The 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026 to 2030) marks a critical stage for China as it moves toward the comprehensive building of a modern socialist country.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently attempted to link a so-called "Taiwan contingency" with the exercise of the right to collective self-defense, suggesting the possibility of Japanese military involvement in the Taiwan question.

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi openly made erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan, implying a potential military intervention in the Taiwan Straits and brazenly interfering in China's internal affairs.

The Wang Fuk Court fire was a tragedy that reverberated beyond Tai Po, but to me it felt unusually personal. Tai Po was home to me for a year during 2020-2021 and I had become familiar with its markets, footbridges, and housing estates.

Unfortunately, politics in Japan is growing in influence and interference while its economy has been in stagnation for years.

Editor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will visit China from December 8 to 9. Reports indicate the trip will focus on issues such as China-EU economic and trade relations.

As geopolitical challenges and tensions escalate globally, one thing is clear: fragmented politics will not fix a fractured planet.

Editor's note: Kong Qingjiang, a special commentator for CGTN, is the dean of the Academy for Foreign-related Rule of Law at China University of Political Science and Law.

As Hong Kong reels from the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po suburban district – an incident that has claimed more than 100 lives and taken the life of firefighter Ho Wai-hao – the city finds itself navigating one of the most difficult moments since its return to the motherland.

Although Hong Kong has been traumatized by the Tai Po fire tragedy which caused death, injury and destruction, everybody is pulling together to help the survivors and prevent any recurrence.

The achievements in China-US relations are primarily attributable to the collective efforts of the peoples of both countries, and the continued development of this relationship will rely even more on their support.

Peace is the irreversible tide of our times. Japan must confront its history with sincerity, abandon the path of militarism, and honor its obligations under international law.

Despite Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent gravely erroneous remarks on Taiwan that strained China-Japan relations, the Japanese government, instead of correcting the mistake, has resorted to highly orchestrated diplomatic theatrics.

In the face of mounting challenges, China and the US should demonstrate their responsibility as major countries. By adhering to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, they can fully achieve mutual success and shared prosperity, and accomplish more great and concrete things for

During a recent party leaders' debate in the Diet, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi claimed that "(Japan), under the Treaty of San Francisco Peace, having renounced all rights" and "is not in a position to recognize Taiwan's legal status."