A symposium was held by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Great Hall of the People on the morning of December 16 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Qiao Shi. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech, emphasizing that the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups across the country are currently full of confidence in comprehensively building a modern socialist country and comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The beautiful ideals for which generations of Chinese Communists have strived are being realized step by step. We must hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, keep in mind the Party's original aspiration and mission, work together with one heart and mind, strive for progress, and continuously create new achievements worthy of history, the times, and the people. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium. Cai Qi and Li Xi, also members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium. In his speech, Xi Jinping pointed out that in the great process of China's revolution, construction, and reform, generations of outstanding Chinese Communists have emerged, and Comrade Qiao Shi is one of their outstanding representatives. His life was a life of revolution, struggle, and glory, a life of pursuing truth, progress, and striving for the cause of communism. The merits he established for the Party and the people are worth remembering, and his revolutionary spirit and noble demeanor are worth learning from. Xi Jinping emphasized that by commemorating Comrade Qiao Shi, we aim to learn from his noble character of upholding faith and dedicating himself to ideals. We must make firm ideals and convictions a lifelong endeavor, constantly cultivate, practice, comprehend, and progress, always adhere to the lofty ideal of communism and the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and withstand the test of great upheavals. Xi Jinping pointed out that by commemorating Comrade Qiao Shi, we aim to learn from his strong Party spirit in rectifying Party conduct and strictly enforcing Party discipline. We must always adhere to the Party's overall leadership and the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, unswervingly promote comprehensive and strict Party governance, deeply advance the construction of Party conduct and honest government and the fight against corruption, and forever maintain the Party's advanced nature and purity. Xi Jinping emphasized that by commemorating Comrade Qiao Shi, we aim to learn from his valuable quality of keeping in mind the original aspiration and diligently serving the people. We must always adhere to the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, adhere to the people-centered development philosophy, genuinely safeguard the fundamental interests of the people, and strive to benefit the people, allowing the achievements of modernization to benefit all people more extensively and fairly. Xi Jinping pointed out that by commemorating Comrade Qiao Shi, we aim to learn from his political courage to boldly reform and dare to act. We must unswervingly hold high the banner of reform and opening up, adhere to fundamental principles while making innovations, further comprehensively deepen reforms and promote high-level opening up closely around Chinese-style modernization, and strive to write a new chapter of reform and opening up. Xi Jinping emphasized that by commemorating Comrade Qiao Shi, we aim to learn from his persistent pursuit of respecting and implementing the rule of law. We must always adhere to the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, comprehensively advance scientific legislation, strict law enforcement, impartial justice, and universal law-abiding, and comprehensively build a modern socialist country under the rule of law. Xi Jinping pointed out that by commemorating Comrade Qiao Shi, we aim to learn from his work style of seeking truth from facts and being pragmatic. We must always adhere to the integration of theory with practice, resolutely oppose formalism and bureaucracy, concentrate efforts on promoting development, and solidly advance the construction of Chinese-style modernization. Zhao Leji said while presiding over the symposium that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech highly praised Comrade Qiao Shi's outstanding contributions to the cause of the Party and the country and put forward clear requirements for learning from Comrade Qiao Shi's revolutionary spirit and noble demeanor. The speech has important guiding significance for us to inherit and develop the cause pioneered by generations of Chinese Communists and achieve the Party's and the people's struggle goals in the new era and on the new journey. We must diligently study and comprehend, and thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, closely unite around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, comprehensively implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and strive to comprehensively advance the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization. At the symposium, Qu Qingshan, President of the Central Party History and Literature Research Institute, Sun Xinyang, Deputy Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Liu Qi, Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, delivered speeches. Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, Chen Wenqing, Wang Xiaohong, Hao Mingjin, and Su Hui attended the symposium. Responsible comrades from relevant departments of the central and state organs, Shanghai Municipality, and Zhejiang Province, as well as relatives, former friends, former staff members of Comrade Qiao Shi, and representatives from his hometown, participated in the symposium.
The 24th issue of Qiushi Journal, published on December 16, features an important article by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, titled "Deeply Advancing the Party's Self-Revolution." The article emphasizes that as the largest Marxist ruling party in the world, how can our Party successfully break out of the historical cycle of rise and fall, and ensure that the Party never degenerates, changes color, or changes its nature? This is a strategic question facing all Party comrades. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, in the great practice of comprehensively strict Party governance, we have continuously carried out practical exploration and theoretical reflection. Building upon Comrade Mao Zedong's initial answer of "let the people supervise the government," we have provided a second answer, which is to continuously advance the Party's self-revolution. The article points out that in the practice and theoretical exploration of comprehensively strict Party governance over the past decade in the new era, we have continuously deepened our understanding of the Party's self-revolution, accumulated rich practical experience, and formed a series of important theoretical achievements, systematically answering major questions such as why our Party needs self-revolution, why it can achieve self-revolution, and how to advance self-revolution. The article states that the ideals our Party pursues are lofty and sacred, and the missions it shoulders are arduous and heavy. Only by examining ourselves in light of the demands of the times, alerting ourselves with a strong sense of urgency, and forging ourselves with the spirit of self-revolution, constantly improving our leadership and governance capabilities, can we ensure that the Party always remains incorruptible, unchanged in nature, and true to its original aspiration, and always remains the strong leadership core of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. At the same time, it must be recognized that with changes in the situation, tasks, external environment, and the composition of Party members, various contradictions and problems are inevitable within the Party. We must have the courage to face internal issues head-on, promptly eliminate all negative influences, and ensure that the Party always remains vibrant and full of vigor. This is why it is necessary to advance the Party's self-revolution. The article points out that daring to self-revolution is our Party's most distinctive character and greatest advantage. The Party's nature, purpose, original aspiration, and mission determine that our Party always represents the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people. Without selfish motives, one possesses a thorough spirit of self-revolution, can seek fundamental and significant benefits, adhere to truth and correct errors, dare to examine oneself, and constantly reflect on one's own faults; by not avoiding ailments or glossing over mistakes, and by promptly discovering and solving problems, one can effectively counter the "hunting" and corrosion by all interest groups, power groups, and privileged classes. This is the secret to our Party always maintaining its advanced nature and purity, and also the source of our Party's confidence in advancing self-revolution. The article emphasizes that deeply advancing the Party's self-revolution requires grasping the following issues in practice. First, take adhering to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee as the fundamental guarantee. Second, take leading the great social revolution as the fundamental purpose. Third, take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the fundamental guide. Fourth, take breaking out of the historical cycle as the strategic goal. Fifth, take solving the unique problems of a large party as the main direction of attack. Sixth, take improving the system of comprehensively strict Party governance as an effective approach. Seventh, take forging strong organizations and building a formidable contingent as an important focus. Eighth, take rectifying Party style, enforcing discipline, and combating corruption as an important starting point. Ninth, take the combination of self-supervision and people's supervision as a powerful driving force. The article concludes that practical development is endless, and theoretical innovation is also endless. We must adhere to emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, keeping pace with the times, upholding fundamental principles and innovating, continuously carrying out practical exploration and theoretical innovation, constantly deepening our understanding of the laws of the Party's self-revolution, making the ideas and measures for the Party's self-revolution more rigorous, and grasping the self-revolution in every front and every link concretely and deeply.
Premier Li Qiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council on December 16, studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the Central Economic Work Conference and making arrangements for implementing the decisions and deployments of the Central Economic Work Conference. The meeting emphasized the need to unify thoughts and actions with the Party Central Committee's scientific judgment on the economic situation and its decisions and deployments for next year's economic work, and effectively enhance the sense of responsibility, urgency, and initiative in implementation. All departments of the State Council must comprehensively align with the various deployments determined by the Party Central Committee, proactively take on tasks, formulate implementation plans, and ensure that all work proceeds effectively and orderly. They should advance implementation, acting as early as possible, working together and actively contributing to the overall situation with solid and effective work. The meeting deployed efforts to optimize and improve the management mechanism of local government special bonds, stating that a "negative list" management system for the investment areas of local government special bonds should be implemented, allowing them to be used for land reserves and supporting the acquisition of existing commercial housing for affordable housing. It also called for optimizing project review and management mechanisms and appropriately increasing the autonomy and flexibility of local governments. The meeting stressed strengthening the full-process management of special bonds, improving capital supervision and repayment mechanisms. It emphasized the need to ensure the issuance and use of special bonds next year, forming physical work volume as early as possible, to provide strong support for promoting a sustained economic recovery and improvement. The meeting discussed policy measures to promote the high-quality development of government investment funds, stating the need to build a scientific and efficient management system, standardize the operation of government investment funds in accordance with market-oriented, rule-of-law, and professional principles, and better serve the overall national development. It highlighted the importance of developing and expanding long-term and patient capital, and improving differentiated management mechanisms for various types of funds. It also called for establishing a responsibility mechanism with consistent rights and responsibilities, and compatible incentives and constraints, creating a good atmosphere that encourages innovation and tolerates failure. The meeting heard a report on the progress of the three-year action plan for fundamental safety production improvements, stating the need to press for the implementation of safety supervision responsibilities, continuously and deeply investigate and rectify major risks and hidden dangers in relevant industries and systems, and plug loopholes and ensure supervision throughout the entire chain. It emphasized strengthening the guiding and supporting role of standards, further improving the standard system, raising standard requirements, and strengthening standard implementation. It also called for doing a good job in safety prevention at the end of the year and beginning of next year, strengthening the investigation of hidden dangers and safety control during key periods, in key places, and in weak links, to ensure the safety of people's lives and property and overall social stability. The meeting discussed relevant work to promote the revitalization and development of football, stating the need to intensify efforts to implement various policy measures and continuously advance football work to a new level. The meeting reviewed and approved the "Regulations on the Administration of Public Security Video and Image Information Systems (Draft)," stating the need to regulate the construction and use of public security video systems to better maintain public safety and protect personal privacy. The meeting also discussed other matters.
Today (December 16), the People's Daily published a commentator article titled "Deeply Understanding the Laws of Economic Work - On Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference."
On December 16, entrusted by the CPC Central Committee, Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, briefed non-Party individuals on the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference. Shi Taifeng stated that this Central Economic Work Conference was an important meeting held at a time of in-depth study and implementation of the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The United Front should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply study and implement the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference, especially General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech. He expressed hope that all democratic parties, federations of industry and commerce, and non-affiliated individuals would conduct in-depth research and propose more high-quality opinions and suggestions. He encouraged guiding private economic figures to firmly believe in the CPC Central Committee's policies of "two unswervings" and "two healthys." He also urged stimulating the innovation and creativity of non-Party intellectuals and people from new social strata, continuously gathering positive energy for unity and struggle, and jointly creating a favorable social environment for economic development.
At a press conference held by the State Council Information Office today (December 16), data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the national economy operated generally stable and made steady progress in November, with an increasing number of positive changes. In November, industrial and service sectors continued to recover. In terms of industry, driven by large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in policies for consumer goods, industrial production steadily increased. In November, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size grew by 5.4% year-on-year, 0.1 percentage points faster than the previous month. Among them, the equipment manufacturing industry grew by 7.6% year-on-year, 1 percentage point faster than the previous month, contributing nearly 50% to the growth of industrial enterprises above designated size. In terms of services, in November, the service production index grew by 6.1% year-on-year. Consumption and investment continued to expand. In terms of consumption, in November, total retail sales of consumer goods grew by 3.0% year-on-year, with sales of related goods supported by trade-in policies continuing to maintain relatively fast growth. In terms of investment, in the first 11 months, fixed asset investment grew by 3.3% year-on-year, maintaining basic stability for four consecutive months. Among them, manufacturing investment grew faster than overall investment, providing significant support to investment. The quality of economic operation continued to improve. In the first 11 months, the value added of high-tech manufacturing above designated size grew by 9% year-on-year, significantly faster than the growth of industrial enterprises above designated size, with strong growth in digital product manufacturing and digital service provision. This year, China's green transformation has continued to deepen, and the market competitiveness of green products has continuously strengthened. In November, the output of new energy vehicles and solar cell products increased by 51.1% and 10.9% year-on-year, respectively, becoming important highlights of the green transformation.
We must have a global perspective, a national perspective, a future perspective, and a long-term perspective, actively promoting Macao to embark on a path of moderately diversified and sustainable economic development. With the full support of the central government, Macao's economy has grown rapidly and people's livelihoods have continuously improved over the past 25 years. As it integrates into the overall development of the nation, Macao has also embraced an increasingly broad development space. In the exhibition hall of Najin Technology Co., Ltd. in the Hengqin Macao Youth Entrepreneurship Valley, the company's founder, Lei Zhen, showed us the company's development achievements in the field of new materials over the past three years since relocating to Hengqin, achieving true industrial落地. The construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is a key point for Macao's integration into the national economic development trend. In February 2019, the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was issued, clarifying Macao's role as one of the four central cities in the Greater Bay Area, playing a core engine role in regional development. Hengqin, separated by a stretch of water, is three times the size of Macao, solving Macao's long-standing problem of insufficient development space. In the three years since the establishment of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, 6,521 Macao-funded enterprises have settled there, making it the most concentrated area for Macao-funded enterprises in the mainland, continuously activating new momentum and expanding new space for Macao's development, helping Macao write a new chapter of diversified development. Last November, the "Macao Special Administrative Region Economic Diversification Development Plan (2024-2028)" was announced. This is Macao's first comprehensive and systematic industrial development plan. The plan proposes a "1+4" strategy for moderately diversified economic development. "1" refers to optimizing, refining, and strengthening the integrated tourism and leisure industry, while "4" refers to continuously promoting the four key development industries: big health, modern finance, high-tech, convention and exhibition commerce, and cultural sports, clearly defining the direction and path for Macao's future economic development. Today's Macao has an increasingly rich "tourism+" new business format. The Macao World Heritage Monitoring Center has been built, and international cultural and artistic events are actively being introduced to Macao. At least two international sports events are held every month, continuously enriching the connotation of Macao as a world tourism and leisure center. Today's Macao sees technological innovation becoming a new engine of economic development. Macao already has 4 national key laboratories, and high-level scientific research achievements are constantly emerging in fields such as traditional Chinese medicine quality research, space science, and health science. In 2023, the total value added of Macao's traditional Chinese medicine industry and other four key industries reached MOP 39.05 billion, an increase of 6.9% compared to 2019. Today's Macao has seen its financial industry grow from weak to strong. Investment banking and financial asset trading platforms have emerged from scratch. The scale of the modern financial industry continues to expand. As of the end of June 2023, Macao's financial industry assets totaled over MOP 2.7 trillion. Today's Macao has established stable economic and trade relations with over 120 countries and regions and is recognized by the World Trade Organization as one of the most open trade and investment economies in the world. A city of tourism, a city of technology, a city of sports, a city of conventions and exhibitions... Macao, after its return to the motherland, has integrated into the national development strategy, constantly refreshing its diversified development cards.
As the New Year and Spring Festival of 2025 approach, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission, and the National Dual Support Office have jointly issued a notice, requiring all localities and troops to thoroughly and effectively carry out work related to supporting the army and giving preferential treatment to families of servicemen and martyrs, and supporting the government and cherishing the people during the holiday period. All localities and troops must continuously strengthen their political responsibility and mission in carrying out dual support work in the new era, coordinate and carry out various forms of dual support publicity and national defense education for all, and promote the inheritance and flourishing of the glorious tradition of dual support. All localities should actively visit and comfort resident troops, understand matters that require local support from the troops, and help solve practical difficulties in combat readiness duties, training exercises, and work and life. All troops should conscientiously practice the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, organize officers and soldiers to assist local streets and villages in environmental sanitation rectification, public facility maintenance, etc., assist local authorities in maintaining order during the Spring Festival travel rush at airports, railway stations, ports, etc., and create a good environment for the masses to celebrate the festival. All localities should firmly establish the concept of supporting the army in accordance with the law, further intensify efforts to implement policies for supporting the army, giving preferential treatment, and resettlement, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of military personnel and their families and veterans, and promote making military personnel a respected profession throughout society and making veterans respected individuals throughout society.
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee pointed out the need to leverage the advantages of coastal, border, riverside, and transportation arteries, optimize the functional division of regional opening up, and create diverse open highlands. Guangxi leverages its geographical advantage of being connected to ASEAN by land and sea, continuously promoting high-level joint construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and expanding high-level opening up to the outside world. The Pinglu Canal is a backbone project of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. On December 14, the last of the 13 berthing dolphins at the Xinfu Anchorage upstream of the Madao Hub Ship Lock on the Pinglu Canal was successfully capped. Guangxi has significant advantages in its coastal, border, and riverside locations. How to continuously transform its geographical advantages into open advantages? Guangxi uses reform to solve development difficulties, focusing on the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, accelerating the construction of infrastructure interconnectivity, including land, sea, air, and digital information. The Guangxi section of the Huangtong-Baise Railway, the western line project of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, has started construction; an international communication business gateway has been established in Nanning; and the comprehensive operational efficiency of Beibu Gulf Port's sea-rail intermodal transport has increased by 20%. To implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session, Guangxi actively explores an "integrated" supervision model for ports, promotes data and regulatory information sharing, improves customs clearance convenience, and promotes innovative trade development. At Pingxiang Friendship Pass, the Chinese section of the China-Vietnam Smart Port project has entered the sprint phase of construction and is expected to be completed and put into trial operation by the end of this year. Guangxi also continues to deepen economic and trade cooperation, focusing on ASEAN countries, by promoting cross-border industrial cluster development and encouraging enterprises to expand cross-border e-commerce business. In the first 11 months of this year, Guangxi's total foreign trade import and export volume reached 666.45 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.3%.
Retail Industry Innovation and Upgrade Action Plan Released Today (December 16), seven departments including the Ministry of Commerce released the "Retail Industry Innovation and Upgrade Action Plan." The plan includes promoting "one store, one policy" renovation for department stores and shopping malls; exploring deep joint ventures and self-sourcing and self-operation; cultivating "small and beautiful" and "specialized and精" characteristic stores; and encouraging wholesalers to provide integrated supply chain solutions for retailers. SAMR Implements Compulsory Product Certification for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Today (December 16), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced the implementation of compulsory product certification management for electric vehicle charging equipment, which mainly includes fixed charging piles, mobile charging facilities, and vehicle-mounted charging equipment. Starting from August 1, 2026, electric vehicle charging equipment that has not passed compulsory certification shall not be manufactured, sold, imported, or used in other business activities. Shenzhou-19 Astronaut Crew to Conduct First Extravehicular Activity Soon According to the China Manned Space Agency, the Shenzhou-19 astronaut crew will conduct their first extravehicular activity (EVA) at an opportune time in the near future. The astronauts have completed pre-EVA preparations, including extravehicular suit inspection and testing. Currently, the Shenzhou-19 astronaut crew is in good condition, and the space station complex is operating stably, meeting the conditions for EVA. New Offshore Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel Delivered Today (December 16), a new offshore floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel was delivered and departed from the Yangtze River wharf in Qidong, Jiangsu. The main body is approximately 334 meters long, 60 meters wide, and 33.5 meters deep. It will be used for a large ultra-deepwater oil development project in Brazil, with a maximum storage capacity of 1.4 million barrels of crude oil, also known as a "mobile offshore refinery." Jingwei Expressway Construction Project Begins Acceptance Today (December 16), the Jingwei Expressway construction project entered the acceptance phase, and the entire line will be open to traffic by the end of the year. The Jingwei Expressway is 184 kilometers long, starting from Beijing's West Sixth Ring Road, extending westward through Mentougou District of Beijing, Zhuolu County and Yu County of Zhangjiakou City, and connecting with the Guangling-Hunyuan Expressway in Shanxi Province. After opening, the travel time from Beijing's West Sixth Ring Road to Yu County will be shortened from over 3 hours to less than 2 hours, providing convenience for the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei. Lanzhang High-Speed Railway (Wuzhang Section) Commences Construction Today (December 16), the Lanzhang High-Speed Railway (Wuwei to Zhangye section) officially commenced construction, with a construction period of 3 years. This is also the last section of the Lanzhang High-Speed Railway to be built. Upon completion, the high-speed railway will connect the Hexi Corridor, further improving China's western high-speed railway network. Macao Federation of Trade Unions Holds Gala to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland On December 15, the Macao Federation of Trade Unions held a gala to celebrate the glorious achievements of the New China's 75th anniversary and the fruitful results of Macao's return to the motherland over the past 25 years. Macao youth and representatives from various trade unions presented wonderful performances, expressing their determination to achieve new results and open new horizons in promoting the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics. Second China Overseas Chinese Talents Development Conference Opens Today (December 16), the Second China Overseas Chinese Talents Development Conference opened in Fuzhou, Fujian. This year's theme is "Innovation for Development, Overseas Chinese Talent Creates the Future." The conference features 19 activities focusing on policy releases, interactive exchanges, achievement displays, and matchmaking services. Over a thousand guests from 37 countries and regions are participating.
According to multiple media reports, Israel once again launched airstrikes on missile bases and weapons depots in Tartus, Syria, on December 15. A huge explosion occurred at a military base in Tartus. Reports state that this was the largest attack on Tartus port since 2012. Additionally, an aerial footage released on December 14 showed that Israeli attacks caused extensive damage to warships and infrastructure at Latakia port in Syria, and also resulted in an oil spill. Israel Plans to Expand Settlements in Golan Heights, Condemned by Multiple Countries The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on December 15 saying that the Israeli government approved a plan on the same day to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, aiming to double the population in the region. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Egypt, and several other Arab countries issued statements emphasizing that the Golan Heights is occupied Syrian territory and condemning Israel's plan as a blatant violation of Syrian territory, sovereignty, and international law. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russian military aircraft evacuated diplomatic personnel from multiple countries stationed in Syria on December 15. Currently, the Russian Embassy in Syria continues to operate. Qatar announced on the same day that it would reopen its embassy in Syria on December 17. US media reported on December 15 that the US Navy's USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group had arrived in the Middle East.
Israeli forces continued their airstrikes and ground offensive in various parts of the Gaza Strip on December 15. According to reports from the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on that day resulted in over 100 deaths. Palestinian medical institutions reported on December 15 that areas hit by Israeli airstrikes included a shelter in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 20 deaths and multiple injuries.
Two Russian oil tankers in distress in the Kerch Strait The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on December 15 that two Russian oil tankers sustained damage and were in distress near the Kerch Strait due to strong winds and high waves. The accident has resulted in one death and several injuries. The two tankers were carrying approximately 9,000 tons of petroleum products, and oil leakage is still being confirmed. Rescue operations have largely concluded, and Russian transport prosecutors are investigating the cause of the accident. Tropical Cyclone Hits Mayotte, Potentially Causing Severe Casualties Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte off the southeast coast of Africa on December 14, causing severe damage to the island. According to media reports, local transportation has been completely cut off, the power system is paralyzed, and supplies such as water and food are scarce. Local officials stated on December 15 that hundreds or even thousands of people may have died.
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