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

HARBIN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) — Harbin, known as the "Ice Capital of China," and Russia's Murmansk celebrated the 10th anniversary of their sister-city relationship by unveiling a jointly created ice sculpture called "Inspiration."

The unveiling ceremony for the memorial sculpture took place on Tuesday, January 6, in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, northeast China. It was attended by Harbin Deputy Mayor Li Mian, Murmansk Deputy Mayor Andrei Kostin, Murmansk City Council Chairman of the Committee for Economic Development and Tourism Andrei Varich, and representatives of other relevant government agencies from both cities.

The ice sculpture was developed jointly by the two cities. It skillfully integrates a swan, symbolizing Harbin, and an element of the icebreaker "Lenin," symbolizing Murmansk. The sculpture also depicts winter landscapes of the two cities, as well as waves and ice floes, reminiscent of the Songhua River in Harbin and the ice-free port in Murmansk. At the top of the sculpture is an ice symbol with the number "10," symbolizing the ten-year friendship between the two cities.

According to the Harbin City Hall, the unveiling of the commemorative ice sculpture officially marked the beginning of a series of events dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Harbin and Murmansk.

The two cities have already signed a cooperation plan for 2026, covering projects in many areas such as government exchanges, economy and trade, culture, education and sports, which are intended to further promote comprehensive and in-depth high-level exchanges and cooperation between the two cities.

In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, A. Kostin noted that the prospects for cooperation between Murmansk and Harbin remain clear. "We already have experience with Harbin in healthcare, education, and culture. We have ongoing exchanges," he stated.

He highlighted the growing tourist flow between the two cities. "We certainly predict that tourist flow, especially in the winter, will only increase thanks to the friendship between our sister cities growing stronger year after year," he added.

As a reminder, the unveiling of the commemorative ice sculpture took place on the sidelines of the 2026 International Ice and Snow Economy Fair, which is taking place from January 6 to 8 in Harbin. Diplomatic representatives accredited in China, representatives of foreign cities, and officials from leading enterprises from more than 20 countries and regions participated in the fair.

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, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) — No casualties have been reported so far from the 5.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the earthquake occurred at 3:17 a.m. Wednesday. The epicenter was located at 37.58 degrees north latitude and 74.93 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Local authorities and emergency response agencies told Xinhua that there have been no reports of material damage. The earthquake did not damage local transportation infrastructure, power supply, or communications facilities, and normal life and work were not disrupted in the disaster area.

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

HARBIN, January 6 (Xinhua) — The 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened in the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday, January 5. Over the past 41 years, the Harbin festival, conceived as China's first international ice and snow event, has grown into one of the four largest winter shows in the world.

HARBIN, January 6 (Xinhua) — The 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened in the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday, January 5. Over the past 41 years, the Harbin festival, conceived as China's first international ice and snow event, has grown into one of the four largest winter shows in the world.

HARBIN, January 6 (Xinhua) — The 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened in the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday, January 5. Over the past 41 years, the Harbin festival, conceived as China's first international ice and snow event, has grown into one of the four largest winter shows in the world.

HARBIN, January 6 (Xinhua) — The 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened in the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday, January 5. Over the past 41 years, the Harbin festival, conceived as China's first international ice and snow event, has grown into one of the four largest winter shows in the world.

HARBIN, January 6 (Xinhua) — The 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened in the capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday, January 5. Over the past 41 years, the Harbin festival, conceived as China's first international ice and snow event, has grown into one of the four largest winter shows in the world.

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

Minsk, January 6 (Xinhua) — Belarus has become a reliable link in logistics routes to China. In recent years, the number of container trains from Belarus to China has increased tenfold. This was reported to the journal "Ekonomika Belarusi" by Belarusian Minister of Transport and Communications Alexei Lyakhnovich.

"While around 150 container trains carrying Belarusian exports were dispatched in 2021, this number will rise to over 1,500 in 2024. Belarus is actively participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Belarusian Railways is capable of handling 30 container trains daily, with a daily speed of approximately 1,000 km," noted A. Lyakhnovich.

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

Tbilisi, January 6 (Xinhua) — The National Bank of Georgia's (Central Bank) international currency reserves reached a historic high, amounting to approximately $6.16 billion as of December 2025. The Central Bank reported this on Tuesday.

According to the regulator, the volume of reserves increased by $342.6 million compared to the previous month. This growth was driven by the continued policy of replenishing reserves amid favorable market conditions.

In 2025, the bank actively made net purchases of foreign currency. From January to November 2025, net purchases exceeded $2.07 billion.

The Central Bank emphasized that as of December 2025, gold's share of international reserves amounted to 16.3 percent, or approximately $1 billion. As a result of rising global gold prices, the value of monetary gold has increased by $502.3 million since its acquisition, effectively doubling. This, according to the regulator, confirms the effectiveness of the reserve diversification policy.

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

Aden, Yemen, January 6 (Xinhua) — Gunshots were heard near the Al-Maashiq presidential palace in the southern Yemeni port city of Aden on Tuesday evening, local witnesses and security sources reported.

Residents in the Crater area heard sporadic gunshots and loud explosions, raising security concerns in the area, which is home to key government and military installations.

A local security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that the shooting was anti-aircraft fire directed at a drone flying at low altitude over nearby military camps. Southern Transitional Council forces, which maintain a significant presence in Aden, opened fire as a precaution after spotting the drone.

There have been no reports of casualties or damage, and authorities have not yet determined the drone's origin. Witnesses later described the situation in the area as calm, although security forces remained on high alert.

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

JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the recent US military operation in Venezuela and demanded the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Ramaphosa made these statements while speaking at the 31st annual memorial ceremony for anti-apartheid activist Joe Slovo, which took place at Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg. He called Washington's actions a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We categorically reject the actions taken by the United States and stand with the people of Venezuela in demanding the release of President Maduro and his wife,” the South African leader said.

S. Ramaphosa called on the UN Security Council to take decisive action to protect international law, as well as world peace and security. –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, January 6 (Xinhua) — Cooperation should be the defining characteristic of China-EU relations, and partnership should be their proper positioning, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement during a telephone conversation with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

Recalling that China and Finland jointly celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, the Chinese diplomat noted that bilateral ties have achieved new progress and cooperation in various fields has yielded new results.

This fully reflects the distinctive features of Chinese-Finnish relations, such as traditional friendship, mutual benefit, and a forward-looking approach, Wang Yi stated. He emphasized that the stable development of bilateral ties, overcoming differences in social systems and the challenges of a changing international environment, is based on both sides' unwavering commitment to mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.

Noting that this year marks the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the Chinese Foreign Minister stated that China will continue to implement a high-level opening-up policy. He stated that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of its development strategies with Finland and deepen cooperation in areas such as energy transition, the circular economy, artificial intelligence, green development, and elderly care services.

As Wang Yi pointed out, China intends to work with Finland to uphold free trade, support economic globalization, and achieve common development and prosperity.

He expressed hope that Finland, as an important EU member state, would play a positive role in shaping the EU's objective and rational view of China, resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, actively promoting the strategic alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the EU's Global Gateway Initiative, resuming the ratification of the China-EU Investment Agreement, and actively exploring the possibility of negotiating and signing a free trade agreement between China and the EU.

Wang Yi also outlined China's position on the Taiwan issue and pointed out the regressive steps of Japan's current leader, expressing hope that Finland would understand China's legitimate position.

E. Valtonen, for her part, conveyed warm greetings from Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that Finnish-Chinese relations have been developing steadily for a long time.

Finland adheres to the one-China principle and seeks closer high-level exchanges and deeper cooperation in various fields, the minister emphasized, adding that Finland supports free trade and remains committed to the principle of mutual benefit.

The head of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the two countries have extensive common interests and broad prospects for cooperation in areas such as green energy and scientific and technological innovation.

Noting that Europe and China are important partners in climate, energy, and other areas, E. Valtonen stated that it is crucial to maintain constructive relations between the two sides. Finland is ready to play an active role in this, she assured.

The parties also exchanged views on the current situation and prospects related to the Ukrainian crisis. –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, January 7 (Xinhua) — A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region at 3:17 a.m. Wednesday, the China Earthquake Networks Center reported.

According to the agency, the epicenter of the tremors was recorded at a point with coordinates of 37.58 degrees north latitude and 74.93 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers.

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, January 6 (Xinhua) — China consistently advocates for all countries to respect the development paths independently chosen by their peoples and to uphold international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday, adding that major countries should play a leading role in this regard, and no country can act as an international policeman or judge.

The Chinese diplomat made this statement at a regular departmental press conference in response to a question about the situation in Venezuela.

Mao Ning noted that on January 5, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting in connection with the US military strikes on Venezuela, at which the Chinese representative emphasized that military means are not a solution to problems, and the indiscriminate use of force only leads to even more serious crises.

“China firmly supports the Venezuelan government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, legitimate rights and interests, as well as regional countries in maintaining the status of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace,” Mao Ning said.

According to her, the PRC advocates the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, takes seriously the legitimate security concerns of other countries, and supports the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation.

China intends to work with all other countries to uphold the authority of international law, reject the application of the “law of the jungle” in international relations, oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the world, Mao Ning concluded.

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.