The growing BRICS group gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, and signed a joint declaration encompassing 126 commitments covering global governance, finance, health, artificial intelligence, climate change, and other strategic areas. The document sealed the group's commitment to strengthening multilateralism, defending international law, and striving for a more equitable global order.
Addressing the plenary session themed "Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance" at the summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that BRICS countries should strive to become the vanguard in advancing the reform of global governance, calling on the bloc to safeguard world peace and tranquility, and promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Chinese experts said on Monday that the expanded BRICS mechanism, with its vast economic scale, large populations, and significant contributions to the global economy, are gaining influence on the global stage. Their collective voice and actions are crucial for upholding the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, strongly demonstrating that unilateralism and trade protectionism are ineffective and cannot intimidate the Global South.
In the face of growing conflicts and differences, it is necessary to enhance extensive consultation based on equality and mutual respect; in the face of deeply intertwined common interests, it is necessary to pursue joint contribution through solidarity; in the face of mutually beneficial development opportunities, it is necessary to hold an open mind to seek mutual success and shared benefits, said the Chinese Premier, Xinhua News Agency reported.
As the leading force of the Global South, BRICS countries should uphold independence and self-reliance, demonstrate a sense of responsibility, and play a greater role in building consensus and synergies, Li said.
Noting that China will establish a China-BRICS research center on new quality productive forces this year, Li also announced a scholarship established for BRICS countries to facilitate talent cultivation in sectors including industry and telecommunication.
At the meeting, leaders of the 11 largest emerging economies signed the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusion, collaboration and consensus, per the official website of BRICS.
BRICS voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. "The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions," the declaration said, "threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities."
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who hosted the summit, criticized NATO's decision to hike military spending by 5 percent of GDP annually by 2035, stating that the world is facing an unprecedented number of conflicts since World War II, and NATO's move has fueled an arms race, according to media reports.
Lula also condemned certain countries for continuously violating the territorial integrity of others, which undermines efforts to resolve issues through negotiations and jeopardizes the process of nuclear non-proliferation, according to media reports.
Leaders of the BRICS group are expected to address the shared challenges of climate change on Monday, the final day of the summit in Rio de Janeiro, demanding that wealthy nations fund global mitigation of greenhouse emissions, per Reuters.
Resisting pressure
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on "any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS" with "no exceptions," though it was not immediately clear which policies Trump was referring to, CNN reported on Monday.
Trump has previously threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs against the bloc if they take any moves to undermine the dollar.
Responding to the latest threat, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at Monday's press briefing that BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. It advocates openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. It is not a bloc for confrontation. Nor does it target any country.
"On the US tariff hikes, China has made its position clear more than once. Trade war and tariff war have no winners, and protectionism leads nowhere," Mao said.
The 17th BRICS Summit was held under complex circumstances, particularly with intensified US pressure on the mechanism. Despite this, the summit was successfully convened and achieved pragmatic outcomes, playing a pivotal role in shaping BRICS' future development, Xu Feibiao, director of the Center for BRICS and G20 Studies with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Monday.
This summit adopted a more simplified, efficient, and practical approach, focusing on six priority areas, including climate change, AI governance, and global public health governance, to deliver tangible results, Xu said, adding that the summit reaffirmed the BRICS spirit, principles, and objectives, solidifying the foundation for future cooperation and ensuring cohesion in a larger framework.
The summit maintained a low-key and moderate stance on sensitive issues, emphasizing BRICS as a development-focused platform rather than a confrontational bloc targeting any third party, in stark contrast to some antagonistic Western-dominated cliques, Xu added.
In response to a question about remarks reportedly made by Israel's consul general in Shanghai during an interview with Bloomberg, suggesting that China should use its political and economic sway to rein in Iran's military and nuclear ambitions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that serious conflicts have erupted recently in the Middle East, and the essence of the issue is very clear. China aims for a sustained and effective ceasefire and seeks to foster a return to peace and stability in the region.
Mao emphasized that the Iran nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully through political and diplomatic efforts. China hopes that all involved parties will collaborate to steer the Iran nuclear issue back toward a political solution, she said.
Following the release of a primary school humanities curriculum guide by Hong Kong's education bureau, which aims to systematically cultivating students' national consciousness, a Hong Kong educator told the Global Times on Wednesday that he strongly supports these curriculum guidelines, especially the focus on national geography and famous historical sites.
The Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region released the guide and support measures on Tuesday, following the earlier release of a Science curriculum guide, according to a report by Takungpao.com on Wednesday.
This guide aims to systematically cultivate students' sense of national identity, patriotism and emotional connection to the nation from an early age through various topics, according to the report.
The curriculum covers six areas: "Health and Living," "Environment and Living," "Financial Management and Economy," "Community and Citizenship," "Our Country and Me" and "The World and Me."
Strengthening national education is one of the key focuses of the primary humanities curriculum. Therefore, the curriculum has been enriched with elements of Chinese culture, national history, national geography and national development, according to the report.
For example, the content of "Environment and Living" covers the national territory, geographical features and famous scenic spots, the natural environment of the country and achievements in environmental protection.
"Our Country and Me" includes the development of national history and historical figures, the characteristics and inheritance of Chinese culture, and the modern development of the country to cultivate students' national identity and their willingness to take on the responsibility of inheriting Chinese culture.
Nicholas Muk Ka-chun, a secondary school teacher in Hong Kong, told the Global Times on Wednesday that he strongly supports this curriculum guide, especially the section focusing on educating students about national geography and famous historical sites.
In his nearly 10 years of teaching, Muk has found that many local students, such as those who have never had the experience of studying in the mainland, have no understanding of the nation's geography. For example, they can't distinguish between simple administrative concepts such as provinces and cities, and they don't even know what the provincial capitals are.
"As citizens, basic national geographical concepts should be learned from a young age," he said.
In the past, primary education's humanities courses in Hong Kong mainly focused on the transmission of knowledge, with patriotism education being largely overlooked, lawmaker Lawrence Tang Fei told the Global Times. Even when some courses dealt with national education, they were often lacking in emotional cultivation and the shaping of values.
The approach has been improved now, Tang noted. The new curriculum includes more national geography content, enabling children to better understand the actual situation of the country. "This is not just about imparting knowledge, but more importantly, it is about cultivating children's emotional identification with the nation and ethnicity based on this knowledge."
The EDB has adopted a "multi-pronged and co-ordinated" approach that includes activities inside and outside the classroom to strengthen students' understanding of Chinese culture, the Constitution and the Basic Law, and their awareness of abiding by the law in promoting patriotic education, an EDB spokesman said in response to media enquiries about safeguarding national security on Tuesday.
The EDB has issued detailed administrative and educational guidelines to schools, requiring them to establish school-based mechanisms and formulate appropriate measures according to their own circumstances and needs to implement various tasks related to safeguarding national security and national security education.
Schools have the responsibility to play a good gate-keeper role and to enhance the sensitivity of teachers and students toward national security, according to the response.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has stressed that the environment concerns the well-being of people in all countries. During his inspections, Xi has always paid great attention to ecosystems, spanning from cities to rural areas, and from enterprises to communities.
Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping's thought on ecological civilization, China has been advancing the green transition of its economy over the last decade. Regions across the country are actively promoting the construction of ecological civilization and advancing Chinese modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature. These efforts are creating a "Beautiful China."
The coming five years will be critical to the building of a "Beautiful China." The Global Times is launching a series of stories to explore the progress of ecological civilization projects that Xi is concerned with, delving into the positive environmental changes occurring now, and offering valuable insights and references for both national and global efforts. From these practical examples, we can see how Xi's thought on ecological civilization is put into practice and further inspires public action.
In this installment, we turn our eyes to the northeast regions of China. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, they have persisted for decades in evolving their approaches to bird conservation, demonstrating how grassroots efforts form an indispensable foundation for China's ecological stewardship. At 5:30 am, the mudflats at the mouth of the Liao River in Northeast China's Liaoning Province are still shrouded in mist. Jiang Shui, now 63 years old, stuffs his binoculars, water bottle, and dry food into his backpack, hops on his bicycle, and heads off with his water fork, rubber boat, and other tools for a special task - dismantling bird nets.
Jiang meets with other team members of a "flying squad" to begin their patrol. This is just another ordinary day for the volunteers at the Saunders' Gull Conservation Society (SGCS), China's first environmental NGO based in Panjin, Liaoning Province, operating with dedication for 34 years.
Located in Panjin, this area is home to the world's largest reed coastal wetland, marking the southernmost limit of red-crowned crane breeding and is also the largest breeding ground for the Saunders's gull, according to information provided by the SGCS.
The actions of the SGCS are part of a nationwide bird conservation campaign that the country is conducting for ecological preservation. China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) recently held a special meeting to launch nationwide bird protection activities, including assisting relevant departments in crackdowns on illegal hunting and the trade of birds, and launching ecological civilization awareness campaigns.
Bird protection is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. The Party and government leaders attach great importance to bird conservation and have issued several critical instructions, emphasizing the importance of "implementation," read an announcement on the website of the NFGA.
Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China's migratory bird protection efforts have achieved remarkable results in recent years. Awareness of biodiversity and bird protection has significantly improved across society, with a growing number of volunteers actively participating in bird protection activities. A shared mission
Under the leadership of its president, 74-year-old Liu Detian, a "flying squad" and key organizations within the SGCS have become tenacious ecological sentinels.
According to Liu, the "flying squad" was initially a local mountaineering and cycling team. "They often found bird nets during their activities and would rescue trapped birds. In 2014, we officially incorporated them into the association to form a professional migratory bird protection team. Their primary mission is patrolling and quickly rescuing injured birds," Liu said.
As president, Liu also participates in patrols. He explains that the team packs dry food and water but returns daily - no overnight stays. Dressed for hiking, sometimes with volunteer vests, they wear windproof gear, goggles, and gloves. Departures vary by season, often before dawn to arrive at daybreak.
Five years ago, Jiang retired from a state-owned enterprise and joined the squad. "The Panjin wetlands are abundant with bird resources. I love birds and find this work to be very meaningful."
"The frequency of activities varies; sometimes we go several times a week, sometimes just once a week. We have a group, and whenever someone initiates an activity, we go together to patrol the wetlands and clear bird nets," he told the Global Times.
Jiang vividly remembers each time he and his team members fulfilled the mission of rescuing precious birds. He narrated stories about escorting an injured Saunders's gull to Tangshan in Hebei Province for treatment despite a 600-kilometer one-way trip during heavy rains, and a near-death yellow-legged gull having its head stuck in the mud while fishing. "I could tell you stories until midnight," he said.
Since its establishment, the flying squad has tirelessly patrolled the wetlands, dismantled over 70 bird nets and rescued more than 300 trapped birds. The SGCS now has 40,000 volunteers.
Though winters in Liaoning are harsh, and migratory birds migrate south, it's not off-season for the squad and the SGCS, as they shift their focus to habitat protection.
"Compared to poaching, wetland development is far more destructive. Poaching might harm dozens of birds, but the development of a wetland for other uses can destroy the habitat of thousands of birds," Liu explained.
The SGCS also works closely with local government. In 2010, a 300,000-acre wetland development project quietly started during the Chinese New Year. However, SGCS volunteers noticed this project and immediately reported to local authorities.
"We contacted the head of the Ecology and Environment Bureau of Panjin and invited the media to the site. The bureau chief asked, 'Did you conduct an environmental impact assessment?' When the developers admitted they had not, the project was halted immediately," Liu recalled.
Liu shared that after more than 30 years of consistent teamwork, Saunders's gull conservation efforts have yielded remarkable results. In 2006, Panjin was awarded the "Hometown of the Saunders's Gulls" title by the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
Meanwhile, other regions in China have also achieved success in protecting Saunders's gulls. For instance, the population of Saunders's gulls in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in East China's Shandong Province, increased from 2,800 in 2013 to 8,676 in 2020, making it one of the largest breeding grounds for the species in China, according to CCTV. Embracing new technologies
In addition to traditional methods like patrols and net dismantling, new technologies are incorporated into China's bird protection.
"In recent bird protection projects, we installed monitoring equipment that allows for 24-hour monitoring from up to 100 kilometers away. This system enables us to fully observe the process from egg-laying and incubation to the fledging of chicks, and intervene as needed," said Liu.
The solution to the problem of oriental white storks nesting on high-voltage transmission towers was largely made possible by new technology. Oriental white storks, which are under national first-class protection, nest on high-voltage transmission towers due to a lack of tall trees. Now artificial nests can be built to attract the storks to move away from the power towers, according to Liu.
Meanwhile, using drones for patrols, Internet Protocol technology, and remote monitoring, the efficiency of bird protection and addressing of the human-bird conflict have significantly improved. Many regions in China are advancing the use of new technologies to support bird conservation.
At Poyang Lake in East China's Jiangxi Province, a smart management platform integrates high-definition cameras, sensors, and AI recognition, while drones are employed for efficient patrols and aerial monitoring across the entire area. Water levels are scientifically regulated using algorithmic predictions to optimize habitats. In Dianchi Lake, Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, a combination of fixed cameras, drone patrols, and acoustic monitoring is utilized. These technologies effectively address the spatial and temporal limitations and manpower shortages of traditional monitoring methods, read an article on People's Daily.
In addition to actively promoting new technologies, China has long been committed to raising public awareness in bird conservation. Since the beginning of this year, the NFGA has guided localities in organizing themed awareness campaigns such as "Bird-Loving Week" during the migratory seasons. These activities have attracted over 14 million participants, both online and offline, significantly enhancing public awareness, according to the NFGA.
"Thirty years ago, some still saw bird protection as 'an unimportant task,' but today, the situation has changed. Conservation work is highly respected across all sectors of society, and people are willing to lend a hand," Liu added.
An expanding network
In recent years, many self-organized bird protectors have emerged in China. For example, in Changde, Central China's Hunan Province, farmer Nie Luomin has been working in environmental protection and fighting illegal poaching for over a decade, and was recognized as an outstanding bird protection volunteer by the China Foundation for Rural Development, reported local media outlet Changde Daily. In Tianjin, photographer Wang Jianmin has been observing and protecting oriental storks for years, witnessing the changes in this precious species, The Paper reported.
In Liu's opinion, grassroots bird conservation efforts in China have undergone profound changes in the past decade. A notable feature is the significant increase in participation. "Not only has our local rescue network flourished, but new conservation organizations have sprung up across the country, like mushrooms after rain."
More importantly, a close network of connections has been established between conservation organizations nationwide. "This connection goes beyond just information sharing; it has promoted frequent technical exchanges. Cross-regional collaboration is more than just technical support; it is key to spreading advanced conservation ideas."
Behind all this is a remarkable rise in the public awareness of environmental protection and bird conservation. The societal atmosphere of protection formed across the nation has been a crucial factor in the growth of rare bird populations, Liu emphasized.
According to the People's Daily, in 2024, the number of overwintering waterfowl in China reached its highest recorded figure. However, illegal hunting and trade of birds and other wildlife species continue to occur in some areas, posing a threat to the safety of bird populations and other wildlife.
Since the beginning of this year, the NFGA has continuously strengthened the protection of bird habitats and the monitoring of overwintering waterfowl, as well as deploying law enforcement and regulatory oversight to protect migratory birds during their migration. The administration has led 11 departments in a joint operation aimed at combating illegal wildlife trade. Nationwide, 3,917 cases involving the destruction of bird and wildlife resources have been investigated, with 265 criminal groups dismantled, effectively deterring illegal activities. About 810,000 individuals have participated in patrolling key areas, removing 14,000 bird nets, according to the NFGA.
Looking ahead, the NFGA said it will issue a notice to further deepen bird protection activities, holding all parties accountable through enhanced law enforcement, improved monitoring networks, and increased public education efforts.
The momentum of volunteer protection efforts has never slowed down, and it continues to radiate new energy. Jiang has observed that many passionate young people are joining the "flying squad" and other conservation activities. These young volunteers are not only full of energy but also demonstrate a strong interest in systematic bird research and scientific protection methods.
Looking toward the future, the association has developed a clear blueprint for growth. Liu shared their plans, which include establishing larger environmental education bases to attract more people, especially young people, to come and experience ecological conservation.
"Now, the birds in Panjin are no longer afraid of humans; they even approach people on the streets. One day, there will no longer be a need for a "flying squad" across the country because everyone will already be a member," Liu said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged residents of a village in Xizang Autonomous Region to uphold ethnic solidarity and create a happier and better life.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, put forward his expectations in a reply letter to residents of a village in Nyingchi, where he paid a visit in July 2021.
"Learning that the village has undergone new changes in recent years and villagers' incomes have increased, I feel happy for you," Xi wrote in the letter.
Xi also voiced his hope that the villagers will, under the guidance of the Party's policies to develop border areas and improve people's lives, do an even better job in protecting the natural beauty of the plateau region, developing the village's tourist brand, and contributing to building a prosperous and stable border area.
The village is known for its peach blossoms. In recent years, it has made new achievements in developing rural tourism, strengthening the collective economy, and promoting ethnic solidarity.
The US move to attack three nuclear sites in Iran has divided Trump supporters in the US and unsettled some allies, the Washington Post reported.
The prospect of escalation with Iran expanded the divide within the GOP over military intervention - and left some Republicans worried about political fallout, particularly if Iran retaliates by targeting Americans or curtailing crucial shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially increasing oil prices and undercutting the president's promises to reduce costs, according to the Washington Post.
Trump's decision to launch a military strike on Iran's nuclear sites without fully consulting the US Congress also layered a partisan approach onto a risky action, particularly because the White House briefed top Republican leaders beforehand while leaving Democrats with little information, the AP said on Monday.
The AP also noted that it's a highly unusual situation that is complicating the difficult politics ahead for the US president and his party as the US enters an uncertain national security era with the surprise military attack on the nuclear facilities, an unprecedented incursion in Iran.
Steve Bannon, a top adviser in Trump's first White House and host of the "War Room" podcast, made it clear in a special broadcast Saturday night that he would have preferred for Israel to take the lead in striking Iran's nuclear facilities, NBC News reported on Sunday.
Bannon gave voice to the doubts some MAGA voters would have about the mission, according to NBC News.
Trump said on Saturday that the US military had carried out a "very successful" attack on three nuclear sites in Iran.
The Washington Post reported recent polls show that Americans widely agree that Iranian success in developing a nuclear weapon would amount to a threat to the US. But polls conducted before the bombing also found that somewhere between 25 and 30 percent of Republicans opposed a military strike, the Washington Post said.
China announced plans on Tuesday for marking 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, including a gathering on September 3 in Tian'anmen Square and a military parade.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the gathering and will deliver a speech there, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Eighty years ago, after 14 years of arduous and heroic struggle, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, marking the complete triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. This monumental victory belonged not only to the Chinese people but also to people around the world, Hu Heping, an executive vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told at a press conference on Tuesday.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, holding grand memorial events serves as a powerful reminder of history and tribute to the fallen heroes. It is of great and far-reaching significance in carrying forward the great spirit of patriotism and the indomitable spirit of resistance, Hu said.
In the name of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, commemorative medals for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War will be awarded to surviving veterans, senior comrades, wartime generals or their families, the official said.
Relevant regions and departments will also organize visits and tribute activities for surviving veterans, senior comrades, wartime generals or their families and the families of fallen heroes of the War of Resistance, Hu said.
On July 7, in the name of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, a ceremony will be held at the Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression to mark the 88th anniversary of the full-scale outbreak of the war.
On the same day, an opening ceremony of a themed exhibition titled "For National Liberation and World Peace — Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War" will also be held.
Around September 3, forums will be held for compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese and relevant individuals, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. An international academic symposium will also be organized, Hu noted.
On September 18, in the name of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and the Liaoning Provincial Government, a bell-ringing ceremony will be held at the September 18 Incident at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning, serving as a warning to never forget national humiliation.
Around October 25, a commemorative conference will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. Overseas Chinese communities will be supported in organizing related memorial activities in their local areas.
On December 13, in the name of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, a national memorial ceremony will be held at the Memorial Hall for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders to honor the victims of the Nanjing Massacre.
Also, China will announce the fourth batch of national-level memorial facilities and sites related to the War of Resistance, along with the names of renowned war heroes and heroic groups. Restoration and preservation work will be carried out on war memorial sites and relics, and a selection of high-quality exhibitions with resistance themes will be promoted, according to the press conference.
A series of literary and artistic works, as well as themed publications, will be created and released to commemorate the 80th anniversary. Academic research will be strengthened, and a number of key research projects will be initiated. Additionally, commemorative coins and stamps will be issued.
Across China, local governments and departments will organize commemorative events tailored to their local circumstances. Hong Kong and Macao will also host a variety of remembrance activities, Hu said.
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is a major event for the Party and the country in 2025, Hu noted.
As previously outlined, no fewer than five key events are being held in the name of the CPC Central Committee and the state -- a grand commemorative assembly, a state reception, the issuance of commemorative medals, the opening of a themed exhibition, and a national memorial ceremony, he said.
The decision to organize such high-profile events reflects the Party and the state's deep respect for history and reverence for the fallen heroes, and aims to further cultivate and inspire patriotic sentiment among the people, Hu added.
At the same time, we will invite international friends to take part in the commemorative events, host international academic symposiums, promote a selection of outstanding works on the War of Resistance, and organize special exhibitions by selected Chinese museums in relevant countries, he said.
We also welcome all peace-loving countries and peoples around the world to follow and participate in China's commemorative activities, so that together we may honor the hard-won and historic victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Hu noted.
South Korean police on Tuesday applied for an arrest warrant for an internet media reporter over a controversial report alleging that 99 Chinese spies were apprehended at a National Election Commission (NEC) facility during former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024, the Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday.
The reporter, whose identity is withheld, is accused of obstructing the NEC's official duties by publishing a false article, Yonhap said, citing the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
The reporter published a post on online platform Sky Daily falsely claimed that 99 Chinese spies had been arrested at the NEC by the Martial Law Command late in the night of December 3, 2024, and early the next morning, the Korea Herald said. The report offered no evidence and did not cite specific sources for its claims, according to the South Korean media report.
The Korea Herald also pointed out that Sky Daily is notorious for making false claims with far-right political inclinations.
The NEC requested a police investigation, and the person who wrote the post is facing a charge of obstruction of performance of official duties by fraudulent means, stipulated in Article 137 of the South Korean Criminal Act as interfering with public official duties via falsehood, according to the Korea Herald.
US Forces Korea denied report in January spread by Sky Daily claiming that 99 Chinese spies were captured by US forces and sent to Japan when martial law was invoked, stating that such allegations are "entirely false," South Korea media reported.
Anti-China sentiment is spreading among far-right conservatives in South Korea amid the martial law fiasco, Korea Times reported earlier.
Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing said in a post on X in February that China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and opposes relating South Korea's internal issues with China for no reason.
Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will chair the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, Fujian Province from May 28 to 29. Foreign ministers or representatives from 11 island countries having diplomatic relations with China, namely President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau of Kiribati, Premier and Foreign Minister Dalton Tagelagi of Niue, Crown Prince and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala of Tonga, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Rouwen Aingimea of Nauru, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert of Federated States of Micronesia, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka of Solomon Islands, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade Marc Ati of Vanuatu, Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko of Papua New Guinea, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana of the Cook Islands, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua of Fiji, and representative of the government of Samoa and Ambassador of Samoa to China Luamanuvae A. Mariner, and Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Esala Nayasi will attend the meeting upon invitation.
China has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly uphold regional peace and stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, following reports that Indian and Pakistani troops engaged in another cross-border exchange of fire on Monday night.
Following the terrorist attack in Kashmir last week, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged cross-border fire again on Monday night. AFP reported, citing an Indian army statement, small arms fire occurred across the Line of Control during the night of Sunday and Monday.
Commenting on the latest development, Guo stated at a press conference that India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia, and that their peaceful coexistence is crucial for regional peace, stability and development.
"As a common neighbor to both nations, China urges the two sides to exercise restraint, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly maintain regional peace and stability," Guo said.
The terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir last week, which killed at least 26 tourists, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.
After the attack, New Delhi downgraded diplomatic ties, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, suspended a water-sharing treaty and announced the closure of its main land border crossing with Pakistan, AFP reported.
In response, Islamabad ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian nationals and barred its airspace to Indian airplanes.
The UN has urged the two sides to show "maximum restraint" so that issues can be "resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement," according to AFP.
