Prospects for the 15th Five-Year Plan: What will China's rural areas be like in the future?

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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

The Proposals of the CPC Central Committee for the 15th Five-Year Program for National Economic and Social Development defined the main goals of "accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas and thoroughly promoting the comprehensive development of rural areas," and also clearly outlined the future direction of development to "create the basic conditions for modern life in rural areas."

Modernization of agriculture and rural areas is key to achieving high-quality modernization in China as a whole. Aimed at narrowing the urban-rural gap, the series of pragmatic measures outlined in the Proposals outline a new vision of "creating the basic conditions for modern life in rural areas."

Replenishment of deficiencies and sustainable improvement of the living environment in rural areas.

The Proposals propose to “continue to improve the living environment in rural areas, in the spirit of ‘hammering nails’ (i.e., making tireless efforts) to carry out tasks on the reconstruction of rural toilet infrastructure, cleaning villages from the garbage surrounding them, etc.”

At present, the penetration rate of hygienic toilet infrastructure in rural China has reached approximately 76%, the proportion of administrative villages where household waste is collected, transported and processed has consistently exceeded 90%, and the rate of rural domestic wastewater treatment has exceeded 45%, and, overall, the rural environment has become clean and tidy.

Improving the living environment in rural areas is a key task aimed at comprehensively reviving the village and satisfying the internal and inherent needs of the broad peasant masses for a better life.

Mountains are becoming greener, water is cleaner, and villages are more beautiful. Over the next five years, the transition of rural environments from "standard" to "high-quality" will become a key factor in the sustainable improvement of rural living conditions. Rational use of resources and improvement of rural living environments tailored to local conditions, as well as improved production, living, and environmental conditions in villages, are making the countryside increasingly attractive, improving living conditions, and beautiful new picturesque landscapes are unfolding everywhere in the vast expanses of villages.

Comprehensive improvement and creation of high-quality living space in the village.

In the section of the Proposals entitled “Promoting the Construction of Beautiful Villages Conducive to Living and Working,” it was clearly stated that when constructing a village, it is necessary to “create high-quality living space in the village.”

Delivering prepared meals to villages is gradually becoming a trend, and the installation of charging stations for new energy vehicles in rural areas is accelerating. During the 14th Five-Year Plan, various regions carefully studied and applied the experience of the "One Thousand Model Villages, Ten Thousand Improved Villages" program, actively promoting rural development. Currently, the total length of rural roads has exceeded 4.64 million km, 5G network coverage in administrative villages has exceeded 90%, comprehensive county-level medical associations have been established in 2,199 counties (cities, districts), and over 95% of rural medical centers are included in the medical insurance system. Thus, life in villages is improving.

Village construction is linked to the well-being of hundreds of millions of farmers and the comprehensive progress of society. According to insiders, creating high-quality living spaces in the village means comprehensively improving the quality of life in rural areas through the modernization of local infrastructure and public services.

Currently, the gap between urban and rural areas mainly manifests itself in the field of rural infrastructure and public services, so unified and comprehensive planning, a systemic strategy and targeted measures are needed to gradually improve the level of rural infrastructure development and the convenience of public services.

On the one hand, it is necessary to promote the continuous provision of villages and households with water, electricity, roads, gas, and communications infrastructure, continually improving the development of rural infrastructure. At the same time, the need for long-term investment planning in rural development should be taken into account to avoid unnecessary expenditures due to duplication of investments.

On the other hand, it is necessary to progressively promote the equalization of basic public services in urban and rural areas, accelerating the expansion of rural public service coverage in education, healthcare, social security, and elderly and child care. At the same time, more convenient and targeted public services should be provided, taking into account the specific characteristics of rural life.

In Qinghua Village, Benchu Township, Tianzhu County, Guizhou Province, local officials present residents who have been awarded the title of "Beautiful Family" with honorary badges and everyday items. Photographer Yang Wenbin, Xinhua News Agency.

From individual points to entire districts: improving the mechanism for implementing rural construction taking into account local conditions.

The Proposals specifically define “improving the mechanism for implementing rural construction, taking into account specific local conditions” and propose “consistently advancing work on the comprehensive regulation of land throughout the county within the framework of classification and zoning in order to promote rural development.”

Researcher Ye Xingqing, former director of the Rural Economic Research Department at the State Council's Development Research Center, noted that to promote the construction of beautiful villages conducive to living and working, efforts must be made at all levels to consistently advance the process of categorizing and zoning territories. Zoning entails establishing collaborative development mechanisms among several villages with geographic proximity, kinship ties, and complementary resources, which will form integrated development units with unified planning, industry linkages, shared infrastructure, and coordinated management.

Consistent progress in organizing territories through classification and zoning is a key factor in moving from "localized development" to "common prosperity for the entire territory." District-by-district planning, environmental improvement, industrial development, and resource concentration will enhance the efficiency of rural development through interconnected, collaborative development, giving farmers the opportunity to live a modern and civilized life on their homeland.

As we approach the 15th Five-Year Plan period and focus on the important goal of "creating the basic conditions for modern life in rural areas," we must continue to strengthen the foundation, fill gaps, solve complex problems, and improve quality and efficiency, continually enhancing the sense of satisfaction, happiness, and security among the peasant masses, and strive to create new prospects for a beautiful countryside that is conducive to living and working.

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The International Forum "Russian Education: Legacy and Transformation" was held in Nanjing.

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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, December 9 (Xinhua) — From December 5 to 7, Nanjing University, located in Nanjing, the capital of East China's Jiangsu Province, hosted the International Forum "Russian Education: Legacy and Transformation." More than 100 education experts and scholars from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and other countries participated in the forum, Nanjing University reported.

Participants engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on a wide range of issues, including the development trends of Russian education and the path to its modernization, as well as the current situation and historical development of Chinese-Russian cooperation in education.

They noted that deepening Chinese-Russian educational cooperation and academic dialogue is of great importance in the context of globalization. In the context of the China-Russia Years of Educational Cooperation to be held in 2026-2027, comparative research in education between the two countries holds great promise.

The forum included a presentation of the book "Russian Education: A Fundamental Course," compiled by a team led by Professor Wang Jiaxing of Nanik University. It contains a systematic analysis of the current situation and characteristics of the Russian education system, with a particular focus on Chinese-Russian educational exchanges and the development of Chinese language education in Russia.

The forum was jointly organized by the Subcommittee on Russian Language of the Steering Committee for the Teaching of Foreign Languages and Literatures in Higher Education Institutions under the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, the Institute of Foreign Languages of Nanjing University, and the Research Center for Russian Studies of Nanjing University.

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A winter scene of sheep grazing on the shores of Qinghai Lake.

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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

In winter, on the shores of Qinghai Lake, near Jianxigou Township, located in Gonghe County, Hainan Xizang Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, shepherds drive their flocks of sheep out to pasture. The azure surface of the lake and the snow-white flock create a picturesque winter landscape of sheep grazing. Photo by a Xinhua News Agency correspondent.

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Service, memory, continuity: today in Russia we honor the heroes of the Fatherland.

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Source: Official website of the State –

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December 9th marks Heroes of the Fatherland Day in Russia—a commemorative date reinstated in 2007 at the initiative of the Russian State Duma and aimed at perpetuating the heroism of all those who demonstrated courage and dedication in service to the Motherland—from the Imperial Army to modern-day defenders of the country.

To know everyone

Back in 1769, Catherine II established the Imperial Military Order of St. George the Great Martyr and Victorious—the highest military award of the Russian Empire—and personally selected black and orange ribbons for its ceremonial bow. Since then, December 9 (according to the New Style) has become St. George's Day—a holiday uniting officers and enlisted men recognized for bravery on the battlefield. In honor of this day, gala dinners were held in the Winter Palace, and artillery salutes rang out in cities. This day was especially revered in the 19th century—an era when the exploits of generals Kutuzov, Barclay de Tolly, Paskevich, and Diebitsch became symbols of national dignity.

After 1917, the tradition was interrupted. However, the memory of heroism did not fade. During the Great Patriotic War, in 1943, the USSR established the Order of Glory—a military award similar in spirit and ribbon color to the St. George's Order. It was intended specifically for privates and sergeants—those who, risking their lives, fought for the Motherland without rank or decoration.

Connection between generations

Today, Russia has restored the continuity of its heroic traditions. Heroes of the Fatherland Day honors not only holders of the Order of St. George and the Order of Glory, but also Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, and all those awarded the highest state awards for bravery, devotion to duty, and contribution to strengthening the country's security. These include military personnel, intelligence officers, rescue workers, and scientists. Every year on December 9, a gala reception is held in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, where the President of Russia presents awards to new heroes. Many of them receive their congratulations privately rather than publicly, as their exploits are linked to the protection of state secrets and the security of the nation, and their names are often kept under wraps.

On this day, educational institutions, libraries, and military units hold courage lessons and meetings with veterans. Grateful descendants and fellow citizens lay flowers at monuments and memorials. These initiatives are aimed not at glorification, but at preserving historical memory and fostering respect for those who put service to their native land above personal considerations.

Festival of Fortitude

The State University of Management celebrates this day with deep respect. Many SUM graduates serve in government agencies, law enforcement agencies, and defense industry enterprises—positions that require not only professional knowledge but also a commitment to responsibility, discipline, and patriotic choice. For the First Management University, Heroes of the Fatherland Day is more than just a tribute to the past. It is a reminder that heroism does not fade with the changing times; it changes form, yet remains the essence of noble service.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: December 9, 2025.

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The melodies of the Celestial Empire were heard in Bishkek

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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

Bishkek, December 9 (Xinhua) — A concert titled "With Love Along the Silk Road: Melodies of the Celestial Empire" took place on Monday at the Kyrgyz National Theater "Manas" in Bishkek. The audience enjoyed the best of Chinese music.

Speaking at the event, Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan, noted that the current concert is a unique opportunity to discover China's rich musical heritage and experience the harmony of melodies and rhythms that have for centuries united the cultures of the East and Central Asia. "This event is clear evidence that cultural cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the People's Republic of China continues to successfully develop and strengthen," he emphasized.

The concert featured a group from the Heilongjiang Professional Arts Institute. Zhang Yu, deputy director of the institute, told Xinhua that the concert program included musical pieces reflecting the local characteristics of Heilongjiang and northeastern China, as well as music from other regions of the country. "We hope that we can contribute to deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of our two countries through this kind of artistic exchange," Zhang Yu added.

Chinese artists performed group performances on folk musical instruments, a bamboo flute solo, a duet on the zhongzhuang (a Chinese plucked string instrument) and yangqin (a Chinese string instrument similar to a dulcimer), female solo singing, and folk dancing.

The performance by Chinese artists left a lasting impression on Bishkek resident Aiza Kasymova. "I especially liked the Chinese national instruments. It was the first time I'd heard flute playing, and it seemed to me like it was inspired by natural sounds," she said. "I really enjoyed the acting, too. They were very charismatic and conveyed emotion so well. I'd never seen anything like this before, and I'd love to see more events like this."

The concert was jointly organized by the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the China Cultural Center in Bishkek, and the Kyrgyz-Chinese Trade and Economic Cooperation Association, with the support of the Kyrgyz National Theater "Manas." Approximately 300 people attended the event.

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Georgia will provide a one-time, free rail shipment of Azerbaijani fuel to Armenia.

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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

Tbilisi, December 8 /Xinhua/ — Following a decision by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgian Railways will carry out a one-time rail shipment of Azerbaijani fuel to Armenia free of charge. The Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development announced this on Monday.

According to the agency, on December 5, the Georgian government received a request from partner countries for assistance in transporting fuel from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgian territory. Georgian Railways was tasked with transporting the cargo free of charge.

The official structures of the interested countries were notified of this decision in advance. –0–

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The discharge of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean has been suspended following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake in northeastern Japan.

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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

TOKYO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 jolted northeastern Japan on Monday evening, forcing the suspension of the ocean discharge of radioactively contaminated wastewater from the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

According to public broadcaster NHK, no deviations from standards have been recorded at nuclear power plants located on the island of Hokkaido and in the northeastern prefectures of Aomori, Miyagi, and Fukushima.

Japanese power company Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) said the discharge of radioactively contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean was stopped at 11:42 p.m. local time following a tsunami warning.

According to the Kyodo News Agency, several non-fatal injuries were reported in Aomori and Hokkaido. The Aomori Prefectural Government stated that approximately 2,700 homes were without power.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the tremors were recorded at 11:15 PM local time, with the hypocenter located at a depth of 50 kilometers. In the city of Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, the tremors measured "higher than 6" on Japan's 7-point seismic intensity scale, prompting a tsunami warning to be issued for coastal areas of Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido prefectures.

The JMA predicts wave heights of up to 3 meters could occur along the coast of Iwate, in the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido, and on the Pacific coast of Aomori. Residents of these areas are advised to evacuate immediately to higher ground.

According to the department, waves 50 centimeters high were recorded on Tuesday in the village of Urakawa in Hokkaido at 00:21 local time and in the port of Kuji in Iwate Prefecture at 00:10 local time.

Shinkansen high-speed train services on the Tohoku Line in northeastern Japan have been suspended in both directions between Fukushima and Shin-Aomori stations due to the earthquake, according to train operator Japan Railway.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that the government is collecting information on casualties and property damage. To address the aftermath of the earthquake, the government has established a crisis management office within the Prime Minister's Office.

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The UN condemned the Israeli invasion of the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 8, 2025 UN

UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the Israeli authorities' unauthorized entry into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) compound in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, on Monday.

According to the UN chief, the United Nations premises are "inviolable and immune from any interference." António Guterres recalled that the International Court of Justice recently confirmed that any administrative, judicial, or legislative action against UN property and assets is prohibited. Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

Details of the incident

UNRWA Director Philippe Lazzarini reported that Israeli police, along with municipal officials, forcibly entered the compound. Motorcycles, trucks, and forklifts were driven into the compound, communications were cut off, and furniture, computer equipment, and other property were confiscated. Furthermore, the UN flag was removed and replaced with an Israeli one.

UN response

António Guterres called on Israel to "immediately take all necessary steps to restore and ensure the integrity of UNRWA premises" and to refrain from any further actions against the agency, in accordance with its obligations under the UN Charter and international law.

Philippe Lazzarini called the incident "a flagrant disregard for Israel's obligations as a UN member state" and warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the work of the Organization worldwide.

UNRWA provides health, education, and other services to approximately six million Palestine refugees in five regions of the Middle East, including the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The agency's facilities have been repeatedly attacked since the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

According to Lazzarini, the East Jerusalem complex has been empty since the beginning of the year after the Israeli parliament passed legislation targeting UNRWA.

International legal status

Lazzarini emphasized that “regardless of any internal measures taken, the complex retains its status as a UN facility, inviolable and immune from any interference.”

Israel is a party to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which protects the Organization's premises and property from any form of seizure or prosecution. The International Court of Justice also affirmed Israel's obligation to cooperate with UNRWA and other UN agencies.

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The International Court of Justice has ruled that Russia's counterclaim against Ukraine over the application of the Genocide Convention is admissible.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 8, 2025 International law

The International Court of Justice has ruled Russia's counterclaim in the case concerning allegations of genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation) admissible. It will be included in the proceedings. The Court also set deadlines for further submissions: Ukraine must submit its response by December 7, 2026, and Russia must submit its counterargument by December 7, 2027.

On February 26, 2022 – shortly after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion – Ukraine filed an application with the Court instituting proceedings against Russia regarding “a dispute… concerning the interpretation, application and implementation of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide".

According to press release International Court of Justice, Ukraine claims that "the Russian Federation falsely claimed to have committed acts of genocide in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine and, on that basis, recognized the so-called 'Donetsk People's Republic' and 'Luhansk People's Republic', and then declared and carried out a 'special military operation' against Ukraine."

Ukraine "categorically denies" committing such acts of genocide and says it filed the application "to establish that Russia has no legal basis to take action in and against Ukraine to prevent and punish the alleged genocide."

In March 2022, the Court issued a decision on provisional measures related to Ukraine's claim and ordered Russia to immediately suspend military actions in that country.

In February 2024, the Court ruled on the preliminary objections raised by Russia in October 2022: the Court has jurisdiction to entertain Ukraine's claim that it has found no credible evidence that "Ukraine is responsible for committing genocide."

Russia submitted counterclaims to the Court on November 18, 2024. Ukraine challenged their admissibility, but the objections were dismissed. "The Court concluded that it has jurisdiction to entertain the Russian Federation's counterclaims pursuant to Article IX of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide," the Court stated in a press release dated December 8, 2025.

The Court, located in The Hague, was established in 1945 to resolve disputes between states. It also issues advisory opinions on legal matters referred to it by other authorized UN organs.

The International Court of Justice is one of the six fundamental organs of the UN, along with the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Trusteeship Council, and the Secretariat. Unlike, for example, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the International Court is not a supreme court to which national courts may appeal: it is authorized to hear a dispute only at the request of one or more states.

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Marat Khusnullin: More than 3 million families have improved their housing conditions since the beginning of the year.

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Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Since the beginning of 2025, thanks to the implementation of the "Infrastructure for Life" national project, more than 3 million Russian families have been able to improve their housing conditions. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

"At a meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects, the President noted that the key areas of our joint efforts are related to increasing the birth rate and supporting families with children. High-quality housing is also the foundation for improving people's well-being and strengthening families. The national project 'Infrastructure for Life,' which launched in early 2025, aims to create a comfortable environment and a new quality of infrastructure, with modern housing at its core. We are working across the board: increasing construction volumes, relocating people from dilapidated housing, and implementing infrastructure development projects. This work is bearing fruit: since the beginning of 2025, more than 3 million families have improved their housing conditions. This is a significant achievement, but we still have much work ahead, and we cannot slow down the momentum we have achieved," said Marat Khusnullin.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that, despite the challenges, the construction industry is demonstrating strong momentum. The total volume of housing commissioned over the past 10 months amounts to 83.6 million square meters. This work makes a practical contribution to achieving the strategic goal of increasing the average housing supply to 33 square meters per person by 2030.

"The industry has built a foundation for future periods. Currently, the volume of housing under construction in the country stands at over 120 million square meters, with permits in place for 173.2 million square meters. Urban development potential, including current construction permits, exceeds 474 million square meters. Nonresidential real estate commissioning has increased by 12% compared to the same period last year, reaching 29.4 million square meters," said Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Nikita Stasishin.

Mortgages remain the primary means of improving housing conditions. Currently, over 80% of loans are issued under state-supported programs, such as family, Far Eastern and Arctic, rural, IT, and subsidized mortgages in the reunified regions. Since their inception, more than 3.8 million families have been able to purchase new housing. This year, approximately 430,000 citizens have improved their housing conditions with the help of such loans. Support is also available for families with many children. Since 2019, more than 830,000 such families have received payments of 450,000 rubles toward mortgage repayments.

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