On the morning of the 19th, President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Macau Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, visited Macau University of Science and Technology. He had cordial exchanges with the university's faculty, students, and researchers. Macau University of Science and Technology is a young university established after Macau's return to the motherland. It closely aligns with the development needs of Macau and the nation, focusing on developing distinctive and advantageous research fields, and has become Macau's largest comprehensive university by student size. Xi Jinping visited the comprehensive teaching building, where he learned in detail about the university and the development of higher education in Macau. He affirmed Macau's achievements in adhering to education that serves economic and social development, and in promoting "education to prosper Macau and talent to build Macau." Xi Jinping listened to presentations on traditional Chinese medicine quality research and the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, learning about the latest scientific research achievements. He stated that traditional Chinese medicine is a treasure of Chinese civilization, and inheriting, innovating, and developing traditional Chinese medicine is a major undertaking. He emphasized the importance of inheriting, developing, and utilizing this valuable heritage left by our ancestors to promote traditional Chinese medicine globally. The achievements of the lunar exploration program embody the wisdom and dedication of several generations of Chinese aerospace workers, reflecting from one aspect the significant progress we have made in scientific and technological self-reliance. He said that their work proves that Macau is capable of conducting high-tech, world-class scientific research. In May 2023, Xi Jinping sent a reply letter to representatives of faculty and students from Macau University of Science and Technology who participated in the development of the "Macau Science 1" satellite, offering them warm encouragement, which generated a strong response across all sectors in Macau. Xi Jinping entered the MUST Satellite Science and Application Data Center, where he watched the satellite's real-time operations on an electronic screen, learned about the project's research progress and application prospects, and had cordial exchanges with the researchers and student representatives present. Xi Jinping stated that this is a successful example of deepening cooperation between Macau and the mainland in the high-tech field, showcasing the excellent innovation and creativity of Macau's scientific and technological community. He expressed hope that they would continue their efforts, brave new heights, achieve even greater success, and better serve Macau, the nation, and humanity. Afterward, Xi Jinping visited the university library to view the "Macau in Global Maps" Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Ancient Macau Map Exhibition, and inspected the library's collection of valuable books. Students who were consulting materials were very excited to see President Xi's arrival. Xi Jinping asked them in detail about their majors, research fields, and daily lives, encouraging them to cherish their valuable study time, absorb useful knowledge, and make online resources a good helper for their studies and research. In the library hall, there was warm applause, and researchers, faculty, and students shouted greetings to President Xi Jinping. Xi Jinping said that he was very pleased to see the thriving education in Macau and the vigor, youthfulness, and confidence of everyone. He emphasized the need to always attach strategic importance to education, to closely align the disciplinary system and cultivation of high-quality talents with the development needs of the nation and Macau. He hoped that they would establish lofty ideals, share the destiny of the motherland, keep pace with the times, and realize their life values. He wished and believed that Macau University of Science and Technology would have a better tomorrow, and Macau would have an even better tomorrow. As he left the university, teachers and students lined both sides of the road, waving and cheering, warmly seeing off President Xi Jinping. Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Dongfeng, and Xia Baolong attended the event. On the same morning, Madam Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, visited the Macau Museum accompanied by Madam Zheng Suzhen, wife of Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng. Peng Liyuan carefully observed the museum's collections, gained an in-depth understanding of Macau's historical changes, and its East-meets-West architecture, industries, and cultural life. She had cordial exchanges with local intangible cultural heritage inheritors of azulejo painting and wood carving. In the museum's third-floor lobby, Peng Liyuan chatted with children who had just finished their tour about their impressions and visited the cultural and creative market to view creative products, and participated in almond cookie making on-site. Peng Liyuan encouraged everyone to inherit excellent traditional culture, cultivate patriotic and Macau-loving sentiments, diligently acquire knowledge and skills, and actively contribute to the construction of Macau and the development of the nation.
On the morning of the 19th, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, accompanied by Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region. Hengqin is located at the southern tip of Zhuhai, Guangdong, separated from Macau by a narrow stretch of water, and serves as an important platform for promoting Macau's moderate economic diversification. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Hengqin on multiple occasions, providing guidance for its development. In September 2021, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the "Overall Plan for the Construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin," outlining a beautiful blueprint for the zone's development. At the Tianmu Qin Platform Exhibition Hall in Hengqin, Xi Jinping visited the "Hengqin-Macao Harmony - Theme Exhibition on the Construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone." Inside the exhibition hall, photographs, charts, and physical models vividly and intuitively showcased the integrated development of Hengqin and Macau and the phased achievements of Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation in recent years. Xi Jinping occasionally paused to observe and inquire about relevant details. Xi Jinping stated that since its establishment more than three years ago, the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has made positive progress in various undertakings, the level of Hengqin-Macao integration has gradually increased, and its supporting role in Macau's moderate economic diversification has become increasingly prominent. Practice has proven that the central government's decision to develop Hengqin and build the cooperation zone was entirely correct. Xi Jinping listened to a briefing on the joint construction of a high-end technological support platform for traditional Chinese medicine by Guangdong and Macau, and affirmed their approach of integrating multi-disciplinary advanced technologies to help traditional Chinese medicine go global. The Macau New Neighborhood is Hengqin's first comprehensive livelihood project designed for Macau residents. In front of the project exhibition area, Xi Jinping had cordial conversations with representatives of residents living there. After listening to a representative of young entrepreneurs recount their experience of settling down and starting businesses in Hengqin from Macau, Xi Jinping stated that their innovation and entrepreneurship stories demonstrate that Macau has a group of young people with ideals, a sense of responsibility, and the courage to explore and innovate, and that the development and construction of Hengqin provide them with broad space and opportunities for their endeavors, where they can achieve great things. He hoped that more Macau youth would lead wonderful lives in Hengqin. Xi Jinping had cordial exchanges with representatives involved in various aspects of the planning, construction, management, and services of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He stated that "Macau + Hengqin" is becoming a new model for enriching the practice of "One Country, Two Systems," a new high ground for promoting the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and a new platform for achieving the country's high-level opening-up. He said that they are pioneers and doers in the construction of Hengqin, and have made contributions to the development of the country and Macau. Xi Jinping emphasized that it is imperative to remember that the original intention of developing Hengqin is for Macau's moderate economic diversification. It is necessary to firmly implement the plan, maintain strategic focus, and persevere. To evaluate the effectiveness of the cooperation zone's development and construction, it is necessary to see whether there are concrete measures and results in promoting Macau's moderate economic diversification and facilitating the life and employment of Macau residents; to see whether new institutional achievements have been created in leveraging the advantages of "two systems" and promoting the convergence of rules and mechanisms between the two places; and to see whether it has played a pioneering role in promoting the market integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through the integration of Hengqin and Macau. Guangdong, Zhuhai, and Macau are all contributors to and beneficiaries of the cooperation zone's construction, and all should work together towards this goal. Xi Jinping stressed that at this new starting point, he hoped everyone would, in accordance with the central government's requirements, be enterprising in reform, focus on overcoming challenges, and work together to create a new situation in the construction of the cooperation zone. It is necessary to continuously strengthen "hard connectivity" of infrastructure, "soft connectivity" of rules and mechanisms, and "heart-to-heart connectivity" between residents of Hengqin and Macau, and accelerate the establishment of a institutional system with highly coordinated Hengqin-Macao economy and deeply aligned rules, elevating Hengqin-Macao integration to a higher level. He also emphasized continuously improving the public service and social security systems, creating a high-quality living environment, and providing convenience for Macau compatriots to live, work, and start businesses there. He called for making full use of the various support policies granted by the central government, striving to create a first-class business environment, and promoting Macau's moderate economic diversification and the market integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Huang Kunming, Wang Dongfeng, and Xia Baolong attended the event.
On the afternoon of the 19th, President Xi Jinping met with the heads of the administrative, legislative, and judicial branches of the Macau Special Administrative Region in Macau. Xi Jinping stated that over the past five years, under the leadership of Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, Macau's administrative, legislative, and judicial institutions have fully and accurately, and unswervingly implemented the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, governed strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, performed their respective duties, and acted pragmatically and effectively, doing a great deal of work for Macau's prosperity, stability, and development, with remarkable and widely recognized achievements. The central government fully affirms and highly commends the work of the current Special Administrative Region government. Xi Jinping emphasized that through the continuous efforts of successive Special Administrative Region governments uniting all sectors of society, Macau has achieved leapfrog development, and the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in Macau has achieved great success. Achievements are made by generations of people. He expressed hope that everyone, regardless of their future positions, will fully support the new Chief Executive and the new Special Administrative Region government in governing according to law, continue to assist Macau's development, and contribute to building a better Macau. On the same afternoon, Xi Jinping also met with representatives of the Macau Special Administrative Region's disciplined services. Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Dongfeng, and Xia Baolong attended the aforementioned meetings. Macau Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and Chief Executive-designate Sam Hou Fai also attended the relevant meetings.
On the afternoon of the 19th, President Xi Jinping met with representatives from various sectors of Macau society in Macau, expressing gratitude for their contributions to maintaining Macau's long-term prosperity and stability, and hoping that they would continue to unite and strive to create new glories for Macau. On the same afternoon, Xi Jinping also met with heads of central government agencies stationed in Macau and major Chinese-funded enterprises. Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong, Wang Dongfeng, and Xia Baolong attended the relevant meetings. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive-designate, and Chui Sai On, former Chief Executive, also attended the relevant meetings.
On the afternoon of the 19th, President Xi Jinping met with Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Chui Sai On, former Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, in Macau. Xi Jinping told Ho Hau Wah and Chui Sai On that Macau has changed greatly over the 25 years since its return to the motherland, and its achievements are evident. He noted that they successively served as Chief Executives, leading the Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society to firmly safeguard national security, maintain Macau's prosperity and stability, and lay a good foundation for its long-term development. He emphasized that they have made great contributions to Macau's current positive situation. Xi Jinping expressed hope that they would support the new Chief Executive and the new Special Administrative Region government in governing according to law, support the development and growth of patriotic and Macau-loving forces, promote exchanges and cooperation between Macau and the mainland, promote the central government's policies to the international community, introduce Macau's development blueprint, tell Macau's stories well, and continue to contribute to the steady and sustained practice of "One Country, Two Systems." Ho Hau Wah and Chui Sai On thanked President Xi Jinping for his care and encouragement, stating that they would always adhere to serving Macau and the country, and fully support the new Chief Executive and the new Special Administrative Region government in uniting and leading all sectors of society to open up new prospects for Macau's development. Cai Qi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.
On the afternoon of the 19th, President Xi Jinping met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Macau, who was attending the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to the motherland. Xi Jinping stated that the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" has entered a new stage, and Hong Kong and Macau should demonstrate greater achievements, achieve better development, learn from each other, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and create a brighter future. Xi Jinping pointed out that the country has high expectations for Hong Kong. He expressed hope that Chief Executive John Lee and the Special Administrative Region government would govern steadily, make every effort to boost the economy and pursue development, and strive to create new glories for Hong Kong. John Lee thanked President Xi Jinping for the meeting, stating that he would strive to lead Hong Kong to boost its economy, pursue development, effectively improve people's livelihoods, actively participate in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and better integrate into the overall national development. Cai Qi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.
On the evening of the 19th, President Xi Jinping attended a welcoming banquet hosted by the Macau Special Administrative Region government and delivered an important speech. Xi Jinping pointed out that the past five years have been extraordinary in Macau's history. Facing the accelerating changes in a century and the severe test of the once-in-a-century pandemic, the fifth-term Special Administrative Region government united and led all sectors of Macau society to overcome difficulties, act pragmatically and effectively, promote sustained economic recovery and improvement, and achieve comprehensive progress in various undertakings, writing a new chapter in the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macau characteristics. In the banquet hall of the Macau East Asian Games Dome, the atmosphere was festive and warm. At around 6 PM, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, accompanied by Macau Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and his wife Zheng Suzhen, entered the hall. The entire audience stood up and applauded in welcome. Amidst warm applause, Xi Jinping delivered a passionate speech. He first extended sincere greetings and best wishes on behalf of the central government and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to all Macau residents and international friends who care about and support Macau's development. Xi Jinping stated that in the past five years, Macau has made new achievements in moderate economic diversification, reached new heights in people's well-being, continuously consolidated its patriotic and Macau-loving political and social foundation, and significantly enhanced its international influence and reputation. The remarkable achievements of Macau in these five years are attributable to the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, the strong support of the central government and the mainland, and the active participation of the international community. They are the result of the Special Administrative Region government uniting all sectors of society and working hard. Xi Jinping stated that Macau possesses the unique advantage of "One Country, Two Systems," has laid a solid foundation for development, and riding on the mighty east wind of national rejuvenation and national building, is fully capable of soaring higher, going further, and achieving better development. Xi Jinping put forward three expectations for Macau: first, to look far ahead and more actively and proactively align with national development strategies such as the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and demonstrate greater achievements on the international stage. Second, to embrace all rivers, and under the banner of patriotism and love for Macau, be more open and inclusive, united and focused, attract talents from all over the world, and jointly build a beautiful Macau. Third, to forge ahead with determination, demonstrate greater courage, dare to reform, dare to innovate, and better leverage the institutional advantages of "One Country, Two Systems" to open up new prospects for Macau's development. Xi Jinping stated that with the great motherland as a strong backing, the Macau Special Administrative Region will surely make continuous efforts, strive for progress, achieve new leaps, and create new glories. Ho Iat Seng stated in his speech that at the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to the motherland, President Xi Jinping's presence in Macau again is a major, joyful, and grand event for the Macau Special Administrative Region. President Xi Jinping's deep concern and profound care for Macau have greatly encouraged and honored Macau compatriots. As a member of the great family of the motherland, Macau should demonstrate new responsibilities and new achievements in the new era and new journey, and make greater contributions to the great cause of national building and national rejuvenation. He firmly believed that with the cordial care of President Xi Jinping and the strong support of the central government, Mr. Sam Hou Fai, the sixth Chief Executive, will surely lead the new Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society to write a new chapter in the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macau characteristics. Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong, Wang Dongfeng, and Xia Baolong attended the welcoming banquet. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive-designate of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Chui Sai On, former Chief Executive, major officials of the Macau Special Administrative Region government, and representatives from various sectors of Macau also attended the banquet.
Today (December 19), People's Daily published a signed article titled "The Prosperous Lotus Blooms - General Secretary Xi Jinping Leads the Practice of 'One Country, Two Systems' with Macau Characteristics to Achieve World-Renowned Success."
Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, met with Harvard University Professor Graham Allison in Beijing on the 19th. Wang Huning stated that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese people are striving in unity to advance Chinese modernization. China's domestic and foreign policies are consistent and open. President Xi Jinping has put forward the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, and drawn four red lines that cannot be challenged: the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, the path and system, and development rights, providing fundamental strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations. China's policy toward the U.S. maintains continuity and stability. The "Thucydides Trap" is not a historical destiny, and China and the U.S. should strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, achieve mutual success through cooperation, and jointly address various global challenges. Allison stated that the U.S. and China should avoid falling into the "Thucydides Trap," and finding the right way to get along is very important for both countries and the world. He expressed willingness to continue promoting stronger communication between the two sides and contribute to the stable development of bilateral relations.
Today (December 19), People's Daily published a commentator article titled "Taking Action as the Priority, Better Consolidating the Synergy for Promoting High-Quality Development - On Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference."
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army garrisoning Macau. Over the past 25 years, the PLA Garrison in Macau has earnestly implemented "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region, as well as the Garrison Law, successfully completing all tasks centered on performing defense duties. Generations of officers and soldiers of the PLA Garrison in Macau have used their loyalty and actions to open a new chapter in strengthening the military and invigorating the armed forces under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. This is an annual company establishment ceremony held by a certain company of the PLA Garrison in Macau. This honorary company, originating from the "Tashan Hero Regiment," has always integrated the "Tashan Spirit" of "prioritizing the overall situation, strictly observing discipline, daring to sacrifice, and daring to win" into the blood of every generation of officers and soldiers. Faced with the particularity of the Macau garrison environment, from the day they entered Macau, the officers and soldiers have always been loyal implementers and staunch defenders of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, firmly upholding political beliefs, and continuously improving their ability to perform tasks. Recently, the PLA Garrison in Macau conducted a comprehensive exercise, and the officers and soldiers, relying on superb tactical literacy and tacit cooperation, operated unmanned and intelligent equipment that has been gradually commissioned in recent years, continuously improving their actual combat capabilities. Focusing on their mission and promoting combat readiness, the PLA Garrison in Macau actively integrates into the joint operations system, constantly revises and improves combat readiness plans, fully standardizes the troop's combat readiness duty order, establishes and improves emergency response mechanisms, and conducts impromptu combat readiness spot checks and drills, ensuring the troops remain in a high state of alert and are capable of performing tasks at all times and in all areas. From preschoolers to octogenarians, Macau residents show great enthusiasm for visiting here. Over the past 25 years, the PLA Garrison in Macau has also actively carried out national defense education, voluntarily participated in public welfare activities, continuously strengthened exchanges and interactions with all sectors of Macau society, and continued to gather strong positive energy of patriotism and love for Macau. They have cumulatively organized 20 voluntary tree-planting activities, donated over 900,000 milliliters of blood without compensation, and made charitable donations of 560,000 yuan, winning widespread praise from all sectors of Macau society.
Customs data shows that since the beginning of this year, the import and export volume of the nine mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has repeatedly reached new highs, the electronic information industry has strong competitive advantages, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has demonstrated significant efficiency, strongly promoting internal and external connectivity and coordinated development within the Greater Bay Area. According to Shenzhen Customs statistics, in the first 11 months of this year, the total import and export value of the nine mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area reached 7.95 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.3%, 5.4 percentage points higher than the national growth rate during the same period, accounting for 20% of the national total import and export value. The electronic information industry has always been an important pillar of the Greater Bay Area's foreign trade, with prominent industrial cluster advantages. Among them, exports of digital cameras, 3D printers, and LCD televisions increased by 118.5%, 55%, and 17.5% year-on-year, respectively, accounting for 63.7%, 85.4%, and 69.1% of the national total for similar goods, effectively enhancing the Greater Bay Area's position in global digital economic competition. In the first 11 months of this year, among the nine mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen's import and export volume reached 4.11 trillion yuan, ranking first among all mainland cities, with a year-on-year increase of 17.4%, exceeding last year's total import and export value, and contributing 33% to the national foreign trade growth during the same period. As a "golden channel" for the Greater Bay Area's foreign trade development, the total value of goods imported and exported through the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge this year has reached 986.23 billion yuan, injecting new vitality into regional economic development.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, as of now, the total number of 5G base stations in China has exceeded 4.14 million, with an average of 29 5G base stations per 10,000 people, achieving the 5G construction and development goals for the "14th Five-Year Plan" period ahead of schedule. 5G networks now fully cover key and popular locations such as government centers, cultural and tourism scenic spots, and transportation arteries, and are continuously expanding to rural and remote areas. 5G applications have been integrated into 80 of the 97 major categories of the national economy. Currently, China is accelerating the evolution and upgrade of 5G to 5G-A, or 5.5G. The three major operators have begun deploying relevant networks nationwide and are accelerating application tests in integrated technologies such as artificial intelligence and sensing-communication integration.
According to the National Energy Administration, in 2024, China's energy security and green and low-carbon development levels were further consolidated and enhanced. The national coal output for the entire year was approximately 4.76 billion tons, crude oil output increased for the sixth consecutive year, and natural gas output increased by over 10 billion cubic meters for the eighth consecutive year, with energy self-sufficiency remaining above 80%. In 2024, a batch of major hydropower projects progressed in an orderly manner, and the national total installed hydropower capacity reached 435 million kilowatts, including 57 million kilowatts of pumped storage. Currently, China has 102 nuclear power units in operation and under approved construction, with an installed capacity of 113 million kilowatts, making China the world's largest nuclear power country. In 2024, China's total installed power generation capacity was approximately 3.32 billion kilowatts, and power generation reached 10 trillion kilowatt-hours, a year-on-year increase of 5.7%. Among these, newly installed renewable energy capacity exceeded 300 million kilowatts, accounting for over 85% of the total new installed capacity, marking new achievements in China's green and low-carbon energy transition.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs deployed special actions for the inspection and enforcement of charitable organizations. The Ministry of Civil Affairs recently issued a notice requiring local civil affairs departments to inspect charitable organizations and other social organizations that carry out public welfare activities, with a focus on charitable activities and projects such as major illness assistance, support for vulnerable groups, education, and medical care. The notice also requires strict investigation and punishment of illegal and irregular behaviors by charitable organizations and other social organizations to promote the healthy development of charity through standardized management. The bidding for the fifth batch of national centralized procurement of high-value medical consumables opened today. Today (December 19), the bidding for the fifth batch of national centralized volume-based procurement of high-value medical consumables opened, and the winning bids for artificial cochlea and peripheral vascular stents were announced. Among them, the price of artificial cochlea consumables dropped from an average of over 200,000 yuan per set to about 50,000 yuan. A total of 23 enterprises won bids in this centralized procurement, basically covering common mainstream brands in clinical use. China's manned submersibles completed 248 dives in 2024. The Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced today (December 19) that since the beginning of this year, China's "Deep Sea Warrior" manned submersible has completed 132 dives, and the "Fendouzhe" manned submersible has completed 116 dives, totaling 248 dives, further promoting the cross-domain integration of deep-sea technology and underwater archaeology, and advancing the "Global Deep-sea Submersible Exploration Plan." China's largest single-unit installed capacity "desert, Gobi, wasteland" photovoltaic project successfully connected to the grid. On December 18, the Zhonglüdian Ruoqiang 4 million kilowatt photovoltaic project successfully connected to the grid. This project is China's largest single-unit installed capacity "desert, Gobi, wasteland" photovoltaic project, located in Ruoqiang County, Xinjiang, on the southeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, and can effectively prevent wind and sand fixation. After operation, it is expected to generate 6.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting the annual electricity consumption of 2 million households and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 5.71 million tons. New progress has been made in the construction of the Xihoumen Road-Rail Dual-Use Cross-Sea Bridge of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway. Today (December 19), the first lower crossbeam of the main tower of the Xihoumen Road-Rail Dual-Use Cross-Sea Bridge of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway completed concrete pouring, using 3,700 cubic meters of concrete in a single pouring, setting a world record for the largest single pouring volume in cross-sea bridge pier construction. The bridge is 3118 meters long, connecting Jintang Island and Cezi Island in Zhoushan, and is a controlling project for the ongoing Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway and the Ningbo-Zhoushan Expressway's second line. The world's largest compressed air energy storage power station has started construction. The second phase of the Jintan Salt Cavern Compressed Air Energy Storage Power Station project recently started construction in Changzhou, Jiangsu. This is currently the world's largest single-unit power, largest total capacity, and highest overall efficiency compressed air energy storage power station. After completion, it can store 2.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity with a single charge, meeting the charging needs of 100,000 new energy vehicles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated today (December 19) at his annual press conference that the Russian military is advancing daily along the entire contact line with Ukrainian forces and is gradually achieving the main objectives of the special military operation set earlier. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on December 18 that Russian forces had seized control of two more settlements in the Donetsk region. According to Russian media reports today, a refinery in Russia's Rostov region was attacked by a Ukrainian drone and caught fire in the early hours of today. The Ukrainian side stated on December 18 that Ukrainian forces continued to repel Russian attacks in Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vremivka, among other places. The Ukrainian side also stated that Ukrainian forces continue to operate in Russia's Kursk region, where the situation is currently severe. Russian officials claim the US withdrawal from a series of arms control treaties aims to develop devastating new weapons. Russian Armed Forces Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said on December 18 that since 2002, the United States has successively withdrawn from arms control agreements such as the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and the Treaty on Open Skies, and that the US's purpose is to develop more destructive new weapons.
From December 18 to 19, multiple locations in the Gaza Strip, including areas near Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north, Maghazi refugee camp in the center, and Khan Younis in the south, were attacked by the Israeli military. Local health authorities stated that the attacks resulted in the deaths of over 30 Palestinians. According to Lebanese media citing an official from the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), progress has been made in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, but some issues remain.
Sana'a and Hodeidah in Yemen hit by airstrikes, 9 killed. According to Yemen's Al Masirah TV today (December 19), Yemen's capital Sana'a and the western Hodeidah province were hit by airstrikes. The report stated that the targets of the attacks were local ports and energy facilities, and so far, 9 people have been killed. The Israel Defense Forces stated today that they conducted precise strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen's western coastal area and inland. The Israeli military had previously stated that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. US Federal Reserve announces 25-basis-point rate cut, US stocks plunge. The US Federal Reserve announced on December 18 that it would lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to between 4.25% and 4.50%. This is the Fed's third rate cut since September this year, with a cumulative reduction of 100 basis points. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on the same day that the Fed would be more cautious about further rate cuts. Affected by this, on December 18, major US stock indices fell sharply, with closing declines exceeding 2.5%. California declares emergency due to bird flu outbreak. The US state of California announced on December 18 that it had entered a state of emergency due to the worsening bird flu outbreak. Since April this year, the US has reported 61 cases of human infection with the H5 avian influenza virus, more than half of which are from California. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on December 18 that the US had reported its first severe case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, and no human-to-human transmission of the H5 avian influenza virus has been found yet.
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