China's top legislature has expressed condemnation and opposition after Washington announced new sanctions on two dozen officials from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong over Beijing's effort to improve Hong Kong's electoral system.
A spokesperson for the National People's Congress reiterated that improving the electoral system of Hong Kong is aimed at removing institutional loopholes and risks, and providing a sound institutional guarantee for fully implementing the "one country, two systems" and the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principles.
Noting that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs that brook no external interference, the spokesperson says the NPC will continue to firmly defend the country's sovereignty, security and development interests and provide legal guarantee for cracking down on Hong Kong independence forces and safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian is calling on the United States to work toward China and show "sincerity" ahead of the highly anticipated high-level strategic dialogue between the two sides.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has criticized China during his recent visits to Japan and South Korea.
In response, Zhao Lijian says "ganging up and pressuring China is totally meaningless."
He says China's agreement to the U.S.-proposed Alaska meeting shows its attitude of hoping to improve the bilateral exchanges and relationship.
The spokesperson reiterated that China will never compromise on issues concerning its core interests.
The Russian Foreign Minister will visit China on Monday and Tuesday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
Talks between Sergei Lavrov and Wang Yi are expected to touch upon topics ranging from bilateral ties and recent high-level exchanges to international and regional issues of common concern.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian expressed hope that the visit will further consolidate the good momentum of the high-level development of the bilateral relationship and boost strategic coordination on international affairs.
Malaysia has started inoculation with China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin became the first recipient of the Sinovac shot in the country.
Malaysia received a batch of finished Sinovac vaccine doses from China on Monday after it gave the vaccine conditional approval. Another shipment is expected later this month.
The head creative director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games has stepped down over a derogatory comment about a female entertainer.
Hiroshi Sasaki apologized to Naomi Watanabe and the people who were offended.
Sasaki's resignation follows that of Yoshiro Mori who served as president of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee. Mori stepped down last month over sexist remarks against women.
China's leading chip maker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) has inked an agreement with the municipal government of Shenzhen to build a chip-making plant in the city.
The 2.4 billion-dollar project will focus on the production of 28-nanometer and above integrated circuits and technical services.
Production is expected to commence next year with a goal of producing 40,000 12-inch wafers per month.