Moscow Zoo CEO: Pandas have become a true "living bridge" of friendship and cooperation between Russia and 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

Chengdu, November 25 (Xinhua) — "Pandas, as a living bridge, open the door to closer cooperation between Russia and China in the fields of ecology, education, culture, and business, creating a solid foundation for a long-term strategic partnership," said Svetlana Akulova, Director General of the Moscow Zoo, on the sidelines of the recent Global Panda Partners 2025 conference in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

In April 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the China Protection and Research Center for Giant Pandas in Sichuan Province donated giant pandas named Ruyi and Dingding to the Moscow Zoo. They immediately became favorites of local visitors. In August 2023, the bears gave birth to a cub named Katyusha. She became the first giant panda cub born in Russia.

Speaking at the conference's panel "Expanding Pandas' Influence: Scientific Education and Cultural Interaction," S. Akulova shared stories of Russia and China's fruitful collaboration in protecting giant pandas and fostering cultural exchanges through them. She also described the experience and methods of keeping, breeding, and training giant pandas in Russia's natural environment.

"The Moscow Zoo's efforts to strengthen cultural exchanges with China are not sporadic, but rather systemic and strategic," noted S. Akulova.

She recalled that in 2024, a Moscow Zoo delegation actively participated in the 8th China-Russia Expo and the 4th China-Russia Forum on Interregional Cooperation in Harbin. During these events, the Moscow Zoo presented successful conservation projects for endangered species, such as the Amur tiger and the Far Eastern leopard, and also presented a report on developing cooperation with China on the giant panda conservation program initiated in 2019.

"In 2025, this work reached a new level thanks to the conclusion of new agreements, the holding of major festivals, the installation of symbolic monuments of friendship, and direct visits at the highest level," concluded S. Akulova, highlighting the most significant events and initiatives for cultural exchange with China in 2025.

According to her, this year a "friendship tree" was erected with representatives of China and the FESCO transport group, the Moscow Zoo's partner in the giant panda conservation and research program. Together with staff from the Chinese Embassy in Russia, the Moscow Zoo held festive events to mark Chinese holidays, organized festivals and exhibitions of Chinese paintings, and produced documentaries about pandas. The "Fauna of China" pavilion was transformed into an educational center with lectures on the culture and nature of China. Furthermore, the Beijing and Shanghai Zoos have expressed interest in the new strategic project of the Global Alliance of Zoological Institutions (GOZU), whose creation in 2025 was personally initiated by S. Akulova.

"In summary, the Moscow Zoo has transformed from an animal shelter into a powerful educational center and a platform for public diplomacy and cultural engagement, making an invaluable contribution to deepening Russian-Chinese relations," concluded S. Akulova.

She expressed hope for further deepening cooperation with Chinese colleagues in the research and reproduction of giant pandas, as well as in the areas of protecting other animal species and environmental protection.

As a reminder, the Global Panda Partners 2025 conference in Chengdu brought together over 600 participants from more than 30 countries and regions, including zoo directors and representatives from Russia, France, Germany, Belgium, Indonesia, and other countries. They engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on strengthening global environmental conservation and green development, as well as expanding international humanitarian and cultural cooperation, particularly through giant pandas, which have already become a popular cultural symbol.

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China launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft.

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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

JIUQUAN, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — China's Shenzhou-22 spacecraft blasted off into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Tuesday, marking the first emergency launch in the country's manned space program.

The spacecraft successfully separated from the Long March launch vehicle and entered its designated orbit. The launch was deemed a complete success, the China Manned Space Administration (CMSA) announced. -0-

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Feature: Chinese booth steals spotlight at Azerbaijan education fair

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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, November 25 /Xinhua/ — "What level of English is required for admission?", "How much does it cost to live on average per month?", "Do you have master's programs?" These were perhaps the most frequently asked questions on Saturday at the Hilton Baku hotel in the capital of Azerbaijan, where the GLC FAIR 2025 International Education Exhibition was held.

Although the event was attended by approximately 60 universities and educational agencies from more than ten countries and regions, including Turkey, Poland, and Germany, the Chinese booth was the most crowded. Both parents and children and school teachers with entire classes lined up for consultations.

"Considering the growing market demand in Azerbaijan, this year we specifically launched a consulting service for training in China," EGE GROUP CEO Mikayil Mirzazade told Xinhua.

His company is assisting Chinese universities with student recruitment at this exhibition. According to him, the interest has exceeded expectations: "Today alone, over 300 parents and students have expressed their desire to study in China."

Emin Safarov, founder of the educational agency Edu Max, attributes this phenomenon to the high quality of education. "China offers truly high-quality education, a healthy environment, and a technological future. These are excellent prospects for international students," the expert noted.

He is confident that mutual visa-free travel between the countries will catalyze educational exchange. "Last year, we enrolled over 40 students for Chinese universities. And this year, we plan to double that number. Applicants are primarily applying for technology-related programs: engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence," he said.

Azerbaijani schoolchildren themselves view studying in China as an investment in their careers. "I'm impressed by China, its culture, and its stunning beauty. But I'm also amazed by how well-developed its economy is. I'm especially drawn to China's trade sector," says 16-year-old Selin Alizade.

She added that this choice is becoming a trend among her circle: “I have friends who already live in China, and acquaintances who are now learning the language so that, like me, they can enroll there.”

According to official Chinese data, the number of student visas issued to Azerbaijani students has shown rapid growth in recent years: in 2023 there were about 160, in 2024 – more than 200, and in less than 2025, this figure has already exceeded 400. –0–

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Representatives of foreign media will be briefed on the progress of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

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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, November 25 (Xinhua) — Media representatives from 33 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, arrived in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan to inspect the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port (HFTP), the Zhongguo Xinwenwang news portal reported.

On Monday, the press tour participants met with Wang Bin, head of the Hainan Provincial Committee's Publicity Department and official representative of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee, as well as officials from the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Committee, the finance and commerce department, the Haikou Customs Office, and several other departments and institutions.

"Over the past five years, the HPSTC under construction has taken shape. Significant progress has been made in increasing openness, optimizing the industrial system, improving development conditions, and enhancing the people's sense of fulfillment," noted Wang Bin, adding that after the island-wide independent customs operation regime is officially launched as part of the HPSTC construction program on December 18, 2025, the port administration will pursue an even more open policy, the province's contacts with the outside world will become even freer and more convenient, and ties with the country's hinterland will be even closer and more effective.

According to him, Hainan Province is becoming the new vanguard of China's openness to the outside world, a new point of attraction for regional mutually beneficial cooperation, and a new driver of economic globalization.

The press tour participants will reportedly make familiarization visits to the cities of Haikou, Danzhou, Qionghai, Wanning and Sanya, as well as Lingshui County.

The purpose of organizing this press tour is to provide an in-depth interpretation of the new opportunities that the launch of the island-wide independent customs operation regime within the framework of the construction of the HSCT will open for global trade and investment, to create a platform for pragmatic cooperation between Hainan Province and the countries of the Global South, to showcase a more open and vibrant Hainan to the world, and to promote the construction of the HSCT. -0-

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In January-October 2025, trade turnover between the China-SCO Demonstration Zone and SCO member states increased by 27.2 percent.

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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, November 25 (Xinhua) — In the first 10 months of 2025, trade between the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone (hereinafter referred to as the "China-SCO Demonstration Zone"), located in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, and other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) increased by 27.2 percent year-on-year to 77.87 billion yuan (about 11 billion U.S. dollars), China Central Television reported, citing customs statistics.

In particular, during the reporting period, exports from the China-SCO Demonstration Zone to the organization's countries increased by 19.2 percent to 39.66 billion yuan, while imports increased by 36.6 percent to 38.21 billion yuan.

At the same time, the zone’s export volume in value terms of such products as machinery and components increased by 22.5 percent, and plastic products by 19.5 percent.

At the same time, the China-SCO Demonstration Zone actively expanded the range of imported goods. In particular, over the same period, the value of agricultural imports exceeded 11.43 billion yuan, an increase of 12.8 percent year-on-year. -0-

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Supply and marketing cooperatives in China reported growth in sales volumes in 2021-2025.

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

BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the total sales volume of supply and marketing cooperatives in China increased by an average of 8.6 percent annually, according to data from the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives (ACSMC).

During this period, 1,472 enterprises owned by supply and marketing cooperatives had operating income exceeding 100 million yuan (approximately 14.11 million US dollars), the industry organization reported.

In particular, 29 enterprises recorded operating income of 10 billion yuan or more, an increase of 15 compared to 2020.

Currently, supply and marketing cooperatives account for 70 percent of the country's total chemical fertilizer supply and account for 3 trillion yuan in annual agricultural sales, which, according to the federation, plays a positive role in ensuring national food security, increasing farmers' incomes, and promoting the comprehensive revitalization of China's rural areas.

Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, speaking at the 8th Congress of the All-China Socialist Farming Cooperatives (ASFC) in Beijing on Monday, called on supply and marketing cooperatives to always remain committed to their fundamental mission of serving farmers and to continuously enhance their capacity to provide services to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers during the new 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). -0-

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Iranian authorities will close public spaces in the capital for two days due to air pollution.

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

Tehran, November 25 (Xinhua) — Iranian authorities will close schools and universities in the capital Tehran for two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, and allow remote work due to air pollution.

The Interior Ministry's Air Pollution Emergency Coordination Task Force decided on Monday to transition all educational institutions in Tehran, with the exception of the Firouzkoh district, to distance learning, the official IRNA news agency reported. Employees of public and private institutions, with the exception of those in rescue, medical, emergency, military, and law enforcement agencies, are permitted to work from home.

IRNA reports that a limited number of bank branches will operate.

Traffic restrictions will be in effect from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Private vehicles are prohibited from entering certain areas of the city, which has a population of approximately 9 million.

A ban on freight traffic was also imposed, with the exception of vehicles carrying perishable goods or fuel. Sand and gravel quarries and cement plants were ordered to suspend operations.

On Monday, the air quality index in Tehran exceeded 170, which is considered unhealthy for all people.

Air quality in Tehran typically deteriorates during the colder months, especially when there is little wind or rain. Temperature inversion is the main cause of pollution accumulation, and emissions from older vehicles and some factories are major contributors. –0–

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The 22nd China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival will open in Manzhouli in December.

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

BEIJING, November 25 (Xinhua) — The 22nd China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival will run from the second ten days of December this year to the first ten days of January next year in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Chinese daily Neimenggu Ribao reported.

The festival will feature cultural and artistic exchanges involving representatives of the three countries, an opening ceremony for the Ice and Snow Festival and the Snow and Ice Theme Park, a beauty contest, a meeting of intangible cultural heritage masters from the three countries, a tasting of Russian cuisine, a trade fair, and a New Year's celebration in Manzhouli with the participation of a thousand representatives from the three countries.

The planned events will fully integrate the cultural elements of China, Russia, and Mongolia. The construction of a magnificent snow and ice theme park, the hosting of remarkable cultural and artistic performances, and themed events brimming with exotic flavor will enhance the city of Manzhouli's appeal to Chinese and international tourists.

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China calls for multilateralism in banning chemical weapons

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

THE HAGUE, November 25 (Xinhua) — China called on all member states of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to promote genuine multilateralism and strengthen solidarity and cooperation.

"In recent years, under the influence of geopolitics, the OPCW has seen a growing trend of politicization and division, which has threatened the tradition of consensus-based decision-making," said Wang Daxue, head of the Chinese delegation and deputy director-general of the Arms Control Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a side event organized by the Chinese delegation to the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which opened on Monday in The Hague.

"Constructive dialogue and communication between member states is declining, and voting is increasingly necessary," a senior Chinese diplomat noted.

In the position paper, China proposed four initiatives, including adhering to the objectives and purposes of the CWC, supporting multilateralism, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and strengthening solidarity and coordination.

"China calls for maintaining the technical characteristics of the OPCW and avoiding politicization of its work," said Liu Xiaodong, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the OPCW.

Representatives from Brazil, Uganda, Venezuela, Russia, Qatar, Mongolia and other countries supported the initiatives put forward by China.

"The OPCW must continue to make decisions based on consensus. But at the same time, the disagreements we face globally have led us to a different reality. Reaching consensus under these circumstances is not easy," Mirjam Blaak Sow, Uganda's Permanent Representative to the OPCW, told the gathering. –0–

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Retail prices for gasoline and diesel fuel have fallen in 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

BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities on Tuesday cut retail prices of gasoline and diesel fuel in response to recent changes in global oil prices.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission of China, retail prices of the above-mentioned petroleum products were adjusted by 70 yuan (US$9.88) and 65 yuan per ton, respectively, from Tuesday.

China's three largest oil companies – PetroChina, Sinopec and CNOOC – as well as other oil refineries in the country were ordered to effectively organize the production and transportation of petroleum products, ensure their stable supply and strictly adhere to the state pricing policy.

Under China's pricing mechanism, petroleum product prices are adjusted in response to fluctuations in global crude oil prices.

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