-Tianjin-1F3KGB61pUk/img/553f93eca7034b908aa5bbf2f1b2b242/553f93eca7034b908aa5bbf2f1b2b242.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in north China's Tianjin, July 16, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in north China’s Tianjin on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the two heads of state held a cordial, friendly meeting during the second China-Central Asia Summit and made strategic plans for the development of China-Uzbekistan relations.

China is willing to work with Uzbekistan to fully implement the consensus reached between their leaders, make good preparations for the next stage of high-level exchange, and promote the development of bilateral relations to a higher quality and higher level, Wang said.

China is a trustworthy and reliable partner for Uzbekistan, and has always regarded Uzbekistan as one of the priorities in its neighborhood diplomacy, Wang said, adding that China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, security and development interests.

Wang said the two sides should accelerate cooperation in key areas, promote the early operation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, and make more achievements in bilateral cooperation.

China looks forward to working with Uzbekistan and other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to ensure the complete success of the SCO Tianjin Summit and inject stronger impetus into the development of the organization, he said.

Saidov said that the two heads of state have elevated bilateral relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, with fruitful practical cooperation seen in various fields.

Uzbekistan is willing to expand cooperation with China in such areas as logistics, minerals, artificial intelligence, the green transformation and desertification control, Saidov said, adding that it is also ready to communicate and coordinate closely with China on regional and international affairs, safeguard the common interests of both sides, and push bilateral relations to a new level.

The recent Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SCO Member States achieved positive results, Saidov said, noting that Uzbekistan will, as always, fully support and assist China in its successful hosting of the Tianjin summit.

(With input from Xinhua)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-16/China-lodges-representation-over-Japan-s-negative-remarks-in-its-paper-1F3O70rH9bq/img/180c6f395663450ca4127daa74a1294e/180c6f395663450ca4127daa74a1294e.png' alt='The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, China. /VCG'

China lodged solemn representations to Japan on Wednesday over its erroneous and negative China-related remarks in its recently released 2025 defense white paper, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Liu Jinsong, director general of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, summoned Yokochi Akira, chief minister of the Embassy of Japan in China, to lodge solemn representations.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-15/Mexican-president-urges-U-S-action-to-curb-drug-arms-trafficking-1F23MKdRlYY/img/240a3228680b40d7bc188cb399b2b52e/240a3228680b40d7bc188cb399b2b52e.png' alt='Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during a press conference at National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, July 14, 2025. /VCG'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday urged the United States to take stronger action to curb drug and arms trafficking across the border, amid growing tensions over Washington’s threat to impose new tariffs on Mexico.

In a letter to Sheinbaum on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to implement a 30-percent tariff on Mexican imports starting August 1, accusing Mexico of failing to stop drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the U.S.

Sheinbaum on Monday hit back at the criticism, calling on the U.S. to redouble its efforts to curb drug and arms trafficking on its own turf.

“We do our part and they also have to do their part,” she said at her daily press conference.”There is collaboration. There is coordination.”

Sheinbaum noted she hopes to reach a deal with the U.S. to avoid Trump’s proposed 30 percent tariff.

“We believe … that we will reach an agreement with the U.S. government – and that we will, of course, reach better terms,” Sheinbaum said.

Mexico sent a government delegation to the U.S. on Friday to begin talks with Washington on trade, energy, immigration and crime.

Sheinbaum said she would meet later in the day with Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and other officials involved in the negotiations. She emphasized that any agreement with Washington must be grounded in respect for Mexico’s sovereignty, calling it a “non-negotiable principle.”

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-15/China-s-top-legislator-meets-Australian-prime-minister-1F28hYf8xdC/img/e05a58381ed04fa481ea523e349b51f1/e05a58381ed04fa481ea523e349b51f1.png' alt='Zhao Leji (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, shakes hands with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing, China, July 15, 2025. /Xinhua'

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhao said that the meeting between the two countries’ leaders has charted out a new blueprint for the development of China-Australia relations, adding that China is ready to work with Australia to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders, advance high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen people-to-people ties, and promote long-term, sound and stable growth of bilateral relations.

He also stated the NPC is ready to strengthen friendly relations with Parliament of Australia, enhance experience exchanges in legislation and supervision, and provide legal guarantee for bilateral cooperation.

Albanese said that Australia is ready to deepen trade and economic cooperation with China, step up exchanges between legislative bodies, expand people-to-people interactions, jointly address climate change, properly handle differences, and advance Australia-China relations through dialogue and cooperation.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-14/Drone-base-searched-as-Yoon-s-probe-expands-to-treason-case-1F0e7ldLIEE/img/caf98f5134d640a9b785c1f96d2eba3c/caf98f5134d640a9b785c1f96d2eba3c.png' alt='South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-yeol leaves the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seoul, South korea, July 5, 2025. /VCG'

South Korea’s special counsel investigating former president Yoon Suk-yeol’s alleged attempt to declare martial law conducted raids on Monday at the Drone Operations Command (DOC) and the Ministry of Defense, signaling that the insurrection investigation has escalated to potentially include treason charges, Yonhap News reported on Monday.

Yoon is currently on trial for insurrection charges in connection with his failed martial law attempt. Media reports suggest he may have instructed senior military officials to deploy drones to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) last year as part of his broader martial law strategy, according to the news agency.

“The special counsel suspects that Yoon ordered the military to send the drones to Pyongyang last October to provoke North Korea and use it as justification for imposing the December 3 martial law, which was blocked by a National Assembly vote only a few hours later,” it added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday congratulated Jennifer Simons on her election as Surinamese president.

In his congratulatory message, Xi depicted Suriname as China’s strategic cooperative partner in the Caribbean region.

Thanks to the joint efforts from both sides, China-Suriname relations have enjoyed sound and steady growth with fruitful practical cooperation in various fields and close coordination in multilateral affairs over the past 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi said.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the growth of China-Suriname relations and stands ready to work with President-elect Simons to deepen the mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation and further grow the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-13/Israeli-strikes-kill-at-least-29-as-ceasefire-talks-reach-a-deadlock-1EYC01oATBK/img/7ce1ce3611d14eabac95cdf449555d7d/7ce1ce3611d14eabac95cdf449555d7d.png' alt='Palestinians assess the damage in the aftermath of an overnight Israeli strike that hit Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, July 13, 2025. /VCG'

Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 29 Palestinians, including six children near a water distribution point.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that Gaza City was hit by several strikes overnight and in the early morning, killing eight, “including women and children” and wounding others.

An Israeli air strike hit a family home near the Nuseirat refugee camp, south of Gaza City, resulting in “10 martyrs and several injured,” Bassal said.

In central Gaza, six children were among eight people killed when a drone “hit a potable water distribution point in an area for displaced people” in the Nuseirat camp, he added.

Several other people were wounded, he said.

In the territory’s south, three people were killed when Israeli jets hit a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in the coastal Al-Mawasi area, according to the civil defense spokesman.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has recently intensified its operations across Gaza. On Saturday, the military claimed its fighter jets targeted more than 35 “Hamas terror targets” in Beit Hanun, located in northern Gaza.

The ongoing conflict has displaced the majority of Gaza’s population of over two million people, worsening the already dire humanitarian conditions in the territory.

Sunday’s attacks came with apparent deadlock in a week of indirect talks in Qatar between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the territory.

Deadlock in ceasefire negotiations

Despite some progress on certain issues, there have been no clear signs of a breakthrough. Israeli media reports indicate that Israeli security agencies are preparing for a potential breakdown in talks and an escalation of military action.

Qin Tian, deputy director of the Middle East Studies Department at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, explained to China Media Group that there are three core points of contention in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations: troop withdrawal, humanitarian aid, and a permanent ceasefire.

On troop withdrawal, Hamas demands that the Israeli military retreat to positions held before Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza in mid-March. However, over the past few months, Israel has expanded its de facto control over Gaza and is unwilling to give up significant areas it has secured, especially in key strategic zones. This makes reaching a compromise on this issue particularly challenging.

“Although agreement on humanitarian aid and troop withdrawal is difficult, there is still room for compromise. However, on the issue of a permanent ceasefire, Israel and Hamas are fundamentally at odds,” Qin said.

He further explained that Israel and Hamas have not reached a balance of power on the battlefield, making it difficult to craft a mutually acceptable and balanced solution at the negotiation table.

The role of the U.S.

Qin also noted that the current deadlock is closely tied to the United States’ long-standing lenient stance towards Israel.

“For a long time, the U.S. has adopted a permissive approach towards Israel, with weak constraints on its actions. This was evident during the recent Israel-Iran conflict, where the U.S. largely followed Israel’s lead. Therefore, it is similarly difficult for the U.S. to pressure Israel into making substantive concessions in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.”

Although U.S. Middle East Special Envoy Wittekoff has arrived in Qatar, it remains uncertain whether he can facilitate any meaningful compromise between the two sides. “Overall, the prospects for a permanent and thorough resolution to the Gaza ceasefire issue do not look promising,” Qin said.

(With input from AFP)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-12/China-says-2016-South-China-Sea-arbitral-award-violates-intl-law-1EWRpGFVN0Q/img/fe8f09b74b594bb2b1753efed2b3c46f/fe8f09b74b594bb2b1753efed2b3c46f.jpeg' alt='A file photo of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, China. /VCG'

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the “2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea” violates the basic principles of international law on Saturday, which marked the ninth anniversary of the “award.”

In a statement, spokesperson for the ministry said China’s position is consistent and clear. “The ‘award’ is nothing but a piece of waste paper that is illegal, null and void, and non-binding.”

China neither accepts nor recognizes the “award,” and will never accept any claim or action arising from the award, read the statement.

China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea will not be affected by the “award” in any way, it added.

Violating intl law

The “award” violates the basic principles of international law, said the spokesperson.

Without a thorough exchange of views with China in advance – an essential prerequisite – the Philippines unilaterally initiated the “arbitration,” which violated the common understandings reached between the two countries to peacefully settle disputes through consultation, said the spokesperson.

This violates the article of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which states that the disputes should be resolved by peaceful means through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, and violates the principle of “pacta sunt servanda,” the doctrine of estoppel, and other basic principles of international law, added the spokesperson.

Violating UNCLOS

The spokesperson said the “award” violates the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Land territorial issues are not regulated by UNCLOS, noted the spokesperson, adding that as early as 2006, maritime delimitation was clearly excluded by China from “compulsory arbitration” and other procedures.

The Philippines disregarded China’s declaration and insisted on initiating the “arbitration,” which was an abuse of the UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanism, said the spokesperson.

The “arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration” handled the case ultra vires, which infringed upon China’s right as a state party to UNCLOS to choose on its own will the means for dispute settlement, according to the spokesperson.

The conduct completely deviates from the purpose of UNCLOS, substantially impairs the integrity and authority of UNCLOS, and seriously impacts the international rule of law of the sea, said the spokesperson.

Many internationally authoritative law experts, including former president of the International Court of Justice and former judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, have pointed out the serious flaws in the “award,” said the spokesperson.

Countering South China Sea facts

The spokesperson said the “award” runs counter to the basic facts related to the South China Sea.

The “arbitral tribunal” severely erred in ascertaining facts and applying the law, and the rendered “award” is fundamentally flawed with obvious mistakes, said the spokesperson.

The “award” characterizes Taiping Dao, the largest island in the South China Sea with an area of 500,000 square meters, as a rock rather than an island, and then concludes that no islands in Nansha Qundao generate entitlement to exclusive economic zone or continental shelf, which is fully inconsistent with the article of UNCLOS, said the spokesperson.

By this “standard,” many countries’ claims would be unlawful, and the world’s maritime landscape would be changed, added the spokesperson.

China, the spokesperson said, is committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes with other countries concerned through negotiation and consultation, joint efforts  with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the DOC, adoption of a Code of Conduct as early as possible, and robust institutional safeguards for peace and stability in the South China Sea.

“We urge relevant countries to stop making reference to this illegal ‘award,’ still less making infringement and provocation,” said the spokesperson. “This counterproductive move will only end up backfiring.”

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-12/Analysis-Why-is-dialogue-only-way-forward-for-South-China-Sea-peace–1EX60msS43C/img/09e272db420b434694fd86d7f0e207c7/09e272db420b434694fd86d7f0e207c7.jpeg' alt='A view of Xianbin Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao. /Xinhua'

The damage of the “2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea” to regional peace and stability as well as the maritime order has become increasingly evident, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while speaking to reporters about the South China Sea issue on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

His remarks coincided with the ninth anniversary of the “arbitral award,” which China has repeatedly dismissed as “nothing but a piece of waste paper that is illegal, null and void, and non-binding.”

Without engaging in a thorough exchange of views with China, an essential prerequisite, the Philippines unilaterally initiated the “arbitration,” thereby breaching the mutual understanding between the two countries to resolve disputes through peaceful consultation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

‘A typical troublemaker’

Carlos Arguello Gomez, a member of the International Law Commission, said mutual consent is essential for resolving disputes.

“It is extremely important that both parties or the parties, whatever that are in dispute, should agree a mechanism to solve that dispute,” Gomez told a recent program of China Media Group’s (CMG) Voice of the South China Sea.

There’s an agreement that if they are only trying to force one of the parties to accept a mechanism for which they are not ready to do so, it would not lead to any real solution, he added.

Wu Shicun, chairman of Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, said the “arbitral award” has been a typical troublemaker in the South China Sea.

“The South China Sea situation has become increasingly volatile today, driven not only by U.S. factors, but also by the South China Sea arbitral award,” Wu told CMG.

Lei Xiaolu, a professor of the China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies at Wuhan University said the tribunal exceeded its legal authority by ruling on sovereignty issues.

“Clearly, the tribunal does not have jurisdiction over sovereignty disputes, but it ignored this fact, and forcibly exercised jurisdiction,” said Lei. “The manner in which the tribunal exercised its jurisdiction will negatively impact international rule of law,” she added.

Anthony Carty, a British scholar of international law, said the initiation of the “arbitration” was groundless.

“There’s no reasonable ground for going to arbitration. And this so called rule-based international law is agreed by most international lawyers to be just a lot of propaganda,” said Carty.

Zhou Jian, former representative for the Boundary and Ocean Affairs of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the ruling creates problems.

“The ruling itself is illegal. It did not solve the problem, but created new problems and contradictions. It hinders cooperation between the South China Sea countries,” said Zhou.

Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, said the “arbitration ruling” triggered “a myriad of problems” for the country, economically, diplomatically and regionally.

“I have articulated a myriad of problems created by the 2016 arbitration ruling, particularly the economic and diplomatic damage it has inflicted and continues to inflict on the Philippines,” he said during a recent interview with Xinhua, stressing that regional peace and stability have been at risk due to the tensions caused by the so-called award.

The arbitration ruling “has become the source of ‘silent alienation’ of the Philippines from its ASEAN family, being in conflict with China while all the rest, including those with South China Sea disputes, are in full cooperation mode with China,” Laurel said.

South China Sea peace

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the Chinese foreign minister said the South China Sea should not always be associated with friction, conflict, or confrontation, but with peace, stability, and cooperation. He called on China and ASEAN to work toward this direction.

Malou Tiquila, founder of PUBLiCAS Asia Inc, a think tank in the Philippines, stressed the importance of finding common ground between different sides.

“It is easier to settle problems if you look at each other as friends. And to a certain degree, this is the Asian civilization,” she told CMG.

Ruhanas Harun, a professor of National Defense University of Malaysia, stressed the importance of negotiations in resolving disputes.

“All the countries, they all depend very much on the stability and peace in the South China Sea,” said Harun. “I think at the end of the day, negotiations, discussions would yield a better prospect and a better future for peace and stability in the South China Sea,” she added.

Rommel Banlaoi, president of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies, called on the Philippines to revive a collaborative approach to manage dispute with China.

“I think there is a need for the Philippines to recall the achievements of the bilateral consultative mechanism in the South China Sea, where both countries willingly decide to cooperate rather than compete in the South China Sea,” Banlaoi told CMG. “And I think that’s the approach that we should be upholding.”

Read more:

Explainer: Why China rejects the South China Sea arbitration award

Explainer: Why China’s South China Sea claims are legitimate

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-11/Chinese-FM-urges-joint-efforts-with-Malaysia-on-bilateral-ASEAN-ties-1EV8RBJF6Ny/img/3cec23004fe34cc78c52d386fe845b95/3cec23004fe34cc78c52d386fe845b95.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 10, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

China stands ready to work with Malaysia to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Wang urged both countries to fully implement cooperation plans for the joint construction of the Belt and Road, strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, investment, and connectivity. Key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” should be steadily promoted.

He also called for deeper cooperation in emerging and frontier sectors to jointly build a regional hub for new quality productive forces.

Wang further stressed the importance of continuing efforts in the dialogue between Confucian and Islamic civilizations and the implementation of the upcoming mutual visa exemption agreement to enhance personnel exchanges and consolidate public support for bilateral ties.

China is willing to work with Malaysia to strengthen political mutual trust, deepen interest integration, enhance strategic coordination and carry forward traditional friendship to turn the roadmap drawn by the leaders of the two countries into reality, Wang said.

On China-ASEAN relations, Wang said that China and ASEAN are good neighbors, good friends, and good partners. The two sides have fully completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, demonstrating with concrete actions their shared commitment to expanding the common market and upholding free trade.

Wang noted that the United States’ move to impose high tariffs on ASEAN countries is a typical act of bullying and unilateralism that no country would support. He said that China’s firm countermeasures are not only aimed at safeguarding its own interests, but also at defending the common interests of all countries, including ASEAN members.

China, he added, is willing to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to uphold the multilateral trading system, maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and promote inclusive economic globalization.

For his part, Mohamad said that Malaysia-China relations are at their historical best. At a time of growing uncertainty in the world, it is high time to strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and China as well as ASEAN cooperation. He said that Malaysia values the friendship between the two countries and firmly adheres to the one-China policy.

He expressed Malaysia’s support for China’s three global initiatives – the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative – and said that the country stands ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in such areas as trade and investment, infrastructure, digital economy, and green development.

Under the current circumstances, Mohamad also stressed, it is clear who the true friends are. In facing issues such as tariffs, Malaysia will not consider only its own interests, and will not sacrifice the interests of third parties, as that is not the ASEAN way.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-11/Chinese-vice-premier-calls-for-enhancing-digital-economy-cooperation-1EVuWZwjxTy/img/222c7b1e01ef4d8f862fe078434a311d/222c7b1e01ef4d8f862fe078434a311d.png' alt='Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China's Tianjin Municipality, July 11, 2025. /Xinhua'

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, calling for efforts to strengthen digital economy cooperation.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a keynote speech that in the face of opportunities and challenges brought by digitalization, efforts should be made to accelerate the implementation of the important consensus reached by the SCO Heads of State Council and the Global Digital Compact.

Ding suggested promoting digital economy cooperation, strengthening policy communication and the alignment of development plans, and making full use of cooperation platforms such as the SCO Digital Economy Forum to inject vitality and momentum into the development of the digital economy.

Efforts should be made to enhance the connectivity of digital infrastructure, strengthen the capabilities in computing power scheduling and data processing, and build a high-quality Digital Silk Road to create a regional digital infrastructure system that is more extensive, stable and responsive, Ding said.

The vice premier suggested promoting the sharing of achievements in digital technology innovation and enhancing the accessibility of digital economy benefits and digital transformation so as to enable all countries to tap into the fast track of digital economic development.

Ding also called for jointly building a multilateral and collaborative digital security governance system, strengthening international cooperation in digital governance and supporting the United Nations in playing a leading role in global digital governance and rule-making.

The forum was co-organized by the National Data Administration and the Tianjin municipal government, and approximately 600 participants from China and abroad, including government officials, business leaders and scholars from academia and think tanks, attended the opening ceremony.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-10/Premier-Li-China-eyes-deeper-Belt-and-Road-cooperation-with-Egypt-1ETLqRjCTkI/img/104ac05f339a42c09613dc9b471dc2b3/104ac05f339a42c09613dc9b471dc2b3.png' alt='Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt, July 10, 2025. /Xinhua'

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday that China is willing to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation with Egypt in such areas as economy, trade, finance, manufacturing, new energy, science and technology, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

During his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Li also said that China is willing to encourage more capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Egypt.

Li conveyed to Sisi cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that China-Egypt relations have flourished in recent years under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.

The Chinese side, Li said, is ready to work with Egypt to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, and continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests.

China is also willing to join Egypt to continue to enrich the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, push for more achievements in cooperation in various fields between the two nations, and keep moving forward towards the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era.

The international landscape is marked by mounting turbulence and escalating disorder, with prolonged and unresolved conflicts particularly afflicting the West Asian and North African regions, Li said.

China stands ready to maintain close communication with Egypt and promote an early ceasefire in Gaza, Li said.

The Chinese side is also ready to join Egypt in alleviating the humanitarian crisis, preventing the spillover and escalation of the conflict, and making unremitting efforts for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, said the Chinese premier.

He said China is willing to work with Egypt to enhance communication and coordination within multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and practice true multilateralism.

Li added that China will work with Egypt to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and push for the steady and long-term development of China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation.

China is ready to work with Russia to continuously promote strategic coordination and safeguard the security and development interests of both countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Wang said that the two heads of states have maintained strategic communication, providing steady and long-term guidance for China-Russia relations amidst the profound global changes unseen in a century.

Last month, the two heads of states held a phone conversation and jointly voiced strong positions of China and Russia on regional and international hotspot issues, Wang said.

Noting that China and Russia are important dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Wang said the two countries should strengthen strategic coordination on East Asian cooperation platforms, support an ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional cooperation architecture, uphold the right direction of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, and help further build development consensus for East Asia cooperation mechanism, making it a major engine and positive force for global development.

For his part, Lavrov said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Russia and China have maintained close coordination and cooperation, which demonstrates the global and strategic significance of the bilateral relationship, especially under current circumstances.

Both countries support ASEAN’s central role in regional cooperation and are committed to safeguarding peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, said Lavrov, adding that they should remain vigilant against attempts by certain major powers to sow division and provoke confrontation in the region.

Russia fully supports China in assuming the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and is ready to jointly prepare for high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields, as well as to strengthen communication and coordination under frameworks such as BRICS, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue. Lavrov elaborated on Russia’s positions.

Wang stressed that force cannot bring peace, pressure does not solve problems, and dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental path forward. China values Iran’s commitment not to seek nuclear weapons and respects its legitimate right, as a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council and key participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, China and Russia should continue to strengthen strategic coordination, advance the political and diplomatic resolution process, jointly uphold the international non-proliferation regime, and promote the early realization of peace and stability in the Middle East, Wang added.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other international and regional issues of mutual concern.

(Cover: National flags of China and Russia. /VCG)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-09/-Not-acceptable-U-S-allies-react-to-Trump-s-tariff-letters-1ES7YwEzc0E/img/4329850958f74cb6bbbce072697ca798/4329850958f74cb6bbbce072697ca798.jpeg' alt='U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 8, 2025. /VCG'

America’s trading partners are reacting with frustration to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, after months of what they believed were good-faith efforts to make a deal.

The European Union may be nearing a trade agreement with the United States but is struggling to obtain immediate tariff relief and a commitment not to introduce new measures, the head of the European Parliament’s trade committee said on Wednesday.

“I see that there might be a corridor for some understanding in the tariff situation on steel, on cars and, of course, also regarding some possible exceptions from the baseline tariffs,” said German Social Democrat Bernd Lange, who is not part of the EU’s negotiating team but is in touch with those involved.

The European Commission, which has been negotiating on behalf of the 27-nation bloc, is pushing to reach a framework agreement with the United States by August 1.

It currently faces 50 percent U.S. tariffs on its steel exports, 25 percent on cars and a broad 10 percent tariff on most other exports. A 50 percent tariff on imported copper is imminent, with levies due soon for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

The tariffs are not acceptable for the EU, Lange said, as they target the bloc’s industrial development.

Lange said the main issues in negotiations for the EU were to secure lower tariffs at the point of reaching a framework agreement, rather than waiting weeks or months for a final accord, and a “stand-still clause” meaning it would not face further measures.

South Korea’s trade ministry said on Tuesday that it will make efforts to achieve a mutually beneficial trade deal with the United States following Trump’s effective extension of the pause on new tariffs on South Korean products.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said in a statement that Seoul had been engaged in fierce negotiations under the principle of putting top priority on national interests since the inauguration of the new government under President Lee Jae-myung, who took office on June 4.

The ministry noted that there was not enough time to reach an agreement on all issues, considering Trump’s letter an effective extension of the pause on “reciprocal” tariffs on South Korean products.

It vowed to step up efforts to reach a mutually beneficial negotiation outcome in the remaining period to rapidly resolve uncertainties arising from tariff issues, saying that the Asian country will tackle the U.S.’s major concern surrounding trade deficit issues through improved domestic rules and rationalized regulations.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba warned on Tuesday that Trump’s decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Japan is “truly regrettable,” adding that negotiations will continue toward a mutually beneficial deal.

“We will continue to engage in negotiations with the United States to explore the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial deal while protecting our national interests,” Ishiba told the meeting.

The United States will impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Japan, starting August 1, Trump said on Monday, warning that any increases to the tariffs on U.S. goods will be met with an equivalent tariff hike by his administration.

The U.S. president also announced new tariff rates for 13 other countries on the same day, including 25 percent for South Korea, 30 percent for South Africa, 35 percent for Serbia and Bangladesh, 36 percent for Thailand and Cambodia, and 40 percent for Myanmar and Laos. 

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-09/Scholars-discuss-cultural-diversity-modernization-at-Nishan-Forum-1ERZv0Suw7u/img/594ec20dc3cc4e7aa93072a679349c4f/594ec20dc3cc4e7aa93072a679349c4f.png' alt='The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations is held in Qufu, east China's Shandong Province, July 9, 2025. /VCG'

The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations kicked off in Qufu, east China’s Shandong Province, on Wednesday. Scholars and experts attending the forum have shared their insights on the interplay between cultural diversity and modernization.

Elaborating on cultural innovation in China and Europe, Riccardo Pozzo, a professor of history of philosophy at Tor Vergata University of Rome, told CGTN that Confucianism can provide valuable solutions to bridge traditional and modern issues and address contemporary problems.

“We can draw on tradition to propose ways to ensure the sustainable development of humanity in the 21st century, primarily by addressing the challenges of the green and the digital transformation,” Pozzo said.

Speaking about China’s cultural innovation, he said the country’s current prosperity has made it possible for more people to experience traditional thought and culture in new ways.

In a special panel discussion themed “Ren and Li: Confucian Ethics for Global Governance,” Steve Fuller, a fellow at the UK Academy of Social Sciences, said that artificial intelligence (AI) does not rob humanity of its creativity.

Instead, human creativity lies in reintegrating existing human expressions in new ways, he said, adding that human creativity often comes from a unified source or data foundation.

Fuller noted that AI then integrates human-created wisdom in novel ways, producing combinations of expression never seen before.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-09/Scholars-discuss-cultural-diversity-modernization-at-Nishan-Forum-1ERZv0Suw7u/img/83c4ba08cb8e4616a93c7bfcf67e1179/83c4ba08cb8e4616a93c7bfcf67e1179.jpeg' alt='Guests pose for a group photo outside a lecture hall during the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in Qufu, east China's Shandong Province, July 9, 2025. /VCG'

Kim Sung-kee, honorary professor at Sungkyunkwan University, said Confucian values are not only capable of serving as universal values for people in the 21st century, but their structural framework also aligns well with a system of life values.

Kim said the structure of the values, along with their views on nature, the universe and humanity, corresponds to the ethical value system of postmodern life.

During a special panel discussion themed “Confucian Education for Social Cohesion,” Salome Nyambura, director of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, said close people-to-people exchanges between China and Kenya have made more Kenyans interested in Confucianism.

Noting that more Chinese enterprises have entered Kenya, she said there is an increasing need for locals to learn the Chinese language for business, employment, and other purposes. She added that a large number of people in Kenya have taken an interest in learning Chinese over the past five years.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-08/Chinese-Foreign-Ministry-No-winners-in-trade-or-tariff-war-1EQog5o8wcU/img/783abddc4eba44ec86ce947c8d48d44e/783abddc4eba44ec86ce947c8d48d44e.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing in Beijing, China, July 8, 2025. /Foreign Ministry'

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reiterated that there are no winners in trade or tariff wars, responding to the latest tariff threats from the U.S. administration.

Protectionism hurts everyone’s interests, said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the ministry.

The response came after U.S. President Donald Trump issued letters on Monday threatening key trading partners with high tariffs – though implementation has been delayed until August 1.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday that China stands ready to deepen solidarity and cooperation with the United Nations to jointly advocate for a more just and equitable global governance.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit. 

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-07/Xi-Jinping-inspects-manufacturing-company-in-Shanxi-1EOPsP7TeBW/img/b2cceca8193d4a0bb40d631b4941bd95/b2cceca8193d4a0bb40d631b4941bd95.png' alt='Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the Yangquan Valve Co., Ltd., a manufacturing company in Yangquan City, north China's Shanxi Province, July 7, 2025. /Xinhua'

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday afternoon inspected a valve manufacturing company in Yangquan City, in northern China’s Shanxi Province, where he learned about the province’s efforts to promote the transformation and upgrade of industries and high-quality development.

At the Yangquan Valve Co., Ltd., Xi inspected the company’s production workshop and products display, and had a cordial conversation with workers at the site. 

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-07/Xi-honors-martyrs-in-resistance-war-against-Japanese-aggression-1EONiM0j53a/img/19920b61aef440a5b1c33e0d425d0e9e/19920b61aef440a5b1c33e0d425d0e9e.png' alt='Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, lays a floral basket to pay tribute to martyrs of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign during the war against Japanese aggression, in Yangquan of north China's Shanxi Province, July 7, 2025. /Xinhua'

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, paid tribute to martyrs who died in a major campaign in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, in Yangquan of north China’s Shanxi Province on Monday.

At the monument square honoring the martyrs of the Hundred-Regiment Campaign during the war against Japanese aggression, Xi laid a floral basket to pay tribute to the martyrs, and then paid a visit to the memorial hall commemorating this major campaign.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-07/Xi-honors-martyrs-in-resistance-war-against-Japanese-aggression-1EONiM0j53a/img/03a12f3e1d43465793ca71aa28d847d1/03a12f3e1d43465793ca71aa28d847d1.png' alt='Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign during the war against Japanese aggression, in Yangquan of north China's Shanxi Province, July 7, 2025. /Xinhua'

During the visit, Xi reviewed the history of the CPC leading both the military and civilians in the courageous fight against Japanese invaders, and learned about local efforts to carry out revolutionary history education and promote the great spirit of resisting aggression.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-06/Selected-works-of-Xi-Jinping-on-ecological-civilization-published-1EMTAES7xQY/img/4302080d50d1414fb0adc23c13762a2b/4302080d50d1414fb0adc23c13762a2b.jpeg' alt='A picture embodies harmonious coexistence between man and nature in a village in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 26, 2025. /VCG'

The first volume of selected works of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on ecological civilization has been published and is available nationwide.

The volume brings together 79 pieces of Xi’s most important and fundamental works on ecological civilization construction from December 2012 to April 2025. Some of these works, which come in forms of speeches and instructions, have been published for the first time.

The publication serves as an authoritative resource that the whole Party and people of all ethnic groups across the nation can use for their in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

It holds great significance for Chinese people in establishing and practicing the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, in supporting high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment, and in advancing the comprehensive effort to build a Beautiful China.

Compiled by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, the book was published by the Central Party Literature Press.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-06/Japanese-PM-vows-not-to-easily-compromise-on-Trump-tariffs-1EMRW1bi2xW/img/bab67d3bf0f04ec2b352acfbf9607044/bab67d3bf0f04ec2b352acfbf9607044.png' alt='Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba answers questions from reporters at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, July 2, 2025. /VCG'

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Sunday that he won’t “easily compromise” in talks with Washington as Tokyo seeks to avert United States President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 35 percent on Japanese goods.

“We will not easily compromise. That’s why it is taking time and why it is tough,” Ishiba told a television talk show.

His comments came as Japan rushes to negotiate with the Trump administration before the Wednesday deadline for trade deals.

While Trump imposed a sweeping 10 percent tariff on most trading partners in April, he unveiled – then paused – higher rates on dozens of economies, including Japan, to allow room for negotiations.

This pause will expire July 9, meaning the elevated rates are due to kick in for countries that fail to reach agreements with Washington to avert them.

Trump has said he would be writing to ask Japan to “pay a 30 percent, 35 percent or whatever the number is that we determine,” and called the bilateral trade relation “unfair.”

He has particularly pressed Japan to accept more U.S. automobiles and rice.

Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo’s trade envoy, held telephone calls with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday.

In the Sunday television show, Ishiba reiterated that Japan, as the biggest investor nation in the U.S. economy, should be treated differently from other countries.

“What is unfair? How is it unfair? We need to examine each one (of the U.S. claims),” he said.

“We are allies, but we have to say what we have to say. We are the world’s largest investor nation and the largest job creator (in the U.S.). We are different,” he said.

On another Sunday television show, Ishiba said Japan was “preparing to deal with all kinds of situations,” when asked about how he plans to deal with Trump’s letter.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the landmark One Big Beautiful Bill into law during an outdoor ceremony at the White House.

Earlier on July 3, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved the bill in a 218-214 vote. The bill has sparked widespread debate for cutting federal aid, increasing long-term debt and providing tax breaks to the wealthy and large corporations.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-05/Graphics-A-quick-look-at-the-U-S-One-Big-Beautiful-Bill–1ELuJ8SFVRK/img/02e1ef77c99945cc8012c6590c000fe8/02e1ef77c99945cc8012c6590c000fe8.jpeg' alt=''

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-05/What-to-expect-from-BRICS-summit-in-Brazil-A-preview-of-priorities-1ELttKM8KmQ/img/34c91bf341ad4532a71ff6b4db7ea8b2/34c91bf341ad4532a71ff6b4db7ea8b2.png' alt='A banner of the BRICS summit is displayed at the Modern Art Museum where the BRICS summit 2025 will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 4, 2025. /VCG'

The upcoming summit of BRICS in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled to be held under the theme of “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance” on July 6 to 7, 2025, is set to mark a historic milestone.

It will be the first convening of BCRIS – an acronym derived from its first five members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – under an expanded format that now includes 11 full member states and 10 partner countries.

Since assuming the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2025, Brazil has stressed that its work will focus on two main priorities: strengthening cooperation among the Global South and advancing reform of global governance.

To that end, it has outlined six core areas: cooperation in global health and public health systems; trade, investment, and financial collaboration; joint efforts to combat climate change; governance of artificial intelligence; reform of the global security architecture; and institutional development of the BRICS mechanism.

The following is a breakdown of how some of these areas are likely to be spotlighted during the two-day summit.

1. Trade, investment collaboration

The BRICS summit comes amid escalating global trade tensions. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has been wielding tariffs as a weapon, delivering an unprecedented blow to the multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO).

As the 90-day grace period for the Trump administration’s so-called “reciprocal tariffs” nears its July 9 expiration, the world is closely watching how the situation will unfold, and what kind of global trade governance proposals the BRICS summit might introduce in response.

Since the sweeping tariffs introduced by the U.S. in early April, BRICS – which now represents nearly half of the world’s population and accounts for over 30 percent of global GDP – has denounced the unilateral protectionist practice that violates WTO rules.

In a chair’s statement issued in late April, foreign ministers of the group warned the arbitrary imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” threatens to disrupt global supply chains and increase economic uncertainty worldwide.

In response, the foreign ministers called on all parties to take concrete steps to defend free trade and uphold the multilateral trading system. They emphasized the need to address current trade challenges and create a favorable environment for trade and investment, especially for emerging markets and developing countries.

The BRICS group aims to advance the Partnership for the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) and adopt long-term strategies like the 2030 Strategy for the BRICS Economic Partnership, both of which are designed to strengthen intra-BRICS trade, and reduce external vulnerabilities, including those caused by unilateral tariffs and global supply chain disruptions.

Read more:

BRICS cooperation helps stabilize global economy amid rising protectionism

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-05/What-to-expect-from-BRICS-summit-in-Brazil-A-preview-of-priorities-1ELttKM8KmQ/img/71c79b03b2394dd7803b279145cbcd96/71c79b03b2394dd7803b279145cbcd96.jpeg' alt='A file photo of the New Development Bank in Shanghai, China. /VCG'

2. Financial governance

Under Brazil’s presidency, BRICS is exploring reforms and improvement of governance of financial markets, local currencies, and payment instruments and platforms to boost and diversify trade, investment and financial flows.

Over the years, BRICS has launched a series of strategic financial initiatives, offering credible alternatives for developing countries and challenging the long-standing dominance of Western-led financial systems.

In 2014, the group established the New Development Bank (NDB) to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects across emerging economies. The bank currently has nine members: Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Algeria, as well as BRICS’ first five members.

Also in 2014, the BRICS group created the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), a financial safety net akin to the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights. The CRA is designed to provide emergency liquidity support to member states during global financial crises, strengthening their capacity to withstand external shocks and reducing dependence on traditional Western institutions.

According to a recent CGTN poll, BRICS countries have actively advanced local currency settlements and the development of an independent financial architecture through initiatives like the NDB and the CRA, expanding development opportunities and delivering benefits to developing countries.

Notably, 94.7 percent of respondents believe that the BRICS cooperation mechanism has not only reduced member states’ reliance on the U.S. dollar but also enhanced their voice in global financial governance.

At the upcoming summit, the group is expected to unveil a new guarantee fund backed by the NDB — modeled after the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) — to lower financing costs and attract private investment, according to Reuters.

3. Coordination on security stance

The Rio de Janeiro BRICS summit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical volatility, marked by the recent 12-day Israel–Iran conflict and the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

On June 24, BRICS issued a joint statement expressing grave concern over military strikes on Iranian territory, calling them violations of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and warning of their destabilizing impact on Middle East security.

Iran, which joined BRICS in January 2024, is expected to send a high-level delegation to the summit, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, BRICS foreign ministers have also welcomed diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis, including the establishment of the “Friends for Peace” group at the UN, an initiative led by China and Brazil to promote de-escalation, dialogue and a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis.

These parallel crises highlight BRICS’ commitment to a multilateral peace and security architecture, one that aims to enable more effective responses to conflicts, prevent humanitarian disasters and the emergence of new crises, and to rebuild mutual trust, revive diplomacy, and promote peaceful resolutions.

4. Climate change and AI governance

At the 17th BRICS summit, climate change and artificial intelligence governance are emerging as two of the most prominent agenda items, reflecting the group’s commitment to global sustainability and responsible governance of AI technology.

Brazil, which will host the UN Climate Change Conference in 2025 (COP30) in the Amazonian city of Belem this November, has made climate finance a top priority of its BRICS presidency.

The BRICS summit may serve as a platform for coordination among member states to discuss improving climate finance mechanisms, laying the groundwork for the upcoming COP30.

Brazil has said during its presidency, the group is expected to adopt a BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda, including a Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, which aims to guide structural reforms in the global financial system to better support climate action.

Governance of artificial intelligence is a new agenda at this year’s summit, in recognition of AI’s transformative potential for driving social, economic and environmental development.

In the April statement, foreign ministers of BRICS emphasized that AI technologies must be designed, developed and applied in a responsible, secure, trustworthy and ethical manner to ensure that innovation benefits all.

They also reiterated support for a China-sponsored resolution on “Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence,” adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024.

Read more:

How is greater BRICS cooperation reshaping the Global South’s future?

Why is the BRICS mechanism gaining global popularity?

China has been calling for efforts to build a BRICS committed to green development, urging all BRICS countries to act as promoters of sustainable development.

Green is the defining color of the times, and it is important that all BRICS countries proactively embrace the global trend of green and low-carbon transformation, China has said.

China has been calling for efforts to build a BRICS committed to peace, urging all BRICS countries to act as defenders of common security.

China believes that humans are an indivisible community of security, and only by embracing the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can the way for universal security be paved.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-03/The-BRICS-model-of-inclusive-cooperation-is-coming-of-age-1EI8xtHycwg/img/01c65adccc0d44608c460521276240b9/01c65adccc0d44608c460521276240b9.png' alt='President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of Sherpas of the Brazilian BRICS Presidency in Brasilia, Brazil, February 26, 2025. /VCG'

Editor’s note: Ankit Prasad is a CGTN biz commentator. The article reflects the author’s views and not necessarily those of CGTN.

Brazil’s picturesque metropolis Rio de Janeiro will host the 17^th BRICS Summit from July 6 to 7, with government leaders convening for what is increasingly becoming a leading forum for the voice of the Global South. The number 17 is significant – in many parts of the world it marks the penultimate year before an individual attains majority or adulthood, and at 17, there is every indication that the same is true of BRICS.

The grouping has come a long way since its conception in a Goldman Sachs thesis in 2001. The seminal paper titled “Building Better Global Economic BRICs” had estimated that Brazil, Russia, India and China would account for 23.3 percent of global GDP in purchasing power parity, or PPP (US dollar rates) terms by end-2000. While IMF data suggests that estimate may have been over-optimistic (the real figure was closer to 17 percent), following the addition of South Africa in 2010 as well as the 2024 expansion, BRICS’ share of the global GDP (in PPP terms) is projected to be 41 percent in 2025.

With Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE having also become full members, BRICS now accounts for over 40 percent of the world’s population and some 35 percent of the land area. Crucially, it has continued to outpace global economic growth, with the IMF projecting BRICS nations to grow by 3.4 percent this year compared to the 2.8 percent global average. In terms of international trade too, BRICS countries answer for 24 percent of the total global exchanges, as per the BRICS website. But while the shared economic trajectory of being emerging market economies may have been the BRICS’ foundational common thread, the group’s raison d’etre has increasingly evolved to being a champion of multipolarity and inclusive growth.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-03/The-BRICS-model-of-inclusive-cooperation-is-coming-of-age-1EI8xtHycwg/img/9f7cdce1001d432abc3d16f14f21c6cb/9f7cdce1001d432abc3d16f14f21c6cb.jpeg' alt='A BRICS sign at the entrance to the Federal Senate in Brasilia, Brazil, June 4, 2025./VCG'

The theme for Brazil’s 2025 presidency has been “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” with political attention focused on six core areas: Global health cooperation; Trade, investment & finance; Climate change; Artificial Intelligence governance; Multilateral peace and security architecture; and Institutional development. These entail the most pressing issues the world faces at the moment, and it’s crucial to ensure that the interests of as many people as possible are represented.

The 10 full BRICS members represent a vast geographical spread, including parts of the world that have only recently begun to share in the fruits of industrial development. In addition, 10 countries have also been granted the “BRICS Partner Country” status, namely, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan, significantly extending BRICS’ inclusivity and deepening its links with other key groupings and regions such as ASEAN, Central Asia, South America and Africa.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-03/The-BRICS-model-of-inclusive-cooperation-is-coming-of-age-1EI8xtHycwg/img/a1c446ebec82413d9bc0b3655b0a8cca/a1c446ebec82413d9bc0b3655b0a8cca.jpeg' alt='Ministers of multiple countries pose for a family photo during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 28 April 2025. /VCG'

Nations clearly see BRICS as an increasingly influential platform. And BRICS, in turn, has enlarged its mechanisms to provide a vast array of coordination forums. For instance, while all eyes will doubtlessly be on the Leaders’ summit, the preceding week will play host to the 3^rd Sherpas meeting, a Women Business Alliance meeting, a BRICS Business Council meeting, a Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, and more. And neither is this simply a flurry of activity before the main event where participants will finalize matters for leaders to sign on the dotted line — Brazil has planned close to 120 events during the course of its presidency, keeping up the pace set by previous hosts.

What’s most remarkable about this kind of continuous and multifaceted engagement is the sheer spread of domains and initiatives. Ahead of the summit, the BRICS Academic Forum has unveiled a compendium of topical consultations through the years. The document is effectively a ready-reference of the various BRICS meetings and working groups, their respective memberships and mandates, and their activities and outcomes, including joint declarations and action plans.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-03/The-BRICS-model-of-inclusive-cooperation-is-coming-of-age-1EI8xtHycwg/img/42cc159b8efd4145ba4bf5006f93a9e0/42cc159b8efd4145ba4bf5006f93a9e0.jpeg' alt='Delegates at the 2nd BRICS Women's Entrepreneurship Forum at the Russia National Centre in Moscow on May 15, 2025. /VCG'

The various expert groups and ministerial groups straddle multiple sectors, including agriculture, business, civil issues, culture, energy, think tanks, trade, sustainable finance, labour and employment, security and statistics. They also include groups on socio-political development like meetings of political parties, civil society organizations, women’s affairs, youth affairs, and even a Young Scientists forum.

The frequency of engagement is clearly high and the scope is quite holistic, offering evidence of how BRICS has developed and matured through the years. Far from being some kind of thinly veiled counterweight that nations are prone to forming, championing and then discarding, BRICS has added layers of structure and a larger purpose – advancing the cause of the Global South and facilitating the progress of the developed world – meeting by meeting, brick by brick.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-03/Xi-s-speech-at-2nd-China-Central-Asia-Summit-published-as-booklet-1EIaIrPX6Vy/img/b964d78290e54314ab892aff44c1dd26/b964d78290e54314ab892aff44c1dd26.png' alt='A drone photo taken on April 20, 2025 shows a China-Central Asia freight train waiting for departure at Tuanjiecun Station in southwest China's Chongqing. /Xinhua '

A speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the second China-Central Asia Summit has been published in booklet form.

President Xi delivered the keynote speech themed “Championing the China-Central Asia Spirit for High-Quality Cooperation in the Region” in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 17.

The booklet, published by the People’s Publishing House, is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-02/Twenty-U-S-states-sue-Trump-administration-over-personal-data-leak-1EGtw4Hf7DW/img/777e76656b4e47318313a2103ac51f50/777e76656b4e47318313a2103ac51f50.png' alt='U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with the press on board Air Force One as he travels from Ochopee, Florida to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, July 1, 2025. /VCG'

California, leading a multistate coalition, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump over leaking citizens’ personal information.

Charging the Trump administration with illegally sharing Medicaid recipients’ health data with immigration enforcement agencies, the 59-page lawsuit document was filed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and their departments listed as defendants.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta led the state attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in filing the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs challenged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) granting “unfettered access” to individuals’ health records to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which houses the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying the decision violated privacy laws and longstanding practices separating Medicaid information from law enforcement.

The lawsuit further highlights that the Trump administration’s actions have created fear and confusion among communities, leading noncitizens and their family members to disenroll from or avoid enrolling in emergency Medicaid. As a result, some patients may be denied critical emergency healthcare and could suffer fatal consequences.

“The Trump Administration has upended longstanding privacy protections with its decision to illegally share sensitive, personal health data with ICE. In doing so, it has created a culture of fear that will lead to fewer people seeking vital emergency medical care,” Bonta said in a press release published by his office, noting that the lawsuit was aimed at ensuring Medicaid data would not be used for immigration enforcement purposes.

“I’m sickened by this latest salvo in the President’s anti-immigrant campaign. We’re headed to court to prevent any further sharing of Medicaid data,” he said.

According to California’s Department of Justice, Medicaid is an essential source of health insurance for lower-income individuals and particularly underserved population groups. As of January 2025, 78.4 million people were enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program across the United States.

The Medicaid program allows each participating state to develop and administer its unique health plans. In California – the most populous state in the country – the Medi-Cal program, the state’s version of Medicaid, provides healthcare coverage for one out of three residents, including more than 2 million noncitizens.

The lawsuit states that the Medicaid Act, enacted by Congress in 1965, along with other U.S. federal laws, defines personal healthcare data collected by the program as confidential and only shareable under limited circumstances that serve public health or protect the integrity of the Medicaid program. It argues that the mass transfer of such data between the HHS and the DHS is illegal. 

Moreover, it said reports indicated that the U.S. federal government plans to create a sweeping database after collecting data from the HHS to use for “mass deportations” and other large-scale immigration enforcement purposes.

Dozens of Democratic members of Congress, in both the House and Senate, have sent letters to the involved agencies, demanding that data sharing cease and that Homeland Security destroy the information it has received so far.

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-02/Xi-urges-youth-students-federations-to-deepen-reform-and-innovation-1EGaizKS7Ze/img/93e8b728fe8b46159099e8b99ee136f2/93e8b728fe8b46159099e8b99ee136f2.png' alt='A session of the All-China Youth Federation and a congress of the All-China Students' Federation open in Beijing, China, July 2, 2025. /Xinhua'

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on youth and students’ federations to adhere to the right political orientation, deepen reform and innovation, and, under the Party’s leadership, score new achievements on the new journey.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to a session of the All-China Youth Federation and a congress of the All-China Students’ Federation, which opened in Beijing Wednesday morning.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended congratulations and greetings to young people of all ethnic groups and from all walks of life, as well as young students and young Chinese overseas.

Over the past five years, youth and students’ federations at all levels have acted proactively and worked diligently, showcasing the vigorous and upward spirit of the new generation of Chinese youth, Xi said in the letter.

He noted that young people have a great role to play as China strives to build a strong country and realize national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, urging them to maintain firm ideals and convictions, foster a sense of responsibility to the country, and shoulder their historic mission.

Xi called on Party organizations at all levels to strengthen their leadership of youth work, support the work of youth and students’ federations, and create favorable conditions for the healthy growth and success of young people and students so that they can make contributions to the country.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-02/Xi-urges-youth-students-federations-to-deepen-reform-and-innovation-1EGaizKS7Ze/img/263bf3162a6d43ae86703bbd6ab7e4f6/263bf3162a6d43ae86703bbd6ab7e4f6.png' alt='A session of the All-China Youth Federation and a congress of the All-China Students' Federation open in Beijing, China, July 2, 2025. /Xinhua'

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening meeting, which gathered about 3,000 participants.

Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee’s Organization Department, read out Xi’s letter at the meeting.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the meeting on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Noting that Xi’s congratulatory letter has provided an important guideline for further advancing the development of China’s youth movement, Li emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding and fully implementing Xi’s instructions so that greater accomplishments can be made in the Party’s work related to youths.

The meetings will summarize the work of the All-China Youth Federation and the All-China Students’ Federation over the past five years and outline work plans for the next five years. 

The membership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) continues to see positive changes in terms of its composition, which is frontline-dominated, diverse and well-grounded, an expert said on Tuesday in an interview with CGTN. 

The structure not only continues the Party’s historical tradition of maintaining close ties with the people, but also reflects a strategic adjustment to meet the demands of modern governance, said Xia Lu, an associate professor at the School of Marxism Studies and a research fellow at the National Academy of Development & Strategies at Renmin University of China. According to a report issued on Monday, the CPC had more than 100.27 million members at the end of 2024, up by nearly 1.09 million from 2023. 

The membership of the CPC has steadily expanded, with its structure continuing to improve and primary-level Party organizations growing stronger, said the report released by the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-01/Young-primary-level-members-bring-vitality-to-CPC-says-expert-1EEwVEpbPck/img/513125c952ef4e64b3218780e7208713/513125c952ef4e64b3218780e7208713.jpeg' alt=''

Data from the report showed that over 2.13 million people joined the CPC in 2024. Of these people, 52.6 percent were from the forefront of production and work, 54.4 percent held diplomas of junior college or above, and 83.7 percent of them are aged 35 or below.

Speaking about the trend of more young people joining the CPC, Xia said it has injected new impetus into the Party.

First, innovation has been improved, he said, noting that young Party members bring innovative thinking about promoting a digital Party building platform.

Second, governance effectiveness has been enhanced. Xia said young Party members can have a “catfish effect” – the belief that a strong competitor can lift the performance of the whole sector – in primary-level governance, transforming Party organizations from being at the “bottom of administration” to a “governance hub.”

He also said the trend has enhanced social cohesion, adding that young Party members have helped bring the Party closer to the people through activities such as volunteer services, public education and awareness campaigns.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-01/Young-primary-level-members-bring-vitality-to-CPC-says-expert-1EEwVEpbPck/img/d2ace8e06e8c4490b164f145dd11beb7/d2ace8e06e8c4490b164f145dd11beb7.png' alt='Party members and citizens review the Party admission oath during an event in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 28, 2025. /VCG'

According to the report, the CPC had 5.25 million primary-level organizations at the end of 2024, an increase of 74,000 compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, workers and farmers accounted for about 33 percent of all CPC members.

Xia said the data indicates that Party organizations have consistently regarded frontline workers as a “talent reservoir” when developing new members.

Noting that 192,000 CPC members are rooted in the front line of rural revitalization in China, Xia said they have become an essential part for enhancing communication between different levels, promoting rural areas’ economic development and improving people’s livelihood.

Speaking of the increase of primary-level organizations across the country, Xia said it reflects the Party organization’s dual efforts in organizational reshaping and functional upgrading, which have contributed to building a more resilient and dynamic governance network across key areas such as rural revitalization, community governance and Party building in enterprises, he added.

The continued expansion of primary-level organizations is not merely a growth in numbers, but a reflection of an evolving governance philosophy, Xia pointed out.

Through the building of a governance community in which everyone bears responsibility, fulfills their duties, and shares in the outcomes, the expansion has provided a solid organizational support for Chinese modernization, he added.

The professor also stressed that the diverse integration among front-line workers, farmers, highly-educated groups and younger generations within the Party membership signifies that the CPC is achieving a modern transformation of its capacity through organizational restructuring.

“This structural shift not only reshapes the Party’s social representativeness but also builds a ‘governance community’ that bridges different social sectors,” he said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-01/Belgium-s-Prime-Minister-Bart-De-Wever-meets-with-Chinese-FM-Wang-Yi-1EETDlAiGpW/img/f0aa1c7a5ee04a6892f17e9b63b3d625/f0aa1c7a5ee04a6892f17e9b63b3d625.png' alt='Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever (L) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels, July 1, 2025. /VCG'

Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels on Tuesday.

Belgium and China have a long history of exchanges, and friendly exchanges are active, playing a gateway role in EU-China cooperation, De Wever said during the meeting, adding that he has visited China many times and is impressed by China’s development achievements. 

Although Europe and China have different perspectives, in the face of the current complex geopolitics, the two sides should strengthen exchanges and enhance mutual trust, he added. Belgium firmly believes in multilateralism, supports Europe’s strengthening of autonomy, and looks forward to positive results from the China-EU leaders’ meeting, the prime minister noted.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Belgium is a founding member of the European Union and the home of the EU headquarters, and plays a unique role in the European integration process and China-EU exchanges. 

China appreciates the rational and pragmatic policy of the new Belgian government toward China, and is willing to carry forward traditional friendship with Belgium and promote the continued steady progress of the China-Belgium all-round friendly cooperative partnership, said Wang.

China adheres to high-quality development and high-level opening up, welcomes more Belgian companies to develop in China, and hopes that Belgium will also provide a fair, safe and predictable business environment for Chinese companies to invest in Belgium, Wang added.

Wang also noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, which is of great significance in carrying forward the past and ushering in the future.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday underscored efforts to advance full, rigorous Party self-governance through forging good conduct.

Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

(Cover: A copy of the regulations on disciplinary action of the CPC. /VCG)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-30/Over-2-85m-HK-vehicles-cross-Hong-Kong-Zhuhai-Macao-Bridge-northbound-1ECWFE7k74s/img/d4c2a4d6910841b887faae5d17218664/d4c2a4d6910841b887faae5d17218664.png' alt='A view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, June 9, 2025. /VCG'

As of 9 a.m. Monday, the number of northbound trips made by single-plated vehicles from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) using the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has exceeded 2.85 million. Single-plated vehicles are those registered only in the Hong Kong SAR.

To facilitate traveling across the border for work and leisure, the “northbound travel for Hong Kong vehicles” scheme was officially launched in July 2023, marking a crucial step towards stronger connectivity and integrated development within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

From July 1, 2023 to June 30 this year, more than 108,000 vehicles and 129,000 drivers have completed the border inspection registration under the policy.

According to the bridge’s border inspection station, over 3.27 million passenger vehicles have passed through the port since the beginning of the year — a year-on-year increase of approximately 30 percent. On weekends and holidays, the average daily traffic reaches around 21,000 vehicles.

Hong Kong’s single-plated vehicles account for over 40 percent of the total, making them the most common type crossing the port.

Prior to the implementation of the policy, the average daily number of vehicles passing through the port was about 7,000, and the number has reached 18,000 in 2025, an increase of more than 150 percent over the same period in 2023, according to a border inspection station official.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Trump-s-vast-tax-cut-spending-bill-clears-first-U-S-Senate-hurdle-1EBgKpbchu8/img/86d333b25ccd4f5a814ee5d59e1cab89/86d333b25ccd4f5a814ee5d59e1cab89.png' alt='U.S. President Donald Trump comments on Supreme Court rulings in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Washington, D.C., U.S., June 27, 2025. /VCG'

The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate narrowly advanced President Donald Trump’s, sweeping tax-cut and spending bill on Saturday, during a marathon weekend session marked by political drama, division and lengthy delays as Democrats sought to slow the legislation’s path to passage.

Lawmakers voted 51-49 to open debate on the 940-page megabill, with two of Trump’s fellow Republicans joining Democrats to oppose the legislation that would fund the president’s top immigration, border, tax-cut and military priorities.

Trump on social media hailed the “great victory” for his “great, big, beautiful bill.”

After hours of delay, during which Republican leaders and Vice President JD Vance worked behind closed doors to persuade last-minute holdouts to support the measure, Democrats demanded that the megabill first be read aloud in the chamber – a task that could delay the start of the debate until Sunday afternoon.

Democrats say the bill’s tax cuts would disproportionately benefit the wealthy at the expense of social programs for lower-income Americans.

“Senate Republicans are scrambling to pass a radical bill, released to the public in the dead of night, praying the American people don’t realize what’s in it,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor.

“Democrats are going to force this chamber to read it from start to finish,” he said.

Once the bill has been read, lawmakers will begin up to 20 hours of debate on the legislation. That will be followed by a marathon amendment session, known as a “vote-a-rama,” before the Senate votes on passage. Lawmakers said they hoped to complete work on the bill on Monday.

Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Rand Paul voted against opening debate, a move that seemed for a time to be in danger of failing.

Trump attacked Tillis, who opposed the bill’s cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for lower-income Americans, which he said would be devastating for his native North Carolina. Tillis is up for reelection next year.

“Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks,” the president posted.

Paul opposed the legislation because it would raise the federal borrowing limit on the $36.2 trillion U.S. debt by an additional $5 trillion.

“Did Rand Paul Vote ‘NO’ again tonight? What’s wrong with this guy???” Trump said on social media.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/South-Korean-president-names-ministers-secretaries-1EBjhygPFD2/img/c429e42f143f4d4fa47d2f707e589518/c429e42f143f4d4fa47d2f707e589518.jpeg' alt='South Korean President Lee Jae-myung delivers a speech on the second supplementary budget proposal for 2025 at the National Assembly in Seoul, June 26, 2025. /VCG'

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who took office on June 4, named six ministers and two senior secretaries, the presidential office said Sunday.

Koo Yun-cheol, former vice finance minister, was selected to lead the Ministry of Economy and Finance and double as deputy prime minister for economic affairs.

Lee Jin-sook, former president of Chungnam National University, was picked as education minister who doubles as deputy prime minister for social affairs.

Jeong Seong-ho, five-term lawmaker of the ruling liberal Democratic Party, was nominated as justice minister, while the Democratic Party’s five-term lawmaker, Yoon Ho-jung, was named as interior minister.

Kim Jung-kwan, president of the country’s major plant builder Doosan Enerbility, was nominated as industry minister, while former Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong was picked as minister of health and welfare.

President Lee also appointed senior presidential secretaries for civil affairs and for non-governmental organizations as well as deputy chiefs of the National Intelligence Service.

Editor’s note: “Fact Hunter” is a fact-checking brand dedicated to tracking and verifying public claims and aims to counter AI-era misinformation’s pernicious impact. In this piece, we take a look at the timelines and patterns of global leaders’ statements on the Israel-Iran conflict during the 12 days of fighting.

Between June 13 and 24, 2025, Israel and Iran engaged in direct military confrontation following Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Over the course of 12 days, both governments confirmed multiple rounds of strikes on each other’s territories. On June 23, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement, formally marking the end of what he described as the “12-day war.”

During this period, dozens of political leaders issued statements across diplomatic channels, televised broadcasts and social media platforms. With rapidly shifting events and overlapping narratives, audiences found it difficult to follow who said what, when and with what intent.

Fact Hunter undertook the task of collecting, organizing and verifying leadership statements issued throughout the period of the conflict. Our goal is to provide a clear, accessible analysis of the official discourse surrounding the conflict, helping readers navigate the complexity of wartime rhetoric with accuracy and transparency.

How we built the map: methods and sources

To produce this report, we conducted a systematic review of leadership statements made during the conflict, from June 13 to June 24. In order to better present the dynamic structure of wartime discourse, we constructed a series of network diagrams. Entities are color-coded by type: persons in yellow, titles in light yellow, countries in blue, regions in dark green, statements in light green, concepts or projects in purple, organizations or entities in red, and events in orange. Arrows indicate directional relationships, where the arrow originates from the active subject and points to the passive one. Labels on the arrows specify the nature of the relationship or the action between entities.

Twelve days in motion: statement trajectories (June 13-24)

We first outline the chronological evolution of public statements during the conflict. This timeline highlights how leadership rhetoric shifted in response to battlefield developments and diplomatic efforts.

From June 13 to 15, every diagram centers on two main blue nodes, representing Israel and Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made statements on June 13, with some supporting Israel’s “self-defense,” some opposing Iran potentially pursuing nuclear weapons, and some taking both positions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “received a phone call from” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Ministry of External Affairs of India urged “de-escalation” and noted “friendly relations” with Iran.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/93d0cb978d6a4e93975fec73a80b075d/93d0cb978d6a4e93975fec73a80b075d.png' alt='Image 1: Network map of global leaders' statements on June 13 shows Israel and Iran at the center of diplomatic messaging'

On June 17, Trump voiced opposition to Iran while reaffirming his alliance with Israel. Simultaneously, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also issued statements. The U.S. began sharing the spotlight with the Middle East duo, taking a more hardline stance against Iran.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/5c8c648bfc47462699fdfc1f81acd062/5c8c648bfc47462699fdfc1f81acd062.png' alt=' Image 2: Network map of leaders' statements on June 17 highlights rising tensions, with Israel, Iran, and Trump forming a triangular focus in global discourse.'

On June 19-20, the Iranian nuclear program was brought into focus again, with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commenting on it. Trump and Netanyahu continued to comment on Iran, while Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei also commented on the “Zionist regime.” As shown in the graph, nuclear risk dominates the network.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/d70a53fa3f5442baa3e54549cf77877a/d70a53fa3f5442baa3e54549cf77877a.png' alt='Image 3: Network map of June 19 shows global leaders converging around the Iranian nuclear issue.'

On June 21, the network turned kinetic, with the U.S. launching attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Pezeshkian criticized Israel’s response; Modi mentioned concern over U.S. strikes; Erdoğan accused Netanyahu of aggression. The graph clearly displays a confrontation involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/f3d65c91437b42738bf8b9dae5e61600/f3d65c91437b42738bf8b9dae5e61600.png' alt='Image 4: Network map of June 21 captures the outbreak of direct military action, with leaders across the region reacting to the escalating conflict.'

Finally, on June 24, Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, ending the 12-day conflict, as shown in the graph. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it “welcomes” the ceasefire and “advocates dialogue and diplomacy.” Thus, the diagrams trace a clear arc: from a two-party standoff, through U.S. military escalation, back to a negotiated pause.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/6501167cb82b4147ab9d1a8219be6e62/6501167cb82b4147ab9d1a8219be6e62.png' alt='Image 5: Network map of June 24 marks the formal end of the Israel-Iran conflict.'

Inside the network: four lenses on leader rhetoric

Having traced how leadership statements evolved over time, we now examine how different figures and countries were positioned in the information landscape. The following four perspectives offer a deeper look into these dynamics.

All eyes on Tehran: incoming lines to Iran

This graph portrays Iran as a one-way focal point over the entire 12-day period: 18 inbound arrows converge on Tehran, and the statements cluster into three distinct camps.

1. Pressure bloc: Israeli President Isaac Herzog openly condemned Iran, while Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for Iran to “disavow” its nuclear and uranium enrichment program. Merz, Lammy and Kristersson echoed calls to curb Tehran’s nuclear program. Trump sought to “influence” Tehran, underscoring Washington’s lingering focus.

2. Calls for de-escalation: Modi voiced concern, while Starmer urged de-escalation. Macron coupled nuclear worries with a proposal for ceasefire talks. Erdogan pressed for diplomacy under a “solidarity” banner. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement urging restraint and dialogue.

3. Friendly/supportive voices: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani declared support for Iran.

Taken together, the star-shaped network depicts a “many-against-one” rhetorical battle: Western and regional critics apply pressure through condemnation and nuclear arguments; major and neutral powers advocate diplomatic off-ramps; and a handful of allies offer limited backing.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/70b50fc5f97141f889438acce6eeaffe/70b50fc5f97141f889438acce6eeaffe.png' alt='Image 6: Network map of leaders' statements toward Iran
shows a flood of pressure, concern and support.'

Tel Aviv in the crosshairs: global statements on Israel  

This graph places Israel at the center of a star-shaped discourse network, with 17 one-way arrows converging on it.

1. Direct criticism: Mohammed bin Salman, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, al-Sudani, Erdogan and Martin issued outright condemnations. Khamenei and Pezeshkian warned of retaliation.

2. Appeals for restraint or dialogue: Macron offered ceasefire talks; Starmer, Luxon and Modi urged de-escalation or voiced concern. India’s Ministry of External Affairs released an official note backing dialogue and restraint.

3. Limited backing: Merz reiterated support for Israel’s defense, while Trump sought to shape Israeli decision-making. Modi and Netanyahu maintained an open communication channel, keeping a diplomatic line available.

Overall, Israel confronted widespread criticism and threats, tempered by limited but notable diplomatic backing and potential off-ramps for negotiation.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/5f41aa9f825a4445a782af0f10012da5/5f41aa9f825a4445a782af0f10012da5.png' alt='Image 7: Network map of leaders' statements toward Israel reveals a surge of global attention, mixing condemnation, concern, support, and calls for restraint.'

Trump’s track: pressure and persuasion

Trump maintained direct dialogue with Netanyahu and tried to exert influence over both Israel and Iran.

1. Israeli side: Netanyahu stated his country’s position directly while also accepting Trump’s influence, underscoring U.S. dominance in the U.S.-Israel alliance’s public narrative.

2. Iranian side: The graph highlights Washington’s intent to deter Tehran through rhetoric or policy.

Overall, within the U.S.-Israel-Iran triangle, the U.S. combines the roles of interlocutor and influencer to advance its strategic interests.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/387fac4793e7437b8373948d021911cd/387fac4793e7437b8373948d021911cd.png' alt='Image 8: Network map of statements from Donald Trump shows his dual influence on Israel and Iran, alongside direct communication with Netanyahu.'

Modi’s middle path: India treads the line

The graph shows Modi adopting a carefully balanced stance in the day’s discourse network:

1. Modi maintained communication with Netanyahu, underscoring an open high-level channel between India and Israel.

2. Modi expressed concern to Israel and Iran, signaling that India publicly acknowledges the interests of both sides rather than backing just one partner.

Taken together, the pattern suggests India is pursuing a Middle East balancing act.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Network-analysis-of-global-leaders-statements-on-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EzD9Eb5F1m/img/6ca14ad2ac0e43a596dde64de0203f3d/6ca14ad2ac0e43a596dde64de0203f3d.png' alt='Image 9: Network map of statements from Narendra Modi shows parallel concern for both Israel and Iran.'

Conclusion

Across 12 days of open conflict, public statements by global leaders formed a parallel battlefield. The network diagrams show that Israel and Iran stood at the center of global attention, receiving the highest volume of targeted messages. Figures like Trump and Modi acted as pivotal intermediaries: Trump used rhetoric to exert pressure on both sides, while Modi maintained communication and concern across the divide.

As a fact-check brand, Fact Hunter remains committed to systematically documenting these communication patterns. Follow us for ongoing insights into how narratives take shape and how truth cuts through the fog of conflict.

Have a questionable video or claim? Submit it to Fact Hunter’s investigation team at [[email protected]].

Source note: The dataset underpinning our map contains 100 publicly available statements released between 13 and 24 June 2025, drawn from four open-source channels:

1. News agency dispatches: 28 items. Reuters (21), Anadolu Agency (3), IRNA (3) and one each from the Saudi Press Agency and Xinhua.

2. Mainstream and specialist news outlets: 44 items, spanning 21 publishers, led by The Times of Israel (11), Al Jazeera (7), The Washington Post (3), CBS News (3), Al Arabiya English (2), Tehran Times (2), PBS (2) and 14 other titles cited once.

3. Official government websites: 16 items (India PMO 3; India MEA 3; Türkiye Presidency 2; plus single releases from the UK, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Russia, Iran and the United States).

4. Verified social media posts: 12 items issued directly by leaders on Truth Social (7), X (4) and Facebook (1).

(Cover: The flags of Iran and Israel are seen during an IAEA Board of Governors meeting at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, June 23, 2025. /VCG)

In response to recent comments by U.S. officials regarding ongoing negotiations with certain economies over “reciprocal tariffs,” a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson issued a statement on Saturday emphasizing China’s firm stance on defending multilateralism and opposing unilateral trade measures.

According to media reports, U.S. authorities have indicated progress in negotiations with relevant economies and expressed hope to reach trade agreements with some partners before the 90-day suspension period for the proposed tariffs ends on July 9. For countries without an agreement in place, the U.S. may impose tariffs unilaterally.

The Chinese spokesperson condemned the U.S. approach as “a typical act of unilateral bullying” that has “seriously disrupted the multilateral trading system and undermined the normal order of international trade.”

The spokesperson reiterated China’s consistent opposition to such practices, stressing that “only by firmly upholding principled positions can countries truly safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.”

China supports resolving trade disputes through equal-footed dialogue and welcomes efforts by all parties to seek constructive solutions, the spokesperson stressed, adding, “At the same time, China calls on the international community to stand on the side of fairness and justice, uphold the correct course of history, and jointly defend international economic and trade rules along with the multilateral trading system.”

The spokesperson also made it clear that China “resolutely opposes any party securing tariff exemptions at the expense of Chinese interests.” If such scenarios occur, the spokesperson warned that China “will not accept it and will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights.”

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-27/The-causes-and-future-of-the-conflict-between-Israel-and-Iran-1EyaBdXRU76/img/162d4c7bd5d54f1fa43f79cb1dc36d6c/162d4c7bd5d54f1fa43f79cb1dc36d6c.png' alt='The flags of Iran (C, front) and Israel (C, back) flutter during an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting at the IAEA headquarters, in Vienna, Austria, June 23, 2025. /VCG'

Editor’s note: Wang Jin is the director of the Center of Strategic Studies at Northwest University.

After 12 days of intense conflict, Israel and Iran finally reached a ceasefire agreement. This round of hostilities stemmed from the ideological confrontation between the two nations, which further intensified their disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. In the aftermath, while the United States, Iran and Israel all expressed a desire to maintain peace, as disagreements over Iran’s nuclear issue persist, a resurgence of conflict appears to be only a matter of time.

Divisions between Israel and Iran

The war between Israel and Iran came under the long-lasting hostilities between the two states, while the hostilities resulted from deeply rooted divisions.

First, the political discourses in both Iran and Israel portray each other as their major threat. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran restructured its domestic political system based on Ayatollah Khomeini’s vision of “Velayat-e Faqih” (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), as outlined in his book “Islamic Governance.” In this new Islamic discourse, Iran assumed a dual identity as a revolutionary leader and ideological exporter within the Middle East, calling on other Islamic nations to resist Western intervention and reconfigure the region’s political order around Tehran. Given Israel’s close ties with the United States, its association with Zionist ideology and its long-standing “illegal” occupation of Palestinian territories, it naturally became a hostile target in Iran’s political narrative.

Similarly, Israel regards Iran as its principal threat. From an identity perspective, the modern Arab nationalism and pan-Islamism, which dominate political thought in much of the Middle East, define Zionism as the most pressing threat to the unity of both Arabs and Muslims in the Middle East. Zionism links Israel closely with the West, while the pan-Islam ideology highlights the importance of Middle Eastern states’ independence. Early Zionist leaders, such as Theodor Herzl and David Ben-Gurion, envisioned Israel as an extension of the West in the Middle East. Therefore, after 1979, when the new Islamic Republic was established in Iran, Israel’s stance toward Iran predictably became hostile.

Second, Iran and Israel hold opposing views on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran believes it has the legal rights to peacefully develop nuclear technology. Since the beginning of its nuclear research, Tehran has emphasized its commitment to the “peaceful use of nuclear energy.” Iran claims to actively cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), asserting that it is the only country in the world that has publicly disclosed its nuclear facilities. In contrast, Iran criticizes Israel as a de facto nuclear power that escapes scrutiny, accusing the West – particularly the IAEA – of bias and hypocrisy for turning a blind eye to Israel’s nuclear activities.

From Israel’s perspective, Iran’s claims of peaceful nuclear intentions are untrustworthy. Israel argues that Iran engaged in secret nuclear activity before 2002, which was only exposed due to efforts by Israel and the U.S. Israel maintains that Iran only agreed to limited inspections and transparency under the pressure of international sanctions, and even then, the IAEA’s access covered only part of Iran’s facilities. Since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, Iran has gradually suspended cooperation with the IAEA, making effective international monitoring impossible. Israel thus suspects that Iran’s true goal is to develop nuclear weapons and believes only firm external pressure can stop it.

Third, Iran and Israel differ in their assessment of Iran’s current nuclear capabilities. Iran acknowledges that its uranium enrichment levels have exceeded the 3.67 percent limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal, reaching 60 percent, but emphasizes that this still falls short of the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material. Iran repeatedly insists that its nuclear program is for power generation and scientific research, fully in line with the principles of peaceful use of nuclear energy, and asserts that as a sovereign nation, it has the right to pursue such development without external interference.

However, Israel argues that Iran’s enrichment has already approached the 90 percent mark. In late May, some Israeli think tanks estimated that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within one to two weeks. From Israel’s viewpoint, Iran’s nuclear ambitions have always aimed at weaponization, not peaceful energy. With U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations deadlocked and Iran’s enrichment and stockpile growing, Israel deemed it necessary to take military action to curb Iran’s nuclear progress.

Uncertainties of the ceasefire

Following 12 days of conflict, a ceasefire was reached among the United States, Israel and Iran. However, the recent clashes have profoundly impacted the strategic perceptions of all three parties, and the future of Iran’s nuclear issue and the broader Middle East remains highly uncertain.

The U.S. maintains an ambiguous and wavering position. Washington demands that Iran should abandon its nuclear development and surrender its enriched uranium. Yet, Washington vacillates between seeking diplomatic negotiations and contemplating military strikes. It hopes to use military strikes as leverage but also seeks to avoid deep military entanglement that could divert its global strategic focus. This strategic ambiguity hampers international coordination efforts, as all parties must simultaneously prepare for both political engagement and potential warfare.

In Iran, hardline voices have grown stronger. After the conflict, Iran cut off cooperation with the IAEA and opposed a resolution passed on June 12 by the IAEA concerning Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran also called for the IAEA to investigate Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal. Domestically, growing voices inside Iran calling to develop nuclear weapons have surged. Some Iranian hardliners argue that Israel dared to strike Iran because Tehran lacks nuclear deterrence – if Iran had nuclear weapons, they claim, neither Israel nor the U.S. would dare to attack.

Israel remains deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear capability. Though it claims to have set back Iran’s nuclear program by 20 years through recent strikes, some in Israel believe the damage was limited and Iran may recover its nuclear capabilities within months. Despite sustained attacks, Iran demonstrated the ability to launch long-range missiles at Israeli targets and has not experienced significant internal unrest. If Israel assesses that Iran’s nuclear capabilities are rapidly advancing again, it may resume military strikes.

A major problem is the lack of a functioning dialogue mechanism on Iran’s nuclear issue. One reason the conflict erupted is the absence of effective communication channels between Israel and Iran. Israel distrusts international evaluations and refuses direct dialogue with Iran, resorting instead to military action to express its concerns. The recent conflict has disrupted the planned sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, which were scheduled for June 15, and there is no clear timeline for the resumption of the talks.

Although a short-term resumption of conflict is unlikely between Israel and Iran, the unresolved nature of the nuclear issue and persistent disagreements suggest that another confrontation may only be a matter of time. The risk of regional escalation due to Iran’s nuclear ambitions still requires the active attention and coordination of the international community and regional powers.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-27/China-s-top-legislature-concludes-standing-committee-session-1EyeK6TKiRy/img/38f594c6c700460c91b00c01977601c0/38f594c6c700460c91b00c01977601c0.png' alt='The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concludes its 16th session in Beijing, China, June 27, 2025. /Xinhua'

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) concluded its 16th session in Beijing on Friday.

At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to adopt a revised Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security and a revised Law against Unfair Competition.

President Xi Jinping signed two presidential orders to promulgate the laws.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting.

The meeting adopted the decision of the NPC Standing Committee on ratifying the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.

In addition, it approved the central government’s final accounts for 2024.

The session voted to remove Miao Hua from his position as a member of the Central Military Commission, while lawmakers also passed a deputy qualification report and other personnel-related bills.

Addressing the closing meeting, Zhao stressed the need to earnestly carry out the education campaign on implementing the Party central leadership’s “eight-point decision” on improving work conduct in a bid to promote high-quality development of the work of people’s congresses.

He also urged efforts to practice whole-process people’s democracy, consciously accept public oversight and maintain close ties with the people.

Lawmakers should foster strong awareness of the rule of law, remain loyal to the Constitution, strictly follow legal procedures and faithfully perform their statutory duties, Zhao said.

Zhao chaired a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons before the closing meeting and presided over a lecture for lawmakers after the closing meeting.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/China-U-S-military-aid-arms-sales-attempt-to-drag-Taiwan-into-war-1EwgvCSOf0Q/img/79041ee43249403494fddf697ddfeaa0/79041ee43249403494fddf697ddfeaa0.png' alt='Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, during a regular press briefing in Beijing, China, June 26, 2025. /VCG'

A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday said the U.S. military collusion with China’s Taiwan region, whether it’s military aid, arms sales, or under any other excuse, is an attempt to drag Taiwan into the flames of war and harm the island itself.

According to reports, the U.S. side recently invited Taiwan’s military representatives to observe a joint air exercise of the U.S. and its allies. Meanwhile, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations recently approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act, which includes a $500 million budget for military assistance to Taiwan.

In response to a question from the media during a regular press briefing, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said China firmly opposes any form of military collusion between the U.S. and China’s Taiwan region.

“We urge the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques and stop sending wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces,” Zhang said.

The spokesperson also warned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that “soliciting U.S. support for independence” is doomed to fail.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/SCO-defense-ministers-meeting-held-in-China-1EwzCpkOeOs/img/cbaa0bdaddde477da937120833f6e45c/cbaa0bdaddde477da937120833f6e45c.png' alt='The SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting is held in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 26, 2025. /VCG'

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday convened in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

Addressing the meeting, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said it is necessary for the SCO to serve as an anchor of stability amid the current complex global situation.

China is willing to work with all SCO member states to adhere to the original aspiration of the organization, carry forward the “Shanghai Spirit,” firmly safeguard international fairness and justice, jointly address security challenges, and promote steady and far-reaching defense and security cooperation, Dong noted.

All parties participating in the meeting agreed to enhance strategic communication, promote practical cooperation, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

China’s economy has shown stability in the face of external shocks, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday.

Li made the remarks at a symposium for business representatives at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China’s Tianjin Municipality.

Against the backdrop of growing uncertainties in international economic and trade cooperation, the stability of the business environment has become particularly crucial, he said.

Li noted that the rise of protectionism, unilateralism and anti-globalization sentiments has created significant challenges for development of businesses.

However, amid these changes, China’s economy has demonstrated a unique stability against external shocks while maintaining its own rhythm of growth, he said.

This stability is further reflected in China’s unwavering commitment to opening up, enabling multinational corporations to achieve greater success and sustainable development in the Chinese market, he said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-25/CGTN-Poll-5-defense-spending-target-exposes-NATO-s-deadlock-1EuQF9Jo1Fu/img/f78c0a24ee1448abbaaa4efba5e099cb/f78c0a24ee1448abbaaa4efba5e099cb.jpeg' alt='A soldier on patrol ahead of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in The Hague, Netherlands, June 23, 2025. /VCG'

Eager for expansion yet divided among members, NATO’s summit bargaining reveals that European security consensus is hard to achieve. The proposed 5 percent defense spending target has further exposed the rift in U.S.-EU security trust and deep divisions among NATO member states. 

A global poll conducted by CGTN shows that 67.4 percent of respondents condemn NATO’s accelerated military expansion, warning it could trigger a new arms race and severely threaten global peace and stability.

Just how ambitious is NATO’s expansion? The numbers can tell: Global military spending in 2024 reached $2.72 trillion, with NATO accounting for $1.5 trillion – 55 percent of the world’s total. Despite the imbalance in global military power, NATO continues to push members to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. 

In response, 84.7 percent of respondents believe NATO has become an outright war machine, while 80.4 percent of respondents expressed concern that its rapid military expansion warrants vigilance. Furthermore, 73.8 percent of respondents fear that achieving the 5 percent target will accelerate global military imbalance, posing a grave threat to world peace and security.

Yet, NATO’s grand ambitions clash with harsh realities. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez openly dismissed the 5 percent target as “disproportionate and unnecessary,” a view echoed by 80.1 percent of respondents, who argue that forcing NATO’s European members to drastically increase defense spending could lead to higher taxes or slashed welfare – costs ultimately borne by European citizens. 

Meanwhile, 76.2 percent of respondents believe the spending dispute will trigger further divisions among NATO’s European member states. U.S. President Donald Trump once threatened to scale back America’s security commitments if allies didn’t pay more. 76.6 percent of respondents accuse the U.S. of disregarding its European allies’ concerns. Security cooperation between Europe and the U.S. may drift further apart, while the rifts within NATO continue to widen.

The poll, conducted across CGTN’s English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian platforms, gathered responses from 6,000 overseas users within 12 hours.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is in north China’s Tianjin Municipality for the 2025 Summer Davos.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, Li said the deep friendship of “comrades and brothers” has remained firm and fresh over time. Since the successful visit of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, to Vietnam in April, comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam has continued to advance.

China is willing to further implement the outcomes of President Xi’s visit to Vietnam to bring more benefits to both peoples, Li said.

Li pointed out that unstable and uncertain factors in the current international situation continue to increase. China and Vietnam should strengthen unity, enhance strategic communication and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. This, he said, would benefit not only both countries but also the region and the world.

He noted that China is ready to accelerate the alignment of development strategies with Vietnam, implement the cooperation plan on synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy and green development, and jointly foster new economic drivers.

Both sides should enhance exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education and media, and jointly hold a series of activities for the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchange, Li added.

China welcomes Vietnam to become a BRICS partner country and is willing to work with Vietnam to safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and inject more stability and positive energy into world peace and development, Li said.

Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, further enhance high-level exchanges, improve political mutual trust, strengthen strategic communication, promote practical cooperation, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Vietnam firmly supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi and looks forward to strengthening multilateral cooperation with China, defending multilateralism and safeguarding common interests, he noted.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-24/NPC-Standing-Committee-reviews-key-legal-amendments-1EthNrhIMtG/img/450c6055c49b413d8c1830478252d0d8/450c6055c49b413d8c1830478252d0d8.png' alt='The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress holds its 16th session in Beijing, China, June 24, 2025. /Xinhua'

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, kicked off its 16th session on Tuesday in Beijing. 

Lawmakers are reviewing a range of draft amendments and new legislation covering areas such as public security administration, unfair competition, public health emergencies, maritime affairs, and civil aviation. 

They are also deliberating proposals related to grassroots governance, social assistance, medical security, and food safety. 

On the international front, a proposal to ratify the Convention on the Establishment of the International Mediation Institute is also on the table. 

The session is expected to conclude on Friday.

Medical insurance system advancement

The draft law on medical insurance, which is expected to improve the country’s universal basic medical insurance system, was submitted to the national legislature on Tuesday for its first reading.

According to Zhang Ke, head of the National Healthcare Security Administration, the draft law includes a dedicated chapter that outlines the framework of the medical security system.

It clearly defines the coverage, funding mechanisms, and benefit guarantees for basic medical insurance for urban employees, basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents, and maternity insurance, Zhang said.

The draft also includes provisions to ensure the safe and stable operation of the medical insurance fund, with strengthened oversight of its revenue and expenditure management.

Social assistance system expansion

Chinese lawmakers are also reviewing a draft law designed to ensure basic living support for people in need.

The draft law on social assistance was submitted to the ongoing session on Tuesday for its first reading.

The draft expands the scope of social assistance and strengthens its role as a safety net for those in need.

It calls for primary-level authorities to actively monitor the living conditions of residents and provide timely assistance in accordance with the law.

The draft also calls for establishing and enhancing mechanisms to encourage broader participation of citizens, legal entities, and other organizations in providing social assistance. 

Food Safety Law amendment

The draft amendment to the Food Safety Law aimed at addressing key issues, strengthening regulatory oversight, and ensuring food safety was submitted for its first reading.

The draft includes provisions to enhance oversight of bulk road transportation of key liquid food, place infant formula liquid milk under registration management, and impose stricter penalties for violations.

The Food Safety Law was promulgated in 2009. It underwent a comprehensive revision in 2015 and was amended in 2018 and 2021.

Civil aviation sector development

Chinese lawmakers began reviewing a draft revision to the Civil Aviation Law on Tuesday as part of the country’s efforts to boost the sector’s development.

The draft was submitted to the national legislature’s ongoing session for the second reading.

The draft stipulates that China will strengthen the construction of civil aviation infrastructure, support scientific and technological research and education, boost professional training, and enhance civil aviation safety and service standards.

It includes measures to support research and development in core technologies in key fields, improve design capabilities for large aircraft and advanced engines, promote the industrial application of scientific and technological innovation, and boost the development of civil aviation manufacturing.

It also specifies provisions to advance the development of the low-altitude economy.

Data rights protection upgrades

Chinese lawmakers are also deliberating a draft revision to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law to toughen regulatory measures against data rights violations and malicious transactions.

The draft was submitted to the ongoing NPC session on Tuesday for its second reading.

The draft outlines various forms of malicious transactions and introduces provisions for establishing a national fair competition review system.

To strengthen regulation against unfair competition on platforms, the draft prohibits operators from forcing or indirectly pressuring vendors to sell products below cost.

It also stipulates that platform operators must clearly outline fair competition rules within their platform service agreements and transaction regulations.

Promulgated in 1993, the Anti-Unfair Competition Law aims to promote the healthy development of the socialist market economy, encourage and protect fair competition, curb unfair competition practices, and safeguard the legal rights and interests of operators and consumers. 

(With input from Xinhua)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-23/Poll-World-condemns-the-U-S-air-strikes-on-Iran-s-nuclear-facilities-1EruT4CvXYA/img/5e48c73c42644d7595e3571d7f2d5581/5e48c73c42644d7595e3571d7f2d5581.png' alt='A B-2 bomber arrives at the Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri after returning from a massive strike on Iranian nuclear sites, June 22, 2025. /VCG'

By involving the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers in strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Operation “Midnight Hammer” has fully unleashed the Middle East’s “Pandora’s box.” After tacitly condoning Israel’s military actions, the U.S. has ultimately taken direct intervention. A global poll conducted by CGTN shows that respondents overwhelmingly condemn the U.S. air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and criticize the “America First” foreign policy for bringing endless disaster to the Middle East.

Since the outbreak of the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, America’s tacit approval and indulgence have continued to fuel Israel’s aggression. The U.S. has not only persistently provided military aid to Israel but has also repeatedly wielded its veto power at the United Nations to block Gaza ceasefire resolutions in defense of Israeli interests. The Guardian criticized the Trump administration, stating that the Trump administration has placed its short-term interests above regional stability, significantly fueling the crisis. 

In the survey, 91 percent of respondents note that amid widespread international calls for de-escalation of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, the U.S. actions are blatantly adding fuel to the fire, pushing the conflict to an uncontrollable state. Meanwhile, 90 percent of respondents believe the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities severely violates the UN Charter and international law, infringing on Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

In addition, 90 percent of respondents criticize Israel’s military actions for rapidly escalating regional tensions. Meanwhile, 84 percent of respondents condemn Israel for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

A turbulent Middle East threatens global stability. The international community widely expects effective measures to prevent further escalation and avoid greater regional chaos, hoping Israel and Iran will return to the track of political settlement. 

The survey found that 85 percent of global respondents believe the international community should prevent the situation from spiraling out of control and that a ceasefire must be an urgent priority. Meanwhile, 77 percent of respondents emphasize that the complexity of Middle Eastern issues means military measures cannot achieve lasting peace. They believe that whether it concerns the Iran nuclear issue or the Israel-Palestine conflict, only political solutions and dialogue can pave the way forward. 

Ninety-one percent of respondents stress that influential major powers should take responsibility by actively promoting a ceasefire in the Middle East rather than allowing conflicts to spread unchecked.

The survey was released on CGTN’s English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian platforms, with 10,472 overseas participants sharing their views within 12 hours.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-23/Chinese-mainland-slams-Lai-over-Taiwan-independence-fallacy-1ErzwPUSmvS/img/ea881d28da8a4323bd8e219fec33b9f5/ea881d28da8a4323bd8e219fec33b9f5.png' alt='File photo of Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a press briefing in Beijing, China. /VCG'

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday slammed Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, for delivering a blatant “Taiwan independence” manifesto aimed at inciting cross-Straits confrontation.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to Lai’s speech on Sunday.

The speech was rife with lies, deception, hostility and provocation, said Chen. It deliberately distorted and severed history, he said.

Lai peddled separatist rhetoric and the fallacy of “Taiwan independence,” attempting to fabricate a patchwork of justifications for his narrative, said Chen.

It served as propaganda to advance his political agenda of the so-called “mass recall” for selfish political gains, the spokesperson said.

This was nothing but a blatant “Taiwan independence” manifesto aimed at inciting cross-Straits confrontation – a jumble of fallacies and heresies riddled with errors and flaws that laid bare his nature as an obstinate advocate of “Taiwan independence,” said Chen.

In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs, held in Beijing from June 22 to 23. In his speech, he not only summarized the achievements and experiences in China’s diplomacy since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in late 2012, but also clearly defined “thought on the diplomacy of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.”

An essential part of “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,” the principles can be regarded as the achievements made by the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core in theoretical and practical innovations in diplomacy.

Here are some of Xi’s key remarks on diplomacy in recent years.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Key-quotes-from-President-Xi-Jinping-on-China-s-diplomacy-1EpPWr645X2/img/5199d2d923924ba9ac7c61e61a0a4450/5199d2d923924ba9ac7c61e61a0a4450.png' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Key-quotes-from-President-Xi-Jinping-on-China-s-diplomacy-1EpPWr645X2/img/6c715b27b10d47ecaef7a0a3f6181f58/6c715b27b10d47ecaef7a0a3f6181f58.png' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Key-quotes-from-President-Xi-Jinping-on-China-s-diplomacy-1EpPWr645X2/img/74a27b6c939347cf98305d488c11b0bf/74a27b6c939347cf98305d488c11b0bf.png' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Key-quotes-from-President-Xi-Jinping-on-China-s-diplomacy-1EpPWr645X2/img/c80dcd570f8644f7b89170b190608a66/c80dcd570f8644f7b89170b190608a66.png' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Key-quotes-from-President-Xi-Jinping-on-China-s-diplomacy-1EpPWr645X2/img/ed6b595e80fe4bf1abde4b08279a8c71/ed6b595e80fe4bf1abde4b08279a8c71.png' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Key-quotes-from-President-Xi-Jinping-on-China-s-diplomacy-1EpPWr645X2/img/3ed6405660bd41719fb65ce394888dca/3ed6405660bd41719fb65ce394888dca.png' alt=''<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Key-quotes-from-President-Xi-Jinping-on-China-s-diplomacy-1EpPWr645X2/img/cfcff5e5d9e34d0db6e6262fd0014587/cfcff5e5d9e34d0db6e6262fd0014587.png' alt=''

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Q-A-Expert-insight-on-U-S-strikes-on-Iran-nuclear-sites-and-fallout-1EpTUY5f2pi/img/961bd77336bf4f889ab4642e0b5289bf/961bd77336bf4f889ab4642e0b5289bf.jpeg' alt='The satellite image of Maxar Technologies shows new vehicle revetments and trucks on road 1.1 kilometers (0.6 miles) from Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), in Fordo, Iran on June 20, 2025. /VCG'

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States launched precision airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, marking a sharp policy shift from indirect support to direct military engagement. As the region braces for potential retaliation and global concerns mount over the erosion of nuclear non-proliferation norms, CGTN on Sunday interviewed Wang Jin, director of the Center of Strategic Studies at Northwest University in Xi’an, to unpack the motives behind the U.S. operation, assess Iran’s nuclear resilience, and explore prospects for diplomatic de-escalation. The conversations have been lightly edited for clarity and conciseness.

CGTN: The U.S. had previously limited its role to intelligence sharing in the Israel-Iran conflict. Why did it decide to conduct direct airstrikes using B-2 bombers on deeply buried nuclear facilities such as Fordow? Was this a strategic shift driven by domestic political factors or external pressure from its allies?

Wang Jin: There are two primary reasons behind the U.S. decision. First, the conditions were ripe: Israel’s sustained strikes in recent weeks had severely degraded Iran’s air defense systems, allowing the U.S. to carry out long-range bombing missions with reduced risk. Second, Washington came under mounting pressure from pro-war factions domestically and from its close ally, Israel. Certain Iranian nuclear facilities like Fordow are deeply embedded underground and beyond Israel’s reach, necessitating direct U.S. action. However, the strikes appear to have been calibrated to remain “limited” in Washington’s view, aimed at disruption rather than full-scale escalation.

CGTN: Iran claims that nuclear materials were relocated prior to the strikes, and that Fordow’s mountainous protection minimized damage. Can physical strikes really terminate nuclear capability accumulation?

Wang Jin: While physical attacks cannot entirely destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities, they can significantly disrupt and delay the progress. A nuclear program is not just about material – it’s a complex system involving personnel, expert networks, energy supply, logistics, and infrastructure. The strikes have likely damaged or interfered with multiple components of this ecosystem. So while Iran retains technical knowledge and material stockpiles, its ability to operate a sustained and coherent nuclear program will face serious setbacks.

CGTN: Both Washington and Tehran have invoked “self-defense” in ways that sidestep obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Does this signal a growing erosion of the global non-proliferation regime? Are we witnessing the hollowing-out of international norms when great powers or regional actors cite security to justify treaty violations?

Wang Jin: Absolutely. The attacks by the U.S. and Israel have undermined the legitimacy and authority of international norms and institutions. If states can unilaterally define threats and use that as justification for violating another country’s sovereignty, then the foundation of modern international order – based on sovereign equality and dialogue – begins to crumble. What we are seeing is the projection of hegemonic and unilateral thinking by the U.S., which severely damages the global consensus on rules-based governance.

CGTN: The Houthi spokesperson has threatened to strike U.S. ships in the Red Sea if Washington supports Israeli operations against Iran. Could this conflict spill over into a multi-front hybrid war? How might the broader Middle East landscape shift?

Wang Jin: There is a real risk of broader regional escalation. U.S. military bases in several Arab states could become targets of Iranian retaliation, either directly or via proxy groups. Iran-aligned forces in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and elsewhere may also enter the conflict. If that happens, the Middle East could spiral into a more chaotic and fragmented battlefield, marked by overlapping conventional and asymmetrical warfare. This would significantly destabilize the regional order.

CGTN: Iran has categorically rejected direct talks with the U.S. under current conditions. Are there still viable diplomatic off-ramps? Could neutral Middle Eastern states such as Oman facilitate dialogue? Under what circumstances might Iran return to the negotiations table?

Wang Jin: There is still diplomatic space – any third-party country willing to mediate should be encouraged. Both Iran and many regional actors remain open to dialogue in principle, and European nations are also eager to prevent further deterioration. Even the U.S., despite conducting strikes, likely hopes to convert military pressure into political leverage. The international community should act now to create communication channels and open more opportunities for de-escalation.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-21/OIC-foreign-ministers-convene-in-Istanbul-amid-Israel-Iran-conflict-1EojsMY04Rq/img/9c01662db7d745afa56ddab5e7469f17/9c01662db7d745afa56ddab5e7469f17.png' alt='The 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is held in Istanbul, Türkiye, June 21, 2025. /VCG'

The 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) opened in Istanbul on Saturday amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Held under the theme “The OIC in a Transforming World,” the summit’s agenda prominently features discussions on the recent Israeli strikes on Iran and the broader security challenges these developments pose for the region.

During his opening remarks in a live broadcast, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there is “an Israel problem in the region.”

“This is not a problem of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or Iran; this is clearly a problem of Israel,” he said, adding that “Israel is now attacking our neighbor Iran, pushing the region to the brink of full-scale disaster.”

Fidan urged Israel to immediately cease its attacks and called on the international community to act decisively to prevent the conflict from escalating.

“We strongly condemn Israel’s attack on Iran while nuclear negotiations are ongoing,” he said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iran and its broader military actions in the region, describing them as acts of “thuggery.”

“The definition and description of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and most recently Iran, is thuggery,” Erdogan said during his opening address at the session.

He said that the timing of the Israeli strike on Iran – coinciding with intensified nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States – was particularly “meaningful.”

The Turkish president called on the Islamic world to set aside internal differences and unite around shared interests. “We must continue our initiatives to implement compelling measures against Israel based on international law and the UN Charter.”

The two-day meeting has drawn over 35 foreign ministers, among them Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and five deputy ministers. According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, total attendance is expected to reach approximately 1,000 delegates.

(With input from Xinhua)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-21/U-S-presses-Japan-to-raise-defense-spending-to-3-5-of-GDP-media-1EojBVlZKqQ/img/089053dfc3164294a52f21b77e35312a/089053dfc3164294a52f21b77e35312a.png' alt='Japan Ground Self-Defense Force battle tanks move during a live-fire exercise at the East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba, Japan, June 8, 2025. /VCG'

The U.S. government has pressed Japan to raise its defense spending to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), a demand that will likely prompt Tokyo to cancel a planned high-level meeting with Washington, Kyodo News reported Saturday, citing a diplomatic source.

Washington’s defense spending request will likely lead Japan to cancel a planned meeting of the countries’ foreign and defense chiefs scheduled in Washington, the report said.

The two-plus-two security talks would have been the first since Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump took office in October and January, respectively, it added.

Meanwhile, according to the Financial Times, Tokyo called off the July 1 meeting after the U.S. abruptly demanded Japan raise its defense spending significantly.

The request was made in recent weeks by Elbridge Colby, U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy, who had previously pushed Japan to increase its defense spending to 3 percent of its GDP, the newspaper has reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

In 2022, after Trump’s first term, Japan decided to double its annual defense budget to 2 percent of GDP by 2027, which marked a major shift in defense policy for a country with a pacifist constitution.

However, Trump continues to complain that the U.S.-Japan security treaty is one-sided, with his administration apparently planning to ask Tokyo to pay more for U.S. troops based in the country.

The first temporary flight carrying Chinese citizens evacuated from Iran arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Friday.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-20/China-says-it-opposes-any-country-s-provocations-in-Taiwan-Straits-1EmwSjTvmW4/img/f2e07f0527be46529e07203b05b98823/f2e07f0527be46529e07203b05b98823.png' alt='Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun speaks at a regular press briefing in Beijing, China, June 20, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry'

China opposes any country’s provocative actions in relevant waters of the Taiwan Straits in the name of “freedom of navigation,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday.

The Taiwan question bears on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Guo Jiakun at a regular press briefing.

Guo said that China respects countries’ lawful right to navigation in the Straits, but firmly opposes any country making provocations or threatening China’s sovereignty and security in the name of “freedom of navigation.”

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-19/China-to-speed-up-rare-earth-export-license-review-1EkHLYdb8zK/img/096187f882a94bf18fb7a36bc78e7df8/096187f882a94bf18fb7a36bc78e7df8.png' alt='A view of the Ministry of Commerce building in Beijing, China. /VCG'

China has consistently placed great importance on maintaining the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains and has been accelerating the review of rare earth-related export license applications in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

China has approved a certain number of compliant applications in accordance with the law and will continue to strengthen the review and approval of such applications, ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference in answer to a question on rare earth exports.

China is willing to enhance communication and dialogue with relevant countries on export controls and actively promote the facilitation of compliant trade, He said.

Read more:

China approves some rare earth export applications

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that ceasefire is an urgent priority for resolving the conflict in the Middle East, stressing that the use of force is not the right solution to international disputes.

In a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin regarding the situation in the Middle East, Xi urged the conflicting parties – especially Israel – to cease fire as soon as possible.

Expounding on China’s principles and stance, Xi described the current situation in the Middle East as critical, warning that further escalation would bring greater losses to both conflicting parties and the region.

The Chinese president emphasized that protecting civilians’ safety must remain the top priority amid Iran-Israel tensions, calling on the conflicting parties to strictly adhere to international law and resolutely avoid harming innocent civilians.

Dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental way out, Xi pointed out, calling for bringing the Iranian nuclear issue back on track for a political solution through dialogue and negotiation.

He also urged the international community – particularly major countries with significant influence over the parties to the conflict – to make efforts to de-escalate the situation, adding that the UN Security Council should play a greater role in this regard.

China, Xi added, stands ready to continue strengthening communication and coordination with all parties, pooling their efforts, and upholding justice, so as to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East.

Putin said Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is dangerous, stressing that the conflict escalation is not in anyone’s interests, and the issue should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

Russia is willing to maintain close communication with China and make positive efforts to cool down the situation and maintain regional peace and stability, he noted.

The two heads of state highly appreciated the political mutual trust and high-level strategic cooperation between China and Russia, and agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, advance cooperation in various fields, and promote further development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-18/China-Central-Asia-mechanism-a-new-paradigm-for-regional-cooperation-1EiFf2yMGNq/img/ab58256cbcc1483d910f88f72ebd8a66/ab58256cbcc1483d910f88f72ebd8a66.jpeg' alt='A view of the Akorda Presidential Palace, Astana, capital of Kazakhstan. /VCG'

Editor’s Note: Sun Qi is the executive director and associate professor of the Center for Russia and Central Asia Studies at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping places great importance on the relationship between China and Central Asia. Today, Central Asia is the only region in the world where all countries are strategic partners of China. Just as Xi said at the second China-Central Asia Summit, a China-Central Asia Spirit has been forged in long-term practice – “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual assistance, and the pursuit of common modernization through high-quality development.”

Cooperation expanded at summit

Good-neighborly relations and friendship are a strong guarantee for deepening cooperation. The convening of the second China-Central Asia Summit comes at a time of complex international circumstances. China and the five Central Asian countries have jointly signed a treaty of permanent good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation, codifying the principle of lasting friendship in legal form. As a result, the political mutual trust and strategic partnership between the six countries has reached unprecedented new heights. This high level of political trust serves as a stabilizing anchor, providing strong assurance for deeper cooperation in economy, security, culture and other fields.

Industrial cooperation continues to deepen. The summit agreed to designate 2025 and 2026 as the Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation. In the future, cooperation between China and Central Asian countries will not only focus on complementing each other’s strengths in traditional sectors, but will also emphasize sharing development experience and jointly leveraging the latest technological achievements. This will promote deep integration in new quality productive forces, such as digital infrastructure connectivity and artificial intelligence cooperation.

The regional security is being steadily reinforced. China has provided strong support for Central Asian countries to resist infiltration by the “three forces” of terrorism, separatism and extremism, while the Central Asian nations have become an important buffer for China’s security and stability in the west. China and Central Asian countries are committed to building an indivisible regional security order, strengthening the security foundation for the Belt and Road Initiative and sustainable regional development, and fully demonstrating China’s role and responsibility as a major power in regional security governance.

A stark contrast to other mechanisms

Pragmatic cooperation vs. fragmented diplomacy: The systemic advantages of the China-Central Asia mechanism are striking. The cooperation framework between China and the five Central Asian countries is centered on deep coordination around core issues such as connectivity, digital economy, green development, climate resilience and trade facilitation, forming a comprehensive structure that covers political, economic, security and cultural fields. This institutionalized and regularized mode of cooperation ensures both policy continuity and sustainable outcomes.

In contrast, U.S. and EU diplomacy in Central Asia tends to be relatively scattered and lacks coordination. The United States mainly engages with Central Asian countries through bilateral channels or ad hoc initiatives, lacking a standing multilateral mechanism. Although there is an EU-Central Asia cooperation platform in place, its operation is often constrained by divergent interests among member states. Such fragmented diplomatic approaches have limited effect when addressing regional challenges and promoting regional integration.

Inclusive development vs. exclusive competition: China advocates for regional cooperation based on openness and inclusiveness, without creating imaginary enemies or forming exclusive cliques. The China-Central Asia Summit focuses on providing international public goods to promote peace and stability in the region, aiming to advance development and improve people’s livelihoods through infrastructure construction, capacity cooperation and technology transfer. This model emphasizes “enlarging the pie” rather than “fighting over the pie,” reflecting the core concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

In sharp contrast, Western-led multilateral mechanisms such as the G7 often exhibit distinct undertones of value export and geopolitical confrontation. In addressing issues like Russia-Ukraine conflict and concerns about China’s development, these mechanisms typically adopt a zero-sum “friend-or-foe” mentality and are prone to isolating targeted countries through sanctions and decoupling, which objectively exacerbates division and antagonism within the international community.

Results-oriented vs. political declarations: China-Central Asia cooperation emphasizes tangible results and regional development. From China-Europe freight trains to cross-border e-commerce, from new energy projects to the construction of digital infrastructure, the outcomes are visible and concrete, directly benefiting people across the partner countries. A series of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the summit have clear timelines, roadmaps and responsible parties, ensuring all sides can deliver on their commitments. While many Western-led multilateral mechanisms often remain at the level of political declarations and moral statements, with relatively limited substantive projects and financial input. Even when commitments are made, they are often delayed due to complex decision-making procedures and internal disagreements among member states.

Amid unprecedented global changes, the new model of regional cooperation demonstrated by the China-Central Asia Summit not only injects strong momentum to peaceful development of the region, but also offers valuable lessons for global governance.

A Chinese spokesperson on Wednesday expressed China’s strong opposition to the G7’s repeated manipulation of China-related topics.

At a regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to a question regarding China-related issues discussed at the G7 Summit.

The G7 Summit once again manipulated China-related issues, making unwarranted remarks on matters concerning Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, and maliciously slandering China over so-called “market distortions and harmful overcapacity,” Guo pointed out.

These claims, Guo said, constitute a serious interference in China’s internal affairs and a violation of the basic norms governing international relations. China has lodged stern representations with the parties concerned, he added.

Guo emphasized that the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits comes from separatist attempts to promote “Taiwan independence,” as well as from foreign interference. “If the G7 truly cares about peace in the Taiwan Straits,” he stated, “it should uphold the one-China principle, clearly oppose ‘Taiwan independence,’ and support China’s peaceful reunification.”

Regarding the East China Sea and South China Sea, Guo pointed out that the overall situation remains stable due to the collective efforts of regional countries. He urged the G7 to respect regional consensus, refrain from using maritime issues to drive wedges between nations, and stop fueling tensions.

On economic matters, Guo refuted the narrative of so-called Chinese “overcapacity” and “market distortion,” calling it a false proposition driven by protectionist motives. He noted that the real intention behind such rhetoric is to suppress China’s legitimate development and to politicize and instrumentalize trade issues.

Guo called on the G7 to recognize the prevailing trend of global development, abandon Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, stop provoking confrontation, and do more things that are truly beneficial to the international community.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the five Central Asian countries on Tuesday signed the Astana Declaration of the second China-Central Asia Summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of the five Central Asian countries signed a treaty of permanent good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation. 

China and Central Asia share a long history – one that began on ancient Silk Road routes and continues today on modern railways. Now, that connection is entering a new era. Expanding freight networks, ambitious infrastructure projects and new transport corridors are strengthening ties and redrawing trade routes across Eurasia.

In 2024 alone, China-Central Asia trade surged to $94.8 billion. Routes like the upcoming China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway and a 57-hour passenger journey from Xi’an to Almaty highlight how regional cooperation is turning vision into reality.

This isn’t just about logistics – it’s about the rise of the Global South. As countries collaborate more closely, their influence on global affairs continues to grow.

Watch the full video to see how these connections are reshaping the future.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended a cooperation documents exchange ceremony in Astana on Monday.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-15/PLA-patrols-South-China-Sea-stays-alert-for-destabilizing-activities-1EefntMD720/img/f078ab1d1e8f4f0b90e42eca8569e346/f078ab1d1e8f4f0b90e42eca8569e346.png' alt='An aerial view of an island in the South China Sea. /VCG'

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Saturday conducted a joint sea-air patrol in the South China Sea, a spokesperson said on Sunday, noting that the armed forces stay on high alert for any destabilizing activities in the region.

Tian Junli, the spokesperson, said the Philippines’ attempt to rally extra regional countries to carry out so-called “joint patrols” had heightened security risks and undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea.

All military activities that seek to stir up trouble or create flashpoints in the region are under full control, Tian added. 

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-15/Wang-Huning-calls-for-unity-cooperation-peace-across-Taiwan-Straits-1Eebybxr4GI/img/e5b58d02bcf040178804cb8b27c13769/e5b58d02bcf040178804cb8b27c13769.png' alt='The 17th Straits Forum is held in Xiamen, a coastal city in east China's Fujian Province, June 15, 2025. /VCG'

China’s top political advisor Wang Huning on Sunday called for greater unity and peaceful development across the Taiwan Straits, emphasizing the unbreakable ties between compatriots on both sides and the unstoppable trend of national reunification.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while addressing the 17th Straits Forum held in Xiamen, a coastal city in east China’s Fujian Province.

He called on compatriots across the Taiwan Straits to seize the historic opportunity of national rejuvenation, enhance a keen sense of identity of the Chinese nation, and work together to protect Chinese culture, safeguard peace and advance the cause of national reunification.

Noting that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery, Wang said the recovery of Taiwan is a shared national memory for people on both sides of the Straits, stressing the importance of remembering history and preserving the fruits of victory.

Both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China, he said, emphasizing the importance of upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. He called for resolute opposition to “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, emphasizing the need to jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

He also urged joint efforts to uphold peace, protect the shared home of the Chinese nation, and steadfastly advance national reunification.

Wang stressed the importance of viewing cross-Straits relations from the perspective of the Chinese nation’s overall interests and long-term development.

“We stand firmly as a strong supporter of our Taiwan compatriots, “Wang said and urged efforts to enhance cross-Straits integration. “We will continue to respect, care for, and deliver real benefits to Taiwan compatriots, especially the youth, so they gain a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness, and belonging,” he added.

Wang encouraged young people across the Straits to strengthen their confidence and pride in being Chinese, and to contribute to national rejuvenation.

Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, also addressed the forum, stressing that the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is the shared aspiration of people on both sides. He called for deeper exchanges and cooperation under the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposition to “Taiwan independence.”

The Straits Forum, now in its 17th edition, aims at expanding people-to-people exchanges and deepening integrated development across the Taiwan Straits. This year, more than 7,000 people from all walks of life in Taiwan participated in the forum.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-14/Trump-approves-U-S-Steel-sale-to-Nippon-Steel-with-conditions-1Ect8DwouI0/img/af209c68f6bf43f7820e781989eea1c0/af209c68f6bf43f7820e781989eea1c0.png' alt='U.S. Steel Mon Valley Works Edgar Thomson plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, U.S., May 30, 2025. /CFP'

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel jointly announced on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order conditionally approving the Japanese steelmaker’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, reversing a previous block by former President Joe Biden’s administration.

Trump’s order did not detail the terms of the national security agreement. But the joint statement by the two companies stipulates that Nippon Steel will invest approximately $11 billion in the U.S. by 2028 and the U.S. government will be granted a “golden share,” giving it veto power over key corporate decisions to ensure the country’s national security interests are protected.

Back in January, following Biden’s rejection of the merger, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the decision and reopen regulatory review.

Trump opposed the purchase while campaigning for the White House, yet he expressed optimism in working out an arrangement once in office. On May 23, he indicated his support, stating the two companies would form a planned partnership.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-14/CMG-launches-premium-film-and-TV-program-showcase-in-Astana-1EcuR0rMevm/img/1690ffc318824d9ebd87a2af648ae4a0/1690ffc318824d9ebd87a2af648ae4a0.png' alt='The launching ceremony of China Media Group's premium film and TV program showcase is held in Astana, Kazakhstan. /CMG'

China Media Group (CMG) launched its premium film and TV program showcase in Astana, as Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan’s capital.

Twelve premium shows from CMG are now airing on major national broadcasters across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

At the launching ceremony, CMG President Shen Haixiong, Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin as well as heads of media outlets and representatives from the cultural sectors of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan delivered video addresses.

President Xi has emphasized that China has always been a trustworthy and reliable good neighbor, good partner, good friend, and good brother to Central Asian countries, and that efforts should be made to inject new momentum into building an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future, said Shen, also vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-14/CMG-launches-premium-film-and-TV-program-showcase-in-Astana-1EcuR0rMevm/img/4c3260b19a654b15b1603d9649a4f283/4c3260b19a654b15b1603d9649a4f283.jpeg' alt='Shen Haixiong delivers a video address. /CMG'

The joint program showcase, co-hosted by CMG and media outlets from Central Asian countries, aims to implement the outcomes of the first China-Central Asia Summit in 2023 and deepen cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties between China and Central Asia, he added.

Through these premium programs, Central Asian audiences can experience the warmth and friendliness of the Chinese people, witness the vibrant vitality of China in the new era, and explore opportunities for win-win cooperation and joint modernization, Shen said.

Han said China and the Central Asian countries are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and together they form a community of shared future, closely bound like lips and teeth, sharing both security and challenges.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-14/CMG-launches-premium-film-and-TV-program-showcase-in-Astana-1EcuR0rMevm/img/88a0c24ad62a44caa123986d0c9a1de4/88a0c24ad62a44caa123986d0c9a1de4.png' alt='Han Chunlin delivers a video address. /CMG'

China actively practices a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and continues to deepen practical cooperation with Central Asian countries, effectively safeguarding their shared security interests and contributing to regional peace and stability, he added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for learning from veteran leader Chen Yun and carrying forward his legacy with an enterprising spirit and hard work to build China into a strong country.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a meeting held in the Great Hall of the People to mark the 120th anniversary of Chen’s birth.

Chen, born in 1905, joined the Party in 1925. He was recognized as a great proletarian revolutionary and statesman, and as one of the founding figures of the country’s socialist economy. He was a key member of both the Party’s first generation of central collective leadership with Mao Zedong at the core and the second generation of central collective leadership with Deng Xiaoping at the core, according to Xi.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-13/China-says-committed-to-steady-mil-to-mil-ties-with-U-S–1EaZjWbRviw/img/f8b6c2c461a945438780dc675b78793d/f8b6c2c461a945438780dc675b78793d.png' alt='Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, attends a press briefing in Beijing, China, June 13, 2025. /Ministry of National Defense'

China is committed to promoting a steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. military-to-military ties, said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Friday.

China always upholds the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, Jiang Bin said when asked about the relations between the militaries of China and the United States.

Jiang expressed hope that the U.S. side will stop playing up the alleged “China threat,” earnestly respect China’s core interests and major concerns, and work with China in the same direction to strengthen communication and dialogue, properly manage differences and enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust so as to jointly improve and develop the relationship between the two militaries.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-12/Li-Qiang-Lagarde-highlight-China-EU-cooperation-for-global-prosperity-1E9nlyLyvi8/img/4f47e8bdafed4688bb21dfb5d707b0fb/4f47e8bdafed4688bb21dfb5d707b0fb.png' alt='Chinese Premier Li Qiang (R) shakes hands with Christine Lagarde, president of the ECB, in Beijing, China, June 12, 2025. /CMG'

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday met with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), in Beijing, underscoring the growing importance of China-Europe relations in shaping the global economic landscape.

Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), Li said China-EU relations have become one of the most influential relations in the world.

Premier Li reaffirmed that the essence of China-Europe relations lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, stressing that the cooperation between China and Europe is an objective necessity and a natural progression given the shifting global dynamics.

China is willing to work with the EU to consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and jointly promote development and prosperity, which will not only benefit both sides but also contribute to global development, Li said.

He noted that the economies of China and the EU are highly complementary, with China’s vast market offering significant advantages and continuously releasing its market potential.

There is considerable room for cooperation in many sectors, Li said, adding that China is willing to work with Europe to enhance market connectivity and industry coordination, thereby adding momentum to each other’s development.

Amid the backlash against globalization, the Chinese premier reiterated that cooperation is the only path to mutual success. As two major economies and two major forces, China and the EU should enhance multilateral coordination, promote opening up and cooperation, and make greater contributions to promoting the recovery of the global economy and improving global governance, Li said.

Premier Li expressed China’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with the ECB in areas such as international monetary system reform. China’s proactive macroeconomic policies and counter-cyclical measures, including its efforts to boost domestic demand and consumption, are expected to offset negative external impacts, he added.

China is firmly committed to expanding its openness and sharing development opportunities with countries around the world, Li said.

Lagarde echoed Premier Li’s sentiments, stressing that in the face of an uncertain global situation, maintaining high-level exchanges and dialogue between China and Europe is of utmost importance.

The mutual interests between China and Europe are deeply intertwined, and both share common responsibilities in maintaining global financial stability and promoting international trade, she said.

She underscored that tariff wars and trade wars will only lead to a lose-lose situation and that upholding multilateralism and strengthening the opening up and cooperation are the right options.

Lagarde also said she is impressed by China’s innovative development and the growing competitiveness of its enterprises in recent years. She said the ECB is pleased to establish a meeting mechanism of the central bank governors with China and hold its first meeting and called on the two sides to work together to enhance communication and coordination between their financial institutions, expand and deepen areas of cooperation, and jointly address global challenges, bringing greater stability and certainty to the world.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-11/China-Africa-issue-Changsha-declaration-on-Global-South-cooperation-1E7wXl9Obcc/img/2e6c843716d045d4b3b78f436d52b49a/2e6c843716d045d4b3b78f436d52b49a.jpeg' alt='African students visit the Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences to observe and learn agricultural planting and cultivation techniques, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, May 30, 2025. /VCG'

The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, on Wednesday.

The meeting issued the China-Africa Changsha Declaration On Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South.

Here is the full text:

We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.

II. We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.

III. Given that certain countries’ attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. The international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries. Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people’s livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development.

IV. The African side commends China’s courage and resolve to defend international equity and justice and safeguard international economic and trade order. China highly commends African countries’ commitment to the basic principles of sovereignty, equality and justice and to upholding a common position in the face of external pressure. Unilateral concession cannot earn mutual respect. We resolutely oppose any party reaching a deal of compromise at the expense of the interests of other countries.

V. We call on the international community to uphold true multilateralism in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South.

VI. We will join hands in cementing the foundation of sovereign equality, maintaining that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community, and resolutely upholding international justice and order. We will continue to safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, stand side by side with mutual understanding and support amid chaos and changes, stabilize this uncertain world with the certainty of the China-Africa relationship, establish a benchmark for sincere friendship and equality in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world.

VII. We will unite to support and put into practice the vision of openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stay committed to the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, make solid progress in implementing the ten partnership actions for modernization, and support the implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, independence and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

VIII. China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market. For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products.

IX. China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization, prioritize cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, so as to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

X. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. The List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a comprehensive, quantitative and tangible presentation of progress achieved. China and Africa will carry out the plans outlined in the Concept Paper of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to contribute to the solidarity of the Global South.

China and the United States have made new progress in addressing each other’s economic and trade concerns after their two-day in-depth and candid trade talks in London, according to a statement released by the Chinese side on Wednesday.

From June 9 to 10 (local time), the world’s two largest economies held their first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism. They reached a principled agreement on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on June 5 and the framework of measures to consolidate the outcomes of the economic and trade talks in Geneva.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, Beijing’s lead person for China-U.S. trade and economic affairs, attended the meeting with Washington’s lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. He called the meeting an important consultation under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.

Noting that the essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relations lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, the vice premier said cooperation between China and the United States in the economic and trade field benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.

He also urged the United States to resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, adding that while China is sincere in pursuing economic and trade consultations, it also has its principles.

The latest meeting presented an opportunity for both sides to clarify the outstanding economic and trade issues and help steer bilateral relations back on track, Sun Taiyi, an associate professor of political science at Christopher Newport University in the United States, told CGTN.

Trade ties benefit both

The first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism took place almost a month after both sides made substantial progress at a high-level meeting, May 10-11, in Geneva, Switzerland.

In a joint statement issued on May 12, China and the U.S. agreed to significantly reduce bilateral tariff levels. The U.S. lifted 91 percent of its additional tariffs on Chinese goods, with China reciprocating by removing 91 percent of its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports. Additionally, the U.S. suspended 24-percent “reciprocal tariffs” for 90 days while China similarly halted its corresponding countermeasures.

During their phone call last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the meeting in Geneva marked an important step forward in resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation and was welcomed by both societies and the international community, while U.S. President Donald Trump called it very successful and said it produced a good deal, pledging that the U.S. will work with China to execute the deal.

Immediately following the adjustment of tariff policies, container bookings from China to the U.S. surged by nearly 300 percent, according to Vizion, a container tracking data provider.

A manager at a cargo warehouse at Yantian Port in Shenzhen, which handles over a quarter of China’s total export volume to the U.S., told China Media Group that inbound container volume had surged by over 60 percent, jumping from approximately 120 to more than 200 containers on a daily basis at the end of May.

The tariff war is like a reality check, proving that China is an important market as well as a supplier of goods for the U.S., said Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, last month.

Following the London meeting, China’s international trade representative, Li Chenggang, said it is hoped that progress made will be conducive to strengthening trust between China and the U.S. and further promoting the steady and healthy development of economic and trade ties between the two countries.

Professor Sun told CGTN that the Chinese and U.S. sides have demonstrated their respective strategic capabilities and established a clear understanding of each other’s positions in London.

The meeting has led to a mutual recognition that cooperation – and pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes – serves their interests better than prolonged confrontation, which would ultimately prove detrimental to both, he added.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-10/Immigration-raids-in-California-set-off-clashes-in-Orange-County-1E5Ul26WfyU/img/17418a329e294876b2839b76829302bf/17418a329e294876b2839b76829302bf.png' alt='A demonstrator holds placards as protesters clash with law enforcement in the streets surrounding the federal building during a protest following federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, California, June 8, 2025. /VCG'

A protest against immigration raids on Monday night in Santa Ana, located about 50 kilometers east of downtown Los Angeles, resulted in multiple injuries and arrests after demonstrators clashed with federal authorities and local police.

The protest was triggered by a series of raids carried out earlier in the day by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across Santa Ana, the county seat of Orange County, which has a population of over 300,000.

Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento told the Orange County Register that immigration agents appeared to have specifically targeted day laborers waiting for work.

By the evening, at least 200 protesters had gathered outside a federal building in downtown Santa Ana – home to ICE and other federal offices – waving flags and holding signs to denounce the enforcement actions.

According to the Orange County Register, tensions escalated after law enforcement began firing into the crowd. 

Dylan Carranca, 23, of Fullerton, told the newspaper he witnessed federal agents throwing tear gas canisters into the demonstrators.

“We were just standing there. I didn’t see anything get thrown by our side, and then all of a sudden, we saw three get thrown. One on the right, one in the middle, and one on the left. I saw one land and I took off running,” Carranca said, whose eyes had turned red from the gas.

A woman who identified herself as a volunteer nurse told City News Service that multiple people were treated for injuries sustained when law enforcement used rubber bullets against the crowd.

The Santa Ana Police Department confirmed that federal agents deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets. Authorities said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli had personally contacted the city to request assistance, claiming that federal agents were being “overrun” at the site.

However, Santa Ana City Councilmember Jessie Lopez, who was present at the protest, disputed that account. “Overrun? That’s a lie,” she told Voice of OC, Orange County’s nonprofit newsroom.

Lopez also disclosed that over the weekend, the city’s jails had been used to house individuals arrested during earlier protests in Los Angeles. The city has an existing contract with the U.S. Marshals Service to detain federal defendants awaiting court hearings.

Local media reported that several arrests were made during Monday night’s unrest, with alleged offenses including setting off fireworks and throwing objects at officers.

In a controversial move, the Trump administration on Monday ordered U.S. Marines into Los Angeles and intensified ICE operations targeting suspected undocumented immigrants – further fueling public anger and drawing concern from Democratic leaders over what they described as a growing national crisis.

Officials said approximately 700 Marines based in Southern California were expected to arrive in Los Angeles by Monday night or Tuesday morning as part of a federal plan to suppress the widening street demonstrations.

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-10/Chinese-commerce-minister-meets-with-UK-s-Reynolds-in-London-1E5Z2zVngWY/img/05449c59803e4ad6a200b9c08a7b3da4/05449c59803e4ad6a200b9c08a7b3da4.jpeg' alt='Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao (R) meets with British Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in London, UK, June 9, 2025. /China's Minstry of Commerce'

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with British Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in London on Monday, where they had a candid and pragmatic exchange on further deepening China-UK economic and trade cooperation.

The two sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, hold the 14th meeting of China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission as soon as possible, and promote practical cooperation across various economic and trade sectors.

Wang said that China and the UK are important economic and trade partners. The two sides should not only resolve differences through consultation when facing the past, but also tap into potential through dialogue for expanding cooperation in sectors such as sustainable development, digital economy, green economy and finance when looking towards the future.

China will further expand its high-level opening up to the world and welcome British companies to continue investing and starting businesses in the country to share the opportunities of the Chinese market, Wang added.

At present, the global economic order has been seriously impacted by unilateralism and protectionism. As important members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), China and the UK should firmly support the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, Wang noted.

For his part, Reynolds said that Britain attaches great importance to economic and trade cooperation with China and the vast Chinese market, and is willing to expand bilateral trade, especially service trade cooperation. Britain also welcomes Chinese companies to continue investing in the country and jointly promote the establishment of a stable, pragmatic and predictable bilateral economic and trade relationship, he added.

Britain is willing to work with China to adhere to free trade and open markets, strengthen cooperation under the multilateral framework, and jointly maintain the multilateral trading system, Reynolds added.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-09/Chinese-mainland-warns-the-DPP-that-U-S-weapons-cannot-save-them-1E41osgoEpi/img/03a1c24d859343ddaa642f1d7724caa7/03a1c24d859343ddaa642f1d7724caa7.png' alt='Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense Jiang Bin during a daily briefing in Beijing, China, June 9, 2025. /Ministry of National Defense'

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Monday urged the United States to stop its military collusion with China’s Taiwan region in any form.

Responding to a media query about the U.S. transporting a new batch of M1A2 tanks to China’s Taiwan with plans to increase its arms sales to the region over the next four years, Jiang Bin, the spokesperson, said it is another solid piece of evidence that the U.S. side and the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces are making efforts to violate China’s core interests, change the status quo across the Taiwan Straits and escalate regional tensions.

“Who is making provocations despite strong opposition from the Chinese side? Who is undermining cross-Straits stability and repeatedly stirring up trouble? We believe we all know the answer,” Jiang said, expressing China’s strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this act.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, Jiang said.

“We urge the U.S. side to stop its military collusion with Taiwan in any form. Otherwise, it will get burned for playing with fire and gain more harm than good. We warn the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that U.S. weapons cannot save them, and soliciting external support for ‘Taiwan independence’ is doomed to fail,” Jiang warned.

The People’s Liberation Army will continue to strengthen its military training and combat readiness and enhance its ability to fight and win, he said.

China will take resolute measures to thwart “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, Jiang said.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-09/Protesters-clash-with-National-Guard-troops-in-LA-What-do-we-know–1E4hakqU5UY/img/0b25485797d44363a5390a7e9fdbae03/0b25485797d44363a5390a7e9fdbae03.jpeg' alt='Protesters clash with law enforcement in the streets surrounding the federal building during a protest following federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 8, 2025. /VCG'

Tensions in Los Angeles (LA) escalated on Sunday as thousands of protesters took to the streets in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s extraordinary deployment of the National Guard, blocking off a major freeway and setting self-driving cars on fire as law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs to control the crowd.

Some police patrolled the streets on horseback, while others with riot gear lined up behind Guard troops deployed to protect federal facilities including a detention center where some immigrants were taken in recently. Police declared an unlawful assembly, and by early evening many people had left.

However, protesters who remained grabbed chairs from a nearby public park to form a makeshift barrier, throwing objects at police. Others standing above the closed southbound 101 Freeway threw chunks of concrete, rocks, electric scooters and fireworks at California Highway Patrol officers and their vehicles that were parked on the highway. Officers took cover under an overpass.

It was the third day of demonstrations against U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in the region, as the arrival of around 300 federal troops spurred anger and fear among some residents. Sunday’s protests in Los Angeles, a city of 4 million people, were centered in several downtown blocks.

Starting in the morning, National Guard troops stood shoulder to shoulder, carrying long guns and riot shields outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. Protesters shouted “shame” and “go home.” After some approached the troops, another set of uniformed officers advanced on the group, shooting smoke-filled canisters into the street.

Minutes later, the Los Angeles Police Department fired rounds of crowd-control munitions to disperse the protesters, who they said were assembled unlawfully. Much of the group then moved to block traffic on the 101 freeway until state patrol officers cleared them from the roadway late afternoon, while southbound lanes remained shut down.

Nearby, at least four self-driving Waymo cars were set on fire, sending large plumes of black smoke into the sky and exploding intermittently as the electric vehicles burned. By evening, police had issued an unlawful assembly order shutting down several blocks of downtown Los Angeles.

California Governor Gavin Newsom requested Trump remove the guard members in a letter Sunday afternoon, calling their deployment a “serious breach of state sovereignty.” He was in Los Angeles meeting with local law enforcement and officials. It wasn’t clear if he’d spoken to Trump since Friday.

Their deployment appeared to be the first time in decades that a state’s national guard was activated without a request from its governor, a significant escalation against those who have sought to hinder the administration’s mass deportation efforts.

Deployment follows days of protest

The arrival of the National Guard followed two days of protests that began on Friday in downtown Los Angeles before spreading on Saturday to Paramount, a heavily Latino dominant city south of the California, and neighboring Compton.

Federal agents arrested immigrants in LA’s fashion district, in a Home Depot parking lot and at several other locations on Friday. The next day, they were staging at a Department of Homeland Security office near another Home Depot in Paramount, which drew out protesters who suspected another raid. Federal authorities later said there was no enforcement activity at that Home Depot.

Demonstrators attempted to block Border Patrol vehicles by hurling rocks and chunks of cement. In response, agents in riot gear unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls.

The weeklong tally of immigrant arrests in the LA area climbed above 100, federal authorities said. Many more were arrested while protesting, including a prominent union leader who was accused of impeding law enforcement.

The last time the National Guard was activated without a governor’s permission was in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops to protect a civil rights march in Alabama, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

Trump told reporters as he prepared to board Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, Sunday that there were “violent people” in Los Angeles “and they’re not gonna get away with it.”

(With input from agencies)

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-08/Media-Jobs-at-largest-U-S-port-down-by-half-amid-tariff-tensions-1E2wNQmxRm0/img/28cd81e2379d441fafd99badf0027990/28cd81e2379d441fafd99badf0027990.png' alt='Vendors assist shoppers at Eastern Market in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., June 7, 2025. /VCG '

Jobs at the Port of Los Angeles, the largest and busiest port in the United States, are down by half as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs cripple trade with Asia-Pacific, local media reported on Saturday.

Over the last 25 work shifts, only 733 jobs were available for 1,575 longshoremen looking for work, Los Angeles Times reported, citing Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, adding that the port processed 25 percent less cargo than forecast for May.

“They haven’t been laid off, but they’re not working nearly as much as they did previously,” Seroka said. “Since the tariffs went into place, and in May specifically, we’ve really seen the work go off on the downside.”

Seroka attributed the decrease in job opportunities to lower cargo volume moving through the port.

The Port of Los Angeles has ranked as the largest container port in the United States each year since 2000. In California alone, nearly 1 million jobs are related to trade through the port.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-08/Remains-of-China-s-former-senior-military-official-Xu-Qiliang-cremated-1E2tEaX8qWs/img/86445d960dcb4cbb915c54fba39c6096/86445d960dcb4cbb915c54fba39c6096.jpeg' alt='Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with a family member of Xu Qiliang to express deep condolences in Beijing, China, June 8, 2025. /Xinhua'

The remains of China’s former senior military official Xu Qiliang were cremated in Beijing on Sunday.

Xi Jinping, along with other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, bid farewell to Xu at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery on Sunday.

Amid solemn music, they walked slowly toward Xu’s body and stood in silent tribute. They then paid their final respects with three bows, shook hands with Xu’s family and offered condolences.

On June 2, Xu died of illness at the age of 75 in Beijing.

Xu had served as a member of the Political Bureau of the 18th and 19th Central Committees of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.

He was extolled as an excellent CPC member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier, a proletarian military strategist, and an outstanding leader of the People’s Liberation Army.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng and Hu Jintao either paid Xu a visit while he was in hospital or mourned him and sent condolences to his family through various means following his passing.

China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic held talks in Paris on June 3 on the EU’s anti-subsidy case involving Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), China’s anti-dumping investigation into brandy originating from the EU, and export control policies, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Saturday.

The two sides conducted focused, candid and in-depth discussions on urgent and important issues, including the above, during their talks and instructed their work teams to step up efforts to make economic and trade preparations for the important agenda between China and the EU this year, the spokesperson said.

They conducted a professional, in-depth discussion on the EV case, making a significant step in the right direction toward proper resolution of the case, the ministry said.

Price commitment negotiations on the EV case between China and the EU have entered their final stage, but further efforts from both sides are still needed, it added. The EU also proposed the exploration of new technical paths, which China will assess for feasibility from both legal and technical perspectives, according to the ministry.

Both sides instructed their work teams to redouble efforts to find mutually acceptable solutions in a manner that complies with their respective legal provisions and WTO rules and to resolve trade differences in the proper manner, the ministry said.

On the brandy case, it noted that both sides had a “friendly and candid” discussion. French enterprises and relevant associations have submitted price commitment applications to the Chinese side, and they have reached an agreement with China’s investigatory authorities on the core terms of those price commitments.

China is reviewing the complete text of the price commitments, and should they pass this review process, the final ruling announcement should be issued before July 5, according to the ministry.

China has fully demonstrated its sincerity in resolving its trade differences with the EU through dialogue and consultation. It also hopes that the EU will work with China in the same direction, address China’s concerns properly and create conditions for the further expansion of cooperation, the spokesperson said.

Wang clarified China’s export control policies for the EU side, emphasizing that implementing export controls on rare earths and other items is a common international practice, according to the spokesperson.

China attaches great importance to the concerns of the EU side and is willing to establish a green channel for eligible applications and expedite the approval process, the ministry said. China has also instructed relevant work teams to maintain timely communication on this matter.

Wang expressed hope that the EU side will work in the same direction with China and take effective measures to facilitate, guarantee and promote the compliant trade of high-tech products with China, according to the spokesperson.