Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Letter on 100th Anniversary of Whampoa Military Academy and 40th Anniversary of Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association, Emphasizing Broad Consensus for Chinese Dream; Wang Huning Attends Commemorative Symposium and Delivers Speech
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Whampoa Military Academy and the 40th anniversary of the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a congratulatory letter. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, he extended warm congratulations to the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association and sincere greetings to the vast number of Whampoa alumni and their relatives at home and abroad. In his letter, Xi Jinping pointed out that the Whampoa Military Academy was a product of the first Kuomintang-Communist cooperation and was the first school in China to train cadres for the revolutionary army. The Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association is a patriotic mass organization under the leadership of the Communist Party of China that connects Whampoa alumni and their relatives at home and abroad. Since its establishment, it has always upheld the tenet of "carrying forward the Whampoa spirit, strengthening alumni bonds, promoting national reunification, and dedicating itself to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." It has served the overall development of the Party and the country, and has made positive contributions to expanding cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, opposing "Taiwan independence" secession, and promoting national reunification. Xi Jinping emphasized that on the new journey, the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association should bear in mind its founding purpose and political mission, continue to carry forward the "patriotic and revolutionary" Whampoa spirit, further strengthen ideological guidance and organizational building, leverage its unique advantages, firmly oppose "independence" and promote reunification, and widely rally strength for jointly realizing the Chinese dream. He expressed hope that the vast number of Whampoa alumni and their relatives at home and abroad will not forget the aspirations of their predecessors, bravely shoulder the responsibilities of the era, and actively participate in the construction of Chinese modernization to contribute to building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation. A symposium was held in Beijing on the 17th to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy and the 40th anniversary of the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association. Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter was read out at the symposium. Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attended and delivered a speech. In his speech, Wang Huning stated that General Secretary Xi Jinping has always cared about Whampoa alumni and their relatives at home and abroad, and specially sent a congratulatory letter for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy and the 40th anniversary of the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association. He fully affirmed the historical achievements of the Whampoa Military Academy and the positive contributions of the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association, profoundly expounded the nature, purpose, and mission of the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association, and put forward earnest expectations for Whampoa alumni and their relatives at home and abroad, providing fundamental guidance for doing a good job in the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association's work in the new era. We must deeply study and comprehend it, and implement it effectively. Wang Huning said that Whampoa alumni and their relatives at home and abroad have a glorious history and fine tradition of patriotism and revolution, and are an important force for promoting national reunification and rejuvenation. They should inherit and carry forward the "patriotic and revolutionary" Whampoa spirit, jointly strive to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, actively participate in the construction of Chinese modernization, and jointly contribute to building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation. They should unswervingly advance the great cause of national reunification, actively participate in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, actively promote exchanges between young people across the Strait, and jointly inherit and carry forward Chinese culture, so that compatriots on both sides of the Strait can get closer and亲er through exchanges, interactions, and integration, continuously enhance their national identity, and forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. They should resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" secession and interference by external forces, resolutely safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and firmly guard the common home of the Chinese nation. The Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association should thoroughly implement the important instructions and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter, grasp the correct direction, leverage its unique advantages, strengthen its own building, and strive to play a greater role. Shi Taifeng, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium. Zheng Jianbang, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang Central Committee, delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of all democratic parties and mass organizations. Wang Dongfeng, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the symposium. Leaders of the Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Association and representatives of Whampoa alumni from Taiwan delivered speeches at the symposium. Responsible comrades from relevant departments of the central and state organs and relevant organizations, responsible persons of relevant central committees of democratic parties, representatives of Whampoa alumni and their relatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Hong Kong and Macao, and overseas, and responsible persons of provincial Whampoa Military Academy Alumni Associations attended the symposium.
French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish Editions of "Selected Works of Xi Jinping," Volumes I and II, Published
The French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish editions of the first and second volumes of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" were recently published by Foreign Languages Press and distributed both domestically and internationally. The first and second volumes of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" include important works by General Secretary Xi Jinping from November 2012 to October 2022. The report delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, titled "Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics to Strive in Unity for Building a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects," serves as the opening chapter, with other works arranged chronologically. "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" vividly records the great historical process in which the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, led the people in ushering in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics and continuously achieving new victories. It centrally reflects the major theoretical innovations achieved by Chinese Communists in the new era in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. It fully demonstrates the power of truth and practical strength of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in guiding the building of a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It comprehensively presents China's wisdom and responsibility in promoting the building of a better world, and is an authoritative work that comprehensively and systematically reflects Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Since their publication in March this year, the English editions of the first and second volumes of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" have received warm responses both at home and abroad. The publication and distribution of the French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish editions of the first and second volumes of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" will help foreign readers systematically understand Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and accurately grasp the essence of Chinese modernization. This is of great significance for presenting a credible, amiable, and respectable image of China and enhancing the global influence of Chinese civilization.
New Ideas Guide New Journey: Accelerating Development of Characteristic Industries to Aid Rural Revitalization
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that developing characteristic industries is an important way to achieve rural revitalization, and efforts should be made to develop "local specialties" to promote comprehensive rural revitalization through industrial revitalization. In midsummer, everything is flourishing across China, and rural fields are bustling with activity. Various characteristic industries are thriving and benefiting the people. Hunan is one of the 13 major grain-producing provinces in the country. In Gangzhongping Village, Xiejiapu Town, Changde City, vast rice fields are a sea of green. In about a month, the early rice here will be ready for harvest. This year, Xiejiapu Town introduced new unmanned plant protection drones and planted high-yield early rice new varieties, and everyone is confident of a bumper harvest. In March this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Hunan for inspection. The General Secretary pointed out that promoting comprehensive rural revitalization is the overall抓手 for "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers" work in the new era and new journey. We must adhere to the concept of "grand agriculture" and "grand food," actively develop characteristic agriculture and agricultural product processing industries, and improve the level of agricultural industrialization. To implement the General Secretary's requirements, Xiejiapu Town has, on the one hand, increased the promotion of improved varieties, machinery, and methods, and on the other hand, introduced and planted new early rice varieties suitable for rice noodle processing, actively connected with rice noodle enterprises, and further expanded the industrial chain. Ensuring that hundreds of millions of farmers lead a more prosperous life has always been a concern for General Secretary Xi Jinping. During each domestic inspection, he goes deep into the fields, into farmhouses, and talks with villagers about development and revitalization. The General Secretary emphasized that industrial revitalization is the top priority of rural revitalization and also the entry point for practical work, making "local specialties" an important engine for promoting comprehensive rural revitalization. In Guangdong, late-ripening lychees are entering their peak harvesting period. The local authorities are further improving logistics and preservation technologies to extend the optimal consumption period of lychees. In Guangxi, Baise mangoes have begun to be harvested. This year, the local authorities improved trade channels and built import and export sorting workshops and other facilities, selling mangoes abroad for the first time. In Yunnan, flower farmers in Kunming are busy harvesting fresh flowers. Relying on convenient transportation channels, fresh flowers are now sold to more than 50 countries and regions. In Shaanxi, Yan'an apples are entering their sales peak. Currently, Yan'an has built 105 intelligent fruit sorting lines and has over 1,200 fruit industry enterprises. Xiji County in Ningxia is home to 12 ethnic groups, including the Hui and Han. During this period, everyone is harvesting cool-season vegetables. Utilizing the large temperature difference between day and night and the cool climate, the local authorities have developed 150,000 mu of cool-season vegetables, benefiting people of all ethnic groups. Now, their cool-season vegetables can reach the tables of Guangzhou and Hong Kong residents in as fast as 30 hours. To make characteristic industries bigger and stronger, various regions are also pursuing "full chain" products and "unique" qualities. Malianzhuang sweet melons in Laixi, Shandong, are a national geographical indication agricultural product. This year, the local authorities changed the single planting model, introduced deep processing enterprises, developed beverages, extended the industrial chain, and the sweet melon output value is expected to exceed 1 billion yuan this year. Datong in Shanxi is building the "Datong Huanghua (Daylily)" regional public brand, accelerating the creation of an industrial cluster centered on huanghua cultivation. Vertically, it has developed more than 130 kinds of deep-processed products such as snack foods and pickles; horizontally, it has developed cultural tourism industries such as study tours and sightseeing. Today, the total output value of the entire Datong Huanghua industrial chain has reached 4.2 billion yuan, driving an average increase of 5,200 yuan per flower farmer. The development of rural characteristic industries injects strong vitality into comprehensive rural revitalization, and a new picture of agricultural and rural modernization is accelerating its unfolding.
Li Qiang Attends Welcome Ceremony Hosted by Australian Prime Minister
On the morning of the 17th, local time, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a ceremony at the forecourt of Parliament House to welcome Premier Li Qiang on his official visit to Australia. Upon Premier Li Qiang's arrival, Prime Minister Albanese greeted him at the alighting point. The honor guard fired a 19-gun salute. The military band played the Chinese national anthem. Li Qiang reviewed the honor guard. The two prime ministers ascended the reviewing stand, and the military band played the national anthems of China and Australia.
Li Qiang Holds 9th China-Australia Prime Ministers' Annual Meeting with Australian Prime Minister
Following the welcome ceremony, Premier Li Qiang held the ninth China-Australia Prime Ministers' Annual Meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Li Qiang stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's state visit to Australia and the establishment of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Looking back at the development of China-Australia relations over the past decade, the most important experience and revelation is to adhere to mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation. China is willing to work with Australia to jointly build a more mature, stable, and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, benefiting the people of both countries even more. Li Qiang pointed out that the essential characteristic of China-Australia relations is mutual benefit and win-win, and the development of China and Australia are opportunities for each other, not challenges. China is willing to work with Australia to adhere to the positioning of the comprehensive strategic partnership, make good use of mechanisms such as the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, continuously expand the scale of trade, actively expand cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles and renewable energy generation, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in local areas, culture, and tourism. He expressed hope that Australia will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises and offer more convenience for personnel exchanges between the two sides. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Australia at the regional and international levels, proceed from safeguarding peace and stability in the region, oppose bloc confrontation and a "new Cold War," and adhere to openness, inclusiveness, and common development. Albanese stated that Australia supports China's development and prosperity and highly appreciates China's significant contributions to global poverty reduction. Australia adheres to the one-China policy, does not support "Taiwan independence," and is willing to take the opportunity of celebrating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Australia and China to deepen dialogue and cooperation in various fields and promote the continuous improvement and development of Australia-China relations. He welcomed more Chinese students and tourists to study and travel in Australia. The two prime ministers unanimously agreed to adhere to the positioning of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, consolidate the momentum of improvement and development of China-Australia relations, and jointly safeguard regional and world peace, stability, and prosperity. China will include Australia in the scope of countries eligible for unilateral visa exemption, and the two sides agreed to issue multiple-entry visas valid for 3 to 5 years for tourism, business, and family visit purposes for each other's citizens. After the meeting, the two prime ministers jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as strategic economic dialogue and the implementation of the free trade agreement, and jointly met with reporters. The two sides issued the "Joint Outcomes Statement of the China-Australia Prime Ministers' Annual Meeting." Before the meeting, the two prime ministers held a small-group discussion.
Li Qiang Meets with Australian Governor-General
On the afternoon of the 17th, local time, Premier Li Qiang met with Australian Governor-General David Hurley in Canberra. Li Qiang first conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Hurley. Li Qiang stated that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Australia relations have returned to the right track of steady development and are showing a positive trend of continuous improvement. China is willing to work with Australia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, adhere to mutual respect, equal treatment, and win-win cooperation, further consolidate and develop the current good momentum, make the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership more mature, stable, and fruitful, better benefit the people of both countries, and make positive contributions to peace, stability, prosperity, and development in the region and the world. Hurley asked Li Qiang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. Hurley stated that Australia and China have broad cooperation and a vibrant bilateral relationship. Australia is willing to advance dialogue and cooperation with China in various fields and promote the stable and healthy development of the Australia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Li Qiang Meets Jointly with President of Australian Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives
On the morning of the 17th, local time, Premier Li Qiang met collectively with President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines and Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick in Canberra. Li Qiang stated that China-Australia relations have returned to the right track after twists and turns, which is hard-won. To achieve greater development in the next step, joint efforts from both sides are needed, and the role of the legislative bodies of the two countries is very important. The economies of China and Australia are highly complementary, and there is broad space for cooperation. He expressed hope that the Australian Federal Parliament will actively support practical cooperation between the two countries and provide a sound legal guarantee and political atmosphere for this. China supports strengthening exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries and welcomes Australian federal parliamentarians to visit China more often to understand China's development and changes on the ground and play a positive role in enhancing mutual correct understanding. Lines and Dick stated that Australia is pleased to see the good momentum of stable development in Australia-China relations. The Australian Federal Parliament is willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with China to promote the continuous development of Australia-China relations and benefit the people of both countries. Wu Zheng-long participated in the above activities.
Zhao Leji Presides Over 26th Meeting of 14th NPC Standing Committee Chairpersons' Council, Deciding 10th Session of 14th NPC Standing Committee to Be Held in Beijing from June 25 to 28
The 26th Chairperson's Council meeting of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee was held on the afternoon of the 17th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Chairman Zhao Leji presided over the meeting. The meeting decided that the 10th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee will be held from June 25 to 28 in Beijing. The Chairperson's Council proposed that the 10th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee deliberate on the draft Law on Emergency Response Management, the draft Law on Rural Collective Economic Organizations, the revised draft of the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law, the amended draft of the Accounting Law, the draft Law on Financial Stability, the draft Law on Preschool Education, the revised draft of the Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security, the revised draft of the Law on Protection of Cultural Relics, and the revised draft of the Mineral Resources Law; deliberate on the draft decision of the NPC Standing Committee on authorizing the State Council to temporarily adjust the application of relevant provisions of the "Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" in the Hainan Free Trade Port; deliberate on the State Council's motion requesting deliberation and approval of "Amendment to Annex A of the Minamata Convention on Mercury by Decision 4/3 of the Fourth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury" and its motion requesting deliberation and approval of the "Extradition Treaty between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Panama." The agenda for the 10th session of the Standing Committee, as proposed by the Chairperson's Council, also includes: deliberating on the State Council's report on the central final accounts for 2023, and examining and approving the central final accounts for 2023; deliberating on the State Council's audit work report on the implementation of the central budget and other fiscal revenues and expenditures for 2023; deliberating on the State Council's report on the development of the private economy; deliberating on the report of the NPC Standing Committee's Credentials Committee on the qualifications of individual deputies; and deliberating on relevant appointments and removals. At the Chairperson's Council meeting, Liu Qi, Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee, reported on the draft agenda and schedule for the 10th session of the Standing Committee. Relevant deputy secretaries-general of the NPC Standing Committee and responsible persons of relevant special committees of the NPC and relevant working committees of the Standing Committee reported on relevant topics.
CPPCC Holds Bi-Weekly Consultation Symposium on Promoting Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Wang Huning Presides
The 20th Bimonthly Consultative Symposium of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was held in Beijing on the 17th, presided over by Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee. He stated that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached great importance to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), placing the development of TCM in an important position and promoting significant achievements in China's TCM cause. When discussing and deliberating on promoting the inheritance and innovative development of TCM, it is necessary to deeply study and comprehend General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on TCM work and the CPC Central Committee's decisions and arrangements, enhance the pertinence and effectiveness of research, deliberation, and performance of duties, and promote the important role of TCM in building a healthy China. Wang Huning stated that research should be deepened in promoting the revitalization and development of TCM, focusing on important issues involved in the inheritance and innovative development of TCM, such as the protection of classics, scientific and technological innovation, institutional reform, industrial transformation, and international cooperation, to put forward more policy recommendations that enhance people's health and promote the high-quality development of the TCM cause. It is necessary to promote the implementation of arrangements for the inheritance and innovative development of TCM, and propose targeted and operable opinions and suggestions. It is necessary to play a role in creating a good atmosphere for the inheritance and innovative development of TCM, inspire the interest and enthusiasm of young people to understand and love TCM, and better meet the health needs of the people. It is necessary to promote TCM to the world. Some CPPCC National Committee members and experts delivered speeches. They believed that it is necessary to strengthen the construction of TCM advantageous specialties, actively carry out research on advantageous diseases in integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and promote the mutual complementarity of TCM and Western medicine. It is necessary to promote the construction of a TCM scientific and technological innovation system and enhance the ability of inheritance and innovation. It is necessary to strengthen the cultivation of TCM leading talents and innovation teams, strengthen the cultivation of interdisciplinary talents in TCM, and strengthen the construction of TCM talent teams at the grassroots level. Responsible comrades from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the National Medical Products Administration introduced relevant situations and exchanged views with CPPCC members.
National Economy Stable in May
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (June 17), where the National Bureau of Statistics introduced the current economic situation. In May, the national economy operated generally steadily, maintaining a trend of recovery and improvement. The latest released data shows that in May, production and supply increased steadily. In terms of grain production, the national summer harvest progressed smoothly, and a bumper summer grain harvest is expected. In terms of industry, industry maintained relatively rapid growth, with the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size increasing by 5.6% year-on-year in May. Nine out of ten regions and eight out of ten industries achieved growth, of which equipment manufacturing increased by 7.5% year-on-year, driving the growth of all industrial enterprises above designated size by 2.6 percentage points, continuing to play a "ballast" role. In terms of service industry, the service industry continued to recover, and modern service industries developed well. Market demand increased steadily. In May, total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 3.7% year-on-year, 1.4 percentage points faster than the previous month, of which service consumption maintained relatively rapid growth. From January to May, national fixed asset investment increased by 4.0% year-on-year, of which manufacturing investment and high-tech industry investment maintained relatively rapid growth. Under the large-scale equipment renewal policy, investment in equipment and tools increased faster, contributing 52.8% to the total investment growth.
53% of China's Treatable Desertified Land Effectively Managed
Today (June 17) marks the 30th World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Reporters learned from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration that China has promoted scientific and large-scale desertification control, with 53% of treatable desertified land effectively managed. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has completed the treatment of 331 million mu of desertified land, achieving a historic shift from "sand advancing and people retreating" to "green advancing and sand retreating" in key control areas. In the Three-North Shelterbelt Program area, a total of 480 million mu of trees have been planted, and 1.28 billion mu of degraded grassland have been managed, with forest coverage increasing from 5.05% in 1978 to 13.84%. The national desertified land area has continuously decreased for four consecutive monitoring periods, changing from an average annual expansion of 5.15 million mu at the end of the last century to an average annual reduction of 10 million mu currently. Wind and sand hazards have been effectively curbed, and the total soil wind erosion in the eight major deserts and four major sandy lands in 2019 decreased by about 40% compared to 2000. The improvement of the ecological environment in sandy areas has driven the development of animal husbandry and forestry and fruit industries. In major grain-producing areas such as North China and Northeast China, 450 million mu of farmland are effectively protected by farmland shelterbelt networks. China has actively promoted the global desertification control process, being the first in the world to achieve "zero net land degradation," and the successful practice of the Three-North Shelterbelt Program has set a Chinese benchmark for desertification control, contributing a "Chinese solution" to global ecological governance.
Domestic News Snippets
Basic Pensions for Retirees Increased by 3%
Reporters learned from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security that starting from January 1, 2024, the basic pension level for enterprise and public institution retirees who had completed retirement procedures and received basic pensions monthly by the end of 2023 will be increased. The overall adjustment level is 3% of the average monthly basic pension for retirees in 2023.
China's Postal and Express Delivery Sector Handles Over 73.3 Billion Parcels in First Five Months
Reporters learned from the State Post Bureau today (June 17) that from January to May, the cumulative volume of postal industry services nationwide reached 73.31 billion parcels, a year-on-year increase of 21.6%. Among them, the cumulative volume of express delivery services reached 65.59 billion parcels, a year-on-year increase of 24.4%.
South-to-North Water Diversion Project Enters Full Drought Relief Dispatch State
In response to the recent drought situation in North China, Huang-Huai, and other regions, the Ministry of Water Resources has dispatched the South-to-North Water Diversion Project to fully support drought relief and water supply work in areas along the route. The South-to-North Water Diversion Group has urgently supplied 0.5 billion cubic meters of water for drought relief to areas such as Pingdingshan City, Henan Province, through the central route project's spillway, and coordinated with the Eastern Route Company to cumulatively divert 0.394 billion cubic meters of emergency drought relief water for Shandong Province.
Ethnic Minority Groups Across China Celebrate Eid al-Adha
Today (June 17) marks Eid al-Adha, a traditional festival for some ethnic minority groups in China. Various forms of celebratory activities were held in many places. People of all ethnic groups visited relatives and friends, danced and sang, chatted and enjoyed delicious food, celebrating a joyful and peaceful festival together.
Fifth Lancang-Mekong Audiovisual Week Opens in Kunming, Yunnan
The Fifth Lancang-Mekong Audiovisual Week opened today (June 17) in Kunming, Yunnan. This year's Audiovisual Week, themed "Mountains and Rivers Connected, 'Legacy' Continues to Inspire," showcases unique intangible cultural heritage and Lancang-Mekong audiovisual cooperation achievements from China and South and Southeast Asian countries through excellent audiovisual program screenings, the third Youth Short Video Creation Camp, and audiovisual exchange dialogues.
CMG's "Guochao City" Signing Ceremony and Harbin Brand Release Event Held
China Media Group (CMG)'s "Guochao City" signing ceremony and Harbin brand release event were held recently. "Guochao City" is an important part of CMG's "Guochao Zhenpin" full-puzzle converged media action, which will comprehensively enhance the attractiveness, reputation, and competitiveness of city brands.
Palestinian Media Reports Israeli Airstrikes on Central Gaza Refugee Camp; Palestinian Armed Groups Claim Attacks on Israeli Targets
According to Palestinian media reports, at least nine people, including children, were killed when the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip was hit by an Israeli airstrike on the 16th. The Israeli army has not responded to the attack. On the 16th and 17th, the Israeli army also launched airstrikes and shelling on eastern Gaza City and northwestern Rafah. Several Palestinian armed groups claimed on the 16th that they launched multiple attacks on Israeli forces in southeastern Gaza City and destroyed Israeli tanks and armored bulldozers in Rafah. Israeli media reported that the Israeli Prime Minister announced the dissolution of the war cabinet. According to Israeli media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today (June 17) the dissolution of the war cabinet. The Israeli war cabinet was formed after the new round of Israel-Palestine conflict broke out on October 7 last year. Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and National Unity Party leader Gantz were the three core members responsible for making decisions on combat matters. On June 9, Gantz announced his resignation from the war cabinet. According to Israeli media reports, Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and other officials had previously applied to join the war cabinet. Lebanon claimed Israeli airstrikes and shelling caused large fires in southern Lebanon. Israel stated on the 16th that it launched airstrikes and shelling on a Hezbollah target in southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, the Israeli army fired multiple large incendiary bombs into southern Lebanon that day, causing large fires that burned vast areas of forests and olive groves.
International News Snippets
Cuban President Visits Russian Naval Vessels
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on the 15th visited the Russian Navy's frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" and the nuclear submarine "Kazan," which are currently visiting Cuba. Díaz-Canel expressed a warm welcome to friends from Russia. On the 12th, a detachment from the Russian Northern Fleet arrived at Havana Port in Cuba, commencing a six-day visit. From the 13th to the 15th, the frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" was open for public viewing by Cuban citizens.
High Temperatures and Dryness Cause Rapid Spread of California Wildfires
According to US media reports on the 16th, a wildfire that ignited in Gorman, Los Angeles County, California, on the 15th has rapidly spread to neighboring Ventura County due to high temperatures, dryness, and strong winds. As of the 16th, the burned area has approached 60 square kilometers. Local fire authorities stated that this is the largest fire in California this year, and only 2% of it is currently contained. In addition, the smoke generated by the fire has affected multiple surrounding areas.