China launched two key facilities to mark the 17th World Oceans Day and China’s 18th National Ocean Awareness Day Sunday in Haikou, capital of the southernmost island province of Hainan.
It launched the National Marine Comprehensive Test Field for the Deep Sea, a hub for underwater technology innovation, at a commemoration meeting on protecting marine ecosystems for harmony between humanity and nature.
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Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
It also inaugurated the South China Sea Tsunami Advisory Center in Hainan, aimed at strengthening regional disaster preparedness.
Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
Deep-sea test field, tsunami center launched on Oceans Day
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday unveiled a draft 20-point peace plan for ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, stressing that the document remains a framework and that its provisions could be revised during future negotiations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kiev, Zelensky said the document reflects to a large extent the shared positions of Ukraine and the United States and acknowledged that several key issues remain unresolved.
According to the president, the draft includes provisions reaffirming Ukraine' sovereignty and establishing a mechanism to monitor the contact line to ensure long-term peace. It also proposes strong security guarantees for Ukraine, maintaining the size of Ukraine's armed forces at 800,000 personnel in peacetime, and security assurances from the U.S., NATO and Europe similar to NATO's Article Five collective defense clause.
Also included in the plan are issues such as Ukraine's accession to the European Union with a clear time frame; the establishment of multiple funds totaling 800 billion U.S. dollars for economic recovery, reconstruction and humanitarian needs; accelerated negotiations on a Ukraine-U.S. free trade agreement; Ukraine's continued non-nuclear status, joint operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant by Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia, and early elections in Ukraine.
Territorial issues are also addressed in the draft, though Zelensky said they remain unresolved.
The draft also raises the possibility of establishing a "free economic zone" in the Donbas region.
On Wednesday, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would not agree to any provision requiring it to abandon its aspiration to join NATO. He said ending the conflict would require an agreement among Ukraine, the U.S., Europe and Russia, while NATO membership is a decision for NATO member states.
Zelensky added that Ukraine seeks a clear timetable for joining the European Union, which he described as the country's true security guarantees. He said the draft peace plan would be submitted to parliament for approval or put to a nationwide referendum.
On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed about contacts with President Donald Trump's envoys on U.S. proposals for a possible Ukrainian peace deal.
Russia has the conditions to clarify its position and will continue to advance the negotiation process through existing channels, according to Peskov who did not comment on the new 20-point draft plan.
"All the main parameters of the Russian side's position are well known to our colleagues from the United States," Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
Zelensky unveils new 20-point draft peace plan
