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Chinese parliament sacks Qin Gang as foreign minister, Wang Yi reclaims post — Xinhua

Wang Yi served as China's Foreign Minister from 2013 to 2022

BEIJING, July 25. /TASS/. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (the Chinese parliament) on Tuesday sacked Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who had been in his post for incomplete seven months. Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), member of the CCP Politburo Wang Yi was reappointed to the post, the Xinhua news agency reported.

According to its information, such a decision was made at the 4th session of the 14th National People's Congress, which is being held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Wang Yi served as China's Foreign Minister from 2013 to 2022. He previously headed the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council from 2008-2013 and served as ambassador to Japan from 2004-2007.

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Middle East conflict

Israeli Defense Minister admits his country's involvement in assassination of Hamas Leader

Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, Israel has previously denied any involvement in his assassination

Russian Olympic champ Nagorny welcomes ISU’s decision to clear Russian athletes

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Russian Defense Ministry names those who worked on bioweapons in Ukraine

The chief of Russia’s radiation, chemical and biological protection force, Igor Kirillov, told a news briefing that one of the key figures was Robert Pope, the Director of the US Defense Department's Cooperative Threat Reduction Program at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Greenland PM tells Trump island not for sale

Mute Egede stressed that Denmark should continue to be open to cooperation and trade with the whole world, especially with its neighbors

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

Moldovan authorities say they are committed to peaceful solution to Transnistrian problem

Moldova’s leadership "has repeatedly expressed its readiness to work with all dialogue partners to reduce potential risks and mitigate problems that may affect people and the regional economy"

Kremlin sums up Russia’s presidency in BRICS

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Bruno Retailleau also stayed on as interior minister

Houthis say they attacked targets in Israel with drones

The movement struck military targets in Ashkelon and near Jaffa

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Russia, Iran talk four points for Rasht-Astara project implementation — Deputy PM

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Russia’s prominent figure skating coach Tarasova lauds ISU’s recent decision

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Russia to continue helping Sahel countries boost their armies’ combat capacities

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Kiev takes out its anger for military defeats on Russian people — diplomat

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also emphasized that Moscow is outraged by the hypocritical silence of the West and its media on the terrorist attacks in Russia

Russian Olympic champ Nagorny welcomes ISU’s decision to clear Russian athletes

"All news about any international federation’s decision to admit Russian athletes makes me happy," Nikita Nagorny said

Lives of several hostages depend on IDF’s advance in northern Gaza — Hamas

According to spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing Abu Ubaida, areas where these hostages are held allegedly come under regular Israeli bombardments

FACTBOX: What we know about missing An-2 plane in Russia’s Kamchatka

The An-2 airplane with two crew members and one passenger was transporting 800 kg of commercial cargo on the Milkovo - Ossora route

Putin agrees 'Russian world' now faces war

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Ukrainian army launches long-range missiles at Donetsk

Air defenses are in operation, and at least six aerial targets have been shot down

Strike on SBU control center response to Russian general’s assassination, expert says

The ministry clarified that Ukraine launched a missile strike against the Kamensky Integrated Plant in the Rostov Region using six US-made ATACMS missiles and four Storm Shadow cruise missiles

Ukraine shells city hosting Zaporozhye NPP — politician

No reports of casualties and damage have come in yet

Situation with gas supplies from Russia to Europe difficult — Kremlin

"You have heard the Ukrainian side’s statement and you know the position of the European countries that continue purchasing Russian gas and that consider it necessary for normal operation of their economy," Dmitry Peskov said

Explosion rocks premises of former plant in Russia’s Abakan, killing two

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Russian missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov to become world’s strongest warship after upgrade

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According to Yuri Ushakov, the meeting was substantial

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"This concerns both the potential use of Taurus and plans for stationing US mid-range and short-range missiles on German soil," Sergey Nechayev stressed

Russian forces take control of Severny neighborhood in Chasov Yar — Donbass region head

According to Denis Pushilin, Russian forces have been advancing almost along the entire line of engagement in the region

Trump's plan to seize Panama Canal to cause migration, poverty — Colombian president

Gustavo Petro emphasized Colombia's backing for Panama in defending its sovereignty

Finland plans to open three crossings on border with Russia — paper

The media reports that Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is expected to announce the government's decision on Tuesday

Is Gaddafi's gloom prophecy in regard to Europe bound to be fulfilled?

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Latest nuclear-powered sub Arkhangelsk to join Russian Navy by yearend

The Arkhangelsk submarine was rolled out from the slipway of the Sevmash Shipyard on November 29, 2023 for completing its construction afloat

White Helmets staged Douma ‘chemical weapons attack’ on civilians — Russian General Staff

On April 7, a number of NGOs, including the White Helmets, alleged that chemical weapons were used in Douma, Eastern Ghouta

Former Mossad agents disclose details of pager operation against Hezbollah

Mossad used dummies to test how much explosive is required to be just enough to hurt the pager’s owner, but not the person next to him

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According to Mike Waltz, Trump has made it clear that the war must end

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According to Alexander Stepanov, strikes are systematic efforts to gradually wipe out the military capabilities of Ukraine

Russian gas imports by Czech Republic soaring — news agency

The Czech Republic is receiving Russian pipe gas indirectly via Slovakia and Hungary

Lukashenko announces upcoming meeting with Putin and official visit to China

The Belarusian president pointed out that the coming year is expected to be difficult for a number of reasons

Ukraine’s General Staff admits tense situation along entire frontline

The Ukrainian military also admitted the Russian army’s supremacy in terms of military equipment and the size of personnel

More than 20 countries show interest in BRICS — Kremlin aide

Yury Ushakov noted that uncontrolled expansion of the association would break its backbone

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Zelensky actually flips the bird to Trump by insulting Putin, Medvedev says

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FACTBOX: Mir payment system launched in 10 countries, over 15 want to introduce it

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Putin arrives in Paris to pay last respects to Jacques Chirac

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Press review: Kiev escalates attacks as payments ease for Russian raw material buyers

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 23rd

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Addressing a news conference after the BRICS summit in Kazan earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of seeking to expand unfairly and warned that Russia would spare no effort to reverse the situation

Georgian president demands appointing snap elections within week

Salome Zourabichvili also promised to announce her further plans on Monday

CIS must enhance anti-terror measures amid Syrian developments — senior Russian lawmaker

According to Leonid Slutsky, the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar Assad and the armed opposition's assumption of power could have repercussions far beyond the region

IDF eliminates chief of Hamas Security Mechanism directorate

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Press review: Putin outlines Russia's future goals and Tehran faces energy blackout riots

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 20th

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Lavrov reaffirms Moscow’s unity with Belgrade in protecting rights of Serbs — Russian MFA

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Iranian president invited to visit Russia in early 2025

The Russian delegation also included Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, Minister of Sport Roman Starovoit, and RZD CEO Oleg Belozerov

Global mpox incidence exceeds 117,000 cases — WHO

A global public health emergency over mpox was effective from July 2022 through May 11, 2023

Russian drone operators use air ramming to down 4 Ukrainian copters in Kharkov Region

UAV operators of the battle group North continue to be on round-the-clock duty in the sky over Kharkov Region and identify reconnaissance and strike drones of the Ukrainian militants

Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas will hit EU economies hard — French expert

According to Jacques Sapir, the decision not to extend transit contracts was no surprise given the political landscape

Special services remove over 4,000 tons of contaminated soil in Krasnodar Region, Crimea

Russia's Maritime Rescue Service collected 25 tons of oil-water mixture in the Kerch Strait water area, surveying 170 square kilometers of water territory

Deployment of Moldovan troops to Transnistria to violate settlement accords — expert

On April 15, 2013, two explosions, with 12 seconds in between, happened in Boston’s downtown, near the finish line of the traditional marathon

Biden refuses to commute Boston Marathon terrorist's death sentence — media

Earlier, the head of the US administration commuted the sentence for 37 out of 40 people to life imprisonment without the possibility of release

Iran informs Russia about ratification of free trade zone agreement with EAEU

Alexey Overchuk noted that the parties discussed Iran's participation in the Eurasian Economic Union as an observer

West to criticise Fico's visit to Russia, but understands necessity for it — expert

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Russia considers launching direct flights with Brazil, Malaysia, Pakistan — Minister

Roman Starovoyt noted that Russia is holding negotiations with many airlines from friendly countries

Senior Russian MP hopes that Trump really wants peace in Ukraine

"Such an achievement would serve his interests as the incoming US president," Leonid Slutsky noted

Israeli Defense Minister admits his country's involvement in assassination of Hamas Leader

Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, Israel has previously denied any involvement in his assassination

IN BRIEF: What is known about blast at former plant in Russia’s Khakassia Region

According to the latest data, two people were killed

Contracts worth over $286 million signed at Vietnam Defense Expo 2024

The exhibition attracted more than 260,000 visitors, while more than 1,800 bilateral meetings and negotiations were held on the sidelines

Germany fails to admit its policy of support to Ukraine falters — Russian envoy

"The ambition to impose a ‘strategic defeat’ on Russia has fallen out of favor, even among hardline political figures, given the unfeasibility of such an outcome," Sergey Nechayev said

Poland to import 10% of LPG from Russia after EU sanctions take effect

According to the Polish Liquid Gas Association, Poland purchased about $500 mln worth of liquefied petroleum gas from Russia during the first ten months of 2024

Ukrainian troops attempt counterattacks on Vasilyevka direction in Zaporozhye Region

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Group of foreign mercenaries taken out in Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

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Skoda, Volkswagen to recall over 55,000 cars in Russia — regulator

All owners of vehicles subject to the recall will be informed of the need to bring the vehicle to the nearest dealership for repairs, Rosstandart said

Russian Railways boost freight traffic via border crossings with China by 14.1% this year

The company carried 37.5 mln metric tons of goods in the export-import service via border crossings with China

Russian forces liberate one more settlement in Donetsk People’s Republic

According to the report, battlegroup Center made Ukraine suffer roughly 610 casualties and lose two tanks in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Houthis say attacked US aircraft carrier in Red Sea, shot down US fighter jet

According to the Houthi spokesman, the strike on US vessels was delivered with the use of "eight cruise missiles and 17 drones"

Russia ready to normalize relations with US without detriment to its interests — Putin

The previous generation of Russian politicians chose the course towards the country’s destruction for the sake of joining the so-called civilized world but this was what the West wanted, President Vladimir Putin

Kiev’s shelling kills 61 civilians in Russia-controlled part of Kharkov Region in 2024

According to the report, 35 civilians suffered injuries

Russia evacuates 4,000 Iranian fighters from Syria at their request — Putin

Russian forces evacuated them from the Hmeimim base to Tehran

Russian 'soldier of the future' combat gear tested in Syria

The Ratnik is a system of advanced protective and communication equipment, weapons and ammunition

Germany does not keep substantive contacts with Russia on Nord Stream case — envoy

"How much longer it will last remains to be seen," Sergey Nechaev noted

Russia expects free trade zone agreement between EAEU, Iran to come into force in 2025

Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk reiterated that Iran is an important partner for Russia

Netanyahu says ordered IDF to attack Houthi strategic targets

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IN BRIEF: What is known about drone attack on residential buildings in Kazan

TASS has gathered the main information about the incident

Ukrainian conflict will end when Kiev’s sponsors see need for peace — Russian diplomat

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Kiev considers negotiations with Russia inevitable, Ukrainian official says

At the same time, Sergey Leshchenko clarified that "there will be no repeat of Minsk or Istanbul agreements," meaning there would be no agreements resembling the Minsk accords of 2015 or the Istanbul talks of spring 2022

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

It is planned to launch it in general circulation in early 2025