China's economy is on track for a steady rebound in the remainder of the year and its annual growth target of around 5 percent is achievable, backed by a solid first-half performance and robust policy support from the country's economic decision-makers, said economists and global executives.
\n
Looking ahead, economists said that policymakers will likely strengthen countercyclical adjustments with a stronger mix of fiscal and monetary measures to shore up domestic demand and cushion the impact from a more complicated external environment. Measures in the pipeline may include expanding fiscal spending to spur consumption, further reductions in the reserve requirement ratio and interest rate cuts, as well as targeted support for exporters and workers hit by external shocks, they said.
\n
Their remarks came after a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, which was presided over by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, shed light on the economic priorities for the second half.
\n
The key meeting, held in late July, called for solid efforts in economic work in the second half of the year, with a focus on stabilizing employment, businesses, markets and expectations, and effectively promoting the positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows.
\n
Macro policies should be continuously strengthened and intensified in a timely manner, the meeting said, stressing the implementation and refinement of a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy.
\n
"China's economic activity has remained stable with limited volatility, so the main policy focus should be on implementing existing fiscal, monetary and financial measures," said Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities. "The strength and timing of additional support will depend on new developments in the second half of the year."
\n
China's second-quarter GDP grew 5.2 percent year-on-year despite headwinds from US tariff hikes, marking the third consecutive quarter of growth above 5 percent, official data showed.
\n
Luo said the recent high-profile meeting's policy signals, such as "stepping up policy efforts when appropriate" and "enhancing flexibility and foresight", mean that while the current fiscal and monetary policies should continue to stabilize market expectations, policymakers will also make flexible adjustments based on evolving conditions, such as rolling out new incremental measures and strengthening countercyclical adjustments.
\n
"A wide range of policy tools remains available for deployment," he added. "It is advisable for the government to adjust fiscal budgets with forceful spending, provide timely relief for hard-hit sectors such as foreign trade, offer subsidies for people in difficulty, and expand the scope of trade-in deals to cover services consumption."
\n
Prior to the Political Bureau meeting, the CPC Central Committee held a symposium in July with non-CPC personages to solicit opinions and suggestions on the current economic situation and the economic work for the second half.
\n
While presiding over the symposium, Xi noted that the country's economy still faces many risks and challenges. He underscored the need to properly understand the situation, enhance the awareness of potential dangers, think about the worst-case scenario, and make good use of development opportunities, potential and advantages to consolidate and expand the positive momentum of economic recovery and improvement.
\n
Huang Hanquan, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said the government must capitalize on the current window of opportunity, when the economy and social expectations are relatively stable, to prepare reserves of a group of incremental policies to ensure sustained growth for the remainder of the year.
\n
"The first half of the year showed encouraging results, mainly driven by intensified policy support and key reforms," he added.
\n
Li Chao, chief economist at Zheshang Securities, said the Chinese economy has made steady progress so far this year. "China's GDP expanded 5.3 percent in the first half, and we expect the economy to further consolidate this upward trend in the second half."
\n
According to the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic regulator, China's GDP is expected to reach about 140 trillion yuan ($19.4 trillion) this year, reaffirming the country's role as a major contributor to the world's economic growth.
\n
Li said that achieving the preset annual growth target of around 5 percent "should not be difficult", adding that new quality productive forces are emerging as key pillars on both the supply and demand sides.
\n
Looking to the remainder of the year, Li expects to see increased support for micro and small businesses through structural tools such as relending and rediscounting, as well as targeted reserve requirement ratio cuts.
\n
"Supporting these businesses will help stabilize employment and household incomes," he said.
\n
Li also predicted that monetary policy may return to "cutting the RRR and policy rates at appropriate times".
\n
Zhang Ning, senior China economist at UBS Investment Bank, said future policy stimulus will be data-dependent, while the timing of new fiscal support, which Zhang's team estimates will be over 0.5 percent of GDP, may come around the end of the third quarter or fourth quarter.
\n
Recently, several global institutions and banks raised their forecasts for China's economic growth, bringing them closer to the country's official growth target of around 5 percent.
\n
The International Monetary Fund significantly raised its forecast for China's full-year economic growth to 4.8 percent in its World Economic Outlook Update report, up 0.8 percentage point compared with its forecast in April. Morgan Stanley raised its forecast for China's 2025 GDP growth to 4.8 percent from 4.5 percent.
\n
Despite facing external challenges and uncertainties ahead, global executives also expressed strong confidence in the world's second-largest economy.
\n
Lin Chunmei, president and general manager of Corning Greater China, said that China's economic performance in the first half of 2025 was "very strong", particularly in exports and industrial production.
\n
"Despite challenges, I believe there will be continued positive development in the second half," Lin said.
\n
This year, Corning is committing to another $500 million investment in China, reaffirming its confidence in the nation.
\n
Ben Simpfendorfer, a partner at consultancy Oliver Wyman, said he believes that China's 2025 growth target remains achievable despite trade disruptions, while a sustained recovery will hinge on measures to bolster consumer confidence.
\n
Contact the writers at ouyangshijia@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China's economy is on track for a steady rebound in the remainder of the year and its annual growth target of around 5 percent is achievable, backed by a solid first-half performance and robust policy support from the country's economic decision-makers, said economists and global executives.
\n
Looking ahead, economists said that policymakers will likely strengthen countercyclical adjustments with a stronger mix of fiscal and monetary measures to shore up domestic demand and cushion the impact from a more complicated external environment. Measures in the pipeline may include expanding fiscal spending to spur consumption, further reductions in the reserve requirement ratio and interest rate cuts, as well as targeted support for exporters and workers hit by external shocks, they said.
\n
Their remarks came after a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, which was presided over by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, shed light on the economic priorities for the second half.
\n
The key meeting, held in late July, called for solid efforts in economic work in the second half of the year, with a focus on stabilizing employment, businesses, markets and expectations, and effectively promoting the positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows.
\n
Macro policies should be continuously strengthened and intensified in a timely manner, the meeting said, stressing the implementation and refinement of a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy.
\n
"China's economic activity has remained stable with limited volatility, so the main policy focus should be on implementing existing fiscal, monetary and financial measures," said Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities. "The strength and timing of additional support will depend on new developments in the second half of the year."
\n
China's second-quarter GDP grew 5.2 percent year-on-year despite headwinds from US tariff hikes, marking the third consecutive quarter of growth above 5 percent, official data showed.
\n
Luo said the recent high-profile meeting's policy signals, such as "stepping up policy efforts when appropriate" and "enhancing flexibility and foresight", mean that while the current fiscal and monetary policies should continue to stabilize market expectations, policymakers will also make flexible adjustments based on evolving conditions, such as rolling out new incremental measures and strengthening countercyclical adjustments.
\n
"A wide range of policy tools remains available for deployment," he added. "It is advisable for the government to adjust fiscal budgets with forceful spending, provide timely relief for hard-hit sectors such as foreign trade, offer subsidies for people in difficulty, and expand the scope of trade-in deals to cover services consumption."
\n
Prior to the Political Bureau meeting, the CPC Central Committee held a symposium in July with non-CPC personages to solicit opinions and suggestions on the current economic situation and the economic work for the second half.
\n
While presiding over the symposium, Xi noted that the country's economy still faces many risks and challenges. He underscored the need to properly understand the situation, enhance the awareness of potential dangers, think about the worst-case scenario, and make good use of development opportunities, potential and advantages to consolidate and expand the positive momentum of economic recovery and improvement.
\n
Huang Hanquan, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said the government must capitalize on the current window of opportunity, when the economy and social expectations are relatively stable, to prepare reserves of a group of incremental policies to ensure sustained growth for the remainder of the year.
\n
"The first half of the year showed encouraging results, mainly driven by intensified policy support and key reforms," he added.
\n
Li Chao, chief economist at Zheshang Securities, said the Chinese economy has made steady progress so far this year. "China's GDP expanded 5.3 percent in the first half, and we expect the economy to further consolidate this upward trend in the second half."
\n
According to the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic regulator, China's GDP is expected to reach about 140 trillion yuan ($19.4 trillion) this year, reaffirming the country's role as a major contributor to the world's economic growth.
\n
Li said that achieving the preset annual growth target of around 5 percent "should not be difficult", adding that new quality productive forces are emerging as key pillars on both the supply and demand sides.
\n
Looking to the remainder of the year, Li expects to see increased support for micro and small businesses through structural tools such as relending and rediscounting, as well as targeted reserve requirement ratio cuts.
\n
"Supporting these businesses will help stabilize employment and household incomes," he said.
\n
Li also predicted that monetary policy may return to "cutting the RRR and policy rates at appropriate times".
\n
Zhang Ning, senior China economist at UBS Investment Bank, said future policy stimulus will be data-dependent, while the timing of new fiscal support, which Zhang's team estimates will be over 0.5 percent of GDP, may come around the end of the third quarter or fourth quarter.
\n
Recently, several global institutions and banks raised their forecasts for China's economic growth, bringing them closer to the country's official growth target of around 5 percent.
\n
The International Monetary Fund significantly raised its forecast for China's full-year economic growth to 4.8 percent in its World Economic Outlook Update report, up 0.8 percentage point compared with its forecast in April. Morgan Stanley raised its forecast for China's 2025 GDP growth to 4.8 percent from 4.5 percent.
\n
Despite facing external challenges and uncertainties ahead, global executives also expressed strong confidence in the world's second-largest economy.
\n
Lin Chunmei, president and general manager of Corning Greater China, said that China's economic performance in the first half of 2025 was "very strong", particularly in exports and industrial production.
\n
"Despite challenges, I believe there will be continued positive development in the second half," Lin said.
\n
This year, Corning is committing to another $500 million investment in China, reaffirming its confidence in the nation.
\n
Ben Simpfendorfer, a partner at consultancy Oliver Wyman, said he believes that China's 2025 growth target remains achievable despite trade disruptions, while a sustained recovery will hinge on measures to bolster consumer confidence.
\n
Contact the writers at ouyangshijia@chinadaily.com.cn
Workers remove flood-damaged tracks on Sunday along the Beijing-Chengde railway section in Liudaohe township, Xinglong, Hebei province. Following days of heavy rainfall in Hebei, power and transportation infrastructure in affected areas is gradually being restored, while local authorities are also bracing for further downpours amid renewed weather alerts. See story, page 3
\n",
- "content": "
Workers remove flood-damaged tracks on Sunday along the Beijing-Chengde railway section in Liudaohe township, Xinglong, Hebei province. Following days of heavy rainfall in Hebei, power and transportation infrastructure in affected areas is gradually being restored, while local authorities are also bracing for further downpours amid renewed weather alerts. See story, page 3
Vocational undergraduate programs, which combine advanced technical skills with bachelor's degrees, are experiencing a significant surge in admission scores as high achievers in the national college entrance examination, or gaokao, are increasingly leaning toward professional education instead of pursuing purely academic courses.
\n
He Xianyi, from Zhuji Middle School in Zhejiang province, scored 604 points out of a total of 750 in this year's gaokao, which qualified her for many reputable universities. However, she chose to apply for the directed training program for noncommissioned officers at Wuchang Polytechnic College in Wuhan, Hubei province.
\n
While her unconventional decision sparked heated online discussions, with many perceiving a bachelor's degree as superior to a vocational qualification, He begged to differ.
\n
"Scores are just numbers," she told local newspaper Hubei Daily. "I feel there's no inherent superiority or inferiority between undergraduate and vocational college programs. What suits you best and benefits your future development is what matters most."
\n
She emphasized that studying at a prestigious university solely for its reputation, especially if it meant pursuing an undesirable major, was less appealing to her than choosing a path aligned with her passion and goals.
\n
Inspired by her uncle, a 12-year military veteran, He has wanted to join the military since high school. "I've heard voices of doubt before, but I don't pay much attention to them," she added.
\n
If data recorded by Shenzhen Polytechnic University in Guangdong province is anything to go by, this shift has extended beyond individual cases to become a phenomenon.
\n
After the institution upgraded to a vocational university from vocational college in 2023, its top physics stream admission score reached 595, which is competitive with major traditional universities. This year, the physics admission score surged to 617, surpassing that of many prominent institutions.
\n
Vocational undergraduate institutions in Zhejiang also saw record-high admission scores, with Jinhua University of Vocational Technology seeking a top admission score of 621 — a historic high for similar institutions in the province.
\n
The rise of vocational undergraduate education is reflecting a systemic shift, and China now has 87 vocational undergraduate universities. After the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a guideline in 2019 to initiate pilot programs for vocational education at the undergraduate level, 51 of these institutions — 28 public ones and 23 private — have successfully enrolled students.
\n
Sun Tongyu, vice-president of Shandong Vocational University of Foreign Affairs, noted that since the institution began enrolling students for its vocational undergraduate programs in 2019, it has cultivated more than 10,000 graduates across three graduating classes, most of whom have secured satisfactory employment.
\n
The university's total annual enrollment for both vocational and bachelor's degree programs has surpassed 10,000 over the past three years, demonstrating the strong appeal of vocational education, he said.
\n
This robust interest has driven up the university's admission scores for vocational courses, which now exceed the entry score for undergraduate programs by 20 to 40 points, Sun said.
\n
"Most young people and their parents choose vocational education because it promises stronger employment prospects. We can assure them that all our students are able to secure decent jobs immediately after graduation," he said.
\n
The institution has established over 300 vocational training centers in collaboration with enterprises, with many courses centered around hands-on training.
\n
"Students here are very practical. They don't come seeking university prestige; they choose us to learn practical skills and get a job," Sun added.
\n
Feng Wenjing, who graduated from the Shandong university in June with a major in English, now works at a new-energy company in Beijing.
\n
Compared with traditional universities, vocational institutions place greater emphasis on practical training and knowledge application in real-life working scenarios, she said.
Peng Yun, principal of LC Medical Spa, spends her days providing one-on-one medical aesthetics consultations to help clients find the treatments that suit them best.
\n
Wang Tso-Hsuan (left), CEO of Taiwan Nice Clinique and a veteran practitioner with 20 years of experience, administers an Ellanse dermal facial filler injection to shape his client's nose.
\n
Shi Jue from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has 10 years' experience in the medical aesthetics industry and previously founded two skin clinics.
\n
Su Weijie administers an injection for cosmetic treatment to a patient.
\n
Practitioners of the department of medical aesthetics at Kunshan Second People's Hospital use advanced cosmetic equipment to examine a patient.
\n
A visitor tries a beauty treatment procedure on June 27 at the 4th RCEP (Shandong) Import Expo in Shandong province.
\n
Like a growing number of young Chinese women, 31-year-old Zhu Yanzi has sought subtle and "natural-looking" improvements in her appearance over the years. But in her twenties, her quest got off to a clumsy start.
\n
"I had double-eyelid surgery, hyaluronic acid fillers, even tried thread-lifting to make my face look more defined, but all those changes were obvious — a bit too obvious," said Zhu, a product designer in Beijing.
\n
By the time she turned 28, Zhu began reassessing what she truly wanted. Rather than dramatic alterations, she became drawn to a more subtle, maintenance-based approach — what's now widely known as "light medical aesthetics".
\n
"I actually started getting regular facial spa treatments around the age of 25. But after 28, I gradually replaced those with more effective options — things that really deliver results, like lasers or injectables," said Zhu, whose beauty focus these days is on skin texture, tone and overall vitality.
\n
She also gets water-light injections, laser facials, and the occasional Botox injection for her jawline. For her, it's more like "skincare-plus" — a way to manage how she ages, not to change how she looks.
\n
On average, Zhu spends about 1,000 yuan ($139) to 3,000 yuan ($417) per treatment, going every two to three months depending on her schedule.
\n
"I don't see it as a luxury anymore — it's part of my self-care routine, just like going to the gym or getting a massage," said Zhu.
\n
Her shift in mindset reflects a broader trend among younger Chinese consumers, especially urban women in their late twenties to forties, who increasingly view aesthetic treatments as a form of long-term wellness rather than a means to a dramatic makeover.
\n
"People used to say, 'If I'm spending this much money, I want people to notice'. Now, we want the opposite — to look fresher, more awake, but in a way, no one can quite put their finger on," said Zhu.
\n
A better 'me'
\n
In 2022, nonsurgical procedures accounted for 55.7 percent of global aesthetic treatments, surpassing surgical procedures, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery data showed.
\n
In China, nonsurgical treatments made up 52 percent of total aesthetic medical revenue, while surgical procedures accounted for 48 percent, the data showed, reflecting a growing consumer preference for gentle rejuvenation methods such as injectables and laser-based treatments, including Thermage and Ultherapy.
\n
"Ten years ago, most patients came in for surgical face-lifts, and they were generally older," said Su Weijie, associate chief physician in the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. "Now, more people in their 20s and 30s are opting for micro-invasive treatments to prevent signs of aging early on."
\n
Over half of light medical aesthetics consumers report prioritizing personal needs when selecting treatments, according to data from the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute. The number of procedures selected per person also continues to rise. In the future, the average planned number of projects per consumer is projected to reach 2.4 in their lifetime, according to the institute data.
\n
"In the past, visible change was often the goal — thinner, more lifted, more obvious. Today, the emphasis is on 'refined and natural'. People want to look like a better version of themselves — not different," Su said.
\n
Popular treatments include injectable procedures and laser procedures for skin tightening and tone. While the total number of patients hasn't changed dramatically, the demand for early, subtle interventions has risen.
\n
However, Su noted the growing trend of standardized, high-volume aesthetic services and the presence of treatment providers with varying levels of training.
\n
"In public hospitals, doctors are required to adhere to rigorous protocols and ethical standards," she explained.
\n
"Also, there are clear guidelines on how we communicate, the treatments we can offer, and the platforms we use. I believe that with more consistent standards across the industry, we can ensure better outcomes and clearer information for the public," she said.
\n
From 2015 to 2020, China's medical aesthetics industry grew from 63.7 billion yuan to 154.9 billion yuan, with projections that it will exceed 350 billion yuan by 2025, according to the Annual Research and Consultation Report of Panorama survey and Investment strategy on China Industry published by industry research company ChinaIRN in 2023.
\n
Consumers aged 20 to 55 now dominate demand, compared to the previous focus on those aged 35 to 45, the report found.
\n
Massaging the message
\n
In May 2024, the number of beauty-related content pieces published across six major content platforms reached 1.2 million, representing a 24.8 percent year-on-year increase, according to data from market consultancy QuestMobile.
\n
Broader "beauty-related consumption", which includes appearance-focused, decorative, emotionally uplifting, and aesthetically driven purchases, reached 3.07 trillion yuan in 2023 and is projected to grow to 3.21 trillion yuan in 2024, said QuestMobile.
\n
Shi Jue, 40, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has 10 years' experience in the medical aesthetics industry and previously founded two skin clinics. With her medical background, she now creates content to bridge the gap between expertise and everyday skincare concerns.
\n
"I saw too many people misled by vague or incorrect information. I wanted to use my platform to promote accurate knowledge and help people make informed, rational choices about their appearance," she said.
\n
Shi was first introduced to the field while working in South Korea, where dermatology and noninvasive aesthetics are more deeply integrated into everyday skincare routines.
\n
"Anti-aging is not about chasing the latest devices or trendy injectables. It's about understanding the skin's structure and identifying the right treatments for each stage of change," said Shi.
\n
While stressing no single approach works on its own, Shi recommends IPL(intense pulsed light) treatment as a "universal fit" for various ages and skin types. For more advanced aging concerns, individual assessment is important.
\n
"Ultrasound-based lifting like Ultherapy works best for fuller faces with sagging, while radio-frequency-based options like Thermage are more suitable for thinner, collagen-deficient skin," said Shi.
\n
Despite the rise in public awareness, Shi remains concerned about what she describes as "trend-driven consumption".While today's consumers are no longer uninformed, many still make choices based on social media buzz rather than personal needs, she said.
\n
Su from Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital hopes that future regulations will better prioritize protecting patients and supporting licensed medical practitioners, both by ensuring licensed medical personnel adhere to safe, standardized practices and protecting patients' privacy from unauthorized disclosure.
\n
She said public hospitals like Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offer a balance of safety, credibility, and skilled professionals. "I don't oppose private clinics. Each has its role. What matters most is ensuring patients receive professional, responsible care," said Su.
\n
In a climate of rising "appearance anxiety", Su believes a healthy future for the industry lies in transparency, education, and stronger institutional support.
\n
"Don't be afraid but be smart. Choose a qualified doctor in a reputable institution. Think of it as maintaining your best state, not chasing perfection. Let professionals do what they're trained for. That's how we protect both people and the profession," said Su.
\n
Natural appeal
\n
Peng Yun — principal of LC Medical Spa and a consultant at Yuansong Medical Aesthetics — has witnessed the transformation of the beauty industry.
\n
With over 5,000 members at LC alone, she has seen the focus shift from customers wanting dramatic change in their appearance to long-term management.
\n
"In the past, people came in asking how to become more beautiful. Now, the conversation is about staying youthful, keeping good skin, and aging slowly — but naturally," said Peng.
\n
Younger clients of LC seek subtle enhancements to lips, while those aged over 35 often pursue full-face rejuvenation through layered micro interventions. "They want refined results — nothing overdone. Our job is to bring harmony, not to erase character," said Peng.
\n
While celebrities and influencers have quietly passed through Yuansong's doors, Peng insists their presence is not the focus. "They come not for visibility but for expertise. Our growth comes from word-of-mouth and trust in the aesthetic," said Peng.
\n
She sees the future of medical aesthetics being closely tied to preventive wellness and anti-aging medicine. "This isn't just about looks anymore. It's about long-term health, confidence, and sustainable care for yourself," said Peng.
\n
Wang Tso-hsuan, CEO of Taiwan Nice Clinique, said clients today favor subtle beauty enhancements.
\n
"Consumers today are more informed and nuanced than they were a decade ago, as they're not just chasing dramatic changes. Many now want treatments that are barely noticeable — but that make them feel refreshed, more refined," said Wang, a veteran practitioner with 20 years in the field.
\n
This shift is reflected in both procedure preferences and the motivation of consumers.
\n
Regenerative injectables, which stimulate collagen production rather than simply fill space, have become go-to choices for those seeking long-term anti-aging benefits. Thermage and Ultherapy — which offer skin tightening with minimal downtime — continue to dominate the laser treatment category.
\n
The real turning point in the industry was around 2020, when regulatory approvals in China opened the door for a new generation of aesthetic materials, Wang said.
\n
"We went from a market dominated by Botox and hyaluronic acid to one where there are now dozens of regenerative options. That diversity has fundamentally changed how clinics operate and how consumers choose," said Wang.
\n
Maturing sector
\n
Beauty industry demand has surged beyond the core customer base of urban, middle-class women. Consumers in Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities are catching up — though their aesthetic preferences sometimes reflect earlier trends, Wang said.
\n
Meanwhile, male clients and younger Gen Z consumers are reshaping the conversation, often pursuing aesthetic tweaks that maintain "naturalness" rather than emphasize transformation.
\n
"Ten years ago, people wanted to spend money and make sure others noticed. Today, a growing number of clients want to look better — without anyone knowing why as they see treatments as a filter, like a soft-focus lens in real life," said Wang.
\n
The rise of social media-driven knowledge — through lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, and popular shortvideo platform Douyin — has had a double-edged impact. While some patients arrive well-informed, others fall victim to overhyped trends or misleading advice.
\n
"As consumers become more research-driven and discerning, professionals are adapting to meet higher expectations. It's forced doctors to become better communicators and educators — not just technicians," said Wang.
\n
Still, challenges remain. While the devices and materials available to doctors have improved dramatically, technical expertise hasn't always kept pace — especially as new practitioners flood the market in recent years.
\n
"Aesthetic medicine looks easy from the outside, but it takes years to develop the kind of clinical judgment needed to personalize treatments effectively," said Wang.
\n
In the future, Wang sees a clear trajectory toward customized, multi-modal treatment plans, rather than stand-alone procedures. The future of aesthetic care will likely combine injection therapy, energy devices, and even surgical options in integrated protocols tailored to each patient's goals and biology.
\n
"The future of aesthetics isn't about brand names or trendy machines. It's about how well a doctor understands the client and brings out their natural strengths. Everyone has something unique — our job is to find it and make it shine," said Wang.
\n
Meanwhile, AI-powered tools — from skin analysis to remote diagnostics — are already changing the consultation process. For experienced doctors, these are helpful tools; for newcomers, they represent both a learning curve and a competitive threat.
\n
"As the industry matures, the bar is getting higher. Consumers are not just looking for results — they're looking for expertise, transparency, and trust. Clinics that deliver all three will define the next era of growth," said Wang.
Peng Yun, principal of LC Medical Spa, spends her days providing one-on-one medical aesthetics consultations to help clients find the treatments that suit them best.
\n
Wang Tso-Hsuan (left), CEO of Taiwan Nice Clinique and a veteran practitioner with 20 years of experience, administers an Ellanse dermal facial filler injection to shape his client's nose.
\n
Shi Jue from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has 10 years' experience in the medical aesthetics industry and previously founded two skin clinics.
\n
Su Weijie administers an injection for cosmetic treatment to a patient.
\n
Practitioners of the department of medical aesthetics at Kunshan Second People's Hospital use advanced cosmetic equipment to examine a patient.
\n
A visitor tries a beauty treatment procedure on June 27 at the 4th RCEP (Shandong) Import Expo in Shandong province.
\n
Like a growing number of young Chinese women, 31-year-old Zhu Yanzi has sought subtle and "natural-looking" improvements in her appearance over the years. But in her twenties, her quest got off to a clumsy start.
\n
"I had double-eyelid surgery, hyaluronic acid fillers, even tried thread-lifting to make my face look more defined, but all those changes were obvious — a bit too obvious," said Zhu, a product designer in Beijing.
\n
By the time she turned 28, Zhu began reassessing what she truly wanted. Rather than dramatic alterations, she became drawn to a more subtle, maintenance-based approach — what's now widely known as "light medical aesthetics".
\n
"I actually started getting regular facial spa treatments around the age of 25. But after 28, I gradually replaced those with more effective options — things that really deliver results, like lasers or injectables," said Zhu, whose beauty focus these days is on skin texture, tone and overall vitality.
\n
She also gets water-light injections, laser facials, and the occasional Botox injection for her jawline. For her, it's more like "skincare-plus" — a way to manage how she ages, not to change how she looks.
\n
On average, Zhu spends about 1,000 yuan ($139) to 3,000 yuan ($417) per treatment, going every two to three months depending on her schedule.
\n
"I don't see it as a luxury anymore — it's part of my self-care routine, just like going to the gym or getting a massage," said Zhu.
\n
Her shift in mindset reflects a broader trend among younger Chinese consumers, especially urban women in their late twenties to forties, who increasingly view aesthetic treatments as a form of long-term wellness rather than a means to a dramatic makeover.
\n
"People used to say, 'If I'm spending this much money, I want people to notice'. Now, we want the opposite — to look fresher, more awake, but in a way, no one can quite put their finger on," said Zhu.
\n
A better 'me'
\n
In 2022, nonsurgical procedures accounted for 55.7 percent of global aesthetic treatments, surpassing surgical procedures, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery data showed.
\n
In China, nonsurgical treatments made up 52 percent of total aesthetic medical revenue, while surgical procedures accounted for 48 percent, the data showed, reflecting a growing consumer preference for gentle rejuvenation methods such as injectables and laser-based treatments, including Thermage and Ultherapy.
\n
"Ten years ago, most patients came in for surgical face-lifts, and they were generally older," said Su Weijie, associate chief physician in the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. "Now, more people in their 20s and 30s are opting for micro-invasive treatments to prevent signs of aging early on."
\n
Over half of light medical aesthetics consumers report prioritizing personal needs when selecting treatments, according to data from the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute. The number of procedures selected per person also continues to rise. In the future, the average planned number of projects per consumer is projected to reach 2.4 in their lifetime, according to the institute data.
\n
"In the past, visible change was often the goal — thinner, more lifted, more obvious. Today, the emphasis is on 'refined and natural'. People want to look like a better version of themselves — not different," Su said.
\n
Popular treatments include injectable procedures and laser procedures for skin tightening and tone. While the total number of patients hasn't changed dramatically, the demand for early, subtle interventions has risen.
\n
However, Su noted the growing trend of standardized, high-volume aesthetic services and the presence of treatment providers with varying levels of training.
\n
"In public hospitals, doctors are required to adhere to rigorous protocols and ethical standards," she explained.
\n
"Also, there are clear guidelines on how we communicate, the treatments we can offer, and the platforms we use. I believe that with more consistent standards across the industry, we can ensure better outcomes and clearer information for the public," she said.
\n
From 2015 to 2020, China's medical aesthetics industry grew from 63.7 billion yuan to 154.9 billion yuan, with projections that it will exceed 350 billion yuan by 2025, according to the Annual Research and Consultation Report of Panorama survey and Investment strategy on China Industry published by industry research company ChinaIRN in 2023.
\n
Consumers aged 20 to 55 now dominate demand, compared to the previous focus on those aged 35 to 45, the report found.
\n
Massaging the message
\n
In May 2024, the number of beauty-related content pieces published across six major content platforms reached 1.2 million, representing a 24.8 percent year-on-year increase, according to data from market consultancy QuestMobile.
\n
Broader "beauty-related consumption", which includes appearance-focused, decorative, emotionally uplifting, and aesthetically driven purchases, reached 3.07 trillion yuan in 2023 and is projected to grow to 3.21 trillion yuan in 2024, said QuestMobile.
\n
Shi Jue, 40, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has 10 years' experience in the medical aesthetics industry and previously founded two skin clinics. With her medical background, she now creates content to bridge the gap between expertise and everyday skincare concerns.
\n
"I saw too many people misled by vague or incorrect information. I wanted to use my platform to promote accurate knowledge and help people make informed, rational choices about their appearance," she said.
\n
Shi was first introduced to the field while working in South Korea, where dermatology and noninvasive aesthetics are more deeply integrated into everyday skincare routines.
\n
"Anti-aging is not about chasing the latest devices or trendy injectables. It's about understanding the skin's structure and identifying the right treatments for each stage of change," said Shi.
\n
While stressing no single approach works on its own, Shi recommends IPL(intense pulsed light) treatment as a "universal fit" for various ages and skin types. For more advanced aging concerns, individual assessment is important.
\n
"Ultrasound-based lifting like Ultherapy works best for fuller faces with sagging, while radio-frequency-based options like Thermage are more suitable for thinner, collagen-deficient skin," said Shi.
\n
Despite the rise in public awareness, Shi remains concerned about what she describes as "trend-driven consumption".While today's consumers are no longer uninformed, many still make choices based on social media buzz rather than personal needs, she said.
\n
Su from Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital hopes that future regulations will better prioritize protecting patients and supporting licensed medical practitioners, both by ensuring licensed medical personnel adhere to safe, standardized practices and protecting patients' privacy from unauthorized disclosure.
\n
She said public hospitals like Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offer a balance of safety, credibility, and skilled professionals. "I don't oppose private clinics. Each has its role. What matters most is ensuring patients receive professional, responsible care," said Su.
\n
In a climate of rising "appearance anxiety", Su believes a healthy future for the industry lies in transparency, education, and stronger institutional support.
\n
"Don't be afraid but be smart. Choose a qualified doctor in a reputable institution. Think of it as maintaining your best state, not chasing perfection. Let professionals do what they're trained for. That's how we protect both people and the profession," said Su.
\n
Natural appeal
\n
Peng Yun — principal of LC Medical Spa and a consultant at Yuansong Medical Aesthetics — has witnessed the transformation of the beauty industry.
\n
With over 5,000 members at LC alone, she has seen the focus shift from customers wanting dramatic change in their appearance to long-term management.
\n
"In the past, people came in asking how to become more beautiful. Now, the conversation is about staying youthful, keeping good skin, and aging slowly — but naturally," said Peng.
\n
Younger clients of LC seek subtle enhancements to lips, while those aged over 35 often pursue full-face rejuvenation through layered micro interventions. "They want refined results — nothing overdone. Our job is to bring harmony, not to erase character," said Peng.
\n
While celebrities and influencers have quietly passed through Yuansong's doors, Peng insists their presence is not the focus. "They come not for visibility but for expertise. Our growth comes from word-of-mouth and trust in the aesthetic," said Peng.
\n
She sees the future of medical aesthetics being closely tied to preventive wellness and anti-aging medicine. "This isn't just about looks anymore. It's about long-term health, confidence, and sustainable care for yourself," said Peng.
\n
Wang Tso-hsuan, CEO of Taiwan Nice Clinique, said clients today favor subtle beauty enhancements.
\n
"Consumers today are more informed and nuanced than they were a decade ago, as they're not just chasing dramatic changes. Many now want treatments that are barely noticeable — but that make them feel refreshed, more refined," said Wang, a veteran practitioner with 20 years in the field.
\n
This shift is reflected in both procedure preferences and the motivation of consumers.
\n
Regenerative injectables, which stimulate collagen production rather than simply fill space, have become go-to choices for those seeking long-term anti-aging benefits. Thermage and Ultherapy — which offer skin tightening with minimal downtime — continue to dominate the laser treatment category.
\n
The real turning point in the industry was around 2020, when regulatory approvals in China opened the door for a new generation of aesthetic materials, Wang said.
\n
"We went from a market dominated by Botox and hyaluronic acid to one where there are now dozens of regenerative options. That diversity has fundamentally changed how clinics operate and how consumers choose," said Wang.
\n
Maturing sector
\n
Beauty industry demand has surged beyond the core customer base of urban, middle-class women. Consumers in Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities are catching up — though their aesthetic preferences sometimes reflect earlier trends, Wang said.
\n
Meanwhile, male clients and younger Gen Z consumers are reshaping the conversation, often pursuing aesthetic tweaks that maintain "naturalness" rather than emphasize transformation.
\n
"Ten years ago, people wanted to spend money and make sure others noticed. Today, a growing number of clients want to look better — without anyone knowing why as they see treatments as a filter, like a soft-focus lens in real life," said Wang.
\n
The rise of social media-driven knowledge — through lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, and popular shortvideo platform Douyin — has had a double-edged impact. While some patients arrive well-informed, others fall victim to overhyped trends or misleading advice.
\n
"As consumers become more research-driven and discerning, professionals are adapting to meet higher expectations. It's forced doctors to become better communicators and educators — not just technicians," said Wang.
\n
Still, challenges remain. While the devices and materials available to doctors have improved dramatically, technical expertise hasn't always kept pace — especially as new practitioners flood the market in recent years.
\n
"Aesthetic medicine looks easy from the outside, but it takes years to develop the kind of clinical judgment needed to personalize treatments effectively," said Wang.
\n
In the future, Wang sees a clear trajectory toward customized, multi-modal treatment plans, rather than stand-alone procedures. The future of aesthetic care will likely combine injection therapy, energy devices, and even surgical options in integrated protocols tailored to each patient's goals and biology.
\n
"The future of aesthetics isn't about brand names or trendy machines. It's about how well a doctor understands the client and brings out their natural strengths. Everyone has something unique — our job is to find it and make it shine," said Wang.
\n
Meanwhile, AI-powered tools — from skin analysis to remote diagnostics — are already changing the consultation process. For experienced doctors, these are helpful tools; for newcomers, they represent both a learning curve and a competitive threat.
\n
"As the industry matures, the bar is getting higher. Consumers are not just looking for results — they're looking for expertise, transparency, and trust. Clinics that deliver all three will define the next era of growth," said Wang.
With a string of youngest records under her name and a world championships team medal around her neck, China's schoolgirl swimmer Yu Zidi has probably enjoyed the coolest summer holiday among all her peers.
\n
Although the 12-year-old did not win any individual medal, she capped off her debut at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore as an instant hit with the sport's global community by becoming the youngest ever to qualify for the meet, the youngest to make it to a final, and the youngest to finish on the podium.
\n
The preteen sensation completed her final individual event at the worlds on Sunday with another near-miss from the podium, as she clocked 4 minutes and 33.76 seconds to finish fourth in the women's 400 meters individual medley final.
\n
Summer McIntosh of Canada, reigning Olympic champion and world record-holder, clinched gold with a time of 4:25.78, while Australia's Jenna Forrester and Japan's Mio Narita clocked the exact same time (4:33.26) to share silver.
\n
No bronze medal is awarded to a fourth swimmer when a tied finish happens in a race, according to the rules of the world championships.
\n
Yu had to settle for fourth position in her previous two individual events, finishing 0.06 second shy of the podium in the 200m individual medley on July 28 and 0.31 second behind third in the 200m butterfly on Thursday.
\n
She will leave Singapore with a medal, however, as a member of China's bronze-winning women's 4x200m freestyle relay team.
\n
With the relay bronze won on Thursday, Yu became the youngest medalist in the championships' history, after having become the youngest to qualify for the worlds at the Chinese national trials in May and the youngest to advance to an individual final on July 28.
\n
Yu also achieved new personal bests in all her three individual events in Singapore, surpassing some of the world's greatest swimmers in these respective events when they were 12, including Michael Phelps of the United States, who is the most-decorated athlete in Olympic history, and McIntosh, a four-time Olympic gold medalist.
\n
Looking back at her sensational international debut, Yu said she enjoyed every minute as a great learning experience.
\n
"The world championships are much more intense than I imagined, and the atmosphere is really great. During warmup, the pool was very crowded and lively, but I adapted well," she told Xinhua News Agency on Saturday.
\n
"I learned a lot. ... I want to learn McIntosh's turning technique. I take her as a role model and hope to become as excellent as her. I want to compete again at the next world championships, swim against the world's top swimmers, and try to stand on the podium," she said.
\n
The rise of the Chinese prodigy has turned heads at the Singapore meet, with international rivals taking notice of her progress.
\n
"She is amazing. She is still 12.Maybe she will go to LA (Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics). Everyone is a bit scared of her already," Japanese swimming icon Rikako Ikee said on Saturday.
\n
Led by strong performances from female swimmers, Team China collected four more medals on Sunday — two each of silver and bronze — to finish sixth on the overall swimming medal tally at the worlds with two gold, six silver and six bronze medals.
\n
sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -3476,28 +3982,6 @@
"hash": "22a4f349696a0555feddcfecc1b6f202",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "004CHINA - China set to clean up online health content",
- "description": "\n
China's cyberspace and health regulators have announced heightened supervision of online health science content as more medical professionals turn to social media to share educational materials — a trend that has also spurred profit-driven abuse and misinformation risks.
\n
Efforts will focus on verifying the medical credentials of content creators, requiring source attribution and banning advertisements for medical or healthcare products, according to a notice jointly released on Friday by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Health Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
\n
The notice highlighted how measures aim to "promote the production and dissemination of scientifically accurate health knowledge while curbing the spread of false and misleading information".
\n
Under the new rules, internet platforms must verify medical licenses or employment certificates of content creators, who are required to be affiliated with medical institutions, schools or pharmaceutical research institutes.
\n
Existing social media accounts must verify their credentials within two months of notification, while newly registered accounts will be barred from posting health-related content until certified.
\n
Creators are also required to cite sources related to health education content and disclose whether AI-generated material or dramatizations of historical medical cases are included.
\n
Platforms must inform influencers that they are responsible for ensuring the scientific accuracy and authenticity of their content.
\n
In addition, all forms of advertisements — including contact information or purchase links — for medical services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices or health foods will be prohibited.
\n
The notice also calls for a crackdown on misconduct such as illegal online consultations, sexually suggestive content disguised as health education, fabricated narratives promoting products and the impersonation of licensed physicians.
\n
Local authorities have been instructed to guide platforms in improving oversight and to direct hospitals to monitor the conduct of medical workers while online, with penalties for violations. Market regulators will investigate illegal advertising activities.
\n
At a recent news conference, Hu Qiangqiang, a spokesman for the National Health Commission, said common violations by doctors who are also influencers include directing followers to offline services, offering illegal online consultations, selling products via livestreams and prescribing overpriced medications.
\n
"Patients must first undergo offline diagnosis and receive a clear medical assessment before pursuing follow-ups through qualified online hospitals," Hu said, urging the public to remain cautious.
\n
Among China's 1.07 billion internet audio and video users, 92 percent have viewed health education content on short-video platforms, and 63 percent consume it regularly, according to a report analyzing 150,000 health science videos posted by 14,700 social media accounts between 2023 and 2024.
\n
Produced by researchers from Fudan University and Tianjin Normal University, the report found that surgery is the most frequently featured medical specialty online. Respiratory diseases — particularly lung nodules and lung cancer — as well as thyroid and breast nodules, tend to draw high traffic.
\n
While some doctors have employed entertaining approaches to engage audiences, the report warns of rising homogeneity and content that stokes fear about certain diseases. It also highlights growing concerns about AI-generated medical content, citing risks to patient privacy and public trust.
\n
Wang Fan, a professor at the Fudan Development Institute and a co-author of the report, said online health science communication has reached a stage where regulatory intervention is needed to curb malpractice and ensure sustainable development.
\n
wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "\n
China's cyberspace and health regulators have announced heightened supervision of online health science content as more medical professionals turn to social media to share educational materials — a trend that has also spurred profit-driven abuse and misinformation risks.
\n
Efforts will focus on verifying the medical credentials of content creators, requiring source attribution and banning advertisements for medical or healthcare products, according to a notice jointly released on Friday by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Health Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
\n
The notice highlighted how measures aim to "promote the production and dissemination of scientifically accurate health knowledge while curbing the spread of false and misleading information".
\n
Under the new rules, internet platforms must verify medical licenses or employment certificates of content creators, who are required to be affiliated with medical institutions, schools or pharmaceutical research institutes.
\n
Existing social media accounts must verify their credentials within two months of notification, while newly registered accounts will be barred from posting health-related content until certified.
\n
Creators are also required to cite sources related to health education content and disclose whether AI-generated material or dramatizations of historical medical cases are included.
\n
Platforms must inform influencers that they are responsible for ensuring the scientific accuracy and authenticity of their content.
\n
In addition, all forms of advertisements — including contact information or purchase links — for medical services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices or health foods will be prohibited.
\n
The notice also calls for a crackdown on misconduct such as illegal online consultations, sexually suggestive content disguised as health education, fabricated narratives promoting products and the impersonation of licensed physicians.
\n
Local authorities have been instructed to guide platforms in improving oversight and to direct hospitals to monitor the conduct of medical workers while online, with penalties for violations. Market regulators will investigate illegal advertising activities.
\n
At a recent news conference, Hu Qiangqiang, a spokesman for the National Health Commission, said common violations by doctors who are also influencers include directing followers to offline services, offering illegal online consultations, selling products via livestreams and prescribing overpriced medications.
\n
"Patients must first undergo offline diagnosis and receive a clear medical assessment before pursuing follow-ups through qualified online hospitals," Hu said, urging the public to remain cautious.
\n
Among China's 1.07 billion internet audio and video users, 92 percent have viewed health education content on short-video platforms, and 63 percent consume it regularly, according to a report analyzing 150,000 health science videos posted by 14,700 social media accounts between 2023 and 2024.
\n
Produced by researchers from Fudan University and Tianjin Normal University, the report found that surgery is the most frequently featured medical specialty online. Respiratory diseases — particularly lung nodules and lung cancer — as well as thyroid and breast nodules, tend to draw high traffic.
\n
While some doctors have employed entertaining approaches to engage audiences, the report warns of rising homogeneity and content that stokes fear about certain diseases. It also highlights growing concerns about AI-generated medical content, citing risks to patient privacy and public trust.
\n
Wang Fan, a professor at the Fudan Development Institute and a co-author of the report, said online health science communication has reached a stage where regulatory intervention is needed to curb malpractice and ensure sustainable development.
A group of Wuxi soccer fans board a special train to Suqian, Jiangsu province, from Wuxi New District Railway Station on Sunday to support their team in the 8th round of the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League. A total of 726 fans took the train to the event.
\n",
@@ -3520,28 +4004,6 @@
"hash": "02fe94cd612941922f83a3188ca568bb",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "004CHINA - Mercedes SUV driver exposed for misusing husband's work certificate",
- "description": "
Local authorities in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, have denied that a woman who used an "administrative law enforcement" certificate to coerce a motorist into yielding on a narrow rural road is a public sector employee.
\n
An investigation team established by the Communist Party of China Fangchenggang Committee and the Fangchenggang city government said on Sunday that the certificate belonged to the woman's husband, a firefighter at a local station.
\n
The incident gained widespread attention online after the motorist, surnamed Li, posted video clips showing the woman — driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV — demanding that he yield on July 22 and threatening to show the certificate. During the encounter, she also revealed Li's surname and home address.
\n
Li said he later filed a complaint with local police and a government hotline. On Thursday, two officers visited his parents' home and told them Li should delete the videos and apologize to the woman or face possible detention for allegedly disclosing her personal information.
\n
Netizens questioned whether the woman, surnamed Hou, was a public official and whether she had abused power, pointing to her possession of the certificate, access to Li's personal information and the police response.
\n
The investigation found that Hou, 28, works for a private auto equipment company in Qinzhou and is not a government employee. Her parents are local villagers. Authorities said she used her husband's law enforcement certificate to intimidate Li.
\n
The local fire rescue station has launched an investigation into the husband for failing to secure the certificate properly.
\n
Addressing online criticism that Hou was flaunting wealth by driving a Mercedes, officials said the vehicle was a used car purchased for 178,000 yuan ($24,700), with a 78,000-yuan loan.
\n
According to the statement, Hou and Li are distantly related and unacquainted. Their parents live about 800 meters apart. Hou's father, who was present during the incident, recognized Li and provided his information to his daughter.
\n
Authorities said neither Hou nor her father accessed law enforcement databases, and there was no record of any requests or leaks involving Li's or his parents' personal information as of July.
\n
Li contacted the police two days after the incident and was advised that the matter was a minor dispute that could be resolved through mediation.
\n
On Thursday, Hou, her father and her husband reported that her license plate number had been shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, leading to 11 traffic violation notices from other provinces after others allegedly forged her plate and used it for illegal parking.
\n
That evening, two officers accompanied the family to Li's home. Li was not there, so the police obtained his phone number from his mother and informed him that the video had exposed Hou's vehicle information. Police relayed Hou's demand for an apology and deletion of the videos. Repeated mediation efforts have failed to resolve the dispute.
\n
The statement said the police committed no misconduct in handling the case but acknowledged that the officers used "imprecise and non-standard wording" when speaking to Li. The officers were later criticized internally.
\n
While the dispute began as a routine traffic incident, poor handling led to public misunderstanding, the statement said. Local authorities pledged to improve official conduct and mediation protocols.
\n
zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Local authorities in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, have denied that a woman who used an "administrative law enforcement" certificate to coerce a motorist into yielding on a narrow rural road is a public sector employee.
\n
An investigation team established by the Communist Party of China Fangchenggang Committee and the Fangchenggang city government said on Sunday that the certificate belonged to the woman's husband, a firefighter at a local station.
\n
The incident gained widespread attention online after the motorist, surnamed Li, posted video clips showing the woman — driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV — demanding that he yield on July 22 and threatening to show the certificate. During the encounter, she also revealed Li's surname and home address.
\n
Li said he later filed a complaint with local police and a government hotline. On Thursday, two officers visited his parents' home and told them Li should delete the videos and apologize to the woman or face possible detention for allegedly disclosing her personal information.
\n
Netizens questioned whether the woman, surnamed Hou, was a public official and whether she had abused power, pointing to her possession of the certificate, access to Li's personal information and the police response.
\n
The investigation found that Hou, 28, works for a private auto equipment company in Qinzhou and is not a government employee. Her parents are local villagers. Authorities said she used her husband's law enforcement certificate to intimidate Li.
\n
The local fire rescue station has launched an investigation into the husband for failing to secure the certificate properly.
\n
Addressing online criticism that Hou was flaunting wealth by driving a Mercedes, officials said the vehicle was a used car purchased for 178,000 yuan ($24,700), with a 78,000-yuan loan.
\n
According to the statement, Hou and Li are distantly related and unacquainted. Their parents live about 800 meters apart. Hou's father, who was present during the incident, recognized Li and provided his information to his daughter.
\n
Authorities said neither Hou nor her father accessed law enforcement databases, and there was no record of any requests or leaks involving Li's or his parents' personal information as of July.
\n
Li contacted the police two days after the incident and was advised that the matter was a minor dispute that could be resolved through mediation.
\n
On Thursday, Hou, her father and her husband reported that her license plate number had been shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, leading to 11 traffic violation notices from other provinces after others allegedly forged her plate and used it for illegal parking.
\n
That evening, two officers accompanied the family to Li's home. Li was not there, so the police obtained his phone number from his mother and informed him that the video had exposed Hou's vehicle information. Police relayed Hou's demand for an apology and deletion of the videos. Repeated mediation efforts have failed to resolve the dispute.
\n
The statement said the police committed no misconduct in handling the case but acknowledged that the officers used "imprecise and non-standard wording" when speaking to Li. The officers were later criticized internally.
\n
While the dispute began as a routine traffic incident, poor handling led to public misunderstanding, the statement said. Local authorities pledged to improve official conduct and mediation protocols.
A surprising discovery by scientists has revealed that an ancient genetic marriage roughly 9 million years ago gave rise to what is now the world's third-largest staple crop: the potato. And the tomato, it turns out, is the mother of the potato.
\n
The study was conducted by a research team at the Agricultural Genomics Institute — part of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Shenzhen, Guangdong province — and a researcher from Lanzhou University in Gansu province, in collaboration with scientists from Canada and the United Kingdom. It showed that the potato originated from an ancient hybridization event between the tomato plant and a potato-like plant about 9 million years ago. This cross also led to the creation of a novel organ: the tuber.
\n
Published in the latest issue of the journal Cell, these findings provide a groundbreaking theoretical perspective for the genetic breeding of potatoes.
\n
As the world's most important tuber crop, the potato is native to South America. Valued for its high nutritional content and wide adaptability, it has spread worldwide.
\n
Huang Sanwen, who led the study, explained that the potato's origin had long puzzled scientists. In appearance, modern potato plants are almost identical to a potato-like species called Etuberosum, which does not carry tubers. However, potato plants are more closely related to tomatoes based on phylogenetic analysis.
\n
To unravel the mystery of the potato's origin, the research team analyzed 101 genomes and 349 resequenced samples from cultivated potatoes and their 56 wild relatives — effectively a comprehensive DNA paternity test for all potatoes.
\n
They found that all potatoes examined carried stable, balanced genetic contributions from both the Etuberosum and the tomato. From this, they inferred that the potato was the hybrid offspring of the two.
\n
To validate this hypothesis, the team further assessed the divergence times of the three species. Their results showed that the Etuberosum and the tomato began diverging around 14 million years ago. Approximately 5 million years after their divergence, the two hybridized, leading to the emergence of the earliest tuber-bearing potato plants around 9 million years ago.
\n
"The tomato served as the maternal parent of the potato, while the Etuberosum was the paternal parent," Huang said.
\n
However, what continued to puzzle the researchers was why only the potato develops tubers, while its parents lack them. The tomato has neither underground stems nor tubers, and the Etuberosum has underground stems but no swollen tubers.
\n
Huang's team proposed a bold explanation: The tuber could be the product of genomic rearrangement. After the two ancestral lineages crossed, their genes recombined in a way that accidentally created the tuber as a new organ.
\n
The team further traced the origin of the key tuber formation genes, which are a combination of genetic material from each parent. They found the SP6A gene, which acts like a master switch that tells the plant when to start making tubers, came from the tomato side of the family. Another important gene, IT1, which helps control the growth of the underground stems that form tubers, came from the Etuberosum side. Without either gene, the hybrid offspring would be incapable of producing tubers.
\n
This ancient marriage not only produced the tuber but also enriched the genetic diversity of the potato plant's lineage.
\n
The team also discovered that each potato exhibits a "mosaic "pattern of parental genetic contributions.
\n
When subjected to varying environmental stresses, this mosaic genetic combination allows for the selection of optimal gene sets, enabling potatoes to adapt to diverse habitats ranging from temperate grasslands to alpine meadows.
\n
The tuber has an underground survival advantage. It stores water and starch, helping potatoes endure drought and cold, and allows reproduction without seeds or pollination, as new plants can sprout directly from the buds on tubers.
The People's Liberation Army Navy has commissioned its fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, naming it after Central China's Hubei province.
\n
The South Sea Fleet published on Saturday a video clip titled "Pennant number 34! CNS Hubei officially unveiled". The clip showed the vast vessel sailing alongside CNS Hainan, the first in the Type 075 class, and several Type 071 landing platform docks in what appeared to be a formation exercise.
\n
The fleet noted that the ships were undergoing extensive training in recent days in the South China Sea.
\n
Designed by the Marine Design and Research Institute of China, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp and a major developer of the nation's amphibious warships and landing craft, the Type 075 is China's first class of amphibious assault ships and is much bigger than all previous models of amphibious warfare ships in the country.
\n
So far, four Type 075 ships — regarded in the West as a class of landing helicopter dock, or LHD, vessels — have been built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai, a major shipbuilder under China State Shipbuilding Corp, and have been deployed in the PLA Navy, with observers saying these colossal ships have extensively boosted the Navy's amphibious operational capability.
\n
The first Type 075, CNS Hainan, was unveiled in September 2019 and commissioned into the South Sea Fleet in April 2021, putting an end to the absence of a large helicopter carrier in the PLA Navy.
\n
The second, CNS Guangxi, was delivered in April 2022 with the East Sea Fleet. The same fleet unveiled the third such vessel, CNS Anhui, in November 2022.
\n
According to defense technology analysts, the Type 075's flight deck is about 230 meters long and nearly 40 meters wide, and displaces nearly 40,000 metric tons of water. There are seven flight spots — six along the port side of the ship, and one behind the ship's command center. The forward aircraft elevator can carry one medium-duty helicopter with rotors folded, while the stern elevator is larger and can carry heavy-duty helicopters with rotors folded.
\n
A naval hardware observer, who wished to be identified only as Xiao, said that considering its construction began over three years later than the first three Type 075 vessels, CNS Hubei — while remaining largely consistent with its predecessors in terms of size, overall layout and equipment — features several minor differences in terms of external designs.
\n
"These adjustments are the result of analyzing and using experience gained from the construction and operation of the first three Type 075s. The Chinese military is good at upgrading its hardware in a methodical and gradual manner," he explained.
\n
Besides the Type 075, China is now constructing a larger model of amphibious assault ship called the Type 076, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons and an electromagnetic catapult. The first in the class, CNS Sichuan, was made public in December after its main body was completed at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
\n
In another development, the Navy has recently revealed that CNS Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier and the world's largest carrier not built by the United States, is nearly ready to be commissioned.
\n
The information was included in a five-episode documentary called Gong Jian, or Forging Ahead, that was produced by the military and began broadcasting on Friday.
\n
Senior Captain Tian Wei, commander of the new carrier's aviation support section, said in an episode that his crew members "are working hard to prepare (pilots and themselves) for the use of the electromagnetic catapult as soon as possible so that the carrier will be able to undertake combat tasks as soon as it is commissioned." Footage in the TV series shows flight deck operations personnel testing the catapult and celebrating each time it worked.
\n
CNS Fujian is the first Chinese ship to have an electromagnetic catapult, the most critical component on a supercarrier as it is responsible for launching fighter jets.
\n
As one of the most important pieces of military hardware China is working on, CNS Fujian was officially unveiled in June 2022 in Shanghai as it was towed out of the China State Shipbuilding Corp's Jiangnan Shipyard. Since then, the gigantic vessel has undergone several trials at sea.
\n
zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
CNS Hubei during a training exercise.
\n
The People's Liberation Army Navy has commissioned its fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, naming it after Central China's Hubei province.
\n
The South Sea Fleet published on Saturday a video clip titled "Pennant number 34! CNS Hubei officially unveiled". The clip showed the vast vessel sailing alongside CNS Hainan, the first in the Type 075 class, and several Type 071 landing platform docks in what appeared to be a formation exercise.
\n
The fleet noted that the ships were undergoing extensive training in recent days in the South China Sea.
\n
Designed by the Marine Design and Research Institute of China, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp and a major developer of the nation's amphibious warships and landing craft, the Type 075 is China's first class of amphibious assault ships and is much bigger than all previous models of amphibious warfare ships in the country.
\n
So far, four Type 075 ships — regarded in the West as a class of landing helicopter dock, or LHD, vessels — have been built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai, a major shipbuilder under China State Shipbuilding Corp, and have been deployed in the PLA Navy, with observers saying these colossal ships have extensively boosted the Navy's amphibious operational capability.
\n
The first Type 075, CNS Hainan, was unveiled in September 2019 and commissioned into the South Sea Fleet in April 2021, putting an end to the absence of a large helicopter carrier in the PLA Navy.
\n
The second, CNS Guangxi, was delivered in April 2022 with the East Sea Fleet. The same fleet unveiled the third such vessel, CNS Anhui, in November 2022.
\n
According to defense technology analysts, the Type 075's flight deck is about 230 meters long and nearly 40 meters wide, and displaces nearly 40,000 metric tons of water. There are seven flight spots — six along the port side of the ship, and one behind the ship's command center. The forward aircraft elevator can carry one medium-duty helicopter with rotors folded, while the stern elevator is larger and can carry heavy-duty helicopters with rotors folded.
\n
A naval hardware observer, who wished to be identified only as Xiao, said that considering its construction began over three years later than the first three Type 075 vessels, CNS Hubei — while remaining largely consistent with its predecessors in terms of size, overall layout and equipment — features several minor differences in terms of external designs.
\n
"These adjustments are the result of analyzing and using experience gained from the construction and operation of the first three Type 075s. The Chinese military is good at upgrading its hardware in a methodical and gradual manner," he explained.
\n
Besides the Type 075, China is now constructing a larger model of amphibious assault ship called the Type 076, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons and an electromagnetic catapult. The first in the class, CNS Sichuan, was made public in December after its main body was completed at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
\n
In another development, the Navy has recently revealed that CNS Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier and the world's largest carrier not built by the United States, is nearly ready to be commissioned.
\n
The information was included in a five-episode documentary called Gong Jian, or Forging Ahead, that was produced by the military and began broadcasting on Friday.
\n
Senior Captain Tian Wei, commander of the new carrier's aviation support section, said in an episode that his crew members "are working hard to prepare (pilots and themselves) for the use of the electromagnetic catapult as soon as possible so that the carrier will be able to undertake combat tasks as soon as it is commissioned." Footage in the TV series shows flight deck operations personnel testing the catapult and celebrating each time it worked.
\n
CNS Fujian is the first Chinese ship to have an electromagnetic catapult, the most critical component on a supercarrier as it is responsible for launching fighter jets.
\n
As one of the most important pieces of military hardware China is working on, CNS Fujian was officially unveiled in June 2022 in Shanghai as it was towed out of the China State Shipbuilding Corp's Jiangnan Shipyard. Since then, the gigantic vessel has undergone several trials at sea.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (front) and retired Hong Kong epee fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai participate in a fencing activity together at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre in Hong Kong on Sunday. The activity was part of the Sport For All Day event, which aims to foster community spirit in support of the 15th National Games this year.
\n",
@@ -3608,28 +4048,6 @@
"hash": "b919cd56898ca73773b93292838b5cdc",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "005CHINA - Liver cancer cases could be curbed by addressing risks, report says",
- "description": "
More than 60 percent of the world's liver cancer cases can be prevented by addressing risk factors, and if the annual incidence rate is reduced by at least 2 percent, the rising trend of new cases and deaths could be reversed by 2050, according to a report led by Chinese experts.
\n
If the goal is achieved, at least 8.8 million new liver cancer cases and 7.7 million related deaths could be avoided globally, the report said. The findings, which outline a comprehensive strategy from prevention to treatment for liver cancer, address a disease that is diagnosed in about 870,000 patients and causes roughly 760,000 global deaths each year.
\n
The report was published by the British medical journal The Lancet last week. It is the first time in the journal's more than 200-year history that it has featured a major global health challenge led by Chinese experts. The project brought together more than 50 leading specialists from countries and regions that include Japan, South Korea, the United States, Spain, France and Italy.
\n
One of the report's key findings was a significant shift in the causes of liver cancer globally. While the disease has traditionally been associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and chronic alcohol use, conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD; and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, are rapidly emerging as major contributors. Obesity and diabetes are accelerating the progression from MASLD to MASH.
\n
The report projected that the proportion of liver cancer cases caused by MASH will rise from 8 percent in 2022 to 11 percent in 2050, with developed countries being particularly affected. Meanwhile, alcohol-related liver cancer cases are expected to increase from 19 percent to 21 percent. In contrast, cases linked to hepatitis B and C are expected to fall from 39 percent and 29 percent to 37 percent and 26 percent, respectively.
\n
"High-sugar diets, obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are reshaping the landscape of liver cancer," said Hashem B. El-Serag, a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in the US and one of the report's authors.
\n
The report also highlighted effective practices from China's Qidong city in Jiangsu province, as well as from Italy and Egypt, to offer valuable insights from countries at all income levels.
\n
Xu Yang, a co-first author of the report and a doctor at Shanghai-based Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, said Qidong was once a high-incidence area for liver cancer. Risk factors included a high hepatitis B infection rate, a local deficiency in the trace element selenium as well as a preference for corn that was often improperly stored and contaminated with aflatoxins.
\n
"Through proactive measures — including early hepatitis B vaccinations that preceded the national rollout, dietary adjustments and routine medical screenings for hepatitis B-positive individuals — the five-year survival rate for local liver cancer patients has significantly improved," Xu said.
\n
The rate has increased from 2.5 percent in the early 1970s to 30.8 percent today, offering a model for high-risk regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia, he said.
\n
The expert committee for the report was co-chaired by Zhou Jian, president of Zhongshan Hospital; Fan Jia, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and honorary president of the hospital; and Masatoshi Kudo of Kindai University in Osaka, Japan.
\n
Zhou noted that about 1 to 1.5 percent of people in Italy were once infected with hepatitis C.Government-led screening programs and improved access to diagnosis and treatment have proved effective there, he said.
\n
"Egypt had a hepatitis C infection rate of nearly 15 percent in the early 2000s," Zhou said. "In 2006, a national committee was established for comprehensive screening and education. The government also negotiated significant price reductions for antiviral medications, greatly improving access to treatment."
\n
The report called for joint efforts from health policymakers, medical professionals, international organizations, researchers and health educators to support global strategies for liver cancer prevention and control. It emphasized that such collaboration is key to reducing the global burden of liver cancer and improving patients' quality of life.
\n
zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
More than 60 percent of the world's liver cancer cases can be prevented by addressing risk factors, and if the annual incidence rate is reduced by at least 2 percent, the rising trend of new cases and deaths could be reversed by 2050, according to a report led by Chinese experts.
\n
If the goal is achieved, at least 8.8 million new liver cancer cases and 7.7 million related deaths could be avoided globally, the report said. The findings, which outline a comprehensive strategy from prevention to treatment for liver cancer, address a disease that is diagnosed in about 870,000 patients and causes roughly 760,000 global deaths each year.
\n
The report was published by the British medical journal The Lancet last week. It is the first time in the journal's more than 200-year history that it has featured a major global health challenge led by Chinese experts. The project brought together more than 50 leading specialists from countries and regions that include Japan, South Korea, the United States, Spain, France and Italy.
\n
One of the report's key findings was a significant shift in the causes of liver cancer globally. While the disease has traditionally been associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and chronic alcohol use, conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD; and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, are rapidly emerging as major contributors. Obesity and diabetes are accelerating the progression from MASLD to MASH.
\n
The report projected that the proportion of liver cancer cases caused by MASH will rise from 8 percent in 2022 to 11 percent in 2050, with developed countries being particularly affected. Meanwhile, alcohol-related liver cancer cases are expected to increase from 19 percent to 21 percent. In contrast, cases linked to hepatitis B and C are expected to fall from 39 percent and 29 percent to 37 percent and 26 percent, respectively.
\n
"High-sugar diets, obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are reshaping the landscape of liver cancer," said Hashem B. El-Serag, a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in the US and one of the report's authors.
\n
The report also highlighted effective practices from China's Qidong city in Jiangsu province, as well as from Italy and Egypt, to offer valuable insights from countries at all income levels.
\n
Xu Yang, a co-first author of the report and a doctor at Shanghai-based Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, said Qidong was once a high-incidence area for liver cancer. Risk factors included a high hepatitis B infection rate, a local deficiency in the trace element selenium as well as a preference for corn that was often improperly stored and contaminated with aflatoxins.
\n
"Through proactive measures — including early hepatitis B vaccinations that preceded the national rollout, dietary adjustments and routine medical screenings for hepatitis B-positive individuals — the five-year survival rate for local liver cancer patients has significantly improved," Xu said.
\n
The rate has increased from 2.5 percent in the early 1970s to 30.8 percent today, offering a model for high-risk regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia, he said.
\n
The expert committee for the report was co-chaired by Zhou Jian, president of Zhongshan Hospital; Fan Jia, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and honorary president of the hospital; and Masatoshi Kudo of Kindai University in Osaka, Japan.
\n
Zhou noted that about 1 to 1.5 percent of people in Italy were once infected with hepatitis C.Government-led screening programs and improved access to diagnosis and treatment have proved effective there, he said.
\n
"Egypt had a hepatitis C infection rate of nearly 15 percent in the early 2000s," Zhou said. "In 2006, a national committee was established for comprehensive screening and education. The government also negotiated significant price reductions for antiviral medications, greatly improving access to treatment."
\n
The report called for joint efforts from health policymakers, medical professionals, international organizations, researchers and health educators to support global strategies for liver cancer prevention and control. It emphasized that such collaboration is key to reducing the global burden of liver cancer and improving patients' quality of life.
Xing Siyuan, an officer at the Jinhua train depot of China Railway Shanghai Group, can manually draw a comprehensive diagram of China's railway network.
\n
A video of a 29-year-old railway officer hand-drawing China's entire railway network from memory has gone viral, garnering widespread attention for her exceptional skill and dedication to passenger service.
\n
Xing Siyuan, a passenger service duty officer at the Jinhua train depot of China Railway Shanghai Group Co, has memorized and can manually draw a comprehensive diagram of the national rail network. Her detailed map includes 1,092 station names, 388 railway line names, 975 fare calculation stations and 117 non-calculation stations. Using just two pens, she reproduced a version of China's railway map that closely resembles the official printed one.
\n
The idea of memorizing the map first came to Xing during the 2018 Spring Festival travel rush, when she assisted an elderly passenger who struggled to plan a journey home without a smartphone or family support.
\n
"That moment made me realize the importance of being able to provide immediate transfer solutions to passengers, especially for those who might not be tech-savvy," she said.
\n
Xing achieved her goal in 2022 by developing a systematic approach of dividing the network into four geographical sections, mastering main lines before progressing to lines at a branch level.
\n
Her memorization technique combines mnemonic devices with geometric visualization.
\n
"I would take the first character of each station name along a route and create a memorable phrase," she explained.
\n
For the Longhai line stretching from Jiangsu province to the northwest, she developed memory aids using the station names' characters in sequence. She also associates network sections with basic geometric shapes such as triangles and hexagons to enhance recall.
\n
As a passenger service officer, Xing's knowledge has proved invaluable in daily operations. While she can draw the full network in four to five hours, the real benefit lies in her ability to assist passengers instantly.
\n
"When facing elderly passengers or those who need urgent transfer arrangements, I can immediately provide multiple routing options without relying on digital devices," she said. This skill is especially helpful during peak seasons, when tickets may be limited at major transfer stations.
\n
China's rapidly expanding railway network presents an ongoing challenge.
\n
"Compared to the past, today's railway map is considerably more complex with its intricate web of intersecting routes," Xing noted.
\n
China's railway system spanned more than 160,000 kilometers by the end of last year, and continues to expand annually.
\n
Xing keeps her knowledge up to date by studying official map updates and redrawing the network nearly every other day to reinforce her memory.
\n
Despite being dubbed the railway's "super brain" on social media, Xing remains modest.
\n
"I don't consider memorizing and drawing the railway network particularly extraordinary," she said. "Many of my colleagues are equally excellent in their ways."
\n
In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and digital tools, Xing's achievement has sparked interest in the role of human expertise. She believes mastering such skills helps develop problem-solving abilities and brings unique value to customer service.
\n
"While new technologies such as AI are indeed advanced, mastering this skill has significantly enhanced my professional capabilities," she said.
\n
"More importantly, it enables me to provide immediate, personalized assistance to passengers without relying on technology, especially when quick, alternative solutions are needed," she added.
\n
zhengzheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -3652,28 +4070,6 @@
"hash": "695ac7980504338a6a27cd4121334c8e",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "005CHINA - Business zone to deepen intl cooperation",
- "description": "
Foreigners from countries who have valid invitations will be able to enter Shanghai's future Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone without visas or other permits and stay for up to 30 days per entry, with the option to apply for extensions if needed, officials said on Friday.
\n
In addition to the 30-day policy, inbound visitors can also benefit from existing visa-free policies when traveling from the business cooperation zone to Shanghai and the surrounding areas. People already in China may enter the zone by applying for a relevant pass, said Wu Qunfeng, deputy director of the zone's administrative office, at a news conference.
\n
Occupying a planned area of 880,000 square meters, the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone borders Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the east and Shanghai East Railway Station to the south. The eastern section of the area has been designated as the pilot launch zone.
\n
The municipal government unveiled a set of administrative measures for the zone on Tuesday, which took effect on Aug 1. The State Council, China's Cabinet, had given its principal approval of the zone's general development plan in February 2024, Wu said.
\n
According to the official timeline, the pilot launch zone will be ready for closed operation by the end of this year, with basic functions in place. By 2028, the full business cooperation area is expected to achieve closed-loop operation and complete key infrastructure projects. The entire zone is slated for full completion by 2030.
\n
"The future business cooperation zone is positioned to become a new platform for international business exchange, a new hub for the convergence of global resources and services, and a new nexus for advancing integration in the Yangtze River Delta," Wu said.
\n
He added that the zone will serve three core functions: facilitating international business exchange, supporting high-end exhibitions and events, and enhancing the quality of professional training services.
\n
The administrative measures consist of 30 articles across eight chapters covering general provisions, governance structure, functional positioning, personnel management, goods and baggage control, support services, integrated safeguards and supplementary provisions, said Zhang Jie, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
\n
Zhang said the new zone will be among China's most open areas. Multinational companies, international institutions and enterprises are encouraged to conduct cross-border business in the zone. Foreign organizations will be able to independently host international exhibitions. Professional training activities — such as those involving medical equipment operations, aviation simulations and specialized maintenance — will also be supported, along with high-level international conferences.
\n
To improve mobility, authorities have introduced innovative management measures for the movement of people, baggage and goods in and out of the zone.
\n
Zhang Yi, deputy head of Shanghai Customs, said the zone will serve as a pilot ground for intelligent technologies.
\n
"Meeting the highest international standards, digital and smart technologies will be applied to streamline customs procedures and provide more efficient and user-friendly clearance services," Zhang Yi said.
\n
Zhang Jie added that developing the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone is a key strategic mission assigned to Shanghai by the central government.
\n
"The zone is part of efforts to serve China's new development pattern, promote high-level opening-up and further enhance Shanghai's role as a global center for the economy, finance, trade, shipping, and science and technology innovation," he said.
\n
wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Foreigners from countries who have valid invitations will be able to enter Shanghai's future Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone without visas or other permits and stay for up to 30 days per entry, with the option to apply for extensions if needed, officials said on Friday.
\n
In addition to the 30-day policy, inbound visitors can also benefit from existing visa-free policies when traveling from the business cooperation zone to Shanghai and the surrounding areas. People already in China may enter the zone by applying for a relevant pass, said Wu Qunfeng, deputy director of the zone's administrative office, at a news conference.
\n
Occupying a planned area of 880,000 square meters, the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone borders Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the east and Shanghai East Railway Station to the south. The eastern section of the area has been designated as the pilot launch zone.
\n
The municipal government unveiled a set of administrative measures for the zone on Tuesday, which took effect on Aug 1. The State Council, China's Cabinet, had given its principal approval of the zone's general development plan in February 2024, Wu said.
\n
According to the official timeline, the pilot launch zone will be ready for closed operation by the end of this year, with basic functions in place. By 2028, the full business cooperation area is expected to achieve closed-loop operation and complete key infrastructure projects. The entire zone is slated for full completion by 2030.
\n
"The future business cooperation zone is positioned to become a new platform for international business exchange, a new hub for the convergence of global resources and services, and a new nexus for advancing integration in the Yangtze River Delta," Wu said.
\n
He added that the zone will serve three core functions: facilitating international business exchange, supporting high-end exhibitions and events, and enhancing the quality of professional training services.
\n
The administrative measures consist of 30 articles across eight chapters covering general provisions, governance structure, functional positioning, personnel management, goods and baggage control, support services, integrated safeguards and supplementary provisions, said Zhang Jie, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
\n
Zhang said the new zone will be among China's most open areas. Multinational companies, international institutions and enterprises are encouraged to conduct cross-border business in the zone. Foreign organizations will be able to independently host international exhibitions. Professional training activities — such as those involving medical equipment operations, aviation simulations and specialized maintenance — will also be supported, along with high-level international conferences.
\n
To improve mobility, authorities have introduced innovative management measures for the movement of people, baggage and goods in and out of the zone.
\n
Zhang Yi, deputy head of Shanghai Customs, said the zone will serve as a pilot ground for intelligent technologies.
\n
"Meeting the highest international standards, digital and smart technologies will be applied to streamline customs procedures and provide more efficient and user-friendly clearance services," Zhang Yi said.
\n
Zhang Jie added that developing the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone is a key strategic mission assigned to Shanghai by the central government.
\n
"The zone is part of efforts to serve China's new development pattern, promote high-level opening-up and further enhance Shanghai's role as a global center for the economy, finance, trade, shipping, and science and technology innovation," he said.
Abudu Xiamier (center) plays the rabab together with his brother Abudu Xiakeer (second from right) and their cousins in the living room of his guesthouse in Tashikurgan Tajik autonomous county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on June 13.
\n
Abudu Xiamier invites a tourist from Tangshan, Hebei province, to join in a traditional Tajik dance in the guesthouse on June 13.
\n
A vlogger from Tangshan records Abudu Xiamier performing on a traditional drum in the guesthouse on June 13.
\n
Tourists from Tangshan enjoy their stay in the guesthouse on June 13.
\n
Abudu Xiamier plays the rabab, a lute-like instrument popular across Central Asia.
\n
Abudu Xiamier poses for a photo with a tourist from Tangshan in the guesthouse courtyard on June 13.
\n
Abudu Xiamier enjoys a cup of Pu'er tea brought by tourists who drove from Dali, Yunnan province, in the guesthouse courtyard on June 13.
\n
A Uygur couple from Aksu city in Xinjiang pose for a photo in the living room of the guesthouse on June 10.
\n
Abudu Xiamier sits in front of a portrait of himself in the guesthouse on June 13.
\n
It was nearly 9:30 pm, but the sky above the Pamir Plateau still held the soft glow of the setting sun. In the far west of China, where the borders of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan converge, twilight lingers a little longer.
\n
Inside a cozy guesthouse in Tashikurgan Tajik autonomous county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, 31-year-old Abudu Xiamier was teaching a young couple from Tangshan, a city in northern China's Hebei province, the traditional Tajik eagle dance. With steady, sweeping arm movements, he mimicked the flight of an eagle — strong, graceful, and free.
\n
For the Tajik people, eagles are not mere symbols; they are living metaphors for heroism, honesty, and strength. The eagle dance, an art form passed down through generations, was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
\n
Xiamier's guesthouse is more than a hostel — it is a living museum of culture and memory. A wooden clock carved in the shape of an eagle hangs in a prominent spot. Traditional instruments like the rabab (lute-like instrument) and setar (string instrument) rest in the corners, while richly colored carpets from different decades cover the walls. In one corner hangs a deep red rug from the 1960s — used at his grandfather's wedding, and preserved ever since.
\n
Born and raised in this high-altitude land, Xiamier once left to chase a dream. At 13, he traveled nearly 4,000 kilometers to Zhangjiakou in northern China to study dance. At 17, he was admitted to Minzu University of China — one of the nation's top universities — where he trained to become a professional performer. "Many of my seniors didn't make it, but I did," he recalled with pride.
\n
After graduation in 2015, he joined the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Art Troupe, gracing stages across the region and beyond. His guesthouse walls now display over 20 performance badges from that chapter of his life — each one a relic of a dance, a tour, a city, a moment. "In total, I have over 2,000 of these," he said, smiling.
\n
But in 2021, everything changed. A severe injury during a performance forced him to leave the stage. While recovering in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, his parents traveled more than 1,700 kilometers from Tashikurgan to care for him. "They wanted me to come home," he said. And he did.
\n
With their support, he transformed his grandfather's old house into a guesthouse that blends Tajik tradition with modern hospitality. The inspiration came from his travels, particularly his stays in guesthouses in the Xizang autonomous region, where he once danced and shared stories late into the night with the host and other guests.
\n
His younger brother, Xiakeer, born in 2000, also found his way back to Tashikurgan after studying in Xiamen, a coastal city more than 4,000 km away in Fujian province. "Things are changing fast here," he said. "We used to travel 300 km to Kashgar for many essentials. Now, most of what we need is available right here in the county."
\n
Indeed, infrastructure and tourism have reshaped this remote corner of Xinjiang. In 2022, the Tashikurgan Khunjerab Airport opened, becoming the region's first high-plateau airport. Visitors now flock here to witness the stunning Pamir landscapes and experience Tajik culture firsthand.
\n
Xiamier said that he sometimes misses the stage — the spotlight, the energy, the audience. "But life now is also full of meaning," he said. "I meet people from all over China — some are curious about Tajik customs, others are fascinated by the structure of our old houses, or the intricate wood carvings. Many say it reminds them of their childhood."
\n
In the evenings, the guesthouse comes alive with laughter, music, and dancing. Xiamier, once a professional performer on national stages, now plays traditional instruments he taught himself — rabab and eagle flute — and invites guests to join in. The warmth of the room, bathed in amber light, becomes a space of connection: between past and present, tradition and reinvention, guest and host.
\n
wuxiaohui@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -3696,28 +4092,6 @@
"hash": "38906c902ba66a30c55a793aa5082e80",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "008COMMENT - US putting its old-generation chips on Chinese table in a bid to stop Ascend",
- "description": "
China's cyberspace regulator's summoning of Nvidia executives has indicated the Chinese side's being sober-minded over what's behind the US side's recent approval of the tech giant exporting its H20 chips to China.
\n
Nvidia was demanded to give explanations and submit relevant materials proving that the H20 artificial intelligence semiconductors do not pose a data security threat to Chinese users, according to a statement the Cyberspace Administration of China issued on Thursday.
\n
US officials had previously insisted the H20 chip sales curbs weren't up for negotiation. Shortly before they walked that back, some US lawmakers called for advanced chips for export to be equipped with "tracking and positioning" functions.
\n
The CAC said it was concerned by the proposal of the US lawmakers, adding in a statement that some US AI experts have disclosed that the "tracking and positioning" and "remote shutdown" technologies of Nvidia chips have matured.
\n
The H20 AI chip is a product "customized", if not castrated, for the Chinese market to comply with the United States' restrictive policies on exports of AI chips, which are aimed at maintaining the US' dominance in the high-tech sector.
\n
For instance, the US has strictly cut China off from Nvidia's most advanced AI products including its flagship B200 chip. The company's H100 chip, which is more advanced than the H20, was banned from sale in China in 2022 before it was even launched. "We don't sell them our best stuff, not our second best stuff, not even our third best. The fourth one down, we want to keep China using it. We want to keep having the Chinese use the American technology stack, because they still rely upon it," US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told the media.
\n
It is China's breakthroughs in producing its own AI chips that has prompted the US to lift its curbs on the exports of H20 chips just three months after they were banned. Something confirmed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's recent remarks.
\n
China and some others already have "an equivalent chip. So, you know, if there is an equivalent chip, then the Nvidia H20 could be sold", Bessent said. "Because I can tell you the one thing that we do not want is a digital Belt and Road springing up around the world because other countries or China are substituting for our American chip manufacturers."
\n
The US treasury chief specifically referred to Huawei's Ascend AI chip, which the US banned globally in May, baselessly claiming that it contains US know-how. The Ascend chip, a graphics processing unit, represents an architectural evolution, as experts have noted, and it achieves performance comparable to Nvidia chips by combining two processors into a single package through advanced integration techniques. That gives it incremental improvements, including enhanced support for diverse AI workload data.
\n
So while trying to prevent other economies accessing Huawei's chip, the US even cannot stand seeing Chinese companies using the chips made in their own country.
\n
White House AI adviser David Sacks revealed that the administration's reversal on its H20 export curbs was intended to position Nvidia to compete more effectively in the Chinese market and thereby blunt efforts by Huawei to gain a bigger slice of the Chinese market.
\n
The policy change enables the US to "deprive Huawei of having this giant market share in China that they can then use to scale up and compete globally", Sacks told the media. "The policy is nuanced and it makes a lot of sense."
\n
Nvidia looks set to become a direct beneficiary of the green light the US administration gave to shipments of H20 chips to China, as it can not only prevent its early input in designing and manufacturing the chips from being wasted but also compete in one of the fastest growing AI markets in the world.
\n
The company said the revised sales forecast for the H20 promises to restore billions of dollars in revenue for it this year. The company just placed an order with contract manufacturer TSMC for 300,000 H20 chipsets due to strong demand, Reuters reported.
\n
But the US side seems unrealistically confident in betting the Chinese regulators cannot see through the containment nature its "nuanced" but "makes-a-lot-of-sense" policy reversal. It should not be forgotten that even before the "backdoor" questioning, Nvidia is facing an antitrust investigation in China, with the State Administration for Market Regulation announcing late last year that it was investigating the chipmaker over suspected violations of the country's Anti-Monopoly Law.
\n
The Chinese authorities' looking into the H20 matter is fully justified and aimed at safeguarding cyberspace and data security for Chinese users. Nvidia needs to prove both its chips and intentions are clean.
China's cyberspace regulator's summoning of Nvidia executives has indicated the Chinese side's being sober-minded over what's behind the US side's recent approval of the tech giant exporting its H20 chips to China.
\n
Nvidia was demanded to give explanations and submit relevant materials proving that the H20 artificial intelligence semiconductors do not pose a data security threat to Chinese users, according to a statement the Cyberspace Administration of China issued on Thursday.
\n
US officials had previously insisted the H20 chip sales curbs weren't up for negotiation. Shortly before they walked that back, some US lawmakers called for advanced chips for export to be equipped with "tracking and positioning" functions.
\n
The CAC said it was concerned by the proposal of the US lawmakers, adding in a statement that some US AI experts have disclosed that the "tracking and positioning" and "remote shutdown" technologies of Nvidia chips have matured.
\n
The H20 AI chip is a product "customized", if not castrated, for the Chinese market to comply with the United States' restrictive policies on exports of AI chips, which are aimed at maintaining the US' dominance in the high-tech sector.
\n
For instance, the US has strictly cut China off from Nvidia's most advanced AI products including its flagship B200 chip. The company's H100 chip, which is more advanced than the H20, was banned from sale in China in 2022 before it was even launched. "We don't sell them our best stuff, not our second best stuff, not even our third best. The fourth one down, we want to keep China using it. We want to keep having the Chinese use the American technology stack, because they still rely upon it," US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told the media.
\n
It is China's breakthroughs in producing its own AI chips that has prompted the US to lift its curbs on the exports of H20 chips just three months after they were banned. Something confirmed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's recent remarks.
\n
China and some others already have "an equivalent chip. So, you know, if there is an equivalent chip, then the Nvidia H20 could be sold", Bessent said. "Because I can tell you the one thing that we do not want is a digital Belt and Road springing up around the world because other countries or China are substituting for our American chip manufacturers."
\n
The US treasury chief specifically referred to Huawei's Ascend AI chip, which the US banned globally in May, baselessly claiming that it contains US know-how. The Ascend chip, a graphics processing unit, represents an architectural evolution, as experts have noted, and it achieves performance comparable to Nvidia chips by combining two processors into a single package through advanced integration techniques. That gives it incremental improvements, including enhanced support for diverse AI workload data.
\n
So while trying to prevent other economies accessing Huawei's chip, the US even cannot stand seeing Chinese companies using the chips made in their own country.
\n
White House AI adviser David Sacks revealed that the administration's reversal on its H20 export curbs was intended to position Nvidia to compete more effectively in the Chinese market and thereby blunt efforts by Huawei to gain a bigger slice of the Chinese market.
\n
The policy change enables the US to "deprive Huawei of having this giant market share in China that they can then use to scale up and compete globally", Sacks told the media. "The policy is nuanced and it makes a lot of sense."
\n
Nvidia looks set to become a direct beneficiary of the green light the US administration gave to shipments of H20 chips to China, as it can not only prevent its early input in designing and manufacturing the chips from being wasted but also compete in one of the fastest growing AI markets in the world.
\n
The company said the revised sales forecast for the H20 promises to restore billions of dollars in revenue for it this year. The company just placed an order with contract manufacturer TSMC for 300,000 H20 chipsets due to strong demand, Reuters reported.
\n
But the US side seems unrealistically confident in betting the Chinese regulators cannot see through the containment nature its "nuanced" but "makes-a-lot-of-sense" policy reversal. It should not be forgotten that even before the "backdoor" questioning, Nvidia is facing an antitrust investigation in China, with the State Administration for Market Regulation announcing late last year that it was investigating the chipmaker over suspected violations of the country's Anti-Monopoly Law.
\n
The Chinese authorities' looking into the H20 matter is fully justified and aimed at safeguarding cyberspace and data security for Chinese users. Nvidia needs to prove both its chips and intentions are clean.
With the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continuing to worsen day by day, the plight of Palestinians in the enclave has prompted more Western countries to join the international recognition of a Palestinian state.
\n
In recent weeks, France, the United Kingdom and Canada have one after another announced their plans to recognize a state of Palestine in Israeli-occupied territory at the United Nations General Assembly this September.
\n
Germany, though it has not announced a similar plan, has also voiced its support with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressing last week that the process to recognize a Palestinian state "must begin now".
\n
Persistent conflict in Gaza, the besieged Palestinian enclave's ever-deepening humanitarian disaster, and the appalling death toll of civilians have finally given the momentum for these Western countries to put the weight behind this long-gestating right of the Palestinian people. Despite the fact that 147 of the 193 UN member states have recognized the State of Palestine as a sovereign country, these Western countries, staunch supporters of Israel, had previously remained tightlipped about recognition.
\n
Growing sympathy for the besieged Palestinians and rising public anger at Israel's inhumane campaign to clear them out of Gaza have aggregated to pressure these Western governments and politicians to respond with a policy shift.
\n
The latest development, which has come at a high price, marks a major development in pursuit of the "two-state solution", which is the only viable way to eventually end the cycle of violence between the Israelis and Palestinians.
\n
The inferno in Gaza cannot be allowed to go on any further. Since the conflict broke out on Oct 7, 2023, triggered by Hamas' attacks on Israel, more than 60,000 Palestinian lives have been lost in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Among those killed in Gaza, about 18,500 are children, a rate of more than one child per hour, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. Anyone with a conscience will be sickened and appalled at the callousness behind the heartache.
\n
But there is much that needs to be done before the process to realize the "two-state solution" can be set in motion. For starters, the international community must continue to push for a ceasefire and press Israel to allow more international aid, especially food and medicine, into the Palestinian enclave. Starvation in the Gaza Strip has become so acute that even Israel's staunchest supporter the United States cannot deny it.
\n
Last Monday, during his visit to Scotland, the US president acknowledged that there is "real starvation" in Gaza, which is in stark contrast to Israel's denial of a hunger crisis in the territory.
\n
The Gaza crisis has become a scar on the conscience of the whole world. The consensus for a Palestinian state has never been greater than today. China has always firmly supported the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. Last week, the country called on the United Nations to admit Palestine as a full member at the earliest opportunity, urging all countries not to place obstacles in its way, and appealing to those that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so without delay.
\n
On Friday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson deplored the US sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Washington should join the majority of the world community in effectively implementing relevant UN resolutions, and make active efforts to promote the proper resolution of the Palestine question, rather than continuing to support Israel's unconscionable actions.
\n
The divide between the US and some of its Western allies on the Gaza situation is becoming increasingly obvious. It should take no more lives to prompt the latter to push the US to realize that a proper settlement of the Palestine question through the "two-state solution" is not only entailed by the pressing humanitarian needs but also aligned with the call of the international community.
India will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite the United States administration's threats of penalties, according to a Reuters report.
\n
Considering that came shortly after the US president said on Friday that he had heard that India would no longer be buying oil from Russia, that might further strain the ongoing trade talks between the US and India.
\n
Their trade talks have also been bogged down by issues including access to what the US administration says is India's "highly protected" agriculture and dairy sector.
\n
But considering that there is no question of New Delhi compromising on India's agriculture and dairy sectors, especially as it will not allow imports of dairy products due to religion-based opposition to animal feed in these products, even US officials think the differences between the two countries will not be easily resolved.
\n
The US' dealmaking with some other major economies is also not going smoothly. Since news of the US-EU framework deal was announced last month, not only has criticism mounted, but it has become clear that many details are yet to be ironed out, as the BBC pointed out in a report.
\n
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen seemed to rejoice at the announcement that a 15 percent tariff would be applied on most EU exports to the US. Yet, although that is lower than the 30 percent tariff initially threatened by the US, it is still more than three times the previous 4.8 percent average rate.
\n
With both sides still wrangling over the details, the EU and the US have not released an official statement on the framework deal. Even if these are resolved, the European Commission has emphasized the statement will not be legally binding but a "set of political commitments".
\n
In response to the discontent of many of its member states, Brussels can only try and comfort them by saying that the framework deal has at least prevented the escalation of the trade tensions with the US.
\n
The US side said the EU will invest heavily in the country, and buy more US oil and gas as part of the agreed framework deal. But scaling up further in these sectors — about 80 percent of EU defense spending goes to the US now — means the bloc will put all its eggs in one basket in both security and the economy.
\n
That is at odds with Von der Leyen's recent ReArm Europe plan, which calls for investments in Europe's domestic defense industry, as well as the EU's de-risking economic policy orientation.
\n
No wonder French President Emmanuel Macron said: "To be free, you have to be feared... We have not been feared enough. There is a greater urgency than ever to accelerate the European agenda for sovereignty and competitiveness."
\n
As some observers point out, the EU might roll out some compensation for EU exporters, but that would end up costing taxpayers, resulting in Europeans paying the price of US tariffs.
\n
Likewise, although the US has announced remarkable progress has been made in its trade talks with different economies, how much its "victory" can at last be finalized in the form of other economies opening their markets for US goods while enabling the US to raise tax rates on their exports to the US remains to be seen.
\n
While the US has effectively wielded tariffs as a cudgel, as the Associated Press noted, to reset the terms of trade, the economic impact is uncertain as most economists expect a slowdown in US growth and greater inflationary pressures as some of the costs of the taxes are passed along to domestic businesses and consumers.
\n
Moreover, the administration's attempts to bind its tariff war with its geopolitical purposes, including the Ukraine crisis, only serve to make the situation more complicated and threaten to derail not only its trade talks with certain economies but also the solution of related burning issues.
\n
A tariff war does not have a victor. Waging a tariff war against the rest of the world will not raise the US' tariff revenues, and cannot help offset the budget deficit increases or create jobs, two stated objectives of the administration.
\n
Accounting for about 17 percent of the world's goods trade, the US is overestimating its capability to lever change in the world's trade rules by simply wielding a tariff baton. Let alone the fact that it has not introduced any practical rules in the process so far except a protectionist, unilateral and exploitative approach under the cover of the "art of the deal".
\n",
@@ -3784,28 +4136,6 @@
"hash": "4e395ced00b5dd91e1a08ed3e12ec104",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "008COMMENT - Use AI for global prosperity, not for dominance",
- "description": "
While artificial intelligence is transforming global economies and societies, some nations want to weaponize this key technology for geopolitical dominance. In contrast, China's recent initiatives present a constructive alternative.
\n
Late last month, the 2025 World AI Conference& High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance was held in Shanghai, where more than 300 purchase orders with a combined value of roughly 16.2 billion yuan ($2.24 billion) were finalized.
\n
While addressing the event's opening ceremony, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to global AI governance to ensure that the technology is developed for the good of all. Accordingly, the Chinese government has proposed the establishment of a world AI cooperation organization as part of its efforts to bolster the open, inclusive and equitable development of AI and effective global governance of the technology.
\n
In an article in the South China Morning Post, Professor Zeng Jinghan of the City University of Hong Kong wrote that "the High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance was not just symbolic". He contended that China's initiative stands in stark contrast to the path taken by other powers. The United States' strategy of maintaining technological supremacy over China reflects a confrontational approach that undermines genuine multilateral cooperation. Rather than advancing inclusive frameworks for responsible AI development, such zero-sum tactics risk fragmenting international standards and impeding collective progress on critical challenges.
\n
Scott Singer, an expert on China's AI sector at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the Washington Post that "in China, there is definitely stronger government support for applications and a clear mandate from the central government to diffuse the technology through society". In contrast, the US has focused more on developing the most advanced AI models while "the application layer has been totally ignored", said Singer.
\n
In fact, just days after the Shanghai event, China's State Council executive meeting on Thursday approved guidelines on implementing the "AI Plus" initiative, calling for vigorously advancing the large-scale commercial application of AI and boosting its accelerated popularization and deep integration across various fields of economic and social development.
\n
In an interview with Economic Information Daily, Zhu Minghao, executive director of the high-end manufacturing research center at Beijing Jiaotong University, said that the deeper implementation of the "AI Plus" initiative will enable iterative upgrades in key AI technologies through diverse applications, further enhancing the global competitiveness of China's AI industry.
\n
Other experts agree. Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy, told Chinanews.com that the initiative will foster the emergence of diverse AI-powered application scenarios and represents a big boon for China's AI industry.
\n
Liu Gang, chief economist of the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies told Shanghai Securities News that AI is reshaping the fundamental logic of economic growth and that China's advantages in AI application scenarios and technological innovation will gradually translate into industrial competitiveness.
\n
China has taken concrete steps for global AI governance in recent years. In 2023, the country launched the Global AI Governance Initiative to boost the open, fair and inclusive development and governance of AI technologies. The country further proposed the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All in 2024 to help bridge the global AI divide and foster inclusive and balanced global development. These efforts demonstrate China's dedication to creating a balanced and mutually beneficial global AI ecosystem.
\n
Is AI to be a race for dominance or a platform for global progress? China has made its answer clear.
\n",
- "content": "
While artificial intelligence is transforming global economies and societies, some nations want to weaponize this key technology for geopolitical dominance. In contrast, China's recent initiatives present a constructive alternative.
\n
Late last month, the 2025 World AI Conference& High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance was held in Shanghai, where more than 300 purchase orders with a combined value of roughly 16.2 billion yuan ($2.24 billion) were finalized.
\n
While addressing the event's opening ceremony, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to global AI governance to ensure that the technology is developed for the good of all. Accordingly, the Chinese government has proposed the establishment of a world AI cooperation organization as part of its efforts to bolster the open, inclusive and equitable development of AI and effective global governance of the technology.
\n
In an article in the South China Morning Post, Professor Zeng Jinghan of the City University of Hong Kong wrote that "the High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance was not just symbolic". He contended that China's initiative stands in stark contrast to the path taken by other powers. The United States' strategy of maintaining technological supremacy over China reflects a confrontational approach that undermines genuine multilateral cooperation. Rather than advancing inclusive frameworks for responsible AI development, such zero-sum tactics risk fragmenting international standards and impeding collective progress on critical challenges.
\n
Scott Singer, an expert on China's AI sector at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the Washington Post that "in China, there is definitely stronger government support for applications and a clear mandate from the central government to diffuse the technology through society". In contrast, the US has focused more on developing the most advanced AI models while "the application layer has been totally ignored", said Singer.
\n
In fact, just days after the Shanghai event, China's State Council executive meeting on Thursday approved guidelines on implementing the "AI Plus" initiative, calling for vigorously advancing the large-scale commercial application of AI and boosting its accelerated popularization and deep integration across various fields of economic and social development.
\n
In an interview with Economic Information Daily, Zhu Minghao, executive director of the high-end manufacturing research center at Beijing Jiaotong University, said that the deeper implementation of the "AI Plus" initiative will enable iterative upgrades in key AI technologies through diverse applications, further enhancing the global competitiveness of China's AI industry.
\n
Other experts agree. Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy, told Chinanews.com that the initiative will foster the emergence of diverse AI-powered application scenarios and represents a big boon for China's AI industry.
\n
Liu Gang, chief economist of the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies told Shanghai Securities News that AI is reshaping the fundamental logic of economic growth and that China's advantages in AI application scenarios and technological innovation will gradually translate into industrial competitiveness.
\n
China has taken concrete steps for global AI governance in recent years. In 2023, the country launched the Global AI Governance Initiative to boost the open, fair and inclusive development and governance of AI technologies. The country further proposed the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All in 2024 to help bridge the global AI divide and foster inclusive and balanced global development. These efforts demonstrate China's dedication to creating a balanced and mutually beneficial global AI ecosystem.
\n
Is AI to be a race for dominance or a platform for global progress? China has made its answer clear.
Csaba Kandrács is deputy governor of the Central Bank of Hungary (MNB).
\n
Balázs Sárvári is a senior researcher at the MNB.
\n\n
Editor's note: Despite growing global economic uncertainties and the rapidly changing international landscape, China remains committed to further opening up its economy, pursuing high-quality development and engaging in global cooperation. The initiatives taken by China, including trade agreements with both developed and developing countries, are yielding rich dividends, which all can see. Four experts share their views on the issue with China Daily.
\n
With the world facing escalating climate risks, the call for robust, cooperative climate governance has become even more urgent. With their complementary strengths in renewable development, technological innovation, and financial regulation, China and the European Union can act as twin anchors for green transition.
\n
A supervisory approach, especially sustainable finance, is a vital tool in this transition. Central banks and financial regulators have emerged not just as risk managers, but also as enablers of industrial decarbonization. A deeper China-EU partnership, grounded in supervisory collaboration, offers a model of climate leadership marked by prudence, inclusiveness and institutional foresight. As a small but strategically located and innovation-oriented country, Hungary — through its central bank, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB) — can play the pivotal role of bridge in this process.
\n
Global climate governance demands deep-rooted stability and long-term foresight. These qualities are precisely what China's ancient concept of tianxia ("all under heaven") embodies as an inclusive worldview grounded in harmony, continuity and responsible leadership. Much more than a historical idea, tianxia reflects China's unparalleled state continuity, offering a model of resilient governance that spans millenniums.
\n
In an era of rising fragmentation and short-termism, China has sent a vital message to global climate governance: the importance of a civilization is steeped in continuity, stability and an enduring commitment to long-term stewardship.
\n
As Xie Zhenhua, China's first special envoy on climate change, said, China and the EU can work together to promote global climate governance, advance global green transformation, explore diverse, just and inclusive transformation paths, mobilize and promote more climate actions and inject stability and certainty into a turbulent and uncertain international situation.
\n
The EU and China have already laid a solid foundation for this partnership. Since the 1990s, the two sides have been working closely on environmental issues. Their cooperation gained momentum in 2020 with the creation of a high-level dialogue mechanism on climate and the environment, which has since held five annual meetings, consolidating their green partnership.
\n
There are clear synergies as well as differences between the Chinese and European approaches to sustainable finance supervision. One of the most promising synergies is their shared goal in developing green taxonomies, conducting climate-related stress testing, and enhancing the quality and comparability of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures. But the differences remain, especially on the emissions intensity benchmarks and sector-specific thresholds.
\n
In this regard, the MNB stands out as a trend-setter in the region. As a pioneer in Central Europe, it has adopted a green mandate and, besides other innovations, launched green bond programs, conducted climate stress tests, and introduced green preferential capital requirements for the first time in the world. These initiatives offer useful reference points for building convergence between EU and Chinese supervisory regimes.
\n
To foster a "common language of sustainability", it is recommended that targeted dialogue mechanisms, and a shared sustainable finance data hub be established. A notable best practice along this path is the MNB's accession to the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment last year, the first such move in Central and Eastern Europe.
\n
CASI is a Beijing- and Hong Kong-based international initiative aimed at ensuring the global availability of well-trained experts in sustainable investment. In a first, the MNB and CASI co-hosted a joint financial webinar focused on managing climate-related risks, marking the beginning of a promising partnership in international sustainable finance capacity-building.
\n
The role of central banks is undergoing a fundamental transformation — from focusing solely on monetary and financial stability to embracing environmental stewardship as a core mandate. As key facilitators of industrial decarbonization, regulators in both China and the EU should collaborate in designing and deploying effective supervisory tools.
\n
By integrating green aspects into supervisory practice, the MNB has shown how central banks can both safeguard financial stability and redirect capital toward low-carbon sectors, thereby influencing the broader trajectory of industrial transformation. This evolving process presents a valuable opportunity for China and the EU to deepen their collaboration by aligning their financial and regulatory instruments in support of climate-smart industrial growth. By co-developing innovative financial mechanisms, the two sides can help de-risk investments and accelerate the emergence of resilient, low-carbon industries.
\n
This year is symbolic in that it marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations. With the shared goal and a growing legacy of cooperation, the two sides have the intellectual, institutional and financial capital to shape global climate governance. Through supervisory leadership and sustainable financing, and institutional diplomacy, China and the EU can co-build a sustainable future that is green, inclusive and resilient.
\n
Sustainable financial diplomacy can foster regulatory trust and mutual understanding, and joint supervisory projects, shared training initiatives, and a commitment to data transparency can turn divergence into dialogue. The Hungarian central bank, with its CASI membership and commitment to knowledge exchange, can serve as a bridge between EU and Chinese regulatory systems. The upcoming Asian Financial Cooperation Association Financial Summit Forum in Budapest, Hungary, in August will be a landmark event, which can strengthen this role. The MNB is ready to act as a strategic middle point.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
\n",
@@ -3828,28 +4158,6 @@
"hash": "71aeab9c20b72356ef4f1fd6f015c4d2",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "009VIEWS - Building smarter cities for an AI century",
- "description": "
The author is chief executive of the Digital Dubai Government Establishment at Digital Dubai.
\n
The future is no longer a destination; it is in daily operation. In Dubai, we have spent the last decade moving from strategy to execution, embedding digital transformation into the city's DNA. From AI-enhanced healthcare to real-time mobility systems, we are not preparing for the next era of cities; we are already living it.
\n
At the heart of this transformation is Digital Dubai, with which I am intricately involved. Digital Dubai was launched to leverage technology to build a globally competitive digital city, bolster the emirate's digital economy, and nurture national talents for the future. In recent years, Dubai has emerged as a practical case study on how digital vision can become tangible value, both for governments and the communities they serve.
\n
What makes Dubai's approach unique is the operational agility behind its ambition. Initiatives don't remain on paper for long; they are swiftly turned into action across public services, infrastructure, and business processes. Through public-private collaborations, we are building privacy-first AI applications and equipping civil servants with tools to make data-driven decisions.
\n
Dubai's AI deployment is guided by the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the recently unveiled Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence. Already, 22 chief AI officers have been appointed in government departments, and more than 100 live AI use cases span sectors such as healthcare, transport, urban planning and energy management. The Dubai State of AI Report 2025 showcases this spectrum, from early disease detection in hospitals to digital twins that simulate citywide planning outcomes.
\n
In energy and sustainability, AI helps optimize smart grid performance in real time. In finance, algorithmic models streamline auditing. In transport, the Dubai Loop, designed in partnership with Elon Musk's "The Boring Company", will eventually move 20,000 passengers an hour underground at high speed. And the roads and transport authority has successfully tested eVTOL air taxis, with their commercial launch targeted for 2026.
\n
This momentum aligns with the broader goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, which aims to unlock 100 billion UAE dirhams ($27.22 billion) in annual digital value. The UAE cloud computing market, expected to reach $38.5 billion by 2029, provides the infrastructure backbone for supporting it. And this year, Dubai has ranked 4th globally in the IMD Smart City Index.
\n
Chinese cities, too, are advancing along a parallel trajectory. In Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu, we see examples of how digital governance and artificial intelligence are reshaping the public sphere. Hangzhou's City Brain 3.0 platform, for instance, is an apt example of urban intelligence in action. As detailed in the city's 2025 Vision, the platform integrates real-time data across transportation, public safety, healthcare and administrative services, enabling comprehensive urban governance.
\n
It has reduced traffic congestion by up to 15 percent in key zones, while improving emergency response times by as much as 50 percent. Through the platform, more than 1,000 application scenarios have been developed, showcasing how digital infrastructure can enhance both efficiency and citizens' well-being in a complex urban environment. And in Shenzhen, digital ID systems and AI-powered citizen services are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and reach.
\n
According to the Stanford AI Index 2024, China continues to lead the world in AI publication output and ranks among the top nations for AI talent and adoption. Its smart city pilots, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, are pushing forward digital infrastructure and governance models that are both people-centric and tech-driven.
\n
This alignment between Chinese cities and Dubai isn't coincidental; it reflects a deeper global trend. Cities that integrate AI, data and digital infrastructure into the daily delivery of services are better positioned to respond to immediate challenges and realize long-term ambitions. In both cases, governments are moving beyond passive digitalization toward proactive digital leadership.
\n
Dubai's journey offers an insight that resonates globally: digital maturity alone isn't enough. What sets high-performing cities apart is their ability to act fast, align stakeholders and scale initiatives in a coordinated, secure way. Our success in integrating AI and data across sectors is not just about investment; it's also about cultivating an innovation culture supported by regulation, education and public trust.
\n
It's also about collaboration. Dubai's ecosystem connects local authorities with international partners, technology firms, start-ups and academia. We benefit from global best practices even as we contribute to them. This spirit of mutual learning is something we see mirrored in China's innovation hubs, where pilot programs often serve as test-beds for national-scale initiatives.
\n
As the world's urban population grows, the stakes of city-level digital transformation have never been higher. Whether it's about improving energy use, protecting public health, or designing inclusive mobility, cities must lead, not follow, the global digital shift.
\n
Dubai and Chinese cities may differ in geography, scale and political systems, but they recognize that innovation must be operational, not aspirational. Our shared goal is to build cities that are safer, smarter and more sustainable, cities where data serve people, and not the other way around.
\n
In this journey, dialogue matters. The opportunity to learn from each other across cultures, regions, and governance models will define the next era of progress. After all, the digital century isn't coming. It's already here, and in Dubai, it's already working.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
\n",
- "content": "
The author is chief executive of the Digital Dubai Government Establishment at Digital Dubai.
\n
The future is no longer a destination; it is in daily operation. In Dubai, we have spent the last decade moving from strategy to execution, embedding digital transformation into the city's DNA. From AI-enhanced healthcare to real-time mobility systems, we are not preparing for the next era of cities; we are already living it.
\n
At the heart of this transformation is Digital Dubai, with which I am intricately involved. Digital Dubai was launched to leverage technology to build a globally competitive digital city, bolster the emirate's digital economy, and nurture national talents for the future. In recent years, Dubai has emerged as a practical case study on how digital vision can become tangible value, both for governments and the communities they serve.
\n
What makes Dubai's approach unique is the operational agility behind its ambition. Initiatives don't remain on paper for long; they are swiftly turned into action across public services, infrastructure, and business processes. Through public-private collaborations, we are building privacy-first AI applications and equipping civil servants with tools to make data-driven decisions.
\n
Dubai's AI deployment is guided by the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the recently unveiled Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence. Already, 22 chief AI officers have been appointed in government departments, and more than 100 live AI use cases span sectors such as healthcare, transport, urban planning and energy management. The Dubai State of AI Report 2025 showcases this spectrum, from early disease detection in hospitals to digital twins that simulate citywide planning outcomes.
\n
In energy and sustainability, AI helps optimize smart grid performance in real time. In finance, algorithmic models streamline auditing. In transport, the Dubai Loop, designed in partnership with Elon Musk's "The Boring Company", will eventually move 20,000 passengers an hour underground at high speed. And the roads and transport authority has successfully tested eVTOL air taxis, with their commercial launch targeted for 2026.
\n
This momentum aligns with the broader goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, which aims to unlock 100 billion UAE dirhams ($27.22 billion) in annual digital value. The UAE cloud computing market, expected to reach $38.5 billion by 2029, provides the infrastructure backbone for supporting it. And this year, Dubai has ranked 4th globally in the IMD Smart City Index.
\n
Chinese cities, too, are advancing along a parallel trajectory. In Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu, we see examples of how digital governance and artificial intelligence are reshaping the public sphere. Hangzhou's City Brain 3.0 platform, for instance, is an apt example of urban intelligence in action. As detailed in the city's 2025 Vision, the platform integrates real-time data across transportation, public safety, healthcare and administrative services, enabling comprehensive urban governance.
\n
It has reduced traffic congestion by up to 15 percent in key zones, while improving emergency response times by as much as 50 percent. Through the platform, more than 1,000 application scenarios have been developed, showcasing how digital infrastructure can enhance both efficiency and citizens' well-being in a complex urban environment. And in Shenzhen, digital ID systems and AI-powered citizen services are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and reach.
\n
According to the Stanford AI Index 2024, China continues to lead the world in AI publication output and ranks among the top nations for AI talent and adoption. Its smart city pilots, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, are pushing forward digital infrastructure and governance models that are both people-centric and tech-driven.
\n
This alignment between Chinese cities and Dubai isn't coincidental; it reflects a deeper global trend. Cities that integrate AI, data and digital infrastructure into the daily delivery of services are better positioned to respond to immediate challenges and realize long-term ambitions. In both cases, governments are moving beyond passive digitalization toward proactive digital leadership.
\n
Dubai's journey offers an insight that resonates globally: digital maturity alone isn't enough. What sets high-performing cities apart is their ability to act fast, align stakeholders and scale initiatives in a coordinated, secure way. Our success in integrating AI and data across sectors is not just about investment; it's also about cultivating an innovation culture supported by regulation, education and public trust.
\n
It's also about collaboration. Dubai's ecosystem connects local authorities with international partners, technology firms, start-ups and academia. We benefit from global best practices even as we contribute to them. This spirit of mutual learning is something we see mirrored in China's innovation hubs, where pilot programs often serve as test-beds for national-scale initiatives.
\n
As the world's urban population grows, the stakes of city-level digital transformation have never been higher. Whether it's about improving energy use, protecting public health, or designing inclusive mobility, cities must lead, not follow, the global digital shift.
\n
Dubai and Chinese cities may differ in geography, scale and political systems, but they recognize that innovation must be operational, not aspirational. Our shared goal is to build cities that are safer, smarter and more sustainable, cities where data serve people, and not the other way around.
\n
In this journey, dialogue matters. The opportunity to learn from each other across cultures, regions, and governance models will define the next era of progress. After all, the digital century isn't coming. It's already here, and in Dubai, it's already working.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
The author is a senior editor of the economy section of Gestión, a newspaper published from Peru.
\n
China has found a creative way to manage its e-commerce chain beyond its borders. The impact of Chinese e-commerce on countries of the Global South is visible in more ways than one. In particular, Chinese e-commerce brands have had a huge impact on Peru, my country, within a short span of time.
\n
Temu entered the Peruvian market last year. In less than a year, it is close to becoming the leader in this sector in the country. Data from the Peruvian Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CAPECE in Spanish) show that Chile's Falabella was the most visited marketplace last year, with 22 million page views a month.
\n
Temu was second on the list with 21.9 million page visits — and it achieved that in less than one year. In third place was AliExpress with 16.3 million monthly page views.
\n
CAPECE also said that Shein, another important Chinese marketplace, had increased its presence in Peru in the last quarter of 2024.
\n
I'm pretty sure the situation is similar in other countries of the Global South, with China helping stabilize cross-border e-commerce.
\n
Temu's success can be attributed to its relatively low product prices, special 24-hour services and inbuilt app games that allow you to get even bigger discounts. Temu's success is all the more surprising because it has succeeded in prompting Peruvian people to loosen their purse strings despite their inherent tendency and traditional culture to save. We Peruvians love to say, "el dinero no sobra" (there is no money to spare), because in general, salaries in Peru are low and a good percentage of the country's population is relatively poor.
\n
The most recent data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI in Spanish) show the average monthly salary in 2024 was 1,196 soles ($335) — only a few soles more than the minimum wage in Peru: 1,130 soles (about $317). The amount was increased by Dina Boluarte's government at the beginning of this year.
\n
Also, according to the INEI, 27.6 percent of Peru's population was living in poverty in 2024, with 31.8 percent (about 10.8 million people) being "vulnerable" to poverty, meaning they were in danger of slipping into poverty.
\n
In 2019, that is, before the COVID-19 pandemic, however, only about 20.2 percent of the Peruvian population was living in poverty. This means the pandemic increased the number of poor in the country.
\n
But what do e-commerce platforms such as Temu, AliExpress and Shein have to do with all this? These platforms offer inexpensive products, often with discounts, which the poor Peruvians can afford to buy to meet their needs. In fact, they offer a variety of products, some of which Peruvians might not have seen before.
\n
The growth of Chinese cross-border e-commerce in the Global South is difficult to estimate, but there is no doubt they are continuing to grow — and Peru is proof of that.
\n
The Chancay Port, built by China COSCO Shipping Corporation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, was inaugurated in November last year, with Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the inauguration ceremony. The port is set to revolutionize trade in the Asia-Pacific region, especially between South America and Asia, by significantly reducing transit time and costs. For example, it has significantly reduced shipping time between Peru and Shanghai.
\n
As a matter of fact, Sunat, which is the Peruvian tax and customs authority, reported that the revenue from merchandise shipping at the Chancay Port in the first five months of 2025 was more than $777 million. Sunat also said that between January and May, 4,552 export declarations were processed, of which 71 percent were from the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, Chile and China.
\n
The initial reports on Chancay Port's impact suggest it is on way to becoming a shipping hub and distribution center for all of South America. Temu, AliExpress and Shein can take advantage of this development to expand their businesses in this part of the world.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
Legislators across African countries are calling for diversification of exports and increasing intra-African trade to cushion the impact of US-imposed tariff hikes.
\n
The members of parliament from different African countries, from July 16 to Aug 1, met in Johannesburg at the Pan-African Parliament, where various issues affecting the continent, including trade tariffs, were discussed.
\n
Bhekizizwe Radebe, house chairperson responsible for international relations at the National Council of Provinces, said that South Africa, which faces tariffs of 30 percent, should send a delegation to engage the US Congress on the trade tariffs, and also engage more with other countries for diversification. The National Council of Provinces is one of South Africa's two national parliaments.
\n
"I believe in diplomacy. When you engage, some people understand. We must have a multipronged approach. We have to try everything possible. We have to diversify our markets, but to do that, it takes time. In the meantime, Deputy President (Paul) Mashatile took some businesspeople to China to expand our markets," said Radebe.
\n
Mashatile was recently in China with his delegation. He attended the South Africa-China Investment Forum and the third China International Supply Chain Expo. Mashatile held meetings with Chinese companies, such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the BAIC Group.
\n
Radebe said China is willing to expand the import of finished products from South Africa. He said South Africa should also explore other markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the European Union.
\n
Radebe said, "We will never fight this war alone; we need to fight as a collective. Africa has to speak with one voice and use the World Trade Organization as our shelter."
\n
Radebe said there is great potential in the BRICS countries. When the US withdrew from the International Partners Group, a coalition of nations supporting South Africa's Just Energy Transition Partnership, the EU offered to help, said Radebe, adding China too "raised its hand" to assist.
\n
Thabiso Lebese, a senator in Lesotho, said new tariffs imposed by the US on his country will greatly affect the economy. He said Lesotho has been exporting textiles to the US but not importing enough. Hence the high tariffs. Last year, Lesotho's exports to the US were $237 million, accounting for more than 10 percent of its GDP.
\n
The US tariffs will affect the economy, leave the people with less disposable income, and reduce the number of employees, which will affect most sectors, said Lebese.
\n
He said, "Instead of us murmuring about tariffs and setting endless appointments to see (US President Donald) Trump to renegotiate trade tariffs, we have to look at intra-African trade and trade with one another. We also need to diversify our economy."
\n
Lebese said they have to identify some African countries for selling their textiles. He said they will also identify products manufactured in Lesotho that have an advantage over other African countries, such as apples.
\n
Unity urged
\n
John Bideri, chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament's Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters, said the US tariffs are a wake-up call for Africans to increase intra-African trade. He said African countries have to improve their "internal capabilities", remove trade barriers, and trade with each other. African countries should unite and engage with the US as a bloc, said Bideri, who is also a senator in Rwanda.
\n
Kesitegile Gobotswang, who led the Botswana MPs to the PAP, said his country is feeling the impact of US tariffs.
\n
He said the tariffs have resulted in diamond prices going up. Diamond exports are a big revenue for the country, which is struggling to finance its development budgets, said Gobotswang, a member of parliament in Botswana. He said a loan has been approved for Botswana, which will result in the country's debt-to-GDP reaching 40 percent, and the incurring of huge debt servicing costs.
\n
Gobotswang said, "Trade tariffs present Africa with an opportunity to work together and trade among one another. The African Continental Free Trade Area should be implemented practically to ensure that it works. African countries should invest in strategic infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people and goods. Over 1.3 billion is a huge market and we need to harmonize our laws and eliminate some trade barriers."
\n
He said the African countries were struggling with nontariff barriers imposed by the European Union, and the US tariffs have compounded the problems.
\n
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, a member of parliament in Ghana, felt African countries should increase trade with one another. He said African countries should trade with BRICS countries and other emerging economies, which present opportunities.
Legislators across African countries are calling for diversification of exports and increasing intra-African trade to cushion the impact of US-imposed tariff hikes.
\n
The members of parliament from different African countries, from July 16 to Aug 1, met in Johannesburg at the Pan-African Parliament, where various issues affecting the continent, including trade tariffs, were discussed.
\n
Bhekizizwe Radebe, house chairperson responsible for international relations at the National Council of Provinces, said that South Africa, which faces tariffs of 30 percent, should send a delegation to engage the US Congress on the trade tariffs, and also engage more with other countries for diversification. The National Council of Provinces is one of South Africa's two national parliaments.
\n
"I believe in diplomacy. When you engage, some people understand. We must have a multipronged approach. We have to try everything possible. We have to diversify our markets, but to do that, it takes time. In the meantime, Deputy President (Paul) Mashatile took some businesspeople to China to expand our markets," said Radebe.
\n
Mashatile was recently in China with his delegation. He attended the South Africa-China Investment Forum and the third China International Supply Chain Expo. Mashatile held meetings with Chinese companies, such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the BAIC Group.
\n
Radebe said China is willing to expand the import of finished products from South Africa. He said South Africa should also explore other markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the European Union.
\n
Radebe said, "We will never fight this war alone; we need to fight as a collective. Africa has to speak with one voice and use the World Trade Organization as our shelter."
\n
Radebe said there is great potential in the BRICS countries. When the US withdrew from the International Partners Group, a coalition of nations supporting South Africa's Just Energy Transition Partnership, the EU offered to help, said Radebe, adding China too "raised its hand" to assist.
\n
Thabiso Lebese, a senator in Lesotho, said new tariffs imposed by the US on his country will greatly affect the economy. He said Lesotho has been exporting textiles to the US but not importing enough. Hence the high tariffs. Last year, Lesotho's exports to the US were $237 million, accounting for more than 10 percent of its GDP.
\n
The US tariffs will affect the economy, leave the people with less disposable income, and reduce the number of employees, which will affect most sectors, said Lebese.
\n
He said, "Instead of us murmuring about tariffs and setting endless appointments to see (US President Donald) Trump to renegotiate trade tariffs, we have to look at intra-African trade and trade with one another. We also need to diversify our economy."
\n
Lebese said they have to identify some African countries for selling their textiles. He said they will also identify products manufactured in Lesotho that have an advantage over other African countries, such as apples.
\n
Unity urged
\n
John Bideri, chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament's Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters, said the US tariffs are a wake-up call for Africans to increase intra-African trade. He said African countries have to improve their "internal capabilities", remove trade barriers, and trade with each other. African countries should unite and engage with the US as a bloc, said Bideri, who is also a senator in Rwanda.
\n
Kesitegile Gobotswang, who led the Botswana MPs to the PAP, said his country is feeling the impact of US tariffs.
\n
He said the tariffs have resulted in diamond prices going up. Diamond exports are a big revenue for the country, which is struggling to finance its development budgets, said Gobotswang, a member of parliament in Botswana. He said a loan has been approved for Botswana, which will result in the country's debt-to-GDP reaching 40 percent, and the incurring of huge debt servicing costs.
\n
Gobotswang said, "Trade tariffs present Africa with an opportunity to work together and trade among one another. The African Continental Free Trade Area should be implemented practically to ensure that it works. African countries should invest in strategic infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people and goods. Over 1.3 billion is a huge market and we need to harmonize our laws and eliminate some trade barriers."
\n
He said the African countries were struggling with nontariff barriers imposed by the European Union, and the US tariffs have compounded the problems.
\n
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, a member of parliament in Ghana, felt African countries should increase trade with one another. He said African countries should trade with BRICS countries and other emerging economies, which present opportunities.
Egyptian Ashraf Mahrous (center) pulls 20 private cars for a distance of 10 meters in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday. Mahrous was attempting to break the Guinness World Record held by Canadian Kevin Fast, who pulled 15 cars. Officials from the Guinness World Records were not present at the event, but Mahrous said he would send proof of his attempt for evaluation, media reports said.
With no deal by the Aug 1 deadline, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 to 35 percent — a move experts view as political pressure.
\n
The White House confirmed that goods under the Canada-US-Mexico agreement on free trade will remain exempt from higher tariffs.
\n
Ron Stagg, a history professor at Toronto Metropolitan University specializing in Canada-US relations, said Trump's 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods is likely a tactical opening move — not a final demand.
\n
"President Trump has said he takes strong positions in bargaining in order to win the maximum concessions," Stagg said. "It is my belief that he is willing to accept a lower rate of tariffs if he gets major concessions from Canada."
\n
The higher-than-expected rate announced last week did not surprise Stagg. "I am sure that the Canadian government understands this method of bargaining, since they continue negotiations past Aug 1," he said.
\n
Despite earlier remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing openness to dialogue, talks have failed to yield an agreement. Stagg said the lack of progress reflects political constraints on both sides.
\n
"Certainly the prime minister could not accept 35 percent, even though it applies to only around 10 percent of exports to the United States," he said, noting that most Canadian exports remain covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA.
\n
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce voiced concern over the failure to reach a trade resolution and the imposition of increased tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by CUSMA.
\n
"Our supply chains are inextricably linked, making the impact of trade uncertainty profound for businesses, workers, investors, and communities," the statement said.
\n
The chambers noted that "businesses do not need new barriers; they need clarity and confidence," and urged both governments to resume talks immediately and proceed with a structured review of CUSMA.
\n
"He (Carney) is under pressure from all sides — business, politicians and the public — to take a stand," Stagg said.
\n
Carney criticized the US justification for raising the tariffs. "Canada accounts for only 1 percent of US fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes," Carney said in a statement on Friday. "While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA."
\n
Still, Stagg said he believes the deal remains possible. "A trade agreement could still be negotiated."
\n
'Stand our ground'
\n
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for further retaliation, and said this is not the time to "roll over".
\n
"Canada shouldn't settle for anything less than the right deal. Now is not the time to roll over. We need to stand our ground," Ford said in a statement released on social media on Thursday.
\n
"The federal government needs to hit back with a 50 percent tariff on US steel and aluminum," he said.
\n
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston also indicated his province is considering retaliatory measures of its own.
\n
"Our government will continue its part to support our province and the rest of Canada. Make no mistake: at the provincial level, we will not hesitate to implement retaliatory measures again if they are needed," Houston said in a statement on Aug 1.
\n
On the question of retaliation, Stagg said the Canadian government has options but will move cautiously.
\n
Responding to Carney's recent comment that "Canada will be its own best customer", Stagg said the statement likely reflects a dual strategy: cultivating new markets while boosting domestic capacity.
\n
"Canada is already looking at closer trade ties with Europe and Asia, but it is also looking at how it can produce more of the goods sourced in the US within Canada," he said.
\n
The 35 percent US tariff on Canadian goods is less about trade and more about political leverage, said Vivek Astvansh, associate professor of quantitative marketing and analytics at McGill University.
\n
"The US administration wants the Canadian administration to cede to its demands and preferences," he said, listing issues such as "fentanyl entry, illegal immigration, or tariffs Canada imposes on goods and services imported from the United States".
\n
Astvansh said the sharp increase was deliberate. "Thirty-five percent as opposed to 15 or 20 percent suggests a punitive response," he said, noting that even signed deals may not hold in today's political climate.
\n
gaoyang@chinadailyusa.com
\n",
- "content": "
With no deal by the Aug 1 deadline, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 to 35 percent — a move experts view as political pressure.
\n
The White House confirmed that goods under the Canada-US-Mexico agreement on free trade will remain exempt from higher tariffs.
\n
Ron Stagg, a history professor at Toronto Metropolitan University specializing in Canada-US relations, said Trump's 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods is likely a tactical opening move — not a final demand.
\n
"President Trump has said he takes strong positions in bargaining in order to win the maximum concessions," Stagg said. "It is my belief that he is willing to accept a lower rate of tariffs if he gets major concessions from Canada."
\n
The higher-than-expected rate announced last week did not surprise Stagg. "I am sure that the Canadian government understands this method of bargaining, since they continue negotiations past Aug 1," he said.
\n
Despite earlier remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing openness to dialogue, talks have failed to yield an agreement. Stagg said the lack of progress reflects political constraints on both sides.
\n
"Certainly the prime minister could not accept 35 percent, even though it applies to only around 10 percent of exports to the United States," he said, noting that most Canadian exports remain covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA.
\n
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce voiced concern over the failure to reach a trade resolution and the imposition of increased tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by CUSMA.
\n
"Our supply chains are inextricably linked, making the impact of trade uncertainty profound for businesses, workers, investors, and communities," the statement said.
\n
The chambers noted that "businesses do not need new barriers; they need clarity and confidence," and urged both governments to resume talks immediately and proceed with a structured review of CUSMA.
\n
"He (Carney) is under pressure from all sides — business, politicians and the public — to take a stand," Stagg said.
\n
Carney criticized the US justification for raising the tariffs. "Canada accounts for only 1 percent of US fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes," Carney said in a statement on Friday. "While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA."
\n
Still, Stagg said he believes the deal remains possible. "A trade agreement could still be negotiated."
\n
'Stand our ground'
\n
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for further retaliation, and said this is not the time to "roll over".
\n
"Canada shouldn't settle for anything less than the right deal. Now is not the time to roll over. We need to stand our ground," Ford said in a statement released on social media on Thursday.
\n
"The federal government needs to hit back with a 50 percent tariff on US steel and aluminum," he said.
\n
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston also indicated his province is considering retaliatory measures of its own.
\n
"Our government will continue its part to support our province and the rest of Canada. Make no mistake: at the provincial level, we will not hesitate to implement retaliatory measures again if they are needed," Houston said in a statement on Aug 1.
\n
On the question of retaliation, Stagg said the Canadian government has options but will move cautiously.
\n
Responding to Carney's recent comment that "Canada will be its own best customer", Stagg said the statement likely reflects a dual strategy: cultivating new markets while boosting domestic capacity.
\n
"Canada is already looking at closer trade ties with Europe and Asia, but it is also looking at how it can produce more of the goods sourced in the US within Canada," he said.
\n
The 35 percent US tariff on Canadian goods is less about trade and more about political leverage, said Vivek Astvansh, associate professor of quantitative marketing and analytics at McGill University.
\n
"The US administration wants the Canadian administration to cede to its demands and preferences," he said, listing issues such as "fentanyl entry, illegal immigration, or tariffs Canada imposes on goods and services imported from the United States".
\n
Astvansh said the sharp increase was deliberate. "Thirty-five percent as opposed to 15 or 20 percent suggests a punitive response," he said, noting that even signed deals may not hold in today's political climate.
The four newly launched astronauts (center) pose with other crew members during a welcome ceremony on Saturday at the International Space Station.
\n
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — SpaceX delivered a fresh crew to the International Space Station on Saturday.
\n
The four US, Russian and Japanese astronauts pulled up in their SpaceX capsule after launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. They will spend at least six months at the orbiting lab, swapping places with colleagues who have been there since March. SpaceX will bring those four back as early as Wednesday.
\n
Moving in are NASA's Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimiya Yui and Russia's Oleg Platonov — each of whom had been originally assigned to other missions. "Hello, space station!" Fincke radioed as soon as the capsule docked high above the South Pacific.
\n
Cardman and another astronaut were pulled from a SpaceX flight last year to make room for NASA's two stuck astronauts, Boeing Starliner test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, whose space station stay went from one week to more than nine months.
\n
Fincke and Yui had been training for the next Starliner mission. But with Starliner grounded by thruster and other problems until 2026, the two switched to SpaceX.
\n
Platonov was bumped from the Soyuz launch lineup a couple of years ago because of an undisclosed illness.
\n
Their arrival temporarily puts the space station population at 11.
\n
"It was such an unbelievably beautiful sight to see the space station come into our view for the first time," Cardman said once on board.
\n
While the flight, in 15 hours, was speedy by US standards, the Russians hold the record for the fastest trip to the space station — a lightning-fast three hours, AP reported.
\n
During their stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, the astronauts will support a range of scientific research and technology demonstrations. Their tasks include simulating lunar landings, testing vision protection strategies, and conducting studies to improve human health and performance in space.
\n
The crew will also study plant cell division and microgravity's effects on bacteria-killing viruses, and perform experiments to produce a higher volume of human stem cells and generate on-demand nutrients, according to NASA.
\n
The ISS is set to be decommissioned after 2030, with its orbit gradually lowered until it breaks up in the atmosphere over a remote part of the Pacific Ocean called Point Nemo, a spacecraft graveyard.
\n",
@@ -3960,28 +4224,6 @@
"hash": "f8af6abe7f52ce7da431165df6384b70",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "012WORLD - No arms surrender without full sovereignty, Hamas says",
- "description": "
Demonstrators cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday during a pro-Palestinian rally against Israel's actions and the current food shortages in the Gaza Strip.
\n
Hamas said on Saturday it would not disarm unless a fully sovereign State of Palestine is established, following weeks of Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Israel.
\n
The group was responding to recent remarks purportedly made by United States special envoy Steve Witkoff during his trip to Israel and Gaza, amid widespread criticisms that Israel was allegedly weaponizing starvation and an increasing number of countries, particularly from the West, coming forward to recognizing Palestinian statehood.
\n
"The resistance and its weapons will not be abandoned until our full national rights are restored, foremost among which is the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state," Hamas said in a statement on Saturday.
\n
Witkoff, while meeting the families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday, was said to have mentioned that Hamas was prepared to be demilitarized, Reuters reported, citing a recording of the meeting.
\n
He also said they "have a very, very good plan" that they were collectively working on with the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "for the reconstruction of Gaza", which "effectively means the end of the war".
\n
Arhama Siddiqa, a research fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad in Pakistan, told China Daily that the "central concern "raised by Hamas is that the recognition of Palestine "must not be reduced to a bargaining chip" that has "historically served to delay or dilute Palestinian rights".
\n
This is because Hamas, for its part, has been remarkably consistent in its core demand — full sovereignty, territorial integrity, and recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state, she said.
\n
"Its insistence on maintaining arms until these are met is not merely ideological, but a response informed by decades of experience."
\n
For instance, Siddiqa said, the 2020 Abraham Accords were meant to curb illegal Israeli settlement activity, but were quickly followed by an aggressive resumption of those very practices, which underscores a "recurring pattern of Israeli backtracking" under the cover of diplomatic gain.
\n
In this context, Hamas' refusal to surrender its position without formal recognition from Israel "reflects a historical reading of Israeli strategy", she said. Disarmament without guaranteed sovereignty "would risk repeating the cycles of broken promises that have defined the post-Oslo era", she added, referring to the Oslo Accords — a set of peace agreements signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1993.
\n
Structural origins
\n
"As certain countries recalibrate their approach, the challenge will be to ensure that the pursuit of diplomatic consensus does not obscure the structural origins of the conflict," Siddiqa said. "For a just and lasting solution, the objective must remain clear: a viable, sovereign Palestinian state, recognized not as an afterthought, but as an equal."
\n
Witkoff had also visited Gaza to see conditions on the ground. In a post on X on Friday, Witkoff said he met Israeli officials to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza. "The purpose of the visit was to give (the US president) a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza," he said.
\n
However, Hamas had accused Witkoff's visit to aid distribution centers in Gaza as a "pre-scripted theatrical performance designed to mislead public opinion, whitewash the occupation's image, and provide political cover for its starvation policies and systematic killing of innocent children and civilians in Gaza".
\n
On Sunday, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid urged the Israeli government to "end the war and bring back the hostages".
\n
"Since time immemorial, there has been one essential condition for Israel's wars: a majority. The State of Israel cannot wage a war if the majority of the public does not stand behind it, does not believe in its objectives, and does not trust the leadership," he said.
\n
The same day, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited East Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, defying a long-standing status quo, and called for the reoccupation of Gaza.
\n
The visit prompted condemnations from Arab leaders, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
\n
Xinhua contributed to this story.
\n
jan@chinadailyapac.com
\n",
- "content": "
Demonstrators cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday during a pro-Palestinian rally against Israel's actions and the current food shortages in the Gaza Strip.
\n
Hamas said on Saturday it would not disarm unless a fully sovereign State of Palestine is established, following weeks of Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Israel.
\n
The group was responding to recent remarks purportedly made by United States special envoy Steve Witkoff during his trip to Israel and Gaza, amid widespread criticisms that Israel was allegedly weaponizing starvation and an increasing number of countries, particularly from the West, coming forward to recognizing Palestinian statehood.
\n
"The resistance and its weapons will not be abandoned until our full national rights are restored, foremost among which is the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state," Hamas said in a statement on Saturday.
\n
Witkoff, while meeting the families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday, was said to have mentioned that Hamas was prepared to be demilitarized, Reuters reported, citing a recording of the meeting.
\n
He also said they "have a very, very good plan" that they were collectively working on with the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "for the reconstruction of Gaza", which "effectively means the end of the war".
\n
Arhama Siddiqa, a research fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad in Pakistan, told China Daily that the "central concern "raised by Hamas is that the recognition of Palestine "must not be reduced to a bargaining chip" that has "historically served to delay or dilute Palestinian rights".
\n
This is because Hamas, for its part, has been remarkably consistent in its core demand — full sovereignty, territorial integrity, and recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state, she said.
\n
"Its insistence on maintaining arms until these are met is not merely ideological, but a response informed by decades of experience."
\n
For instance, Siddiqa said, the 2020 Abraham Accords were meant to curb illegal Israeli settlement activity, but were quickly followed by an aggressive resumption of those very practices, which underscores a "recurring pattern of Israeli backtracking" under the cover of diplomatic gain.
\n
In this context, Hamas' refusal to surrender its position without formal recognition from Israel "reflects a historical reading of Israeli strategy", she said. Disarmament without guaranteed sovereignty "would risk repeating the cycles of broken promises that have defined the post-Oslo era", she added, referring to the Oslo Accords — a set of peace agreements signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1993.
\n
Structural origins
\n
"As certain countries recalibrate their approach, the challenge will be to ensure that the pursuit of diplomatic consensus does not obscure the structural origins of the conflict," Siddiqa said. "For a just and lasting solution, the objective must remain clear: a viable, sovereign Palestinian state, recognized not as an afterthought, but as an equal."
\n
Witkoff had also visited Gaza to see conditions on the ground. In a post on X on Friday, Witkoff said he met Israeli officials to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza. "The purpose of the visit was to give (the US president) a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza," he said.
\n
However, Hamas had accused Witkoff's visit to aid distribution centers in Gaza as a "pre-scripted theatrical performance designed to mislead public opinion, whitewash the occupation's image, and provide political cover for its starvation policies and systematic killing of innocent children and civilians in Gaza".
\n
On Sunday, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid urged the Israeli government to "end the war and bring back the hostages".
\n
"Since time immemorial, there has been one essential condition for Israel's wars: a majority. The State of Israel cannot wage a war if the majority of the public does not stand behind it, does not believe in its objectives, and does not trust the leadership," he said.
\n
The same day, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited East Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, defying a long-standing status quo, and called for the reoccupation of Gaza.
\n
The visit prompted condemnations from Arab leaders, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories — The Palestine Red Crescent Society said on Sunday that one of its staff members was killed and three others wounded in an Israeli attack on its Khan Younis headquarters in the Gaza Strip.
\n
"One Palestine Red Crescent Society staff member was killed and three others injured after Israeli forces targeted the Society's headquarters in Khan Younis, igniting a fire on the building's first floor," the aid organization said in a post on X.
\n
A video, which the PRCS said "captures the initial moments" of the attack, shows fires burning in a building, with the floors covered in rubble.
\n
It came two days after United States envoy Steve Witkoff visited a US-backed aid station in Gaza to inspect efforts to get food into the devastated Palestinian territory.
\n
Nearly two years after the conflict began, United Nations agencies have warned that time was running out and that Gaza was "on the brink of a full-scale famine".
\n
Eight staff members from the Red Crescent, six from the Gaza civil defense agency and one employee of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees were killed in an attack by Israeli forces in southern Gaza in March, according to the UN humanitarian office OCHA.
\n
Meanwhile, Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people, witnesses and health workers said on Saturday.
\n
Another 19 people were shot dead as they crowded near the Zikim crossing from Israel in the hope of obtaining aid, said Fares Awad, head of the Gaza Health Ministry's ambulance and emergency service.
\n
Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the conflict, resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official Israeli figures.
\n
Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,430 people, mostly civilians, according to figures from the territory's Health Ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
\n",
@@ -4004,28 +4246,6 @@
"hash": "7e2c56f7254eb363569dfb831ce11a2e",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "012WORLD - US border rules to hurt Canada at World Cup",
- "description": "
Tough US immigration policies are casting doubts on the inclusive vision of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as experts say harsh border policies could suppress foreign attendance and damage North America's image.
\n
Victor Matheson, a professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts who specializes in the economics of mega sports events, said the travel restrictions will significantly affect fans, especially those from countries targeted by the United States' immigration policies.
\n
"The fears of players are probably not justified, but the fears of fans are fully justified," Matheson said.
\n
As of June, the US government had fully banned travel by citizens of 12 countries and imposed partial restrictions on travelers from seven others.
\n
A State Department memo indicates officials are reviewing travel policy toward an additional 36 countries, which could face new entry bans if they fail to meet US security and information-sharing standards within the next 60 days.
\n
Despite the tightened policies, Matheson does not expect the restrictions to reduce overall attendance at matches across North America.
\n
"I expect essentially every game to be a sellout in all three countries," he said. "However, the stadiums will be full of Americans and not foreign tourists." He said the number of fans from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America is "likely to be much lower than it would have been under a different regime".
\n
This shift in audience composition could have economic consequences, he said. "It is the foreign visitors that have the largest positive economic impact on the host country for a mega event like this."
\n
As a tournament spanning three nations, the 2026 World Cup will require close cross-border coordination — a process that could be complicated by US border policies, he added. "This is likely to complicate movement of fans and merchandise across national borders."
\n
The broader reputational damage, however, may be harder to contain, Matheson said.
\n
"There is no doubt that (US President Donald) Trump's actions have significantly worsened the overall image of the United States in every way, including the country's reputation as a welcoming place for foreign visitors.
\n
"Trump has made it quite clear that foreign visitors, foreign students, foreign companies and immigrants should stay away."
\n
The negative perception is unlikely to spill over to Canada or Mexico, he said. "Most people paying attention know this is entirely on Trump and not on our neighbors."
\n
Asked whether national security can be reasonably balanced with global openness during such events, Matheson was blunt.
\n
"There are legitimate security concerns during any mega event," he said, referencing terrorist incidents in past Olympic Games. "But none of this is about security. There is no real security threat to the US from Haiti or Equatorial Guinea."
\n
Instead, he said he believes the current policy is driven by domestic political motives.
\n
"The ban on fans from these areas is purely xenophobia on the part of Trump," he said, adding the administration is concerned that soccer fans from certain countries will overstay their visas.
\n
"A large percentage of illegal migration in any country is not people sneaking across a border in the middle of the night but instead coming through a legal entry and then overstaying their visit," he said. "One way to limit these overstays is to simply prevent people, like soccer fans, from entering in the first place."
\n
Voicing concerns
\n
Tough US immigration and border policies are also raising concerns among Canadian experts.
\n
"From Canada's perspective, recent US immigration and border policies pose significant concerns for co-hosting the World Cup," said Amy Peng, an associate professor of economics at Toronto Metropolitan University.
\n
"These concerns extend beyond just the logistics of the event and touch upon broader issues of international perception, fan experience and even human rights," Peng said.
\n
"Strict travel bans or heightened scrutiny at the US border could deter fans from numerous countries from attending, even if their teams are playing in Canada."
\n
Heightened US border enforcement could make cross-border movements difficult and unpredictable, potentially ruining the "vacation of a lifetime" for some, she said. "Concerns about US policies might lead more fans to attend games held in Canada, potentially creating an imbalance in attendance figures between the host countries."
\n
Beyond immigration, US trade policies, including tariffs on Canadian goods, could also affect the flow of merchandise and supplies, such as team jerseys, she added.
\n
gaoyang@chinadailyusa.com
\n",
- "content": "
Tough US immigration policies are casting doubts on the inclusive vision of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as experts say harsh border policies could suppress foreign attendance and damage North America's image.
\n
Victor Matheson, a professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts who specializes in the economics of mega sports events, said the travel restrictions will significantly affect fans, especially those from countries targeted by the United States' immigration policies.
\n
"The fears of players are probably not justified, but the fears of fans are fully justified," Matheson said.
\n
As of June, the US government had fully banned travel by citizens of 12 countries and imposed partial restrictions on travelers from seven others.
\n
A State Department memo indicates officials are reviewing travel policy toward an additional 36 countries, which could face new entry bans if they fail to meet US security and information-sharing standards within the next 60 days.
\n
Despite the tightened policies, Matheson does not expect the restrictions to reduce overall attendance at matches across North America.
\n
"I expect essentially every game to be a sellout in all three countries," he said. "However, the stadiums will be full of Americans and not foreign tourists." He said the number of fans from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America is "likely to be much lower than it would have been under a different regime".
\n
This shift in audience composition could have economic consequences, he said. "It is the foreign visitors that have the largest positive economic impact on the host country for a mega event like this."
\n
As a tournament spanning three nations, the 2026 World Cup will require close cross-border coordination — a process that could be complicated by US border policies, he added. "This is likely to complicate movement of fans and merchandise across national borders."
\n
The broader reputational damage, however, may be harder to contain, Matheson said.
\n
"There is no doubt that (US President Donald) Trump's actions have significantly worsened the overall image of the United States in every way, including the country's reputation as a welcoming place for foreign visitors.
\n
"Trump has made it quite clear that foreign visitors, foreign students, foreign companies and immigrants should stay away."
\n
The negative perception is unlikely to spill over to Canada or Mexico, he said. "Most people paying attention know this is entirely on Trump and not on our neighbors."
\n
Asked whether national security can be reasonably balanced with global openness during such events, Matheson was blunt.
\n
"There are legitimate security concerns during any mega event," he said, referencing terrorist incidents in past Olympic Games. "But none of this is about security. There is no real security threat to the US from Haiti or Equatorial Guinea."
\n
Instead, he said he believes the current policy is driven by domestic political motives.
\n
"The ban on fans from these areas is purely xenophobia on the part of Trump," he said, adding the administration is concerned that soccer fans from certain countries will overstay their visas.
\n
"A large percentage of illegal migration in any country is not people sneaking across a border in the middle of the night but instead coming through a legal entry and then overstaying their visit," he said. "One way to limit these overstays is to simply prevent people, like soccer fans, from entering in the first place."
\n
Voicing concerns
\n
Tough US immigration and border policies are also raising concerns among Canadian experts.
\n
"From Canada's perspective, recent US immigration and border policies pose significant concerns for co-hosting the World Cup," said Amy Peng, an associate professor of economics at Toronto Metropolitan University.
\n
"These concerns extend beyond just the logistics of the event and touch upon broader issues of international perception, fan experience and even human rights," Peng said.
\n
"Strict travel bans or heightened scrutiny at the US border could deter fans from numerous countries from attending, even if their teams are playing in Canada."
\n
Heightened US border enforcement could make cross-border movements difficult and unpredictable, potentially ruining the "vacation of a lifetime" for some, she said. "Concerns about US policies might lead more fans to attend games held in Canada, potentially creating an imbalance in attendance figures between the host countries."
\n
Beyond immigration, US trade policies, including tariffs on Canadian goods, could also affect the flow of merchandise and supplies, such as team jerseys, she added.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts with fiery force, spewing lava and a plume of ash nearly 10 kilometers into the sky, as seen in East Flores, Indonesia, on Friday.
Artists bring the street to life with vibrant chalk murals during the annual Chalk the Block festival in downtown St. Joseph, US state of Michigan, on Saturday.
\n",
- "content": "
Artists bring the street to life with vibrant chalk murals during the annual Chalk the Block festival in downtown St. Joseph, US state of Michigan, on Saturday.
A US federal agency has opened an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith, who oversaw two criminal probes into President Donald Trump following his first term in the White House. The Office of Special Counsel confirmed to Reuters that it was investigating whether Smith violated the Hatch Act, a law prohibiting federal employees from using their position for political activity. The decision follows a request for a probe by Republican Senator Tom Cotton. The OSC is an independent agency that investigates the conduct of federal employees, but it does not have the authority to bring criminal charges. It is different from the type of Special Counsel's office previously overseen by Smith, who was appointed by the Justice Department to pursue criminal cases.
\n
Tensions flare over nuclear rhetoric
\n
US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines on Friday in an escalation of what had been an online war of words with a Russian official. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, said on Thursday Trump should remember that Moscow possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort, after Trump had told him to "watch his words". "Based on the highly provocative statements", Trump said he had "ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that". He added, "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances."
\n
GERMANY
\n
Rail operator blames sabotage for third fire
\n
Germany's state rail operator said on Saturday that a third fire in two days was deliberately started after two earlier ones caused the cancellation of hundreds of train journeys. Two of the blazes, in which rail cables were set on fire, occurred in western Germany. The third, reported on Saturday but which happened on Friday, was at Hohenmoelsen in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, the Deutsche Bahn rail company said. "According to the first elements of the inquiry, this cable fire was also a criminal fire," it said. The line was used by goods trains, notably to transport coal. The company said it had repaired the line between the western cities of Duesseldorf and Duisburg where the two earlier attacks were reported 1 kilometer apart on Thursday and Friday.
An eVOTL of Hefei Heyi Aviation Co flies across the sky at Luogang Park in Hefei, Anhui province, in July.
\n
An aerial photograph shows Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park of China in Bengbu, Anhui province.
\n
Technicians check the machine of Jiuzhou Yunjian Anhui intelligent manufacturing base in Bengbu earlier this year.
\n
On a hot summer morning in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province, a futuristic flying taxi hums to life inside Luogang Park, a green space resurrected from an old airport in the city.
\n
The EH216-S, a two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOL, lifts gracefully into the air. Its 16 carbon-fiber propellers slice through the breeze. Within seconds, it hovers 50 meters above the ground, casting a white silhouette against the bright sky.
\n
"This aircraft is fully autonomous. It is designed for short-haul city transport, sightseeing, logistics even emergency response. Soon, passengers will be able to book rides above the city's skyline," said Zhang Yuhui, operations director at Hefei Heyi Aviation Co, which has developed the EH216-S.
\n
This is not science fiction.
\n
In March, Heyi became one of the first companies in China to be granted a civil aviation permit for operating manned passenger drones, which Zhang called "a passport to the sky".
\n
China is doubling down on efforts to develop a low-altitude economy, and is likely to include the low-altitude economy as an important part of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), with an aim to build a "network in the sky", said Gao Yuanyang, director of the General Aviation Industry Research Center, Beihang University.
\n
And Anhui province is quietly emerging as a front-runner in China's strategic shift from being a manufacturing stronghold to an aerospace powerhouse.
\n
While Beijing or Shanghai often grab headlines, Anhui is also building a full industry chain — from urban drone flights to rockets bound for orbit.
\n
During the Chinese top leadership's inspection tour of Anhui in October 2024, the province was urged to build globally competitive advanced manufacturing clusters and preemptively invest in strategic industries, including aerospace, smart aviation and high-end manufacturing.
\n
Across the province, the flying taxi is already operational in Hefei and blood delivery drones connect 20 hospitals within 20 minutes in the city. Tourism flights between Hefei, Wuhu, and Huangshan enable sightseers to enjoy Anhui's ancient landscapes. In other cities of Anhui province, drones also carry meals and medicines.
\n
Together, they form a continuous chain — from low-altitude transport to orbital flight, such as in Bengbu, where rockets and thermal armor already march toward space.
\n
Specifically, low-altitude airspace, which refers to altitude below 1,000 meters, has become a frontier of innovation.
\n
More than 300 local companies in Hefei alone participate in the low-altitude economy in the province. Over 200 drone corridors serve logistics, medical transport, infrastructure inspection — even food delivery in the city.
\n
"Low-altitude airspace is heating up. We're building an entire ecosystem, from R&D through operations, to make Hefei a true 'sky city'," said Cheng Yu, deputy director of the Hefei Development and Reform Commission.
\n
In March 2024, China's civil aviation authority approved Anhui's low-altitude expansion: 30 new airspace zones and 27 drone corridors, both record single-year gains that underpin the province's ambition.
\n
Two hours north, in Bengbu, another city in Anhui, aerospace aspirations take flight in earnest. Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park of China, spanning over 260 hectares, now hosts 17 groundbreaking projects.
\n
Inside a workshop of Bengbu Lingkong Technology Co Ltd, a technician delicately manipulates yellow crystal granules, the raw material destined to form a rocket's heat-resistant shield.
\n
"We've developed a modified low-density quartz — phenolic thermal protection material," said Chen Shilin, Lingkong's production head. "It can withstand up to 2,100 C, equivalent to fitting the rocket with thermal armor."
\n
Nearby at Jiuzhou Yunjian Anhui intelligent manufacturing base, a subsidiary of a national high-tech enterprise integrating design and development, assembly and testing of liquid rocket engines — engineers manufacture and test a liquid-methane rocket engine at a new launch test site.
\n
These engines can restart mid-flight and are key for reusable designs. With 3D printing, the company is able to cut production time from six months to about 23 days.
\n
Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park of China is the physical embodiment of Anhui's strategy, to bring together innovators, materials producers, engine makers, and launch-service providers under one roof. By 2025, the province expects over 20 local firms forming a seamless value chain from materials to mission architecture.
\n
"Our park is our launchpad to the stars," says Hu Haibo, deputy chief of Bengbu's Yuhui district government. "We're targeting a 20-billion-yuan industrial cluster in commercial aerospace within a few years."
\n
Private capital is fueling the momentum, too. Several leading investment funds have anchored the local innovation ecosystem in the commercial aerospace sector.
\n
On a broader perspective, China sees aerospace — not just defense but also civil applications — as a key future industry. In March 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's top industry regulator, launched a general aviation innovation and application roadmap, pushing commercial aviation ahead.
\n
Nationwide, drone companies surged by 145 in 2024, over 1.1 million unmanned aviation vehicle licenses were issued, and the low-altitude economy is projected to hit 1.5 trillion yuan ($209 billion) by 2025.Commercial space, on the other hand, propelled by satellite-internet and cargo services, may reach 2.5 trillion yuan.
\n
In July, Autocraft from the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with eVTOL maker Shanghai TCab Technology Co Ltd to purchase 350 E20 eVTOL aircraft worth $1 billion. It marked China's largest single intent order for eVTOLs to date.
\n
The company said that for the 350 E20 eVTOL aircraft, the initial use will be in Abu Dhabi, followed by connections to surrounding cities, and ultimately expand across the wider region.
\n
Also last month, AutoFlight, another major eVTOL player, delivered a ton-class eVTOL, marking a breakthrough in the application of large homegrown eVTOLs.
\n
With a payload capacity of up to 400 kilograms and a maximum cruising speed of 200 kilometers per hour as well as a range of 200 kilometers, the eVTOL features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and a fixed-wing cruising design, enabling its applications in low-altitude logistics, emergency response and other fields.
\n
Xie Jia, senior vice-president of AutoFlight, said that the aircraft type has so far completed more than 40,000 km of safe flights over various terrains across China and other countries and regions, such as the United Arab Emirates and Japan, which help validate its performance and explore its potential application scenarios.
\n
Industry experts said that China's "sky" economy is experiencing an unprecedented period of development opportunities, with rapid advancements in various sectors including aircraft manufacturing, flight services and diverse application scenarios.
\n
Wang Huizheng, deputy head of general aviation of the China Association of Information, said: "With continuous policy refinement and technological breakthroughs, China's vast 'blue sky' market holds immense potential, and is poised to inject powerful new momentum into the country's economic and social development."
\n
Contact the writers at chengyu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
An eVOTL of Hefei Heyi Aviation Co flies across the sky at Luogang Park in Hefei, Anhui province, in July.
\n
An aerial photograph shows Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park of China in Bengbu, Anhui province.
\n
Technicians check the machine of Jiuzhou Yunjian Anhui intelligent manufacturing base in Bengbu earlier this year.
\n
On a hot summer morning in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province, a futuristic flying taxi hums to life inside Luogang Park, a green space resurrected from an old airport in the city.
\n
The EH216-S, a two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOL, lifts gracefully into the air. Its 16 carbon-fiber propellers slice through the breeze. Within seconds, it hovers 50 meters above the ground, casting a white silhouette against the bright sky.
\n
"This aircraft is fully autonomous. It is designed for short-haul city transport, sightseeing, logistics even emergency response. Soon, passengers will be able to book rides above the city's skyline," said Zhang Yuhui, operations director at Hefei Heyi Aviation Co, which has developed the EH216-S.
\n
This is not science fiction.
\n
In March, Heyi became one of the first companies in China to be granted a civil aviation permit for operating manned passenger drones, which Zhang called "a passport to the sky".
\n
China is doubling down on efforts to develop a low-altitude economy, and is likely to include the low-altitude economy as an important part of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), with an aim to build a "network in the sky", said Gao Yuanyang, director of the General Aviation Industry Research Center, Beihang University.
\n
And Anhui province is quietly emerging as a front-runner in China's strategic shift from being a manufacturing stronghold to an aerospace powerhouse.
\n
While Beijing or Shanghai often grab headlines, Anhui is also building a full industry chain — from urban drone flights to rockets bound for orbit.
\n
During the Chinese top leadership's inspection tour of Anhui in October 2024, the province was urged to build globally competitive advanced manufacturing clusters and preemptively invest in strategic industries, including aerospace, smart aviation and high-end manufacturing.
\n
Across the province, the flying taxi is already operational in Hefei and blood delivery drones connect 20 hospitals within 20 minutes in the city. Tourism flights between Hefei, Wuhu, and Huangshan enable sightseers to enjoy Anhui's ancient landscapes. In other cities of Anhui province, drones also carry meals and medicines.
\n
Together, they form a continuous chain — from low-altitude transport to orbital flight, such as in Bengbu, where rockets and thermal armor already march toward space.
\n
Specifically, low-altitude airspace, which refers to altitude below 1,000 meters, has become a frontier of innovation.
\n
More than 300 local companies in Hefei alone participate in the low-altitude economy in the province. Over 200 drone corridors serve logistics, medical transport, infrastructure inspection — even food delivery in the city.
\n
"Low-altitude airspace is heating up. We're building an entire ecosystem, from R&D through operations, to make Hefei a true 'sky city'," said Cheng Yu, deputy director of the Hefei Development and Reform Commission.
\n
In March 2024, China's civil aviation authority approved Anhui's low-altitude expansion: 30 new airspace zones and 27 drone corridors, both record single-year gains that underpin the province's ambition.
\n
Two hours north, in Bengbu, another city in Anhui, aerospace aspirations take flight in earnest. Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park of China, spanning over 260 hectares, now hosts 17 groundbreaking projects.
\n
Inside a workshop of Bengbu Lingkong Technology Co Ltd, a technician delicately manipulates yellow crystal granules, the raw material destined to form a rocket's heat-resistant shield.
\n
"We've developed a modified low-density quartz — phenolic thermal protection material," said Chen Shilin, Lingkong's production head. "It can withstand up to 2,100 C, equivalent to fitting the rocket with thermal armor."
\n
Nearby at Jiuzhou Yunjian Anhui intelligent manufacturing base, a subsidiary of a national high-tech enterprise integrating design and development, assembly and testing of liquid rocket engines — engineers manufacture and test a liquid-methane rocket engine at a new launch test site.
\n
These engines can restart mid-flight and are key for reusable designs. With 3D printing, the company is able to cut production time from six months to about 23 days.
\n
Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park of China is the physical embodiment of Anhui's strategy, to bring together innovators, materials producers, engine makers, and launch-service providers under one roof. By 2025, the province expects over 20 local firms forming a seamless value chain from materials to mission architecture.
\n
"Our park is our launchpad to the stars," says Hu Haibo, deputy chief of Bengbu's Yuhui district government. "We're targeting a 20-billion-yuan industrial cluster in commercial aerospace within a few years."
\n
Private capital is fueling the momentum, too. Several leading investment funds have anchored the local innovation ecosystem in the commercial aerospace sector.
\n
On a broader perspective, China sees aerospace — not just defense but also civil applications — as a key future industry. In March 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's top industry regulator, launched a general aviation innovation and application roadmap, pushing commercial aviation ahead.
\n
Nationwide, drone companies surged by 145 in 2024, over 1.1 million unmanned aviation vehicle licenses were issued, and the low-altitude economy is projected to hit 1.5 trillion yuan ($209 billion) by 2025.Commercial space, on the other hand, propelled by satellite-internet and cargo services, may reach 2.5 trillion yuan.
\n
In July, Autocraft from the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with eVTOL maker Shanghai TCab Technology Co Ltd to purchase 350 E20 eVTOL aircraft worth $1 billion. It marked China's largest single intent order for eVTOLs to date.
\n
The company said that for the 350 E20 eVTOL aircraft, the initial use will be in Abu Dhabi, followed by connections to surrounding cities, and ultimately expand across the wider region.
\n
Also last month, AutoFlight, another major eVTOL player, delivered a ton-class eVTOL, marking a breakthrough in the application of large homegrown eVTOLs.
\n
With a payload capacity of up to 400 kilograms and a maximum cruising speed of 200 kilometers per hour as well as a range of 200 kilometers, the eVTOL features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and a fixed-wing cruising design, enabling its applications in low-altitude logistics, emergency response and other fields.
\n
Xie Jia, senior vice-president of AutoFlight, said that the aircraft type has so far completed more than 40,000 km of safe flights over various terrains across China and other countries and regions, such as the United Arab Emirates and Japan, which help validate its performance and explore its potential application scenarios.
\n
Industry experts said that China's "sky" economy is experiencing an unprecedented period of development opportunities, with rapid advancements in various sectors including aircraft manufacturing, flight services and diverse application scenarios.
\n
Wang Huizheng, deputy head of general aviation of the China Association of Information, said: "With continuous policy refinement and technological breakthroughs, China's vast 'blue sky' market holds immense potential, and is poised to inject powerful new momentum into the country's economic and social development."
The air in Suzhou, Anhui province, was stuffy as our bus rolled into the city's high-tech zone. However, I soon found myself energized by the hum of servers and the buzz of innovation, instead of wilting in the oppressive summer heat.
\n
I came to Suzhou — not the famed city in Jiangsu province, but the one in Anhui province — to visit the computing power industrial park.
\n
On the surface, it might have seemed like an unlikely place to take the pulse of China's digital future. But once inside, standing among towering rows of sleek black server cabinets, it became clear: Suzhou is quietly becoming one of the beating hearts of China's push to become a computing powerhouse.
\n
Meng Bin, deputy head of Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology, explained that the facility houses thousands of high-performance servers capable of performing complex calculations.
\n
At 10 PFlops, which equates to 10 quadrillion floating-point operations per second, the system here can predict the path of a typhoon in just 15 minutes.
\n
The significance of that number hit home as I recalled the anxious eyes on weather apps during extreme weather. At a time when seconds can mean the difference between disruption and disaster, speed matters.
\n
Suzhou's pivot from traditional industries to high-tech innovation has been both bold. Back in 2011, Suzhou recognized the opportunity to integrate into China's national strategy for data, dubbed "east-data-west-computing".
\n
That foresight laid the foundation for what has become one of the largest computing power hubs in eastern China. Today, the city boasts a computing power scale of 15P in supercomputing and a staggering 2,320P in intelligent computing, among the top in Anhui province.
\n
At the core of this rise is connectivity.
\n
Suzhou sits at the crossroads of four provinces — Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, and Shandong — making it a key node. It is also one of China's five national-level quantum communication hubs.
\n
In 2021, the city completed a dual-routing transmission line directly to Shanghai, slashing latency from 35 milliseconds to just 5. This brought Suzhou's network performance on par with Shanghai.
\n
The scale of Suzhou's computing power industrial park is hard to ignore. It now comprises five data centers built to T3 plus specifications, with some customized rooms hitting the T4 gold standard, both of which are among the highest standards in the industry.
\n
And companies have responded.
\n
In the past two years, six major computing centers have moved in. Clients range from elite universities like Tsinghua University and Peking University to leading AI firms like Zhipu AI.
\n
Even more telling is who's choosing to stay.
\n
In 2023, Shenzhen-based robotics company UBTECH Robotics invested 180 million yuan ($25.1 million) to build a center here. The first phase, a 4,200-square-meter facility, is already complete and operational. Suzhou is no longer just attracting computation, but also keeping the talent and startups that need it.
\n
"We've had professors and AI experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and even the National University of Defense Technology set up companies right here in Suzhou," Meng noted.
\n
In 2024, the city's AI industry collectively generated 908 million yuan in revenue — a figure that would've been unthinkable even a few years ago in this part of Anhui.
\n
As we stepped out of the server rooms, the heat hit us again. But Meng turned and gestured toward the horizon.
\n
"Suzhou is not just chasing the future," Meng said. "We're building it — cloud by cloud, byte by byte."
\n
It's a bold claim, but not an empty one. The city's ambition is to brand itself as "China's cloud capital" — and if the current momentum continues, that tagline might just stick.
\n
Before I left, I asked what the next five years would bring. Meng didn't hesitate: "We'll keep following the wind of the era — riding the cloud, accelerating with data, and leading with computing power."
\n
After a day surrounded by blinking servers and surging data, I thought that Suzhou may not yet be a household name in China's digital economy, but from where I stood, the signal was strong, the latency low, and the future, unmistakably fast.
A researcher conducts an experiment at a key laboratory of China National Building Material Group Co Ltd's Bengbu Design and Research Institute for Glass Industry Co Ltd in Bengbu, Anhui province.
\n
A close shot shows the 30-micron glass developed by the company.
\n
When China's foldable smartphones began surviving over a million folds without cracking, the spotlight fell on flashy consumer tech. But behind these feats is something far more fundamental: glass.
\n
At the center of this quiet revolution is Bengbu Design and Research Institute for Glass Industry Co Ltd, a core subsidiary of State-owned China National Building Material Group Co Ltd.
\n
Nestled in Bengbu, Anhui province, the institute has emerged as China's champion in high-performance glass, which transforms one of the oldest materials into one of its most advanced.
\n
Liu Aili, a staffer of CNBM's Bengbu Design and Research Institute for Glass Industry Co Ltd, said that the institute has successfully developed a transparent strip of glass barely thicker than a strand of hair.
\n
"The 30-micron flexible glass developed by the institute is the only one in the world that can be mass-produced. It can be bent over a million times without breaking," said Liu. "If you folded it 100 times a day, it would last over 27 years."
\n
Such a feat is astonishing, not only for its engineering, but as it represents a dramatic reimagining of what glass can do and how far China's material science has come, industry experts said.
\n
In 2018, the institute produced the world's thinnest electronic touch glass at just 0.12 millimeters, thinner than a sheet of paper and capable of shattering a long-standing monopoly by foreign suppliers.
\n
That milestone marked a turning point for the Chinese glass industry, shifting it from follower to front-runner.
\n
"The R&D on glass is like a marathon," said Cao Xin, deputy director of the State key laboratory for advanced glass materials, operated by the institute. "Turning something rigid into something flexible is not just a material change, it's an entire chain of innovation."
\n
According to Cao, that chain runs deep, from structural redesign at the molecular level, to new chemical thinning and strengthening processes, to cutting-edge manufacturing equipment developed in parallel.
\n
Each advance, Cao noted, meant solving microscopic problems under macroscopic pressure. "We had to improve defect tolerance by 10 to 20 times, surface flatness by over 10 times — and every micron of progress was hard-won."
\n
In 2020, after countless trials, the institute succeeded in producing its signature 30-micron glass — building an entirely domestic, end-to-end supply chain to make it at scale.
\n
Beyond foldable phones, the institute has quietly been building a catalog of what it calls "black technologies" — deep-tech innovations that quietly power the cutting edge.
\n
For instance, hollow glass microspheres that help deep-sea probes rise from the ocean floor, cadmium telluride solar glass that can harvest power even under dim indoor light, and borosilicate tubes that safely store vaccines.
\n
These innovations aren't just lab curiosities. They're already in use across sectors ranging from clean energy and aerospace to semiconductors and biomedicine.
\n
In late 2024, the world's first 8.6-generation ultra-thin OLED float glass substrate rolled off the production line in Bengbu — once again placing China at the forefront of display materials technology.
\n
Looking ahead, the institute has no intention of slowing down.
\n
Liu said: "We're still exploring the 'no man's zone' of glass science. There are entire frontiers we haven't reached — in flexible electronics, aerospace-grade materials, and smart energy."
\n
From thousands of experiments in the lab to precise calibrations on the production line to stunning product reveals globally, the journey of a single sheet of glass in Bengbu mirrors something larger.
\n
Industry experts said that China's high-stakes pursuit of innovation, and its ability to stretch limits, both literally and metaphorically, highlight the enormous potential of what its industries can achieve.
\n
As Liu put it: "What we're doing here isn't just bending glass. We're bending the future."
A researcher conducts an experiment at a key laboratory of China National Building Material Group Co Ltd's Bengbu Design and Research Institute for Glass Industry Co Ltd in Bengbu, Anhui province.
\n
A close shot shows the 30-micron glass developed by the company.
\n
When China's foldable smartphones began surviving over a million folds without cracking, the spotlight fell on flashy consumer tech. But behind these feats is something far more fundamental: glass.
\n
At the center of this quiet revolution is Bengbu Design and Research Institute for Glass Industry Co Ltd, a core subsidiary of State-owned China National Building Material Group Co Ltd.
\n
Nestled in Bengbu, Anhui province, the institute has emerged as China's champion in high-performance glass, which transforms one of the oldest materials into one of its most advanced.
\n
Liu Aili, a staffer of CNBM's Bengbu Design and Research Institute for Glass Industry Co Ltd, said that the institute has successfully developed a transparent strip of glass barely thicker than a strand of hair.
\n
"The 30-micron flexible glass developed by the institute is the only one in the world that can be mass-produced. It can be bent over a million times without breaking," said Liu. "If you folded it 100 times a day, it would last over 27 years."
\n
Such a feat is astonishing, not only for its engineering, but as it represents a dramatic reimagining of what glass can do and how far China's material science has come, industry experts said.
\n
In 2018, the institute produced the world's thinnest electronic touch glass at just 0.12 millimeters, thinner than a sheet of paper and capable of shattering a long-standing monopoly by foreign suppliers.
\n
That milestone marked a turning point for the Chinese glass industry, shifting it from follower to front-runner.
\n
"The R&D on glass is like a marathon," said Cao Xin, deputy director of the State key laboratory for advanced glass materials, operated by the institute. "Turning something rigid into something flexible is not just a material change, it's an entire chain of innovation."
\n
According to Cao, that chain runs deep, from structural redesign at the molecular level, to new chemical thinning and strengthening processes, to cutting-edge manufacturing equipment developed in parallel.
\n
Each advance, Cao noted, meant solving microscopic problems under macroscopic pressure. "We had to improve defect tolerance by 10 to 20 times, surface flatness by over 10 times — and every micron of progress was hard-won."
\n
In 2020, after countless trials, the institute succeeded in producing its signature 30-micron glass — building an entirely domestic, end-to-end supply chain to make it at scale.
\n
Beyond foldable phones, the institute has quietly been building a catalog of what it calls "black technologies" — deep-tech innovations that quietly power the cutting edge.
\n
For instance, hollow glass microspheres that help deep-sea probes rise from the ocean floor, cadmium telluride solar glass that can harvest power even under dim indoor light, and borosilicate tubes that safely store vaccines.
\n
These innovations aren't just lab curiosities. They're already in use across sectors ranging from clean energy and aerospace to semiconductors and biomedicine.
\n
In late 2024, the world's first 8.6-generation ultra-thin OLED float glass substrate rolled off the production line in Bengbu — once again placing China at the forefront of display materials technology.
\n
Looking ahead, the institute has no intention of slowing down.
\n
Liu said: "We're still exploring the 'no man's zone' of glass science. There are entire frontiers we haven't reached — in flexible electronics, aerospace-grade materials, and smart energy."
\n
From thousands of experiments in the lab to precise calibrations on the production line to stunning product reveals globally, the journey of a single sheet of glass in Bengbu mirrors something larger.
\n
Industry experts said that China's high-stakes pursuit of innovation, and its ability to stretch limits, both literally and metaphorically, highlight the enormous potential of what its industries can achieve.
\n
As Liu put it: "What we're doing here isn't just bending glass. We're bending the future."
State Grid Corp of China, the world's largest utility that is crucial to the country's economic lifeline, is vowing to improve high-quality services in a bid to bolster the reliability of its power supply.
\n
While outlining the prioritized 10 aspects of work in 2025, State Grid President Pang Xiaogang called on power workers nationwide early this year to strengthen capacity building and improve high-quality services.
\n
He said it is vital to vigorously improve power supply reliability, promote excellent power supply services and continuously optimize the electricity business environment.
\n
To meet growing demand, power workers in Yingshang county of Fuyang in Anhui province are taking multi-pronged measures to better serve the local industrial development and rural vitalization.
\n
Anhui Jintai Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Group Co Ltd is a joint venture established in January 2022 at Yingshang Economic Development Zone with a planned total investment of 3 billion yuan ($418.25 million).
\n
Zhou Chang'an, deputy general manager of the company, said that since the fourth quarter of last year, its orders have jumped and it added four new production lines, leading to an urgent need for power expansion.
\n
Upon receiving the expansion application, a service team from State Grid Fuyang Power Supply Co completed an on-site investigation and formulated a transformer expansion plan within 48 hours. It consequently completed the project on time.
\n
"The successful completion of the expansion project greatly assisted the operation of our enterprise, ensuring the timely delivery of orders as well as stable operation of our plant," Zhou said.
\n
Zhao Pucha, deputy leader of the government-enterprise service sector at State Grid Yingshang, said that his colleagues visited 245 enterprises early this year, adding a total of 43,200 kilovolt amperes of new capacity for them.
\n
In addition, they plan to add four 10 kV supporting projects in the near future to fully guarantee stable power supply for local enterprises.
\n
July is a peak harvest season for grapes. At Yinghui Eco-Grape Farm in Xiaqiao town in Yingshang, the air is thick with fragrant, plump clusters of grapes hanging heavy on the vines.
\n
To guarantee uninterrupted power supply during the harvest, a service team from State Grid Yingshang visited the farm, assessing its electricity needs on site and providing full support for a bumper crop.
\n
"We just found that some distribution boxes aren't sealed well and moisture has entered parts of the wiring," team member Zhu Zhidong told farm manager Zhang Wei, adding that "this creates risks of short circuits and electric shock."
\n
He noted that they would fit protective covers on the wiring to keep the water out, and told Zhang not to attempt the repairs by themselves.
\n
While expressing his thanks, Zhang stressed: "Stable power gives us greater confidence in this harvest and stronger conviction to expand smart cultivation."
\n
He added that the vines looked excellent, and in just over half a month, the grapes would hit the market with a good harvest.
\n
In 2024, Yingshang netted a GDP of 58.52 billion yuan, an annual increase of 6.4 percent, ranking first in Fuyang.
\n
In terms of industries, the added value of the primary industry was 7.31 billion yuan, a year-on-year rise of 3.7 percent, while the added value of the secondary industry hit 20.31 billion yuan, an annual jump of 9.4 percent.
\n
In joining the country's green drive, Yingshang set up 170 poverty-alleviation photovoltaic power stations with a total capacity of 64.215 megawatts.
\n
While strong summer sunshine offers a golden period for photovoltaic power generation, high temperatures are also a severe test for the equipment.
\n
In order to ensure the safe connection of green electricity to the grid and promote the healthy development of the photovoltaic industry, employees from State Grid Yingshang have assisted in the operation and maintenance of those stations, establishing an operation and maintenance mechanism.
\n
Chen Jingyang, from the Gengpeng central power supply station, said they have visited five photovoltaic power plants recently, offering an "e-diagnosis" for them.
\n
"Through the on-site visit, we have discovered and solved more than 20 problems, providing our professional technical services for them," he said.
\n
In Yingshang's government work report in January this year, Cheng Xiaoxing, the county magistrate, promised to achieve a GDP growth of 6.2 percent this year.
\n
He called for strengthening emerging industries, expanding the new energy vehicle industry, building a manufacturing base for electronic and chemical new materials in northern Anhui, and optimizing the high-end green food industry.
\n
By relying on the county's national-level industrial cluster of small and medium-sized enterprises of optoelectronic devices, Yingshang can extend its "passive electronic component cluster "industrial chain, and support local enterprises to expand, he said.
Visitors inspect the AUDI E5 Sportback at Auto Shanghai in April.
\n
Global automakers are doubling down on smart driving and cabin features via partnerships with domestic tech firms, in an effort to regain ground in China's fast-changing auto market, while preserving the strength of their internal combustion engine offerings.
\n
This two-pronged approach — emphasizing "smarter vehicles without abandoning fuel power" — marks a recalibration, not a retreat.
\n
For legacy brands, the goal is to remain relevant in a market increasingly defined by rapid innovation, local agility, and intelligent features.
\n
Behind the recent wave of collaborations with local technology companies is a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
\n
According to J.D. Power's 2025 China Tech Experience Index, software-defined vehicles are emerging as the auto industry's new organizing principle.
\n
The index rose to 588 points on a 1,000-point scale, up 38 points from 2024, driven by growing features and improved user perception across both internal combustion engine and new energy vehicles.
\n
According to Elvis Yang, general manager of auto product practice at J.D. Power China, the 2025 results signal "a turning point in China's automotive intelligence development".
\n
He noted that the market is transitioning to what J.D. Power calls the second phase of smart vehicle adoption, marked by shifting consumer priorities.
\n
At the same time, brand strategies have divided. Chinese automakers, primarily EV makers, with high-frequency product iterations and rapid response cycles, are aggressively pushing feature innovation.
\n
In contrast, foreign automakers are opting for a more measured pace — prioritizing technical maturity and system stability over speed.
\n
This "stability over speed" philosophy has led many foreign brands to seek local partnerships as a pragmatic way to enhance competitiveness without overextending development budgets.
\n
In July, BMW China announced a deepened partnership with autonomous driving startup Momenta, aimed at codeveloping an AI-powered driver assistance system based on large-model algorithms tailored for Chinese roads.
\n
The system will be rolled out in BMW's upcoming electric Neue Klasse lineup produced in China.
\n
Audi is introducing the technology for both gasoline and electric models. SAIC Audi's A5L Sportback and FAWAudi's electric Q6L e-tron have adopted Huawei's Qiankun driving-assist solutions.
\n
Japanese automakers are also localizing. GAC Toyota confirmed it will launch its upcoming BEV, the bZ7 sedan, in early 2026 with Huawei's HarmonyOS cockpit system and powertrain components, alongside Momenta's ADAS suite.
\n
For foreign brands, integrating domestic software solutions offers a cost-efficient path to compete on smart features while managing the complexity and cost of in-house development.
\n
While tech upgrades make headlines, it is the enduring popularity of internal combustion engine models that continues to underpin many foreign brands' financial performance in China.
\n
FAW-Volkswagen, for example, reported a 3.5 percent year-over-year increase in vehicle sales during the first half of 2025, with its ICE market share rising to 7.6 percent.
\n
Volkswagen models like the Lavida and Sagitar sedans, and Nissan's Sylphy sedan continue to register monthly sales of over 20,000 units — a strong performance in an increasingly polarized market.
\n
Data from the China Passenger Car Association show that joint-venture brands sold 510,000 vehicles in June, up 5 percent. Classic ICE models continue to drive the bulk of that volume, even as EV interest grows.
\n
Global brands are vocal about the role of ICE models in sustaining cash flow and competitiveness.
\n
In an interview with German publication Automobilwoche, Klaus von Moltke, head of global powertrain production and plant manager at BMW's Steyr engine plant, said: "The combustion engine is our foundation."
\n
He emphasized that BMW will continue to develop internal combustion engines and that they will be crucial for financing the company's future business.
\n
Audi CEO Gernot Doellner recently scrapped the company's plans to phase out ICE development by 2033, citing market volatility and evolving consumer demand.
\n
Mercedes-Benz, too, has walked back earlier electrification timelines, committing to update its ICE offerings through at least the next decade.
\n
Porsche, while reaffirming its commitment to EVs, announced it would prolong its transition window and maintain a diversified powertrain lineup, including hybrids and fuel-powered models, to hedge against battery supply volatility and cost swings.
\n
To reduce long-term dependence on third parties, several international automakers are investing in joint software platforms.
\n
Set to launch by 2026, Honda and Nissan are developing a shared vehicle operating system. It is to streamline control over key vehicle functions, including over-the-air updates and performance tuning.
\n
Major German automakers Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, along with eight other companies, have signed a memo to codevelop an open-source auto software platform.
\n
This initiative, backed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry, seeks to reduce software development costs and accelerate innovation.
\n
The collaboration focuses on creating a shared, open-source core software stack to be used across different brands.
\n
Founding members of the initiative include suppliers such as Bosch, Continental, ZF, and Valeo, as well as software companies like ETAS, Qorix, and Vector.
\n
The goal is to develop a core software stack by 2026, with the first vehicles using this platform expected in production by 2030. By pooling resources, these companies hope to cut costs and accelerate innovation without sacrificing system stability.
\n
lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Visitors inspect the AUDI E5 Sportback at Auto Shanghai in April.
\n
Global automakers are doubling down on smart driving and cabin features via partnerships with domestic tech firms, in an effort to regain ground in China's fast-changing auto market, while preserving the strength of their internal combustion engine offerings.
\n
This two-pronged approach — emphasizing "smarter vehicles without abandoning fuel power" — marks a recalibration, not a retreat.
\n
For legacy brands, the goal is to remain relevant in a market increasingly defined by rapid innovation, local agility, and intelligent features.
\n
Behind the recent wave of collaborations with local technology companies is a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
\n
According to J.D. Power's 2025 China Tech Experience Index, software-defined vehicles are emerging as the auto industry's new organizing principle.
\n
The index rose to 588 points on a 1,000-point scale, up 38 points from 2024, driven by growing features and improved user perception across both internal combustion engine and new energy vehicles.
\n
According to Elvis Yang, general manager of auto product practice at J.D. Power China, the 2025 results signal "a turning point in China's automotive intelligence development".
\n
He noted that the market is transitioning to what J.D. Power calls the second phase of smart vehicle adoption, marked by shifting consumer priorities.
\n
At the same time, brand strategies have divided. Chinese automakers, primarily EV makers, with high-frequency product iterations and rapid response cycles, are aggressively pushing feature innovation.
\n
In contrast, foreign automakers are opting for a more measured pace — prioritizing technical maturity and system stability over speed.
\n
This "stability over speed" philosophy has led many foreign brands to seek local partnerships as a pragmatic way to enhance competitiveness without overextending development budgets.
\n
In July, BMW China announced a deepened partnership with autonomous driving startup Momenta, aimed at codeveloping an AI-powered driver assistance system based on large-model algorithms tailored for Chinese roads.
\n
The system will be rolled out in BMW's upcoming electric Neue Klasse lineup produced in China.
\n
Audi is introducing the technology for both gasoline and electric models. SAIC Audi's A5L Sportback and FAWAudi's electric Q6L e-tron have adopted Huawei's Qiankun driving-assist solutions.
\n
Japanese automakers are also localizing. GAC Toyota confirmed it will launch its upcoming BEV, the bZ7 sedan, in early 2026 with Huawei's HarmonyOS cockpit system and powertrain components, alongside Momenta's ADAS suite.
\n
For foreign brands, integrating domestic software solutions offers a cost-efficient path to compete on smart features while managing the complexity and cost of in-house development.
\n
While tech upgrades make headlines, it is the enduring popularity of internal combustion engine models that continues to underpin many foreign brands' financial performance in China.
\n
FAW-Volkswagen, for example, reported a 3.5 percent year-over-year increase in vehicle sales during the first half of 2025, with its ICE market share rising to 7.6 percent.
\n
Volkswagen models like the Lavida and Sagitar sedans, and Nissan's Sylphy sedan continue to register monthly sales of over 20,000 units — a strong performance in an increasingly polarized market.
\n
Data from the China Passenger Car Association show that joint-venture brands sold 510,000 vehicles in June, up 5 percent. Classic ICE models continue to drive the bulk of that volume, even as EV interest grows.
\n
Global brands are vocal about the role of ICE models in sustaining cash flow and competitiveness.
\n
In an interview with German publication Automobilwoche, Klaus von Moltke, head of global powertrain production and plant manager at BMW's Steyr engine plant, said: "The combustion engine is our foundation."
\n
He emphasized that BMW will continue to develop internal combustion engines and that they will be crucial for financing the company's future business.
\n
Audi CEO Gernot Doellner recently scrapped the company's plans to phase out ICE development by 2033, citing market volatility and evolving consumer demand.
\n
Mercedes-Benz, too, has walked back earlier electrification timelines, committing to update its ICE offerings through at least the next decade.
\n
Porsche, while reaffirming its commitment to EVs, announced it would prolong its transition window and maintain a diversified powertrain lineup, including hybrids and fuel-powered models, to hedge against battery supply volatility and cost swings.
\n
To reduce long-term dependence on third parties, several international automakers are investing in joint software platforms.
\n
Set to launch by 2026, Honda and Nissan are developing a shared vehicle operating system. It is to streamline control over key vehicle functions, including over-the-air updates and performance tuning.
\n
Major German automakers Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, along with eight other companies, have signed a memo to codevelop an open-source auto software platform.
\n
This initiative, backed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry, seeks to reduce software development costs and accelerate innovation.
\n
The collaboration focuses on creating a shared, open-source core software stack to be used across different brands.
\n
Founding members of the initiative include suppliers such as Bosch, Continental, ZF, and Valeo, as well as software companies like ETAS, Qorix, and Vector.
\n
The goal is to develop a core software stack by 2026, with the first vehicles using this platform expected in production by 2030. By pooling resources, these companies hope to cut costs and accelerate innovation without sacrificing system stability.
WeRide is operating an autonomous taxi service in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Uber.
\n
Chinese autonomous driving technology provider WeRide announced that its Robotaxi has received the first approval for autonomous driving in Saudi Arabia last week, a milestone that makes it the only tech company globally with autonomous driving-approved products in six countries.
\n
The other five are China, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, France, and the United States.
\n
With this license, the Guangzhou-headquartered company gained permission to operate autonomous driving services in Saudi Arabia and operate Robotaxi services nationwide. It has partnered with US peer Uber and local collaborator AiDriver for pilot operations in Riyadh, which started in early July.
\n
A full-scale commercial Robotaxi service is expected to launch by the end of 2025 through a partnership between WeRide and Uber, allowing passengers to hail WeRide Robotaxis via the Uber app.
\n
WeRide is the first autonomous vehicle technology company whose Robotaxi has completed the Transport General Authority's Regulatory Sandbox for AV Piloting in Saudi Arabia.
\n
The approval process, conducted in coordination with multiple government agencies, includes rigorous testing, assessments, and technology validation to secure the Robotaxi autonomous driving permit, to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance, according to the company.
\n
"This permit marks a major step in our global expansion, enabling us to scale Robotaxi services and unlock new commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia," said Jennifer Li, CFO and head of International at WeRide.
\n
"It drives large-scale deployment, unlocks new revenue streams, and reinforces our commitment to making autonomous mobility a reality worldwide," Li added.
\n
WeRide's presence in Saudi Arabia — the Middle East's largest economy — dates back to May, when it began testing and operating its Robobus — a Level-4 autonomous vehicle — in key locations. Designed to suit the region's hot climate, the vehicle operates at parks, large-scale hotels and tourist attractions.
\n
Its Robosweeper S1 is also in operation in the country, marking the first profitable autonomous driving sanitation project in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region, tapping into a $12.5 billion global market for smart waste management.
\n
Diversifying its product lineup helps mitigate volatility in autonomous vehicle adoption. Even if Robotaxi growth slows, sanitation and logistics offerings ensure a steady cash flow, industry experts said.
\n
The company's WeRide One platform, capable of delivering L2-L4 automation, also future-proofs its business by adapting to evolving regulatory and consumer demands.
\n
Furthermore, these deployments align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to build smart, sustainable cities by enhancing road safety, improving traffic management, and introducing innovative, technology-driven mobility solutions.
\n
WeRide's Robotaxis and Robobuses support its push to develop a smart, sustainable transport infrastructure for residents and the growing number of visitors.
\n
Beyond Saudi Arabia, the WeRide-Uber Robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi has tripled in size since the joint launch in December 2024, covering about 50 percent of the city's core area. WeRide-Uber aims to continue growing the fleet to hundreds of Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi alone.
\n
Featuring WeRide's new GXR model, each vehicle is expected to average dozens of trips per day during a 12-hour shift, with rides typically exceeding six kilometers, according to WeRide.
\n
The company maintains over 2,200 days of safe Robotaxi operations, it said.
\n
The Nasdaq-listed company reported on Thursday that its total revenue grew 60.8 percent year-on-year to 127.2 million yuan ($17.8 million) in the second quarter of this year, demonstrating accelerating commercial momentum.
\n
The revenue soared 836.7 percent to 45.9 million yuan during the period, the highest-ever quarterly Robotaxi revenue since company inception.
\n
Tony Han, CEO of WeRide, said: "Our commercial success reflects the strength of our advanced technology, with the latest Nvidia Drive AGX Thor Chips-powered HPC 3.0 platform deployed on our GXR Robotaxi — setting new benchmarks for scalable, high-performance autonomous driving."
\n
caoyingying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -4224,28 +4356,6 @@
"hash": "c2da7c89e5351754e772831e51fd236f",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "016MOTORING - Prices go up as US tariffs hammer auto industry",
- "description": "
European luxury carmakers including Porsche and Aston Martin have surged ahead with US price hikes, which could point the way for bigger brands to follow in their wake as companies pass on the cost of tariffs.
\n
The United States and Europe reached a trade deal that will see EU-made cars hit with a 15 percent tariff from August, lower than once threatened but far higher than the 2.5 percent rate before US President Donald Trump launched his trade offensive this year.
\n
On Wednesday, Volkswagen's luxury brand Porsche said it had raised US prices by between 2.3 percent and 3.6 percent in July, with no plans for now to establish US production — a move that would let it avoid the levies.
\n
"This is not a storm that will pass," Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said after the company cut its full-year profit target and flagged a $462 million hit from tariffs in the first half. "We continue to face significant challenges around the world."
\n
US tariffs have pummeled global automakers, forcing companies such as GM, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz to book billions of dollars of losses, issue profit warnings, slash forecasts, and raise prices.
\n
Ford Motor, which produces around 80 percent of the vehicles it sells in the US domestically, said on Wednesday that second-quarter results took an $800 million hit from tariffs and higher US levies would likely result in greater-than-expected annual costs.
\n
Japanese carmaker Nissan reported a $535 million quarterly loss on Wednesday, affected by US tariffs, restructuring, and lower sales volumes.
\n
British sports carmaker Aston Martin said it had made incremental price increases in the US since July, issuing a profit warning based on the US tariffs and suppressed Asian demand.
\n
While bigger carmakers have so far held off, other sectors have seen price hikes as companies have looked to pass on the additional cost of tariffs. Analysts said larger carmakers could take similar steps in the second half of the year.
\n
"Into H2, we are looking to gain additional visibility with regards to the ability of Mercedes-Benz and the rest of the premium OEMs to increase prices in the US in order to offset the impact of tariffs," J.P. Morgan said in a note.
\n
European carmakers are also getting less optimistic that they could seal extra sector-specific tariff reductions, resigned to dealing with the 15 percent rate.
\n
Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius told analysts on Wednesday that the group was assuming tariffs would remain at 15 percent, throwing cold water on hopes companies may be able to negotiate individual deals.
\n
"For all intents and purposes, that global deal for now is it," said Kaellenius, also president of Europe's car lobby ACEA. Any side deals were "very uncertain", he added.
\n
Volkswagen had said it was hoping investment commitments could help it negotiate lower US tariffs. But Porsche CEO Blume, also head of Volkswagen, suggested there would not be a separate US deal for the automotive sector. "I agree with Ola Kaellenius' assessment that there will not be a separate automotive deal," Blume said.
\n",
- "content": "
European luxury carmakers including Porsche and Aston Martin have surged ahead with US price hikes, which could point the way for bigger brands to follow in their wake as companies pass on the cost of tariffs.
\n
The United States and Europe reached a trade deal that will see EU-made cars hit with a 15 percent tariff from August, lower than once threatened but far higher than the 2.5 percent rate before US President Donald Trump launched his trade offensive this year.
\n
On Wednesday, Volkswagen's luxury brand Porsche said it had raised US prices by between 2.3 percent and 3.6 percent in July, with no plans for now to establish US production — a move that would let it avoid the levies.
\n
"This is not a storm that will pass," Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said after the company cut its full-year profit target and flagged a $462 million hit from tariffs in the first half. "We continue to face significant challenges around the world."
\n
US tariffs have pummeled global automakers, forcing companies such as GM, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz to book billions of dollars of losses, issue profit warnings, slash forecasts, and raise prices.
\n
Ford Motor, which produces around 80 percent of the vehicles it sells in the US domestically, said on Wednesday that second-quarter results took an $800 million hit from tariffs and higher US levies would likely result in greater-than-expected annual costs.
\n
Japanese carmaker Nissan reported a $535 million quarterly loss on Wednesday, affected by US tariffs, restructuring, and lower sales volumes.
\n
British sports carmaker Aston Martin said it had made incremental price increases in the US since July, issuing a profit warning based on the US tariffs and suppressed Asian demand.
\n
While bigger carmakers have so far held off, other sectors have seen price hikes as companies have looked to pass on the additional cost of tariffs. Analysts said larger carmakers could take similar steps in the second half of the year.
\n
"Into H2, we are looking to gain additional visibility with regards to the ability of Mercedes-Benz and the rest of the premium OEMs to increase prices in the US in order to offset the impact of tariffs," J.P. Morgan said in a note.
\n
European carmakers are also getting less optimistic that they could seal extra sector-specific tariff reductions, resigned to dealing with the 15 percent rate.
\n
Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius told analysts on Wednesday that the group was assuming tariffs would remain at 15 percent, throwing cold water on hopes companies may be able to negotiate individual deals.
\n
"For all intents and purposes, that global deal for now is it," said Kaellenius, also president of Europe's car lobby ACEA. Any side deals were "very uncertain", he added.
\n
Volkswagen had said it was hoping investment commitments could help it negotiate lower US tariffs. But Porsche CEO Blume, also head of Volkswagen, suggested there would not be a separate US deal for the automotive sector. "I agree with Ola Kaellenius' assessment that there will not be a separate automotive deal," Blume said.
China's State-owned assets regulator on Tuesday announced the inauguration of China Changan Automobile Group as a centrally administered State-owned enterprise. The move brings the total number of Chinese central SOEs to 100, and positions the company as the country's third central SOE in the automotive sector, joining FAW Group and Dongfeng Motor. The company has 117 subsidiaries, with businesses spanning automobiles and auto components, motorcycles, and financial and logistics services. It will focus on cultivating new quality productive forces such as intelligent vehicle robots and embodied AI. It is also expected to accelerate a global expansion, targeting markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Central and South America. Industry observers view the move as a significant step in China's broader efforts to reform central SOEs and allocate state capital in an improved manner, while also strengthening the global competitiveness of the country's auto sector.
\n
Mercedes' Q2 profits plunge 70 percent
\n
Premium German carmaker Mercedes-Benz said on Wednesday its second-quarter profit plunged nearly 70 percent due to US tariffs and weak sales in China, prompting it to lower its full-year revenue outlook. Net profit for the period was 957 million euros ($1.1 billion), far below the 1.5 billion analysts polled by financial data firm FactSet had expected. Without tariffs, the firm's car business would have achieved a profit margin of 6.6 percent compared to an actual 5.1 percent, the company said. That amounts to a cost of hundreds of millions of euros given overall sales of 24.2 billion euros at the cars division for the quarter. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius said the results were "robust" considering "the dynamic business environment". "We're adapting to new geopolitical realities by using our global production footprint intelligently," he added.
\n
Exports now counted in EV policy change
\n
Thailand adjusted an electric vehicle incentive policy on Wednesday to give automakers more flexibility in meeting production targets and boosting exports, amid tepid domestic demand and intense competition as Chinese brands expand presence in the market. Under its EV policy launched in 2022, Thailand allowed duty-free imports under the condition that the domestic EV output of automakers would match the number of imports by 2024, and then they would produce 1.5 units for every imported unit by 2025. The Board of Investment said on Wednesday that locally produced EVs that were exported would now count toward the target, a shift from the previous policy of counting only locally registered vehicles. Chinese brands dominate the EV market in Thailand, with a combined share of over 70 percent of sales.
\n
Currency exchange rates hit Lamborghini
\n
Italian luxury sports automaker Lamborghini said its operating income fell slightly in the first half even as it delivered record numbers of cars to customers, as currency effects weighed on its bottom line. Operating income stood at 431 million euros ($497 million) in the January to June period versus 458 million euros a year earlier, primarily due to unfavorable exchange rate trends in the second quarter, the company said in a statement. Net revenues amounted to 1.62 billion euros in the period as the carmaker, part of Germany's Volkswagen, delivered 5,681 cars, its highest first-half delivery total on record. CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the results confirmed that a decision to make all Lamborghini's range hybrid was the right one, as shown by the success of the Revuelto car, its first plug-in hybrid, and of the Urus SE SUV. "We now look forward to the market launch of the Temerario, which will complete the first fully hybrid range in the segment."
\n
Provost named CEO of Renault
\n
Renault named Francois Provost as CEO, opting for a low-profile insider to steer the French carmaker through growing competition and weak demand that triggered a profit warning earlier this month. The rapid promotion of its head of partnerships, less than two months after former boss Luca de Meo's abrupt departure to join luxury group Kering, comes at a critical time for Renault, which was preparing to roll out a new strategic plan later this year. Though little-known outside Renault, Provost, 57, had spearheaded the automaker's transformation plan revealed in 2022 by de Meo, and as director of partnerships, was heavily involved in implementing the former CEO's vision of an asset-light approach to compete with much bigger rivals like Stellantis. "Thanks to his expertise and knowledge of the company, we will be able to complete the implementation of our strategic plan, finalize the terms of the next one, and ensure its successful execution," Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said in a statement.
\n",
@@ -4268,28 +4378,6 @@
"hash": "e15a52a12cfc815d06b5de573d30a4de",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "017LIFE - Love for coffee revitalizes a mountain",
- "description": "
Wang Dayong's team select premium coffee seeds. Right: Greenhouse cultivation of Arabica seedlings in Gaoligong Mountains.
\n
A bird's-eye view of Shitizhai village, in Baoshan city, Yunnan province.
\n
In 2017, when Wang Dayong flew a drone over Shitizhai, a village nestled on the eastern slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains, the footage revealed what appeared to be a scar gouged into the earth's surface.
\n
"There were barren stretches of land that had been overworked and abused," recalls the man in his 50s.
\n
The once-scarred mountain in Baoshan city, southwestern Yunnan province, has been nurtured back to its natural state over the past few years.
\n
The barren slopes are lush with rows of carefully planted coffee trees interspersed with towering native species that provide the perfect environment for growing highquality coffee beans.
\n
The revitalization of the area reveals nature's astonishing power to regenerate, which Wang set in motion after he discovered the land's rich, overlooked coffee history.
\n
Wang left his job as a TV cameraman in 2013 and launched a documentary studio in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Over a decade, he told stories of new urban developments, vanishing traditions, and communities grappling with change.
\n
He came to this mountainous area a few years ago for a business trip and engaged with the locals. That's how he learned about the once-splendid coffee history dating back to the 1920s.
\n
"I love coffee and was intrigued to delve deeper," he recalls.
\n
He learned that coffee was introduced to Yunnan in the early 20th century, and over the subsequent decades, coffee cultivation had developed into an influential industry. Yunnan's high-altitude regions, along with its unique climate conditions, proved to be ideal for cultivating Arabica coffee.
\n
Around 99 percent of China's coffee production is concentrated in the Nujiang and Lancang river valleys in Yunnan. The coffee from the Gaoligong Mountains region gained significant recognition in the last century and was hailed as "black gold "when it was awarded the Eureka Gold Medal at the international Eureka expo in Brussels, Belgium, in 1993.
\n
After learning the history, Wang became motivated to make a documentary in 2017, tracing China's coffee history and highlighting the unique Yunnan coffee and its special place in the global market.
\n
As he explored further, it pained him to see how the mountainside, once lush with coffee plants, had suffered from excessive farming, and the villages scattered along the valleys had been abandoned.
\n
Sitting in the Nujiang River valley, the Gaoligong Mountains rise like an immense wall, blocking the warm, moist air currents from the Indian Ocean on the western slopes. This natural barrier gives rise to an extraordinary microclimate on the valley's eastern side, which is marked by dramatic temperature differences between day and night, making it ideal for growing premium Arabica coffee.
\n
Yet, in the race for profits and higher yields, shortsighted practices took hold. Farmers began tightly planting coffee plants together, increasing the density from just 60 trees per tenth of a hectare to more than 330.
\n
To save on labor, farmers also began harvesting coffee cherries in one single, indiscriminate sweep, regardless of differences in ripeness and quality. When the coffee market slumped, many locals cut down their decades-old, prize-winning Arabica trees to make room for fruits and vegetables to survive.
\n
Born to a village family in Central China's Henan province, Wang says he has a natural affinity for rural regions, not to mention that places like Gaoligong Mountains are endowed with superb geological and environmental conditions.
\n
"I have a deep emotional connection to rural areas," he says.
\n
Beyond nostalgia, the explosive growth of coffee consumption in China since 2018 exposed an immense potential for Wang. It inspired him to leave behind his successful studio in Shenzhen and settle in the remote mountains.
\n
Additionally, his documentary caught the attention of local authorities, and they readily accepted Wang's proposal to restore Shitizhai to its glory through coffee plantations.
\n
"We were entering a new track and I thought, if not now, then when?" he says, adding that he wanted to make a difference, and not just save this village but drive change across the entire coffee industry.
\n
With the support of his family — his wife is also a coffee enthusiast — Wang brought his family and a team to Shitizhai.
\n
"We lived in a tent when we first arrived. The conditions were basic, but the beauty and tranquility of the mountains were unparalleled," he recalls.
\n
He set three main goals for his venture: restore the land's natural power, reshape local coffee bean production, and revitalize the rural value.
\n
The first step was to restore the power of the land.
\n
His team worked tirelessly to restore biodiversity in the area by introducing native tree species that would provide shade for the coffee plants while also restoring the delicate ecosystem.
\n
He also ensured that no pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers were used, focusing on ecological farming and reforestation.
\n
Then, they removed the outdated catimor, or hybrid, beans and replaced them with Arabica, a higher-quality bean that thrives in shaded, cooler environments.
\n
"Arabica beans are special. They need the right altitude, the right shade, and the right ecosystem," Wang says.
\n
When coffee cherries ripen, farmers must pick them one by one, carefully ensuring the skins remain intact and no stalks are left attached.
\n
Through such meticulous harvesting practices alone, the total yield value has jumped from around 3,000 yuan ($417) to nearly 5,000 yuan per mu (0.067 hectare).
\n
Wang also made a point of teaching local farmers the proper way to drink coffee.
\n
Each year, his coffee estate hosts a harvest festival, where he invites all the local growers to taste the coffee they've cultivated with their own hands.
\n
"Only by learning to appreciate a fine cup of coffee can farmers understand the wide gulf between excellent and inferior varieties and stop blindly opting for disease-resistant, high-yield, but lower-grade strains," he explains.
\n
After years of nurturing the soil, planting over 10,000 trees, and carefully selecting the best coffee varieties, Wang saw his dream begin to take root.
\n
The once-barren slopes of the mountain began flourishing with lush, green coffee trees.
\n
By 2024, his coffee plantation achieved its first harvest of high-quality Arabica beans, which were then processed, roasted, and sold to customers who appreciated the unique flavor that the high-altitude beans possess.
\n
As a result, the sale of these beans quickly became a primary source of income for many in the village; and the mountain village began to draw attention from coffee connoisseurs and eco-tourists alike.
\n
Wu Hua, a cultural new economy professor at Shanghai University, visited Shitizhai multiple times and saw the story of the Gaoligong Mountains as having many layers.
\n
"A dilapidated, abandoned settlement brought back to life; local farmers who had once been forced to leave for city jobs now finding prosperity in their own fields; a barren hillside turning green again; and a coffee industry that was once world-renowned but had fallen into decline is now regaining its strength," she says.
\n
Wu considers the work done by Wang and his team as a new vision for rural revitalization.
\n
"What we've seen in Shitizhai is how biodiversity restoration and specialty agriculture can come together to create harmony between people and nature," she adds.
\n
Today, Wang's days at Shitizhai unfold at a pace set by the mountain's rhythms. He and his team, most of whom followed him from Shenzhen, rarely leave the village.
\n
"It takes 40 minutes to go down the mountain by car. Unless we need to send coffee or welcome guests, we don't leave," he says.
\n
When visitors do make the winding journey up to the estate, which sits at an elevation of 1,800 meters, they get to taste coffee brewed from locally grown beans while taking in the crisp air and lush slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains.
\n
Wang and his team are committed to a holistic approach, which includes researching and breeding coffee varieties and roasting and extraction, ensuring they handle the entire process themselves.
\n
To showcase the charm of his coffee beans, he also opened two cafes in Shenzhen in 2021 and 2024, respectively.
\n
Neither cafe offers takeout or milk-based drinks. The idea is to encourage people to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee as it is meant to be experienced, Wang says.
\n
"A coffee shop isn't just about selling coffee. It should be a space for people to connect and exchange ideas," Wang explains.
\n
In charting his life's course, Wang chose to "walk back". But to him, this was never an act of retreat but "simply a choice", he says.
\n
Wang believes the countryside holds vast, open spaces for possibilities.
\n
"I don't see the countryside as the opposite of the city. To me, it should be a place where your skills, your talents, and your dreams can fully unfold," he says.
\n
Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Wang Dayong's team select premium coffee seeds. Right: Greenhouse cultivation of Arabica seedlings in Gaoligong Mountains.
\n
A bird's-eye view of Shitizhai village, in Baoshan city, Yunnan province.
\n
In 2017, when Wang Dayong flew a drone over Shitizhai, a village nestled on the eastern slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains, the footage revealed what appeared to be a scar gouged into the earth's surface.
\n
"There were barren stretches of land that had been overworked and abused," recalls the man in his 50s.
\n
The once-scarred mountain in Baoshan city, southwestern Yunnan province, has been nurtured back to its natural state over the past few years.
\n
The barren slopes are lush with rows of carefully planted coffee trees interspersed with towering native species that provide the perfect environment for growing highquality coffee beans.
\n
The revitalization of the area reveals nature's astonishing power to regenerate, which Wang set in motion after he discovered the land's rich, overlooked coffee history.
\n
Wang left his job as a TV cameraman in 2013 and launched a documentary studio in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Over a decade, he told stories of new urban developments, vanishing traditions, and communities grappling with change.
\n
He came to this mountainous area a few years ago for a business trip and engaged with the locals. That's how he learned about the once-splendid coffee history dating back to the 1920s.
\n
"I love coffee and was intrigued to delve deeper," he recalls.
\n
He learned that coffee was introduced to Yunnan in the early 20th century, and over the subsequent decades, coffee cultivation had developed into an influential industry. Yunnan's high-altitude regions, along with its unique climate conditions, proved to be ideal for cultivating Arabica coffee.
\n
Around 99 percent of China's coffee production is concentrated in the Nujiang and Lancang river valleys in Yunnan. The coffee from the Gaoligong Mountains region gained significant recognition in the last century and was hailed as "black gold "when it was awarded the Eureka Gold Medal at the international Eureka expo in Brussels, Belgium, in 1993.
\n
After learning the history, Wang became motivated to make a documentary in 2017, tracing China's coffee history and highlighting the unique Yunnan coffee and its special place in the global market.
\n
As he explored further, it pained him to see how the mountainside, once lush with coffee plants, had suffered from excessive farming, and the villages scattered along the valleys had been abandoned.
\n
Sitting in the Nujiang River valley, the Gaoligong Mountains rise like an immense wall, blocking the warm, moist air currents from the Indian Ocean on the western slopes. This natural barrier gives rise to an extraordinary microclimate on the valley's eastern side, which is marked by dramatic temperature differences between day and night, making it ideal for growing premium Arabica coffee.
\n
Yet, in the race for profits and higher yields, shortsighted practices took hold. Farmers began tightly planting coffee plants together, increasing the density from just 60 trees per tenth of a hectare to more than 330.
\n
To save on labor, farmers also began harvesting coffee cherries in one single, indiscriminate sweep, regardless of differences in ripeness and quality. When the coffee market slumped, many locals cut down their decades-old, prize-winning Arabica trees to make room for fruits and vegetables to survive.
\n
Born to a village family in Central China's Henan province, Wang says he has a natural affinity for rural regions, not to mention that places like Gaoligong Mountains are endowed with superb geological and environmental conditions.
\n
"I have a deep emotional connection to rural areas," he says.
\n
Beyond nostalgia, the explosive growth of coffee consumption in China since 2018 exposed an immense potential for Wang. It inspired him to leave behind his successful studio in Shenzhen and settle in the remote mountains.
\n
Additionally, his documentary caught the attention of local authorities, and they readily accepted Wang's proposal to restore Shitizhai to its glory through coffee plantations.
\n
"We were entering a new track and I thought, if not now, then when?" he says, adding that he wanted to make a difference, and not just save this village but drive change across the entire coffee industry.
\n
With the support of his family — his wife is also a coffee enthusiast — Wang brought his family and a team to Shitizhai.
\n
"We lived in a tent when we first arrived. The conditions were basic, but the beauty and tranquility of the mountains were unparalleled," he recalls.
\n
He set three main goals for his venture: restore the land's natural power, reshape local coffee bean production, and revitalize the rural value.
\n
The first step was to restore the power of the land.
\n
His team worked tirelessly to restore biodiversity in the area by introducing native tree species that would provide shade for the coffee plants while also restoring the delicate ecosystem.
\n
He also ensured that no pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers were used, focusing on ecological farming and reforestation.
\n
Then, they removed the outdated catimor, or hybrid, beans and replaced them with Arabica, a higher-quality bean that thrives in shaded, cooler environments.
\n
"Arabica beans are special. They need the right altitude, the right shade, and the right ecosystem," Wang says.
\n
When coffee cherries ripen, farmers must pick them one by one, carefully ensuring the skins remain intact and no stalks are left attached.
\n
Through such meticulous harvesting practices alone, the total yield value has jumped from around 3,000 yuan ($417) to nearly 5,000 yuan per mu (0.067 hectare).
\n
Wang also made a point of teaching local farmers the proper way to drink coffee.
\n
Each year, his coffee estate hosts a harvest festival, where he invites all the local growers to taste the coffee they've cultivated with their own hands.
\n
"Only by learning to appreciate a fine cup of coffee can farmers understand the wide gulf between excellent and inferior varieties and stop blindly opting for disease-resistant, high-yield, but lower-grade strains," he explains.
\n
After years of nurturing the soil, planting over 10,000 trees, and carefully selecting the best coffee varieties, Wang saw his dream begin to take root.
\n
The once-barren slopes of the mountain began flourishing with lush, green coffee trees.
\n
By 2024, his coffee plantation achieved its first harvest of high-quality Arabica beans, which were then processed, roasted, and sold to customers who appreciated the unique flavor that the high-altitude beans possess.
\n
As a result, the sale of these beans quickly became a primary source of income for many in the village; and the mountain village began to draw attention from coffee connoisseurs and eco-tourists alike.
\n
Wu Hua, a cultural new economy professor at Shanghai University, visited Shitizhai multiple times and saw the story of the Gaoligong Mountains as having many layers.
\n
"A dilapidated, abandoned settlement brought back to life; local farmers who had once been forced to leave for city jobs now finding prosperity in their own fields; a barren hillside turning green again; and a coffee industry that was once world-renowned but had fallen into decline is now regaining its strength," she says.
\n
Wu considers the work done by Wang and his team as a new vision for rural revitalization.
\n
"What we've seen in Shitizhai is how biodiversity restoration and specialty agriculture can come together to create harmony between people and nature," she adds.
\n
Today, Wang's days at Shitizhai unfold at a pace set by the mountain's rhythms. He and his team, most of whom followed him from Shenzhen, rarely leave the village.
\n
"It takes 40 minutes to go down the mountain by car. Unless we need to send coffee or welcome guests, we don't leave," he says.
\n
When visitors do make the winding journey up to the estate, which sits at an elevation of 1,800 meters, they get to taste coffee brewed from locally grown beans while taking in the crisp air and lush slopes of the Gaoligong Mountains.
\n
Wang and his team are committed to a holistic approach, which includes researching and breeding coffee varieties and roasting and extraction, ensuring they handle the entire process themselves.
\n
To showcase the charm of his coffee beans, he also opened two cafes in Shenzhen in 2021 and 2024, respectively.
\n
Neither cafe offers takeout or milk-based drinks. The idea is to encourage people to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee as it is meant to be experienced, Wang says.
\n
"A coffee shop isn't just about selling coffee. It should be a space for people to connect and exchange ideas," Wang explains.
\n
In charting his life's course, Wang chose to "walk back". But to him, this was never an act of retreat but "simply a choice", he says.
\n
Wang believes the countryside holds vast, open spaces for possibilities.
\n
"I don't see the countryside as the opposite of the city. To me, it should be a place where your skills, your talents, and your dreams can fully unfold," he says.
\n
Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
A customer tastes a freshly arrived Dongkui waxberry from Zhejiang province at a restaurant in Frankfurt, Germany, in June.
\n
HANGZHOU/BERLIN — How long does it take for perishable waxberries to travel over 9,000 kilometers from a tree branch in rural China to a dining table in Germany? Just 48 hours.
\n
In a quiet Frankfurt neighborhood earlier in June, bowls of fresh, jewel-like waxberries glistened with condensation. Curious locals gathered around, drawn by the fruit's deep red hue and glossy sheen. Many enjoyed tasting it for the first time.
\n
"It's unlike anything I've had before," says a German customer, visibly surprised by his first bite. "It's tangy, sweet, very flavorful, and definitely exotic, in the best way."
\n
For others, the taste evokes a sense of nostalgia. "Waxberries were my favorite fruit growing up. The ones I tasted today in Frankfurt are exactly like the ones from my hometown," says Zheng Jianguo, a Chinese national who has lived in Germany for 25 years.
\n
Just 48 hours earlier, these plump, juicy Dongkui waxberries, known for their large size and high sugar content, were clinging to branches at an orchard in Wencheng county, Zhejiang province.
\n
It was early dawn in midsummer, and layers of mist drifted across the terraced slopes as the sun quietly rose. At 6 am, a delivery worker carefully loaded boxes of freshly packed waxberries onto a refrigerated truck. With the clock ticking, the vehicle began racing to the airport, marking the first leg of a 9,000-km journey.
\n
"This shipment marks the first batch of Dongkui waxberries from Wencheng to be exported overseas in 2025, and the first time they're being shipped to Frankfurt," says Zhao Chengdong, a senior official with Wencheng county's Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
\n
To ensure peak freshness, waxberries are swiftly harvested, sorted, packaged, pre-cooled, and transported under tightly controlled cold-chain conditions. " (To transport) fresh fruit is a race against time, and waxberries are especially delicate," Zhao notes. "From orchard to export, every step must be executed with precision."
\n
In recent years, with strong support from the local government, many farmers in Wencheng have embraced advanced techniques in both waxberry cultivation and post-harvest handling.
\n
Among them is Zhao Hanming, head of the Xinmo'er family farm, who leveraged upgraded technology and facilities to successfully register his farm this year as a certified export fruit packaging site. He was also tasked with preparing the waxberries for the shipment to Germany.
\n
"The waxberries are sealed using nitrogen-flush technology, a method that replaces oxygen inside the packaging with nitrogen to slow oxidation and spoiling," Zhao Hanming says. "This helps the berries stay fresh for up to 10 days under refrigeration, allowing customers in Germany to enjoy a taste that's nearly as fresh as the day they were picked in China."
\n
Within four hours after landing at Frankfurt Airport, the waxberries passed inspection, cleared customs, and were ready for market.
\n
Waxberries are one of Wencheng's key agricultural products, and their cultivation supports over 22,000 local farmers.
\n
As output grows, so does the goal to reach overseas markets. In recent years, Wencheng waxberries have been exported to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Italy, and Spain, gradually establishing a presence beyond Asia.
\n
"Next, we plan to bring high-quality yams and glass noodles from Wencheng to tables around the world," says Zhao Chengdong, the senior official.
\n",
@@ -4312,28 +4400,6 @@
"hash": "266544851c55a98627158ec37d4f993f",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "018LIFE - Game on: From opera to anime",
- "description": "
Above: A performer stands at the decorated booth of the Chinese game Love and Deepspace, one of the most popular attractions at Bilibili World 2025, held in Shanghai last month. Top right: Qiu Danli (second from right), a veteran Yueju Opera performer and creator on Bilibili, poses with ACGN friends and fans. Middle and above right: Cosplayers and Itasha cars at the event.
\n
Visitors enjoy diverse shows at Bilibili World 2025.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
Zack Zhang, a 31-year-old YouTuber from Taiwan with around 280,000 subscribers, had what he described as a "happy, novel and spectacular" first trip to the Chinese mainland. His destination was Bilibili World 2025, one of Asia's largest gatherings for fans of ACGN — animation, comics, games, and novels — held in Shanghai.
\n
Compared with other ACGN events that Zhang has been to in Taiwan and Tokyo, he told China Daily that he saw BW as one of the best events of its kind worldwide.
\n
"This is my first time at BW and I feel incredibly great here. I saw a lot of global exhibitors, enthusiastic interactions on and off the stage, and 50 to 60 percent of the visitors are in beautifully detailed cosplay. People are friendly and open to chatting happily and share the stories behind their costumes. I love the atmosphere," says Zhang.
\n
Since its launch in Shanghai in 2017, BW has rapidly expanded into one of the leading ACGN events in Asia, offering a blend of exhibitions, performances and hands-on experiences.
\n
This year's edition, held from July 11 to 13, drew about 400,000 visits from participants across over 20 countries and regions, including Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The event featured 167 exhibitors, more than 1,000 creators, over 30,000 cosplayers, and nearly 800 Itasha cars — vehicles decorated with vibrant ACGN-themed artwork.
\n
Zhang's first stop at BW was the gaming section, which played a central role in this year's event. A major highlight was the game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, which officially launched worldwide on July 24 and drew significant attention at its booth.
\n
Produced by Leenzee Games in Chengdu, Sichuan province, it is a homegrown console game inspired by ancient Shu (Sichuan region) culture and civilization. With an original fictional story, it features various cultural elements of Sichuan province, including the Sanxingdui ruins, Sichuan dialects, snacks, face-changing stunts of Sichuan Opera, and folk culture and tales, according to game director Xia Siyuan.
\n
"Following the success of Black Myth: Wukong, we see the market for Chinese console games expanding. Players are growing in number and interest. We hope this game will help enrich the Chinese console gaming scene," says Xia.
\n
Also present was Nie Shihong, a 26-year-old gamer and popular Bilibili creator with nearly 770,000 followers. He traveled from Taiyuan, Shanxi province just to try the game. He says the game was worth the trip as he was amazed and captivated by the story and the ancient building elements in particular.
\n
"I made some videos on Black Myth: Wukong before, as some of its scenes are based in Taiyuan. This game is set in the background of Sichuan, which we, Chinese users, are familiar with and feel connected to. I'm glad more local games are embracing traditional culture," says Nie.
\n
The charm of Chinese games and culture has not only captivated Chinese players, but also Thomas Rosenthal, vice-president of Asia-Pacific for 505 Games under the Italian video game company Digital Bros Group, the publisher of the game.
\n
Starting in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Rosenthal saw great potential for introducing culturally rich Chinese games to global audiences. His company is publishing Wuchang internationally.
\n
"Black Myth: Wukong validated the fact that great Chinese games based on Chinese culture are accessible to overseas users. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a high-quality production with a strong cultural identity of Chinese and Sichuan cultures. We hope to help users outside of China understand the local culture, connect Chinese players with global platforms, and bring Chinese content to a wider global audience," says Rosenthal.
\n
During the game's six-year development process, Rosenthal also spoke highly of their valuable experience in building strong partnerships between a foreign publisher and Chinese developers, as well as the "colorful, impressive, energetic, and dynamic "market landscape of China's gaming industry.
\n
"Chinese gamers are experimental and open-minded to trying new things, including international content. China's market size always builds a trend when it moves in a certain direction. There is great energy, and everything is happening here," he adds.
\n
In addition to games, Bilibili World also brought together a large number of notable creators from other ACGN sectors. Xia Lei, a 47-year-old veteran voice actor, was busy during the event meeting fans and celebrating the 10th birthday of his Voice Bear Group. Having worked in voice acting for 25 years and being an ACGN enthusiast since childhood, Xia Lei reflected on the industry's rapid transformation.
\n
"China's ACGN industry is growing unexpectedly fast, such as the development of IPs and the expanding fan base. We are also seeing much younger voice actors and fans of radio drama, animation and games. Currently, over one-third of voice actors at our group are those born after 2000, from whom we see much passion and the future of the industry," says Xia Lei.
\n
Seseren, a 34-year-old illustrator from South Korea, set up a booth at BW, meeting fans and selling IP goods made from his illustrated works in Chinese games. He has thousands of Chinese fans on Bilibili, and even studied Chinese at Fudan University in Shanghai for six months to better communicate with the "passionate and enthusiastic "Chinese fan community.
\n
Hayato Kato, a 27-year-old Japanese creator, has been living in Shanghai since 2021. He has posted over 200 videos on his experiences in China and gained more than 780,000 followers on Bilibili. Kato was happy to see many familiar Japanese exhibitors at the event and said he values BW as a platform for cultural exchange and shared creativity among global ACGN fans.
\n
The growing ACGN industry in China is not only crossing national boundaries but also filling cultural and generational gaps. One standout example is Qiu Danli, a 41-year-old Yueju Opera performer with the Shanghai Yue Opera House, who is using Bilibili to bring traditional Chinese opera to younger, international audiences in new and engaging ways.
\n
Influenced by her friend and her teenage daughter, Qiu became fascinated with ACGN culture. She began integrating games and anime themes into opera performances — an experiment that has proven popular among younger viewers.
\n
"The younger generation is full of energy and creativity and has a passion for traditional Chinese culture. Their comments and creativity inspire me. Some have even joined my team. I hope we can connect across ages and cultural divides to promote traditional opera together," says Qiu.
\n
Data from iiMedia Research reports show that the pan-ACGN user base in China has grown significantly in recent years. With the user base likely to reach over 500 million by 2029, the pan-ACGN market is expected to expand from 597.7 billion yuan ($82.91 billion) in 2024 to 834.4 billion yuan by 2029.
\n
Contact the writer at wangxin2@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Above: A performer stands at the decorated booth of the Chinese game Love and Deepspace, one of the most popular attractions at Bilibili World 2025, held in Shanghai last month. Top right: Qiu Danli (second from right), a veteran Yueju Opera performer and creator on Bilibili, poses with ACGN friends and fans. Middle and above right: Cosplayers and Itasha cars at the event.
\n
Visitors enjoy diverse shows at Bilibili World 2025.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
Zack Zhang, a 31-year-old YouTuber from Taiwan with around 280,000 subscribers, had what he described as a "happy, novel and spectacular" first trip to the Chinese mainland. His destination was Bilibili World 2025, one of Asia's largest gatherings for fans of ACGN — animation, comics, games, and novels — held in Shanghai.
\n
Compared with other ACGN events that Zhang has been to in Taiwan and Tokyo, he told China Daily that he saw BW as one of the best events of its kind worldwide.
\n
"This is my first time at BW and I feel incredibly great here. I saw a lot of global exhibitors, enthusiastic interactions on and off the stage, and 50 to 60 percent of the visitors are in beautifully detailed cosplay. People are friendly and open to chatting happily and share the stories behind their costumes. I love the atmosphere," says Zhang.
\n
Since its launch in Shanghai in 2017, BW has rapidly expanded into one of the leading ACGN events in Asia, offering a blend of exhibitions, performances and hands-on experiences.
\n
This year's edition, held from July 11 to 13, drew about 400,000 visits from participants across over 20 countries and regions, including Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The event featured 167 exhibitors, more than 1,000 creators, over 30,000 cosplayers, and nearly 800 Itasha cars — vehicles decorated with vibrant ACGN-themed artwork.
\n
Zhang's first stop at BW was the gaming section, which played a central role in this year's event. A major highlight was the game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, which officially launched worldwide on July 24 and drew significant attention at its booth.
\n
Produced by Leenzee Games in Chengdu, Sichuan province, it is a homegrown console game inspired by ancient Shu (Sichuan region) culture and civilization. With an original fictional story, it features various cultural elements of Sichuan province, including the Sanxingdui ruins, Sichuan dialects, snacks, face-changing stunts of Sichuan Opera, and folk culture and tales, according to game director Xia Siyuan.
\n
"Following the success of Black Myth: Wukong, we see the market for Chinese console games expanding. Players are growing in number and interest. We hope this game will help enrich the Chinese console gaming scene," says Xia.
\n
Also present was Nie Shihong, a 26-year-old gamer and popular Bilibili creator with nearly 770,000 followers. He traveled from Taiyuan, Shanxi province just to try the game. He says the game was worth the trip as he was amazed and captivated by the story and the ancient building elements in particular.
\n
"I made some videos on Black Myth: Wukong before, as some of its scenes are based in Taiyuan. This game is set in the background of Sichuan, which we, Chinese users, are familiar with and feel connected to. I'm glad more local games are embracing traditional culture," says Nie.
\n
The charm of Chinese games and culture has not only captivated Chinese players, but also Thomas Rosenthal, vice-president of Asia-Pacific for 505 Games under the Italian video game company Digital Bros Group, the publisher of the game.
\n
Starting in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Rosenthal saw great potential for introducing culturally rich Chinese games to global audiences. His company is publishing Wuchang internationally.
\n
"Black Myth: Wukong validated the fact that great Chinese games based on Chinese culture are accessible to overseas users. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a high-quality production with a strong cultural identity of Chinese and Sichuan cultures. We hope to help users outside of China understand the local culture, connect Chinese players with global platforms, and bring Chinese content to a wider global audience," says Rosenthal.
\n
During the game's six-year development process, Rosenthal also spoke highly of their valuable experience in building strong partnerships between a foreign publisher and Chinese developers, as well as the "colorful, impressive, energetic, and dynamic "market landscape of China's gaming industry.
\n
"Chinese gamers are experimental and open-minded to trying new things, including international content. China's market size always builds a trend when it moves in a certain direction. There is great energy, and everything is happening here," he adds.
\n
In addition to games, Bilibili World also brought together a large number of notable creators from other ACGN sectors. Xia Lei, a 47-year-old veteran voice actor, was busy during the event meeting fans and celebrating the 10th birthday of his Voice Bear Group. Having worked in voice acting for 25 years and being an ACGN enthusiast since childhood, Xia Lei reflected on the industry's rapid transformation.
\n
"China's ACGN industry is growing unexpectedly fast, such as the development of IPs and the expanding fan base. We are also seeing much younger voice actors and fans of radio drama, animation and games. Currently, over one-third of voice actors at our group are those born after 2000, from whom we see much passion and the future of the industry," says Xia Lei.
\n
Seseren, a 34-year-old illustrator from South Korea, set up a booth at BW, meeting fans and selling IP goods made from his illustrated works in Chinese games. He has thousands of Chinese fans on Bilibili, and even studied Chinese at Fudan University in Shanghai for six months to better communicate with the "passionate and enthusiastic "Chinese fan community.
\n
Hayato Kato, a 27-year-old Japanese creator, has been living in Shanghai since 2021. He has posted over 200 videos on his experiences in China and gained more than 780,000 followers on Bilibili. Kato was happy to see many familiar Japanese exhibitors at the event and said he values BW as a platform for cultural exchange and shared creativity among global ACGN fans.
\n
The growing ACGN industry in China is not only crossing national boundaries but also filling cultural and generational gaps. One standout example is Qiu Danli, a 41-year-old Yueju Opera performer with the Shanghai Yue Opera House, who is using Bilibili to bring traditional Chinese opera to younger, international audiences in new and engaging ways.
\n
Influenced by her friend and her teenage daughter, Qiu became fascinated with ACGN culture. She began integrating games and anime themes into opera performances — an experiment that has proven popular among younger viewers.
\n
"The younger generation is full of energy and creativity and has a passion for traditional Chinese culture. Their comments and creativity inspire me. Some have even joined my team. I hope we can connect across ages and cultural divides to promote traditional opera together," says Qiu.
\n
Data from iiMedia Research reports show that the pan-ACGN user base in China has grown significantly in recent years. With the user base likely to reach over 500 million by 2029, the pan-ACGN market is expected to expand from 597.7 billion yuan ($82.91 billion) in 2024 to 834.4 billion yuan by 2029.
The third edition of The English-Chinese Dictionary, published earlier this year by the Shanghai Translation Publishing House.
\n
After a decade-long revision, the third edition of The English-Chinese Dictionary has returned — bigger, sharper, and more attuned to the rhythms of modern language.
\n
Officially launched on May 8, the dictionary will be the highlight of the Shanghai Translation Publishing House at the upcoming Shanghai Book Fair, which will be held from Aug 13 to 19.
\n
With 250,000 entries, the new edition incorporates updates that affect around 30 percent of its content. Prioritizing usability, it comprehensively covers both the English vocabulary and encyclopedic categories.
\n
Published by the Shanghai Translation Publishing House, The English-Chinese Dictionary holds the distinction of being China's first large-scale, independently compiled bilingual reference book. It is also the official dictionary for translators working for the United Nations, according to Han Weidong, president of the publishing house.
\n
The origins of this landmark project date back to the 1970s, when more than 100 English language professionals from 30 institutions — including Fudan University, Tongji University and Shanghai International Studies University — comprised the editorial team. Through extensive reading of newspapers and books, they amassed over 300,000 index cards, forming China's first English-Chinese corpus.
\n
The first edition of the dictionary, which included 200,000 entries, was published in two parts. Volume one debuted in 1989 and volume two was launched in 1991. A compact edition was released in 1993, with a supplement published in 1999. The second edition was launched as a single volume in 2007.
\n
Throughout its publication history, the dictionary has played an essential role in facilitating English education among Chinese speakers, and is widely used by students and professionals alike, according to Zhu Jisong, editor-in-chief of the third edition.
\n
Zhu inherited the task from his mentor and predecessor, professor Lu Gusun (1940-2016) of the English department at Fudan University. Lu began to work on the compilation of the dictionary as early as the 1970s. From 1986, Lu served as the editor-in-chief of the dictionary's first and second editions.
\n
Under Lu's encouragement, Zhu began work on the third edition in 2014. "I had a somewhat ambitious plan for the third edition," Zhu says. "I wanted to highlight the creativity and productivity of modern English since the 15th century. … I believe a more sophisticated understanding of English can help China expand its knowledge of the world."
\n
Apart from the routine tasks of any large-scale lexicographical update, such as correcting errors and including neologisms, Zhu and the editing team at the Shanghai Translation Publishing House set out to enrich the dictionary with illustrative examples drawn from diverse and contemporary sources, both written and spoken. This shift, Zhu explains, better captures the dynamic, ever-evolving character of English.
\n
However, Zhu and his colleagues were faced with a very different situation from their predecessors. "Few teams for professional research and the compilation of dictionaries remain in Chinese universities today," Han says. "While some scholars may take it as a subject for their research, few actively participate in dictionary-making."
\n
To overcome this, Zhu and the Shanghai Translation Publishing House launched a new Readers' Integration Project, recruiting volunteers from all walks of life to contribute new words, phrases and uses of English-Chinese translation in their specific professional field, academic background and reading experience.
\n
Many contributors connected via a WeChat group called Shanghai Morning Herald, which grew over the years into a network of more than 10,000 members. These citizen lexicographers submitted new words, translation examples, and even flagged outdated definitions or blind spots in the dictionary's previous versions.
\n
Their input ranged from terms like "cumin", a Mediterranean herb, to "euglycemia", a medical term meaning normal blood sugar level, and cultural items like "Amber Alert", a North American system for locating missing children.
\n
These "interested individuals", as Lu fondly called them, "filled the blind spots of the editing team, pointed out potential flaws and defects, and expanded the scope of entries included in the dictionary", says Zhang Ying, head of the English-Chinese Dictionary compilation department at the publishing house. The Readers' Integration Project has become an important force in the dictionary's compilation, and "will be implemented as a permanent system in the future editorial work", she says.
\n
"We compiled The English-Chinese Dictionary Third Edition from the perspective of Chinese scholars and language learners, aiming to demonstrate how to express Chinese culture in authentic English," Zhu says. To achieve this, the editorial team "handpicked expressions from classical Chinese, and the Cantonese and Shanghai dialects, in the belief that despite vast differences between the two great languages, Chinese and English can make a tremendous match in the dictionary", Zhu writes in the preface to the new English-Chinese Dictionary.
\n
The dictionary also tracks the growing influence of Chinese culture and presence in English usage. "This ensures that the dictionary serves not only as a record of interlingual equivalences but also as a reflection of China's prominent and constructive role on the international stage," he says.
Katie Ledecky of the United States celebrates winning the final of the women's 800m freestyle during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Saturday.
\n
Rowdy Gaines
\n
SINGAPORE — Three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines minces few words when he broadcasts swimming for the American network NBC.
\n
And he didn't hold back in an interview with reporters over the shaky state of the United States swimming team. He's calling for big-time changes after the US struggled at the world championships in Singapore.
\n
The US team didn't win as much as expected, nor did it dominate, it was battling a case of "acute gastroenteritis" picked up at a training camp in Thailand before arriving in Singapore and the governing body — USA Swimming — has been without a CEO for a year.
\n
The US swimmers did recover on Saturday, the penultimate day of the championships, with three gold medals, taking their tally to eight as of Sunday afternoon.
\n
But that does not change the big picture, as Gaines called the governing body "rudderless".
\n
"Can you imagine any corporation going for a year without a CEO?" he asked.
\n
The Americans were also underwhelming a year ago at the Paris Olympics. They led the medal table, but won only eight gold medals, the lowest total since the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
\n
"We're far from killing it," said Gaines. "It's a major struggle, and we can't hide our heads in the sand and say this is just a blip."
\n
Gaines said he's been texting frequently with Greg Meehan, the national team director who was appointed four months ago. Meehan is also the head coach in Singapore.
\n
"Greg and I have been going back and forth in a very good way; very positive," Gaines said.
\n
He called Meehan a good choice, and said he's had too little time to turn things around.
\n
"I think he's (Meehan) going to be great," Gaines said. "He's got that calm reserve. He had great success at Stanford. He's coached some of the best swimmers ever. I think he's a good choice, he's just walking into a bit of a minefield.
\n
"You can blame it on the illness, you can blame it on the inexperience — most of these kids have never been in this situation — and you can blame it on logistics," Gaines said.
\n
"Thailand doesn't make sense to me in the first place."
\n
He also put some blame on what he called the "state of today's athletes".
\n
"I think, in some cases, there's an entitlement for a lot of these kids, they feel like: 'I should be in the finals of the world championships'. And: 'I can still do the peripheral stuff and not worry about making it all the way'.
\n
"I think there needs to be a more focused attitude on the task at hand," he added.
\n
Gaines also noted that many swimmers struggle the year after the Olympics. They just finished a four-year cycle, so where is the motivation to start over again?
\n
"Mentally and physically, you are focused on four straight years, and the post-Olympic year can beat some people up. The post-Olympics is a real thing for all athletes, whether you're from China or the US."
\n
On the positive side, he talked up the future of 10 to 15 young American male swimmers, including Luca Urlando, the winner of the 200m butterfly and the only American man to win gold over the first five days. The championships ended Sunday.
\n
"The women are already very good," Gaines added.
\n
Gaines said much of the problem is that USA Swimming has gone for a year without a leader. Tim Hinchey resigned as the CEO a year ago. He was replaced by Chrissi Rawak, who stepped down after just a few days.
\n
"I do think changes need to be made, there needs to be a complete reset," Gaines said. "I don't think the sky is falling, but there needs to be some great leadership. Whoever they hire as CEO needs to be the leader that is sorely needed."
Katie Ledecky of the United States celebrates winning the final of the women's 800m freestyle during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Saturday.
\n
Rowdy Gaines
\n
SINGAPORE — Three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines minces few words when he broadcasts swimming for the American network NBC.
\n
And he didn't hold back in an interview with reporters over the shaky state of the United States swimming team. He's calling for big-time changes after the US struggled at the world championships in Singapore.
\n
The US team didn't win as much as expected, nor did it dominate, it was battling a case of "acute gastroenteritis" picked up at a training camp in Thailand before arriving in Singapore and the governing body — USA Swimming — has been without a CEO for a year.
\n
The US swimmers did recover on Saturday, the penultimate day of the championships, with three gold medals, taking their tally to eight as of Sunday afternoon.
\n
But that does not change the big picture, as Gaines called the governing body "rudderless".
\n
"Can you imagine any corporation going for a year without a CEO?" he asked.
\n
The Americans were also underwhelming a year ago at the Paris Olympics. They led the medal table, but won only eight gold medals, the lowest total since the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
\n
"We're far from killing it," said Gaines. "It's a major struggle, and we can't hide our heads in the sand and say this is just a blip."
\n
Gaines said he's been texting frequently with Greg Meehan, the national team director who was appointed four months ago. Meehan is also the head coach in Singapore.
\n
"Greg and I have been going back and forth in a very good way; very positive," Gaines said.
\n
He called Meehan a good choice, and said he's had too little time to turn things around.
\n
"I think he's (Meehan) going to be great," Gaines said. "He's got that calm reserve. He had great success at Stanford. He's coached some of the best swimmers ever. I think he's a good choice, he's just walking into a bit of a minefield.
\n
"You can blame it on the illness, you can blame it on the inexperience — most of these kids have never been in this situation — and you can blame it on logistics," Gaines said.
\n
"Thailand doesn't make sense to me in the first place."
\n
He also put some blame on what he called the "state of today's athletes".
\n
"I think, in some cases, there's an entitlement for a lot of these kids, they feel like: 'I should be in the finals of the world championships'. And: 'I can still do the peripheral stuff and not worry about making it all the way'.
\n
"I think there needs to be a more focused attitude on the task at hand," he added.
\n
Gaines also noted that many swimmers struggle the year after the Olympics. They just finished a four-year cycle, so where is the motivation to start over again?
\n
"Mentally and physically, you are focused on four straight years, and the post-Olympic year can beat some people up. The post-Olympics is a real thing for all athletes, whether you're from China or the US."
\n
On the positive side, he talked up the future of 10 to 15 young American male swimmers, including Luca Urlando, the winner of the 200m butterfly and the only American man to win gold over the first five days. The championships ended Sunday.
\n
"The women are already very good," Gaines added.
\n
Gaines said much of the problem is that USA Swimming has gone for a year without a leader. Tim Hinchey resigned as the CEO a year ago. He was replaced by Chrissi Rawak, who stepped down after just a few days.
\n
"I do think changes need to be made, there needs to be a complete reset," Gaines said. "I don't think the sky is falling, but there needs to be some great leadership. Whoever they hire as CEO needs to be the leader that is sorely needed."
The torch for the 15th National Games and 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities was officially unveiled on Saturday.
\n
The torch for China's 15th National Games and 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, along with the 9th National Special Olympics, was officially unveiled on Saturday.
\n
Named "Blossom", the torch's design embodies the shared Lingnan cultural heritage of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, symbolizing the "three regions as one family".
\n
He Ye, the lead designer for the torch, explained that the core design philosophy of "Blossom" is "fusion" and "glory", representing "exchange and integration" and "shared prosperity".
\n
From a top-down view, the torch's flame nozzle forms the wave-like shape of the Games' emblem, with the Guangdong kapok, Hong Kong bauhinia, and Macao lotus flowers intertwined, representing the innovative spirit of the Greater Bay Area.
\n
The torch's body features a streamlined metal frame and a peony pattern at its base, symbolizing the three regions' unity and prosperity.
\n
The gold-colored torch stands 760 millimeters tall, weighs 1.6 kilograms, and has a diameter of 125mm at the flame port.
\n
Using a modular design, the main body of the torch is crafted from high-strength 3D-printed stainless steel and temperature-resistant aluminum alloy.
\n
The unveiling ceremony in the South China metropolis of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, was part of the Games' 100-day countdown celebration, which also introduced the official victory ceremony music, podium attire and medals for the para sports games.
\n
The victory ceremony music, which will be played during medal presentations, incorporates elements of the famous Lingnan melody Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon.
\n
The podium attire, primarily pink, is a modern take on the mamianqun, or the horse-faced skirt, a distinctive hanfu style known for its high, flat front and pleated sides.
\n
A highlight of the design is a single peony embroidered on the skirt, inspired by Yue embroidery, one of China's four great embroidery styles. The "United Warmth "medals for the para games were also revealed.
\n
The 15th National Games of China will be jointly hosted by Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions from Nov 9 to 21.
\n",
@@ -4400,28 +4444,6 @@
"hash": "1c901a2bbc534f7397dc3c6489aa68b6",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "019SPORTS - World Athletics mandates gene test for female category eligibility",
- "description": "
MONACO — Clarifying promised rules on female eligibility, track and field's governing body last week set a Sept 1 deadline for athletes to pass a gene test for competing at the world championships.
\n
World Athletics said in March it would require chromosome testing by cheek swabs or dry blood-spot tests for female athletes to be eligible for elite-level events.
\n
The next worlds open on Sept 13 in Tokyo, and Sept 1 is "the closing date for entries and the date the regulations come into effect," World Athletics said in a statement.
\n
The latest rules update gives certainty for the 2025 championships in an issue that has been controversial on the track, and in multiple courts, since Caster Semenya won her first 800m world title as a teenager in 2009.
\n
Semenya won a ruling at the European Court of Human Rights three weeks ago in Strasbourg, France, in the South Africa star's yearslong challenge to a previous version of track and field's eligibility rules affecting athletes with medical conditions known as Differences in Sex Development. That legal win, because she did not get a fair hearing at the Swiss supreme court, did not overturn track's rules.
\n
World Athletics drew up rules in 2018 forcing two-time Olympic champion Semenya and other athletes with DSD to suppress their elevated natural testosterone levels to be eligible for international women's events. Semenya refused to take medication.
\n
Now, the Monaco-based track body requires a "once-in-a-lifetime test" to determine if athletes it says are biologically male carry the Y chromosome.
\n
"We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female," World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said.
\n
"It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology. We particularly want to thank our member federations for their support and commitment in the implementation of these new regulations."
\n
The governing body is covering up to $100 of the costs for each test, with the protocol overseen by its member federations at national level. Test results should be ready within two weeks.
\n
"The SRY test is extremely accurate, and the risk of false negative or positive is extremely unlikely," World Athletics said.
\n
World Athletics has combined its eligibility framework for DSD and transgender athletes, with transitional rules that let "a very small number of known DSD athletes "continue competing if they are taking medication to suppress natural testosterone.
\n
"The transitional provisions do not apply to transgender women, as there are none competing at the elite international level under the current regulations," World Athletics said.
\n
The SRY gene reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex.
\n
The test was also approved by World Boxing in May, when it introduced mandatory sex testing for all boxers.
\n
Earlier last month, the European Court upheld a 2023 ruling that double 800m Olympic champion Semenya's appeal to a Swiss Federal Tribunal against regulations that barred her from competing had not been properly heard.
\n
Semenya was appealing against World Athletics regulations that female athletes with DSD medically reduce their testosterone levels.
MONACO — Clarifying promised rules on female eligibility, track and field's governing body last week set a Sept 1 deadline for athletes to pass a gene test for competing at the world championships.
\n
World Athletics said in March it would require chromosome testing by cheek swabs or dry blood-spot tests for female athletes to be eligible for elite-level events.
\n
The next worlds open on Sept 13 in Tokyo, and Sept 1 is "the closing date for entries and the date the regulations come into effect," World Athletics said in a statement.
\n
The latest rules update gives certainty for the 2025 championships in an issue that has been controversial on the track, and in multiple courts, since Caster Semenya won her first 800m world title as a teenager in 2009.
\n
Semenya won a ruling at the European Court of Human Rights three weeks ago in Strasbourg, France, in the South Africa star's yearslong challenge to a previous version of track and field's eligibility rules affecting athletes with medical conditions known as Differences in Sex Development. That legal win, because she did not get a fair hearing at the Swiss supreme court, did not overturn track's rules.
\n
World Athletics drew up rules in 2018 forcing two-time Olympic champion Semenya and other athletes with DSD to suppress their elevated natural testosterone levels to be eligible for international women's events. Semenya refused to take medication.
\n
Now, the Monaco-based track body requires a "once-in-a-lifetime test" to determine if athletes it says are biologically male carry the Y chromosome.
\n
"We are saying, at elite level, for you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female," World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said.
\n
"It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology. We particularly want to thank our member federations for their support and commitment in the implementation of these new regulations."
\n
The governing body is covering up to $100 of the costs for each test, with the protocol overseen by its member federations at national level. Test results should be ready within two weeks.
\n
"The SRY test is extremely accurate, and the risk of false negative or positive is extremely unlikely," World Athletics said.
\n
World Athletics has combined its eligibility framework for DSD and transgender athletes, with transitional rules that let "a very small number of known DSD athletes "continue competing if they are taking medication to suppress natural testosterone.
\n
"The transitional provisions do not apply to transgender women, as there are none competing at the elite international level under the current regulations," World Athletics said.
\n
The SRY gene reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex.
\n
The test was also approved by World Boxing in May, when it introduced mandatory sex testing for all boxers.
\n
Earlier last month, the European Court upheld a 2023 ruling that double 800m Olympic champion Semenya's appeal to a Swiss Federal Tribunal against regulations that barred her from competing had not been properly heard.
\n
Semenya was appealing against World Athletics regulations that female athletes with DSD medically reduce their testosterone levels.
China's up-andcoming forward Wang Junjie (No 10) and point guard Liao Sanning have raised high hopes for a breakout campaign at the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia after putting up some impressive performances during Team China's warm-up tour early last month.
\n
Team China head coach Guo Shiqiang (top) and veteran forward Hu Jinqiu will lead a young squad to fight for continental glory at the Asia Cup.
\n
Raw in experience but ready to fight, China's injury-plagued men's national team is braced for a tough trial at the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia, as its young roster faces its first big challenge on the road to LA28.
\n
Without the talent of red-hot NBA rookie Yang Hansen, or the finesse of veteran guard Zhao Jiwei, the Chinese national squad has to lean on the vigor, unity and grit of a young cohort of players, consisting mostly of new blood drawn from the domestic league.
\n
The mission for its Saudi trip is clear — get the young guns as primed as possible to fight for an Olympic return in two years time.
\n
Having missed out on two Olympics in a row, the Chinese men will go all out at the 2027 FIBA World Cup, jostling against its neighbors for the only direct Asian ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
\n
The arduous saga kicks off in Jeddah, where Team China opens its Asia Cup campaign on Tuesday with a Group C game against the host at the King Abdullah Sports City, followed by two more tests against India and Jordan on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
\n
Four straight warm-up wins against Venezuela and Bosnia and Herzegovina last month, has lifted the team's morale, while raising hopes among fans for a gusty performance. However, head coach Guo Shiqiang remains cautiously pragmatic on his goal for the Cup tournament.
\n
"The Asia Cup will be a difficult challenge for us, with a lot of key players absent due to injuries," Guo, a former national team guard, said after leading China to a narrow 75-72 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in its final warm-up on July 29.
\n
"The biggest challenge is that we are shorthanded in the post position. It forced us to pick more younger players, though, which will provide them with more opportunities to be tested.
\n
"Should any of them stand out and perform well at this tournament, then we could consider our campaign a fruitful one that will benefit the future of Chinese basketball."
\n
Among Team China's high-profile absentees are forward Zhang Zhenlin, who is sidelined by injury, and the Portland Trail Blazers' newly-drafted center Yang, who's opted to skip the continental event to focus on a preseason training camp with his new NBA club — as has Beijing Ducks forward Zeng Fanbo after reportedly signing an Exhibit10 deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
\n
Two former NBA prospects Zhou Qi (Houston Rockets) and Cui Yongxi (Brooklyn Nets) are also undergoing rehabilitation from a lower back and a left knee injury, respectively, leaving a gaping hole in Team China's front-court threat, both offensively and defensively.
\n
Back-up big men Yu Jiahao and Hu Jinqiu are expected to carry more weight in rim protection, rebounding and offense in the paint, while the current back-court combo of Zhao Rui and Hu Mingxuan will miss the leadership and playmaking of seasoned floor general Zhao Jiwei, who is also sidelined by injury.
\n
Team China's lack of experience in high-intensity drills was exposed in the final warm-up, where the full-court press of Bosnia and Herzegovina forced Guo's players to turn the ball over 27 times, almost conceding their huge lead in the dying minutes of the game.
\n
Such last-gasp chokes have cost Team China dearly on multiple previous occasions, such as an errant inbound pass with seconds to go in a critical game against Poland at the 2019 World Cup, which resulted in a narrow loss and failure to qualify for Tokyo 2020.
\n
Coach Guo acknowledged the value of the challenging warm-up. "We thank them for making it hard for us today, helping expose our two biggest problems in control of turnovers and rebounding," he said.
\n
Hu Jinqiu, a two-time league MVP with CBA club Zhejiang Lions, agreed, stressing the urgency for the team to play with more care in the hustle.
\n
"Under high defensive pressure, we made too many unnecessary errors. That's something we'll have to learn from and adapt quickly," he said after scoring a game-high 16 points in the final scrimmage.
\n
Throughout the warm-up series, Team China, however, showed positive signs of progress in offensive efficiency and accuracy, highlighted by its 40 percent shooting from the 3-point line, while also seeing several talented youngsters step up to the challenge.
\n
Point guard Liao Sanning, a 24-year-old starter for CBA club Beijing Royal Fighters, delivered an impressive performance in China's first win over Bosnia on July 27, tallying 13 points, six rebounds and four assists. Equally notable was 20-year-old forward Wang Junjie, who put up 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the July 25 win over Venezuela, showcasing a composed style of play on his national team debut.
\n
"It's a team sport, and we'll need all 12 players to pull together and cover for each other. We will go all out, and compete for the best possible outcome for sure," said Guo.
\n
The top team from each of the four groups at the Cup tournament will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the second- and third-placed teams will compete in a play-in round for the remaining four spots.
\n
Team China has claimed the continental title 16 times, including at the former Asian championship, but failed to reach the semifinals at the last edition in Jakarta in 2022, landing in 8th place — its second-worst finish ever at the continental showpiece. The country finished 10th at the 2007 edition in Japan, where it only sent a reserve team after having qualified for the 2008 Olympic tournament as the host.
\n
sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -4444,28 +4466,6 @@
"hash": "f64ce9bfcf2a5ea060606fe0162d0ed9",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "020SPORTS - Zeng joins Nets camp eyeing a second tilt at NBA",
- "description": "
Zeng Fanbo is set to join the Brooklyn Nets in the preseason camp.
\n
Young Chinese forward Zeng Fanbo will fight once again to make a foray into the NBA, reportedly signing an Exhibit10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets as the excitement builds for the franchise's preseason trip to China.
\n
Zeng, a 22-year-old former NBA G-League prospect, will take part in the Brooklyn-based club's preseason training camp and will possibly join its trip to Macao in October to play two exhibition games against the Phoenix Suns, Zeng's team confirmed on Sunday.
\n
The statement released by "Zeng Fanbo Studio", the official account of his management team on Weibo, confirmed an earlier report by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that the Nets had agreed to a deal to add the promising Chinese national forward to its training camp roster for the 2025-26 season.
\n
Scotto's initial tweet did not elaborate on details of the deal, but multiple reports have indicated that it was an Exhibit10 contract, a non-guaranteed deal that allows a player to join a team's preseason camp for workouts and scrimmages, with the club entitled to either waiver the player or sign him before the regular season tips off.
\n
Representing Beijing Ducks in the CBA's 2024-25 campaign, Zeng averaged a career-high 14.7 points, shooting 41 percent from 3-pointers, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 blocks in 37 regular-season games, marking his best year in the domestic league since joining Beijing in 2022.
\n
The 6-foot-10 (2.08-meter) forward contributed 15 points to go with 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per night in five playoffs appearances, helping the Ducks reach the semifinals, where he hurt his back in a hard Game 2 fall against the Shanxi Loongs, ending his best season prematurely.
\n
Zeng won the league's Most-Improved Player award, was selected into the All-CBA First Team and has emerged a solid "3D" role player with strength in perimeter defense, shot-blocking and 3-point shooting.
\n
Zeng did not require surgery, and, after undergoing an effective rehab program in Germany, he's been recovering well, according to his team.
\n
"Zeng's begun training and, hopefully, he will be in prime condition and ready for the training camp challenge. We expect to see him on court during the preseason China games," said the statement by his team.
\n
"It will be a long and tough road, and it's never easy to step out of the comfort zone, but he's determined not to have any regrets. He will never hesitate to chase after his dreams."
\n
Zeng became known in the US by playing 22 games with the G-League Ignite during the 2021-22 season, where he averaged 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds hampered by injuries.
\n
He then went undrafted in 2022, having also represented the Indiana Pacers in that year's summer league, before signing with the Ducks to begin his pro career in the CBA.
\n
The Nets, owned by Joe Tsai, chairman of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, signed Zeng's national teammate Cui Yongxi to a two-way contract before the 2024-25 season as part of the franchise's effort to tap deeper into the Chinese market. Cui, however, was cut by the team in December after suffering a serious left knee injury that has kept him sidelined up to now.
\n
By bringing another young Chinese prospect on board, the franchise is expected to draw wider attention when it plays against the Suns at the 14,000-seat Venetian Resort in Macao on Oct 10 and 12.
\n
China is pushing its best to join the NBA for higher-level drills that will help them develop and better contribute to the national team at major international meets. With approval and support from the CBA, both Yang Hansen, the Portland Trail Blazers' overall 16th draft pick this year, and Zeng, passed up playing for Team China in the FIBA Asia Cup, which tips off on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, to join their respective NBA teams' training camps.
\n",
- "content": "
Zeng Fanbo is set to join the Brooklyn Nets in the preseason camp.
\n
Young Chinese forward Zeng Fanbo will fight once again to make a foray into the NBA, reportedly signing an Exhibit10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets as the excitement builds for the franchise's preseason trip to China.
\n
Zeng, a 22-year-old former NBA G-League prospect, will take part in the Brooklyn-based club's preseason training camp and will possibly join its trip to Macao in October to play two exhibition games against the Phoenix Suns, Zeng's team confirmed on Sunday.
\n
The statement released by "Zeng Fanbo Studio", the official account of his management team on Weibo, confirmed an earlier report by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that the Nets had agreed to a deal to add the promising Chinese national forward to its training camp roster for the 2025-26 season.
\n
Scotto's initial tweet did not elaborate on details of the deal, but multiple reports have indicated that it was an Exhibit10 contract, a non-guaranteed deal that allows a player to join a team's preseason camp for workouts and scrimmages, with the club entitled to either waiver the player or sign him before the regular season tips off.
\n
Representing Beijing Ducks in the CBA's 2024-25 campaign, Zeng averaged a career-high 14.7 points, shooting 41 percent from 3-pointers, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 blocks in 37 regular-season games, marking his best year in the domestic league since joining Beijing in 2022.
\n
The 6-foot-10 (2.08-meter) forward contributed 15 points to go with 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per night in five playoffs appearances, helping the Ducks reach the semifinals, where he hurt his back in a hard Game 2 fall against the Shanxi Loongs, ending his best season prematurely.
\n
Zeng won the league's Most-Improved Player award, was selected into the All-CBA First Team and has emerged a solid "3D" role player with strength in perimeter defense, shot-blocking and 3-point shooting.
\n
Zeng did not require surgery, and, after undergoing an effective rehab program in Germany, he's been recovering well, according to his team.
\n
"Zeng's begun training and, hopefully, he will be in prime condition and ready for the training camp challenge. We expect to see him on court during the preseason China games," said the statement by his team.
\n
"It will be a long and tough road, and it's never easy to step out of the comfort zone, but he's determined not to have any regrets. He will never hesitate to chase after his dreams."
\n
Zeng became known in the US by playing 22 games with the G-League Ignite during the 2021-22 season, where he averaged 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds hampered by injuries.
\n
He then went undrafted in 2022, having also represented the Indiana Pacers in that year's summer league, before signing with the Ducks to begin his pro career in the CBA.
\n
The Nets, owned by Joe Tsai, chairman of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, signed Zeng's national teammate Cui Yongxi to a two-way contract before the 2024-25 season as part of the franchise's effort to tap deeper into the Chinese market. Cui, however, was cut by the team in December after suffering a serious left knee injury that has kept him sidelined up to now.
\n
By bringing another young Chinese prospect on board, the franchise is expected to draw wider attention when it plays against the Suns at the 14,000-seat Venetian Resort in Macao on Oct 10 and 12.
\n
China is pushing its best to join the NBA for higher-level drills that will help them develop and better contribute to the national team at major international meets. With approval and support from the CBA, both Yang Hansen, the Portland Trail Blazers' overall 16th draft pick this year, and Zeng, passed up playing for Team China in the FIBA Asia Cup, which tips off on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, to join their respective NBA teams' training camps.
China's latest efforts to promote large-scale commercial application of artificial intelligence will bolster industrial upgrades and inject strong momentum into high-quality economic growth, creating immense business opportunities for investors amid external uncertainties, said experts and company executives.
\n
Emphasizing that AI has become an important driving force for a new round of scientific and technological revolution, they said the country's superlarge market, technological prowess and thriving innovation ecosystem underpin its capacity to drive the fast-evolving technologies from research labs into the industrial arena.
\n
Their comments came after a State Council executive meeting on Thursday approved a guideline on implementing the "AI Plus" initiative, calling for vigorously advancing the large-scale commercial application of AI and boosting its accelerated popularization and deep integration across various fields of economic and social development.
\n
Su Jian, a professor of the School of Economics at Peking University, said that as a "disruptive" technology, AI will not only reshape production and people's lifestyles, but also serve as the main battlefield for technological competition among the world's major economies.
\n
"AI will penetrate into a wide range of sectors, such as manufacturing and services, restructure production processes and improve efficiency," Su said, highlighting that China's emphasis on the implementation of the "AI Plus" initiative complies with the trend of technological revolution and industrial transformation, and will help the country gain a competitive edge in strategic emerging industries.
\n
He noted that the core of the "AI Plus" initiative lies in integrating technological innovation with large-scale application, while calling for efforts to step up investment in fundamental research, make breakthroughs in crucial technologies, such as core algorithms and high-end computing power, and have a bigger say in formulating global AI governance rules.
\n
"Deeply implementing the 'AI Plus' initiative and strengthening the extensive and in-depth integration of AI with various fields will facilitate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, help foster strategic emerging industries and future-oriented industries, and enable all humanity to share the dividends of AI development," said Xu Zhaoyuan, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.
\n
Xu said the guideline has clarified the future development path of the AI industry and accurately responded to market concerns, as the country has recognized AI as essential to fostering new quality productive forces and activating new growth drivers.
\n
The State Council meeting also stressed the need to optimize the innovation ecosystem of AI, strengthen the supply of computing power, algorithms and data, increase policy support, reinforce the construction of talent teams and build an open-source system to provide strong support for the AI industry's development.
\n
China's AI sector will make big strides in the next 10 to 15 years, with its market size reaching 1.73 trillion yuan ($239.9 billion) by 2035, accounting for 30.6 percent of the global total, according to market research company CCID Consulting.
\n
Noting that AI technology is witnessing rapid iteration and explosive growth, Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, said it is of vital significance to boost its application in diversified scenarios and fields, and accelerate the integration of AI with the real economy.
\n
Zhu emphasized that China's complete industrial system, vast consumer market and abundant industrial application scenarios present unique advantages for the development of AI, a tech frontier in which all major economies are scrambling to establish a beachhead.
\n
"The adoption of AI can reduce production costs, improve the quality of products and optimize resource allocation, thus bringing about huge economic benefits. For instance, AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment technology can elevate the accuracy of diagnosis," he said.
\n
Zhou Hongyi, founder of Chinese internet enterprise 360 Security Group, said he was very inspired by the guideline on boosting the large-scale commercial application of AI. "The move has demonstrated that the country attaches great importance to AI development, and set a clear direction for the AI industry."
\n
The launch of the guideline will promote the adoption and innovation of AI agent technology across a diverse range of sectors, and provide a strong boost to digital transformation across various industries, Zhou said, expecting that more enterprises will engage in the research and development and use of AI agents.
\n
The application of AI in the high-tech manufacturing sector will bring about greater value than its use in terminal products, as AI will significantly enhance the production efficiency and competitiveness of manufacturing, said Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of Chinese consumer electronics maker TCL Technology Group Corp.
\n
Zhu Minghao, executive director of the high-end manufacturing research center at Beijing Jiaotong University, said the implementation of the "AI Plus" initiative will bolster the development of large language models, AI agents, intelligent robots and AI chips, propel the high-level application of data and enhance the country's competitiveness in the global AI domain.
Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy forces attend the opening ceremony of the China-Russia "Joint Sea-2025" naval exercise in the Russian port city of Vladivostok on Friday. See story, page 2
\n",
- "content": "
Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy forces attend the opening ceremony of the China-Russia "Joint Sea-2025" naval exercise in the Russian port city of Vladivostok on Friday. See story, page 2
China's military industrial sectors have become primary targets of United States intelligence agencies for online attacks and espionage, as disclosed by a Chinese cybersecurity association on Friday, citing specific cases.
\n
In response, the Foreign Ministry highlighted these findings as the latest evidence of the US government's malicious cyberattacks on China, once again showing that the US is the top cyber threat faced by China.
\n
With details of two recent cyberattacks released, the Cyber Security Association of China noted that US intelligence agencies, in recent years, have targeted Chinese high-tech military industrial universities, research institutes and enterprises for cyberattacks and espionage, attempting to steal research data and sensitive information related to military design, development and manufacturing.
\n
One disclosed case, for example, showed how US intelligence agencies exploited a vulnerability in the Microsoft Exchange email system to attack and control the email servers of a major Chinese defense enterprise.
\n
From July 2022 to July 2023, the attackers maintained control over the company's domain controller server, using it as a pivot to commandeer over 50 critical internal devices. They planted data-stealing malware on the enterprise's outward-facing servers, with the aim of securing persistent control. Furthermore, they established multiple covert channels within the enterprise network for data exfiltration.
\n
During the period, the attackers also launched over 40 network assaults against the enterprise by employing IP addresses originating from various countries such as Germany, Finland, South Korea and Singapore. Subsequently, they stole emails that contained sensitive information pertaining to military industrial product design plans and core system parameters from 11 individuals, including senior management members and employees.
\n
Another case occurred from July to November 2024, in which US intelligence agencies conducted cyberattacks on a Chinese military industrial enterprise in the communication and satellite internet sector by exploiting vulnerabilities in its electronic file systems.
\n
In this instance, the attackers utilized IP addresses from countries including Romania and the Netherlands as pivots to obfuscate their attacking identity and true intentions.
\n
"The attackers from the US exhibit a highly targeted approach with more covert methods, posing significant threats to the research, production safety and even national security of China's defense and military industrial sectors," the association said.
\n
It also revealed that in 2024 alone, foreign state-sponsored advanced persistent threat groups launched more than 600 cyberattacks on vital Chinese institutions, with a particular focus on the defense and military industries.
\n
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday that the US used its allies in Europe and in China's neighboring region to launch the cyberattacks, exposing its hypocrisy on the issue of cybersecurity — claiming itself to be the victim while it's the other way around.
\n
"China always believes that cybersecurity is a common challenge faced by all countries and requires a joint response through dialogue and cooperation," he said, adding that China will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard its own cybersecurity.
President Xi Jinping and Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel exchanged congratulations on Friday on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with both leaders pledging to boost the countries' partnership.
\n
In his congratulatory message to Poudel, Xi noted that China and Nepal are connected by mountains and rivers, with a long history of friendly exchanges.
\n
Over the 70 years, the two countries have always upheld mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, no matter how the international and regional landscapes evolve, setting an example for friendly coexistence between countries with different social systems and of different sizes, he said.
\n
Xi noted that in recent years, China-Nepal relations have developed healthily and steadily, with their political mutual trust continuously enhanced and cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road and various fields expanding.
\n
Saying that he highly values the development of China-Nepal ties, Xi emphasized that he is willing to work with Poudel to take the 70th anniversary as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, in order to promote bilateral ties to better benefit the two peoples and contribute to regional peace and development.
\n
Poudel said that over the past 70 years, Nepal-China friendship has stood the test of time. He described China as a trustworthy neighbor and development partner for Nepal, and expressed his appreciation for China's long-term support for Nepal's development and its respect for Nepal's sovereignty and independence.
\n
Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to joining hands with China to further deepen cooperation in various fields and realize the common vision of peace, progress and prosperity, Poudel said.
\n
Also on Friday, Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on the 70th anniversary, with both prime ministers committed to promoting bilateral ties.
\n
caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
President Xi Jinping and Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel exchanged congratulations on Friday on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with both leaders pledging to boost the countries' partnership.
\n
In his congratulatory message to Poudel, Xi noted that China and Nepal are connected by mountains and rivers, with a long history of friendly exchanges.
\n
Over the 70 years, the two countries have always upheld mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, no matter how the international and regional landscapes evolve, setting an example for friendly coexistence between countries with different social systems and of different sizes, he said.
\n
Xi noted that in recent years, China-Nepal relations have developed healthily and steadily, with their political mutual trust continuously enhanced and cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road and various fields expanding.
\n
Saying that he highly values the development of China-Nepal ties, Xi emphasized that he is willing to work with Poudel to take the 70th anniversary as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, in order to promote bilateral ties to better benefit the two peoples and contribute to regional peace and development.
\n
Poudel said that over the past 70 years, Nepal-China friendship has stood the test of time. He described China as a trustworthy neighbor and development partner for Nepal, and expressed his appreciation for China's long-term support for Nepal's development and its respect for Nepal's sovereignty and independence.
\n
Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to joining hands with China to further deepen cooperation in various fields and realize the common vision of peace, progress and prosperity, Poudel said.
\n
Also on Friday, Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on the 70th anniversary, with both prime ministers committed to promoting bilateral ties.
People attend an exhibition commemorating British journalist and educator George Hogg in Harpenden, a town in Hertfordshire county of England, on July 22. Hogg dedicated his life to supporting China's war against Japanese aggression 80 years ago.
\n
Editor's note: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. This series of special reports by China Daily presents how and why China cherishes and keeps revisiting the wartime friendship with its foreign friends.
\n
Eighty years ago, 30-year-old British journalist and educator George Hogg actively engaged in China's fight against Japanese invaders and gave his young life when leading a transfer of Chinese students to a safer place in northwestern China's Gansu province in 1945.
\n
His sacrifice was not long before the surrender of the Japanese army and the end of World War II that year.
\n
In 1938, Hogg arrived in China and first worked as a journalist for media outlets amid the heat of the war.
\n
During President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United Kingdom in 2015, he mentioned the story of Hogg when addressing a grand welcoming banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
\n
Xi praised Hogg for earnestly devoting himself to the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), noting that Hogg wrote articles unveiling Japanese invaders' atrocities.
\n
As allies in World War II, China and the UK saw their peoples exchanging support and sharing weal and woe, which wrote a wonderful chapter in the history of China-UK friendship, Xi said.
\n
Hogg's book, I See a New China, was well received overseas for featuring what he saw and heard about all walks of life in the nation, many being homeless.
\n
"I See a New China is the story of the Chinese common man, hungry and oppressed … and yet ever patient, hardworking and ingenious," said a book review by Mark Gayn in the New York Times on July 2, 1944.
\n
Hogg's footprints covered many parts of China, including war-torn frontlines and Shaanxi province's Yan'an, which was a revolutionary base of the Communist Party of China.
\n
He joined the Chinese Industrial Cooperatives and later became headmaster of the Bailie School in Shuangshipu in Shaanxi, a school focused on vocational education for young people to help build sectors such as textiles and machinery.
\n
The rising tension of war forced the school to relocate, and Hogg oversaw and escorted the relocation of the students and essential machinery to Shandan in Gansu province in 1944. They trekked on the slopes of the mountainous terrain while enduring snow and storms.
\n
Calling Hogg "an old friend of the Chinese people", Jiang Jiang, vice-president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said, "Hogg's footsteps serve as a vivid testament to the friendship between the Chinese and British people, as well as a profound interpretation of a shared future for humanity."
\n
During a visit to China earlier this year, Mark Aylwin Thomas, a nephew of Hogg and author of the biography Blades of Grass: The Story of George Aylwin Hogg, tried trekking like his uncle did more than 80 years ago.
\n
"We were walking freely, with all of our baggage in the cars accompanying us, but they were hauling wheelbarrows, and helping the little horses and mules pulling these huge carts with 20 tons of essential machinery. They were pushing through very steep slopes. It was a very arduous time," he said.
\n
Contribution honored
\n
An exhibition commemorating Hogg kicked off last week in his hometown of Harpenden, a town in Hertfordshire, an English county neighboring London.
\n
David Richard Kendall, a trustee of the Harpenden & District Local History Society, said the key of such exhibitions is to educate people about what Hogg achieved, as Hogg "is not well-known in England but is very well-known in China".
\n
"We cover what he did as a journalist, in helping establish cooperative factories, and in educating and rescuing Chinese orphans from the Japanese invaders," Kendall said.
\n
Hogg's contribution as a volunteer "is inspirational for younger people, as they can see that you can contribute to the lives of others in such a big way even though you are only in your twenties, which is what George Hogg was," he added.
\n
Speaking about why Hogg's story endures over time, Kendall said, "In very, very hard circumstances, he achieved a great deal. The thing that has moved me is when they interviewed his students — men who are now in their 70s, 80s or 90s — (the students said) how much he contributed to their lives as an educator."
\n
When asked about how to better engage young people to carry forward the friendship, Zoe Reed, former chair of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding, or SACU, said, "Young people who joined SACU said the China portrayed in Western media is not the China they experienced when they came and lived or studied here for a year."
\n
She noted that engaging the youth is quite complicated and said, "Formal occasions would not particularly attract young students, but showing the fun times people have in Beijing, the good stuff in Shanghai — this will attract and encourage people to want to come."
\n
Reed said, "The world may get more complicated politically, but we can always build bridges of understanding at the people-to-people level."
\n
In a social media post last week, Zheng Zeguang, Chinese ambassador to the UK, wrote, "As the 80th anniversary of WWII approaches, George Hogg's legacy reminds us: true friendship knows no borders — and history still speaks."
\n
Contact the writers at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
Rescuers from the People's Liberation Army help evacuate a wounded local in Xiangshuihu village in Liudaohe town, Hebei province, on Thursday.
\n
A drone is poised to deliver food and medicine to the flood-affected areas in Liudaohe town on Thursday.
\n
Amid ongoing recovery endeavors in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region following extensive flooding, Communist Party of China members have been actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, with some unaccounted for after bravely risking their lives.
\n
In Beijing's Huairou district alone, more than 15,000 members of the Party from over 1,100 grassroots organizations have mobilized for flood response, according to Zhang Qiang, Party secretary of Huairou.
\n
Among the members, Yin Chunyan, the Party secretary of Sunhugou village, and her husband Cai Yongzhang, also a Party member, disappeared while assisting in the evacuation of residents, swept away by floodwaters.
\n
"We are deeply grieved and are continuing full-scale search operations," Zhang said at a press conference on Thursday.
\n
Four of the city's nine missing persons are village-level Party secretaries who were engaged in frontline rescue work, according to Xia Linmao, executive vice-mayor. The city's death toll stood at 44 as of Thursday noon.
\n
In Beijing's hardest-hit northern mountains, critical road repairs concluded on Thursday when the final damaged section of Xihuo Road in Miyun district was restored, reopening a key route for rescue and supply delivery.
\n
The floods had damaged 72 road sections across the districts of Miyun, Huairou, Yanqing and Pinggu, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.
\n
"This road was one I helped build 10 years ago," said Zheng Mingming, a road engineer with Beijing Construction Engineering Group, choking back emotion.
\n
"The repair machinery didn't stop once it arrived on site, and fuel was continuously transported in," Zheng was quoted as saying by Beijing Daily.
\n
Crews battled landslides and collapsed bridges, even turning riverbeds into temporary roads. Thanks to their efforts, all 29 county-level and higher roads in Beijing are now cleared, and access has been restored to affected communities.
\n
In neighbouring Hebei province, search operations have expanded in Xinglong county, where 18 people remain missing after floods left eight dead in Liudaohe township.
\n
"We've formed a 181-member search-and-rescue team and are conducting systematic downstream searches from the collapsed buildings," said Jiang Feng, deputy commander of the Chengde fire and rescue brigade, in an interview with China Central Television.
\n
Acts of solidarity have also emerged. In Zhujiagou village, homestay owner Xie Changcai sheltered 24 neighbors after their homes were destroyed.
\n
"People were worried about using up my supplies," he said, "But the government has started sending supplies. Let's help each other. Together, we can get through this."
\n
In Tianjin, over 140 Party members from Jizhou branch of the State Grid Tianjin Electric Power were deployed to restore electricity. Working in five teams, they carried out door-to-door safety inspections and replaced damaged infrastructure.
\n
In one of the more challenging missions, Yang Yang, head of the company's operation and maintenance department, led his team through muddy mountain paths in Xiaoping'an village, transporting 200-kilogram generators on foot.
\n
With support from drone inspections and satellite communications, electricity was restored to all affected villages by Wednesday, officials said.
\n
By early Thursday, 23 of the 29 damaged telecommunications facilities in Tianjin had been restored. In Jizhou district, homestays and hotels have begun reopening, and 19 scenic sites including Panshan Mountain, reopened on Friday morning.
\n
The local government said that while some roads remain under repair, the main routes have been temporarily cleared and weather alerts for heavy rain and geological disasters have been lifted.
\n
Contact the writers at zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Rescuers from the People's Liberation Army help evacuate a wounded local in Xiangshuihu village in Liudaohe town, Hebei province, on Thursday.
\n
A drone is poised to deliver food and medicine to the flood-affected areas in Liudaohe town on Thursday.
\n
Amid ongoing recovery endeavors in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region following extensive flooding, Communist Party of China members have been actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, with some unaccounted for after bravely risking their lives.
\n
In Beijing's Huairou district alone, more than 15,000 members of the Party from over 1,100 grassroots organizations have mobilized for flood response, according to Zhang Qiang, Party secretary of Huairou.
\n
Among the members, Yin Chunyan, the Party secretary of Sunhugou village, and her husband Cai Yongzhang, also a Party member, disappeared while assisting in the evacuation of residents, swept away by floodwaters.
\n
"We are deeply grieved and are continuing full-scale search operations," Zhang said at a press conference on Thursday.
\n
Four of the city's nine missing persons are village-level Party secretaries who were engaged in frontline rescue work, according to Xia Linmao, executive vice-mayor. The city's death toll stood at 44 as of Thursday noon.
\n
In Beijing's hardest-hit northern mountains, critical road repairs concluded on Thursday when the final damaged section of Xihuo Road in Miyun district was restored, reopening a key route for rescue and supply delivery.
\n
The floods had damaged 72 road sections across the districts of Miyun, Huairou, Yanqing and Pinggu, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.
\n
"This road was one I helped build 10 years ago," said Zheng Mingming, a road engineer with Beijing Construction Engineering Group, choking back emotion.
\n
"The repair machinery didn't stop once it arrived on site, and fuel was continuously transported in," Zheng was quoted as saying by Beijing Daily.
\n
Crews battled landslides and collapsed bridges, even turning riverbeds into temporary roads. Thanks to their efforts, all 29 county-level and higher roads in Beijing are now cleared, and access has been restored to affected communities.
\n
In neighbouring Hebei province, search operations have expanded in Xinglong county, where 18 people remain missing after floods left eight dead in Liudaohe township.
\n
"We've formed a 181-member search-and-rescue team and are conducting systematic downstream searches from the collapsed buildings," said Jiang Feng, deputy commander of the Chengde fire and rescue brigade, in an interview with China Central Television.
\n
Acts of solidarity have also emerged. In Zhujiagou village, homestay owner Xie Changcai sheltered 24 neighbors after their homes were destroyed.
\n
"People were worried about using up my supplies," he said, "But the government has started sending supplies. Let's help each other. Together, we can get through this."
\n
In Tianjin, over 140 Party members from Jizhou branch of the State Grid Tianjin Electric Power were deployed to restore electricity. Working in five teams, they carried out door-to-door safety inspections and replaced damaged infrastructure.
\n
In one of the more challenging missions, Yang Yang, head of the company's operation and maintenance department, led his team through muddy mountain paths in Xiaoping'an village, transporting 200-kilogram generators on foot.
\n
With support from drone inspections and satellite communications, electricity was restored to all affected villages by Wednesday, officials said.
\n
By early Thursday, 23 of the 29 damaged telecommunications facilities in Tianjin had been restored. In Jizhou district, homestays and hotels have begun reopening, and 19 scenic sites including Panshan Mountain, reopened on Friday morning.
\n
The local government said that while some roads remain under repair, the main routes have been temporarily cleared and weather alerts for heavy rain and geological disasters have been lifted.
Wuhan University announced on Friday it would reinvestigate a punishment it handed out to a male student two years ago over alleged sexual harassment allegations, after a court recently ruled that the allegations were invalid.
\n
The university in Central China's Hubei province said in a statement that it fully respects the court ruling, and has established a working team to conduct the reinvestigation.
\n
In July 2023, a female student surnamed Yang accused a male student surnamed Xiao of sexual harassment after she said the student masturbated in her direction in the school library.
\n
Yang used her phone to film Xiao's acts and asked him to write her an apology letter, which the male student did. She also requested the university to punish the young man.
\n
On Oct 11, 2023, Yang published details of the incident through a WeChat account, which drew widespread public attention.
\n
Two days later, the university issued a statement saying it had given a demerit to the male student, without mentioning the reason for the punishment.
\n
In February 2024, Xiao's mother revealed in a Weibo post that her son suffered from atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and itching and was scratching himself at the school library.
\n
The mother also said that Xiao suffered from severe PTSD from the incident and cyberbullying, and even had suicidal thoughts. She denied any sexual allegations against her son and published medical records of seeking treatment at hospitals for his skin condition.
\n
She added that her son wrote the apology letter to avoid a public confrontation and that her parenting had made her son "timid and weak".
\n
In June 2024, Yang filed a civil lawsuit against Xiao, accusing him of masturbating in public and sought a public apology by him for 15 days in a newspaper apart from a compensation of 5,000 yuan ($693).
\n
The People's Court of Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone ruled against Yang recently, and she published screenshots of the verdict on different social media platforms on July 25.
\n
According to the verdict, the court said Xiao's actions could not be determined as masturbating and it was highly likely that he was scratching. The two people had no interaction for two hours in the library, during which they had both left and returned to their seats, the court said.
\n
The videos presented by Yang showed Xiao putting his left hand between his thighs, with a slight and irregular movement. From the videos, it cannot be concluded that the defendant was "masturbating", the court added.
\n
The incident garnered huge public attention in recent days, with some netizens starting to uncover mistakes and malpractices in Yang's graduation thesis.
\n
In Friday's statement, the university also pledged to conduct a full investigation into Yang's graduation thesis, and will handle the case based on facts, school rules and academic code of conduct.
\n
zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -4620,28 +4554,6 @@
"hash": "193df5639d33a5ba6b0f252f07bbe679",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "002CHINA - Working rights of people past retirement age boosted",
- "description": "
China will further tighten the working rights protection of people past retirement age who have returned or want to return to the job market, according to a draft regulation.
\n
Five central departments including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Emergency Management jointly released the draft regulation on Thursday.
\n
It is the nation's first document focusing on people past retirement age and their working benefits, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency, and is currently soliciting public opinion till Aug 31.
\n
Under the proposed regulation, employers are encouraged to offer appropriate positions to individuals beyond retirement age, considering their expertise, skills and background. They should establish written agreements outlining job responsibilities, work location, hours, breaks, holidays, compensation, social insurance and workplace protections.
\n
The draft stipulates that older workers in regular jobs need to be paid at least the local minimum wage, while prohibiting employers from assigning these workers roles that harm their physical or mental well-being.
\n
Also, it requires employers to give the workers training and education in occupational safety to reduce or avoid accidents and harm during work, adding that the workers will enjoy job-related injury insurance that will also cover occupational diseases.
\n
Yao Junchang, cofounder of W&H Law Firm in Beijing, praised the draft regulation, saying, "It shows China's stronger intensity in protecting people's working rights."
\n
In his view, the written agreement between employers and post-retirement age workers has nearly the same legal validity as standard labor contracts, meaning these older workers enjoy roughly the same working rights and benefits as regular workers.
\n
In recent years, the population of workers beyond retirement age has been increasing due to the shrinking working-age labor force, enhanced education and health conditions among the elderly, and their eagerness to re-enter the job market, according to Li Chang'an, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics.
\n
He said that as the current labor law is not suitable for workers past retirement age, they may face many challenges in gaining working rights or benefits after rejoining the job market. He added that the draft regulation will fill the gap in the law.
\n
Fan Wei, a professor from the School of Labor Economics at the Capital University of Economics and Business, told Xinhua News Agency that the proposed regulation is a necessary step to positively cope with the nation's aging problem, which will support the elderly willing to work by giving them a chance to fulfill their potential without worries.
\n
From Jan 1, China has started to progressively raise the statutory retirement age of male workers from 60 to 63 and for female workers from 50 or 55 to 55 or 58, depending on their jobs or occupations in the last 15 years. The move aims to better use human resources based on scientific analysis of the aging problem.
\n
chengsi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China will further tighten the working rights protection of people past retirement age who have returned or want to return to the job market, according to a draft regulation.
\n
Five central departments including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Emergency Management jointly released the draft regulation on Thursday.
\n
It is the nation's first document focusing on people past retirement age and their working benefits, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency, and is currently soliciting public opinion till Aug 31.
\n
Under the proposed regulation, employers are encouraged to offer appropriate positions to individuals beyond retirement age, considering their expertise, skills and background. They should establish written agreements outlining job responsibilities, work location, hours, breaks, holidays, compensation, social insurance and workplace protections.
\n
The draft stipulates that older workers in regular jobs need to be paid at least the local minimum wage, while prohibiting employers from assigning these workers roles that harm their physical or mental well-being.
\n
Also, it requires employers to give the workers training and education in occupational safety to reduce or avoid accidents and harm during work, adding that the workers will enjoy job-related injury insurance that will also cover occupational diseases.
\n
Yao Junchang, cofounder of W&H Law Firm in Beijing, praised the draft regulation, saying, "It shows China's stronger intensity in protecting people's working rights."
\n
In his view, the written agreement between employers and post-retirement age workers has nearly the same legal validity as standard labor contracts, meaning these older workers enjoy roughly the same working rights and benefits as regular workers.
\n
In recent years, the population of workers beyond retirement age has been increasing due to the shrinking working-age labor force, enhanced education and health conditions among the elderly, and their eagerness to re-enter the job market, according to Li Chang'an, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics.
\n
He said that as the current labor law is not suitable for workers past retirement age, they may face many challenges in gaining working rights or benefits after rejoining the job market. He added that the draft regulation will fill the gap in the law.
\n
Fan Wei, a professor from the School of Labor Economics at the Capital University of Economics and Business, told Xinhua News Agency that the proposed regulation is a necessary step to positively cope with the nation's aging problem, which will support the elderly willing to work by giving them a chance to fulfill their potential without worries.
\n
From Jan 1, China has started to progressively raise the statutory retirement age of male workers from 60 to 63 and for female workers from 50 or 55 to 55 or 58, depending on their jobs or occupations in the last 15 years. The move aims to better use human resources based on scientific analysis of the aging problem.
A flotilla sent by the People's Liberation Army Navy for the China-Russia "Joint Sea-2025" naval exercise arrived in Vladivostok on Thursday, according to the PLA Navy.
\n
The Navy said in a news release on Friday that commanders of the Chinese and Russian forces involved in the multiday event, whose names were not disclosed, took part in a welcome ceremony at a naval port in Vladivostok and addressed attendees.
\n
The Russian officer said that there is a deep-seated friendship between the Chinese and Russian peoples. With the continuous deepening and expansion of China-Russia joint exercises and training, the mutual trust between the two sides has been continuously enhanced, and the friendship has been constantly consolidated.
\n
"We will continue to carry out joint operations and friendly visits, and jointly safeguard the tranquility and security of the seas in the Asia-Pacific region," the Russian commander was quoted by the release as saying.
\n
The Chinese commander stated that holding the "Joint Sea" series of exercises is a practical measure to implement the strategic consensus of the two nations' presidents, an important manifestation of deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, and a firm practice of jointly defending international fairness and justice and maintaining regional peace and stability.
\n
According to the PLA Navy, the Chinese flotilla consists of CNS Shaoxing and CNS Urumqi, two Type 052D guided missile destroyers, CNS Qiandao Lake, a Type 903 supply ship, and CNS Xihu, a comprehensive rescue ship. Aircraft sent by China's naval aviation force and troops from the PLA Navy's Marine Corps will also take part in the bilateral exercise.
\n
During the port visit, the Chinese and Russian sides are scheduled to hold seminars, and open house activities, ball games, deck receptions and other exchange activities.
\n
In the naval exercise stage, the two sides will carry out submarine support and rescue, air-defense, and anti-missile and anti-ship combat drills, according to the PLA Navy.
\n
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, said the bilateral exercise is part of the annual cooperation plan between the two militaries, and is not directed against any third party.
The Hong Kong High Court has frozen a bank account containing $1.8 billion amid a legal battle over the inheritance of the Zong Qinghou, late founder of China's leading beverage giant Hangzhou Wahaha Group.
\n
The defendant in the case is Zong's daughter and current Wahaha CEO Kelly Zong Fuli, who has been sued by Zong's three other children.
\n
The 42-page written judgment, delivered by Deputy High Court Judge Gary Lam Chin-ching on Friday, rules that Kelly Zong is prohibited from "withdrawing or encumbering" any asset from a Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) account owned by Jian Hao Ventures Limited, a company incorporated under British Virgin Islands law, pending the conclusion of a parallel lawsuit in a Hangzhou court or until further court orders.
\n
She is also required to disclose the latest balance of the HSBC account, the movements of assets inside, and a full account of receipts and disbursements of the HSBC account.
\n
The case has drawn significant public attention, with dozens of spectators, including journalists, law students and members of the public gathering outside the courtroom ahead of the scheduled public hearing. However, the proceeding lasted only a few minutes and was not open to the public, with just one party's representatives present to collect the court's decision.
\n
The plaintiffs — Jacky Zong, Jessie Zong Jieli and Jerry Zong Jisheng — allege that Kelly Zong breached a family agreement by failing to establish offshore trusts worth $2.1 billion for them after their father's death in February last year.
\n
They also claimed that at least $6 million for unknown purposes was transferred out of the HSBC account.
\n
Zong Qinghou was the sole director of Jian Hao Ventures Limited during his lifetime, with Kelly Zong succeeding him after his death. As of May 31, 2024, the company's HSBC Hong Kong account held $1.799 billion, consisting primarily of bonds and other fixed-income assets, along with some cash and term deposits.
\n
The trio therefore filed a lawsuit in the Hong Kong High Court last year seeking a court order banning Kelly Zong from disposing of or transferring assets held in the account.
\n
Wahaha stated on July 14 that the lawsuits do not affect its operations. The company reported a 40 percent surge in revenue last year under Kelly Zong's leadership, reaching 70 billion yuan ($9.7 billion).
\n
Born in 1945, Zong Qinghou founded Wahaha in 1987, a Hangzhou-based beverage company later grown into a commercial empire.
\n
Once the wealthiest individual on the Chinese mainland, Zong was long seen as a symbol of traditional family values. Kelly Zong, previously believed to be his only child, took over Wahaha after his death but briefly resigned five months later due to disagreements with shareholders. She later resumed her role as CEO following negotiations.
\n
stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com
\n",
- "content": "
The Hong Kong High Court has frozen a bank account containing $1.8 billion amid a legal battle over the inheritance of the Zong Qinghou, late founder of China's leading beverage giant Hangzhou Wahaha Group.
\n
The defendant in the case is Zong's daughter and current Wahaha CEO Kelly Zong Fuli, who has been sued by Zong's three other children.
\n
The 42-page written judgment, delivered by Deputy High Court Judge Gary Lam Chin-ching on Friday, rules that Kelly Zong is prohibited from "withdrawing or encumbering" any asset from a Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) account owned by Jian Hao Ventures Limited, a company incorporated under British Virgin Islands law, pending the conclusion of a parallel lawsuit in a Hangzhou court or until further court orders.
\n
She is also required to disclose the latest balance of the HSBC account, the movements of assets inside, and a full account of receipts and disbursements of the HSBC account.
\n
The case has drawn significant public attention, with dozens of spectators, including journalists, law students and members of the public gathering outside the courtroom ahead of the scheduled public hearing. However, the proceeding lasted only a few minutes and was not open to the public, with just one party's representatives present to collect the court's decision.
\n
The plaintiffs — Jacky Zong, Jessie Zong Jieli and Jerry Zong Jisheng — allege that Kelly Zong breached a family agreement by failing to establish offshore trusts worth $2.1 billion for them after their father's death in February last year.
\n
They also claimed that at least $6 million for unknown purposes was transferred out of the HSBC account.
\n
Zong Qinghou was the sole director of Jian Hao Ventures Limited during his lifetime, with Kelly Zong succeeding him after his death. As of May 31, 2024, the company's HSBC Hong Kong account held $1.799 billion, consisting primarily of bonds and other fixed-income assets, along with some cash and term deposits.
\n
The trio therefore filed a lawsuit in the Hong Kong High Court last year seeking a court order banning Kelly Zong from disposing of or transferring assets held in the account.
\n
Wahaha stated on July 14 that the lawsuits do not affect its operations. The company reported a 40 percent surge in revenue last year under Kelly Zong's leadership, reaching 70 billion yuan ($9.7 billion).
\n
Born in 1945, Zong Qinghou founded Wahaha in 1987, a Hangzhou-based beverage company later grown into a commercial empire.
\n
Once the wealthiest individual on the Chinese mainland, Zong was long seen as a symbol of traditional family values. Kelly Zong, previously believed to be his only child, took over Wahaha after his death but briefly resigned five months later due to disagreements with shareholders. She later resumed her role as CEO following negotiations.
Workers rescue a Chinese white dolphin that had strayed into the city stretch of the Pearl River in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Thursday. The dolphin had been trapped in the stretch for seven days.
\n",
@@ -4708,28 +4598,6 @@
"hash": "82e842d0c9642a51f81323f5a28c04cb",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "004COMMENT - US deal a structural challenge for Japan",
- "description": "
US President Donald Trump announced the conclusion of a trade agreement between the United States and Japan on July 22, which signaled a temporary easing of trade frictions between the two sides. Under the deal, the additional 25 percent tariff imposed on Japan's core products — automobiles and auto parts — since April will be halved, reducing the total tariff to 15 percent.
\n
Japan is one of the major economies with a trade surplus with the US to be subjected to 15 percent tariffs, which appears to be a concession from Washington. But the fact is, Japan "exchanged" $550 billion worth of investment, market access and profit transfer to get the tariffs reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent, a cost far greater than the apparent benefit. Strategically speaking, Japan's economy is set to feel the long-term impact of the US shock.
\n
However, the $550 billion investment, market access and profit transfer in exchange for the 15 percent tariff agreement is not the end of the US administration's "transactional diplomacy".
\n
The trade deal may increase the structural asymmetry in the US-Japan alliance. In international relations, the term "alliance" is often associated with shared security, aligned values and strategic coordination. But amid escalating global trade tensions and conflicting national interests, even the supposedly "unbreakable" US-Japan alliance is struggling to maintain economic harmony.
\n
The US leader began his second term by imposing a series of "reciprocal tariffs" on imports from the US' major trading partners, underscoring a critical reality: even allies can't escape the US' interest-driven geopolitical competition and the "America first" strategy.
\n
For the US administration, "America first" is not just a political slogan but a substantive foreign economic strategy. Its core objective is to rewrite global trade rules through bilateral negotiations that prioritize industrial security, boost exports and reduce trade deficits of the US.
\n
Despite their strong and stable military alliance, economic relations between the US and Japan are marked by inequality and intense competition. Washington has long been wary of Tokyo's trade surplus, while the latter, heavily dependent on the US market, continuously tries to strike a "strategic passive balance" between its interests and US demands.
\n
According to the July 22 trade deal, Japan will invest $550 billion in the US, with the US pocketing 90 percent of the profits the investment generates, and further open up its market to American automobiles, trucks, rice and other products. In return, Washington will impose 15 percent tariffs on Japanese imports — an additional 12.5 percent tariffs on Japanese cars, down from 25 percent — on top of the existing 2.5 percent base rate. This is a major concession by Japan, not the other way around, in order to protect its auto industry.
\n
The auto sector is a key area of US-Japan competition. Washington has long criticized Tokyo for maintaining market barriers against American vehicles. Although Japan denies building any overt tariff barriers, the US claims there exist "technical trade barriers", including emission standards, driving habits, and a closed sales network, all of which "hinder the US' full access" to the Japanese market. What appears to be a technical issue is, in fact, a reflection of the US' structural anxiety over its weakening industrial competitiveness.
\n
The US' weakening competitiveness is especially reflected in the US administration's decision to impose tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum. Like the European Union and the Republic of Korea, Japan is also a long-standing US ally. Yet on the pretext of safeguarding "national security", the US has been pressuring Japan to agree to its unfair trade terms. This shows the US' growing tendency to label economic issues as security concerns, and suggests there is no institutional exemption even for US allies when it comes to tariffs.
\n
The US-Japan tariff dispute may appear to be about sectoral or product-specific disagreements, but below the surface, it's about a broader structural recalibration of the alliance. Washington has been undermining the traditional "security for market access" norm to safeguard its narrow interests, in the case of not only Japan but also its other allies — the EU, the ROK and Canada.
\n
The tariff friction between the US and Japan is more than a trade dispute, for it symbolizes a change in the global power structure and the nature of alliances. As economic nationalism, strategic competition, and prioritization of national interests dominate foreign policy, even long-standing alliances are prone to breaking up due to unbalanced benefit-sharing.
\n
Japan's restrained and conciliatory response has helped it to mitigate short-term risks, but it has also exposed its vulnerability in the ongoing reconfiguration of global trade rules. For US-Japan relations, the core challenge is not only the wrangling over tariffs. It is also the redefining of the meaning of "alliance", and the search for a new equilibrium between strategic security and economic cooperation. This is a challenge for not only Japan but also for all US allies navigating the realities of a new geopolitical order.
\n
<span class="epaper-status">The author is deputy director of the Institute of American and European Studies at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.</span>
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
US President Donald Trump announced the conclusion of a trade agreement between the United States and Japan on July 22, which signaled a temporary easing of trade frictions between the two sides. Under the deal, the additional 25 percent tariff imposed on Japan's core products — automobiles and auto parts — since April will be halved, reducing the total tariff to 15 percent.
\n
Japan is one of the major economies with a trade surplus with the US to be subjected to 15 percent tariffs, which appears to be a concession from Washington. But the fact is, Japan "exchanged" $550 billion worth of investment, market access and profit transfer to get the tariffs reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent, a cost far greater than the apparent benefit. Strategically speaking, Japan's economy is set to feel the long-term impact of the US shock.
\n
However, the $550 billion investment, market access and profit transfer in exchange for the 15 percent tariff agreement is not the end of the US administration's "transactional diplomacy".
\n
The trade deal may increase the structural asymmetry in the US-Japan alliance. In international relations, the term "alliance" is often associated with shared security, aligned values and strategic coordination. But amid escalating global trade tensions and conflicting national interests, even the supposedly "unbreakable" US-Japan alliance is struggling to maintain economic harmony.
\n
The US leader began his second term by imposing a series of "reciprocal tariffs" on imports from the US' major trading partners, underscoring a critical reality: even allies can't escape the US' interest-driven geopolitical competition and the "America first" strategy.
\n
For the US administration, "America first" is not just a political slogan but a substantive foreign economic strategy. Its core objective is to rewrite global trade rules through bilateral negotiations that prioritize industrial security, boost exports and reduce trade deficits of the US.
\n
Despite their strong and stable military alliance, economic relations between the US and Japan are marked by inequality and intense competition. Washington has long been wary of Tokyo's trade surplus, while the latter, heavily dependent on the US market, continuously tries to strike a "strategic passive balance" between its interests and US demands.
\n
According to the July 22 trade deal, Japan will invest $550 billion in the US, with the US pocketing 90 percent of the profits the investment generates, and further open up its market to American automobiles, trucks, rice and other products. In return, Washington will impose 15 percent tariffs on Japanese imports — an additional 12.5 percent tariffs on Japanese cars, down from 25 percent — on top of the existing 2.5 percent base rate. This is a major concession by Japan, not the other way around, in order to protect its auto industry.
\n
The auto sector is a key area of US-Japan competition. Washington has long criticized Tokyo for maintaining market barriers against American vehicles. Although Japan denies building any overt tariff barriers, the US claims there exist "technical trade barriers", including emission standards, driving habits, and a closed sales network, all of which "hinder the US' full access" to the Japanese market. What appears to be a technical issue is, in fact, a reflection of the US' structural anxiety over its weakening industrial competitiveness.
\n
The US' weakening competitiveness is especially reflected in the US administration's decision to impose tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum. Like the European Union and the Republic of Korea, Japan is also a long-standing US ally. Yet on the pretext of safeguarding "national security", the US has been pressuring Japan to agree to its unfair trade terms. This shows the US' growing tendency to label economic issues as security concerns, and suggests there is no institutional exemption even for US allies when it comes to tariffs.
\n
The US-Japan tariff dispute may appear to be about sectoral or product-specific disagreements, but below the surface, it's about a broader structural recalibration of the alliance. Washington has been undermining the traditional "security for market access" norm to safeguard its narrow interests, in the case of not only Japan but also its other allies — the EU, the ROK and Canada.
\n
The tariff friction between the US and Japan is more than a trade dispute, for it symbolizes a change in the global power structure and the nature of alliances. As economic nationalism, strategic competition, and prioritization of national interests dominate foreign policy, even long-standing alliances are prone to breaking up due to unbalanced benefit-sharing.
\n
Japan's restrained and conciliatory response has helped it to mitigate short-term risks, but it has also exposed its vulnerability in the ongoing reconfiguration of global trade rules. For US-Japan relations, the core challenge is not only the wrangling over tariffs. It is also the redefining of the meaning of "alliance", and the search for a new equilibrium between strategic security and economic cooperation. This is a challenge for not only Japan but also for all US allies navigating the realities of a new geopolitical order.
\n
<span class="epaper-status">The author is deputy director of the Institute of American and European Studies at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.</span>
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
China now accounts for some 30 percent of global manufacturing output, almost equal to the entire G7 member states' combined share. And its share is still growing.
\n
To truly understand this shift, though, we have to leave behind old stereotypes. The image of China as merely the "world's factory" churning out inexpensive toys and knockoff electronics is outdated. Today's China has an industrial system that is expansive, deep and remarkably adaptive.
\n
China has an advantage in not just one thing. It enjoys advantages in raw materials, advanced manufacturing, scale, speed and integration — and its manufacturing prowess rests on a foundation that is both broad and deep.
\n
From steel, cement and aluminum to rare earth elements, China enjoys unmatched scale and cost efficiency, ensuring stable supplies that underpin industrial security. In sectors such as solar photovoltaic panels, lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics, China has advanced beyond mere participation in to shaping global supply chains and export markets. Even in traditional, labor-intensive industries — clothing, toys, home appliances, furniture — it has managed to keep its production costs competitive because of its expanding automation and production capacities.
\n
More important, China is rapidly moving up the value chain in equipment manufacturing, from high-speed railways and EVs to industrial robots and advanced machinery, transforming itself from a mid-tier manufacturing powerhouse to a serious player in high-end equipment.
\n
Sure, there are still areas such as advanced chips, aircraft engines and high-end medical devices in which the United States continues to enjoy an edge. But China is closing the gap thanks to its increased investment in R&D and intensive high-tech development. This isn't about confrontation or replacement, but about resilience and standing on one's own feet.
\n
China's journey has been far from easy. Decades ago, its steel production targets were met with skepticism. Yet today, China produces more than 1 billion tons of steel a year, with Hebei province alone producing more steel than many countries due to the country's steely resolve.
\n
China's industrial strength is not only about numbers. It's about security and stability too. In this information age, manufacturing remains a major source of national power, with recent conflicts underscoring the fact that whether a country produces jet fighters, artillery shells or drones, industrial capacity matters.
\n
China's industrial base supports its defense capabilities, with new-generation products like the J-20 fighter jet demonstrating how its homegrown technology has advanced to boost its ability to safeguard national security.
\n
China leads by a wide margin in terms of production of civilian drones, with Guangdong province alone producing about 7 million such drones in 2024.
\n
Even among observers with reservations about China, there's growing recognition that there are development lessons to be learned from China.
\n
In a recent article in The New York Times, Jacob Dreyer, a US writer who's spent nearly two decades in Shanghai, praises China's "far-sighted industrial policy", noting how AI isn't just strengthening the country's defense or high-tech sector, but also improving its education and healthcare systems. Dreyer has also highlighted China's massive investments in clean energy and the fact that its carbon emissions may be peaking.
\n
Dreyer has described Chinese cities as clean, safe and well-connected, with gleaming highways and high-speed railways. His message is clear: don't dismiss China; instead, study it, and learn from its commitment to improve its infrastructure, education, and other systems.
\n
Besides, an article in Foreign Affairs magazine recently said that if the US wants to achieve similar results, it needs to devise a clear-cut industrial strategy. The article cited how Hefei, Anhui province, once underdeveloped, has now become an EV production hub — and even called it "the Detroit of the 21st century".
\n
These aren't small shifts in tone. For years, many in the West viewed China's development model with skepticism, or dismissed it outright by calling it "authoritarian" or "unsustainable". The West's broader narrative often frames things as an ideological rivalry between "democracy" and "authoritarianism", which is incorrect and reflects the West's shortsightedness.
\n
Political systems may differ and their values may be different, but the results are hard to ignore. Whether in EVs, batteries, solar power or shipbuilding, China isn't merely catching up; it's leading.
\n
This shift in perception echoes history. In the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), China underestimated the power of foreign technology and paid a steep price for it. Reformers then argued that "Western learning is necessary for practical use".
\n
Today, the same humility to learn from others is emerging globally. Some Americans suggest combining "American essence and Chinese learning" to derive more mutual benefit, instead of ignoring each other and not capitalizing on the two economies' complementarity.
\n
Of course, China has its own challenges. Issues such as uneven regional development and social pressures aren't going away. But these aren't signs of stagnation. Instead, these are development opportunities.
\n
China's industrial rise is not just China's story. It's a global story that demands global reflection. In a world of shared challenges, openness to learning from one another may be the most important lesson of all.
\n
<span class="epaper-status">The author is an independent content creator who operates the account "Ming Shu Za Tan" across multiple social media platforms.</span>
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
",
@@ -4752,28 +4620,6 @@
"hash": "320195504e87e80ecca0c97a8332879e",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "004COMMENT - Unified national market a new growth launchpad",
- "description": "\n\n
What defines the world's largest economies is the integration of different systems and sectors. Accordingly, China has been taking measures to create an integrated national market to ensure companies and consumers feel as if provincial borders don't exist. The move is not only to align policies but also to fuel new growth points at home and beyond.
\n
Imagine a small manufacturer in Xiamen, Fujian province, selling its products in Beijing without having to negotiate local rules or other barriers. That is what a unified system with common standards, streamlined approvals and a single nationwide regulatory rulebook is going to do. It will also lower costs, boost competition and promote innovation.
\n
A key goal of the move is to ensure fair, high-quality competition by reducing barriers for non-local enterprises. In the past, the preference for local businesses could, at times, limit broader participation. Today, cities like Guangzhou, Guangdong province, are setting a new tone. A company based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, recently won a 3-million-yuan ($417,020) bid for the city's promotional film through an open, competitive process, thanks to a level playing field. This shift toward greater institutional fairness will positively impact the economy.
\n
Another goal of the move is to reduce red tape. Earlier, establishing a company used to take several weeks in some cities. But because of reforms like the July 2024 "efficient one-stop business process", businesses in Guangzhou can now complete the entire process in a single day. While Guangzhou's Haizhu district has merged multiple approval requirements into a single form, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has simplified the registration and capital requirements. In fact, most new registrations can now be completed online, as the focus is on making government services more efficient, transparent and conducive to businesses' growth.
\n
But China isn't stopping at registration reforms. It is advancing "Internet-Plus government services", rolling out cross-provincial licensing, and standardizing the company migration procedure. Pilot projects in 10 provinces and municipalities show what a truly nationwide market would look like: companies shifting operations or opening branches without encountering local red tape. Even branches can now share the parent company's license, which would relieve them of unnecessary paperwork.
\n
A unified national market doesn't mean isolating the Chinese market; instead, it means aligning domestic and international standards and rules. For example, the central authorities have reduced the foreign investment "negative list" from 31 to 29 items and fully opened up the manufacturing sector. Also, the government is further opening up the telecom, internet, healthcare, educational, cultural and some other sectors, signaling that foreign investors are welcome to invest in China as long as they meet the unified standards. China is also inviting international certification bodies to make compliance easier for foreign players.
\n
This is not only about saying "we're open" but also about making sure companies around the world can operate in the Chinese market without having to navigate a regulatory labyrinth.
\n
The Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs' meeting in July emphasized the importance of "five unifications and one opening-up" for promoting high-level and effective opening-up. The first priority of the exercise is to harmonize fundamental market institutions so that rules are consistent nationwide, and the second is to standardize government practices to promote fair competition and create a level playing field.
\n
This approach suggests China recognizes that its greatest economic assets are scale and its ability to act at scale. With more than 100 million market entities and the world's most comprehensive industrial system, China can marshal resources like any other large, efficient economy. As always, ensuring consistent national standards and reducing local variations are key to realizing success.
\n
A unified market does not only help domestic companies; it also promotes healthy competition, better resource allocation and industrial upgrading. By guiding capital and talents toward globally competitive industries, China is trying to build a more resilient and innovation-oriented economy, and making sure Chinese companies become prominent global players by adapting to changes and improving their performance.
\n
Digital platforms are also breaking down geographical barriers, which previously hampered the flow of goods, services and information, and facilitating real-time data sharing by taking advantage of cross-border e-commerce and supply chains to meet consumers' demand in real-time with uniformly priced goods.
\n
China's endeavor to build a unified national market is a strategic initiative to boost high-level opening-up. For domestic entrepreneurs, it means fewer barriers and more opportunities, and for global investors, it promises clearer rules and easier entry into the Chinese market.
\n
In short, China is building a level playing field for both domestic and foreign business, which in turn will facilitate the development of a unified national market, because it is the best way to strengthen the domestic economy.
\n
<span class="epaper-status">The author is a research fellow at the National Academy of Economic Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.</span>
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
\n",
- "content": "\n\n
What defines the world's largest economies is the integration of different systems and sectors. Accordingly, China has been taking measures to create an integrated national market to ensure companies and consumers feel as if provincial borders don't exist. The move is not only to align policies but also to fuel new growth points at home and beyond.
\n
Imagine a small manufacturer in Xiamen, Fujian province, selling its products in Beijing without having to negotiate local rules or other barriers. That is what a unified system with common standards, streamlined approvals and a single nationwide regulatory rulebook is going to do. It will also lower costs, boost competition and promote innovation.
\n
A key goal of the move is to ensure fair, high-quality competition by reducing barriers for non-local enterprises. In the past, the preference for local businesses could, at times, limit broader participation. Today, cities like Guangzhou, Guangdong province, are setting a new tone. A company based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, recently won a 3-million-yuan ($417,020) bid for the city's promotional film through an open, competitive process, thanks to a level playing field. This shift toward greater institutional fairness will positively impact the economy.
\n
Another goal of the move is to reduce red tape. Earlier, establishing a company used to take several weeks in some cities. But because of reforms like the July 2024 "efficient one-stop business process", businesses in Guangzhou can now complete the entire process in a single day. While Guangzhou's Haizhu district has merged multiple approval requirements into a single form, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has simplified the registration and capital requirements. In fact, most new registrations can now be completed online, as the focus is on making government services more efficient, transparent and conducive to businesses' growth.
\n
But China isn't stopping at registration reforms. It is advancing "Internet-Plus government services", rolling out cross-provincial licensing, and standardizing the company migration procedure. Pilot projects in 10 provinces and municipalities show what a truly nationwide market would look like: companies shifting operations or opening branches without encountering local red tape. Even branches can now share the parent company's license, which would relieve them of unnecessary paperwork.
\n
A unified national market doesn't mean isolating the Chinese market; instead, it means aligning domestic and international standards and rules. For example, the central authorities have reduced the foreign investment "negative list" from 31 to 29 items and fully opened up the manufacturing sector. Also, the government is further opening up the telecom, internet, healthcare, educational, cultural and some other sectors, signaling that foreign investors are welcome to invest in China as long as they meet the unified standards. China is also inviting international certification bodies to make compliance easier for foreign players.
\n
This is not only about saying "we're open" but also about making sure companies around the world can operate in the Chinese market without having to navigate a regulatory labyrinth.
\n
The Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs' meeting in July emphasized the importance of "five unifications and one opening-up" for promoting high-level and effective opening-up. The first priority of the exercise is to harmonize fundamental market institutions so that rules are consistent nationwide, and the second is to standardize government practices to promote fair competition and create a level playing field.
\n
This approach suggests China recognizes that its greatest economic assets are scale and its ability to act at scale. With more than 100 million market entities and the world's most comprehensive industrial system, China can marshal resources like any other large, efficient economy. As always, ensuring consistent national standards and reducing local variations are key to realizing success.
\n
A unified market does not only help domestic companies; it also promotes healthy competition, better resource allocation and industrial upgrading. By guiding capital and talents toward globally competitive industries, China is trying to build a more resilient and innovation-oriented economy, and making sure Chinese companies become prominent global players by adapting to changes and improving their performance.
\n
Digital platforms are also breaking down geographical barriers, which previously hampered the flow of goods, services and information, and facilitating real-time data sharing by taking advantage of cross-border e-commerce and supply chains to meet consumers' demand in real-time with uniformly priced goods.
\n
China's endeavor to build a unified national market is a strategic initiative to boost high-level opening-up. For domestic entrepreneurs, it means fewer barriers and more opportunities, and for global investors, it promises clearer rules and easier entry into the Chinese market.
\n
In short, China is building a level playing field for both domestic and foreign business, which in turn will facilitate the development of a unified national market, because it is the best way to strengthen the domestic economy.
\n
<span class="epaper-status">The author is a research fellow at the National Academy of Economic Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.</span>
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
China-made chips on display during an expo in Shanghai.
\n
China's summons to Nvidia over the alleged cybersecurity threat posed by the US company's H20 artificial intelligence chips sold to the country showcases Beijing's zero tolerance toward chips with "backdoor" security risks, experts said on Friday.
\n
Such risks, if validated, will also deal a huge blow to the AI chipmaker's global business, they added.
\n
Their comments came after the Cyberspace Administration of China summoned the company on Thursday over the issue.
\n
Pan Helin, a member of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy, said China's decision to summon any company over security concerns is in line with international practices.
\n
"If Nvidia's chips really have backdoor risks, that will become its 'self-dug grave'. Users, not only companies in China, but also clients across the world, may abandon its chips over fears of remote shutdowns or data theft," Pan said.
\n
According to him, Nvidia's dominance in the global AI chip market relies not only on chip performance, but also on its entrenched CUDA ecosystem — a 20-year-old framework for GPU compatibility. While Chinese chips such as Huawei's Ascend series may rival H20 technically, they lack CUDA's universal adaptability for AI models.
\n
"However, if security concerns drive global users toward Chinese chips, developers could shift focus to compatibility layers for domestic alternatives, eroding Nvidia's ecosystem advantage," Pan said.
\n
"Such concerns will accelerate the adoption of Chinese chips. Though ecosystem shifts take time, this could ultimately dismantle Nvidia's business," said Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Zhongguancun Modern Information Consumer Application Industry Technology Alliance, a telecom industry association.
\n
Nvidia's AI chips have recently faced allegations about serious security risks. Some US lawmakers have also called for advanced chips exported abroad to be equipped with "tracking and positioning" functions.
\n
According to Xiang, it is technically possible for companies to have "tracking and positioning" functions on chips. But if Nvidia has really done so, its business will be dismantled, he said.
\n
Nvidia said in a statement to China Daily on Friday that cybersecurity is critically important to it and that the company does not have "backdoors" in its chips that would give anyone a way to remotely access or control them.
\n
Last year, the Cyber Security Association of China urged a comprehensive review of products from US tech company Intel, citing recurring cybersecurity vulnerabilities and high failure rates, in order to safeguard the country's national security and protect the rights of Chinese consumers.
\n
On July 26, 2023, Wuhan's municipal emergency management bureau published a statement that Qihoo 360 detected a cyberattack from an overseas organization on its earthquake monitoring center. Some front-end station collection points of earthquake reporting data had been implanted with backdoor programs, the statement said.
\n
masi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -4796,28 +4642,6 @@
"hash": "428a47feef8b925c9d13f41f3e5da612",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "005BUSINESS - Platforms to rein in aggressive discounting",
- "description": "
China's leading e-commerce and food delivery platforms including Meituan, Taobao, Ele.me and JD have pledged to rein in aggressive discounting practices, in a coordinated response to foster fairer competition and a more sustainable digital economy.
\n
The four firms released statements on Friday outlining a range of commitments, including better planning of subsidies, refraining from irrational promotional campaigns, and avoiding selling goods and services significantly below cost.
\n
The moves come just weeks after China's top market regulator summoned major platforms over concerns about cutthroat competition in the sector.
\n
Meituan published an open letter titled Prospering the Industry Ecosystem, Resisting Disorderly Competition via its official WeChat account, saying it would "firmly regulate promotional activities and eliminate unfair competition."
\n
The company emphasized that all subsidies must comply with antitrust laws and must not involve pricing far below cost. It also committed to transparent disclosure of subsidy amounts, avoiding exaggerated marketing, and ensuring that merchants retain the right to set prices independently.
\n
Meituan said it would protect the interests of small and medium-sized businesses, apply subsidies without discrimination, and aim to build a multi-stakeholder ecosystem that benefits consumers, vendors, delivery workers and the platform alike.
\n
JD made similar pledges via its internal bulletin, stating that it would "resist vicious competition" and focus instead on differentiated offerings and quality service. The company said it would rely on technological innovation and supply chain upgrades to build long-term competitiveness and consumer trust.
\n
"Subsidies should not be a race to the bottom. We believe in winning users through quality, price and service — not by burning cash," the company said.
\n
Taobao's flash sales subsidiary and Ele.me issued a joint statement, pledging to "resolutely oppose malicious competition and jointly foster a win-win ecosystem."
\n
The two Alibaba-owned platforms said they would better tailor subsidies to the needs of both consumers and merchants, avoid irrational large-scale giveaways such as "0-yuan purchases", and uphold merchants' rights to be informed, to choose and to set prices.
\n
The flurry of statements followed a July 18 announcement from the State Administration for Market Regulation, which said it had summoned several platforms and ordered them to curb improper promotional conduct and to participate in competition rationally.
\n
The regulator urged platforms to take primary responsibility for industry standards and "correct irregular promotional activities" to support the healthy development of the catering and delivery sectors.
\n
The move also aligns with broader policy goals set during the Central Economic Work Conference in December, which called for greater oversight of monopolistic behavior and disorderly competition in the digital economy.
\n
Those priorities were further reinforced in the 2025 Government Work Report, which advocated eliminating market entry and exit barriers and creating a unified national market.
\n
Li Mingtao, chief e-commerce analyst at the China International Electronic Commerce Center, said the coordinated pledges marked a "proactive" shift by platforms to address early signs of violations and unfair competition in the food delivery sector.
\n
"All these efforts sent a clear signal on regulating market behavior and set an example for fostering a healthier, more orderly platform economy," Li said.
\n
chengyu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China's leading e-commerce and food delivery platforms including Meituan, Taobao, Ele.me and JD have pledged to rein in aggressive discounting practices, in a coordinated response to foster fairer competition and a more sustainable digital economy.
\n
The four firms released statements on Friday outlining a range of commitments, including better planning of subsidies, refraining from irrational promotional campaigns, and avoiding selling goods and services significantly below cost.
\n
The moves come just weeks after China's top market regulator summoned major platforms over concerns about cutthroat competition in the sector.
\n
Meituan published an open letter titled Prospering the Industry Ecosystem, Resisting Disorderly Competition via its official WeChat account, saying it would "firmly regulate promotional activities and eliminate unfair competition."
\n
The company emphasized that all subsidies must comply with antitrust laws and must not involve pricing far below cost. It also committed to transparent disclosure of subsidy amounts, avoiding exaggerated marketing, and ensuring that merchants retain the right to set prices independently.
\n
Meituan said it would protect the interests of small and medium-sized businesses, apply subsidies without discrimination, and aim to build a multi-stakeholder ecosystem that benefits consumers, vendors, delivery workers and the platform alike.
\n
JD made similar pledges via its internal bulletin, stating that it would "resist vicious competition" and focus instead on differentiated offerings and quality service. The company said it would rely on technological innovation and supply chain upgrades to build long-term competitiveness and consumer trust.
\n
"Subsidies should not be a race to the bottom. We believe in winning users through quality, price and service — not by burning cash," the company said.
\n
Taobao's flash sales subsidiary and Ele.me issued a joint statement, pledging to "resolutely oppose malicious competition and jointly foster a win-win ecosystem."
\n
The two Alibaba-owned platforms said they would better tailor subsidies to the needs of both consumers and merchants, avoid irrational large-scale giveaways such as "0-yuan purchases", and uphold merchants' rights to be informed, to choose and to set prices.
\n
The flurry of statements followed a July 18 announcement from the State Administration for Market Regulation, which said it had summoned several platforms and ordered them to curb improper promotional conduct and to participate in competition rationally.
\n
The regulator urged platforms to take primary responsibility for industry standards and "correct irregular promotional activities" to support the healthy development of the catering and delivery sectors.
\n
The move also aligns with broader policy goals set during the Central Economic Work Conference in December, which called for greater oversight of monopolistic behavior and disorderly competition in the digital economy.
\n
Those priorities were further reinforced in the 2025 Government Work Report, which advocated eliminating market entry and exit barriers and creating a unified national market.
\n
Li Mingtao, chief e-commerce analyst at the China International Electronic Commerce Center, said the coordinated pledges marked a "proactive" shift by platforms to address early signs of violations and unfair competition in the food delivery sector.
\n
"All these efforts sent a clear signal on regulating market behavior and set an example for fostering a healthier, more orderly platform economy," Li said.
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, weakened 2 pips to 7.1496 against the US dollar on Friday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System. In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day. The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day.
\n
Shipping route boosts China-Peru trade
\n
In the first half of 2025, cargo volume on the Chancay-Shanghai shipping route reached 78,000 metric tons, worth 1.72 billion yuan ($240.76 million), according to Shanghai Customs. After this route was set up, the total value of imports and exports between Shanghai and Peru increased by 34.9 percent compared with the same period last year. Since the launch of the Chancay-Shanghai shipping route in December 2024, the shipping time between Peru and China has been reduced to around 23 days, significantly cutting logistics costs by over 20 percent. As a result, more and more fresh fruits such as avocados, mangoes, and blueberries are being directly transported from Peru to China via this route.
\n
Chinese mainland shares close lower
\n
Chinese mainland stocks closed lower on Friday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index down 0.37 percent to 3559.95 points. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 0.17 percent lower at 10991.32 points.
Volunteers from Taiyuan North Railway Station in Shanxi province conduct a free medical checkup for local people who live close to the railway line. The effort is part of a campaign by the railway authorities to promote awareness of rail safety among residents.
\n",
- "content": "
Volunteers from Taiyuan North Railway Station in Shanxi province conduct a free medical checkup for local people who live close to the railway line. The effort is part of a campaign by the railway authorities to promote awareness of rail safety among residents.
China is poised to introduce additional macroeconomic policies as necessary to further stabilize employment and boost domestic demand, while stepping up reforms to build a unified national market, the country's top economic regulator said on Friday.
\n
Experts said the move underscores a continued policy commitment on both the macro and structural fronts, aimed at sustaining domestic demand and laying a solid foundation for steady economic growth in the second half of the year.
\n
Zhou Chen, head of the department of national economy at the National Development and Reform Commission, said the country will conduct policy research and strengthen reserves of potential measures on a regular basis, continuing to refine the policy toolkit aimed at stabilizing employment and expanding domestic demand.
\n
"In response to changes in the external environment, we will introduce policy measures in a timely manner and coordinate this year's and next year's policy and work priorities, focusing on stabilizing jobs, businesses, markets and expectations," Zhou said at a news conference on Friday.
\n
Speaking at the conference, Wang Renfei, head of the department of comprehensive system reform at the NDRC, said the country will also deepen reforms with a focus on expanding domestic demand and stabilizing the economy.
\n
Drawing on experience gained from introducing private capital into the nuclear power sector, Wang said the commission will step up efforts to promote private investment in areas such as transportation, energy and water conservancy, in a bid to support the growth of the private economy.
\n
According to Wang, the commission will define clearer boundaries for the conduct of government bodies by formulating a list of practices to be prevented that may hinder a unified national market and fair competition.
\n
Efforts will also be made to improve market access in emerging sectors as a set of special measures aimed at easing market entry will be introduced at a faster pace, Wang said.
\n
Zhang Ning, senior China economist at UBS Investment Bank, said future policy stimulus may be data dependent, while the timing of new fiscal support may be around the end of the third quarter or the fourth quarter, if growth momentum slows notably.
\n
Zhang added that he expects the government to roll out a toplevel guideline in the next two to three quarters to navigate the initiative to curb involution-style competition.
\n
Xiong Yi, Deutsche Bank's chief economist for China, said he anticipates that the Chinese economy will grow 4.8 percent this year, with services consumption expected to become a new driver of economic growth and employment in the second half.
\n
Zhou, the NDRC official, said that efforts will be made to boost services consumption — in areas such as culture, tourism, sports events, elderly care, healthcare and child care — and encourage local authorities to reduce consumption restrictions.
\n
According to the commission, the third tranche of the ultra-long-term special treasury bonds designated to support trade-in program for consumer goods — worth 69 billion yuan ($9.6 billion) — has been fully allocated.
\n
The fourth tranche, also worth 69 billion yuan, is scheduled for disbursement in October, which will complete the planned allocation of 300 billion yuan for the year.
\n
This year's project list for major national strategies and security capacity building in key areas, totaling 800 billion yuan, has been fully issued, while 735 billion yuan in central budgetary investment has been largely disbursed, the commission added.
\n
zhoulanxv@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -4884,28 +4686,6 @@
"hash": "0bac984d519d897738bd9c766732096d",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "005BUSINESS - Foreign biz units soaring in Yiwu",
- "description": "\n
The total number of foreign-funded business entities in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, officially surpassed 10,000 on Thursday, making it the first county-level city in China to achieve this feat.
\n
Pakistani entrepreneur Ali Kamran received the business license for his new company in Yiwu, marking a major milestone.
\n
Since the establishment of its first foreign-funded enterprise in 1989, Yiwu has remained committed to reform-driven development and service-oriented governance.
\n
China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 further accelerated Yiwu's economic opening. "In 2005, the city's foreign trade volume exceeded its domestic trade for the first time, signaling a rapid growth phase for foreign-funded businesses," said Lou Xiaodong, director of the Yiwu Market Supervision Administration.
\n
According to Lou, representative offices, foreign-invested partnerships, and foreign-invested enterprises are the three main types of foreign business entities, each contributing to Yiwu's robust foreign trade at various stages.
\n
Today, investors from 165 countries and regions across six continents have established businesses in Yiwu. Among these, 133 are from countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, accounting for 81 percent of the total.
\n
In May 2024, Yiwu launched "YiJing", the province's first online service platform for foreign residents. The app offers integrated support covering daily life, business activities, and government services. It enables online consultation and processing for over 120 administrative items across more than 10 departments, including accommodation registration, visa applications, and work permits. Seventeen of these services can be booked and completed entirely online.
\n
"We've pioneered a series of forward-looking and replicable reforms in foreign business registration," Lou said. "Yiwu is now authorized to register all types of foreign-funded business entities. Since 2019, the registration process for all entities has been shortened from the legal maximum of 15 days to just one."
\n
Yiwu has also led the nation in piloting a commitment-based registration system for foreign businesses. In March this year, Yiwu issued Zhejiang's first business licenses processed entirely with foreign passports, enabling expatriates to complete company registration fully online.
\n
According to Chen Jianwei, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, Yiwu's dynamic business environment and vibrant market demonstrate that "investing in China is investing in the future." He noted that China is not only an ideal destination for global business, but also an increasingly attractive place to live and work, underscoring the country's firm commitment and tangible progress in advancing high-level opening-up.
The total number of foreign-funded business entities in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, officially surpassed 10,000 on Thursday, making it the first county-level city in China to achieve this feat.
\n
Pakistani entrepreneur Ali Kamran received the business license for his new company in Yiwu, marking a major milestone.
\n
Since the establishment of its first foreign-funded enterprise in 1989, Yiwu has remained committed to reform-driven development and service-oriented governance.
\n
China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 further accelerated Yiwu's economic opening. "In 2005, the city's foreign trade volume exceeded its domestic trade for the first time, signaling a rapid growth phase for foreign-funded businesses," said Lou Xiaodong, director of the Yiwu Market Supervision Administration.
\n
According to Lou, representative offices, foreign-invested partnerships, and foreign-invested enterprises are the three main types of foreign business entities, each contributing to Yiwu's robust foreign trade at various stages.
\n
Today, investors from 165 countries and regions across six continents have established businesses in Yiwu. Among these, 133 are from countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, accounting for 81 percent of the total.
\n
In May 2024, Yiwu launched "YiJing", the province's first online service platform for foreign residents. The app offers integrated support covering daily life, business activities, and government services. It enables online consultation and processing for over 120 administrative items across more than 10 departments, including accommodation registration, visa applications, and work permits. Seventeen of these services can be booked and completed entirely online.
\n
"We've pioneered a series of forward-looking and replicable reforms in foreign business registration," Lou said. "Yiwu is now authorized to register all types of foreign-funded business entities. Since 2019, the registration process for all entities has been shortened from the legal maximum of 15 days to just one."
\n
Yiwu has also led the nation in piloting a commitment-based registration system for foreign businesses. In March this year, Yiwu issued Zhejiang's first business licenses processed entirely with foreign passports, enabling expatriates to complete company registration fully online.
\n
According to Chen Jianwei, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, Yiwu's dynamic business environment and vibrant market demonstrate that "investing in China is investing in the future." He noted that China is not only an ideal destination for global business, but also an increasingly attractive place to live and work, underscoring the country's firm commitment and tangible progress in advancing high-level opening-up.
MOSCOW/KYIV — Russia said it had captured a strategic town in the Donetsk region after nearly 16 months of fighting, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the claim as "disinformation".
\n
Russia's Defense Ministry said on Thursday that its forces took full control of the strategically important city of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region.
\n
However, Victor Tregubov, a Ukrainian military spokesman, told The Associated Press that Russia's claim was untrue. "Just a fabrication, there wasn't even a change in the situation," he said.
\n
A report on Thursday from Ukraine's Army General Staff said there were seven clashes in Chasiv Yar in the past 24 hours. An attached map showed most of the town as being under Russian control.
\n
"Ukrainian units are holding our positions," Zelensky said in his daily video address on Thursday evening. "It is not easy, but it is the defense of Ukrainians' very right to life."
\n
Russian and Ukrainian troops have battled for control of Chasiv Yar for nearly 18 months. It includes a hilltop from which troops can attack other key points in the region that form the backbone of Ukraine's eastern defenses.
\n
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital city observed a day of mourning after the deadliest attack in the city this year ripped open a nine-story residential building, wounding 159 people and killing 31 people in all.
\n
The latest developments on the battlefield come as a top Ukrainian official said that Kyiv's partners had "confirmed positive signals" about imminent White House pressure on Moscow.
\n
"Our partners confirmed positive signals from the White House regarding firm actions against the Russian Federation — particularly on sanctions targeting Russian oil and secondary tariffs following the end of the 10-day deadline set by President Donald Trump," Andriy Yermak wrote on X.
\n
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump made clear that he wants a deal to end the fighting in Ukraine by Aug 8, the United States told the United Nations Security Council.
\n
"Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and a durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear that this must be done by Aug 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace," senior US diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council.
\n
Trump said on Tuesday that the United States would start imposing tariffs and other measures on Russia"10 days from today" if Moscow showed no progress.
\n
US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Russia after his current trip to Israel, Trump said on Thursday.
\n
Talking about prospects of negotiations with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that he hoped peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would continue and that working groups could discuss potential compromises, but said Moscow's goals remained unchanged.
\n
Putin, who was talking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, said talks should be conducted "without cameras and in a calm atmosphere".
\n
"As for any disappointments on the part of anyone, all disappointments arise from inflated expectations," he said.
\n
Kyiv and Moscow have held three rounds of talks in Istanbul this year that yielded exchanges of prisoners and bodies, but no breakthrough to defuse the more than three-year conflict.
\n
In Europe, Germany said on Friday that it will deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine after reaching an agreement with the US that Berlin will be first in line to receive the latest systems in return.
\n
The Bundeswehr army will initially deliver additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine in the coming days, followed by additional system components to be handed over in two or three months.
\n",
@@ -4928,28 +4708,6 @@
"hash": "eec1bf747fbe31356240b1355564baa2",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "006WORLD - Beijing urges just approach to peace in Middle East",
- "description": "
Palestinians collect aid parcels amid a hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.
\n
China expressed strong opposition on Friday to the United States' decision to impose sanctions on officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, calling the move "shocking" and counterproductive to international peace efforts.
\n
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing in Beijing, responding to the US State Department's announcement on Thursday that it would impose visa bans on certain Palestinian officials.
\n
"It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace," the US announcement read.
\n
"China is shocked by the US sanctions against officials of the PA and the PLO, and is deeply disappointed and puzzled by the US' disregard for international efforts to promote peace," Guo said.
\n
He stressed that the Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue and is a matter of international fairness and justice.
\n
"At a time when the Palestinian question stands at a critical historical juncture, the international community, especially the US, should adopt a fair, just and responsible attitude," Guo said.
\n
The spokesman urged Washington to earnestly implement relevant United Nations resolutions and to work actively in facilitating a proper resolution of the Palestinian question, rather than doing the opposite.
\n
"China firmly supports the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and supports the PA's effective jurisdiction over all of Palestine's territory, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," Guo said.
\n
He also reiterated Beijing's support for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question based on the two-state solution as well as its willingness to work with the international community to make relentless efforts to this end.
\n
Washington's sanctions came as many of the US allies have vowed to recognize Palestinian statehood ahead of September's UN General Assembly meeting in New York.
\n
Following France and the United Kingdom, Canada announced on Wednesday that it plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September, in a move to preserve hopes for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the two-state solution.
\n
mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Palestinians collect aid parcels amid a hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.
\n
China expressed strong opposition on Friday to the United States' decision to impose sanctions on officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, calling the move "shocking" and counterproductive to international peace efforts.
\n
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing in Beijing, responding to the US State Department's announcement on Thursday that it would impose visa bans on certain Palestinian officials.
\n
"It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace," the US announcement read.
\n
"China is shocked by the US sanctions against officials of the PA and the PLO, and is deeply disappointed and puzzled by the US' disregard for international efforts to promote peace," Guo said.
\n
He stressed that the Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue and is a matter of international fairness and justice.
\n
"At a time when the Palestinian question stands at a critical historical juncture, the international community, especially the US, should adopt a fair, just and responsible attitude," Guo said.
\n
The spokesman urged Washington to earnestly implement relevant United Nations resolutions and to work actively in facilitating a proper resolution of the Palestinian question, rather than doing the opposite.
\n
"China firmly supports the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and supports the PA's effective jurisdiction over all of Palestine's territory, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," Guo said.
\n
He also reiterated Beijing's support for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question based on the two-state solution as well as its willingness to work with the international community to make relentless efforts to this end.
\n
Washington's sanctions came as many of the US allies have vowed to recognize Palestinian statehood ahead of September's UN General Assembly meeting in New York.
\n
Following France and the United Kingdom, Canada announced on Wednesday that it plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September, in a move to preserve hopes for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the two-state solution.
During a one-week trip to China in June, a group of about 20 college students from 15 universities in 15 states opened their eyes to a different culture and China's advanced AI technology. They were also surprised to find how similar Chinese people are to US people.
\n
The trip was organized by the US Heartland China Association with support from the US Soybean Export Council. Students visited Beijing and China's breadbasket, Henan province.
\n
Sharing their experiences at an online meeting on Tuesday night, Imani Murphy, a graduate student of animal science at Tuskegee University, said the biggest shock of the trip for her was how Chinese culture and rural communities seem so similar to the rural South.
\n
"That was shocking to me because I thought it would be completely different, but human beings are human beings. So, we all will have the same sort of characteristics, if that makes sense."
\n
Murphy said there are a lot more similarities than differences between people of the two countries.
\n
"I think we should really hone in on both of our similarities and differences and how we can come together and communicate well to become better (agriculture) leaders in China and in the United States," she said. "We're two of the, probably, top producers in our respective fields, and why not work together."
\n
Samuel Martin from Iowa State University was struck by how agriculture was handled differently in some ways, and how Chinese cuisine uses different parts of animals and cooks them differently.
\n
He courageously tried fish bladder and was surprised to see Palmer amaranth on the menu at one banquet. "We didn't even know you can eat it. We just wanted to kill it in the fields. That was kind of a neat thing to see."
\n
Martin said the trip led him to realize there is a desire in China for quality US food products.
\n
Largest trading partners
\n
"It's nice to hear from one of our largest trading partners that they do desire our products. We want to trade with them. They want to trade with us. If we can make sure that we keep those goals, I think we'll see a lot of success in the next 20, 25 years," Martin said. "I look forward to hopefully being a part of that going forward."
\n
Morgan Barba from Kansas University was impressed by China's vertical integration. "The vertical integration that we saw within all the cities that we visited was just so impressive," Barba said.
\n
Barba was also quite impressed by the integration of AI in China's meat production system.
\n
"They are using AI to improve processing cleanliness, reduce bacterial exposure, and enhance meat quality, specifically when it comes to grading carcasses. I'm going to be really curious when we'll have that integration here in the United States," said Barba.
\n
Lauren Thornhill from Ohio State University was impressed by how China controlled the smell from the poultry and meat facilities. "We walked right up to those barns in some places in China and had no idea it was a pig or poultry operation."
\n
She said this trip shifted her perspective on relations between China and the US: "By yourself, you can do a lot, but with other people, you can do a lot more."
\n
Parker Havard from Michigan State University was struck by the massiveness of Chinese infrastructure. "It was just insane to see all of that infrastructure. It was absolutely wild. But when we went even into the mountains, it was just completely open," Havard said.
\n
Seeing things with his own eyes, he gained a better understanding of China's infrastructure and technology, which "really helped to gain a big insight into how we could foster a better relationship between the two and learn from each other", Havard said.
NASA's new temporary administrator on Thursday held a rare face-to-face meeting in Florida with Russia's space agency chief, where they discussed cooperation on the moon and maintaining the space powers' long-standing relationship on the International Space Station, Roscosmos said. The talks between Sean Duffy and Dmitry Bakanov at the US space agency's Kennedy Space Center represented the first in-person meeting between the heads of NASA and Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, since 2018.
\n
SOUTH KOREA
\n
Jailed ex-leader Yoon resists questioning
\n
South Korea's impeached former president Yoon Suk-yeol lay on his prison cell floor in his underwear to resist attempts to interrogate him, prosecutors said on Friday. Prosecutors obtained a fresh arrest warrant on Thursday to forcibly bring the former leader in for questioning over allegations of election tampering. However, they were "unable to do so due to his strong refusal", prosecutor Oh Jeong-hee told reporters. Yoon was wearing "a sleeveless top and prison-issued briefs," prosecutors said.
\n",
- "content": "
UNITED STATES
\n
NASA, Roscosmos chiefs hold rare talks
\n
NASA's new temporary administrator on Thursday held a rare face-to-face meeting in Florida with Russia's space agency chief, where they discussed cooperation on the moon and maintaining the space powers' long-standing relationship on the International Space Station, Roscosmos said. The talks between Sean Duffy and Dmitry Bakanov at the US space agency's Kennedy Space Center represented the first in-person meeting between the heads of NASA and Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, since 2018.
\n
SOUTH KOREA
\n
Jailed ex-leader Yoon resists questioning
\n
South Korea's impeached former president Yoon Suk-yeol lay on his prison cell floor in his underwear to resist attempts to interrogate him, prosecutors said on Friday. Prosecutors obtained a fresh arrest warrant on Thursday to forcibly bring the former leader in for questioning over allegations of election tampering. However, they were "unable to do so due to his strong refusal", prosecutor Oh Jeong-hee told reporters. Yoon was wearing "a sleeveless top and prison-issued briefs," prosecutors said.
Hong Kong Ballet dancers perform during The Butterfly Lovers, one of China's four great folktales and is often referred to as the Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet.
\n
This August, experience a breathtaking fusion of East and West as the Hong Kong Ballet premieres its award-winning The Butterfly Lovers in New York. This ballet redefines classical storytelling with innovative choreography, all brought to life by the live accompaniment of the New York City Ballet Orchestra.
\n
Originating from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), The Butterfly Lovers has been around for over 1,700 years. It is recognized as one of China's four great folktales and is often referred to as the Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet.
\n
Zhu Yingtai, a young woman from a wealthy family, disguises herself as a man so she can attend school, where she meets Liang Shanbo, a fellow student from a humble background. Zhu falls in love with Liang over time. During a visit, Liang discovers Zhu's true identity. He hopes to propose to her, but her parents have already arranged for her to marry a wealthy man.
\n
Liang eventually dies from grief. On Zhu's wedding day, her bridal procession passes Liang's grave, and a storm stops them from passing. Zhu runs to the grave, and it miraculously opens. She jumps in, and moments later, two butterflies rise from the grave together, representing a symbol of their eternal love.
\n
The ballet show made its debut in Hong Kong on Oct 18, 2024, and received several major awards at the 26th Hong Kong Dance Awards 2025, including Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer (Xuan Cheng as Zhu Yingtai), Outstanding Music Composition, and Outstanding Ensemble Performance.
\n
The performance was envisioned by Hong Kong Ballet artistic director Septime Webre, a Cuban-American who previously worked with The Washington Ballet.
\n
Webre said he wanted to serve the audience with tailored content that reflects the ballet company's roots.
\n
Webre said that The Butterfly Lovers sparked his interest as it explores a remarkably progressive theme — a woman seeking education in a time when it was forbidden for females. Webre described it as "a compelling contemporary theme in many parts of the world", which deeply resonated with him. He stated that the elements of modernity and themes of gender and class are still important today.
\n
Written by the lead choreographers, the couple duo Songwei Hu and Jingwen Mai, they said the piece not only highlights the great love story at its core, but also weaves in themes such as the oppression of the old feudal system and patriarchal society.
\n
This ballet blends contemporary and traditional styles in a unique and expressive way. Drawing from their deep experience in Chinese classical dance, choreographers Hu and Mai said they brought in traditional movement elements to challenge and contrast with the upright, structured posture of ballet.
\n
"We incorporated more Chinese dance into the upper body," Mai explained.
\n
The dance and story were backed by Academy Award winner Tim Yip, who designed both the costumes and the stage. He is known for his art directing work on Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon.
\n
For this performance, Yip designed 12 moving screen panels. He said those 12 screens help to slow down certain elements of ballet, pushing them into a more ethereal, virtual state.
\n
Idea of fluidity
\n
Yip said he wanted to emphasize the idea of "fluidity". He said that, unlike Western art, Chinese art emphasizes atmosphere and poetic resonance. Instead of laying everything out, it sets a mood that pulls the audience into the feel and flow of the Chinese aesthetic and way of thinking," Yi said.
\n
In partnership with China Arts and Entertainment Group and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York, the Hong Kong Ballet will present The Butterfly Lovers for the first time from Aug 22 to 24 at Lincoln Center in New York.
\n
"As a Chinese myself, it brings me great joy to share our unique perspective on love. I hope audiences in New York can see that China, too, has its own version of Romeo and Juliet, and feel how Zhu Yingtai, even in that era, was willing to defy her family and fight for love and freedom," Hu said.
\n
For his next "ambitious" project, Webre said he has spent years researching and making. It will be a ballet based on the life of Hong Kong's legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. Mixing kung fu and ballet, Webre hopes the performance will premiere in 2027.
Torrential rain causes flooding in several New York City subway stations, particularly affecting parts of the 6 line in New York City, United States, on Thursday.
Torrential rain causes flooding in several New York City subway stations, particularly affecting parts of the 6 line in New York City, United States, on Thursday.
A worker waits for customers at Roopam Sarees, which sells clothing imported from India, in Berkeley, California, on Thursday.
\n
US President Donald Trump's latest tariffs announcement has sent shockwaves across the Asian region, with the imposition of 10 to 41 percent "reciprocal tariffs" against nearly 70 trading partners signaling a fresh tide of protectionism that will hurt developing economies around the world, analysts said.
\n
Noting the "very high tariffs" unveiled by Washington on Asian exporters, observers said the levies are unfair as several trading partners in the region had offered many concessions — including duty-free access to their domestic markets, and agreeing to purchase US energy and aircraft — in the hope of getting more favorable treatment.
\n
Trump issued an executive order on Thursday imposing "additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners". The new duties will take effect from Aug 7.
\n
Japan and South Korea were slapped with 15 percent tariffs. India is facing a 25 percent duty, while Syria was hit with the highest rate of 41 percent. Laos and Myanmar are slapped with 40 percent levies. Bangladesh and Vietnam face 20 percent duties, while Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Pakistan face 19 percent duties.
\n
"Because the tariff rates are unilateral and arbitrarily linked to Washington's definition of US national security, the rates can hardly be described as fair," Elina Noor, a senior fellow in the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said.
\n
Elina said the different unilateral rates have accelerated competition among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as each country seeks a bilateral deal with the US.
\n
"This pits ASEAN countries against each other in a way that's reminiscent of colonial divide and rule, and detracts from any effort by ASEAN member-states to coordinate positions with each other," she said.
\n
Elina said there is "a lot of uncertainty" as to whether the latest announcement leaves much scope for further negotiations.
\n
How transshipment will be determined, for example, and whether or not countries in the Southeast Asian region will be subjected to the higher 40 percent rate for it, "will remain a complicated issue since global supply chains can be extensively and intricately networked", she said.
\n
The US tariffs announcement is "very bad news generally for Asia", said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia-Pacific at Natixis.
\n
Garcia-Herrero cited the "very high tariffs" that Trump imposed on Asia and how this will hurt the export-dependent region.
\n
Prasad Wijesuriya, general secretary of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, noted that the 20 percent tariff on imports from Sri Lanka is lower than the initial 40 percent that Trump announced in April. But it still represents "a dramatic increase" from the Most Favored Nation rate of around 2 percent that prevailed before, he said.
\n
"This sharp escalation in tariffs is likely to trigger significant economic challenges for Sri Lanka," Wijesuriya said.
\n
But it is not just Asia that will be penalized by tariffs. As Garcia-Herrero of Natixis noted, "If everybody has tariffs, there's no escape." She noted that inflation in the US will increase due to higher prices of imported goods.
\n
Tahir Farooq, editor-in-chief at Daily Ittehad Media Group and Pakistan Economic Net, said the global economy is "now even more interconnected", and nations that "weaponize tariffs to pressure others ultimately hurt their own industries, damage their reputations, and estrange themselves from global economic cooperation".
\n
Some Asian ministers welcomed Trump's announcement, noting that the tariffs are lower than what Trump had earlier announced in April and July.
\n
Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia's minister of investment, trade and industry, said that the US has agreed to reduce the tariffs on Malaysian exports from 25 percent to 19 percent.
\n
Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh's National Security Advisor and lead negotiator, told the local media that the South Asian nation has "successfully avoided a potential 35 percent reciprocal tariff".
\n
Contact the writers at prime@chinadailyapac.com.
\n",
@@ -5060,28 +4774,6 @@
"hash": "5f8dacc37d940739d3450f9900c18887",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "007WORLD - Consumers to pay more after duty exemption ends",
- "description": "
US shoppers who buy low-cost items from overseas will face higher fees from the end of August after President Donald Trump announced the end of a practice that had allowed goods under $800 to bypass US duties.
\n
The change to the "de minimis" exemption was first implemented on goods from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong in May, as China is the largest source of these shipments.
\n
Low-cost online stores like Shein and Temu, both extremely popular with shoppers in the US and worldwide, were among those that would likely be directly affected, warned Z. John Zhang, a professor of marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
\n
But Zhang told China Daily that the recent rule change will also hit many other businesses in China that do business with the US, as it's "not just fast fashion in this case, it's really all kinds of goods under the value of $800".
\n
In fiscal year 2024, $64.6 billion worth of goods in over 1.36 billion small shipments were utilized de minimis, according to Yale University and US Customs and Border Protection.
\n
Now, all countries that send items to US customers or businesses outside of the international postal network will be subject to the rule change starting on Aug 29, Trump's executive order stated on Wednesday.
\n
Any country that sends a low-value shipment to the US through the postal system will face one of two tariffs: either an "ad valorem duty" equal to the effective tariff rate of the package's country of origin. Or, for six months, a specific tariff of $80 to $200, depending on the country of origin's tariff rate, Reuters reported.
\n
At least 75 percent of all the packages that came to the US under de minimis in 2018 were from China, estimates by Baird Equity Research suggested.
\n
George S. Yip, an emeritus professor at Imperial College London and distinguished visiting professor at Northeastern University in Boston, explained that Chinese fast fashion brands have widely adopted this rule and are so popular with a global base because of their efficiency.
\n
"The essence of fast fashion is to see what the trend is, then respond to it very quickly in terms of manufacturing, and in terms of getting the distribution out. So Chinese companies excel at that," Yip told China Daily.
\n
US Customs processes 4 million de minimis shipments per day, the Trump administration said.
\n
Fewer shipments
\n
But delivery companies FedEx and UPS reported that they picked up many fewer shipments from China after the exemption ended, The New York Times reported.
\n
UPS's chief executive, Carol Tome, said during an earnings call on Tuesday that the result of the escalating tariffs and the end of de minimis led their daily volume of shipments from China to the US to fall by 35 percent in May and June this year compared to the same period in 2024, much more than expected.
\n
"There's uncertainty around tariffs and then that means there's uncertainty around consumer demand," she said.
\n
On Tuesday, UPS announced its second quarter sales declined 2.7 percent to $21.2 billion, with net income of $1.3 billion.
\n
Meanwhile, general air cargo volume from Asia declined by 10.7 percent in July after the US canceled the exemption for packages from China, Reuters reported.
\n
The initial aim of the de minimis exemption, enacted in 1938, was to allow US citizens to bring back souvenirs from abroad.
\n
belindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com
\n",
- "content": "
US shoppers who buy low-cost items from overseas will face higher fees from the end of August after President Donald Trump announced the end of a practice that had allowed goods under $800 to bypass US duties.
\n
The change to the "de minimis" exemption was first implemented on goods from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong in May, as China is the largest source of these shipments.
\n
Low-cost online stores like Shein and Temu, both extremely popular with shoppers in the US and worldwide, were among those that would likely be directly affected, warned Z. John Zhang, a professor of marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
\n
But Zhang told China Daily that the recent rule change will also hit many other businesses in China that do business with the US, as it's "not just fast fashion in this case, it's really all kinds of goods under the value of $800".
\n
In fiscal year 2024, $64.6 billion worth of goods in over 1.36 billion small shipments were utilized de minimis, according to Yale University and US Customs and Border Protection.
\n
Now, all countries that send items to US customers or businesses outside of the international postal network will be subject to the rule change starting on Aug 29, Trump's executive order stated on Wednesday.
\n
Any country that sends a low-value shipment to the US through the postal system will face one of two tariffs: either an "ad valorem duty" equal to the effective tariff rate of the package's country of origin. Or, for six months, a specific tariff of $80 to $200, depending on the country of origin's tariff rate, Reuters reported.
\n
At least 75 percent of all the packages that came to the US under de minimis in 2018 were from China, estimates by Baird Equity Research suggested.
\n
George S. Yip, an emeritus professor at Imperial College London and distinguished visiting professor at Northeastern University in Boston, explained that Chinese fast fashion brands have widely adopted this rule and are so popular with a global base because of their efficiency.
\n
"The essence of fast fashion is to see what the trend is, then respond to it very quickly in terms of manufacturing, and in terms of getting the distribution out. So Chinese companies excel at that," Yip told China Daily.
\n
US Customs processes 4 million de minimis shipments per day, the Trump administration said.
\n
Fewer shipments
\n
But delivery companies FedEx and UPS reported that they picked up many fewer shipments from China after the exemption ended, The New York Times reported.
\n
UPS's chief executive, Carol Tome, said during an earnings call on Tuesday that the result of the escalating tariffs and the end of de minimis led their daily volume of shipments from China to the US to fall by 35 percent in May and June this year compared to the same period in 2024, much more than expected.
\n
"There's uncertainty around tariffs and then that means there's uncertainty around consumer demand," she said.
\n
On Tuesday, UPS announced its second quarter sales declined 2.7 percent to $21.2 billion, with net income of $1.3 billion.
\n
Meanwhile, general air cargo volume from Asia declined by 10.7 percent in July after the US canceled the exemption for packages from China, Reuters reported.
\n
The initial aim of the de minimis exemption, enacted in 1938, was to allow US citizens to bring back souvenirs from abroad.
Lumber bound for export at the CentrePort terminal in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 10.
\n
Australia escaped the latest increases in global tariffs announced by the United States, but neighboring New Zealand was hit with a 15 percent levy, up from the 10 percent baseline rate that was proposed earlier.
\n
The White House, in a statement on Thursday, put out a list of modified tariff rates for affected countries, just before a pause on the tariffs it had unveiled globally in April was set to expire.
\n
In its statement on Thursday, the White House listed New Zealand under a "reciprocal tariff, adjusted" of 15 percent, from the previous 10 percent baseline rate.
\n
The increased tariffs on New Zealand exports will take effect from Aug 7, placing the country "alongside other key US trading partners including Japan and South Korea", New Zealand's Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay noted in a statement on Friday.
\n
The US was the second-largest export destination for New Zealand goods in 2024, with a total value of NZ$9 billion ($5.28 billion), according to figures from New Zealand's official data agency.
\n
Major exports
\n
The value of exports to the US nearly doubled over the past decade, driven by purchases of New Zealand meat like beef and sheep, it said, with other major exports including dairy and wine products.
\n
The latest tariff decision "appears to be based on a calculation of trade deficits, with countries running a surplus with the US moved to the higher rate. In New Zealand's case, the surplus is modest, around $500 million, and is not overly significant in the context of the US economy", McClay said.
\n
"I am seeking an urgent call with the US Trade Representative to make New Zealand's position clear: this increase risks harming exporters and consumers of both countries. The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.8 percent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market," the minister said.
\n
"Our focus now moves to engaging directly with the US on this current announcement to seek changes to this decision," he said.
\n
"New Zealand has always stood for open, rules-based trade. We will continue to advocate strongly for a resolution that supports our exporters and maintains the strength of our trading relationship with the United States," McClay added in the statement.
\n
Meanwhile, most Australian goods to the US are subject to the baseline 10 percent tariff, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
\n
The Australian government has called for zero US tariffs in line with a free trade agreement between the two countries.
\n
The country avoided a tariff increase that many had feared it would face on Friday, said Ben Udy, lead economist for economic advisory Oxford Economics Australia.
\n
Australian beef producers could stand to gain, with the pillar exports in high demand in recent months due to weather limiting herd numbers in the US, he said.
\n
"With Australian tariffs set to remain at 10 percent, and other exporters of high-quality beef like New Zealand and Japan facing higher tariffs, the industry should remain in high demand in the coming months," Udy said.
\n
"On that basis, Australian businesses can probably afford to leave prices unchanged, forcing US consumers or retailers to bear the brunt of the tariff increase without seeing a decline in demand."
\n \n \n \n With a performance inspired by the Terracotta Warriors, the Chinese artistic swimming team concluded their World\n \n \n \n \n Aquatics\n \n \n \n \n Championships campaign in Singapore on July 25, as they secured a gold in the team acrobatic event, bringing their total medal tally to four golds and three silvers in the tournament with gold medals in all three team events.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n Wearing golden headbands symbolizing the legendary Monkey King, China's artistic swimmers brought the myth to life in a powerful Wukong-inspired routine to win gold in the team technical event at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships last Tuesday. Their performance, based on the popular Chinese video game\n \n Black Myth: Wukong\n \n , earned China 307.8001 points.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n Performing a routine titled \"Soul of the Terracotta Army\", the Chinese squad topped the preliminary round and carried that momentum into the team acrobatic final on Friday, where they scored 229.0186 points to secure the gold.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n Dead to Rights\n \n \n \n \n \n ,\n \n \n a film set during the Nanjing Massacre,\n \n \n \n \n \n opened in domestic theaters on July 25\n \n \n \n \n \n .\n \n \n \n \n Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the film revisits one of the most barbaric episodes of World War II through the perspective of a group of unsung heroes.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Set against the Nanjing Massacre, the film follows a group of civilians sheltering in a photo studio.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n Forced to develop a Japanese military photographer's film to survive, they accidentally uncover photographic proof of the atrocities. Initially focused on mere survival, they ultimately risk everything to preserve the evidence and expose the war crimes.\n \n \n
\n \n \n The most powerful core of this film lies in its tearing open the veil of history, allowing me an outsider to viscerally empathize wth the unimaginable suffering endured by the Chinese nation during the catastraphe. It doesn't shy away from the darkness, nor does it gloss over the pain. It confronts the nation's scars with immense artistic courage.\n \n \n
\n \n \n China's 2025 summer box office, including presales, exceeded 5 billion yuan on Sunday. Daily box office takings have remained above 100 million yuan for 10 consecutive days. On Saturday alone, ticket sales hit 293 million yuan, setting a new single-day high for this year's summer movie season.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Leading the charts is Universal's \"Jurassic World Rebirth,\" with 541 million yuan in ticket sales, followed by Chinese comedy \"The Lychee Road,\" which has grossed 468 million yuan. Other top performers include Japanese animated movie \"Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback,\" Peter Chan's crime drama \"She's Got No Name\" and the sports film \"F1 The Movie\" starring Brad Pitt.\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n On Tuesday, the United States announced a decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by the end of December 2026. This marks the third time Washington has exited UNESCO.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n According to a statement by the US State Department, the withdrawal was prompted by what Washington perceived as UNESCO's tendency to \"advance divisive social and cultural causes,\" particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n The US exit will take effect at the end of December 2026.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO expressed regret over the US decision, calling it inconsistent with the fundamental principles of multilateralism.\n \n \n
\n \n \n UNESCO said the US exit was regrettable but came as no surprise. \"However regrettable, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO has prepared for it,\" Azoulay said in a statement.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n \"We have implemented major structural reforms and diversified our funding sources. Thanks to the efforts made by the Organization since 2018, the decline in US financial contributions has been effectively offset,\" she stated.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n Earlier Tuesday afternoon, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed on his X account France's \"unwavering support\" for UNESCO. He called UNESCO a \"universal guardian of science, the ocean, education, culture, and world heritage.\"\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n France, as the host country and a founding member of UNESCO, regrets the US decision to quit UNESCO, the spokesperson of the country's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n S\n \n \n \n ince Donald Trump's second term in office started early this year, the Trump administration had announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Human Rights Council.\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n \n \n The finals of the 2025 RoboCup Humanoid League\n \n \n \n \n concluded on Sunday in Brazil, with Tsinghu\n \n \n \n \n \n \n a U\n \n \n \n \n niversity's Hephaestus team beating China Agricultural University's Mountain Sea tea\n \n \n \n \n m 5:3 to clinch the title.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n China has made history by winning the gold for the first time in the 28-year history of the tournament's Humanoid AdultSize Soccer Competition.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Chinese teams showed dominant form from the group stage onward. Hephaestus, powered by the domestically developed T1 humanoid robots, overwhelmed opponents with multiple clean-sheet victories, including 16:0, 9:0, and 12:0 triumphs over UT Austin Villa from the United States.\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n One highlight of the tournament came during the group stage, when a Hephaestus robot scored the tournament's \"best goal\"\n \n \n \n \n \n .\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
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\n \n \n \n In a moment reminiscent of Dutch footballer Robin van Persie's iconic diving header, the robot read the ball's trajectory at the goalmouth and launched forward to head the ball into the net. The dramatic goal was dubbed the \"robot Van Persie dive.\"\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n Other Chinese teams also delivered impressive results, with Tsinghua's TH-MOS team taking second place in the KidSize category. In the KidSize soccer competition final, both the German champions Boosted HTWK and China's TH-MOS team relied on the K1 robot.\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n Notably, both Chinese and international teams, including those from Germany and the US, chose to use China-made humanoid robots such as the T1 and K1, underscoring the growing global influence of Chinese robotics.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n Founded in 1997, RoboCup is the world's leading robotics competition, known for its scale, prestige, and technological rigor. Among its many leagues, the Humanoid category attracts the most attention.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n \n The ultimate goal of the RoboCup Initiative is stated as,\"By the middle of the 21st century, a team of fully autonomous humanoid robot soccer players shall win a soccer game, complying with the official rules of FIFA, against the winner of the most recent World Cup,\"\n \n \n according to its official website.\n \n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n Several of the teams that participated in RoboCup 2025 are also expected to compete at the upcoming first World Humanoid Sports Games to be held in August in Beijing, where the world's first 5v5 AI robotic soccer will be introduced.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n Health authorities said all affected children received treatment, with nearly all now discharged after their blood lead levels dropped by around 40 percent on average. The government is covering medical costs and has set up a monitoring program to track the children's recovery.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Seventeen officials have been placed under disciplinary investigation, and 10 others, including senior health and education officials in Tianshui city and its Maiji district, Gansu province, face formal accountability procedures, according to a report released on Sunday.\n \n \n
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\n \n \n Authorities said the kindergarten was operating without a license and that local education and market supervision departments failed to carry out oversight. Some officials are suspected of accepting bribes and favors from the kindergarten's investor. Disciplinary and criminal investigations have been launched against officials, including the head of the provincial health commission and the mayor of Tianshui.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Authorities found that the kindergarten's management had instructed staff to add brightly colored but inedible industrial pigments to foods such as corn rolls and jujube cakes (steamed buns), to make them look more appealing to children and parents.\n \n \n
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\n \n \n Two samples from Peixin — a tricolor red date sponge cake served at breakfast and a corn roll with sausage served at dinner — failed to meet food safety standards. The samples contained lead levels of 1,052 milligrams per kilogram and 1,340 milligrams per kilogram, respectively, far above the national limit of 0.5 milligram per kilogram.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n On Sunday, officials revealed in a report that six had been arrested on suspicion of producing toxic and harmful food.\n \n \n
\n \n \n AI hallucination occurs when an AI model generates false or illogical information that is not based on real data or events, but is presented as fact. Hallucinations can lead to significant consequences when people use AI for tasks with the potential for high-stakes consequences.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Launched by Fudan University and sponsored by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in China, the Youth Innovation Competition on Global Governance (YICGG) is an international competition that encourages youths from around the world to develop innovative global governance solutions.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Apart from having the required curriculum, Science and Technology Branch of\n \n \n \n \n Beijing Academy\n \n \n \n \n focus more on teaching science and technology. The school is guided jointly by the\n \n \n \n \n Beijing Academy\n \n \n \n \n Educational Group and five nearby universities.\n \n \n
\n
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\n \n \n With the five universities giving students access to their labs and arranging for lectures by their professors, the school aims to rear talents interested in science and technology.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Faced with the challenges of the economic globalization, where cross-cultural dialogue has an important place, education is booming increasingly globalized.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
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\n \n \n Ever since the concept of Education for International Understanding was proposed by UNESCO, this dialogue has been highlighted by the government.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n The Ministry of Education of China has repeatedly pointed out that the development of core competencies for Chinese students is required to be in line with the world education reform, and strengthens the international competitiveness of China's education.\n \n \n
\n \n \n In a small workshop in Wuhan, Hubei province, traditional Chinese elements like dragons and cranes aren't just painted on walls or silk — they're coming alive on sneakers.\n \n \n
\n
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\n \n \n Behind these creations is Wang Qing, a 26-year-old postgraduate student at the School of Arts and Design, Wuhan University of Technology.\n \n \n
\n \n \n One of his most popular collections was inspired by the animated film\n \n \n White Snake\n \n \n (2019), a modern retelling of a classic Chinese legend. The design features a dragon that coils gently around the shoe's emblem, blending into a misty mountain background. A silhouette emerges from the clouds on the heel, adding a scent of romantic mystique.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Beyond folklore, Wang's work incorporates regional heritage. For example, his \"Waking Lion\" series pays homage to the lion dance traditions.\n \n \n
\n \n \n \"I loved reciting Chinese poems when I was little and was deeply fascinated by the artistic conception brought by the verses,\" he said. \"Even before the term 'China chic' existed, traditional culture was already influencing my imagination.\"\n \n \n
\n \n \n In a spontaneous moment in 2022, he decided to repair his torn skate shoes by drawing Chinese-style cartoon patterns on them. That was when the idea of wearable culture took form.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Wang explained that government-backed innovation programs have played a crucial role in helping their team expand.\n \n \n
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\n \n \n Through Hubei's entrepreneurship fund for university students, his team secured 50,000 yuan in initial funding. Later, by participating in a youth innovation competition, they received an additional 100,000 yuan and established valuable connections with investors and policy advisers.\n \n \n
\n \n \n But for Wang, it's not just about decoration. \"It's never as easy as simply copying a symbol and printing it on a shoe,\" he said. \"We consider the shoe's silhouette, its structure, and how each design element complements the form.\"\n \n \n
\n \n \n His academic background in landscape architecture gives him a unique edge. Wang believes that core design principles — structure, proportion, and harmony — are transferable across disciplines. \"When I design a 50-square-meter courtyard, I think about plant arrangement, paving patterns, water features — it's all about composition,\" he said. \"Sneakers may be a smaller canvas, but the design logic is similar.\"\n \n \n
\n \n \n To maintain high standards, Wang and his team traveled to major footwear material markets in Houjie, Guangdong, and Quanzhou, Fujian, to source better materials. One result: their shoes are 30 percent more scratch-resistant than comparable handcrafted products.\n \n \n
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\n \n \n When facing color fading issues, Wang consulted a doctoral researcher in materials science at his university and developed a pigment formula that preserves color saturation while enhancing wear resistance.\n \n \n
\n \n \n The team also established its own design database and incorporated an AI color-matching system. \"This allows us to complete color matching in approximately 10 seconds,\" Wang noted. \"Designers then build on this foundation by adding elements, significantly boosting design efficiency.\"\n \n \n
\n \n \n Looking ahead, Wang hopes to launch his own China chic fashion brand, expanding into clothing, accessories, and global markets. \"Being Chinese and growing up with these traditions has deeply influenced me,\" he said.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
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\n \n \n \"We want to create something that truly belongs to us and reflects our identity. Our dream is to make Chinese brands more high-end and infuse international brands with the spirit of Chinese culture.\"\n \n \n
\n \n \n \n Recently, an influencer launched a creative writing challenge where participants were randomly assigned past national college entrance exam essay prompts. A construction worker was assigned\n \n \n \n \n \"My Mother\"—the 1957 gaokao composition topic.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n He wrote:\n \n \n \n \n \"The grass on my mother's grave turns green\n \n \n \n \n ,\n \n \n \n \n then yellow\n \n \n \n \n ;\n \n \n \n \n yellow\n \n \n \n \n ,\n \n \n \n \n then green—just like my longing. Year after year, it never fades. I'\n \n \n \n \n ve become a father and then a grandfather, yet it's been over thirty years since I last called out '\n \n \n \n \n Mom'.\n \n \n \n \n I keep thinking, when the day comes that I can no longer haul cement, I'\n \n \n \n \n ll return to the village and lie down beside that mound of earth. Maybe then, if I call for my mother again, she'll hear me.\"\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n When asked about the essay, the worker\n \n \n \n \n ,\n \n \n \n \n surnamed An,\n \n \n \n \n said: \"\n \n \n \n \n This composition reflects\n \n \n \n \n my family's truth—it'\n \n \n \n \n s my own\n \n \n \n \n lived experience.\"\n \n \n \n \n He recalled how his mother cared for him and his seven siblings. \"\n \n \n \n \n The prompt '\n \n \n \n \n My Mother'\n \n \n \n \n felt deeply moving,\"\n \n \n \n \n he explained. \"\n \n \n \n \n That's what compelled me to pour my heart into this writing.\"\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n Known to some Westerners as \"century eggs\" or \"thousand-year-old eggs\" for their dark, translucent appearance and bold flavor, these traditional Chinese delicacies have long sparked mixed reactions abroad.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Once dubbed one of the world's most disgusting foods, China's preserved eggs are now flying off the shelves at Costco stores across the United States.\n \n \n
\n \n \n The buzz began on Xiaohongshu, where Chinese shoppers in the US posted photos of the eggs on display. The posts quickly drew a flood of comments asking for store locations and ZIP codes.\n \n \n
\n \n \n Then came a viral boost. US food influencer \"The Sushi Guy\" reviewed the eggs on TikTok and YouTube, drawing more than 660,000 views. Food site Tasting Table followed up with a feature exploring the eggs' cultural roots and distinctive taste.\n \n \n
\n \n \n On TikTok, adventurous eaters filmed their reactions: some recoiled at the first bite, then returned for more.\n \n \n
\n
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\n \n 在线下购买皮蛋的消费者\n \n
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\n \n 除了华人之外\n \n
\n
\n \n 也可以看到当地人的身影\n \n
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\n \n 在TikTok上\n \n
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\n \n 皮蛋还收获了不少“回头客”\n \n
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\n \n 他们不少都是初尝“拒绝”\n \n
\n
\n \n 不知不觉就对皮蛋“上瘾”了\n \n
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\n \n \n On TikTok, adventurous eaters filmed their reactions: some recoiled at the first bite, then returned for more. \"I don't know what I'm doing, but it's weirdly addictive,\" said vloggers.\n \n \n
\n \n \n \"We planned enough stock for three months – some stores ran out in under three days,\" sales manager of the company behind the product said.\n \n \n
\n \n This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.\n \n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n Today, July 7, is etched in history with the Lugou Bridge Incident (1937) in Beijing, when Japanese troops attacked Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge) and the defending Chinese troops rose to fight the enemy. The event triggered China's full-scale war of resistance against Japanese aggression, also a main Eastern theater of the World Anti-Fascist War.\n \n
\n \n \n Japan has never fully reflected on its aggressive acts and war crimes before and during World War II. Right-wing forces have repeatedly downplayed or glorified this history, promoting revisionist narratives that blur public understanding of World War II.\n \n \n
In the early 2000s, Shaoxing, a centuries-old city in Zhejiang province, faced a dilemma familiar to many urbanized regions in China: whether to preserve historical neighborhoods or clear the way for modern construction.
\n
Cangqiao Zhijie, a historical street in Shaoxing dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and featuring narrow alleyways, traditional homes and crisscrossing waterways, stood at the heart of a preservation standoff. As redevelopment plans loomed elsewhere, residents feared displacement and officials hesitated.
\n
The impasse ended in January 2003, when Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Provincial Committee, visited the neighborhood and gave a clear directive: It must be preserved in its original form and essence.
\n
He also instructed local officials to prioritize preserving historical authenticity, maintaining the integrity of the landscape and ensuring the continuity of people's lives in restoration and protection efforts — principles that would later point the way for preserving historical and cultural sites throughout Zhejiang.
\n
Ultimately, over 840 households continued to live in their old residences at the ancient site, earning the site recognition from UNESCO as a "living showcase of Chinese heritage".
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By the end of 2024, Zhejiang boasted 20 historic cultural cities and 11,126 historical buildings, placing it at the forefront of the nation in terms of cultural heritage preservation.
\n
The practices provided insight into Xi's vision for balancing cultural heritage preservation and urban development, which was reaffirmed at the Central Urban Work Conference held on July 14 and 15 in Beijing.
\n
During the meeting, President Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, listed priorities for urban development, including preserving historical and cultural heritage alongside refined urban landscape governance, with a focus on protecting cities' unique historical legacies, cultural geography and natural landscapes.
\n
This policy priority aligns with Xi's consistent approach to integrating cultural preservation into the shaping of urban landscapes, analysts said.
\n
Liu Guiru, an associate researcher at the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences, said that Xi, who worked in Fujian for more than 17 years, made "historic contributions" to the preservation of cultural heritage in the province.
\n
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, parts of revolutionary hero Lin Juemin's residence faced demolition due to urban development in Sanfang Qixiang, also known as the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, a 40-hectare cultural and historical neighborhood.
\n
Upon learning of the situation, Xi, who was then the Party secretary of Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian, visited the neighborhood. During an on-site meeting that focused on the preservation of cultural heritage, Xi said, "We must ensure the comprehensive protection, restoration and utilization of cultural relics in the city — not only safeguarding them from damage but also enhancing their splendor to pass them on to future generations."
\n
Therefore, Xi ordered a halt to the demolition and called for the restoration of Lin's residence. Later, other old houses in the historical neighborhood were gradually restored and brought under protection.
\n
Liu said that "during his tenure in Fujian, Xi placed a high emphasis on cultural heritage protection, introduced many forward-thinking ideas and spearheaded a series of pioneering explorations and practices, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage and historical cities".
\n
"This is in line with the philosophy and practices regarding cultural heritage protection that Xi has advocated since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012," she added.
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"Cultural heritage protection requires efforts to strike a balance between urban development and the preservation of cultural legacy, ensuring that history, culture and modern life are seamlessly integrated," Liu said. "Xi's philosophy allows cities to grow and modernize while still preserving and celebrating their unique historical and cultural identities."
\n
For the Chinese president, preserving cultural relics is not just about honoring the past, but also about shaping the future for cities and their residents.
\n
During an inspection of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, in July 2023, Xi called for efforts to better protect, develop and leverage the Pingjiang Historic and Cultural Block, a site with a rich history spanning over 2,500 years.
\n
Xi said that Suzhou has excelled in blending tradition with modernity, simultaneously promoting historical and cultural inheritance and boosting high-tech innovation and high-quality development.
\n
This approach represents the future of development, he added.
\n
Xu Yunhe, an official in charge of cultural heritage protection in Suzhou's Gusu district, said that "Gusu has successfully integrated the cultural, commercial, tourism and public service industries, while prioritizing cultural heritage protection, achieving a synergy between preservation and development".
\n
"On the one hand, this approach promotes local economic growth. On the other, the restoration of ancient buildings enhances their potential for upgrading and reclassification, increasing the number of heritage buildings and reinforcing the profound historical legacy of the ancient city," Xu added.
\n
In June 2023, Suzhou launched an initiative aimed at promoting the preservation of the ancient city while infusing it with new vibrancy.
\n
The focus is on revitalizing historical residences within the 19.2 square kilometers of its ancient city area through inviting enterprises and individuals to participate in the revitalization and utilization of these historic buildings.
\n
By June 2025, the program included 80 historical residences, with 36 of them now being utilized.
\n
Thanks to such revitalization efforts, more historical and cultural areas are thriving in Suzhou. For example, the Pingjiang Historic and Cultural Block received 15.06 million visits in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 11.73 percent.
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As the Central Urban Work Conference set clear goals and directions for more systematic and scientific urban cultural heritage protection efforts in the years ahead, greater policy emphasis is being given to integrate cultural heritage into everyday life to ensure sustainable development.
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Liu, the associate researcher, said urban cultural heritage protection should be treated as a comprehensive project, promoting the systematic integration and deepening of cultural heritage protection.
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She noted that Xi's vision for cultural heritage protection has always emphasized maintaining the unique historical and cultural character of cities throughout the course of modernization.
\n
"This vision also emphasizes that in the new era, the preservation of traditional cultural districts must always uphold a people-centered approach, ensuring that the value of preservation is genuinely realized," she added.
\n
Zhejiang Daily contributed to this story.
\n
Contact the writers at jihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn
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