HONG KONG means business

5 JUNE 2019

MARKET SPOTLIGHT Diversity rules among start-ups Entrepreneur Day featured delivery bots, virtual interior design showrooms and much more. Diversity is a key to success for enterprises ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to giant corporations and entire economies; and Hong Kong’s start-up scene shows the city has diversity in spades. More US Trade US tariffs on goods from Mainland China rise to 25% The Office of the United States Trade Representative has issued an official notice increasing the additional tariff currently in place on US$200 billion worth of goods imported from Mainland China (List 3 goods) from 10% to 25%, with effect from 10 May. FIRST PERSON City retains IPO lead New-economy firms have a strong showing in fresh first-quarter listings on the Hong Kong bourse. INSIDE CHINA Volatile trade field needs nimble players As the mainland-US dispute escalates and expands, a US lawyer specialising in customs-related issues advises businesses to be prepared as the issues may not be resolved quickly. HEADS-UP HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair The King of KamCha will brew up cups as Hong Kong hosts a feast of food and home exhibitions. VENTURE HONG KONG Start-ups at medical cutting edge Innovative tools from three Hong Kong entrepreneurs are fast-tracking diagnosis for dangerous diseases. LIFE & STYLE Anyone for gin? As sales continue to soar globally a boutique brand from Stuttgart is making inroads into the Hong Kong and Asian markets. UPCOMING EVENTS 12 June Seminar on “Brexit: Is the UK Still a Gateway for Hong Kong Exports to... 12 June Hengqin: Exploring Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Opportunities 13 June Seminar on “Opportunities for Hong Kong Companies Under the Outline... FIND AN EVENT   MULTIMEDIA SEE THIS Food for thought: A Belt and Road recipe HEAR THIS A Melting Pot for East-meets-West Marketing MORE MULTIMEDIA   RESEARCH China’s Toys and Games Market (2): Consumer Preferences HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair Survey Spring 2019: A Brighter... Accessing the ASEAN Consumer Market: Toys and Games (Distribution Channels) MORE RESEARCH

THE WHITE HOUSE's news

The White House • June 6, 2019 In Normandy, President Trump honors veterans 75 years after D-Day On June 6, 1944, a coalition of 160,000 American soldiers and other Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France—a moment that foretold the end of Nazi occupation in Europe and forever changed the course of history. President Donald J. Trump spoke just yards from Omaha Beach at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial this morning, paying tribute to the sacrifice these heroes made. “We are gathered here on Freedom’s Altar. On these shores, on these bluffs, on this day 75 years ago, 10,000 men shed their blood, and thousands sacrificed their lives, for their brothers, for their countries, and for the survival of liberty,” he said. “They came here and saved freedom.”               🎬 Watch: “These men ran through the fires of hell,” President Trump says.   This historic site is now the resting place for 9,388 American service members who gave their lives for our freedom. More than 170 World War II veterans attended today’s ceremony, including more than 60 who landed as part of the D-Day operation. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May also spoke. Pausing during his address, President Trump walked over and hugged one of the American veterans who joined him onstage. Private First Class Russell Pickett had been wounded in the first wave of soldiers that landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day. As he received treatment at a hospital in England, Private Pickett made it clear that his service wasn’t finished. “I’m going to return,” Pickett said. Six days after D-Day, he rejoined his company. He would be gravely wounded twice more, including a third injury that caused him to lay unconscious for 12 days. He looked unlikely to survive. “And, today, believe it or not, he has returned once more to these shores to be with his comrades,” President Trump said before embracing the 94-year-old veteran. “Private Pickett, you honor us all with your presence.” Before concluding, President Trump gave a few lasting words of appreciation to the veterans of this Greatest Generation:     The men behind me will tell you that they are just the lucky ones. As one of them recently put it, “All the heroes are buried here.” But we know what these men did. We knew how brave they were. They came here and saved freedom, and then, they went home and showed us all what freedom is all about. The American sons and daughters who saw us to victory were no less extraordinary in peace. They built families. They built industries. They built a national culture that inspired the entire world. In the decades that followed, America defeated communism, secured civil rights, revolutionized science, launched a man to the Moon, and then kept on pushing to new frontiers. And, today, America is stronger than ever before. Seven decades ago, the warriors of D-Day fought a sinister enemy who spoke of a thousand-year empire. In defeating that evil, they left a legacy that will last not only for a thousand years, but for all time—for as long as the soul knows of duty and honor; for as long as freedom keeps its hold on the human heart. To the men who sit behind me, and to the boys who rest in the field before me, your example will never, ever grow old. Your legend will never tire. Your spirit—brave, unyielding, and true—will never die. . . . And our children, and their children, will forever and always be free.      Read President Trump’s full speech to veterans at Normandy. More: Presidential Proclamation for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Trump greets World War II veterans at the 75th Commemoration of D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery | June 6, 2019 The White House • June 3, 2019 In photos: Queen Elizabeth II welcomes President Trump and the First Lady From Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump kicked off their State Visit to the United Kingdom with a trip to some of the U.K.’s most significant landmarks. The historic visit began with a royal welcome as Marine One landed on the lawn of Buckingham Palace, where Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, greeted the President and First Lady. Queen Elizabeth II welcomed President Trump with a handshake at the top of the palace stairs. This week’s trip reflects the special relationship between America and Great Britain, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces landed on Omaha Beach in France in the largest land, air, and sea invasion in military history. Thousands of soldiers from both nations lost their lives, but their courage led to victory in World War II—and thus changed the course of history. Commemorating this shared sacrifice, British armed forces played an important role in today’s ceremonies. After the performances of both the American and British national anthems, President Trump accompanied Prince Charles for a traditional inspection of the uniformed Guard of Honor. At Westminster Abbey, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, served as a guide through the church’s historic halls. While inside, the President and First Lady stopped to lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. Set in the central aisle of the Abbey, the tomb represents all those who died in service but have no known grave, much like Arlington National Cemetery’s own Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This evening, Queen Elizabeth concluded the day’s busy schedule of events with an official State Banquet. From Buckingham Palace's ballroom, members of the Royal Family—along with some 170 guests—welcomed America’s First Family. In photos: President Trump and the First Lady arrive at Buckingham Palace. Watch: Queen Elizabeth leads a tour through the Royal Collection display Honoring the victims of Virginia Beach On Friday afternoon, America mourned the loss of 12 souls after a gunman opened fire in a senseless act of violence at a municipal building in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “Our Nation grieves with those affected by the tragic shooting,” President Trump said in a Proclamation for the victims. “Americans unite in praying for God to comfort the injured and heal the wounded.” In honor of those victims, he also ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other public grounds. Read President Trump’s Proclamation. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Trump and Queen Elizabeth tour the Royal Collection of American The White House • June 5, 2019 Why Mexico must act America’s border crisis reached another milestone today—and not an encouraging one. A few hours ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its apprehension figures for last month. There’s only one way to describe the new report. “Just stunning,” in the words of The Washington Post’s immigration enforcement reporter. 144,278. That’s how many immigrants were apprehended or deemed inadmissible at our southern border last month alone. The May figure represents a 32 percent spike from April and makes for the third straight month with at least 100,000 apprehensions or inadmissibles. All told, CBP officials have detained more than 680,000 such migrants this fiscal year alone—more than the entire population of Miami, Florida. “We are in a full-blown emergency, and I cannot say this stronger: The system is broken,” acting CBP Commissioner John Sanders told reporters today. The changing face of illegal immigration demands immediate attention. Families and unaccompanied children make up a growing share of those who circumvent our legal immigration system, which makes an already-severe humanitarian crisis even worse. Last month, 88,676 family unit migrants—including both legitimate families and groups that human smugglers pose as families to game the system—and 11,893 unaccompanied children were apprehended or deemed inadmissible at the border. President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly called on Congress to address the holes in our immigration system that cause this crisis. Just as it has for decades, Capitol Hill ducked. Congressional Democrats have gone so far as to deny that any crisis exists at all. Americans deserve the real action that politicians have promised them for years. Last Thursday, President Trump took it, announcing that the United States would place tariffs on goods from Mexico until our southern neighbor steps up and helps stop the massive number of migrants who violate its laws to illegally access our border. More than words are needed. America has been good to Mexico for many years. All we ask now is that Mexico do its fair share to support our Border Patrol officers and bring law and order to its side of the border, as well. President Trump is confident that Mexico can and will act swiftly to confront this dangerous situation. Something to share: Ending a system where the criminals win—and citizens lose.  By the numbers: CBP officers face a worsening crisis at the border. President Trump: “The migrant crisis is a calamity that must now be solved.” Day 2: The President and First Lady in the U.K. Last night, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wrapped up the second day of their official State Visit by hosting members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Some of yesterday’s most powerful moments came early in the day, when Prime Minister May gave the President and First Lady a pair of special tours. First came an up-close look at a rare copy of the Sussex Declaration, also known as our Declaration of Independence, followed by a visit to the Churchill War Rooms—the famed bunkers used by Winston Churchill and his war cabinet as they strategized for Allied victory during World War II. The White House • June 4, 2019 Video of the Day: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the U.K. Thanks to the eminent hospitality of Queen Elizabeth II, the first day of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s official State Visit to the United Kingdom embodied the full elegance of a royal celebration. Yesterday’s full schedule concluded where it began: historic Buckingham Palace, where President Trump and the Queen raised their glasses to the lasting friendship between our two nations. “Your Majesty, Melania and I are profoundly honored to be your guests for this historic State Visit,” the President said. “On behalf of all Americans, I offer a toast to the eternal friendship of our people, the vitality of our nations, and to the long-cherished and truly remarkable reign of her Majesty, the Queen.” In photos: Day 1 of President Trump and the First Lady’s State Visit Why the U.S.–U.K. alliance is stronger than ever Early this morning by U.S. time, President Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May marked day two of the President's State Visit to the U.K. with a joint press conference at 10 Downing Street in London. 🎬 President Trump: “Melania and I are honored to return to London”  As President Trump stated it, the longstanding American-British alliance is the greatest the world has ever known. “Our relationship is grounded in common history, values, customs, culture, language and laws,” he said today. “Our people believe in freedom and independence as a sacred birthright and cherished inheritance worth defending at any cost.” On the world stage, the United Kingdom remains a key partner in advancing shared global interests. Just one example of that alliance in action: the joint campaign to defeat ISIS. With the U.K.’s help, ISIS’ territorial caliphate in Syria and Iraq has now been completely obliterated. This week also marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, American and British soldiers fought side-by-side to liberate Europe from brutal Nazi occupation and make the world safe for freedom and democracy. It was this shared sacrifice that sealed profound, enduring bonds between America and Britain. “Seventy-five years ago this Thursday, courageous Americans and British patriots set out from this Island toward history’s most important battle,” President Trump said. “They stormed forward out of ships and airplanes, risking everything to defend our people and to ensure that the United States and Britain would forever remain sovereign and forever remain free.” The American-British alliance is thriving under President Trump. Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Trump participates in a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May at No. 10 Downing Street in London | June 4, 2019   More: President Trump and Prime Minister May lead a business roundtable Photo of the Day Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead President Trump gives remarks during a D-Day National Commemorative Event at the Southsea Common in Portsmouth, England | June 5, 2019

CANADA latest news

Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie to visit Canada

June 7, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, will visit Canada from June 9 to 12.

During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary-General Mushikiwabo will discuss progress achieved since the Yerevan Summit on shared priorities, including advancing gender equality, defending human rights, and protecting and promoting the French language and francophone cultures. They will also discuss future goals and priorities of the Organisation, as well as the administrative modernization that the Organisation is undertaking.

Quote

“Canada is a proud member of the international Francophone community and the Organisation internationale de La Francophonie. I look forward to meeting with Secretary-General Mushikiwabo to discuss ways we can work together to address common challenges, advance gender equality, and protect and promote the French language and francophone cultures.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• La Francophonie, whose main institution is the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), is a group of 88 member states and governments who all share French as a common language.
• Member countries are collectively home to over 1 billion people, including 300 million Francophones, across five continents.
• Canada’s annual contribution of approximately $40 million helps the institutions, agencies and bodies of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie to implement their respective programs.
• Canada has four seats on the OIF. In addition to federal representation, the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec are full members, and Ontario has observer status.
• In 1969, Canada adopted its Official Languages Act. This March marked the 50^th anniversary of the law.

Associated Link(s)

• Canada and La Francophonie
• Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President Emmanuel Macron of France

June 7, 2019
Paris, France

Russian-Chinese talks

Talks between Vladimir Putin and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, who came to Russia on a state visit, took place at the Kremlin.
June 5, 2019
18:00
The Kremlin, Moscow






With President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping before the beginning of Russian-Chinese talks in restricted format.

The parties discussed ways to expand Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction and reviewed progress in implementing major economic and humanitarian projects. An exchange of views on current international and regional issues took place as well.

The talks were followed by a ceremony for exchanging documents on cooperation in various areas, which were signed during the President of China’s state visit to Russia. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping signed a Joint Statement on Developing Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Interaction Entering a New Era and a Joint Statement on Strengthening Global Strategic Stability in the Modern Age.

An agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on settlements and payments was also signed.

The signed documents, in particular, concern creating a Russian-Chinese joint research and technology innovation fund, boosting bilateral trade, improving flight safety, promoting cooperation in protecting giant pandas, implementing the second phase of building a Haval automobile plant in the Tula Region, broadcasting the CGTN, CGRN-Russian and CCTV-4 channels in Russia, and establishing partnership in the field of e-commerce in Russia and the CIS.

A regulation on the Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum and a general contract for building units 3 and 4 of the Xudabao NPP were also signed.

The two presidents also made press statements.

Later, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping attended the presentation of an investment project already implemented – an automobile plant built in the Tula Region. The two presidents examined the display of Chinese Haval off-road vehicles assembled in Russia.

Press statements following Russian-Chinese talks


Following Russian-Chinese talks, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping made statements for the press.
June 5, 2019
18:15
The Kremlin, Moscow






Press statements following Russian-Chinese talks.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: President Xi Jinping, my dear friend, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to receive President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in Russia. This state visit by China’s President is taking place in a year that marks an important date – the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. I am pleased to note that Russian-Chinese relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level. This is a truly comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction.

Mr Xi Jinping and I maintain close contact. We regularly exchange visits, talk on the sidelines of international events and pay close attention to Russian-Chinese cooperation in the political, economic, humanitarian and other spheres.

In the course of the talks that just ended, we discussed the current state of and prospects for bilateral cooperation in a business-like and constructive manner and reviewed, in substance, important international issues while paying close attention to Russia-China cooperation in areas that are truly important for both countries. During our discussion and while speaking with our colleagues at the table, I noted that specific and comprehensive work was underway in each area, in addition to the interaction mechanisms that we now have in place.

As a result, as we all saw, we signed an impressive package of documents, notably, the Joint Statement on Developing Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Interaction Entering a New Era, which sets new ambitious goals and long-term benchmarks for cooperation.

Naturally, we discussed issues of economic cooperation in detail. China firmly holds the position of Russia’s leading foreign trade partner. Last year trade went up by a quarter to reach a record $108 billion. Tangible success was achieved in investment. About 30 investment projects worth a total of $22 billion are underway with our Chinese partners and Chinese capital. A substantial part of these funds is being invested in projects in the Russian Far East ($3.5 billion).

Russia and China intend to develop the practice of conducting financial transactions in our national currencies. We have just signed an intergovernmental agreement to further expand the use of the ruble and the yuan in bilateral trade to ensure the failsafe bank servicing of transactions in conditions of instability on global markets.

Our energy cooperation is making good progress. Russia leads in oil distribution to China: last year 67 million tonnes of raw materials were sent to China. A gas pipeline to the PRC along the so-called eastern route will enter service in December. Talks are underway on potential fuel exports westwards and also from the Russian Far East.

Cooperation on the production and sale of LNG is being increased. The third stage of the Yamal LNG plant opened in November, one year ahead of schedule. A sizeable share in this plant – almost 30 percent (29.9 percent) belongs to China. We welcome cooperation on another large project – Arctic LNG 2.

The breakthrough agreements on peaceful nuclear energy development reached during our visit to China last year are being carried out. A general contract to build the third and fourth units of the Xudabao Nuclear Power Plant has been signed. The construction of a demonstration fast-neutron reactor is getting started in China with participation of Rosatom.

We focus a lot on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the manufacturing industry. The opening of a plant operated by China’s leading automaker, Great Wall Motors, is timed to coincide with President Xi’s visit. This plant will use advanced technology to make 80,000 vehicles annually, and local content will reach about 70 percent. Today, the President and I will see the products that will be made at the new plant.

Our plans include projects in aircraft and helicopter manufacturing, space exploration, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and other knowledge-intensive industries. We agreed to hold years of Russian-Chinese scientific, technical and innovation cooperation in 2020 and 2021.

We have good prospects for agro-industrial production. The possibility of creating a Russian-Chinese agricultural holding company in the Primorye Territory with an investment of 10 billion rubles is being discussed. Russia and China are planning to jointly develop international transport corridors. To do so, plans are in place to more actively use the potential of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline, as well as the Northern Sea Route.

The shared border infrastructure is expanding. The construction of a new bridge and a road bridge over the Amur River is nearing completion. We attach particular importance to strengthening direct ties between Russia’s regions and China’s provinces. The years of interregional cooperation are enjoying success. The Volga-Yangtze Council has been working effectively for quite a while now with the participation of the Volga Federal District and the provinces of the upper and middle Yangtze.

Today, the President of the People's Republic of China and I agreed on establishing two more interregional cooperation mechanisms between Russia’s Central Federal District and North China, as well as between our Northwestern Federal District and the maritime provinces of Southeast China.

This people-to-people cooperation covers many areas. Cultural and cinema festivals, education, youth, and sports exchanges, as well as reciprocal tourism are actively developing in Russia and China as part of a three-year programme for cooperation. Last year, China saw about 2.2 million Russian tourists. In turn, over 1.7 million Chinese tourists visited our country. I just shared with my friend, President Xi, a story where I was moving from one building within the Moscow Kremlin to another and realised that most of the tourists on the square were from China. We can go out and wave to them.

I would like to thank Mr Xi and all our Chinese colleagues for transferring two giant pandas to the Moscow Zoo. We know that China almost never does this. This is a sign of special respect and trust with regard to Russia and our specialists. Whenever we talk about pandas, we smile. We accept this gift with great respect and gratitude. Thank you very much. These animals are a national symbol of China, and we highly appreciate this gesture of friendship. By the way, a little later, the President of the People's Republic of China and I will go to the Moscow zoo and marvel at these wonderful animals.

During the discussion of topical international and regional issues, the sides stated that their views are identical or very close on most matters. The joint statement on strengthening global strategic stability we signed emphasises the principled stand of Russia and China that any attempts to destroy the existing system of agreements on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation are unacceptable.

I would like to stress that our countries share identical assessments of the situation around the Korean Peninsula and carry out a joint roadmap for settlement. We proceed from the premise that there is no, nor can there be, any alternative to the peaceful, political and diplomatic settlement of the region’s problems, including the nuclear issue.

We will continue cooperation with our Chinese partners to reduce tensions on the peninsula and enhance security in Northeast Asia as a whole. Russia and China are working for the peaceful settlement of the crisis in Syria, favour stabilisation in Venezuela, and remain committed to the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear programme.

During the talks, the sides reaffirmed their intention to continue building up bilateral cooperation within the framework of the UN, the SCO, BRICS, the G20, APEC and other leading multilateral venues.

We will continue our efforts to link the EAEU integration processes with the Chinese Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative with a view to forming greater Eurasian partnership in the future.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to use this opportunity to thank once again Mr Xi Jinping and all our Chinese colleagues for productive joint work and to express confidence that the agreements reached during the visit will facilitate the further strengthening of Russia-China friendship and the prosperity of our nations.

The programme of the President of China’s visit continues. Today, we will make speeches at the gala evening devoted to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations at the Bolshoi Theatre.

As a guest of honour, the Chinese leader will take part in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. He will head a solid delegation – about a thousand government officials and businessmen. We will also talk to the heads of major companies of the two countries that will hold the second Russia-China Energy Business Forum. And – I am pleased to say this in the presence of the rector of St Petersburg State University – there will be a ceremony to present President Xi Jinping with the honorary doctorate of the university.

Thank you for your attention.

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, friends, good afternoon,

I am happy to see you together with my old friend President Putin. This is my first state visit to Russia during my second term as the head of the Chinese state. This is also my eighth visit to Russia since 2013. President Putin and I have established close working relations and a strong friendship.

We have met almost 30 times in the last six years. Russia is the most frequently visited foreign country for me and President Putin is one of my closest friends and a great colleague. This is the best reflection of the high level of bilateral relations and close strategic cooperation between China and Russia.

President Putin and I have just held very productive talks in an open and friendly atmosphere. We thoroughly discussed our bilateral relations and also items on the international and regional agendas that are of mutual interest. We have reached important mutual understanding in several areas. We have also signed and published two important joint statements. The relevant agencies and companies have exchanged the signed documents in our presence.

President Putin has just summed up our talks and I fully agree with him. Together we reviewed the development of our diplomatic relations for the last 70 years. All of us believe that as a result of the developments in the last 70 years, Chinese-Russian relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level. We now see new opportunities. So we decided that we would take advantage of this historical experience in the spirit of neighbourliness, friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding, and that we would develop our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in this new era and raise our bilateral relations to a new and higher level.

Our countries will further consolidate mutual political trust, build mutual support and assistance in issues that concern our key interests in the spirit of novation, cooperation for the sake of mutual advantage, and promote our relations in the new era for the benefit of our two nations and the peoples of the world.

We note with satisfaction that due to our joint efforts in all areas, our cooperation continues to develop dynamically and successfully. Bilateral trade has also hit a historical high, exceeding our goal of $100 billion. We continue to increase the level and quality of cooperation. We successfully implement large strategic projects in energy, investment, aerospace, aviation and so on.

Region-to-region cooperation in areas like finance, agriculture and e-commerce has great potential. The parties have already decided to hold cross years of cooperation in research, technology and innovation in 2020–2021 in order to further expand and extend this cooperation, improve exchanges and the joint training of research and technical personnel, increase the integrated power and the research and technical level of our countries.

President Putin and I agreed to continue our work on integrating the Belt and Road Initiative with the EAEU. We will support each other in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Eurasia partnership. We will join efforts to promote regional integration and integration economic development in the region.

We are pleased to note that the people-to-people aspect of our relations is following an ascending curve, and our exchanges are expanding across all areas. The years of interregional cooperation were a success, and traditional friendship between our peoples never stops shining with new light.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, we gave two pandas to Russia for joint research. A little later, President Putin and I will attend an opening ceremony for the panda pavilion at the Moscow Zoo and will meet the two envoys of Chinese-Russian friendship.

The international situation is undergoing profound changes not seen in the past century. Peace and development remain the spirit of the times. However, protectionism and one-sided approaches are increasing, and the policy of force and hegemonism is intensifying. We have a long and difficult path to go before we arrive at peace and development.

As leading world powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia will, in conjunction with the international community, show a sense of duty and resolutely protect the international system, under UN auspices, based on international law, and actively promote political settlements in the hotbeds of tension; we will protect the multilateral trade system, impart positive energy to an extremely difficult international situation, and make new contributions to building a common destiny for all of humankind.

Tonight, President Putin and I will attend celebrations dedicated to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. I will also visit St Petersburg to participate in the 23rd St Petersburg International Economic Forum. President Putin and I will continue to hold bilateral meetings and will enrich the content of bilateral relations in a new era.

Thank you.


Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping visited Moscow Zoo


Following Russian-Chinese talks, Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping visited the Moscow Zoo and examined the giant panda pavilion.
June 5, 2019
20:30
Moscow






A male panda named Ru Yi and a female called Ding Ding were brought to Moscow as part of an international programme to preserve, protect and research these animals. Photo: TASS

The Moscow Zoo prepared enclosures for two giant pandas, considered to be the unofficial symbol of China, as part of an international programme to preserve, protect and research these animals. A male panda named Ru Yi and a female called Ding Ding were brought from the Sichuan province to Moscow in late April.

China announced its intention to transfer a couple of pandas to Russia during Vladimir Putin’s working visit to Beijing. This event is timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries marked this year.

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