Global focus
Korean media: Because local kimchi is too expensive, Koreans stock up on Chinese kimchi instead
According to the Global Times, South Korean media "JoongAng Daily" reported on December 26 that although South Korea's kimchi exports will grow rapidly in 2023, they will gradually be pulled away by Chinese kimchi in the cost-effective competition.
According to the import and export trade statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of South Korea on the 24th, the export value of kimchi from January to November this year was 142 million US dollars, while the import value reached 151 million US dollars, with a deficit of more than 8.8 million US dollars. Although the deficit decreased significantly year-on-year, media analysis found that an important reason for the decrease in the deficit was the continuous decline in the price of Chinese bubble menus, while its actual import volume increased by 9.5%. Korean media are worried that the kimchi trade deficit will further widen in the future.
South Korea's demand for Chinese kimchi stems from "price competitiveness". According to the report, not only do many Korean restaurants use Chinese kimchi to reduce costs, but the proportion of ordinary consumers buying Chinese kimchi is gradually increasing.
In the Kimchi search ranking of Korean e-commerce platforms, Chinese kimchi is among the best. In order to reduce the cost of food, Mr. Lee, a Korean office worker, said that he recently purchased a large amount of Chinese kimchi, which is less than half the price of Korean kimchi. Another consumer said that people tend to have stereotypes about Chinese kimchi, but it's one of the best kimchi I've ever had.
Global overview
An informal meeting of the leaders of the CIS countries opened in St. Petersburg, Russia
On December 26, local time, in St. Petersburg, Russia, leaders of the CIS countries took a group photo during a visit to the Pavlovsk Museum.
According to CCTV news, on December 26, local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at an informal meeting of leaders of the CIS countries that Russia will attach great importance to deepening economic ties within the CIS during its presidency of the CIS in 2024, especially expanding the proportion of trade settlement in the CIS using national currencies. Putin said that the use of settlements in national currencies ensures the economic and financial sovereignty of the CIS countries.
On December 26, local time, in St. Petersburg, Russia, leaders of the CIS countries visited the Peterhof State Museum and the Grand Palace.
On December 26, local time, in St. Petersburg, Russia, an informal meeting of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held.
On December 26, local time, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at an informal meeting of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Putin also said that Russia, as the rotating chairman, will work together with the CIS countries to maintain security and stability in the Eurasian region and play an active role in combating terrorism, extremism, transnational crimes, drug trafficking, and other fields.
On December 26, local time, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States watched a concert during their visit to Pavlovsk Palace.
An explosion occurred near the Israeli embassy in India
On December 26, local time, an explosion occurred near the Israeli Embassy in India, and police personnel are investigating.
According to CCTV news, Al-Arabiya TV reported on December 26 local time that the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that an explosion occurred near the Israeli Embassy in India, and all personnel in the embassy were not injured, and the police then arrived near the Israeli Embassy in India to investigate.
On December 26, local time, an explosion occurred near the Israeli Embassy in India, and officials and police personnel are searching.
On December 26, local time, an explosion occurred near the Israeli Embassy in India, and a police officer (left) stood guard outside the Israeli Embassy in India.
Israel's foreign ministry said the Israeli government was working with the Indian side to investigate the cause of the bombing.
Image in this article: Visual China IC photo