On the morning of May 13, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) at the China National Convention Center and delivered a keynote speech. Xi announced that China will work with Latin American countries to launch five major initiatives to jointly seek development and revitalization and build a China-Latin America community with a shared future. In the early summer, full of vitality, the national flags of China, Latin American and Caribbean countries, and the flags of relevant regional organizations illuminated the China National Convention Center. Xi Jinping warmly shook hands and took a group photo with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, current CELAC rotating president; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Chilean President Gabriel Boric; and heads of delegations from Latin American and Caribbean countries and regional organizations. Amid warm applause, Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech titled "Writing a New Chapter in Building a China-Latin America Community with a Shared Future." Xi Jinping pointed out that in 2015, I attended the opening ceremony of the first ministerial meeting of the China-Latin America Forum in Beijing with representatives from Latin American and Caribbean countries, announcing the establishment of the China-Latin America Forum. Over the past 10 years, under the careful nurturing of both sides, the China-Latin America Forum has grown from a tender seedling into a towering tree. Both sides have stood shoulder to shoulder and supported each other. Latin American and Caribbean countries that have established diplomatic relations have always adhered to the one-China principle, and China has firmly supported Latin American countries in pursuing a development path that suits their national conditions, and supported Latin American countries in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence and opposing external interference. Both sides have bravely stood at the forefront and achieved win-win cooperation, conforming to the general trend of economic globalization, promoting the continuous deepening of practical cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, and infrastructure construction, and jointly building the "Belt and Road" with high quality. Both sides have watched out for each other and overcome difficulties together, actively carried out disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief cooperation, and jointly responded to natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes and the century-long pandemic. Both sides have united and cooperated, taken on responsibilities, practiced true multilateralism, jointly safeguarded international fairness and justice, promoted the reform of the global governance system, and promoted world multipolarization and the democratization of international relations. Facts have proven that China and Latin America have become a community with a shared future that moves forward hand in hand. Its distinct essence is equality, its strong driving force is mutual benefit and win-win results, its broad-minded character is openness and inclusiveness, and its fundamental pursuit is to benefit the people, possessing vigorous vitality and broad development prospects. Xi Jinping emphasized that currently, the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, with multiple risks intertwined and superimposed. Only through solidarity and cooperation can countries maintain world peace and stability and promote global development and prosperity. There are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars, and bullying and hegemony will only isolate oneself. China and Latin American and Caribbean countries are important members of the Global South. Independence and self-reliance are our glorious traditions, development and revitalization are our inherent rights, and fairness and justice are our common pursuit. China is willing to work with Latin American countries to launch five major initiatives to jointly seek development and revitalization and build a China-Latin America community with a shared future. First, the **Solidarity Initiative**. Continue to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and speak with a common voice in international and regional affairs. In the next three years, China will invite 300 party officials from CELAC member states to China for visits each year. Second, the **Development Initiative**. Jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, maintain the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, and maintain an open and cooperative international environment. Strengthen the alignment of development strategies and further advance high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road." China will import more high-quality products from Latin American countries and encourage Chinese enterprises to expand investment in Latin America. Third, the **Civilization Initiative**. Jointly implement the Global Civilization Initiative, foster a view of civilization characterized by equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness, and promote the common values of humanity: peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. Deepen exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Latin American civilizations and hold a China-Latin America Civilization Dialogue Conference. Fourth, the **Peace Initiative**. Jointly implement the Global Security Initiative, strengthen cooperation in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption, anti-drug efforts, and combating transnational organized crime, and strive to maintain regional security and stability. Fifth, the **People-to-People Initiative**. In the next three years, China will provide CELAC member states with 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 international Chinese language teacher scholarships, 300 poverty reduction technical talent training opportunities, and 1,000 "Chinese Bridge" group visit quotas, implement 300 "small but beautiful" livelihood projects, and support CELAC member states in carrying out Chinese language education. China will first implement a visa-free policy for five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and will appropriately expand its coverage to regional countries. Xi Jinping finally emphasized that no matter how the international situation changes, China will always be a good friend and partner of Latin American and Caribbean countries, moving forward side by side with Latin American countries on their respective modernization journeys and jointly writing a new chapter in building a China-Latin America community with a shared future. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, current CELAC rotating president; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Chilean President Gabriel Boric; and Dilma Rousseff, former President of Brazil and President of the New Development Bank, delivered speeches. A special representative of Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, incoming CELAC rotating president, read a congratulatory letter from the president. They highly praised the fruitful achievements of the China-Latin America Forum over the past 10 years and appreciated China's significant contributions to promoting China-Latin America cooperation and Latin American economic and social development. All parties reiterated firm support for the one-China principle. All parties stated that President Xi Jinping's concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the three global initiatives have opened up a bright future of peace, prosperity, and progress for the world. Facing a world full of uncertainties, Latin America and China should work together and help each other to continuously make new progress in building a China-Latin America community with a shared future and create a better future for China-Latin America cooperation. Both Latin America and China should adhere to mutual respect and firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty and independently choosing development paths; strengthen the alignment of development strategies of Latin American countries with the "Belt and Road" initiative; promote cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, science and technology, new energy, and education to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results; promote civilization exchanges and dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and affinity between the peoples of Latin America and China; firmly uphold the authority of the United Nations, maintain world and regional peace and stability, support multilateralism and free trade, oppose unilateralism, protectionism, power politics, and bullying, and safeguard the common interests of countries in the Global South. At noon that day, Xi Jinping hosted a welcome banquet for the participating Latin American leaders and heads of delegations. Cai Qi and Yin Li attended the above activities. Wang Yi presided over the opening ceremony.
On the afternoon of May 13, President Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the East Plaza of the Great Hall of the People for his state visit to China. President Xi Jinping's wife, Peng Liyuan, and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, attended the welcoming ceremony. Accompanying Lula on his visit to China were his wife, the President of the Senate, and the Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. The military band played the national anthems of Brazil and China, and a 21-gun salute was fired. Lula, accompanied by Xi Jinping, reviewed the guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The two heads of state returned to the reviewing stand to watch the march-past of the guard of honor. Afterwards, the military band performed a marching display. Lula was invited by Xi Jinping to attend the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and to pay a state visit to China.
On the afternoon of May 13, President Xi Jinping held talks with Brazilian President Lula, who was on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping pointed out that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil last year, the two sides jointly announced the elevation of their relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for building a more just world and a more sustainable planet. This strategic decision has charted a grand blueprint for the next "golden 50 years" of China-Brazil relations. Facing a volatile international landscape, China and Brazil should uphold their original aspiration of taking responsibility for human progress and contributing to global development, deeply advance the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, continuously deepen the alignment of development strategies, and work together to lead countries of the Global South in strengthening solidarity and cooperation. Xi Jinping emphasized that, standing at a new historical starting point, China and Brazil should, first, adhere to **strategic mutual trust**, solidify the foundation of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, uphold the fine tradition of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all fields, and ensure the long-term healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. Second, adhere to **expanding cooperation**, enrich the connotation of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, deepen the effective alignment of the "Belt and Road" initiative with Brazil's development strategy, leverage the role of the two countries' various cooperation mechanisms, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, and expand new frontiers of cooperation in energy transition, aerospace, digital economy, and artificial intelligence, creating more highlights for practical cooperation between the two countries. Third, adhere to **people-to-people exchanges**, enhance the vitality of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, take the opportunity of the "China-Brazil Culture Year" next year to strengthen cooperation in culture, education, tourism, media, and local affairs, and provide more convenience for personnel exchanges between the two sides. Fourth, adhere to **multilateral coordination**, enhance the quality of the China-Brazil community with a shared future. As two major developing countries in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, the two countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the China-CELAC Forum, jointly uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, maintain the international economic and trade order, and clearly oppose unilateralism, protectionism, power politics, and bullying. Lula stated that Brazil and China respect each other and share a common destiny, and that the relationship between the two countries is unbreakable and immune to any external interference or sabotage. Unlike other major powers, China has always sincerely supported and helped Latin American countries, including Brazil, achieve economic and social development. Brazil is willing to deepen strategic cooperation with China, promote the building of a Brazil-China community with a shared future, and build a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world, setting an example for all countries. Brazil is willing to align its own development strategy with the "Belt and Road" initiative and deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economy and trade, infrastructure, aerospace, and finance. Expand youth and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the two peoples. China's achievements in poverty alleviation are admirable, and Brazil is willing to learn from China's experience to lift more people out of poverty and hunger. In the current situation, firmly defending multilateralism is crucial. Protectionism and excessive tariffs cannot bring development and prosperity; they will only cause chaos. China's firm attitude in responding to global challenges gives strength and confidence to all countries. Brazil is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with China in international affairs, jointly safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice. The two heads of state also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and unanimously agreed that, as peace-loving and progressive forces, China and Brazil should strengthen communication and coordination, play the role of a "Friends of Peace" group, support Russia and Ukraine in starting direct dialogue, and, together with countries in the Global South, continue to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis. After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents in fields such as development strategy alignment, science and technology, agriculture, digital economy, finance, inspection and quarantine, and media. The two heads of state also jointly met with reporters. The two sides issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Strengthening the Building of a China-Brazil Community with a Shared Future for a More Just World and a More Sustainable Planet and Jointly Upholding Multilateralism" and the "China-Brazil Joint Statement on the Ukraine Crisis." Before the talks, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcome ceremony for Lula and his wife Rosângela at the East Plaza of the Great Hall of the People. When Lula arrived, honor guards lined up to salute. Xi Jinping and Lula ascended the reviewing stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Brazil, and a 21-gun salute was fired in Tiananmen Square. Lula, accompanied by Xi Jinping, reviewed the guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past. That evening, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan hosted a welcome banquet for the Lula couple. Wang Yi attended the above activities.
On May 13, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Anthony Albanese, congratulating him on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia. Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past three years, I have met with Mr. Prime Minister and engaged in in-depth communication on strategic, overarching, and directional issues concerning the development of China-Australia relations, reaching important consensuses and providing strategic guidance for the improvement and development of bilateral relations. Further strengthening cooperation between China and Australia is of great significance for achieving the common development of the two countries and promoting world peace and stability. I am willing to work with Prime Minister Albanese to ensure the steady and long-term development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, better benefiting the peoples of both countries. On the same day, Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Albanese, stating that China is willing to work with the new Australian government to promote the building of a more mature, stable, and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
On the afternoon of May 13, Premier Li Qiang met with Brazilian President Lula, who was in China to attend the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and pay a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Li Qiang stated that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brazil relations have entered a "golden period" of development. President Xi Jinping held talks with President Lula, further charting a blueprint for promoting the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future. China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Brazil, deepen cooperation in various fields such as finance, trade and investment, and industrial chains, and move forward side by side on the path of modernization, achieving success for each other. China is willing to work closely with Brazil in multilateral coordination to contribute significantly to maintaining world peace and stability. Lula stated that Brazil highly values developing its relationship with China and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as finance and infrastructure, and strengthen multilateral coordination to jointly resist unilateralism and protectionism, and promote the common development of the Global South. Wu Zhenglong participated in the meeting.
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Brazilian President Lula in Beijing on the afternoon of May 13. Zhao Leji stated that in November last year, President Xi Jinping successfully paid a state visit to Brazil and, together with President Lula, elevated the bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for building a more just world and a more sustainable planet, opening a new chapter in China-Brazil relations. China is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with Brazil and continuously enrich the contemporary significance and strategic connotations of the China-Brazil community with a shared future. The National People's Congress of China is willing to work with the Brazilian Congress to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, leverage the role of exchange mechanisms and platforms, conduct exchanges on legislative and oversight experiences, and provide legal guarantees for promoting practical cooperation between the two countries. Lula stated that close exchanges between legislative bodies are very important for enhancing Brazil-China friendship. Brazil is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance with China, uphold multilateralism and free trade, oppose protectionism, jointly address climate change, and advance the building of a Brazil-China community with a shared future. He Wei participated in the meeting.
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, held talks with Zimbabwean Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda at the Great Hall of the People on the afternoon of May 13. Zhao Leji said that last year, President Xi Jinping had in-depth and friendly exchanges with visiting President Mnangagwa, reaching important consensuses and charting a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. China is willing to work with Zimbabwe to implement the consensuses of the two heads of state and jointly build a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future. Zhao Leji expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe for its long-term valuable support to China on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, and human rights. China is willing to work with Zimbabwe to maintain and develop the high level of political mutual trust between the two countries, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests; strengthen the alignment of development strategies, implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, deepen practical cooperation, and strengthen exchanges in youth, culture, and other fields; strengthen international coordination and jointly implement the "Belt and Road" initiative and the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, and practice true multilateralism. Zhao Leji stated that the National People's Congress of China is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges at all levels with the Parliament of Zimbabwe, conduct exchanges and mutual learning on topics such as legislation, supervision, improvement of people's livelihoods, social governance, and combating transnational crime, and create a sound legal environment for cooperation between the two countries. He welcomed Zimbabwean parliamentary friends to visit China for exchanges. Zhao Leji introduced the relevant situation of China's economic special zone construction in conjunction with the NPC's legislative work. Mudenda stated that under the guidance of President Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Zimbabwe and China has continuously deepened. Zimbabwe firmly adheres to the one-China principle and thanks the Chinese government and people for their long-term valuable support, hoping that the two sides will strengthen practical cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence, humanities, and other fields. The House of Assembly of Zimbabwe is willing to strengthen exchanges with the National People's Congress of China and make contributions from the legislative body to building a high-level Zimbabwe-China community with a shared future. He Wei participated in the talks.
The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a special consultative meeting in Beijing on May 13 on "Leading the Development of New Productive Forces with Scientific and Technological Innovation." Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended and delivered a speech. Wang Huning stated that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed scientific and technological innovation at the core of national development, clearly put forward the goal of building a scientifically and technologically strong nation by 2035, deeply implemented the strategies of invigorating the country through science and education, strengthening the country with talent, and innovation-driven development, continuously deepened the reform of the scientific and technological system, effectively promoted high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement, and achieved major progress in China's scientific and technological innovation and the development of new productive forces in the new era. The CPPCC should thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on leading the development of new productive forces with scientific and technological innovation and the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, focusing on leveraging the advantages of the new nationwide system to win the battle for key core technologies, promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, building a modern industrial system, promoting the integrated reform of the education, science and technology, and talent systems, and carrying out international scientific and technological exchange and cooperation. It should conduct in-depth investigations and deliberations, actively engage in consultations and offer suggestions, and contribute wisdom and strength to promoting Chinese modernization through high-quality development. It should tell the story of China's scientific and technological innovation in the new era and strengthen the confidence and determination of the whole society to promote high-quality development. Nearly 100 CPPCC National Committee members attended the meeting. A leading comrade of the CPPCC National Committee's Committee of Education, Science, Health and Sports introduced the findings of the special research, and 24 CPPCC members and experts spoke, offering suggestions on topics such as fully leveraging the advantages of the new nationwide system, coordinating development and security, optimizing the layout of national strategic scientific and technological forces, strengthening basic research and applied basic research, fighting tough battles in key core technologies, and promoting open cooperation in science and technology. Zhang Guoqing, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, attended and spoke at the meeting. Shi Taifeng, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the morning session. Responsible comrades from relevant departments and units of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attended the meeting to listen to opinions and suggestions and engaged in discussions and exchanges with CPPCC members.
The State Council Information Office today (May 13) publicly released the emblem for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The emblem is composed of the Great Wall, olive branches, radiance, the number "80", and the dates "1945-2025". The Great Wall symbolizes the whole nation's united and courageous resistance, signifying that the great national spirit with patriotism at its core was the decisive factor in the victory of the War of Resistance. The olive branches symbolize the peace won by the Chinese people through arduous and tenacious struggle, signifying the unity of the Chinese people with people of all countries to cherish and safeguard peace. The "Gate of Victory" formed by the surrounding radiance symbolizes that the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was a great victory of justice over evil, light over darkness, and progress over reaction, implying that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the prospect of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is infinitely bright. The emblem can be used for environmental decoration of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War by various regions and departments, mass thematic publicity and education activities, and the production of related foreign affairs supplies.
Today (May 13), the State Council Information Office held a press conference for Chinese and foreign journalists titled "Strivers on the New Journey." Five representatives of advanced collectives and model workers from the national industrial and information technology system met and exchanged views with Chinese and foreign journalists on the theme of "Taking the Path of Specialization, Refinement, Distinctiveness, and Novelty to Make Advanced Manufacturing Stronger." They shared their stories of pioneering innovation and continuous breakthroughs in fields such as biomedicine, intelligent manufacturing, information and communication, new energy, and commercial aerospace. It is understood that these five representatives all come from "specialized, refined, distinctive, and novel" "little giant" enterprises. Currently, the number of specialized, refined, distinctive, and novel small and medium-sized enterprises in China exceeds 140,000, of which "little giant" enterprises number 14,600. They are characterized by specialization, refinement, distinctiveness, and strong innovation capabilities, playing an important role in strengthening, consolidating, and stabilizing the entire industry chain.
Recently, the central-level working group for learning and education on thoroughly implementing the spirit of the central eight-point regulations and the General Office of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection publicly reported 10 officials, including Li Xianlin, former member of the Standing Committee of the Luoshan County Committee and former Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee of Xinyang City, Henan Province, and Ye Jinguang, former Executive Deputy Secretary of the Xinyang Municipal Political and Legal Affairs Committee, for violating the central eight-point regulations with illicit dining and serious violations during the learning and education period. The report pointed out that during the ongoing learning and education campaign to thoroughly implement the spirit of the central eight-point regulations, Li Xianlin, Ye Jinguang, and others defied discipline, engaged in illicit dining, which was extremely serious in nature and had an extremely negative impact, reflecting the weak political awareness and utter disregard of some officials for rules and regulations, and thus must be severely dealt with. The report required that Party organizations at all levels, during the learning and education, must learn from these cases, deepen their understanding, and integrate learning, investigation, and rectification with strict standards and measures. They must organize Party members and cadres to thoroughly study and comprehend General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on strengthening the Party's work style, continuously enhancing their political, ideological, and action consciousness in strictly implementing the spirit of the central eight-point regulations. They must effectively conduct problem identification and concentrated rectification, uncover problems without concealment, and genuinely rectify problems, dealing with illicit dining issues seriously, catching offenders in the act, publicizing typical cases, and continuously cracking down on such behavior with unwavering strictness. Discipline inspection and supervision organs at all levels must enforce discipline with an iron hand, severely investigate a batch of cases of illicit dining that occurred during the learning and education period, forming a strong deterrent. They must adhere to investigating and punishing both corruption and misconduct, thoroughly investigate corruption problems behind illicit dining and the illicit dining trends behind corruption problems. They must层层压实责任, ensure that responsibilities are pressed down at every level, urge leading cadres at all levels, especially "first-in-commands," to take the lead in resisting illicit dining, and resolutely achieve strict self-discipline, strict responsibility, and strict management of subordinates. For localities and units where the learning and education are ineffective and prominent problems exist, supervision teams should be promptly dispatched. For those who fail to fulfill their primary and supervisory responsibilities, leading to frequent problems, not only should the directly responsible persons be resolutely investigated and punished, but also those with leadership responsibilities should be held accountable seriously.
China-Latin America trade volume reached a new historical high of $518.47 billion in 2024. The reporter learned from the Ministry of Commerce that in recent years, economic and trade cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries has yielded fruitful results. In 2024, China-Latin America trade volume reached $518.47 billion, hitting a new historical high, and China's direct investment flow to Latin America reached $14.71 billion. As of March this year, Latin American countries have cumulatively invested in establishing 37,000 enterprises in China. 30 Financial Measures Support Comprehensive Cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in Guangzhou Nansha. Recently, the People's Bank of China, the National Administration of Financial Regulation, and other departments jointly issued guidelines proposing 30 key measures to strengthen financial support for Nansha's development, including improving financial services for innovation and entrepreneurship and strengthening financial services in social and livelihood areas. Nansha will be built into a pilot demonstration window for China's financial opening-up, a承载区 for financial innovation functions, and an important node in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's international financial hub. 5 National Standards for Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, Relief, and Safety Production Released. The State Administration for Market Regulation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Emergency Management, recently released 5 national standards, establishing a graded judgment system for fire hazards, building a standardized management system covering the entire process of production, storage, and operation, and standardizing the full life cycle technical requirements for the planning, design, management, and use of emergency shelters. China Successfully Launched Communication Technology Test Satellite 19. At 2:09 AM today (May 13), China successfully launched the Communication Technology Test Satellite 19 into its predetermined orbit using a Long March-3B carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite is mainly used for multi-band, high-rate satellite communication technology verification. All Tunnels of Xikang High-Speed Railway Completed. The Qinling Jiutianshan Tunnel of the Xikang High-Speed Railway was successfully completed today (May 13), marking the completion of all 20 tunnels along the entire Xikang High-Speed Railway. The new main line of this high-speed railway is 171 kilometers long and is expected to be completed and opened to traffic next year. At that time, the railway travel time from Xi'an to Ankang will be reduced from about 3 hours to within 1 hour, improving passenger and freight transportation service levels in areas along the line. 2025 Beijing Great Wall Culture Festival Opened. Today (May 13), the 2025 Beijing Great Wall Culture Festival, with the theme of "Great Wall Pact, Harmony, and Coexistence," opened. Provinces (regions, municipalities) along the Great Wall will carry out year-long Great Wall-themed cultural activities. Currently, Beijing has established a comprehensive Great Wall protection planning system, and the highly anticipated reconstruction project of the China Great Wall Museum will be completed this year.
Regarding statements from Germany, France, and other countries that they would impose further sanctions on Russia if a ceasefire was not achieved by May 12, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated on May 12 that Russia does not accept ultimatum-like rhetoric, and no country can speak to Russia in such a manner. Peskov also said that President Putin's proposal to resume negotiations with Ukraine was precisely to seek a genuine diplomatic solution, eliminate the root causes of the conflict, and establish lasting peace. On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the initiation of direct talks on the Ukraine crisis in Istanbul on May 15. Ukraine stated on May 12 that a ceasefire is crucial for promoting the peace process, and that reliable partners are needed to monitor the ceasefire. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated on May 12 that Western sanctions against Russia had not achieved their purpose, and that the strategy to defeat Russia had failed. Orbán also added that allowing Ukraine to join the EU would increase the EU's economic burden.
AU Says Committed to Expanding African Continental Free Trade Area. On May 12, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, held his first press conference since taking office in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, outlining his vision for the strategic direction of the new AU Commission leadership. Mahamat reiterated the AU's commitment to expanding the African Continental Free Trade Area, dedicated to forming a viable multilateral cooperation model in Africa to promote smooth trade. Mahamat also stated that peace and security are crucial, and he called for a concerted continental response to the ongoing political crises in some African countries. London Underground Power Outage Causes Multiple Line Suspensions or Delays. Transport for London announced on May 12 that a power outage occurred on the London Underground due to a grid supply interruption, leading to the suspension or severe delay of multiple Tube lines and disrupting a large number of passengers. National Grid stated that the outage was caused by a fault in its transmission network, which was quickly rectified. Local transport unions demanded an investigation into the incident.
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