A high-level think tank forum between China and Russia was held in Beijing on Friday, against the backdrop of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, highlighting strengthening cooperation in various fields between the two countries.
Themed as "China and Russia: Cooperation in a New Era", the event featured main topics including jointly upholding true multilateralism, promoting a multipolar world, deepening practical cooperation and developing humanitarian exchanges.
On the sidelines of the forum, scholars said major powers should strengthen dialogue and take responsibility in the context of global instability.
"It is of vital importance to preserve the historical truth at present - there are too many attempts to distort the history of World War II, especially the contributions of China and Russia. We must learn lessons from history. In the current unstable world, dialogue and cooperation between major powers are more realistic than ever," said Liu Xianzhong, analyst of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Experts said cooperation between the two countries demonstrates high potential for future development.
"We have a wide range of cooperation from space exploration to atomic research. And if we talk about new or promising areas of cooperation, then I would note, first of all, artificial intelligence and other modern innovative areas of scientific and technological progress. I think that we have a sound basis for cooperation, I think that we will promote cooperation in these areas. In any case, I place great hopes on it," said Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia's Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Russian ambassador to China.
China-Russia think tank forum highlights growing cooperation
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
