EU to ease zero-emissions requirements for new cars by 2035

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

Brussels, December 16 (Xinhua) — The European Commission said on Tuesday it will relax the planned 2035 ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars, replacing it with a target that will require automakers to reduce tailpipe emissions by 90 percent. The remaining 10 percent will be offset by the use of low-carbon steel produced in the EU or by electric vehicles and biofuels.

Under the European Commission's proposed "car package," after 2035, carmakers will still be able to sell some non-fully electric vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids, extended-range vehicles and mild hybrids, alongside fully electric and hydrogen models.

This means revising EU rules adopted in 2023 that set a 100% carbon emission reduction target for new passenger cars and vans from 2035.

The European Commission announced that automakers will be able to use so-called supercredits for small, affordable electric vehicles produced in EU countries until 2035. This move is aimed at accelerating the production of more compact electric models.

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Japan continues to try to mislead the public on the Taiwan issue, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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

Beijing, December 16 (Xinhua) — Judging by a series of recent statements, Japan continues to maintain ambiguity and vagueness on critical issues related to Taiwan, thereby attempting to mislead the public and get away with it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

"China is categorically opposed to such behavior," Guo Jiakun said at a regular briefing for journalists.

Commenting on the statement made by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on the Taiwan issue at a meeting of the House of Councillors (upper house) of the Japanese Diet, the Chinese diplomat noted that the Japanese side did not confirm the important provisions of the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, which state: “The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China” and “Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.”

Guo Jiakun added that the Japanese side, when quoting the Cairo Declaration, only mentioned “Northeast China, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands,” deliberately avoiding the important wording that these are “territories stolen from China by Japan.”

The Japanese side, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman continued, also equated the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement with the so-called "San Francisco Peace Treaty," violating its obligations and the principles of international law, perpetuating the misconception of "Taiwan's undetermined status," and interfering in China's internal affairs.

Guo Jiakun cited statements by several high-ranking Japanese politicians and the wording of relevant documents, calling them historical facts that demonstrate Japan's position on the Taiwan issue.

This year, Guo Jiakun recalled, marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's liberation from Japanese occupation.

As the Chinese diplomat noted, Japan invaded Taiwan, exercised colonial rule over the island for 50 years, and committed countless crimes there, and therefore bears historical responsibility for the Taiwan issue. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The resolution of the Taiwan issue is solely China's internal affair, and Japan has no right to interfere," Guo Jiakun stated.

“We once again call on the Japanese side to strictly adhere to the spirit of the four China-Japan political documents, to effectively reconsider and correct its mistakes, and to disavow Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s erroneous judgments about Taiwan,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson added.

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Expanding domestic demand will be the top priority in 2026, according to the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs.

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

BEIJING, December 16 (Xinhua) — Expanding domestic demand will be China's top economic policy priority in 2026, a spokesperson for the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission said.

Explaining the spirit of the decisions taken at the Central Economic Work Conference held in Beijing last week, a department representative told Xinhua and other media that next year, measures will be taken to stimulate consumption on both the supply and demand sides, taking into account structural changes in the country's consumption patterns.

In addition, efforts will be made to stabilize investment and halt its downward trend in order to improve the well-being of the population and strengthen long-term growth momentum.

“All the conditions are in place to achieve sustainable growth in domestic demand next year through the coordination of investment and consumption, as well as synergy between the government and the market,” the agency representative emphasized. –0–

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12.1 million new jobs were created in Chinese cities in January-November 2025.

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

BEIJING, December 16 (Xinhua) — China's cities and towns created 12.1 million new jobs in the first 11 months of 2025, achieving the annual target of over 12 million new jobs a month ahead of schedule, according to data released Tuesday by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

According to the agency, during the reporting period, the average urban unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, which is better than the target indicator set for the current year (about 5.5 percent).

With employment, which is crucial to people's well-being and social stability, remaining a priority on China's political agenda, the country's authorities are continuously implementing comprehensive measures to support employment growth. –0–

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Unemployment in the US rose to 4.6% in November, the highest level since October 2021.

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

New York, December 16 (Xinhua) — The unemployment rate in the United States rose to 4.6 percent in November, the highest level since October 2021, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The number of unemployed people increased to 7.8 million in November, significantly exceeding the 7.12 million for the same month last year.

Specifically, the number of people unemployed for less than five weeks in November was 2.5 million, up 316,000 from September. The number of long-term unemployed increased slightly in November to 1.9 million, accounting for 24.3% of the total unemployed.

In addition, the labor force participation rate rose to 62.5 percent in November, up from 62.4 percent in September.

The number of new nonfarm jobs in the United States increased by 64,000 in November, exceeding the forecast of 40,000 new jobs. Employment gains were recorded in sectors such as health care, construction, and social assistance, while losses occurred in areas such as transportation and warehousing, as well as in federal government.

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The Thai Foreign Ministry reiterated its position on the ceasefire regarding the situation on the border with Cambodia.

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

BANGKOK, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — Thailand's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reiterated the country's position on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, saying Cambodia should be the first to declare a ceasefire, ensure its genuine and sustainable implementation, and seriously and sincerely cooperate in demining.

Deputy Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Marathi Nalita Andamo emphasized at a press conference that Thailand's position remains consistent and clear, having been publicly voiced repeatedly by the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

The diplomat also announced that Thai Foreign Minister Sikhasak Phuangketkaew will attend a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers on December 22 to discuss the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, with details of the participation of other ASEAN member countries still being agreed upon.

As of Tuesday morning, the current round of Thai-Cambodian border conflict has killed 17 Thai soldiers and 16 civilians, and displaced more than 260,000 people, according to data released at a press conference. –0–

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The 6th China-Russia Media Forum was held in Beijing.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The 6th China-Russia Media Forum held in Beijing on Tuesday discussed promoting friendship between the two countries and supporting the development of China and Russia through media cooperation.

Li Shulei, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech.

Forum participants stated that under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, Chinese-Russian relations have maintained stable and healthy development at a high level, setting a model for a new type of international relations and relations between neighboring major powers.

In May of this year, the leaders of the two countries signed and released a joint statement on further deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, in which they proposed deepening cooperation between the two countries in the field of media.

As forum participants noted, the media in China and Russia must fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consistently adhere to the general direction of Chinese-Russian friendship, and foster a positive public atmosphere for the joint development of both countries.

It was noted that the media of the two countries should focus on such an important topic as the alignment of China's 15th Five-Year Development Plan with Russia's socio-economic development strategies, and provide in-depth coverage of the results of mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

Those present emphasized that the media should build bridges between people, promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Russian civilizations, join forces to address the challenges posed by digital and intellectual transformation, and jointly enhance the media's ability to disseminate information and its influence.

The forum was organized by the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee and the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, with Xinhua and TASS news agencies serving as co-organizers.

The event was attended by approximately 140 officials from relevant agencies and media representatives from both countries. During the forum, the parties signed 11 documents on deepening cooperation between Chinese and Russian media.

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The State Council Information Office of China hosted a New Year's reception.

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

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China hosted a New Year's reception at the National Museum of China in Beijing on Tuesday, attracting about 500 guests from China and abroad.

The event was attended by representatives of Chinese and international media, official representatives of central party and government bodies, foreign diplomats, representatives of international organizations, experts and scholars from think tanks.

Participants noted that in 2025, despite pressure, China's economy continued to move forward, reform and opening-up policies were steadily implemented, and high-quality development yielded new results. According to those present, more and more foreigners are coming to China to invest, do business, travel, and socialize, experiencing the appeal of Chinese civilization and sharing in the dividends of China's development.

Those present added that they are ready to share with the world what they have seen, heard, and experienced in China in order to present the international community with the true, multidimensional, and comprehensive image of this country. –0–

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Baku will become the Sports Capital of the World in 2026.

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

Baku, December 16 /Xinhua/ — Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will officially take over the title of World Capital of Sports from Monaco in 2026, the AZERTAC news agency reported.

The decision was announced on Tuesday during the official signing ceremony of the “World Sports Capitals” plaque, which was held with the participation of government officials and representatives of the Federation of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES).

ACES President Gian Francesco Lupatelli noted that Baku has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the development of sport, distinguishing itself with its modern infrastructure.

ACES Secretary General Hugo Alonso Castañon, in turn, emphasized that Baku has a well-developed sports infrastructure and already has experience hosting prestigious events in various sports. "We are confident that Baku will set a positive example as the World Capital of Sport in 2026," he stated.

Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov called the title a significant event for the country. He noted that, with the support of Azerbaijan's leadership, the sports sector is steadily developing, and Baku regularly hosts international tournaments, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix. He also stated that the capital will continue to expand its calendar of major sporting events in the coming years.

In accordance with the ACES decision, the title of World Capital of Sport belongs to Monaco in 2025, after which it will officially pass to Baku.

ACES is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Brussels that annually awards sporting titles to cities and regions around the world. The organization, which views sport as a tool for social inclusion, improving quality of life, and strengthening public well-being, collaborates with the European Commission, UNESCO, and other international institutions.

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Japan has no right to talk about China's defense spending, says Chinese Foreign Ministry /more details/

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

Beijing, December 16 (Xinhua) — Japan, as a country burdened by an aggressive past, has no right to comment on China's defense spending, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

Guo Jiakun made the statement in response to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's comments on China's military spending.

"The Japanese side made groundless accusations and malicious attacks on China's legitimate defense construction, demonstrating a disgusting and shameful attitude," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

Noting that China has the best record of peace and security among major powers, Guo Jiakun noted that increasing China's defense spending is reasonable and legitimate. China must address security challenges, uphold its legitimate national interests, and better fulfill its international responsibilities and obligations as a major power, the Chinese diplomat emphasized.

Japan, as a country burdened by an aggressive past, has no right to make such irresponsible statements, he pointed out.

According to Guo Jiakun, Japan's aggressive history, with countless crimes, has led to its military and security actions constantly attracting the attention of neighboring Asian countries and the international community. In fiscal year 2025, Japan's per capita defense expenditure and per service member expenditure were three times and more than twice that of China, respectively.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that Japan has been significantly adjusting its security and defense policies in recent years, increasing defense spending for 13 consecutive years, increasing it by approximately 60 percent over the past five. Japan has also lifted restrictions on exercising its right to collective self-defense, is developing its so-called base-attack capability, is reviewing its arms export principles, is strengthening cooperation on extended deterrence, and intends to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."

Japan claims to be pursuing a “purely defensive policy” and a “passive defense” strategy, Guo Jiakun continued, but in reality it is violating its obligations as a defeated country, clearly laid out in the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations, and is retreating from the commitments enshrined in the Japanese Constitution.

"Who is actually building up their military might and expanding their weapons arsenal? Who is trying to use military force to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and challenge their fundamental interests? Who is threatening peace and stability in the region? The facts are clear to everyone," Guo Jiakun stated.

Japan's attempts to accelerate new militarization will only raise further doubts about the country's direction, warned a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, adding that all peace-loving countries must remain vigilant and suppress any dangerous attempts to revive Japanese militarism, while jointly defending the results of the victory in World War II, for which such a high price was paid.

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