Xi Jinping, Russian President Attend, Address China-Russia Culture Year Opening, 75th Anniversary Concert
On the afternoon of May 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly attended the opening ceremony of the "China-Russia Years of Culture" and a special concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, and delivered speeches. Xi Jinping and Putin entered the venue together to warm applause. Xi Jinping delivered his speech first. Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. The 75-year journey of China-Russia relations, through all its twists and turns, shows that continuously consolidating and developing the permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial win-win cooperation between China and Russia is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, conforms to the expectations of the international community and the trend of the times, and holds irreplaceable significance. The mutual hosting of theme years has become a fine tradition of China-Russia cultural exchanges, as well as a distinctive feature and highlight in the history of the development of bilateral relations, widely welcomed by the people of both countries. Last year, President Putin and I agreed to hold the "China-Russia Years of Culture" in 2024-2025. Today, both sides officially launched this cultural event. Both sides will hold a series of diverse cultural exchange programs to further unleash the potential of cultural cooperation between the two countries and jointly create a new future for China-Russia cultural exchanges. It is believed that this will inject new impetus into the generational inheritance of China-Russia friendship and the mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples. Xi Jinping pointed out that the national music of China and Russia are both brilliant flowers in the world's garden of civilizations. Tonight's musical feast will surely become a splendid chapter in China-Russia cultural exchange and mutual learning. Let us take the "China-Russia Years of Culture" as an opportunity and the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, carry forward friendship, work hand in hand, add splendor to the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, and jointly create a new beautiful future for China-Russia friendship\! Putin stated in his speech that he fully agreed with President Xi Jinping's positive evaluation of Russia-China relations. The peoples of Russia and China are like brothers. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The Russian people are genuinely happy and admire the great achievements made by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. In the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russia and China, bilateral relations have accumulated much valuable experience and are currently at their best historical period. Russia-China relations are based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual trust, promoting the development of their respective countries, benefiting the two peoples, and setting an example for international relations. Holding the "Russia-China Years of Culture" event at the time of celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties holds significant symbolic meaning. Russia is willing to deepen cultural exchanges with China, enhance mutual understanding, and continuously upgrade the quality of bilateral cooperation. The two heads of state jointly enjoyed a wonderful artistic performance jointly presented by Chinese and Russian artists. Approximately 1,000 friendly people from all walks of life in China and Russia attended. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Yiqin also participated.
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Xi Jinping, Russian President Hold Small-Scale Meeting in Zhongnanhai
On the evening of May 16, President Xi Jinping held a small-scale meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Zhongnanhai. In Zhongnanhai during the early summer, a gentle breeze rustled and the water shimmered. Xi Jinping welcomed Putin in front of the Yingtai Bridge. The two heads of state walked and talked, admiring the pavilions, towers, and flourishing scenery. Xi Jinping and Putin sat by the water, enjoying fragrant tea, and engaged in in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern in a relaxed atmosphere. Xi Jinping pointed out that the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century and has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Facing the constantly evolving major changes and chaos in the international landscape, China has always maintained its strategic resolve. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization. China is willing to work with Russia and other countries to strengthen unity and cooperation, lead the correct direction of global governance, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development. Putin stated that China's development is unstoppable, and no force can curb China's development and progress. Russia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and other "Global South" countries to promote international fairness and justice and build a more equal and multipolar world. The two heads of state exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine crisis. Xi Jinping elaborated on China's consistent position and its efforts to promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing that when dealing with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes; it is necessary to consider the present and plan for the long term. I proposed the Global Security Initiative, the core of which is to advocate a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept. The fundamental solution to the Ukraine crisis is to promote the building of a balanced, effective, and sustainable new security architecture. China supports the timely convening of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation from all parties and fair discussion of all options, to promote an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in this regard. Putin introduced Russia's views and positions, stating that Russia appreciates China's objective, fair, and balanced stance on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China's continued important constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations, is willing to show sincerity, and will continue to maintain close communication with China on this matter. As night deepened, the lights glittered. Xi Jinping shook hands with Putin to bid farewell. Xi Jinping stated that over the years, we have met many times, and each exchange has been frank, in-depth, and fruitful. I am willing to continue to maintain close contact with President Putin, jointly steer the direction of China-Russia relations, ensure the steady and long-term development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make positive contributions to promoting world security and stability. Putin thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm hospitality, stating that he enjoys every meeting and conversation with President Xi Jinping. Our exchanges are in-depth and very meaningful. I am willing to continue to maintain close communication with President Xi Jinping, implement the important consensuses we have reached, and ensure the in-depth development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the above activities.
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Xi Jinping Issues Key Instructions on Tourism: Accelerate Building Strong Tourism Nation, Promote High-Quality Development
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, recently issued important instructions on tourism work, pointing out that since the reform and opening up, particularly since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China's tourism development has entered a fast lane, forming the world's largest domestic tourism market and becoming the largest source country and major destination for international tourism. The tourism industry has grown from small to large, from weak to strong, and has increasingly become an emerging strategic pillar industry and a livelihood and happiness industry with distinct characteristics of the times, successfully charting a unique path for China's tourism development. Xi Jinping emphasized that in the new era and on the new journey, tourism development faces new opportunities and challenges. It is necessary to be guided by Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, adhere to upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, improving quality and efficiency, and integrated development, coordinate government and market, supply and demand, protection and development, domestic and international, and development and security, focus on improving the modern tourism industry system, accelerate the building of a strong tourism nation, and enable the tourism industry to better serve a better life, promote economic development, build a spiritual homeland, showcase China's image, and enhance cultural exchanges. All regions and departments should earnestly enhance their sense of responsibility and mission, divide labor and implement effectively, and promote the steady and long-term high-quality development of the tourism industry. The National Tourism Development Conference was held in Beijing on May 17. Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, conveyed President Xi Jinping's important instructions and delivered a speech at the conference, stating that it is necessary to deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and a series of important discourses on tourism development, adhere to shaping tourism with culture and highlighting culture through tourism, and embark on a unique path for China's tourism development. It is necessary to promote the high-quality development of the tourism industry and accelerate the building of a strong tourism nation, strengthen systematic planning and scientific layout, protect cultural heritage and ecological resources, improve supply levels and service quality, deepen international tourism exchanges and cooperation, and continuously create new prospects for tourism development. State Councilor Chen Yiqin presided over the meeting and delivered a concluding speech. Responsible comrades from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Transport, Heilongjiang Province, Zhejiang Province, Hunan Province, and Guizhou Province made exchange speeches. Representatives from provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, sub-provincial cities, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant departments of central and state organs, some important state-owned backbone enterprises, and relevant cultural and tourism industry associations and enterprises attended the conference.
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Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Letter to 8th China-Russia Expo
On May 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 8th China-Russia Expo. Xi Jinping pointed out that with the joint efforts of both countries, China-Russia relations have been steadily moving forward step by step, benefiting the peoples of both countries with tangible cooperation results. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. Standing at a new historical starting point, the relations between the two countries will embrace new historical opportunities and demonstrate broader development prospects. Xi Jinping emphasized that after years of cultivation and development, the China-Russia Expo has become an important platform for promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation. It is hoped that all sectors in both countries will make full use of the opportunities presented by this expo to engage in in-depth exchanges, share opportunities, and jointly contribute to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia, injecting new impetus into the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries in the new era. The 8th China-Russia Expo, with the theme of "Cooperation, Mutual Trust, Opportunity," was jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce, the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, and opened in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, on the same day.
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Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Letter to 33rd Arab League Summit
On May 16, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, the rotating chairman of the Arab League Summit, to congratulate the 33rd Arab League Summit held in Manama. Xi Jinping pointed out that the Arab League has long been committed to promoting unity and self-improvement in the Arab world and fostering peace, stability, and development in the Middle East. In recent years, facing changes in the world, the times, and history, Arab countries have adhered to independence and self-reliance, promoted development and revitalization, upheld fairness and justice, and maintained regional peace and stability, playing an increasingly important role in strengthening solidarity and cooperation and safeguarding common interests for the "Global South." Xi Jinping emphasized that China-Arab relations are currently at their best historical period. In December 2022, I attended the first China-Arab States Summit with Arab leaders, comprehensively planning the blueprint for the development of China-Arab relations and unanimously agreeing to jointly build a China-Arab community with a shared future for a new era. Over the past year, political mutual trust between China and Arab countries has continuously deepened, practical cooperation has flourished, and cultural exchanges have been colorful, achieving fruitful results in various fields of cooperation. Looking to the future, China is willing to work with Arab countries to continue to carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship, build a higher-level China-Arab community with a shared future, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. At the end of this month, the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will be held in Beijing. It is hoped that both sides will take the opportunity of holding the 10th Ministerial Conference to further deepen cooperation in various fields and better benefit the peoples of China and Arab countries.
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Li Qiang Sends Condolence Message to Slovak Prime Minister
On May 17, Premier Li Qiang sent a message of sympathy to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico after he was injured in an attack. Li Qiang stated that he was deeply shocked to learn of the attack on the Prime Minister and extended his sincere condolences, wishing him a speedy recovery.
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Han Zheng, Russian President Attend 8th China-Russia Expo Opening Ceremony
On May 17, Vice President Han Zheng jointly attended the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Russia Expo with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Harbin, reading President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter and delivering a speech. Han Zheng stated that President Xi Jinping and President Putin met in Beijing yesterday (May 16) and jointly outlined a new vision and blueprint for the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. China-Russia political mutual trust continues to deepen, and economic and trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results. In 2023, the trade volume between China and Russia reached a record high of 240.1 billion US dollars, with China being Russia's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. Bilateral two-way investment continues to grow, and major project cooperation in energy, chemical industry, aerospace, and connectivity is steadily advancing. China-Russia mutually beneficial cooperation has benefited both countries and their peoples, and has also injected new impetus into the development of bilateral relations. Han Zheng pointed out that the China-Russia Expo has become an important platform for promoting exchanges and cooperation between local governments and businesses of the two countries. The theme of this expo is "Cooperation, Mutual Trust, Opportunity." China is willing to work with Russia to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, seize opportunities, consolidate the momentum of bilateral trade growth, strengthen local and cultural exchanges, jointly explore new areas of cooperation, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era. Putin stated in his speech that he had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, reaching important consensuses for the development of bilateral relations and the expansion of practical cooperation. Harbin is a shining example of Russia-China relations. We cherish the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries. It is hoped that both sides will tap into potential, actively leverage the platform of the Russia-China Expo, and promote new progress in economic and trade, energy, industry, cross-border transportation, tourism, agriculture, and local cooperation between the two countries, build consensus, and bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries. After the opening ceremony, Han Zheng and Putin jointly toured the expo exhibition hall, listened to introductions on bilateral cooperation, and interacted with representatives of participating organizations.
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Han Zheng Meets Russian President
On May 17, Vice President Han Zheng met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Harbin. Han Zheng stated that President Xi Jinping and President Putin comprehensively summarized the successful experience of the development of bilateral relations over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and made strategic deployments for the next stage of bilateral strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent years, China-Russia cooperation has shown good momentum, with the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative deeply aligning with the Eurasian Economic Union, and the China-Russia Expo becoming a brilliant "showcase" for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral cooperation will surely achieve more results, bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, and make positive contributions to promoting common development and progress in the world. Putin stated that he had a substantial and productive meeting with President Xi Jinping, making long-term plans for the development of bilateral relations, and the visit was a complete success. Both sides should closely coordinate and cooperate, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, and further promote local cooperation between the Far East and Northeast China, so as to achieve better development of bilateral relations.
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National Economy Continues Upward Trend in April
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (May 17). Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that in April, the national economy remained generally stable and continued its upward trend. Production and supply showed steady growth. In April, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide increased by 6.7% year-on-year, 2.2 percentage points faster than the previous month, with over 80% of industries and nearly 60% of products showing increased growth rates. The service industry continued to recover, with modern services performing well. Market demand continued to expand. From January to April, manufacturing investment increased by 9.7% year-on-year, and investment in equipment renewal and transformation increased by 17.2% year-on-year, with rapid growth in technological upgrading investment. In April, total retail sales of consumer goods grew steadily, and service consumption maintained good momentum. From January to April, service retail sales increased by 8.4% year-on-year. The employment situation was generally stable. In April, the national surveyed urban unemployment rate was 5%, down 0.2 percentage points from the previous month, decreasing for two consecutive months.
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Jiangxi: Leading High-Quality Development in Revolutionary Old Areas
The State Council Information Office held a series of press conferences on "Promoting High-Quality Development" on May 16, where relevant officials from Jiangxi Province introduced the relevant situation. As the only province that is both a national ecological civilization pilot zone and a national pilot province for the mechanism to realize the value of ecological products, Jiangxi is at the forefront of ecological environment construction nationwide. The province's forest coverage rate remains stable at over 63.1%, ranking second nationwide, and the ratio of good air quality days in 2023 was 96.5%. The excellent water quality ratio of national assessment sections was 97%. While safeguarding its green mountains and clear waters, Jiangxi has vigorously developed green and low-carbon industries, and by increasing scientific and technological innovation, the old revolutionary base areas have gained more momentum for high-quality development. Jiangxi has transformed from a traditional agricultural province into an emerging industrial province. Next, Jiangxi will fully leverage its unique geographical advantages, deeply promote the construction of an inland open economic pilot zone, actively integrate into the joint construction of the "Belt and Road," comprehensively connect and integrate with major national strategies such as the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, deeply implement the action plan for upgrading key manufacturing industry chains, continue to expand and strengthen 12 key manufacturing industry chains such as electronic information and non-ferrous metals, strive to promote the high-end, intelligent, and green development of industries, and endeavor to take the lead in accelerating the high-quality development of the old revolutionary base areas.
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China Deploys Measures to Ensure Housing Delivery
At the regular policy briefing held by the State Council Information Office today (May 17), officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and other relevant departments introduced the supporting policies for ensuring the delivery of housing projects. Currently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, in conjunction with relevant departments, is set to issue a work plan for the "tough battle" to ensure the delivery of commercial housing projects in cities, promoting timely and quality delivery of projects so that people can receive qualified homes as stipulated in their contracts. The People's Bank of China will establish a 300 billion yuan re-lending facility for affordable housing to support local state-owned enterprises in acquiring completed but unsold commercial housing at reasonable prices for use as affordable housing for sale or rent. Currently, the Ministry of Natural Resources is also preparing to introduce policy measures for properly handling idle land and revitalizing existing land. The National Financial Regulatory Administration stated that through guiding commercial banks to actively connect with urban coordination mechanisms, commercial banks have now approved loans totaling 935 billion yuan for "white list" projects according to their internal approval processes.
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Domestic News Briefs
First-time Home Loan Down Payment Ratio Adjusted to No Less Than 15% Today (May 17), the People's Bank of China and the National Financial Regulatory Administration issued a notice adjusting the minimum down payment ratio for commercial individual housing loans for first-time homes to no less than 15%, and for second-time homes to no less than 25%. At the same time, the People's Bank of China decided to lower the interest rate for individual housing provident fund loans by 0.25 percentage points starting from May 18, 2024, and abolished the nationwide lower limit on interest rates for commercial individual housing loans for both first-time and second-time homes. First Tranche of 30-year Ultra-long Special Treasury Bonds Issued Today The first tranche of 2024 ultra-long special treasury bonds was issued today (May 17). The bonds have a maturity of 30 years, a coupon rate of 2.57%, and a total value of 40 billion yuan. This year, China will issue a total of 1 trillion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds, including 20-year, 30-year, and 50-year maturities. Third Round, Second Batch of Central Ecological and Environmental Protection Inspections Announce Typical Cases Today (May 17), the third round and second batch of central ecological and environmental protection inspections reported seven typical cases, involving prominent ecological and environmental issues such as illegal destruction of forest land, ecological damage to lakes, and illegal occupation of shorelines. A number of problems related to inaction, irresponsibility, lack of firmness, and formalism and bureaucracy were verified. China Launches Commercial Promotion of 5G Inter-network Roaming China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Broadcasting Network jointly launched the commercial promotion of 5G inter-network roaming today (May 17). 5G inter-network roaming means that when a user's own operator does not have 5G network coverage, they can access another operator's 5G network and continue to use 5G services. Users in areas where 5G inter-network roaming is activated, using a terminal that supports 5G inter-network roaming, can directly use the service for free without changing their SIM card or phone number. 45th Naval Escort Fleet Returns to Qingdao Military Port Today (May 17) morning, the 45th naval escort fleet, consisting of the Urumqi, Linyi, and Dongpinghu ships, returned to a military port in Qingdao. The escort lasted 249 days, and the fleet successfully completed escort missions for 43 batches of 72 Chinese and foreign ships, participated in the China-Pakistan "Sea Guardian-3" and China-Iran-Russia "Security Bond-2024" joint exercises, and paid friendly visits to four East African countries: Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Seychelles. "High-end Interview" Broadcasts Exclusive Interview with Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin Tonight (May 17), CCTV News Channel's "High-end Interview" program will broadcast an exclusive interview with former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin. Raffarin highly praised China's development achievements and its important role in global affairs, and looked forward to more cooperation between China and France, and between China and Europe. The program will also be simultaneously available on new media platforms such as CCTV News, CCTV Video, and https://www.google.com/search?q=CCTV.com.
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IMF Warns US Tariffs on China Harm Global Economy
IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack stated at a press conference on May 16, when asked about "US tariffs on China," that trade restrictions would harm the global economy and that the US should maintain an open trade policy.
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Israeli Defense Minister Vows More Troops to Rafah; Palestinian Armed Group Targets Israeli Tanks
The Israeli military stated on May 16 that it had found and destroyed long-range rocket launchers of Palestinian armed groups in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on the same day that Israel would send more troops into the Rafah area to strengthen and advance military operations there. The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) released a video on May 16 claiming that its members had attacked Israeli tanks and concentrations in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip and Rafah in the south. Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, stated on May 16 that humanitarian relief operations in the Gaza Strip are currently at a standstill, food reserves in the south are running out, and the risk of famine in the Gaza Strip is increasing. 33rd Arab League Summit Calls for "Two-State Solution" The 33rd Arab League Summit, held on May 16, called for "irreversible steps" to implement the "two-state solution," urged Israel to immediately halt its aggression against the Gaza Strip, completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip, lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip, and open all border crossings to ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
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International News Briefs
UN Raises Global Economic Growth Forecast The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs released its mid-year update of the "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2024" report on May 16, expressing cautious optimism about the global economic growth outlook. It raised the global economic growth forecast to 2.7% for 2024 and 2.8% for 2025, an increase of 0.3 and 0.1 percentage points respectively from previous forecasts. Texas Bridge Collision May Have Spilled Over 7,500 Liters of Fuel According to U.S. media reports, the U.S. Coast Guard stated on May 16 that preliminary estimates indicate that as much as approximately 7,570 liters of fuel may have leaked into the surrounding waters in the barge-bridge collision that occurred in Galveston, Texas, on May 15, and approximately 10.5 kilometers of waterways have been closed. The report stated that the collided Pelican Island Bridge is the only bridge connecting Pelican Island to Galveston.