Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan intend to expand economic ties and strengthen transport connectivity.

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

Astana, November 25 (Xinhua) — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who arrived in Astana on a state visit at the invitation of the Kazakh leader. Following the talks, the two sides signed a joint statement, the Kazakh presidential administration press service reported on Tuesday.

The two leaders discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, transport and logistics, energy, industrial cooperation, agriculture, digitalization, education, and medicine. K.-Z. Tokayev noted that over the past five years, mutual trade has more than quadrupled to exceed $500 million. Approximately 140 companies with Turkmen capital operate in Kazakhstan, while Kazakh investment in Turkmenistan's economy has exceeded $120 million. The parties confirmed their intention to increase trade turnover to $1 billion and agreed to establish trading houses between the two countries.

S. Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation is developing on the principles of trust and good-neighborliness, and that the positions of Ashgabat and Astana on issues of security, sustainable development, and transport connectivity largely coincide.

In the transport and logistics sector, the parties praised the growth of freight traffic along the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran route, which plays a key role in the North-South corridor. The presidents agreed to make greater use of the ports of Aktau, Kuryk, and Turkmenbashi, modernize border infrastructure, and explore the prospects for developing railway routes to South Asia via Afghanistan.

K.-Zh. Tokayev awarded S. Berdimuhamedov the highest state award of Kazakhstan – the Order of the Golden Eagle.

Following the negotiations, 11 intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents were signed on cooperation in the areas of culture, migration, pensions, justice, agriculture, science, transport, medicine, and information exchange. –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 mascot for the Spring Festival of 2026 is the horse Jixiangma.

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

Beijing, November 25 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Tuesday unveiled the mascot for the Spring Festival (Chunjie, the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year) of 2026, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse. It is the Jixiangma Horse, or Horse of Lucky Omen.

The inspiration for the talisman came from a famous bronze statue from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), which depicts a galloping horse with a flying swallow under its hoof, perfectly conveying movement and balance.

In their work, the mascot designers also drew inspiration from the aesthetic elements of horse imagery during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The background color chosen is bright red, while the addition of traditional Chinese ornaments emphasizes the warmth and joyful atmosphere characteristic of the holiday.

The ministry announced the planned launch of a line of souvenirs related to the mascot. These will include plush toys, blind boxes, and refrigerator magnets, as well as themed holiday items such as paired "chunlian" inscriptions with New Year's wishes, "hongbao" envelopes (red envelopes containing money traditionally given in China during the Spring Festival), and Chinese lanterns. The Jixiangma image and related paraphernalia will be used at Spring Festival celebrations around the world.

In the Chinese lunar calendar, each year is associated with one of 12 animals, which alternate sequentially and form repeating cycles: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The coming year, 2026, will be the year of the Horse.

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The decline of the Russian automobile market has slowed, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

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

St. Petersburg, November 25 /Xinhua/ — The decline in the Russian auto market has slowed, with new car sales in the country reaching 183,000 units in October, up 34 percent from September. This was reported by RIA Novosti on Tuesday, citing Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Albert Karimov at a roundtable discussion in the Federation Council.

He reported that almost 1.2 million new cars across all segments were sold on the Russian market between January and October, a 22 percent decrease compared to the first ten months of last year. New car sales in Russia this year are projected to be approximately 1.5 million units.

According to A. Karimov, Russia will allocate approximately 20 billion rubles for subsidized auto loans and 30 billion rubles for subsidized leasing next year. A total of over 164 billion rubles are planned for measures to stimulate demand in the automotive market over the next three years.

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 will deepen energy cooperation with Russia, says Vice Premier of the State Council

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

Beijing, November 25 (Xinhua) — The 7th China-Russia Energy Business Forum opened in Beijing on Tuesday. Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang delivered a speech at the opening ceremony and read a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, recalled that this year the two heads of state held several meetings and telephone conversations, and also sent congratulatory messages to the current forum, giving strategic guidance for the consistent strengthening of the Sino-Russian comprehensive cooperation and partnership in the energy sector.

At the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, strategic instructions were issued to expand high-level opening-up and build a powerful energy power, which opened up new important opportunities for energy cooperation between China and Russia, the Vice Premier of the State Council emphasized.

He noted that China is ready to work with Russia to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously deepen strategic cooperation in the energy sector, and continually explore new horizons of cooperation for mutual benefit. The Vice Premier of the State Council put forward three proposals for deepening Chinese-Russian energy cooperation.

First, Ding Xuexiang called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation across the entire industrial chain, ensure the safe and stable operation of cross-border energy corridors, and ensure smooth trade in energy resources.

Secondly, as Ding Xuexiang pointed out, the two sides should strengthen cooperation in the field of energy transition, actively expand application scenarios, and further unlock the potential of cooperation in areas such as renewable energy.

Third, Ding Xuexiang called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation in multilateral formats and jointly promote the implementation of the Global Energy Governance Initiative, bringing more stability and certainty to the global energy market.

Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission for Strategic Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Safety, and CEO of Rosneft, read a message of greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the forum participants. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak delivered a speech at the event.

Following the opening ceremony, Ding Xuexiang met with the high-level Russian delegation attending the forum.

The theme of this year's forum is "Strengthening High-Level Strategic Alignment between China and Russia and Consistently Strengthening Comprehensive Cooperation and Partnership in the Energy Sector." Nearly 400 representatives from relevant departments, agencies, and enterprises from both countries attended the opening ceremony.

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The 159th joint patrol of the Mekong River has begun.

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

KUNMING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — Law enforcement agencies from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on Tuesday launched the 159th joint patrol of the Mekong River to combat cross-border crime.

The patrol officially began around 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, when three Chinese law enforcement vessels departed the port of Jingha in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Patrol vessels from Laos and Myanmar simultaneously departed from the Laotian port of Muang Mo and the Myanmar port of Van Pong to rendezvous at a pre-arranged area.

More than 100 law enforcement officers from four countries and seven patrol vessels are participating in the joint patrol. The mission will include combined water-land inspections and training exercises in several key waterways on the Mekong River, aimed at combating cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, fraud, smuggling, and illegal border crossings.

During the patrol, relevant law enforcement agencies from the four countries will also hold an information-sharing meeting in Chiang Saen, Thailand, to analyze the security situation in the Lancang-Mekong basin and identify priority areas for further cooperation.

The Mekong River, known in China as the Lancangjiang, is one of the most important waterways for cross-border navigation. Joint patrols of the Mekong involving China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand have been conducted since December 2011. –0–

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By the end of the month, V. Zelensky may visit the United States to meet with D. Trump.

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

Kyiv, November 25 (Xinhua) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may visit the United States before the end of November to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov announced this on social media on Tuesday.

According to him, the main objectives of the upcoming negotiations should be the final discussion and reaching of agreements on the draft peace plan proposed by Washington.

On November 20, the United States officially presented Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a draft plan to end the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, designed to bolster diplomatic efforts. On November 23, American and Ukrainian delegations held talks in Geneva, where the parties prepared an updated and revised framework plan. Meanwhile, the Office of the President of Ukraine noted that the final decision on the document developed in Geneva will be made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.

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 is ready to build a more mature comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia, says NPC Standing Committee Chairman

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

CANBERRA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said China is willing to promote the building of a more mature, stable and productive comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia.

Zhao Leji made the announcement during his official visit to Australia from November 22 to 25 at the invitation of Senate Speaker Sue Lines and House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick.

During his visit, the Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee met with Australian Governor-General Samantha Mostyn and attended a working breakfast hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He also held talks with S. Lines and M. Dick.

During his meeting with S. Mostyn, Zhao Leji said that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Australian leaders, relations between the two countries have returned to the right track of stable and positive development in recent years.

According to the Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, China and Australia enjoy significant complementary economic advantages and have a solid foundation for promising practical cooperation. China, he added, is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Australia in all areas, contributing to the building of a more mature, stable, and productive comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

S. Mostyn, for her part, noted that positive cooperation has been established between Australia and China in areas such as trade, culture and education, and that bilateral relations continue to deepen.

The Governor-General noted that in 2026, China will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting, which will be crucial for advocating for and promoting multilateralism. Australia hopes for the success of this event, stated S. Mostyn.

According to her, Australia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as green infrastructure, energy transition, climate change, and the protection of women's rights and interests.

During a working breakfast hosted by E. Albanese, Zhao Leji noted that China-Australia relations have taken a positive turn, with dialogue and cooperation in various fields being resumed and restarted, which has received widespread approval and support from the general public in both countries.

Zhao Leji emphasized that there is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Australia, pointing out that China always follows the path of peaceful development, adheres to high-quality development, and expands high-level opening-up.

The Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee stated that China is willing to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and share development opportunities with all countries, including Australia. He called for strengthening and deepening cooperation in sectors such as energy, mining, scientific and technological innovation, the digital economy, and infrastructure.

Zhao Leji recalled that issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xi Jinping, Xinjiang and the South China Sea affect China's territorial sovereignty and core interests, expressing hope that Australia will show understanding and respect for China's position.

E. Albanese noted that the foundation for developing Australian-Chinese relations is currently solid. He expressed Australia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with China and its support for China hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting next year.

Trade between Australia and China has grown rapidly in recent years, and exchanges in areas such as tourism, education, and cultural and humanitarian contacts help the younger generation to experience a different culture and develop long-term friendships, the Australian Prime Minister noted.

E. Albanese expressed the Australian side's intention to maintain regular contacts with China and promote the continuous sustainable development of bilateral relations.

During his talks with S. Lines and M. Dick, Zhao Leji stated that the NPC hopes to work with the Australian Parliament to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, expand exchanges between legislative bodies at all levels, fully give full play to the strengths and advantages of the special committees and parliamentarians of the two countries, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, enhance the stability and effectiveness of cooperation, and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries.

Zhao Leji briefed the Australian parliamentary leaders on the spirit of the decisions of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and spoke about the progress of China's opening up and expansion of domestic demand.

The Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee noted that the legislative bodies of the two countries can carry out exchanges and mutual learning in areas such as drafting legislation on foreign relations and creating a favorable business environment.

S. Lines emphasized that exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies contribute to the development of bilateral relations.

She pointed out that dialogue is the key to relations between the two countries, and trade and economic cooperation is their foundation, also noting the great importance of stable trade relations for both countries.

According to S. Lines, Australia welcomes Chinese investment and intends to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest to the two countries.

M. Dick stated that the development of Australian-Chinese relations creates new opportunities for bilateral trade.

He noted the positive dynamics of exchanges between legislative bodies and the reciprocal visits between parliamentarians of the two countries over the past two years. M. Dick expressed hope for the further development of relations between Australia and China, as well as exchanges and cooperation between their legislative bodies.

During his visit to Australia, Zhao Leji also met with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli in Brisbane, expressing his expectation that China and Australia would deepen regional exchanges and cooperation to promote bilateral relations. After visiting Queensland-based natural gas and power company Arrow Energy, the NPC Standing Committee Chairman expressed hope for stronger economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries for mutual benefit and win-win results.

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.

Ukraine has agreed to a peace agreement, with "minor details" still to be resolved – media

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

Washington, November 25 (Xinhua) – Ukraine has agreed to the terms of the peace deal, with only "minor details" remaining to be resolved, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing a US official.

"The Ukrainian side has agreed to the terms of the peace agreement. A few minor details remain to be resolved, but the Ukrainians have given their consent," the official stated.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that more work was needed.

"After the meetings in Geneva, we see many prospects that could make the path to peace a reality. There are significant results, but much work remains," the head of state wrote on social media.

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll held peace talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on Monday and Tuesday, according to a statement from the U.S. military.

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Exclusive: Japan's tightening foreign policy could destabilize the situation in East Asia, says Russian expert

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

Moscow, November 25 (Xinhua) — Japan's tightening foreign policy, attempts to revise the three non-nuclear principles, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent unprecedented statement on Taiwan, which has already led to a sharp deterioration in relations between Japan and China, and harsh anti-Russian actions could lead to increased tensions and destabilize the international situation in East Asia. Valery Kistanov, director of the Center for Japanese Studies at the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ICSA RAS), stated this in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"Since taking office, Sanae Takaichi has clearly set a course for the accelerated buildup of Japan's military potential. She also called for a revision of Japan's three non-nuclear principles… The new prime minister advocates revising the Japanese constitution to legalize the Japanese armed forces, currently called the Self-Defense Forces, as a fully-fledged army… Takaichi is distinguished by a revisionist approach to assessing Japanese aggression in Asia in the last century," noted V. Kistanov.

"Takaichi promises to revise the National Security Strategy and two other doctrinal documents on Japan's defense in the near future… It can be expected that Takaichi's updated documents will contain more stringent language on 'containment' of China, North Korea, and Russia, which Japan currently considers the main challenges to its security," the IKSAR RAS expert suggested.

According to him, the new Japanese prime minister also advocates for strengthening the Japanese-American military alliance, which was clearly demonstrated during US President Donald Trump's visit to Japan in late October. "It's no secret that the main goal of the Indo-Pacific strategies of both Tokyo and Washington is to 'contain' China in the East China and South China Seas," the Russian orientalist added.

V. Kistanov is confident that "these and other steps by Takaichi aimed at tightening Japan's foreign policy could lead to increased tensions in relations with neighboring countries and destabilize the international situation in East Asia. Takaichi's recent unprecedented statement on Taiwan, which has already led to a sharp deterioration in relations between Japan and China, is consistent with this policy."

The expert recalled that Japan joined anti-Russian sanctions and provided comprehensive support to Ukraine. Consequently, Moscow added Japan to its list of "unfriendly countries" and took retaliatory measures in kind. As a result, Russian-Japanese relations are currently at their lowest point since the end of World War II.

Noting that Japanese politicians and experts are now actively promoting the concept of the indivisibility of security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions, and that this concept is shared by NATO leadership, the expert asked: “Why, under these conditions, shouldn’t China and Russia, based on the same concept of the indivisibility of security in the two regions, carry out joint measures to ensure their security not only in the Indo-Pacific, but also in the Euro-Atlantic region?” –0–

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Breaking News: Ukraine has agreed to a peace agreement, with "minor details" still to be resolved – media

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

Washington, November 25 (Xinhua) – Ukraine has agreed to the terms of the peace deal, with only "minor details" remaining to be resolved, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing a US official.

"The Ukrainian side has agreed to the terms of the peace agreement. A few minor details remain to be ironed out, but they have given their consent," the official noted.

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.