China to launch Shenzhou-12 spacecraft Thursday carrying three astronauts

The launch of China's Shenzhou-12 manned mission is scheduled for Thursday morning Beijing Time.

"As evaluated and decided by the mission headquarters, the Shenzhou-12 spaceship is targeted to launch at 9:22, Jun 17, Beijing Time."

Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo will fly to the Tianhe core module from Jiuquan launch center.

The China Manned Space Agency says the upcoming mission aims to conduct in-orbit verification of major technologies in China's space station construction and operation.

China's industrial output up 8.8 pct in May

China's value-added industrial output, an important economic indicator, went up 8.8 percent year on year in May.

It comes as production demand continued to recover in the world's second largest economy.

Meanwhile, official data shows China's fixed-asset investment went up 15.4 percent year on year in the first five months of this year.

China to release national reserves of copper, aluminum, zinc

China is set to release its national reserves of copper, aluminum and zinc in batches.

The National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration says the move is designed to ensure the supply and stabilize the prices of bulk commodities.

The reserves will be released to nonferrous metal processing and manufacturing enterprises via public bidding.

China slams EU-U.S. statement, urges against forming 'small groups'

Beijing has expressed strong opposition to a statement on China-related issues after a leaders summit between the United States and the European Union.

The Chinese Mission to the EU said the statement is full of Cold War mentality and bloc politics, and is detrimental to international and regional peace and stability.

China has reaffirmed its pursuit of "peaceful development" while safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests.

Mainland urges DPP to remove obstacles for vaccines

A Chinese mainland spokesperson is urging the Democratic Progressive Party authority in Taiwan to remove political obstacles for mainland vaccines.

Spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council says the DPP authority should prioritize people's safety and health over political tricks.

Ma has also reiterated the mainland's willingness to do its best to help Taiwan compatriots on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Biden and Putin prepare for Geneva

U.S President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting in Geneva this week.

Biden says he wants the U.S. to have a more stable relationship with Russia.

Nathan King has more expectations from this summit between the two.

Governor of Sao Paulo to run for Brazilian president in 2022

The governor of Brazil's southeast state of Sao Paulo has announced plans to run for president next year.

Joao Doria was an ally of President Jair Bolsonaro in the 2018 general elections.

Sao Paulo is the most populated state in Brazil with 46 million inhabitants, accounting for 35 percent of the country's GDP.

Chinese film "1921" revisits history of CPC founding

China's box office is welcoming "1921," a production intended to provide a panoramic view of the founding of the Communist Party of China 100 years ago.

Director Huang Jianxin says the film aims to depict the spiritual world of Chinese Communists in the CPC's early period, including their aspiration and passion.

The film is set for theatrical release on July 1.

China beat Syria to reach final round of WC Asian Qualifiers

China has secured a spot in the final round of World Cup Asian Qualifiers after beating Syria 3-1 with goals from Zhang Xizhe, Wu Lei and Zhang Yuning.

Syria had qualified as Group A leaders, and a draw would have earned China's progression.

The final stage of the qualifiers consist of 12 teams split into two groups with the top two teams in each group reaching the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.