Sayings SAYINGS

On September 18, a public vessel of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries was rammed and damaged by a Chinese coast guard ship while on duty in the waters off Palawan, with both sides blaming each other for violations.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a sanctions bill, proposing to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods exported to the U.S. by countries purchasing Russian oil and gas; China may be affected.

On the second anniversary of the attack on the Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen, local police forces have been strengthened, and the Japanese school has taken preventive measures such as suspending classes and banning Japanese-style schoolbags.

On September 17, during the BRICS summit, Xi Jinping's simultaneous interpretation equipment malfunctioned, and multiple staff members stepped forward to handle it, dispelling previous rumors about his health.

Wang Yi meets with Iranian Foreign Minister and urges the opening of the Strait of Hormuz; Iran responds that the US must first fulfill its commitments.

On September 15, the YASREF refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia was suspected to be attacked by the Houthis. 37.5% of the refinery is held by Sinopec, making it a landmark Belt and Road project.

European Commission President von der Leyen stated that the EU will use all means to reduce its trade deficit with China and plans to establish a European Critical Raw Materials Company to address rare earth dependency.

German Chancellor Merz criticized China's economic model for causing the EU's trade deficit with China to exceed 300 billion euros, and the EU plans to discuss trade defense measures.

The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum opens; researchers from the Japanese Ministry of Defense and military attachés in China were not invited, with only former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama invited to attend.

The 20-year “Tokyo·China Film Week” announces cancellation of this year's event, organizers say they considered the situation and environment, no specific reason disclosed.