China willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Norway: FM

China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Norway, consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, and believes Norway will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy, which is also in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo.

Store said that Norway looks forward to maintaining the momentum of high-level exchanges with China, expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as the green economy and artificial intelligence, enhancing communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, supporting the United Nations in playing its central role and upholding multilateralism.

Norway has been actively engaged in international development assistance over the years and is willing to continue making strong contributions to promoting North-South cooperation, he said.

Wang first conveyed greetings from Chinese leaders to Store, saying the prime minister's successful visit to China in 2024 injected new impetus into the development of bilateral ties.

Noting that Norway was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, Wang said this reflected Norway's long-term strategic vision.

With the joint efforts of both sides, China-Norway relations have maintained sound momentum, he said, adding that the two sides have transcended differences in social systems, history and culture, and continuously built mutual trust in the spirit of mutual respect while promoting cooperation and properly handling differences.

Bilateral relations have withstood the test of the changing international landscape and become more resilient and increasingly stable, he said.

The two sides should focus on complementary strengths, vigorously deepen cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade and innovation, and promote China-Norway cooperation in the green transition to play a leading role in the world, said the Chinese foreign minister.

China is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with Norway, uphold true multilateralism, implement the four major global initiatives, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, Wang said.

China hopes Norway will continue to play an exemplary role in promoting North-South cooperation, and China, for its part, will also actively advance South-South cooperation, he said, adding that together the two sides will contribute to the development and progress of humanity.

China willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Norway: FM

Survivors of the deadly earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month have expressed gratitude for the timely assistance from the global community, including China, even as difficult living conditions persist.

Venezuela is still struggling in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck on June 24. The latest official figures show the earthquakes have so far killed 3,535 people, injured 16,740 others and caused extensive material damage.

The first emergency relief supplies provided by the Chinese government to assist Venezuela following the quakes arrived Monday at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, near the Venezuelan capital Caracas.

Weighing over 80 tons, the initial shipment included 20 generators, eight water purification vehicles, 200 disinfection units, 200 sets of solar lighting equipment, more than 1,700 tents, and over 6,700 blankets.

In places like La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas, the needs are basic and urgent: electricity for clinics and shelters, clean water, sanitation, temporary housing and lighting for families who have lost everything or are afraid to sleep indoors because of damaged buildings and aftershocks.

Residents who survived the earthquake said the international aid has made a real difference in their recovery, providing materials crucial to improving their living conditions.

"Thankfully, we can say we have some basic necessities thanks to the aid -- we've received water, food, medicine from doctors -- people to engage with the children, psychologists," said Orlaens Oropesa, a survivor of the earthquake.

Still, more help is needed for families who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

"We need milk, water tanks, water -- especially water for the children -- fans, and tents. There are women here who still need tents and a roof over their heads," said Luz Linares, another earthquake survivor.

Aid groups have warned that Venezuela's already fragile health system is under extreme pressure. Some hospitals have been damaged, shelters are crowded, and the lack of proper water, toilets, showers and sanitation increases the risk of disease spreading among displaced families.

Chinese officials said that more humanitarian relief supplies will be dispatched from Beijing soon, as Venezuela continues to face a disaster that is moving from search and rescue into an extended humanitarian emergency.

Earthquake survivors express gratitude for timely aid