Ukraine marks first December Christmas this year, a symbolic shift away from Russia, after the government in Kyiv changed the date from January 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate, in a snub to Moscow.

Russia-Ukraine war: First December 25 Christmas for Ukrainians

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine marks first December Christmas in over a century

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Latest in Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military releases video showing Hamas' ground network.

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Ukraine has detained a senior official from the Defence Ministry over allegations that he embezzled $40 million regarding an artillery shells contract.

The country’s intelligence agency, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said that the illegal act took place in December last year, when the official awarded the contract to a special export company to purchase artillery shells.

"As a result of complex measures in Kyiv the head of one of the Main Departments of the Ministry of Defense involved in the [procurement of] equipment was detained," the SBU said on Facebook.

The official was immediately removed from his position and arrested, while legal proceedings were also launched. He faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty.

<h2>Details about the alleged embezzlement</h2>

According to the SBU, an original artillery contract was signed in December, but it was replaced by a more favourable contract signed with the same manufacturer. The second contract eliminated intermediaries and reduced the delivery time as well as the procurement cost.

However, the said defence official extended the original, less favourable contract, while funds estimated at $40 million were transferred to the accounts of an affiliated foreign intermediary firm.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Fatigue builds among Kyiv allies | Latest News

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The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said it was trying to recover the funds by terminating the contract altogether as no delivery has been made yet.

<h2>USA’s concerns over corruption in Ukraine</h2>

Earlier in October, the US, the prime financer of Ukraine’s war machinery, had expressed concerns over governmental corruption in the war-ravaged nation.

Officials indicated that certain kinds of US aid would be linked to Ukraine’s eagerness to implement institutional reforms, aiming at eradicating corruption.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-open-to-ceasefire-negotiations-with-ukraine-report-673072">Also read:&nbsp;Vladimir Putin open to ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine: Report</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to the US earlier this month and tried to address those concerns.

Ukraine, which is also hopeful of joining the European Union, has also faced pressure from the bloc regarding its corruption problem.

According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, Ukraine ranks 116th among 180 countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine has detained a senior official from the Defence Ministry over allegations that he embezzled $40 million regarding an artillery shells contract. The country’s intelligence agency, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said that the illegal act took place in December last year, when the official awarded the contract to a special export company to purchase artillery shells.

Ukraine has detained a senior official from the Defence Ministry over allegations that he embezzled $40 million regarding an artillery shells contract. The country’s intelligence agency, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said that the illegal act took place in December last year, when the official awarded the contract to a special export company to purchase artillery shells. "As a result of complex measures in Kyiv the head of one of the Main Departments of the Ministry of Defense involved in the [procurement of] equipment was detained," the SBU said on Facebook. The official was immediately removed from his position and arrested, while legal proceedings were also launched. He faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. Details about the alleged embezzlement According to the SBU, an original artillery contract was signed in December, but it was replaced by a more favourable contract signed with the same manufacturer. The second contract eliminated intermediaries and reduced the delivery time as well as the procurement cost. However, the said defence official extended the original, less favourable contract, while funds estimated at $40 million were transferred to the accounts of an affiliated foreign intermediary firm. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Fatigue builds among Kyiv allies | Latest News × The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said it was trying to recover the funds by terminating the contract altogether as no delivery has been made yet. USA’s concerns over corruption in Ukraine Earlier in October, the US, the prime financer of Ukraine’s war machinery, had expressed concerns over governmental corruption in the war-ravaged nation. Officials indicated that certain kinds of US aid would be linked to Ukraine’s eagerness to implement institutional reforms, aiming at eradicating corruption. Also read: Vladimir Putin open to ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine: Report Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to the US earlier this month and tried to address those concerns. Ukraine, which is also hopeful of joining the European Union, has also faced pressure from the bloc regarding its corruption problem. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, Ukraine ranks 116th among 180 countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine detains top defence official amidst allegations of $40mn fraud

Ukraine marks first December Christmas this year, a symbolic shift away from Russia, after the government in Kyiv changed the date from January 7, when most Orthodox believers celebrate, in a snub to Moscow. Meanwhile the Ukraine-Russia war continues to rage on; Russian strikes kill at least 4 in Kherson.

Kyiv shells Russian-occupied Horlivka, Shopping Hub & Buildings hit

The Ukrainian armed forces recaptured Kherson in November last year. About 71 shells have been fired at Kherson over 24 hours, the electricity & heat supply were disrupted by Russian strikes.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv shells Russia-held town of Horlivka

Despite the ongoing war with Russia, some Ukrainian have been making the trip back home from the UK.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine celebrates first December Christmas

Former Russian television journalist Yekaterina Duntsova, who had put her name forward as an independent candidate in Russia’s upcoming presidential election, has been barred from running against President Vladimir Putin.

Russia bars Yektaterina Duntsova from running in presidential election

Ukraine is legalising medicinal cannabis to treat psychological trauma and stress-related diseases caused by Russia's war.

Ukraine is legalising medicinal marijuana to treat stress from the war

Russia bars Journalist Yektaterina Duntsova from running in presidential election

The head of Ukraine's eastern-rite Catholic church on Saturday said a document endorsed by Pope Francis this week permitting blessings for same-sex couples did not apply to his church and its teachings.

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said the Vatican document "interprets the pastoral meaning of blessings in the Latin Church" but made no reference to issues governing the eastern, or Greek Catholic, church.

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"Thus...this Declaration applies solely to the Latin Church and has no legal force for the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church," Shevchuk said in a statement.

He said a blessing could not be separated from the church's teachings and "can in no way contradict the teaching of the Catholic Church about the family as a faithful, indissoluble, and fertile union of love between a man and a woman."

The eastern-rite church worships according to rites similar to the Orthodox faith, but is in communion with Rome by virtue of a 16th century agreement. Repression forced the church underground in Soviet times and it now has about 4.5 million parishioners, or roughly 10 per cent of the population of Ukraine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-open-to-ceasefire-negotiations-with-ukraine-report-673072">Vladimir Putin open to ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine: Report</a>

The document from the Vatican's doctrinal office said Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular church rituals or liturgies.

It said such blessings would be a sign that God welcomes all but should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage.

Gay rights are making some progress in Ukraine and other ex-Soviet states outside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;has expressed sympathy for upholding gay rights, though ruling out constitutional changes to allow single-sex marriages while the country is at war.&nbsp;

The head of Ukraine's eastern-rite Catholic church on Saturday said a document endorsed by Pope Francis this week permitting blessings for same-sex couples did not apply to his church and its teachings.

The head of Ukraine's eastern-rite Catholic church on Saturday said a document endorsed by Pope Francis this week permitting blessings for same-sex couples did not apply to his church and its teachings. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said the Vatican document "interprets the pastoral meaning of blessings in the Latin Church" but made no reference to issues governing the eastern, or Greek Catholic, church. ALSO READ | Pope faces criticism for telling Russian youths to remember 'legacy' of a 'great empire' "Thus...this Declaration applies solely to the Latin Church and has no legal force for the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church," Shevchuk said in a statement. He said a blessing could not be separated from the church's teachings and "can in no way contradict the teaching of the Catholic Church about the family as a faithful, indissoluble, and fertile union of love between a man and a woman." The eastern-rite church worships according to rites similar to the Orthodox faith, but is in communion with Rome by virtue of a 16th century agreement. Repression forced the church underground in Soviet times and it now has about 4.5 million parishioners, or roughly 10 per cent of the population of Ukraine. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin open to ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine: Report The document from the Vatican's doctrinal office said Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular church rituals or liturgies. It said such blessings would be a sign that God welcomes all but should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage. Gay rights are making some progress in Ukraine and other ex-Soviet states outside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed sympathy for upholding gay rights, though ruling out constitutional changes to allow single-sex marriages while the country is at war.

Ukrainian Catholic church says Vatican document on blessing same sex couples does not apply

The US has tightened sanctions against Russia. The New US order acts against those helping Russia evade sanctions & broadens the import ban on seafood & diamonds.

Russia-Ukraine war: US tightens sanctions against Russia

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv has been urging western powers for air defence support. Japan to export Patriot air defence missiles to the United States. The Patriot missiles are a critical part of Ukraine's layer of defence. The US could send the Patriot missiles to Kyiv from its own stock.

Russia-Ukraine war: Japan to aid Ukraine via US

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. The F-16 is one of the most advanced fighter jets. Norway & Belgium to also send F-16s to Ukraine.

Denmark to deliver 19 advanced F-16 jets to Kyiv | Russia-Ukraine war

U.S. Media reports indicate that the airplane bombing assassination of russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin --- Was orchestrated by Nikolai Patrushev. Patrushev is a top Putin confidant and Moscow's security council secretary...

Putin aide involved in Prigozhin killing: Report

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday.

Russia-Ukraine War: Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine War: Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year.

It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures.

Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you."

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She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia.

The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her.

"A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate.

She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

<h2>Anti-war candidate</h2>

Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024.&nbsp;

She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners.

Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

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“I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday.

In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television. The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year. It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures. Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you." Also read: Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia. The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her. "A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate. She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court. Anti-war candidate Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024. She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners. Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Also read: Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns “I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday. In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bars anti-war candidate Yekaterina Duntsova from presidential ballot

U.S. Media reports indicate that the airplane bombing assassination of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin --- Was orchestrated by Nikolai Patrushev. Patrushev is a top Putin confidant and Moscow's security council secretary...

Wagner Chief Assassination: Nikolai Patrushev involved in Prigozhin killing

Russia-Ukraine War: Who is Nikolai Patrushev? | Prigozhin killing

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday.

"Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.

"The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine."

The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions.

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But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said.

"I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy said on X.

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The Netherlands sent its first US made F-16s to a new training facility for Ukrainian pilots and staff in Romania last month.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/energy-sector-what-to-expect-in-2024-672779">Energy Sector: What to expect in 2024?</a>

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Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also announced they will give F-16 jets to Ukraine, after the US government approved sending them to defend against Russia as soon as pilot training is completed.

&nbsp;

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. "Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.

The Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help its battle against Russia's invasion, the Dutch government said on Friday. "Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X. "The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine." The delivery of the fighter jets is still pending on an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine, Rutte added without giving a timeline for these decisions. Also Read | 'Right to a dignified death': Cuba follows Colombia as it legalises euthanasia But the announcement made it possible to reserve funds and people to prepare the planes for delivery, the government said. "I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy said on X. Also Read | Turkey: 304 people arrested over suspected ties to Islamic State The Netherlands sent its first US made F-16s to a new training facility for Ukrainian pilots and staff in Romania last month. Watch | Energy Sector: What to expect in 2024? × Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also announced they will give F-16 jets to Ukraine, after the US government approved sending them to defend against Russia as soon as pilot training is completed.

Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

With support dwindling from the Western allies, Ukraine is facing an ammunition and funding crunch. But now a silver lining could be seen emerging as Japan is now sending patriot air defence missiles to the United States. This could free the US to send weapons from its own stockpiles to Kyiv.

Japan to send patriot missiles to the United States

According to senior American and European officials, the Biden administration subtly indicates that it is now in favour of seizing over $300 billion in assets that the Russian central bank has hidden in Western countries. It has also commenced urgent talks with allies about utilising these funds to support Ukraine's war effort during a period when financial support is diminishing. To know more watch this interview with Journalist and Political Analyst, James Jackson.

Europe, US eye Russian assets: Ukrainian Army seeks to mobilise 500,000 more troops | WION

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war.&nbsp;

Amid this dire mental health situation, the Ukrainian Parliament held a vote on Tuesday (December 19) to legalise marijuana (Cannabis), which is mostly banned but also used in a few countries for recreational purposes.&nbsp;

This move is being taken to tackle the reported&nbsp;PTSD crisis in war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;The law was cleared in the Ukrainian Parliament, also known as Verkhovna Rada, with a majority vote of 248. The parliament has 401 seats in total.

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Notably, the law was proposed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smyhal. Who all voted in favour and against the law was not immediately available, media reports said.&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press said that the new law will take six months to become effective. The Ukrainian lawmakers are of the view that allowing marijuana will help them diminish these symptoms of trauma.&nbsp;

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The new law will come into effect in six&nbsp;months. The legislation also greenlighted the use of cannabis for scientific and industrial ends.&nbsp;

<h2>Psycho-social toll of Ukraine war</h2>

With severe mental health consequences of the war reported in Ukraine, refugees who flee to neighbouring countries are also bearing the brunt.

A UN report highlighted&nbsp;that over 60 per cent of Ukrainian refugee mothers in Poland are experiencing "high or severe levels of distress".

“The psycho-social toll of the war in Ukraine is immense so the results of this survey are not a surprise,” Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, who leads the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland reportedly said.

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Thousands of civilians have been killed in the ongoing war in Ukraine which began in February 2022. On December 6, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that as many as 10,065 civilian killings have been verified.

However, there are concerns that the death toll could be much higher than this.&nbsp;There has been a huge displacement as well because of the war with more than 10 million forced to flee their homes.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war.

As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and is set to complete two years in February 2024, reports suggest that thousands of Ukrainians are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is often seen in individuals stuck in the middle of the war. Amid this dire mental health situation, the Ukrainian Parliament held a vote on Tuesday (December 19) to legalise marijuana (Cannabis), which is mostly banned but also used in a few countries for recreational purposes. This move is being taken to tackle the reported PTSD crisis in war-ravaged Ukraine. The law was cleared in the Ukrainian Parliament, also known as Verkhovna Rada, with a majority vote of 248. The parliament has 401 seats in total. Also Read | Diplomatic Thaw: South Korea and Japan renew economic talks after eight-year hiatus Notably, the law was proposed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smyhal. Who all voted in favour and against the law was not immediately available, media reports said. A report by the Associated Press said that the new law will take six months to become effective. The Ukrainian lawmakers are of the view that allowing marijuana will help them diminish these symptoms of trauma. Also Read | China tightens grip on rare earths industry, bans key technology exports for national security The new law will come into effect in six months. The legislation also greenlighted the use of cannabis for scientific and industrial ends. Psycho-social toll of Ukraine war With severe mental health consequences of the war reported in Ukraine, refugees who flee to neighbouring countries are also bearing the brunt. A UN report highlighted that over 60 per cent of Ukrainian refugee mothers in Poland are experiencing "high or severe levels of distress". “The psycho-social toll of the war in Ukraine is immense so the results of this survey are not a surprise,” Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, who leads the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland reportedly said. Watch | Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani's money troubles × Thousands of civilians have been killed in the ongoing war in Ukraine which began in February 2022. On December 6, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that as many as 10,065 civilian killings have been verified. However, there are concerns that the death toll could be much higher than this. There has been a huge displacement as well because of the war with more than 10 million forced to flee their homes. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian Parliament votes to legalise marijuana to tackle PTSD crisis amid war

US officials are warning that funding for Ukraine will run out if the congress does not pass Joe Biden's emergency supplemental spending request. Congress to determine if money will be sent directly to Ukraine. The question is how will US keep funding Ukraine? US to use Russian assets as aid to Ukraine? Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: US to use Russian assets as aid to Ukraine?

According to senior American and European officials, the Biden administration is subtly indicating that it is now in favor of seizing over $300 billion in assets that the Russian central bank has hidden in Western countries. It has also commenced urgent talks with allies about utilizing these funds to support Ukraine's war effort during a period when financial support is diminishing.

Russia-Ukraine war: US to use nearly $5 billion Russian assests as aid to Ukraine

Boris Johnson failed to tackle a “macho” culture of misogyny, bullying and lack of diversity inside Downing Street which hampered the government’s response to Covid, the public inquiry into the pandemic has heard.

UK: 'Macho' culture of misogyny in Downing Street hampered Covid response, Helen MacNamara says

Russia has a new enemy in the war. It's the deadly mouse fever. The infection is spreading in Russian trenches. Russian soldiers have reported a complete lack of healthcare. How will it affect Russia's combat effectiveness in the war?

Gravitas: New terror fever plagues Russian ranks

Another Nepalese soldier has died in the Ukraine war. This has taken the total count to seven. Nepal has asked Russia to send the dead bodies home. What are Nepalese nationals doing on Russian frontlines?

Gravitas | Ukraine war: Another Nepalese soldier dies

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

Strong Russia ties a strategic choice, says Chinas President Xi Jinping

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