Category: Peoples Republic of China

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

Moscow, December 18 (Xinhua) — The introduction of a visa-free regime between China and Russia opens new opportunities not only for tourism and business but also for deepening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. Xinhua correspondents spoke with Russians whose lives are closely connected to China to find out their opinions.

Moscow-based guide Dmitry Dobrolyubov is an internet celebrity on Chinese social media. Dobrolyubov noted that since the introduction of the bilateral visa-free regime between Russia and China, there has been a "quantum leap in market development" and a transformation of tourism services.

"There's a lot of interest from both potential tourists and hosting companies in Russia. There are so many wonderful new projects and new routes. There's a huge surge of interest among professionals in the Russian tourism market, a strong desire to do things better and in new ways, to create new, high-quality projects, and to showcase more regions," the guide said.

D. Dobrolyubov began studying Chinese and became interested in China in the early 1990s. He spent a long time working on Chinese-Russian tourism and lived in China for a total of 16 years.

"I lived the longest in Guangzhou and Yiwu. I also lived for a short time in Beijing and Shanghai," noted D. Dobrolyubov.

"I love China and the Chinese. I've learned a lot from them—about their behavior, their way of thinking, and their everyday life," he shared. He says working with Chinese tourists allows him to "see Russia through their eyes."

A new generation of Russians is also discovering China. Pavel, 27, works at a major bank in Moscow while pursuing a graduate degree. He said, "I decided to go to China to see two unusual places unlike many other cities in the world—Hong Kong and Macao." Pavel was delighted by the contrasts of Chinese cities—from modern architecture to ancient streets and natural beauty. "It was interesting to visit places I'd seen in Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee movies when I was a child," he shared.

According to Pavel, it's now convenient to fly to China, and given the country's vast array of attractions, visa-free travel was an obvious choice for him. "I'll definitely consider visiting places I haven't yet seen—the ancient cities of Luoyang and Xi'an, Mount Huaguoshan from Sun Wukong's novel about the adventures of the Monkey King, and Xizang," he remarked.

"It's wonderful that residents of our countries can now travel freely and conveniently to visit each other!" Pavel concluded.

On December 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing Chinese citizens to enter Russia visa-free for tourism and business trips of up to 30 days until September 14, 2026, based on the principle of reciprocity. China had previously introduced a trial visa-free regime with a maximum stay of 30 days for Russian citizens holding regular passports from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 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.

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

Almaty, December 18 (Xinhua) — Russia's state-owned oil pipeline company Transneft and Kazakhstan's national oil pipeline operator KazTransOil signed an agreement in Astana on Thursday to transport Kazakh oil through Russia through 2026, Transneft's press service reported Thursday.

"This is a major joint effort, because various situations arise during our interactions that need to be resolved flexibly, quickly, and efficiently. Both the agreement and the joint work we've built over decades make this possible," noted Transneft Vice President Sergey Andronov.

The joint work of Transneft and KazTransOil ensures the export of Kazakh oil through Russian territory to the seaports of Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga, to the Russian-Belarusian border for onward transportation to the European Union, as well as the transit of Russian oil through Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the cooperation covers the supply of oil to Kazakh refineries.

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

Moscow, December 18 (Xinhua) — The outgoing year 2025 was rich in interesting events, important events, and landmark dates in Russian-Chinese relations, confirming that mutual trust and interest between Russia and China continue to grow. This was stated by Ivan Melnikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society (RCFS), speaking at a New Year's reception for Russian and Chinese business circles held in Moscow on Wednesday.

"The year 2025 has been rich in interesting events, important occasions, and significant dates, among which our joint celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression holds a special place. During our meetings, we repeatedly emphasized that those difficult years largely laid the foundation for the success of modern Russian-Chinese relations," I. Melnikov recalled.

He noted that it was particularly symbolic that this year saw mutual visits by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow to attend the Victory Day Parade on Red Square, and by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing, where he was the chief guest at the Tiananmen Square parade. "During these visits, our leaders repeatedly emphasized what many of us see in our daily work: China's interest in Russia and Russia's interest in China continues to grow, more and more people are joining this work, and the dialogue continues to strengthen. And this, in my view, is the key word of the outgoing year—dialogue. Open, honest, and engaged," the First Deputy Speaker of the Russian State Duma stated.

At the same time, I. Melnikov described the outgoing year as challenging for business: sanctions pressure intensified, logistical and financial challenges became more complex, and the global market became even less predictable. According to him, it is precisely in these conditions that one can particularly see who is truly ready to work and contribute to the development of Russian-Chinese cooperation. "Chinese businesses, continuing to operate in Russia, and Russian businesses, actively developing their Chinese business network, are exemplary examples of strategic thinking. The efforts of those who have not stopped, who have not frozen in anticipation, but, on the contrary, are expanding their partner networks, opening production facilities, and seeking new niches, deserve sincere respect," the Chairman of the ORCD noted. He called for harnessing the power of this mutual interest in the coming year, taking advantage of the favorable opportunity for free travel to China and Russia without visas, and elevating bilateral cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

I. Melnikov emphasized that 2026 will be a year of important anniversaries: the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and China, and the 55th anniversary of the restoration of China's rightful seat in the UN. "Each of these dates is a reminder that strong relations aren't built overnight. They are created by generations of people who, step by step, bring our countries closer together," the Russian politician concluded.

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

URUMQI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — An avalanche triggered a ski resort in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Thursday, killing one person.

According to the Burchun County Emergency Management Bureau, the incident occurred at 1:28 PM in an area outside the ski slopes of the Jikepulin International Ski Resort. Rescuers recovered the body of one person trapped in the snow; his death was later confirmed.

The bureau conducted a security threat review and risk assessment, warning tourists to refrain from visiting restricted areas of the resort.

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

LONDON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — The Bank of England on Thursday announced a 25 basis point cut to 3.75 percent, the lowest since early 2023.

The current rate cut is the sixth since August 2024, when the Bank of England began easing monetary policy from a 16-year high of 5.25%.

The rate cut came amid slowing economic growth and signs of a cooling labor market. Inflation in the UK has recently declined, but remains above the Bank of England's 2% target.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the annual rate of inflation, measured by the consumer price index, fell from 3.6 percent in October to 3.2 percent in November. The decline was sharper than analysts had expected, although the inflation rate remains the highest among the G7 economies.

However, according to official data, the British economy continues to exhibit weak performance. Real GDP contracted by 0.1% in the three months to October, reflecting weakness in key sectors.

The labor market also showed further signs of weakening. According to data for the three months ending October, the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent, the highest in nearly five years excluding the pandemic, while the employment rate, as measured by payroll data, continued to decline.

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. 18 (Xinhua) — The United States should immediately stop its dangerous actions to arm Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Thursday, commenting on the US approval of a plan for a large arms sale to the island.

The US side publicly announced a plan to sell modern weapons to Taiwan, which seriously violates the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiqués, Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference.

The US move seriously violates China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, seriously undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and sends a deeply wrong signal to separatist forces advocating "Taiwan independence," the Chinese diplomat noted.

“China strongly opposes this and strongly condemns it,” he stressed.

Separatist forces on the island, striving for "Taiwan independence," are trying to achieve its "independence" and prevent the reunification of the motherland by building up military power, squandering the hard-earned money of ordinary people on purchasing weapons, and will stop at nothing to turn Taiwan into a "powder keg," he pointed out.

According to Guo Jiakun, such steps will not reverse the irreversible failure of Taiwan's "independence" plan, but will only further expose the Taiwan Strait to the threat of military conflict. By helping Taiwan achieve "independence" through military buildup, the United States will only invite disaster for itself, and using Taiwan to contain China will never succeed, he added.

Noting that the Taiwan issue occupies a central place among China's core interests and is the first red line that must not be crossed in Sino-US relations, Guo Jiakun added that no one should underestimate the firm will and powerful capabilities of the Chinese government and people in safeguarding their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China calls on the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, fulfill the solemn commitments of US leaders, and immediately stop the dangerous actions of arming Taiwan, he stressed.

China will take decisive measures to protect its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, the official representative concluded. -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. 18 (Xinhua) — China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Thursday called on the United States to immediately stop arming the Chinese region of Taiwan.

Commenting on the recent announcement by the United States of arms sales to the Chinese region of Taiwan worth a total of approximately US$11 billion, the official spokesperson of the aforementioned office, Chen Binhua, noted that the Taiwan issue is central to China's core interests and represents the first red line in Sino-US relations that must not be crossed.

He said the United States had brazenly announced a plan to sell massive quantities of weapons to Taiwan, which was a gross interference in China's internal affairs.

These actions seriously violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiqués, undermined China's sovereignty and security interests, and sent a very wrong signal to the pro-Taiwan independence forces.

Chen Binhua called on the US side to stop condoning and supporting separatists seeking "Taiwan independence" and strictly adhere to the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration's attempts to enlist US support for its quest for "Taiwan independence" and to achieve this "independence" by force, ruthlessly turning Taiwan into a "powder keg" and using the island's residents as "cannon fodder," will only lead to disaster for Taiwanese compatriots, the official spokesman stated. Such actions fully demonstrate their insidious nature as "peace destroyers" and "warmongers," he added.

Chen Binhua called on all people in Taiwan to understand the corrupt nature of the DPP administration. He also warned the DPP administration that if any separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" dare to cross the red line, they will surely face a crushing counterattack. -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, December 18 (Xinhua) — A meeting of the Alliance of Chinese and Russian Universities for Language Education and a forum of rectors of Chinese and Russian universities in 2025 were held at Heilongjiang University (Heilongjiang Province, northeast China) on Wednesday, Heilongjiang Broadcasting reported.

The event was attended by over 140 people, including representatives of relevant departments of the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, the Russian Consulate General in Harbin, as well as officials, experts, scholars, and students from more than 40 universities in China and Russia.

Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky sent a congratulatory letter to the participants of this event, in which he praised the Alliance's important role as a platform for cooperation and exchange in the field of language education between the two countries, and expressed confidence that the Alliance will continue to deepen cooperation in the field of language education and cultural and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.

In a video address, Irina Kraeva, Rector of Moscow State Linguistic University (MSLU), summarized the effectiveness of cooperation in building the China-Russia Alliance in 2025, stating that MSLU will strive to develop young talent, continue to deepen practical cooperation, and promote the high-quality development of the Alliance.

In his speech, Wang Shaosong, Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department at the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education, emphasized that Heilongjiang Province places great importance on educational exchanges with Russia and has achieved remarkable results. He hopes that the event's participants will be able to jointly develop a new model for training linguistic specialists and provide a powerful impetus for joint training and strengthening the friendship between China and Russia.

The event also featured two parallel sub-forums: "Innovation and Development of Cooperation in Language Education between Chinese and Russian Universities" and "Development of the Era and the Power of Youth – Youth Exchanges between Chinese and Russian Universities." Participants discussed topics such as improving operational efficiency through the implementation of technology and resource sharing, joint training, and cultural enrichment.

The event was organized by Heilongjiang University jointly with MSLU. -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. 18 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Commerce said Thursday it has received and approved applications from some Chinese exporters for general export licenses for rare earth element-related items.

The agency's official representative, He Yadong, made the corresponding statement at a regular press conference when he was asked to confirm information that China had begun issuing longer-term rare earth element export licenses.

He Yadong noted that since the introduction of export controls on rare earth element-related items, China's competent authorities have organized briefings for domestic exporters to keep them informed of the policy.

As exporters gain experience exporting and operating under the new rule, some have reached a level where they meet the basic requirements to apply for general licenses, the official said. -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 –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Almaty, December 18 /Xinhua/ — The economies of seven Eurasian countries will grow by 2.3 percent in 2026, according to the Eurasian Development Bank's (EDB) macroeconomic forecast for 2026-2028, published Thursday at a press conference.

According to the forecast, among the seven countries that are also members of the bank, Kyrgyzstan will be the leader in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2026 – 9.3%.

The bank's report says inflation in the region will continue to slow to 6.4 percent in 2026 thanks to prudent monetary policy.

Commodity markets will move in mixed directions: oil prices will fall slightly, while metals and gold will remain high. The dollar is gradually losing its share of central bank reserves, but its role in settlements remains stable, according to EDB analysts.

The countries of Central Asia are demonstrating the highest growth rates in decades—EDB analysts expect growth of 6.6 percent in the region by the end of 2025 and approximately 6.1 percent in 2026. The combined GDP of these countries will exceed USD 600 billion thanks to active investment and strong consumer demand.

The global economy is projected to grow at a slightly slower pace than in 2024-2025 and gradually adjust to new trade restrictions.

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international multilateral financial institution founded in 2006 and headquartered in Almaty. Its mission is to promote economic growth in its member countries, which include Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as expand trade and economic ties between them and develop integration processes in the Eurasian region through investment activities.

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.