CHINESE President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for the nation to remain confident in the coming year, saying the world’s second largest economy can overcome its challenges and pressure through hard work. 

Xi made the remarks in his New Year message for 2025 delivered through China Media Group and the internet. 

Set to fully complete its 14th Five-Year Plan in 2025, China will implement more proactive and effective policies, prioritize high-quality development, promote greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and maintain sound momentum in economic and social development, Xi said. 

He said the Chinese economy “now faces some new conditions, including challenges of uncertainties in the external environment and pressure of transformation from old growth drivers into new ones”. 

“But we can prevail with our hard work. As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident,” Xi said.

 Reviewing China’s footprint in 2024, Xi said the economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory, with the national GDP expected to pass the mark of 130 trillion yuan (about US$18.08 trillion) and the country’s grain output surpassing 700 million tonnes. — Xinhua

Source: Global New Light of Myanmar

On this occasion of the New Year 2025, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all national brethren residing within Myanmar. May you all be blessed with good health, peace of mind, and the fulfilment of your aspirations.

Since the assumption of the State’s responsibilities, the State Administration Council has envisioned the path forward for the nation by setting visions, road maps and objectives. Through our steadfast efforts, we are now witnessing significant achievements in working towards our goals. This has been possible thanks to our people’s active and cooperative support. While the journey ahead may bring challenges, difficulties, and obstacles, I firmly believe that we can overcome them through the united strength and collective efforts of all of us.

Those who wish ill upon our citizens have targeted various as pects of urban and rural security and economic sectors throughout 2024, aiming to disrupt and destroy them. These actions stem from ignorant individuals whose deeds harm their communities and regions. They exploit noble values such as ethnicity, equality, and democracy, using them as a pretext for terror acts that ultimately degrade their people and areas. We must work together to prevent and put a stop to such actions.

We successfully enumerated the population and housing census in 2024. Moreover, we successfully hosted the Fifth National Sports Festival, laying a strong foundation for elevating the country’s sports standards. We have also made significant progress in the nation’s development to a certain extent. These achievements were made possible due to the dedicated efforts of those who have been working selflessly and courageously for peace and stability of the State, defence, non-disintegration of the Union, the rule of law, and strengthening of democracy. I would like to express my deep respect and honour to the heroic Tatmadaw members, Myanmar Police Force members, people’s militia, war veterans, civil servants and all citizens who sacrificed their lives and limbs. These acts will remain as part of our historical records and serve as a testament to the enduring patriotism and unity of our people. In our country, armed conflict remains a challenge. My aim is solely to resolve these conflicts for the benefit of the nation and the people, fostering a stable and peaceful environment. This must be achieved through political means that the people desire, including dialogue and negotiation. These approaches can establish peace and stability, while also improving economic and social conditions. However, while the leaders of armed groups often claim to pursue democracy under various pretexts, in reality, they are driven by self-interest and continue to perpetrate armed conflicts. Similarly, some ethnic leaders, though speaking of federal rights and ethnic rights, turn a blind eye to the essence of democracy and work towards the disintegration of the Union. It is important to carefully balance what is desirable and feasible and to act per democratic principles for the benefit of the Union. The inability to resolve armed conflicts in our country is partly due to the differing paths taken with various common objectives. To address these issues, we all need to move forward resolutely along the path to democracy through firm spirit. I would also like to urge our people to encourage armed groups to join the democratic path.

In this world, for a nation or a people to survive and thrive, it is essential to possess the ability to defend themselves and to contin uously enhance their capabilities. If we cannot sustain our lives and our stability through our efforts, it could lead to a weakened sovereignty of the nation and potentially result in subjugation by others. To remain steadfast as an independent nation and to avoid becoming subordinate to others, all citizens of the country must unite in solidarity. In times when the nation faces threats, Tatmadaw, which bears the pri mary responsibility for national defence, and the people must work together firmly. With pat riotism, unity, and unwavering courage, we must protect the nation with determination and strive for its long-term stability and development.

As for me, I am striving to successfully organize a free and fair election, which is the ultimate goal of the State Administration Council. Efforts are also being made to bring the nation back onto the correct democratic path. Therefore, I urge our citizens to unite and actively participate in ensuring the success of the election based on the patriotism and national spirit demonstrated in 2024. Let us all work together so that 2025 becomes a year of victory for the people, reaching the democratic goal all citizens aspire to, and make this a testament to our collective efforts.

I wish all my fellow national brethren of Myanmar to nurture mutual kindness and work together for the benefit of the nation and our people. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Source: Global New Light Of Myanmar

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for making 2025 “a new beginning” in his message for the New Year. 

“Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find. Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife — fuelling tensions and mistrust,” Guterres said. 

He said that the globe has just endured a decade of deadly heat and the top ten 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024. 

“This is climate breakdown — in real time,” Guterres stressed. “We must exit this road to ruin — and we have no time to lose.” The UN chief urged countries to put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. “It is essential and it is possible,” he added. — Xinhua

Source: Global New Light of Myanmar

On behalf of the State Administration Council Chairman, State Administration Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived at the Embassy of India’s Liaison Office, situated at the Park Royal Hotel, Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, at noon yesterday to sign the book of condolence for the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of the Republic of India, who passed away on 26 December 2024. First Secretary and Head of the Indian Liaison Office Ms Ritu Yadav, and officials welcomed the Secretary of the State Administration Council.

Following this, the Secretary of the State Administration Council met Ms Ritu Yadav, First Secretary, Head of the Indian Liaison Office and officials of the Indian Embassy in a cordial meeting. He also conveyed a message of condolence and sympathy from the Chairman of the State Administration Council for the recent passing of the former Prime Minister of the Republic of India and signed the book of condolence.

Dr Manmohan Singh served as the Prime Minister of the Republic of India from 2004 to 2014 and paid a goodwill visit to Myanmar in 2012.

Source: Global New Light of Myanmar

DENMARK has announced plans to enhance Greenland’s defence capabilities after US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his controversial desire for the US to purchase the Arctic territory, Euronews reported on Wednesday.
In response to Trump’s comments, the Danish government revealed a significant defence investment plan aimed at bolstering Greenland’s security.
According to Euronews, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that the country would invest a “double-digit” billion amount in Danish kroner to upgrade its defence systems, though he did not specify the exact figure. The investment could range from EUR 1.34 billion to EUR 13.27 billion, as reported by Euronews.
Earlier on Sunday, the US president-elect made his comments via the social media platform Truth Social, stating that the US should seek ownership of Greenland for “purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world.” He made this remark while announcing the former US Ambassador to Sweden, Ken Howery, as the US Ambassador to Denmark.
Meanwhile, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, swiftly rejected the notion, asserting that “Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland” and emphasizing that the country “is not for sale and will never be for sale,” Euronews reported.
Egede further highlighted the importance of preserving Greenland’s long-standing struggle for independence. — ANI

Source: The Global New  Light of Myanmar

Photo: Denmark.dk

SLOVAK Prime Minister Robert Fico said that he had discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin the situation in Ukraine and the possibilities for resolving the conflict, as well as relations between Russia and Slovakia.
“In a long conversation, Vladimir Putin and I exchanged views on the military situation in Ukraine and the possibilities for a early peaceful end to the war and on relations between Slovakia and Russia, which I intend to standardize,” Fico said on Facebook.
According to Fico, this will also be helped by events related to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory over fascism, “where the decisive role was played by Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians and other peoples of the former USSR”.
The prime minister also noted that President Putin had confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue supplying gas to the West. — SPUTNIK

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Donald Trump proposed making Canada the 51st state, claiming it would reduce costs for Canadians, including taxes and military protection. MAKING Canada the 51st state of the United States would significantly reduce costs for Canadians, who would save on taxes and military protection, US President elect Donald Trump said on Wednesday.
“No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection.
I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!” Trump said on Truth Social. On 10 December, Trump jokingly referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada” amid tensions over the incoming US president’s threat to slap tariffs on goods from the neighbouring nation.
In late November, Trump announced that upon taking office, he would impose 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico due to unresolved issues related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking in the US. He also promised to add a 10 per cent export tariff on Chinese goods.
Last week, Trudeau vowed a response if Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. — SPUTNIK

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

ERMAN Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost in a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, on Monday. The move would dissolve Scholz’s minority coalition government and trigger a process that would lead to early federal elections.
The confidence vote saw 207 parliament members expressing confidence in Scholz, with 394 voting against him and 116 abstaining.
Such a vote has not taken place in Germany for almost two decades. Scholz had requested the confidence vote last week, invoking Article 68 of the Basic Law, as the currently only viable way to trigger early elections. Major opposition parties have long been calling for this.
Although theoretically, Scholz could have continued in office without a majority, it would have been politically untenable as the Bundestag
would have been unable to pass legislation. Concerns had arisen that Scholz could unexpectedly win the vote. This scenario could have materialized if members of Scholz’s SPD and the Greens voted in favour, while the AfD voted to support him to create chaos. To prevent this possibility of unintended support from the AfD’s 76 members potentially pushing Scholz over the required 367 votes, the Green party leadership advised its members to abstain. — Xinhua

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar

SOUTH Korea’s National Assembly Tuesday passed a bill to appoint a permanent special counsel to investigate insurrection charges against President Yoon Suk-yeol, as well as a resolution calling for Yoon’s immediate arrest over his botched martial law declaration.
The bill, which was finally approved in a 210-63 vote with 14 abstentions, calls for an investigation into the embattled president, former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff Park An-su, who had been named to lead the martial law command, and other officials involved in imposing martial law on 3 December.
Lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party also cast their vote. Earlier, the party decided not to choose whether to vote for or reject the bill. The list of those subject to the independent counsel investigation also includes Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung and Choo Kyung-ho, former floor leader of the ruling People Power Party.
Unlike a regular special counsel probe, the president cannot exercise the right to veto a bill over a permanent special counsel. The president, however, can delay the appointment of the counsel. The National Assembly also passed a resolution Tuesday calling for the immediate arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol and seven other officials over last week’s botched martial law declaration. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea stated in the explanation of the resolution that President Yoon had the intention to subvert the
National Assembly or make it unable to perform its duties, and could be listed as the ringleader of the insurrection, and it is necessary to arrest him promptly.
Meanwhile, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) Tuesday sought a preliminary arrest warrant for the former defence minister over his role in the short-lived martial law declaration by Yoon. — Xinhua

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar

DEPUTY Foreign Minister of the DPRK, Kim Jong Gyu, and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Andrey Rudenko, signed the protocol on the exchange of ratification instruments.
The treaty takes effect from 4 December 2024, when the ratification instruments were exchanged according to Article 22 of the treaty, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
“The strong DPRK-Russia relations, based on the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership, will be a powerful security mechanism that promotes the well-being of the peoples of the two countries, eases the regional situation, guarantees international strategic stability, and will serve as a strong driving force accelerating the establishment of an independent and just multipolar world order without domination, subjugation, and hegemony,” KCNA said.
During the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang on 18-19 June, Russia and the DPRK signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, the fourth article of which states: “If one of the Parties is subjected to an armed attack by any state or several states and thus finds itself in a state of war, the other Party will immediately provide military and other assistance by all means at its disposal.” — SPUTNIK

Source- The Global New Light of Myanmar