Xi stresses strengthening natural disaster prevention, response capacity

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday urged efforts to enhance the capacity to prevent and respond to natural disasters and effectively safeguard people's lives and property.

The importance of disaster prevention, mitigation and relief work must be fully understood from a strategic perspective of ensuring both high-quality development and high-level security, Xi said when presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing.

To do a good job in this regard, it is imperative to uphold the Party's overall leadership, put people and their lives first, respect the laws of nature, prioritize prevention, push forward reform and innovation, apply systems thinking, and promote public participation, Xi said.

He stressed that reducing disaster risks and minimizing losses hinge on prevention before disasters occur, adding that safety requirements must be integrated into territorial space planning and construction planning, and that the safety standards for critical infrastructure in major cities and disaster-prone areas should be raised reasonably.

Xi called for continuous efforts to improve the country's capacity to handle major disasters and catastrophes, such as strengthening monitoring and early warning systems and refining emergency response plans.

Stressing the need to strengthen scientific and technological support and legal safeguards for disaster response, Xi urged efforts to drive technological and industrial innovation in the emergency management sector.

Xi also called for improving grassroots emergency rescue systems and raising public awareness and preparedness for disasters.

Xi stresses strengthening natural disaster prevention, response capacity

Xi stresses strengthening natural disaster prevention, response capacity

Xi stresses strengthening natural disaster prevention, response capacity

Xi stresses strengthening natural disaster prevention, response capacity

Iran on Tuesday warned it would deliver a stern response to any new aggression, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordering preparations for a prolonged naval blockade of the country.

Trump has instructed his administration to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran as the ceasefire remains in place amid stalled talks, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.

In recent meetings, including a Monday discussion with top security officials in the White House, Trump opted to continue squeezing Iran's economy and oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports, said the report.

The president assessed that the blockade, "a high-risk bid" to compel Tehran's nuclear capitulation, carries less risk than other options -- resume bombing or walk away from the conflict, the officials were quoted as saying.

Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated the same day that Tehran has completed "all necessary arrangements" to counter the U.S. naval blockade.

She noted that Iran's primary strategy focuses on maximizing its geographical advantages through effective tactical maneuvers.

Also on Tuesday, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia declared that the military considers the current situation a state of war.

Akraminia added that Iran has fully updated its target lists and operational equipment, promising a "stern response" to any further aggression.

Mujtaba Ferdosipour, head of Iran's Interests Section in Cairo, told the IRNA news agency on Wednesday that U.S. attempts to force unilateral demands through a naval blockade are ineffective. He stressed that Iran's extensive land borders with neighboring countries provide viable alternatives to bypass the maritime restrictions.

Ferdosipour reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels linked to Israel and the United States. He asserted that Iran has the right to manage security in the strait, maintaining that this position does not violate international conventions.

The envoy further stated that Iran does not trust the United States and has no desire for direct negotiations. He emphasized that Tehran can employ all available means to defend itself against attacks.

According to the latest data from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted by 95.3 percent since Feb 27. The disruption has caused global food prices to rise by approximately six percent, while crude oil prices in European markets have surged by nearly 50 percent.

Iran warns of stern response as US plans prolonged blockade