National semiconductor chip
prototyping support centre
makes its debut
by Thuy Dung
June 27th, 9:25pm
(VGP)
The Ministry of Science and Technology launched
the national semiconductor chip prototyping
support centre in Ha Noi on Jun 26.
This is Viet Nam's first national-level centre dedicated
to supporting semiconductor chip prototyping,
serving as a bridge between domestic
chip research and design needs
and the global semiconductor
manufacturing ecosystem.
The centre is tasked with coordinating chip research
& design projects undertaken by research institutes,
universities, enterprises, and startups.
It also helps connect these projects with wafer
fabrication plants and packaging and testing
service providers in Viet Nam and abroad.
In addition, the centre supports prototype manufacturing
through the Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) model, helping to
reduce costs, shorten development time, improve
opportunities for design validation, and facilitate
the gradual development of "Made in Viet Nam"
semiconductor chip products.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Science & Technology Vu
Hai Quan said, the establishment of the centre, underscores
the Government's role in enhancing connectivity and
providing support -- so that businesses, research
institutes, and universities can work together
to shape the future of Viet Nam's semi-
conductor industry.
The centre will be developed in three phases:
Phase 1 (2026–2027): The Government will cover 100% of
pilot costs to encourage universities, research institutes,
enterprises, and chip design teams, to engage in semi-
conductor research, development, & prototype testing
while gradually building the capacity to operate the
MPW model in Viet Nam.
Phase 2 (2028–2030): The centre will continue to receive
partial support for pilot costs while completing shared
infrastructure, laboratory facilities, electronic design
automation (EDA) tools, testing environments, and
specialized technical services.
Phase 3 (from 2030 onward): The centre aims to
master advanced semiconductor technologies,
expand international cooperation, & become
a leading semiconductor chip pilot support
centre, in Southeast Asia.
At the ceremony, the centre signed memoranda of
understandings (MoUs) with 19 domestic and
international partners, including global
technology companies... across the
semiconductor supply chain - such
as Intel, Infineon, Amkor, Cadence
and Synopsys, major universities
as well as relevant Vietnamese
technology companies.
The cooperation agreements focus on research, the
development of high-quality human resources,
support for chip design, prototyping,
packaging, and testing, as well as
the sharing of technical infra-
structure and the exchange
of expertise.
Viet Nam's semiconductor industry has made remarkable
progress. In 2025, the industry generated more than
US$21 billion in revenue, attracted over US$14
billion in foreign direct investment (FDI)
across more than 240 projects, and
saw the emergence of about 60
integrated circuit (IC) design
companies supported by a
workforce, of over 7,000
semiconductor design
engineers.
_______________________
Cuban émigrés reaffirm
commitment ------- to
their homeland
Montevideo, June 27th, 3:32pm
(Prensa Latina)
The VIII Regional Meeting of the Network of Cubans Residing
in Latin America and the Caribbean, held here today,
reaffirmed their commitment to the defense of
sovereignty, independence and the right of
their homeland to decide its destiny
without external interference
This is stated in the Montevideo Declaration, adopted by
representatives of the Cuban diaspora gathered in this
capital, and arriving from various countries of
the continent.
The text denounces --- with the greatest firmness --- the
intensification of the policy of economic, commercial
and financial blockade, as well as new, unilateral,
coercive measures against their nation.
The participants of the forum demanded the "immediate
cessation of this hostile policy and the exclusion of
Cuba from the illegitimate list of state sponsors
of terrorism."
We ratify - our unwavering solidarity with
the Cuban people, the statement states.
We reaffirm our willingness to strengthen and expand
economic ties, highlighting the progress in favorable
conditions for investment, entrepreneurship, and
the economic participation of the diaspora,
it stresses.
The declaration indicates the purpose of strengthening
the Network and calls on all Cubans living abroad to
actively participate.
It speaks out for the identity and unity of Cubans
and is grateful for international support.
In times of greater pressure ---- the greater our commitment
also becomes. Cuba is not alone, the statement concludes.
The meeting brought together dozens of delegates
from 9 countries, plus others who spoke virtually.
It collects messages of support from the PIT-CNT and the
Uruguayan solidarity movement with the island, as
well as from associations of emigrants from
other countries
As a culmination, Cuban residents and members of the
Uruguayan Anti-Imperialist Committee - of Solidarity
with Cuba staged a political-cultural act of closure
- a communion of peoples in support of the island.
______________________________________________
Winter-resistant strawberry
variety -- created in Russia
Moscow, June 26th, 4:33am
(Prensa Latina)
Specialists from the Federal Scientific Centre for Horticulture
have achieved a high-yielding variety of garden strawberry
adapted to the conditions of central Russia, the digital
newspaper Vzgliad, reported today.
According to the communication.... this variety was named
"Novorossiya" in honour of the new regions of the country,
and highlights -- that it is fully adapted to the variable
climate of Central Russia and is characterized by
having large berries... with a sweet taste.
This new strawberry proves to be very resistant to cold: even
in harsh winters. In addition, the plants can produce up to
500 grams of fruit per bush, which provides a higher
yield per hectare, cultivated.
The berries withstand long-distance transport well and
contain 8% sugars, 0.8 acids, and 64.3 milligrams of
ascorbic acid per 100 grams.
"We have managed to develop ----- a reliable variety that
meets the growing demand of agricultural producers
and consumers. Not only will it contribute to the
substitution of imports..... and increase the
profitability of the national agricultural
sector --- but it will also ------ promote
research in genetic improvement,"
said the doctor in agricultural
sciences and creator of the
variety, Natalia Andronova.
According to her, the name given to the new strawberry
variety symbolizes resilience ---- and the ability to
overcome challenges.
______________________________________________
The essence - of Europe’s trade deficit with
China, as seen through an air conditioner:
June 27th, 12:25am
Global Times editorial
A "deadly" heatwave is sweeping across the European
peninsula. It is estimated to have caused around
15,000 deaths, many of them older people
living in apartments and care homes
---- without air conditioning.
Amid the heatwave, air conditioners made in China have
been almost snapped up across major shopping malls
in Europe. On social media, many European users
have remarked that "Chinese air conditioners
are affordable" and that "Europe should
import more." Scenes like this
deserve careful reflection..
from EU policymakers.
Since 2020, extreme heat events have become significantly
more frequent ------- in Europe. Take 2025... as an example:
temperatures in parts of Western Europe exceeded 46 C
in June, while areas near the Arctic Circle experienced
the longest heatwave on record, lasting 3 consecutive
weeks in July. Another telling figure is that during the
2025 cooling year (term used in the air-conditioning
industry - referring to August 2024, to July 2025),
Europe's imports.... of Chinese air conditioners
surged by about 40%, making it --- the primary
driver of global growth in China's AC exports.
Beyond air conditioners, a wide range of Chinese-made
cooling products - from fan-equipped sun hats to
handheld fans and cooling blankets - have
also gained popularity across Europe.
This forms the real backdrop to the recent hype among some
European politicians --- over the so-called "trade deficit with
China." For many European households, the requirements
are straightforward: reasonable prices, easy installation,
energy efficiency, and minimal disruption to older
housing structures.
In response to these practical and pressing needs,
Chinese companies -- such as Midea Group, Haier,
and Gree have introduced well-adapted products
- that are well received. These are affordable
solutions chosen by European consumers
under the real constraints of extreme
heat, aging housing, and
limited budgets.
Some European consumers -- have even shared stories
online of traveling long distances to secure a Chinese
air conditioner. One user said they spent two days
searching across the EU, eventually driving 200
kilometres to purchase the last available unit
- at a price that had already increased by
100 euro. Another commented bluntly:
"If -- there were French air conditioners, I would buy French.
But first, there has to be air conditioning. If France allows
in Chinese products, I'll buy Chinese." Such remarks....
capture the real, lived dimension behind Europe's
trade deficit with China.
The rush among European consumers -- to buy Chinese air
conditioners, represents just a small piece of the broader
mosaic of China-Europe economic & trade relations, but
reflects a much larger picture. There's no coercion, no
so-called "industrial domination" and no "shock." The
logic is simple: demand generates orders, shortages
drive imports ----- and competitive pricing sustains
consumption. Real demand from society is the
fundamental basis of China-Europe trade.
Many Chinese exports to Europe serve diverse needs - some
are intermediate goods required for industrial production,
others are consumer products for daily life.... and still
others support Europe's green transition. At its core,
China-Europe economic and trade cooperation is
about mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Europe's air conditioner shortage is a reminder - that the
problem.... is not that China manufactures too well, but
that some countries have been insufficiently prepared
in terms of industrial capacity and public policy. For
decades ---- Europe's architecture design, energy
strategy, and industrial layout... have been built
on the assumption of a relatively mild climate
..underestimating the prospect of extreme
heat - becoming the norm.
Today, domestic manufacturing capacity, installation services,
retrofitting of aging buildings, and the affordability of energy
are all under growing strain in the face of changing climate
conditions. Faced with all these structural shortcomings..
trade barriers -- cannot lower indoor temperatures, and
political finger-pointing -- cannot increase supply. The
only effective solution is to respect market dynamics
& close capability gaps - through mutually beneficial
cooperation. Looking at China-Europe relations
through the lens of a single air conditioner,
the conclusion --- is straightforward:
European consumers get better
products, Chinese companies
gain broader markets, and
both sides.... find more
practical pathways
toward a green
transition.
In fact, the EU has previously imposed tariff barriers on
Chinese air conditioners on environmental grounds.
However, these measures neither enhanced the
competitiveness of European manufacturers
nor meaningfully improved people's quality
of life.
Driven by the long-standing competitive market environment
and a well-established industrial chain --- the Chinese air
conditioner manufacturers quickly transitioned to next-
generation refrigerants. Put simply, while Europe was
still debating whether air conditioning is necessary...
Chinese firms ----- had already built better products.
This example demonstrates that trade barriers can
not alter the broader trajectory of China-Europe
economic ties; instead, they have imposed
greater costs on European society itself.
Europe's scorching heat should have been enough... to wake
some people up. If European policymakers truly care about
public opinion, they should take to the streets --- and ask
ordinary citizens a simple question: would they support
higher tariffs on Chinese-made air conditioners -- or
import quotas that restrict their availability?
European politicians, who have long portrayed themselves
as champions of democracy, should not choose to ignore
the most genuine public opinion. It is time for Europe's
political elite --- to stop sleeping through the heat.
______________________________________________________
A three-year-old girl ---- who lived among
piles of garbage was infested with lice
by Marina Sovina (night editor)
June 26th, 9:58pm
(Lenta.ru)
In the United States, a three-year-old girl who lived among piles
of garbage was infested with lice, writes the New York Post.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers found out
that the minor was kept in an apartment filled with garbage
& waste. Later, the apartment was declared uninhabitable.
According to investigators, the child's body was examined, and
numerous lice were found on her head and face. The severe
infestation with parasites led to severe anemia, which
caused damage to her heart and internal organs.
The girl also had severely decayed teeth, and her health
condition indicated that she had not received proper
care for a long time. The child's father and mother
were sentenced to four years in prison.
________________________________________
More.. new cases of
measles confirmed,
in Brazilian children
Brasilia, June 26th, 6:32pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Brazilian state of São Paulo confirmed today three
new cases of measles in babies, bringing the number
registered this year to five and highlighting the need
to reinforce preventive measures.
The new infections correspond to three minors between
six months and one year of age, two boys and a girl,
who had no history of recent travel abroad.
Two of them, according to press reports, had also not
received the vaccine against the disease and all
three evolved favorably ...until they were
considered cured.
In view of the new epidemiological scenario, the state's
Health Secretariat recommended the application of the
so-called "zero dose" of the MMR vaccine for babies
between six and 11 months and 29 days residing
in the capital of São Paulo and the municipality
of Guarulhos.
This extraordinary immunization seeks to offer early protection
to the most vulnerable children, since the national vaccination
schedule provides for the first dose only at one year of age
and a booster at 15 months.
According to the ealth authorities, the early dose does
not replace the applications provided for in the
regular schedule, so immunized children
will have to complete the official
schedule, later.
The increase in cases.. occurs in a context of concern
about the resurgence of measles in several countries
in the Americas.
Health organizations have warned that the international
circulation of the virus, together with insufficient
vaccination coverage, increases the risk of the
reintroduction of the disease in territories
where it had been eliminated.
Measles is a highly contagious viral ailment, transmitted
by the respiratory route, and can... cause serious
complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis
and even death, especially in children and
unimmunized people.
Since the first case this year, confirmed last March in
a six-month-old child who traveled to Bolivia, the
Brazilian Ministry of Health.. intensified
epidemiological surveillance and
reiterated the importance: of
keeping the immunization
schedule --- of the entire
population, updated.
He also stressed that vaccination continues to be the
most effective measure to prevent new outbreaks
nd contain the spread of the virus, especially
at a time of the increased international
circulation of measles.
_______________________________________
Venezuelan President Values Minute
of Silence .....at football Game
June 26th, 6:30pm
(Prensa Latina)
The president in charge of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez,
valued as emotional the minute of silence dedicated
by the teams of Norway and France before the
World Cup group stage match, held today
at the Boston stadium.
"Emotional minute of silence before the soccer match
between Norway and France, in heartfelt tribute to
the victims of the tragedy that mourns us
throughout Venezuela," the president
said on her Telegram account.
Rodríguez stressed that this gesture of
solidarity "accompanies the pain
of our people."
In telephone contact with Venezolana de Televisión to
update on the situation of the country after the two
earthquakes last Wednesday, the president said..
she had recently experienced a very emotional
moment at the World Cup.
During the match between Norway and France,
"a minute of silence was asked for our people,"
she stressed.
She remarked that it was too emotional, very
sensitive and "we cried.... from our hearts."
The head of state declared that - "we are also active"
at the forefront of these rescue and recovery efforts,
from which "we will emerge, she said, stronger and
more united than ever as a single Venezuela."
In his statements to state television, Rodríguez
announced that the Democratic Coexistence
and Peace Program organized by a group of
professionals, psychologists and experts
from universities, to attend to children
who are "very traumatized" by the
personal situation.... they had to
live in this double earthquake.
She thanked, on behalf of the people, once again, all
the international support of the governments that
communicated with the Venezuelan authorities.
Rodriguez reported the presence in the country of
rescuers from El Salvador, Mexico, the Dominican
Republic, Switzerland, Ecuador, Spain, Chile,
Colombia and the United States, and others
from Germany, the Netherlands and Italy -
are on the way, she added.
The head of the National Assembly (parliament) Jorge
Rodríguez revealed this Friday that specialists from
Mexico (272), the United States (328), El Salvador
(115), Switzerland (90), Colombia (63), Spain (40),
Ecuador (53), Chile (34), the Dominican Republic
(11) and Panama (13) ....are on the ground ----- in
addition to a United Nations team, he declared.
________________________________________
Dominican Teachers Association..
Starts Vegan Teachers Clubhouse
Santo Domingo, June 26th, 6:11pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) today began the
construction work of the Vegan Teachers' Club House, a work
that materializes a decades-long desire of the teachers of the
province, located in the central region.
The organization specified that this infrastructure constitutes
one of the most important investments made by the union
for the benefit of its members.
The event was headed --- by the president of the ADP, Eduardo
Hidalgo, accompanied by members of the National Executive
Committee, the union's Investment and Infrastructure
Commission, national leaders and representatives
of the La Vega, Constanza and Jarabacoa
sections, as well as active and retired
teachers, among other guests.
Professor Hidalgo highlighted the historical value of the initiative
and recalled that this project arose from the effort and vision of
leaders ........who worked for years - to make it a reality.
The project includes a modern metal structure with capacity
for five thousand people, a large event and meeting room,
a children's area, bathrooms, bars and sports spaces.
It also includes.... other facilities for social, cultural,
educational and recreational activities of the guild.
______________________________________________________
Viet Nam -- reiterates support for
victims of Agent Orange/dioxin
by Khanh Phuong
June 26th, 2:44pm
(VGP)
Spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry Pham Thu Hang
said that Viet Nam supports victims of Agent Orange
/dioxin ---- seeking justice.
She made the above statement at a press briefing in Ha Noi on
Thursday after the French Court of Cassation held a public
hearing for the appeal of Ms. Tran To Nga, a French-
Vietnamese victim suing fourteen U.S. chemical
corporations for supplying Agent Orange
/dioxin during the Viet Nam War.
Decades after the war, the devastating consequences continue
to profoundly affect Viet Nam and its people ---- including
the longstanding and serious impacts on Agent Orange/
dioxin victims, said Pham.
"We strongly support the victims of Agent Orange/dioxin --- in
demanding that the chemical companies that manufactured
and supplied Agent Orange to the U.S. military during the
war in Viet Nam be held accountable for remedying the
consequences - they - have caused," Pham stressed.
Monsanto must be liable for compensation
for Agent Orange ------- Vietnamese victims
This case has so far centred on whether the companies can
claim jurisdictional immunity because they acted under
contracts with the U.S. Administration, rather than
on the merits of the case itself.
Lawyers representing Ms. Tran have argued that the defendants
are private commercial entities and therefore cannot be
shielded by immunity normally reserved for states
or bodies exercising sovereign authority.
If the Court of Cassation overturns an August 2024 ruling by the
Paris Court of Appeal, which upheld the companies' immunity
claims, the case could be sent back to a lower court --- for
reconsideration and, for the first time, open the way for
a judicial examination of the companies' alleged
responsibility for the consequences
of Agent Orange.
Statistics showed ---- that around 4.8 million Vietnamese people
were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin during and after the war.
Of those, about three million are considered victims, suffering
from illnesses, disabilities or birth defects linked to the toxic
chemical that was used widely by the U.S. military as a
''defoliant'' ...during the war.
________________________________
Women... are the majority of
victims of crime in Uruguay
Montevideo, June 26th, 1:53pm
(Prensa Latina)
Most of the victims and witnesses of crimes in Uruguay
during 2025 were women, according to data from the
Attorney General's Office that is published today.
This was reported by the director of the Victims and
Witnesses Unit (UVyT) of the Attorney General's
Office, Manuela Reguera.
He told La Diaria that the agency attended to 4,043
victims or witnesses of crimes last year, and 80%
......were women.
Reguera said that ------ of the total,
1,334 were minors or adolescents.
Three out of four ---- of these children and
adolescents are victims of sexual crimes.
"It is not news that in our country, unfortunately,
the victims have the face of women, girls and
adolescents," said the director of the UVyT.
76%of the people served were victims
of crimes of gender-based violence.
Of these, 58 percent were sexual crimes that
include sexual abuse, rape, violent indecent
assault, among others.
Another 18% were associated
with domestic violence.
Last year, care was provided to 12 minors and
adolescents who were orphaned by femicide,
according to the source.
_______________________________________________
Viet Nam targets to search for and recover
3,000 remains of martyrs in 2026
by Thuy Dung
June 25th, 7:39pm
(VGP)
The above figure is part of the ongoing 500-day campaign to
search for, recover and identify remains of fallen soldiers,
as the country prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of
War Invalids and Martyrs Day in 2027 (July 27).
As of June 22nd, the authorities had recovered 1,255
martyrs' remains out of a target of 7,000 set out in
the campaign.
DNA-related samples had been collected from 12,127 graves
lacking identifying information, out of an estimated 230,000.
The Ministry of Public Security had analysed approximately
53,000 DNA samples and integrated nearly 18,000 results
into a national database.
So far, the identities of 25 martyrs have been
successfully confirmed .......and returned to
their families.
______________________________________________
Four countries.. try to team up --
to back 'Taiwan independence'?
Not a chance: Global
Times editorial
June 25th, 7:35pm
On Wednesday, "representative offices" of the UK, France and
Germany in Taipei issued a "rare" joint statement expressing
"concern" over the Chinese mainland's intensified law
enforcement and patrol operations in the waters
east of China's Taiwan island, claiming that
these actions "threaten regional stability,
and the freedom of navigation and
safety of international shipping."
On the same day, the US Institute in Taiwan also chimed in - to
"support" the statement. The "concerns" expressed by these
four countries, in lockstep with the "protests" from the
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities,
staged a political farce.
These external countries think they can back "Taiwan
independence" separatist forces by simply making
irresponsible claims about China's legitimate law
enforcement patrols? Not a chance.
The relevant Chinese authorities' law-enforcement patrols, were
mainly aimed at Japan and the Philippines for illegally initiating
so-called "delimitation negotiations" concerning the waters
east of China's Taiwan island. Japan and the Philippines
are attempting to use China's maritime rights and
interests as bargaining chips in their own deals,
the nature of which is extremely reprehensible.
China certainly cannot accept this and will
absolutely not stand idly by.
The coordinated statements by the US, UK, France and Germany
not only "hand a knife" to the "Taiwan independence" separatist
forces, but also provide cover to Japan and the Philippines ---- in
their illegal actions, in a vain attempt to portray the waters east
of China's Taiwan island as a new foothold for external forces
to intervene in the Taiwan Straits.
China's legitimate actions to safeguard its rights and enforce the
law are aimed at protecting its national rights --- and interests,
upholding the fundamental bottom line under the one-China
principle as well as maintaining peace and stability in the
region. The so-called "concerns" -- expressed by the US,
UK, France and Germany are tantamount to criticizing
a homeowner for cleaning their own yard - an utterly
preposterous notion. The prime minister of one of
these countries has just resigned, and a new one
has not even been selected; yet they still have
the leisure time ---- to take the lead in stirring
up trouble in the Taiwan Straits.
China has an exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in
the waters east of China's Taiwan island. Chinese authorities'
law enforcement and patrol activities there are legitimate and
lawful actions to exercise China's jurisdiction, safeguard
regional stability and uphold order at sea in accordance
with the law.
The law-enforcement patrols conducted this month by the China
Coast Guard task group led by CCGS Daishan, the Ministry of
Transport's special maritime traffic enforcement, and the
marine environmental survey organized by the Ministry
of Natural Resources all fully comply with China's
domestic laws and international laws, including
the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea.
This series of well-organized actions demonstrates that China's
management and control of the waters east of Taiwan island
has entered a new phase, with a coordinated management
model involving multiple departments --- now in place.
The US, the UK, France, and Germany...... have jointly hyped up
"freedom of navigation" and "maritime security," appropriating
the terminology of international law while in reality conflating
concepts and shifting the focus away from the core issue. No
country has the right to interpret "freedom of navigation" as
"the freedom to disregard China's sovereignty and maritime
rights and interests."
For years, the US and other Western countries have used
"freedom of navigation" as their cover for maritime
hegemony and "a rules-based order" to mask
their military encroachments.
US military vessels and aircraft have frequently conducted
close-in operations near China's coast. Meanwhile, Japan
has accelerated efforts to break free from its postwar
constraints, and the Philippines is colluding with the
US and Japan to create trouble in the South China
Sea and east of Taiwan island.
These actions have already gone beyond normal commercial
passage and routine navigation, instead bearing the clear
hallmarks of military deployment, political coercion, and
strategic containment.
By criticizing China's law enforcement activities today --- in the
name of "freedom of navigation," they are in effect demanding
that China relinquish jurisdiction, abandon its legitimate rights
protection, and forgo its ability to shape order in waters off its
own coast. This approach by the West --- is the real threat to
freedom of navigation.
Through routine patrols, special law enforcement operations,
and marine scientific surveys, China is steadily building a
framework for protecting its maritime rights and interests
and improving governance in the waters surrounding
Taiwan island.
For example, the marine environmental survey organized by the
Ministry of Natural Resources this month - collected data on
seawater environmental DNA, birds, whales and dolphins,
marine chemistry, hydrology and meteorology.
During the survey, researchers recorded brown boobies and
masked boobies, both of which are listed as protected
animals of national class II in China, providing a
scientific basis for marine biodiversity
conservation in the area.
External forces have sought to portray China's efforts to
strengthen governance capacity as "coercion," which
only reveals their real concern: China's growing
ability to lawfully govern, effectively manage,
and shape order in the waters surrounding
Taiwan island.
The DPP authorities have turned a blind eye to Japan's and
the Philippines' infringements, yet have eagerly aligned
themselves with external forces to attack and smear
he central government's legitimate rights protection
efforts while promoting the fallacy of "Taiwan
independence." This once again exposes
their entrenched separatist agenda and
their betrayal --- of the fundamental
interests of the Chinese nation.
CCG vessels broadcasting routine inquiries to merchant ships
about their ports of departure and destinations is a standard
means of asserting jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the DPP
authorities have claimed that three merchant vessels
were "harassed" by the CCG, a baseless accusation
that distorts facts - and serves only to put on the
guise of a "victim" to solicit external sympathy
and seek "independence" ---- by relying on
external forces.
The waters east of Taiwan island are not a strategic testing
ground for external forces, nor are they a political vacuum
where Japan and the Philippines can privately draw
boundaries. No amount of external backing can
change the indisputable fact that both sides
of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China,
nor can it halt China's efforts to lawfully
safeguard its rights, strengthen
governance, and shape order
in the Taiwan Straits.
The more external forces want to stir up trouble under the
pretext of "freedom of navigation," the more China will
exercise control over the maritime areas that fall
under its jurisdiction - and fully enforce the laws
that should be enforced, ensuring that national
sovereignty and maritime rights and interests
remain firmly in its own hands.
This is also a proper step for a responsible major power
to take in order to maintain regional peace and stability.
___________________________________________________________
Cuban medical personnel share
their altruism with the people
of Venezuela
Caracas, June 25th, 6:20pm
(Prensa Latina)
The altruism of Cuba's health personnel was once again evident
in Venezuela, when members of the Medical Mission came to
the aid of those affected today by the earthquakes of the
day before.
The solidarity of these men and women, was not long in coming
and immediately after the earthquakes occurred, they went out
to the communities to offer not only their knowledge, but also
their love to those who need it most in these fateful hours
of pain and death.
The state of La Guaira (north) was declared in emergency, by the
president in charge Delcy Rodríguez due to the magnitude of the
damage caused to the infrastructure by the earthquakes of 7.2
and 7.5 magnitude, whose destructive power --- caused 250
buildings to collapse, most of them in that coastal region.
At this juncture, the Havana ambassador in Caracas, Jorge
Mayo, and the head of the Medical Mission, Dr. Yusleivis
Martínez, visited health centres there --- where their
compatriots provide services to the Venezuelan
population, affected by the earthquakes.
In statements to the accredited Cuban press, Martínez
commented that once the magnitude of the disaster
was known, they took on the task of contacting the
24 state coordinators to be sure that they were all
in "optimal health."
He pointed out that immediately the aid workers
began to ask to be integrated into the health
and care functions.
The Cuban doctor pointed out that in this way all the
aid workers from La Guaira to all the states of
Venezuela that suffered the impact of the
earthquakes --- were incorporated.
Martínez said that Cuban health personnel kept working all
night on Wednesday, early morning and Thursday morning
with "total dedication and commitment" to the health of
the Venezuelan people.
In a message sent to all the families with collaborators in
Venezuela, the doctor conveyed tranquility.... by saying
that they were "in perfect health", providing medical
assistance, solidarity --- and showing the great
commitment they have had for many years.
Young doctors narrated the immediate way in which they
joined the humanitarian aid work without barely
collecting their clothes and equipment to
attend to.... the extremely dissimilar
pathologies ------ from wounds, to
contusions --- and stress crises.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan patients recognized the "Cuban
doctors, who have helped us a lot and are excellent
and wonderful," said a dark-haired woman.
"They --- are wonderful, wonderful," said an older man
when he pointed out that "there is nothing more to
talk about, they are the best doctors here in
Vargas state," now La Guaira.
The Cuban Ministry of Public Health reported today
that the head of the sector, Dr. José Ángel Portal,
spoke with the teams of the 24 states where the
collaborators are, who are out of danger and
many of them were incorporated into the
care work -- from the first moment.
The Cuban Medical Mission in Venezuela ratifies its
commitment to the health and well-being of the
Venezuelan people in the midst of the difficult
situation that this sister nation is going
through, Miranda said.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel also revealed that he had
a conversation with Mayo --- in which he was able to
confirm that "the collaborators are well, providing
from the first moment --- all possible help to the
brotherly Venezuelan people."
___________________________________
Russia and Indonesia want to
develop mineral processing
--- together
by Ekaterina Shcherbakova
(night line editor)
June 24th, 11:48pm
(Lenta.ru)
Russia and Indonesia plan to develop the processing of
critical minerals together. This -- was stated by the
Indonesian Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang
Kartasasmita, in an interview with RIA
Novosti and RT.
"An area where Russia can make a key contribution to
Indonesia's efforts, is in the processing of critical
minerals. Indonesia --- has many raw materials,
such as -- nickel, cobalt, bauxite, and tin. We
want these raw materials to be processed
in Indonesia, so that the added value
....stays in the country," Agus
Gumiwang Kartasasmita
explained.
The Minister emphasized - that Russia has world-class
competencies in technology and metal processing.
Therefore, such cooperation can become... not
only one of the promising areas of industrial
partnership, but also --- allow Indonesia
to move away from its raw materials
-based economic model.
Kartasasmita added that Jakarta considers the
development of the processing industry as one
of the priorities of the Golden Indonesia 2045
strategy --- which aims to transform the
country into one of the largest
economies in the world.
Earlier, Indian state-owned companies
considered buying Russia's
coal companies.
__________________________________________
Elderly citizens to receive free
annual health checks
from 2026
by Kim Loan
June 24th, 7:21pm
(VGP)
Elderly citizens will be entitled to free annual health
examinations or health screenings right from 2026,
according to the revised National Program on
Health Care for the Elderly through to 2030
adopted recently by the Government.
Under the program, at least 90 percent of elderly citizens are
to expect free-of-charge screening for non-communicable
diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases,
and dementia, by 2030.
The program also targets that 90 percent of commune-level
administrative units will establish at least one elderly care
club and one volunteer care team.... by the end of
this decade.
All provinces and centrally governed cities are required to
have elderly care facilities operating under a socialized
model - through private investment or public-private
partnership arrangements - by 2030. In addition,
every locality must have either a dedicated
geriatric hospital, or a general hospital
with a geriatric department.
The program calls for the development of digitally
enabled care services utilizing social media
and internet-based platforms.
The Ministry of Health... was assigned as the lead agency
responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Finance
and other relevant ministries and agencies to mobilize
resources and implement the program nationwide.
Viet Nam currently has around 16.5 million people aged 60
and above....... accounting for approximately 16% of the
population, and the proportion is increasing rapidly.
Projects related to elderly care will be incorporated into
the Ministry of Health's medium-term and annual public
investment plans and submitted to the Ministry of
Finance for consolidation, before being reported
to the Government.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified the "silver
economy" as a strategic priority for the third quarter
of 2026, aiming to harness the potential of Viet
Nam's aging population and transform
demographic changes into
sustainable economic
opportunities.
The initiative reflects a fundamental shift in mindset ---- from
viewing older persons as a "welfare burden" to recognizing
them as a "development opportunity" and a valuable
resource that should be both empowered and
cared for.
Meanwhile, a separate Politburo resolution on public health,
has set a target of increasing average life expectancy to
75.5 years by 2030, with at least 68 years expected to
be lived...... in good health.
___________________________________________
Delcy Rodríguez affirms that
Venezuela is stronger today
Caracas, June 24th, 3:33pm
(Prensa Latina)
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said that Venezuela is
stronger today and has a different spirit that leads to
understanding the value of peace, tranquility
and independence.
From the headquarters of the Courtyard of Honour of the
Military Academy of the Army, the president, together
with the senior officers of the Bolivarian National
Armed Forces (FANB) and members of her
Cabinet, commemorated the 205th
anniversary of the Battle of
Carabobo, in 1821, and
National Army Day.
"Happy Army Day and Battle of Carabobo for all the soldiers
of our country," said the Commander in Chief of the FANB
when she was received by Major General and Army
Chief, Rubén Darío Belzares.
Rodríguez ...was accompanied at the military ceremony by the
head of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez; the sectoral
vice president of Politics, Citizen Security and Peace,
Diosdado Cabello; the Minister for Defense, Gustavo
Enrique González, among other senior commanders
of the Armed Forces.
When speaking, the head of state said that "today is a national
holiday" and conveyed her congratulations to all Venezuelans,
in an act that leads to rethink Carabobo and the words of
Bolívar that beat in the hearts --- of what it is to "defend
every hour, every day, the freedom and independence
of Venezuela", she pointed out.
The dignitary commented that these days in which the
Bolivarian Republic is observed, criticized, attacked
by external forces, and sometimes from within by
"those who do not comprehend, or understand
history, of knowing and understanding that
it is a new Venezuela."
In the face of the misfortune of external aggressions and
threats, today Venezuela "is stronger," it has a different
spirit, which leads to a deep understanding of the
"value of peace, tranquility, independence and
freedom, in a new spirituality," she said,
evoking the Liberator.
She stressed that this new stage seeks in society the reunion
between Venezuelans, as well as burying forever the hatred
and intolerance that on January 3 became bombs
and missiles.
She also valued that Carabobo taught many lessons such as
national unity, which demonstrated the virtues that "when
we act together seeking a sublime objective such as
freedom and independence, we are invincible -- as
our Father Liberator said."
In his speech, Rodríguez recognized the sovereign will of the
people of Colombia in the recent presidential elections in
which the right-wing candidate Abelardo De la Espriella
triumphed in the second round, congratulated the
electoral process, the elected government and
called to take a step forward.. and not to
look back.
She recalled that those who in the past attacked Venezuela
from that neighbouring country ----- and caused suffering,
and economic disaster, found themselves with the
"resounding failure" of two brother peoples
united in blood ---- by the same sword.
Darío Belsarez, for his part, called for holding on to the legacy
of the heroes and heroines who are today the "moral
sustenance of the nation" --------- to keep the
homeland alive.
________________________________________
Ho Chi Minh City to set off fireworks to
celebrate 50th founding anniversary
by Kim Loan
June 24th, 2:49pm
(VGP)
Ho Chi Minh City will set off fireworks at 16 locations from 9:00
PM to 9:15 PM on July 2 to mark the 50th anniversary of the
City of Sai Gon- Gia Dinh honorably named after President
Ho Chi Minh (July 2, 1976 – 2026).
All 16 locations will simultaneously set off fireworks
from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM on July 2, 2026.
Especially, five high-altitude and low-altitude fireworks display
locations are Saigon River tunnel head area, An Khanh ward,
New City Centre area, Binh Duong ward, Tam Thang Square
area, Vung Tau ward, Cu Chi Tunnels historical relic site,
An Nhon Tay commune, Can Gio sea-encroaching
tourist urban area.
Earlier, the HCM City Department of Culture and Sports hosted
a songwriting contest to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sai
Gon – Gia Dinh officially being named after President Ho Chi
Minh (July 2, 1976 - 2026).
The program aims to promote the significant historical and
political values of the city's special occasion, and affirm
the pride, love and responsibility of the city's Party
Committee, government and people, towards
Uncle Ho.
Ho Chi Minh City will organize an exhibition showcasing the
50-year journey of the city named after President Ho Chi
Minh from July 1 to 11 at multiple venues.
An international artistic performance program and 3D mapping
cultural exchange will also take place from July 1 to 5 in front
of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters.
A special live television broadcast will connect Ho Chi
Minh City and Ha Noi on the evening of July 2nd.
__________________________________________________
Iran, Pakistan forge blueprint for
Islamic economic integration
June 23rd, 8:58pm
(PressTV)
President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday
at the head of a high-ranking delegation that includes the
ministers of interior, foreign affairs, roads and urban
development, and agricultural jihad.
The one-day visit is taking place at a moment when Tehran-
Islamabad relations have transcended traditional
neighborhood ties to assume strategic
convergence in the domains of
transit, energy, and
border security.
What distinguishes this visit from earlier meetings is the new
geopolitical context amid the Iran-US negotiations which
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army
Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir ------- personally
attended in Switzerland, as key mediators.
With President Pezeshkian’s visit, Iran is signaling that
Islamabad has become politically invested in the
outcome of the process.
Pakistan opened its land transit routes to Iranian commercial
shipments when Iran's ports were under US naval blockade,
effectively becoming a lifeline for Tehran's economy.
Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce, citing the 2008 Road Transport
Agreement, authorized the transit of Iranian goods through six
land routes connecting Karachi Port to the Gabd-Rimdan
and Taftan border crossings.
These routes, dormant for nearly two decades, suddenly
became vital arteries for Iran's trade. According to
estimates from Iran's Chamber of Commerce,
approximately 20,000 containers had
traversed the route ...by May.
US blockade crumbles as Iran turns to overland routes
Iran is bypassing the US naval blockade by using
overland routes, allowing Tehran to maintain
trade and oil shipments to key partners
like China and Russia.
President Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad is taking place at a
moment when Pakistan has been elevated from an eastern
neighbour to a strategic partner and geopolitical anchor
for Iran.
Iran and Pakistan share a 900-kilometre border, yet bilateral
trade has historically remained far below its potential.
Both governments now appear determined to
change that trajectory.
Discussions during the visit, centre on expanding trade volumes
toward multi-billion-dollar targets, formalizing cross-border
markets, and reducing friction in customs and logistics
systems. The tone - is increasingly forward-looking.
In their previous meeting in Tehran on May 17, 2025,
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and
President Pezeshkian discussed new
transit routes, border security, and
the barter mechanism.
Iran's Ambassador to Islamabad Mohammad Ali Hosseini
has explicitly stated -- that the barter system is an
efficient mechanism for circumventing sanctions
and increasing trade, and that the two countries
have agreed to establish 3 new border markets
to boost exchanges.
The announced target of increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion
within a two-year requires fulfillment of fundamental conditions.
Current figures show significant trade growth, approaching
$3.2 billion, but the gap to $10 billion demands --- a leap
in infrastructure and security.
Pezeshkian in this visit is seeking not only immediate economic
openings but also the institutionalization of north-south and
east-west corridors --- with Pakistan as their axis.
Energy cooperation - is one of the most promising pillars of this
renewed engagement. Pakistan’s growing energy demand and
Iran’s significant natural gas reserves ---- create a natural
economic complementarity.
The Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline, stalled for three decades
due to sanctions, has now returned to the negotiating table
following the shift in political atmosphere and the
US announcement of a 60-day waiver
on Iran's oil sanctions.
To preempt a potential $18 billion penalty, Pakistan has initiated
construction of an 80-kilometre segment of the pipeline from
the Iranian border to Gwadar, and with the new political
environment, the possibility of completing the project
....is greater than ever before.
Another area gaining renewed attention is borderland economic
development. The Iran–Pakistan frontier, particularly around
Balochistan, has long been economically underdeveloped
despite its strategic location.
The current diplomatic momentum is pushing for the expansion
of border markets and special trade zones that could formalize
informal commerce, create jobs, & integrate local economies
into broader supply chains.
Beyond border trade, there is growing interest.... in regional
connectivity corridors. Both countries sit at the crossroads
of South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia, making them
natural participants ----- in broader transit and
logistics networks.
What makes the current phase particularly notable is the tone
of optimism surrounding it. The focus has shifted from
abstract agreements to practical mechanisms with
border infrastructure, logistics coordination, and
sector-specific cooperation.
Iran and Pakistan together represent nearly 350 million people
and are the two most strategically positioned Muslim-majority
states at the crossroads of South Asia, West Asia, and
Central Asia.
Their alignment signals a shift in how Muslim-majority nations
are approaching regional integration through concrete
economic interdependence, infrastructure
connectivity, and coordinated security
frameworks .....that transcend
sectarian divisions.
President Pezeshkian has explicitly cast the partnership within
a larger vision of Islamic world solidarity. He has called for the
expansion of economic, scientific, and cultural ties among
Islamic nations ---- as an essential necessity.
He has also proposed... reviving historical trilateral economic
agreements between Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye with a fresh
approach, suggesting that solidarity among Islamic
countries could serve as a global model against
the hegemony of major powers, with Iran and
Pakistan positioned to take a leading role.
Pakistan's leadership has reciprocated this vision. Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that Pakistan
and Iran, as brotherly Muslim nations, share a strong
commitment to global peace and unity within the
Muslim Ummah.
In previous high-level meetings, Sharif has stated - that
strengthening cooperation between Iran and Pakistan,
as two important Islamic countries in the region, can
be effective --- in solving regional problems.
This partnership carries unprecedented implications
for the Islamic world in several specific dimensions.
Iran, with its Shia-majority identity, and Pakistan, with
its Sunni-majority population, are building a model of
cooperation that demonstrates that shared
economic and security interests --- can
override confessional divisions.
The economic dimension extends beyond bilateral trade to
encompass broader Islamic economic integration. Iran
connects Pakistan to Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the
Caucasus, and through those routes to Europe
and Eurasia, while Pakistan connects Iran to
China and South Asia.
Iranian officials have emphasized that this connectivity is
about creating a new geo-economic order in which
Muslim-majority nations are active architects
of their own integration.
Iran has supported Pakistan's membership in BRICS and
is working toward a free trade agreement, moves that
would further embed this partnership in broader
South-South cooperation frameworks.
For the broader Islamic world, this partnership offers a
template for how Muslim-majority nations can assert
their interests collectively by building the economic
and security infrastructure necessary --- to engage
from a position of strength.
_________________________________________
China's supercomputer returns
