Sergey Sanakoev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society, praised the foundations of equality and mutual respect in China-Russia relations, lauding the partnership as a cornerstone for fostering global multipolarity.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a four-day state visit to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, and on Friday attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War.
Xi's visit highlights the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two nations and their shared focus on historical remembrance and global cooperation.
In an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), Sanakoev noted that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have enjoyed sound and steady growth.
He also condemned U.S. hegemony and its habitual interference in the domestic affairs of other countries.
"We should know where we live and when we say for example about the national interests, certainly they should be inside of our borders. But when we look for the behaviors of Western countries and mostly the USA which says their hegemony over the world. They always want to interfere in the situation or some kind of situation in the world, all over the world. So this is not right. Certainly we should respect each other. And the most important is that when we, Russia and China, are related to each other, which shows how it should be between two big countries, this period is like an example of this relationship," he said.
Expert praises China-Russia relations for mutual respect, balanced ties
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
