At least nine people have been killed in a shooting in 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, 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.

Possession of nuclear weapons "will never benefit Japan," says former Japanese 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

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.

Armed intervention in Venezuela would be a "humanitarian catastrophe," Brazilian President L.I. Lula da Silva said.

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

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.

Venezuela condemns US seizure of oil tanker

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

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.

Breaking: At least 10 people killed in shooting in 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, 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.

The third retail store under the “Made in Russia” brand has opened in Shanghai.

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

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.

The 22nd China-Russia-Mongolia International Ice and Snow Festival opened in Manzhouli.

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

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.

China's animation box office in 2025 will exceed a record 25 billion yuan.

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, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) — China's animation box office revenue has surpassed 25 billion yuan (about 3.54 billion U.S. dollars) this year, making 2025 the most profitable year for animation in the country's film history, according to data from online ticketing platforms.

Among this year's animated films, "Ne Zha 2" topped the box office chart, followed by "Zootopia 2" and "Nobody," which ranked second and third, respectively. -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.

Five people are trapped after a flood hit a coal mine in northeast China.

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

HARBIN, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) — Five people were trapped underground after a water burst at a coal mine early Sunday morning in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, local authorities said.

The tragedy occurred at around 4:30 a.m. Sunday at the Datongou coal mine of the Heilongjiang Fengyuan Mining Company in Jixi City, the Propaganda Department of the CPC Municipal Committee said.

Local authorities have established a joint rescue headquarters. Intensive search and rescue operations are currently underway.

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 China-Russia Future Workforce Development Plan project promotes educational cooperation between the two countries.

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, December 21 (Xinhua) — The China-Russia Future Talent Development Plan has held numerous events since late 2023, promoting educational cooperation between the two countries.

Tang Weiyang, Deputy Director of the China Institute of International Exchanges and Educational Personnel Training, noted that the "China-Russia Future Personnel Training Plan," an important program promoted by the institute, aims to create a broader platform for education and exchange among young people from both countries.

Last month, at the invitation of the administration of Zhongshan Elementary School in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, eastern China, the faculty and students of the Ivanteyevka Municipal Budgetary General Education Institution Educational Center No. 7 visited the Nanjing Memorial Museum of the Anti-Japanese War Pilots, a Xinhua News Agency correspondent was told at the museum.

According to the organizers, the event's purpose was to honor the memory of Soviet volunteer pilots who valiantly supported China in the anti-fascist war, to preserve the shared historical memories of the two countries, and to deepen cultural exchanges between young people.

On the same day, the aforementioned museum also opened a Demonstration Base for Chinese-Russian Friendly Exchanges as part of the China-Russia Future Talent Development Plan. The base will serve as an important platform for ongoing exchanges between young people from China and Russia.

On December 13, as part of the 12th National Remembrance Day for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre, a civil memorial service was held in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, eastern China, to honor the memory of the 300,000 compatriots who perished in the tragedy. On that day, students and teachers from schools participating in the "China-Russia Future Talent Development Plan"—namely, Zhongshan Elementary School, Qixia Middle School, Yanziji High School, and Nanjing Vocational Technical Institute of Electromechanics—visited the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Pilots' Martyrdom Museum.

During their visit to the museum, Chinese students and teachers viewed the museum's extensive collection of exhibits and learned about the scale of the Soviet Union's assistance to the Chinese people in their resistance to the Japanese invaders, as well as the great feats of Soviet heroes.

Established in 2009, the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Airmen's Memorial Museum is China's first memorial museum to international airmen who died in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Its collection contains rich historical materials on the air forces of China, the Soviet Union, the United States, and other countries that fought together against Japanese aggression in China during World War II.

As a reminder, since 1995, the names of 4,299 Chinese and foreign fallen heroes, including 236 Soviet ones, have been engraved on marble memorial steles on the grounds of the aforementioned museum. In November 2024, the museum released for the first time a complete, updated list of these Soviet pilots who died in China during the Anti-Japanese War. And in May 2025, the museum published updated information on 18 Soviet volunteers. -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.