Construction of the Senkino industrial park in the New Moscow region continues.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The industrial park construction project continues in the Troitsky and Novomoskovsky administrative districts. It is being built as part of the city's program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities. This was announced by the Moscow Government Minister and Head of the Moscow Department of Investment and Industrial Policy. Anatoly Garbuzov.

Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin, during his speech at a meeting of the Moscow City Duma, spoke aboutintegrated approach to the development of urban development. Specifically, he noted that it is virtually impossible to build a residential area in Moscow without a commitment to creating new jobs. The MPT program is the main instrument for regulating this process, thanks to which new industrial, social, and business facilities are emerging in the capital.

"The program to stimulate the creation of industrial parks plays a key role in the development of the capital's manufacturing ecosystem. For example, under this program, an industrial park is being built in the city in five phases, covering a total area of 77,000 square meters. The first two phases are already operational, and today, companies from various industries operate there—from LED screen and multimedia equipment manufacturers to heat exchangers, medical devices, and bearings. Once operational, over 2,800 new jobs will be created for residents of the capital," said Anatoly Garbuzov.

Work is currently underway on the site to install facades and roofing, utility systems, and landscaping.

The third phase will include two buildings with a total floor area of 22,000 square meters. The light industrial format allows for up to four functional spaces, such as production, warehouse, office, and showroom, to be housed in a single, self-contained unit, making it particularly convenient for small and medium-sized businesses.

Each stage of the construction of the industrial park is carried out under the supervision of the capital State Construction Supervision Committee.

"The committee issued permits for the commissioning of the first two stages at the end of 2024 and in the fall of 2025. Construction of the third stage is currently ongoing, and inspectors are conducting on-site inspections to ensure that the work being performed and the materials being used comply with the requirements of the design documentation and the approved architectural and urban planning plan," the agency chairman clarified.

Anton Slobodchikov.

One of the buildings in the third phase will be designated for food production, which will help meet the growing demand for real estate from companies in this industry.

The second building offers space starting from 4,800 square meters, suitable for medium-sized businesses planning expansion.

All units are equipped with their own dock or gate type loading areas.

An innovative multimedia equipment production facility will be built in the Senkino Industrial Park.

The industrial park is located on the first line of the Central Ring Road between the Kievskoye and Kaluga highways and is easily accessible from the A-107 highway. Public transportation is available nearby.

When landscaping the area, special attention was paid to creating a comfortable environment for employees: a recreation area and a sports ground were built, and an electric vehicle charging station is also available.

The program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities has been implemented since 2020 and covers virtually all districts of the capital. Investors will construct over 270 facilities with a total area of 8.3 million square meters. These include new industrial facilities, office and shopping centers, educational, cultural, and sports institutions.

Over 2.8 trillion rubles will be invested in Moscow's development, creating approximately 360,000 jobs in virtually all sectors of the city's economy.

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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.

Twelve commercial premises in Nekrasovka were put up for auction.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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They put it up for city auction 12 commercial premises On Marshal Eremenko Street. The multi-purpose properties are located on the ground floors of residential buildings. This was reported by the head of the Moscow Department of Competition Policy. Kirill Purtov.

"Non-residential premises ranging from 50 to 100 square meters are in highest demand at open auctions. Over the first 11 months of this year, the city sold 400 such properties—a third of the total—and the average number of bidders per lot was 10. Currently, 12 premises are available for sale in the Nekrasovka district, ranging in size from 50.4 to 107.5 square meters. They are located on the ground floors of residential buildings, have a separate entrance, and can be used for any purpose, giving successful bidders a variety of options for their future use," noted Kirill Purtov.

The premises are located at the following addresses: Marshal Eremenko Street, Building 1, Buildings 1 and 2, and Building 3, Building 3. All facilities are connected to the main utility lines.

Applications for participation in the auction are accepted until January 19 and 26. The auctions will take place on January 27 and February 3 at the site RoseltorgRegistration and an enhanced qualified electronic signature are required to participate. The real estate seller is a Moscow-based Department of City Property.

"New buildings are designed to meet modern requirements not only for the apartments but also for the common areas. As a result, the ground floors of new buildings are initially planned as commercial real estate, which simplifies their adaptation for business and integration into the convenient urban infrastructure. Small general merchandise stores and grocery supermarkets, beauty salons and fitness clubs, coffee shops, service centers, and workshops are opening in these spaces. These are the very same spaces currently for sale in the residential complexes on Marshal Eremenko Street. There are other similar options in Nekrasovka. Since the opening of the metro station, residential construction has been active in the area, naturally increasing demand for goods and services near the building. Businesses are well aware of these trends: in 2025 alone, investors acquired seven similar properties in Nekrasovka from the city, with a total area of over 690 square meters. Among them are premises on Zashchitnikov Moskvy Avenue and 2nd Volskaya Street," she said.

Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital's Department of City Property.

The capital is putting various properties up for auction, and the investment portal is serving as a showcase for them. In the section Moscow Auctions All necessary information about the lots is published, including photographs, documentation, conditions and form of sale.

For more information about Moscow's economy, please visit the Economic Policy Complex's official messaging channels. Telegram AndMAX.

The development of electronic services for business is in line with the objectives of the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State" and the Moscow regional project "Digital Public Administration." More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

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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.

Experts from the "Call Me Back" project revealed new fraudulent schemes.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Purchasing messaging accounts, fake calls about replacing intercom codes, offers of guaranteed profits from trading—scams continue to evolve, but they still share the same basic signs that make them recognizable. Fraudsters use proven strategies, adapting them to new conditions.

They collect public information about a person, establish trusting relationships, create a plausible image of a government employee, impersonate friends or colleagues, and use databases of unused numbers that previous owners forgot to deactivate.

Project experts Call me back yourself They talked about new types of fraud that have been actively used recently.

"It's impossible to create a single tool that will provide 100 percent protection against all attackers. But knowing and following cybersecurity rules, as well as being vigilant, will help you recognize fraud early and protect your personal and payment information. As part of the "Call Back Yourself" project, we host in-person and online events where industry experts use real-life examples to analyze fraudulent tactics and deception scenarios. The lectures focus on the signs that will help you recognize a scammer, provide simple practical advice on protecting yourself and your loved ones, and share reliable tools and proven apps for additional protection. Recordings of our events have already been viewed over 1.8 million times, confirming the popularity of the format and the relevance of the project," said Valentina Shilina, head of the "Call Back Yourself" project in Moscow.

Department of Information Technology.

Fraudsters quickly react to changes in the news cycle. When new requirements or services emerge, or when the order of services or applications using new technologies changes, or when legislation is updated, or regulations or restrictions are introduced, they adapt their schemes, seeking to exploit the element of surprise. The period before standardization and widespread dissemination of information allows scammers to pose as experts, company representatives, or government agencies, exploiting the shift in the established order to their advantage.

Messenger accounts

This year, criminals began purchasing previously hacked or forgotten messaging accounts. They often use these accounts to send phishing links with requests and offers to the former owner's contact database. Clicking on these links and entering data can lead to fraudsters gaining access to users' bank cards. And if, for example, a phone number was previously used to administer channels or public pages, criminals can use it to publish promotional posts about quick money or stock purchases with phenomenal returns.

Experts recommend that users set up two-factor authentication for all messaging accounts. Those planning to change their phone number should first unlink it from all accounts—government and city service websites, banks, marketplaces, and messaging accounts. This will reduce the risk of a possible hack and the associated financial and reputational losses.

Keys to the intercom

This year, scammers have also revived an old scheme: posing as employees from the property management company, they call victims to change their intercom keys and trick them into providing the necessary information. To gain trust, they ask for numerous details—they record the date and time of delivery of the keys to the new door in the building, as well as the number of keys, and ask additional, misleading questions.

At the end of the conversation, the scammers claim that each apartment in the building will be assigned its own intercom code to ensure security. They then send a "unique combination for the resident" to the specified phone number and ask the user to dictate it so it can be recorded in the system. Confident in the legality of the procedure and reassured by the preliminary conversation, the user may let down their guard and provide the digital code. This results in the loss of access to accounts on various websites.

Experts remind users that the SMS code serves as a user authentication method, a kind of digital identity verification. Any requests to provide the SMS code or password or update any confidential information are highly likely a sign of fraud. In such a situation, it's best to suspend communication and double-check the information using the organization's official phone number listed on the company's website or in the app.

Investments and stock trading

In another scheme, scammers may pose as successful employers, invite candidates to interviews, and promise stock trading training and high income. They may also publish posts in hacked public channels, where an "expert consultant" offers effective stock investments and projects with guaranteed returns. Sometimes, the scammers even promote secret apps that offer lucrative earnings for completing very simple tasks.

As a result, trusted users lose their savings, access to their accounts when they install a malicious app, and are unable to withdraw their investments from the fictitious exchange. Furthermore, in some cases, victims, in a state of shock, become involved in the criminal network and recruit new participants in an attempt to recoup their losses. Fraudsters can be so convincing that some victims don't believe they're being deceived until the very end: "experts" promise them a quick breakthrough and guarantee that the investor will return everything many times over. As a result of such schemes, victims give away their savings, borrow significant sums from friends and acquaintances, sell real estate, and take out loans and microloans.

Experts advise against trusting strangers. If you lack experience and in-depth knowledge of finance and economics, it's essential to verify any information, research the organization, and do at least some basic research. Furthermore, before clicking links and entering personal information, it's important to research the resources and their content, as well as ensure the address is correct and secure.

The main recommendation is not to believe in miracles and grandiose promises, as brokerage cannot guarantee income, and the possibility of a multiple increase in the invested amount should immediately raise concern.

To learn more about investment fraud, get expert advice, and a helpful checklist with recommendations, visitwebinar recordings project "Call Back Yourself".

General recommendations

Most scammers' tactics follow a common pattern: they try to evoke strong emotions: joy, fear, or anxiety. For example, they might claim a lottery win, a friend's accident, or, posing as law enforcement officers, report a crime. They then ask for important information or send money, leaving no time to consider the situation. Without the opportunity to weigh the risks and seek advice from loved ones, the victim may make rash decisions and succumb to the scammer's pressure.

Fraudsters use manipulation and psychological pressure to gain access to personal data, passwords, and bank details, as well as control over app accounts. Therefore, it's always important to remember not to disclose or publicly publish passport information and photos, tax identification numbers (TIN), insurance numbers (SNILS), and other documents, or to share bank card details with strangers, or to share codes and passwords received via SMS.

In situations where scammers pretend to represent official organizations, remember that banks, institutions, mobile operators, and other reputable organizations typically don't send important notifications via messaging apps, don't call from unknown numbers, and don't rush decisions. You can get all the information you need in the official app, by calling the hotline, or by visiting an office.

If you receive a suspicious call, a message from an unfamiliar number, or an old friend unexpectedly asks you to vote for them in a contest, you can turn to a free AI-powered tool StopfakeThe service checks messages for signs of fraud and recognizes several types of information: text and voice messages, screenshots of conversations, and can also detect signs of synthesized speech (deepfake) in audio. Based on the results of the check, the bot assesses the likelihood of fraud and indicates which signals to pay attention to.

Information online project Call me back yourself Created in 2022 by the Moscow Government in collaboration with the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the City of Moscow, it helps Muscovites protect themselves and their loved ones from telephone and online fraud. In 2023, the project won the "Best Social Project Website" award at the Golden Site awards. It also received the Runet Prize in the "Information Security" category. In 2025, the project received awards from the Ministry of Internal Affairs' international "Shield and Pen" competition and the 4th All-Russian "Regional Information Security Cup" competition.

The creation and support of information security tools, as well as countering cyber fraud, are in line with the objectives of the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State"More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

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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.

Family Secrets: Five Years of the Moscow Main Archives' Online Service "My Family"

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 26, 2020, the Main Archives of Moscow opened online access to family and clan history documents in the free "My Family" service. Since then, the service's collection has exceeded 13.5 million digitized pages. Researching the ancestry of many generations of residents of Moscow and the Moscow region is now possible from anywhere in the country, without leaving home. Simply use the "Archive Search" platform to find your roots in countless records from parish registers, confession records, and census records in minutes, using neural networks.

"The earliest materials in the online service date back to 1694 and cover information on all faiths. Since this year, family history data has become available to schoolchildren and their parents on the Moscow Electronic School educational platform. It features information not only for Moscow but also for 20 other regions of our country. The number of My Family users is growing every day, and today this platform is driving the implementation of artificial vision technology in genealogical research. This living spiritual heritage is not something to be proud of. It must be preserved, strengthened, and developed. Our goal is to transfer as many documents as possible online and open up as many sources as possible for studying family ties. But preserving the originals of these most valuable documents remains a crucial task. This is our shared duty to the present and future generations," said the head of the Moscow Main Archives Department.

Yaroslav Onopenko.

Today, users have access to data on Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Muslim, Jewish, and Old Believer believers living in Moscow and the Moscow region. The service also provides access to information on Old Believers. The service also provides access to parish registers, census records, confessional records, and marriage records.

Despite the utmost care, all information media require restoration. The Moscow Main Archives' Preservation Laboratory restores over 110,000 sheets of priceless relics annually for their subsequent use in the interests of the city and the entire country. Handwritten materials that have not been spared by time are treated selectively. Each requires a special approach, and an individual restoration and conservation plan is developed for each.

Highly skilled art restorers give a second life to worn paper with creases, tears, and fading text, manually restoring each page. Their work not only recreates documents but also helps users discover unknown facts and chapters of their family history, and discover the names of their ancestors. This year, Glavarkhiv's partner, Yandex, joined the effort to preserve documentary heritage and restore historical materials used in their joint "Archive Search" project.

Innovations in Preserving History: Moscow's Main Archives Turns 63"Archive Search" combines historical documents with a map of Moscow.

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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.

Moscow city services will be on duty 24/7 throughout the New Year's period.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

All city services by decision Mayor of Moscow will be on duty 24/7 from December 31, 2025, to January 11, 2026. The issue of their work during the New Year holidays was discussed at a meeting of the Presidium of the Moscow Government.

Approximately 1,500 personnel from fire and rescue units, emergency response teams from engineering companies, and prefectures of administrative districts can participate in the response to potential incidents. Emergency response and response teams are equipped with materials and equipment to carry out the necessary work.

To ensure timely cleanup, the necessary number of specialized road cleaning and road transport equipment, as well as manual crews, are deployed. Special attention is paid to the cleaning of areas where mass events are taking place, particularly winter recreation facilities and pedestrian areas.

41 tractors are on duty 24/7 at dangerous road sections (primarily on the Moscow Ring Road).

Additionally, teams have been formed to clear 11,100 pitched roofs of residential and non-residential buildings. More than 50 permanent snow melting stations have been set up to handle snow.

To address the consequences of potential emergencies, a permanent readiness group of forces and resources has been formed in the capital, consisting of 450 units of fire-fighting and rescue and specialized equipment, seven helicopters, snowmobiles, and 1,590 personnel.

Over 70 rescuers are on duty at the city's waterways in shifts. They have over 25 airboats and hovercraft, as well as 30 vehicles, at their disposal.

More than 500 places of worship have been placed under special surveillance. During the holidays, representatives of the executive authorities, firefighters, rescue workers, police officers, and volunteers will be on duty there.

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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.

A New Year's holiday program, "Carousel of Gifts," has been prepared for VDNKh guests.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

From January 2nd to 11th, at the New Year's fair behind pavilion No. 58 (the "Slovo" Museum of Slavic Literature), guests of VDNKh will be treated to a variety of events as part of the project Winter in MoscowThere will be an entertainment program here. Gift Carousel.

Visitors will have a wonderful time and share emotions with friends, family, and loved ones. A magical experience will unfold on a stage styled like a colorful carousel. There will be cartoon screenings, animated programs with hosts, a performance by Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, a musical performance, and a DJ set. The events will be united by a common musical theme dedicated to beloved fairy tales.

The "Gift Carousel" program will run daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission is free.

Conducting entertainment events for VDNKh guests is in line with the objectives of the national project Tourism and HospitalityMore information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

Winter in Moscow— the main event of the season. The project aims to strengthen social and family ties, create an atmosphere of unity and mutual support, and provide assistance to those currently defending the Motherland. Through a variety of programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting events, it brings together Muscovites and visitors of all ages and interests, creating an environment for creative development, active recreation, and warm communication. Particular attention is paid to supporting participants and veterans of the special military operation and their families, as well as all those providing assistance to the front.

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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.

New Year's Season: What Moscow businesses are offering ahead of the main winter holiday

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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From gingerbread and knitted toys to floral master classes, the products and services of Moscow entrepreneurs help create a festive atmosphere in the capital. And the city, together with the State Budgetary Institution "Small Business of Moscow," supports these producers.

Gingerbread, toys and decorations made from pine needles

Lyubov Frolova is the founder of a handmade gingerbread brand. Her unique holiday gift sets are purchased by both private and corporate clients. For the holidays, the entrepreneur has created a collection of gingerbread cookies featuring Father Frost and Snow Maiden. She also makes gingerbread houses for the New Year.

Lyubov Frolova's business development was helped by winning the regional stage of the "Mom-Entrepreneur" program. She completed training and gained insight into taxation issues, and used the grant to purchase additional equipment, significantly increasing production.

"I love creating beauty through the art of confectionery. The knowledge I've gained helps me prepare for the high season and delight even more people with winter sweets," said Lyubov Frolova.

Elena and Mikhail Vasin, founders of a handmade knitted toy workshop, are also preparing for the holidays. They've created vibrant knitted garlands and a collection of animal figurines. It includes penguins, deer, bears, and even a horse—the symbol of 2026. The Vasins began working on their project 10 years ago. Since then, the brand's products have been purchased by over 10,000 families.

In 2025, the workshop owners, with the help of MBM specialists, registered as social entrepreneurs and used the "Photo Content for Business" service to create professional images of their products for marketplaces. High-quality photos increased customer interest and sales by approximately a quarter.

"Holidays are a time of gifts, magic, and joy. We want children to have memorable experiences and toys they'll love. It's great that the city supports our efforts," noted Mikhail Vasin.

The project participants are also involved. Winter in MoscowThey create a festive mood at their locations. Among them is Kristina Shirokova, owner of a chain of flower shops in Moscow and the Moscow region. Until the end of January, the Moscow branch is holding master classes on creating New Year's arrangements from pine needles on weekends for residents. Under the guidance of an experienced florist, guests assemble decorations for the holiday table and interior. Both children and adults are invited to join in. As part of the "Winter in Moscow" project, two tickets to the master class are available for the price of one.

Kristina Shirokova shared that for her, like many others, it's the fir trees that create a wintery atmosphere. Participants in her intimate master classes not only create arrangements but also learn about floristry and the intricacies of working with flowers. This sparks a lively interest among the guests. The entrepreneur prides herself on broadening people's horizons and helping them create a festive mood.

You can find out more about the events that entrepreneurs are holding at their sites as part of Winter in Moscow atproject website or in the service Russpass.

"Winter in Moscow": What the participating entrepreneurs have prepared at their venues

Support for entrepreneurs is provided within the framework of the federal project "Small and Medium Entrepreneurship and Support for Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives," which is part of the national project "Efficient and competitive economy", as well as the Moscow Mayor's strategy for supporting Moscow entrepreneurship. More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

State Budgetary Institution "Small Business of Moscow", subordinate to the city Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, helps people start and grow their businesses in the capital. At business service centers, everyone can learn about financial and non-financial government support measures. Free educational and business events are held for entrepreneurs, including forums, seminars, workshops, and conferences, which help them improve their professional skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Consultations on starting and running a business and more detailed information about current support measures for entrepreneurs in Moscow are available on the MBM website: mbm.mos.ru and by phone: 7 495 225-14-14.

Project Winter in Moscow— the main event of the season and one of the key drivers of the city's economy. The project unites the efforts of the city and businesses, creating new opportunities for the development of tourism, trade, services, and creative industries. The project was created specifically for the convenience of businesses and effective integration with seasonal events. "Time of Business Opportunities", where you can choose the appropriate format for participation throughout the year. The "Winter in Moscow" project is an example of successful collaboration between the city and entrepreneurs, making the winter season not only vibrant and festive, but also economically significant for the capital.

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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.

Read, Country! How China is Promoting the Construction of a "Reading Society"

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) — China recently issued the Regulations on Promoting National Reading, which will take effect on February 1, 2026, marking a new milestone in the country's promotion of this cause.

The document, in the form of a legislative act, institutionalized existing practices, experiences, and models of work in the field of popular reading, defining principles, goals, objectives, and measures to promote popular reading, thereby providing reliable legislative guarantees for advancing the construction of a “reading society” in the country in order to improve the moral and ideological qualities, the general level of civilization of Chinese society, as well as the scientific and cultural literacy of the Chinese people.

HIGH-LEVEL PLANNING

At the end of October, the Proposals of the CPC Central Committee for the Development of the 15th Five-Year Program for National Economic and Social Development were published, which noted the need to “advance the work of creating a reading society,” setting the tone for work in this direction for the next five years.

This is not the first time that the Party and state leadership has emphasized the importance of promoting popular reading in high-level planning. For the 12th consecutive year, "popular reading" has been included in the Chinese government's work reports, demonstrating the importance the Chinese authorities attach to building a "reading society" and the concept of comprehensively promoting the coordinated development of material and spiritual culture in the country.

These tireless efforts are certainly yielding tangible results. According to official data, the overall reading rate among China's adult population reached 82.1 percent in 2024, up from 76.3 percent in 2012.

In 2024, adult Chinese citizens read an average of 4.8 paperback books and 3.5 e-books. Both figures increased compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, minors read an average of 11.65 books.

It should be noted that since 2022, China has held four regular national reading conferences, which have included forums, lectures, book fairs, and other various events focusing on the most important tasks and key elements of national reading.

According to relevant surveys, over 70 percent of China's population anticipates major public reading events. For them, participating in such events offers the opportunity not only to purchase books at reduced prices but also to interact with authors and other book lovers.

The Regulations on Promoting National Reading also stipulate that starting from 2026, a National Reading Week will be held annually in the 4th week of April, which, according to analysts, will further promote the construction of a “reading China.”

INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF LIBRARIES

Amid efforts to promote universal reading in China, libraries, which traditionally provide reading opportunities for all segments of the population, are gaining new drivers of development.

According to official data, there were 3,248 public libraries in China by the end of 2024. By the end of 2024, the total number of public library users nationwide had increased by 440 million, or 49% compared to 2019. It's no exaggeration to say that libraries in many cities across the country are full on weekends and after-hours weekdays.

In 2024, the number of visitors to the Shanxi Provincial Library (North China) increased by 70.52 percent year-on-year. During the same period, it held more than 3,500 reading promotion events, over 160 exhibitions, and provided services to over 3.1 million readers. In response to growing demand, the library underwent renovation work, increasing its service area by over 9,000 square meters and creating and renovating 2,034 reading spaces, a 43.6 percent increase over the pre-renovation level.

“The library has already become an integral part of urban life, just like family and work,” said Chen Chao, director of the Shanghai Library, noting that in addition to reading, libraries also provide spaces for lectures, exhibitions, film screenings, coffee breaks, and other activities, reflecting the values of openness, wisdom, inclusivity, and sharing.

The construction of smart libraries also makes reading more convenient. Using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, many libraries in China can provide more personalized and targeted services to patrons. For example, the Hefei City Library (the capital of Anhui Province, eastern China) has launched a virtual assistant developed using the DeepSeek model. It helps patrons find their favorite books in the library's extensive collection based on their reading history and preferences after they enter keywords into the search engine on the library's public account on the Chinese social media platform WeChat.

In addition, more and more libraries in China are making efforts to protect antique books and develop traditional Chinese culture through interactive projects, including the restoration of ancient literature and the development of cultural and creative products such as pendants, badges, and writing instruments, which are very popular among the public, especially young people.

As of August 2025, 116 libraries nationwide have joined the China Library Cultural and Creative Products Development Association, established at the initiative of the National Library of China (NLC). The association's secretariat pledged to further strengthen its efforts in the future to participate in the inheritance, protection, revival, and utilization of antique books and cultural relics, in order to create a favorable social atmosphere for the continuation and dissemination of Chinese culture.

NEW READING TRENDS AMONG CONTEMPORARY CHINESE YOUTH

There are nearly 260 million members of Generation Z in China, born between 1995 and 2009, representing approximately 20 percent of the country's total population. They significantly shape current reading trends in contemporary Chinese society.

According to the China Digital Reading Report 2024, the number of digital reading service users in the country reached 670 million last year, with the majority of them aged 26 to 35. Thus, there is a clear inclination toward digital reading among members of Generation Z in China.

Lists of the most-read books on some digital reading platforms also indicate the popularity of traditional classics, famous literary works, books on political, economic, social and historical topics, books on psychology and personal development, and online literature among Chinese youth.

Watching video lectures has also become a new reading trend in China. According to official data for 2024, approximately 40 percent of Chinese adults have acquired the habit of listening to audiobooks, and approximately 80 percent of Chinese people read on mobile phones.

Last year, the number of reading-related videos longer than five minutes on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) increased by 336 percent year-on-year, and their views grew by 137 percent. Meanwhile, views of book review videos and graphic works increased by 135 percent, and their combined reposts jumped by 518 percent.

At the same time, the growing popularity of watching video lectures with book summaries has sparked heated debate in society. Some industry experts believe that such "superficial reading" over a long period of time reduces a person's ability to actively think critically and interpret text. Furthermore, such reading patterns may infringe the intellectual property rights of book authors.

Despite this, other experts believe that videos and livestreams featuring book reviews and guides are all part of reading in the broadest sense. New media not only haven't diminished the impact of reading, but are actually contributing to increased reading levels among the population as a whole.

In response to the changing reading habits of young people, representatives of the Chinese publishing industry believe that the publishing industry needs to develop in an integrated manner, focusing on young readers. It has become widely accepted that while the medium and space for reading may change from "reading paper books" to "reading electronically," readers' desire for knowledge remains unchanged. Traditional reading habits and digital technologies are perfectly compatible.

Chen Hui, a professor at Beijing Normal University, noted the need to encourage young people and teenagers to share experiences and express their feelings through innovative forms of youth reading activities to awaken their interest in reading and literary creativity and achieve success in this field. -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 pontoon-ice bridge between the Chinese county of Lobei and the Russian village of Amurzet has officially opened for traffic.

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

Beijing, December 25 (Xinhua) — The ice-protected pontoon bridge between Lobei County (Heilongjiang Province, northeast China) and Amurzet Village (Jewish Autonomous Region, Russia) across the Heilongjiang River officially opened to traffic on Wednesday. This is the earliest opening of this border crossing in five years, marking the full start of passenger and cargo traffic through Lobei this winter.

The official website of the Zhongguo Xinwenshe News Agency reports that this crossing utilizes a unique "build in winter, dismantle in spring" operating model. It is built annually after summer shipping is suspended and the river freezes in early December, and dismantled before the river opens in early April of the following year. Over the past two years, the average operating time for this canal has been over 100 days, and the total length of the canal, constructed this year using 34 pontoons, is approximately 900 meters, ensuring seamless customs clearance at the Luobei Port during the winter.

The opening of this ice-strengthening pontoon bridge to traffic has provided a reliable winter logistics guarantee for enterprises and business entities in China and Russia, becoming an important channel for trade and economic exchanges between the two countries during the river's freezing period, according to a report on the Zhongguo Xinwenshe website.

The Lobei checkpoint is located in the northern part of Heilongjiang Province and borders the Russian village of Amurzet, the administrative center of the Oktyabrsky District of the Jewish Autonomous Region. -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.

North Korea tests new type of anti-aircraft missiles – KCNA

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

Pyongyang, December 25 (Xinhua) — North Korea test-fired a new type of long-range anti-aircraft missile in the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday.

The tests were observed by Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK, the statement said.

This is the first test launch conducted to evaluate the tactical and technical characteristics of the new anti-aircraft missile, the agency reported, adding that the launched missiles “accurately hit the simulated targets.”

The tests are part of the planned work of the DPRK's General Directorate of Rocket Production and its subordinate research institutes to develop air defense systems, aimed at the technical optimization of the country's air defense systems, KCNA reports. -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.