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

Washington, December 19 (Xinhua) — The U.S. military destroyed two vessels suspected of carrying drugs in international waters in the Eastern Pacific on Thursday, killing all five people on board, U.S. Southern Command reported.

“On December 18, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear launched lethal kinetic strikes against two vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations in international waters,” the command said in a press release.

“As a result of these actions, five male drug terrorists were killed,” the statement said.

Intelligence confirmed that both vessels were involved in drug trafficking operations.

Since early September, the Pentagon has sunk more than 28 suspected "narco-ships" in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 104 people.

In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the American military will begin ground strikes against drug traffickers "very soon," raising tensions between the US and Venezuela.

For nearly four months, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in the Caribbean, primarily off the coast of Venezuela, under the guise of combating drug trafficking. Caracas has denounced the American actions as a veiled attempt at regime change in the country.

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

Mexico City, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday strongly opposed the continued "criminalization" of illegal immigrants in the United States.

"Criminalizing migrants is not only inhumane, it's also problematic," said K. Sheinbaum, responding to US President Donald Trump's harsh comments about migrants in his prime-time address to the nation on Wednesday evening.

“We have always believed that the best way to reduce migration is to invest in countries, help and protect people, and prevent poverty and inequality, because people do not migrate of their own free will,” the Mexican president said at a press conference.

With Thursday being International Migrants Day, K. Sheinbaum reiterated that her government will never “accept actions that criminalize migrants.”

The Mexican leader also dismissed the notion that the US-Mexico border is one of the most dangerous in the world, saying it is undoubtedly one of the busiest, with millions of people crossing it for work, education and health care.

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, December 19 (Xinhua) — A 55-container train carrying auto parts departed Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, on Thursday. It is expected to travel to Europe via the Manzhouli Port on the China-Russia border. This is the first China-Europe train carrying Chinese-made auto parts to depart from Heilongjiang this year, according to the Harbin branch of China Railways (CR).

The company expects two more trains carrying Chinese auto components to depart on China-Europe rail routes this month. KZhD explained this increase in frequency by the growing demand for automobiles and components, as well as for Chinese-made mechanical engineering products, as the Belt and Road Initiative advances.

Compared to traditional transportation models, China-Europe trains reduce auto parts delivery time by at least two-thirds and shipping costs by 25 percent. Furthermore, this mode of transport eliminates the need for transshipment, preventing cargo damage.

The Harbin branch of China Railways expects to further improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of China-Europe trains through structural reform of rail service offerings, optimized train schedules, expanded product range, and improved cooperation with customs authorities. This will contribute to promoting the "Made in China" brand abroad, the company 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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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. 19 (Xinhua) — The number of China-Europe freight trains passing through Ereenhot Port in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region increased by 16.7 percent year-on-year to a record high of 3,621 from January to November 2025, according to a statement posted on the official website of the Ereenhot city government on Friday.

The Ereenhot Port is a key hub in the central corridor of international rail freight transport between China and Europe. Currently, 74 China-Europe rail routes pass through it, covering over 70 cities in more than 10 countries in Asia and Europe, as well as over 60 cities in 24 provincial-level administrative divisions in China.

At the same time, the range of goods transported by trains in this category is becoming increasingly diversified. Currently, it has grown to over 10,000 items, including vehicles powered by new energy sources, high-end mechanical equipment, and electronic products.

Since 2013, when China-Europe trains began running through the Ereenhot checkpoint, a total of more than 21,300 trains have passed through it. -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

Haikou, December 19 (Xinhua) — The world's largest free trade port, Hainan Free Trade Port (HFTP), launched independent customs operations throughout the island on Thursday. This marks a significant step in China's significant opening-up to the outside world.

This milestone in the development of this flagship project will provide a powerful and sustainable impetus to the high-quality development of both the tropical province of Hainan itself and the country as a whole, as well as to regional and global economic integration. It is also expected to provide a significant boost to free trade, which has been impacted in recent years by growing protectionism and unilateralism.

The establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Zone represents the highest level of openness in the modern world. Thanks to its abundant natural resources and the advantages of relying on China's gigantic market, the Hainan Free Trade Zone covers the entire island of Hainan, covering an area of 33,900 square kilometers. Currently, the Free Trade Zone comprises eight first-line ports (with direct access to foreign markets) and 10 second-line ports (with connections to the domestic market).

China aims to transform the Hainan Free Trade Zone into a key strategic hub that will lead the country toward opening up in the new era. As a pilot zone for comprehensively deepening reform and opening up, Hainan will contribute to the country's strategic efforts to build new, higher-level open economic systems.

The Hainan Free Trade Zone has entered a new phase of development. It has initially established a system of policies and institutions promoting the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. The Free Trade Zone is characterized by the gradual implementation of a zero-tariff regime, low tax rates, and a simplified tax structure, which will ultimately create an internationally competitive tax system. Since December 18, the share of products subject to zero customs duties in the Free Trade Zone on Hainan Island has sharply increased from 21 percent to 74 percent, and the number of items on the duty-free list has expanded from approximately 1,900 to over 6,600.

The independent customs regime will fully realize the role of this PST as a magnet for global investment and talent, as well as a new engine for high-quality development.

The dynamic development of the FTA on Hainan Island is evident from several indicators. Since 2020, over 9,600 foreign-invested enterprises from over 170 countries and regions have been established in Hainan Province. Hainan has opened a total of 75 container liner routes, including 36 routes for foreign trade. The number of tourists is rapidly growing as Hainan strives to become a hub for international tourism and consumption.

Focusing on tourism, modern services, and high-tech industries, the Hainan Free Trade Zone will strengthen coordinated development with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. With close trade ties, the Hainan Free Trade Zone and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region enjoy a high degree of industrial complementarity and ample scope for cooperation. Hainan can learn from the management practices of global leaders in the Free Trade Zone, such as Hong Kong.

Hainan is a key node along the Belt and Road, linking domestic and international markets. Situated at a key crossroads connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Hainan Free Trade Zone will increasingly play a significant role in the global economic landscape.

With its unique geographical location, the Hainan Free Trade Area is expected to play an important role in unlocking the potential for cooperation under free trade agreements such as the Protocol on Upgrading the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to Version 3.0 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

As a committed advocate of free trade and economic globalization, China will continue to leverage the momentum of openness to advance reform and development, promote compliance with high-standard international economic and trade regulations, and expand market access. The introduction of an independent customs regime in the Hainan Free Trade Zone demonstrates China's unwavering determination and confidence in expanding high-level openness.

The Hainan Free Trade Zone (FNT) with Chinese characteristics has begun to take shape and will continue to gain momentum. As a long-term project, the FNT still has a long way to go. Reforms must be advanced consistently.

According to plans, the institutional system and operational regime of this free trade port will become more mature by 2035. Hainan Island will become a globally influential and high-level free trade port by mid-century.

As China's new leader in opening up, the Hainan Free Trade Zone will be at the forefront of exploring further institutional opening up, sharing development opportunities with investors, and providing new certainty and resilience to the global economy through open, win-win cooperation. -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

Minsk, December 19 (Xinhua) — China is making a significant contribution to the development of the Belarusian economy. This was stated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in his address to the Belarusian people and parliament on Thursday during the second session of the Seventh All-Belarusian People's Assembly. The event is taking place from December 18 to 19.

"Thank you, President of China Xi Jinping. China is a great help to our economy," Lukashenko noted, adding that without China's assistance, Belarus would be in dire straits, and its citizens would feel like they were under sanctions.

"The People's Republic of China is Belarus's second-largest trading partner after Russia and today the absolute leader globally. I told the Americans a long time ago: you're exactly 25 years too late, and you can't stop China today. You can't. You can only reach an agreement with China," he said.

A. Lukashenko emphasized the consistency of China's policy. "China is in no hurry, working calmly, but moving toward its goals. It is an ancient civilization, and it should be treated as such," the head of state noted. He also noted that Belarus and China enjoy excellent strategic relations.

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

San Francisco, December 19 (Xinhua) — The suspect in last week's mass shooting at Brown University has been found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Fox News reported Thursday.

Citing two law enforcement sources, CBS News reported on Thursday that an arrest warrant had been issued for the suspect in the December 13 shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The incident left two students dead and nine others injured.

Law enforcement officials are investigating a possible connection between the Brown University shooting and the murder of MIT nuclear physics professor Nuno Loureiro, sources said.

The 47-year-old scientist died in hospital on Tuesday from gunshot wounds he received Monday at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts. –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

Minsk, December 19 (Xinhua) — The Oreshnik missile system has entered combat service in Belarus. This was announced by President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday in his address to the Belarusian people and parliament during the second session of the Seventh All-Belarusian People's Assembly. The event is taking place from December 18 to 19.

A. Lukashenko noted that Belarus's strategic defense is largely ensured by military cooperation with Russia. "Belarus and Russia are implementing a set of strategic deterrence measures. This includes the deployment of the Russian component of a regional troop group on our territory: if the conflict escalates, armed forces—tens of thousands of troops from western Russia—will immediately join the military action as a second echelon," the Belarusian leader noted.

He recalled that tactical nuclear weapons are also deployed in Belarus. "Furthermore, the first positions have been equipped for the Oreshnik missile system. It has been with us since yesterday and is going on combat duty," the president stated, adding that this step was taken to secure the country and prevent military aggression against it.

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 –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Beijing, December 19 (Xinhua) — Since China introduced a visa-free regime for Russian citizens with regular passports, as of December 15, customs officials at Harbin Taiping International Airport, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China, have processed 353 value-added tax (VAT) refunds for Russian tourists exiting China, accounting for 98.1 percent of the total number of such refunds during the reporting period, according to the local newspaper Harbin Daily.

As a reminder, China has introduced a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens holding regular passports from September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026.

Russian citizens holding valid passports may visit China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanging visits, and transit purposes. Their stay in China should not exceed 30 days.

According to data from the Taiping Airport Customs Office, in the first quarter since China introduced visa-free travel for Russian citizens, a total of 360 VAT refund transactions were processed through the office, representing a 185.7 percent increase compared to the previous quarter. In these transactions, goods valued at 1.81 million yuan (approximately $257,200 USD) were inspected for Russian citizens, and VAT refunds totaling 227,000 yuan were issued.

When it comes to Russian tourists' shopping preferences, clothing and household chemicals are their top priorities. VAT refund applications for these items accounted for 97.5 percent of all applications submitted by Russians, and the share of VAT refunds for these items was 95.3 percent. Meanwhile, the share of VAT refund applications for electronics and the VAT refund amount for these items was 2.5 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively.

Taiping Airport Customs is deepening coordination and collaboration with tax authorities by opening dedicated VAT refund processing channels using QR codes at 45 stores in central areas of the city that provide VAT refund services, so that VAT refund applications can be submitted “anytime and anywhere.”

The airport has also set up special VAT refund windows for foreign citizens exiting China, which are open 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Currently, each individual VAT refund transaction must be processed within three minutes.

China began implementing this policy in 2015. Since then, the VAT refund rate for outbound Chinese tourists has continued to grow annually, benefiting even more overseas travelers. -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, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — The 22nd China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival kicks off in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with an opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday at the Frozen Splendor theme park.

The Zhongguo Xinwenshe News Agency website reports that the theme park's three themed entrances and snow walls, which combine the characteristics of China, Russia, and Mongolia, have become iconic structures demonstrating the cultural unity of the three countries.

In the eastern part of the park, monumental snow walls are being erected on both sides, 258 meters long, depicting scenes from the Great Tea Road. The northern zone is dedicated to Russia, with images from Russian folk tales. The southern part is decorated with scenes from the nomadic life of the Mongolian steppes in Mongolian style.

As the main venue for this year's Ice and Snow Festival, the 128,000-square-meter theme park will be open to residents and tourists free of charge.

The park is divided into six distinct sections, each with a poetic name. Visitors will be able to see snow and ice sculptures reflecting the cultures of China, Russia, and Mongolia, as well as explore playgrounds and commercial areas.

On the park's opening day, hot pots (Chinese samovars) and milk tea will be available free of charge. Signature snacks, such as tanghulu (candied fruit and berries on a stick) and oden, will also be sold in the "warm house."

The festival will include cultural and artistic exchanges involving representatives of the three countries, 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 of 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.

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.