A documentary series entitled "The Guardian of Heritage", produced by China Media Group (CMG) and depicting President Xi Jinping's care about the inheritance and development of culture, aired on over 30 mainstream Italian TV channels and media outlets on Wednesday, as part of the efforts to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy.
The series vividly narrates stories about Xi's dedication to the inheritance and development of fine traditional Chinese culture, while showing his profound reflections on cultural confidence and his deep affection for preserving cultural heritage and carrying on historical traditions.
The stories display the places where Xi has worked and feature interviews with people who have worked with him. The production illustrates China's efforts in the new era to explore the roots of civilization and safeguard cultural heritage, while also highlighting distinctive aspects of Chinese culture for international audiences.
At the launching ceremony held in Rome, attendees said that the series' broadcast will enhance the relationship between the two countries and lay a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in the realm of cultural exchange.
An event displaying outstanding film and TV productions by CMG also commenced on the same day, which depict Chinese stories from diverse perspectives, providing Italian audiences with a multifaceted view of a thriving China in the new era.
Over 200 guests from the fields of politics, economics, art, sports, media, and film from both China and Italy attended the launch ceremony.
CMG's cultural documentary series airs in Italy
CMG's cultural documentary series airs in Italy
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
