China urged Japan on Friday to face squarely and deeply reflect on Japan's history of aggression, take concrete actions to show remorse for the crimes committed by Japanese militarists and respect to the victims, and not further compound the wrongdoing while slamming Tokyo's plan to significantly increase its defense budget as further exposing the sinister intent of Japanese right-wing forces to push for remilitarization and attempt a revival of militarism.

Japan's draft defense budget was set at a record 9.04 trillion yen ($58 billion) for fiscal 2026, Japan's Kyodo News cited the Japanese government as saying on Friday. The draft budget will be submitted to the ordinary Diet session in January 2026 for deliberation. If passed, Japan's defense budget will see its 14th consecutive year of growth.

In response to the latest US announcement of large-scale arms sales to China's Taiwan region, China has decided to take countermeasures in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law against 20 US defense-related companies and 10 senior executives who have engaged in arming Taiwan in recent years, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

In response to the latest U.S. announcement of large-scale arms sales to China's Taiwan region, China has decided to take countermeasures in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law against 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 senior executives who have engaged in arming Taiwan in recent years.

The United States recently announced its large-scale arms sales to China's Taiwan Region. This seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, interferes in China's internal affairs, and undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pursuant to Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 15 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions, China hereby decides to take countermeasures against the following U.S. military-related companies and senior executives:

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday slammed Japan's plan to significantly increase its defense budget as further exposing its sinister intent of Japanese right-wing forces to push for remilitarization and attempt a revival of militarism.

On December 25, while conducting a patrol mission in the South China Sea, the Chinese Navy vessel 174 detected a distress signal from a Philippine fishing boat. The fishing boat had been stranded at sea for three days due to a mechanical failure, and the fisherman on board was facing shortages of drinking water and food, according to a notice published by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Friday.

Commenting on the report that Japanese Cabinet recently approved a new "Cybersecurity Strategy," authorizing the police and self-defense forces to take proactive countermeasures in the event of cyberattacks, and Japan also passed the so-called active cyber defense in May this year, which allows the Japanese government to preemptively intrude into or destroy the networks and equipment of so-called attackers, Lin Jian, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday that Japanese Cabinet's move to explicitly authorize “proactive cyber counterattacks” marks a major policy shift from cyber defense to cyber offense, and represents yet another example of Japan — as a defeated country in World War II — attempting to break away from the post-war international order.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday urged Japan to face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, demonstrate repentance for the crimes of militarism and respect for the victims through concrete actions, and avoid making further mistakes.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited the construction site of the New Sava Bridge on Thursday, describing the project as a symbol of the country's development and emphasizing the critical role of Chinese partnership in Belgrade's infrastructure growth.

China's Ministry of National Defense spokesperson slammed Japan's offensive space policy as extremely dangerous, and called on peace-loving countries and peoples to take action to resolutely contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces and prevent the world from sliding into turmoil or repeating the tragedies of the past.

China strongly urges the United States to abandon zero-sum mindset and ideological bias, and refrain from implementing the negative China-related provisions in its defense policy bill, a spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress said on Thursday, in response to the US side recently signing into law the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026."

The expert reiterates that China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the crisis. China has neither stood idle nor taken advantage of it in the crisis. Instead, China has been sparing efforts to settling disputes and conflicts through dialogue, consultation and political means.

In response to recent US media reports hyping the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will "attack" the island of Taiwan in three steps, while claiming a so-called "optimal time" and "optimal landing sites" for the attack, a Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) spokesperson said on Thursday that the futile attempts made by certain media outlets to speculate about the PLA's operations and maliciously peddle "war anxiety" will only undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Currently, the situation along the China-India border is generally stable, and communication channels between the two sides remain smooth. We oppose any unwarranted comments on this by relevant countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Thursday in response to a question by a Russian media reporter. The reporter asked what objectives does the US aim to achieve through allegation in the latest Pentagon report claiming that China probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension along the line of actual control with India to prevent the deepening of US-India ties, against the background that recent developments in China-India relations, such as a photo of the leaders of two countries during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, among others, have previously triggered tense reactions in the US Congress.

Japanese media Shūkan Bunshun reported on Wednesday that the anonymous official from the Prime Minister's Office cited in reports claiming that “Japan should possess nuclear weapons”, a statement that drew widespread condemnation, is Oue Sadamasa, a special advisor to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose portfolio includes nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

The Consulate-General of China in Florence issued a notice on Wednesday to remind Chinese citizens in Italy to strictly comply with local laws and regulations, exercise caution when using drones, and must not fly drones without authorization in or around sensitive areas such as religious or military sites.

When you ask OpenAI's ChatGPT, "What is a civilization country," the AI-driven tool provides an explanation that "A civilization country is a concept used mainly in political theory and international relations to describe a country whose identity, legitimacy and governance are rooted in a long, continuous civilization, rather than primarily in modern nation-state ideas like ethnicity, borders or ideology."

Both Chinese and Russian envoys at the UN Security Council on Tuesday slammed the US over its military and economic pressure on Venezuela, as the US government is seeking to block third-party oil tankers from entering or leaving Venezuela.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi unveiled the ministry's budget proposal for 2026 on Tuesday, which indicates that the Japanese government will accelerate the provision of weapons and equipment to allied countries in 2026, a move a Chinese expert warns of as an increasing presence of militarization that threatens region, seeking to construct a geographically oriented framework of strategic pressure against China.

Despite increasing vigilance from regional countries, Tokyo is making more moves toward its intended goal of expanding military strength. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday doubled down on her push for an early revision of three security-related documents, according to Japanese media, citing as justification for the risk of Japan being drawn into a conflict akin to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Chinese FM spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made erroneous remarks on the Taiwan Straits, a close aide again issued fallacious comments, repeatedly testing the bottom line of the international community and exposing Takaichi's long-standing misguided positions and the Japanese right wing's ambition to push re-militarization, sending an extremely dangerous signal.

For some time now, a series of nuclear facility safety incidents in Japan have raised concern, including fraud of quality inspection data for radiation detectors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and an overflow accident involving spent fuel pool cooling water at the reprocessing plant in the village of Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Lin Jian said during a press conference on Wednesday in response to a question about water containing radioactive substances leakage that occurred on December 23 at the Fugen nuclear reactor in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan, which is currently undergoing decommissioning work. Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority said the concentration of radioactive substances in the leaked water was believed to be “relatively high,” and that several people may have been exposed to radiation.

Amid the spread on social media of misinformation in Japan claiming that "seven of Wakayama Prefecture's nine water sources have been purchased by China-related individuals," Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki said at a regular press conference on Tuesday that "the definition of 'water sources' is unclear" and that he regards the claim as "misinformation and disinformation," according to a report from the Yomiuri Shimbun on Wednesday.

If "Taiwan independence" separatist forces dare to use giant pandas as a tribute to curry favor with Japan, they will inevitably face the wrath of compatriots on both sides of the Straits, said Peng Qing'en, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, in response to a question regarding claims by certain Japanese lawmakers that the giant pandas at the Taipei Zoo were gifted by the mainland and that negotiations are underway for animal exchanges between Japanese zoos and the Taipei Zoo as the lease agreement between China and Japan is about to expire, and the last two giant pandas in Japan will return to China in early 2026.

A Chinese envoy on Tuesday at the UN Security Council slammed the US infringe upon other countries' sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, seriously violate the UN Charter and international law, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean, as the US government is pursuing to block third oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela amid its latest move to heighten pressure on Nicolas Maduro's government.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works and China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) on Friday signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the first phase of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project on Boubyan Island in northern Jahra Governorate.

Russia–China relations have reached a historic high and have become a model of constructive interaction between major powers in the 21st century, Igor Morgulov, Russian ambassador to China, said on Tuesday at the Ambassador Forum hosted by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.

It is for sure that China's high quality development has been and will continue to share growth dividends with the world, observers said, noting that its capacity as "an empowering country" to inspire and vitalize others lies in China's unwavering practices in opening-up and cooperation, as well as its vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on Tuesday that Thailand appreciates China's role in helping ease tensions and de-escalate the situation in the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.

In response to a media inquiry about whether China plans to allow South Korean pop music concerts and content to re-enter the Chinese mainland after nearly a decade-long suspension, and whether South Korean media reports that K-pop companies will hold a concert in Hong Kong in early 2026, which will be aired locally on Hunan Television in China, are accurate, Chinese FM spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday he was not aware of the situation mentioned.

Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, China has maintained close communication with all relevant parties, including Russia and Ukraine, and has consistently worked to promote a ceasefire, end the fighting, and encourage peace talks. China's efforts are there for the international community to see. China supports all efforts conducive to peace and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday in response to a question about whether China is participating in negotiation process for the Ukraine peace plan and what role will China play.

From December 18 to 23, Deng Xijun, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs visited Cambodia and Thailand and engaged in shuttle diplomacy over the recent border clashes between the two countries, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a release on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that according to available information, a Chinese citizen sustained minor abrasions in a clash along the Thailand-Cambodia border on Monday. The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia has contacted the individual concerned and will provide consular protection and assistance within its scope of responsibilities. These remarks were made in response to a question regarding a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia on Monday, which said that a Chinese citizen was slightly injured during the Cambodia-Thailand conflict, and seeking the latest information on the injured person.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Monday that the schedule for President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to China early next year will be announced soon in coordination with the Chinese side, according to South Korean media reports.

On the second floor of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC) on the outskirts of Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam, bolts of neatly arranged clothing line the shelves as customers drift in from different corners of the East African nation and beyond.

If the right-wing forces in Japan are left free to develop powerful offensive weapons, or even possess nuclear weapons, it will again bring disaster to the world, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday, when asked to comment on claims made by a senior Japanese official regarding potential nuclear armament.

Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) summoned the heads of relevant missions and organizations in Hong Kong from the US, the UK and other countries on Wednesday and Thursday, lodging solemn representations over interference remarks made by their officials and politicians regarding the conviction of Jimmy Lai.

If Japan's domestic right-wing forces are allowed to push for the development of powerful offensive weapons, or even the possession of nuclear weapons, it will once again bring calamity to the international community, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday, when asked to comment on reported claims from of a senior Japanese official that Japan should possess nuclear weapons as well as claims from Japanese Defense Minister that Japan should discuss all options without excluding any in terms of reviewing its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Taiwan is a province of China and there is no such thing as a "president." I want to point out that certain Japanese lawmakers' provocative visit to China's Taiwan region runs counter to the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and Japan's own commitments, violates the one-China principle. China firmly opposes this and has lodged stern representations with the Japanese side, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in response to a media inquiry about senior officials of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party visiting Taiwan region provocatively and meeting with Lai Ching-te.

Regarding the US-South Korea nuclear-powered submarine cooperation, China has stated its position on multiple occasions. We hope South Korea approach this matter with prudence, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Monday in response to a question that South Korea and the US have agreed to conduct consultations starting next year to implement the agreements reached between the two countries' leaders, including the construction of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines and uranium enrichment, and Chinese military affairs experts told Chinese media that the move could undermine the non-proliferation treaty.

Both Cambodia and Thailand are important members of ASEAN, and China appreciates and supports ASEAN, particularly Malaysia's capacity to mediate. As a friend and close neighbor of both countries, China sincerely hopes that Cambodia and Thailand will, based on safeguarding peace and stability along their borders and the fundamental interests of their peoples, quickly achieve a ceasefire and restore peace, Chinese Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday in response to a question about the ongoing Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, regarding the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand.

Xi congratulates Jose Antonio Kast on election as Chilean president

The arbitrary detention of a foreign vessel by the US is a serious violation of international law. China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions imposed without a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council, as well as any actions that violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and infringe upon other countries' sovereignty and security, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday when asked to comment on US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's confirmation that the US Coast Guard apprehended an oil tanker in the early hours of Saturday local time, and White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly's claim that the vessel was “operating as part of the Venezuelan shadow fleet to traffic stolen oil.”

Katsuya Okada, a member of Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said on an NHK program on Sunday that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Diet remarks regarding a "Taiwan contingency" depart from the government's longstanding position. He said "The public will not be convinced unless a commitment of 'never to utter such remarks again' is made," and called for additional follow-up actions from the government.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2026 sub-forum, with the theme "Friends of Global Civilization: Generation-Z Youth and the New Agricultural Civilization," took place in Beijing on Sunday.

South Korea and the US reportedly plan to conduct consultations on the construction of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment, and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel next year. A Chinese expert said on Sunday that South Korea and the US' nuclear-powered submarine plan poses serious threats to nuclear non-proliferation, risks an arms race and undermines peace and stability.

The Chinese Embassy in Bolivia on Sunday morning issued a notice on a recent major security and consular protection case where a male Chinese citizen was intercepted by several masked armed robbers in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, on the afternoon of December 18, local time. The Chinese citizen sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and, after receiving medical treatment, is now out of danger. A large amount of cash and valuables he was carrying were stolen. The case is currently under investigation, according to the notice.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2026, themed "Trust in China: New Journey, New Opportunities," was held in Beijing on Saturday. During a panel on "Symbiotic States: A New Exploration of How Major Powers Relate to Their Neighbors," Hu Jiping, president of the University of International Relations, pointed out that diplomacy with neighboring countries is of great importance to China for improving its external environment and achieving national rejuvenation. He said the concept of "symbiotic states" aligns with the basic direction of human development and to achieve the concept, Cold War and zero-sum mindsets must be abandoned.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2026 took place in Beijing on Saturday, under the theme of "Trust in China: New Journey, New Opportunities." During the discussion on the topic "A symbiotic country: new explorations in how major countries interact with their neighbors," Koh King Kee (Koh), president of Centre for New Inclusive Asia, Malaysia, stated that if we look at the trajectory of China's relations with its neighbors over the past decade, we see a consistent pattern: China seeks partnership, not alliance; dialogue, not confrontation; development, not dominance.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2026 took place in Beijing on Saturday, under the theme of "Trust in China: New Journey, New Opportunities." During the discussion on the topic "A civilizational country: why the Chinese approach is the most implementable," Martin Jacques, a British scholar and a senior fellow at the China Institute, Fudan University, stated that the four global initiatives are China's response to the gravity of the crisis of the global order.

On Saturday, the Global Times Annual Conference 2026, themed “Trust in China: New Journey, New Opportunities,” was held in Beijing. During a discussion on the topic "A forward-looking country: how important is 'predictability' to the world,” Jiang Feng, a researcher at Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Regional Studies Association, said that China's resolve comes from its strength and confidence, and the world can trust China.

On Saturday, the Global Times Annual Conference 2026, themed “Trust in China: New Journey, New Opportunities,” was held in Beijing. During a discussion on the topic "A forward-looking country: how important is 'predictability' to the world,” Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy rear admiral Yang Yi said that China's steadfast commitment to peaceful development and its markedly growing comprehensive strength are the reason why the world can trust in China.

The Global Times Annual Conference 2026 was held in Beijing on Saturday, under the theme of “Trust in China: New Journey, New Opportunities." Experts and scholars engaged in discussions on the topic "A forward-looking country: how important is 'predictability' to the world." Wu Xinbo, Dean of the Institute of International Studies of Fudan University, said China's development has advanced through exploration. While the journey has not been smooth sailing, China has clear goals and strong execution capabilities, and it can grasp the future direction of industries and the trend of international cooperation, thus winning growing trust from the world.

The 2025 China-Ethiopia Friendship Award ceremony was held Friday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, honoring more than 40 Ethiopian students and researchers dedicated to the study and promotion of Chinese language and China-Ethiopia friendship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference in Moscow on Friday to look back on the results of 2025, and forward to 2026, during which he highly evaluated Russia-China relations as "an essential factor for global stability," according to media reports.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Friday that his ministry will pursue President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to China early next year, according to South Korean media.

The US has inserted erroneous Taiwan-related content into its National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, attempting to further "arm Taiwan," interfere in China's internal affairs, and send a grave wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a statement on Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that relations between Russia and China are a crucial factor for global stability.

Russia-China relations extremely important for global stability, Putin says in response to Xinhua's question at annual press conference

When asked to comment on a resolution submitted by certain US senators that voiced support for Japan and accused China of so-called "economic and military pressure" on Japan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday's press conference that safeguarding the outcomes of the victory in WWII and upholding the post-war international order is the shared responsibility of the international community, including China and the US, and that justice and morality reside in the hearts of the people.

The US government's announcement of a large-scale arms sales plan to China's Taiwan region seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, gravely undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, severely damages China-US strategic mutual trust, and sends an extremely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday, in response to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency's announcement that the US government had approved arms sales to Taiwan totaling more than $11.1 billion and some commentators say this is the largest US arms sales plan to Taiwan to date.

China is paying close attention to the relevant media reports, and if the information is true, the situation would be quite serious, exposing the dangerous plot of some people in Japan to violate international law and acquire nuclear weapons, and China and the international community must be highly vigilant and deeply concerned, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday, in response to reported claim of a senior Japanese official that “Japan should possess nuclear weapons.”

Recently, Japan's political circles, academia, civic organizations, and citizens' groups have strongly criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks and actions related to Taiwan, and the Japanese government's repeated release of dangerous signals of military buildup and expansion. They have called on the Japanese government to retract Takaichi's erroneous statements. Asked to comment on this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that "We have taken note of the relevant situation. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan on November 7, along with a series of recent moves by the Japanese side toward re-militarization, have triggered vigilance and opposition from neighboring countries.

Recently, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee released the first conservation report submitted by Japan on the Sado Gold Mine, which made no mention of the history of forced labor from the Korean Peninsula. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun commented over the matter on Friday that Japan should face up to and reflect on history, properly address the unresolved historical issues with an honest and responsible attitude.

“We already clarified China's solemn position on this issue yesterday,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday, in response to some media reports claiming that the US approval of large-scale arms sales to Taiwan was aimed at "helping Taiwan maintain sufficient defensive capabilities." Guo added that the large-scale arms sales by the US to Taiwan constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs, seriously undermining China's sovereignty and security interests as well as its territorial integrity, gravely jeopardizing peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and sending a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces of “Taiwan independence” and external forces.

The US National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 exaggerates the so-called "China threat," interferes in China's internal affairs, and undermines China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to this, and has lodged solemn representations with the US side on multiple occasions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday, when asked to comment the US' enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which contains negative provisions related to China.

The Japanese Defense Ministry claimed on Thursday that helicopters of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) were targeted by lasers in Shizuoka Prefecture on Tuesday and Wednesday. While an expert said the incident is highly likely a local public order incident, some Japanese netizens speculated Chinese involvement. The expert said such speculation is completely groundless, and that it reflected the deteriorating bilateral ties caused by the Sanae Takaichi administration's series of negative moves toward China.

China's assistant minister of foreign affairs Liu Bin held political consultations between the foreign ministries of China and Ukraine with Serhiy Kyslytsya, the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine, in Beijing on Thursday.

Japanese aggressors committed innumerable crimes and atrocities in Taiwan island, which was the darkest page in Taiwan's history, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong said in a latest high-level meeting at UN General Assembly, emphasizing that we must never allow any denial or distortion of the history of aggression, never allow the revival of militarism, and never allow the recurrence of historical tragedies.

Japan, as a defeated country in World War II, must do deep soul-searching regarding its historical crimes, abide by the political commitments it made on the Taiwan question, immediately stop provocative actions that cross the line, and retract its erroneous remarks, a Chinese envoy said Thursday.

At the House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, after nearly an hour of being repeatedly questioned over her erroneous Taiwan-related remarks, still claimed "The government's position has been consistent," without substantially retracting her previous words, leading an opposition party member to criticize her as "obstinately unrepentant," according to Japanese media and their attached video clips.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held separate phone calls with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Both the Cambodian and Thai sides briefed Wang on the latest developments regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border clashes and expressed their willingness to de-escalate tensions and implement a ceasefire.

China's diplomatic missions on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a statement issued by the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven countries and the EU High Representative, in which they made irresponsible remarks on the conviction in the Jimmy Lai case and smeared and vilified the national security law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held separate phone calls with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Both the Cambodian and Thai sides briefed Wang on the latest developments regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border clashes and expressed their willingness to de-escalate tensions and implement a ceasefire.

A spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Thursday that if “Taiwan independence” separatist forces dare to cross the red line, they will be met with firm response.

Japan has continuously strengthened targeted military deployments in areas close to China's Taiwan region and even claimed intentions to deploy medium-range missiles; this time, Japan is escalating further by planning to deploy radar and troops, engaging in activities akin to "peeping at the neighbors," stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, in response to media reports that Japan's Ministry of Defense signed Monday a land lease agreement, planning to deploy mobile radar installations on the easternmost islands of Okinawa to monitor the movements of Chinese aircraft carriers and aircraft in the waters between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island. The deployment is scheduled to commence in 2026, with an estimated garrison of about 30 personnel, according to media.

The US side has openly announced a massive arms sales package to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan, which seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, gravely infringes upon China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, severely undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and sends a seriously wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in response to that the United States government has approved arms sales to Taiwan worth $11 billion, the largest amount on record.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday at a regular press briefing that China supports Venezuela's request to convene an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Taiwan's regional "defense authority" on Thursday "thanked" the US for a new round of arms sales worth about $11.1 billion that has been formally notified to the US Congress. However, a Chinese expert said that the packages involve neither advanced nor latest systems and the real intent of US arms sales to Taiwan is to extract profits from the Taiwan authorities and local taxpayers while reaping substantial financial gains.

China continued to slam the erroneous remarks from Japanese side on the Taiwan question on Wednesday, warning that the dangerous trend of a Japanese militarism revival has drawn high vigilance from countries and peoples in the region.

When asked that it's learned that the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs will again travel to Cambodia and Thailand on December 18 to promote peace between the two sides, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded on Wednesday that as a close neighbor and friend of Cambodia and Thailand, China closely follows the ongoing border conflict between the two countries and has shuttled between the two sides to promote peace.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, at the latter's request, according to a readout published by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The US is taking another step to ratchet up pressure on Venezuela by ordering a blockade of all "sanctioned oil tankers" into the South American country, a move a Chinese expert says exposed a revival of the Monroe Doctrine.

In response to the Philippines' distortion of facts and shifting of blame, China's defense ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that China will continue to take firm and effective measures to resolutely respond to all acts of infringement and provocation.

Japan's actions once again expose the fact that certain individuals in the country are accustomed to confusing black with white, distorting the fact, refusing to correct their mistakes even when fully aware of them, and attempting to play innocent and seek sympathy on the international stage, said Chinese FM spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wed, in response to media reports that Japan's National Security Advisor Keiichi Ichikawa recently held consultations with countries including the UK, France, Germany and Canada when he elaborated on Japan's position regarding Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's Taiwan-related remarks, refuted China's statements, and claimed that Takaichi's remarks did not alter Japan's consistent stance on Taiwan.

In response to a question from a Japanese media reporter that after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan question, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has arranged meetings with ambassadors from Southeast Asian countries and others countries in Beijing, asking them to support China's position, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains normal working contacts with the embassies of various countries in China. Guo added that the one-China principle is a universally recognized basic norm of international relations and a prevailing consensus of the international community, including Southeast Asian nations.

Finnish Prime Minister spoke up over a racism scandal involving Miss Finland and later a few members of parliament, as the incident has triggered backlash and Finland's flag carrier Finnair reportedly been affected.

In response to a question by Russian media reporter over a report of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service claiming that the UK, France and Germany are seeking to draw closer to China as a form of “blackmail and bargaining chip” against the US on the issue of Ukraine peace agreement, FM spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wed that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear. China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis and hopes that all parties will reach, through dialogue and negotiation, a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement at an early date.

The US side should abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiqués, handle Taiwan-related issues with prudence, and avoid allowing a very small number of “Taiwan independence” separatists to drag China and the US into dangerous situation of conflict and confrontation, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday in response to a question about a newly released US National Security Strategy that mentions Taiwan multiple times and claims that it does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Straits.

A day after news broke that the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo would return to China at the end of January, potentially resulting in a "panda-less" situation in Japan for the first time in about 50 years, thousands of Japanese fans flocked to the zoo on Tuesday to catch a final glimpse, with many bidding the twins a tearful farewell, according to media reports.

From December 12 to 16, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Following the visit, Wang Yi accepted an interview from Chinese media outlets.

China is willing to strengthen the alignment between its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and the development visions of Middle Eastern countries, consolidating cooperation in traditional areas while deepening collaboration in emerging and frontier sectors, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.

Chinese diplomats once again urged the Japanese side to retract erroneous remarks on Taiwan and warned of the risks of resurgence of militarism and fascism at the United Nations headquarters on Monday local time, as the Japanese side continues to reject acknowledging their wrongdoing, while attempting to mislead the international community through repeated evasive claims.

Hong Kong's chief executive, some overseas Chinese embassies, and the central government's authorities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) refuted comments by some Western countries and media that have distorted the judiciary proceedings of Jimmy Lai.

China once again urges Japan to reflect profoundly on the crimes it committed in the past, to honor its commitments to China and the international community through concrete actions, and to cease all attempts to gloss over its wrongdoing and get away with it, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"From the recent series of statements made by the Japanese side, it is still squeezing out toothpaste and planting spikes on key issues, attempting to confuse the public and muddle through. China firmly opposes this, Chinses Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, in response to media inquiry over Japanese politician's latest claims regarding Taiwan question.

Japan's groundless accusations and malicious smears against China's legitimate national defense development are egregious and despicable, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday in response to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's claims that China's military expenditure had grown sevenfold over two decades and its growth rate in the past three years had also significantly exceeded Japan's. Guo said that Japan, a nation with a severe record of aggression, has no right whatsoever to make irresponsible remarks.

The Taiwan regional authorities' abusive use of "dollar diplomacy" under the guise of "trust" and "prosperity" cannot conceal the true nature of their unscrupulous pursuit of "Taiwan independence," nor can it deceive public opinion or the residents of the island, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday, in response to reports that when asked how Taiwan could maintain its so-called "friendship" with Honduras while "competing" with the Chinese mainland, Lin Chia-lung, head of Taiwan's so-called foreign affairs authorities, claimed that Taiwan builds relationships based on trust and prosperity.

The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent separate letters on Tuesday to two major US media outlets – the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and the Washington Post – rebutting their editorials on the conviction of the Jimmy Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong.