New Ideas Guide New Journey: Consumer Potential Unleashed, Igniting Market Vitality
General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to enhance consumption capacity, improve consumption conditions, and innovate consumption scenarios to fully unleash consumption potential. Since the beginning of this year, a series of precise and effective macro policies have continued to exert their effects, stimulating the vitality of the super-large domestic market, and the consumption market maintained a positive upward trend in the first quarter. Bone conduction sports headphones that are not afraid of water, and floating non-contact elevator buttons... At the 4th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) held in Hainan, exhibits representing healthy, intelligent, and quality consumption trends became mainstream. More than 800 newly released products are gradually entering people's lives, transforming from short-term exhibits into long-term commodities. A richer and higher-quality consumer market is better meeting the needs of people for a better life. At the Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that China has the demand advantage of a super-large market and that it is necessary to stimulate consumption with potential, and made specific deployments around cultivating and expanding new types of consumption, and stabilizing and expanding traditional consumption. In the first quarter, a series of policies and measures to expand domestic demand and promote consumption were launched at multiple points, stimulating the vitality of the consumer market. The Ministry of Commerce designated this year as the "Year of Consumption Promotion" and carried out various special activities centered on themes such as spring renewal, festive seasons, and unique folk customs, promoting the deep integration of various consumption formats such as business, tourism, culture, and sports. At the same time, the state launched the "trade-in" action for consumer goods, unleashing the consumption potential of big-ticket items such as automobiles, home furnishings, and home appliances. Since Shanghai launched a series of activities, the sales of subsidized green smart home appliances have reached nearly 200 million yuan. In the first quarter, a series of measures targeting market bottlenecks were precisely applied, activating consumption with potential. The state released guiding opinions on promoting the high-quality development of the catering industry for the first time, enriching catering supply, improving dining environments, building famous brands, and enhancing the quality of catering consumption. The latest data shows that in the first quarter of this year, national catering revenue reached 1,344.5 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.8%. The construction of key business districts and 15-minute convenience living circles was advanced simultaneously, and the integrated experience of offline consumption became stronger. In the first quarter, residents' upgraded consumption continued to improve, with retail sales of sports and entertainment goods and communication equipment by enterprises above designated size increasing by 14.2% and 13.2% respectively. Digital technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things empowered living service scenarios, and new retail formats such as instant retail and live streaming e-commerce flourished. In the first quarter of this year, national online retail sales exceeded 3.3 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.4%. The construction of county-level commercial systems progressed steadily, with well-known brand chain stores and cultural and sports entertainment facilities accelerating their layout in the sinking market. In the first quarter, retail sales of consumer goods in rural areas increased by 5.2%, faster than in urban areas. Urban micro-renewal and light renovation also transformed many old buildings and abandoned factories into new consumption spaces. Recently, a cultural and creative block at the foot of Xi'an City Wall was revitalized. While retaining the bustling style of the old wet market, the block introduced a batch of new formats such as特色 catering, art spaces, and photography studios, transforming into a trendy consumption hub, attracting many young people to check in and spend. This year, holiday consumption continued to be hot, and various regions adapted to local conditions, innovated consumption scenarios, and created new consumption growth points such as cultural and sports leisure and characteristic tourism. From the ice and snow consumption that was popular across the country at the beginning of the year, to the national trendy products for the Chinese New Year during the Spring Festival holiday, and then to the spring outing and flower viewing craze, the consumer market has been continuously hot, with highlights emerging, forming new consumption scenarios across all times and regions. During the Spring Festival holiday, China's travel numbers and tourism revenue both exceeded 2019 levels, achieving double-digit growth compared to 2023. In the first quarter of this year, China's service consumption retail sales increased by 10.0%, and per capita service consumption expenditure of residents increased by 12.7%. With the steady and positive development of the national economy, favorable conditions have been created for expanding residents' consumption capacity. Effective policies and consumer activities are dual-driven, continuously expanding consumption space, and urban and rural consumption potential will continue to be unleashed, injecting continuous动力 into economic development.
CPC Central Committee, State Council, Central Military Commission Decide to Award Jing Haipeng "Special-Class Aerospace Merit Medal" and Confer Zhu Yangzhu, Gui Haichao "Hero Astronaut" Titles and "Third-Class Aerospace Merit Medals"
Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission on awarding Jing Haipeng the "Special-Class Aerospace Meritorious Medal" and conferring the honorary title of "Hero Astronaut" and "Third-Class Aerospace Meritorious Medal" on Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao (April 18, 2024) On May 30, 2023, the Shenzhou-16 manned spacecraft was successfully launched. Astronauts Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao safely entered the Tianhe core module aboard the spacecraft, staying in orbit for 5 months. They conducted one extravehicular activity and one space lecture, carried out a series of in-orbit space science experiments and application payload tests, completed platform management and care under the "three modules and three spacecraft" configuration of the space station, and returned safely on October 31, 2023. The Shenzhou-16 manned flight mission was the first manned flight mission since the comprehensive completion of the space station and the manned space program entered a new stage of application and development. It was also the first time that astronauts of three types—pilot astronaut, flight engineer astronaut, and payload specialist astronaut—jointly executed a mission, marking a new step in China's high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement in its aerospace endeavors, and achieving new breakthroughs in accelerating the building of a strong aerospace nation. This mission is of great significance for enhancing China's comprehensive national strength and strengthening the cohesion of the Chinese nation, inspiring all Party members, the military, and people of all ethnic groups to maintain high morale and work together in striving to write a new chapter of Chinese modernization. The complete success of the Shenzhou-16 manned flight mission embodies the wisdom and hard work of a vast number of scientific and technological workers, astronauts, cadres and staff, and People's Liberation Army commanders and fighters. Comrades Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao are outstanding representatives among them. They are committed to serving the country, loyal to their mission, fearless of hardships, and collaborative, demonstrating the strong Chinese spirit and Chinese strength to the world. Comrade Jing Haipeng has executed manned flight missions four times and served as commander three times, becoming the Chinese astronaut with the most manned flight missions. Comrade Zhu Yangzhu is resolute and courageous, daring to challenge, and operates meticulously, becoming China's first flight engineer astronaut to perform a manned flight mission and extravehicular activities. Comrade Gui Haichao underwent arduous training and numerous assessments, and was honorably selected for the Shenzhou-16 crew, becoming China's first payload specialist astronaut to perform a manned flight mission. To commend their outstanding achievements in China's manned space program, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission have decided to award Comrade Jing Haipeng the "Special-Class Aerospace Meritorious Medal" and confer the honorary title of "Hero Astronaut" and "Third-Class Aerospace Meritorious Medal" on Comrades Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao. Comrades Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao are pioneers of the era who have remained true to their original aspirations, kept their mission firmly in mind, and dedicated themselves to a noble cause. They are role models in exploring the universe, realizing dreams in space, and building a strong aerospace nation. The Party Central Committee calls on all Party members, the military, and people of all ethnic groups to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, emulate the commended astronauts, profoundly understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishes," strengthen the "Four Consciousnesses," firm up the "Four Confidences," and achieve the "Two Maintains." They should unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, vigorously carry forward the spirit of "Two Bombs and One Satellite" and the manned space spirit, be confident and self-reliant, work with one heart and one mind, strive with determination, and forge ahead bravely, so as to unite and struggle for the comprehensive promotion of building a strong nation and rejuvenating the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization!
Li Qiang Stresses Revitalizing Canton Fair's "Golden Brand" During Tour of 135th China Import and Export Fair
On April 18, Premier Li Qiang toured the enterprise halls at the 135th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair). He emphasized the need to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on successfully hosting the Canton Fair, deepen reform and opening up, adhere to innovative development, promote the continuous improvement of the Canton Fair, and ensure that this "golden signboard" continues to shine with new brilliance in the new era. Li Qiang visited the enterprise halls in Zone A of the exhibition center, successively touring the exhibition areas of several companies including Lexy, Maishun Medical, Skyworth, iFlytek, GAC, and Loncin General. He learned about the companies' participation in the exhibition and watched interactive product demonstrations. Li Qiang affirmed that these companies have secured a place in fierce international competition through technological accumulation and product innovation. He encouraged them to continuously enhance their independent research and development capabilities, promote digital, intelligent, and green transformation, accelerate the transformation from "Made in China" to "Created in China," and strive to be pioneers and leaders in their respective industries. He pointed out the importance of making full use of the Canton Fair platform to continuously enhance the visibility and influence of Chinese brands and promote the stable growth and quality improvement of foreign trade. Li Qiang also had cordial exchanges with international buyers, encouraging them to serve as bridges for promoting cooperation between China and foreign countries, and to advance win-win cooperation between China and the world. Li Qiang visited the Canton Fair Development History Exhibition Hall. He pointed out that under the new circumstances, the Canton Fair should be held even better, making greater contributions to China's high-level opening up and the building of an open world economy. He emphasized the need to actively explore and operate the online platform on a regular basis, promote better integration of online and offline activities, and create a "Canton Fair that never ends." He also stressed the importance of staying at the forefront of the market, strengthening theme design, and introducing exhibitors around new technologies and new business formats, to better promote industrial upgrading and consumption quality improvement, thus building a "market-leading" Canton Fair. Prior to this, Li Qiang held a symposium with representatives of Canton Fair exhibitors. The heads of companies such as Midea, BBELL Smart, Shenchi Electromachinery, Jingsong Intelligent, Zhongxin Environmental Protection, Deyi Arts & Crafts, MLILY Home Furnishing, and Tianshan Textile attended the symposium. After listening to the speeches of the representatives, Li Qiang stated that in recent years, despite unfavorable influences such as sluggish global economic growth and rising trade protectionism, China's foreign trade has demonstrated strong resilience and competitiveness, which embodies the hard work of numerous foreign trade enterprises. He expressed hope that foreign trade enterprises would work hard to further explore international markets, continuously improve product quality and added value, and actively participate in the formulation of international standards, pursuing a new path of competing on innovation, quality, and brands, and winning the market and the future through excellent technology, quality, and service. Government departments should provide strong support, effective guidance, and quality services to foreign trade enterprises, ensuring that enterprises truly enjoy policy benefits, safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, and serving as strong backing for enterprises in market expansion and innovation-driven development. Huang Kunming and Wu Zhaolong participated in the relevant activities.
Han Zheng Meets with San Francisco Mayor
On April 18, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with San Francisco Mayor London Breed in Beijing. Han Zheng stated that President Xi Jinping and President Biden held a historic meeting in San Francisco last November, which opened up the "San Francisco Vision" for the future and charted the course for the development of bilateral relations. President Xi Jinping pointed out that the vitality of China-U.S. relations lies in local exchanges. San Francisco has deep ties with China and has long been at the forefront of engagement with China in California and across the U.S. Han Zheng expressed hope that Mayor Breed's visit would further promote bilateral economic, trade, and scientific and technological cooperation, create highlights in climate change cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cultural interactions, enhance the friendly sentiments between the two peoples, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations. Mayor Breed stated that the purpose of her visit was to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their San Francisco meeting, and to promote the development of bilateral relations through local and people-to-people exchanges. San Francisco will continue to be committed to strengthening personnel exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields with China, and is willing to play an active role in the healthy and stable development of U.S.-China relations.
20th CPC Central Committee's Third Round of Inspections Concludes Deployment
According to the unified deployment of the Party Central Committee on inspection work, as of April 17, the third round of inspections by the 20th Central Committee has fully completed its entry into inspected units. 15 inspection teams will conduct routine inspections of 34 economic departments and financial institutions. In accordance with the arrangements for inspection work, the inspected units held mobilization meetings for the entry of the inspection teams. The heads of each central inspection team delivered mobilization speeches, putting forward requirements for in-depth study and implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches on inspection work and solid progress in inspection. At the entry sites, the heads of each central inspection team pointed out that inspection is a strategic institutional arrangement for advancing the Party's self-revolution and comprehensive strict governance of the Party. The central inspection teams will thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on the Party's self-revolution, conscientiously implement the newly revised regulations on inspection work, uphold the political positioning of inspections, fully implement the inspection work guidelines, take "two safeguards" as the fundamental task, and continuously strengthen political supervision. They will adhere to focusing on the central task and serving the overall situation, concentrate on the implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and directives and the Party Central Committee's major policies, closely monitor power and responsibilities, strengthen supervision over "key leaders," concentrate efforts on strengthening rectification after inspection, and transmit the strict tone, strict measures, and strict atmosphere throughout and to the end, ensuring high-quality development through effective political inspection. The heads of each central inspection team requested an accurate grasp of the key points for inspecting economic departments and financial institutions, gaining an in-depth understanding of how the inspected Party organizations implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and instructions, fulfill their functions and responsibilities, promote high-quality development, prevent and resolve major risks, coordinate the promotion of deep-seated reforms and high-level opening up, thoroughly advance comprehensive strict governance of the Party, strengthen the construction of leading bodies, cadre and talent teams, and grassroots Party organizations, identify political deviations, and promote the resolution of prominent problems. They emphasized strengthening supervision and inspection of the rectification of problems found during inspections and audits, gaining an in-depth understanding of the actual actions and results of fulfilling rectification responsibilities and promoting problem resolution, focusing on identifying problems such as perfunctory rectification and false rectification, and continuously sending a clear signal of strengthened rectification. The principal leaders of the inspected Party organizations stated that they would thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discourses on inspection work and the Party Central Committee's deployment requirements, effectively enhance political standing, consciously accept supervision, actively cooperate with inspections, conscientiously grasp rectification, and continuously promote high-quality development and deep-seated comprehensive strict governance of the Party, demonstrating with practical actions their firm support for the "two establishes" and their resolute adherence to the "two safeguards." It is understood that the 15 central inspection teams will work in the inspected units for about three months, during which they will set up dedicated hotlines and mailboxes to primarily handle letters, calls, and visits reporting problems concerning the leading bodies of the inspected Party organizations and their members, principal leaders of subordinate Party organizations, and key personnel. The focus will be on reports concerning violations of political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline,群众 discipline, work discipline, and living discipline, as well as issues related to inspection rectification. The deadline for receiving public complaints by the inspection teams is July 12, 2024.
Industrial Economy Runs Smoothly in Q1
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced today (April 18) that in the first quarter, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size in China increased by 6.1% year-on-year, 1.5 percentage points higher than the full year of 2023. Key industries such as electronics, chemical, and automotive showed significant growth. In the first two months, profits of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 10.2% year-on-year, achieving continuous growth since August last year. In the first quarter, China's telecommunications business revenue increased by 4.5% year-on-year, and infrastructure support capacity continued to strengthen. "Dual gigabit" network deployment progressed steadily, with a cumulative total of 3.647 million 5G base stations built, 5G user penetration exceeding 60%, and 207 gigabit cities. Industrial Internet integrated applications have expanded to 49 major categories of the national economy, forming over 200 benchmark industrial Internet demonstration applications.
Monetary Policy Strongly Supports Economic Rebound
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (April 18), where a relevant负责人 from the People's Bank of China stated that a series of monetary policy measures implemented in China since the beginning of this year have effectively supported the economic recovery and improvement. A 0.5 percentage point cut in the reserve requirement ratio released over 1 trillion yuan of medium- and long-term liquidity, and guided a 0.25 percentage point reduction in the loan prime rate for loans over five years, lowering financing costs for enterprises and individuals for medium- and long-term loans. The establishment of a 500 billion yuan re-lending facility for technological innovation and technological transformation provided low-cost financial support for a new round of large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins. In the first quarter, financing costs for enterprises and individuals remained stable and decreased, and the credit structure continued to optimize. At the end of March, the year-on-year growth rates of loans to high-tech manufacturing, inclusive small and micro loans, agricultural-related loans, and private enterprise loans by financial institutions were 27.3%, 20.3%, 13.5%, and 10.7% respectively, all significantly higher than the overall loan growth rate.
Over 141 Million Cross-Border Trips in Q1, Significant Increase in Foreigners Entering China
Reporters learned today (April 18) from a press conference held by the National Immigration Administration that in the first quarter of this year, over 141 million entries and exits were recorded nationwide, with a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors to China. In the first quarter of this year, national immigration administration agencies cumulatively inspected over 141 million entries and exits, a year-on-year increase of 117.8%. Among them, mainland residents accounted for 69.541 million, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents for 59.115 million, and foreign nationals for 13.074 million, representing year-on-year increases of 114.9%, 100.4%, and 305.2% respectively. Since last year, China has resumed visa-free policies for entry from Singapore and Brunei, and implemented visa-free policies for entry from 13 other countries including Germany, Thailand, and Switzerland, further facilitating tourism and business activities for foreign nationals visiting China.
4th China International Consumer Products Expo Concludes, Reaching Record Scale
The 4th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) concluded today (April 18). This year's CICPE pioneered an island-wide exhibition model, hosting over 600 global consumer innovation series activities. The number of participating countries and brands reached a historic high. A total of 12 RCEP member countries participated, accounting for 80% of the total member countries. Enterprises from countries involved in the "Belt and Road" initiative actively participated, continuously improving the internationalization level. During the CICPE, over 600 global consumer innovation series activities were held, including new product launches and procurement matchmaking sessions. More than 1,400 new products were released, a 45% increase from the previous session. The global good supply and demand matchmaking activities resulted in 92 cooperation intentions. Additionally, today, representatives from 36 enterprises from countries and regions including France, South Korea, and the Czech Republic held a centralized signing ceremony with the CICPE organizing committee for the 5th CICPE prospective exhibitors, covering various fields such as food and health products, smart home appliances, and high-quality domestic products.
Domestic News Snippets
China will accelerate the cultivation of digital talents. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced that nine departments recently issued and implemented an "Action Plan," proposing to carry out multiple special actions over approximately three years to enhance the independent innovation capabilities of digital talents, stimulate their innovation and entrepreneurship vitality, and strive to build a high-level digital talent team that is large in scale, excellent in quality, optimized in structure, and rationally distributed, to better support the high-quality development of the digital economy. Localities actively carried out patriotic health month theme activities. April this year marks the 36th Patriotic Health Month, with the theme of "Healthy Towns, Healthy Weight." Various localities actively organized free clinics, health check-ups, consultations, and other activities related to healthy weight, guiding the public to practice civilized and healthy lifestyles, mobilizing all sectors of society to jointly build a new pattern of health management, and contributing to the construction of healthy towns. Shield tunneling began for the Suzhou East Tunnel, a key control project of the Tongsujia-Yonggao-speed Railway. Today (April 18), shield tunneling officially began for the Suzhou East Tunnel, a key control project of the Tongsujia-Yonggao-speed Railway. The tunnel is 15.57 kilometers long and has a maximum burial depth of 58 meters. The Tongsujia-Yonggao-speed Railway is an important part of the coastal channel of the national "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railway network, with a new line length of 301 kilometers and a design speed of 350 kilometers per hour. After its completion, the project will further improve the railway network structure in the Yangtze River Delta region. The first batch of exhibitors for the 7th China International Import Expo was officially announced. The 7th China International Import Expo will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. Since the start of exhibitor recruitment, global enterprises have actively registered, and the signed exhibition area has reached nearly 270,000 square meters. Today (April 18), the first batch of exhibitors was officially announced, including 252 enterprises and institutions that signed up early and have large exhibition areas. National Cultural Heritage Administration successfully recovered lost cultural relics and artworks from the United States. On April 17, local time in New York, the National Cultural Heritage Administration successfully recovered 38 lost cultural relics and artworks from the United States. The repatriation ceremony was held at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, where the Manhattan District Attorney's Office in New York, USA, handed over the seized 38 Chinese lost cultural relics and artworks to the Chinese government. After preliminary identification, most of these cultural relics are Tibetan Buddhist artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties, rich in content, well-preserved, and possess important historical, artistic, and scientific value. Southern China to experience two strong rainfall and convective weather processes from 18th to 23rd. Since the flood season began, the cumulative rainfall in Jiangnan and northern South China has been significantly higher than the same period in normal years. It is expected that from today (April 18) to the 23rd, Jiangnan, South China, and Guizhou and other places will continue to experience rainy weather. Among them, localized rainfall in southern Hunan, southern Jiangxi, eastern Guangxi, and northern and central Guangdong may exceed 400 millimeters, accompanied by widespread short-duration heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, or hail and other strong convective weather, requiring attention to prevention.
Israeli Military Claims Killing Senior Hamas Official; Palestinian Armed Groups Report Striking Israeli Targets
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated today (April 18) that during an airstrike this week, the IDF killed Yousef Sabat, a senior official in the security department of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). The IDF also stated that over the past day, it carried out airstrikes on dozens of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian media reports today, the Israeli military bombed several locations in Gaza City, northern Gaza Strip, this morning. Palestinian armed groups stated that they continued to use rockets, mortars, anti-tank missiles, and other weapons to attack Israeli soldiers and vehicles in various parts of the Gaza Strip, and fired rockets at targets inside Israel. According to Lebanese media reports on April 17, several Lebanese villages near the temporary Lebanon-Israel border were subjected to intense Israeli shelling and airstrikes, and communication signals in some areas were disrupted by Israel. Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, stated on April 17 that it used guided weapons and drones to hit military targets in Arab al-Aramshe in northern Israel. The Israeli military said that the attack resulted in 14 Israeli soldiers being wounded. The day before, the Israeli military claimed to have killed two senior Hezbollah commanders. US Opposes Palestine Becoming a UN Member State; Palestinian President Condemns According to Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Malta's Permanent Representative to the UN and current Security Council President, the Security Council plans to review a draft resolution on Palestine becoming a full UN member state, but consensus has not yet been reached. Separately, Palestinian media reported that the Palestinian presidential office issued a statement condemning the US threat to veto the relevant draft resolution in the Security Council.
Israeli PM Affirms Right to Self-Defense After Iran Attack; Iranian Military Ready to Retaliate
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on April 17 that Israel "reserves the right to self-defense" against Iranian attacks. According to Israeli media reports on April 17, Israel is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on April 18 to discuss issues such as Israel's response to Iran's military strike. Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi stated on April 17 that any violation of Iran's national interests would be met with a strong response from Iran, and the Iranian army is prepared for this. Europe and the US Consider Strengthening Sanctions Against Iran; Iran Condemns Western Actions as Violating International Law On April 17, an EU summit held in Brussels, Belgium, called for stricter sanctions on Iran. The United States had previously stated that it would impose new sanctions on Iran in the coming days. US media also reported that the United States would impose restrictions on the activities of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian during his participation in a UN meeting in New York this week. The Iranian Embassy in the UK issued a statement on April 17, saying that unconstructive Western measures against Iran violate international law, will encourage Israel to continue its criminal acts and adventurism, and will exacerbate regional and global tensions.
International News Snippets
Russia claims to intercept US-made missiles, Ukraine says northern city attacked. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on April 17 that Russian air defense systems shot down over a hundred Ukrainian drones and intercepted multiple US-made ATACMS missiles in one day, and Russian airborne sniper teams captured several Ukrainian military personnel. The Russian army also shot down over a dozen rockets over the Belgorod region that night. The Ukrainian military stated that Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks in Kupyansk, Bakhmut, and other areas. The Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs stated on April 17 that the Russian military launched a missile attack on the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv that day, causing casualties. Russia has not yet responded to this. 6.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Ehime Prefecture, Japan; Several Injured. According to information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency on April 18, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Ehime Prefecture, Japan, on the evening of April 17, with a focal depth of 39 kilometers. The earthquake has caused 9 injuries in Ehime, Oita, and Kochi Prefectures. Landslides occurred in many parts of Ehime Prefecture, and railway services, water pipes, and power lines were damaged in some areas of Ehime and Kochi Prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents in the affected area to remain vigilant for strong aftershocks in the coming week. Mount Ruang in Indonesia Erupts, Local Emergency Declared. Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, erupted violently on April 17, with a volcanic ash plume reaching 3,000 meters. The local government declared a 14-day state of emergency in the volcanic area. Mount Ruang has erupted at least three times since it began erupting on April 16, and over 800 residents on a nearby island have been evacuated. The Indonesian geological research agency has raised the volcanic eruption alert to its highest level.