Xi Jinping Encourages Student Representatives of China International College Students’ Innovation Competition to Uphold Scientific Spirit and Actively Engage in Sci-Tech Innovation, Contributing Youth Power to Promote Sino-Foreign Sci-Tech Exchange and Progress
Recently, 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, replied to student representatives participating in the China International College Students' Innovation Competition, extending cordial encouragement and earnest hopes. Xi Jinping pointed out that it is highly significant that you have used the competition as a platform to apply the knowledge learned in classrooms and laboratories to solve practical problems, enhance your capabilities and talents through innovative practices, and deepen the friendship between Chinese and foreign youths through mutual learning. Xi Jinping emphasized that innovation is the source of human progress, and youth are an important fresh force for innovation. He expressed hope that they would promote the spirit of science, actively engage in scientific and technological innovation, and contribute their youthful strength to promoting scientific and technological exchanges between China and other countries and advancing scientific and technological progress. The entire society should care for the growth and development of young people, create a favorable atmosphere for innovation and entrepreneurship, and allow the vast number of young people to better showcase their talents in the broad expanse of Chinese modernization. The China International College Students' Innovation Competition is co-hosted by the Ministry of Education, relevant departments, and provincial people's governments, aiming to provide a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and exchange and cooperation among Chinese and foreign university students. This year's competition attracted over 20 million university students from 153 countries and regions, including nearly 40,000 international students, with the grand final having been held in Shanghai. Recently, 25 student representatives who participated in the competition wrote a letter to General Secretary Xi Jinping, reporting on their experiences in the competition and expressing their determination to dedicate themselves to innovative practice and bravely shoulder their responsibilities in the new era.
CCTV Quick Review: Contribute Youth Power to Promote Sino-Foreign Sci-Tech Exchange and Progress
Our station today (October 17) broadcast a CCTV commentary titled "Contributing Youthful Strength to Promote Sino-Foreign Scientific and Technological Exchange and Advance Scientific and Technological Progress."
Striving to Be Pioneers in Building Chinese Modernization—General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Speech During His Inspection Tour in Fujian Elicits Enthusiastic Response from Cadres and Masses
General Secretary Xi Jinping recently emphasized during his inspection tour in Fujian that efforts must not be relaxed in achieving the goal of building a new Fujian with vibrant mechanisms, excellent industries, prosperous people, and a beautiful ecology, and that the blueprint must be implemented to the end, striving to be at the forefront in the construction of Chinese modernization. The broad masses of cadres and people expressed that they would be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implement all arrangements for further comprehensive deepening of reforms in detail, promote high-quality development in all respects, and innovate and strive tirelessly to write a new chapter of Chinese modernization. The first stop of General Secretary Xi Jinping's inspection was Aojiao Village in Dongshan County, Zhangzhou City. This village is surrounded by the sea on three sides and has in recent years forged a new path of invigorating and strengthening the village through the sea. The General Secretary walked to inspect the Aojiao Bay marine environment and village appearance, and learned in detail about the transactions of dried seafood and fishery products. In 2001, Xi Jinping, then Governor of Fujian Province, visited Aojiao Village for research. In 2023, Aojiao Village's collective income exceeded 1.7 million yuan, and the per capita disposable income of farmers was 58,000 yuan. General Secretary Xi Jinping told everyone that he was very pleased and deeply moved to see the great changes in the village this time. He encouraged everyone to forge ahead on the path of rural revitalization and common prosperity. General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall. Comrade Gu Wenchang came to Fujian with his troops in 1949 and worked in Dongshan County for 14 years. The exhibits reproduce the scene of Comrade Gu Wenchang leading the people of Dongshan to fundamentally change the ecological environment and their backward appearance. General Secretary Xi Jinping had a cordial exchange with teachers and student representatives of the Gu Wenchang Cadre Academy. He pointed out that the key to evaluating a cadre's performance is to see how well they are regarded by the common people. Leading cadres at all levels should learn from Comrade Gu Wenchang, establish a correct view of performance, and build monuments in the hearts of the people. At the Guan Di Cultural Industrial Park, General Secretary Xi Jinping listened to introductions on local efforts to strengthen cultural heritage protection and promote cross-strait cultural exchanges. He emphasized that cultural heritage is a precious treasure left by ancestors and must be protected and passed on. The China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone Xiamen Area was officially inaugurated in April 2015 and has since launched a total of 606 innovative measures, of which 142 were nationally pioneering, and 31 reform pilot experiences have been promoted nationwide. Here, General Secretary Xi Jinping requested Fujian and Xiamen to adapt to the development of the situation, steadily promote institutional opening up, and make new contributions to expanding high-level opening up. From promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, to comprehensively deepening reform and expanding high-level opening up, from promoting coordinated regional development and urban-rural integrated development, to enhancing cultural influence and showcasing a new image of Fujian, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed the way for Fujian's development in the new era. At the forefront of scientific and technological breakthroughs and at the sites of ecological projects, the vast number of cadres and people keep the General Secretary's entrustment in mind, continue to carry forward the pioneering and innovative spirit of daring to be the first and daring to win, and strive to be at the forefront in the construction of Chinese modernization.
CCTV Quick Review: Stay Focused on Goals, See Blueprint Through to End
Our station today (October 17) broadcast a CCTV commentary titled "Holding Fast to the Goal Without Relenting, Drawing a Single Blueprint to the End."
Li Qiang Attends 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States
Local time on the 16th, Premier Li Qiang attended the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Islamabad. Leaders of SCO member states and observer states attended the meeting. Li Qiang stated that at the Astana Summit in July this year, President Xi Jinping and leaders of various member states reached an important consensus on jointly building an SCO community with a shared future that is united, mutually trusting, peaceful, stable, prosperous, developed, neighborly, friendly, fair, and just. Building such a community with a shared future requires a more solid political foundation, more reliable security guarantees, closer economic ties, deeper emotional connections, and more coordinated multilateral cooperation. Li Qiang pointed out that China is willing to work with all parties to translate the heads of state's consensus into effective actions. First, strengthen strategic alignment around missions and tasks. Formulate a good SCO development strategy for the next decade, draw a "roadmap" for cooperation in various fields, strengthen strategic communication, and resolve differences and enhance mutual trust through dialogue. Second, expand practical cooperation closely aligned with development needs. Deepen cooperation in poverty reduction, digital economy, and green development, and improve regional trade and investment facilitation and connectivity. Third, actively respond to major risks. Accelerate the establishment of a comprehensive center for responding to security threats and challenges, an anti-drug center, etc. Fourth, expand people-to-people exchanges in response to public expectations. Build a good SCO Digital Education Alliance and organize brand activities such as the Forum for People-to-People Friendship. The participating parties stated that all parties should actively implement the outcomes of the Astana Summit, strengthen unity and cooperation, enhance the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, security, and other fields, strengthen humanistic ties, practice true multilateralism, and jointly promote lasting peace and common prosperity in the region and the world. Li Qiang and the leaders of member states signed and issued a joint communiqué, and approved relevant resolutions on SCO construction.
Li Qiang Attends China-Russia-Mongolia Prime Ministers’ Meeting
Local time on the 16th, during his attendance at the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Islamabad, Premier Li Qiang held a trilateral meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene. Li Qiang stated that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the three heads of state, China-Russia-Mongolia trilateral cooperation has generally maintained a steady development momentum. China is willing to work with Russia and Mongolia to take the consensus of the three heads of state as the fundamental guideline, grasp the political direction, focus on implementing the medium-term roadmap for trilateral cooperation, concentrate on key cooperation such as the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, deepen multilateral coordination, and jointly write a new chapter of trilateral cooperation in the new era. Mishustin and Oyun-Erdene stated that Russia and Mongolia are willing to work with China to strengthen the alignment between the Eurasian Economic Union, the "Steppe Road" development strategy, and the Belt and Road Initiative, accelerate the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and promote more achievements in trilateral cooperation.
Li Qiang Meets with Russian Prime Minister
Local time on the 16th, Premier Li Qiang met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin during his attendance at the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Islamabad. Li Qiang stated that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, China-Russia relations have maintained a high-level development momentum. China is willing to work with Russia to further implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, strengthen strategic coordination, and expand cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, manufacturing, and the digital economy, making due contributions to the respective development and revitalization of the two countries and promoting global prosperity and stability. Both sides should jointly promote the SCO to be more united and enterprising, making the organization more vibrant, cooperation more practical, and outcomes more inclusive. Mishustin stated that Russia is willing to work with China to strengthen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, deepen practical cooperation, and strengthen multilateral coordination to promote the continuous and in-depth development of bilateral relations.
Wang Huning Conducts Research in Zhejiang
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, conducted a research tour in Zhejiang from October 15th to 17th. He stated that it is essential to adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the conference celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, so as to solidly carry out united front work, develop and strengthen the patriotic united front in the new era, and broadly gather hearts, build consensus, pool wisdom, and consolidate strength for advancing Chinese modernization. In Ningbo, Wang Huning visited Tianyi Pavilion Museum and Ningbo Gang Museum for research. He stated that it is important to leverage the role of history and culture in gathering hearts, guide people to carry forward family and national sentiments and the spirit of patriotic struggle, and contribute to Chinese modernization. When inspecting the Chuanshan Port Area of Ningbo Zhoushan Port and relevant Taiwan-invested enterprises, he stated that the country has introduced many new arrangements and measures for further comprehensive deepening of reforms and expanding opening up, and it is necessary to attract more Taiwanese businesspeople and enterprises to participate in cross-strait integrated development and share the fruits of the mainland's development. In Wenzhou, Wang Huning visited Sanbanqiao Community in Nanjiao Street, Lucheng District, and a Muslim prayer site in Wenzhou city. He stated that it is essential to adhere to the main thread of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, and through solid community building, effective community services, and rich community activities, create a strong atmosphere where people of all ethnic groups are like one family. It is also necessary to implement the Party's basic policy on religious work and strengthen the management of religious affairs and religious activity venues in accordance with the law. When researching at the Wenzhou Enterprise Comprehensive Service Center, the Home of Overseas Wenzhouese, and Sanxiang Wetland, he stated that it is important to focus on building platforms and venues for united front work, unite and serve the vast number of Hong Kong and Macao compatriots, Taiwan compatriots, and overseas Chinese, and draw the largest concentric circle for jointly advancing Chinese modernization. Wang Huning also visited the CPPCC organs in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, and Wenzhou City. He stated that it is a major political task to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the conference celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, adhere to the organic combination of Party leadership, united front, and consultative democracy, enhance performance capabilities, improve institutional mechanisms, and improve the quality and effectiveness of consultation and deliberation. Shi Taifeng accompanied the research tour.
Ding Xuexiang Conducts Research in Henan and Jiangsu
From October 14th to 17th, Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, conducted research in Henan and Jiangsu on economic operations, scientific and technological innovation, and industrial development. He emphasized the need to thoroughly study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the Central Political Bureau meeting on the current economic situation and economic work, implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, strengthen the implementation of existing policies and a package of incremental policies with greater efficiency, promote a sustained economic recovery and improvement, and strive to achieve the annual economic and social development goals and tasks. In Zhengzhou, Henan, Ding Xuexiang visited Zhongyuan Science and Technology City, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Zhengzhou University to investigate the construction of scientific and technological innovation clusters, the strengthening of agricultural science and technology support, and the construction of "two major" projects; he also visited Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group and Sugon Digital Technology Co., Ltd. to learn about the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing and the development of the digital economy. Ding Xuexiang pointed out the need to promote the high-quality construction of "two major" projects, coordinate "hard investment" and "soft construction," and concentrate efforts on accomplishing a number of major tasks in line with national strategic needs. He emphasized the need to refine and implement the "two new" policies to promote stable growth in investment and consumption. He stressed relying on independent innovation to strengthen the real economy, making the digital economy stronger, better, and larger, and developing new productive forces based on local conditions. Ding Xuexiang also visited a "guaranteeing house delivery" project site to investigate project construction, requiring increased fiscal and tax policy support to promote the real estate market's stabilization and recovery. In Suzhou and Jiangyin, Jiangsu, Ding Xuexiang visited Suzhou Industrial Park to understand its development, construction, and operation, and investigated the attraction of foreign investment and innovative cooperation at Bosch Automotive Components (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. and China-Singapore Life Science Park; he went to Jiangsu Changdian Technology Co., Ltd. to learn about the development of the integrated circuit industry; and he visited Jiangyin Vocational Technical College to investigate the integration of industry and education in vocational education. Ding Xuexiang emphasized the need to make great efforts to promote the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, continuously enhancing new drivers for high-quality development. He called for increasing counter-cyclical adjustments, actively making full use of local government special bonds, and giving full play to the leading role of government investment. He stressed continuously optimizing the business environment for the private sector, focusing on expanding greater space for private investment. He also highlighted strengthening service guarantees for foreign investment, attracting more foreign enterprises to invest and thrive, and achieving common development. During the research, Ding Xuexiang requested relevant departments to strengthen factor guarantees, support major economic provinces in shouldering their responsibilities, and better play their driving and pillar roles, contributing more to the stable and healthy development of the national economy.
Policy Mix Yields Positive Changes in Real Estate Market
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (October 17), where relevant officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the People's Bank of China, and the National Financial Regulatory Administration introduced measures to promote the stable and healthy development of the real estate market. Currently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, together with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the People's Bank of China, and the National Financial Regulatory Administration, are guiding local governments to take swift action, ensure the implementation of existing policies, and introduce new policies to stabilize and recover the market. These measures include: fully empowering urban governments with autonomous regulatory authority, adopting city-specific policies, adjusting or canceling various restrictive measures on home purchases, lowering housing provident fund loan interest rates, lowering down payment ratios, lowering existing loan interest rates, and reducing tax burdens for "selling old and buying new" housing. Ni Hong stated that in the next step, through monetary compensation and other means, an additional 1 million sets of urban village and dilapidated housing renovation projects will be implemented. By the end of the year, the credit scale for "whitelist" projects will be increased to 4 trillion yuan. The National Financial Regulatory Administration further clarified that it will optimize and improve the real estate "whitelist" project financing mechanism, ensuring that eligible projects are "included as much as possible," approved loans are "issued as much as possible," and funds are "disbursed as early as possible." Regarding supporting local governments in using special bonds to acquire existing commercial housing for affordable housing, the Ministry of Finance stated that this policy is primarily for local governments to decide and implement voluntarily, following the principles of rule of law and market-oriented operations. In terms of revitalizing existing idle land, the Ministry of Natural Resources stated that efforts should be made to control new additions while revitalizing existing stock. For cities with excessively long de-stocking cycles, the supply of commercial residential land will be suspended; for cities with long de-stocking cycles, supply will be based on how much is revitalized. In addition, regarding the reduction of interest rates on existing housing loans, the People's Bank of China stated that most existing housing loans are expected to complete batch adjustments by October 25, with some small and medium-sized banks making adjustments slightly later, but generally all adjustments will be completed by October 31.
136th Canton Fair: Green and Low-Carbon Products Gain Attention
The ongoing 136th Canton Fair is showcasing the latest achievements in China's manufacturing green transformation, with various green and low-carbon products attracting global buyers' attention. This Canton Fair has added a hydrogen energy theme and set up a special zone for energy storage products. The vast number of participating enterprises have fully optimized their product design, production processes, and other aspects with a green development concept. According to statistics, this Canton Fair will exhibit 1.04 million green products, and over 55% of the participating enterprises hold patents in the green and low-carbon field. In addition, this Canton Fair also focused on green development and held multiple trade promotion activities, providing more supply-demand matching opportunities for participating enterprises.
Domestic News Snippets
Mother River Revitalization Action Continues to Advance, 74 Rivers Achieve Full Connectivity. Reporters learned today (October 17) from the Ministry of Water Resources that since 2022, the Mother River Revitalization Action has been carried out in 88 rivers and lakes across the country. As of now, 74 rivers have achieved the annual goal of full connectivity. National Healthcare Security Administration Issues Notice to Regulate Outpatient Prescription Management. On the 16th, the National Healthcare Security Administration issued a notice to comprehensively strengthen the full-process supervision of outpatient prescriptions and severely crack down on fraudulent prescriptions that defraud medical insurance. Designated medical institutions must retain all outpatient prescriptions involving insured persons for inspection, with a retention period of no less than 2 years; medical insurance departments will rely on big data analysis to conduct mandatory checks on large-volume paper prescriptions and mandatory checks on repeated excessive prescribing for the same insured person. In addition, starting from January 1, 2025, paper prescriptions will no longer be accepted for outpatient services. National Home Appliance Trade-in Program Drives Sales Exceeding 73.3 Billion Yuan. The latest data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that as of 24:00 on October 16, 10.826 million consumers had purchased 15.64 million units of 8 major categories of home appliances through the trade-in program, enjoying central subsidies of 13.96 billion yuan, driving sales of 73.36 billion yuan. Next, the Ministry of Commerce will promote home appliance production and circulation enterprises to seize important consumption nodes, combine with corporate discounts, and fully release the policy's effects. CMG Hosts Global South Think Tank Forum. The Global South Think Tank Forum, co-hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and China Media Group, was held in Beijing on October 16. Political dignitaries, think tank scholars, and media representatives from 76 countries around the world discussed "Peace, Development, Security: Working Together to Build a Prosperous World with a Shared Future" and released the "Initiative for Global South Think Tanks to Work Together to Build a Prosperous World with a Shared Future." A special program on the forum will be broadcast on CMG's CGTN. Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Operates for One Year, Transporting 5.79 Million Passengers. Reporters learned from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. that the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway officially completed one year of operation today (October 17). In the past year, it has transported a total of 5.79 million passengers, with the highest single-day passenger load factor reaching 99.6%. The number of daily bullet train services has increased from the initial 14 to a peak of 52, with a cumulative total of 15,826 bullet train services. 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference Opens in Beijing. Today (October 17), the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference opened in Beijing. The theme of the conference is "Collaborate and Progress, Drive the Future – Share New Opportunities in the Development of Intelligent Connected Vehicles." More than 250 well-known domestic and foreign complete vehicle manufacturers, core parts enterprises, and institutions are exhibiting, and over 200 forward-looking technologies and innovative products are on display.
"Global Governance and China-Brazil Cooperation" International Seminar and China-Latin America Media Cooperation Forum Held in Brazil
The G20 Think Tank Forum "Global Governance and China-Brazil Cooperation" International Seminar and the 2024 China-Latin America Media Cooperation Forum were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 14th and 16th, respectively. Representatives from various countries engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as China-Brazil cooperation, multilateralism, mutual learning, and the role of media cooperation in building a China-Latin America community with a shared future.
Israeli Airstrike on Southern Lebanese Municipal Institution Causes Heavy Casualties; Lebanese Government Condemns Deliberate Israeli Attack
The Lebanese public health department stated on the 16th that the Israeli army launched an airstrike on the Nabatieh municipal building in southern Lebanon that day, killing at least 16 people and injuring 52. According to Lebanon's National News Agency, the mayor of Nabatieh was killed in the airstrike. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati strongly condemned the Israeli army's deliberate attack on the city's municipal institutions that day. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned Israel for continuously carrying out indiscriminate attacks. Hezbollah stated that its members used guided weapons to strike Israeli army tanks in southern Lebanon early today (October 17), resulting in Israeli casualties. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement on the 16th saying that an Israeli army tank deliberately fired at a UNIFIL observation tower that day. The Israeli army, however, claimed its target was not UNIFIL. US Media Reports Israeli PM Approved Targets for Iran Action, Iranian FM Says Any Adventurous Israeli Action Will Face Severe Response. According to US media reports on the 16th, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a series of targets for retaliatory strikes against Iran, but did not disclose specific details. On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned that any adventurous Israeli action would face a severe Iranian response. UN Security Council Holds Another Emergency Public Meeting on Israeli-Palestinian Issue. The UN Security Council held another emergency public meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian issue on the 16th. The Chinese representative stated that in the past two weeks, Israel has not relaxed its military operations in Gaza and has completely cut off humanitarian supplies to northern Gaza. The Security Council has adopted multiple resolutions on the situation in the Gaza Strip, but none have been effectively implemented. The international community must uphold and revitalize the effectiveness of Security Council resolutions. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder recently stated that the Gaza Strip is suffering the most severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, and northern Gaza has not received any food aid since October. According to multiple foreign media reports, Israel is considering a so-called "starvation policy," blockading northern Gaza and cutting off humanitarian aid, attempting to dismantle the survival foundation of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
Russia Claims Destruction of Ukrainian Drone Storage; Ukraine Claims Halting Russian Advance
Russia's Ministry of Defense announced on the 16th that Russian forces had struck Ukrainian military targets in 138 areas, destroying Ukrainian unmanned boat depots, ammunition production facilities, and oil refineries. The Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that Ukrainian troops were repelling Russian attacks in areas such as Kupyansk and Kurakhove, preventing Russian forces from advancing deeper. Ukrainian President Unveils "Victory Plan," Russia Says Plan Will Only Bring Disaster. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled on the 16th a plan he called the "Victory Plan," which includes NATO immediately inviting Ukraine to join, and allowing Ukraine to use Western long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on the same day that the plan would only bring disaster to the people of Ukraine.
International News Snippets
DPRK Says It Has Fully Closed Roads and Railways Linking to South Korea in Response to Provocations. According to KCNA on the 16th, North Korea has completely closed the roads and railways connecting to South Korea in the southern border region. The report stated that this is a "necessary and legitimate measure" taken in accordance with the DPRK constitution and in response to serious political and military provocations by hostile forces. The DPRK will continue to take measures to permanently fortify the closed southern border. US Military Uses B-2 Bombers for First Time in Airstrikes on Houthi Targets. The US Central Command announced on the 16th that US forces had used B-2 stealth bombers that day to strike multiple underground Houthi arms depots in Yemen. US media reported that this was the first time the US military had used B-2 stealth bombers to conduct airstrikes on Houthi targets. The Houthi forces subsequently stated that the United States would pay the price for its aggressive actions.