Iran prepared for further conflict with Israel, but remains committed to diplomatic solution: FM

Iran is fully prepared for possible further attacks by Israel, but remains committed to pursue a diplomatic solution, said Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in an interview with the China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday.

In the interview, the Iranian foreign minister talked about the recent escalations in the Middle East, including the direct attacks between Israel and Iran.

Araghchi noted that while Iran is fully prepared for further conflict, the country remains committed to pursuing diplomacy and working with both regional and global partners, especially China, to prevent a large-scale war.

"We are fully prepared for the possibility of further attacks by Israel. I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless actions as it could lead to a large-scale war. Of course, we will continue to pursue a diplomatic approach, stay in contact with regional countries, and consult with friendly nations like China. We believe that reason will ultimately prevail and prevent actions that could have serious consequences," Araghchi said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister also mentioned his recent meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Dec 28, 2024. At the meeting, the two sides agreed that the Middle East belongs to the people of the region, and it is not an arena for major-power rivalry.

"Unfortunately, the Middle East, or the West Asia region, has long been plagued by foreign interference. In fact, many of the region's problems and crises have been sparked by the interventions of outside powers. Even longer ago, European powers came to the Middle East and caused a lot of problems. Colonial powers arrived, igniting wars and crises. These foreign powers entered the region to pursue their own interests and maintain influence, stirring up tensions and conflicts from time to tim. Apart from conflict, tension, division and war, they offer nothing to the Middle East," Araghchi concluded.

Iran prepared for further conflict with Israel, but remains committed to diplomatic solution: FM

Iran prepared for further conflict with Israel, but remains committed to diplomatic solution: FM

As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.

This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.

A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.

"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.

The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.

Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.

Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.

To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.

Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.

Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'