Putin urges end to Middle East hostilities in phone call with Iranian president

Chinese President Xi Jinping says the military must achieve the centenary goal of building a strong armed force and advance the modernization of national defense and the military with high quality during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

China says elderly care service vouchers for seniors with moderate to severe disabilities have benefited 892,000 people, with redemptions totaling more than 1.7 billion yuan, or nearly 250 million U.S. dollars so far this year.

Inbound travelers spent more than 130 billion U.S. dollars. The minister of culture and tourism said visa-free entries exceeded 30 million.

China says it has better protected the health and well-being of its people during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, making historic achievements.

Chinese Education Minister Huai Jinpeng says the country currently has around 440,000 schools of all types, serving 280 million students and employing 18.7 million teachers nationwide.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, urging an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East.

President Xi said efforts must be rooted in its national conditions and follow a health development path suited to its realities. He called for strengthening the public health system, improving the quality and efficiency of medical services, and promoting healthier lifestyles.

China is expecting its GDP to grow by over six trillion yuan this year, which officials say will provide solid support for stabilizing employment, benefiting the people and preventing risks.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he is ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from that post and replacing her with Senator Markwayne Mullin.

Israeli warplanes have launched a new wave of airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, after Israel warned all residents to evacuate. It marked the first time Israel has called for a full evacuation of the area.