China will optimize the implementation of export controls on rare earth metals and promote legitimate trade, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

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, October 16 (Xinhua) — China will consistently streamline permitting procedures and reduce application review times as part of its latest measures to control rare earth metal exports, and will actively consider simplifying relevant procedures to effectively facilitate legitimate trade, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian announced at a press conference on Thursday.

She said the current export measures are the Chinese government's normal steps to improve its domestic export control system in accordance with laws and regulations and are not aimed at any specific country or region.

“All eligible applications for export of goods intended for civilian use will be approved,” He Yongqian said.

She noted that export control measures are a legitimate practice designed to prevent the illegal use of rare earth metals, such as for weapons of mass destruction, and thereby better ensure China's national security and overall global security.

China has notified relevant countries and regions before announcing the introduction of export control measures and is currently in contact with relevant parties to facilitate their implementation, the spokesperson said.

Furthermore, He Yongqian stated that China expresses its deep dissatisfaction and firmly opposes a number of restrictive measures taken by the United States, including the recent expansion of the list of economic entities subject to export restrictions and the imposition of additional port charges on Chinese vessels following an investigation under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act. China calls on the American side to immediately correct its erroneous actions, the official spokesperson added.

She pointed out that the Section 301 investigation and restrictive measures, specifically targeting China's shipbuilding sector, are typical examples of unilateralism and protectionism. According to her, these actions not only harm the interests of the relevant Chinese industries but also contribute to domestic inflation in the United States, undermine the competitiveness of American ports, and harm employment in the United States.

Such measures disrupt the stability of global supply chains and create chaos in the international shipping industry, He Yongqian said, emphasizing that China's countermeasures are defensive actions taken out of necessity and aimed at ensuring a level playing field in global shipping and shipbuilding markets.

As the official representative noted, following the trade and economic negotiations between China and the United States held in Madrid, the American side, ignoring repeated admonitions from the Chinese side, introduced 20 measures to suppress China in just over 20 days, which caused serious damage to China's interests and destroyed the atmosphere of trade and economic negotiations between the two sides.

He Yongqian emphasized that China is extremely dissatisfied with the measures taken by the American side and firmly opposes them. She expressed hope that the American side will cherish the achievements of the trade and economic negotiations and immediately correct its missteps. China hopes to work with the American side to properly address each other's concerns through equal dialogue based on mutual respect, the official spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce added.

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 to introduce visa-free travel for Swedish citizens – Chinese Foreign Minister

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, October 16 (Xinhua) — To encourage and support travel to China and the discovery of the real China, China is prepared to introduce a visa-free entry regime for Swedish citizens, which will further enhance cultural and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. This was announced in Beijing on Thursday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement during a meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmør Stenergård.

China also hopes that Sweden will play a constructive role in promoting the healthy development of China-EU relations, the Chinese Foreign Minister added. –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 meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of Central Asian states and India took place in Bishkek.

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

Bishkek, October 16 (Xinhua) — The third meeting of national security advisers (NSA) in the Central Asia-India format took place on Thursday in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan reported this.

This multilateral format is reportedly a continuation of broad regional cooperation in the interests of peace and strengthening stability, and also serves as a unique platform for exchanging views on key security issues.

In his speech, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan Baktybek Bekbolotov noted that the most valuable aspect of this meeting was the similarity in assessments of the situation and the degree of impact of challenges and threats on regional and national security.

According to him, the current international political situation is in many ways the main restraining factor for effective interaction and fruitful cooperation.

B. Bekbolotov emphasized that cooperation should include not only military and law enforcement components, but also cultural interaction, humanitarian exchanges, the expansion of educational programs, and joint initiatives in science and technology.

Earlier, the Central Asian Security Council Secretaries and the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. During the meeting, issues of ensuring regional security and countering current threats and challenges were discussed.

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.

13 people were killed in armed attacks in Nigeria.

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

Abuja, October 16 (Xinhua) — At least 13 people were killed in coordinated attacks by armed groups on two villages in Plateau State in central Nigeria, a local official said on Thursday.

Stephen Gyang Pwadjok, head of the Barkin Ladi local government area, where the attacks on the villages of Rachas and Ravuru took place on the evening of October 14, told Xinhua by telephone that a mass funeral for the victims took place on October 15.

Describing the incident as "deeply unfortunate and unprovoked," he noted that others were injured as they tried to flee and hide, including in nearby bushes, while gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, fired at them.

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 European Commission has presented a roadmap for achieving EU defence readiness by 2030.

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

Brussels, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) — The European Union on Thursday unveiled a defense roadmap aimed at achieving full defense readiness by 2030.

The Roadmap for Safeguarding Peace – Defence Readiness 2030 was jointly presented by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The document sets out objectives to close capability gaps, accelerate Member States' defence investments and ensure the EU's full defence readiness by 2030.

According to the roadmap, achieving full defence readiness means ensuring the ability of the armed forces of EU Member States to anticipate, prepare for and respond effectively to any defence-related crises, including high-intensity conflicts.

Four flagship projects are designed to contribute to achieving this goal: the Counter-Drone Defense Initiative, Eastern Flank Sentinel, European Air Shield, and European Space Shield. These projects aim to strengthen deterrence and defense on land, at sea, in the air, in cyberspace, and in space.

The document calls on member states to form “coalitions of capabilities” in nine critical areas, including air and missile defense; strategic enablers; military mobility; artillery systems; cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare; missiles and munitions; drones and counter-drones; and land and maritime forces. –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.

China is taking active steps to protect global food security, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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, October 16 (Xinhua) — China is taking active steps to protect global food security and will continue to make unremitting efforts to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.

Lin Jian made the announcement while commenting on the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The report states that despite the decline in global hunger in recent years, approximately 673 million people will still face hunger in 2024.

The official representative recalled that China is the world's largest grain producer and, with less than 9 percent of the world's arable land, feeds over 1.4 billion people. In recent years, the country's comprehensive grain production capacity has been steadily improving, making a significant contribution to global food security.

Lin Jian noted that China has been making continuous efforts to improve global food security and promote global poverty reduction through international cooperation.

According to the diplomat, through its own efforts, China has transformed itself from a recipient of FAO technical assistance into one of the organization's key donors. Among developing countries, China provides the largest amount of financial assistance through FAO's South-South Cooperation programme, deploys the largest number of experts, and implements the largest number of projects.

As Lin Jian noted, China has conducted agricultural cooperation with more than 140 countries and regions, has transferred more than 1,000 agricultural technologies to developing countries, and has trained over 14,000 specialists in hybrid rice technology.

China is taking concrete actions to help alleviate food shortages in the Global South, contributing to the gradual realization of the global vision of ending hunger and poverty, the Chinese Foreign Ministry official added.

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.

Kazakhstan is introducing a moratorium on price increases for AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel.

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, October 16 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan will introduce a moratorium on price increases for AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel starting October 16 of this year until inflation stabilizes. This was reported on Thursday by the Kazinform news agency, citing the government press service.

As reported, on the instructions of the head of state, the cabinet of ministers is taking measures to ensure macroeconomic stability and mitigate the negative consequences of economic reforms.

Starting October 16, utility tariff increases for all consumer groups will also be suspended until the end of the first quarter of 2026. Tariff increases will be contained through the optimization of operating expenses for natural monopolies.

In addition, in order to reduce the negative impact of the new Tax Code on the activities of small and medium-sized businesses, a decision was made to lift unnecessary restrictions on the application of the special tax regime based on the simplified declaration.

According to the National Bank of Kazakhstan, annual and monthly inflation in the country exceeded expectations in September, with price growth accelerating in the food, service, and non-food segments. –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.

Russia provides 17 percent of energy supplies to the global market, says Russian Deputy Prime Minister

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, October 16 (Xinhua) – Russia accounts for approximately 17 percent of all energy supplies to the global market. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced this on Thursday during the plenary session of the 8th International Forum "Russian Energy Week."

"Russia is a global leader—we supply about 17 percent of all energy resources to global energy markets," TASS quotes him as saying.

According to A. Novak, it is important for Russia to maintain competitiveness and actively develop new sales markets in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and Latin America.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister added that to achieve these goals, it is important to ensure the reproduction of our own resource base, technological sovereignty, improve energy efficiency, and achieve full digitalization of the energy sector.

“Our task, which will be implemented in the near future, is the sustainable development of our energy sector, primarily to meet domestic needs, for energy security and to maintain our competitive potential in global energy markets,” emphasized A. Novak. –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.

V. Putin stated the need to build energy sovereignty

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, October 16 /Xinhua/ — Russia needs to build full energy sovereignty—from resource extraction and processing to the transportation of finished products. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this Thursday, speaking at the international forum "Russian Energy Week."

"We need to actively shift the status of energy-producing countries from equipment buyers to technology leaders, and establish full energy sovereignty at the national level, from resource extraction and processing to the transportation of finished products," he said.

As Vladimir Putin noted, the Russian fuel and energy complex (FEC) is already underway to achieve technological leadership. "Essentially, this is a powerful driver of all domestic industry and science," the head of state emphasized.

According to him, Russia possesses enormous engineering potential and significant scientific and practical groundwork in the fuel and energy sector, which have stood the test of time and proven their effectiveness in harsh natural and climatic conditions. "We have the expertise, experience, and know-how to develop even in complex energy sectors and extract hard-to-recover reserves, which is especially important for the oil industry," the Russian leader stated.

Vladimir Putin assured that Russia is ready to develop energy technologies not only independently, but also with friendly states that understand the geopolitical risks. "A true partnership, based on the exchange of knowledge and experience, and the creation of industrial alliances. Moreover, the results of such a partnership should be shared by all those involved in this work," the Russian president added.

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 transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv will mark a new level of escalation, according to the Russian presidential press secretary.

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, October 16 (Xinhua) – If the United States decides to transfer Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, it will mark a new level of escalation, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

"The Tomahawk issue is constantly being discussed. The Russian side—represented by [President Vladimir] Putin and [Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov—has made this assessment many times. This would be a very significant step toward a qualitatively new level of escalation. Our position is crystal clear, and it is well known in both Washington and Kyiv," Russian media quoted Peskov as saying.

The Russian president's press secretary noted that in the event of a threat of Tomahawk missile strikes, Russia will do everything possible to ensure security.

"Our military knows what to do; they have the military potential and all the necessary capabilities. Naturally, everything will be done to ensure our country's security and interests. Everything will also be done at this time to continue the special military operation until all its goals and objectives are achieved," explained D. Peskov.

He added that if the opportunity arises to “translate the process” into a political and diplomatic channel, then “this will be done.” –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.