India's Modi Invites Russia's Putin to Visit Amid US Tensions
The two leaders spoke to each other on Friday, reviewed bilateral agreements and discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to a statement from the Indian government. The Russian president has been invited to attend the India-Russia Annual Summit in India later this year, it said.
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Zelensky thanks European allies for support ahead of Trump-Putin meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked European nations who have rallied behind his country ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Mr Trump has said Friday's meeting in Alaska with his Russian counterpart was to discuss ending the more than three-year war. Mr Zelensky responded by thanking European allies and wrote on X on Sunday: 'The end of the war must be fair, and I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine and our people.' Saturday's statement by top European leaders emphasising that peace cannot be achieved without Kyiv's involvement came after the White House confirmed the US president was willing to grant Mr Putin the one-on-one meeting Russia has long pushed for, and suggestions from Mr Trump that a peace deal could include 'some swapping of territories'. This raised fears Kyiv may be pressured into giving up land or accepting other curbs on its sovereignty. A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not allowed to speak publicly, told The Associated Press that Mr Trump remained open to a trilateral summit with both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, but for now, he will have a bilateral meeting requested by Mr Putin. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday met top European and Ukrainian officials at the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's weekend residence to discuss how to end the war. Mr Trump had earlier said he would meet Mr Putin even if the Russian leader would not meet with Mr Zelensky. The Trump-Putin meeting may prove pivotal in a war that began when Russia invaded its western neighbour and has led to tens of thousands of deaths, although there is no guarantee it will stop the fighting since Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on their conditions for peace. Saturday's statement, signed by the president of the European Union and leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Finland, stressed the need for a 'just and lasting peace' for Kyiv, including 'robust and credible' security guarantees. 'Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities,' the statement said. 'The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force,' the Europeans added. A month-long US-led push to achieve a truce in Ukraine has so far proved fruitless, with Kyiv agreeing in principle while the Kremlin has held out for terms more to its liking. Mr Trump had also moved up an ultimatum to impose additional sanctions on Russia and introduce secondary tariffs targeting countries that buy Russian oil if the Kremlin did not move toward a settlement. The deadline was Friday. The White House did not answer questions on Saturday about possible sanctions. The Kremlin earlier this week reiterated demands that Ukraine gives up territory, abandons its bid to join Nato, and accepts limits on its military, in exchange for a withdrawal of Russian troops from the rest of the country. Mr Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine 'will not give Russia any awards for what it has done' and that 'Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier'. Ukrainian officials previously told the AP privately that Kyiv would be amenable to a peace deal that would de facto recognise Ukraine's inability to regain lost territories militarily. But Mr Zelensky on Saturday insisted that formally ceding land was out of the question.
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Nepal's LGBTQ+ community holds first Pride rally since US funding cuts
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Global Times: Readers' Reflections: China's military modernization 'remarkable', bolstering its vital role as global peace stabilizer
BEIJING, Aug. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- August 1, 2025 marks the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Over the past 98 years, the people's army under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has made indelible contributions to national independence, liberation of the people and national prosperity. It has fought in the Agrarian Revolutionary War, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the War of Liberation, and the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. It has fulfilled its defense duties in Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law, effectively responded to various threats to national security, resolutely cracked down on all forms of separatist and sabotage activities, and actively participated in foreign military exchanges and cooperation as well as UN peacekeeping operations. Practice has fully proved that the people's military is a strong pillar for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and a staunch force for maintaining world peace. The book series of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China includes several important speeches on adhering to the path of strengthening the military with Chinese characteristics. In the article 'Continue to Strengthen Our Military' included in Volume II of the book series, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that the military must resolutely safeguard the Party's leadership and our socialist system, our sovereignty, security and interests, and regional and world peace. In Volume IV of the book series, Xi said when delivering an important speech during a ceremony marking the Centenary of the CPC that the achievements of the people's military on behalf of the Party and the people have been remarkable. It is a strong pillar that safeguards our socialist country and preserves national dignity, and a powerful force for protecting peace in our region and beyond. In the ninth installment of the special series 'Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,' the Global Times, along with People's Daily Overseas Edition, explores the theme: following a Chinese path to military development, the Chinese military has always been a staunch force for world peace. We continue to invite Chinese and foreign scholars, translators of Xi's works, practitioners with firsthand experience, and international readers to discuss how, in the new era, the people's army fulfills its mission of building a strong military, practices the Global Security Initiative with concrete actions, takes on the responsibilities of a major country's military, and continuously makes greater contributions to maintaining world peace and stability. In the ninth article of the 'Readers' Reflections' column, Global Times talked to Maurício Santoro (Santoro), a professor of International Relations at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, and a researcher at the Brazilian Navy's Center for Political and Strategic Studies. GT: In his speech at the ceremony marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2021, included in Volume IV of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi stated, 'We must accelerate the modernization of national defense and the armed forces. A strong country must have a strong military; only then can it guarantee the security of the nation.' China has made significant progress its military modernization in recent years, especially in technological innovation. How do you assess China's achievements in this area? Which developments stand out to you, and how do you think they contribute to the country's national interests? Santoro: China's military modernization is truly remarkable from every perspective. The economic boom and societal prosperity following the reform and opening-up period have provided abundant resources and robust support for the modernization of its defense and armed forces. Today, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is more efficient, modern, and science-oriented than ever before. It has made high-level achievements in sophisticated technology, such as the Internet and space domains, while cultivating a cadre of highly educated senior officers. From a historical perspective, what impresses me the most is the development of the PLA Navy. Since the great voyages of Zheng He in the Ming Dynasty, China has once again been transforming from a major maritime country into a leading maritime power. Today, the country boasts three aircraft carriers, a substantial submarine fleet, a powerful coast guard force, and a rapidly expanding marine corps, all marking steady progress in naval modernization. GT: In Volume III of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi emphasized that the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force should forever preserve their nature, purpose and character as the forces of the people, resolutely safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests, and firmly uphold world peace. How do you understand the core essence of the 'people's army' concept? What specific examples demonstrate this essence in the practices of the modern Chinese military? Santoro: In my view, the core essence of the 'people's army' concept lies in its deep connection of the armed forces to the political struggles of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, particularly during the 20th century's fight for liberation after the century of humiliations, and overcoming foreign interventions, warlord conflicts, and other hardships of that sad period. We can see this connection in many important moments of Chinese history, from the Red Army, Eighth Route Army, and New Fourth Army to the PLA's role and its contributions since the founding of the People's Republic of China. In the West, many associate the PLA with guerrilla warfare, which was indeed critical during the resistance against Japanese aggression. However, the 'people's army' concept is far broader, as demonstrated in large-scale conventional campaigns like the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953), which showcased the PLA's exceptional combat capabilities and unwavering commitment to the nation and its people. In recent years, China's ongoing defense and military reforms, aimed at building a world-class military, reflect a steadfast commitment to the goal of building strong armed forces under new conditions put forward by President Xi. This dedication also manifests in the PLA's deep concern for the people's well-being. For instance, during the Wenchuan earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, the PLA swiftly mobilized for disaster relief and epidemic control, protecting lives and property with concrete actions that vividly embody the 'people's army' ethos. GT: This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. In his speech at the ceremony marking the centenary of the CPC, President Xi emphasized, 'Peace, concord, and harmony are goals that China has pursued and carried forward for more than 5,000 years.' In today's volatile geopolitical landscape, how do these commitments contribute to global peace and security, particularly in fostering a peaceful environment for developing nations? What concrete contributions has China-Brazil cooperation on genuine multilateralism made toward a multipolar world and a fairer international order? Santoro: Amid global conflicts and instability, President Xi has repeatedly emphasized in key speeches the importance of peace and stability for nations. A stable international environment was vital during China's reform and opening-up period and has also benefited its neighbors, particularly ASEAN countries. However, recent years have seen large-scale conflicts erupt in Europe and Gaza. Against this backdrop, China's commitment to 'peace, concord, and harmony' positions it as a vital force for maintaining global and regional stability. Since 1990, the Chinese military has participated in 25 UN peacekeeping missions, deploying over 50,000 personnel to more than 20 countries and regions, demonstrating a responsible great power's unwavering commitment to peace. For example, in South Sudan and Mali, Chinese peacekeepers and medical teams have played key roles in stabilizing security, rebuilding infrastructure, and safeguarding local populations' health. Also, for years, the Chinese Navy has conducted escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, ensuring the safety of Chinese and foreign commercial vessels and humanitarian aid ships, underscoring its commitment to securing global maritime routes and peace. Brazil and China are working closely on bilateral and global issues. For instance, the two countries proposed a six-point consensus to politically resolve the Ukraine crisis, aiming to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They also actively promote BRICS cooperation, with the group's expanding 'circle of friends.' Together, they counter trade protectionism and advocate for reforms in multilateral institutions to better meet the needs of the Global South. Brazil and China should also enhance defense cooperation. Brazilians do not perceive China as a threat, yet our military equipment and training have historically relied on the US and EU. Opportunities exist to expand collaboration in high-tech fields like space programs or artificial intelligence, building on existing civilian initiatives. GT: China is the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for 2024–2025 and will host the SCO Summit in Tianjin this autumn. At the 'SCO Plus' Astana Summit in July 2024, President Xi said 'We should jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, practice true multilateralism, and make global governance more just and equitable. The SCO should make its important contribution to eliminating the deficits in peace, development, security and governance.' How do you evaluate the SCO's specific contributions to promoting global security and fairness? What are your expectations and key priorities for the 2025 Tianjin Summit in advancing these goals? Santoro: The establishment of the SCO marked a turning point in international security, showcasing China's commitment to addressing global challenges like terrorism through new institutions. The SCO serves as a vital platform for tackling issues in Central Asia and Afghanistan and could play a significant role in mediating India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir. The SCO operates with a flexible, inclusive framework focused on global security challenges rather than targeting specific nations. With its expanding membership, the SCO could evolve into a platform akin to BRICS, attracting developing nations and emerging markets seeking a multipolar world order. The 2025 Tianjin Summit will convene amid complex global security challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions involving Israel, Iran, and Gaza, and renewed India-Pakistan friction. These issues lack simple solutions, but I hope the SCO summit will propose innovative approaches to address them. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
