A town on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Germany: moving towards each other

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

Taicang, located in Jiangsu Province on the southern bank of the Yangtze River estuary, is a small city with a population of less than a million. Since the first German company established itself there in 1993, Taicang has become home to over 560 German-owned companies, with a total investment of over $6 billion. Its annual industrial output exceeds RMB 67 billion, with over 60 companies recognized as "hidden champions" in their respective industries. This southern city has become one of the county-level districts with the highest concentration of German companies and the best quality of development, earning it the title of "homeland of German companies."

In 1993, the first German company, KERN-LIEBERS, established itself here. It took 14 years to attract the first hundred German companies, and only two years to grow from 400 to 500 companies. This acceleration is the result of years of dedicated work by local authorities to actively attract and closely support investors.

Taicang has built a 17N international contact network covering Germany's major economic regions. Annual "Taicang Day" events are held in Germany, enhancing the international standing of cooperation. A "Specialized Window for German Enterprises" has been opened, providing a "green corridor." The German dual education system was first introduced in China, and the first German-Chinese vocational training park based on the dual system was established in China, training over 10,000 highly qualified specialists. On Rothenburg Street, one can see glimpses of German everyday life, helping Germans living in Taicang feel at home.

The city's prime riverside location, proximity to Shanghai, and business climate based on the principle of "no disruption, no response" encourage German companies to continually increase their investment and deepen their presence in Taicang. Local businesses and research institutes also actively collaborate with them on industrial cooperation, as well as development and innovation.

Industrial cooperation goes hand in hand with humanitarian exchanges. The Taicang Beer Festival has been held 20 times. Sporting events, such as Sino-German football and table tennis matches, are regularly organized. In 2025, the Berlin Women's Choir from Germany performed on the stage of the Grand Theatre in Taicang, giving the city's residents an unforgettable intercultural artistic celebration.

Taicang aims to create a model zone of national-level Sino-German cooperation, striving to transform the partnership with Germany from quantitative accumulation to qualitative leap, from industrial dominance to comprehensive integration, and to form a new format of international cooperation at a higher level and with greater depth.

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.

Six American service members were killed in the operation against Iran, according to US Central Command.

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

WASHINGTON, March 2 (Xinhua) — The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Monday announced the deaths of two more American service members in the operation against Iran, bringing the total number of American military fatalities to six.

"As of 4:00 p.m. March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in combat. U.S. forces recently recovered the bodies of two previously missing service members at a facility struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region," CENTCOM said in a post on social media.

Earlier in the day, the command reported that American forces sank 11 Iranian Navy ships in the Gulf of Oman. –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.

Iran will not allow oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, says military adviser

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

Tehran, March 3 (Xinhua) — Iran's armed forces will prevent oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Adviser to the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ebrahim Jabari stated this in an interview with state-run IRIB TV on Monday, warning that the Iranian military will take action against any oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

According to him, the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and the IRGC naval forces and the Iranian army will set fire to any ship that tries to pass through it.

E. Jabari stated that oil pipelines in the region will also become a target for Iran, and “we will not allow oil to be exported from the region.”

He added that the United States depends on West Asian oil, “but they must know that not a single drop of oil will be supplied to them.” –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 US military campaign against Iran could continue "much longer" than 4-5 weeks, according to Donald Trump.

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

WASHINGTON, March 2 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the American military campaign against Iran "could go on much longer" than the estimated four to five weeks he outlined in a media interview the previous day.

"We can go on much longer than this. We will," Trump said at a White House event, referring to his previous statements that the attacks could last four to five weeks.

"I'm not bored. There's nothing boring about this," the American leader remarked as war engulfed the entire Middle East.

Earlier, D. Trump said in an interview with the New York Post that he does not rule out the possibility of sending US ground troops to Iran, “if they are needed.” –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.

France and Germany have created a nuclear steering group to strengthen cooperation on strategic deterrence.

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

Paris, March 2 (Xinhua) — France and Germany have formed a high-level nuclear steering group to strengthen cooperation on strategic deterrence. This was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a joint declaration released on Monday.

According to a declaration released by the Elysee Palace, the two countries agreed that a steering group would facilitate bilateral consultations on the strategic balance of conventional forces, missile defense and French nuclear capabilities.

As noted in the document, the two countries agreed to begin implementing concrete steps this year, including Germany's conventional participation in French nuclear exercises, joint visits to strategic sites, and the development of conventional force capabilities with European partners.

The declaration reiterates that the nuclear component of strategic deterrence remains the cornerstone of European security and notes that current cooperation is intended to complement, and not replace, the nuclear deterrence and nuclear sharing mechanisms of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

According to the document, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international obligations, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. They pledged to maintain close coordination with the United States, the United Kingdom, other allies, and NATO.

On Monday, Macron also announced that he had ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in France to strengthen the country's arsenal. –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.

Six people have died and several remain trapped after a building collapsed in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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

JOHANNESBURG, March 2 (Xinhua) — At least six people were killed and several others remain trapped after a building collapsed in a southern suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday, local authorities said.

Johannesburg Emergency Response spokesperson L'olile Khumalo told reporters at the scene that two people were confirmed to be trapped under the rubble, and three others were still missing. One person was successfully rescued.

According to L. Khumalo, the incident occurred at the Amethyst Business Park complex in the Ormond area. Twelve workers were on the ground floor when part of the two-story building collapsed.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to ensure the safety of rescue operations.

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.

Britain will not join US and Israeli 'offensive strikes' on Iran – PM

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, March 2 (Xinhua) — Britain will not join the US and Israel in their "offensive strikes" against Iran, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking in the British Parliament, K. Starmer noted that such decisions require “legal justifications for the UK’s actions” and “an achievable, carefully thought-out plan.”

He emphasized that he was guided by this very principle when deciding not to participate in the US and Israeli "offensive strikes" against Iran. "This [British] government does not believe in the possibility of regime change from the air," Starmer stated.

"President [of the United States Donald] Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to take part in the first strikes, but it is my responsibility to determine what is in the UK's national interest," Starmer stressed.

As British media reported on Monday, D. Trump said he was “very disappointed” in K. Starmer because he did not allow the US to use a military base on the island of Diego Garcia to carry out strikes against Iran. –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.

Kazakhstan called for de-escalation in the Middle East and a political and diplomatic resolution of conflicts

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

Astana, March 2 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan calls on the parties involved to exercise restraint and resolve conflicts solely through political and diplomatic means amid the escalating situation in the Middle East. This was stated in an official statement by the country's Foreign Ministry, published on Monday.

The statement notes that compliance with international humanitarian law requires special protection for civilians and infrastructure in conflict situations. Kazakhstan reiterated its unwavering position on the need to resolve international disputes exclusively through diplomatic means, in strict compliance with international law and the UN Charter, calling on the parties to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.

The statement expressed deep condolences to the people of Iran over the deaths of civilians, including children, as well as members of the country's leadership, during the recent tragic events.

Earlier, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a series of diplomatic contacts with leaders of Middle Eastern countries. On Sunday, he sent personal messages to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, expressing support and solidarity with the peoples of these countries and emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Also on Sunday, K.-Z. Tokayev discussed the situation in the region in telephone conversations with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Kazakh leader expressed concern over the escalation of tensions, condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, and reaffirmed Kazakhstan's readiness to provide necessary support to friendly countries.

The Kazakh side reiterated its commitment to strengthening international stability, promoting dialogue, and finding peaceful solutions to growing regional tensions.

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.

Israel struck areas near central Beirut for the first time since the 2024 ceasefire.

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

Beirut, March 2 (Xinhua) — Israeli airstrikes hit the Jnah and Bir Hassan neighborhoods in Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday evening, according to Lebanon's Al-Jadeed television. These are the first such strikes on areas near the center of the Lebanese capital since the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli army said the strikes targeted a Hezbollah official, but gave no details.

On Monday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 52 people and wounded another 154, the Lebanese government reported, updating earlier reports of 31 dead and 149 wounded. The Disaster Management Authority reported that shelling in southern and eastern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut forced more than 28,500 people to flee their homes.

Mohammed Raad, head of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary faction, criticized the government's decision to outlaw any armed activity outside the state's control. He claimed the decision targeted groups opposing Israeli attacks, but failed to stop what he called ongoing aggression.

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: Iran's IRGC spokesman says any ship attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will be burned

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

Tehran, March 2 (Xinhua) — A spokesman for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Iranian side will burn any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and will not allow a drop of oil to leave the region, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported on Monday.

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.