13.35 mln Chinese students to sit annual college entrance exam

A total of 13.35 million students are set to sit China's national college entrance exam this year, slightly fewer than the record number of test takers registered in 2024, the Ministry of Education said on Wednesday.

The figure marked a slight drop from last year's record number of 13.42 million participants. The exam is scheduled to begin on June 7.

The ministry said local authorities are guided to ensure sound organization of the examination and provide thoughtful services.

Special actions have also been launched across the country to combat criminal acts related to the exam, aiming to purify the exam environment both online and offline, and crack down on various forms of cheating.

Strict security checks will be enforced at exam sites, with a focus on prohibited items such as mobile phones as well as smart watches, bands and glasses.

In terms of services, the ministry said local governments are advised to enhance work related to transportation, accommodation, hygiene and noise control.

Special consideration is also given to disadvantaged groups. Notably, Braille test papers have been prepared for the 16 blind candidates, and reasonable measures are taken to facilitate the participation of over 14,000 examinees with disabilities.

In addition, the students have access to targeted psychological guidance, ensuring they receive necessary assistance.

The fiercely competitive exam is considered crucial for young Chinese, with results determining their university admissions and even shaping their career prospects.

13.35 mln Chinese students to sit annual college entrance exam

Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday that the country is at a critical stage and must achieve national unity, emphasizing that maintaining internal cohesion is of utmost importance.

In a televised address, Rodriguez called on the public to continue trusting the government under the current highly complex political circumstances.

Her statement comes in the wake of a January 3 military operation conducted by the United States, during which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and flown out of the country.

The operation resulted in at least 100 fatalities.

Rodriguez, who was sworn in as acting president two days later on January 5, framed her appeal for unity against this backdrop of external intervention.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Minister of Communication and Information Freddy Nanez denounced the U.S. actions as a "war crime of the 21st century" when speaking at an international cultural event on Sunday.

Nanez condemned not only the January 3 airstrikes but also the associated cyber and electromagnetic attacks.

He accused the United States of violating international law through the forced removal of President Maduro and his wife, while attacks on civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, represent a flagrant breach of humanitarian norms.

He reiterated that the stigmatization and military attacks against Venezuela are driven by economic interests, particularly the desire to control its abundant natural resources.

Venezuelan acting president calls for national unity amid complex situation