The Chinese embassy in Germany said it has not received reports of casualties among Chinese nationals as a driver killed at least five people when he rammed into a large crowd of revelers at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening local time.

The embassy reminds Chinese nationals to increase their safety awareness, stay informed about local safety conditions, and avoid gatherings during the holiday season.

According to China Central Television, at least five were killed and over 200 were injured. 

One of the dead was a young child, said Reiner Haseloff, premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The incident took place in Magdeburg, the state capital, which is 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Berlin, Reuters reported.

Haseloff described the attacker as a 50-year-old male doctor from Saudi Arabia with permanent residency in Germany, where he had lived for almost two decades.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who sent his thoughts to those affected in a post on social media platform X, is expected to visit the scene on Saturday together with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Reuters reported

Former Chinese national football team head coach Li Tie was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a first-instance verdict on Friday for a number of charges including offering and accepting bribes.

The verdict was made by the Intermediate People's Court of Xianning, Central China's Hubei Province.

From 2019 to 2021, Li, taking advantage of his position as the head coach of the Chinese men's national football team, illegally accepted bribes totaling over 50.89 million yuan ($7.04 million), the Beijing Daily reported, citing revelations from the courts.

From 2015 to 2019, while working at the Hebei Huaxia Fortune Soccer Club and the Wuhan Zall Club, Li bribed other football clubs to cooperate or play passively during matches in order to win or achieve favorable outcomes, with the amount totaling over 39.05 million yuan.

From 2017 to 2019, leveraging his positions as general manager and head coach at the Wuhan club, Li received a total of 26.75 million yuan from the Hebei club to assist it in player transfers and winning matches.

Before the sentencing of Li, media reports show that 15 people have been sentenced in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign in China's football field.

On the same day of Li Tie's sentencing, the case of Du Zhaocai, former deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China, for accepting bribes is also set to be sentenced. During the public trial in August, Du was accused of using his position to directly or indirectly, through relatives and others, illegally accept over 43.41 million yuan in bribes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be in Macao from Dec. 18 to 20 to attend a gathering marking the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be present at the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Xi will also conduct an inspection tour during his stay in the Macao SAR.

For centuries, the quiet city of Macao, nestled next to Hong Kong, has rarely captured as much attention as it does today.

In less than a week, this wealthy and culturally vibrant Chinese territory will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland, which ended centuries of Portuguese occupation.

Since 1999, Macao has been governed under the "one country, two systems" policy -- a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China.

The concept was first proposed by late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s to reunify the country, initially with Taiwan in mind. It was later implemented in China's two special administrative regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macao following their handovers from colonial powers in the late 1990s.
Despite early skepticism, Macao has disappointed naysayers, emerging as a model of the policy's success.

Once known as a "casino city" and a frequent backdrop for gangster films, it has transformed into a bustling hub, celebrated for its economic vitality, low crime rates, and exceptional public welfare. This year, Forbes magazine ranked Macao the second-richest place on Earth, trailing only Luxembourg.

Luo Weijian, a law professor at the University of Macao, attributed the city's success to its strong relationship with central authorities, efficient political system, rapid economic growth, significant improvements in living standards, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnic groups.

PATRIOTISM AND DEMOCRACY

According to Luo and other observers, Macao has developed a strong relationship with the central authorities and has benefited extensively from the vast resources and strategic opportunities provided under the "one country" framework.

"Over the past 25 years, the country has regarded Macao as a jewel in its palm, always serving as the strongest backing for Macao's prosperity and stability, and consistently providing the greatest opportunities for its development," said Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng.

Support can take the form of essential resources, such as a steady supply of freshwater, or something Macao, with a size merely over 20 square kilometers at the time of the return, needs most for development -- space.

The central government approved Macao's land reclamation plans and granted it administration over 85 square kilometers of surrounding waters. In 2021, an in-depth cooperation zone was established to deepen collaboration between Macao and Guangdong Province. The zone, on the island of Hengqin, spans more than three times the land area of Macao.

Ieong Tou Hong, a member of the Executive Council for the fifth-term government of the Macao SAR, said the drastic changes in Macao's coastline and skyline are a vivid embodiment of the central government's staunch support.

On the other hand, Macao has faithfully upheld the central government's overall jurisdiction, safeguarding the very foundation of "one country."

It completed legislation on safeguarding national security in as early as 2009. Putting in place a new principle required by central authorities that only patriots were allowed to run, it successfully held the election of the 7th Legislative Assembly in 2021. The chief executive election two months ago offered yet another example.

Kou Hoi In, president of the Legislative Assembly, recalled an almost unanimous agreement among legislators regarding the national security law. "While differing opinions may exist on certain livelihood issues, there is a consensus that the prosperity of the country comes first," Kou said.

Observers said Macao has built an efficient political system over the years, where the chief executive plays the leading role while the administrative, legislative and judiciary powers operate as mutual checks and balances, yet in a cooperative way.

The legislature, for example, is by no means a "rubber stamp" as unfairly portrayed by some in the West. The majority of legislators win their seats through competitive elections. People who observed the elections said they are no less lively than those in Western countries -- campaigns feature parading vehicles with loudspeakers, and polling stations witness long queues starting from early mornings.

During questioning sessions, legislators may confront the chief executive directly or submit their inquiries in writing, to which the government is obliged to respond. Face-to-face questioning sessions are streamed live by local media.

"The practice of 'one country, two systems' in Macao is based on the city's own situation, which is different from Hong Kong, let alone the West, either in economic or in political terms," said Luo, the university professor.

GROWTH OF ECONOMY AND PUBLIC APPROVAL

Chinese political philosophy has long highlighted the importance of public approval. Lin Guangzhi, a local cultural researcher, said "Macao did it."

He said attaining a high level of public satisfaction has been a key factor in Macao's smooth governance.

Lin noted that before 1999, the people of Macao loathed Portuguese colonial rule marked by bureaucracy, economic stagnation, and poor public safety.

Under the "one country, two systems" policy, Macao has secured strong support from its motherland, China, and the right to govern by the people of Macao themselves. Both are key to addressing Macao's ills of the past.
But the success recipe under the policy is more than what the "one country" can offer. Macao has leveraged the advantages of the "two systems," retaining the benefits of its capitalist system, including a more open economic model and thriving entertainment and leisure industries, particularly the gaming sector.

It is in striking comparison to the situation on the mainland where the Criminal Law punishes whoever gathers people to engage in gambling, runs a gambling house or makes gambling his profession for the purpose of profit.

Over the past quarter-century, the "one country, two systems" policy has driven Macao's rapid economic growth. Compared with 1999, its per capita GDP more than quadrupled to around 70,000 U.S. dollars in 2023. That took place generally in parallel with the mainland's economic take-off, but on a different path.

And the economic boom has trickled down to benefit the majority of the local population. The government has spent generously to improve accessibility and affordability of high-quality housing, healthcare and education. It is a much safer place as well, with violent crimes such as kidnapping, murder, and aggravated assault being either non-existent or extremely rare.

Zhang Jie, who moved to Macao from the mainland six years ago, said she feels confident enough to let her six-year-old daughter walk to school by herself. "Macao is extremely safe."

With concerns about maintaining their capitalist lifestyles and interests dispelled, Macao is now a kaleidoscopic city, with both opulent luxury hotels and commercial complexes that claim the world's top spots, and residential neighborhoods with older buildings giving locals the kind of common touch they desire.

Pansy Ho Chiu-king, a billionaire businesswoman from Macao, said in a recent interview that Macao people have a genuine sense of gaining in the city's socio-economic and cultural boom.

Jose Chan Rodrigues, a Macao-born Portuguese, said Portuguese cultural elements such as the language and architecture have mostly been preserved in Macao.

"In 1999, I was still a child. My father told me not to worry. He said things will turn better. And they did," Rodrigues told Xinhua.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said Macao during his five-year term has made new progress in diversifying its economy to reduce heavy reliance on the gaming industry, aiming to build itself into a world tourism and leisure center. Sectors like traditional Chinese medicine, modern finance, sci-tech, exhibitions and conventions, and culture and sports are booming.

"Macao's development over the past 25 years has demonstrated that the 'one country, two systems' policy is fully applicable, achievable, and popular," Ho said.

Looking ahead, Sam Hou Fai, Macao's incoming top official, said Macao will take an even more active role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, and advance the building of Hengqin.

He said Macao will also consolidate its position as a key platform for China to cooperate with Portuguese-speaking countries, home to some 250 million people across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

In July, China unveiled a new reform package, highlighting the need to harness the institutional strengths of the "one country, two systems" and facilitate the active roles of Hong Kong and Macao in the opening up of the whole country.

"This creates extensive space and opportunities for the future development of Macao," Sam said.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS

Few places in the world are as multifaceted as Macao, where diverse cultural and ethnic groups live in concentrated communities on a land area of slightly over 30 square kilometers.

The historic center of Macao, a UNESCO world heritage site, offers a convincing testimony -- it bears witness to one of the earliest and longest-lasting encounters between China and the West.

The narrow and elongated area is dotted with historic buildings, from the A-Ma Temple dedicated to the sea-goddess Mazu, to the Mandarin's House -- the former residence of a prominent Chinese historical figure, and the landmark Ruins of St. Paul's, once among the largest Catholic churches in the Far East.

From Mazu and Jesus to the Buddha, their disciples may live next door to each other, and their sacred worshipping spaces may be visible within sight.

Wu Zhiliang, president of the Macao Federation of Cultural Circles, hailed the city as a "laboratory for human civilizations."

"From capitalism to Confucianism and socialism, from Macao-born Portuguese to mainlanders and expats from Southeast Asian countries, Macao has always been at the forefront of cross-cultural exchanges, but rarely with clashes," Wu said.

Macao people also demonstrate a more balanced attitude toward work and life than Hong Kong or the mainland's top-tier cities, attracting an increasing number of visitors. "This perhaps is why the city has remained so inclusive and newcomers generally feel more welcomed than they had expected," said Zhang Jie.

When the idea of "one country, two systems" was first proposed, few likely expected it to succeed so well in Macao, which was, at that time, the most inconspicuous compared with Hong Kong and Taiwan.

As Deng Xiaoping once famously stated, "It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice." The "one country, two systems" policy is an ongoing experiment that continues to evolve. When implementing it, efforts should always suit local conditions. In this regard, Macao has undoubtedly emerged as a successful pioneer.

Zheng Yongnian, a renowned political scientist, said Macao's current success under "one country, two systems" is not its ceiling, but rather "a new beginning and starting point."

Aircraft carriers are important strategic platforms for China as a major power to defend its national sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and development interests while contributing to peace and stability to the region and the world. In 2024, all three aircraft carriers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy made tremendous achievements, as they took confident strides toward blue waters.

One of the biggest highlights of China's aircraft carrier program in 2024 is the start of the sea trials phase for the PLA Navy's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian.

The Fujian set out from Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard for maiden sea trials on May 1, and returned to the shipyard on May 8. During the eight-day sea trials, the Fujian tested its propulsion and electrical systems and other equipment, and achieved the expected results, the Xinhua News Agency reported at the time.

The Fujian was launched on June 17, 2022. It is China's first domestically-made carrier that uses catapults. With a full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tons, the carrier is equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices.

Since its maiden voyage, the carrier has reportedly conducted a total of five sea trials as of December. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, on December 13 responded at a press conference to a media query about whether the Fujian had returned to port after its latest sea trial, following the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration's announcement of traffic controls for large vessels entering the Yangtze River estuary in early December. 

Wu said that the trials of the Fujian aircraft carrier are a standard part of its construction process and subsequent trials will be conducted as construction advances.

Chinese military expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Monday that the frequency and intensity of the sea trials of the Fujian are considered high, and more sea trials are expected to come in the future, so as to test the new technologies used on the carrier and make sure it becomes combat-ready as soon as possible.

For future sea trials, Song said he expects to see tests such as aircraft takeoff and landing as well as integration with other vessels.

Another highlight of China's aircraft carrier program in 2024 is the first-ever exercise of the long-anticipated dual-carrier group.

The formations of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea, Xinhua quoted the PLA Navy as saying on October 31.

Commissioned in September 2012, the Liaoning is China's first aircraft carrier, and the Shandong, the second aircraft carrier, the first one built domestically, was commissioned in December 2019.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times that a dual-carrier group is not just an addition of two aircraft carrier groups, as it can carry out more diverse and complicated missions.

The two carriers can share some of their defense and reconnaissance forces, while each carrier can focus on more specific roles. For example, one carrier can focus on land attack, while the other focuses on air defense and air superiority, Wang said.

The first dual-carrier exercise is just a beginning, and more will follow, Wang said.

Another important aspect is the warplanes aircraft carriers can carry. At the Airshow China 2024, held in November in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, China unveiled three new types of carrier-borne fixed-wing aircraft: the J-15T fighter jet, which has been upgraded and made compatible with catapults, the J-15D electronic warfare aircraft and the J-35 stealth fighter jet.

The J-15T, which is capable of catapult launches and reverse command, has demonstrated its preliminary readiness for takeoff and landing operations on the Fujian aircraft carrier, Xinhua quoted military expert Cao Weidong as saying. "Once commissioned, the Fujian will rapidly attain combat capability through coordinated operations with the J-15T," Cao added.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times that the J-15T has also been upgraded with a radar with longer detection distance. This will also allow the J-15T to fire air-to-air missiles with longer range.

On the J-15D, Zhang said that it is a dedicated electronic warfare aircraft for aircraft carriers and a vital component in an aircraft carrier's air wing. He noted that the J-15D has powerful electronic disruption and suppression capabilities, and such capabilities are particularly important in modern information-driven naval warfare.

The star of Airshow China 2024, the J-35A stealth fighter jet, has been commissioned into the PLA Air Force, but at the exhibition hall, only a model of the J-35 carrier-based fighter jet was displayed.

Sun Cong, the chief designer of the J-15, confirmed at a press conference at Airshow China 2024 that in addition to the J-15, the J-35 will also become carrier-borne, China Central Television reported on November 12.

Song, the military expert, said that the J-35 will likely operate from not only the Fujian, but also the Liaoning and the Shandong. It will likely form a combination with the J-15, similar to the combination of the US' F-35 and F/A-18E/F.

"The biggest advantage of the J-35 is its stealth capability. It has strong air-to-surface and air-to-air combat capabilities, and the combination [with the J-15] can yield maximum efficiency," Song said.

Sovereignty protectors

Over the past year, the PLA Navy's aircraft carriers have conducted multiple exercises, including not only the dual-carrier formation exercise in the South China Sea, but also the "Joint Sword-2024B" exercise around the island of Taiwan, firmly defending China's national sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests.

During the "Joint Sword-2024B" drills on October 14, the PLA Eastern Theater Command deployed the Liaoning aircraft carrier group to conduct exercises, along with its army, navy, air force and rocket force troops, on vessel-aircraft collaboration, joint air control, and strikes on sea and land targets in the waters and airspace to the east of Taiwan, Li Xi, a spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, announced at the time, Xinhua reported.

The drills aim to test the joint combat capabilities of multiple services in integrated operations inside and outside the island chain, Li said. He said earlier that the drills are a powerful deterrent to the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" elements, and are legitimate and necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and national unity.

Zhang Chi, a professor at the PLA National Defense University, told the Global Times at the time that the Liaoning controlled a key chokepoint and formed a solid maritime barrier. The carrier formed a strategic situation that blocked external interference and effectively exerted pressure on "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces.

Noting that the PLA Navy now has three aircraft carriers, Song said that the PLA Navy's capabilities and confidence in safeguarding national sovereignty and security are growing. 

Aside from the Taiwan question, Song said that aircraft carriers are destined to sail to far seas. They provide confidence for China to safeguard its development interests, which is a key consideration for China in building a blue water, strategic navy, he said. 

As South Korea's martial law chaos entered its fourth day, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), called on Friday for President Yoon Suk-yeol to be "immediately suspended from his duties." 

Han's reversal from his previous stance is viewed by Chinese expert as a sign that the likelihood of Yoon's impeachment is increasing. Yoon's unexpected move of declaring martial law has had significant impact on the country's relations with the US and Japan, the expert added.

Han called an emergency meeting on Friday and claimed that he has "credible evidence" Yoon mobilized troops in a bid to arrest politicians on the night of martial law, and that Yoon "poses a danger to the country and its people," the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

If Yoon continues to serve as president, there is great concern that extreme acts like this emergency martial law will be repeated, Han said, the report noted.

Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), confirmed earlier on Friday that Yoon had ordered the arrest of prominent lawmakers of the ruling and main opposition parties shortly after he declared martial law, including the main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon, and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-Shik, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Han's latest remarks ran counter to his position on Thursday when he pledged his party would fight the opposition-led impeachment motion scheduled to take place at around 7 pm Saturday.

"This could be an indication that Han may support the impeachment, which means the likelihood of the motion passing is on the rise," Xiang Haoyu, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday, adding that confirmation of the "arrest list" from the intelligence agency and the public's negative perception have further exacerbated the unfavorable situation for Yoon, Xiang said.

The motion to impeach the South Korean president requires at least two-thirds, or 200 of the 300-seat parliament, to vote in favor for it to pass. The opposition parties currently hold a combined 192 seats in National Assembly, which means it needs at least eight of the 108 ruling party lawmakers to vote with opposition parties.

However, Xiang noted that many senior members within the ruling party wish to maintain party unity and avoid a repeat of the situation eight years ago when former president Park Geun-hye was impeached. 

The dramatic incident is believed to have had significant impact on South Korea's diplomatic relations, particularly with the US and Japan.

Following Seoul's imposition of martial law, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled his plans to travel to South Korea in the near term, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's trip to South Korea set for January will also likely be postponed, Asia News Network reported, as will the visit of Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to the country scheduled for late December.

On Wednesday, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said that Yoon had "badly misjudged" his decision to declare martial law, and it had been seen as "deeply problematic" and "illegitimate," according to Reuters.

"From the US perspective, Yoon's move is seen as a regression of what it believes to be 'democracy,' which will undoubtedly disappoint and irritate Washington and in turn affect the US-South Korea alliance; while on the Japanese side, the improvement of ties with its neighbor looks like it will be stalled," said Xiang. Furthermore, US-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation may also face challenges, he added.

The 10th International Symposium on Sun Tzu's Art of War kicked off in Beijing on Thursday, under the theme of "Sun Tzu's Art of War and Mutual Learning among Civilizations," during which Chinese and international attendees exchanged their views on the classic Chinese treatise on military strategy and the significance of Sun Tzu's military philosophy for the modern world. Attendees said the wisdom of Sun Tzu's military philosophy of conflict prevention over warfare is still needed and relevant today, and it also carries China's principles for handling frictions in the region.

The event, organized by the China Research Society of Sun Tzu's Art of War, was attended by over 350 representatives from around 30 countries and regions, including senior military officers, former governmental officials, as well as scholars. 

At the opening ceremony, General Yang Xuejun, head of the PLA's Academy of Military Sciences said in a keynote speech on Thursday that this year's symposium focuses on inheriting the vein of the millennium-old culture, studying the principles of the wisdom of military science, grasping the trend of global development, and jointly building the foundation for peace and stability. He added that it closely centers around the theme of "The Art of War and Mutual Learning among Civilizations", practices President Xi Jinping's concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, implements the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and deeply explores ways to promote mutual learning among civilizations and peaceful coexistence with the wisdom of Sun Tzu, jointly uncovering the contemporary value of China's traditional military culture.

General Ling Huanxin, political commissar of the Academy of Military Sciences, said at the opening ceremony that research into traditional culture is not about seeking an ancient time that has long gone, but carrying the past into the modern era, and Sun Tzu's Art of War contains the spiritual cores of innovation, surpassing, inclusiveness, science and humanism, and is of significant value to the times.    

The symposium comprises keynote speeches, plenary sessions and special sessions. The six special sessions focus on such including "Exploring Ways of Civilization Coexistence by Applying the Wisdom of Sun Tzu", "Contemporary Cultural Value of Sun Tzu's Art of War", according to the organizer. 

The world today is evolving into an increasingly complex web of interdependence, cooperation, and competition, with pressure mounting on states to effectively employ the tools of statecraft to attain their political objectives, said Harold Raugh, vice president of the International Commission of Military History, in his speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the symposium.

This is an era in which Sun Tzu's timeless and wise precepts of "Cautious War" and "Defeating the enemy without fighting," emphasizing conflict prevention over warfare, are particularly needed and relevant. 

Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Thursday on the sideline of the symposium that the philosophy of "Cautious War" or "Shen Zhan" in Chinese can be found in China's strategy for handling complex and sensitive geopolitical issues. For instance, a few countries in the region are having maritime disputes with China, which has always insisted on solving the problems via negotiations and being extremely restrained and professional in using force. 

"Although some frictions exist, there is no military conflict that brings chaos and disaster to the region surrounding China. And the Art of War doesn't just focus on 'power' but also stresses the importance of 'trend.' Therefore, we see that China has successfully solved or eased tensions with its neighbors peacefully based on not only military strength but also diplomatic wisdom," Yang noted.

China can even realize cooperation and joint development with the vast majority of regional countries, because we know that peace and development are the common desire of the people of different countries, which is the 'trend', Yang said.  

Spyros Katsoulas, assistant professor of International and European Affairs at the American College of Greece, also an attendee of the event, told the Global Times that the Art of War could also be titled "the Art of Avoiding War," adding that he finds that the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by the Chinese president is also connected to the notion of "Cautious War" in the Sun Tzu's work, as the GSI is an initiative of peace and really welcomed worldwide. 

Katsoulas said he was impressed by the GSI, as it calls all countries to stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation. War and sanctions are not fundamental solutions to disputes; only dialogue and consultation are effective in resolving differences "I hope all states of the world can share the same prudence and we can maintain and preserve peace as long as we can."

Speaking to high school students, Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te used deceitful rhetoric to manipulate young people into supporting "Taiwan independence" at great cost, aiming to exploit innocent youth as tools for "Taiwan independence," and such actions are shameful and reprehensible, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference on Wednesday. 

Chen's comments were in response to Lai's recent remarks to high school students, in which he made so-called "three peace options," rejected the signing of a cross-Straits peace agreement and the 1992 Consensus, while once again promoting "non-subordination" rhetoric across the Taiwan Straits.

Chen said on Wednesday that "Taiwan independence" cannot coexist with peace across the Taiwan Straits and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and their provocations pose the greatest threat to regional peace and stability. 

Lai's so-called "path to peace" is, in fact, a path of destruction that ignores the safety and well-being of Taiwan's youth and the general public. It disguises preparations for war and conflict under the banner of "peace." pushing Taiwan step by step toward danger and disaster, said Chen.

We hope that the people of Taiwan, especially its youth, will recognize the true intentions behind Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' agenda to seek "Taiwan independence," and strongly reject their provocative actions in pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and work to turn crisis into safety to make Taiwan embark on a sustainable and lasting path to peace, said Chen. 

In response to an inquiry about Ma Ying-jeou's recent criticism of Lai for promoting the "two-state" fallacy, Chen said reunification represents an inevitable historical trend and the only viable path; the concept of "Taiwan independence" is a regressive and doomed pursuit. 

Lai persistently adheres to a "Taiwan independence" position, advancing the "two-state" rhetoric and seeking external support for his agenda. This stance contradicts the course of history and is bound to fail, said the spokesperson. 

Chen emphasized that the Chinese mainland is committed to strengthening communication and cooperation with political parties, organizations, and key figures in Taiwan, based on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence." 

The mainland will continue to promote cross-Straits exchanges, advance the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, and pursue the ultimate goal of reunifying the motherland, Chen said.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said on Thursday that a meeting between Chinese and US defense chiefs requires a suitable atmosphere, and communication must be guided by principles.

The spokesperson made the remarks at a regular press conference on Thursday when asked whether the absence of a meeting between the defense chiefs of the two countries at the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus will affect communication with the next US Secretary of Defense. He was also asked about China's position on military dialogue between the two countries, under the background that there are occasional voices from the US side urging for military dialogue between the two countries.

Wu said that China maintains clear principles for developing military relations between China and the US, which are that China's sovereignty, dignity, and core interests are inviolable. Meetings require a suitable atmosphere, and communication must be guided by principles. 

The US side should not present a posture of seeking dialogue while knowingly engaging in actions that harm China's core interests, Wu said. "Don't they have s any self-awareness in their hearts?" he asked.

The Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the regional government have rebutted the groundless attacks and malicious slanders against various aspects of Hong Kong in a so-called resolution passed by the European Parliament on Thursday. The Commissioner's Office slammed the move as "a poorly staged political farce," while the SAR government said it will not be threatened by such barbaric and despicable acts.

The response followed the European Parliament's adoption of three resolutions on "human rights issues" in China's Hong Kong region, Iran and Cambodia on Thursday.

According to a press release from the European Parliament, the resolution said Hong Kong must "immediately and unconditionally" release all "pro-democracy" figures sentenced on national security charges, including Jimmy Lai and Chung Pui-Ken.

The Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR on Friday slammed the "erroneous" resolution for openly interfering with the judicial proceedings of national security cases in the region, smearing the NSL and disparaging the rule of law and human rights situation in Hong Kong.

"The European Parliament's act is a blatant interference in China's internal affairs, which trampled on the spirit of the rule of law," a spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office said, calling it "a poorly staged political farce that is completely unacceptable."

A HKSAR spokesperson said on Thursday that many common law jurisdictions, including the US, UK and Canada, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard national security, adding that the European Parliament has turned a blind eye to facts, demonstrating typical despicable political manipulation and hypocrisy.

The European Parliament resolution was passed after 45 people convicted of "conspiracy to subvert the state power" were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 50 months to 10 years in Hong Kong earlier this month, including former legal professor and instigator of the Hong Kong unrest Benny Tai Yiu-ting. It was the first case of subversion of state power in Hong Kong.

Dominic Lee Tsz-king, legislative council member of the HKSAR, told the Global Times on Friday that the individuals were convicted for violating laws, and the sentences were determined through a fair legal process, which is a manifestation of the rule of law; in contrast, it is the "unconditional release" proposed by the European Parliament that harms it, Lee said.

Regarding the resolution's suggestion to impose sanctions on SAR officials, the SAR government said it despises the so-called sanctions and will not be intimidated by such barbaric and despicable acts.

As for calls to revoke Hong Kong's favorable customs treatment, Lee said this challenges the principles of international trade, which could harm global economic interests, including those of European businesses.

Hong Kong and the EU are important trading partners. The total value of bilateral merchandise trade reached HK$510 billion ($65.5 billion) in 2023. "Any malicious acts that undermine mutually beneficial relations would harm the interests of the EU and its companies," the SAR government said.

Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that the latest move by the European Parliament reflected the institution's inherent arrogance, hypocrisy, and double standards in its understanding of China.

"It's another attempt to undermine Hong Kong's governance and rule of law, and weaken its significant position in the global trade and financial system, which will undoubtedly complicate China-Europe ties," Li told the Global Times.