Beijing pressures Guatemala on one-China stance
The Chinese Foreign Ministry today reiterated its firm stance on the one-China principle, following reports of Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo's statements regarding closer ties with Taiwan.
Hundreds of Catholic pilgrims climbed Guatemala's VolcAn de Agua. They returned the restored Christ of the Heights statue to its chapel in the volcano’s crater, continuing a tradition of seeking blessings.
The procession began early in the morning, with devotees carrying the statue of Jesus up the steep slopes. Volunteers from the community took turns bearing the statue, which symbolizes their gratitude for the blessings they believe they have received.
Pedro Chachal, a devotee participating in the procession, told reporters, “This is a privilege for us, it is a great blessing for Santa Maria de Jesus, our community. We are here, all of us are faithful devotees, eager to be here and receive the blessing of the Christ of the Heights.”
Maria Apolonia Vazquez, another devotee, explained, “He has performed miracles for me. This Christ has done so many miracles for me. That’s why we come with devotion, with love, to bring him back to his chapel.”
The annual pilgrimage, which has been a tradition for nearly five decades, attracts locals seeking divine intervention for rain, abundant harvests, and assistance with personal struggles. The statue, which was temporarily removed for restoration in July due to its deteriorating condition, was returned to its sacred site during this year’s event.
The procession highlights the continued importance of this tradition, where pilgrims come together to honor the statue and seek blessings. The Christ of the Heights statue remains a significant symbol for the local community, and its return to the chapel marks a key moment in the annual spiritual observance.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The World Bank has approved over $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial be cancelled, calling the case a “witch hunt” and suggesting Netanyahu should be pardoned.
The fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel held for a second day on Wednesday, as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American and Iranian officials are expected to engage in talks next week—marking a possible diplomatic shift after nearly two weeks of regional warfare.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on the European Union to strengthen trust and cooperation with China, saying the two sides should focus on mutual success rather than rivalry.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said Iran’s cooperation with the agency is not optional but a legal requirement.
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