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

Baku, December 16 /Xinhua/ — Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will officially take over the title of World Capital of Sports from Monaco in 2026, the AZERTAC news agency reported.

The decision was announced on Tuesday during the official signing ceremony of the “World Sports Capitals” plaque, which was held with the participation of government officials and representatives of the Federation of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES).

ACES President Gian Francesco Lupatelli noted that Baku has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the development of sport, distinguishing itself with its modern infrastructure.

ACES Secretary General Hugo Alonso Castañon, in turn, emphasized that Baku has a well-developed sports infrastructure and already has experience hosting prestigious events in various sports. "We are confident that Baku will set a positive example as the World Capital of Sport in 2026," he stated.

Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov called the title a significant event for the country. He noted that, with the support of Azerbaijan's leadership, the sports sector is steadily developing, and Baku regularly hosts international tournaments, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix. He also stated that the capital will continue to expand its calendar of major sporting events in the coming years.

In accordance with the ACES decision, the title of World Capital of Sport belongs to Monaco in 2025, after which it will officially pass to Baku.

ACES is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Brussels that annually awards sporting titles to cities and regions around the world. The organization, which views sport as a tool for social inclusion, improving quality of life, and strengthening public well-being, collaborates with the European Commission, UNESCO, and other international institutions.

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 16 (Xinhua) — Japan, as a country burdened by an aggressive past, has no right to comment on China's defense spending, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

Guo Jiakun made the statement in response to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's comments on China's military spending.

"The Japanese side made groundless accusations and malicious attacks on China's legitimate defense construction, demonstrating a disgusting and shameful attitude," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

Noting that China has the best record of peace and security among major powers, Guo Jiakun noted that increasing China's defense spending is reasonable and legitimate. China must address security challenges, uphold its legitimate national interests, and better fulfill its international responsibilities and obligations as a major power, the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

Japan, as a country burdened by an aggressive past, has no right to make such irresponsible statements, he pointed out.

According to Guo Jiakun, Japan's aggressive history, with countless crimes, has led to its military and security actions constantly attracting the attention of neighboring Asian countries and the international community. In fiscal year 2025, Japan's per capita defense expenditure and per service member expenditure were three times and more than twice that of China, respectively.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that Japan has been significantly adjusting its security and defense policies in recent years, increasing defense spending for 13 consecutive years, increasing it by approximately 60 percent over the past five. Japan has also lifted restrictions on exercising its right to collective self-defense, is developing its so-called base-attack capability, is reviewing its arms export principles, is strengthening cooperation on extended deterrence, and intends to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."

Japan claims to be pursuing a “purely defensive policy” and a “passive defense” strategy, Guo Jiakun continued, but in reality it is violating its obligations as a defeated country, clearly laid out in the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations, and is retreating from the commitments enshrined in the Japanese Constitution.

"Who is actually building up their military might and expanding their weapons arsenal? Who is trying to use military force to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and challenge their fundamental interests? Who is threatening peace and stability in the region? The facts are clear to everyone," Guo Jiakun stated.

Japan's attempts to accelerate new militarization will only raise further doubts about the country's direction, warned a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, adding that all peace-loving countries must remain vigilant and suppress any dangerous attempts to revive Japanese militarism, while jointly defending the results of the victory in World War II, for which such a high price was paid.

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

Astana, December 16 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day on Tuesday. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the nation with a congratulatory message on the occasion, the Kazakh leader's press service reported.

The head of state noted that independence is the highest value and a solid foundation for Kazakhstan's progressive development. He stated that thanks to societal unity, mutual support, and the creative work of its citizens, the country has been able to strengthen its statehood and achieve significant results in socioeconomic development. The president expressed confidence that the large-scale reforms being implemented will further enhance Kazakhstan's competitiveness and authority on the international stage.

Independence Day is an official holiday, and Astana, Almaty, and other regions of the country are celebrating the holiday with social, cultural, and entertainment events. Sports competitions, theatrical performances, museum exhibitions, and concerts are planned in the capital.

In the lead-up to the holiday, Almaty hosted a flower-laying ceremony at the Independence Monument, and the architectural lighting of the television tower, which has become a prominent feature of the city's evening skyline, was updated. Furthermore, the city hosted master classes, family performances, and evening open-air film screenings.

Festive events dedicated to Independence Day are also organized in other regions of Kazakhstan. –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, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Cen Haohui, head of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), who arrived in Beijing to present a progress report.

During the meeting, Xi Jinping heard a report from Cen Haohui on the current situation in Macao and the work of the Macao SAR administration.

The Chinese President noted that the central authorities fully approve of the work of Cen Haohui and the Macao SAR administration.

As the Chinese leader pointed out, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee emphasized the importance of steadily and consistently implementing the policies of "one country, two systems," "Macao governed by the people of Macao," and a high degree of autonomy to promote long-term prosperity and stability in the region.

Xi Jinping stressed that the Macao SAR government should actively coordinate its work with the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), uphold and improve administrative leadership, confidently promote the proportionate diversification of Macao's economic development, and more deeply integrate into and contribute to the overall development of the country.

Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Ganjie, Chen Wenqing and Xia Baolong were present 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.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Li Jiachao, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), who arrived in Beijing to present a progress report.

During the meeting, Xi Jinping heard a report from Li Jiachao on the current situation in Hong Kong and the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) administration.

The Chinese President said the central government fully approves of the work of Li Jiachao and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) administration.

As Xi Jinping emphasized, the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee emphasized the need for steadfast and consistent implementation of the policies of “one country, two systems,” “Hong Kong governed by the people of Hong Kong,” and a high degree of autonomy in order to promote long-term prosperity and stability in the metropolis.

The Chinese leader called on the HKSAR administration to actively coordinate its work with the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), uphold and improve administrative leadership, promote high-quality economic development, and actively participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, so that Hong Kong can be more deeply integrated into and contribute to the overall development of the country.

Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Ganjie, Chen Wenqing and Xia Baolong were present 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.

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

Hohhot, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The volume of China-Europe freight trains through the Ereenhot Port in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the largest land port on the China-Mongolia border, exceeded 5 million tons as of Dec. 15, 2025, up 22.7 percent year-on-year, setting a new record, local customs authorities said.

According to the Hohhot Office of China State Railway Corporation (CSRC), since the beginning of this year, a total of 3,807 China-Europe freight trains have passed through the checkpoint, transporting 433,600 TEU (twenty-foot container equivalent units) of various cargo, indicating an increase of 17.1 percent and 16.2 percent year-on-year, respectively.

In 2025, new routes were launched through this checkpoint, including connecting the city of Wuhu in Anhui Province (Eastern China) with Moscow and the city of Datong in Shanxi Province (Northern China) with the Russian town of Selyatino.

Furthermore, customs authorities have implemented a number of efficiency improvement measures. Border inspection time for each train has now been reduced to approximately 20 minutes.

As the only transit point for the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) within the China-Europe freight rail network, Ereenhot currently serves 74 routes connecting over 70 stations in more than 10 countries, including Germany and Poland. –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 16 (Xinhua) — China intends to promote high-quality development of its maritime economy by strengthening comprehensive economic planning in its major bays. This was announced on Tuesday by Shen Jun, head of the Department of Marine Strategic Planning and Marine Economy at the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The country's coastline stretches for more than 18,000 km and is dotted with hundreds of bays, including the Bohai Gulf, Hangzhou Bay, and Beibu Bay.

"These areas serve as important hubs of intense coastal economic activity, repositories of rich marine culture, and spaces of significant ecological value," Shen Jun told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

She noted that China, by promoting coordinated development of land and sea, integrated planning and high-level design, is striving to create a new model of high-quality growth of the marine economy.

The maritime sector has become a vital pillar of national economic growth. In the first three quarters of this year, China's gross marine product reached 7.9 trillion yuan (approximately 1.12 trillion US dollars), 5.6 percent more than in the same period last year.

Shen Jun added that China intends to accelerate breakthroughs in core marine technologies, cultivate and strengthen emerging strategic industries such as seawater desalination and marine biomedicine, and step up efforts to prevent marine disasters and protect the marine environment. –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

MALE, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — China and the Maldives agreed to deepen cooperation and expand exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries during a visit by a delegation of the National People's Congress (NPC) to the Republic of Maldives from Dec. 14 to 16.

The Chinese delegation was led by Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. He met with Maldivian President Mohamed Mu'izzu and held talks with Abdul Rahim Abdullah, Speaker of the People's Majlis (Parliament) of the Maldives.

Wang Dongming noted that the traditional Chinese-Maldives friendship has a long history. He stated that China and the Maldives are ready to firmly support each other, deepen practical cooperation, expand contacts between legislative bodies, and promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He called for promoting the continuous progress of the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Maldives community with a shared future.

Representatives of the Maldivian side emphasized that the Maldives and China are reliable and good friends and partners in mutually beneficial cooperation. They reaffirmed the country's firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed their willingness to further strengthen high-level contacts, deepen cooperation in various fields, and promote active exchanges between legislative bodies.

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

St. Petersburg, December 16 /Xinhua/ — The St. Andrew's flag-raising ceremony and the commissioning of the new diesel-electric submarine Velikiye Luki into the Russian Navy took place in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, the press service of the United Shipbuilding Corporation reported.

The new submarine has joined the Russian Baltic Fleet. During testing, the submarine's specified performance characteristics were confirmed. The shipyard's sea trials and state trials took place in the Baltic Sea.

Velikiye Luki is the third submarine of the Project 677 Lada class. These submarines are quiet, equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic protection systems, and capable of diving to depths of approximately 300 meters. The Lada-series submarines are 66.8 meters long and 7.1 meters wide. They are equipped with missile and torpedo weapons capable of striking both maritime and coastal targets.

Construction of two Project 677 submarines is currently underway in St. Petersburg. Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Alexander Moiseyev told reporters that the keel-laying of two more submarines of this project is planned for 2026. –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

Helsinki, December 16 (Xinhua) — Talks in Berlin involving the European Union, the United States, and Ukraine have raised hopes for a possible peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced this on Monday, emphasizing that key issues, including territorial ones, remain unresolved.

A. Stubb expressed cautious optimism about a peace agreement, telling Finnish media in Berlin late Monday that the coming days and weeks would show whether a solution could be found to what he called "this difficult situation."

He said the most important development in the past 48 hours was what he described as the US commitment to provide security guarantees to Ukraine.

Territorial issues remain the most important unresolved problem, he noted, adding that “at least the direction is correct.”

Speaking at a conference on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the United States had offered security guarantees and recent diplomatic momentum had made a ceasefire "possible."

Nevertheless, A. Stubb emphasized that the decisive issue will ultimately be Ukraine's willingness to make territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees from the United States.

U. Kristersson described the meetings in Berlin as constructive. In a written statement to the Swedish news agency, he noted that Ukraine, the United States, and Europe sat down at the same table "for the first time in a long time" to discuss the possibilities and challenges of a peaceful solution.

He said many difficult questions remain, “primarily about territories and whether Russia really wants peace.”

"But now there's been significant momentum. We'll continue our intensive work in the coming days," he said.

A group of European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, issued a joint statement on Monday welcoming "significant progress."

The leaders pledged to work together to ensure reliable security guarantees, including maintaining the strength of the Ukrainian armed forces at 800,000 troops in peacetime.

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.