St. Petersburg expects an increase in the number of tourists from China, according to the vice governor.

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

St. Petersburg, December 12 /Xinhua/ — St. Petersburg expects a 30 percent increase in Chinese tourists in 2026 due to the introduction of a visa-free regime. This was announced on Friday by Deputy Governor Boris Piotrovsky at the "Travel Hub. Come. Winter" forum.

He said that the number of tourists in St. Petersburg will reach 12.5 million by 2025, a 7% increase from 2024, when 11.6 million tourists visited the city. "Now, visitors come to the city not only in the summer but also in the winter, which wasn't as popular 10-15 years ago," he noted.

The "Travel Hub. Come. Winter" forum is taking place from December 11th to 13th in St. Petersburg. –0–

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Xi Jinping sent congratulations to participants of the forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust

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

Beijing, December 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a congratulatory message to participants of the forum held in the capital of Turkmenistan dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust.

As Xi Jinping noted in his address, 2025 marks the International Year of Peace and Trust, proposed by Turkmenistan and approved by the UN General Assembly. Furthermore, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's status as a permanently neutral state, the Chinese President added.

China and Turkmenistan are good friends with a common vision and reliable partners committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, the Chinese leader continued, noting that China firmly supports Turkmenistan in pursuing a policy of permanent neutrality and highly appreciates its active efforts to maintain global and regional peace and stability and promote the common development of all countries.

Xi Jinping emphasized that global challenges are currently multiplying, conflicts and confrontations are constantly emerging, and the world needs peace and trust more than ever.

According to the Chinese President, history shows that the more volatile and chaotic the international situation, the more the international community needs to join forces and support each other.

He noted that it is necessary to maintain mutual respect, mutual trust and understanding, eliminate the peace deficit, firmly uphold the authority and status of the UN, resolve disputes by peaceful means, and resist hegemony, bullying and harming others for personal gain.

Xi Jinping also called for following the principle of joint consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to eliminate the trust deficit, upholding fairness and justice through the international rule of law, promoting unity and cooperation through multilateralism, adhering to the principle of jointly discussing global affairs, jointly maintaining the international order and sharing the fruits of governance.

The Chinese President emphasized that his recently proposed Global Governance Initiative offers a Chinese solution to reforming and improving the global governance system. He also expressed China's readiness to work with all countries to maintain world peace, promote common development, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

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China intends to maintain communication and consultations with India to facilitate cross-border movement of people, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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

Beijing, December 12 (Xinhua) — China intends to maintain communication and consultations with India to steadily promote the facilitation of cross-border movement of people between the two sides, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

The diplomat made the statement at a regular departmental press briefing, commenting on media reports that India had cut bureaucratic procedures to expedite the issuance of business visas for Chinese specialists.

"We welcome this positive step. Easing the movement of people serves the common interests of all parties," Guo Jiakun emphasized.

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China supports South Africa's continued participation in G20 cooperation, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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

Beijing, December 12 (Xinhua) — China supports South Africa in continuing its participation in G20 cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

The diplomat made the statement at a regular departmental press briefing, commenting at a journalist's request on the United States' statement that after assuming the G20 presidency this month, it will not invite South Africa to participate in the 2026 G20 summit or to cooperate within the association.

Guo Jiakun recalled that South Africa successfully hosted the G20 summit in Johannesburg last month, which was highly praised by the international community.

According to him, the G20 has long remained committed to the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and equal consultation. Guo Jiakun also noted that South Africa, as a founding member of the G20, has participated in all previous summits and has always played a key role in the group.

"China supports South Africa's continued participation in G20 cooperation. We look forward to working with South Africa and all other G20 members to uphold multilateralism, promote global economic growth, and improve global economic governance," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson concluded.

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Sudan: Agreement reached on humanitarian access to El Fasher

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December 12, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Tens of thousands of people are believed to be trapped in the Sudanese city of El Fasher, cut off from vital supplies and services. However, UN humanitarian agencies report that they will soon be able to access the besieged capital of North Darfur.

Humanitarian officials say the situation in El Fasher is "beyond dire." "We know there could be between 70,000 and 100,000 people trapped inside the city," said Ross Smith, the World Food Programme (WFP)'s emergency director.

The Rapid Intervention Forces, which have been waging war against the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023, captured El Fasher in October after a 500-day siege. During the siege, people were reduced to eating peanut husks and animal feed. warned earlier At the UN Human Rights Office, satellite images revealed the bloody remains of mass killings of civilians and ethnically motivated executions.

Access for humanitarian organizations

UN humanitarian agencies emphasize that access to El Fasher remains a top priority. Meanwhile, communications blackouts have effectively left residents without any means of contact with outsiders.

Sudanese who fled the city described "massacres, burned bodies and abandoned markets," Smith said.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | Sudan conflict: UN documents all violations to ensure justice is served

"As I understand it, following yesterday's discussions, we have reached an agreement in principle with the RSF regarding the minimum conditions for access to the city. Therefore, we expect to conduct an initial assessment and reconnoiter the situation soon. After more than a year and a half of siege, vital resources have been completely destroyed," he added.

Mass displacement

Smith noted that those who managed to escape from El Fasher had to risk their lives moving along roads littered with mines and unexploded ordnance.

Many reached Tawila, a once-small desert town now a "massive settlement" with over 650,000 people—comparable to the population of Luxembourg. Others found refuge in the town of El Debba in the Northern State.

According to Smith, humanitarian aid convoys supported by the WFP are “already on their way to Tawila with supplies enough for 700,000 people for the next month.”

"These families have endured months of famine and widespread violence. Now they live in overcrowded conditions and receive extremely limited aid. There are insufficient shelters, and many are forced to live in primitive structures made of grass and straw. Cholera and other diseases are widespread," he emphasized.

12 million people have fled their homes

Sudan continues to face the world's largest humanitarian crisis of forced displacement. More than 12 million people have fled their homes, either across borders or to other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a deterioration since December 1. security situation in the Kordofan regionAfter a week of intense fighting, the SRF reportedly captured a Sudanese army base in Babanusa, West Kordofan.

In Southern Kordofan, civilians remain in besieged towns, including Kadugli and Dilling. Women, children, and the elderly are seeking refuge. "Men and young people often remain behind due to the heightened risks they face en route, including detention by armed groups on suspicion of affiliation with one side or the other," UNHCR stated.

The latest figures indicate that more than 40,000 people have fled the affected areas of Northern Kordofan since November 18. "UNHCR, with the support of partners, is providing emergency assistance to displaced people, but access remains difficult and resources are extremely limited," the agency emphasized.

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A WHO expert group has reiterated the lack of a link between vaccines and autism.

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December 11, 2025 Healthcare

A World Health Organization (WHO) expert committee has reaffirmed that there is no causal link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The WHO made this statement following a new analysis of global scientific evidence.

At its meeting on November 27, the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety reviewed the results of 31 major studies published between 2010 and August 2025. The analysis covered data from multiple countries and included an assessment of both vaccines in general and products containing thiomersal, a preservative sometimes used to prevent contamination in multi-dose vials.

Vaccines are safe

The committee noted that the analysis confirmed the safety of the vaccines for children and pregnant women, as well as the absence of a causal link with autism spectrum disorders.

Experts also examined concerns regarding some vaccines that contain small amounts of aluminum salts, which boost the body's immune response. The assessment utilized studies published over more than two decades, as well as a large Danish study that included children born between 1997 and 2018.

The WHO committee concluded that available data do not establish a link between aluminum used in some vaccines and ASD. Aluminum salts have been used safely for many decades.

Following the review, the expert group confirmed previous findings made in 2002, 2004 and 2012: “Vaccines, including those containing thiomersal and/or aluminum, do not cause autism.”

The WHO has called on governments to ensure that vaccination policies are based on scientific evidence, noting that "global efforts to immunize children represent one of the greatest achievements in improving living conditions and societal well-being." The WHO estimates that vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years.

Debate in the US

On September 24, the WHO issued a statement amid renewed political debate over vaccination in the United States. At the time, the WHO cautioned against reviving theories linking vaccines to autism, emphasizing that "there is a robust and extensive evidence base that childhood vaccines do not cause autism."

Studies that claimed otherwise, the WHO said, were flawed and have long been disproven.

The organization reiterated that independent research over many years consistently leads to the same conclusion: vaccines are safe, effective, and crucial for public health. The WHO stated that it will continue to review new data and advise countries based on the best scientific evidence.

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Maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Gaza have tripled since the war began.

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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Since October 7, 2023, when Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel, triggering a full-scale Israeli offensive against the enclave, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on Thursday.

According to OHCHR, 94 percent of hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving thousands of pregnant women and newborns without essential medical care.

"The Israeli blockade also prevented the entry of items vital to the survival of civilians, including medicines and nutrients to support pregnancies and ensure safe deliveries," the Office said in a statement.

By the end of 2024, compared to pre-war levels, women in Gaza were three times more likely to die in childbirth and three times more likely to lose a child. The neonatal mortality rate also increased, according to the OHCHR.

Destroyed hospitals, killed doctors

Israeli strikes destroyed many maternity wards and neonatal intensive care units. A December 2023 attack on a major fertility clinic resulted in the loss of over 4,000 embryos and 1,000 reproductive samples.

Medical staff have also been targeted, the OHCHR said, citing Palestinian Ministry of Health data showing that 1,722 medical workers had been killed by September 2025.

Gynecologist Ambereen Slimi, who volunteered in Gaza, told OHCHR: “While we were going through the wards, shells were exploding all around us… Sometimes drones would fly in and try to shoot at nurses or literally chase them through the hospital corridors.”

According to her, pregnant women were admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds, including to the abdomen: "Many women were too seriously wounded to survive. If their wounds didn't cause death, sepsis often took their lives, as there was a shortage of medications and antibiotics."

The hunger factor

The Israeli blockade has caused severe shortages of food and infant formula. As of October 2025, 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, have died of malnutrition, according to the enclave's Ministry of Health.

Jonathan Kricks of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), who is in Gaza, told the UN News Service that children and their families are currently surviving the winter in makeshift tents: "Everything is completely damp, the mattresses are soaked, the children's clothes are soaked. It's extremely difficult to live in these conditions."

He warned of a rise in cases of acute watery diarrhoea and fears of further outbreaks: "With poor sanitation and a dilapidated sewage system, we are extremely concerned about the spread of waterborne diseases."

New barriers in the West Bank

The OHCHR also expressed concern about Israel's construction of a new barrier and road in the Jordan Valley.

The head of the Authority's office in the occupied Palestinian territory, Ajit Sungai, said it would "divide Palestinian communities and cut off Palestinian farmers from the land they own on the other side of the planned barrier."

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Top Stories of the Day | Thursday: DRC, Myanmar, Venezuela, Vaccines, and Autism

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December 11, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: escalating violence in eastern DR Congo, a deadly attack on a hospital in Myanmar, a report from the Commission on Venezuela, and the WHO confirming the absence of a link between vaccinations and autism.

Violence in the DR Congo

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extremely concerned about escalation in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). More than 200,000 people have fled their homes since December 2 as a result of violence. The UN chief called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in accordance with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025) and compliance with the obligations under the Washington Accords signed on December 4. The UN stands ready to work with partners to deliver humanitarian aid and support diplomatic efforts to restore peace in eastern DRC and the region.

Attacks in Myanmar

The UN condemned airstrikes in Rakhine State, Myanmar, which reportedly hit a district hospital the day before. More than 30 civilians were reportedly killed and over 70 injured, including patients and medical staff. The World Health Organization has confirmed 67 attacks on health facilities in Myanmar this year. The UN calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law. Meanwhile, the 2026 humanitarian plan for Myanmar, presented on Wednesday, includes $890 million in funding to assist 16.2 million people.

Violations in Venezuela

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela stated that members of the country's National Guard have been committing serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity for more than a decade. new mission reportThe document contains a detailed analysis of the internal structure and chain of command of the National Guard. The report notes that members of this unit are involved in arbitrary killings, unlawful detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and other cruel treatment.

Vaccines and autism

The World Health Organization's expert committee reiterated the lack of a causal link. between vaccine use and autism spectrum disordersA new review of global scientific evidence analyzed the results of studies from several countries, both on vaccinations in general and specifically on the preservative thimerosal. According to the committee, the review "conclusively confirms the positive safety profile of vaccines used for children and pregnant women" and "confirms the absence of a causal link to autism spectrum disorders."

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Fighting in eastern DR Congo has claimed dozens of lives and caused mass displacement.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Escalating clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have killed more than 70 civilians, forced over 200,000 people to flee their homes, and deprived thousands of people of food aid. Against this backdrop, the UN is warning of a rapidly growing humanitarian crisis that is already spreading beyond the country's borders.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the situation in South Kivu province has deteriorated sharply since December 2 due to heavy fighting in several areas.

Fighters from the armed group M23 entered the key town of Uvira on Wednesday, according to media reports, and local residents say an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty reigns.

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in South Kivu and its humanitarian consequences, including the displacement of more than 200,000 people since 2 December," said a statement issued by the UN chief's spokesman.

Antonio Guterres He strongly condemned the M23 offensive in the province. He called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2773.

According to Radio Okapi, the radio station of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, since the beginning of December, clashes between Congolese forces and armed groups have killed more than 74 civilians and injured at least 83. Thousands have fled across the border into Burundi and Rwanda.

Most displaced people in South Kivu itself are sheltering in overcrowded shelters with poor sanitation. Women and girls in these centers are at risk of violence.

Suspension of food aid

Humanitarian programmes, including food aid and medical support, cannot be implemented due to instability.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended operations across South Kivu, leaving 25,000 people without food aid, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

"Host families, who are already experiencing extreme food insecurity themselves, are sharing their last remaining food supplies with the displaced families," Hak told reporters in New York.

At least 32 WFP-supported schools in Uvira closed classes to provide shelter to displaced families. More than 12,000 children were left without hot school meals, which for many are their only nutritious meal.

Humanitarian organizations warn that food supplies in the region could run out within weeks unless access and funding are restored.

The crisis could become regional

"The humanitarian consequences of the crisis are already extending beyond the country's borders," Hack said, noting that nearly 25,000 people crossed the border into Burundi between December 5 and 8. People are also fleeing to Rwanda.

In both countries, humanitarian organizations and authorities are expanding emergency relief operations, including providing hot food, clean water and medical services.

The escalation is occurring despite diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Last week, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement backed by the United States, which the UN called a "critical step" toward restoring trust.

The crisis deepens due to lack of funding

A lack of funding is exacerbating the humanitarian emergency. The humanitarian response plan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is only 22 percent funded, leaving a $2 billion shortfall. In Burundi, less than $33 million has been mobilized, while nearly $77 million is needed.

“We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations,” Haq said.

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The Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress held a meeting with a delegation of the Social Democratic Party of Portugal.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) — Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with a delegation of the Portuguese Social Democratic Party led by its secretary general and parliamentary leader Hugo Soares in Beijing on Friday.

Li Hongzhong, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership has been continuously deepened.

According to the vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, China hopes to establish closer exchanges between the political parties and legislative bodies of the two countries, advance cooperation within the framework of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the healthy and stable development of relations between China and Portugal, China and the European Union.

Li Hongzhong also briefed the delegation on relevant information about the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

U. Soares, for his part, stated that Portugal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and intends to develop exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries through inter-party channels. –0–

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