China is ready to work with international partners to continue exchanges and cooperation in the protection of giant pandas and other endangered species, and make even greater contributions to global ecological conservation, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun at a regular press conference on Thursday, in commenting on the arrival of two giant pandas at the Schonbrunn Zoo in Austria on Wednesday.
The pandas -- male He Feng and female Lan Yun -- started their journey from southwest China's Sichuan Province and their arrival marked the start of a decade-long stay as symbols of friendship between China and Austria.
"We learned that giant pandas He Feng and Lan Yun arrived at Schonbrunn Zoo in Austria on the afternoon of April 23, Beijing time, marking the start of a new round of China-Austria cooperation on giant panda conservation and renewing the 20-plus years of 'panda friendship' between the two peoples. As the first international cooperation project on giant panda conservation launched this year, China-Austria cooperation on giant panda conservation fully illustrates a sound cooperation mechanism built by the two countries and fruitful outcomes it has yielded," said Guo.
"Giant pandas are not only national treasure of China but also emissaries and bridges for friendship. Giant panda conservation is not only a shining hallmark of China's ecological conservation and a successful story of global wildlife conservation, but also instrumental in enhancing people-to-people friendship. China is ready to work with international partners to continue our exchanges and cooperation in the protection of giant pandas and other endangered species, and make even greater contributions to global ecological conservation," said the spokesman.
China to continue international cooperation in panda protection: 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
