Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza on Tuesday launched a 426-million-U.S. dollar Flash Appeal to mobilize urgent resources for civilians affected by the escalating conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in what Tehran said was retaliation for the recent killings of top Hezbollah and Hamas officials. Analysts view the attack as the latest escalation of the regional tensions at a time when this round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has dragged on for nearly a year, with a greater potential to spill over to regional multi-point conflicts.

Shigeru Ishiba elected Japan PM by House of Representatives

Japan's incoming Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Monday he plans to call a general election on Oct 27.

In the 18th installment of the series, the Global Times focuses on a recently passed act by US Congress, which is widely regarded as a funding mechanism for the US to badmouth China in the international community. As a latest case in the US' high-profile cognitive warfare against China, this article discusses in detail the aspects of China that this act may seek to defame and slander, as well as where the substantial sum of $1.6 billion will ultimately be directed.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike on the Lebanese organization's target in the southern suburbs of Beirut, with Chinese analysts saying this may further escalate regional conflict.

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has opted to keep the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) unchanged at 8.25 percent and 9.25 percent respectively, a CBSL press release issued on Friday said.

Former Japanese defense minister Shigeru Ishiba was elected as the new leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Friday and is expected to become the country's next prime minister. On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a routine daily press conference in response to Ishiba's victory that China has noted the election results but emphasized that it is Japan's internal matter, and China does not comment on it.

Shigeru Ishiba was elected as new leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP on Friday and will highly likely become the country's new prime minister.

Saudi Arabia is working with international partners and prioritizes cooperation with China to achieve its goal to a regional hub, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi told the Global Times.

After Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People's Power coalition is elected as Sri Lanka's new president, Indian media recently showed a complex attitude toward this change, with Chinese analysts saying on Tuesday that India's neighboring countries in the region often share concern over interference, even bullying from India. If New Delhi's foreign policy continues to be driven by mentality of major power confrontation and zero-sum game, regional countries will be increasingly cautious in handling ties with India.

The United Arab Emirates and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) announced on Monday a strategic partnership to support 20 developing nations in strengthening their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), under the NDC Partnership, to raise climate ambitions and drive urgent action.

Russian Energy Week (REW) is a major international forum for strengthening global cooperation, and addressing other topical issues, in the fuel and energy sector. In 2024, the forum will be held on September 26-28 in Moscow.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad approved the formation of a new government on Monday, reshuffling 14 ministers, the presidential office said in a statement.

The exchange of heavy fire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah has escalated an already tense situation in the Middle East to a dangerous boiling point, added the risk of spill-over, Chinese observers noted on Sunday. The latest conflicts have further dimmed hopes for peace and left little room for the international community to mediate, as the Israel-Palestine conflict approaches its one-year mark.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka's National People's Power (NPP) was on Sunday elected as the country's new president.

Lebanese army soldiers secure the area for an ambulance to enter the premises of the American University hospital in Beirut on September 17, 2024, after coordinated explosions of pagers across Lebanon the same day. At least 12 were killed as of press time. Photo: VCG

Rahmat Allah Mohamed Osman, the permanent representative of the African Union (AU) to China, highlighted in a recent interview with Global Times that the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) that just concluded in Beijing is significant for China-Africa relations. He believes that China and Africa have mutually beneficial needs, and expresses hopes for the implementation of more policies in China's support in agriculture, industry, and talent development to Africa.

"For the sake of the Filipino nation, I don't think we should take any side," a Philippine scholar said on Friday on the sidelines of the ongoing Beijing Xiangshan Forum, calling for more dialogue between China and the Philippines to de-escalate tensions while stressing the need for ASEAN unity when faced with external intervention.

Spain needs to reconsider its position on EU's proposed additional tariffs for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday, amid his visit to China.

US Vice President Kamala Harris and former US president Donald Trump faced off in Philadelphia on Tuesday night local time in their first presidential debate ahead of the November election, clashing over a wide range of issues including abortion, immigration, the economy and foreign policy in a showdown that lasted one hour and 45 minutes.

The characteristics of high-power terahertz beams in new laser systems can be controlled using silicon and diamond optical elements created at the Samara University.

The Cervantes Institute opened its second branch in Shanghai on Tuesday. This is the Institute's second branch in China, following the establishment of the Beijing branch in 2006.

The UAE has made significant strides in global real estate market transparency, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi securing a place among the top 5 improvers in the transparency score globally, according to JLL's 2024 Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI).

The UN Security Council on Wednesday heard a growing call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following the killings by the latter of six hostages held in Gaza as speakers also discussed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and escalating tensions in the West Bank.

With multiple references to China-related issues, Japan and Australia vowed to bolster military ties to cope with an increasingly complex regional situation during their “two-plus-two” security meeting in Australia on Thursday, which Chinese observers warn would jeopardize peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and raise deep concerns among regional countries.

The launching ceremony for the Lao edition of Chinese President Xi Jinping's book on poverty relief "Up and Out of Poverty" is held in Vientiane, capital of Laos, on Sept. 4, 2024.

In recent years, cooperation between East China's Zhejiang Province and African nations has steadily deepened, spanning various fields such as trade, culture, and healthcare. This reflects the high-quality advancement of the China-Africa community with a shared future.

Nationwide protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu across Israel are calling for a cease-fire deal in exchange for hostages, but analysts saw dim hope of such a deal as Israel, with US support, can still withstand the pressure and sustain the war.

The Board of Directors of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) has approved the distribution of interim dividends of 8.40 fils per share for the first half of 2024.

At the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to Mongolia on September 2-3, with meetings between two sides would be devoted to key issues of bilateral relations and promising areas of cooperation.

Editor's Note: The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. The theme of this year's summit is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." In light of this, the Global Times launches a series of China-Africa stories, including interviews with political leaders, stories of exchanges between young people from China and African countries, and intensive cooperation in various fields. Through these stories, we will see how China and Africa are deepening their ties and building a brighter future together. In this instalment, Global Times reporter Zhao Yusha talked with Endalkachew Sime, PhD student at Peking University, ex-state minister of planning and development of Ethiopia and ex-secretary general of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations.

Editor's Note: The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. The theme of this year's summit is “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” In light of this, the Global Times launches a series of China-Africa stories, including interviews with political leaders, stories of exchanges between young people from China and African countries, and intensive cooperation in various fields. Through these stories, we will see how China and Africa are deepening their ties and building a brighter future together. In this instalment, Global Times reporter Zhao Yusha talked with Mwangi Wachira, an advisor for the Kenyan government and also a former economist with the World Bank.

A deepfake crime surge in South Korea has sparked worries in China as Chinese experts said on Sunday that AI-powered scams have turned into an international concern, and social media platform operators should take more action.

India is reportedly scheduled to launch its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine on Thursday. Chinese experts said that India should wield this power responsibly and contribute to peace and stability, rather than use it to flex muscles.

Russia's Saratov State University (SSU) researchers have developed a mathematical model demonstrating how the rhythm of cortisol secretion affects the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.

Thailand has confirmed Asia's first known case of a more contagious and potentially deadlier version of the mpox virus with its transmission modes changed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, as well as New Delhi's ties with Moscow, were put to the test after Kiev hinted that signing the communique of the Switzerland Ukraine peace conference is a precondition for hosting a second summit on peace.

Australian officials are confident of locking in an ambitious Pacific-wide policing pact amid the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week, with the hope that it can help contain China's security presence in the region.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon exchanged extensive fire early Sunday, marking the most serious direct conflict between them during the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict that started October 2023.

By shuttling between both Russia and Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be hoping to use "yoga diplomacy" to show India's flexibility in bridging the gap between conflicting parties. However, strength is what New Delhi lacks in making "yoga diplomacy" successful this time, analysts said.

Russia upholds its wheat supply commitments to Egypt to the utmost, Egyptian Supply and Internal Trade Minister Sherif Farouk said on Monday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly scheduled to visit Ukraine on August 23, marking the first visit by an Indian leader since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. While India is prepared to contribute to resolving the conflict, analysts said that Modi's visit, which aims to repair ties with the West and the US, is a largely symbolic gesture and unlikely to significantly advance peace talks, especially given the ongoing conflict in the Kursk region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge the differences that are holding up a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza, and he called on Hamas to do the same.

Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), today signed the transport fund for the satellite "ALainSat-1."

One of the topics of discussion at a recent meeting of the Far Eastern Federal District Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev was the preparations for the Eastern Economic Forum 2024. The event was attended by heads of regions and representatives of federal ministries and departments.

Although Russia and Ukraine are reportedly set to hold indirect talks in Doha, Qatar for a “landmark agreement” halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure on both sides, Ukraine's surprise attack and incursion into Russia's western Kursk region last week appears to have derailed the schedule and thrown potential partial cease-fire talks into doubt in the short term, observers said on Sunday.

At the end of July, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in China for her first China visit since taking office. During her visit, she met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee. In an exclusive interview with the Global Times (GT), Chinese Ambassador to Italy Jia Guide (Jia) said that the visit further enhanced the mutual political trust in China-Italy relations, successfully pushing the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership to a new stage.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has appointed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's prime minister, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Arpath Sukhanunth announced on Sunday.

Hospitals and clinics across India turned away patients except for emergency cases on Saturday as medical professionals started a 24-hour shutdown in protest against the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in the eastern city of Kolkata, Reuters reported.

As Russia continues to fight back against the offensive on its territory by Ukraine, a Russian parliamentary deputy said on Friday that Kiev's attack may lead to the conclusion that “the world is on the brink of a third world war,” media reported. Experts said that the situation on the battlefield is now more complicated, warning of the potential for the conflict to spill over and become more brutal.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra secures majority support in parliament to become Thailand's new PM

The US and French navies recently conducted a joint drill in the Philippine Sea “in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” but Chinese experts said on Thursday that such move had no practical significance, and served only as a publicity stunt.

With a mournful cry echoing through the air, a male fin whale with a length of over 20 meters and a weight of over 55 tons was captured off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan in early August. Everything happened so suddenly, leaving behind its final silhouette on the sea, gazing up at the sky and bidding farewell to the ocean that nurtured its growth. What awaits it now are cold blades and greedy diners.

A new round of Gaza cease-fire talks was held in the Qatari capital Doha on Thursday afternoon, while Hamas officials did not join the talks, media reported. Hamas' absence from a new round of Gaza cease-fire talks has dashed hopes that they may yield some substantial results, and the failure to reach a deal increases the risk of Iran striking Israel to avenge the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran last month, said observers.

Embassy of Pakistan in China celebrated the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan in Beijing on Wednesday. Activities were hosted at the embassy. The friendship between China and Pakistan was also celebrated at an award ceremony.

Rostec is one of Russia's largest state corporations, with a diverse portfolio of over 800 companies, including defense contractors, aerospace companies, as well as industrial and technology firms.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided that he will not run in the presidential election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party next month, multiple local media outlets reported on Wednesday.

In today's world, where challenges and opportunities coexist, the global economy is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. How to respond to these changes and uncertainties has become a common issue for governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Recently, Global Times reporters Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi (GT) conducted an exclusive interview with renowned economist and former governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz (Poloz), on this topic. According to Poloz, five economic tectonic forces – population aging, debt accumulation, income inequality, technological advancement, and climate change – are constantly shifting and accumulating, much like geological forces, and are causing profound "economic earthquakes" around the globe.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said the UAE's economy continues to demonstrate robust growth, particularly within non-oil sectors such as real estate, tourism, and manufacturing.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has recently seen a significant escalation, as Russian forces attempt to repel the largest incursion into their territory in decades by Ukrainian troops. This escalation, resulting in severe civilian injuries and thousands evacuated from the Kursk region, will further complicate the situation on the battlefield, and potentially trigger a broader confrontation involving NATO and neighboring countries, experts said..

After Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured that ties with the Maldives are a priority during his meeting with top Maldivian officials on Saturday, some Indian media said Jaishankar's visit has China in mind. Chinese experts said on Sunday that China does not seek exclusive engagement or cooperation from Maldives, while India perceives China as a threat to its supremacy in the region.

While the US has ramped up efforts to discredit Chinese athletes with doping allegations, a media investigation report revealed on Saturday that a deeply entrenched doping industry has taken root in the US over recent decades, from athletes to coaches and agents, and from pharmaceutical companies to government bodies.

The US Embassy in China has been questioned after posting color-adjusted photos to celebrate US swimmers' success at the Paris Olympics.

The anti-migrant riots that have broken out across the UK over the past week marked the worst social unrest in Britain in 13 years. Although the far-right demonstrations that had been anticipated by police failed to materialize Wednesday, Chinese nationals working and living in the country said they have growing safety concerns, and fear that the chaos has yet to come to an end.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called the alleged incursion by Ukraine a "large-scale provocation" after Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a "massive attack" in Russia's Kursk region, which has reportedly resulted in at least five civilian deaths and more than 30 injuries.

In a bid to win support from conservative forces ahead of an upcoming party leadership election, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is looking to drag Japan into a dangerous abyss by urging the party to accelerate the discussion on revising Japan's pacifist Constitution, a move that many believe will instill fear into those who cherish peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

As Boeing's Starliner remains stranded in space and its airliners repeatedly encounter issues, experts on Thursday questioned the company's technical and management capabilities as a whole, raising doubts over other Boeing products, especially those with military applications that affect peace and stability in the world.

Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi has held phone conversations with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan, condemning the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, calling for efforts by different parties to prevent further escalation of conflicts and urging countries to form a joint force to help achieve a cease-fire in Gaza.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic candidate for president, announced on Tuesday to choose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

4 Chinese nationals dead in Nepal helicopter crash: Chinese Embassy

Military personnel of a Belarusian air defense unit will take part in a live-fire exercise on the territory of Russia, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday dissolved the parliament, a key demand of the protestors, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and her reported flight to India.

Japan is attempting to boost its presence in Central Asia, driving a wedge between Central Asian countries and China, Russia with the latest plan of its Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to attend a summit with regional leaders during a tour of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia from Friday through August 12.

The US and Australia are expected to hold the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN), with the participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, in Annapolis, Maryland on Tuesday.

While Russia and the US intensify maneuver in the Middle East as tensions between Iran and Israel ramp up due to the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Iran and the US increased its military presence.

Net international reserves of UAE banking sector rose by 8 percent or AED 91 billion in the first five months of the year to reach AED 1.236 trillion by end of last May from AED 1.145 trillion by the end of last year, according to the Monthly Statistical Bulletin - Banking & Monetary Statistics for May 2024, issued by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) on Monday.

Ukraine has received the US-made F-16 fighter jets that had long been on its wish list, which may provide Kiev with more strength to deter the Russian air force, but analysts said the F-16 alone will not reverse the situation in the battlefield. Military analysts also point out Russia has the capability of responding to the F-16 deployment, and this military aid is very likely to further escalate the Russia-Ukraine conflict, dampening already dim hopes of peace talks.

Violence escalated across the UK over the weekend, with protesters taking to the streets in Liverpool, Hull, Nottingham and other cities, leaving buildings and vehicles on fire and shops looted. The riot, reportedly the largest in scale in the past 13 years, was fueled by disinformation that swirled online about the identity of the perpetrator of an attack in the northern town of Southport on July 29 that left three girls dead.

Iran may retaliate against Israel in a way similar to the previous round in April, but the intensity and scope could be larger with the deployment of proxies, Chinese experts said, as Israel and the US brace for potential attacks from Iran and Lebanese group Hezbollah, which could happen "as soon as Monday."

The German defense minister's interactions with the Philippine president and the Philippine defense chief, along with their discussions over a security agreement, aim to highlight Germany's "influence" in the Asia-Pacific region, and such move also aligns with the US "Indo-Pacific Strategy," underscoring Germany's opportunism, analysts said. While the Philippines has intensified efforts to involve more external countries in the South China Sea issue to counter China, neither the US, Germany, nor any other country would genuinely protect the Philippines, they noted.

An interim government will be set up to run Bangladesh after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned Monday amid protests in the South Asian country, according to army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman.

The likelihood of conflicts spilling over in the Middle East continues to rise as Hezbollah said on Sunday it had launched dozens of Katyusha rockets at Israel with Iran reportedly expected to attack Israel as early as Monday. A potential direct confrontation between Iran and Israel has emerged as the most significant manifestation of the spillover effects of the Palestine-Israel conflict, yet given Iran's domestic and international situation, an all-out war with Israel seems unlikely, said experts.

The unrest in Venezuela has not abated as supporters for incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado took to streets after dispute over election result continued, as supporters of Maduro crowded some of main avenues of capital Caracas on Saturday.

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has elected To Lam as general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, according to a statement on Saturday.

The Palestinian political group Hamas called for prayers for its political chief Ismail Haniyeh and declared a "day of furious rage" on Friday over his killing and the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Analysts said that the assassination of Haniyeh has dimmed hopes for a potential cease-fire in Gaza, and with the conflict between Hamas and Israel now expanding to involve Iran, more players may be drawn into the clashes, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Major Russian naval drills kicked off on July 30. The main goal of the exercises is to check the actions of the Navy's military authorities at all levels, as well as the readiness of ship crews, naval aviation units and coastal troops of the Navy to perform tasks, the Russian Ministry of Defense explained.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has organised a scientific workshop on food safety in Dubai, themed “Prepare for the Unexpected."

Israeli army confirms killing of Hamas military chief Deif

Venezuela decides to sever diplomatic ties with Peru: reports

More than 700 years ago, Marco Polo, driven by a quest for true knowledge, traveled the vast Silk Road, bridging distant Eastern lands with Europe. This journey forever linked China and Italy, a connection that has endured unbroken. Today, 700 years later, people commemorate this brave Venetian merchant, feeling the echoes between history and modernity.

Nicolas Maduro wins presidential elections in Venezuela: National Electoral Council

The US risks destabilizing the Asia-Pacific by revamping military command in Japan.

The US uses China and Russia as an excuse to expand its presence in the Arctic.

Amid both anticipation and controversy, the Summer Olympic Games have returned to Paris after 100 years, the hometown of Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the US is an attempt to show his supporters that Washington is still with him, and he is using this chance to "bet on both sides" as he is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris as well as former president Donald Trump, so that he can ensure that whoever eventually wins the election, the US will still back Israel despite its operation in Gaza already killing nearly 40,000 Palestinian people.

The Kremlin has repeatedly warned against NATO's militarization of Europe, which Moscow says poses a direct threat to Russia.

French Alps gets conditional approval to host 2030 Winter Games

Philippine capital under state of calamity due to flooding

One day after US President Joe Biden announced his decision to quit the US presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, Harris on Monday secured enough support to become the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, US media reported.