On the morning of May 16, President Xi Jinping held a grand welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin's state visit to China at the East Gate Plaza of the Great Hall of the People. Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee; Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council; Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission; He Lifeng, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council; Zhang Guoqing, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council; and State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended the welcome ceremony. Accompanying Putin on his visit to China were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the First Deputy Prime Minister, and five Deputy Prime Ministers, among others. The military band played the national anthems of Russia and China, and a 21-gun salute was fired. Putin, accompanied by Xi Jinping, reviewed the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Chinese and Russian children cheered and saluted the two heads of state. The two heads of state returned to the reviewing stand to watch the parade of the Guard of Honor. Afterward, the military band performed a marching display. Putin was invited by Xi Jinping for a state visit to China.
On the morning of May 16, President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Putin, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state first held a small-scale meeting. Xi Jinping extended heartfelt congratulations to Putin on the start of his new presidential term and a warm welcome on his re-visit to China for a state visit. Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over the past 75 years, China-Russia relations have withstood tests amidst international vicissitudes, growing stronger with time, and setting an example for major countries and neighbors to treat each other with respect, sincerity, harmonious coexistence, and win-win cooperation. The stable development of China-Russia relations not only serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples but also contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world. China is willing to always be a trustworthy good neighbor, good friend, and good partner with Russia, continuously consolidate the generational friendship between the two peoples, jointly achieve their respective national development and revitalization, and work together to safeguard fairness and justice in the world. Xi Jinping emphasized that the most important conclusion drawn from the 75-year history of China-Russia relations is that between two neighboring major countries, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence must always be upheld, mutual respect, equality, mutual trust, and consideration of each other's concerns, truly providing mutual assistance for each other's development and revitalization. This is not only the correct way for China and Russia to get along but also the direction that major power relations in the 21st century should strive for. China-Russia relations have a profound historical foundation and a solid public opinion base. The two sides should intensify strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation, firmly follow their own development paths, and resolutely uphold international fairness and justice. Putin stated that he was delighted to visit China again after assuming his new term as Russian President. Last March, President Xi Jinping also paid a state visit to Russia shortly after his re-election. This is a friendly tradition of our two countries, demonstrating the high importance both sides attach to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, which are worthy of joint celebration. The development of Russia-China relations is not an expedient measure, is not directed at a third party, and is conducive to international strategic stability. Russia is willing to continuously expand bilateral cooperation with China, intensify communication and coordination within frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and promote the establishment of a more just and reasonable international order. The two heads of state then presided over a large-scale meeting. The two heads of state listened to reports from the co-chairs of the intergovernmental cooperation committees on cooperation in investment, energy, economy and trade, Northeast-Far East, humanities, and international affairs, expressed satisfaction with the progress made, and affirmed suggestions for future cooperation. Xi Jinping pointed out that this year is a milestone year in the history of China-Russia relations. Over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have jointly embarked on a new path of mutual respect, harmonious coexistence, and win-win cooperation between major countries and neighbors. With the joint efforts of both sides, China-Russia relations have always developed steadily forward, and the comprehensive strategic coordination between the two countries has continuously strengthened. Cooperation in economy and trade, investment, energy, humanities, and local affairs has continued to advance, making positive contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting the democratization of international relations. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. China is comprehensively promoting Chinese modernization with high-quality development, accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, and adding new impetus to global economic growth. China and Russia are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major emerging market countries. Strengthening strategic coordination and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides conforms to the historical trend of world multipolarization and economic globalization and is a common strategic choice for the two countries. The two sides should take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point, further strengthen the synergy of development strategies, continuously enrich the substance of bilateral cooperation, better benefit the two countries and their peoples, and contribute more positive energy to world prosperity and stability. The two sides should further optimize the structure of bilateral cooperation and consolidate the good momentum of cooperation in traditional areas such as economy and trade. Create more highlights in cultural exchanges, jointly host the "China-Russia Cultural Year," intensify local cooperation, and continuously strengthen people-to-people bonds. Strengthen communication and coordination in international multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as in regional affairs, demonstrate international responsibility, and promote the establishment of a just and reasonable global governance system. Putin stated that the intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms between Russia and China are operating well, and cooperation between the two countries in economy and trade, agriculture, industry, energy, and connectivity is developing steadily. The establishment and development of Russia-China relations, based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and assistance to each other's national development, have withstood various tests. Today's signing of a series of cooperation documents demonstrates the determination of both sides to continue to deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Russia is willing to work with China to implement the "Russia-China Economic Cooperation Plan until 2030" and successfully host the "Russia-China Cultural Year" events in the current and next year, and strengthen the synergy between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road Initiative. Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and Russia and China will hold celebratory events. Russia appreciates China's objective and fair stance on major international and regional affairs and is willing to continue to intensify strategic coordination with China, firmly support each other, promote the process of world multipolarization and the democratization of international relations, and achieve more results in the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between Russia and China. After the talks, the two heads of state jointly signed and issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in the New Era on the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Two Countries," and jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in economy and trade, nature conservation, inspection and quarantine, and media.
On May 16, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin jointly met with reporters after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping pointed out that President Putin's state visit to China is his first visit since he began his new presidential term, which fully demonstrates the high importance President Putin himself and Russia attach to the development of China-Russia relations. I extend a warm welcome to President Putin's visit. Just now, President Putin and I held candid, friendly, and fruitful talks, comprehensively summarized the successful experience of the development of bilateral relations over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and exchanged in-depth views on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern, planning and deploying the development of bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields in the next stage. We also jointly signed and issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in the New Era on the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Two Countries," and witnessed the signing of a number of important bilateral cooperation documents between the two governments and departments, injecting new strong impetus into the healthy development of China-Russia relations. Xi Jinping emphasized that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over three-quarters of a century, China-Russia relations have withstood tests and grown stronger. Especially since the new era, the positioning of bilateral relations has continuously risen, the content of cooperation has become increasingly rich, and the concept of generational friendship has become deeply rooted in people's hearts. China-Russia relations have become a model of new international relations and relations between neighboring major countries. The remarkable achievements of China-Russia relations are due to the consistent adherence to "five upholds." First, upholding mutual respect as the foundation, always supporting each other on issues concerning core interests. President Putin and I unanimously believe that the key to China and Russia forging a new path for the development of relations between major countries and neighbors lies in mutual respect, equal treatment, and consistent firm support for each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. This is also the core essence of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era. The two sides will continue to uphold the principle of "non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting third parties," continuously deepen political mutual trust, respect each other's chosen development paths, and achieve their respective development and revitalization through firm mutual support. Second, upholding win-win cooperation as the driving force, building a new pattern of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia. Last year, the bilateral trade volume between China and Russia exceeded 240 billion US dollars, an increase of nearly 1.7 times compared to 10 years ago. This is a microcosm of the continuous deepening of comprehensive mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia. President Putin and I unanimously believe that it is necessary to actively find common interests, leverage respective advantages, deepen integration of interests, and achieve mutual accomplishments. It is necessary to further optimize the cooperation structure, consolidate the good momentum of cooperation in traditional fields such as economy and trade, support the establishment of a network of basic scientific research platforms, continuously unleash the potential for cooperation in cutting-edge fields, strengthen cooperation in customs ports and transportation logistics, and maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains. Third, upholding generational friendship as the foundation, jointly passing on the torch of China-Russia friendship. Both China and Russia have long histories and splendid cultures. The works of Pushkin and Tolstoy are household names in China, and Chinese traditional cultures such as Peking Opera and Tai Chi are also deeply loved by the Russian people. At present, the two sides are continuously expanding cooperation in the humanities field, taking the implementation of the "China-Russia Humanities Cooperation Roadmap until 2030" as the main line. President Putin and I have jointly designated this year and next year as the "China-Russia Cultural Year," proposing that the two sides hold a series of down-to-earth, people-connecting, and popular cultural exchange activities, and encourage exchanges among all sectors and localities of the two countries, better promoting mutual understanding and affinity among the people. Fourth, upholding strategic coordination as the support, guiding the correct direction of global governance. Both sides firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, closely coordinate and cooperate on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, APEC, and the G20, and promote world multipolarization and economic globalization with true multilateralism. This year, Russia holds the rotating presidency of BRICS, and China will take over the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization within the year. The two sides will support each other's presidencies, build a more comprehensive, close, pragmatic, and inclusive high-quality partnership, and unite and strengthen the "Global South." Fifth, upholding fairness and justice as the purpose, committed to promoting the political resolution of hot issues. In today's world, the specter of Cold War mentality lingers, and unilateral hegemony, bloc confrontation, and power politics threaten world peace and the security of all countries. President Putin and I unanimously believe that resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is an urgent matter. UN resolutions must be effectively implemented, and the Palestinian question must be resolved on the basis of the "two-state solution." Both sides unanimously agree that a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis is the correct direction. China's position on this issue is consistent and clear, including adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, respecting the legitimate security concerns of all parties, and building a balanced, effective, and sustainable new security architecture. China looks forward to the early restoration of peace and stability on the European continent and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard. Xi Jinping pointed out that accumulating earth makes a mountain, and accumulating water makes a sea. After 75 years of solid accumulation, the generational friendship and all-round cooperation between China and Russia have converged into a powerful driving force for both sides to fear no storms and continuously move forward. Standing at a new historical starting point, China and Russia will always remain true to their original aspirations and work together to bring more well-being to the two peoples and make due contributions to world security and stability. Putin stated that President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia shortly after his re-election last year, and my choice of China as the first country to visit after my re-election, once again demonstrate the special and high level of Russia-China relations, as well as the high importance both Russia and China attach to further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, the relationship has developed into a model for the development of partnerships between major countries and neighbors, with rich cooperation content and fruitful results. President Xi Jinping and I maintain close communication and good relations. Both sides are satisfied with the current state of Russia-China relations and are confident about future cooperation. Russia regards China as a long-term reliable partner and is willing to continue expanding cooperation with China in political, economic, cultural, educational, and security fields, successfully host the "Russia-China Cultural Year," and deepen people-to-people exchanges. Russia and China maintain close coordination on the international stage, jointly committed to promoting the establishment of a more democratic multipolar world order, and are willing to continue strengthening cooperation within frameworks such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as communication on major international and regional issues, promoting regional and world peace and development. That noon, Xi Jinping held a welcome banquet for Putin at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, Shen Yiqin, and others attended the above activities.
On May 16, the 10th issue of Qiushi Journal published an important article by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, titled "Comprehensively Deepen Reform and Opening Up to Continuously Inject Strong Impetus into Chinese Modernization." This is an excerpt of important discourses by General Secretary Xi Jinping from December 2012 to March 2024. The article emphasizes that reform and opening up is an important magic weapon for contemporary China to keep pace with the times, and a key move that determines the success or failure of Chinese modernization. Since the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, comprehensive deepening of reform has achieved historic great accomplishments. Reviewing the reform work over these years, the series of innovative theories we have put forward, the series of major measures we have taken, and the series of major breakthroughs we have achieved are all revolutionary, creating a new situation in which reform and opening up have promoted the Party and the country's various undertakings to achieve historical achievements and undergo historical changes. The article points out that to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, it is necessary to continuously adapt to the development of social productive forces by adjusting production relations, and continuously adapt to the development of economic base by improving the superstructure. The comprehensive deepening of reform we have proposed is to promote social development by adapting to the changes in the movement of China's basic social contradictions. Reform and opening up is an ongoing process, not a completed one. Reform and opening up also has a direction, a stance, and principles. Our direction is to continuously promote the self-improvement and development of the socialist system. To achieve the goals and tasks of the new era and new journey, it is necessary to take comprehensive deepening of reform as the fundamental driving force for promoting Chinese modernization, as an important grasp to stabilize the overall situation, respond to changes, and open up new prospects, accurately grasp the direction, uphold fundamental principles and innovate, and work diligently to write a new chapter of reform and opening up on the new journey. The article points out that to advance Chinese modernization, it is necessary to further comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, continuously emancipate and develop social productive forces, and unleash and enhance social vitality. The 20th CPC National Congress proposed a series of major reform measures, which is a major strategic deployment made by the Party Central Committee for comprehensively deepening reform in the new era and new journey. It is necessary to closely focus on the goal of comprehensively building a modern socialist country, launch a number of strategic, creative, and leading reforms, strengthen the systematic integration and synergistic efficiency of reforms, and achieve new breakthroughs in important areas and key links. It is necessary to plan major measures to further comprehensively deepen reform, so as to continuously inject strong impetus into promoting high-quality development and advancing Chinese modernization. It is necessary to highlight problem-orientation, focus on solving bottleneck and stagnation problems that restrict the building of a new development paradigm and promoting high-quality development, pain point and difficulty problems in the development environment and people's livelihoods, and hot and focal issues that violate social fairness and justice, effectively prevent and resolve major risks, and continuously add动力 and vitality to economic and social development.
Premier Li Qiang met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on May 16. Li Qiang stated that China and Russia have set an example of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between major countries. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. President Xi Jinping and President Putin held a meeting, formulating new strategic plans for the development of China-Russia relations in the next stage. China is willing to work with Russia, follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, consolidate and inherit the generational friendship, continuously deepen cooperation in economy and trade, energy, and humanities, promote the deep and practical synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, facilitate the common development of China and Russia, better benefit the two peoples, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Putin stated that current Russia-China relations have reached their highest level. Russia is willing to work with China, taking the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, to further strengthen practical cooperation, deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and elevate Russia-China relations to a new level. Wu Zhenglong participated in the meeting. On the afternoon of May 16, Russian President Putin visited Tiananmen Square and laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes.
On the afternoon of May 16, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, held talks with Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, at the Great Hall of the People. Zhao Leji stated that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and King Mohammed VI, the China-Morocco strategic partnership has developed rapidly, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries and their peoples. China is willing to work with Morocco to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote greater development of bilateral relations. Zhao Leji pointed out that China appreciates Morocco's firm support for China on issues such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and human rights, appreciates Morocco's support for the Global Development Initiative and its joining the "Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative," and welcomes Morocco's support for and participation in the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. The two sides should strengthen the synergy of development strategies, deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and expand exchanges in culture, education, tourism, healthcare, and other fields. Zhao Leji emphasized that the National People's Congress of China is willing to maintain the momentum of high-level mutual visits with the Moroccan Parliament, deepen friendly exchanges between special committees, bilateral friendship groups, working bodies, and NPC deputies and parliamentarians, learn from each other's experience in legislation, supervision, and other areas, promptly approve legal documents conducive to practical cooperation, and solidify the social and public opinion foundation of China-Morocco friendship. Close coordination and cooperation should be maintained in multilateral mechanisms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Arab Parliament. Zhao Leji introduced the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He stated that both China and Morocco are ancient civilizations with long histories and have chosen development paths that suit their respective national conditions. China is willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Morocco to better serve their respective national economic and social development. Alami stated that Morocco cherishes its strong strategic partnership with China. Morocco adheres to the One-China principle and firmly supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Moroccan House of Representatives is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the National People's Congress of China and contribute to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Zheng Jianbang participated in the talks.
On May 16, Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, met with Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, in Beijing. Wang Huning stated that Morocco was one of the first African and Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China. In recent years, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and King Mohammed VI, the China-Morocco strategic partnership has continuously yielded new fruits. China is willing to work with Morocco to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. The CPPCC National Committee of China is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with Morocco to help ensure the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations. Alami stated that Morocco firmly adheres to the One-China policy. Morocco is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with China and expand cooperation in various fields, including economy, humanities, and tourism, to continuously deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. He thanked China for its assistance to Morocco in combating the pandemic and earthquakes. Morocco is willing to play an active role in promoting Africa-China cooperation. The Moroccan House of Representatives looks forward to strengthening friendly exchanges with the CPPCC National Committee of China and enhancing the friendship between all sectors of society in both countries. Zhou Qiang, Wang Dongfeng, and others participated in the meeting.
Currently, with only half a month left until the busy "three summers" season, various regions are going all out to advance summer harvesting, planting, and management, solidifying the foundation for a bumper grain harvest throughout the year. Southern regions have recently experienced more rainfall, and many areas are rushing to harvest summer grain. In Anhui, over 43 million mu of wheat are gradually ripening, and mechanized harvesting is unfolding from south to north. This year, Anhui's mechanized harvesting rate exceeds 98%, with completion expected by early June. Jiangxi and Hubei are seizing the good weather to dispatch agricultural machinery across regions. In Jiujiang, Jiangxi, 160,000 mu of wheat have been harvested ahead of schedule, while in Xianning, Hubei, 89,000 mu of wheat are being rushed for harvest. Summer oil crops account for 40% of the annual oilseed production, and rapeseed in various regions is gradually entering the harvest period. In Changxing, Zhejiang, nearly 60,000 mu of rapeseed are being harvested. Xiushan, Chongqing, has promoted the cultivation of high-oil varieties this year, and rapeseed production is expected to increase by 3.6%. In Sichuan, the planting area for spring grains and oil crops this year is 27.1 million mu, with over 70% already harvested, which is faster than in previous years. Many northern regions are entering the critical period of summer management. In Donghai County, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, millions of mu of wheat are in the grain-filling stage. Local authorities are actively engaged in field management and prevention and control of wheat diseases and pests, laying a good foundation for a bumper summer grain harvest. Tancheng, Shandong, is actively carrying out "one spray, three preventions" by issuing special funds and organizing professional aerial plant protection drone teams. Hejin, Shanxi, and Jinta, Gansu, among other places, are strengthening water and fertilizer management. Many areas in Henan and Hebei have formed agricultural machinery inspection and maintenance service teams to provide maintenance, debugging, and repair services for agricultural machinery and tools. The National Meteorological Center and the Public Meteorological Service Center of the China Meteorological Administration launched "three summers" agricultural machinery operation meteorological services yesterday (May 15), assisting agricultural and rural departments in timely material dispatch and other work.
The "2024 Key Points for Digital Rural Development Work" was recently released. Four departments, including the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, recently jointly issued the "2024 Key Points for Digital Rural Development Work," specifying that by the end of 2024, the number of rural broadband access users will exceed 200 million, online retail sales of agricultural products will exceed 630 billion yuan, and the informatization rate of agricultural production will further increase. The 2024 New Energy Vehicle Promotion Campaign in Rural Areas has been launched. Five departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, recently announced the launch of the 2024 New Energy Vehicle Promotion Campaign in Rural Areas, which will select new energy vehicle models suitable for the rural market, with good reputation and reliable quality, to carry out concentrated exhibitions and other activities. Since China launched the new energy vehicle promotion campaign in rural areas in 2020, a total of 7 batches of vehicle catalogs for rural areas have been released, with sales exceeding 7 million vehicles. China's supply of integrated medical and elderly care services has further expanded, with a total of 2 million beds. Reporters learned today (May 16) from the National Health Commission that, as of now, 87,000 pairs of medical and healthcare institutions and elderly care institutions across the country have signed cooperation agreements, and there are more than 7,800 integrated medical and elderly care institutions with relevant qualifications, with a total of 2 million beds. The elderly health and integrated medical and elderly care service projects have cumulatively provided health management services to 127 million elderly people aged 65 and above. Entry and exit personnel at Beijing ports have exceeded 6 million this year. Reporters learned from the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection that as of 13:00 today (May 16), the number of entry and exit personnel at Beijing ports this year has exceeded 6 million, with an average daily passenger volume of 44,000, a year-on-year increase of 263%. The number of foreign visitors to China has increased significantly year-on-year, with nearly 60% of foreign visitors to China for business and tourism purposes. The asphalt pavement of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has been completed today. Today (May 16), the asphalt pavement of the entire Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link project has been completed, and it will soon enter the construction phase of joint debugging and testing of electromechanical and communication equipment, and is scheduled to be handed over for acceptance in June and be ready for traffic. After opening to traffic, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link will connect with the surrounding highway network, further promoting the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The "2024 China-Tanzania Tourism and Culture Year" opened in Beijing. The "2024 China-Tanzania Tourism and Culture Year" opened in Beijing last night (May 15). China and Tanzania will hold a series of activities within the framework of the Tourism and Culture Year, including exchange exhibitions and performances, industry seminars, tourism promotions, human resource training, and academic research, to further promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries.
According to the Palestinian News Agency on May 15, Israeli forces bombed several areas in the northern Gaza Strip, including the Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahia, Gaza City, and the central Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps, on that day, killing at least 33 people. The Israeli army stated on May 15 that its tanks and other forces continued military operations in Jabalia on that day, killing Palestinian militants. In addition, the Israeli army stated today (May 16) that a serious error occurred during military operations in Jabalia on May 15, resulting in 5 Israeli soldiers killed and 7 wounded. The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), stated on May 15 that they engaged in clashes with Israeli forces in Jabalia and attacked Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the Israeli army stated on the evening of May 15 that its warplanes bombed targets in southern Lebanon, including rocket launchers belonging to Hezbollah. Hezbollah announced on the same day that its drones hit Israeli military bases west of Tiberias in northern Israel. The Israeli army responded that evening, stating that this was the longest-range attack launched by Hezbollah against Israel during the current round of conflict.
Slovak Prime Minister Shot and Injured. On May 15, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot after a government meeting in the town of Handlova. A gunman fired multiple shots at Fico and was immediately apprehended on the spot. According to media reports, the suspect is a 71-year-old man. Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Tomáš Taraba stated that Fico underwent surgery and is currently out of life-threatening danger. Barge Hits Bridge in Texas, Leaking Fuel. On May 15, a barge collided with a bridge in Galveston, Texas, causing a partial collapse of the pillar of the Pelican Island Bridge, a vital local transportation hub. The bridge has been closed. At the same time, the barge was carrying fuel, and there was a leak; the specific extent of the leak is currently unknown. Local authorities stated that the accident barge could carry up to approximately 114,000 liters of fuel. Japan's Q1 Real GDP Falls by 0.5% Quarter-on-Quarter. Preliminary statistics released by Japan's Cabinet Office today (May 16) show that Japan's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of this year decreased by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, and at an annualized rate, the decline was 2.0%, marking a return to negative growth after turning positive in the fourth quarter of last year. Data shows that personal consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan's economy, decreased by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter, marking four consecutive quarters of negative growth.
分享到Twitter: