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.

The PLA's military exercises are aimed at countering separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and external interference /detailed version-1/

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — Military exercises conducted by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) are aimed at countering separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and external interference, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said Monday.

Chen Binhua noted that the purpose of the exercises is to prevent collusion between pro-Taiwan independence forces and external forces, which seriously threatens peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Chen Binhua made the above statement in response to a media request to comment on the exercises codenamed "Just Mission 2025" around Taiwan Island, which began on Monday and are being conducted by mixed forces of the PLA's Eastern Area Combat Command.

Chen Binhua emphasized that the exercises are intended to protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots.

He stated that the exercises serve as a serious warning to separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and to forces of external interference. Any attempt at secessionist actions aimed at "Taiwan independence" will be met with a crushing blow, he assured.

Chen Binhua noted that the historical trend of national reunification is irreversible, adding that no one should underestimate the firm determination, strong will, and enormous ability of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. -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 PLA has sent bombers on combat readiness patrols east of Taiwan.

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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

NANJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Zone Combat Command (PLA ECCC) sent bombers to the east of Taiwan Island on Monday to conduct long-range maritime patrols to check the combat readiness of its troops, ECCC spokesman Shi Yi said.

Shi Yi said the deployed warplanes are focusing on disciplines such as long-range raids and joint precision strikes to test the capability of conducting maneuverable combat operations in remote areas. -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 Fujian Coast Guard conducted patrols in waters near Matsu and Wuqiu Islands.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — Coast Guard ships from east China's Fujian Province conducted law enforcement patrols in waters near Matsu and Wuqiu islands on Monday, the China Coast Guard (CCG) said in an online statement.

The BOC statement said the operation focused on disciplines such as identification and verification, as well as monitoring and expulsion, to test the forces' rapid response and emergency response capabilities. -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.

With the support of Rosneft, Nikas Safronov's exhibition will be held in Mumbai.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

With the support of Rosneft, an exhibition by People's Artist of the Russian Federation Nikas Safronov is opening in Mumbai, India. The exhibition, titled "Dream Vision," is on view at the National Gallery of Modern Art from December 30 to January 15.

The exhibition is a continuation of a large-scale cultural diplomacy project presented in December at the Lalit Kala Akademi, a national arts academy in New Delhi. This exhibition has been recognized as the most visited and resonant one in India in the past 60 years. Over the course of two weeks, it attracted 560,000 visitors, including government officials and representatives of international organizations, leading art critics, and film and television stars.

The Mumbai exhibition features 45 works spanning the main stages of Safronov's career. The exhibition traces the evolution of his artistic language—from classical painting and symbolism to his signature style, Dream Vision. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by large-format LED screens, creating the effect of transitioning from real space to a world of images. Particularly prominent are works that combine traditional Russian patterns—motifs of Gzhel, Khokhloma, and Palekh—with Indian cultural codes.

The National Gallery of Modern Art building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nikas Safronov created a 500-meter-long Hindu mandala installation specifically for the museum, which comes to life within the gallery's enormous dome and reveals the project's key idea—the unification of Eastern and Western cultures. To enhance the experience, the exhibition utilizes a synthesis of classical painting and modern technology: installations, light, sound, and digital solutions create an immersive environment.

A series of paintings created specifically for the Indian public has already attracted the attention of art critics, who call these works "a subtle and intellectual dialogue of cultures, in which Russia speaks to India in the language of images and emotions." These works are an artistic declaration of respect and admiration for India, its history, philosophy, religious tradition, mythology, and architecture.

The exhibition takes its name—Dream Vision—from Nikas Safronov's signature style. His unique technique allows the artist to create multi-layered paintings that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction.

Rosneft supports significant cultural projects in Russia and abroad and is actively involved in developing cultural ties between Russia and India. This summer, with the Company's support, the Festival of India was held at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, featuring folk crafts and national treats, and performances by renowned Indian art groups. In October 2024, Olympic champion Tatyana Navka's ice show toured to great acclaim in Ahmedabad, India, with Rosneft's support. "The Love Story of Scheherazade," featuring world-renowned figure skating stars, was the first ice show to be held in India.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 29, 2025

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.

Students of the preparatory department for foreign students held a traditional New Year's concert

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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On December 24, the Intercultural Communication Department's traditional New Year's concert, "Adventures of Foreigners in Russia 3," took place in the SPbGASU assembly hall. International students from the preparatory department performed.

Elena Selezneva, Head of the Department of Intercultural Communication, opened the concert, welcoming the guests and performers and wishing everyone a festive atmosphere.

Listeners from China, Iran, Mali, Zambia, Mongolia, Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Cuba, Benin, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uganda, Chad, Libya, Vietnam, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Libya, Turkey, Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Togo, Guinea, and Pakistan joyfully and joyfully wished everyone a Happy New Year. The concert program included vibrant musical performances in Russian and Chinese, energetic dance numbers, Russian poetry recitations, and a Chinese New Year culture quiz.

Students from China performed a skit about how to properly celebrate the New Year. A combined group from China, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Benin, Uganda, Chad, and Libya, along with their teacher, Professor Elena Safronova of the Department of Intercultural Communication, presented several magical song numbers. Students from African countries continued the concert, singing playful ditties about their life and studies in Russia to loud applause from the audience. Ybenze Ambouko from Mali and Djinku Kossivi Amen from Togo performed a traditional Dogon dance.

Students from China quizzed their knowledge of Chinese New Year traditions and then sang a New Year's song in their native language. Mohammadi Badrabad Amir from Iran recited Sergei Yesenin's poem about the Iranian Khorasan in Russian. Students from Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Turkey, Libya, and Anastasia Gubaidullina, Associate Professor of the Department of Intercultural Communication, performed an elegant vocal and choreographic number.

The concert ended with a group performance of a New Year's song, which the entire audience sang along to.

This year, the roles of Father Frosts (there were two of them) were played by Mohammadi Badrabad Amir and Wang Shuo from China, and the role of Snow Maiden was debuted by Yang Xinzhe from China.

The student artists not only demonstrated their creative abilities and artistic talent, but also demonstrated their knowledge of the Russian language and culture of our country.

Not only the students but also the staff of the Intercultural Communication Department contributed. In the lead-up to the concert, each classroom rehearsed songs, danced, recited poetry, and created skits. All the teachers prepared their students for the performance.

Marina Mizgireva, an assistant professor in the Department of Intercultural Communication, wrote and directed the concert. Thanks to her, the program was engaging and varied.

The guests of the magical performance were reluctant to let the artists go and applauded for a long time. After the performance, both the audience and participants took commemorative photos and shared their impressions.

"Today, the entire administration attended a concert staged by your teachers. I'd like to express my deepest gratitude; all the performances were simply wonderful. The students did a fantastic job! Thank you for spreading the festive spirit on the eve of the New Year," said Andrey Kozhokar, International Student Relations Specialist at the International Affairs Department of SPbGASU.

"I express my deep gratitude for the celebration that the faculty of the Intercultural Communication Department and the students of the Preparatory Department presented to the audience. On New Year's Eve, you once again demonstrated the results that can be achieved when you truly and devotedly love your work. Thank you for the wonderful atmosphere, positive emotions, and understanding of the caliber of professionals working here," noted Karina Surkova, Head of the Preparatory Department for Foreign Citizens.

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.

Trump's trade policy is a "disaster" — SCNG

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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

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — The Southern California News Group (SCNG) on Sunday published an editorial titled "$12 Billion Farm Payout Is a Tariff-Induced Disaster," saying the farm aid plan announced earlier this month highlights the failure of the Donald Trump administration's trade policies.

The article, written by the SCNG editorial board, begins with a pointed question: “If President Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade wars are so beneficial to the American economy, why is he forced to give out, as he did this month, $12 billion to farmers harmed by tariffs and trade wars?”

"The simple answer, of course, is that tariffs and the trade wars they lead to are never good for our economy or the economy of any other country. They are additional taxes—as if we need additional taxes—on American consumers, and on no one else," the article states.

The article argues that Trump's tariff calculations are fundamentally flawed and that his understanding of foreign trade is outdated, as in the era of globalization, tariffs no longer play a significant role in increasing federal revenues.

The editorial portrays the $12 billion payment to farmers as an unfair measure designed to mask problems created by the administration itself.

It questions the administration's attempt to solve a problem rooted in its own trade policies, noting that much of the money will go to producers of crops like soybeans, much of which was sold to trading partners without issue before Trump launched his trade war.

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.

Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the enforcement of foreign criminal court rulings in Russia.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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

Moscow, December 29 (Xinhua) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a law amending the country's judicial system.

According to a document published on the official legal information portal, rulings of foreign courts vested with criminal jurisdiction without Russia's participation, and international judicial bodies whose jurisdiction is not based on an international treaty with Russia or a UN Security Council resolution, are not subject to enforcement in the country.

The new law amends Article 6 of the Federal Constitutional Law “On the Judicial System of the Russian Federation.” –0–

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China opposes Israel's recognition of Somaliland – Chinese Foreign Ministry

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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

BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — China firmly opposes Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland as an "independent sovereign state" and Israel's signing of an agreement to "establish diplomatic relations" with it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.

Lin Jian made the statement at a regular departmental press conference, declaring that China firmly supports the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and opposes any steps that undermine the territorial integrity of this country. -0-

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The PLA practiced regional patrol and air standoff operations in the airspace near Taiwan.

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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

NANJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) — The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Zone Combat Command (PLAEC) on Monday carried out regional patrol, air confrontation and information support operations in the airspace southwest of Taiwan Island as part of a drill.

The exercises involved fighter jets, early warning aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, the PLAAF's Air Defense Command said in a statement.

The operations are designed to test the armed forces' ability to coordinate the actions of various types of aircraft and gain air superiority. -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.