China Takes World Lead in Number of AI Models

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

SHANGHAI, July 28 (Xinhua) — The number of large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) models worldwide has reached 3,755 so far, including 1,509 created in China, making China the world leader in this indicator, according to the World Conference on AI 2025.

China has established a comprehensive AI industrial system covering basic infrastructure and industry applications. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), the country has over 5,100 AI companies, accounting for about 15 percent of the world's total. In addition, the country has 71 unicorn companies in the field, accounting for about 26 percent of the world's total of 271.

According to CAICT Director Yu Xiaohui, this year the country has seen accelerated adoption of basic large models and development of new technology approaches, demonstrating great potential for advancing towards general AI (AGI). China, he said, has formed a positive development landscape characterized by the leadership of leading companies, a growing number of unicorns, the establishment of specialized enterprises, and an influx of startups.

Listed companies and unicorns are considered the main drivers of China's AI industry. According to CAICT, there are more than 300 listed AI companies in the country. Their AI-related revenue accounts for about 70 percent of the country's total AI industry.

The top five innovation areas for Chinese AI unicorns include large models, autonomous driving, intelligent robots, business intelligence tools and AI computing chips.

China's AI industry is growing rapidly, fueled by a continuous stream of new technologies, applications, and business models. According to Yu Xiaohui, the industry has become an important growth driver for high-quality socio-economic development.

The three-day World AI Conference 2025, which concluded Monday in Shanghai, was themed “Global Solidarity in the AI Era.” The event, as well as the parallel High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance, attracted representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations. -0-

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The first half of 2025 saw a significant increase in the number of TIR vehicle shipments from the China-SCO Demonstration Area

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — The number of TIR (Transport International Road) truck shipments from the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone (hereinafter referred to as the "China-SCO Demonstration Zone") in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, jumped 188.9 percent year on year to 208 in the first half of 2025, local media reported, citing data from Qingdao Customs released Monday.

TIR is an international system that simplifies the transportation of goods between countries. Within its framework, the goods are sealed at the starting point of the route and checked only upon arrival at the destination, and at intermediate border crossings, checkpoint officers only check the TIR carnet data and the customs stamp for the vehicle. This reduces the travel time and reduces possible risks associated with administrative customs control procedures and damage to the goods. China joined the TIR Convention in July 2016.

Recently, trucks loaded with medical equipment and other goods left the China-SCO Demonstration Zone for Moscow under the TIR system. They are expected to arrive in the Russian capital in 8 days.

Currently, on average, at least one vehicle under the TIR system departs from the designated area to Russia or Central Asia every day.

According to the China-SCO Demonstration Zone Management Committee, by improving the efficiency and quality of service of existing cargo transportation routes, the zone administration plans to open 1-2 regular international automobile routes within the TIR system to SCO countries.

In addition, in order to further promote the development of TIR operations, Jiaozhou Customs under Qingdao Customs has continuously improved the facilitation level of cross-border trade and set up a special post to serve TIR operations, providing 24-hour reservation for customs clearance services.

In September 2023, the China-SCO Demonstration Zone launched international freight transportation under the TIR system for the first time. Since then, 4 road freight routes have been launched, including China-Russia, China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan, and China-Kazakhstan.

At present, the total number of TIR shipments by trucks from the China-SCO Demonstration Zone has reached 500 units, with 40 types of goods transported, with a total value of over 341 million yuan. -0-

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In China, a number of agencies have issued “red” warnings in connection with the avalanches of mountain streams and possible geological disasters.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — Relevant Chinese departments on Monday issued red alerts over possible torrents and geological disasters in some parts of the country.

China's Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration jointly issued a red alert for possible mountain torrents in eastern Beijing, northern Tianjin and northeastern Hebei Province from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

At the same time, an “orange” alert was issued in connection with the possible release of mountain streams in some areas of Beijing, Tianjin, the provinces of Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Local authorities are advised to strengthen real-time monitoring, early warning of flood control measures and take preventive measures.

China's Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Meteorological Administration issued a red alert for possible geological disasters in parts of northeast Beijing and northeast Hebei Province, and an orange alert for parts of northeast Beijing, northern Tianjin and northeast Hebei Province.

China has adopted a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the highest level of danger, followed by orange, yellow and blue. -0-

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Happy Baptism of Rus' Day!

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Official website of the State –

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Today is an important state memorial date – the Day of the Baptism of Rus. It has been officially celebrated since 2010 on the day of remembrance of the great equal-to-the-apostles Prince Vladimir, during whose reign this significant event took place.

According to the Tale of Bygone Years, Prince Vladimir was baptized in 988 in the Church of St. Basil in Korsun, also known as modern-day Chersonesos. This allowed him to enter into a dynastic marriage with Anna, the sister of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II the Bulgar Slayer.

Historically, the adoption of Christianity in Rus' was due to a number of important reasons. Neighboring states already professed Christianity, and international relations began to require a change in the cultural paradigm. Monotheism was also useful within the East Slavic lands, as it allowed them to unite according to the principle of "one state, one prince, one God."

The baptism of Rus did not happen in one day; on July 28, only Prince Vladimir himself and his retinue were baptized. Decades passed before the new faith spread throughout Rus. It gave the country an incentive for spiritual, cultural and political development. The result was the unification of the Slavic principalities, which became the foundation for the formation of the largest state in the world – the Russian Federation.

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Students of SPbGASU became prize winners of the International Summer School Smart Cities 2025 in Beijing

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Moments in Summer School

In early July, students of the SPbGASU Faculty of Architecture took part in the International Summer School Smart Cities 2025 in Beijing, organized by the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA). More than 60 students and teachers from Russia, Nepal, Turkmenistan, India, Uzbekistan, Finland, Mexico, Iran, Nigeria and China united to study modern technologies in the field of construction and architecture, creating sustainable cooperation and communications.

The participants of the summer school are students of the architecture faculty who are not in their final year and who have knowledge of English, good academic performance and a desire for intercultural interaction in solving creative and educational problems. At SPbGASU, such selection was successfully completed by postgraduate student Gleb Bagayev, master's students Alexandra Rakhova and Valeria Finina (Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage), students of the Department of Architectural Design Nina Maslikova (4th year), Ksenia Borisova (3rd year), Ustiniya Petrova and Aman Tuvakov (2nd year). The group was led by Deputy Dean for Educational Work Daria Boytsova.

"The summer school's intensive program included lectures by specialists in various fields. Students learned about the advanced developments of Chinese scientists in the field of urban planning using satellite navigation and found practical applications for these technologies in the format of an intellectual test, where Ksenia Borisova took 2nd place and Ustinia Petrova took 3rd place. The school participants also studied the capabilities of 3D scanning and printing, which are actively used in the restoration and reconstruction of buildings, modern methods of geological surveys and geodetic surveys using drones and robots. Of particular interest were the latest developments in the field of production of environmentally friendly building materials, a report on which was presented by a professor at the University of Manchester, as well as the CIM (City Information Modeling) software presented by the developer company Glodon," said Daria Boytsova.

During the summer school, students also visited unique modern buildings and historical complexes in Beijing and its environs, which allowed them to get acquainted with Chinese culture. A visit to the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Museum of Architecture left vivid impressions. Students also studied the creations of modern architectural firms Zaha Hadid Architects and Snøhetta, the features of their use in a hot and humid climate, determined by the sustainable development strategy.

The summer school concluded with a closing ceremony, where students presented presentations on Smart Cities, developed in international teams, and received personalized certificates.

Within the framework of the 4th BRAUIC Forum, which was held on the same dates at BUCEA University, Daria Boytsova made a presentation about SPbGASU. She noted that the forum participants expressed a desire to actively participate in international scientific and creative events of our university. Events of this level strengthen international relations in the field of education and are the key to the development of cooperation. The participation of SPbGASU representatives in the BUCEA summer school has already become a tradition, which will continue in 2026.

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Cambodia, Thailand Hold Ceasefire Talks

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, July 28 (Xinhua) — Representatives of Thailand and Cambodia met at the Malaysian Prime Minister's Residence here on Monday to discuss a ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai led their respective delegations to the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is hosting and facilitating their talks on a ceasefire over the conflict between the two countries that broke out along the border last week.

Ahead of the meeting, foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement on Monday morning calling on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that could undermine ceasefire efforts.

Fighting between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border territory has continued for a fifth day. More than 100 people have been killed or wounded and thousands have been evacuated on both sides. –0–

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In Astrakhan, the entrance of a residential building collapsed — Russian Emergencies Ministry

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, July 28 /Xinhua/ — One of the entrances of an apartment building collapsed in Astrakhan, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) reported.

"Russian Emergencies Ministry employees are dismantling structures, evacuating residents and looking for possible victims. According to updated information, some apartments from the first to the fifth floors collapsed without subsequent fire. Rescuers are manually clearing the rubble… completing the inspection of apartments in neighboring entrances and the evacuation of residents," the Russian Emergencies Ministry reported on its official Telegram channel.

The five-story building where part of the entrance collapsed was built in 1962, RIA Novosti reported. The building has three entrances, which contain 24 apartments. The building was declared unsafe in May 2020 due to physical deterioration.–0–

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Aeroflot's information systems have failed, dozens of flights have been cancelled

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, July 28 /Xinhua/ — Aeroflot airline said on Monday that there was a failure in the airline's information systems and that the flight schedule may be adjusted, including by postponing and canceling. Aeroflot did not specify what caused the failure, how many flights it may affect, or how long it will take to return to the regular schedule.

“A team of specialists is currently working to minimize the risks of fulfilling the production flight plan and quickly restoring the normal operation of services,” Aeroflot reported.

Earlier, the company announced the cancellation of almost 50 flights.

Amid the massive disruption to the airline's operations, hacker groups Silent Crow and Cyber Partisans BY announced that they had carried out a "long-term and large-scale operation" that resulted in Aeroflot's "internal IT infrastructure being completely compromised and destroyed."

According to Kommersant newspaper, hackers claim that they were “inside the corporate network” of Aeroflot for a year. As a result, they allegedly destroyed about 7,000 servers (physical and virtual) and obtained flight history databases, compromised all critical corporate systems, gained control over personal computers of employees, including management, and “copied data from wiretapping servers” and from personnel surveillance and control systems.

The hackers estimated the volume of information obtained at 12TB of databases. “All these resources are now inaccessible or destroyed, restoration will require, possibly, tens of millions of dollars. The damage is strategic,” the newspaper quotes Silent Crow’s statement published on Telegram.

The Moscow prosecutor's office is reportedly conducting an investigation. –0–

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Exclusive: Global South Speaks Louder – Kazakh Expert

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

ALMATY, July 28 (Xinhua) — The BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, held in Rio de Janeiro from July 15 to 17, 2025, was not just an event against the backdrop of another global discussion, but a stage in rethinking the role of the information space in the era of transition to a new global governance architecture, Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper, expressed this opinion in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

According to him, participation in this forum provided an opportunity not only to witness the formation of new approaches, but also to actively participate in the discussion of the future of media diplomacy in the Global South.

"If in the past the countries of the South were more often perceived as consumers of news, today they are moving to the forefront – as creators, moderators and distributors of their own narratives. This is especially relevant in the era of the digital revolution, when information monopolies, distortions and manipulations are becoming instruments of geopolitical pressure," he said.

As S. Korzhumbaev reported, the forum in Rio de Janeiro became an arena for affirming the key thesis: “The Global South speaks louder” – and its voice can no longer be ignored.

In his opinion, the launch of the joint communications program of the Global South is a step of historic scale. “This initiative unites more than 1,000 organizations, including media, research centers, universities, government bodies and companies. The main task is to create a single infrastructure of meanings, within which the BRICS countries and partners will be able not only to broadcast their point of view, but also to coordinate actions in the media field,” he shared.

According to the editor-in-chief, it is symbolic that the main projects include the “Listen to the South” program, aimed at joint production of media content. “This is a response to the long-standing information asymmetry, in which developing countries remained on the periphery of the global narrative,” he added.

As S. Korzhumbaev said, special attention at the forum was paid not just to journalism as a craft, but to its systemic role in the formation of sustainable development. According to him, the focus of the discussions is not only the current information agenda, but also deep structural challenges: climate, digital inequality, sovereignty, humanitarian cooperation.

“One of the most striking panel sessions of the forum was the discussion of artificial intelligence and the digital future. The conclusion is obvious: technology is not only a tool for progress, but also a potential threat of increasing inequality. This is why the BRICS countries declared the need to create an ethical AI architecture that is fair and accessible to all,” he noted.

The editor-in-chief also reported that the discussions not only expressed concern about the state of the world order, but also confidence: BRICS is “not a bloc against anyone, but a path to a just world.”

According to him, unlike Western formats that imply subordination, BRICS is based on the principles of equality, non-interference, and respect for civilizational diversity.

"Kazakhstan's participation in this forum is an important political and symbolic step. In conditions when the country is developing a multi-vector foreign policy, striving for openness and technological modernization, interaction with BRICS is acquiring strategic importance," he shared.

In his opinion, this is a chance for Kazakhstani media to reach a new level: to participate in the formation of the global agenda, share national experience, build bridges with editorial offices and expert communities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

“The forum laid the foundation for future cooperation projects, including participation in the Global South communications program, exchange of journalists, joint research and content initiatives,” he noted.

“Today’s era requires not silent observers, but active architects of the future. BRICS, with its media platforms, research centers and global partners, is capable of becoming just such a creative force,” concluded S. Korzhumbayev. –0–

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China to Introduce State Child Care Subsidy System to Boost Birth Rate /detailed version-1/

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — China will introduce a state-subsidized childcare system as part of the country's broader efforts to support families and encourage births.

Starting in 2025, the program will pay families 3,600 yuan (about $503) per year for each child under the age of three.

The subsidies will be exempt from personal income tax and will not be counted as family or personal income when determining whether recipients are covered by the minimum living wage system and are classified as low-income. -0-

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