The ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran was still holding on Wednesday, more than 24 hours after US President Donald Trump declared that it was in effect, The New York Times reported on Wednesday. Israel and Iran have both declared victory in the war, and both countries have taken steps signaling that they expect the truce to hold, the NYT said.

"Is the 12-day Israel-Iran war really over - and who gained what?" Middle East news outlet Al Jazeera asked on Tuesday. Some Chinese experts told the Global Times that there are still numerous potential flashpoints between Iran and Israel, and the possibility of renewed conflict cannot be ruled out.

Al Jazeera said that since Sunday, Israel and Iran have lurched from escalating war to fragile ceasefire. A truce seems to be holding, and what Trump called "The 12 Day War" between Israel and Iran seems to be over - for now.

Why did both Israel and Iran agree to a ceasefire at this particular moment? "For all three parties, now is an 'excellent opportunity' to end the conflict," Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

From Israel's perspective, its strategic objectives have largely been achieved: eliminating Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders and targeting Iran's nuclear facilities with US support, Sun said.

For Iran, the conflict resulted in strategic victories, including breaching Israel's three-layer missile defense system, launching strategic strikes against Israel, and targeting US military bases in the Gulf region as well as in Syria and Iraq, he continued.

From the US standpoint, its goals were also met: it destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities without directly engaging in war with Iran, and it can claim credit for facilitating the Israel-Iran ceasefire, Sun said.

The expert noted that after 12 days of mutual strikes, both Israel and Iran had exhausted themselves and were looking to cut their losses and consolidate their defense systems. Therefore, this moment represents the best "half-time break."

While Sun pointed out that the likelihood of resuming the conflict in the short term is small, he emphasized that since the fundamental contradictions between Israel and Iran have not been resolved, the possibility of renewed fighting always exists.

When asked about China's position on the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and how China plans to work with Iran to prevent the region from sliding back into war, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that China is following closely the developments in the Middle East. We hope to see a lasting and effective ceasefire and will work to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. 

Guo added that China and Iran enjoy traditional friendship between our peoples. China stands ready to maintain the friendly cooperation with Iran for the benefit of the two peoples and provide positive factors for peace and stability in the Middle East.

The Washington Post reported on June 17 that without resupplies from the US or greater involvement by US forces, some assessments project Israel can maintain its missile defense for 10 or 12 more days if Iran maintains a steady tempo of attacks.

Trump on Tuesday backed away from talk of a regime change in Iran, US media The Hill said. "Regime change takes chaos, and ideally, we don't want to see so much chaos. So we'll see how it goes," the US president was quoted as saying in the media report.

Wang Jin, director of the Israeli Studies Program and Center at Northwestern University in Xi'an, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the ceasefire is a natural outcome.

After 12 consecutive days of strikes, both sides believe they have achieved part or most of their strategic objectives. Israel sees the conflict as having significantly weakened Iran's nuclear capabilities, while Iran views it as a demonstration of its strong national deterrence, Wang noted.

At the same time, both parties have concluded that continuing the conflict may no longer be beneficial or may prove futile. In other words, the situation has reached the point of diminishing returns in terms of strategic value, Wang said.

The current ceasefire has an internal logic. It is a decision made by all parties based on their own strategic needs. Without US involvement, Israel might have faced an extremely brutal and uncontrollable situation, Li Shaoxian, director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Li Zixin, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, added that as the conflict escalated, concerns within the US about the legitimacy of military action and fears of being drawn into another regional war have been rising.

Iran, having suffered losses, urgently needs a chance to recover and is also worried about the situation spiraling out of control. Meanwhile, Israel has been in a prolonged state of emergency, with its normal economic and social order severely disrupted, Li said, noting that these domestic concerns made all parties eager to disengage.

Ding Long, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, pointed out that it remains uncertain whether Israel is simply buying time.

"Given its small size and population compared to Iran, Israel is at a disadvantage in a prolonged war of attrition, especially considering the high cost of missile intercepts." Ding told the Global Times on Wednesday. It is unclear whether Israel intends to pause and then strike Iran again once it regains strength, he said.

"Israel has not fully achieved its strategic objectives, as some of Iran's nuclear facilities remain intact, and the broader goal of regime change in Iran has not been realized," Ding said. "Whether Israel is satisfied with these outcomes and whether it will seek to complete its objectives in the next phase remains to be seen."

Historically, Israel has at times agreed to ceasefires under pressure, only to resume military action after regrouping. "This means the current situation is still marked by uncertainty and fragility," Ding said.

Several US media outlets reported on Wednesday that initial American intelligence assessments indicate the US strikes on Iran did not destroy Iran's nuclear facilities and likely only set back its nuclear program by a few months. However, the White House and US defense chief have been pushing back on such claims, media reports said.

Some experts believe that the Iranian nuclear issue remains unresolved after the 12-day conflict, and this will be a key factor influencing the future trajectory of the Israel-Iran situation.

What Israel and Iran have agreed to is a ceasefire. They have not made peace, Al Jazeera reported. The media outlet pointed out that so far, Iran sounds unyielding in the pursuit of its nuclear program.

Iran's parliament approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Xinhua reported on Wednesday.

There are many unresolved issues between Israel and Iran, and the conflict has not resolved any of the underlying contradictions, Li Shaoxian said.

Regarding Iran's nuclear issue, its nuclear energy development has been ongoing for years, with domestic talent and technology already in place, making it unlikely to be interrupted by external interference, Li said.

The expert believes that while Iran's nuclear program has been under strict monitoring by the IAEA, recent conflicts and tensions may force Iran to reconsider the transparency and openness of its nuclear policies.

Experts believe that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran is fraught with "instability." As the ceasefire lacks binding provisions and does not address potential emergencies, it means that while a ceasefire may be achieved and maintained in the short term, the possibility of the conflict reigniting in the medium to long term cannot be ruled out, they noted.

The outbreak of this conflict has further deepened the hatred and mistrust between Iran and Israel and the US, Ding said, noting that although tensions have long existed, the parties had previously avoided direct confrontation.

However, this conflict crossed two red lines: direct clashes between Iran and Israel, and between Iran and the US. This suggests that future conflicts among Iran, Israel, and the US could become the new normal, posing even more severe challenges to the security landscape in the Middle East, the expert said.

The "Global Times Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue: Roundtable Forum of China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries" was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday local time.

A dozen or so attendees from the political, academic, media and business sectors of China and LAC countries conducted in-depth discussions on topics including cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, technological advancement and green development, BRICS and the Global South, as well as media transformation and think tank exchanges. 

The Global Times Research Institute (GTI) also released the results of the first mutual perception survey between China and LAC countries during the forum.

In recent years, China-LAC cooperation has shown strong momentum. In May, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, where he said that China and Latin America are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future and announced that the two sides would jointly launch five programs of solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity, which provided clear direction for building a China-Latin America community with a shared future in the new stage.

As important members of the Global South, China and the LAC countries have been enhancing mutual understanding and promoting mutual learning, in a bid to deepen and expand cooperation. Ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro, the Global Times, together with Brasil 247 and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, jointly organized the event to take concrete actions to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and contribute media strength to building the "five programs" between China and LAC countries.

Fan Zhengwei, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times, said in his welcome speech that China and LAC are writing a new chapter of joint development for the Global South. This event is a vivid embodiment of efforts by academia and media on both sides to deepen cooperation, enhance exchanges, and strengthen friendship.

Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the Global South is no longer merely a geographical concept, but embodies a development aspiration, a vision for cooperation, and a historical trend.

The upgrading of China-LAC relations and the development of the Global South require joint fostering from governments, local authorities, friendship associations, and people from all walks of life. As a Chinese media outlet, the Global Times has long committed itself to bridging China and the world and is honored to help build a bridge of people-to-people connectivity between China and Brazil, Fan said.

Leonardo Attuch, Editor-in-Chief of Brasil 247, said in his speech that the world today faces major conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and serious threats to humanity's future. Amid such instability, Brazil and China have become two important pillars of global peace.

Both countries uphold rationality and balance, firmly safeguard national sovereignty, advocate multilateralism, and actively seek to resolve disputes through negotiation in all diplomatic settings. China-Brazil cooperation should be extended to more critical areas, including universities that nurture intellectual capital, think tanks that support long-term strategy, and media platforms that help spread culture and dispel bias and misunderstanding, he said.

Zhu Qingqiao, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil, said via video that both China and Latin America are important members of the Global South. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum. Over the past decade, strategic mutual trust has deepened, pragmatic cooperation has expanded, and the bonds of friendship have been steadily strengthened.

As the largest developing countries in their respective hemispheres, China and Brazil, under the strategic guidance of President Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have entered a "golden period" of building a China-Brazil community with a shared future and aligning development strategies, Zhu said.

Zhu pointed out that China is ready to work with Brazil to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and further enhance exchanges in culture, education, tourism, media, and local affairs, enriching the bilateral relationship with contemporary significance.

The forum featured in-depth discussions on four key issues of mutual concern. Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao stated that these exchanges will help further consolidate development consensus within the Global South and contribute intellectual support to the success of the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, said in a video address that the Brazil-China friendship has remained strong over time. President Lula's visit to China this year for the fourth ministerial meeting of China-CELAC Forum has further deepened bilateral ties.

Amid multiple global challenges and increasingly complex regional dynamics, exchanges between China and LAC countries in economic, trade, political, and cultural fields are crucial to the region's overall development and social prosperity, Amorim said.

The forum covered four themes: "Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning among Civilizations," "Green Development and Scientific Cooperation," "The Global South and Common Interests," and "Media Cooperation and Think Tank Exchange."

The rich and diverse range of topics drew enthusiastic responses from the participating guests, who unanimously agreed that as the Global South becomes an increasingly important force in driving the reform and improvement of the international order, this in-depth conversation, which brings together representatives from across China and Latin America, holds unique significance, and serves as an inspiring platform for promoting the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future and offers a new channel for strengthening unity and cooperation within the Global South.

Many guests told reporters on-site that they were honored to participate in the event, noting that Brazil and China have much to learn from each other. Elizabete Souza, who works for a Brazilian media, said, "This forum was rich in content and truly impressive. It was one of the most valuable learning experiences I've ever had. I look forward to more opportunities to participate in future China-Latin America exchange activities."

During the forum, the GTI released the results of the mutual perception survey between China and Latin America, which notably fills a gap in understanding how Chinese people view Latin America.

The survey found a high level of agreement and similarity in public opinion across many areas. Most respondents on both sides recognize interdependence and win-win economic cooperation. Shared development concepts are increasingly prominent.

Both sides recognize each other's growing influence in global governance, with top shared values being support for peace and building a new international political and economic order.

Jointly conducted by the GTI, the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), and the Centro de Estudios Chinos y Latinoamericanos (CECLA) in Beijing, the survey offers new reference points for enhancing mutual understanding.

The interment of ashes ceremony for Huang Xuhua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and chief designer of China's first-generation nuclear submarines, was held on Sunday in his hometown of Shanwei, South China's Guangdong Province, according to Xinhua News Agency. 

Next to the martyrs' memorial park of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in the Red Bay Economic Development Zone, tall and sturdy pines and cypresses surround the grave of Huang, who was also the recipient of the Medal of the Republic and the country's top science award and a national moral model, according to Xinhua. 

The remarks  "My life belongs to the motherland, my life belongs to the nuclear submarine, I have no complaints and no regrets in this life" written by Huang himself are inscribed on a stone behind the tombstone, according to Shanwei Daily.  

Two stones lay quietly on either side of the tombstone. One bears a poem written by Huang after participating in a deep-sea test of a nuclear submarine, while the other contains a brief biography of his life, according to the report. These inscriptions not only commemorate Huang's life dedicated to deep-sea exploration and scientific research for the country, but also serve as a spiritual beacon, guiding future generations to bravely forge ahead in the great journey of national strength and rejuvenation, said the report.

At 9 am, a memorial ceremony was held. A portrait of Huang was placed in front of the main entrance of the red building, where Huang studied and spent his youth. His family, former colleagues, friends, local officials and representatives of teachers and students gathered to recall his life. Afterwards, they entered the building to view an exhibition honoring Huang's achievements, according to the report.

At 10 am, the ashes interment ceremony officially began. Family representatives wiped the tombstone and placed Huang's ashes into the grave. Attendees bowed three times and offered flowers, according to the report.

Huang passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 99 in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province.

Born in Guangdong Province in 1926, Huang later joined a research institute of the former China Shipbuilding Industry Corp, and was engaged in the research and development of nuclear submarines for about 30 years, according to a Xinhua report.

As the Chinese PLA Navy has gradually declassified its first-generation nuclear subs, the stories of Huang and his fellow designers have gained wide recognition. Huang is known as the "father of China's nuclear submarines," according to media reports. 

In his later years, Huang returned to Shanwei multiple times to visit relatives and often expressed pride in his hometown. "Returning to my hometown" was his final wish, according to the Shanwei Daily report.

The Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane has issued a formal advisory calling on Chinese citizens and international students to exercise increased caution following a series of unprovoked assaults in public areas across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Recent incidents have involved Chinese nationals being targeted by local youths at transportation hubs and on city streets, prompting consular officials to sound the alarm over personal safety concerns.

In its official notice, the consulate emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant about local security developments and maintaining constant awareness of one's surroundings. Authorities specifically advised potential victims to avoid direct confrontation if faced with verbal provocation or physical threats, recommending instead that individuals remove themselves from dangerous situations immediately, call for assistance from nearby pedestrians, and contact Australian police without delay by dialing the emergency number 000.

For non-urgent police matters, residents are advised to call 131444. The notice also provided critical contact information, including China's 24-hour global consular protection hotline (+86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308) and the Brisbane consulate's dedicated emergency line (+61-7-3012-8090).

On May 23, the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney also issued two safety advisories for Chinese residents and students, urging them to exercise caution following recent reports of street assaults in Eastgardens, Sydney.

The Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney stated that there had recently been a number of violent incidents targeting Chinese residents and students in New South Wales, which the Consulate-General firmly opposes and strongly condemns.

China will invite foreign leaders, former political dignitaries, high-level officials and heads of international organizations to events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Foreign envoys, military attachés and representatives of international organizations in China, as well as foreign friends who contributed to China's victory in the war or representatives of their family members will also be invited, according to a press briefing held Tuesday to announce the plans for the commemoration.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announces:

On May 30, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong, China.

When asked to comment on report that the US released details of the "Golden Dome" missile defense system on Tuesday, which reportedly will be done in three years, consisting "next-generation" technologies across land, sea and space, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that the so-called "Golden Dome" missile defense system is a global, multi-level, multi-domain missile defense system. It openly seeks a significant expansion of outer space-based combat capabilities, including the development and deployment of orbital interception systems. It carries clear offensive implications, violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty, and will heighten the risks of space militarization and an arms race, undermining international security and arms control frameworks, Mao said.

The US pursues an "America First" policy, obsessively seeking absolute security for itself, at the expense of the principle of undiminished security for all countries. This jeopardizes global strategic balance and stability. China is gravely concerned over this development, Mao said.

"We urge the US to abandon its development and deployment of a global missile defense system and take concrete steps to enhance strategic mutual trust among major powers and safeguard global strategic stability," Mao said.

In response to an inquiry about a bilingual video titled "Never Kneel Down!" released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on its official WeChat account on Tuesday morning, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at the press briefing that "first of all, thank you for your attention to the ministry's new media account. We hope this video could help all parties better understand China's position."

On April 29, in response to the US' reckless imposition of tariffs, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Office released a bilingual video titled "Never Kneel Down!"

In response to a media question on whether China and the US had held any negotiations or contact regarding tariffs in the past 24 hours, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that as far as he knows, the two sides had not engaged in any consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived on Thursday in Phnom Penh for a state visit to Cambodia, the third leg of his three-nation Southeast Asia tour which has already taken him to Vietnam and Malaysia, Xinhua News Agency reported. 

To warmly welcome President Xi's arrival, Cambodia meticulously organized a special ceremony at the airport, with large enthusiastic crowds lining up neatly along the sides. 

"We love China!" said Cambodian girls dressed in traditional white and red attire, standing among the welcoming crowds. They held golden cups filled with jasmine petals. The Global Times learned that this is a unique Cambodian tradition for receiving the country's most distinguished guests.

At the Phnom Penh International Airport, a Cambodian airport staff member told Global Times reporters that he felt very excited to be on-site to welcome President Xi. He said that China and Cambodia are "ironclad friends" and have always maintained close relations.

Along the bustling streets of Cambodia's capital, locals poured in from all corners of the country, spontaneously and with great excitement, just to witness this memorable moment with their own eyes. Although it coincided with the Khmer New Year, people arrived early in the morning, undeterred by the sweltering heat. Many told the Global Times that they had already been waiting along the roadside since around 6 am, determined not to miss a second of the occasion.

Beyond the main avenues adorned with rows of Chinese and Cambodian flags, reporters also noticed giant electronic billboards across Phnom Penh flashing warm messages in both Khmer and Chinese. Phrases like "Welcome President Xi" and "May the friendship between our two countries last forever" lit up the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"We all knew that President Xi is coming to Cambodia. As a Chinese, I'm very proud and excited!" a 68-year-old restaurant owner surnamed Huang told the Global Times. "I hope China and Cambodia will continue to grow closer. The more Chinese tourists come, the better our business gets," she added.

President Xi said Thursday that China-Cambodia relations have withstood the test of global transformations, and always remained rock-solid. In a written statement upon his arrival, Xi also noted that bilateral ties were forged and nurtured by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries, Xinhua reported. 

In his first overseas trip of the year, Xi is visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Monday to Friday, according to the Xinhua News Agency. This is Xi's second visit to Cambodia in nine years. 

"I sincerely hope this visit will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future," wrote a signed article by Xi titled "Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era" in Cambodian media outlets Khmer Times, Jian Hua Daily and Fresh News ahead of his arrival in Cambodia.