Three-minute news, Thursday, May 18, 2023

Domestic:

1) Xi Jinping issued important instructions on the capsizing of a Chinese-flagged distant-water fishing vessel in the central Indian Ocean, demanding the immediate activation of emergency response mechanisms, full rescue efforts, and further strengthening of safety hazard inspections and risk warnings for offshore operations to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. Li Qiang issued instructions. During a briefing on the work of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee and government, Xi Jinping emphasized leveraging the province's advantages to contribute to the national cause, and to strive to write a Shaanxi chapter in the construction of Chinese-style modernization. On his way to Shaanxi, Xi Jinping got off the train and inspected Yuncheng, Shanxi, accompanied by Cai Qi, who also attended the briefing. Xi Jinping held talks with Kazakh President Tokayev in Xi'an, who was in China to attend the China-Central Asia Summit and conduct a state visit.

Tajik President Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Zaparov arrived in Xi'an. Han Zheng met with Tajik President Rahmon.

2) The Ministry of Transport launched an emergency response mechanism to fully support the search and rescue efforts for the capsized distant-water fishing vessel "Lupengyuan Fish 028".

3) [Rule of Law] The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission: Strong supervision to ensure the effectiveness of the education rectification of the national discipline inspection and supervision cadre team. The State Administration of Grain and Material Reserves exposed eight typical cases of grain acquisition. Luo Yulin, a vice-ministerial cadre of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, is under investigation; three central-level officials have fallen in May. Zhang Feiyu, former party secretary of the Ningbo Municipal Committee of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, was sentenced to six years and three months in prison for bribery, and fined 580,000 yuan. Yang Guangming, former executive deputy director of the Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Department, was transferred to the Tibet procuratorial organs for review and prosecution on suspicion of favoritism, bribery, and illegal possession of firearms. The first trial of Xu Guojun, the main culprit in the largest embezzlement case in a bank in New China—the former president of the Kaiping branch of the Bank of China—opened.

Beijing police: Regarding the serious insult to the People's Liberation Army by Li M.M. (male, 31), an actor from a certain cultural company, during a performance, causing a negative social impact, the public security organs have launched an investigation. Dalian Ganjingzi police: A woman was administratively detained for posting inappropriate remarks about the military online to vent her personal dissatisfaction. With more than 5 billion yuan involved, Guangxi police destroyed a major domestic telecom fraud and money laundering criminal gang. On May 16, a criminal case occurred in an auto repair shop in Shaoyang, Hunan, resulting in two deaths.

4) At 10:49 am on May 17, China successfully launched the 56th BeiDou navigation satellite in Xichang.

6) The State Taxation Administration announced five cases of failure to handle individual income tax settlement in accordance with regulations.

7) China launched a trial commercial use of 5G roaming, allowing users to use it without changing their cards or numbers.

8) [Military] The China-Laos "Friendship Shield-2023" joint exercise launched a mixed training exercise.

A certain synthetic battalion of the South Xinjiang Military Region focuses on improving the military quality of political cadres and honing their combat capabilities.

9) [Hong Kong and Macao] The Hong Kong Stock Exchange completed and publicly released specific reform proposals for the Growth Enterprise Market. The London Metal Exchange (LME) Asia Metals Seminar was held in Hong Kong on May 16 in both online and offline formats. The second "International Medical and Health Week" opened in Hong Kong, showcasing Hong Kong's medical innovation and investment advantages.

10) [Taiwan] A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK responded to the visit of British politician Truss to Taiwan: Any attempt to use the Taiwan issue for a "political show" will end in failure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The former politician is seeking attention for personal gain and has taken punitive measures against the Taiwan "Farsight Foundation." Tsai Ing-wen claimed that the mainland deliberately escalated the "threat" to Taiwan through military exercises. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council: This is a reversal of black and white, and the actions of the DPP authorities are increasingly pushing Taiwan into the abyss of disaster. The All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots held a meeting of its members' representatives, electing a new board of directors and supervisors. The Kuomintang announced its nomination of Hou Youyi as a candidate for the 2024 Taiwan regional leader election.

International:

1) Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji paid a formal friendly visit to Senegal.

Minister of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee Li Ganjie met with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong in Beijing. The Chinese Embassy in the US: In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the visa fee for US citizens to China will be adjusted to US$185 per application from May 30. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Urges the US to stop groundless accusations and suppression of China in the technological field. Indonesian police reported on the murder of a Chinese tourist in Bali: The man killed his girlfriend and then committed suicide by cutting his throat. A Chinese businessman was murdered by a Thai sex worker after being drugged, and three suspects have been arrested. The China-Laos Railway has transported over 20 million tons of goods.

2) The United Nations raised its 2023 world economic growth forecast and lowered its 2024 forecast. The UN General Assembly deliberated on the issue of the Central Asia region of peace, trust and cooperation. China called on the international community to provide targeted support to countries in the Sahel region. WHO: Use caution when using large language models generated by artificial intelligence.

3) The US released its final report on "Russiagate" after four years: "No actual evidence," Trump cheered: Wow! This shows that American voters were deceived. Regret voting for Biden? Musk: I hope there will be a normal person as president. Musk on the Taiwan issue to US media: Mainland China wants unification, and there is no need to interpret the implication. To help a turtle cross the road, a US driver stopped on the highway, causing a multiple-vehicle collision. A US Air Force F-15 fighter jet ran off the runway during landing, and the plane was half-submerged in water. A US diplomatic mission convoy was attacked in Nigeria, killing four people.

Did Russia destroy the Ukrainian Patriot system? US officials admitted: Assessing the extent of damage, not completely destroyed. The founder of ChatGPT attended a congressional hearing, calling for increased regulation of artificial intelligence technology.

4) Russian Defense Minister: The number of missiles Ukraine claims to have intercepted is three times the actual number launched by Russia. Russian Ambassador to Poland: There is a possibility of a break in relations between Russia and Poland. Polish President: Unable to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Finnish Foreign Ministry: The bank account of the Finnish embassy in Russia has been frozen. Georgia decided to resume direct flights to Russia, causing dissatisfaction among Ukraine and the EU.

5) Brazilian President Lula has been repealing two old decrees almost every day. Biden will not attend, Australia announced the cancellation of the "Quad Security Dialogue." New Zealand police have classified the Wellington hotel fire as arson.

6) Domestic demand rebounded, and Japan's real GDP grew by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter. Japan is considering a new policy: employees can work from home for three years after having a baby. Japanese MP: The Japanese government is pushing ahead with its plan to discharge wastewater into the sea without the consent of the people. North Korea's "Military Reconnaissance Satellite No. 1" is ready, with Kim Jong Un overseeing the work on site.

7) Philippine President Marcos formally approved the "2023-2028 National Tourism Development Plan".

8) At least 20 people died in attacks on two villages in central Nigeria. Tropical Cyclone Mocha has killed 21 people in Myanmar.

Finance and Securities:

1) Ministry of Commerce: From January to April, the country absorbed 499.46 billion yuan in foreign investment, a year-on-year increase of 2.2%. The April housing prices in 70 cities were released: the "small spring" heat has subsided, and market differentiation continues.

2) The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration issued opinions supporting new energy vehicles going to the countryside.

3) The 11th China International Police Equipment Expo reached preliminary cooperation agreements exceeding 1,000 items. The China-ASEAN New Energy Vehicle Testing and Certification Alliance was unveiled in Nanning, Guangxi.

5) Yesterday's closing prices: