The Second China-Central Asia Summit was held on the afternoon of June 17, local time, at the Palace of Independence in Astana. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presided over the meeting. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the summit. In a friendly atmosphere, the heads of state jointly reviewed the achievements of China-Central Asia cooperation in various fields since the Xi'an Summit, looked forward to future development, and unanimously decided to promote the "China-Central Asia Spirit," uphold permanent good-neighborly friendship, and work together to achieve new successes in building a China-Central Asia community with a shared future. Xi Jinping posed for a group photo with the five Central Asian heads of state, then attended the summit and delivered a keynote speech titled "Promoting the 'China-Central Asia Spirit' and Advancing High-Quality Development of Regional Cooperation." Xi Jinping pointed out that two years ago, we gathered in Xi'an, China, to jointly outline the "Xi'an Vision" for China-Central Asia cooperation. Over the past two years, China and Central Asian countries have deepened and solidified Belt and Road cooperation, actively promoted cooperation in various fields, the "four pillars" of the China-Central Asia mechanism have basically taken shape, the consensus of the first summit has been fully implemented, the path of cooperation has become wider, and the flower of friendship has blossomed more brightly. Xi Jinping emphasized that our cooperation is rooted in over two millennia of friendly exchanges, consolidated by over 30 years of solidarity and mutual trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and developed through open and win-win collaboration in the new era. In long-term practice, we have explored and formed the "China-Central Asia Spirit" of "mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual assistance, and promoting common modernization through high-quality development": adhering to mutual respect and equal treatment, treating all countries equally regardless of size, consulting on matters, and making decisions by consensus; deepening mutual trust and responding in unison, firmly supporting each other in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and refraining from doing anything that harms each other's core interests; upholding mutual benefit and common development, being priority partners, providing development opportunities to each other, taking into account the interests of all parties, and achieving win-win coexistence; standing together in solidarity and overcoming difficulties together, supporting each other in pursuing development paths that suit their national conditions, managing their own affairs well, jointly addressing various risks and challenges, and jointly safeguarding regional security and stability. The "China-Central Asia Spirit" provides important guidance for generational friendly cooperation, and we must always uphold and carry it forward. Xi Jinping pointed out that currently, the百年变局 (centennial changes) are accelerating, and the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. Only by adhering to fairness and justice and maintaining the will for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes can we safeguard world peace and achieve common development. There are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars; unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are bound to harm both self and others. History cannot go backward; it should move forward. The world cannot be divided; it should be united. Humanity cannot return to the law of the jungle; it should build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must be guided by the "China-Central Asia Spirit," strengthen cooperation with a more proactive posture and more pragmatic measures, promote the high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation, and strive towards the goal of building a China-Central Asia community with a shared future. First, we must uphold the original aspiration of unity based on mutual trust and support. China has always regarded Central Asia as a priority direction in its neighborhood diplomacy, adhering to the principles of being a good neighbor, making neighbors feel secure, and enriching neighbors, characterized by amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, treating Central Asian countries equally and sincerely, always hoping for mutual well-being among relatives and neighbors. The six countries signed the Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, legally enshrining the principles of generational friendship. This is a new milestone in the history of relations between the six countries and an innovative initiative in China's neighborhood diplomacy, benefiting the present and the future. Second, we must optimize the layout of pragmatic, efficient, and deeply integrated cooperation. We have designated 2025-2026 as the "Year of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation." We should focus on trade facilitation, industrial investment, connectivity, green minerals, agricultural modernization, and people-to-people exchanges, implement more specific projects, and cultivate new productive forces. China has decided to establish three cooperation centers within the China-Central Asia cooperation framework: poverty reduction, educational exchanges, and desertification control, as well as a trade facilitation cooperation platform, to support Central Asian countries in implementing livelihood and development projects, and to provide 3,000 training opportunities to Central Asian countries in the next two years. Third, we must build a secure framework of peace and tranquility, sharing weal and woe. We must strengthen regional security governance, continuously deepen law enforcement and security cooperation, jointly prevent and resist extremist ideologies, resolutely combat the "three evil forces," and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. China is willing to provide assistance within its capacity to Central Asian countries in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime, and in maintaining cybersecurity and biosecurity. Fourth, we must strengthen the cultural ties of solidarity and affinity. China will strengthen cooperation with Central Asian legislative bodies, political parties, women, youth, media, and think tanks, and deepen exchanges on governance experience. We are willing to open more cultural centers, university branches, and Luban Workshops in Central Asia to cultivate more high-quality talents for Central Asian countries. We support deepening local cooperation and jointly creating a "heart-to-heart connection" pattern from central to local, from official to non-governmental, and from neighboring regions to broader areas. Fifth, we must uphold a just and reasonable, equal and orderly international order. We must work together to safeguard international fairness and justice, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and actively promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In the arduous war years, the peoples of China and Central Asia supported each other, shared hardships, and jointly made important contributions to the cause of human justice. We must promote a correct view of history, defend the outcomes of World War II victory, maintain the international system with the United Nations at its core, and inject more stability and certainty into world peace and development. Xi Jinping concluded by stating that China is comprehensively advancing the building of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. Regardless of how the international situation changes, China will always unswervingly adhere to opening up. China is willing to work with Central Asian countries to carry out higher quality cooperation, deepen interest convergence, achieve common development, and continuously achieve new successes in China-Central Asia cooperation! Kazakh President Tokayev and the leaders of the other five Central Asian countries unanimously stated that under the outstanding leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable development, and they thanked China for its comprehensive cooperation with Central Asian countries, which has brought invaluable development opportunities to their respective countries. The China-Central Asia mechanism has become an important platform for promoting bilateral dialogue and cooperation and for promoting the economic and social development of Central Asian countries. In a world full of uncertainties, the strategic significance of the China-Central Asia mechanism is even more prominent, and China's prosperity and strength are benefiting neighboring countries. China is a strategic partner and true friend that Central Asian countries can permanently rely on. Central Asian countries highly value the mutually respectful, equal, and mutually beneficial cooperation model with China, and look forward to close all-round cooperation with China, expanding trade and investment, jointly building the "Belt and Road" with high quality, promoting cooperation in industry, agriculture, science and technology, infrastructure, new energy, and connectivity, strengthening regional security cooperation, and enhancing cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges, building the China-Central Asia mechanism into a model of regional cooperation, sharing development and prosperity, jointly promoting peace and stability, and building a closer community with a shared future. All parties highly appreciated China's constructive role in international and regional affairs, actively supported President Xi Jinping's concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and the three global initiatives, and expressed their willingness to maintain close coordination and cooperation with China, firmly uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. During the summit, Xi Jinping and the five Central Asian heads of state signed the "Astana Declaration of the Second China-Central Asia Summit" and the "Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan." The summit announced the signing of 12 cooperation documents in fields such as Belt and Road cooperation, facilitation of personnel exchanges, green minerals, trade facilitation, connectivity, industry, and customs. During the summit, China and the five Central Asian countries signed multiple sister city agreements, bringing the number of sister cities between the two sides to over 100 pairs. Xi Jinping also attended the unveiling ceremonies of the China-Central Asia Poverty Reduction Cooperation Center, Education Exchange Cooperation Center, Desertification Control Cooperation Center, and Trade Facilitation Cooperation Platform with the five Central Asian heads of state. All parties agreed that China will host the third China-Central Asia Summit in 2027. That evening, Xi Jinping attended a welcome banquet hosted by President Tokayev for the heads of state attending the summit. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others participated in the above activities.
On the morning of June 18, local time, President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing after attending the Second China-Central Asia Summit. Upon his departure from Astana, Kazakh President Tokayev, accompanied by Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration Daurenbayev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nurtleu, Presidential Advisor for Foreign Affairs Kazykhan, and Astana Mayor Kassymbek, along with other senior officials, saw him off at the airport. After President Xi Jinping's special plane took off, Kazakhstan Air Force fighter jets escorted the flight. En route to the airport, representatives of Chinese enterprises and international students waved Chinese and Kazakh national flags on both sides of the road, warmly congratulating President Xi Jinping on the complete success of his attendance at the China-Central Asia Summit.
On the afternoon of June 18, President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing by special plane after attending the Second China-Central Asia Summit. Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with other accompanying personnel, returned on the same flight.
Our station today (June 18) broadcast CCTV Quick Commentary "Promoting the 'China-Central Asia Spirit' and Advancing High-Quality Development of Regional Cooperation."
Li Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, conducted a survey in Jiangsu from June 16 to 18. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on economic work, adhering to innovation-driven development, focusing on expanding effective demand, further fostering a strong atmosphere for entrepreneurship, and stimulating the impetus and vitality for high-quality development through deepening reform and opening up, thereby promoting a sustained positive economic trend. Li Qiang visited Xuzhou and Nanjing, where he went to enterprises, scientific research institutes, construction sites, and trade cooperation platforms to gain an in-depth understanding of the economic situation. At Jiangsu Huizhi High-End Engineering Machinery Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Li Qiang listened to reports on experimental projects and inspected core components and products. He pointed out that it is necessary to actively apply technologies such as artificial intelligence and clean energy to promote industrial transformation and upgrading. He also emphasized the importance of aggregating industry resources and building collaborative innovation platforms for large, small, and medium-sized enterprises to promote complementary advantages and mutual empowerment. At the Yunlong Lake Laboratory for Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Li Qiang listened to introductions on the progress of related technological equipment research and development, expressing his hope that everyone would effectively combine scientific and technological innovation with industrial demand, promote major original innovations and technological breakthroughs, and accelerate industrial application. At the Nanjing Atomic Manufacturing Institute, Li Qiang learned about the development of atomic-level manufacturing technology and encouraged them to focus on new tracks, strengthen forward-looking layouts, promote interdisciplinary integration innovation and open cooperation, and seize the commanding heights of future scientific and technological and industrial development. Li Qiang visited the Nanjing North Railway Station project site, where he learned about its planning and design, construction progress, and held discussions with project leaders, requesting high-standard progress in engineering construction, active exploration of new materials and new technologies, and careful planning of supporting facilities and industrial layout. He stressed that quality is paramount, and every link must be controlled with the requirement of a century-long project to ensure engineering quality. At BSH Home Appliances (China) Investment Co., Ltd., Li Qiang learned about the company's market expansion and meticulously inquired about the effectiveness of the "trade-in" policy for consumer goods, hoping that they would make good use of relevant policies to develop more high-quality products and services and further unleash consumption potential. He said that enterprises from all countries are welcome to invest and operate in China, and China will increase support and guarantees to create a good environment for foreign-funded enterprises to deepen their development in China. At the Jiangsu China-Central Asia Center, Li Qiang inquired in detail about the economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. He emphasized the need to better leverage the roles of China-Europe freight trains and cross-border e-commerce, strengthen economic and trade exchanges, broaden areas of cooperation, and promote mutual benefit in the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road." Li Qiang pointed out that Jiangsu has a good economic foundation and strong strength, and also has higher development requirements. He expressed his hope that the cadres and masses in Jiangsu would firmly focus on development, unite their efforts, work diligently, better play the role of a major economic province, and contribute more to the overall development of the country. Wu Zhenglong accompanied the survey.
The symposium on promoting the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation was held in Beijing on June 18 to discuss the results of key research conducted by relevant central committees of democratic parties. Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended and delivered a speech. He stated that the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, has placed scientific and technological innovation in a major strategic position in the overall national development and made major deployments to promote the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation. We must raise our political standing, strengthen our mission, and contribute wisdom and strength to promoting the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy and accelerating the construction of an innovative country. Wang Huning stated that promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation is an inherent requirement for adhering to the strategic orientation of "four orientations," achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement, and building a modern industrial system, and it is a major measure to cultivate new productive forces, promote high-quality development, and advance Chinese modernization. It is necessary to deepen research and form results around key and difficult issues in promoting scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, as well as bottlenecks and sticking points in policy implementation, to serve the decision-making of the Party and the government with high-quality research. Hao Mingjin, Chairman of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association; Cai Dafeng, Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy; He Wei, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party; Jiang Zuojun, Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party; and Wu Weihua, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Jiusan Society, introduced their research results at the symposium and put forward pragmatic and pertinent policy recommendations on fostering new industries, new models, and new growth drivers, accelerating the transformation and development of traditional industries, accelerating the digital transformation of manufacturing, promoting high-level opening up, and optimizing the enterprise innovation ecosystem. Li Ganjie presided over the meeting. Responsible comrades from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology held discussions and exchanges with non-Party personages.
The CPC Central Committee has decided to continue sending out 3 central guiding groups for the in-depth implementation of the eight-point frugality guidelines study and education. These groups will provide guidance and supervision for the study and education in 7 localities and units, including Inner Mongolia and Guangxi; the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration; and the Agricultural Bank of China, China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd., and Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The previously dispatched third central guiding group has been adjusted from providing guidance and supervision for Qianjiang, Hubei, to providing guidance and supervision for Hubei Province as a whole.
The 31st Beijing International Book Fair opened at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on June 18. This year's book fair, themed "Promoting the Inheritance and Development of Civilizations, Fostering Exchanges and Mutual Learning for Win-Win Outcomes," fully showcases the achievements of Chinese civilization and excellent civilizations from around the world through books. The book fair has an exhibition area of 60,000 square meters, divided into domestic publishing exhibition area, overseas publishing exhibition area, and online publishing exhibition area. Malaysia serves as the Guest of Honor. More than 1,700 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions are participating on-site, displaying 220,000 types of books. Over 20 countries, including France, Germany, and Japan, have set up national pavilions in the overseas exhibition area of the book fair, and 30 large international publishing houses are exhibiting offline, showcasing a concentrated display of exquisite foreign language books representing the excellent civilization achievements of various countries. The online publishing exhibition area focuses on displaying the achievements of new publishing formats such as online literature and online games.
Data on mechanized harvesting released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shows that as of June 18, wheat harvesting progress has reached 96%, marking the basic completion of this year's large-scale mechanized wheat harvesting for the "Three Summers" nationwide. Starting from May 15, when harvesting began in the southwest wheat region, to May 26, when large-scale mechanized wheat harvesting for the "Three Summers" fully commenced, combine harvesters moved northward, with the work focus gradually shifting from Sichuan, Hubei, and Henan to most of Hebei and northern Shandong. Currently, except for Xinjiang, Gansu, and other northwestern regions where wheat harvesting will continue until after autumn, harvesting in key wheat regions such as the Southwest and Huang-Huai-Hai Plain has been successfully completed. The overall progress has been efficient, with the speed 2-3 days faster than in previous years. This year, domestically produced combine harvesters with a large feeding capacity of 9-10 kg/second have become the main trans-regional models; the average daily harvesting area per machine has reached 80 mu, with efficiency increasing by more than 30% compared to five years ago. It is expected that this year's national average mechanized wheat loss rate will continue to be controlled within a good level of 1%, providing strong assurance for a bumper summer grain harvest and stable and increased grain production throughout the year.
The 2025 Lujiazui Forum was held today (June 18) in Shanghai, where responsible officials from departments including the People's Bank of China, the National Administration of Financial Regulation, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange released multiple financial measures to facilitate high-level opening up. In supporting the construction of Shanghai as an international financial center, the People's Bank of China announced that it will introduce eight policy measures, including launching a pilot comprehensive reform of offshore trade financial services in the Shanghai Lingang New Area and establishing a digital RMB international operation center in Shanghai. These measures will help improve the efficiency of cross-border capital circulation and further enhance China's financial market openness and international competitiveness. Regarding financial opening up, the National Administration of Financial Regulation will vigorously replicate and promote the experience of expanding institutional opening up in free trade zones and ports, supporting foreign institutions to participate in more financial business pilots. It will also accelerate the advancement of financial legal system construction, effectively maintain fair order in the financial market, and actively create a transparent, stable, and predictable policy environment. In the capital market, the China Securities Regulatory Commission stated that it will establish a Sci-Tech Innovation Growth Board on the STAR Market and introduce six more inclusive and adaptable reform measures to more precisely serve high-quality technology enterprises with significant technological breakthroughs, broad commercial prospects, and substantial continuous R&D investment. At the same time, more products will be included in the scope of foreign investment transactions, further enhancing the convenience for various foreign capital to participate in China's capital market. In addition, the China Capital Market Society has been officially approved to be registered and established in Shanghai. The State Administration of Foreign Exchange will implement policies nationwide to support scientific research institutions in attracting and utilizing foreign investment, expanding convenience for cross-border financing for technology-based enterprises, and better supporting international economic and trade cooperation and personnel exchanges.
The State Council Information Office held a "Strivers on the New Journey" press conference for Chinese and foreign journalists today (June 18). Five outstanding teacher representatives met and communicated with Chinese and foreign journalists on the theme of "Vigorously Promoting the Spirit of Educators and Accelerating the Building of a Strong Education Nation." They shared their practical stories in basic education, vocational education, and higher education, vividly demonstrating the benevolence of vast numbers of educators who love teaching and caring for students and are dedicated to their work, their diligent and pragmatic attitude of seeking truth and innovation, and their sense of responsibility to embrace the world and cultivate talents for the country.
Over 80% of Key Reform Tasks Completed in State-Owned Enterprises: The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) announced that as of the end of the first quarter, the average completion rate of key reform tasks in the State-owned Enterprise Reform Deepening and Enhancement Action by central enterprises and local state-owned enterprises has exceeded 80%. Going forward, efforts will focus on improving the quality of scientific and technological innovation supply and building a modern industrial system, breaking down institutional barriers to ensure the successful conclusion of this year's state-owned enterprise reform deepening and enhancement action. RMB Cross-Border Interbank Payment System Signs Agreements with 6 Foreign Institutions: Today (June 18), the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) signed agreements with six foreign institutions, including Standard Bank, African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and United Overseas Bank. This marks the first time CIPS's overseas foreign direct participants have covered Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Singapore offshore RMB center, which will further facilitate cross-border RMB usage. Green Power Transactions Exceed 220 Billion kWh in First Five Months: According to the China Electricity Council, China's green power transaction volume grew rapidly in the first five months of this year, reaching 220.945 billion kWh, a year-on-year increase of 49.2%, approaching last year's full-year level. Currently, over half of the country's new energy has entered the electricity market. Southern China Experiences Heavy Rainfall in Multiple Regions: Today (June 18), heavy rainfall continued in Southern China. Local areas in Maoming, Yangjiang, and Zhaoqing in Guangdong, as well as Fangchenggang in Guangxi, experienced torrential rains. The rainfall led to rapid rises in river levels and urban waterlogging in some cities. Various regions actively organized rescue and disaster relief efforts and evacuated affected residents. The Central Meteorological Observatory forecasts that in the coming days, some areas in Jianghan, Huang-Huai, and Jiangnan will experience significant rainfall, reminding the public to be vigilant against secondary disasters such as urban waterlogging that may be triggered. TV Series "The Forging Age" to Air Tonight on CCTV-1: The TV series "The Forging Age" will air tonight (June 18) in prime time on CCTV-1. The drama focuses on domestic private manufacturing, telling the story of a group of young people who uphold the belief that "technology is the foundation" and, amidst the tides of the times, persist in independent innovation, leading their enterprises out of difficulties, growing stronger, and making their dreams take flight.
The Israeli military today (June 18) stated that it continued to carry out airstrikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran. The Israeli military claimed to have dispatched over 50 warplanes to strike a centrifuge production facility in Tehran; it also targeted weapons production facilities, including those manufacturing components for surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. According to Israeli media reports, the Khojir missile development base near Parchin in eastern Tehran and Imam Hossein University in eastern Tehran were also struck by the Israeli military. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on the 17th that the Israeli military had destroyed the central area of Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and planned to destroy all facilities of Iran's nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency stated on the same day that the lower part of the Natanz nuclear facility's reactor suffered "direct damage." Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement today, claiming that in the operation on the previous night, "Fattah" missiles successfully penetrated Israel's missile defense system. Iranian state television today broadcast footage claiming that Iran had shot down an Israeli "Hermes" drone. In addition, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also used missiles on the 17th to strike an Israeli air base. According to Israeli media reports, in the early hours of June 18, local time, Iran launched two rounds of missile attacks on Israel, firing a total of 25 missiles. The attacks caused fires in multiple locations in Israel. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a statement today, stating that Iran will never compromise with Israel and must strongly strike Israel. US Embassies and Consulates in Israel Closed for Three Days; US States Deploying More Fighter Jets to Middle East: The US State Department announced on the 17th that due to the current situation, the US Embassy in Israel and the US Consulates in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will be closed from June 18 to 20. Several US officials stated on the 17th that the US military is deploying more fighter jets, including F-35s, to the Middle East, and extending the deployment time of other existing fighter jets in the region. International Oil Prices Significantly Rise on June 17 Due to Middle East Situation: International oil prices significantly rose on June 17 due to the large-scale conflict between Israel and Iran. Specifically, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures for July delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose by $3.07, an increase of 4.28%; the price of Brent crude oil futures for August delivery on the London ICE Futures Exchange rose by $3.22, an increase of 4.40%.
Russia Claims Strikes on Ukrainian Military Industrial Facilities, Ukraine Claims Fierce Fighting at Front Lines: Russia's Ministry of Defense stated on the 17th that Russian forces used high-precision weapons and drones to carry out concentrated strikes on military industrial complexes in Ukraine's Kyiv Oblast and Zaporizhzhia city. Today (June 18), Russian forces intercepted and destroyed 48 Ukrainian drones over Bryansk, Kursk, and other areas. The Ukrainian military stated today that since the evening of the 17th, Zaporizhzhia Oblast and other areas have been attacked by Russian drones; the Ukrainian military also stated that 186 combat engagements occurred in frontline areas over the past day, and Ukrainian forces attacked concentrations of Russian weapons and military equipment, artillery systems, and so on. US Retail Sales Decline 0.9% Month-on-Month in May: Data released by the US Department of Commerce on the 17th showed that US retail sales of goods declined 0.9% month-on-month in May, the largest decrease since January this year. Among them, automobile consumption saw a significant decline. According to US media reports, this data reflects the significant suppressive effect of the US government's tariff policies on consumer spending.
分享到Twitter: