Chinese FM meets envoys from EU, member states

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys to China from the European Union (EU) and its member states on Wednesday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, the two major constructive forces in the world today should enhance mutual trust, handle differences properly, pool their strengths, and elevate the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level.

Wang put forward a three-point proposal for the future development of China-EU relations.

First, the two sides should uphold mutual respect, particularly by earnestly respecting each other's core interests and major concerns. Wang noted that achieving complete national reunification is the long-cherished aspiration and historic mission of the Chinese nation, and that China will never allow the Taiwan region to be separated from the motherland.

China hopes the EU will continue to adhere firmly to the one-China principle and oppose separatist activities for "Taiwan independence" in any form, he stressed.

Second, the two sides should adhere to the established positioning of their partnership. Wang said that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and certainly not enemies.

There are no territorial disputes or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU, let alone any fundamental clashes of interests, Wang said, noting that China hopes to work with the EU to make cooperation the prevailing trend of China-EU relations.

Third, the two sides should adhere to multilateralism. China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Wang said, noting that China consistently stands for peace talks and rejects the use of force.

The three global initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative, and, particularly, the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity -- all of which were proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping -- have contributed China's wisdom and solutions to the international community.

China and the EU should follow the trend of the times, enhance understanding, build trust, achieve mutual success, and light up the world, Wang added.

The head of the EU delegation to China and diplomatic envoys of EU member states to China said that China has always been an important partner for the EU.

The EU is willing to work hand-in-hand with China for the future, develop a constructive, stable EU-China relationship, address global challenges, uphold multilateralism, and promote world peace and security, they said.

Chinese FM meets envoys from EU, member states

Chinese FM meets envoys from EU, member states

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