CPC Political Bureau Convenes Meeting, Reviews Policies on Central Region's Rise, Financial Risk Accountability; Xi Jinping Presides
On May 27, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting to deliberate "Several Policy Measures for Promoting the Accelerated Rise of the Central Region in the New Era" and "Provisions on Accountability for Preventing and Resolving Financial Risks (for Trial Implementation)". Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. The meeting noted that promoting the rise of the central region is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. It is essential to thoroughly understand the strategic intentions of the Party Central Committee, consistently focus on the strategic positioning of the central region as an important national grain production base, energy and raw material base, modern equipment manufacturing and high-tech industry base, and a comprehensive transportation hub. Efforts should be made to advance various key tasks and achieve new significant breakthroughs in the rise of the central region. The meeting emphasized the need to leverage the advantages of concentrated scientific and educational resources, adhere to innovation-driven development, and strengthen original scientific and technological research. It is crucial to develop new productive forces according to local conditions, accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system, strengthen and expand the real economy, and coordinate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, the cultivation and expansion of emerging industries, and the planning and layout of future industries. The regional advantages should be utilized to strengthen the construction of a modern transportation infrastructure system, promote the efficient, free, and convenient flow of factors, and better integrate into and serve the new development paradigm. Coordinated efforts should be made to promote ecological environmental protection and green and low-carbon development, accelerating the construction of a beautiful central region. Urban-rural integrated development should be upheld, and rural revitalization should be solidly promoted in an all-round way. Efforts should be made to significantly enhance the capacity for ensuring food, energy, and resource security, so as to achieve mutual promotion of high-quality development and high-level security. The Central Leading Group for Regional Coordinated Development should strengthen overall coordination, refine and substantiate various tasks, and promote their implementation in a list-based manner. Relevant departments should increase support, and the six central provinces—Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, and Hunan—should earnestly shoulder their primary responsibilities, gather strong synergy, and strive to write a new chapter in the rise of the central region. The meeting pointed out that preventing and resolving financial risks is crucial for national security, overall development, and the safety of people's property, and is a major hurdle that must be overcome to achieve high-quality development. The promulgation of the "Provisions on Accountability for Preventing and Resolving Financial Risks (for Trial Implementation)" aims to further promote the implementation of the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party in the financial sector, effectively strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over financial work, further consolidate the responsibilities of relevant management departments, financial institutions, industry authorities, and local Party committees and governments in the financial sector, and urge leading cadres at all levels to establish a correct view of performance and implement all tasks for comprehensively strengthening financial supervision, preventing and resolving financial risks, and promoting high-quality financial development. The meeting emphasized the need to earnestly implement the "Provisions," adhere to strictness, dare to be firm and tough, dare to manage strictly and truly manage strictly, send a strong signal that dereliction of duty will be held accountable and accountability will be strict, promote financial supervision to truly have "teeth and claws" and be sharp, and establish and maintain a strict tone, strict measures, and strict atmosphere in the financial sector for a long time.
Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia, UAE Heads of State to Visit China at Xi Jinping's Invitation
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, King Hamad of Bahrain, President Sisi of Egypt, President Saied of Tunisia, and President Mohamed of the United Arab Emirates will pay state visits to China from May 28 to June 1 and attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
Xi Jinping to Attend Opening Ceremony of 10th Ministerial Conference of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum
On May 27, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press briefing for Chinese and foreign media on President Xi Jinping's attendance at the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. According to reports, the ministerial conference will be held in Beijing on May 30, and President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech. The conference will focus on in-depth discussions regarding the implementation of leaders' consensus, expansion of cooperation in various fields between China and Arab states, and acceleration of the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future, as well as concrete measures. The conference plans to adopt multiple outcome documents, which will further consolidate China-Arab consensus, plan cooperation for the next stage, and jointly voice China-Arab positions on the Palestinian issue. From May 29 to 31, President Xi Jinping will hold state events separately for King Hamad of Bahrain, President Sisi of Egypt, President Saied of Tunisia, and President Mohamed of the United Arab Emirates, who will be visiting China and attending the opening ceremony of the conference. They will engage in in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern. Over the past 20 years since its establishment, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum has witnessed a leapfrog development in China-Arab relations. President Xi Jinping has attended the opening ceremony of the forum's ministerial conference twice and made important policy statements to the Arab world four times, guiding the continuous deepening of China-Arab strategic mutual trust and benefiting both peoples through Belt and Road cooperation. At the first China-Arab States Summit held in 2022, China-Arab leaders unanimously agreed to jointly build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era, marking the entry of China-Arab relations into a new era of comprehensive and deepened development. Through joint efforts, the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future has achieved positive progress. Both China and Arab countries are important members of developing countries and significant forces in the international community, sharing a common historical mission of achieving national rejuvenation and accelerating national construction. China will continue to work with Arab countries towards the goal of building a China-Arab community with a shared future, uphold the spirit of China-Arab friendship, firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, advance cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, create brilliance together through exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and make concerted efforts to promote the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction, setting an example of solidarity, cooperation, and self-reliance among developing countries.
Forging Reform Consensus, Charting Development Blueprint - Xi Jinping's Keynote Speech at Enterprise and Expert Symposium Sparks Enthusiastic Response
General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the symposium with enterprises and experts has sparked enthusiastic responses from all walks of life. Everyone expressed that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech profoundly answered a series of major theoretical and practical questions about development and reform, and built broad consensus and injected strong confidence for further comprehensively deepening reform and promoting Chinese modernization on the new journey. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that to further comprehensively deepen reform, it is necessary to closely focus on the theme of advancing Chinese modernization, highlight reform priorities, grasp the value orientation, and pay attention to methods to add impetus to the completion of central tasks and the achievement of strategic goals. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that to further comprehensively deepen reform, it is necessary to grasp the principal contradiction and the principal aspect of the contradiction. It is essential to further unleash and develop social productive forces, enhance social vitality, and promote a better adaptation between production relations and productive forces, and between the superstructure and the economic base. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that reform requires careful planning, but even more importantly, it requires solid implementation, adhering to a "nail-biting" spirit in carrying out reforms. People from all walks of life stated that this points the way forward for further comprehensively deepening reform on the new journey and strengthens the confidence and determination to solve development challenges through reform. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the ultimate goal of reform and promoting development is to enable people to live better lives, and reforms should be planned and advanced from the overall, fundamental, and long-term interests of the people.
People's Daily Commentator Article: Further Deepening Reform Must Prioritize Key Areas - On Studying and Implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Speech at the Enterprise and Expert Symposium
Today (May 27), the People's Daily published a commentator's article titled "Further Comprehensively Deepen Reform with a Focus on Key Areas – On Studying and Implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Speech at the Symposium with Enterprises and Experts."
Li Qiang Attends 9th Trilateral Summit Meeting Among China, Japan, and Republic of Korea
On the morning of May 27, local time, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council jointly attended the Ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Seoul with ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Li Qiang stated that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Japan-ROK cooperation mechanism. At this new starting point, China, Japan, and the ROK should uphold the original aspiration of cooperation, adhere to openness and inclusiveness, mutual respect and trust, mutual benefit, and exchange and mutual learning, jointly promote China-Japan-ROK cooperation to re-embark and accelerate, embark on a new journey of comprehensive development, and make greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability. Li Qiang proposed five suggestions for deepening China-Japan-ROK cooperation: First, promote a comprehensive restart of cooperation, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, fully activate existing cooperation, steadily cultivate new growth points, and form a virtuous cycle of mutual promotion between bilateral relations and trilateral cooperation. Second, deepen economic and trade interconnectedness, maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and resume and conclude the negotiations for the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible. Third, lead scientific and technological innovation cooperation, strengthen collaborative innovation and cooperation in frontier areas. China will establish a "China-Japan-ROK Innovation Cooperation Center" in China to help the three countries accelerate the cultivation of new driving forces. Fourth, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, taking the opportunity of holding the China-Japan-ROK Cultural Exchange Year to promote the three peoples from being "close neighbors" to "connected at heart." Fifth, strive to promote sustainable development, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as low-carbon transition, climate change, aging, and epidemic response, and explore and carry out more "China-Japan-ROK+X" cooperation projects. Li Qiang pointed out that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense, and all parties should play a constructive role, dedicate themselves to de-escalating the situation, restart dialogue as soon as possible, promote the political settlement process of the Peninsula issue, and safeguard regional peace and stability. China, Japan, and the ROK should leverage their respective development advantages, actively align with the needs of ASEAN and other regional countries, and create new engines for regional cooperation. They should work together to boost the momentum of ASEAN Plus Three (10+3) cooperation. China is willing to work with the ROK and Japan to actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and maintain long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world. The ROK and Japanese leaders stated that the resumption of ROK-Japan-China cooperation after more than four years is of great significance. They hope that the three countries will take this summit meeting as a new starting point to continuously deepen cooperation in six major areas: humanities, sustainable development, economy and trade, public health, science and technology, and disaster relief, so as to better benefit the peoples of the three countries. After the meeting, the three leaders jointly met with the press. The three sides issued the "Joint Declaration of the Ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea," the "Joint Statement on Trilateral Intellectual Property Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade," and the "Joint Statement on Future Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention, and Response," and unanimously agreed to commit to implementing the "Trilateral Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade" adopted at the Eighth Leaders' Meeting, promote the institutionalization of the China-Japan-ROK cooperation mechanism, and jointly safeguard world peace, stability, development, and prosperity. The three sides agreed to designate 2025-2026 as the China-Japan-ROK Cultural Exchange Year.
Li Qiang Attends 8th China-Japan-ROK Business Summit
At noon on May 27, local time, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council jointly attended the 8th China-Japan-ROK Business Summit in Seoul with ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and delivered a speech. Li Qiang stated that President Xi Jinping used four characters, "kinship, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness," to succinctly summarize China's neighborhood diplomacy concept. China, Japan, and the ROK are geographically close, economically deeply integrated, and culturally interconnected, which determines that we should be peaceful and friendly neighbors, neighbors who work together for development, and neighbors whose hearts are aligned. China is willing to work hand in hand with the ROK and Japan, taking history as a mirror and looking to the future, to continuously deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, constantly promote intertwined interests, closer people-to-people bonds, and shared destinies, thereby accelerating regional integration and further opening up a new situation of peace, stability, development, and prosperity. Li Qiang stated that entrepreneurs play an important role in promoting China-Japan-ROK economic and trade as well as exchanges and cooperation in various fields. He expressed hope that everyone would grasp the general trend of economic globalization, deepen industrial collaboration, continuously enhance the level of interconnectedness and the efficiency of factor allocation, and be guardians of stable industrial and supply chains. He urged them to grasp the general trend of the global technological revolution and industrial transformation, strengthen joint research and development and collaborative breakthroughs, jointly promote technological progress and enhance industrial competitiveness, and be promoters of deepening innovation cooperation. He called on them to grasp the general trend of the integration and development of human civilizations, fully leverage their role as bridges and links, actively support民间交往 (people-to-people exchanges), and be facilitators of expanding cultural exchanges. Approximately 240 representatives from business circles and governments of the three countries attended the summit. Wu ZhengLong attended the above activities. On the same day, when Li Qiang concluded his relevant activities and departed from Seoul, senior ROK government officials and Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Xing Haiming were at the airport to see him off.
Li Qiang Returns to Beijing After Attending 9th Trilateral Summit Meeting Among China, Japan, and Republic of Korea
On the afternoon of May 27, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council returned to Beijing by chartered plane after attending the Ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong and other accompanying personnel arrived on the same plane.
Industrial Enterprises Above Designated Size See 4.3% Profit Growth in Jan-April
Reporters learned from the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics today (May 27) that from January to April, industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide achieved a total profit of 2,094.69 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.3%; operating revenue reached 41.92 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.6%. Enterprise profits continued to maintain steady growth, and enterprise revenue continued to improve. Profits in the equipment manufacturing industry maintained rapid growth. From January to April, profits in the equipment manufacturing industry increased by 16.3% year-on-year, 12.0 percentage points higher than the growth rate of all industrial enterprises above designated size, driving the growth of profits of industrial enterprises above designated size by 4.7 percentage points, making it the largest contributing sector. Among them, the electronics industry saw a significant profit increase of 75.8% due to the release of consumer demand and rapid output growth.
Promoting High-Quality Development Series Press Conference: Sichuan Shouldering Mission of Western Development in New Era
The State Council Information Office held a series of theme press conferences on "Promoting High-Quality Development" today (May 27), where relevant officials from Sichuan Province introduced the situation. In 2023, Sichuan's economic aggregate exceeded 6 trillion yuan, growing by 6%, industrial investment increased by 22.3%, and the growth rate of total retail sales of consumer goods was 2 percentage points higher than the national average. This year, Sichuan is making new industrialization the main engine of economic growth, vigorously implementing the action of quality improvement and multiplication for six advantageous industries, promoting the intelligent transformation and digital upgrading of traditional industries, cultivating and expanding strategic emerging industries such as biotechnology and intelligent networked new energy vehicles, and vigorously developing low-altitude economy and commercial aerospace. In the first quarter of this year, Sichuan's GDP grew by 6.1% year-on-year, and industries such as electronic information, food and textiles, and energy and chemicals all exceeded one trillion yuan in scale. Currently, Sichuan is establishing innovation consortia, led by backbone enterprises, focusing on green hydrogen, vanadium-titanium, and humanoid robots. It is actively laying out and constructing a number of provincial-level pilot research and development platforms and industry-specific pilot research and development bases, launching a special program for leading scientists in frontier technologies, and continuously stimulating innovation and creativity. Sichuan will also promote multi-energy complementary development involving water, wind, solar, hydrogen, and natural gas, accelerate the construction of a world-class high-quality clean energy base, and transform energy advantages into development advantages. It will continue to wage the battle against air, water, and soil pollution, ensuring that clear water flows eastward.
Publicity Department Confers "Role Model of the Times" Title on PLA Army's Yang Gengsi Company
The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee today (May 27) conferred the title of "Model of the Times" on the "Yang Gensi Company" of a certain combined arms brigade of the Army. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the "Yang Gensi Company" has adhered to building the company and nurturing talents with Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, outstandingly completing major tasks such as international military competitions, live-fire drills, international peacekeeping, and disaster relief, and has been awarded two collective first-class merits. The "Yang Gensi Company" is an advanced example of resolutely obeying the Party's command and striving to strengthen the military, and a pioneer of the times in practicing the heroic declaration of "three disbelieves" and faithfully fulfilling its mission. Tonight, the "Models of the Times Release Hall" program on CCTV-1 will tell their advanced deeds.
Domestic News Briefs
Major achievements of the "Research and Interpretation Project on Modern Chinese Civilization" were released today (May 27). The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences released the phased major achievements of the "Research and Interpretation Project on Modern Chinese Civilization," including 22 monographs and papers such as "(New Edition) Outline of Chinese History," "Research on Fundamental Issues of the 'Two Integrations'," and "Civilized China: Archaeological Interpretations of the Outstanding Characteristics of Chinese Civilization." These provide systematic theoretical support for China's practices in the new era, such as achieving Chinese modernization and building a modern Chinese civilization. The 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair concluded today (May 27). This year's fair for the first time set up an International Cultural Trade Exhibition, a "Cultural and Creative China" special exhibition area, and a traditional food exhibition area, attracting the top 30 national cultural enterprises from previous sessions, as well as over 220 leading cultural enterprises from home and abroad, setting a new record for total participants. Over 120,000 cultural products were exhibited, and more than 4,000 cultural industry investment and financing projects were displayed and traded on-site. Shenzhou-18 Astronaut Crew to Conduct First Extravehicular Activity Soon According to the China Manned Space Agency, the Shenzhou-18 astronaut crew will conduct their first extravehicular activity (EVA) at an opportune time in the coming days. Currently, the crew has completed the inspection, testing, and status setting of extravehicular suits and equipment, and has conducted on-orbit training such as robotic arm operations. The astronauts are in good condition, the space station complex is operating stably, and conditions for EVA are met. "Annual Report on China's Consumer Rights Protection (2023)" Released The China Consumers Association today (May 27) released the "Annual Report on China's Consumer Rights Protection (2023)". The report points out that in 2023, China formulated and revised 6 laws and administrative regulations related to consumer rights protection, 34 departmental regulations, and 241 national standards for consumer products, with a significant improvement in legislative quality. China has built over 5,500 grain post-production service centers. Today (May 27), the National Grain and Material Reserve Science and Technology Week opened in Nanchang, Jiangxi, with the theme of "Unleashing Innovation Vitality, Promoting Grain and Reserve Prosperity." As of now, over 5,500 grain post-production service centers have been built nationwide, and 10 million sets of scientific grain storage equipment have been promoted for farmers, helping farmers reduce grain storage losses and ensure every grain is stored. Multiple New Measures Further Promote the Construction of Digital China At the recently held 7th Digital China Summit, the National Data Bureau announced the results of the first national data resource survey, the first batch of 20 typical "data elements x" development and utilization cases, and a list of 7 cities for data labeling base construction. 421 digital economy projects completed docking and signing, and over 300,000 people participated in on-site digital experiences, further stimulating the vitality of digital China's development. Guangxi Guilin Changtang Reservoir Project Commences Construction Today (May 27), the Guangxi Guilin Changtang Reservoir Project, one of the 150 major national water conservancy projects, commenced construction. Upon completion, it is expected to provide 212 million cubic meters of production and domestic water annually for 873,000 people in Guilin and add 298,000 mu of irrigated area. 175,000 Cubic Meter LNG Carrier Launched in Dalian Today (May 27), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with a total capacity of 175,000 cubic meters, developed and built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., was launched in Dalian. This vessel is the most mainstream LNG carrier type in the world and can dock at most large LNG terminals globally. Bretton Woods at 80 International Conference Calls for Stronger Global Financial Cooperation Today (May 27), the "Bretton Woods System: The Past 80 Years and Future Prospects" International Conference and the 2024 Tsinghua PBCSF Global Finance Forum were held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Over 70 high-level political and economic leaders, experts, and scholars from China and abroad discussed 12 major topics, including global macroeconomic shifts, emerging market recovery, and financial empowerment of technological innovation. Attendees also called for stronger global financial cooperation. The Second "Belt and Road" International Skills Competition to be Held in Chongqing Reporters learned from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security that the second "Belt and Road" International Skills Competition will be held in Chongqing from June 24 to 26. The competition will feature 18 events, referring to WorldSkills Competition projects. Currently, over 300 contestants, judges, and relevant personnel from nearly 60 countries and regions have registered. "Guopin Action 2024" Employment Promotion Activity Launched The "Guopin Action 2024" employment promotion activity, jointly launched by China Media Group (CMG) and six ministries and commissions, officially began today (May 27), with the simultaneous start of filming for the special program "First Lesson in the Workplace." Relying on CMG's international first-class media brand resources and communication advantages, the "Guopin Action" has attracted nearly 50,000 enterprises and offered over 5 million job positions since its launch five years ago.
Gaza Condemns Israel's Deliberate Bombing of Rafah Refugee Camp
The Palestinian health authorities in the Gaza Strip issued a statement early today (May 27) saying that an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp northwest of the southern Gaza city of Rafah on the evening of May 26 killed at least 50 people and injured dozens. The Gaza media office stated today that the Israeli military had previously designated the area where the refugee camp is located as a so-called "safe zone" and had asked local residents to evacuate to this area, only to then carry out concentrated and deliberate bombing there. The Palestinian Presidency issued a statement calling the Israeli attack on the Rafah refugee camp an "atrocious massacre" and urged the international community to take immediate action to stop the Israeli side's "all-out aggression" against Palestinian territories. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued successive statements on the evening of May 26 and early morning of May 27, confirming its attack on targets northwest of Rafah. The Israeli side stated that the target was a "compound" belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and claimed that the IDF killed two senior Hamas officials. Populous areas in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, were subjected to rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip on May 26. Israel stated that the attack resulted in three injuries. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Russia Claims More Favorable Positions in Various Areas, Ukraine Says Taking All Necessary Measures to Halt Russian Offensive
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on May 26 that Russian forces had taken control of more settlements in the Kharkiv region and had gained more advantageous positions in several directions. The Russian military struck Ukrainian armored vehicles, artillery systems, and other targets. The Ukrainian side stated that Russian forces were attempting to breach Ukrainian defense lines, and Ukrainian forces were taking all necessary measures to weaken the Russian offensive. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Says NATO Secretary General Should Apologize or Resign NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently stated that NATO member states should start considering allowing Ukraine to use the weapons they provide to attack Russian territory. In response, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on May 26 that Stoltenberg could not represent Italians and that he should apologize for his remarks or resign. Hungarian Prime Minister Calls for Preventing Escalation and Spread of Russia-Ukraine Conflict Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on May 26 that European countries have invested a large amount of money in Ukraine, which will affect European economic development, and Orbán called for preventing the further escalation and spread of the conflict.
International News Briefs
Yemen's Houthi rebels released over a hundred captured personnel. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Yemen, the Houthi movement unilaterally released 113 captured personnel in Sana'a on May 26. Yemeni media reported that most of those released were Yemeni government military personnel. The ICRC welcomed this, stating it was a positive step towards resuming relevant negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthi movement, and expressed hope that this move would encourage both sides to release more captured personnel. French President Pays First State Visit to Germany in 24 Years On May 26, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Berlin, Germany, for a visit, marking the first state visit by a French president to Germany in 24 years. Macron stated on the same day that the European Union is currently facing severe internal and external challenges, which could even lead to the demise of Europe. He emphasized the importance of advancing Franco-German relations for Europe. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated that the two countries need to jointly address geopolitical challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Gaza Strip conflict, and the US presidential election, among others. Severe Storms Hit Central US, At Least 18 Dead Strong storms recently struck parts of the central United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky, triggering tornadoes and strong winds and other severe weather, resulting in at least 18 deaths, including several children, and hundreds injured. Hundreds of homes and power lines were extensively damaged, leaving over 640,000 customers without power. Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated on May 26 that due to the severe weather, 106 counties in Texas have been declared disaster areas. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also declared a state of emergency in the state early today (May 27).