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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) — The White House on Wednesday declined to set a deadline for US-Iran nuclear talks, saying Tehran should provide more details on its position in the negotiations within weeks.

"Diplomacy is always his [President Donald Trump's] first choice," White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said at a daily briefing.

However, she said, “there are many reasons and arguments that can be made in favor of striking Iran.”

K. Leavitt refused to set a deadline for negotiations between Washington and Tehran “on behalf of the President of the United States.”

US Vice President J.D. Vance said on Tuesday that the talks had shown some positive signs, but key US "red lines" remained unmet.

A Trump adviser said the White House is moving closer to a possible military intervention, estimating the likelihood of strikes within weeks if negotiations fail at 90 percent, the Axios news portal reported on Tuesday.

Any US operation could involve a large-scale, multi-week campaign, potentially conducted jointly with Israel, targeting Iran's nuclear and missile programs and posing a serious threat to Tehran's leadership, the outlet reported, citing sources familiar with the situation.

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

SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) — The Seoul Central District Court will deliver a verdict on Thursday in the sedition case against former President Yoon Seok-yul, who was impeached over his declaration of martial law in December 2024, Renhap News Agency reported.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time /6:00 a.m. GMT/ and will be broadcast live on national television with Yun Seok-yeol in attendance.

On January 13, the special prosecutor's team requested the death penalty for Yun Seok-yul, calling him the ringleader of the rebellion, which, under South Korean criminal law, carries a sentence of death or life imprisonment, with or without forced labor. –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, February 19 (Xinhua) — A special atmosphere reigned at the Russian Cultural Center (RCC) in Beijing on Wednesday, February 18, as the ancient Slavic holiday of Maslenitsa was celebrated on a grand scale. This year, it coincided with the Spring Festival (Chunjie, the traditional Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar).

Guests were greeted with fragrant golden pancakes—the ultimate symbol of the sun and the coming spring. A theatrical performance unfolded on a makeshift stage, accompanied by lively folk melodies. Performers in colorful traditional costumes sang songs and danced rousingly, conveying the full breadth of the Russian soul and the joy of the approaching warmer season.

This year, Maslenitsa week coincided with the Spring Festival holidays. Despite the differences in traditions, the desire to bid farewell to the cold and welcome spring's renewal proved to be common to the peoples of both countries.

As it turns out, the celebration at the RCC in Beijing was merely a prelude to larger-scale festivities. From February 19 to 22, the first official "Moscow Maslenitsa festivities" will be held in Beijing, in the square in front of Chaoyang Park.

A true Moscow-style fair will open here. In addition to pancakes and hot tea, guests will enjoy performances by Moscow artists. Visitors will be able to participate in folk games, purchase handmade souvenirs, and paint a matryoshka doll, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of contemporary Russian culture.

Interestingly, the large-scale "Chinese New Year in Moscow" festival is taking place at the same time on Manezhnaya Square in central Moscow. Beijing artists are treating Muscovites and visitors to the capital to vibrant performances, including traditional opera and circus acts. The two capitals are exchanging festive traditions, welcoming spring together and opening a new chapter in cultural exchange.

Earlier, Tatyana Urzhumtseva, head of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing, noted that although the Years of Russia and China Culture have concluded, the number and scale of cultural events will not diminish. In the lead-up to the Russia-China Cross Years of Education (2026-2027), joint celebrations such as this one become a vibrant symbol of deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Maslenitsa is one of the most famous ancient folk holidays, still celebrated in Russia today. The festivities last a whole week. During these days, people bake pancakes and hold festivities to bid farewell to winter and welcome spring. In 2026, Maslenitsa week begins on Monday, February 16, and ends on Sunday, February 22. -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, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) — The United States is withdrawing about 1,000 troops from Syria, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing three American officials.

The Pentagon reportedly withdrew all American troops from the al-Shaddadi base in northeastern Syria and the al-Tanf base, a strategic outpost on the border of Syria, Jordan and Iraq, earlier this month.

All remaining American forces will leave Syria within the next two months, ending a decade-long US military presence in the country that the White House has deemed no longer necessary, two US officials told the newspaper.

They said the troop withdrawal was not related to the current massive US military buildup in the Middle East to potentially launch attacks on Iran.

U.S. troops were first deployed to Syria in 2014 under then-President Barack Obama to combat the Islamic State amid the country's civil war. During Donald Trump's first term, the number of American troops in Syria was gradually reduced.

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

SACRAMENTO, US, February 18 (Xinhua) — Eight skiers were killed and another is missing after an avalanche in Nevada County in northern California on Tuesday, local authorities said on Wednesday.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon announced at a press conference that an avalanche had engulfed a group of skiers in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Such a deadly avalanche has not been seen in the country in more than four decades.

Sh. Moon told reporters that authorities informed the families of the victims that the operation's status had officially changed from rescue to recovery.

Eight bodies were recovered, authorities said, and crews were working to transport them for autopsies to determine the cause of death.

Six skiers were rescued Tuesday evening after search and rescue crews battled a snowstorm for hours, the sheriff's office said, adding that two of them were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. -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

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) — Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey will be closed until 11 p.m. Wednesday (04:00 GMT Thursday), local media reported.

Earlier, a JetBlue flight returned to the airport due to engine trouble. The plane landed safely, no one was injured, and passengers were evacuated via the steps.

According to airport authorities, flight operations were suspended while crews worked to remove the aircraft from the taxiway. –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, February 19 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Emergency Management will dispatch inspection teams to strengthen comprehensive supervision of fireworks safety, the ministry said.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the Office of the Industrial Safety Commission of the State Council held a joint meeting to call for stronger oversight at all stages—the production, transportation, sale, and launch of fireworks—and for measures to raise public awareness of their safety.

The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and Lantern Festival mark the peak of firecracker and firework use, accompanied by increased safety risks, the meeting announced. Local authorities were urged to increase their focus on safety and promptly conduct inspections to identify and address safety hazards in retail stores and outlets.

Efforts must be made to curb risky practices such as excessive stockpiling and placing merchandise outside stores. Smoking and the use of open flames inside stores are strictly prohibited, the meeting participants warned.

Enhanced inspections should be carried out at key sites, including unused premises/buildings and warehouses, to prevent the illegal storage of pyrotechnic products, it was also said at the meeting. -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

Mexico City, February 18 (Xinhua) — One person was killed and several others, mostly children, were injured in a shooting that occurred Tuesday evening in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, the San Francisco del Rincón municipal administration announced Wednesday.

In a statement, the administration clarified that the attack took place in a local park and resulted in the death of a 36-year-old man.

The injured were reportedly given medical assistance. Three of the injured children have already been discharged from the hospital, while the remaining five are in stable condition.

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

Tehran, February 18 /Xinhua/ — Iran is "serious" about implementing a comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, and Tehran's relations with Moscow have entered a "new era," Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday.

As noted in a statement released by the Iranian President's Office, M. Pezeshkian expressed these thoughts in Tehran during a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, who was visiting Iran.

The Iranian President emphasized that since taking office in July 2024, he has held several meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that the decisions made during the talks with him protect the interests of both countries and open up new prospects for bilateral relations.

According to M. Pezeshkian, Tehran is making rapid progress in implementing strategic agreements in various sectors, including transportation, energy, oil and gas, agriculture, food, defense, and security. He added that he monitors progress on the agreements reached on a weekly basis and has instructed Iran's oil, energy, and agriculture ministers to expedite their implementation.

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, February 18 (Xinhua) — The Office of the Industrial Safety Commission of the State Council and the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) have dispatched a monitoring team to the site of an explosion at a fireworks store in central China's Hubei Province, which has killed 12 people so far, the MEM announced on Wednesday.

As the department noted, the group was tasked with coordinating rescue efforts and investigating the cause of the incident.

The provincial government has been directed to establish an investigation team to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to justice in accordance with laws and regulations.

The explosion occurred around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in Zhengji Township, Xiangyang City. –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.