Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) strengthened its gains at the close of today's trading session, with its market cap gaining over AED13.5 billion, supported by financial blue chips.

Preliminary assessments indicate that 17 Chinese nationals have been killed in a fire at a lithi-um battery factory in South Korea, according to the Chinese embassy in South Korea. The ex-act number is awaiting further investigation. Following the accident, the Chinese embassy promptly activated emergency mechanisms, requesting all-out efforts to be made in rescuing the injured and managing the aftermath.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Vietnamese capital Hanoi after a state visit to Pyongyang, starting his first visit to the country since 2017, drawing an anxious tone of criticism from the US.

The finalists of the 10th Andrei Stenin International Contest for young photojournalists have been announced in Moscow.

Fernando Lugris, Uruguayan Ambassador to China, said that Uruguay will strive to revitalize and rejuvenate the dialogue with China as a top priority when it takes over the presidency of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in July. In an interview with the Global Times on Tuesday, he stressed that China is a reliable and healthy trade partner for his country.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that plans for an attack in southern Lebanon had been approved and steps had been taken to accelerate "readiness of troops in the field."

Russian President Vladimir Putin started his visits to two Asian countries on Tuesday, which according to analysts will attract intensive attention from the US and the West as they may potentially impact the regional geopolitical landscape.

Savings deposits in the UAE's banking sector, excluding interbank deposits, attracted about AED13.8 billion during the first quarter of this year, according to the latest statistics from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution aimed at reaching a comprehensive ceasefire deal in three phases to end the war in Gaza on Monday. According to the resolution, phase one includes an “immediate, full and complete ceasefire with the release of hostages including women, the elderly and the wounded, the return of the remains of some hostages who have been killed, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.” The resolution urged both parties to fully implement the terms of the proposal “without delay and without condition.” How will the resolution impact on the current Palestine-Israel conflict? Is the “comprehensive arrangement” sought by the US feasible? Global Times reporters Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi (GT) talked to ex-Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy (Levy), the president of the US/Middle East Project, on these pressing matters.

160 rockets fired at northern Israel -- Israeli Army

The UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) launched the 'Principles for Sustainability-Related Disclosures for Reporting Entities' as part of the joint efforts of the UAE supervisory authorities to upgrade requirements for sustainability-related disclosures for the UAE financial institutions according to the best international practices, and in line with the announcement of 2024 as the 'Year of Sustainability'.

The death toll from an Israeli raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp has risen to 274 Palestinians and injured more than 400, Gaza's health officials said Sunday. On Saturday, the Israeli military launched a raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, rescuing four hostages from two apartment buildings in the camp. Israel's actions have drawn condemnation from multiple parties, with even some US media outlets pointing up the death toll Gaza has suffered as a result of Israel's military operations.

Modi sworn in as Indian PM

US President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron took aim at China during Biden's visit to France, as Biden called for "free navigation" in the Indo-Pacific while Macron called for "coordinated" action against so-called "overcapacity" in China. Chinese observers said the US aims to bring its allies into the Indo-Pacific region to support its own strategy and to expand its presence, while sound China-EU economic and trade cooperation would be impacted if the EU imposes tariffs on Chinese goods.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the country's marketing body, said Friday it has launched a strategic marketing campaign to boost tourism within the East African Community (EAC) market.

A new Chinese-built high-speed train was unveiled in Belgrade on Friday during a ceremony attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

From June 4 to 8, 2024, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif made an official visit to China. This was Sharif's first visit to China since being re-elected as Prime Minister this year. He was accompanied by several members of the Pakistani cabinet and businessmen. Ahsan Iqbal (Iqbal), Pakistani minister for planning, development and special initiatives was among the delegation.

The triple threat of extreme heat, deoxygenation and acidification can last for as long as 30 days. The study also found that these water column-compound extreme events tend to occur in high latitudes and the tropics and can reduce habitable space by as much as 75%.

Pakistan and China have an iron-clad friendship spanning 73 years, marked by shared sentiments of unparalleled strategic trust, camaraderie, and unflinching solidarity. Our "All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" has grown into a sturdy tree with deep roots in the hearts of our two peoples. We have stood by each other, through weal and woe, sharing good as well as challenging times together, in the true spirit of iron-clad friendship. Our special relationship is rooted in the mutual understanding of the people of both countries, and built on shared ideals, values, and aspirations. This has made China and Pakistan good neighbors, good friends, and good brothers who understand, trust, and support each other.

June 5 is World Environment Day. According to China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the theme for World Environment Day in 2024 is "Comprehensively Advancing the Construction of a Beautiful China." In the context of this important background, Inger Andersen, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, was recently interviewed by the Global Times and other Chinese media outlets, discussing China's leadership role and contributions to global biodiversity conservation. In particular, the recent launch of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund marks China's significant support and investment in the global ecological protection cause.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, has underscored the UAE's unwavering commitment to ensuring sustainable aviation growth while addressing climate challenge.

The recent heat wave that resulted in a rising death toll in India has sparked debate in China on how to deal with extreme weather, with analysts highlighting the crucial role of international cooperation in addressing climate change.

The launch of the satellite into geostationary orbit is expected in 2026 with the help of Proton spacecraft.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), hosted a panel discussion on the Federal Regulation for Energy Management in Industrial Facilities on the first day of the "Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Forum".

US campus protests expose ideological fault lines, show declined confidence

Israel-Hamas talks on hostage deal to resume soon：Israeli state-run TV

Multiple explosions reported in Russian city of Belgorod

Military exercises for practicing the use of tactical (or non-strategic) nuclear weapons will be conducted at the appropriate time; the exact dates should be clarified with the Russian Ministry of Defense, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that the country will recognize Palestinian statehood.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said on Wednesday that the country will recognize a Palestinian state.

Norway will recognize a Palestinian state, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday.

To Lam, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, was elected as Vietnam's new president on Wednesday, local media reported.

Severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 heading from London to Singapore killed one person and injured several others, prompting an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday, local media reported.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the UAE to grow by 4 percent in 2024.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian died in a helicopter incident, media reported Monday.

Iran state TV says "no sign" of life in president's helicopter

Iran's IRGC confirmed heat source detected by Turkish drone believed to be wreckage of helicopter: media

A hard landing happened to a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other senior officials in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan on Sunday, Iran's state-run IRIB TV reported.

Yesterday, researchers discovered a 165-million-year-old New Euthemistid Damsel–Dragonfly fossil from the Middle Jurassic in Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This discovery provides a new scientific basis for studying the natural history and evolution of dragonflies.

Pakistan's newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar is visiting Beijing this week. He has a busy schedule of meetings with officials and business leaders in a bid to attract Chinese investment and further improve bilateral relations between China and Pakistan.

The position of Secretary of the Russian Security Council, to which former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has been appointed, is a high government post with a wide range of tasks and implies direct contacts with the head of state, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday. Wang called on the two countries to further enhance and develop their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership during the meeting. Ahead of Dar's visit, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal (Iqbal) kicked off a visit to Beijing on May 8. Iqbal's visit is the first high-level visit of a Pakistani official to China since the new government came to power in March. At a press conference on May 9 at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, Prof. Iqbal shared his opinions on the relationship and cooperation between China and Pakistan with Global Times reporters Leng Shumei and Xie Wenting (GT). He also shared the new government's expectations for the construction of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Zayed International Airport today welcomed the visit of a senior Chinese delegation to officially inaugurate the launch of the "Meet Me in Shanghai" event. The interactive experience which is taking place from the 6th to 20th May, invites travellers to embark on an immersive journey into the heart of Shanghai's vibrant culture and cosmopolitan allure.

India completed its troop withdrawal from the Maldives on Thursday, a move that experts said aligns with international law and norms. The call for India to withdraw its troops reflects the sentiment of the Maldivian people and fulfills the country's need for national security and dignity, according to experts.

On May 5, the opening ceremony of the “China-France Cultural Spring” in Southern China, alongside the Gilles Caron Photography retrospective exhibition, was held at the Guihu Art Museum in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province.

The first manned launch of Boeing's Starliner to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed by US aerospace manufacturer United Launch Alliance (ULA), which owns the Atlas V launch vehicle, the company said on Tuesday.

US aerospace company Boeing is struggling to ramp up production of its 787 Dreamliner jet after a supplier's capability to provide parts for the aircraft was hampered by US sanctions against Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

AIM Congress 2024, a premier global investment platform, kicked off today in Abu Dhabi under the theme "Adapting to a Shifting Investment Landscape: Harnessing New Potential for Global Economic Development".

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled its largest Refugee Olympic Team to date for the Paris Olympic Games and a new emblem for the team.

Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Sunday morning for state visits to France, Serbia and Hungary at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron of the Republic of France, President Aleksandar Vucic of the Republic of Serbia, and President Tamás Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary. Ahead of his visit to France, Global Times reporters Chen Qingqing and Bai Yunyi (GT) interviewed former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin (Raffarin), talking about the significance of the state visit for China-France relations, reviewing the future development of bilateral ties, and discussing the role of China-France relations in China-EU relations.

Uganda has asked Britain to stop meddling in the local politics of the East African country after London announced sanctions on three of Uganda's senior officials over allegations of corruption.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the top public universities in the United States, canceled all classes for Wednesday after a night of violent clashes on campus over the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict in Gaza.

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, underscored that the UAE's approach to climate action is underpinned by striking balance between economic development and environmental protection through leveraging low-carbon energy solutions.

Pro-Palestine protests spread to more countries as of Saturday amid arrests of more than 550 demonstrators on American campuses as the US' policy on the ongoing conflict in Middle East triggered boiling anger.

Russia's grain supplies to China reached a record high of $125 million in the first quarter of 2024, increasing revenues 1.7-fold, according to Sputnik's analysis of data published by China's General Administration of Customs.

The United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar and Turkey, have signed a quadrilateral Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on the Development Road project. Iraq's PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan witnessed the signing ceremony on Monday

In his recent visit to Australia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China welcomes Australia, an ally of the US, also a partner of China, and more importantly, a sovereign nation, to make policies independently, based on its own fundamental interests. After Wang's visit, the two countries saw positive signs in the healthy development of bilateral ties. Given the importance of the relations between China and Australia, Global Times reporters Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi (GT) conducted an exclusive interview with John Queripel (Queripel), an Australian historian and author, on bilateral relations, Australia's foreign policy, how Australia views its role in Asia, as well as its relations with the US.

Editor's Note: As the former director of the Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies in the Philippines, Rommel C. Banlaoi, the Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism Research, has a deep understanding of Philippine foreign policy and US-Philippine defense cooperation. He was assigned to help advise the president on security matters in 2022, as a deputy national security adviser, but his connections with China were questioned as posing a “security risk” to the Philippines. His nomination was later revoked, local media reported. His experience has seen the Philippine government shift from neutrality to a bias toward the US in diplomacy and defense. Recently, Banlaoi (Banlaoi) expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current diplomatic and military policies of the Philippines in an interview with Global Times (GT) reporters Hu Yuwei, Fan Wei and Zou Zhidong in Manila. In his view, the diplomatic policy pursued by the current Philippine government and its confrontational measures in the South China Sea not only loses important trading partners like China, but also risks marginalizing the Philippines in the ASEAN.

Harry Roque, a former Philippine congressman and former presidential spokesperson to president Rodrigo Duterte, recently expressed dissatisfaction at the series of legal maneuvers carried out by the current Philippine government regarding the South China Sea dispute in an interview with the Global Times in Manila.

The US House of Representatives on Saturday with broad bipartisan support passed a $95 billion legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel and the island of Taiwan, over bitter objections from Republican hard-liners. Experts warned on Sunday that the increased aid will undoubtedly escalate the crises in the world rather than cool them, and that the US' policy of adding fuel to the fire will only create more conflicts in the world.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched the Olympic AI Agenda here on Friday, setting out the envisioned impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can deliver for sport and how the IOC intends to lead on the global implementation of AI within sport.

Israeli missiles struck a site in Iran -- media

Establishing sustainable closed-loop research facilities capable of maintaining life on the Moon is an ambitious task only two countries have come close to so far.

The Solomon Islands is set to hold general elections on Wednesday, a significant event that follows the establishment of diplomatic ties with China in 2019 and the subsequent shift in regional dynamics. This election is not just a domestic affair but has attracted international attention, particularly due to the alleged interventions and influence exerted by foreign powers.

The World Bank has raised its forecast for the UAE's real GDP growth to 3.9% in 2024, compared to its previous forecast in January of 3.7%.

After seven months of conflict in Gaza, a cease-fire still seems distant. Meanwhile, the Palestine-Israel conflict is causing ripple effects across the region, and has led to major humanitarian crises. The international community, including China, is making efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crises.

China expressed deep concern on Sunday over the current escalation following the Iran's military strike on Israeli territory and called on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations.

Retaliation from Iran would potentially complicate the Gaza conflict as the situation is at a critical juncture, with a choice between pursuing peace through political means or gearing up for potential armed conflict, Chinese observers said, following heightened tensions between Israel and Iran over the killings of Iranian generals in a blast at the Iranian consulate in Syria. But the likelihood of Iran directly engaging in the war is minimal, they said.

Earlier reports had indicated that the administration of US President Joe Biden was pushing hard to gain momentum on the AUKUS Pillar 2 stage before the US elections in November. It was also noted that Japan and Canada were in line to join the second - non-nuclear - pillar of the trilateral security partnership.

S. Korean prime minister submits resignation after parliamentary election defeat

At a time when the Kishida administration is facing a governance crisis, the Japanese Prime Minister stopped by the White House Tuesday evening ahead of Wednesday's official visit that is focused on a "historic" upgrade to the US-Japan defense ties to contain and suppress China. Analysts said that the upgrading of the US-Japan alliance during Kishida's term will be undoubtedly an important achievement, which will help his reelection as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron repeated mentioned China during his US capital lobbying trip aiming to unblock a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine held up in the US Congress. Chinese analysts said on Tuesday this is a malicious move serving to scapegoat for his country's decision-making failures in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, signaling the UK's growing anxiety regarding the trajectory of the conflict.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has become the latest Western political leader to open an account on TikTok, an ultra-popular video-sharing platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance that is undergoing attacks from some Western countries, especially the US, due to "national security concerns." Analysts said the growing numbers of Western politicians opening TikTok accounts not only proves the vitality and competitiveness of the platform, but also shows the accusation that the app is a "national security threat" is untenable. Attacking TikTok while using the platform will only show the hypocrisy of some politicians, whose real intention is to suppress the development of Chinese tech companies.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) will host the second annual Green Hydrogen Summit on 16th April 2024 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi as part of the World Future Energy Summit.

The reported withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Gaza could reflect that Israel is facing severe challenges and a complex dilemma under immense internal and external pressures, especially with the mounting risks of conflict with Iran following the military's deadly attack on Iranian embassy compound in Syria, according to Chinese observers on Monday.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict drags on, NATO members appear to be more and more divided over military aid to Ukraine, as Chinese analysts said on Sunday that since the beginning of April, more and more European countries are calling for negotiations to solve the crisis. Extending support and aid to Ukraine was a contentious topic among NATO member countries during a two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. One day earlier, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg had proposed a 100-billion-euro, five-year package of military aid to Ukraine, which was supported by only the UK, Poland and Latvia, media reported on Friday.

An earthquake jolted New York City on Friday morning, followed by more than 10 aftershocks which shook New Jersey, sending tremors as far as Philadelphia to Boston and jolting buildings in Manhattan and throughout its five boroughs.

H.E. Muhannad Sulaiman Alnaqbi, Consul General of the UAE in Shanghai, hosted the Iftar at Xijiao State Guest Hotel in Shanghai on April 2, 2024, inviting the prominent guests to gather together to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, and extended his best wishes to them.

Western economic aggression against Russia only sped up its economic growth, with Moscow bolstering ties with the Global South and becoming one of its key pillars.

The UAE insurance sector continued to grow in Q4-2023, as reflected by increase in the gross written premiums. As of year-end, the number of licensed insurance companies in the UAE remained at 60, according to the Central Bank of the UAE's (CBUAE) Quarterly Economic Review (Q4-2023).

The world in 2024 is not peaceful. From great power competition to regional conflicts, to numerous global challenges, the global landscape seems to be changing every day. Will the confrontation between Russia and the West lead to a "Cold War 2.0" and the return of the "Iron Curtain" ? Is the temporary stabilization of China-US relations a true departure from the downward spiral trend, or just a short and fragile period of stability?

Evidence has shown that multiple recent terror attacks in Russia, including the deadly attack at the Moscow concert hall, are linked to Ukraine, the Russian foreign ministry said on Sunday. Experts said this revelation could lead to an escalation of combat intensity on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield.

Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), emphasised the need for increased investments in the oil industry to meet global energy demands and sustain economic growth.

The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was sworn in for a new term in February. How will President Aliyev develop relations with China during the new term? How does relations with China play in Azerbaijan's overall foreign policy? Global Times reporter Xie Wenting (GT) recently talked to Assistant of President of Azerbaijan for Foreign Policy Affairs Hikmat Hajiyev (Hajiyev), who recently visited China to discuss bilateral cooperation. Hajiyev noted that the development of relations with China has been a top priority for Azerbaijan and the country fully supports the one-China policy. As Azerbaijan will host COP29 this year, the top diplomat said that the country seeks to build understanding and solidarity between the "Global North" and "Global South," and he praised China as a champion for green technology.

The “where is Kate” saga has come to a temporary close when the Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis. Apart from messages of support pouring in for the Princess, Chinese netizens have engaged in a hot debate about maintaining credibility and reputation becoming a major challenge for the royal family in the “post- Queen Elizabeth” era.

More than 60 people were killed in Friday's terrorist attack in Moscow's Crocus City Hall, according to the Investigative Committee of Russia (ICR).

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the first draft resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), which was submitted by the US with more than 120 member countries, including China, participating in the joint proposal. Analysts said China's co-signing of the draft highlights its responsible attitude toward actively participating in the global governance of AI and is another important manifestation of China's commitment to true multilateralism.

Pakistan takes "immense pride" in its unique and "time-tested friendship" with China. The two countries are not only connected by land, rivers, and mountains, but also by a heart corridor, founded on the shared values of mutual respect, trust, solidarity, and support, said Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi.

Russia is testing 100-percent domestically-made МС-21-310 and upgraded SJ-100 aircraft, which will soon replace the Airbus and Boeing planes presently operated by the nation's airlines.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, Dubai Press Club (DPC) today organised the ninth edition of the Emirati Media Forum (EMF).

Where is Kate? The public absence of the Princess of Wales has grown beyond Kensington Palace and the UK from being simply a British royal tittle-tattle to an issue under international spotlight, as some Chinese observers put it, sparking Chinese netizens to wonder if she is facing the same fate of Princess Diana and question the bewildering maneuvering of the royal family.

The US will open an embassy in Vanuatu "imminently" and is striving to counter "China influence" in the South Pacific, senior US diplomats said on Thursday at a Senate committee hearing, where they repeated the clichéd stigmatization against China's cooperation with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs).

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday released his Annual Report for 2023, and the document mentioned China more frequently and with a more hostile tone compared to the one he released last year. Chinese experts said that the words in the report are similar to those in US policy documents about “strategic competition” with China, so in the future, to what extent the US-led military alliance will have friction with China depends on the development of China-US relations.

Trump secures enough delegates to become 2024 Republican presidential nominee, according to US media projections.

US President Joe Biden clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, winning a majority of the necessary delegates and setting up what is expected to be a bitter, closely contested rematch with former president Donald Trump: US media projects

Manga fans worldwide expressed deep sadness after media reported on Friday that Japanese manga comic creator Akira Toriyama, best known for his Dragon Ball series, died at the age of 68 on March 1. Some Chinese netizens said that his works are their fond childhood memories, while others expressed a hope that dragon balls really exist so they could collect all seven and bring the master back.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took the stage to address delegates at the World Youth Festival, held on the Sirius federal territory in Russia's Krasnodar region.

The current South Korean administration has been criticized as lacking a sense of national independence compared to its predecessors, and President Yoon Suk-yeol's latest remake provides a clear example to this perception.

Wildfires in Texas Grow to One of Largest in the US State's History

The 44th Planting Week commenced in the UAE yesterday with the theme “Together, Let's Plant the UAE.” The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of planting trees, encouraging people to contribute to preserving the environment, biodiversity, and addressing environmental and climate-related challenges.