A military-industrial cluster will be created in Azerbaijan to strengthen defense.

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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 9 (Xinhua) — Azerbaijan is working to create a military-industrial cluster that will strengthen the country's defense system and expand military exports. Prime Minister Ali Asadov announced this Tuesday while addressing a plenary session of the Milli Majlis (parliament).

According to him, strengthening security and enhancing defense potential remain among the main areas of government expenditure. The draft budget for next year allocates approximately 21 percent of all expenditures to defense and national security, amounting to 8.7 billion manat (approximately $5.1 billion).

A. Asadov noted that the national military industry is developing rapidly, and investment in the sector has remained significant for many years. He added that Azerbaijan already exports military products to a number of countries.

"President Ilham Aliyev has set the goal of creating an industrial cluster that will meet domestic demand and increase export potential. Active work is already underway in this direction," the Prime Minister emphasized.

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.

During the first spacewalk, the crew of the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft used new spacesuits for the first time.

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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. 9 (Xinhua) — Shenzhou 21 crew members Zhang Lu and Wu Fei on Tuesday successfully completed the first round of extravehicular activity (EVA) of their mission, during which they used new spacesuits delivered to the space station for the first time.

The astronauts made their first spacewalk wearing the second-generation Feitian spacesuits, Models D and E, which were delivered aboard the Tianzhou-9 cargo ship on July 15. While maintaining the basic white color scheme, one suit features red trim, and the other blue.

"This spacewalk fully demonstrated the crucial role of human activity in extravehicular activities, while the spacesuits provided a reliable guarantee of the astronauts' safety," said Zhai Zhihong, an employee of the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.

According to the center, the service life of the spacesuits has been increased from the previous standard of 15 spacewalks over three years to 20 spacewalks over four years.

The second-generation Feitian extravehicular activity suits have provided reliable support for all spacewalks during both the construction and operation of the Chinese space station.

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.

A symposium on the study and research of Xi Jinping's thought on diplomacy was held in Beijing.

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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) — A symposium on the study and research of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy was held in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, attended and delivered a speech.

As Wang Yi stated, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is a continuously evolving and open-ended Marxist theory that is always at the forefront of the era, responding to new questions around the world, and providing powerful ideological tools and scientific guidance for the bold and decisive advancement of Chinese diplomacy.

The head of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that General Secretary Xi Jinping personally facilitated the implementation of a number of major theoretical and practical innovations, and that under his leadership, China's foreign policy has achieved historic successes and undergone historic changes.

"We should regard the reprint of 'Thesis for the Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy' as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the advanced nature of this thought in promoting theoretical innovation and its historical initiative in serving the cause of national rejuvenation," Wang Yi said.

“Looking back on the extraordinary development of diplomacy in the new era, we increasingly realize that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s strategic leadership is our fundamental guarantee, that unwavering commitment to Chinese characteristics is the foundation of our confidence, that building a community with a shared future for mankind is our shining banner, and that creating a favorable international environment for Chinese-style modernization is our indispensable mission,” the minister emphasized.

Wang Yi noted that the diplomatic and foreign policy fronts must make new and more significant contributions to the comprehensive promotion of building a strong state and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

The symposium was organized by the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. –0–

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Exclusive: China's decision to provide $100 million in aid to Palestine will serve as a signal to the entire international community to contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, according to Russian experts.

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

Moscow, December 9 (Xinhua) — China's decision to provide $100 million in aid to Palestine to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and support its reconstruction is a crucial step that will send a signal to the entire international community to show solidarity and contribute to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, according to Russian experts interviewed by Xinhua.

As political scientist Professor Alexander Gusev noted, China's decision deserves only positive assessments. "Naturally, we view China's statement positively. After all, the destruction in the region is colossal; 2 million people lived there. Experts estimate that rebuilding the Gaza Strip will require approximately $70 billion. We understand that rebuilding the Gaza Strip will take decades. Of course, China's assistance is very important here," the expert stated.

Konstantin Blokhin, a leading researcher at the Center for Security Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, agrees with this assessment. "It's clear that the Gaza Strip is currently in ruins, so China's assistance is extremely important at this time, especially for the local population," he noted.

According to Alexey Martynov, Associate Professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and Director of the International Institute of the Newest States, the desire to help people deserves respect and attention, but the current situation surrounding the Palestinian issue and the Israeli conflict with Hamas poses challenges in the targeting of aid. "Of course, we would like China's aid to reach everyone in need. The mechanisms of international organizations—the UN and UNICEF, which are actively working in the region—are crucial here. There is currently no other mechanism," the political scientist emphasized.

Russian experts believe the entire international community must take steps to restore housing and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, and to bring back those who fled the territory and are now forced to live in tent camps. China's role in consolidating these efforts is significant. "China's global influence is very high, so its initiative to allocate funds for the reconstruction of Palestine will serve as a litmus test for other countries, which should also contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip," A. Gusev shared his opinion.

At the same time, A. Martynov cautioned against allowing aid to Palestine to become mere empty declarations. "Declarations won't make things easier for people, and declarations won't feed the hungry. The problem isn't measured in sums; it's measured in humanitarian catastrophe, complex logistics, and the lack of basic conditions: water, proper sanitation, and so on," he noted, adding that this issue requires a systemic approach from the entire international community.

According to political scientists interviewed by Xinhua, the desire to help Palestine underscores China's growing role as a global player and a committed partner in addressing humanitarian issues and maintaining global stability. "This decision is also very important for China itself: by helping Palestine, it strengthens its position in the Middle East. Furthermore, historically, Europe and the West are not well-liked in the Middle East, and their presence in the region is perceived as undesirable. Therefore, this situation is an example of how countries in the Global South are capable of solving their own problems," noted K. Blokhin.

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.

The President of Belarus announced the stabilization of the situation on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border.

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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

Minsk, December 9 (Xinhua) — The situation on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border has more or less stabilized, but there are still some issues. This was stated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting of the country's Security Council on Tuesday. The corresponding information was published by the Belarusian head of state's press service.

"The situation on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border has more or less stabilized. Although there are plenty of problems there," the Belarusian leader stated. At the same time, A. Lukashenko noted that Konstantin Molostov, Chairman of the State Border Committee of Belarus, had previously reported to him that many issues remain to be addressed through mobilization, including rebuilding the border abandoned by Ukraine, building outposts, and arming border guards.

Moreover, according to the Belarusian president, the country's armed forces have to be deployed in the second line behind the border guards, which diverts attention and resources.

Speaking about Belarus's western borders, A. Lukashenko noted that Western countries are not only increasing their military budgets but are also attempting to roughly double their armies. "These countries won't simply spend huge sums of money on what they call a confrontation with Russia and Belarus," he emphasized.

The Belarusian leader also emphasized that Belarus and Russia do not create the global problems Western countries use to justify spending on weapons and expanding their armies. "We have no intention of attacking anyone. We have enough. I know Russia's position, but we need to justify these expenditures somehow," Lukashenko remarked.

Given the current situation and the militarization of Western countries, the head of the Belarusian state stated the need to update Belarus's defense actions.

Speaking about the situation on the Lithuanian border, A. Lukashenko reported that serious discussions had taken place regarding the cigarette-filled balloons flying across the two countries' border, including the involvement of civil aviation pilots. It was noted that Lithuania's accusations were untrue. "Even if these balloons, as they say, were flying there at 200 [numbers] (now it's either 20 or 50/numbers)… I've spoken with pilots. They say it's not a problem. They're just escalating the issue and politicizing it," the Belarusian president noted.

A. Lukashenko once again invited Lithuania to begin negotiations and assured that Belarus is ready to build normal relations in all areas. "If you want normal relations, sit down at the negotiating table and discuss these issues. We are ready for this. There are no other options," he stated.

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.

China launches new satellite to test communications technology

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

CHENGDU, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — China on Tuesday launched a new satellite into space to test communications technology from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The Shiyan-22 spacecraft, launched at 11:08 PM Beijing Time by the Long March-3B launch vehicle, successfully entered its designated orbit.

The new satellite will be used primarily to provide satellite communications, radio and television broadcasting, and data transmission services. It will also be used for testing and validation of related technologies.

The current launch was the 615th flight mission for the Long March series launch vehicles. –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.

The Group of Friends of Global Governance was established at the UN Headquarters in New York.

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

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — The Group of Friends of Global Governance was officially launched on Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Representatives from approximately 40 founding countries of the group participated in the first meeting. The meeting was chaired by China's Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong.

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.

A training session on increasing women's participation in public and political life was held in Ashgabat.

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

Ashgabat, December 9 (Xinhua) — A roundtable training session on "Temporary Special Measures (TSM) to Expand Women's Participation in Public and Political Life" was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital, on December 8-9, the country's International Information Center reported on Tuesday.

The event was held within the framework of a joint project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CEC) of Turkmenistan entitled “Assistance in building the capacity of the CEC in Turkmenistan”.

The training brought together representatives of the Central Election Commission, local electoral commissions, and political parties. The event aimed to strengthen capacity, share international experience, and discuss ways to increase women's political participation through the Higher Council of Magistrates, including legislative quotas.

According to UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, Tomica Paovic, the SSM, recognized by the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), is an effective tool for removing barriers and ensuring women's fair participation in political life.

“By introducing quotas and requirements for the placement of candidates, Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, are achieving tangible results and advancing global commitments under CEDAW and the Sustainable Development Goals,” noted T. Paovic. –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.

A record shipment of Airbus aircraft components has arrived at the port of Tianjin.

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

TIANJIN, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — The largest ever single shipment of Airbus aircraft components arrived at the port of Tianjin, north China, on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in logistics development and will help boost the European aircraft maker's production capacity in the region.

The cargo, including 12 large aircraft components, arrived aboard the container ship OOCL Denmark. The ship departed from Hamburg, Germany, and docked at the Pacific International Container Terminal in Tianjin Port on Tuesday morning.

This delivery is intended to support Airbus's recent expansion of its production capacity in Tianjin, one of the company's key global manufacturing hubs. In October of this year, the company launched its second final assembly line for the A320 family of aircraft in Tianjin, marking its second in China and the entire Asian continent.

To ensure the safe and smooth handling of the record-breaking cargo, the Dongjiang Border Inspection Station at Tianjin Port expedited customs procedures, including pre-clearance, ensuring a zero-waiting period for the arriving vessel.

Tianjin currently houses two of the world's 10 A320 final assembly lines. The combined production capacity of the assembly lines in the Chinese metropolis will now account for 20 percent of the company's global capacity.

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.

Condoning the provocations of Japanese right-wing forces will only revive the specter of militarism – Chinese Foreign Ministry /more details/

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

Beijing, December 9 (Xinhua) — Condoning the provocative words and actions of Japanese right-wingers in any form will only revive the specter of militarism and once again expose the peoples of Asia to danger, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

The Chinese diplomat made this statement at a regular departmental briefing after several neighboring countries, including Russia, recently expressed strong disagreement with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous statements about Taiwan. Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, and other countries reiterated their open support for the one-China principle.

As noted by media and experts in countries across the region, the atrocities committed by the Japanese army during World War II brought untold suffering to Asia and the world. Instead of deeply understanding Japan's war crimes, some political forces in the country are attempting to deny, distort, and even embellish the history of aggression, seeking to go beyond the pacifist constitution and "remilitarize" Japan.

Guo Jiakun recalled that in the last century, under the pretext of an “existential threat,” Japanese militarists unleashed a war of conquest against China and other Asian countries, taking the lives of millions of people and committing monstrous atrocities on the continent.

During World War II, the Japanese army committed three major massacres of civilians: the Nanking Massacre, which killed more than 300,000 people; the Manila Massacre, which killed nearly 100,000 Filipinos in just one month; and the Singapore Massacre, which killed tens of thousands.

"As documented in the verdict of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, the Japanese army organized more than 100 large-scale massacres in Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and other places," Guo Jiakun said.

He added that prisoners of war from the Allied powers were subjected to cruel treatment by the Japanese military, with 27 percent of them killed after capture. During the Bataan Death March, approximately 15,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war died from inhumane treatment.

Hundreds of thousands of Southeast Asians and Allied prisoners of war, Guo Jiakun continued, were forced into slave labor by the Japanese army and died during the construction of the Thai-Burma Railway. More than 4 million Chinese laborers, forcibly recruited by the Japanese military, died or were injured due to backbreaking labor in brutal conditions.

The Chinese diplomat also mentioned women and girls from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, the Netherlands and other countries and regions who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military, turning them into "comfort women."

"Japan's war crimes cannot be erased from memory; the verdict on Japan's history of conquest cannot be revised," Guo Jiakun emphasized. He pointed out that any condoning of the provocative words and actions of the Japanese right, in any form, will only resurrect the specter of militarism and once again expose the peoples of Asia to danger.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry's official representative added that all countries are obligated to join forces to suppress any attempts to revive militarism and fascism, protect the results of victory in World War II, preserve the post-war international order, and ensure peace and stability throughout the world. –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.