Category: China

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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, February 20 (Xinhua) — Measles incidence in Kazakhstan has decreased by 6.8 times in 2025 compared to 2024, although the situation has not yet fully stabilized this year, Kazinform reported on Friday, citing the country's Ministry of Health.

According to Sarkhat Beisenova, Chairperson of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee, 3,343 cases of measles have been registered in Kazakhstan since the beginning of 2026.

An increase in cases is observed in Astana and Almaty, as well as in the Zhambyl, Atyrau, Karaganda, Almaty, Aktobe, Kostanay regions, and the Ulytau region. The majority of cases (72 percent) have been detected among children under 5 years of age. Unvaccinated individuals account for 78 percent of cases.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

XI'AN, February 20 (Xinhua) — Kadyr Khezretov, a student from Turkmenistan, is studying at the International Institute of Northwest University of Agriculture and Forestry. Since arriving in China, he has already celebrated the Spring Festival (Chunjie, the traditional Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar) twice. This year, his stay in Yangling, known as China's "capital of agricultural science" in Shaanxi Province in northwest China, allowed him to fully immerse himself in the New Year's atmosphere.

On Lunar New Year's Eve, K. Khezretov cut out paper decorations and made dumplings (jiaozi) right within the university walls. That evening, he and his compatriots from Turkmenistan prepared a festive dinner. He says the Spring Festival is a captivating event that further strengthened his interest in Chinese culture.

Nineteen-year-old K. Khezretov comes from a family of entrepreneurs. When choosing a place to study abroad, his parents advised him to go to China. "After much consideration, I chose the Northwestern Scientific and Technical University of Agriculture and Forestry," he shared.

"Last year, during the Spring Festival, I visited a Chinese friend and shared a festive dinner with his family. We gathered around the table, reminiscing about the past year, and at the end, everyone offered good wishes. This allowed me to truly experience the atmosphere of Chinese New Year," he added.

This year, on Spring Festival eve, he joined Chinese and international students staying over for group photos, and then participated in workshops with them on jiaozi making, paper cutting, and calligraphy, during which he was able to learn a range of traditional Chinese New Year customs.

K. Khezretov said he and his friends back at university are planning to go shopping in Yangling this weekend. "These holidays are very busy, and I'm really enjoying them!" he said.

After two consecutive Spring Festival celebrations in China, the young man developed a strong desire to stay in China after finishing his studies.

K. Khezretov said he wants to remain in China for future development. He knows that his university actively collaborates with many regions of Central Asia, and he also strives to contribute to the development of these partnerships.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, February 20 /Xinhua/ — A car carrying tourists sank through the ice on Lake Baikal. One person survived, but the others are presumed dead, RIA Novosti reported, citing Igor Kobzev, Governor of Russia's Irkutsk Region.

Earlier, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation (IC) stated that a UAZ vehicle carrying nine people fell through the ice on Lake Baikal near Cape Khoboy, killing a group of tourists.

"Tragedy on Lake Baikal. A car carrying foreign tourists sank through the ice near Cape Khoboy. According to eyewitnesses, one tourist managed to escape, and the whereabouts of the remaining passengers and the driver are being determined. Preliminary reports indicate they are dead," I. Kobzev wrote on the Max platform.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, February 20 (Xinhua) — Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers have thwarted a terrorist attack in Stavropol, southern Russia. The agency's Public Relations Center (PRC) reported this on Friday.

According to him, FSB officers stopped the activities of a Russian citizen who was preparing "a sabotage and terrorist act during the mass festive events dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day."

"When he was detained, he offered armed resistance using a firearm and was neutralized by return fire. There were no injuries among law enforcement officers or civilians," the Public Relations Center stated.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

MANILA, February 20 (Xinhua) — At least seven people have been killed in landslides triggered by heavy rains in the southern Philippine provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental, local authorities said.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said its team has recovered three bodies from rubble in Moncayo town in Davao de Oro province, where a landslide occurred Thursday night.

"Authorities continue to assess the situation in the area to ensure the safety of residents and rescuers," FCC head Richard Gordon wrote on social media.

A family of four was also trapped under rubble in the town of Mati in Davao Oriental province, where a landslide occurred Friday morning, the city's fire department reported on social media.

R. Gordon said heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides in parts of Mindanao on Friday morning, affecting communities in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental. He said FRC offices in the affected areas are on high alert, conducting continuous monitoring and responding urgently if necessary.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

TOKYO, February 20 (Xinhua) — Two people were missing on Friday after a cargo ship collided with a recreational fishing boat off the coast of Mie Prefecture in central Japan, NHK reported.

The 499-ton cargo ship struck a speedboat around 1 p.m. local time off the coast of Toba, causing the smaller vessel to capsize, according to the Japan Coast Guard.

There were 13 people on board the boat at the time of the accident. According to journalists, 11 people were rescued by approaching vessels, while two remain missing.

NHK footage shows the boat split in two and heavily damaged after the collision.

The Coast Guard continues search and rescue operations and is investigating the incident. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

UN, February 20 /Xinhua/ — Iran will respond to any military aggression "with decisiveness and proportionality," exercising its right to self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter. Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, stated this in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council on Thursday.

Referring to US President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding the military base on Diego Garcia, A.S. Iravani wrote that "under such circumstances, all bases, facilities, and assets of hostile forces in the region will become legitimate targets in the context of Iran's defensive response." "The United States will bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrollable consequences," he added.

On Wednesday, Donald Trump called London's decision to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, including Diego Garcia, the island home to a joint British-American military base, a "big mistake." Under the terms of the deal, London will retain control for 99 years.

The White House chief noted that the US may need the Diego Garcia base if nuclear negotiations with Iran fail.

"Given the volatile situation in the region and the ongoing movement and buildup of military equipment and resources by the United States, such a bellicose statement… should not be viewed as mere rhetoric. It signals a real risk of military aggression," the Iranian envoy's letter reads.

"The Security Council and the Secretary-General must act without delay before it is too late," the diplomat said. Threats of force and acts of aggression must not be normalized, legitimized, or viewed as instruments of foreign policy, he emphasized. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Beijing, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — Box office revenue since the start of the Spring Festival holiday, or Chinese Lunar New Year, has exceeded 3 billion yuan (approximately $432 million), with the domestic racing comedy "Pegasus 3" leading the box office, according to online ticketing platform Maoyan.

The Spring Festival holiday, which in 2026 lasts nine days from February 15, is one of the most significant events in the world's second-largest film market. In 2024 and 2025, the Spring Festival period accounted for almost a fifth of China's year-round box office revenue.

"Pegasus 3," directed by Han Han and starring Shen Teng, has grossed over 1.6 billion yuan, or about half of the total box office since the holiday began.

The first two films in the series were released during the 2019 and 2024 New Year holidays respectively, grossing a combined 5 billion yuan.

"Pegasus 3" has earned audience trust thanks to the high popularity of its previous installments, noted Chen Jin, an analyst at film data platform Beacon. However, the final box office revenue still depends on the film's quality, he added.

Taking advantage of the surge in moviegoing during the holiday, many regions in China, including Hunan and Jiangsu provinces, have taken measures to stimulate moviegoing by distributing discount coupons to stores and food outlets in shopping malls upon presentation of a movie ticket on that day. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Kunming, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — The start of 2026, the Year of the Horse, brought 36-year-old Russian Anna Novikova a special gift: an invitation from the Yunnan Provincial Media Corporation (southwest China) to perform with a popular Chinese musical group at the regional television gala concert "Chunwan."

Chunwan is one of the most important events associated with the Chinese Lunar New Year. Despite the wide variety of holiday programs across China, Chunwan always attracts millions of viewers. Quite often, families gather around the TV for the festive meal, watching this wonderful show.

In recent years, more and more foreigners have become participants in Chunwan. It's truly wonderful to be able to stand on a stage that attracts so many Chinese families and celebrate the New Year with everyone, says Anna, who accepted the invitation. She performed the popular Chinese song "You Are in My Life" at the World Heritage Site "Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Forest Cultural Landscape in Pu'er" (Yunnan Province).

Anna Novikova arrived in China in 2012. After completing her postgraduate studies at the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou (Guangdong Province, southern China), she traveled to Yunnan and fell in love with the province almost immediately. From Shangri-La to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan boasts unique nature and culture. The Russian guest decided to stay in Kunming, the provincial capital. She currently teaches Western art history at Yunnan University and works as a curator at the local art museum.

Sharing her impressions of participating in "Chunwan," Anna admitted that it was a very valuable and meaningful experience for her. To understand the lyrics and pronounce them correctly, she asked her Chinese friends for help. But the hardest part was overcoming her nerves, and the friendly and warm attitude of the staff and audience helped her gradually relax and enjoy the performance.

Anna considers the Chunwan gala a very warm family event, reminding her of her childhood in Russia. When she was little, she would watch the Russian New Year's program with her family, and those were very joyful and warm moments. Chunwan isn't just a show, but also an opportunity for families to come together and share happiness and emotions.

In addition to Anna, four more foreign guests from countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam, and others performed at the Yunnan Chunwan 2026. Foreigners were also among the participants of the All-China and many regional Chunwans.

As the visa-free entry policy improves and awareness of the Spring Festival and related social practices of the Chinese people, which have been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, increases, more foreign guests are expected to participate in future Chunwans. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Washington, February 20 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump is considering an initial, limited military strike against Iran to force Tehran to agree to the nuclear deal, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing informed sources.

If D. Trump gives the order, a strike on a number of military or government facilities could be carried out within a few days, journalists write.

It is noted that if Tehran refuses to comply with US nuclear demands after the strike, the Trump administration will respond with a broad campaign against Iranian government facilities, potentially aimed at overthrowing the regime.

The president has not yet decided on any military action, but is considering various options, from a week-long campaign of attacks aimed at "regime change" to a smaller wave of strikes on Iranian government and military targets, the newspaper writes.

On Thursday, Donald Trump told reporters that Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach a nuclear deal, warning that otherwise "something really bad" will happen to the country. He declined to say what the purpose of a potential US military strike would be.

"Regime change" in Iran is "the best thing that could happen," Trump said last week.

A Trump adviser stated that if negotiations fail, there is a "90 percent chance" that strikes will be carried out within weeks, Axios reported on Wednesday. The US could launch a large-scale, week-long campaign, potentially in conjunction with Israel, journalists noted.

D. Trump has ordered a large-scale military buildup in the Middle East. Many observers believe this will make it difficult for him to back down without significant concessions from Iran.

According to American media, the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford approached Gibraltar on Wednesday. It is sailing from the Caribbean to join the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln off the coast of Iran.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.