Category: Peoples Republic of China

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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

GUIYANG, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) — The world's first supercritical carbon dioxide power plant began commercial operation in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Saturday.

The project was developed by the China Institute of Atomic Energy, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). This unique power unit is located at the Shougang Shuicheng Iron and Steel Works in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province.

The Chaotan One project, also known as the Chaotan One demonstration project, uses supercritical carbon dioxide and waste heat from agglomeration to generate electricity. Each unit has a capacity of 15 MW.

"Supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technologies are characterized by high efficiency, system compactness, fewer auxiliary systems, and faster response speed," said Huang Yanping, research director of CNNC and general designer of the Chaotan One project.

He added that the commissioning of this project is a milestone, marking the world's first transition of these technologies into commercial operation.

INNOVATIVE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

According to Huang Yanping, the principle of generating electricity using thermal, nuclear, or various forms of steam energy derived from waste heat essentially involves heating water to steam and driving turbines. In this sense, generating electricity using supercritical carbon dioxide is rightfully considered an innovative thermoelectric conversion technology.

As the scientist explained, carbon dioxide, as the working fluid in the power plant cycle, enters a supercritical state when the operating pressure is 73 times greater than atmospheric pressure at temperatures above 31 degrees Celsius. In this state, its density increases, while its viscosity remains relatively low, resulting in lower flow resistance.

The Chaotan One project achieved 85 percent higher power generation efficiency than steam-powered power generation technologies.

According to the data, the Chaotan One power unit is capable of generating more than 70 million kWh of electricity per year, which will bring in a profit of 30 million yuan / about 4.26 million US dollars.

HUGE POTENTIAL

In 2009, the China Institute of Atomic Energy began developing a technology for generating electricity using supercritical carbon dioxide. Construction of the Chaotan One project began in 2023.

The project is said to have the potential to make a significant contribution to the country's dual-carbon targets by efficiently converting industrial waste heat into energy.

Huang Yanping said the new technology will help overcome technical difficulties associated with the efficient use of medium- and small-scale energy sources, as well as medium- and high-temperature heat sources worldwide.

In 2024, CNNC launched a demonstration project that combined molten salt energy storage and supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technologies.

Supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technology will eventually be integrated with multiple heat sources to form power generation systems, expanding its application in photovoltaic energy, waste heat recovery, energy storage and other fields, Huang Yanping concluded. -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 –

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

Moscow, December 20 /Xinhua/ — Six people were killed when a truck drove into oncoming traffic in Russia's Omsk region, TASS reported on Saturday, citing the regional police department's press service.

According to preliminary reports, the truck driver crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a bus. The bus then collided with a Toyota, two KamAZ trucks, and a Volvo. Six people were killed and eight injured in the accident.

According to police, the driver of the passenger bus died from his injuries in the ambulance, five of his passengers died at the scene before the ambulance arrived, one person was hospitalized, five were being transported to Omsk, and two injured people received medical assistance at the scene.

The accident occurred on Saturday at 9:15 a.m. Moscow time at kilometer 548 of the R-402 highway in the Lyubinsky District. Reversible traffic has been introduced on the Tyumen-Omsk federal highway where the six-vehicle accident caused a 10-kilometer traffic jam.

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 – State Council News

HOHHOT, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) — Two trucks loaded with 41.76 tons of oats and buckwheat arrived in China from Russia via Manzhouli Port in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Saturday, marking the first batch of Russian agricultural products to enter China via the port.

Imported oats and buckwheat strictly comply with international phytosanitary standards throughout the entire production process.

According to experts, the New Land Grain Corridor project, implemented jointly by China and Russia, is of great importance for expanding the volume of bilateral grain trade and developing the logistics industry to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

To facilitate the construction of the New Overland Grain Corridor, a special facility covering approximately 28,000 square meters was commissioned in Manzhouli earlier this month for customs inspection of imported grain.

The Manzhouli Port Authority promised to further simplify the customs clearance process to facilitate the implementation of the New Land Grain Corridor project. -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 – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities on Saturday unveiled rules governing pricing practices by internet platforms, a move aimed at spurring innovation and promoting the sustainable development of the platform economy.

The rules, jointly developed by the National Development and Reform Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the State Internet Information Office, aim to regulate pricing, enhance transparency, and strengthen coordination among stakeholders to build a robust platform ecosystem.

The document provides clearer guidance on pricing practices by platform operators and sellers in order to promote a healthy competitive market order.

The rules also strengthen protections for sellers' independent pricing rights by explicitly prohibiting platform operators from imposing unreasonable restrictions or conditions on sellers' pricing decisions.

In addition, the rules aim to more effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers by introducing clear price labeling, increasing the transparency of dynamic and differentiated pricing mechanisms, and regulating services such as password-free payments, automatic subscription renewals, and automatic payments to protect consumers' rights to information and choice.

The document will enter into force on April 10, 2026. Competent authorities will require major platform operators to conduct self-inspections in accordance with regulatory standards to ensure proper implementation of the rules. -0-

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

Tehran, December 20 (Xinhua) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the "irresponsible" approach of France, Britain and Germany (the EU3) to the Iranian nuclear issue in a phone conversation with his British counterpart Yvette Cooper on Friday.

During the conversation, A. Araghchi noted that Iran “has never rejected negotiations and dialogue based on respect for the legitimate rights and legitimate interests of the Iranian people,” according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry released on Saturday.

However, he added that Iran would not agree to negotiations aimed at unilaterally imposing demands.

In turn, I. Cooper emphasized the need to resort to diplomacy to resolve the nuclear problem.

The two senior diplomats emphasized the need for continued consultations at various levels to deepen mutual understanding. They also discussed consular issues, among other topics.

In August, the EU3 countries launched the snapback mechanism provided for in the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, reinstating UN sanctions against Iran in September. –0–

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

Washington, December 20 (Xinhua) — The U.S. military struck more than 70 targets suspected of being affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) in central Syria on Friday. The operation was in response to a recent attack that killed two American soldiers, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported.

"This operation is critical to preventing ISIS terrorist plots and attacks on U.S. soil," said CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper. "We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners throughout the region," he said in a statement.

During the operation, supported by Jordanian fighter jets, more than 100 precision-guided munitions were used. ISIS infrastructure and weapons depots were attacked, the statement said.

US President Donald Trump wrote on the social media platform TruthSocial on Friday that the Syrian government fully supported the strikes. He warned that terrorists who attempt to attack or threaten the United States "will suffer more than ever before."

According to CENTCOM, on December 13, two American service members and one American citizen were killed and three others were wounded in an ambush by ISIS militants in Syria. Since the attack, US and partner forces have conducted 10 operations in Syria and Iraq, killing or capturing 23 terrorists.

Over the past six months, U.S. and partner forces in Syria have conducted more than 80 operations “to defeat terrorists who pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security,” CENTCOM said in a statement. –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 – State Council News

In 2025, cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries reached a new level, demonstrating not only sustainable growth but also a transition to an institutionalized multilateral format. The key political event of the year was the second China-Central Asia Summit, held from June 16 to 18 in Astana. It consolidated previously reached agreements and set strategic guidelines for the partnership in the medium term.

The Astana summit was a logical continuation of the first leaders' meeting in 2023 in Xi'an and confirmed the formation of a sustainable mechanism for China's interaction with the five countries in the region. During the talks, the heads of state signed the Astana Declaration and the Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation, which affirmed their intention to build relations based on the principles of long-term trust, mutual benefit, and respect for sovereignty.

The economic dimension of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries demonstrated the most tangible results in 2025. According to Chinese customs statistics, combined trade turnover in the first 11 months of the year reached approximately USD 80 billion, an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2024. These figures were among the highest in the history of relations and confirmed the resilience of mutual trade even amid global economic turbulence.

The structure of trade has also changed significantly. While China's primary exports to the region previously consisted of consumer goods and construction materials, in 2025, automobiles and auto components, electronics, integrated circuits, renewable energy equipment, and products from the photovoltaic and wind energy industries began to play an increasingly significant role. Central Asian countries have increased their supplies of energy resources, metals, agricultural raw materials, and chemical products, demonstrating a more balanced trade balance.

Particular attention was paid to investments and infrastructure projects within the Belt and Road Initiative. China continued to actively participate in the modernization of the region's transport and logistics infrastructure, including the development of railway routes, road corridors, and border logistics hubs, strengthening Central Asia's role as a key transit link between East Asia and Europe. At the same time, energy projects, including gas and electricity, as well as green technologies, were developed, which is in the long-term interests of all participants.

In 2025, cooperation beyond the purely economic agenda intensified. At the Astana summit and subsequent meetings at the government and relevant agencies level, special emphasis was placed on humanitarian ties, educational exchanges, combating desertification, developing sustainable agriculture, and training personnel. These areas strengthen the social foundation of the partnership and make it more comprehensive and sustainable.

Politically, China has reaffirmed its interest in a stable, independent, and prosperous Central Asia, emphasizing the absence of geopolitical constraints and its focus on pragmatic economic cooperation. For countries in the region, cooperation with China remains an important tool for diversifying foreign economic ties and attracting investment, especially as global supply chains transform and competition between major global centers intensifies.

The forecast for 2026 appears moderately optimistic. Given the current trade growth rate, a further increase of 6-10% is expected in 2025, provided the favorable foreign economic environment remains. Transport, energy, industrial cooperation, and high-tech exports will continue to demonstrate the most dynamic growth. Important factors will be the practical implementation of the agreements reached in Astana, as well as preparations for the next summit, which will stimulate interagency contacts and the launch of new joint projects.

At the same time, in 2026, issues of investment quality, financial sustainability, and production localization will come to the fore, requiring a more balanced approach to the implementation of major infrastructure initiatives. If the current level of political trust and pragmatism is maintained, Chinese-Central Asian cooperation has every chance of strengthening as one of the most stable and dynamically developing formats of interaction in Eurasia.

Thus, 2026 could become a stage for deepening and fine-tuning the partnership, when accumulated experience will be used to enhance the effectiveness of joint projects and better focus them on the long-term development of national economies. The combination of political stability, growing mutual interest, and practical cooperation creates conditions for the progressive development of Chinese-Central Asian relations, strengthening the region's economic connectivity and its role in shaping a new architecture of Eurasian cooperation.

Author: Anushervon Rasulov

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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) — The U.S. Justice Department on Friday released a vast trove of materials related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Earlier on Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said authorities would release "several hundred thousand" documents, with additional materials to be released in the coming weeks.

About a month ago, the US Congress passed a law mandating the release of these documents by December 19, with limited exceptions. The Justice Department must release all unclassified records, documents, correspondence, and investigative materials in its possession related to the investigation and prosecution of James Epstein. Exceptions include information that could identify victims and materials whose release could jeopardize an ongoing federal investigation.

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 – State Council News

Budapest, December 20 (Xinhua) — Hungary has opposed the use of frozen Russian assets and withdrawn from participating in a joint European loan for Ukraine following overnight talks between EU leaders in Brussels. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced this on Friday on social media platforms X and Facebook.

According to him, after a "long and tense night," the immediate risk of war had been averted. "We prevented Europe from declaring war on Russia using Russian assets," the politician said.

According to V. Orbán, the use of Russian assets would have "dragged Europe into war" and imposed a financial burden of 1 trillion forints (US$3 billion) on Hungary. Budapest has succeeded in protecting Hungarian families from such consequences, he added.

Earlier on Friday, the European Council approved a €90 billion loan package to support Ukraine's military and economic needs over the next two years. –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 –

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

Beijing, December 20 (Xinhua) — With the expansion of humanitarian exchanges and the introduction of a mutual visa-free regime between China and Russia, snowball fights have evolved from a traditional winter pastime into a fascinating competition for residents of the two countries. The first China-Russia Snowball Fight Competition opened on Friday in the border city of Heihe (Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China).

According to local media, 44 teams comprising 388 players from both countries are participating in the three-day event. A special arena was set aside for the competition, with six camouflaged ice and snow shelters erected. Special rules were established for the competition, requiring two opposing teams, wearing red and blue vests respectively, to employ effective "combat tactics," delivering precise strikes or surprise attacks on their opponents in order to be the first to capture the flag at their opponent's "headquarters." Each round of the competition lasts three minutes.

On the opening day of the competition in Heihe, snow fell heavily. Players from China and Russia competed in a fun and friendly atmosphere. "It was a very fun and interesting experience. It was great to share the joy of ice and snow events with my Chinese friends," said Ivanov, a player from Blagoveshchensk, Russia.

The China-Russia snowball fight is an important part of the 2025/2026 Heilongjiang Ice-and-Snow Sports Super League, which also kicked off its Heihe stage on Friday.

The Super League will be held from December 2025 to March 2026 at various locations across Heilongjiang Province. It will feature snowball fights, snow football matches, dragon boat rides, and other sports and entertainment events, expected to attract tens of thousands of winter sports enthusiasts. The goal of the Super League is to boost the rapid development of ice and snow sports in Heilongjiang Province in the post-Olympic era following the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. -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.