Xi Jinping's Important Article "Forging Ahead Towards the Grand Goal of Building a Strong Sci-Tech Nation" Published in Qiushi Journal
The 7th issue of "Qiushi" magazine, published on April 1, 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 "Bravely Marching Towards the Grand Goal of Building a Strong Sci-Tech Nation." The article emphasizes that a nation prospers when its science and technology thrive, and a nation becomes strong when its science and technology are powerful. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee has deeply promoted the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy, put forward the strategic task of accelerating the building of an innovative country, set the goal of building a strong sci-tech nation by 2035, continuously deepened the reform of the sci-tech system, fully stimulated the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of sci-tech personnel, vigorously promoted sci-tech self-reliance and self-improvement, and achieved historic achievements and changes in China's sci-tech undertakings. The article points out that in the practice of sci-tech development in the new era, we have continuously deepened our understanding of the laws of development and accumulated many important experiences. These mainly include: adhering to the overall leadership of the Party, adhering to the path of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics, adhering to innovation-led development, adhering to the strategic orientation of "four-pronged approach," adhering to deepening reforms to stimulate innovation vitality, adhering to promoting a virtuous cycle of education, science and technology, and talent, adhering to cultivating an innovative culture, and adhering to open sci-tech cooperation for the benefit of humanity. These experiences are invaluable and must be adhered to for a long time and continuously enriched and developed in practice. The article points out that Chinese modernization must be supported by sci-tech modernization, and high-quality development must rely on sci-tech innovation to cultivate new driving forces. It is essential to fully recognize the strategic leading position and fundamental supporting role of science and technology, anchor the strategic goal of building a strong sci-tech nation by 2035, strengthen top-level design and overall planning, and accelerate the realization of high-level sci-tech self-reliance and self-improvement. The strong sci-tech nation we aim to build must possess the following basic elements: First, it must have strong basic research and original innovation capabilities, continuously producing major original and disruptive sci-tech achievements. Second, it must have strong capabilities in overcoming key core technologies, powerfully supporting high-quality development and high-level security. Third, it must have strong international influence and leadership, becoming an important global science center and innovation hub. Fourth, it must have strong capabilities in cultivating and attracting high-level sci-tech talents, continuously expanding the team of top international sci-tech talents and national strategic sci-tech forces. Fifth, it must have a strong sci-tech governance system and governance capacity, forming a world-class innovation ecosystem and research environment. The article points out that with the firm determination and tenacious will of "ten years of dedication," we must seize every minute, work diligently, and step by step turn the strategic goal of building a strong sci-tech nation into reality. First, fully leverage the advantages of the new nationwide system to accelerate high-level sci-tech self-reliance and self-improvement. Improve the system of centralized and unified leadership of sci-tech work by the Party Central Committee, give full play to the decisive role of the market in the allocation of sci-tech resources, better play the role of the government in various aspects, strengthen the construction of national strategic sci-tech forces, and increase the organizational level of basic research. Second, solidly promote the deep integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation to help develop new productive forces. The foundation of integration is to increase the supply of high-quality sci-tech, the key to integration is to strengthen the principal position of enterprises in sci-tech innovation, and the way to integration is to promote the transformation and application of sci-tech achievements. Third, comprehensively deepen the reform of the sci-tech system and mechanisms to fully stimulate innovation and creativity. Deepen the reform of the sci-tech management system, coordinate the construction of various innovation platforms, and strengthen the overall planning of innovation resources and the organization of forces. Improve the regional sci-tech innovation layout, improve sci-tech program management, accelerate the establishment of a classified evaluation system and assessment mechanism that conforms to the laws of scientific research activities, and improve incentive systems such as sci-tech awards, income distribution, and empowerment of results. Fourth, integrate the development of education, science and technology, and talent to build a talent competitive advantage. Deepen the integrated reform of the education, science and technology, and talent systems and mechanisms, and accelerate the cultivation of a large-scale, well-structured, and high-quality innovative talent team. Adhere to the guidance of sci-tech innovation demand, make accelerating the construction of national strategic talent forces the top priority, and especially strengthen the cultivation of young sci-tech talents. Fifth, deeply practice the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and promote open sci-tech cooperation. Deeply practice the international sci-tech cooperation initiative, actively integrate into the global innovation network, jointly address global challenges such as climate change, food security, and energy security, and let science and technology better benefit humanity. The article points out that building a strong sci-tech nation is the common responsibility of the entire Party and the entire nation. We must set ambitious goals, gather momentum, strive for excellence, and unite in struggle, bravely marching towards the grand goal of building a strong sci-tech nation!
Xi Jinping, Indian President Exchange Congratulatory Messages on 75th Anniversary of China-India Diplomatic Ties; Li Qiang, Indian Prime Minister Exchange Messages
On April 1, President Xi Jinping of China and President Droupadi Murmu of India exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xi Jinping noted that both China and India are ancient civilizations, major developing countries, and important members of the "Global South," and both are at a critical stage of their respective modernization drives. The course of China-India relations demonstrates that being partners who achieve each other and realizing "dragon-elephant dance" is the right choice for both sides, fully conforming to the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples. Both sides should view and handle China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, jointly seek a way for neighboring major countries to coexist peacefully, build mutual trust, achieve mutual benefit, and develop together, and jointly promote world multipolarization and the democratization of international relations. Xi Jinping emphasized that he is willing to work with President Murmu to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to enhance mutual strategic trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen communication and coordination in major international affairs, jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the China-India border areas, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-India relations, thereby contributing to world peace and prosperity. Murmu stated that India and China are two neighboring major countries, accounting for one-third of the global population. Stable, predictable, and friendly bilateral relations will bring well-being to both countries and the world. She expressed hope that the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations would be taken as an opportunity to jointly promote the healthy and stable development of India-China relations. On the same day, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India also exchanged congratulatory messages. Li Qiang stated that China is willing to work with India to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to continuously enhance strategic mutual trust, advance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, properly handle border issues, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, bringing more benefits to the peoples of both countries. Modi stated that India and China are two great ancient civilizations that have played important roles in shaping human history, and currently bear the important responsibility of promoting peace and development. The development of India-China relations is not only conducive to world prosperity and stability but also contributes to the realization of a multipolar world. The 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations will guide the bilateral relationship into a stage of healthy and stable development.
New Era, New Journey: Xiong'an New Area Draws New Blueprint for High-Quality Urban Development
The establishment of Xiong'an New Area in Hebei is a major decision and deployment made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, to deeply promote the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei. It is a millennium plan and a national priority. Following the direction guided by General Secretary Xi Jinping, Xiong'an New Area has achieved continuous new progress in its high-quality construction, high-level management, and high-quality relocation and development, with a high-level modern city rising rapidly. Entering the starting area of Xiong'an New Area, the high-tech building in front of you is the headquarters of China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd. As the first central enterprise to relocate to Xiong'an New Area, China SatNet has subsequently driven the settlement of numerous upstream and downstream enterprises and innovation platforms. Since the beginning of this year, Xiong'an New Area's aerospace information and satellite internet industrial chain has gradually taken shape, attracting 60 related enterprises. The establishment of Xiong'an New Area is a millennium plan and a national priority. From planning and site selection to planning and construction, General Secretary Xi Jinping personally made decisions, personally deployed, and personally promoted it, visiting Xiong'an New Area for inspection and research three times and issuing a series of important instructions and directives. In May 2023, when presiding over a symposium on promoting the high-standard and high-quality construction of Xiong'an New Area, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to properly handle major relationships such as short-term and long-term goals, urban construction speed and population aggregation scale, industrial transfer and industrial upgrading, government and market, undertaking the relocation of Beijing's non-capital functions and the city's own development, and urban construction and surrounding rural revitalization, to ensure the correct direction of Xiong'an New Area's construction and development. Bearing in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions, Xiong'an New Area adheres to high-quality construction, high-level management, and high-quality relocation and development. Among the first batch of projects to be relocated from Beijing's non-capital functions, Sinochem Group and China Huaneng Group will relocate to Xiong'an New Area in the second half of this year, and the headquarters of China Minmetals Corporation and four universities and one hospital are accelerating construction; the site selection for the second batch of relocation projects has basically been completed; and the third batch of relocation projects are being systematically connected and promoted. As of now, Xiong'an New Area has cumulatively attracted 104 second and third-tier subsidiaries of central enterprises, and central enterprises have established over 300 various branches here. Today, Xiong'an New Area is accelerating its stride towards becoming an innovation hub and entrepreneurial hotbed in the new era. Driven by innovation, 17 projects led by academicians have now landed in Xiong'an New Area. The new area has also actively built over 10 innovation platforms such as the Science and Technology Innovation Center and the Zhongguancun Science Park, forming a development pattern of "specialized industrial parks + themed buildings + incubators + maker spaces." Building a "city of the people" suitable for living and working in the new era. Currently, the total developed area of Xiong'an New Area covers 202 square kilometers, with a total construction area of 50.3 million square meters, 4,806 buildings rising from the ground, and 804 kilometers of new roads. The external high-speed rail network and highway network have been largely completed. In newly built areas such as Rongdong, Rongxi, and Xiongdong, 169,000 people have moved into new homes, with "15-minute living circles" and bus stops fully covered within 300 meters, and ubiquitous green spaces and parks making high-quality living tangible. Today, Xiong'an New Area's comprehensive carrying capacity, factor gathering capacity, and self-development capacity are improving simultaneously, and its main economic indicators are increasing year by year. From blueprint to reality, the city of the future continues to paint a new picture of high-quality urban development.
Han Zheng Meets with Royal Philips CEO
Vice President Han Zheng met with Mr. Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips of the Netherlands, in Beijing on April 1. Han Zheng stated that the current international development environment is undergoing complex and profound changes, with increasing uncertainties and instabilities. Both China and the Netherlands are open economies, and are advocates, promoters, and beneficiaries of economic globalization. China is always committed to building an open world economy and adheres to promoting China-Netherlands and China-Europe economic and trade cooperation with high-level openness, which will create new development opportunities for multinational corporations. He welcomed Philips to continue its deep engagement in China, expand its R&D investment in China, and play an active role in promoting the healthy development of China-Europe economic and trade cooperation. Jakobs stated that President Xi Jinping's important speech when meeting with representatives of the international business community last week was very encouraging. Philips is optimistic about the prospects of China's economic development and market opportunities, and will continue to adhere to its long-term development strategy in China, promoting exchanges and cooperation between the Netherlands and China.
China Accelerates Improvement of Social Credit System
Recently, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council issued the "Opinions on Improving the Social Credit System" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions"). Our reporter interviewed a relevant official from the National Development and Reform Commission regarding this. The official stated that the "Opinions" systematically deploys arrangements for the construction of the social credit system. Next, the National Development and Reform Commission will fully leverage its leading role in the construction of the social credit system, and work with various regions and departments to implement it, promoting the integrated credit building for government departments, business entities, social organizations, natural persons, and the judicial enforcement system.
Promoting High-Quality Development of Private Economy: Chongqing Takes Multiple Measures to Build Private Economic Development Hub
As an important strategic fulcrum for the development of the western region and a comprehensive inland open hub, Chongqing Municipality is leveraging its resource endowments and taking multiple measures to cultivate and strengthen its private economy, striving to build a high ground for private economic development. Today (April 1), the "Promoting High-Quality Development of the Private Economy: Authoritative Interview" broadcast an exclusive interview by China Media Group's reporter with Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Chongqing. Private enterprises in Chongqing account for 97.8% of the city's total enterprises, contributing over 60% of the city's GDP and over 90% of new employment. Hu Henghua stated that Chongqing will continue to enrich policy, service, and factor supply, and continuously enhance the development, innovation, and competitiveness of the private economy. To further promote the development of the private economy, Chongqing recently introduced several measures to build a high ground for private economic development, covering 6 aspects and 27 measures. In response to the concerns of private enterprises regarding factor guarantees, rights protection, assistance for enterprises, and a cordial and clear government-business relationship, Chongqing has come up with a series of concrete and practical measures based on its actual situation. As one of the first batch of pilot cities for business environment innovation in the country, Chongqing will continue to tackle bottlenecks and obstacles restricting the high-quality development of the private economy this year, accelerate the creation of a first-class market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment, and strive to achieve a transformation from "business-friendly" to "business-suitable."
Eastern Theater Command Organizes Joint Drills Around Taiwan Island with Land, Sea, Air, and Rocket Forces
Starting April 1, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army organized forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force to conduct multi-directional close approaches to Taiwan Island with ships and aircraft in the waters surrounding the island. The drills focused on subjects such as sea and air combat readiness patrols, seizing comprehensive control, sea-to-land and land-to-sea strikes, and control of key areas and routes, testing the joint combat capabilities of the theater command's forces in real combat. Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that this is a serious warning and strong deterrent to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain national unity. In the early hours of the morning, a conventional missile unit of the Rocket Force, assigned strike missions, was urgently dispatched. They maneuvered in multiple directions and points under low-light conditions at night, heading to pre-designated positions. After the strike order was issued, dozens of launch units, relying on comprehensive support from target intelligence, mission planning, and data assurance, simultaneously tracked multiple targets with firepower and executed large-volume, multi-wave simulated strikes. Along the coastal front line, a long-range rocket artillery unit of the Eastern Theater Command Army completed its combat readiness level transition as ordered and arrived at the mission area on time. Multiple combat vehicles quickly occupied launch positions, received guidance instructions, and set firing parameters, launching continuous simulated strikes against designated targets. A naval formation consisting of the guided-missile destroyer Yiyang and the guided-missile frigate Baoji, among other ships, rapidly deployed for combat after reaching the designated waters. Diverse intelligence systems continuously captured enemy situations, and weapon systems entered a state of readiness for strike on command. The Eastern Theater Command Air Force dispatched dozens of sorties of fighter jets and bombers in echelons, systematically breaking through limits and pressing forward in the Taiwan Strait and at the northern and southern ends of Taiwan Island. Jamming aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft took off to provide support. Under the guidance and command of early warning aircraft, the aerial formation established coordination with naval destroyers and frigates and ground-to-air missiles, conducting exercises on subjects such as aerial interception, anti-ship assault, land attack, and joint blockade, testing the troops' capabilities in coordinated operations, seizing control, and multi-directional precision strikes.
Coast Guard Flotilla Conducts Law Enforcement and Control Around Taiwan Island in Accordance with One-China Principle, Carries Out Comprehensive Law Enforcement Patrols Near Dongyin and Wuqiu Islands
Today (April 1), multiple China Coast Guard vessel formations organized law enforcement patrols in the waters around Taiwan Island, conducting drills on subjects such as on-site inspection and apprehension, interception and detention. Taiwan is a province of China, and this is a practical action to manage Taiwan Island in accordance with the law based on the One-China Principle. As the commander's order was given, multiple vessel formations including China Coast Guard vessels 1303 and 1107 adjusted their courses as ordered, rapidly maneuvering and assembling in the designated waters, carrying out comprehensive law enforcement patrols through multi-directional coordination and zonal control. Necessary control measures were taken against unidentified target vessels through high-frequency hailing and navigation control. At the same time, the Fujian Coast Guard simultaneously organized vessel formations to conduct comprehensive law enforcement patrols in the waters near Dongyin Island and Wuqiu Islet. During the patrol, the Fujian Coast Guard formations 14606 and 14607 focused on exercises such as verification and identification, on-site inspection and apprehension, and control and expulsion, testing their rapid response and emergency handling capabilities.
Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council: Joint Drills Are Firm Punishment for Lai Ching-te Authority's Egregious "Independence" Provocations
A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council stated today (April 1) that the joint exercises carried out by the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command around Taiwan Island are a resolute punishment for the Lai Ching-te authorities' rampant "independence" provocations, a serious warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces for deliberately undermining peace in the Taiwan Strait, and a necessary move to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Lai Ching-te stubbornly adheres to his "Taiwan independence" separatist stance, brazenly defines the mainland as "external hostile forces," throws out the so-called "17 strategies," rampantly provokes the mainland, incites "anti-China and resisting China," obstructs cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, and exacerbates tensions in the Taiwan Strait, fully confirming his role as a "destroyer of cross-Strait peace" and a "creator of the Taiwan Strait crisis," and thoroughly exposing his ugly face of anti-peace, anti-exchange, anti-democracy, and anti-humanity. We will never tolerate or condone this, and must resolutely counter and severely punish it. "Taiwan independence" means war, and engaging in "Taiwan independence" means pushing the people of Taiwan into a dangerous situation of conflict. Our will to resolve the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification is as firm as a rock, our capabilities are indestructible, and we will never allow anyone or any force to split Taiwan from China, nor will we leave any room for any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.
Foreign Ministry: Joint Drills Are Legitimate and Necessary Actions to Safeguard National Sovereignty and Maintain National Unity
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today (April 1) that China's relevant joint exercises are a serious warning and strong deterrence to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain national unity. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and brooks no external interference. The DPP authorities stubbornly adhere to their "Taiwan independence" stance, attempting to "seek independence by relying on external forces" and split the country, which is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, and is doomed to fail. The historical trend that China will eventually be reunified, and must be reunified, is unstoppable.
Domestic News Briefs
Over 230 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special government bonds have been allocated this year to support "two major" constructions. Reporters learned from the National Development and Reform Commission today (April 1) that over 230 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special government bond funds have been allocated this year to support "two major" constructions, covering fields such as ecological protection, transportation and logistics, and scientific and technological infrastructure. As of now, the "two major" projects supported by ultra-long-term special government bonds have attracted approximately 2.1 trillion yuan in social capital investment. 20 measures to support the high-quality development of sci-tech finance. The National Financial Regulatory Administration and two other departments jointly issued the "Implementation Plan for the High-Quality Development of Sci-Tech Finance in the Banking and Insurance Industries" today (April 1), proposing 20 measures to increase sci-tech credit投放, guide insurance companies to provide insurance products covering the entire process of sci-tech innovation activities, and carry out pilot programs for M&A loans for sci-tech enterprises, so as to increase financial support for key areas and weak links in sci-tech innovation. The 34th National Tax Publicity Month officially launched. Today (April 1), the State Taxation Administration launched the 34th National Tax Publicity Month. Tax departments at all levels will carry out tax law popularization activities around the theme of "Taxation, Rule of Law, Fairness." At the same time, the State Taxation Administration, together with the National Development and Reform Commission and six other departments, launched the "Spring Rain Nurturing Seedlings" special action to solve the pain points and difficulties in the development of small and micro business entities. The tax publicity month will run from April 1 to April 30. Beijing Municipality Regulations on Autonomous Vehicles come into effect today. The "Beijing Municipality Regulations on Autonomous Vehicles" officially came into effect today (April 1), supporting the use of autonomous vehicles for personal passenger cars, urban public buses and trams, taxis, urban operation support, and other travel services. Eligible autonomous vehicles can carry out road application pilots. Yellow River Fishing Ban Special Law Enforcement Action launched. At 12:00 on April 1, the waters below the Ningxia section of China's Yellow River entered a four-month fishing ban period. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security launched the "China Fishery Administration Sword 2025" Yellow River Fishing Ban Special Law Enforcement Action in Ningxia, which will strengthen supervision, closely coordinate inter-departmental joint operations, and also use big data, artificial intelligence, and other scientific and technological means to comprehensively improve law enforcement efficiency. China Lunar Exploration Program 20th Anniversary Exhibition opened in Beijing. Today (April 1), the "Embracing the Moon - 20 Years of China Lunar Exploration Program" exhibition, hosted by the China National Space Administration, opened to the public at the National Museum. The exhibition follows the main theme of "science and technology plus popular science, achievements plus culture," systematically showcasing China's lunar exploration journey. For the first time globally, samples from both the near and far sides of the Moon are simultaneously displayed, and hundreds of precious physical objects and textual and historical materials are making their collective debut. Hong Kong SAR hosts event to commemorate 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. The Hong Kong SAR Government held a ceremony today (March 31) at the SAR Government Headquarters to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong and the opening ceremony of the "Dancing Water Drops Exhibition." Recently, the Hong Kong SAR Government has organized a series of commemorative activities under the theme of "One Source, Gratitude for Water." It is understood that over the past 60 years, the total supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong has exceeded 30 billion cubic meters, accounting for approximately 80% of Hong Kong's total freshwater demand, strongly supporting the lives of Hong Kong citizens and economic development.
Central Myanmar Earthquake Kills 2,719, Injures Over 4,500
According to Myanmar Radio and Television today (April 1), Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing stated that the recent strong earthquake in central Myanmar has caused 2,719 deaths, over 4,500 injuries, and more than 440 missing persons. Myanmar held a national mourning ceremony today, observing a minute of silence for the earthquake victims. Currently, rescue efforts are continuing in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and other areas. Mandalay and other places are accelerating the repair of damaged facilities to restore power and water supply as soon as possible. However, due to the severity of the disaster and the extent of the damage, it is difficult to restore services in a short period. In addition, there is an extreme shortage of cleaning supplies and epidemic prevention materials in the affected areas, and comprehensive disinfection of the disaster zone environment faces great difficulties.
Beirut's Southern Suburb Attacked, Israeli Military Claims Targeting Hezbollah Sites
According to Lebanese media, in the early hours of today (April 1) local time, a residential building in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, was hit by an Israeli airstrike. The Lebanese Public Health Department stated that the airstrike caused 3 deaths and 7 injuries. The Israeli military stated today that Israeli warplanes carried out an attack on Hezbollah personnel in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Israeli military claimed that the targeted individuals assisted the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in attacking Israel. This is the second Israeli attack on Beirut since the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement came into effect in November last year. On March 28, the Israeli military fired missiles at a building in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Lebanese President Aoun today condemned the Israeli attack, stating that Lebanon needs to strengthen diplomatic efforts and seek international support in the face of continuous Israeli aggression. Palestine reports thousands killed in two weeks of Israeli attacks on Gaza. According to Palestinian media, from March 31 to the early hours of today, multiple areas in the Gaza Strip, including Khan Younis, were again subjected to Israeli attacks. The Gaza Strip Health Ministry stated on March 31 that continuous Israeli military operations since March 18 have resulted in thousands of deaths. The Israeli military today issued evacuation orders to residents in areas such as Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. The day before, the Israeli military had ordered residents in Rafah and nearby areas in the southern Gaza Strip to evacuate.
Russia Claims Strikes on Ukrainian Military Targets in Multiple Locations, Ukraine Claims Attacks on Russian Military Equipment Concentration Areas
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on March 31 that Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian targets in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk directions, shooting down 150 Ukrainian drones. In Russia's Kursk region, Russian forces regained control of a settlement. In addition, power system facilities in Russia's Bryansk region were attacked by Ukrainian forces on March 30, leading to power outages in some areas. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Ukrainian forces continue to deliberately attack Russian energy facilities. Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated on March 31 that Russia's violation of the ceasefire on energy facilities led to the continuation of the conflict. In addition, the Ukrainian military stated on the same day that Ukrainian forces attacked multiple Russian personnel, weapon, and military equipment concentration areas, and repelled multiple Russian offensives in the Kharkiv direction. Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated on March 31 that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to contact with US President Donald Trump and would arrange a dialogue quickly if necessary. Peskov said that Russia and the United States are discussing some ideas for resolving the Ukrainian issue, but there are currently no concrete results.
International News Briefs
Tajik, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek Presidents Sign Border Tripoint Treaty. The presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan signed a treaty concerning the tripoint of their state borders in Khujand, Tajikistan, on March 31. The Tajik side stated that the signing of the treaty is a "highly symbolic event" and expressed hope that it would promote continuous strengthening of cooperation among the three countries. The Kyrgyz side stated that regional integration is actively progressing and that strengthening cooperation in various fields will be a key guarantee for sustainable development and prosperity in Central Asia. The Uzbek side stated that the signing of the treaty will contribute to regional stability and sustainable development. Goldman Sachs Raises US Recession Probability. Goldman Sachs Group recently released a report stating that as the US government's tariff policies impact the global economy and financial markets, the probability of a US recession in the next 12 months has risen to 35%, higher than the previous estimate of 20%. Goldman Sachs predicts that the average US tariff rate will increase by 15 percentage points in 2025, 5 percentage points higher than previously expected, and has lowered its US economic growth forecast for this year to 1.5%.