Tag: InternationalNews

Xi’s upcoming visit to deepen China-Russia ties, bolster global peace

More than 80 years ago, the peoples of China, the Soviet Union and other countries fought side by side and secured victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, opening a new chapter in human history.

As the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, the international community demands greater global efforts to face common challenges, and to build a community with a shared future.

Xi’s upcoming visit is expected to inject new momentum into the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Moreover, it will demonstrate the two major countries’ commitment to working with the rest of the world to safeguard the outcomes of the victory in World War II, uphold international fairness and justice, and maintain world peace and stability.

LONG-LASTING FRIENDSHIP

History and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development, Xi said in his phone conversation with Putin in February.

The coming visit marks Xi’s 11th trip to Russia since he became Chinese president. The two heads of state have met more than 40 times on different occasions over the years. Their close communication provides strategic guidance, under which China-Russia relations have matured into a resilient and stable partnership characterized by deepening political trust, closer strategic alignment and sustained practical cooperation.

In 2024, bilateral trade rose to 244.8 billion U.S. dollars, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years. In December 2024, the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline was fully completed. Cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, e-commerce, bio-medicine, scientific and technological innovation, as well as green energy continues to expand.

The two countries’ long-lasting friendship has grown increasingly popular among the two peoples. The mutual visa exemption agreement for group tours has encouraged more robust two-way travel. Hundreds of cultural events have been held in succession with the framework of the China-Russia Year of Culture.

Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Russian ambassador to China, said the strategic guidance of the two heads of state is a key factor in ensuring the steady and long-term development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

The two leaders are expected to hold extensive and in-depth discussions on both bilateral cooperation and multilateral issues, and the Russian side has high expectations for that, he added.

INDELIBLE CONTRIBUTION

Over 80 years ago, China and Russia, as the main battlefields in Asia and Europe during World War II, made tremendous sacrifices and indelible contribution to the final victory.

In a signed article published by the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his visit to Russia in 2015, Xi quoted Russian historian Vasily Klyuchevsky as saying, “If we lost the memory of our past, our mind and soul would be lost in the darkness,” in a bid to express his remembrance of the history of the World Anti-Fascist War and earnest expectations for the two nations to join hands to maintain world peace and stability.

The bitter lessons drawn from World War II have taught mankind that the strong preying on the weak, the law of the jungle, warlike or hegemonic policies, the winner-takes-all mindset and zero-sum game do not benefit coexistence, peace or development of mankind, Xi wrote in the article.

Noha Bakir, a professor of political science at American University in Cairo, said China and Russia, drawing lessons from history, shoulder the important responsibility of safeguarding international stability and cooperation amid today’s complex global landscape.

By studying, restoring and spreading the true history, people can better understand World War II and the post-war international order, thus they will resist the attempts to distort historical facts, he added.

Andrey Fesyun, deputy director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia will further jointly advocate the correct historical view of World War II, and work together to maintain global strategic stability, so as to make the due contributions of responsible major countries to the advancement of international fairness and justice.

SPEARHEADING PROGRESS

Eighty years ago, representatives from multiple countries, including China and the Soviet Union, gathered in the U.S. city of San Francisco, and signed the Charter of the United Nations, laying the cornerstone of the post-war international order.

The preamble to the charter solemnly states the commitment “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.”

China and Russia have natural responsibilities to make joint efforts to steer and promote global governance in a direction that meets the expectations of the international community and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Xi when meeting with Putin in March 2023. And it was during Xi’s first visit to Russia in 2013 as Chinese president that he first proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries in the world, China and Russia have been working closely on the world stage. Beijing and Moscow firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, as well as the fundamental norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They are also advocates of true multilateralism.

The two nations have also joined hands to promote political solutions to international and regional hot-spot issues. They have strengthened communication and coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS and the Group of 20, and are jointly committed to advancing a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.

Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan scholar on international relations, said that China and Russia collaborate through platforms like the SCO and BRICS, which has not only promoted a multipolar world, but also empowered the Global South with a greater voice in global governance and a bigger role in shaping the rules on major international issues.

Ilgar Velizade, head of the South Caucasus Club of Political Scientists from Azerbaijan, said that the growing strength of multilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the SCO and BRICS represents a powerful embodiment of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

If countries engage in an active, constructive and sustainable dialogue focused on common interests, the world will be safer, the global economy more sustainable and humanity’s future far more promising, he said.

May 7, 2025
Pass the torch of peace from generation to generation

Today, the world has undergone dramatic transformations. Technology has connected distant corners of the globe, and globalization has brought nations closer than ever before. Yet, alongside these advances, new and complex challenges have emerged. Global uncertainty is rising, marked by power politics, unilateralism and division in ever-evolving forms.

As the world reflects on the lessons of history, humanity must confront some urgent questions: How can we safeguard the hard-won peace? How can we collectively address pressing global challenges? And most importantly, how can we forge a shared future for all?

As noted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the general debate of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly back in 2015, history is a mirror, and only by drawing lessons from history can the world avoid repeating past calamities.

“We should view history with awe and human conscience. The past cannot be changed, but the future can be shaped. Bearing history in mind is not to perpetuate hatred. Rather, it is for mankind not to forget its lesson. Remembering history does not mean being obsessed with the past. Rather, in doing so, we aim to create a better future and pass the torch of peace from generation to generation,” Xi said then.

VICTORY OF THE JUST

On the night of May 8, 1945, Germany signed the surrender document in Karlshorst, Berlin, marking the end of World War II (WWII) in Europe. Meanwhile in Asia, China’s final major campaign against Japan — the Battle of Western Hunan — reached its decisive phase.

Japan’s surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945, concluded WWII, humanity’s deadliest conflict. More than 80 countries and regions, involving roughly 2 billion people, were drawn into the war, with the total casualties at over 100 million and economic losses exceeding 4 trillion U.S. dollars. Against fascist aggression, more than 50 countries, including China and the Soviet Union, formed a united front.

The world will never forget that as the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War, China made a national sacrifice of over 35 million casualties in its fight against the majority troops of Japanese militarism. During 14 years of fierce anti-fascist fighting, China engaged and tied down over two-thirds of the Japanese Army, inflicting 70 percent of Japan’s wartime military casualties. These efforts significantly contributed to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

People from different countries stood with China in the common struggle. China will always remember the international support it received. For example, the U.S. “Flying Tigers” opened up the Hump Route for transporting emergency supplies; foreign doctors such as Norman Bethune from Canada and Dwarkanath Kotnis from India risked their lives to save others; German businessman John Rabe helped protect civilians during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937.

Equally significant was the Soviet Union’s sacrifice and contribution on the European theater of World War II. From the Battle of Moscow to the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk, the Soviet people bore tremendous hardship and played a decisive role in defeating Nazi troops.

During the global anti-fascist war, China and the Soviet Union supported each other. Soviet air force volunteers fought alongside Chinese soldiers, during which over 200 of them lost their lives in China. Many Chinese, including Mao Anying, late Chinese leader Mao Zedong’s eldest son, engaged in fighting against Nazi troops during the toughest time of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. This shared sacrifice forged a deep bond between the two sides.

The victory of the anti-fascist war shattered attempts of the fascists and militarists to dominate the world, ended the colonial divisions of the world by imperial powers, and laid the foundation for a new vision of global peace and cooperation.

REBIRTH OF THE WORLD

This year also marks the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations. The opening words of the UN Charter — “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind” — stand as a powerful testament to the hard-won lessons of two catastrophic world wars.

More than just a historical reflection, these words convey humanity’s ardent desire for lasting peace.

Born from the ashes of World War II, the United Nations represents humanity’s efforts to move away from a world governed by the law of the jungle and a world order of Western-dominated hierarchies.

From the Westphalian and Vienna systems to the Versailles-Washington system, the old order divided the world into dominant powers, and nations they colonized and oppressed.

In a historic shift, the UN Charter enshrines the principle of sovereign equality, affirming for the first time in international law that all nations, irrespective of size, strength or wealth, are equal. That became the cornerstone for the postwar international order.

Anchored in the UN Charter, principles such as sovereign equality, non-interference in other’s internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes and prohibition of the use or threat of force have evolved into bedrock norms of international relations. The UN system’s creation has established not merely institutional platforms for cooperation, but transformed the very architecture of global governance.

Under the guidance of the spirit of the UN Charter, national liberation movements swept across the globe. Many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America cast off the shackles of colonialism and gained national independence and sovereignty.

International law thus began to genuinely safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries. A more open and inclusive international community has replaced the West-centric paradigm of an exclusive “civilized nations club,” a solid and far-reaching step toward lasting peace for humanity.

China has actively participated in founding the United Nations and shaping the postwar international order. On June 26, 1945, China was the first country to sign the UN Charter. Before that, the Chinese delegation strongly defended the interests of small- and medium-sized countries, and insisted that “independence” be enshrined in the UN Charter as the goal of the International Trusteeship System despite pressure from the West. Such efforts exemplified China’s unwavering commitment to defending international fairness and justice.

The postwar international order has consolidated the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, established the fundamental norms of modern international relations, curtailed military expansionism, and advanced global peace and development.

Since its inception 80 years ago, the United Nations has grown into the most universal, representative and authoritative intergovernmental organization in the world, carrying humanity’s shared aspirations for a better future.

CALL OF THE ERA

Over the past 80 years, the absence of global-scale wars has allowed the world to enjoy sustained peace. Emerging economies, including China, have risen collectively, while economic globalization has deepened, turning the world into an interconnected “global village” through expanding cross-border exchanges and cooperation.

At the same time, a new wave of technological and industrial transformation is reshaping economies, societies and international relations. The benefits of this largely peaceful era have created a level of global prosperity unprecedented in human history.

However, beneath the surface of peace flow some turbulent undercurrents. Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, with some politicians in the West obsessed with dividing the world along ideological lines, forming exclusive blocs and fueling a “new Cold War” mentality.

Even more, the United States openly disregards international norms, engages in economic coercion, imposes punitive tariffs and elevates domestic law above international law.

Such hegemonic behavior undermines the UN-centered international system, challenges the international order underpinned by international law, and threatens the very foundation of global peace and development.

As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned, “Everywhere we look, peace is under attack.”

The world is once again at a crossroads. Should the world uphold multilateralism and seek common ground, or allow unilateralism to grow unchecked? Should the world support more democratic international relations, or accept that power politics rules everything? Should the world follow international law and basic diplomatic norms, or return to a world where the strong dominate the weak?

History offers the clearest lessons. Firstly, peace must be defended. The terror of Nazi tyranny and the atrocities in Nanjing Massacre showed that war destroys civilization, while peace allows it to grow.

Secondly, unity is essential for the survival of human civilization. When fascism and militarism were tearing the world apart, the signing of the Declaration by United Nations by 26 nations in 1942 showed that ideological divisions can be overcome, and shared human values can bind nations together.

Thirdly, the tide of history cannot be reversed or resisted. The fall of colonialism, the end of the Cold War and the rise of developing countries all show that the logic of “might makes right” does not last. A multipolar world is the way forward.

Fourthly, rules are not tools for the powerful to abuse. Instead, they are the foundation of fairness and justice. The principles in the UN Charter, including sovereign equality and bans on aggression, remind humanity that without rules, the world risks sliding into chaos.

As a victor in World War II as well as a founder and defender of the post-war order, China has consistently stood on the right side of history and on the side of civilization and human progress.

From advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to launching the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and from promoting a community with a shared future for mankind to offering ideas and solutions for global and regional challenges, China supports true multilateralism through concrete actions. It is working to make global governance fairer and more balanced, while contributing stability and positive momentum to world peace and development.

The majority of the world has come to recognize China as a pivotal force in safeguarding world peace and stability. As noted by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, initiatives China proposed around peace and security, global development and cultural cooperation closely align with the UN’s core mission of peacemaking, humanitarian efforts and global security.

The concept of “a community with a shared future for mankind” is another key idea that highlights global solidarity and “the world coming together, not pulling apart,” Fletcher told Xinhua, adding that such a concept has created “partnerships that we really need if we’re to meet the challenges ahead of us, including climate change.”

As partners who fought side by side in World War II, China and Russia continue to work together today to uphold global strategic stability. They coordinate closely within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, jointly opposing hegemonism and power politics, and promoting a more multipolar world and economic globalization through true multilateralism.

Meanwhile, emerging markets and developing countries are rising as a collective force. The awakened Global South is gaining strength, confidence and a greater voice in global governance. The forces for peace and development have never been more robust.

French writer Victor Hugo once observed: “Memories are our strength. When night attempts to return, we must light up the great dates, as we would light torches.” The significance of marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War lies in illuminating the path ahead, and reaffirming humanity’s unwavering commitment to enduring peace.

At this new crossroads in history, what humanity needs is not the drumbeat of a new Cold War, but the call for cooperation; not claims of civilizational superiority, but a spirit of shared prosperity; not a return to the law of the jungle, but a renewed commitment to a shared future.

Only by following this path can the world prevent the tragedies of history from repeating themselves and turn the vision of lasting peace and sustainable development into reality.

May 7, 2025
Rehearsal for Victory Day military parade held in Moscow

May 7, 2025
The ultra selfish Armstrong

Recent days, people all over the world are busy clearing the debris from the earthquake of “Executive Orders” and embracing for more afterquakes.

These Orders, simply and joyfully signed by a certain country, are shocking the entire globe. From freeze of assistance, to raising of tariffs, to relocating of overseas Diasporas, by tens of thousands and possibly more, from this country and the continent. People are worried and resented. But the best can be done is to oblige and pray.

The administration that signed those orders, is successful in keeping this continent at arm’s length when coming to aid and assistance.In the mean time, according to a member of this country’s Congress, its foreign aid money may have been used to fund terrorist groups around the world, including Boko Haram.

The administration is successful, in flip-flopping, time and again, international pledges its country solemnly made.This time by withdrawing from WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement, and counting. This is nothing short of rolling back the wheel of history. And the argument used? The world owes this Administration and the country it represents.

The administration is successful, in coining new words like MAGA.What do people see in it? Half lamentation, half echo of the past, half menace of the future.

Far too long, the administration and the country it represents, is viewed by many as a beacon, a lighthouse. It compels nations, on pain of extinction, to adopt to its modality; it compels them to introduce what it calls democratic civilization into their midst. In short, it wants to create a world after its own image.

People are reckoning, and awakening.The illusion of beacon have been drowned into the icy water of the country’s egotistical calculation. High falutin phrases like human rights and democracy are but its masquerade of hypocrisy and double standard.

People disdain to conceal their views. Name of the country? The Ultra Selfish Armstrong.The writing is on the wall.

(The author, Gang Ping is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN etc. He can be reached at gangping1a2@gmail.com.)

April 2, 2025
DPCW anniversary inspires unity and action for lasting peace in Japan

The event was organized by HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), a South Korea-based peace organization, under the theme “Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: Establishing Legal and Practical Frameworks for Peace.”

It brought together approximately 1,000 domestic and international leaders to present a unified plan for nationwide peace and reunification.

On March 23, a commemorative ceremony took place in Osaka, Japan, gathering around 80 peace advocates, citizens, and HWPL members who came together to express their shared aspiration for global peace.

Since its proclamation on March 14, 2016, the DPCW has served as the foundation for HWPL’s global peace-building efforts. The 10-article, 38-clause document was developed in collaboration with legal experts from 15 countries and provides a robust legal framework to prevent and resolve conflicts while promoting a culture of peace.

The Osaka ceremony opened with a reflection on the significance of the DPCW and its origin in South Korea. Attendees were offered an in-depth look into the legal foundations of the DPCW and its growing influence in the international peace community. The event also underscored the importance of active participation by individuals, communities, and governments in creating lasting peace.

Leaders from HWPL’s Kobe and Nagoya branches shared their plans for future activities, emphasizing the organization’s intent to expand its peace efforts throughout Japan. The announcement further encouraged participants and strengthened expectations for continued collaboration.

Additionally, the event featured a membership registration drive and a petition in support of the DPCW. Attendees engaged meaningfully by writing and sharing heartfelt peace messages.

One of the guest speakers, Mr. Morimoto Tadanori, Yamato Takada City Representative from the Nara Prefectural Japan-North Korea Friendship Association, remarked, “It was truly inspiring to witness how people can come together in the shared mission of promoting peace. And it would be wonderful to see more young people from Japan actively participating in these events. Their involvement is crucial in shaping a peaceful future for all.”

HWPL plans to expand peace initiatives actively in Japan and strengthen collaboration with various organizations and individuals to advance international peace efforts.

March 25, 2025
Thailand students express hope for peace on Korean Peninsula

Participants expressed their hope for world peace and Korean unification by writing “Peace Letters” to support the DPCW. They also filmed a video under the theme “We Are One for Korea”, sending a peace message to global citizens.

On 14 March 2016, HWPL proclaimed the DPCW, which was drafted with the participation of international law experts from 15 countries. This declaration, comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses, aims to restore the spirit that served as the basis for the establishment of the United Nations and to achieve sustainable peace by promoting the universal values of the global community. The DPCW embodies the principles and measures for preventing and resolving conflicts and sustaining a peaceful global society.

The commemorative event followed a well-organized program, beginning with an introduction about HWPL and the DPCW. Subsequently, participants recorded the “Together Challenge” video to share a message of peace. They also wrote Peace Letters, expressing their hopes for the unification of the Korean Peninsula. The event concluded with the registration of 200 new members to HWPL.

After signing an MOU with the Islamic College of Thailand in 2022, HWPL has continued to engage in cultural exchange and volunteer activities, such as the Korean Teaching Class at the school. Last year, the organization provided peace education training for teachers and helped establish the school as the first in Thailand to introduce peace education across all classes.

Chollada Suawong, a teacher at the Islamic College of Thailand, said, “We have carried out various HWPL activities at school, such as peace education, a peace walk, a peace drawing contest, and a Korean language exchange class. This was the first time we wrote peace messages for Korea’s unification and supported the DPCW, making it a truly memorable experience.

“Young generations need to learn how to respect and love one another and how to build peace in society. HWPL’s peace activities are always excellent for fostering these values.”

An official of HWPL mentioned that the support for Korean Peninsula unification at this commemorative event is especially significant, as Thailand has historically maintained a close relationship with Korea.

This includes its participation in the Korean War, during which Thailand sent approximately 12,000 soldiers as part of the Allied forces to help restore peace in Korea.

This coming May, the school is set to host the 12th anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Declaration and a Peace Walk event. These activities are expected to promote a culture of peace in Thailand.

March 19, 2025
China’s 2025 growth target balances necessity, feasibility: experts

It is necessary to maintain a certain level of economic growth to ensure stable employment, mitigate risks and improve people’s livelihoods, Huang Lianghao, an official with the Research Office of the State Council, said in the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

Since China introduced a comprehensive package of incremental policies last year, the economy has experienced a significant rebound, and this positive trend has been further consolidated and expanded since the beginning of this year, said Huang.

Over the years, the country has accumulated many positive factors and favorable conditions for growth, he said, adding that new technological breakthroughs are emerging at a faster pace, new industries and growth drivers are accelerating, and domestic demand is expanding rapidly, all of which lay a solid foundation for future development.

Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday announced the annual economic growth target when delivering the government work report to the annual session of the National People’s Congress for deliberation.

According to the report, China will adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy, which Huang said will provide strong policy support for economic growth.

The moderately loose monetary policy will help lower corporate financing costs and enhance liquidity, said Jin Li, a national political advisor and vice president of Southern University of Science and Technology.

Emerging industries and consumer sectors, including artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy and digital economy, are expected to receive stronger support, injecting new vitality into China’s high-quality economic development, said Jin.

March 7, 2025
Domestic demand unlocks new growth opportunities: official

Domestic demand is a “home market that will not move away,” and its growth will increase the country’s market capacity and bolster economic circulation, according to Huang Lianghao, an official of the Research Office of the State Council.

Huang made the remarks while discussing this year’s government work report, which was submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Wednesday. Domestic demand will be made the main engine and anchor of economic growth, according to the report.

“We should adopt a comprehensive approach and identify key areas to unleash all potential of domestic demand,” the official said.

Increasing spending power is one of the key measures to boost consumption outlined in the report. According to Huang, this is the most fundamental task aiming to ensure that people have enough money to spend.

Huang also called for efforts to address the most pressing issues hindering consumption, as well as to improve the overall consumption experience and boost people’s willingness to spend.

March 7, 2025
Improving people’s well-being remains China’s policy priority: official

“This year’s government work report emphasizes prioritizing people’s livelihoods,” Huang said, adding that a series of measures for education, social insurance, and medical and health services will be introduced to meet the people’s needs.

On social insurance, the country has pledged to allocate more financial support to increase basic pension benefits for urban and rural residents, provide child care subsidies, and strengthen care for functionally impaired elderly people, according to the government work report, which was unveiled on Wednesday.

Economic development and livelihood improvements provide mutual reinforcement, particularly amid economic headwinds and insufficient effective demand, he said.

“Through policies to enhance living standards, the government aims to promote a positive interplay between improvements to people’s lives, demand expansion and economic growth,” he added.

March 7, 2025
Official expounds on China’s efforts to boost employment

China has set targets of keeping the surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5.5 percent in 2025, and creating over 12 million new urban jobs, according to a government work report unveiled Wednesday.

Despite steady economic recovery, China’s job market remains under pressure, particularly with 12 million college graduates this year, Huang Lianghao, an official with the Research Office of the State Council, said on the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

To expand employment opportunities, Huang highlighted key measures outlined in the government work report, including fully leveraging employment-related policies, supporting labor-intensive industries in creating jobs and stabilizing employment, and striking a balance between the application of new technologies and job relocation for employees.

Beyond job availability, more should be done to address structural employment mismatches, he said.

“Many individuals struggle to find suitable positions, while businesses grapple with hiring the right talent,” Huang noted, emphasizing the need to solve the problem.

He highlighted large-scale vocational skills training, saying that this will not only enhance the job-seekers’ competence but also generate new jobs, boost labor productivity, and drive industrial upgrading.

March 7, 2025