2024-11-19 Xinwen Lianbo Text Version
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2024-11-19 Xinwen Lianbo Text Version

Xi Jinping Attends, Delivers Important Speech at 19th G20 Leaders' Summit

On the morning of November 18, local time, President Xi Jinping attended the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the first session of the summit, which focused on "Combating Hunger and Poverty," Xi Jinping delivered an important speech titled "Building a Just World for Common Development." Xi Jinping pointed out that the world is undergoing unprecedented changes, with opportunities and challenges for human development. As leaders of major countries, we should not be deterred by superficial obstacles, but rather uphold the vision of a community with a shared future, shoulder historical responsibilities, demonstrate historical initiative, and promote historical progress. When China hosted the G20 Hangzhou Summit, it was the first time that the development issue was placed at the center of macroeconomic policy coordination. This Rio de Janeiro Summit takes "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet" as its theme and decided to establish the "Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty." From Hangzhou to Rio de Janeiro, we are all committed to the same goal: building a just world for common development. To build such a world, we need to increase resource input and strengthen development institutions in areas such as trade and investment and development cooperation. We need more bridges for cooperation and fewer "small yards and high walls" so that more and more developing countries can live better lives and achieve modernization. We need to support developing countries in adopting sustainable production and living styles, properly addressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution, building ecological civilization, and achieving harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. We need to create an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory international economic cooperation environment, promote inclusive economic globalization, empower sustainable development with new technologies, industries, and business models, support developing countries in better integrating into the digital, intelligent, and green development trends, and narrow the North-South gap. We need to uphold multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Xi Jinping pointed out that China's development is an important part of global common development. China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, achieving the poverty reduction goal of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule. These achievements were made by the Chinese government and people working together with arduous efforts. China has always adhered to a people-centered approach and solemnly pledged that "no poor area, no poor person shall be left behind." It has adhered to targeted poverty alleviation, poverty alleviation through economic development, poverty alleviation through promoting the development of local characteristic industries, and poverty alleviation through promoting common prosperity. China's poverty alleviation process shows that with the resilience, perseverance, and hard work of "dripping water can wear through stone" and "drawing a blueprint to the end," poverty in developing countries can be solved, and weak birds can fly first and fly high. If China can succeed, other developing countries can also succeed. This is the global significance of China's successful victory in the fight against poverty. Xi Jinping emphasized that China has always been a member of the Global South, a reliable long-term partner of developing countries, and an active and pragmatic supporter of global development, willing to work with developing countries to achieve modernization. Xi Jinping announced eight actions by China to support global development. First, working together to build the Belt and Road with high quality, further constructing a multi-dimensional connectivity network, led by the Green Silk Road and empowered by the Digital Silk Road. Second, implementing the Global Development Initiative, building a good Global South Research Center, continuing to support developing countries, and deepening practical cooperation in various fields such as poverty reduction, food security, and the digital economy. Third, supporting Africa's development. The FOCAC Beijing Summit announced ten partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly promote modernization in the next three years, and provided financial support for this. Fourth, supporting international cooperation on poverty reduction and food security. China has decided to join the "Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty," supports the continued holding of G20 Development Ministers' Meetings, and will continue to host the International Conference on Food Loss and Waste. Fifth, China, together with Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union, launched the "International Cooperation Initiative on Open Science" to promote greater benefits of global scientific and technological innovation for the Global South. Sixth, supporting the G20 in carrying out practical cooperation that benefits the Global South, supporting the work of the G20 Entrepreneurship Research Center in Beijing, and supporting cooperation among all parties in digital education, museum digitization, and ancient book digitization. Seventh, implementing the G20 "Anti-Corruption Action Plan" and strengthening cooperation with developing countries in areas such as fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, refusing safe havens for corruption, and anti-corruption capacity building. Eighth, China will improve its high-level opening-up institutional mechanisms, expand unilateral opening-up to the least developed countries, and has announced zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff items for all least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China. Xi Jinping finally stated that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. China is willing to work with all parties to build a just world for common development, making poverty a thing of the past and making beautiful visions a reality. Brazilian President Lula chaired the meeting. Before the summit, Xi Jinping and the participating leaders attended the launching ceremony of the "Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty" initiated by Brazil. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the above activities.

Xi Jinping Continues to Attend 19th G20 Leaders' Summit

On the afternoon of November 18, local time, President Xi Jinping continued to attend the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the second session of the summit, which focused on "Reform of Global Governance Institutions," Xi Jinping delivered an important speech titled "Working Together to Build a Fair and Equitable Global Governance System." Xi Jinping pointed out that the G20 Leaders' Summit has been running for 16 years. Standing at a new starting point, the G20 should build on past achievements and open up new prospects, continuing to be a force for improving global governance and promoting historical progress. We should uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, regard each other's development as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and treat each other as partners rather than rivals. We should abide by the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguard the international order based on international law, further build international consensus, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. First, improve global economic governance and build a cooperative world economy. We should be committed to strengthening global economic partnerships, enhancing macroeconomic policy coordination, fostering new productive forces, creating a "stabilizer" for macroeconomic policy coordination, and creating an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory international economic cooperation environment. We should foster a clean and honest business environment, adhere to zero tolerance for corruption, and strengthen international cooperation in fugitive repatriation and asset recovery. Second, improve global financial governance and build a stable world economy. We should increase the voice and representation of developing countries, jointly safeguard the stability of international financial markets, and prevent negative spillover effects from domestic monetary policy adjustments. Developed countries should bear responsibility in this regard. We should improve the financial risk monitoring, early warning, and disposal system, and build a strong global financial safety net. We should better meet the green financing needs of developing countries. Third, improve global trade governance and build an open world economy. We should continue to advance WTO reform, oppose protectionism, avoid politicizing economic issues and artificially splitting global markets, avoid using "green and low-carbon" as an excuse for protectionism, and cooperate to build more equitable, inclusive, and constructive industrial and supply chain partnerships. Fourth, improve global digital governance and build an innovative world economy. We should lead digital transformation, deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy, and rule-making in emerging fields, strengthen international governance and cooperation in artificial intelligence, and ensure that AI is benevolent and benefits all mankind. China will continue to host the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in 2025 and welcomes G20 members to participate. Fifth, improve global ecological governance and build an eco-friendly world economy. We should follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and fully and effectively implement the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Developed countries should provide necessary financial, technical, and capacity-building support to developing countries, and support positive results from the Conferences of the Parties on climate change and desertification held this year. We should adhere to the principle of "establishing the new before abolishing the old," ensuring a smooth and orderly transition from traditional energy to clean energy, and accelerating the green and low-carbon transformation of the world economy. China is willing to continue to deepen international cooperation with all parties in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy, green minerals, and green transportation, and provide support to developing countries within its capabilities. Xi Jinping pointed out that global security governance is also an important part of global governance. The G20 should support the United Nations and its Security Council in playing a greater role, and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises. We should seek a political solution to the Ukraine crisis, promote an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and provide support for alleviating the regional humanitarian crisis and post-war reconstruction. We should implement the "two-state solution" and restore the legitimate national rights of Palestine. Xi Jinping finally stated, let us revisit the original aspiration of the G20, set off again from Rio de Janeiro, promote partnership, practice true multilateralism, and open up a beautiful future of common development and prosperity! Brazilian President Lula chaired the meeting. The summit adopted the "G20 Leaders' Rio de Janeiro Summit Declaration." Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the above activities.

CCTV Commentary: Jointly Building a Fair and Equitable Global Governance System

Our station today (November 19) broadcast CCTV Express Commentary "Working Together to Build a Fair and Equitable Global Governance System."

Xi Jinping Meets Mexican President

On the afternoon of November 18, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Xi Jinping once again congratulated Sheinbaum on becoming Mexico's first female president. Xi Jinping pointed out that he visited Mexico in 2013 and left a deep and unforgettable impression. China and Mexico have a long tradition of friendship. The two sides should continuously increase exchanges, continue the friendship, make good use of the high complementarity of the two economies, and continuously promote practical cooperation, so as to achieve all-round development of bilateral relations in the new era. China and Mexico share similar views and congruent ideas on many international issues, and both advocate inclusive economic globalization. China is willing to work with Mexico to safeguard multilateralism and international fairness and justice, and inject positive energy into the development of the world economy. Sheinbaum expressed her pleasure in meeting President Xi Jinping and fully agreed with his assessment of the two countries' relations. Although Mexico and China are geographically distant, their ties are very close. Many Chinese companies operate in Mexico, including participating in the construction of important infrastructure projects in Mexico City. She thanked China for its strong and sincere assistance to Mexico during difficult times, such as hurricanes, which is a strong testament to the friendship between the two peoples. Both Mexico and China are committed to safeguarding multilateralism, and Mexico is willing to work with China to tap potential and further expand cooperation in various fields. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.

Xi Jinping Meets British Prime Minister

On the morning of November 18, local time, President Xi Jinping met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Xi Jinping pointed out that the world is currently entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world, China and the UK bear the heavy responsibility of promoting their respective national development and the responsibility of addressing global challenges. The two sides should uphold their strategic partnership, adhere to mutual respect, open cooperation, and exchange and mutual learning to achieve win-win results, and jointly write the next chapter of healthy and stable development of China-UK relations. Xi Jinping emphasized that although China and the UK have differences in history, culture, values, and social systems, they share broad common interests. The two sides should view each other's development rationally and objectively, strengthen strategic communication, enhance political mutual trust, and ensure that China-UK relations develop steadily, substantively, and for the long term. The two countries have broad space for cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, clean energy, financial services, and healthcare and people's livelihoods, which should be continuously expanded to better benefit the people of both countries. The two sides should promote the political settlement of hot-spot issues, strengthen global governance of artificial intelligence, and contribute to promoting world economic growth and achieving common development among all countries. Starmer stated that the UK and China have broad common interests and bear important responsibilities for resolving global challenges and maintaining world peace and development. A lasting and strong relationship between the UK and China is very important for both countries and the world. The UK hopes to strengthen dialogue with China, enhance mutual understanding, and carry out exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of fields such as economy and trade, science and technology, finance, health and medical care, education, and addressing climate change, in a spirit of mutual respect and equal frankness. Both the UK and China adhere to multilateralism, and the UK is willing to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination with China to promote the political settlement of regional hot-spot issues. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.

Xi Jinping Meets Australian Prime Minister

On the morning of November 18, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Xi Jinping pointed out that in November last year, we had in-depth discussions in Beijing on strategic, overarching, and directional issues concerning the long-term development of China-Australia relations. Over the past year or so, the two countries have maintained close communication and exchanges at various levels, actively promoted the implementation of the important consensuses we reached, and achieved positive progress. There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Australia. As long as both sides adhere to mutual respect, equal treatment, and seeking common ground while reserving differences, China-Australia relations will surely develop well. China is willing to work with Australia to promote the building of a more mature, stable, and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, injecting more stability and certainty into the region and the world. Xi Jinping pointed out that more than 250 Australian enterprises participated in this year's China International Import Expo, a record high, which is a "vote of confidence" from Australian enterprises in the Chinese economy and bilateral cooperation. Both sides should continue to expand the win-win cooperation pattern. China is willing to import more high-quality Australian products and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Australia, hoping that Australia will provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. China and Australia are both supporters and defenders of economic globalization and free trade. Both sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation, oppose protectionism, and promote countries to share opportunities and benefits in openness and achieve common development. Albanese stated that he was pleased to meet President Xi Jinping again on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Australia and China. Since his visit to China last year, Australia-China relations have made encouraging progress in various fields, including trade, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Australia adheres to the One-China policy, opposes "decoupling," advocates promoting economic globalization, and hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in energy transition and climate change. China's development has made important contributions to the long-term stability and growth of the Asia-Pacific region. Australia appreciates China's important role in multilateral mechanisms such as APEC, supports China as the host of APEC in 2026, and is willing to strengthen multilateral communication with China to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.

"China-Tang: A Diverse and Open Dynasty (7th-10th Century)" Exhibition Opens, Featuring Prefaces by Presidents Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron

"China: The Tang Dynasty - A Diverse and Open Dynasty (7th to 10th Century)" opened on November 18 at the Musée Guimet in Paris, France. Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron each wrote a preface for the exhibition. Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. During his visit to France in May, China and France reached an agreement to hold a Tang Dynasty cultural relics exhibition at the Musée Guimet. He was pleased to see that, thanks to the joint efforts of cultural relic experts from both countries, the exhibition "China: The Tang Dynasty - A Diverse and Open Dynasty (7th to 10th Century)" opened as scheduled. Xi Jinping pointed out that the Tang Dynasty was the most prosperous dynasty in Chinese history, characterized by economic prosperity, cultural flourishing, inclusive thought, magnificent art, and ethnic integration. Tang culture influenced Asia and spread to Europe through the Silk Road. The artistic achievements of the Tang Dynasty, such as its poetry, painting, and gold and silver artifacts, are still highly praised today. He believes that this exhibition will enable French and European audiences to gain a more vivid understanding of the splendid, confident, and open atmosphere of the flourishing Tang Dynasty and appreciate the unique charm of Chinese civilization. Xi Jinping stated that both the Chinese and French nations have long histories and brilliant cultures. The peoples of the two countries have always admired and been attracted to each other, and friendly exchanges have a long history. We should seek enlightenment from history and culture, deepen exchanges and mutual learning in humanities and cooperation in cultural heritage protection, appreciate each other's beauty, and share the beauty together, integrating historical emotions and contemporary spirit into China-France friendship, and forging a stronger and more vibrant China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. President Macron stated that to celebrate the 60th anniversary of France-China diplomatic relations and the Year of Culture and Tourism, the Musée Guimet will host a grand exhibition of Tang Dynasty cultural relics. The Tang Dynasty holds a special place in Chinese civilization, possessing brilliant culture and incredible creative vitality, and actively engaging in external exchanges through the Silk Road, creating dazzling artistic treasures. This historic exhibition once again highlights the vibrant cultural exchanges between France and China, which will continue to play an important role in the development of bilateral relations. The exhibition is guided by China's National Cultural Heritage Administration and France's Ministry of Culture, and displays over 200 exquisite cultural relics from 32 cultural institutions in 10 provinces, regions, and municipalities across China.

Ding Xuexiang Meets with Vice Presidents of Honduras, Zambia, and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Separately

Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met separately with Honduran Vice President Florentino, Zambian Vice President Nalumanngo, and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, on the afternoon of November 19. They were in China to attend the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit. During his meeting with Florentino, Ding Xuexiang said that President Xi Jinping and President Castro jointly made the political decision to establish diplomatic relations between China and Honduras, which is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples. China is willing to work with Honduras to firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, so as to move China-Honduras relations towards a better future under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. Florentino stated that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Honduras and China is of historical significance. Honduras firmly adheres to the One-China principle and is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China to ensure the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations. During his meeting with Nalumanngo, Ding Xuexiang said that China and Zambia are traditional friendly comprehensive strategic partners. The two sides have always treated each other as equals, helped each other in solidarity, and moved forward hand in hand, becoming a model of China-Africa cooperation and "Global South" solidarity and coordination. China is willing to work with Zambia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, deepen cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, mining and other fields, and elevate China-Zambia relations to a higher level. Nalumanngo stated that Zambia-China relations have stood the test of time. Zambia thanks China for its valuable support for Zambia's development and is willing to comprehensively deepen cooperation with China to promote better development of Zambia-China and Africa-China relations. During his meeting with Le Thanh Long, Ding Xuexiang said that China and Vietnam are socialist friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and are good friends, good comrades, and good partners. Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam. China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen cooperation in areas such as connectivity, trade and investment, and information technology, comprehensively promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Le Thanh Long congratulated China on its tremendous achievements in reform and opening up. Vietnam is willing to work closely with China at high levels, strengthen practical cooperation, and jointly promote bilateral relations to a higher level. Li Shulei attended the above meetings.

Macro Policies Continue to Exert Force, Supporting Stable Economic Operation

Reporters learned today (November 19) from the National Development and Reform Commission that in the first 10 months of this year, the National Development and Reform Commission approved 97 fixed-asset investment projects, with a total investment of 916 billion yuan, focusing on high-tech, energy, transportation, and other fields. At the same time, 9.05 billion yuan of central special investment for work-relief programs for 2025 was allocated in advance, supporting the implementation of more than 2,000 work-relief projects nationwide. A package of incremental policies is being accelerated in formulation and implementation. In terms of increasing support for enterprises, the commission continues to investigate and clear up cases of local violations of the negative list for market access. In terms of expanding domestic effective demand, it will study and propose policy measures to continue to strengthen support for "two new types" (new infrastructure and new urbanization). The National Development and Reform Commission stated that economic operations in November and December are expected to continue the upward trend seen since October. Next year will be the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan," and a series of major strategic tasks, major reform measures, and major engineering projects are currently being fully implemented and taking effect, which will strongly support steady and healthy economic development.

"Global South" Youth Face-to-Face Media Initiative Launched in Rio de Janeiro

As Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Rio de Janeiro to attend the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit and conduct a state visit to Brazil, China Media Group (CMG), together with the G20 Youth Summit and the General Secretariat of the Presidency of Brazil, launched the "Global South" Youth Face-to-Face Media Action in Rio de Janeiro on November 18, local time. They also released the "Initiative of Media from 'Global South' Countries to Jointly Promote the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind." Participants stated that this will further encourage young people from "Global South" countries to move forward together and contribute their youthful strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind. The event also launched projects such as the "China-Latin America Youth Film and Television Co-creation Program" and "See China Together: Latin American Youth's China Tour," and signed multiple cooperation agreements.

Domestic News Briefs

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announces first batch of 5G+Industrial Internet pilot cities. Reporters learned today (November 19) from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology that the construction of 5G+Industrial Internet integrated application pilot cities has officially begun. The first batch of pilot cities includes Nanjing, Wuhan, Qingdao, and seven others. These cities will create 5G+Industrial Internet industry clusters and innovation ecosystems with national and regional leading effects, promoting the large-scale application of 5G+Industrial Internet. The 2024 "Light of the Internet" Expo opens in Wuzhen. The 2024 "Light of the Internet" Expo opened today (November 19) in Wuzhen. The expo focuses on artificial intelligence, holding exhibitions, talent recruitment for the industry, and industry cooperation matchmaking activities. More than 100 new product and technology launches and 10 premium product debuts will also be held during the expo. Central Meteorological Observatory forecasts windy and rainy weather in South China and the South China Sea. As of this morning (November 19), Typhoon Man-yi has weakened from a severe tropical storm to a tropical storm. Affected by the cold air and Man-yi, Hainan Island experienced significant strong winds and temperature drops. Guangdong's coastal areas experienced strong winds and waves today, and some shipping routes from the eastern Pearl River Estuary to the Qiongzhou Strait were suspended. The Central Meteorological Observatory forecasts windy and rainy weather in South China and the South China Sea tomorrow, while southwestern regions will still experience frequent rainfall. The public is advised to take precautions against the adverse effects of windy and rainy weather on travel.

Injecting Chinese Strength into Building a Just World of Common Development - International Figures Speak Highly of President Xi Jinping's Important Speech at the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit

International figures stated that President Xi Jinping's important speech at the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit addressed the challenges of the times and put forward China's solutions, contributing wisdom and strength to countries working together to build a just world for common development. In his speech, President Xi Jinping said that if China can succeed, other developing countries can also succeed. This is the global significance of China's successful victory in the fight against poverty. People from many countries said that China is not only a role model to learn from but also a trustworthy partner.

Israeli Military Launches Consecutive Airstrikes on Lebanese Capital; Hezbollah Fires Rockets at Multiple Israeli Areas

The Israeli military stated on November 18 that it continued ground operations in southern Lebanon, dismantling some military facilities of the Lebanese Hezbollah armed group. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health stated on November 18 that the Israeli military again air-raided the city of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, causing casualties. The Lebanese Hezbollah armed group stated today (November 19) that it used rockets and drones on November 18 to strike Israeli military units and bases. The Israeli military stated on November 18 that the Lebanese Hezbollah armed group fired rockets at multiple locations in northern and central Israel, causing at least one death and several injuries. Israeli military continues air raids on multiple areas in Gaza Strip, causing over a hundred deaths. The Palestinian Gaza Strip Health Ministry stated that multiple areas in the Gaza Strip continued to be subjected to Israeli air raids on November 18, causing dozens of deaths. The Israeli military released a video on November 18 of its attack on a residential building in Beit Lahia a day earlier, stating that it targeted armed group objectives. Palestinian media reported that the attack caused at least 72 deaths.

Russia Claims Strikes on Over 130 Ukrainian Targets; Ukraine Reports Fierce Fighting in Kurakhove and Other Directions

Russia's Ministry of Defense stated on November 18 that Russian forces struck Ukrainian military personnel and equipment concentrations in 135 areas and shot down 106 drones. In addition, Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian armed forces in Kursk Oblast. The Ukrainian military stated on November 18 that Ukrainian forces were engaged in fierce fighting with Russian forces in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk directions. Ukraine also stated that Russian forces launched a missile attack on Odesa on November 18, causing casualties. The US declines to comment on reports of authorizing Ukraine to use US weapons to attack Russian territory; Russia says it will take corresponding retaliatory measures. According to Russian media reports on November 18, the US Department of Defense declined to comment on Russian media reports that the US president had authorized Ukraine to use long-range US weapons to strike deep into Russian territory. Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on November 18 that the relevant US decision would lead to a new round of tensions. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated on the same day that if Ukraine uses long-range US weapons to attack Russian territory, Russia will take corresponding and significant retaliatory measures. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on November 18 that he strongly opposes the US authorizing Ukraine to use US weapons to strike deep into Russia. On the same day, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that the relevant US decision was an extremely dangerous move.

Putin Approves New Version of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence

Russian President Vladimir Putin today (November 19) signed a document approving a new version of Russia's Basic Principles of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence. The relevant decree takes effect from the date of signing. According to Russian media reports, the document states that Russia's basic policy on nuclear deterrence is defensive in nature and aims to maintain the potential of nuclear forces at a level sufficient to ensure nuclear deterrence and to guarantee national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

International News Briefs

Iran Says It Will Continue to Support Syria and Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on November 18 that Ali Larijani, an advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently visited regional countries to convey the message that Iran will continue to firmly support Syria and Lebanon and oppose Israel's continued aggression against regional countries. US's Largest Low-Cost Airline Files for Bankruptcy Protection. Several US media outlets reported on November 18 that Spirit Airlines, the largest low-cost airline in the United States, announced that it has filed for bankruptcy protection due to increasing losses and other factors, and will attempt to restructure. The company expects to continue operations during this period. According to reports, Spirit Airlines has lost more than $2.5 billion since early 2020. Its stock price has fallen by more than 90% since the beginning of this year.

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