Cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong Basin serves as a model for building a community with a shared future for mankind, says Chinese Foreign 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

Beijing, March 23 (Xinhua) — Cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong Basin has grown from a tiny seed into a towering tree, becoming a model for building a community with a shared future for humanity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while speaking at a reception to mark the 10th anniversary of the first meeting of leaders of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism.

The Chinese diplomat noted that over the past decade, the six countries have become even more closely linked, have gained even more powerful momentum for development, have further strengthened their common security shield, and have further deepened exchanges between their peoples.

He noted that a commitment to good-neighborliness, friendship and common destiny, a focus on development for the benefit of the people, and a desire for innovation and pioneering are the three principles underlying the rapid development of cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong basin.

Stressing the importance of more effectively aligning the development strategies of the basin countries, Wang Yi called on the six countries to collectively build a Lancang-Mekong Basin cooperation model 2.0 and make it a model for global governance.

The Chinese Foreign Minister called for strengthening cohesion and cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong Basin and promoting the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness. He stated that the six countries should strive for openness and win-win outcomes, and actively promote infrastructure connectivity.

Speaking about green and innovative development, Wang Yi called on the six countries to deepen cooperation in the areas of digital economy, artificial intelligence, scientific and technological innovation, and environmental governance, while promoting investment in the new energy sector.

The Chinese diplomat pointed out that the six countries need to promote mutual learning among civilizations, deepen cooperation between media and think tanks, and increase personnel and youth exchanges.

He said Lancang-Mekong countries should also step up efforts to combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecommunications fraud and ensure the successful implementation of joint patrols and law enforcement operations on the Mekong River.

China is willing to work with the other five Mekong River countries to usher in a new golden decade of cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong Basin, Wang said, calling for joint efforts to build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly common home.

The reception was attended by diplomats accredited in China from the five Mekong River basin countries, diplomats from ASEAN member states, representatives of relevant international organizations operating in China, officials from central and local governments of the PRC, and representatives of Chinese think tanks.

During the event, two reports were published: “Building a Community of Shared Future for the Lancang-Mekong Basin Countries: Shared Vision and Practical Paths” and “Master Plan for Ensuring Connectivity, Joint Development, and Deeper Integration of the Lancang-Mekong Basin in the Next 10 Years.” –0–

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Georgia's domestic exports grew by 70 percent in January-February 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

Tbilisi, March 23 (Xinhua) — Georgian exports of domestic products increased by 70 percent in January-February 2026 compared to the same period last year, reaching $660 million, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Vakhtang Tsintsadze announced on Monday.

According to him, this indicator indicates the strengthening of local production and the increased competitiveness of Georgian products in international markets.

V. Tsintsadze noted that the development of local production contributes to the creation of added value, increased employment, and the expansion of the country's export potential.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the government intends to maintain positive trends and continue implementing state support programs aimed at developing local production, attracting investment, and increasing the competitiveness of national products. –0–

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Xi Jinping called for developing the Xiong'an New Area into an innovation outpost and a benchmark for high-quality development (detailed version-2)

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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

XIONG'AN, HEBEI PROVINCE, March 23 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called on Monday for efforts to build Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province into an innovation hub for the new era and a benchmark for promoting high-quality development.

Xi Jinping, also China's president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected the Xiong'an New Area on Monday and held a meeting to advance high-quality construction and development in the area.

He stressed the need to firmly adhere to the core functional positioning of the Xiong'an New Area as a centralized location for the transfer of Beijing's non-capital functions.

It is necessary to strengthen the internal driving forces of development by focusing on reform and innovation, and to unleash the vitality of the Xiong'an New Area through the rational concentration of factors and resources, the Chinese leader pointed out.

On Monday morning, upon arriving in Xiong'an New Area, Xi Jinping took a car ride to inspect the construction of the area's launch zone. He then visited China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., which relocated over 1,000 workers to Xiong'an New Area in October 2025. He also heard reports on issues such as enterprise relocation, industrial spatial distribution, and innovative development.

The Chinese leader warmly spoke with personnel and employees of organizations that have already begun operations in the new Xiong'an district or are preparing to relocate, asking about their working and living conditions.

Xi Jinping also visited Beijing No. 4 Middle School in Xiong'an New Area, where he spoke with teachers and students in a classroom to learn about the teaching process. In the school cafeteria, he inspected the facilities and sampled the food selection.

On Monday afternoon, the Chinese leader held a meeting on in-depth promotion of high-quality construction and development in the Xiong'an New Area, where he delivered an important speech. He noted that important interim results have been achieved in the area's construction and development.

Xi Jinping stated that practice has convincingly proven that the CPC Central Committee's decision to build the Xiong'an New Area is absolutely correct, and the work carried out in various areas is thorough and effective.

The Secretary-General called for a more effective and orderly process for the transition of Beijing's non-capital functions to the Xiong'an New Area. He called for active, systematic, and phased implementation of projects to relocate centrally administered state-owned enterprises, universities, and hospitals.

Xi Jinping called for systematic planning, comprehensively ensuring high-quality construction and effective governance, improving the public service system, making efforts to ensure and improve public welfare, and actively exploring promising models for managing smart cities.

The Chinese leader pointed out that the Xiong'an New Area should cultivate a modernized industrial system that suits its actual conditions and carry out high-level construction of the Xiong'an-Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park, promoting the practical application of new scientific and technological achievements.

Xi Jinping continued that the Xiong'an New Area needs to promote the cluster development of emerging sectors and industries of the future, boldly conduct research, implement pilot projects, ensure the priority implementation of innovation policies in areas such as science, technology, and finance, and strive to create a market-oriented, law-based internationalized business environment.

The General Secretary pointed out the need to strengthen Party leadership and Party building, firmly establish and thoroughly implement in practice the correct attitude towards success in political work.

Xi Jinping was accompanied by Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang, Director of the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Cai Qi, and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang. All three are also members of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee.

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The Chinese government's special envoy called for a return to diplomatic methods to resolve disputes in the Middle East.

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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, March 23 (Xinhua) — China calls on the international community to remain true to its fundamental commitment to peace, actively promote peace talks, and encourage a return to diplomatic means of settling disputes. This was stated by Chinese government Special Envoy for the Middle East Zhai Jun on Monday following his visit to the region.

Speaking at a press conference, the diplomat said that during his trip he had outlined China's position in detail to countries in the region.

First, as he emphasized, this war should never have started. While the people of all Middle Eastern countries were hoping for peace and stability, just as another round of Iranian-American negotiations was underway, the US and Israel suddenly unleashed a war, thwarting all diplomatic efforts. This is deeply regrettable and disappointing for all who strive for peace.

Secondly, the full context of the crisis is crystal clear. The United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran without UN Security Council authorization, which clearly violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law. China firmly opposes and condemns such actions. Any discussion of ways to resolve this crisis must be based on an understanding of its root causes and the full context of the conflict.

Third, efforts must be aimed at preventing the spread and escalation of military action. The fighting is seriously undermining security and stability in the Middle East, dealing a severe blow to the security of the global economy, energy, and shipping routes, and threatening the well-being of all countries. Arab countries, particularly members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, are suffering from a disaster that is not their fault. Under no circumstances should the red line for the protection of civilians be crossed in any military conflict. Similarly, attacks on non-military targets, such as energy, economic, and vital infrastructure, or undermining the security of the Strait of Hormuz and other international maritime routes are prohibited. China condemns any indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets.

Fourth, a ceasefire is a priority. In terms of scale, intensity, and duration, these hostilities exceed last year's 12-Day War. The Middle East has experienced its share of upheavals. Right now, residents of the region desire peace and tranquility above all else. The parties involved must immediately cease hostilities and prevent further escalation and the situation from spiraling out of control.

Fifth, dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental solution. Both the past and present demonstrate that dialogue and negotiation are the only way to resolve differences and disputes, that military means are incapable of resolving fundamental problems, and that the use of force should never be the first choice. China calls on the international community to remain true to its fundamental commitment to peace, actively promote peace talks, and encourage a return to diplomatic means of dispute resolution.

Sixth, unilateralism must be resolutely opposed. Might does not make right. A major power should not use its military might to attack other countries at will. The international community must unanimously say "no" to any actions that violate international law and resist attempts to return the world to the "law of the jungle." The UN should act as the primary mediator, assisting the parties concerned in building trust, overcoming differences, and resuming negotiations.

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Guterres: Racism remains a global threat and is spreading rapidly in the digital environment

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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March 23, 2026 Human rights

"Sixty-nine people were killed when police opened fire indiscriminately on a crowd peacefully protesting apartheid" – with this reminder of the tragedy in Sharpeville, UN Secretary-General António Guterres began his speech to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

A protest in South Africa on March 21, 1960, ended with the mass shooting of unarmed demonstrators, sparking a wave of outrage worldwide. The UN Security Council, in Resolution 134, condemned the actions of the South African government. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the memory of this tragedy remains an important symbol in the fight against racism.

Learned behavior

The UN chief noted that racial discrimination is a direct violation of human rights. He asserted that racism is not an innate, but an acquired trait.

"This is a learned behavior that is widespread and has devastating consequences," Guterres said.

He emphasized that the consequences of racism are still felt today – in the legacy of slavery, colonialism, and oppression. They are also reflected in economic, social, and political inequality.

"Racism underlies the abhorrent actions of white supremacists and other extremist groups. It sows mistrust, divides societies, and robs people of their human dignity," the UN chief said.

Hate in the Digital Environment

The Secretary-General said the spread of hatred in the digital environment is particularly alarming today. New technologies, he noted, facilitate the spread of false notions and stereotypes, which often lead to violence in real life.

The Secretary-General also expressed concern that xenophobia and racism are increasingly becoming part of political discourse and are being normalized in the public space.

“I am deeply concerned about how racism and xenophobia are becoming mainstream on digital platforms and in political discourse,” he said.

Guterres emphasized the need for joint action by governments, businesses, and society: "Let us fight for the dignity, rights, and sense of belonging of every person. And together, let us vow to erase the stain of racism from our world," the Secretary-General said.

Under the guise of the ordinary

Racism still exists in every corner of the world and takes many different forms, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted in her speech.

"Sometimes it manifests itself in obvious and vulgar ways – in the form of offensive words thrown at another person or graffiti scratched on a wall," she said.

"Sometimes it manifests itself quietly and unnoticed, hiding behind the mask of bureaucracy and concealed behind the ordinary," Baerbock added.

But whatever form it takes, racism has devastating consequences for society as a whole, not just for individuals, she stressed.

Breaking down barriers

“Let’s not kid ourselves: we may no longer separate people by race on buses, but too often we still do so in our thoughts and in the way we live,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Around the world, people of African and Asian descent, Jews, Muslims, indigenous peoples and other ethnic, religious and cultural minorities continue to face discrimination, stigmatization, hatred and dehumanization, he stressed.

"By questioning our preconceptions, checking the facts, and studying history and human rights, we can see clearly beyond the distraction tactics and realize our common humanity," Türk said.

He called for us to work together to break down barriers that limit people, “until they disappear completely.”

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Two people were killed when a plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York.

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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

NEW YORK, March 23 (Xinhua) — Two pilots were killed and dozens of people were injured Sunday evening when an Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York.

The plane, traveling from Montreal with 72 passengers and four crew members on board, collided with a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey fire truck that was responding to a separate incident, said Katherine Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Authorities confirmed the deaths of the aircraft's captain and co-pilot. About 40 passengers and crew members were taken to local hospitals, some with serious injuries.

According to K. Garcia, two department employees who were in the fire truck also received injuries that, according to preliminary data, are not life-threatening.

K. Garcia also noted that the airport will be closed until at least 2:00 p.m. local time / 18:00 GMT / Monday to facilitate the investigation. –0–

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Russia and Vietnam signed an agreement to build the first nuclear power plant in Vietnam.

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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, March 23 (Xinhua) — Russia and Vietnam signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Vietnam. The signing ceremony took place on Monday following talks between Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Trinh in Moscow.

"Following today's negotiations, an intergovernmental agreement will be signed on the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Vietnam. The creation of the nuclear power plant will provide a powerful impetus to the development of cooperation in related fields—high technology, fundamental and applied scientific research," said M. Mishustin, emphasizing that this project will become a new symbol of Russian-Vietnamese friendship.

As explained by the state corporation Rosatom, the agreement provides for the construction of two Russian-designed power units with VVER-1200 reactors with a total installed capacity of 2,400 MW. –0–

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Breaking: Iran denies holding talks with the US – media

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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

Tehran, March 23 (Xinhua) — Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday denied reports of talks with the United States, according to Iran's official news agency, IRNA. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said that the US-Iran talks had identified "major points of agreement" and that Washington was in contact with a "senior Iranian official."

As IRNA noted, citing Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, friendly countries recently sent signals to Iran about Washington's desire to begin negotiations to end the war, but Iran has not responded. –0–

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Lightning: Iran denies holding talks with the US, calling them "pointless" under current conditions – media

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

Xinhua | March 23, 2026

Keywords: Iran-USA

Source: Xinhua

Lightning: Iran denies holding talks with the US and calls them "pointless" in the current circumstances – media Lightning: Iran denies holding talks with the US and calls them "pointless" in the current circumstances – media

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Financial news: Prices rose much less in February than in January.

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Source: Central Bank of Russia

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In February, the impact of tax and administrative measures on the growth of prices for goods and services decreased.

Price increases have slowed for a wide range of goods whose price dynamics depend more on demand than on one-off factors. Some continued to decline in price (clothing and underwear, knitwear, footwear, and communications equipment).

At the same time, prices for medical and household services increased sharply in February. Demand for these services remains higher than the capacity of service and medical companies, whose growth potential is severely limited by the current labor market situation.

According to the Bank of Russia's forecast, given the current monetary policy, annual inflation will decline to 4.5–5.5% in 2026, and will remain close to 4% in 2027 and beyond.

For more details, see the Bank of Russia's analytical commentary. Inflation in Russia.

Preview photo: Oleg Elkov / TASS

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