2025-5-22 Xinwen Lianbo Text Version
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2025-5-22 Xinwen Lianbo Text Version

Xi Jinping Holds Phone Talk with French President

On the afternoon of May 22, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron at the latter's request. Xi Jinping noted that during his visit to France in May last year, both sides agreed to carry forward the spirit of China-France diplomatic relations, which embodies independence, mutual understanding, foresight, and win-win cooperation, and to imbue it with new connotations for the new era. Since then, China-France cooperation has made many new advancements. The two sides should strengthen strategic communication and build consensus. They should seize opportunities to deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as investment, aerospace, and nuclear energy, and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as digital technology, green development, biomedicine, and the silver economy. They should also enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges to promote friendship between the two peoples. Xi Jinping stressed that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and independent major powers, China and France are creators and builders of the post-war international order. They should strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, uphold international trade rules and the world economic order, and practice true multilateralism. The more complex the international situation becomes, the more China and France should make correct strategic choices and jointly serve as reliable forces for maintaining international order, open forces for promoting global growth, and progressive forces for leading multilateral cooperation. Xi Jinping pointed out that China always views Europe as an independent pole in a multipolar world and supports the EU in strengthening its strategic autonomy and playing a more important role in international affairs. China is willing to work with Europe to jointly address global challenges and achieve more outcomes that benefit both sides and the world. Macron stated that France-China and EU-China relations are crucial and have global significance. Regardless of changes in the international situation, France's position of highly valuing its relationship with China and firmly adhering to the One-China principle will not change. France is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in economy, trade, investment, and various other fields, maintain the good momentum of bilateral relations, and promote greater development of France-China relations. Facing a rapidly changing international situation, France is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on major issues, fulfill its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, prevent the escalation and spillover of hot-spot issues, and jointly safeguard world and regional peace and stability. Europe and China should further strengthen communication and dialogue to safeguard common interests. The two heads of state also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern, including the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the Iranian nuclear issue.

New Ideas Lead New Journey: Promoting Spiritual Civilization for National Rejuvenation

A person cannot stand without spirit, and a nation cannot be strong without spirit. The rejuvenation of a nation requires strong material power and equally strong spiritual power. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that Chinese modernization is modernization that coordinates material and spiritual civilizations, and that material abundance and spiritual richness are the fundamental requirements of socialist modernization. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached great importance to the building of socialist spiritual civilization, vigorously developed advanced socialist culture, strengthened education in ideals and beliefs, and carried forward Chinese civilization, injecting powerful spiritual impetus into the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation. When people have faith, the nation has hope, and the country has strength. In today's China, the Chinese cultural lineage continues, and the cultural confidence of over 1.4 billion Chinese people is stronger. From cities to rural areas, the ideological awareness and civilized quality of the entire society continue to improve, with civilized cities, civilized towns and villages, civilized units, civilized families, and moral models emerging continuously. The values, moral norms, and spiritual outlook of contemporary China have taken on a new look. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to the coordinated development of material and spiritual civilizations, making a series of important instructions and arrangements for the construction of spiritual civilization, providing direction and guidance for improving and innovating the work of spiritual civilization construction and enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the people. The General Secretary pointed out that China is currently at a critical period for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. A strong country and national rejuvenation require not only the accumulation of material civilization but also the sublimation of spiritual civilization. We must persistently strengthen education in ideals and beliefs, cultivate and promote socialist core values, widely carry out mass spiritual civilization building activities, and continuously improve the people's civilized quality and social civilization level. When skyscrapers are built all over our land, the edifice of the Chinese national spirit should also stand tall. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, policies and regulations such as the "Opinions on Establishing and Improving the Party and State's System for Commendations and Honors" and the "Law of the People's Republic of China on National Medals and National Honorary Titles" have been successively introduced, and the "Outline for the Implementation of Citizen Moral Construction in the New Era" and the "Outline for the Implementation of Patriotism Education in the New Era" have been successively implemented. From publicizing the advanced deeds of model figures of the era and commending national moral models to continuously selecting "Good Chinese People" and "Most Beautiful Figures," the atmosphere of advocating virtue and learning from the virtuous is becoming increasingly strong throughout society. Zhang Guimei, the "education beacon who lit up the life dreams of mountain girls with love," Nyima Dondrup, the honest and trustworthy moral model who kept his promise and led pastoral people out of poverty, and countless ordinary heroes who selflessly dedicated themselves in their daily work and life, have inspired and motivated hundreds of millions of Chinese people. Li Peisheng, a recipient of the "Good Chinese Person" honorary title, has protected the Huangshan scenic area with his ordinary dedication, climbing nearly 1,800 kilometers to clean the environment on the cliffs of Huangshan for more than 20 years. In August 2022, he and his colleagues received a reply letter from General Secretary Xi Jinping, encouraging them to carry forward socialist core values and strive to be good citizens of society, good employees of their units, and good members of their families, dedicating their light and heat to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Over the past decade, the construction of New Era Civilization Practice Centers has continued to expand, and spiritual civilization building efforts such as civilized cities and civilized families have empowered urban renewal while also transforming rural customs and giving villages a new look. The popular "Village Super League" and "Village BA" show the brand-new spiritual outlook of China's rural areas in the new era, and are hailed as a window to observe Chinese modernization. Over the past decade, the comprehensive network governance system has been continuously improved, and the online spiritual homeland of the Chinese people has become increasingly clear. Looking across the land of China, a new civilized atmosphere is prevailing and yielding fruitful results. People are starting from small things, physically practicing to build a civilized high ground, and loving the Party, the country, and socialism has become the strongest voice of the era, gathering a majestic force for forging ahead on the new journey.

Li Qiang to Pay Official Visit to Indonesia, Attend ASEAN-China-GCC Summit in Malaysia

At the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto of the Republic of Indonesia, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council will pay an official visit to Indonesia from May 24 to 26. At the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the rotating ASEAN Chair, Premier Li Qiang will attend the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 26 to 28.

Zhao Leji Holds Talks with Speaker of Turkmen Parliament

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, held talks with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, at the Great Hall of the People on May 22. Zhao Leji said that in January 2023, President Xi Jinping and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov jointly announced the elevation of China-Turkmenistan relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, practicing a community with a shared future at the bilateral level. In October of the same year, President Xi Jinping had a friendly exchange with Chairman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who came to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, drawing a new blueprint for cooperation in various fields between the two countries. China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and promote the in-depth and solid construction of the China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future. Zhao Leji stated that China highly appreciates Turkmenistan's firm support for China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, and human rights. China will, as always, firmly support Turkmenistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and security, and support Turkmenistan in pursuing a policy of permanent neutrality. China is willing to accelerate the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Turkmenistan's "Revival of the Great Silk Road" strategy, deepen cooperation in connectivity, agriculture, culture, tourism, and education, jointly promote the implementation of the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, and practice true multilateralism. Zhao Leji emphasized that the National People's Congress of China is willing to work hand in hand with the People's Council of Turkmenistan, give full play to their respective functions, deepen exchanges on legislation, supervision, and governance experience, and create a good legal environment for practical cooperation between the two countries. Zhao Leji introduced the construction of China's legal system and the legislative work of the National People's Congress. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated that under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the comprehensive strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China, based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, and mutual benefit, has achieved vigorous development in various fields including politics, economy, diplomacy, and culture. The People's Council of Turkmenistan is willing to deepen friendly exchanges with the National People's Congress of China and contribute to the promotion of Turkmenistan-China relations through legislative efforts. Hao Mingjin attended the talks.

Ding Xuexiang Meets with Dutch Foreign Minister

Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot in Beijing on May 22. Ding Xuexiang stated that President Xi Jinping has held multiple meetings with King Willem-Alexander and other Dutch leaders, pointing the way for the development of bilateral relations. China and the Netherlands are both important economies in the world and are open and pragmatic comprehensive cooperative partners. China is willing to continue the momentum of friendly exchanges with the Netherlands, accommodate each other's reasonable concerns, strengthen practical cooperation in key areas, safeguard the multilateral trading system and international economic and trade order, and maintain the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. It is hoped that the Netherlands will continue to play a constructive role and make greater contributions to the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. Bruins Slot stated that the current international situation is full of challenges, and it is particularly important for the Netherlands and China to enhance dialogue and cooperation. The Netherlands views China as an important partner and is willing to strengthen comprehensive exchanges and cooperation with China, work together to address various challenges, and safeguard free trade.

Han Zheng Attends and Addresses Opening Ceremony of 2025 Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit

On May 22, Vice President Han Zheng attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit in Beijing. Han Zheng stated that President Xi Jinping has pointed out the need to actively promote the deep integration of the internet, big data, and artificial intelligence with the real economy, and accelerate the development of new quality productive forces to provide new momentum for high-quality development. Currently, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is developing in depth, with new industries and technologies represented by the digital economy and artificial intelligence being widely applied, which are changing the global trade and investment landscape, embodying huge development opportunities and broad prospects. In an era where the digital and intelligent age is accelerating, we must work together to actively promote the transformation of global trade and investment and promote common development. Han Zheng pointed out that we must jointly seize the new opportunities of the scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, expand the breadth and depth of innovation and application of digital and intelligent technologies, and provide stronger impetus for world economic recovery and development. We must jointly promote open cooperation and win-win results in the digital and intelligent era, adhere to fairness and inclusiveness, strive to bridge the digital divide and the intelligence divide, and create better conditions for international trade and investment cooperation. We must jointly maintain the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, and empower upstream and downstream enterprises to better coordinate development through digital and intelligent technologies, promoting global industrial and and supply chains to be more resilient, efficient, and vibrant. Han Zheng stated that China adheres to advocating an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, and is a major contributor and stable anchor of world economic growth. China is unswervingly expanding high-level opening up and promoting high-quality development, providing broad opportunities for enterprises from all countries. Working hand in hand with China means walking with opportunities. The Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit is hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and has been held for four consecutive sessions. The theme of this summit is "Embracing the Digital and Intelligent Era, Working Together for Common Development," with over 800 participants including government officials, international organizations, foreign business associations, heads of global trade promotion agencies, and representatives of Chinese and foreign enterprises.

Shenzhou-20 Astronauts Successfully Complete First Extravehicular Activity

At 16:49 today (May 22), after approximately 8 hours of extravehicular activity (EVA), Shenzhou-20 crew astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie closely coordinated and, with the support of ground scientific researchers, successfully completed their first spacewalk mission. At 08:50, astronaut Chen Dong opened the hatch of the core module's node cabin and was the first to exit. After Chen Dong boarded the robotic arm, he completed equipment transfer with the cooperation of astronaut Chen Zhongrui. At 12:12, astronaut Chen Zhongrui exited the cabin and worked with Chen Dong. During this time, astronaut Wang Jie provided support inside the Tianhe core module. This marks the first time astronauts have exited through the Tianhe core module's node cabin since the space station entered the application and development phase. The EVA mission involved installing a space debris protection device, which had previously been transferred from the cargo airlock cabin to a transit position using the robotic arm, to its designated location. The mission also included inspection and handling of extravehicular equipment and facilities. At 16:49, astronauts Chen Dong and Chen Zhongrui safely returned to the Tianhe core module, closed the hatch, and the EVA was a complete success.

The 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair Opens

The 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair opened today (May 22). This year's fair focuses on new tracks such as digital entertainment, artificial intelligence, and the low-altitude economy, fully showcasing new cultural industry formats and consumption scenarios like AI technology performances and AI co-creation interactions. It features the global premiere of multiple products and hosts over 150 new product launch events. More than a hundred related institutions from across the country are participating with popular cultural and creative products. This fair will fully leverage its function as a "super trading platform for cultural products and services," facilitating transactions for over 4,000 investment and financing projects and hosting nearly 300 trade activities.

Multiple Measures Support Acceleration of Science and Technology Finance System Construction

This afternoon (May 22), the State Council Information Office held a press conference to introduce policies related to science and technology finance. At the press conference, the Ministry of Science and Technology stated that seven departments recently issued 15 policy measures to guide venture capital to invest early, small, long-term, and in hard technology, increase credit support for technology-based enterprises, establish financial support arrangements for major national scientific and technological tasks, and guide various financial resources to increase financing support for major national science and technology projects, leading technology enterprises, and national scientific research platforms and bases. The People's Bank of China stated that the policy measures innovatively propose establishing a science and technology board for the bond market to raise long-term, low-interest, and easy-to-use bond funds for scientific and technological innovation. Currently, nearly 100 institutions have issued over 250 billion yuan in science and technology innovation bonds. The National Financial Regulatory Administration stated that it is promoting the participation of insurance funds in major national scientific and technological tasks to provide full-cycle risk protection and financial support for technology-based enterprises. The China Securities Regulatory Commission stated that it will support technology enterprises that break through key core technologies to apply for "green channels" to provide more suitable and inclusive institutional support for enterprise innovation and growth. ===

Regulating Administrative Law Enforcement Involving Enterprises to Foster Law-Based Business Environment

The State Council Information Office held a press conference this morning (May 22), where officials from the Ministry of Justice, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Ministry of Emergency Management introduced the special action to standardize administrative law enforcement involving enterprises. The Ministry of Justice stated that the special action focuses on correcting four prominent issues: First, arbitrary charges, fines, inspections, and seizures; second, illegal cross-regional law enforcement and profit-driven law enforcement; third, inconsistent enforcement standards and requirements that increase the burden on enterprises; and fourth, abuse of power, perversion of justice, failure to impose penalties when due, extortion, and rough law enforcement that violate law enforcement norms. The State Administration for Market Regulation comprehensively reviewed existing policies on enterprise-related fees, abolished or adjusted non-compliant fee items, and promptly updated the fee catalog. It is accelerating the promulgation of the "Measures for Handling Illegal and Irregular Charges Involving Enterprises" to clarify legal responsibilities and increase the cost of violations, thereby deterring irregular charging behaviors through institutional rigidity. The Ministry of Emergency Management continues to improve the classified and graded inspection system, vigorously promotes inclusive and prudent law enforcement, has formulated administrative penalty discretion standards, and implemented seven "minor first-offense non-penalty" measures. At the same time, for serious illegal acts, especially those committed with subjective intent, measures such as "double punishment in one case," joint disciplinary action, and referral to judicial organs are taken in accordance with the law.

International Day for Biological Diversity: Protecting Coexistence, Painting a Beautiful Picture

Today (May 22) is International Day for Biological Diversity. Various activities were held across the country to jointly protect biodiversity and promote harmony between humanity and nature. This year's International Day for Biological Diversity theme is "Be Part of the Plan." At the theme publicity event for the 2025 International Day for Biological Diversity held in Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment showcased China's achievements in biodiversity conservation and organized interactive activities such as "Biodiversity in My Eyes" to promote public participation and build consensus on protection. In Yunnan, China's first digital platform focusing on tropical biodiversity was officially launched at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, displaying over 90,000 species records to the public. In Huaibin, Henan, and Hengshui, Hebei, unique "nature classrooms" attracted many primary and secondary school students to participate. Children were able to observe migratory birds up close, gain a deeper understanding of wetland ecosystems, and further grasp knowledge related to biodiversity.

The 4th China-CEEC Expo Opens in Ningbo, Zhejiang

Today (May 22), the 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair opened in Ningbo, Zhejiang. The expo, themed "Towards a New Future, Practical and Forward-Looking," features a CEEC Exhibition Area and an Export Consumer Goods Exhibition Area, with a total exhibition area of 80,000 square meters. A total of 435 enterprises from 14 CEEC countries and 9 other countries including the UK, France, and Germany are participating, expanding the scope from CEEC to "CEEC+". Nearly 10,000 types of exhibits are on display. Over 3,000 overseas buyers from 72 countries and regions have registered to attend. The four-day exhibition will also host various activities including cultural exchanges, conferences, and forums.

Domestic News Snippets

23 Measures to Support Financing for Small and Micro Enterprises. The National Financial Regulatory Administration, the People's Bank of China, and six other departments recently jointly issued "Several Measures to Support Financing for Small and Micro Enterprises," proposing 23 measures across 8 areas, including increasing financing supply, reducing comprehensive financing costs, improving financing efficiency, and enhancing the precision of support, to further improve the financing situation for small and micro enterprises and individual businesses. All departments will promptly formulate and issue detailed policy rules and ensure their implementation. "Guiding Opinions on Supporting Social Participation of the Elderly and Promoting the Realization of 'Having Something to Do in Old Age'" Issued. The Ministry of Civil Affairs and 18 other departments recently jointly issued "Guiding Opinions on Supporting Social Participation of the Elderly and Promoting the Realization of 'Having Something to Do in Old Age'," making comprehensive and systematic arrangements for the social participation of the elderly, including promoting the regular and long-term development of elderly volunteer services, improving the quality of elderly participation in education, culture, sports and other social activities, and strengthening the guarantee of elderly social participation. Symposium on the Founding of China Media Group's Ethnic Language Programs and the 75th Anniversary of the Birth of New China's Ethnic Broadcasting Industry Held. A symposium on the founding of China Media Group's ethnic language programs and the 75th anniversary of the birth of New China's ethnic broadcasting industry was held today (May 22) in Beijing. Experts, scholars, listener representatives, and ethnic language program staff representatives deeply exchanged views on conveying the Party's voice, promoting ethnic culture, and consolidating unity, offering suggestions for promoting the high-quality development of the Party's ethnic work in the new era. On May 22, 1950, the Tibetan broadcasting of the former Central People's Broadcasting Station began, marking the birth of New China's ethnic broadcasting industry. Currently, it has formed a multi-platform new media account communication cluster with broadcasting and websites in 5 ethnic languages. All Tunnels of the Xiongxin High-Speed Railway Xiong'an Underground Section Completed. The tunnels of the Xiongxin High-Speed Railway Xiong'an underground section were fully completed recently. The Xiongxin High-Speed Railway Xiong'an underground section is approximately 24.8 kilometers long, of which 23.08 kilometers are underground engineering. It is a rare comprehensive project in China that integrates underground high-speed railway and municipal supporting facilities. The Xiongxin High-Speed Railway connects Xiong'an New Area in Hebei and Xinzhou in Shanxi, with a total main line length of 342 kilometers and a designed speed of 350 kilometers per hour. The 7th China Western International Fair for Investment and Trade Opens in Chongqing. The 7th China Western International Fair for Investment and Trade opened today (May 22) in Chongqing. This year's fair has an exhibition area of 110,000 square meters, with over 1,300 enterprises (institutions) from 39 countries and regions participating. During the fair, 34 events will be held, including the "High-Quality Foreign Trade Products Tour - Chongqing Station" and a global procurement matching fair. The 10th China Theatre Awards Plum Blossom Performance Award Announced. The 10th China Theatre Awards Plum Blossom Performance Award was announced on the evening of May 21 in Shanghai. The 15 winning actors cover 11 categories of theatrical performing arts, including Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, drama, and dance drama. On the same evening, the 10th China Theatre Awards Cao Yu Playwright Award was also announced.

WTO Members Criticize US Tariff Policy, Call for Strengthening Multilateral Trading System

From May 20 to 21, the World Trade Organization (WTO) held its second General Council meeting of 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Chinese representative stated that the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" by the United States severely undermine the multilateral trading system, impact the global economy, and harm the interests of developing countries. WTO members should effectively counter the impact of unilateralism and protectionism by upholding and strengthening the core values and basic principles of the WTO. The EU representative criticized the US tariff policy for leading to the fragmentation of global trade. Representatives from dozens of members, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Indonesia, representing over 100 members, spoke out to criticize the US unilateral measures.

US Trial Begins for Lawsuit Filed by 12 States Against US Tariff Policy

A lawsuit filed by 12 U.S. states, including Oregon, Illinois, and New York, against the U.S. government's tariff policies opened in New York on May 21. The plaintiffs accuse the U.S. federal government's tariff policies of subverting the U.S. constitutional order and potentially causing economic chaos in the U.S. A survey shows that over half of economists believe U.S. policies severely damage the U.S. economy. On May 21, a Reuters survey of economists showed that all respondents believed that the U.S. government's series of policies had harmed the U.S. economy, with over 55% believing they "caused significant damage." U.S. media reported on May 21 that tariffs, inflation, and recession fears are delivering multiple blows to retail, a vital component of the U.S. economy. U.S. retail giant Target announced on May 21 that its first-quarter revenue fell short of expectations due to tariff policies, and the company has lowered its full-year sales forecast. U.S. Treasury Yields Rise, U.S. Stocks and Dollar Index Fall. On May 21, the U.S. Treasury sold $16 billion in 20-year bonds, and weak market demand pushed yields higher to 5.047%. The three major U.S. stock indexes significantly declined on May 21. On the same day, the U.S. Dollar Index again fell below 100. U.S. media reported that the U.S. government's unpredictable economic policies have led to increasing market pessimism about the dollar recently.

Gaza Areas Under Continuous Attack, Israeli PM Vows Full Control of Gaza

The Palestinian Gaza Strip Civil Defense Department stated on May 21 that Israeli forces bombed multiple locations in the northern, central, and southern Gaza Strip that day, killing at least 56 people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on May 21 that the Israeli air force struck over 115 targets of Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip in the past day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on May 21 that the Israeli army would continue fighting until it gained full control of the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu also stated that Iran continues to pose a serious threat to Israel. Israel is maintaining full coordination with the United States, closely monitoring the direction of Iran's nuclear activities, and reserving the right to take unilateral action. Iran has not yet responded officially to this. IDF Fires at International Diplomatic Delegation in West Bank; Multiple Parties Condemn. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on May 21 that the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a visit for multiple foreign diplomatic delegations to the northern West Bank city of Jenin that day for a field inspection, and the Israeli army opened fire in the direction of the diplomatic delegation. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Israel stated that the IDF fired warning shots because the diplomatic delegation deviated from its planned route. After the incident, the governments of the countries whose diplomatic personnel were involved, including Egypt, Jordan, and France, as well as the United Nations and the European Union, condemned the IDF's actions. Italy and Portugal also summoned Israeli diplomats.

Russian Media Claims Russian Troops Reach Dnipropetrovsk Region Border, Ukraine Denies

According to Russian media reports on May 21, Russian troops have advanced to the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Russian media previously stated that this oblast's border was the "last line of defense" for Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region. Ukraine denied on May 21 that Russian troops had reached the oblast's border. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on May 21 that Russian forces shot down over a hundred Ukrainian drones flying towards Russia's Tula and Ryazan oblasts that day. In addition, according to information released by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, Russian forces shot down multiple drones attacking Moscow for the second consecutive day today (May 22). Ukraine stated that Ukrainian forces continue to conduct defensive operations in some Russian regions.

International News Snippets

UK April CPI Rise to 3.5%. Data released by the UK Office for National Statistics on May 21 showed that the UK's Consumer Price Index (CPI) in April rose significantly from 2.6% in March to 3.5%, exceeding expectations and reaching its highest level since April 2024. Core CPI, excluding energy and food prices, rose from 3.4% in March to 3.8%, mainly due to increases in energy and water prices. UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves expressed "disappointment" with the latest figures. Several US Airlines Call for Air Traffic Control System Modernization. CEOs of several major US airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, issued a joint letter on May 21, citing continued chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport and increasing US aviation safety issues, stating that the US air traffic control system is outdated and the Federal Aviation Administration's related technology is "severely obsolete." They urged Congress to quickly appropriate funds for the modernization of the US air traffic control system. Recently, aviation accidents have been frequent in the United States. On January 29 this year, a passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a "Black Hawk" helicopter carrying three US soldiers near Washington Reagan National Airport and crashed into a river, with no survivors.

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