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FSK engineers have been trained in safe work at height and first aid.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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On December 6, a comprehensive training course on safe working practices at height and first aid skills was held for FSK technical supervision engineers at the "Smart Labor" training facility of the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU). The event combined theoretical lessons, practical training, and the testing of a methodology for assessing the competence of construction workers.

Working at height is one of the most dangerous types of construction work. During the training, company specialists thoroughly covered safety systems, the correct selection of personal protective equipment, and practiced rescue and evacuation techniques from aerial work platforms, towers, and metal structures.

A separate section of the program was devoted to first aid. Participants deepened their knowledge in this important area, which will be useful not only on construction sites but also in everyday life.

The training was conducted by:

"First Aid to Victims" – Alexander Dmitriev, Director of the Smart Trud Training Ground; "Working at Height" – Dmitry Klykov, Instructor in Safe Working Practices at Height.

In addition to mastering practical skills, the training included an important scientific component: testing a methodology for assessing the competence of construction workers when working at height. This methodology is being developed by Nadezhda Batova, a senior lecturer in the Department of Technosphere Safety, as part of her dissertation for a candidate of technical sciences degree.

The testing included three stages:

Entrance testing – assessment of the initial level of theoretical knowledge; final testing – verification of knowledge of occupational safety requirements after training; practical exam – confirmation of skills in performing practical tasks required for high-risk jobs.

The results of the practical examination will assess the professional suitability of specialists for working at height and the development of sustainable safety behavior patterns. The study data is still being processed, and the final scientific findings will be presented soon.

This event is a shining example of successful collaboration between a university and an industrial partner, where practical knowledge and applied skills are aimed at improving employee safety.

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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The Engineering Future Starts Here: The Natural Sciences Lyceum Celebrates 30 Years

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

This year, the Polytechnic University's Natural Sciences Lyceum celebrates its anniversary. Thirty years ago, SPbPU Rector Yuri Vasiliev and representatives of the St. Petersburg Education Committee signed the Charter of the state educational institution of secondary (complete) general education "Natural Sciences Lyceum."

The creation of the lyceum was a response to a disturbing trend in the 1990s—a precipitous decline in interest in engineering majors. To reverse this, career guidance needed to begin well before 11th grade: this was precisely the goal the new lyceum set for itself.

Its mission is not simply to provide schoolchildren with a quality education, but to specifically motivate them to choose an engineering career. From the very beginning of the student selection process, the lyceum prioritized early career guidance: instead of passively waiting for graduates ready to apply to university, it began actively recruiting high school students from other schools, fostering their enduring interest in engineering disciplines.

Thus, the lyceum became a tool for systematic propaganda: through in-depth study of mathematics, physics, and other natural science subjects, it showed schoolchildren the prospects of an engineering career, demonstrated the connection between the school curriculum and real-world production, and opened doors to the world of high-tech professions.

In the 1990s, the Physics and Technology School, under the patronage of the Physics and Technology Institute and Zhores Alferov personally, became affiliated with the Polytechnic University. Its success prompted SPbPU Rector Yuri Vasiliev to create a similar structure, but one focused on engineering specialties. The Alferov School taught classical, fundamental physics, while the Polytechnic University wanted to create something more closely aligned with industry, encouraging students to pursue engineering majors. Students then decided for themselves that they would later enroll at the Polytechnic University. Today, the Natural Sciences Lyceum and the Physics and Technology School are on par in terms of training and educational quality.

On September 1, 1996, the first Lyceum students began classes. They were held on the premises of the Polytechnic University. Five classrooms were located in the Hydrotechnical Building, chemistry in the Chemical Building, and descriptive geometry in the drawing rooms of the Main Building, as well as in the first and second buildings. The most qualified faculty members taught the Lyceum students from the very beginning. The special atmosphere, businesslike approach, and a touch of democracy introduced by the first director, Elena Kharitonova, are still preserved at the Lyceum.

"The main goal is to deliver an educational program that helps children develop a healthy worldview. We teach children to speak and express their thoughts in their own words, so if we have the opportunity to ask something verbally, we always do so," noted Roman Baibikov, director of the Natural Sciences Lyceum.

Students were recruited from other schools for the senior classes. Things started off tough. Students and their parents didn't want to attend the lyceum, and there was no competition. Furthermore, there was a shortage of funding and teachers. Initially, it was decided that university professors, rather than professional teachers, would teach the lyceum students. Thus, a small group of associate professors and professors formed who enthusiastically began working with the students. This trend was later maintained.

In 2009, the Education Committee withdrew from the Lyceum's founding members, and the Polytechnic University opened a new division, the Natural Sciences Lyceum. Since 2012, all educational activities have taken place in the building on Svetlanovskaya Square.

In 2021, the Natural Sciences Lyceum opened a chemistry and biology class. This is a promising area, and the country needs such specialists.

Currently, the lyceum employs one doctor of science and 16 candidates of science. The entire teaching staff consists of 34 people, most of whom are university faculty. The remainder are college instructors specializing in humanities subjects: English, Russian language and literature. All mathematics and physics instructors work in higher education.

"I've been at the Lyceum for 25 years now. I can say it's pleasant and interesting to work here, and everyone in the team is respectful," says history teacher Sergei Lagushkin. "Almost everything has changed over the years: the classrooms and their equipment, the library collection, and the teaching staff has become younger. We have the most modern history textbooks, and the Lyceum's teachers are now graduates of the Polytechnic University, who previously graduated from the Natural Sciences Lyceum."

The lyceum is currently among the top 30 schools in the country and among the top 5 in St. Petersburg for quality of education. In 2025, it ranked 28th in the ranking of the best Russian schools for graduate competitiveness in technical, natural sciences, and the exact sciences.

The students are interested in mastering the subject, understanding the processes involved, and developing a systematic knowledge base. And, ultimately, the results of this collaborative work are visible: graduates of the Natural Sciences Lyceum excel on the Unified State Exam in physics, win physics-related Olympiads, and are admitted to the most prestigious universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Naturally, when such collaboration yields tangible results, one feels a sense of accomplishment, said physics teacher Vyacheslav Bondarenko.

The Lyceum implements the idea of continuous professional training, which allows for the most optimal solution to many of the challenges facing the modern education system.

The Lyceum supports all children's endeavors. Each student has an individual project in their curriculum, and Polytechnic University undergraduate and graduate students are involved in its implementation. All necessary equipment is readily available at the Lyceum.

The Polytechnic University frequently hosts lectures for Lyceum students given by prominent scientists. Schoolchildren also participate in all the master classes held at SPbPU during the winter school holidays.

Representatives from various Polytechnic institutes visit eleventh-graders twice a month to conduct organizational events and classes so that the students can better understand all areas of study.

Over 80% of graduates go on to university, 55% to SPbPU. Vladimir Glukhov, an advisor to the rector's office who was at the forefront of the lyceum's founding, emphasizes: "Here, children receive a higher-quality mathematics and physics education. Lyceum students are aiming for university entrance into engineering majors. They already know where they're headed."

We treat every student as an individual. We always address them formally. We've created an atmosphere at our Lyceum where teachers are happy to come to work, are on time, and don't reschedule or miss classes without a valid reason or notice. They set an example. Children see this conscientious attitude and begin to behave in the same way," said Roman Baibikov, Principal of the Natural Sciences Lyceum.

The lyceum offers three additional educational programs for students: Elements of Higher Mathematics, Information Technology, and Olympiad Physics. These programs are available in 11th grade. Upon passing the final assessment, graduates receive a certificate awarding five additional points toward their Unified State Exam (USE) scores.

In the next few years, we plan to launch several more relevant supplementary education programs for students in grades 8 and 9. Additionally, we will develop a chemistry and biology program.

"Over the three decades of its existence, the Natural Sciences Lyceum of the Polytechnic University has become a true breeding ground for talented applicants entering the country's leading universities. It is also important that it is the alma mater for a whole host of future engineers, researchers, and scientists who shape the development of scientific and technological progress in Russia," emphasizes SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy. "The Lyceum's consistent leadership in the rankings of St. Petersburg educational institutions confirms its commitment to high educational standards, in-depth scientific training, and genuine dedication to the development of engineering professionals."

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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SPbGASU became the first university to receive the ROSTEM prize for its contribution to information modeling technologies.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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The Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering has been awarded the ROSTIM-2025 prize in the category "For Contribution to Digitalization and Development of the Construction Industry's Human Resource Potential Using Russian Software." The award was presented to Victoria Vinogradova, Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at SPbGASU, by Renga Software CEO Evgeny Shuvalov.

The award is presented to organizations and individuals promoting information modeling technologies (IMT) and Russian software.

The ceremony took place on December 24 as part of the student thesis defenses for the "Project-Based Learning" elective, organized by the Project-Based Learning Educational Center (PBL) at SPbGASU. The university received recognition for promoting the PBL and developing students' digital professional competencies, and Victoria Vinogradova received recognition for her personal contribution and the creation of active PBL teams within her departments: the Digital Competencies Educational Center (DCEC) and the PBL.

Evgeny Shuvalov noted that SPbGASU is the first university to receive this award.

At the December forum "ROSTIM-2025", the largest in Russia exhibition of IT solutions for design and construction, students of SPbGASU together with the company "SetlGroup" presented their work on the design of a high-rise building, which they conduct as part of the elective course “Project Activities”.

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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RUDN University faculties and institutes summed up the results of the year

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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Taking stock of the past year before the long holiday weekend has become a tradition. Social media feeds are filled with them in December. Several RUDN University faculties and institutes decided to join in and shared their achievements with us.

Faculty of Economics and Institute of World Economy and Business

"We've made a strong statement on all fronts: from science to creativity, from debates to startups!" they declared at the Faculty of Economics and the Institute of World Economy and Business. They emphasized that people are their greatest achievement. The faculty and institute have produced two new PhD candidates. Furthermore, Konstantin Gomonov, Associate Professor of the Department of Economic and Mathematical Modeling, was recognized as the best young scientist.

Students also excelled. Artyom Vanyashev became the international champion at the BRICS debates in South Africa, beating out strong competitors from around the world. Elizaveta Levina and Valeria Pykhtina won the all-Russian competition "Your Move" in the tracks "I'm Making" and "Your Move, Headman!" Their projects are changing the student environment for the better. And student entrepreneurs Vladimir Mishatkin and Kristina Mirzakhanyan were among the finalists and winners of the prestigious "Start Your Business with Moscow" competition. Their startups (an innovative insulin pump and AI recruiting) were ranked among the top 100 university startups in Russia!

The departments have launched new scientific journals, giving researchers from the Faculty of Economics and the Institute of World Economy and Business even more publication platforms. They also now have four dissertation councils! This means more opportunities for defending and having their academic degrees recognized. Furthermore, the departments' experts have given over 1,000 interviews and commentaries—they are cited and consulted.

Economists have also proven themselves to be the most creative! IMEB won the "Worldview-2025" vocal and dance competition hosted by the RUDN University Student Council! What does this mean? It means that being an economist at RUDN University isn't just about formulas and graphs. It's about comprehensive development, global thinking, and the courage to explore fields such as science, business, creativity, and public debate.

Medical Institute

Students, postgraduates, residents, and staff of the medical institute won more than 100 prizes at scientific events:

40 – first; 35 – second; 30 – third.

Dentists at the Institute of Dentistry have created a program that speeds up orthodontic work by 40%. Scientists have developed an innovative method for the early correction of cleft palates and lip defects in newborns. And students have created a chatbot for patients with type 1 diabetes. The Institute's Dean, Alexey Abramov, has been awarded the title of "Dean of the Year." This title is awarded as part of the national Russian Assembly Award in the Medical Sciences category.

This year, the Institute of Medical Sciences (MI) admitted students for the first time to the postgraduate programs in Nephrology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. A new master's program in Clinical Embryology was also launched. Regarding its international activities, the Institute has implemented 55 international academic mobility programs (main partners being China, Uzbekistan, and the UAE). It signed an agreement on cooperation in science and education with the University of São Paulo (Brazil) and a memorandum of intent to establish a Russian-Cuban consortium of medical schools.

In the rankings, MI ranked 5th in Russia for graduate employment in the field of "Healthcare and Medical Sciences." In the Expert subject rankings, it ranked 7th in "Medicine," 4th in "Pharmacology," 8th in "Life Sciences," and 10th in "Biochemistry."

Institute of Ecology

IE sets trends in education and science, as confirmed by leading global and national rankings:

3rd place among Russian universities and included in the top 1000 universities in the world in the US News ranking (ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY, 2025); 1st place in Russia (22nd in the world) in UI GreenMetric; 1st place in the Expert subject rankings in Ecology (2022-2024) and Renewable Energy (2023-2024); top-500 in the world (2nd place in Russia) in the ARWU ranking in environmental sciences.

The institute's scientists are shaping the global environmental agenda. For example, research by senior lecturer Yaroslav Lebedev documented for the first time a hidden environmental disaster on Elbrus, revealing the phenomenon of a "baseline shift." Professor Alexander Khaustov was awarded the K.I. Satpayev Medal for his contributions to science. Specifically, he led a major trilateral research project to develop an expert system for the environmental remediation of oil-contaminated geological environments.

IE students are the driving force behind change:

A group of students actively participated in the cleanup of the fuel oil spill in Anapa; the GreenLab student scientific society was recognized as the best at the university; four students received a special prize at the international "Ecology is Everyone's Business" award; Ojeda Amaya Deiby won the All-Russian "Flagships of Education" competition; Evgeny Vorozhtsov was the head of a department at the All-Russian "Your Move" forum; Ekaterina Kostenko was awarded the Norilsk Nickel award in the "Creators" category; and Elizaveta Mogileva won the 2025-2026 Vernadsky Foundation scholarship competition.

The Director of the Institute of Ecology, Professor Elena Savenkova, was awarded the "For Assistance" medal by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources for her active support in addressing key issues in ecology and environmental management. Previously, the entire team received official gratitude from the ministry for their productive collaboration. These awards recognize the significant contribution of the institute and its leadership to training highly qualified ecologists capable of addressing global challenges, developing sustainable development strategies, and implementing advanced environmental technologies.

Patriotic education and active citizenship are another integral part of the Institute's life. The Institute's educational work has received the highest recognition at the state and public levels. Deputy Director Irina Golovacheva was awarded a letter of gratitude from the President of the Russian Federation for her contribution to the patriotic education of youth and the development of environmental awareness. The Institute has received awards from the Central Council of the "Patriots of the Capital" organization and the All-Russian Public Organization "Combat Brotherhood," while its staff has received medals "For Selfless Assistance to Russian Soldiers" and letters of gratitude from the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Rospatriotcenter" and the same organization for fostering patriotic thinking and assisting SVO participants.

The Institute of Ecology also reaffirmed its status as an international platform for training personnel in sustainable urban development based on digital technologies and circular economy principles. A second intensive training program was implemented for 45 employees from 20 municipal assemblies in the Greater Accra Region. The program included 13 industrial field trips to waste management facilities in the capital and 15 expert sessions on the digital transformation of municipal governance and the development of a comfortable urban environment. Building on the knowledge gained and contacts established, municipal employees were able to develop pilot business projects for infrastructure change in Ghana's municipalities.

Faculty of Philology

For the Faculty of Philosophy, 2025 is a year of pleasant and meaningful meetings, recognition of the achievements of students and faculty, and real-world practical experience in a professional environment. This is a year of strong reasons to be proud of the faculty's members.

One of the year's key events was a large-scale reunion of the Faculty of Philology alumni. Graduates from various years, faculty, and students—people for whom the RUDN University Faculty of Philology remains a point of professional and personal attraction—came together in one place.

This year also demonstrated that the faculty's students are working with real-world problems while still studying. A striking example is student Daria Magdisyuk's thesis, which was a podcast with the RUDN University rector. Furthermore, Faculty of Philosophy students are completing internships on the rector's team: they accompany him to interviews outside the university and participate in the preparation of media materials.

In 2025, the Faculty of Philology graduated a record-breaking 1,179 students: philologists, linguists, psychologists, PR specialists, journalists, and television specialists. A total of 117 graduates graduated with honors—the result of the hard work of all involved.

FF students also made a name for themselves outside the classroom:

Journalism student Karina Barkhudaryan reached the finals of the Moscow Student of the Year competition; members of the United4Me PSO received a special award for their media project at the Interuniversity Student Festival of Social Advertising and Social Journalism "Person of the Future"; students also won victories and prizes in sports competitions and citywide student contests.

Furthermore, in 2025, the work of the Faculty of Philology faculty was recognized with departmental and state awards. Svetlana Deryabina, Associate Professor of the Department of Russian Language and Teaching Methods, received a gold medal at the Moscow International Salon of Inventions and Innovative Technologies "Archimedes" for developing an electronic textbook on Russian phonetics, "Phonetic Video Visualization." It uses video recordings of tongue ultrasounds to teach and practice pronunciation of Russian sounds in international students.

Vladimir Denisenko, Head of the Department of General and Russian Linguistics, was awarded the Medal "For Impeccable Work and Distinction".

The following were awarded with honorary certificates from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation:

Kristina Abdus, Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education; Alexey Novikov, Associate Professor of the Department of General and Russian Linguistics; Mikhail Rybakov, Associate Professor of the Department of General and Russian Linguistics; Natalia Poplavskaya, Deputy Dean for International Affairs and Associate Professor of the Department of Mass Communications.

Nikolai Bandurin, Deputy Dean for Educational Work and lecturer in the Department of Mass Communications, has been awarded a commendation from the Mayor of Moscow for his contribution to the development of civil society and active participation in public affairs. He is an expert and methodologist at the "Value of Every Life" Center for the Protection of Homeless Animals and has been consulting with volunteers and specialists for over five years in the field of social project design and the development of essential soft skills.

Natalia Dubinina, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Philology and Associate Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages, was also awarded the title of "Honored Worker of Education of the Russian Federation." Galina Trofimova, Professor of the Department of Mass Communications, was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd Class.

The faculties and institutes of RUDN University have achieved so many merits, achievements, and successes this year!

We wish them to shine even more in 2026 and achieve all their goals!

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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China will introduce lower tariff rates on some imported goods in 2026.

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 29 (Xinhua) — China will introduce temporary import duties on 935 goods starting January 1, 2026, which will be lower than the tariff rates imposed by most-favored-nation countries. The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced this 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.

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Xinjiang oil field becomes first in China to reach million-ton CO2 injection capacity

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

URUMQI, December 29 (Xinhua) — The Xinjiang oilfield, one of northwest China's largest oil bases, has injected more than 1 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the oil reservoir by 2025 as of December 28. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which announced the achievement on Monday, hailed it as a breakthrough in the large-scale application of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology in the country.

The Xinjiang oil field, located in the Junggar Basin of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the first in China to be classified as a major oil producer, has once again become the country's largest in annual carbon dioxide injection volume.

In recent years, the oil field has been studying and developing a method of enhancing oil recovery using CO2, which is captured and re-injected underground.

As Shi Daohan, executive director and party secretary of the Xinjiang Oilfield, noted, one million tons of CO2 injected into oil reservoirs is equivalent to nearly nine million trees in terms of carbon storage.

According to him, specialists had to overcome a number of technical challenges to master the CCUS technology. Innovations in management, technology, and production helped them achieve this. As a result, the annual CO2 injection volume was increased from 126,000 tons in 2022 to 1 million tons in 2025, bringing the total injection volume to over 2 million tons.

CCUS technology achieves a win-win outcome in terms of reducing harmful emissions and increasing oil production, contributes to the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, and is of strategic significance to ensuring the country's energy security, said Ding Chao, head of the Xinjiang Oil Field Development Department.

The estimated potential capacity of underground CO2 storage reservoirs in the Xinjiang oil field's production zones could reach 2 billion tons. Furthermore, the concentration of industrial enterprises nearby is noted to create favorable conditions for the development of a large industrial cluster based on CCUS.

China plans to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. -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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Special Report: Mutually Beneficial Cooperation between China and Central Asia Continues to Deepen for High-Quality Development

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 29 (Xinhua) — Following the successful holding of the second China-Central Asia Summit in 2025, cooperation between China and the five Central Asian countries (CA) in various fields continues to deepen. Based on the joint promotion of high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the parties are steadily strengthening political mutual trust, achieving breakthrough progress in strengthening trade and economic connectivity, and intensifying people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Mutually beneficial cooperation between the parties has entered a stage of high-quality development, and they are jointly building a closer community with a shared future for China and CA.

POLITICAL MUTUAL TRUST HAS TAKEN STRATEGIC INTERACTION TO NEW HEIGHTS

In 2025, under the stable leadership of state leaders, political relations between China and the Central Asian countries entered a new phase of development with more sophisticated mechanisms, richer content, and closer alignment of strategies.

In June of this year, the second China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held in Kazakhstan. At the summit, the leaders decided to declare 2025-2026 the Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation. The summit also endorsed the "China-Central Asia Spirit," characterized by mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual assistance, and the promotion of joint modernization through high-quality development. The "China-Central Asia Spirit" revealed the secret to the successful development of friendly relations between China and the countries of the region and set fundamental guidelines for future cooperation between the parties.

In the five years since the establishment of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, its multidimensional and pluralistic structure has rapidly developed, characterized by the leadership of heads of state, promotion by governments, participation of all sectors of society, parallel development in various areas, and comprehensive incentives. Thirteen cooperation platforms at the ministerial level and the mechanism's permanent secretariat are effectively functioning.

High-level contacts and strategic dialogue are also deepening. The leaders of China and the five Central Asian countries maintain close strategic communication through exchanges of visits and multilateral summits (the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, the China-Central Asia summit), and other channels. The parties have reached broad consensus on regional and international issues of mutual interest, unanimously advocating for support for the international system with the UN at its core, practicing genuine multilateralism, and opposing any form of cold war or bloc confrontation.

"Strong mutual support on issues of core interests is an integral part of the community with a shared future between China and Central Asia. China is ready to be a staunch supporter and defender of peace, stability, and development in Central Asia, oppose interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region, and will not allow anyone to provoke division and unrest," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a media interview on November 23 following his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

The Central Asian countries, for their part, firmly adhere to the one-China principle and support Beijing's position on issues concerning its core interests. This strategic mutual trust, based on mutual support on key fundamental issues, forms the political foundation for the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations.

TRADE, ECONOMIC AND INVESTMENT COOPERATION IS DEVELOPING IN PARALLEL

The political leadership of China and the Central Asian countries provides a reliable guarantee for cooperation between the parties in trade, economic, and investment areas.

On April 29, 2025, construction work officially began in Kyrgyzstan on one of the key sections of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan international railway: drilling of the Fergana Tunnel. This marked the transition of this landmark project to the active construction phase. According to World Bank estimates, once operational, this railway will shorten the freight travel time from China to Europe by 900 km, saving 7-8 days. It is expected to stimulate annual GDP growth in the region by 2-3%.

This year, China and the Central Asian countries have made significant progress in interconnecting their road transport infrastructure. On June 13, Kyrgyzstan officially launched the reconstruction of a 75-kilometer section of the Barskoon-Karakol highway, which runs along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. On June 25, Tajikistan launched a pilot operation of a key section of the second phase of the China-Tajikistan highway project, implemented with grant assistance from the Chinese government. In August, construction began on the 125-kilometer Barskoon-Bedel highway in Kyrgyzstan, which will become a transport artery connecting Central Asia and China. The modernization and construction of key highways has further improved the ease of transportation in the region.

In the past year, trade and economic cooperation between China and Central Asia has advanced, amid a historic breakthrough in "infrastructure connectivity," alongside the development of "institutional connectivity" and cooperation in trade and investment, putting regional economic integration on an accelerated trajectory.

This year, trade between China and Central Asia continued to grow, and China became Central Asia's largest trading partner. In the first three quarters of the year, bilateral trade turnover between China and five countries in the region approached USD 80 billion, an increase of 15.6 percent compared to the same period last year. The annual figure is expected to exceed USD 100 billion. The trade structure is constantly being optimized, and more and more high-quality products from Central Asia are entering the Chinese market. In particular, high-quality, organic food products from Central Asia are quickly gaining widespread recognition among Chinese consumers.

China's investment in Central Asia continues to grow, and China has already become the primary source of investment for the region. To date, China's total investment in Central Asian countries has exceeded USD 50 billion. Cooperation continues to strengthen in traditional areas such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, while cooperation in new areas such as 5G, new energy, and AI is also expanding.

HUMANITARIAN EXCHANGES HAVE BECOME UNPRECEDENTEDLY ACTIVE

In 2025, people-to-people exchanges between China and Central Asian countries reached an unprecedented level of activity, driven by both official initiatives and popular enthusiasm. This dynamic interaction laid a solid and sustainable foundation for the long-term development of bilateral relations.

Education is the foundation of humanitarian exchanges. This past year, the number of Central Asian students studying in China continued to grow. Their choice of majors expanded from languages, literature, and history to include natural and technical sciences, medicine, economics, trade, and agriculture. At the same time, the number of Chinese students traveling to Central Asian countries is also growing. Confucius Institutes and Classrooms continue to develop steadily throughout Central Asia, expanding their functions from language instruction to creating comprehensive platforms for cultural exchange.

Tourist exchanges are rapidly recovering and growing. With improved cross-border travel conditions, visa facilitation measures, and mutual tourism promotion, the tourism market in China and Central Asian countries experienced explosive growth in 2025. Data show that in the first three quarters of this year, the number of citizens from the five Central Asian countries entering China increased by 37.7 percent year-on-year, while the number of mainland Chinese traveling to Central Asia increased by 50 percent. The increasingly intensified tourist exchanges between China and Central Asian countries further strengthen the friendship between the peoples.

Currently, the number of direct flights between China and Central Asian countries exceeds 100 per week, and the number of sister city pairs has reached 100. Chinese cultural centers, Confucius Institutes, and Lu Ban Workshops are very popular in the region, playing a vital role in strengthening friendship and promoting cooperation. In his keynote speech at the second China-Central Asia Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted China's readiness to establish more Chinese cultural centers, branches of Chinese universities, and Lu Ban Workshops in Central Asia, to open courses in Central Asian languages at Chinese universities, and to continue the successful implementation of the China-Central Asia Technical Skills Enhancement Program for training specialists from Central Asian countries.

"The Chinese side supports the deepening of interregional cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries, using sister cities as a bridge and humanitarian exchanges as a key tool, jointly forming a model of 'interconnectedness that brings people together' between central and local authorities, in the context of formal and informal contacts, both in the border region and across the wider region," he noted.

Chinese wisdom says, "Live in love and harmony." "With universal love, there will be mutual benefit." The peoples of Central Asia have a similar wisdom: "Harmony and unity are happiness and wealth."

The encounter of ancient civilizations always sparks a new dawn, illuminating the path to the future. Summarizing the results of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries, there is every reason to call the current year successful, opening up prospects for further collaboration for the sake of high-quality development.

Let's have high hopes for the coming year!

As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted, "2026 will mark the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. China will seize this opportunity to work with Central Asian countries to expand areas of cooperation, enrich its content, improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation, unlock its potential, be companions on the path to modernization, and open up new horizons for high-quality cooperation between China and Central Asia, creating a closer community with a shared future for China and Central Asia."

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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Memoranda of cooperation on the launch of driverless taxis have been signed in Kazakhstan.

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

Almaty, December 29 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan has signed memorandums of cooperation on developing a driverless taxi service as part of its smart city strategy and digital infrastructure development, the country's Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media reported on Monday.

The memorandums were signed by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, the Akimat (regional executive authority) of Astana, and Yandex Kazakhstan and InDrive. According to the Ministry of Digital Development, the implementation of driverless car projects is planned for 2026 and will be carried out in close cooperation with government agencies and city services.

Astana will be the first city in Kazakhstan to launch these projects. The pilot project's preliminary route will be from Astana International Airport to the Abu Dhabi Plaza shopping center. The launch will be preceded by thorough preparations to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles, their passengers, pedestrians, and other road users, the department reported.

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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Ukraine and the United States have fully agreed on security guarantees, Zelensky said.

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 29 (Xinhua) — Ukraine and the United States have fully agreed on the security guarantees that Kyiv seeks from the American side following the end of the armed conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this following his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, Interfax-Ukraine reported on Monday.

V. Zelensky also added that security guarantees in the US-Europe-Ukraine format are in the final stages of approval.

The White House chief, for his part, called the meeting with the Ukrainian leader "wonderful." He said many topics were raised during the talks.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the issue of control over the territories of Donbas, in particular the possibility of creating a free economic zone there, has not yet been resolved, but the parties are approaching a consensus.

D. Trump added that the conversation with V. Zelensky will continue on Monday.

According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, during the meeting, V. Zelenskyy and D. Trump also agreed that the Ukrainian and American teams would meet this week to finalize all the issues discussed. They also agreed on a joint meeting with European leaders, scheduled for January 2026 in Washington.

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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Over 100 fishermen from China and Russia took part in a winter fishing competition on the Argun River.

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

Hohhot, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — An ice fishing competition was held at the Heishantou checkpoint in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, located on the Sino-Russian border along the Argun River, on Sunday. More than 100 fishing enthusiasts from various regions of the two countries, including from the Priargunsky Municipal District of Russia's Trans-Baikal Territory, took part in the competition.

That day, the temperature at the competition site dropped to minus 30 degrees Celsius, but such a bitter cold couldn't stop the enthusiastic participants. The frozen surface of the Argun River, with an average ice thickness of over 80 cm, was dotted with colorful tents where ice fishermen lowered their rods and bait into a hole cut in the ice, sat comfortably on stools next to heaters, and quietly awaited a bite.

The competition lasted just five hours. The winners were determined based on the weight of the fish caught, winning first, second, and third prizes, as well as the incentive prize and the "For International Friendship" prize. "It was a huge surprise to become champion! For me, ice fishing is not just a hobby, but a great passion in life. I'm looking forward to the competition here next year," said Yu Huan, the first prize winner, sharing his joyful mood.

Sunday's events weren't limited to fishing competitions; they also included a cultural and touristic celebration: before the competition, an opening ceremony was held with folk dancing, fireworks, and a bonfire, around which Chinese and Russian tourists joyfully sang and danced. In a specially designated entertainment area, tourists had the opportunity to ride snowmobiles, play curling, and participate in other winter activities. Furthermore, in a spacious temporary greenhouse, visitors were treated to a tasting of authentic food from the border regions of China and Russia, including boiled chicken and fish in a large cast-iron cauldron called "Tiegodun" and Russian-style shashlik.

As a reminder, this is the third ice fishing competition on the Argun River. Previous similar competitions here were successfully selected by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China and included in the list of the top 10 ice and snow tourism routes in China and the list of the top 10 specific events along the aforementioned routes.

According to Yu Zhongli, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Tourism and Sports of Ergun City, where the aforementioned competitions were held, organizing such events as a unique tourism brand is intended to deepen the integrated development of sports events, culture and tourism, disseminate local advantages based on rich ice and snow resources and a border geographical location, thereby providing a sustainable driver for the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism industry. -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.