Xi Jinping Emphasizes Strategic Confidence, Responsibility, and High-Quality Belt and Road Development at Fourth Work Symposium
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, attended the fourth symposium on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) development in Beijing on December 2 and delivered an important speech. He emphasized that in the current severe and complex international environment, promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative faces both opportunities and challenges, but overall, opportunities outweigh challenges. He stressed the need to strengthen strategic confidence, maintain strategic resolve, bravely assume responsibilities, and create a brighter future for Belt and Road cooperation. Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium. Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, presided over the symposium. At the symposium, Zheng Shanjie, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission; Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Foreign Minister; Yin Li, Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC; Wang Menghui, Secretary of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the CPC; Hu Wangming, Chairman of China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited; Feng Xubin, Chairman of Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe Trade Service Group Co., Ltd.; and Xing Guangcheng, Director of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered speeches, introducing their work and offering opinions and suggestions based on their respective realities. After listening to their speeches, Xi Jinping delivered an important speech. He pointed out that since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed in 2013, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and through the joint efforts of all parties, the Belt and Road Initiative has always adhered to the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, and win-win results. It has consistently upheld the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, continuously expanding areas of cooperation, broadening the scope of cooperation, and enhancing levels of cooperation. Its international appeal, influence, and cohesion have continuously strengthened, achieving significant accomplishments and making China's contribution to enhancing friendship with co-building countries and promoting their economic and social development. Xi Jinping emphasized that in recent years, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with a significant rise in unilateralism and protectionism, and frequent regional conflicts and instability. Against this backdrop, to promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, it is imperative to properly address various risks and challenges, effectively overcome the impact of geopolitical conflicts, correctly handle the relationship between enhancing the sense of gain for co-building countries and upholding China's own interests, and effectively safeguard the security of China's overseas interests. Xi Jinping pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative has entered a new stage of high-quality development. He stressed the need to adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully and accurately implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the fostering of a new development paradigm, uphold the banner of a community with a shared future for mankind, and adhere to the guiding principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, openness, green development, integrity, high standards, people-centered approaches and sustainability. Guided by the eight major actions for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and taking connectivity as the main line, efforts should be made to combine high-quality development with high-level security, government guidance with market operation, scientific planning with dynamic optimization, and quantitative growth with qualitative improvement. It is also important to coordinate the deepening of "hard connectivity" in infrastructure, "soft connectivity" in rules and standards, and "people-to-people connectivity" with co-building countries, as well as to coordinate the advancement of major landmark projects and "small but beautiful" livelihood projects. Furthermore, efforts should be made to consolidate cooperation in traditional fields while steadily expanding cooperation in emerging fields, improve mechanisms for advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously expand new spaces for higher-level, more resilient, and more sustainable win-win development. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of focusing on strengthening mechanisms for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, improving mechanisms for overall planning and management of Belt and Road cooperation, improving coordinated mechanisms for "hard connectivity," "soft connectivity," and "people-to-people connectivity," improving pragmatic cooperation mechanisms for industrial and supply chains, improving international exchange and cooperation mechanisms in emerging fields, improving diversified financing guarantee mechanisms, improving internal and external coordinated risk prevention and control mechanisms, improving overseas interest protection mechanisms, improving high-level international communication mechanisms, and improving clean Silk Road cooperation mechanisms, so as to ensure the steady and long-term progress of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Xi Jinping pointed out the need to follow through on a blueprint, continuing efforts from one generation to the next, bravely overcoming various risks and challenges, unswervingly promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and making greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind. Ding Xuexiang, in presiding over the meeting, stated that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech fully affirmed the significant achievements made in Belt and Road cooperation and made comprehensive arrangements for promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative in the current period and for some time to come. The General Secretary's important speech is far-sighted, profound in thought, insightful in论述, and rich in content, providing important guidance and pointing the way forward for promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative in the next golden decade. He stressed the need to carefully study, understand, and resolutely implement it. All regions, departments, and units should continuously strengthen strategic thinking, security awareness, systemic thinking, and international vision, focusing on promoting systemic and institutionalized approaches, continuously improving top-level design, formulating pragmatic measures, deepening foreign cooperation, and striving to cultivate a batch of well-known and influential cooperation brands, forming more exemplary and leading major achievements, and jointly creating new spaces for higher-level, more resilient, and more sustainable win-win development in Belt and Road cooperation. Wang Yi, He Lifeng, and Wu Zhengmao attended the symposium. Leading group members of the Belt and Road Initiative development working group, relevant departments of central and state organs, principal officials of the Belt and Road Initiative development leading groups from provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as representatives from relevant enterprises and expert scholars, participated in the symposium.
Wang Huning Meets with Cambodian People's Party Chairman and Senate President Hun Sen
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 (CPPCC), met with Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Senate of Cambodia, in Beijing on December 2. Wang Huning stated that General Secretary Xi Jinping and President Hun Sen have maintained close communication and reached a series of important consensuses, providing fundamental guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Cambodia to implement the important consensuses of the top leaders of the two parties and continuously promote the development of China-Cambodia relations. The National Committee of the Chinese CPPCC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Cambodia to achieve greater results in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. Hun Sen highly praised the development achievements made by China under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, stating that Cambodia and China are ironclad friends. Cambodia is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, firmly support each other, jointly address challenges, and advance the building of a Cambodia-China community with a shared future. Shi Taifeng and Wang Dongfeng also attended the meeting.
Ding Xuexiang Meets with International Guests of "Understanding China" Conference 2024
Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with foreign guests attending the 2024 "Understanding China" International Conference in Beijing on December 2. Ding Xuexiang stated that China is comprehensively advancing the building of a strong nation and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization. He said that China will carry out reforms to the end, providing strong impetus for Chinese modernization; unswervingly expand high-level opening-up, sharing development opportunities with countries worldwide; firmly focus on the primary task of high-quality development, promoting effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy; and adhere to the path of peaceful development, providing more stability and certainty to the world. A China that is comprehensively deepening reform, continuously expanding opening-up, pursuing high-quality development, and striving for world peace is bound to have a bright future. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome and former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, among others, delivered speeches, expressing full confidence in China's development and willingness to play an active role in helping the world "understand China."
Anchoring Modernization, Deepening Reform: Jiangsu Expands Cross-Border E-commerce, Ignites New Industrial Momentum
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed innovating the development of digital trade and promoting the construction of cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones. Jiangsu, a major foreign trade province, is accelerating the expansion of new tracks for county-level cross-border e-commerce, creating a new model of "cross-border e-commerce + industrial belt" to boost high-quality economic development. The machinery and auto parts industry is one of the leading industries in Sihong County, Suqian City, with over 280 related enterprises gathered there, about half of which are engaged in foreign trade. Since the beginning of this year, local commerce departments have conducted multiple visits and investigations to further stimulate foreign trade vitality, leading to some new discoveries. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made systematic arrangements for deepening foreign trade system reform, proposing to advance the construction of cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones. How can more county-level enterprises also connect to the global market? Suqian, as a national cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zone, has begun a new round of exploration. In Sihong County, since August this year, the local government has added cross-border e-commerce service windows to the e-commerce service centers in the county's 19 townships and subdistricts. At the same time, it has organized enterprises to participate in concentrated training courses on cross-border e-commerce business to help enterprises cultivate cross-border e-commerce sales talents. At this air compressor manufacturing enterprise, by establishing a professional cross-border e-commerce sales team and promptly conveying customer demands to guide production and research and development, cross-border e-commerce orders have achieved rapid growth. During this period, the enterprise sends more than 500 products overseas every day. At another auto parts sales enterprise in Sihong, they recently opened another store on a cross-border online sales platform. The enterprise operates 17 overseas sales stores simultaneously, and its foreign trade sales are expected to exceed 11 million US dollars this year. Currently, there are 51 enterprises engaged in cross-border e-commerce business in Sihong County, 21 of which were newly added this year. In October this year, Suqian also issued the "E-commerce Industry Development Regulations," further providing institutional guarantees for the high-quality development of the cross-border e-commerce industry. Nowadays in Suqian, each district and county has developed clusters based on their own characteristics, covering multiple categories such as textiles, furniture, and manufacturing, with annual cross-border e-commerce transaction volume growing at a rate of over 25%.
China-Laos Railway Three Years On: Golden Channel's Vitality Continues to Emerge
This year marks the third anniversary of the opening and operation of the China-Laos Railway. Over the past three years, the China-Laos Railway has interconnected with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and China-Europe freight trains. Cross-border cargo transportation has expanded to 19 countries and regions including Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, continuously demonstrating the vitality of this mutually beneficial "golden line." Recently, an international freight train carrying 390 tons of Lao bananas departed from Vientiane South Station in Laos, entered China via the Mohan Railway Port in Yunnan province on the China-Laos Railway, and proceeded directly to Beijing via cold chain. It is not just fruits, but also vegetables, clothing, home appliances, new energy vehicles, and thousands of other goods that flow smoothly along this 1,035-kilometer railway line. The latest customs data shows that in the past three years, the total number of China-Laos Railway international freight trains has exceeded 15,000, transporting over 10.6 million tons of cross-border cargo with a value exceeding 44 billion yuan. The peak monthly cross-border cargo volume surpassed 510,000 tons, a 12.6-fold increase compared to the first month of operation in 2021, indicating an accelerated release of the China-Laos Railway's logistics channel efficiency. In the first 11 months of this year, the import and export value of goods via the China-Laos Railway reached 16.81 billion yuan, already exceeding the total value of last year. Over the past three years since its opening, the China-Laos Railway, as a major international golden passage, has continuously demonstrated its transportation vitality. As of now, it has transported over 346,000 inbound and outbound passengers, with passenger origins expanding to 108 countries and regions, injecting new vitality into regional economic prosperity and development.
Regions Develop Ice-Snow Economy: "Cold Resources" Unleash "Hot Consumption"
As winter sets in, ice and snow sports, tourism, and consumption continue to热, with various regions actively creating diverse scenarios and improving service quality, making the ice and snow economy vibrant. Recently, two events were held at the Beijing Shougang Ski Big Air and National Speed Skating Oval: the 2024-2025 FIS Snowboard and Freeski Big Air World Cup and the ISU Speed Skating World Cup Beijing. As qualifying events for the Winter Olympics, these two competitions attracted high-level athletes from around the world and provided an unforgettable weekend for ice and snow enthusiasts who came to watch. In Shougang Park, visitor traffic significantly increased, driving consumption in catering, entertainment, and accommodation within and around the park. For the 2024-2025 season, China will host 28 international ice and snow events, including 8 ice events and 20 snow events. While ice and snow events are highly anticipated, various regions have also launched their ice and snow seasons, introducing a series of new ice and snow projects and activities. In Shenyang, Liaoning, night skiing is popular, with ski resorts adding beginner teaching slopes and snowboard parks. In Tonghua, Jilin, an established alpine ski resort offers a ski filming service, using the Beidou system and 5G network to automatically record and generate exciting skiing videos. In Taibai, Shaanxi, the local ski resort has fully upgraded its facilities and services, with 21 slopes of different levels gradually opening. In Yichun, Heilongjiang, ice and snow tourism formats such as forest skiing, rime and snow rime, cold region hot springs, and parent-child study tours meet people's diverse consumption demands. Indoor ice and snow venues in the south have also become lively. In Guangzhou, a newly renovated venue has attracted many young people, with multiple combined obstacles set up on the hundred-meter ski slope to increase the difficulty of skiing. Visitors can also jump from a 3-meter high platform to challenge themselves. Indoor ski resorts in Chengdu, Sichuan, and Jing'an, Jiangxi, also offer a variety of entertainment programs, allowing visitors to fully experience the fun of ice and snow.
National Model Prosecutor Pan Feiqiong: Defending Justice with Loyalty and Responsibility
Pan Feiqiong, who passed away, was the Procurator-General of the Qingyuan Manchu Autonomous County People's Procuratorate in Fushun City, Liaoning Province. He was deeply rooted in frontline case handling, having handled over 1,300 cases in more than 20 years, achieving outstanding results of "zero errors and zero appeals." In December 2022, Pan Feiqiong died of leukemia after ineffective treatment, at the age of 49. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Supreme People's Procuratorate recently posthumously awarded Comrade Pan Feiqiong the title of "National Model Prosecutor." After graduating from university in 1996 and entering the procuratorate, Pan Feiqiong dedicated himself to his favorite public prosecution business. Treating cases with reverence, meticulousness, and precision was Pan Feiqiong's demand on himself. Pan Feiqiong's colleagues still remember his meticulousness and fearlessness when handling Fushun City's first major case of gang-related crime. As the chief prosecutor, Pan Feiqiong's accumulated defense time alone exceeded 400 minutes during the three-day trial. Ultimately, the principal offender Liu was sentenced to life imprisonment for multiple crimes, and the co-defendants received their due legal punishment. In the Liaoning procuratorial system, Pan Feiqiong was a "banner" on the public prosecution front. In his 26 years of work, he transferred to multiple business departments, always facing the toughest "hard nuts to crack." In 2021, Pan Feiqiong was transferred to serve as the Procurator-General of Qingyuan County. In less than a year, the procuratorate's various case handling data indicators rose from the bottom to the forefront in the province. And until two days before he was diagnosed with advanced leukemia, Pan Feiqiong was still holding video conferences with colleagues in his hospital room, discussing work arrangements. In December 2022, Pan Feiqiong, whose medical treatment was ineffective, forever left the beloved procuratorial front. He practiced his original aspiration and ideal with diligent actions, and also inspired prosecutors to bravely forge ahead on the path of pursuing fairness and justice.
Regions Across China Hold 122 National Traffic Safety Day Events
Today (December 2, 2024) marks the 13th "December 2nd National Traffic Safety Day." In recent days, various regions have carried out diverse activities centered on the theme of "Civilized Traffic, Jointly Created." As the "December 2nd National Traffic Safety Day" approaches, traffic police in Xiangyang, Hubei, and Wenzhou, Zhejiang, visited schools to educate teachers and students about traffic safety through scenario demonstrations and safety lectures. At Jixianli Primary School in Beichen District, Tianjin, a simulated "court trial" for traffic accidents was underway. Students participating debated based on their learned traffic safety knowledge, gaining a deeper understanding of traffic laws and regulations through their discussions. Public security traffic management departments in Shaanxi, Fujian, Jiangsu, and other places set up special activity venues in urban centers, appealing to citizens to strengthen their traffic safety awareness through interactive experiences such as vehicle blind spot demonstrations and consuming alcohol-containing food. Today, the Supreme People's Court released 5 typical cases of traffic accident liability disputes, providing guidance for timely safeguarding and remedying the rights of parties through judicial rulings, and guiding traffic participants to enhance their safety responsibility awareness.
Domestic News Briefs
The cross-provincial mutual aid service for national medical insurance personal accounts officially launched today (December 2). Employee medical insurance personal accounts can now be used across provinces for immediate family members to pay for resident medical insurance and reimburse medical expenses. The National Healthcare Security Administration stated that it plans to fully realize cross-provincial mutual aid for medical insurance personal accounts within one to two years. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has identified the list of national environmental health management pilot areas for 2024. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment recently officially included 23 regions, including Guangzhou in Guangdong and Anji in Zhejiang, as national environmental health management pilot areas. The evaluation work will last for three years, starting from January next year, and mainly includes six tasks: establishing a regional high-environmental health risk source list, conducting environmental health risk monitoring and assessment, etc. China's largest offshore oilfield cluster shore power project has been fully completed today (December 2). China's largest offshore oilfield cluster shore power project – the Bohai Oilfield Shore Power Application Project – has been fully completed. All three phases of the project have now been completed, forming a regional power supply network of 980 megawatts and large-scale transmission capacity from south to north in Bohai Bay, covering more than 150 offshore platforms in 7 oilfield areas in Bohai. Macau Light Rail Hengqin Line officially opened for service. The Macau Light Rail Hengqin Line officially opened for service this afternoon (December 2). The Hengqin Line is approximately 2.2 kilometers long, connecting Zhuhai's Hengqin Port with Macau Light Rail's Lotus Checkpoint Station. The opening of this line will further promote the connectivity of infrastructure in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification convenes. The 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification opened today (December 2) in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. At the conference, the "China Pavilion" made its debut, showcasing China's efforts in combating desertification and the "Three Norths" battle. The Chinese delegation will deeply participate in negotiations on land, drought, funding, and other policy and scientific issues, fulfilling its obligations as a party. China's 40th Antarctic Expedition Zhongshan Station overwintering team successfully completed its mission. China's 40th Antarctic Expedition Zhongshan Station overwintering team recently successfully completed its one-year scientific research mission. 20 team members conducted scientific observations and research on polar high-altitude atmospheric physics, ice and snow, ocean, and geology at Zhongshan Station in Antarctica, obtaining rich data that provides support for understanding Antarctica's feedback on global change. Cold air moves eastward and southward, local temperatures drop by over 12°C. A new strong cold front began affecting northern China yesterday (December 1). It is expected that the cold air will continue to affect areas north of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River today and tomorrow, with local temperature drops exceeding 12°C. Southern Qinghai, eastern Heilongjiang, southern Liaoning, and northern Henan will experience 5-6 strong winds with gusts of 7-8. Northeastern Inner Mongolia, northern Heilongjiang, and northern and southwestern Xinjiang will still have light to moderate snow or sleet. CCTV Spring Festival Gala mascot for the Year of the Snake unveiled. China Central Television's "2025 Spring Festival Gala" today (December 2) unveiled its official mascot "Si Sheng Sheng." The overall design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese culture, referencing the oracle bone script character "Si." Its憨态可掬 (charming in a simple and naive way) and ancient charm wish Chinese people worldwide good fortune and continuous good things in the new year. TV series "Tian Xia Tong Xin" to be broadcast on CCTV-1 tonight. The TV series "Tian Xia Tong Xin" will premiere tonight (December 2) in prime time on CCTV-1. It tells the story of how the Communist Party of China, various democratic parties, non-party democratic personages, and various people's organizations overcame difficulties to hold the First Plenary Session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and jointly build a new China from 1948 to 1949.
Syrian Army Strikes Anti-Government Militants in Northern Hama Province
The Syrian military stated on December 1 that Syrian government forces attacked anti-government armed groups in the northern Hama province on November 30, regaining control of some towns in the area and killing dozens of militants. Currently, Syrian government reinforcements have arrived in the northern Hama province. The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria stated on December 1 that the Syrian military and Russian Aerospace Forces continued to strike anti-government armed targets in Idlib, Hama, and Aleppo on that day. Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Syria, Affirms Firm Support for Syria in Combating Terrorism. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi in Damascus on December 1. Bashar stated that Syria will spare no effort and resolutely combat terrorist organizations. He emphasized that combating terrorism contributes to the security and stability of the entire region. Araghchi stated that Iran will firmly support Syria in combating terrorism. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hussein held phone calls with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on December 1, and the three foreign ministers reiterated their firm support for Syria in combating terrorism. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, issued a statement on December 1, expressing concern about the escalation of the situation in Aleppo, Syria.
Palestine Reports Israeli Strikes in Gaza City; Arab League Commemorates International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
According to Palestinian media reports, the western part of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip was attacked by the Israeli Defense Forces on December 1, causing casualties. Palestinian armed organizations claimed on December 1 that they attacked an Israeli military command center in the central Gaza Strip. The League of Arab States held an event on December 1 to commemorate the "International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People." Representatives from multiple countries condemned Israel's continued aggression against the Palestinian people at the event and called on the international community to take further action to protect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Israeli military claims continued operations in southern Lebanon. Regarding the situation in Lebanon, the Israeli military stated on December 1 that it continued operations in several areas in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah militants. Houthi forces claim attacks on Israeli targets and US warships. Yemen's Houthi forces claimed on December 1 that they used a hypersonic missile to strike an important target in the Jaffa area of Israel on that day. The Houthi forces also claimed to have attacked a US destroyer and three supply ships in the Gulf of Aden and other waters. In response, the US military stated on December 1 that the US Navy intercepted Houthi projectiles, and the attack caused no casualties or damage to ships.
International News Briefs
Russia Claims Control of More Settlements, Ukraine Reports Fierce Fighting on Front Line. Russia's Ministry of Defense stated on December 1 that Russian forces had taken control of two more settlements in Donetsk. In the directions of Kharkiv, Avdiivka, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, Russian forces launched multiple offensives. Ukraine stated on the same day that 111 battles occurred in frontline areas, and Ukrainian forces continued to hold their ground, resisting multiple Russian attacks in the Kharkiv direction. "Druzhba" Oil Pipeline Leaks in Poland. According to Polish media reports, the "Druzhba" oil pipeline near Pniewy in western Poland experienced a leak on December 1. Local fire departments stated there was no risk of fire or explosion. Poland's PERN, the operator of the oil pipeline, stated that it would repair the leak, and the specific cause of the leak is currently unclear. The "Druzhba" pipeline originates in Russia, with its northern branch leading to Poland and Germany, and its southern branch connecting to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other countries. Slovak officials recently stated that intelligence indicates the "Druzhba" pipeline may be attacked. GCC Summit Focuses on Regional Economic Security Issues. On December 1, the 45th Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was held in Kuwait. Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah stated that in the context of international uncertainty, the meeting aimed to accelerate Gulf economic integration. He said that trade and investment flows should be promoted and innovation and entrepreneurship in areas such as artificial intelligence should be expanded to address economic pressures and enhance the competitiveness of Gulf states. US President Biden Pardons Son Hunter Biden. US President Biden announced on December 1 that he was pardoning his son, Hunter Biden. Biden had previously stated multiple times that he would not use executive power to pardon his son or commute his sentence. In a statement, Biden said that Hunter had been unfairly treated and specifically targeted because of his identity. Hunter Biden was convicted in June of this year for purchasing a gun in 2018 while concealing his drug use. US President-elect Donald Trump stated on December 1 that Biden's pardon of his son Hunter was an "abuse of justice."