China has signed 23 free trade agreements (FTAs) with 30 countries and regions so far, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Thursday.
The China-Maldives FTA took effect on Jan 1, with over 95 percent of products traded between the two countries now exempt from tariffs, MOC spokesman He Yadong said at a press conference in Beijing.
In terms of service trade, both sides have agreed to further open their service sectors. On investment, the two countries have granted each other national treatment and mutually committed to protecting two-way investments, according to the spokesman.
Additionally, the upgraded protocol of the China-Singapore FTA came into effect on Dec 31 last year. Both parties have committed to opening their manufacturing markets and expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, He added.
"To date, China has signed 23 FTAs with 30 countries and regions across all five continents. The network of free trade agreements is continually expanding and deepening, with their scope and quality constantly enhanced. New areas, such as service trade, investment negative lists, standards cooperation, and the digital economy, have now become standard components of China's recently signed FTAs," said He.
Next, China will further expand its high-standard free trade network globally, and focus on effectively implementing existing agreements to deliver greater benefits to the people of China and its FTA partners, according to He.
China's FTA partners reach 30: spokesman
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
