The West's plan to further militarize Ukraine aims to escalate the conflict, according to the Russian 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

Moscow, January 8 (Xinhua) — The Russian Foreign Ministry believes that the plan proposed by Western countries for further steps regarding Ukraine has nothing to do with a peaceful resolution and, on the contrary, is aimed at escalating the conflict. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

On January 6, in Paris, members of the so-called coalition of the willing, led by Great Britain and France, signed a declaration with Kyiv titled "Reliable Security Guarantees for a Strong and Lasting Peace." As noted in a commentary by the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published on the ministry's website, the document "is aimed not at achieving lasting peace and security, but at continuing the militarization, escalation, and expansion of the conflict. Its core element is the deployment of a so-called 'multinational force' on Ukrainian territory, which the 'coalition' members will be required to form to facilitate the 'restoration' of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and ensure 'containment' of Russia after the cessation of hostilities."

"In this regard, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that the deployment of Western military units, military facilities, warehouses, and other infrastructure on Ukrainian territory will be considered a foreign intervention, posing a direct threat to the security of not only Russia but also other European countries. All such units and facilities will be considered legitimate combat targets of the Russian Armed Forces. These warnings have been repeatedly voiced at the highest level and remain relevant," the statement reads.

M. Zakharova emphasized that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is possible only by addressing its root causes. This will undoubtedly be achieved either through political and diplomatic means or through a special military operation, during which the Russian Armed Forces retain complete control of the battlefield.

According to the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "the new militaristic declarations of the so-called coalition of the willing and the Kyiv regime are creating a real 'axis of war.' The plans of its participants are becoming increasingly dangerous and destructive for the future of the European continent and its inhabitants." –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.

China's export controls on dual-use goods to Japan aim to stop its "remilitarization," according to the Ministry of Commerce.

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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, January 8 (Xinhua) — China's tightening controls on dual-use exports to Japan is aimed at curbing Japan's "remilitarization" and its attempts to acquire nuclear weapons, which is entirely justified, reasonable, and legal, Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said on Thursday.

He Yadong noted that China is committed to maintaining the stability and security of global supply chains, and its export control measures will not affect goods intended for civilian use. Parties engaged in regular civilian trade should have no concerns, the official added.

On January 6, China announced a ban on the export of any dual-use items that could be used by Japanese military users, by Japan for military purposes, or by any other end-users involved in or for purposes that contribute to Japan's military buildup.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous statements about Taiwan constituted an infringement on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, open interference in China's internal affairs, and a military threat against China.

He Yadong recalled that since taking office, Sanae Takaichi has been pushing for the revision of three Japanese national security documents, and that people close to her have made statements about possessing nuclear weapons.

Such actions, He Yadong emphasized, represent an attempt to challenge the international community's red lines and expose the long-standing misguided position of Sanae Takaichi and Japanese right-wing forces and their persistent ambition to promote "remilitarization." As the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson pointed out, these steps, which undermine the post-war international order, will inevitably harm peace and stability in the region and pose a threat to global peace and security.

He added that China, as a responsible major power, has always actively complied with its international obligations on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and China's export control measures are in accordance with laws and regulations.

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.

Russia calls on the United States to immediately cease illegal actions against the Mariner vessel – Russian 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

Moscow, January 8 (Xinhua) — Russia calls on the United States to immediately cease illegal actions against the oil tanker Mariner, as well as other vessels conducting legitimate activities on the high seas. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced this on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the U.S. European Command announced that U.S. authorities had seized the tanker Mariner in the North Atlantic for violating U.S. sanctions.

"We call on Washington to return to compliance with the fundamental norms and principles of international maritime navigation and immediately cease its illegal actions against the Mariner, as well as other vessels carrying out legitimate activities on the high seas," reads a statement published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website.

As noted, the vessel Marinera, which received temporary permission to sail under the state flag of the Russian Federation on December 24, 2025, in accordance with international law and Russian legislation, was conducting innocent passage in international waters of the North Atlantic, heading towards a Russian port.

The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that it considers the threats made by American authorities to prosecute the ship's crew under absurd pretexts categorically unacceptable. "By conducting an unsafe pursuit and then an armed seizure of the oil tanker in difficult weather conditions, the American military clearly failed to consider the risk of causing significant damage to the environmental safety of the North Atlantic," the statement reads.

"We consider the American side's references to its national 'sanctions legislation' to be unfounded. Unilateral restrictive measures by the United States, as well as those of other Western countries, are illegitimate and cannot serve as justification for attempts to establish jurisdiction, much less the seizure of vessels on the high seas. The suggestions by individual US officials that the seizure of the Mariner is part of a broader strategy to establish Washington's unlimited control over Venezuela's natural resources are extremely cynical. We resolutely reject such neocolonialist tendencies," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

"Along with the US administration's disdain for the generally accepted 'rules of the game' in international maritime navigation, Washington's willingness to generate acute international crises, including in Russian-American relations, which are already extremely strained by the disagreements of recent years, is regrettable and alarming. The Marinera incident can only lead to a further escalation of military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as a visible lowering of the 'threshold for the use of force' against peaceful shipping. Inspired by the dangerous and irresponsible example set by Washington, some other countries and entities may also feel entitled to act in similar ways," the statement emphasized.

The Russian Foreign Ministry demanded that the American side ensure humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens on board the tanker, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not hinder their speedy return to their homeland.

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.

D. Trump proposed a $1.5 trillion military budget for 2027.

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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

Washington, January 8 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027 on social media Wednesday, significantly exceeding the $901 billion budget for 2026. This has sparked fears of war.

“After long and difficult negotiations with Senators, Representatives, Secretaries, and other political representatives, I have concluded that for the good of our Nation, especially in these very turbulent and dangerous times, our military budget for 2027 should be not $1 trillion, but $1.5 trillion,” Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social.

“This will allow us to build the ‘dream military’ to which we have long been entitled, and, more importantly, will ensure our safety and security, no matter who the enemy is,” the US president wrote.

He said the "enormous revenues" generated by the tariffs would make it possible to achieve the new figure.

"This isn't a peacekeeping budget. This is a military budget, a big military budget," said American journalist and commentator Tucker Carlson on his latest program. "Clearly, this is the kind of budget a country expecting a global or regional war would allocate to its armed forces."

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the United States remains the world's leading military spender, with military spending reaching $997 billion in 2024. –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.

China is ready to work with the international community to uphold the authority of international law – 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, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with the international community to uphold the authority of international law, jointly promote multilateralism, and ensure world peace and stability, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday.

As reported, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk pointed out that the US military operation in Venezuela undermines the fundamental principle of international law, and experts of the Human Rights Council issued a joint statement strongly condemning the actions of the United States.

At a regular departmental press conference, the Chinese diplomat stated that China consistently opposes the politicization of human rights issues and their use as a tool, rejects the selective application of international law, and opposes the use of human rights as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Mao Ning said China firmly supports Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests, and firmly supports all countries in choosing their own development paths in the field of human rights in accordance with their national conditions.

China is willing to work with the international community to uphold the authority of international law, jointly promote multilateralism, and maintain world peace and stability, she added. -0-

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US military intervention in Venezuela worries small countries, says Singapore's senior minister

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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

SINGAPORE, January 8 (Xinhua) — The United States' military intervention in Venezuela is a concern for small countries like Singapore, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Thursday at the Regional Outlook Forum 2026, when asked about Singapore's view of the situation in Venezuela.

"I think we should be concerned about the long-term consequences [of such actions] for the international system. From the perspective of a small country, if the world operates by these rules, we have a problem," he noted.

Expressing Singapore's serious concern over US military intervention in Venezuela, Lee Hsien Loong noted that Singapore opposes military intervention in other countries, as "it is contrary to international law and contrary to the UN Charter." –0–

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The leader of a transnational criminal group has been extradited from Cambodia to China.

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

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — Chen Zhi, the ringleader of a major transnational gambling and fraud ring, has been extradited to China from Cambodia, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said Thursday.

The extradition procedure was successfully completed on Wednesday with the support and cooperation of Cambodian authorities, marking another important milestone in law enforcement cooperation between the two countries, the department said in a statement.

The organized crime group led by Chen Zhi is reportedly suspected of committing a number of crimes, including running gambling dens, fraud, illegal business activities, and concealing and laundering the proceeds of these crimes.

Chen Zhi has been subjected to coercive measures in accordance with the law, and investigations into the relevant cases are ongoing.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense stated that a search for Chen Zhi's henchmen would be issued in the near future. The ministry also expressed its determination to arrest and bring to justice all fugitives. -0-

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China's Ministry of Commerce has commented on the investigation into Meta's acquisition of the artificial intelligence platform Manus.

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

BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday commented on the investigation into Meta's acquisition of artificial intelligence platform Manus, noting that enterprises investing overseas are required to comply with Chinese laws and regulations.

Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press briefing that the Chinese government always supports enterprises in conducting mutually beneficial transnational transactions and international technological cooperation in accordance with laws and regulations.

The representative emphasized that enterprises engaged in overseas investment, technology export, cross-border data transfer, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and other activities are required to comply with Chinese laws and regulations and follow legal procedures.

He added that the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, together with relevant departments, will conduct an assessment and investigation into the compliance of this acquisition with laws and regulations in the areas of export control, import and export of technology, and overseas investment. -0-

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Kazakhstan's exports to the Organization of Turkic States reached $7.6 billion.

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

Astana, January 8 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan's exports to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) reached $7.6 billion, up 17.1 percent, the Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday.

Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of National Economy Asan Darbayev presented data on trade turnover with the amalgamated territorial communities (ATC) at the third General Assembly of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He stated that the total volume of mutual trade amounted to $10.4 billion, with imports from the ATC countries reaching $2.8 billion, and a trade surplus of $4.8 billion.

As A. Darbaev specified, the largest trade turnover was with Turkey (4.36 billion dollars), Uzbekistan (3.88 billion dollars), Kyrgyzstan (1.78 billion dollars) and Azerbaijan (0.39 billion dollars), which together accounted for almost the entire volume of mutual trade within the organization.

According to the Vice Minister, the export growth is primarily driven by increased supplies of copper and copper cathodes, crude oil, wheat, petroleum products, sunflower oil, as well as metallurgy and agricultural products. He noted that this trend reflects growing demand for Kazakhstani products in the markets of Turkic states and is accompanied by an expansion of the range of goods with higher added value.

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 migration policy mechanisms will be introduced in Kazakhstan starting in 2026.

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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

Astana, January 8 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan will begin a phased implementation of new migration regulation mechanisms in January 2026, as part of the Migration Policy Concept until 2030. This was reported on Thursday by the Kazinform news agency, citing Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to her, the updated migration policy aims to create a more transparent, manageable, and citizen-focused migration regulation system. The key principle remains the balance between economic needs, societal interests, and national security.

As the minister noted, foreign labor will be recruited exclusively in those sectors and regions where there is an objective labor shortage. Migration flows will be determined based on the actual needs of specific industries, regions, and projects.

Starting in January 2026, a scoring model will be introduced for the preliminary screening of foreign citizens, including ethnic Kazakhs, applying for permanent residence. The model includes a language test, a digital questionnaire, interdepartmental checks, and a final interview.

A separate procedure has been maintained for ethnic Kazakhs who rely on state support. To receive assistance, they must obtain kandas (special legal status) status and resettle in labor-deficit regions of the country, signing a five-year social contract. In the event of early departure from the region, the state support received will be refunded. However, permanent residency remains possible on a general basis, without participating in state support programs.

A. Balayeva emphasized that the new migration policy will be implemented in stages, taking into account feedback from society, businesses, and the regions. Priority will be given to law-abiding migrants, and the introduction of digital tools will minimize illegal schemes and fictitious documents.

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.