China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM

China

China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM

2024-09-24 13:58 Last Updated At：17:57

China remains committed to supporting Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and contributing to its economic and social development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil in New York City on the sidelines of the UN Summit of the Future.

The Chinese foreign minister extended President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and congratulations on his re-election.

Wang said he believes that under the leadership of President Maduro, the Venezuelan people will work in solidarity to overcome challenges and make new accomplishments in the cause of national development.

Noting that China and Venezuela are good friends and partners, he said no matter how the international landscape evolves, China will, as always, support Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and defending its national dignity and aid its economic and social development.

During President Maduro's state visit to China last September, the two presidents announced the elevation of the China-Venezuela relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership, marking a milestone in bilateral ties and heralding a broader development prospect for the relationship, Wang said.

The two sides should consolidate and develop well the all-weather friendship, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and translate the important consensus reached between the two heads of state into concrete actions, he stressed.

Gil also conveyed President Maduro's sincere greetings to President Xi.

Following the elevation of bilateral relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, Gil said, stressing that the Venezuela-China relationship is now at its best in history.

As China's most reliable and firm strategic partner, Venezuela is committed to pursuing new and greater progress in bilateral relations to deliver more benefits to people of both countries, he said.

China becomes world's largest source of international tourists: official

China has become the world's largest source of international tourists and a major destination for global travelers, Wang Jianhua, vice minister of culture and tourism, said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

"China has become the world's largest source of international tourists and a major destination for global travelers. According to the statistics, in 2025, inbound tourist arrivals reached 154 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.1 percent, and the number of overseas trips made by Chinese mainland residents totaled 148 million, up 20.8 percent from the previous year. Looking ahead, [the Ministry of Culture and Tourism] will work with other relevant departments to further improve the inbound tourism service system and enhance convenience in areas including visa procedures, payment services, tax refunds, travel guidance, accommodation and transportation," Wang said.

"The ministry will also introduce more inbound tourism products that combine traditional Chinese culture with modern experiences. It will continue to promote the national tourism campaign 'Nihao! China' overseas, making it easier for international visitors to travel to China, more comfortable for them to stay, and more memorable for them to experience the country's development and vitality firsthand," he said.

Wang noted that the ministry attaches great importance to protecting the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese outbound travelers, adding that it will continue to issue travel risk alerts for overseas destinations and work with relevant authorities to provide consular protection and assistance when needed.