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Taiwanese plans for independence are destined to fail, Chinese MFA asserts

Lin Jian stressed that Beijing's position on military relations between Washington and Taipei, as well as the sale of American arms to the island, is unequivocal and clear

BEIJING, December 16. /TASS/. The delivery of American Abrams tanks to Taiwan will not help the island achieve independence, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said at a briefing.

"Taiwanese authorities’ plans to achieve independence through force and foreign support are bound to fail," Lin Jian said. "China will firmly defend its national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity," he noted.

He stressed that Beijing's position on military relations between Washington and Taipei, as well as the sale of American arms to the island, is unequivocal and clear. China calls on the United States to respect the one-China principle, cease arming Taiwan, and stop supporting forces advocating for the island's independence, Lin Jian added.

Earlier, the Taiwanese defense ministry reported that the first batch of 38 Abrams M1A2T tanks had arrived on the island. The sale of 108 Abrams M1A2T tanks to Taiwan for $2.2 billion was approved by the US State Department in 2019. The M1A2T is a modified version of the M1A2 main battle tank, tailored to Taiwan's specific requirements, based on the SEPv2 (System Enhancement Package version 2) configuration.

Currently, Taiwan's tank fleet consists of 1,000 combat vehicles, most of which are outdated models.

Senior Russian diplomat calls for stepping up efforts to explain causes of Ukraine crisis

Mikhail Galuzin noted that the diplomatic missions of Russia and Belarus "are intensifying work on this track with the countries of the Global South, operating in close partnership and coordination, and this work should be continued"

West to prolong agony of Zelensky's regime in proxy war against Russia — Duma

Leonid Slutsky stressed that the Russian government had repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve issues through political and diplomatic means

Russian troops repel several Ukrainian counterattacks on Novy Komar in DPR

"In Novy Komar, half of the village is under the control of Russian troops," Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the Russian Civic Chamber’s commission on sovereignty, patriotic projects and veteran support, said

Russian troops liberate Yelizavetovka community in Donbass area over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 500 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy howitzers in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported

Ousted South Korean President to be questioned on December 18 — Yonhap

Yoon Suk Yeol is suspected of plotting a rebellion to overthrow the constitutional order

EU launches diplomatic contacts with new Syrian government — foreign policy chief

According to Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign ministers will discuss how and "on what level" the EU will engage with the new Syrian authorities and what the EU can offer them if they move "to the right direction"

Leader of new Syrian authorities meets UN envoy in Damascus — Al Jazeera

Al-Sharaa pointed out the importance of creating safe conditions for the return of refugees, as well as economic and political support for these refugees

Medvedev says US wants Taiwan to be its outpost in East Asia

According to the official, the plan is "quite in line with Washington's aspirations to bring the Asia-Pacific region into NATO's orbit and pit states against each other"

Israeli air force, navy attack Syrian air defenses

Additionally, air raids were carried out on the Syrian army’s munitions depots to the east of Tartus (220 kilometers from Damascus)

Pro-Turkish, Kurdish forces clash could spark new civil war in Syria — newspaper

The newspaper suggests that there is a risk the Syrian opposition could collapse, prompting interventions by Israel, Turkey, and the US in Syria’s internal affairs

Ukrainian army to soon run out of soldiers to continue fighting — media

The report highlights that, in addition to a manpower deficit, Kiev may also face critical shortages of ammunition and weapons

New Syrian leader gives Russia chance to review relations with Syria

Ahmed al-Sharaa also said that the country's new authorities will not enter into a conflict with Israel

EU foreign ministers to gather in Brussels for their last meeting this year

As the EU representative said, the foreign ministers will approve the 15th package of sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, as well as a "new blacklist" for Moscow's alleged "hybrid actions"

Nicaragua may consider direct flights with Russia, says special envoy

"We also discussed cooperation on culture and the establishment of a partnership between the media of our countries," Special Representative of the President of Nicaragua for Russian Affairs Laureano Ortega Murillo said

Situation in Krasnoarmeisk area improves after liberation of Shevchenko — DPR head

Denis Pushilin noted that Russian troops had also advanced in the Krasny Liman area

Damascus, Aleppo airports resume operations, but so far only under special permits

The restriction period is set from 8:00 p.m. GMT on December 12 to 3:00 p.m. GMT on December 18

Too soon to discuss deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, talks on Ukraine could resume based on the Istanbul accords

Russian troops strike Kiev airport used to train F-16 pilots — politician

"The Russian army hit hangars and warehouses at the site, with secondary detonations continuing for up to two hours," Vladimir Rogov said

Poland imposes sanctions on Russian billionaire Oleg Boiko

Boiko also faces sanctions in Ukraine and Australia

Turkey ready to be mediator between US, Syria’s new authorities — top diplomat

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also said that Ankara "is coordinating actions on the situation in Syria with Saudi Arabia at the highest level"

Russian cancer vaccine to be free of charge — top oncologist

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

Protest rally in downtown Tbilisi ends peacefully

By now, almost all the protesters have left the area, a TASS correspondent said

Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers encircled in Kurakhovo, the Russian military says

According to them, the Ukrainian battlegroup is being "ground down" gradually so that it cannot flee the town

BRICS to review Syria’s membership application if new authorities confirm it — diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov noted that the association does not "pressure anyone towards anything," treating any choice with respect

11 people taken to hospital after oil tanker wreck in Black Sea — health ministry

Two of them are in grave conditions, Alexey Kuznetsov, an aide to the Russian health minister, said

No sense for Georgia to join EU at expense of rejecting its values — president-elect

Mikhail Kavelashvili said that Georgia’s authorities are open to a discussion on any topic, but the West shows no willingness to do that, being limited to criticism only

Serial production of Oreshnik missiles to begin shortly — Putin

The head of state recalled that Russia’s newest powerful weapon "was successfully used in November in response to the strikes on our country’s territory"

Ukrainian military fires 30 projectiles at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

Eight projectiles and an FPV drone were launched at the Graivoronsky District

Russian lawmaker lauds Russian swimmers’ results at World Swimming Championship

Russian swimmer won ten medals, including six gold and four silver ones

Another anti-government rally being held in Tbilisi

The protesters demand the resignation of the government and a new parliamentary election

Survival rate of wounded in Russian army up significantly — defense minister

Andrey Belousov thanked all medical workers who were saving soldiers’ lives on the frontline and in district and central military-medical and civilian hospitals

Washington cannot tell Kiev to lower draft age, says Ukrainian deputy prime minister

According to Olga Stefanishyna, she personally views these statements as "a desire on the part of the West to lift responsibility for all these arrangements that were previously in place"

British mercenary Burke killed in Ukraine by fellow mercenary, coroner says

The main suspect in the case is Abdelfetah Nourine, a dual citizen of Australia and Algeria

Israel not interested in confrontation with Syria — Netanyahu

Israel will build its policy toward Damascus based on the situation on the ground, Israeli Prime Minister said

Putin orders Russian forces pullout from Syria

Russia is ready to deal a new blow to terrorists if they again try to break peace in Syria, the president said

Mikhail Kavelashvili elected as 6th president of Georgia

A total of 224 members of the 300-member electoral college cast their votes in favor of Kavelashvili

Trump will never provide US security guarantees to Ukraine — The New York Times

It is reported that the US military will shift its priorities to the Asia Pacific Region in order to counter the growing influence of China under the Trump Administration

IN BRIEF: Ex-Ukrainian intel officer’s car blown up in northern Moscow

The explosion occurred in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado off-road vehicle parked on Korovinskoye highway in the north of Moscow, when the driver started the SUV

Russian missile frigate wraps up Mediterranean deployment

The ship’s crew successfully practiced all the assigned missions as part of the Russian Navy’s standing Mediterranean taskforce, the Fleet’s press office reported

West turns Ukraine into impoverished, war-torn country — politician

Ukraine is a clear example of such actions of the West, Viktor Medvedchuk noted

Some 700 Ukrainian troops trapped near Kurakhovo, Russian official reveals

According to the Russian official, the remaining Ukrainian troops in Kurakhovo itself can find themselves trapped, and very soon, too

Vega missions to Venus mark triumph of space science — Roscosmos

Vega 1 spacecraft and its twin Vega 2 were launched on December 15 and 21, 1984, respectively

Moscow shooter identified as European boxing champion Nikita Ivanov

This was reported by a representative of law enforcement agencies

Thousands of Moldovans will use migration amnesty in Russia — Moldovan president

Moldovan President Igor Dodon said about 500,000 Moldovan labor migrants are currently staying in Russia

Slovak president hopes for beginning of talks on ending conflict in Ukraine soon

"However, looking at the situation realistically, it should be noted that no one in Europe who is sober-minded thinks now that it will be possible to reach peace without Ukraine’s territorial losses," Peter Pellegrini said

Oil products no longer discharged from wrecked tankers in Kerch Strait

"The remaining tanks are well sealed," Sergey Stranichny said, commenting on the satellite monitoring data

Russian forces advance southwest of Kurakhovo, start liberation of Zelenovka — politician

Earlier, Vladimir Rogov told TASS that Russian troops were mopping up the settlements of Sukhiye Yaly and Konstantinopolskoye southeast of Zelenovka

No decision yet on future of Russian bases in Syria as dialogue continues — Kremlin

Russia currently operates two military facilities in Syria: a logistics naval base in the port city of Tartus and the Hmeimim air base located near the city of Jableh in the Latakia Province

Russian oil tanker in distress in Kerch Strait with 13 people on board

No information about casualties or a possible oil spill is available at this point

Loss of Krasnoarmeysk to mark 'largest setback' for Ukraine in months — TV channel

Krasnoarmeysk is a key logistical hub for the Ukrainian group in the Donetsk People’s Republic

Israel launches heavy strike on Syria’s air defense systems in Tartus — source

According to the source, the target of the strike was outside the city of Tartus

Press review: Medvedev talks Ukraine with Xi and Houthis intensify attacks on Israel

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 13th

Western aid to Ukraine ‘in increasingly short supply’ — Bloomberg

Pessimistic attitudes in the country are rising against the backdrop of the successful advance of Russian forces, the government’s failing mobilization attempts, and rolling blackouts

New regions may join Russia, Medvedev says

"This is quite possible," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Preparations underway to address oil spill in Kerch Strait

According to preliminary estimates, not all of the oil products leaked from the tankers

Many US partners asking Russia `not to stop halfway’ on Ukraine — SVR chief

The global prestige of Washington is steadily declining, Sergey Naryshkin emphasized

Israel announces closure of embassy in Ireland

The Israeli side motivated this step by recalling that last week Ireland supported South Africa’s legal motion against Israel with the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide

Press review: South Korean president impeached as Ukraine turns to foreign mercenaries

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 16th

Nicaragua offers Russia to build new canal together — special envoy

The construction of a new Carribean port is already underway, Laureano Ortega Murillo said

Ukrainian army forced to switch to defensive, tap reserves — Russian defense chief

"The staffing level of its frontline units does not exceed 45-50%," Andrey Belousov said

Putin praises T-90 tank as the best in world

The president noted that any hardware got outdated with time

Seoul calls on Moscow not to discuss improvement of bilateral ties amid Yoon’s impeachment

On Saturday, Russian Ambassador to Seoul Georgy Zinovyev said that as long as the ROK has not crossed the "red line" of sending weapons to Ukraine the potential for restoring bilateral ties remain

Damaged Russian cargo ships in Kerch Strait cause oil spill emergency

Two rescue tugboats and two helicopters have been dispatched, the Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport reported

CSTO understood Ukraine was turned into anti-Russia — ex-secretary general

Nikolay Bordyuzha noted "that the Ukrainian population was actually fostered in the spirit of hatred of Russians, everything Russia, and Russia"

Russian forces liberate Vesyoly Gai, Pushkino in Donbass region

Russian forces also destroyed four US-made Patriot missile launchers, Russia’s Defense Ministry said

Putin orders rescue efforts after two oil tankers run aground off Crimea — Kremlin

The Russian leader also ordered to set up a governmental working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Davelyev, Dmitry Peskov said

Belarus wants to participate in future Ukraine peace talks, senior diplomat says

Yury Ambrazevich pointed out there was growing global demand for a diplomatic solution to the conflict due to the difficult situation Ukrainian forces were facing on the battlefield

TOS-1A Solntsepyok-1A ammunition creates long-lived shock wave — Rostec

The state corporation specified that the Solntsepyok munition creates a very high temperature, burning everything that can burn

Su-57 fifth-generation fighter may get flat nozzle for stealth purposes — pilot

The flat nozzle technology is a breakthrough in modern aircraft-building, Major-General Vladimir Popov noted

Captured Ukrainian soldier tells about orders to shoot civilians in Russia’s Kursk Region

Artur Plombirus was conscripted from prison, where he was serving a sentence under Article 186 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code (robbery)

Russians win 10 medals at World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest

The gold medals for the Russians were won by Miron Lifintsev, Ilya Borodin

Russia calls Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights unacceptable — MFA

"Israel must return to the full compliance with the well-known 1974 agreement with Syria," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stressed

15-year-old girl killed in a stabbing attack in southwestern Japan — Kyodo news agency

All extracurricular activities and events in schools and kindergartens of Kitakyushu have been cancelled

US plans for medium-range high accuracy weapons cause concern — Putin

The Russian leader noted that "the relocation and deployment of these missile systems in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region is already being practiced"

Putin to present state awards to winners, medalists of 2024 Paris Paralympics

Nine athletes will be awarded the Order of Honor, eight will receive the Order of Friendship, and another 22 will receive the Order for Merit to the Fatherland of the 1st or 2nd degree

EU foreign ministers plan to allocate six billion euros for weapons to Ukraine — Szijjarto

"Despite the possibility of a Christmas ceasefire and a mass exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, today they want to waste over six billion euros on arms supplies," the Hungarian foreign minister said

Georgia’s president-elect suggests incumbent president resign if she is against govt

Incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili has been in open opposition to the ruling party over the past two to three years

Scholz politically isolated in EU, German politician says

"Regrettably, it should be said so: the majority of European politicians simply do not want to meet anymore the German Chancellor that either sits silent for hours or lectures the world," said Friedrich Merz

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

CSTO ex-Secretary General explains why Ukraine was never invited to CSTO

Even within the CIS Ukraine was in a semi-legal position because they had not ratified all of the CIS-related agreements, including the CIS founding acts, Nikolay Bordyuzha said

Press review: Russia's role in Syria questioned and UN hints at a possible SC summit

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 10th

Ukraine loses its population, Ukrainians choose Russia, politician says

According to Viktor Medvedchuk, even some representatives of the current government acknowledge that the state policy regarding the support of internally displaced persons has actually failed

Ukrainian casualties in Kursk region amount to over 400 in past day

Also, seven Ukrainian motor vehicles, three artillery mounts and 10 mortars were destroyed

Ukrainian government contemplated relocating to London in February 2022, ex-envoy says

According to Vadim Pristayko, the Ukrainian authorities were "seeking the opportunity to relocate funds as well as addressing the issue of governing the country"

Next year unlikely to be easy, Russia hopes for victory — Medvedev

Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said it at the 22nd United Russia party congress.

Large Ukrainian stronghold wiped out near Konstantinovka — Russian military officials

According to them, more than 10 Ukrainian troops were killed in the attack

Russian forces repel Ukraine’s attempted counterattacks in Krasnoarmeisk area

According to DPR’s head, Denis Pushilin, Russian forces continue their advance in this section of the combat engagement line

Israel hits Hamas, Islamic Jihad radicals in Nuseirat camp in Gaza

"Among the terrorists eliminated in the strike was the Islamic Jihad terrorist Ahmed Bakr al-Lawh, who previously served as a Platoon commander in the Islamic Jihad's Central Camps Brigade," IDF said

Russian Aerospace Force radars able to detect any aerial threats

Distinctive features of new equipment of radio-technical troops are the modern element base and the high level of automation for all process of radar information processing and output

Hamas reports progress in hostage negotiations with Israel — news outlet

Earlier, a senior Israeli official spoke to the news outlet about "significant progress" in the hostage deal negotiations with Hamas

Russian forces down Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet — top brass

Air defenses downed a MiG-29 fighter jet belonging to the Ukrainian air force, eight US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and 116 unmanned aerial vehicles

Results of Russian cancer vaccine’s preclinical studies due in late 2024 — minister

The research "is financed by the state as part of the governmental order," Mikhail Murashko said

Storm-beaten oil tankers were carrying nearly 9,000 tons of mazut — emergencies service

Both tankers were seriously damaged, with the foreship of one of them being torn off by a wave

Putin meets with former President of Kazakhstan Nazarbayev

Vladimir Putin met with first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in Novo-Ogaryovo

BRICS will discuss Syria, common approaches to situation, diplomat says

"As the subject of an inclusive political process, which is expected to define the framework for Syria’s future governance structure and its political organization, gains more urgency, BRICS will undoubtedly address this," Sergey Ryabkov noted

Russian envoy remains in Damascus, continues work — embassy

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Crisis Management Center announced the evacuation of some personnel from Russian foreign missions in Damascus but clarified that the embassy continues its operations

Zelensky's rejection of ceasefire confirms Kiev has no interest in peace — diplomat

In a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 11, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposed a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, along with a Christmas truce

Ukraine loses over 200 troops in Kursk area over past day — top brass

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian army’s losses also one tank, one US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, one armored combat vehicle, seven motor vehicles

Calling all residents of Ukraine 'Ukrainians' not accurate, Medvedev says

The Russian senior official pointed out that the very word "Ukrainians" did not take on its modern ethnic meaning until the mid-19th century

Ukrainian command prohibits soldiers to retreat from Velikaya Novosyolka in Donbass region

The Ukrainians at this sector of the line of engagement have been surrendering

South Korean ruling party chairman Han Dong-hoon steps down — Yonhap

He apologized for the declaration of martial law to his fellow citizens and supporters of the People Power faction, whose feelings were hurt by the impeachment of the president