Category: Russian Federation

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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

Baku, December 21 /Xinhua/ — The finals of Azerbaijan's first Chinese song karaoke competition took place in Baku on Saturday. Twenty performers from China, Azerbaijan, and Russia, selected from more than 40 applicants, became finalists.

The competition, designed to promote cultural exchanges and build bridges of friendship, was jointly organized by the Association of Chinese Emigrants and Ethnic Chinese in Azerbaijan and the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL).

Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei emphasized that music is a universal language of peace and a thread that connects people's hearts. She encouraged the contestants to "find friends through song" and become "singing ambassadors" of friendship. The diplomat expressed hope that young talents would be able to use music to experience the depth of Chinese culture and contribute to the deepening of friendship between China and Azerbaijan.

The winners were awarded one first prize, three second prizes, and six third prizes. One of the second prize winners was 27-year-old Rakhman Garayev, who performed the song "State." R. Garayev works as a choir member at the M. F. Akhundov Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. He has been studying Chinese at the Confucius Institute at Baku State University for five years.

"This competition helps connect language learners with Chinese culture and traditions. After I finish studying Chinese, I want to go to Beijing. I think Beijing is a very technologically advanced city, and I'm very interested in exploring it," R. Garayev told Xinhua.

AUL Vice-Rector Shafag Shakhmamedova noted the university's successful Confucius Institute, which actively supports teaching and organizes events not only within the university but also beyond. She noted that the current competition, which promotes Chinese culture, is a shining example of this work.

Li Jihua, the Chinese director of AUL's Confucius Institute, told Xinhua that over 500 people are currently studying Chinese through the institute's various programs. She emphasized that Chinese songs help them better understand Chinese culture.

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

Guangzhou, December 21 (Xinhua) — For many Chinese teenagers, the morning decision of "which stuffed animal to take home today" has long been more important than their choice of clothing. This seemingly simple gesture reflects profound changes in consumer behavior, where tiny accessories have become a unique language of self-expression and a new driver of the "emotional economy."

At the MINISO LAND store on a pedestrian street in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, southern China, this trend is evident: an entire wall is dedicated to a collection of pendants – from classic characters from well-known franchises like Hello Kitty and Harry Potter to popular characters like Chiikawa and those from the recently released Zootopia 2.

Shoppers, mostly young, fill every aisle. Some clutch dozens of items in their hands as they wait in line at the checkout. Prices range from tens to hundreds of yuan (US$1 is about 7 yuan), but everyone's enthusiasm is unanimous.

“These aren’t just decorations, but mobile mood regulators and visual carriers of youth identity,” explains Liu Xiaobin, vice president and marketing director of the aforementioned company.

The numbers confirm the trend. According to Liu Xiaobin, hanging accessories and decorations now account for over 35 percent of MINISO LAND's total soft toy range, and since the beginning of the year, total sales in this category have exceeded 12 million units.

This passion is equally noticeable online. On the popular social media app Xiaohongshu /Rednote/, the hashtag "Everything Can Be Put on a Bag" has garnered over 130 million views. Users eagerly share their character creation strategies and "socialize" through their shared love of certain characters.

Xu Xinyue, an assistant professor at the Institute of Cultural Industries at Shenzhen University, interprets this trend as a shift in consumer psychology.

She believes that Generation Z places greater emphasis on self-expression. Bag charms are ideal for their needs for emotional regulation, demonstrating individuality, and connecting with their social circles.

In Yiwu, a small city in east China's Zhejiang province known as the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities, manufacturers are racing against time to meet market demand.

“We started receiving frequent requests for bag hangers from domestic and overseas customers early this year, so we quickly entered this market,” said Lu Yi, general manager of an accessories and decoration company in Yiwu.

To stay on top of trends, Lu Yi's company releases around 100 new products monthly, averaging three to four new designs per day. "We've also acquired licenses for popular characters like B.Duck and Sanrio, which are very popular with wholesalers," he said.

Meanwhile, in Dongguan, China's manufacturing hub, companies are adding technological value to small items.

According to Zhang Hua, head of the domestic sales department of Dongguan Electronic Technology Company, the market has expanded from original designs and intellectual property cooperation to products from the Anime, Comics, Games (ACG) and intelligent satellites.

Zhang Hua's company recently launched a unique brand featuring a smart plush keychain equipped with a large AI model. "In just three days after its launch, 20,000 units were sold," he reported.

This trend is also having an impact on other industries. Cultural tourism websites across China are releasing unique bag keychains that serve as "mobile calling cards" of regional culture. Popular films and TV series are releasing character-themed keychains to extend their popularity beyond the screen.

“With the rise of consumption and the deepening of the emotional economy, these small and beautiful objects will continue to be an important part of young people’s lives,” said Xu Xinyue. -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

Kyiv, December 21 (Xinhua) — The United States has proposed a meeting of national security advisers from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this, Interfax-Ukraine reported Saturday evening.

According to him, the American proposal was conveyed to him by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, who is participating in the latest round of peace plan negotiations with the United States in Miami.

V. Zelensky expressed doubt that the meeting of advisers would yield any new results, but added that, thanks to a similar meeting in Turkey, captured military personnel and civilians were returned, so negotiations were worth pursuing.

On Thursday, it was announced that a Ukrainian delegation had departed for Miami to continue working with the United States and Europe on a draft agreement to end the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. –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

JOHANNESBURG, December 21 (Xinhua) — At least nine people were killed and 10 others were wounded in a shooting in the village of Bekkersdal near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, police said on Sunday.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred shortly before 1:00 a.m. Sunday local time.

"Approximately 12 unknown suspects in a white van and a silver sedan reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on bar patrons and continued to fire indiscriminately as they left the scene," the statement said.

According to Gauteng Acting Police Commissioner Fred Kekana, an investigation into the incident has been launched.

The motive for the shooting is unknown, police 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 –

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

TOKYO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) — Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Saturday that possessing nuclear weapons "will never benefit Japan."

The statement came in response to controversial comments by a senior Japanese official about Japan having nuclear weapons.

"If Japan acquires nuclear weapons, we will have to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the International Atomic Energy Agency," Shigeru Ishiba said live on television, noting that in that case, "Japan's nuclear policy aimed at meeting its energy needs will become unviable."

"This will never benefit Japan," Shigeru Ishiba said.

On Thursday, the Kyodo News Agency reported that a senior official involved in security policy development in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration told the media about the need to possess nuclear weapons, sparking sharp criticism within the country.

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

Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, December 21, Xinhua — Military intervention in Venezuela would be a "humanitarian catastrophe" for the region and set a dangerous precedent for the entire world. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated this Saturday, speaking at the 67th Summit of Heads of State of the Mercosur (Mercosur) and Associated Countries.

"Latin America is shocked by the military presence of an extra-regional power," said L.I. Lula da Silva, emphasizing that "building a prosperous and peaceful South America is the only doctrine that suits us."

"The boundaries of international law are being tested. Military intervention in Venezuela would be a humanitarian disaster for the entire hemisphere and a dangerous precedent for the world," he noted.

The Brazilian president also said that in a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, he told him that negotiations were a more effective and less costly path than military confrontation.

The Trump administration has imposed a blockade on oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela and declared the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “foreign terrorist organization.”

Several Latin American countries and regional organizations condemned the US actions and called for dialogue. They also called on the UN and the international community to take action.

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

CARACAS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) — The Venezuelan government on Saturday condemned the "hijacking and theft" of another private vessel carrying Venezuelan oil and the forced kidnapping of its crew by U.S. forces in international waters.

Venezuelan authorities described the incident as an act of piracy that seriously violated international law and undermined the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and maritime commerce.

According to the official statement, these actions violated international legal instruments protecting maritime safety, as well as the fundamental norms enshrined in the UN Charter and other multilateral conventions.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Saturday that American forces seized the vessel off the coast of Venezuela earlier in the day.

This is the second time in recent weeks that the US has seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, amid a massive buildup of American military presence in the region.

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

JOHANNESBURG, December 21 (Xinhua) — At least 10 people were killed and 10 others were wounded in a shooting in a village near Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, police said on Sunday.

“Some of the victims were shot randomly on the streets by unknown gunmen,” local media reported, citing a police statement. –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

SHANGHAI, December 21 (Xinhua) — A retail store under the national brand "Made in Russia" opened in Shanghai on Saturday. The store was opened by Shanghai Pinyinong Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., a regional partner of the Russian national pavilion, with the support of the Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group, Russia).

"The Russian National Pavilion program is steadily expanding. While initially the focus was on food products, this year we've also begun offering industrial products and services from Russian companies. This provides an opportunity to showcase Russia's modern image to our Chinese partners – from traditional food products to cutting-edge technologies," said Alexey Solodov, Vice President of the Russian Export Center, at the opening ceremony.

He noted that the new store selling Russian goods is the third in Shanghai. Currently, there are over 120 retail outlets selling products under the "Made in Russia" brand in China, including stores and dedicated shelves in existing retail outlets.

In the tasting area, guests appreciated the quality of Russian chocolate, candies, confectionery, honey, flour, vegetable oil, mineral water, juices, beer, and vodka. They also had access to samples of the best Russian cosmetics and household cleaning products.

The event's extensive cultural program included a dance show and a demonstration of the achievements of Russian architecture, painting, and literature.

During the closed portion of the event, Russian business representatives held individual B2B meetings with potential partners from China.

Let us recall that in August of this year, the Russian Export Center launched two retail stores in Shanghai under the “Made in Russia” brand.

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

HOHHOT, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) — The 22nd China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival opened with a grand opening at the Ice Splendor Theme Park in Manzhouli City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Saturday evening.

The current festival, jointly organized by the People's Government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Government of the Zabaikalsky Krai of the Russian Federation, and the Government of the Eastern Aimag of Mongolia, is a signature provincial and ministerial event in the field of winter tourism. It includes a series of events covering cultural exchanges, winter sports, tourism and trade, and more, and will run until early January 2026.

As the main venue for this year's Ice and Snow Festival, the 128,000-square-meter "Icy Splendor" theme park is divided into six distinct sections, each featuring ice and snow sculptures and interactive activities that panoramically recreate the development and changes of Manzhouli, from its border station to its international port. The park features not only entertainment facilities, such as ice and snow slides and snow sleighs, but also commercial areas.

The festival will include cultural and artistic exchanges involving representatives of the three countries, a beauty contest, a meeting of intangible cultural heritage masters from the three countries, a tasting of Russian cuisine, a trade fair, and a New Year's celebration in Manzhouli with the participation of a thousand representatives of the three countries.

In particular, more than 40 enterprises from China, Russia, and Mongolia are expected to participate in the cultural and tourism goods fair. An online New Year's goods festival will also be launched, designed to further stimulate interest in winter consumption through short videos and e-commerce platforms.

The planned events will fully integrate the cultural elements of China, Russia, and Mongolia. The construction of a magnificent snow and ice theme park, the hosting of remarkable cultural and artistic performances, and thematic events brimming with exotic flavor will enhance the city of Manzhouli's appeal to Chinese and international tourists.

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.