Xi Jinping Holds Ceremony to Welcome Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary, President to China
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China, held a welcoming ceremony for Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam, at the East Gate Plaza of the Great Hall of the People on the morning of August 19. Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Secretariat, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, and Wang Xiaohong, Secretary of the Central Secretariat and State Councilor, attended the welcoming ceremony. Accompanying To Lam on his visit to China were: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and President of the Central Committee of the Fatherland Front, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and Head of the Central Organization Department, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and Minister of National Defense, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and Minister of Public Security. The military band played the national anthems of Vietnam and China, and a 21-gun salute was fired. To Lam, accompanied by Xi Jinping, reviewed the guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The two heads of state returned to the reviewing stand to watch the march-past of the guard of honor. To Lam is on a state visit to China at the invitation of Xi Jinping.
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary, President
On August 19, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China, held talks with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping once again congratulated To Lam on his election as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee. Xi Jinping pointed out that To Lam's first visit after assuming office as General Secretary is to China, which fully demonstrates the high importance attached to the relationship between the two parties and two countries, and also reflects the high level and strategic nature of China-Vietnam relations. Shared ideals and beliefs are the red genes passed down from generation to generation by the two parties, solidifying into the traditional friendship of "deep Vietnam-China friendship, comrades and brothers." As two ruling communist parties in today's world, the Communist Parties of China and Vietnam should uphold their original aspiration of friendship, carry forward traditional friendship, bear in mind their common mission, adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party and the socialist system, continuously deepen the building of a China-Vietnam community with a strategic future, and jointly promote the development of the world socialist cause. I am willing to establish a good working relationship and personal friendship with Comrade To Lam to jointly lead the in-depth and solid construction of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Xi Jinping pointed out that in the face of changes in the world, times, and history, China and Vietnam have maintained rapid economic development and long-term social stability, demonstrating the superiority of the socialist system and the vitality of the socialist cause. China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, supports Vietnam in adhering to party leadership, following a socialist path that conforms to its national conditions, and deeply advancing its reform and opening-up and socialist modernization. At a critical period for their respective national development and revitalization, China and Vietnam should grasp the direction of building a community with a shared future, and solidify a "six-more" development pattern with higher political mutual trust, more practical security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, stronger public opinion foundation, closer multilateral coordination and cooperation, and better management and resolution of differences. China is willing to maintain close strategic communication and high-level exchanges with Vietnam, firmly support each other, actively explore expanding the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the "Two Corridors, One Economic Belt" framework, accelerate the "hard connectivity" of railways, expressways, and port infrastructure, improve the "soft connectivity" of smart customs, and work together to build secure and stable industrial and supply chains. Taking the opportunity of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam next year, both sides should jointly hold a series of activities such as the "China-Vietnam People-to-People Exchange Year" to consolidate the public opinion foundation of the two countries. Both sides should uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other basic norms of international relations, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, safeguard international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Xi Jinping introduced the relevant situation of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, emphasizing that China's further comprehensive deepening of reforms and promotion of high-level opening up will bring new impetus and opportunities for the development of all countries, including Vietnam. China is willing to deepen exchanges with Vietnam on governance experience and jointly improve the modernization of national governance systems and capabilities, and jointly move towards modernization. To Lam stated that his first visit as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President of Vietnam to China fully demonstrates the consistent position of the Vietnamese Party and government in attaching importance to developing relations with China, and considers China as a strategic choice and top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy. The Vietnamese Party and government will inherit the legacy of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party, adhere to the socialist path, and firmly advance along the path jointly determined by the elder generations of leaders of the two countries, especially General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary Xi Jinping, and deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in accordance with the overall goal of "six more," and promote the building of a Vietnam-China community with a strategic future. Under the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, China has successfully completed all reform tasks set by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, achieved tremendous development achievements, and its international status and influence are increasing, making important contributions to world peace and development and the progress of all mankind. Vietnam congratulates the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which has opened a new era of further comprehensive deepening of reforms and advancing Chinese modernization. It is believed that under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, China will surely achieve the second centenary goal and comprehensively build a modern socialist powerful country. Vietnam adheres to independence and self-reliance, firmly pursues the One-China policy, believes that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory, firmly opposes all forms of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and firmly supports China in achieving national reunification. Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet are all internal affairs of China, and Vietnam firmly opposes any forces interfering in China's internal affairs. Vietnam is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, share experience in party and state governance, deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in fields such as national defense and security, economy and trade, investment, and cross-border infrastructure connectivity. Both sides should jointly organize the "Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year" next year, strengthen youth and local exchanges and cooperation, and consolidate the social and public opinion foundation of the two countries. Vietnam is willing to properly manage maritime differences with China and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. Vietnam supports and is willing to actively participate in the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Vietnam is willing to work closely with China in multilateral international cooperation, uphold multilateralism, safeguard international fairness and justice, and make positive contributions to promoting world peace and development. After the talks, the two sides jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in fields such as party schools, connectivity, industry, finance, customs inspection and quarantine, health, news agencies and media, local affairs, and people's livelihoods. After the signing ceremony, Xi Jinping and To Lam held a small-scale tea discussion, continuing in-depth exchanges on important issues of common concern in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Before the talks, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming ceremony for To Lam and his wife Ngo Thi Ly at the East Gate Plaza of the Great Hall of the People. Upon To Lam's arrival, honor guards lined up to salute. Xi Jinping and To Lam ascended the reviewing stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Vietnam, and a 21-gun salute was fired in Tiananmen Square. To Lam, accompanied by Xi Jinping, reviewed the guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past. At noon on the same day, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet for To Lam and his wife in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Wang Xiaohong and others participated in the above activities. During To Lam's visit to China, the two sides will issue a "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Further Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and Promoting the Building of a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future."
Li Qiang Presides Over State Council Executive Meeting
On August 19, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council presided over an executive meeting of the State Council, which reviewed and adopted the "Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Service Trade with High-Level Opening Up" and the "Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2024 Edition)." The meeting also reviewed and adopted the "Regulations on the Filing and Review of Laws and Regulations (Draft)" and the "Regulations on Urban Public Transportation (Draft)," studied policy measures to promote the high-quality development of specialized, refined, unique, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, and decided to approve five nuclear power projects, including the first phase of the Xuzhou project in Jiangsu. The meeting pointed out that accelerating the development of service trade is an inevitable requirement for expanding high-level opening up and cultivating new drivers for foreign trade development. It is necessary to enhance the level of liberalization and facilitation of service trade, fully implement the negative list for cross-border service trade, promote comprehensive pilot demonstrations for expanding the opening up of the service industry, and facilitate the cross-border flow of resources such as talent, capital, technological achievements, and data. It is also necessary to promote innovative development in key areas of service trade, facilitate the integration of service trade and goods trade, support the international development of professional services such as finance, consulting, design, and certification and accreditation, and create new growth points for service trade. The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to further relax foreign investment access, fully lift restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector, and actively promote the opening up of service sectors such as telecommunications, education, and healthcare. It is also necessary to optimize policies for attracting foreign investment to adapt to the new situation, promptly respond to reasonable demands from foreign businesses, and introduce more practical measures to optimize the business environment and improve service guarantees. The meeting reviewed and adopted the "Regulations on the Filing and Review of Laws and Regulations (Draft)," requiring adherence to the principles of "must be filed if there are cases, must be reviewed if filed, and must be corrected if there are errors." The focus will be on issues such as inconsistencies between local and departmental legislation and higher-level laws, impacts on the construction of a unified national market, and damage to the business environment, so as to do a high-quality and efficient job of filing and review. The meeting reviewed and adopted the "Regulations on Urban Public Transportation (Draft)," requiring that in conjunction with the promulgation and implementation of the regulations, the quality and efficiency of urban public transportation services and safety management be effectively improved. The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to vigorously cultivate and develop specialized, refined, unique, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen policy coordination in finance, taxation, finance, science and technology, industry, and talent, and support the innovative development of enterprises across the entire chain. It is necessary to continuously optimize the development environment, improve mechanisms for tiered cultivation, factor guarantees, and public services, and help enterprises solve practical difficulties. Taking the opportunity of large-scale equipment renewal, it is necessary to promote the digital, intelligent, and green transformation of specialized, refined, unique, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, and continuously enhance their core competitiveness. The meeting emphasized that safety is the lifeline of nuclear power development, and it is necessary to continuously improve nuclear power safety technology and risk prevention capabilities, strengthen full-chain and all-domain safety supervision, ensure foolproof nuclear power safety, and promote the long-term healthy development of the industry. The meeting also discussed other matters.
Li Qiang to Visit Russia for 29th Regular Meeting Between Chinese and Russian Prime Ministers, Also to Visit Belarus
At the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Premier Li Qiang will travel to Russia from August 20 to 23 to co-chair the 29th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers and pay visits to Russia and Belarus.
Zhao Leji Meets with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary, President
On August 19, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam, in Beijing. Zhao Leji stated that General Secretary and President Xi Jinping had fruitful talks with To Lam, which charted the course for the development of China-Vietnam relations in the coming period. China is willing to work with Vietnam to follow the strategic consensus of the highest leaders of the two parties and two countries, push for deeper and more substantive development of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute to their respective socialist modernization efforts. The National People's Congress of China is willing to work with the National Assembly of Vietnam to implement bilateral cooperation agreements, make good use of the counterpart exchange mechanism, promote multi-channel cooperation, strengthen exchanges on legislative and supervisory experiences, and provide legal guarantees for the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. To Lam stated that Vietnam has always regarded developing relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority, and is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies, and deeply promote the building of a Vietnam-China community with a strategic future. Zhang Qingwei participated in the meeting.
Zhao Leji Meets with Fijian Prime Minister
On August 19, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing. Zhao Leji stated that Fiji was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China, and China-Fiji relations have become a model of equal treatment and friendly cooperation between large and small countries. China highly appreciates Fiji's long-term adherence to the One-China principle and is willing to work with Fiji to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, continuously expand all-round mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the development of the China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership. The National People's Congress of China is willing to continue strengthening exchanges at all levels with the Fijian Parliament, promptly approve relevant legal documents, and provide legal guarantees for bilateral cooperation. Rabuka stated that the One-China principle is the cornerstone of Fiji-China relations, and Fiji highly appreciates the important initiatives and concepts proposed by President Xi Jinping. Fiji is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in various fields such as trade and poverty reduction, deepen exchanges between legislative bodies, and better benefit the people of both countries. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka went to Tiananmen Square on the afternoon of August 19 to lay a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes.
Wang Huning Meets with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary, President
On August 19, Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, met with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam, in Beijing. Wang Huning stated that on the morning of August 19, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and General Secretary and President To Lam made strategic deployments for deepening the construction of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, charting the course for the development of relations between the two parties and two countries. China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the highest leaders of the two parties and two countries, and push for deeper and more substantive development of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference is willing to make active efforts with Vietnam in this regard. To Lam stated that Vietnam will always remember and sincerely thank China for its tremendous help to Vietnam's national liberation and development, and will remain true to its original aspiration, guided by the important consensus reached by the highest leaders of the two parties and two countries, consolidate and enhance cooperation between Vietnam and China in various fields, and build a Vietnam-China community with a strategic future. Hu Chunhua, Wang Dongfeng, and others participated in the meeting.
[Promoting High-Quality Development Series Press Conference] Continuing to Deepen Immigration Management Reform and Policy Innovation
The State Council Information Office held a press conference on the "Promoting High-Quality Development" series today (August 19). The relevant负责人 from the National Immigration Administration stated that in recent years, China has continuously deepened immigration management reforms and policy system innovations, accelerating its pace in serving and promoting national opening up and development. At the press conference, it was announced that in recent years, the National Immigration Administration has implemented more active and effective immigration management policies for attracting talent and intelligence, facilitating, coordinating, and serving the introduction of a large number of international talents in various fields such as science, education, culture, health, and sports. More than 300 measures have been intensively introduced to stabilize industrial and supply chains and promote shipping development. Since the beginning of this year, a total of 2.05 billion yuan in various fees have been saved for shipping enterprises, consolidating and enhancing China's new advantages in participating in international competition and cooperation. A series of convenient measures for the public have been launched, such as "one-stop service" and "nationwide processing" for entry and exit documents, and "online processing" for renewing and replacing entry and exit documents, effectively solving the "urgent, difficult, and eagerly anticipated" problems of the public. Positive efforts have been made to promote personnel exchanges, and more than 110 policies and measures have been introduced to facilitate the entry of foreigners into China. Currently, the 144-hour transit visa-free policy has been expanded to 37 ports and 54 countries. From January to July this year, the number of inbound and outbound personnel at all ports nationwide reached 341 million, a year-on-year increase of 62.34%, of which inbound foreigners accounted for 17.254 million, a year-on-year increase of 129.9%.
Yangtze River Delta Foreign Trade Hits New High, High-End Manufacturing Competitiveness Significantly Enhanced
Latest customs data show that in the first seven months of this year, the import and export scale of the Yangtze River Delta region hit a record high. Exports of automobiles, ships, CNC machine tools and other products were outstanding, and the international competitiveness of the high-end manufacturing industry in the Yangtze River Delta region accelerated. According to customs statistics, in the first seven months of this year, the total import and export value of the Yangtze River Delta region was 9.1 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.8%. Among them, automobile exports were 180.63 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.7%, accounting for 39% of the national total; ship exports were 111.41 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 79%, accounting for 64.1% of the national total; and high-tech product exports were 1.2 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.4%, accounting for 34.8% of the national total. The Yangtze River Delta region accounted for 36.7% of the national total import and export value, playing an important role as a "stabilizer." In the first seven months of this year, exports of high-end equipment from the Yangtze River Delta region amounted to 134.97 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 52.7%, accounting for 55.3% of the national total. High-tech products are one of the important export products of private enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta region. Due to their high added value, high technological content, and broad market prospects, they have gradually become an important component of international trade. In the first seven months of this year, the import and export value of private enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta region reached 4.89 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9%, accounting for half of the total foreign trade of the Yangtze River Delta, reaching 53.7%, becoming an important force in the development of foreign trade in the Yangtze River Delta.
CPC Central Committee Publicity Department, National Health Commission Announce 2024 "Most Beautiful Doctors"
Today (August 19) marks the seventh Chinese Physicians' Day. The Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the National Health Commission jointly announced the 2024 "Most Beautiful Doctors" to the public. Ten individuals, including Zhu Lan, Jiang Nan, Chen Jing, Weng Xinhua, Yu Jiajun, Lin Lizhu, Deng Guifang, Li Bofan, Hou Xinlin, and Maurisharip Hapa, along with elderly care teams active across the country, were honorably selected. Among them, some are dedicated to promoting medical technology innovation, some actively promote the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese medicine, some are devoted to women's and children's health, some are rooted in rural communities serving farmers' health, and some wholeheartedly care for elderly patients. They have demonstrated the noble professional spirit of "respecting life, healing the wounded, being willing to dedicate, and boundless love" through their practical actions. The "Shining Names - 2024 Most Beautiful Doctors Release Ceremony" will be broadcast tonight at 23:30 on CCTV-1.
China's Flood Control Situation Remains Complex and Severe During Main Flood Season
The Ministry of Water Resources announced today (August 19) that the "seven-down, eight-up" critical flood control period, which began at 0:00 on July 16, has ended today. However, China is still in the main flood season, and the flood control situation remains complex and severe. Since the flood season began, major rivers have experienced 25 numbered floods, ranking first since data collection began in 1998. Since July, especially during the "seven-down, eight-up" critical flood control period, heavy rainfall and floods have occurred frequently and severely in both the north and south. 30 rivers nationwide have experienced floods exceeding historical records, and the number of rivers exceeding warning levels is 120% higher than the same period in normal years, while the number of rivers exceeding guarantee levels is nearly 60% higher than normal years. Currently, the entire country is still in the main flood season. The Ussuri River is experiencing floods exceeding its guarantee level, and there is still a risk of secondary disasters caused by localized heavy rainfall. Typhoons may continue to affect China in the later period, making the flood control situation complex and severe. Next, the Ministry of Water Resources will meticulously implement various defense measures to fully ensure the safety of people's lives and property and the overall social stability.
Domestic News Briefs
Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Emergency Management Allocate 115 Million Yuan in Central Natural Disaster Relief Funds. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management recently allocated 115 million yuan in central natural disaster relief funds to support Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces (regions) in carrying out emergency rescue and disaster relief work. The funds will primarily be used for searching and relocating affected people, removing hazards, investigating and urgently addressing secondary disaster risks, and striving to minimize disaster losses. China's Physician Workforce Continues to Improve in Quantity and Quality. According to the National Health Commission, China's physician workforce has seen continuous and steady improvement in both quantity and quality. As of the end of last year, the total number of physicians nationwide reached 4.782 million, with 3.4 physicians per thousand population, achieving the target of 3.2 physicians per thousand population by 2025 ahead of schedule. Pearl River Estuary Tunnel Shield Section of Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway Reaches 106 Meters Below Sea Level. Today (August 19), the shield section of the Pearl River Estuary Tunnel for the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway reached 106 meters below sea level, setting a new domestic record for the deepest underwater shield tunneling. The Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway is located in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a main line length of 116 kilometers. Upon completion, the Qianhai Free Trade Zone in Shenzhen and the Nansha Free Trade Zone in Guangzhou will achieve half-hour high-speed rail connectivity. Significant Improvement in China's Grotto Temple Protection and Utilization. Today (August 19), the National Cultural Heritage Administration announced the achievements in grotto temple protection in Dunhuang, Gansu. As of now, China has 2,155 grotto temples and 3,831 cliffside statues. Exploratory practices in grotto temple body protection and restoration, digital preservation, and monitoring have been effective, major hazards in important grotto temples have been completely eliminated, and the overall level of protection and utilization has significantly improved. 2024 National Public Winter Sports Week Activities Launched Today. The 2024 National Public Winter Sports Week activities were launched today (August 19) in Harbin, Heilongjiang. During the Winter Sports Week, a series of public ice and snow events and activities will be held, such as public ski technical standard competitions and public ice and snow open classes, to promote the expansion of winter sports into all four seasons.
Israeli Army Says Dozens of Targets Destroyed in Gaza, Palestinian Armed Groups Claim Strikes on Israeli Personnel and Vehicles
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated on August 18 that in the past day, the Israeli military had destroyed dozens of Palestinian armed group infrastructure through shelling and killed Palestinian militants. The IDF also expanded its operations to the outskirts of Deir al-Balah, western Khan Younis, and the Hamad area. According to Palestinian media reports, from August 17 to 18, the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip and a residential building in Deir al-Balah were attacked by the Israeli military, causing multiple casualties. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), stated on August 18 that it had attacked Israeli personnel and vehicles in Gaza City, Netzarim Corridor, and other locations. The Palestinian News Agency reported on August 18 that Palestinian Authority officials are preparing for Palestinian President Abbas's visit to the Gaza Strip, including communicating with permanent members of the UN Security Council, the Arab League, the European Union, and the African Union regarding the trip. Israel Reiterates Stance on Ceasefire Talks, Hamas Says Israel Obstructing Talks. According to Israeli media reports on August 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that day that Israel would stick to its positions and demands on key issues in the ceasefire agreement talks in the Gaza Strip. He also accused Hamas of refusing to compromise in the talks. Hamas stated on the same day that the latest transitional proposal from mediators adopted Netanyahu's demands, especially Israel's refusal of a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Israel also set new conditions for the prisoner exchange agreement. Hamas pointed out that Netanyahu is creating obstacles to the ceasefire agreement.
Russia Says Kursk Region Situation Under Control, Ukraine Claims Another Attack on Bridge in Kursk Region
On August 18, Alaudinov, Deputy Head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, stated that Ukrainian forces had continuously attempted to break through Russian defenses in Kursk Oblast but failed, and the situation in the area was under control. On the same day, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Oleschuk claimed that Ukrainian forces had attacked another bridge in Kursk Oblast, striking Russia's "logistical capabilities." Military investigators from the Russian Investigative Committee stated today (August 19) that the Ukrainian attack damaged the bridge. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the evening of August 18 that one of the main goals of Ukrainian attacks in Russia's Kursk Oblast was to establish a buffer zone within Russian territory. Russia Claims Control of a Settlement in Donetsk, Ukraine Claims Repelling Russian Attacks in Multiple Directions. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on August 18 that Russian forces continued to advance in the Donetsk region, gaining control of a settlement. Russian forces also struck Ukrainian personnel and targets, including US-made and UK-made howitzers, in multiple directions. Ukraine stated on the same day that it engaged in fighting with Russian forces near Vovchansk and Lyptsi, and repelled multiple Russian attacks in the Toretsk and Pokrovsk directions.
International News Briefs
Russia Demands Information on Nord Stream Investigation from Germany. According to Russian media reports today (August 19), Tyapkin, Director of the Third European Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Russia has formally made relevant demands to Germany through diplomatic channels regarding the investigation into the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline explosion. Tyapkin stated that the German prosecutor recently announced a warrant for the arrest of a Ukrainian citizen, which could prevent the identification of the true masterminds, and Russia cannot tolerate this. US media recently reported that Ukrainians were involved in the sabotage of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline in September 2022. Russia responded by saying that the US move was an attempt to shift all responsibility for the Nord Stream incident to Ukraine. Consecutive Earthquakes in Northern Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. According to information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency, two earthquakes, a magnitude 4.7 and a magnitude 5.1, occurred consecutively in northern Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, in the early hours of today (August 19), with focal depths of 10 kilometers and 8 kilometers, respectively. There is no risk of a tsunami. According to Japanese media reports, the earthquakes were strongly felt in many parts of Ibaraki Prefecture, and local police said they had received no reports of casualties. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged the public to remain vigilant, as earthquakes of similar intensity may occur in the coming week. Multiple Shootings in Chicago Over Weekend, 6 Dead. According to US media reports, multiple shootings occurred in Chicago, Illinois, over the weekend, resulting in at least 6 deaths and 18 injuries. One shooting on August 18 occurred near the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to be held. Local police said the shooting resulted in one man being seriously injured.