Category: 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

Beijing, December 13 (Xinhua) — China has received evidence from Russia related to the infamous Japanese Unit 731, which carried out biological warfare during World War II. This was announced on Saturday by the Central Archives of China.

The declassified archives provided by the Russian side, covering the period from May 11, 1939 to December 25, 1950, contain trial records of members of Unit 731, reports on investigations into the unit’s crimes, and internal official correspondence of the Soviet Union’s authorities.

During World War II, the Japanese invaders established a network of biological and chemical weapons in many Asian countries, and the base of Unit 731, a secret unit of the Japanese army engaged in the research and development of biological and chemical weapons, was established in Harbin (Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China) and served as the main center of militaristic Japan for conducting bacteriological warfare and human experiments.

At least 3,000 people from China, the USSR, and other countries and regions became victims of bacteriological experiments on humans conducted by Unit 731. -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

SAO PAULO, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend an additional 40 percent tariff on Brazilian products while bilateral negotiations continue.

"The president has asked for the tariff to be suspended during negotiations. We must wait," Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services of Brazil, said on Friday.

According to him, negotiations between Brazil and the US "continue to progress" following the Trump administration's decision to reduce the list of products subject to tariffs. Initially, it included nearly 4,000 items subject to a combined tariff of 50%.

The Brazilian minister recalled that after D. Trump signed the initial decree introducing this measure, 37 percent of Brazilian exports were subject to a combined tariff of 10 percent plus 40 percent.

Since then, that figure has dropped to 22 percent, representing a reduction of about one-third in the number of goods originally subject to the US tariff, Alckmin noted. –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 –

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

Brussels, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — The Council of the European Union (EU) on Friday decided to ban the release of Russia's frozen sovereign assets in Europe, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“This decision was taken urgently in order to limit the damage to the EU economy,” the EU Council said in a statement.

The adopted regulation prohibits any direct or indirect transfers of assets or reserves of the Central Bank of Russia, as well as “any legal entities, organizations or bodies acting on behalf of or at the direction of the Central Bank of Russia,” the document notes.

European Council President António Costa wrote on the social media platform X that in October, European Council leaders committed to maintaining the freeze on Russian assets at an EU meeting. "Today, we have fulfilled this commitment," he wrote.

The statement stressed that this measure is “temporary in nature”, but that it must remain in place as long as the provision of significant financial or other resources to Russia to wage war in Ukraine creates or threatens to create serious economic difficulties in the EU and its Member States.

The EU decision effectively freezes Russian assets valued at approximately €210 billion (US$247 billion), the bulk of which (around €190 billion) is held in the Belgian depository Euroclear.

These funds were frozen under EU sanctions against Russia, imposed after the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022. The sanctions are subject to renewal every six months with the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states.

Russia's central bank said on Friday it would take legal action in response to EU plans to target its assets, warning that such actions violate international law and the principle of sovereign immunity.

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

BANGKOK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — Thai Prime Minister Anuthin Chanvirakoon said on social media on Saturday that his country will continue military action until threats to its territory and people are eliminated.

A. Chanvirakoon also commented on US President Donald Trump's earlier statements: "This is definitely not a street accident." Trump had previously claimed that the roadside bombing that killed several Thai soldiers was an "accident," while also noting that Thailand had responded "very strongly."

“Our actions this morning have already spoken for themselves,” added A. Chanvirakun.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets to strike targets on the border with Cambodia, Thai media reported on Saturday, citing a military source.

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

JAKARTA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — The death toll from recent floods and landslides in three provinces on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has reached 1,000, with another 218 missing, according to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Management Agency on Saturday.

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

Gaza, December 13 /Xinhua/ — At least 14 people have died in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours after homes collapsed and tents housing displaced families were flooded during a powerful winter storm, the local Civil Defense reported on Friday.

Three children were reportedly among the dead, having died of hypothermia. Other victims were found buried in the rubble of homes destroyed by heavy rains and strong winds, particularly in Gaza City and the northern areas of the enclave.

Rescue teams responded to reports of 13 completely or partially collapsed buildings, rescuing 52 people and transporting them to safer locations. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, as more than 15 buildings were damaged throughout the enclave.

Gaza health authorities warned that the death toll from the storm continues to rise.

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

Beijing, December 13 (Xinhua) — China will introduce licensing for certain types of steel products starting January 1, 2026, to manage the export of goods in this category, according to a statement released recently by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs (GAC).

Based on relevant laws and regulations, the Ministry of Commerce and the Main Customs Administration of the People's Republic of China decided to amend the "List of Goods Covered by Export Licenses" and include some types of steel products in this document.

The announcement also notes that participants in foreign trade activities must apply for export licenses to supply such products. When submitting an application, they will be required to provide an export contract and a product quality inspection certificate issued by the manufacturer. -0-

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

HAVANA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — The Cuban government on Friday said the attack on a Venezuelan oil tanker in international waters was a serious incident that marked a dangerous escalation in the economic war and "maximum pressure" campaign waged by the United States against Venezuela.

Cuba's Foreign Ministry described Wednesday's incident as "an act of piracy and maritime terrorism" and "a serious violation of international law," including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation.

"These actions are part of an escalation by the United States aimed at infringing on Venezuela's legitimate right to freely use and trade its natural resources with other countries, including supplying hydrocarbons to Cuba," the department said in a statement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that such actions “have a negative impact on Cuba and strengthen the policy of maximum pressure and economic strangulation by the United States,” having a direct and serious impact on the national energy system and, as a result, on the daily lives of the Cuban people.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry also emphasized that this is a clear application of D. Trump's amendment to the Monroe Doctrine, which, according to the Cuban side, violates the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. –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

Tbilisi, December 13 /Xinhua/ — A ceremonial lighting of the main New Year's tree and the official opening of the "New Year's village" took place on Friday evening at First Republic Square in Tbilisi.

This event marked the first of the city's festive program. That same evening, New Year's illuminations were turned on throughout Tbilisi.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony was attended by the capital's mayor, Kakha Kaladze, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

The Mayor of Tbilisi congratulated the event's participants on the upcoming Christmas and New Year, wishing them peace. K. Kaladze noted that peace, which brings development and prosperity, remains the main wish.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a large-scale theatrical show. Spectators were treated to musical, dance, and acrobatic performances, culminating in a final scene based on Oscar Wilde's fairy tale "The Star Child." The event's concept followed the capital's New Year's slogan: "A City Full of Kindness."

The "New Year's Village" opened simultaneously with the ceremony and will remain open until January 7. Decorated with decorations and installations, the area now features food and craft markets, concert venues, an exhibition and sale, and a Christmas market. During the New Year's celebrations, there will be culinary master classes, theatrical performances, performances, cango and Zumba classes, dance karaoke, and an open-air cinema.

The New Year's Village will close on January 7, Christmas Day, and the ice rink will remain open until January 14. –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

UN, December 13 /Xinhua/ — UN Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply alarmed by reports of a drone strike that killed at least 30 civilians in Sudan's South Darfur state, Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said on Friday.

The attack took place on Monday about 150km southwest of the state capital, Nyala.

This strike occurred amid a rapidly rising civilian death toll in the Darfur and Kordofan regions due to escalating violence, particularly due to increased drone strikes. That same day, additional civilian casualties were reported in another strike on the town of Kutum in North Darfur, noted F. Haq.

According to him, the UN Secretary-General condemns any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law in all areas of active conflict in Sudan.

A. Guterres also calls on the parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and resume negotiations to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive, and Sudanese-owned political process. The UN stands ready to support tangible steps to end the fighting in Sudan and chart a path to lasting peace, emphasized F. Haq.

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.