Visa-free travel has increased Russians' interest in traveling to China, according to a survey.

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, October 13 /Xinhua/ — Following the introduction of a visa-free regime between Russia and China, Russians' interest in traveling to China has increased significantly. This was reported on Monday by the TASS news agency, citing a study by the online survey service Anketolog.ru.

According to the survey, 86 percent of respondents noted that after China's visa abolition, they became more interested in traveling to the country. Eighty-three percent of respondents are aware of the introduction of a visa-free regime for Russian citizens, which took effect on September 15 of this year.

Russians plan to travel to China primarily for tourism, according to 95% of survey respondents. The second most popular purpose of travel is shopping, cited by 34% of respondents. Next come innovation (25%) and medical treatment (13%).

58 percent of respondents said they were attracted by China's history and culture, 41 percent noted the visa-free regime, 26 percent noted positive reviews from travelers, and 23 percent noted photos and videos in the media and online.

Russians are most interested in cities such as Shanghai (69% of respondents are interested in it), Beijing (68%), and Hong Kong (47%).

According to experts at Anketolog.ru, 69 percent of Russians are interested in information about China, 12 percent are already researching travel itineraries, and 16 percent are comparing prices for airfare and accommodations. Almost half of respondents (46 percent) are willing to spend up to 100,000 rubles on a trip, 37 percent are willing to spend between 100,000 and 200,000 rubles, and 17 percent are willing to spend more than that.

The Anketolog.ru survey was conducted from September 26 to 28. It included 1,985 adult Russians interested in traveling to China. –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 ceasefire agreement in Gaza was signed at a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

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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

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13 (Xinhua) — The Gaza War Ending Summit opened Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The event included the signing of the recently reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas.

The summit, attended by leaders of more than 20 countries, as well as regional and international organizations, is being co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump.

According to a statement from the Egyptian President's Office, the summit will discuss ending the war in the Gaza Strip, intensifying efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East, and ushering in a new era of security and stability in the region.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 10 after three days of intensive negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh between the two sides, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States. –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 International Aviation and Tourism Forum is taking place in Sochi, Russia.

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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

Sochi, Russia, October 13 (Xinhua) — The 2nd International Aviation and Tourism Forum Airtravel Sochi 2025 is being held in the Russian city of Sochi from October 12 to 14, with more than 350 leading experts from the aviation and tourism sectors participating.

According to the organizers, the forum's key goals are to showcase the enormous potential of Russian resorts for inbound tourism, as well as to facilitate the formation of new business connections, the search for strategic partners, and the development of air travel through Sochi International Airport.

During the event, Sergei Krivonosov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure Development, emphasized that various types of tourist services are already available in Sochi, including accommodation, food, transportation, and excursions. Local authorities are constantly working to improve safety and the quality of service for tourists. "We are also working on introducing digital and AI services into the tourism industry: navigation, voice assistants, and biometric registration," the deputy added.

The forum features thematic conferences and professional discussions, where Russian and international experts analyze key trends in the Russian aviation market and discuss tourism development, including after the simplification of Russia's visa regime with China, India, and several Middle Eastern countries. Forum participants also have the opportunity to take excursions to the iconic landmarks of Sochi's mountain cluster.

Sochi is one of the most popular Russian resorts. According to local authorities, 7.9 million tourists visited the city last year. It is noted that Sochi is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists visiting Russia.

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.

South Sudan: Political crisis and corruption fuel violence

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 13, 2025 Peace and security

The escalating political crisis in South Sudan is triggering renewed armed violence and exacerbating the already dire situation for the country's residents. This was stated today by experts from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan following their mission to the headquarters. African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

South Sudan gained independence in July 2011, but by late 2013, fierce fighting had broken out between forces loyal to President Salvatore Kiir and supporters of his rival, Riek Machar. Although the war ended with the signing of a peace agreement and the formation of a government of national unity, tensions have risen again. following the arrest of Machar, the first vice president and opposition leader, earlier this year.

The peace process has reached a dead end

The Commission noted that South Sudanese leaders are "deliberately delaying" the implementation of peace agreements, despite years of efforts by the African Union and regional mediators.

Armed clashes are once again occurring on a scale not seen since 2017. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, suffering human rights violations and being forced to flee their homes.

Moreover, according to the Commission's experts, "the vacuum of justice and accountability continues to fuel political intransigence, impunity, violence and corruption."

The Commission's recent report highlights that corruption and embezzlement of public funds remain key factors in the conflict.

Political crisis

Mission leader Barney Afako said the current political crisis, intensifying fighting and "systemic, uncontrolled corruption" reflected the failure of the political leadership.

"Without immediate, sustained, and coordinated political intervention from regional states, South Sudan risks sliding into full-scale war with unpredictable consequences," he stressed.

Afako added that the people of South Sudan "are looking to the African Union and the region" to save the country from a preventable disaster.

Justice as a condition of peace

The Commission called on the African Union to expedite the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms provided for in the peace agreement, including the hybrid court.

"Today, South Sudan needs justice more than ever," said Commission Chairperson Yasmin Suka. "Promises made to victims many years ago remain unfulfilled."

According to her, the activities of the hybrid court should not only ensure accountability for past crimes, but also strengthen national justice institutions.

Humanitarian consequences

UN experts reported that armed clashes and forced displacement are again on the rise: approximately 300,000 people have fled the country since the beginning of the year. The region is home to 2.5 million South Sudanese refugees.

Meanwhile, approximately two million people remain displaced within South Sudan. The country has also become a refuge for 560,000 people fleeing war-torn Sudan.

"The mounting violence, mass displacement, and the erosion of the peace agreement signed seven years ago demonstrate that South Sudan cannot recover without stability and justice," noted Commission member Carlos Castresana Fernández. He emphasized the need to establish "robust and independent justice and accountability mechanisms."

"The African Union and regional partners must act now – not only to prevent another war, but also to lay the foundation for a just peace based on the rule of law," the expert added.

The members of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan are not UN employees and serve on a voluntary basis. The Commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2016.

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 Vice Chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan

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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, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — Shen Yueyue, vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met on Monday with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Zulaykho Makhkamova, who arrived in Beijing to attend the Global Women's Summit.

Shen Yueyue, who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, exchanged views with Z. Makhkamova on the implementation of the summit's outcomes and accelerating the process of comprehensive women's development.

The two sides also discussed strengthening Chinese-Uzbek friendship, deepening cooperation in key areas, and expanding people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in accordance with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.

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's rare earth metal export controls have nothing to do with Pakistan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

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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, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) — China's recent measures to control the export of rare earth metals and related products have nothing to do with Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

As he noted, the introduction of these measures is a justified practice of the Chinese government, aimed at improving its own export control system in accordance with laws and regulations.

Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular briefing, commenting on media reports that Pakistan, using Chinese equipment and technology, is allegedly exporting rare earth elements to the United States, which has prompted China to impose strict new export controls on technology related to rare earth metals.

Lin Jian noted that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, and their unwavering friendship has only grown stronger over the years. He stated that the two countries have always maintained a high level of strategic mutual trust and close communication on key issues affecting their shared interests.

"As far as I know, China and Pakistan have been in contact regarding cooperation in the mineral resources sector between Pakistan and the United States. The Pakistani side emphasized that its interaction with the American side will never harm China's interests or China-Pakistan cooperation," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reported.

Lin Jian stated that the mineral samples shown and presented by Pakistani leaders to their American counterparts were uncut gemstones purchased by Pakistani officials. "These media reports are either based on a misunderstanding of the facts, are based on rumors, or are aimed at sowing discord. They are completely unfounded," the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

Lin Jian added that export control measures are aimed at more effectively protecting world peace and regional stability, as well as fulfilling international obligations, including obligations on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. –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.

Breaking News: Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Signed in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

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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

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13 (Xinhua) — A signing ceremony for the recently reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement took place in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday.

The ceremony took place as part of a summit co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump. The summit was attended by leaders of more than 20 countries, as well as regional and international organizations.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10 after more than two years of Israeli military action that has led to widespread destruction and famine in the Gaza Strip.

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.

Breaking: Summit to end the war in Gaza opens in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

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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

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13 (Xinhua) — A summit to end the war in the Gaza Strip opened Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The event is being co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump.

The summit, attended by leaders of more than 20 countries, as well as regional and international organizations, is scheduled to sign the recently reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas.

A ceasefire came into effect on October 10 after more than two years of Israeli bombing and shelling that led to widespread destruction and famine in the Gaza Strip.

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 People's Bank of China and the Monetary Authority of the Macao Special Administrative Region signed a memorandum of understanding on cross-border payments.

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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, October 13 (Xinhua) — The People's Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) and the Financial Administration of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday on the interconnection of cross-border payments between the Chinese mainland and Macao, the PBOC announced.

The two sides intend to deepen exchanges and cooperation in the field of cross-border payment connectivity, improve the efficiency and quality of service in cross-border payments, so as to more effectively promote trade and economic activity and people-to-people exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Macao.

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 Georgian Prime Minister and the Chinese Ambassador discussed deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

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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

Tbilisi, October 13 (Xinhua) — Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian, the Georgian government administration reported on Monday.

Zhou Qian congratulated I. Kobakhidze on the ruling party's victory in the recent local elections.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of further deepening the strategic partnership between Georgia and China, noting the positive dynamics of bilateral relations. The parties expressed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and strengthen cooperation in various areas.

During the conversation, Zhou Qian conveyed to I. Kobakhidze an official invitation from the Chinese side to participate in the 8th China International Import Expo, which will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. –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.