\n",
+ "title": "001FRONT - World Heritage sites bear new fruit",
+ "description": "
Visitors ride camels to tour the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, on July 13. Since the tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List, the scenic spot has seen a tourism boom, with tourists from across the country flocking to experience the charm of Chinese civilization and enjoy the summer holidays.
\n\n
As the largest existing ancient Chinese venue for imperial sacrificial ceremonies of agriculture, the Altar of the God of Agriculture often seemed to be neglected by bustling visitors who poured into the nearby Temple of Heaven just across Beijing's Central Axis.
\n
But when the Central Axis was inscribed on the World Heritage List in July last year, with the words "Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital", things changed dramatically.
\n
Now the sacrificial altar, as a component of the axis — an ensemble of palaces, ceremonial and public buildings, roads and other aspects governing the overall layout of the old city area of the Chinese capital — is embracing a new scenario. It has received more than 1.2 million visits between July 2024 and last month, a tenfold year-on-year increase, according to the administration of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, which oversees the altar site.
\n
"The altar was once merely a relaxation area for residents of local communities. But when people know it provides a good angle to view the northern section of Beijing's Central Axis, tourists rush to the place now," said Lyu Zhou, director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University, who participated in the axis application process. "This is the charm and influence of a World Heritage site."
\n
China has 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the second most among all countries. President Xi Jinping's continuous guidance in applications for World Heritage sites has helped to better unveil their outstanding universal value to the world and boost international communication.
\n
Following the inscription of the Central Axis on the list, Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for further efforts to preserve the country's cultural and natural treasures and renew their glamour in the new era. He also noted that such inclusions on the list have added new luster to world civilizations.
\n
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, Xi has toured a number of World Heritage sites and made many instructions related to their significance and protection.
\n
In 2016, after receiving a letter from four archaeologists about seeking World Heritage status for the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu city in Hangzhou, the capital of East China's Zhejiang province, Xi proposed the "three-benefits "principle guiding such applications. He said the projects should be beneficial to highlighting the historical and cultural value of Chinese civilization, to demonstrating the spiritual pursuits of the Chinese nation, and to showcasing for the world a comprehensive and authentic ancient and modern China.
\n
In 2003, when Xi was the Party secretary of Zhejiang, he visited the Liangzhu site, a hub for a rice-cultivating and jade-worshiping culture dating back 4,300 to 5,300 years. He called for better protection of the site, which was then facing huge pressure, as it was being disturbed by nearby quarries. Lasting comprehensive protection and studies finally brought World Heritage status in 2019 to the "Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City".
\n
"The 'three-benefits' principle proposed by President Xi is fundamental for our application work," said Zheng Jun, a researcher at the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, who is also a World Heritage consultant for the International Council on Monuments and Sites. "It gets rid of the old narrative of history that often centered on the West."
\n
For locals who live around the World Heritage sites, the legacies left by their ancestors bear new fruit. Last year, Xi called for efforts to take UNESCO inclusion as an opportunity to further strengthen the comprehensive and systematic protection of cultural and natural heritage and make good use of the sites to better meet the people's needs.
\n
"The application is essentially a process of enhancing protection of the heritage, as each site needs to be improved in legal protection, heritage management and monitoring, and its value must be explained to prepare for the application," said Zheng, adding that "World Heritage sites are key tourist brands".
\n
For example, "The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er", in Yunnan province, was listed in 2023. This mountainous area has become a haven for an ancient planting technique, in which tea trees are cultivated under forest canopies. The method is known as the "understory" growing technique, by which sunshine is filtered and moisture ensured.
\n
"It represents a format of sustainable development," Zheng said. "Gaining World Heritage status helps to protect the local ecosystem and cultural tradition. It also greatly improves the value of local tea and thus the economy booms."
\n
Another example can be found in Fujian province, where tulou are traditional multifamily, communal living structures of mainly the Hakka people that are built in a circular or square pattern designed for defense purposes. In the past, many young people who lived in tulou migrated to other places to earn a living.
\n
In 2000, when Xi was governor of the province, he coordinated the application work and suggested using the term "Fujian Tulou" in the application process.
\n
Fujian Tulou became a World Heritage site in 2008. After that, local people who had moved away found that they could earn more from local tourism, so they returned home.
\n
"This not only increased their income, but also solved social problems like left-behind children, showing the remarkable influence of the sites in tourism," Zheng said.
\n
In July, the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Yinchuan, the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region — currently the most intact archaeological site of the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227) — became China's newest entry on the World Heritage List, signifying the nation's continued efforts in applying for World Heritage status for its numerous legacies of various ethnic groups.
\n
Cultural dialogue
\n
Through decades of practice, Chinese professionals have explored effective ways to prepare materials for seeking World Heritage status, enabling the value of China's sites to be understood by experts from other cultural backgrounds, according to Chen Tongbin, honorary director of the Institute of Architectural History affiliated with the China Architecture Design and Research Group.
\n
Chen has participated in World Heritage application for more than two decades. She said that each inscribed site represents an aspect of Chinese civilization, and by piecing them together, the world can gradually get a comprehensive view of China.
\n
"The key point is to view the sites from the perspective of human civilization instead of China's own, extracting the most fundamental elements of them and letting the facts speak," said Chen, who also was the main drafter of documents when seeking World Heritage status for the Xixia Imperial Tombs.
\n
"When viewing the Xixia Imperial Tombs from the global perspective, for instance, you will find that none of the existing sites on the World Heritage List had a relation to the Xixia Dynasty or the Tangut people who established it," she said, so the Xixia tombs site "fills in a blank".
\n
In a congratulatory message to the 44th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Fuzhou, Fujian, in 2021, President Xi said that China stands ready to work with all countries and UNESCO to strengthen exchanges, boost cooperation and enhance mutual learning to jointly preserve the cultural and natural treasures of the whole of mankind.
\n
Zheng, the researcher from the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, said, "The World Heritage system is a good platform for international communication and equal dialogue among various civilizations."
\n
A remarkable example of such communication was the successful application for inscription on the World Heritage List of "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" in 2014 by China and its Central Asian neighbors Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
\n
"The ancient Silk Road spanning across Asia, Africa and Europe is one of the world's largest heritage sites, woven together by a vast network of corridors and routes. It's impossible to apply for it all at once", so the applications are instead segmented, said Zheng.
\n
During the application process, the three countries had frequent conferences to work out details in application strategies, selection of constituting elements, extraction of value, establishment of a multinational joint management system, and preparation of documents in the bid for World Heritage status.
\n
The project proved to be a model for other sections of the Silk Road in applying for World Heritage status. Following the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor's application success, "Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor", involving Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, was inscribed on the list in 2023. Chinese experts including Lyu also contributed their ideas during the application process for that corridor.
\n
"These sites depict the scenes of communication, dialogue and growth of human civilization throughout history," Lyu said. "For today's people, they also create a space for development through cooperation."
\n
Contact the writers at wangru1@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Visitors ride camels to tour the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, on July 13. Since the tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List, the scenic spot has seen a tourism boom, with tourists from across the country flocking to experience the charm of Chinese civilization and enjoy the summer holidays.
\n\n
As the largest existing ancient Chinese venue for imperial sacrificial ceremonies of agriculture, the Altar of the God of Agriculture often seemed to be neglected by bustling visitors who poured into the nearby Temple of Heaven just across Beijing's Central Axis.
\n
But when the Central Axis was inscribed on the World Heritage List in July last year, with the words "Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital", things changed dramatically.
\n
Now the sacrificial altar, as a component of the axis — an ensemble of palaces, ceremonial and public buildings, roads and other aspects governing the overall layout of the old city area of the Chinese capital — is embracing a new scenario. It has received more than 1.2 million visits between July 2024 and last month, a tenfold year-on-year increase, according to the administration of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, which oversees the altar site.
\n
"The altar was once merely a relaxation area for residents of local communities. But when people know it provides a good angle to view the northern section of Beijing's Central Axis, tourists rush to the place now," said Lyu Zhou, director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University, who participated in the axis application process. "This is the charm and influence of a World Heritage site."
\n
China has 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the second most among all countries. President Xi Jinping's continuous guidance in applications for World Heritage sites has helped to better unveil their outstanding universal value to the world and boost international communication.
\n
Following the inscription of the Central Axis on the list, Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for further efforts to preserve the country's cultural and natural treasures and renew their glamour in the new era. He also noted that such inclusions on the list have added new luster to world civilizations.
\n
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, Xi has toured a number of World Heritage sites and made many instructions related to their significance and protection.
\n
In 2016, after receiving a letter from four archaeologists about seeking World Heritage status for the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu city in Hangzhou, the capital of East China's Zhejiang province, Xi proposed the "three-benefits "principle guiding such applications. He said the projects should be beneficial to highlighting the historical and cultural value of Chinese civilization, to demonstrating the spiritual pursuits of the Chinese nation, and to showcasing for the world a comprehensive and authentic ancient and modern China.
\n
In 2003, when Xi was the Party secretary of Zhejiang, he visited the Liangzhu site, a hub for a rice-cultivating and jade-worshiping culture dating back 4,300 to 5,300 years. He called for better protection of the site, which was then facing huge pressure, as it was being disturbed by nearby quarries. Lasting comprehensive protection and studies finally brought World Heritage status in 2019 to the "Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City".
\n
"The 'three-benefits' principle proposed by President Xi is fundamental for our application work," said Zheng Jun, a researcher at the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, who is also a World Heritage consultant for the International Council on Monuments and Sites. "It gets rid of the old narrative of history that often centered on the West."
\n
For locals who live around the World Heritage sites, the legacies left by their ancestors bear new fruit. Last year, Xi called for efforts to take UNESCO inclusion as an opportunity to further strengthen the comprehensive and systematic protection of cultural and natural heritage and make good use of the sites to better meet the people's needs.
\n
"The application is essentially a process of enhancing protection of the heritage, as each site needs to be improved in legal protection, heritage management and monitoring, and its value must be explained to prepare for the application," said Zheng, adding that "World Heritage sites are key tourist brands".
\n
For example, "The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er", in Yunnan province, was listed in 2023. This mountainous area has become a haven for an ancient planting technique, in which tea trees are cultivated under forest canopies. The method is known as the "understory" growing technique, by which sunshine is filtered and moisture ensured.
\n
"It represents a format of sustainable development," Zheng said. "Gaining World Heritage status helps to protect the local ecosystem and cultural tradition. It also greatly improves the value of local tea and thus the economy booms."
\n
Another example can be found in Fujian province, where tulou are traditional multifamily, communal living structures of mainly the Hakka people that are built in a circular or square pattern designed for defense purposes. In the past, many young people who lived in tulou migrated to other places to earn a living.
\n
In 2000, when Xi was governor of the province, he coordinated the application work and suggested using the term "Fujian Tulou" in the application process.
\n
Fujian Tulou became a World Heritage site in 2008. After that, local people who had moved away found that they could earn more from local tourism, so they returned home.
\n
"This not only increased their income, but also solved social problems like left-behind children, showing the remarkable influence of the sites in tourism," Zheng said.
\n
In July, the Xixia Imperial Tombs in Yinchuan, the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region — currently the most intact archaeological site of the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227) — became China's newest entry on the World Heritage List, signifying the nation's continued efforts in applying for World Heritage status for its numerous legacies of various ethnic groups.
\n
Cultural dialogue
\n
Through decades of practice, Chinese professionals have explored effective ways to prepare materials for seeking World Heritage status, enabling the value of China's sites to be understood by experts from other cultural backgrounds, according to Chen Tongbin, honorary director of the Institute of Architectural History affiliated with the China Architecture Design and Research Group.
\n
Chen has participated in World Heritage application for more than two decades. She said that each inscribed site represents an aspect of Chinese civilization, and by piecing them together, the world can gradually get a comprehensive view of China.
\n
"The key point is to view the sites from the perspective of human civilization instead of China's own, extracting the most fundamental elements of them and letting the facts speak," said Chen, who also was the main drafter of documents when seeking World Heritage status for the Xixia Imperial Tombs.
\n
"When viewing the Xixia Imperial Tombs from the global perspective, for instance, you will find that none of the existing sites on the World Heritage List had a relation to the Xixia Dynasty or the Tangut people who established it," she said, so the Xixia tombs site "fills in a blank".
\n
In a congratulatory message to the 44th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Fuzhou, Fujian, in 2021, President Xi said that China stands ready to work with all countries and UNESCO to strengthen exchanges, boost cooperation and enhance mutual learning to jointly preserve the cultural and natural treasures of the whole of mankind.
\n
Zheng, the researcher from the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, said, "The World Heritage system is a good platform for international communication and equal dialogue among various civilizations."
\n
A remarkable example of such communication was the successful application for inscription on the World Heritage List of "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" in 2014 by China and its Central Asian neighbors Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
\n
"The ancient Silk Road spanning across Asia, Africa and Europe is one of the world's largest heritage sites, woven together by a vast network of corridors and routes. It's impossible to apply for it all at once", so the applications are instead segmented, said Zheng.
\n
During the application process, the three countries had frequent conferences to work out details in application strategies, selection of constituting elements, extraction of value, establishment of a multinational joint management system, and preparation of documents in the bid for World Heritage status.
\n
The project proved to be a model for other sections of the Silk Road in applying for World Heritage status. Following the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor's application success, "Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor", involving Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, was inscribed on the list in 2023. Chinese experts including Lyu also contributed their ideas during the application process for that corridor.
\n
"These sites depict the scenes of communication, dialogue and growth of human civilization throughout history," Lyu said. "For today's people, they also create a space for development through cooperation."
Chinese policymakers are likely to maintain accommodative monetary conditions in the second half of the year, remaining prepared to step up policy support in case of any significant economic slowdown pressures or unexpected external shocks, analysts said on Monday.
\n
Soft domestic inflation and rising expectations of United States interest rate cuts have offered ample room for monetary policy continuity and flexibility, they said, with a focus on ramping up targeted support for technological innovation, industrial upgrading and internationalization of the renminbi.
\n
Lou Feipeng, a researcher at the Postal Savings Bank of China, said that the monetary authorities are likely to exert continuous support for the economy in the second half to consolidate the solid economic momentum and improved market confidence seen in the first half.
\n
While the central bank may focus on improving the effectiveness of existing monetary policy tools, additional support, such as cuts to the reserve requirement ratio and policy interest rates, cannot be ruled out, given the current need to reduce real financing costs amid low domestic inflation.
\n
"Structural monetary instruments may be scaled up if needed to support key areas such as technological innovation and industrial upgrading," he said.
\n
Lou added that a cut in the over-five-year loan prime rate — a benchmark of mortgage rates — can help stabilize the sluggish property market and boost consumption.
\n
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for efforts to maintain policy continuity and stability while presiding over a symposium on July 23 to seek advice from non-CPC personages on economic work.
\n
He also called for enhancing flexibility and foresight to keep employment, businesses, markets and expectations stable.
\n
This is in line with an idea embodied in Xi Jinping's economic thought — improving macroeconomic adjustments in accordance with changes in the principal contradiction of economic development.
\n
The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, also sent a clear signal of monetary policy continuity, saying on Friday after a midyear work meeting that it would continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy, keep ample liquidity and promote industrial upgrading to resolve structural issues in key industries.
\n
With the tone of a moderately loose monetary policy unchanged, Guo Yiping, an analyst at Xiangcai Securities, said that future adjustments to aggregate monetary policy will likely hinge on the impact of evolving global tariff policies and changes in market expectations for domestic demand, with a remaining possibility of interest rate cuts later this year.
\n
Yang Haiping, a nonresident research fellow with the Beijing Wealth Management Industry Association, said that if the US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates in the second half, it will create more room for China to continue with monetary policy easing. Expectations of US rate cuts have risen after the US reported disappointing job readings for July last week.
\n
Yang also highlighted the central bank's emphasis on renminbi internationalization, which reflects the growing importance of promoting the currency's global use for mitigating external financial shocks and supporting Chinese enterprises going global.
\n
The central bank pledged after the midyear work meeting to prudently and effectively advance the internationalization of the renminbi, introducing specific measures such as improving the integrated cash pool policy of domestic and foreign currencies, refining the policies governing the overseas listings of domestic enterprises, and establishing a stable liquidity supply system across a full range of maturities in offshore renminbi markets.
\n
zhoulanxv@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Chinese policymakers are likely to maintain accommodative monetary conditions in the second half of the year, remaining prepared to step up policy support in case of any significant economic slowdown pressures or unexpected external shocks, analysts said on Monday.
\n
Soft domestic inflation and rising expectations of United States interest rate cuts have offered ample room for monetary policy continuity and flexibility, they said, with a focus on ramping up targeted support for technological innovation, industrial upgrading and internationalization of the renminbi.
\n
Lou Feipeng, a researcher at the Postal Savings Bank of China, said that the monetary authorities are likely to exert continuous support for the economy in the second half to consolidate the solid economic momentum and improved market confidence seen in the first half.
\n
While the central bank may focus on improving the effectiveness of existing monetary policy tools, additional support, such as cuts to the reserve requirement ratio and policy interest rates, cannot be ruled out, given the current need to reduce real financing costs amid low domestic inflation.
\n
"Structural monetary instruments may be scaled up if needed to support key areas such as technological innovation and industrial upgrading," he said.
\n
Lou added that a cut in the over-five-year loan prime rate — a benchmark of mortgage rates — can help stabilize the sluggish property market and boost consumption.
\n
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called for efforts to maintain policy continuity and stability while presiding over a symposium on July 23 to seek advice from non-CPC personages on economic work.
\n
He also called for enhancing flexibility and foresight to keep employment, businesses, markets and expectations stable.
\n
This is in line with an idea embodied in Xi Jinping's economic thought — improving macroeconomic adjustments in accordance with changes in the principal contradiction of economic development.
\n
The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, also sent a clear signal of monetary policy continuity, saying on Friday after a midyear work meeting that it would continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy, keep ample liquidity and promote industrial upgrading to resolve structural issues in key industries.
\n
With the tone of a moderately loose monetary policy unchanged, Guo Yiping, an analyst at Xiangcai Securities, said that future adjustments to aggregate monetary policy will likely hinge on the impact of evolving global tariff policies and changes in market expectations for domestic demand, with a remaining possibility of interest rate cuts later this year.
\n
Yang Haiping, a nonresident research fellow with the Beijing Wealth Management Industry Association, said that if the US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates in the second half, it will create more room for China to continue with monetary policy easing. Expectations of US rate cuts have risen after the US reported disappointing job readings for July last week.
\n
Yang also highlighted the central bank's emphasis on renminbi internationalization, which reflects the growing importance of promoting the currency's global use for mitigating external financial shocks and supporting Chinese enterprises going global.
\n
The central bank pledged after the midyear work meeting to prudently and effectively advance the internationalization of the renminbi, introducing specific measures such as improving the integrated cash pool policy of domestic and foreign currencies, refining the policies governing the overseas listings of domestic enterprises, and establishing a stable liquidity supply system across a full range of maturities in offshore renminbi markets.
Field Marshal Asim Munir (second from left), Pakistan's chief of army staff, is briefed on the Chinese-made Z-10ME helicopter during a ceremony on Saturday for the induction of the chopper into the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps at the Multan Garrison in Multan, Pakistan. See story, page 5
\n",
+ "content": "
Field Marshal Asim Munir (second from left), Pakistan's chief of army staff, is briefed on the Chinese-made Z-10ME helicopter during a ceremony on Saturday for the induction of the chopper into the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps at the Multan Garrison in Multan, Pakistan. See story, page 5
Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser (Right), Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, tries an autonomous driving vehicle in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on July 23.
\n
A Pony.ai robotaxi conducts road tests in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
\n
A family tries a self-driving vehicle developed by China's tech giant Baidu on June 21 in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
\n
n autonomous vehicle carries passengers during the 2025 World AI Conference on July 28 in Shanghai.
\n
An Apollo Go autonomous vehicle runs on the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Feb 27, 2024.
\n
Commercial application of China's cutting-edge autonomous driving technology is spreading globally as Chinese enterprises speed up efforts to expand their presence in overseas markets and deploy robotaxi fleets.
\n
Residents in some Middle East cities, for example, will be able to hail robotaxis developed by Chinese companies via ride-hailing apps on their mobile phones before year's end.
\n
Utilizing the technology will help build safer, more efficient and convenient intelligent transport systems, industry experts said.
\n
China is at the forefront of autonomous driving development, and Chinese companies have vast experience in a wide variety of road tests and operational scenarios — ranging from densely populated urban centers to suburban areas — which has laid the foundation for their overseas expansion, they said.
\n
Traffic conditions and urban environments vary in different countries, and governments around the world are working to build road infrastructure and establish legislative and regulatory frameworks to enable the safe and stable operations of robotaxis.
\n
"Chinese self-driving enterprises are adopting different strategies based on the different regional conditions of overseas destinations," said Duan Yuwan, deputy director of the School of International Trade and Economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics.
\n
"Southeast Asia and the Middle East have become the frontiers for Chinese firms' overseas expansion due to their open policies and clear application scenarios, while European countries pay more attention to the deployment and implementation of the Level 4, or highly autonomous driving technologies," she said.
\n
Apollo Go takes off
\n
Tech heavyweight Baidu Inc has stepped up the pace of its global expansion.
\n
The company recently signed a multi-year strategic partnership with United States-based ride-hailing service Uber Technologies to deploy thousands of its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on Uber's platform. The agreement covers multiple markets outside the US and the Chinese mainland.
\n
The collaboration focus is on increasing the supply of affordable and reliable ride-sharing options by bringing Baidu's autonomous vehicles to Uber's extensive network. The first deployments are expected in Asia and the Middle East later this year.
\n
Robin Li, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Baidu, said 2025 will be a pivotal year for the growth of its autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go, with plans to expand fleet size and ride volume faster than ever.
\n
"Looking ahead, we will deepen our presence in existing markets while strategically entering new ones, capturing broader growth opportunities worldwide," Li said. He sees a clear path to profitability for robotaxis as hardware costs continue to come down, and the growth in operational scale results in greater efficiency.
\n
Currently, Apollo Go deploys a fleet of more than 1,000 fully driverless vehicles globally. Its global footprint spans 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
\n
The company has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to launch autonomous driving tests and services in the city. Apollo Go will deploy 100 fully autonomous vehicles in Dubai by the end of 2025, with plans to expand the fleet to no fewer than 1,000 by 2028, as the city aims to make 25 percent of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030.
\n
It has also teamed up with Auto-Go, a UAE-based autonomous mobility solutions company, with the goal of deploying the largest fully driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi. Initial trials of dozens of autonomous vehicles will be conducted in select areas of the city, with phased expansion ahead of full commercial operations by 2026.
\n
"China is taking the lead in the R&D and application of self-driving technology, and the accelerated expansion of Chinese self-driving companies abroad will propel the commercialization of the state-of-the-art technology on a global scale," said Zhang Xiang, a visiting professor at the engineering department at Huanghe Science and Technology University.
\n
Zhang said authorities in the Middle East and some European countries have a relatively open attitude toward autonomous driving and are promoting the testing and use of robotaxis thanks to technological advancements and cost reductions.
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"Chinese self-driving enterprises have strong technical prowess and have accumulated extensive testing and operational experience in the domestic market, so they are eager to play a bigger role in the international autonomous driving sector by leveraging their technological advantages," he said, adding there is an increasing demand for self-driving vehicles in overseas markets.
\n
Emphasizing that ensuring the safety and stability of self-driving vehicles remains a top priority, Zhang called for efforts to improve testing and application scenarios overseas, continuously optimize algorithms, strengthen road infrastructure construction, and reduce the manufacturing costs of driverless vehicle components.
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New frontiers
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Chinese self-driving company Pony.ai is poised to increase its global robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles over the next two years, with 2025 earmarked as the first year of large-scale commercial deployment.
\n
The company recently started road testing its robotaxis in Luxembourg in cooperation with Emile Weber, the country's leading mobility solutions provider, to deploy electric autonomous vehicles in Luxembourg, and accelerate robotaxi application in Europe.
\n
James Peng, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, said the testing marks the beginning of collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of autonomous mobility in both Luxembourg and the continent.
\n
Pony.ai announced in April that it had obtained a testing permit for Level 4 autonomous driving from Luxembourg authorities. The authorization expands its global testing footprint, building on existing permits in China, the United States, and South Korea.
\n
The company earlier chose Luxembourg as its European hub for research, development, and the deployment of autonomous driving technology.
\n
Autonomous driving is categorized from Level 0 to Level 5. The higher the level, the more intelligent the technology and the less the involvement of humans. Level 4 vehicles can intervene if there is a system failure and do not require human assistance in most circumstances. However, a manual override option is still available.
\n
Earlier last month, Pony.ai inked a strategic partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, to integrate self-driving technology into Dubai's multi-modal transportation network.
\n
Autonomous driving technology will be introduced in a multi-phase rollout, with supervised robotaxi trials set to launch this year, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
\n
Founded in 2016, Pony.ai has amassed over 45 million kilometers in global autonomous testing, and offers fully driverless ride-hailing services in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong province's Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
\n
In South Korea, the company has set up a joint venture with a local tech company and started road testing in Seoul. It is also looking to introduce robotaxis in Singapore by starting trials with a local transport operator.
\n
The company established a strategic partnership with Uber in May. The first service is expected to be launched in a key Middle East market before deployment in other international markets.
\n
Chinese self-driving startup WeRide is another company accelerating its global expansion, with the Middle East seen as a strategic priority for autonomous driving growth and innovation.
\n
It is cooperating with Dubai authorities and Uber under an agreement, pilot operations of autonomous vehicles will commence later this year via the Uber app in Dubai. In the initial phase, the vehicles will operate with a safety driver on board, paving the way for the full-scale commercial rollout of driverless services in 2026.
\n
In May, the company and Uber further expanded their partnership to roll out robotaxis in 15 additional major global cities over the next five years, including some in Europe. It has launched fully driverless robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi, and other cities in the Middle East are being explored for testing.
\n
The company is expanding into Saudi Arabia and has rolled out testing or deployment of its robotaxis in cities including Riyadh, setting the stage for commercial rollout and wider operations across the Middle East's largest economy.
\n
WeRide's robotaxis support Saudi Arabia's push to develop a smart, sustainable transportation infrastructure for both residents and the rising influx of visitors.
\n
Open to innovation
\n
The scale of the global robotaxi market is expected to reach $45.7 billion by 2030, rapidly expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 91.8 percent from 2023 to 2030, data from research company MarketsandMarkets shows.
\n
The growth of the robotaxi market is influenced by rising demand for ride-hailing services, high R&D investment and government focus on reducing emissions, infrastructure development, and growth of electric vehicles, according to the consultancy.
\n
The need for robotaxis is also being fueled by the growing emphasis on sustainability, requirements for effective urban transit, and increased safety as a result of the abolition of human mistakes, it added.
\n
At present, governments around the world are continuously introducing favorable policies to support the development of autonomous driving technology — including test permits and infrastructure construction — which is conducive to accelerating the application and popularization of the technology, according to WeRide.
\n
Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, said the open, innovative environment and supportive policy measures for autonomous driving technology in some countries, especially the UAE and Luxembourg, provide Chinese self-driving companies with ideal testing sites and a broad development space.
\n
"Their accelerated global expansion will bolster the maturity of autonomous driving technology, propel the deeper integration of global industrial chains, optimize resource allocation and inject fresh impetus into the development of the self-driving sector worldwide," Zhu said.
\n
The accelerated international push of Chinese self-driving companies is inevitable in the face of increasingly fierce competition, said Duan from the School of International Trade and Economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics.
\n
By cooperating with leading overseas companies, they can receive funding and policy support abroad and enhance their competitiveness in the global intelligent automotive sector. This will in turn drive the development of domestic companies involved in the autonomous driving industrial chain, she added. "Self-driving technology is expected to become an important field for China to share its development dividends with the world," Duan said.
\n
Market consulting firm McKinsey& Company has forecast that China will become the world's largest market for self-driving vehicles, with revenue from such vehicles and mobility services exceeding $500 billion by 2030.
\n
China has caught up with the US in developing autonomous driving, said Lyu Jinghong, an intelligent mobility analyst at research company BloombergNEF.
\n
Lyu said ongoing testing on public roads, regulatory backing and cost reductions in autonomous vehicle manufacturing, will help accelerate the deployment and commercialization of self-driving cars.
\n
However, Chinese self-driving companies' greater presence abroad may encounter some challenges, such as differences in culture, laws and regulations, she said. Lyu called for greater efforts to conduct testing based on different road conditions abroad, and improving knowledge about the usage habits of local consumers, as well as strengthening compliance and personal privacy protection.
\n
Li Xinbo, an automotive industry analyst at China Auto Information Technology (Tianjin) Co, said as the operating costs and compliance risks in overseas markets are relatively high, Chinese enterprises need to carefully assess and formulate strategic plans, speed up localization efforts and launch services that cater to local requirements, when carrying forward their globalization push.
\n
fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser (Right), Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, tries an autonomous driving vehicle in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on July 23.
\n
A Pony.ai robotaxi conducts road tests in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
\n
A family tries a self-driving vehicle developed by China's tech giant Baidu on June 21 in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
\n
n autonomous vehicle carries passengers during the 2025 World AI Conference on July 28 in Shanghai.
\n
An Apollo Go autonomous vehicle runs on the Yangsigang Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Feb 27, 2024.
\n
Commercial application of China's cutting-edge autonomous driving technology is spreading globally as Chinese enterprises speed up efforts to expand their presence in overseas markets and deploy robotaxi fleets.
\n
Residents in some Middle East cities, for example, will be able to hail robotaxis developed by Chinese companies via ride-hailing apps on their mobile phones before year's end.
\n
Utilizing the technology will help build safer, more efficient and convenient intelligent transport systems, industry experts said.
\n
China is at the forefront of autonomous driving development, and Chinese companies have vast experience in a wide variety of road tests and operational scenarios — ranging from densely populated urban centers to suburban areas — which has laid the foundation for their overseas expansion, they said.
\n
Traffic conditions and urban environments vary in different countries, and governments around the world are working to build road infrastructure and establish legislative and regulatory frameworks to enable the safe and stable operations of robotaxis.
\n
"Chinese self-driving enterprises are adopting different strategies based on the different regional conditions of overseas destinations," said Duan Yuwan, deputy director of the School of International Trade and Economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics.
\n
"Southeast Asia and the Middle East have become the frontiers for Chinese firms' overseas expansion due to their open policies and clear application scenarios, while European countries pay more attention to the deployment and implementation of the Level 4, or highly autonomous driving technologies," she said.
\n
Apollo Go takes off
\n
Tech heavyweight Baidu Inc has stepped up the pace of its global expansion.
\n
The company recently signed a multi-year strategic partnership with United States-based ride-hailing service Uber Technologies to deploy thousands of its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on Uber's platform. The agreement covers multiple markets outside the US and the Chinese mainland.
\n
The collaboration focus is on increasing the supply of affordable and reliable ride-sharing options by bringing Baidu's autonomous vehicles to Uber's extensive network. The first deployments are expected in Asia and the Middle East later this year.
\n
Robin Li, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Baidu, said 2025 will be a pivotal year for the growth of its autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go, with plans to expand fleet size and ride volume faster than ever.
\n
"Looking ahead, we will deepen our presence in existing markets while strategically entering new ones, capturing broader growth opportunities worldwide," Li said. He sees a clear path to profitability for robotaxis as hardware costs continue to come down, and the growth in operational scale results in greater efficiency.
\n
Currently, Apollo Go deploys a fleet of more than 1,000 fully driverless vehicles globally. Its global footprint spans 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
\n
The company has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to launch autonomous driving tests and services in the city. Apollo Go will deploy 100 fully autonomous vehicles in Dubai by the end of 2025, with plans to expand the fleet to no fewer than 1,000 by 2028, as the city aims to make 25 percent of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030.
\n
It has also teamed up with Auto-Go, a UAE-based autonomous mobility solutions company, with the goal of deploying the largest fully driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi. Initial trials of dozens of autonomous vehicles will be conducted in select areas of the city, with phased expansion ahead of full commercial operations by 2026.
\n
"China is taking the lead in the R&D and application of self-driving technology, and the accelerated expansion of Chinese self-driving companies abroad will propel the commercialization of the state-of-the-art technology on a global scale," said Zhang Xiang, a visiting professor at the engineering department at Huanghe Science and Technology University.
\n
Zhang said authorities in the Middle East and some European countries have a relatively open attitude toward autonomous driving and are promoting the testing and use of robotaxis thanks to technological advancements and cost reductions.
\n
"Chinese self-driving enterprises have strong technical prowess and have accumulated extensive testing and operational experience in the domestic market, so they are eager to play a bigger role in the international autonomous driving sector by leveraging their technological advantages," he said, adding there is an increasing demand for self-driving vehicles in overseas markets.
\n
Emphasizing that ensuring the safety and stability of self-driving vehicles remains a top priority, Zhang called for efforts to improve testing and application scenarios overseas, continuously optimize algorithms, strengthen road infrastructure construction, and reduce the manufacturing costs of driverless vehicle components.
\n
New frontiers
\n
Chinese self-driving company Pony.ai is poised to increase its global robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles over the next two years, with 2025 earmarked as the first year of large-scale commercial deployment.
\n
The company recently started road testing its robotaxis in Luxembourg in cooperation with Emile Weber, the country's leading mobility solutions provider, to deploy electric autonomous vehicles in Luxembourg, and accelerate robotaxi application in Europe.
\n
James Peng, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, said the testing marks the beginning of collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of autonomous mobility in both Luxembourg and the continent.
\n
Pony.ai announced in April that it had obtained a testing permit for Level 4 autonomous driving from Luxembourg authorities. The authorization expands its global testing footprint, building on existing permits in China, the United States, and South Korea.
\n
The company earlier chose Luxembourg as its European hub for research, development, and the deployment of autonomous driving technology.
\n
Autonomous driving is categorized from Level 0 to Level 5. The higher the level, the more intelligent the technology and the less the involvement of humans. Level 4 vehicles can intervene if there is a system failure and do not require human assistance in most circumstances. However, a manual override option is still available.
\n
Earlier last month, Pony.ai inked a strategic partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, to integrate self-driving technology into Dubai's multi-modal transportation network.
\n
Autonomous driving technology will be introduced in a multi-phase rollout, with supervised robotaxi trials set to launch this year, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
\n
Founded in 2016, Pony.ai has amassed over 45 million kilometers in global autonomous testing, and offers fully driverless ride-hailing services in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong province's Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
\n
In South Korea, the company has set up a joint venture with a local tech company and started road testing in Seoul. It is also looking to introduce robotaxis in Singapore by starting trials with a local transport operator.
\n
The company established a strategic partnership with Uber in May. The first service is expected to be launched in a key Middle East market before deployment in other international markets.
\n
Chinese self-driving startup WeRide is another company accelerating its global expansion, with the Middle East seen as a strategic priority for autonomous driving growth and innovation.
\n
It is cooperating with Dubai authorities and Uber under an agreement, pilot operations of autonomous vehicles will commence later this year via the Uber app in Dubai. In the initial phase, the vehicles will operate with a safety driver on board, paving the way for the full-scale commercial rollout of driverless services in 2026.
\n
In May, the company and Uber further expanded their partnership to roll out robotaxis in 15 additional major global cities over the next five years, including some in Europe. It has launched fully driverless robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi, and other cities in the Middle East are being explored for testing.
\n
The company is expanding into Saudi Arabia and has rolled out testing or deployment of its robotaxis in cities including Riyadh, setting the stage for commercial rollout and wider operations across the Middle East's largest economy.
\n
WeRide's robotaxis support Saudi Arabia's push to develop a smart, sustainable transportation infrastructure for both residents and the rising influx of visitors.
\n
Open to innovation
\n
The scale of the global robotaxi market is expected to reach $45.7 billion by 2030, rapidly expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 91.8 percent from 2023 to 2030, data from research company MarketsandMarkets shows.
\n
The growth of the robotaxi market is influenced by rising demand for ride-hailing services, high R&D investment and government focus on reducing emissions, infrastructure development, and growth of electric vehicles, according to the consultancy.
\n
The need for robotaxis is also being fueled by the growing emphasis on sustainability, requirements for effective urban transit, and increased safety as a result of the abolition of human mistakes, it added.
\n
At present, governments around the world are continuously introducing favorable policies to support the development of autonomous driving technology — including test permits and infrastructure construction — which is conducive to accelerating the application and popularization of the technology, according to WeRide.
\n
Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, said the open, innovative environment and supportive policy measures for autonomous driving technology in some countries, especially the UAE and Luxembourg, provide Chinese self-driving companies with ideal testing sites and a broad development space.
\n
"Their accelerated global expansion will bolster the maturity of autonomous driving technology, propel the deeper integration of global industrial chains, optimize resource allocation and inject fresh impetus into the development of the self-driving sector worldwide," Zhu said.
\n
The accelerated international push of Chinese self-driving companies is inevitable in the face of increasingly fierce competition, said Duan from the School of International Trade and Economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics.
\n
By cooperating with leading overseas companies, they can receive funding and policy support abroad and enhance their competitiveness in the global intelligent automotive sector. This will in turn drive the development of domestic companies involved in the autonomous driving industrial chain, she added. "Self-driving technology is expected to become an important field for China to share its development dividends with the world," Duan said.
\n
Market consulting firm McKinsey& Company has forecast that China will become the world's largest market for self-driving vehicles, with revenue from such vehicles and mobility services exceeding $500 billion by 2030.
\n
China has caught up with the US in developing autonomous driving, said Lyu Jinghong, an intelligent mobility analyst at research company BloombergNEF.
\n
Lyu said ongoing testing on public roads, regulatory backing and cost reductions in autonomous vehicle manufacturing, will help accelerate the deployment and commercialization of self-driving cars.
\n
However, Chinese self-driving companies' greater presence abroad may encounter some challenges, such as differences in culture, laws and regulations, she said. Lyu called for greater efforts to conduct testing based on different road conditions abroad, and improving knowledge about the usage habits of local consumers, as well as strengthening compliance and personal privacy protection.
\n
Li Xinbo, an automotive industry analyst at China Auto Information Technology (Tianjin) Co, said as the operating costs and compliance risks in overseas markets are relatively high, Chinese enterprises need to carefully assess and formulate strategic plans, speed up localization efforts and launch services that cater to local requirements, when carrying forward their globalization push.
President Xi Jinping has stressed efforts to study and absorb netizens' opinions and suggestions in formulating China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).
\n
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark in a recent instruction published on Monday, following a monthlong online campaign to seek public opinion on the blueprint.
\n
He noted that the online solicitation of opinions and suggestions saw high participation and wide coverage, serving as a vivid example of whole-process people's democracy.
\n
The campaign, which was conducted from May 20 to June 20, gathered more than 3.11 million opinions and suggestions on China's 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. These views will be compiled and reported to provide reference in the decision-making process.
\n
The general public has actively contributed opinions and suggestions, many of which are highly valuable, Xi said, urging relevant departments to thoroughly study and absorb them.
\n
Party committees and governments at all levels must always adhere to a people-centered approach, extensively and thoroughly learning about people's lives, listening to their voices and pooling their wisdom, thereby building a strong synergy for advancing Chinese modernization and continuously realizing the people's aspiration for a better life, he added.
\n
China first used online platforms to solicit public opinion on its five-year plan in 2020, during the drafting period of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).
\n
Starting in 2026, China will begin implementing its 15th Five-Year Plan. Currently, the CPC Central Committee is organizing the drafting of proposals for this plan, and relevant departments are gearing up to solicit opinions and suggestions from officials, the general public, experts and scholars through various channels.
\n
The proposals for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan will be deliberated at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which is scheduled to take place in Beijing in October.
\n
Five-year plans serve as crucial strategic documents guiding China's medium- and long-term development. They outline national goals, major tasks and policy directions in various sectors for each five-year period.
President Xi Jinping has stressed efforts to study and absorb netizens' opinions and suggestions in formulating China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).
\n
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark in a recent instruction published on Monday, following a monthlong online campaign to seek public opinion on the blueprint.
\n
He noted that the online solicitation of opinions and suggestions saw high participation and wide coverage, serving as a vivid example of whole-process people's democracy.
\n
The campaign, which was conducted from May 20 to June 20, gathered more than 3.11 million opinions and suggestions on China's 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. These views will be compiled and reported to provide reference in the decision-making process.
\n
The general public has actively contributed opinions and suggestions, many of which are highly valuable, Xi said, urging relevant departments to thoroughly study and absorb them.
\n
Party committees and governments at all levels must always adhere to a people-centered approach, extensively and thoroughly learning about people's lives, listening to their voices and pooling their wisdom, thereby building a strong synergy for advancing Chinese modernization and continuously realizing the people's aspiration for a better life, he added.
\n
China first used online platforms to solicit public opinion on its five-year plan in 2020, during the drafting period of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).
\n
Starting in 2026, China will begin implementing its 15th Five-Year Plan. Currently, the CPC Central Committee is organizing the drafting of proposals for this plan, and relevant departments are gearing up to solicit opinions and suggestions from officials, the general public, experts and scholars through various channels.
\n
The proposals for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan will be deliberated at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which is scheduled to take place in Beijing in October.
\n
Five-year plans serve as crucial strategic documents guiding China's medium- and long-term development. They outline national goals, major tasks and policy directions in various sectors for each five-year period.
Experts are calling for stronger legal, privacy and psychological protections for China's child social media influencers following renewed debate over the risks they face after a widely followed young internet star returned to the spotlight.
\n
In late June, 4-year-old "Yaoyiyao Xiaoroubao", an influencer with more than 20 million followers on short-video platform Douyin, donated 100,000 yuan ($14,000) to Rongjiang, a flood-hit county in the southwestern province of Guizhou. The gesture revived public attention to her case, months after an earlier controversy raised concerns about the well-being of children in the influencer economy.
\n
Yaoyiyao, whose real name has not been disclosed officially, is a native of Guizhou. Her Douyin account, managed by her parents, features videos of her daily life and has garnered over 610 million likes. Her chubby cheeks, playful expressions and innocent charm have won over audiences nationwide.
\n
But a video posted in February triggered backlash after showing Yaoyiyao falling to the ground while her mother continued filming and laughing instead of helping her. Many netizens questioned whether the fall had been staged for views and accused the parents of exploiting their child for profit, without regard for her privacy or dignity.
\n
Following the incident, her parents suspended the account and removed all product-related listings. Reports by media outlets, including Shanghai-based The Paper, revealed that the account charged 400,000 yuan for ads lasting from 1 to 20 seconds, and 550,000 yuan for videos over 60 seconds.
\n
In a February statement, Yaoyiyao's parents denied mistreating their daughter, barring her from school or forcing her to pose for commercial deals. They resumed posting content from mid-to-late March.
\n
"Children's pure, innocent behavior naturally evokes empathy, and some of their talents, like language skills, also attract followers," said Ye Mingrui, deputy dean of the Television School at the Communication University of China in Beijing.
\n
He said most parents begin by sharing videos for fun, but positive feedback and advertising offers may tempt them to commercialize their children's image.
\n
While China has not released official data on the number of child influencers, the growing internet use among children and the rise of short video trends such as makeup tutorials and mukbangs — videos where audiences watch people eat large quantities of food — have prompted public concern over their right to privacy, mental health and exposure to cyberbullying.
\n
Yao Junchang, from W&H Law Firm in Beijing, said using children to gain online popularity and earn income amounts to turning them into child laborers. He noted that China currently lacks specific laws targeting child influencers, though some government regulations apply.
\n
In January, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission released a draft regulation for public comment that would bar multichannel networks — companies that support content creators — from profiting off child celebrities. The draft regulation finished collecting public opinion in February.
\n
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2021 issued a guideline urging governments at all levels to prohibit the monetization of child influencers. It called for stronger oversight of children's participation in online performances and punishment for accounts that involve minors in indecent or suggestive marketing content.
\n
Experts have also expressed concern about the mental and emotional toll such exposure can take on children.
\n
"Children are still developing their sense of identity," said Wang Wenda, director of psychological health education at Xinhua College of Ningxia University. "If they are intentionally trained to become internet celebrities, they may struggle to distinguish reality from cyberspace, or develop histrionic personalities."
\n
He said that children often lack the ability to regulate emotions under online pressure, which could lead to anxiety or depression. Family dynamics may also suffer if parents shift from caregivers to business managers, prioritizing commercial opportunities over the child's wishes and privacy.
\n
Ye, from the television school, said protection efforts remain incomplete and that many parents fail to understand that a child's digital footprint is permanent — potentially resurfacing later in life with lasting consequences.
\n
"It takes effort from government, platforms, families and every adult around the child," he said. "Authorities should work closely with platforms to supervise influencer accounts and educate parents on how to protect their children effectively."
\n
He added that platforms could encourage users to report content that exploits children, and teachers should intervene when signs of distress are detected.
\n
chengsi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Experts are calling for stronger legal, privacy and psychological protections for China's child social media influencers following renewed debate over the risks they face after a widely followed young internet star returned to the spotlight.
\n
In late June, 4-year-old "Yaoyiyao Xiaoroubao", an influencer with more than 20 million followers on short-video platform Douyin, donated 100,000 yuan ($14,000) to Rongjiang, a flood-hit county in the southwestern province of Guizhou. The gesture revived public attention to her case, months after an earlier controversy raised concerns about the well-being of children in the influencer economy.
\n
Yaoyiyao, whose real name has not been disclosed officially, is a native of Guizhou. Her Douyin account, managed by her parents, features videos of her daily life and has garnered over 610 million likes. Her chubby cheeks, playful expressions and innocent charm have won over audiences nationwide.
\n
But a video posted in February triggered backlash after showing Yaoyiyao falling to the ground while her mother continued filming and laughing instead of helping her. Many netizens questioned whether the fall had been staged for views and accused the parents of exploiting their child for profit, without regard for her privacy or dignity.
\n
Following the incident, her parents suspended the account and removed all product-related listings. Reports by media outlets, including Shanghai-based The Paper, revealed that the account charged 400,000 yuan for ads lasting from 1 to 20 seconds, and 550,000 yuan for videos over 60 seconds.
\n
In a February statement, Yaoyiyao's parents denied mistreating their daughter, barring her from school or forcing her to pose for commercial deals. They resumed posting content from mid-to-late March.
\n
"Children's pure, innocent behavior naturally evokes empathy, and some of their talents, like language skills, also attract followers," said Ye Mingrui, deputy dean of the Television School at the Communication University of China in Beijing.
\n
He said most parents begin by sharing videos for fun, but positive feedback and advertising offers may tempt them to commercialize their children's image.
\n
While China has not released official data on the number of child influencers, the growing internet use among children and the rise of short video trends such as makeup tutorials and mukbangs — videos where audiences watch people eat large quantities of food — have prompted public concern over their right to privacy, mental health and exposure to cyberbullying.
\n
Yao Junchang, from W&H Law Firm in Beijing, said using children to gain online popularity and earn income amounts to turning them into child laborers. He noted that China currently lacks specific laws targeting child influencers, though some government regulations apply.
\n
In January, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission released a draft regulation for public comment that would bar multichannel networks — companies that support content creators — from profiting off child celebrities. The draft regulation finished collecting public opinion in February.
\n
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2021 issued a guideline urging governments at all levels to prohibit the monetization of child influencers. It called for stronger oversight of children's participation in online performances and punishment for accounts that involve minors in indecent or suggestive marketing content.
\n
Experts have also expressed concern about the mental and emotional toll such exposure can take on children.
\n
"Children are still developing their sense of identity," said Wang Wenda, director of psychological health education at Xinhua College of Ningxia University. "If they are intentionally trained to become internet celebrities, they may struggle to distinguish reality from cyberspace, or develop histrionic personalities."
\n
He said that children often lack the ability to regulate emotions under online pressure, which could lead to anxiety or depression. Family dynamics may also suffer if parents shift from caregivers to business managers, prioritizing commercial opportunities over the child's wishes and privacy.
\n
Ye, from the television school, said protection efforts remain incomplete and that many parents fail to understand that a child's digital footprint is permanent — potentially resurfacing later in life with lasting consequences.
\n
"It takes effort from government, platforms, families and every adult around the child," he said. "Authorities should work closely with platforms to supervise influencer accounts and educate parents on how to protect their children effectively."
\n
He added that platforms could encourage users to report content that exploits children, and teachers should intervene when signs of distress are detected.
China's space agency has released the approved list for the ninth batch of lunar sample research applications, allowing successful applicants to borrow samples returned by the Chang'e 5 and Chang'e 6 missions.
\n
A total of 30,881.8 milligrams of lunar samples will be lent to 32 research groups from 25 research institutions, according to the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center under the China National Space Administration.
\n
The successful applicants include the Macao University of Science and Technology, the Chengdu University of Technology, Donghua University, the Harbin Institute of Technology, the University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
\n
This list also features institutions affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.
\n
China's Chang'e 6 mission collected 1,935.3 grams of samples from the far side of the moon, marking the first time in human history that samples were taken from that region, and the Chang'e 5 mission retrieved about 1,731 grams of lunar samples.
\n
In July 2021, China delivered the first batch of lunar samples to research institutions. So far, the country has lent eight batches of lunar samples to institutions for research purposes.
\n
Last month, China unveiled a series of research findings by Chinese scientists following studies of the samples collected by the Chang'e 6 mission.
\n
The findings were in fields such as volcanic activity, the ancient magnetic field, water content and geochemical characteristics of the moon's mantle.
\n",
+ "content": "
China's space agency has released the approved list for the ninth batch of lunar sample research applications, allowing successful applicants to borrow samples returned by the Chang'e 5 and Chang'e 6 missions.
\n
A total of 30,881.8 milligrams of lunar samples will be lent to 32 research groups from 25 research institutions, according to the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center under the China National Space Administration.
\n
The successful applicants include the Macao University of Science and Technology, the Chengdu University of Technology, Donghua University, the Harbin Institute of Technology, the University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
\n
This list also features institutions affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences.
\n
China's Chang'e 6 mission collected 1,935.3 grams of samples from the far side of the moon, marking the first time in human history that samples were taken from that region, and the Chang'e 5 mission retrieved about 1,731 grams of lunar samples.
\n
In July 2021, China delivered the first batch of lunar samples to research institutions. So far, the country has lent eight batches of lunar samples to institutions for research purposes.
\n
Last month, China unveiled a series of research findings by Chinese scientists following studies of the samples collected by the Chang'e 6 mission.
\n
The findings were in fields such as volcanic activity, the ancient magnetic field, water content and geochemical characteristics of the moon's mantle.
Residents brave high temperatures with sun protection gear while riding on the street in Fuyang, Anhui province, on Monday. The National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert for high temperatures on Monday, forecasting that areas in Shaanxi, Hubei, and Sichuan provinces may see temperatures exceeding 40 C.
\n\n
Chen Cheng runs his car's air conditioning for 10 minutes before daring to step inside, as the scorching sun generally heats his car seat and steering wheel to a "burning level".
\n
The Changsha, Hunan province, resident said the persistent high temperatures gripping the city have made functioning without AC impossible. Even when it rains, there is little relief as humidity worsens the heat.
\n
"Changsha is no stranger to extreme summer heat, but it seems increasingly unbearable and prolonged year after year," he said.
\n
Residents across central China are bracing for more bad news. The National Meteorological Center forecasts an intense heat wave will hit several regions — including Chongqing and the provinces of Shaanxi, Sichuan and Hubei — over the next 10 days, with temperatures exceeding 40 C in some areas. Driven by a stable subtropical high-pressure system, the heat is expected to peak from Sunday to Tuesday before easing around Aug 11.
\n
A joint warning from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the China Meteorological Administration highlighted high-temperature risks to rice crops in Sichuan and parts of Henan, Hubei and Anhui. The notice urged protective measures such as deep-water irrigation and foliar spraying.
\n
Liang Li, a senior engineer at the Public Meteorological Service Center, warned that road surface temperatures in Hunan province, Hubei and Chongqing could reach between 62 and 74 C, posing safety hazards that require tire checks and cautious driving.
\n
She also stressed extreme health risks, especially in eastern Sichuan and western Chongqing, and called on members of the public to take precautions against heatstroke.
\n
Luo Hui, a villager in Huaihua, Hunan, escapes the heat by swimming daily in a local river with friends. While rural residents typically turn on air conditioning around noon, this summer's heat has forced him to start cooling his home in the morning.
\n
"Without AC, the heat is unbearable even while resting at home," he said.
\n
His father, who works at a local cement factory, has stopped working for the past few days due to the extreme conditions.
\n
Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Center has warned of simultaneous heavy rainfall threatening both northern and southern regions.
\n
From Saturday to Wednesday, more heavy rainfall — ranging from 30 to 150 millimeters — is forecast for regions including Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Shanxi, parts of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Qinghai province and Gansu province. This follows the significant rainfall that has been drenching China since July 23, which has left soil saturated.
\n
Dong Quan, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Center, cautioned that additional downpours could recur, especially in areas where no clear triggering systems are present, making forecasting difficult.
\n
He urged heightened vigilance for flash floods, landslides and surging small rivers, particularly in geologically fragile regions like Qinghai and Gansu and in parts of North China where new rainfall overlaps previous zones.
\n
Authorities and residents are advised to monitor weather alerts and avoid mountainous areas and riverbanks.
\n
Simultaneously, South China — especially Guangdong province, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and southern Guizhou province — faces heavy to torrential rain through Wednesday due to monsoon activity, with localized exceptionally heavy rainfall possible. Officials warned of mountain torrents, landslides and urban waterlogging.
\n
With torrential rain and thunderstorms forecast in parts of Guangdong from Sunday to Monday, China Railway Guangzhou Group said it would implement flood emergency measures starting Sunday on certain railway sections.
\n
Li Chengkai, a Beijing resident, said recent fatalities from heavy rain in the city have made him more alert to forecasts and flood warnings.
\n
He now uses rubber shoe covers for commuting and watches for falling branches or debris during extreme weather. He said he avoids going out during downpours unless absolutely necessary.
\n
zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Residents brave high temperatures with sun protection gear while riding on the street in Fuyang, Anhui province, on Monday. The National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert for high temperatures on Monday, forecasting that areas in Shaanxi, Hubei, and Sichuan provinces may see temperatures exceeding 40 C.
\n\n
Chen Cheng runs his car's air conditioning for 10 minutes before daring to step inside, as the scorching sun generally heats his car seat and steering wheel to a "burning level".
\n
The Changsha, Hunan province, resident said the persistent high temperatures gripping the city have made functioning without AC impossible. Even when it rains, there is little relief as humidity worsens the heat.
\n
"Changsha is no stranger to extreme summer heat, but it seems increasingly unbearable and prolonged year after year," he said.
\n
Residents across central China are bracing for more bad news. The National Meteorological Center forecasts an intense heat wave will hit several regions — including Chongqing and the provinces of Shaanxi, Sichuan and Hubei — over the next 10 days, with temperatures exceeding 40 C in some areas. Driven by a stable subtropical high-pressure system, the heat is expected to peak from Sunday to Tuesday before easing around Aug 11.
\n
A joint warning from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the China Meteorological Administration highlighted high-temperature risks to rice crops in Sichuan and parts of Henan, Hubei and Anhui. The notice urged protective measures such as deep-water irrigation and foliar spraying.
\n
Liang Li, a senior engineer at the Public Meteorological Service Center, warned that road surface temperatures in Hunan province, Hubei and Chongqing could reach between 62 and 74 C, posing safety hazards that require tire checks and cautious driving.
\n
She also stressed extreme health risks, especially in eastern Sichuan and western Chongqing, and called on members of the public to take precautions against heatstroke.
\n
Luo Hui, a villager in Huaihua, Hunan, escapes the heat by swimming daily in a local river with friends. While rural residents typically turn on air conditioning around noon, this summer's heat has forced him to start cooling his home in the morning.
\n
"Without AC, the heat is unbearable even while resting at home," he said.
\n
His father, who works at a local cement factory, has stopped working for the past few days due to the extreme conditions.
\n
Meanwhile, the National Meteorological Center has warned of simultaneous heavy rainfall threatening both northern and southern regions.
\n
From Saturday to Wednesday, more heavy rainfall — ranging from 30 to 150 millimeters — is forecast for regions including Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Shanxi, parts of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Qinghai province and Gansu province. This follows the significant rainfall that has been drenching China since July 23, which has left soil saturated.
\n
Dong Quan, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Center, cautioned that additional downpours could recur, especially in areas where no clear triggering systems are present, making forecasting difficult.
\n
He urged heightened vigilance for flash floods, landslides and surging small rivers, particularly in geologically fragile regions like Qinghai and Gansu and in parts of North China where new rainfall overlaps previous zones.
\n
Authorities and residents are advised to monitor weather alerts and avoid mountainous areas and riverbanks.
\n
Simultaneously, South China — especially Guangdong province, the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and southern Guizhou province — faces heavy to torrential rain through Wednesday due to monsoon activity, with localized exceptionally heavy rainfall possible. Officials warned of mountain torrents, landslides and urban waterlogging.
\n
With torrential rain and thunderstorms forecast in parts of Guangdong from Sunday to Monday, China Railway Guangzhou Group said it would implement flood emergency measures starting Sunday on certain railway sections.
\n
Li Chengkai, a Beijing resident, said recent fatalities from heavy rain in the city have made him more alert to forecasts and flood warnings.
\n
He now uses rubber shoe covers for commuting and watches for falling branches or debris during extreme weather. He said he avoids going out during downpours unless absolutely necessary.
A public worker uses a sprayer to eradicate mosquitos in the drains under the rooftops in Haizhu district in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Wednesday in order to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
\n
Guangdong province has made progress in curbing the spread of Chikungunya fever, particularly in the city of Foshan, where a recent surge in cases has shown signs of slowing, a senior provincial disease control official said.
\n
Kang Min, director of the institute for prevention and control of infectious diseases at the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said 2,892 new local cases were reported in the week ending Saturday, a decrease of 48 cases from the previous week.
\n
In Foshan's Shunde district, the hardest-hit area, the number of new cases has declined over five consecutive days, Kang said. He added that despite the progress, both Chikungunya and dengue fever remain in their peak seasons.
\n
"Guangdong, with its high volume of international exchanges, continues to face persistent risks of imported cases," Kang said.
\n
He warned that the ongoing flood season, along with typhoons, heavy rainfall and other weather conditions, have increased mosquito activity — making the next few weeks particularly challenging for disease prevention and control.
\n
Kang urged both government departments and residents to step up efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds through effective, concrete measures.
\n
Chikungunya fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the chikungunya virus and transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, commonly known as spotted mosquitoes. The disease can affect people of all ages, Kang said.
\n
Zhou Huiling, a senior infectious diseases physician at the First People's Hospital of Foshan, said patients are currently being treated in isolation wards to prevent further transmission.
\n
Patients can be discharged only after testing negative on nucleic acid tests or after receiving hospital treatment for at least a week, she said.
\n
"Most of the current patients have mild symptoms, and by the time of discharge, symptoms are mostly relieved, with only a few reporting lingering mild joint pain," Zhou said.
\n
She explained that the joint pain is caused by the virus directly invading joints, infecting osteoblasts and synovial tissues, and triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can lead to bone damage.
\n
The pain typically affects small joints in the ankles, fingers and wrists, but can also extend to larger joints such as the knees and shoulders. Symptoms tend to worsen with physical activity, and Zhou advised patients in the acute phase to stay in bed and limit movement.
\n
"Being bitten by a mosquito doesn't necessarily lead to infection — only bites from virus-carrying mosquitoes pose a risk," she said.
\n
Although no serious cases have been reported, experts warn that high-risk groups include infants, seniors over age 65, pregnant women, patients with chronic illnesses and those on immunosuppressive treatments, such as organ transplant recipients, AIDS patients and long-term users of immunosuppressants.
\n
"There is still no vaccine available. Mosquito prevention remains the most important control measure, and early screening and isolation are key to preventing community transmission," Zhou said.
\n
Her hospital currently offers free nucleic acid testing for Chikungunya, with seven testing rounds conducted daily and results available within three to four hours.
\n
As of Monday, Foshan — located about 20 kilometers from Guangzhou, the provincial capital — has reported more than 7,000 cases of Chikungunya, the highest in Guangdong, China's most populous province with more than 127 million people.
A public worker uses a sprayer to eradicate mosquitos in the drains under the rooftops in Haizhu district in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Wednesday in order to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
\n
Guangdong province has made progress in curbing the spread of Chikungunya fever, particularly in the city of Foshan, where a recent surge in cases has shown signs of slowing, a senior provincial disease control official said.
\n
Kang Min, director of the institute for prevention and control of infectious diseases at the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said 2,892 new local cases were reported in the week ending Saturday, a decrease of 48 cases from the previous week.
\n
In Foshan's Shunde district, the hardest-hit area, the number of new cases has declined over five consecutive days, Kang said. He added that despite the progress, both Chikungunya and dengue fever remain in their peak seasons.
\n
"Guangdong, with its high volume of international exchanges, continues to face persistent risks of imported cases," Kang said.
\n
He warned that the ongoing flood season, along with typhoons, heavy rainfall and other weather conditions, have increased mosquito activity — making the next few weeks particularly challenging for disease prevention and control.
\n
Kang urged both government departments and residents to step up efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds through effective, concrete measures.
\n
Chikungunya fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the chikungunya virus and transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, commonly known as spotted mosquitoes. The disease can affect people of all ages, Kang said.
\n
Zhou Huiling, a senior infectious diseases physician at the First People's Hospital of Foshan, said patients are currently being treated in isolation wards to prevent further transmission.
\n
Patients can be discharged only after testing negative on nucleic acid tests or after receiving hospital treatment for at least a week, she said.
\n
"Most of the current patients have mild symptoms, and by the time of discharge, symptoms are mostly relieved, with only a few reporting lingering mild joint pain," Zhou said.
\n
She explained that the joint pain is caused by the virus directly invading joints, infecting osteoblasts and synovial tissues, and triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can lead to bone damage.
\n
The pain typically affects small joints in the ankles, fingers and wrists, but can also extend to larger joints such as the knees and shoulders. Symptoms tend to worsen with physical activity, and Zhou advised patients in the acute phase to stay in bed and limit movement.
\n
"Being bitten by a mosquito doesn't necessarily lead to infection — only bites from virus-carrying mosquitoes pose a risk," she said.
\n
Although no serious cases have been reported, experts warn that high-risk groups include infants, seniors over age 65, pregnant women, patients with chronic illnesses and those on immunosuppressive treatments, such as organ transplant recipients, AIDS patients and long-term users of immunosuppressants.
\n
"There is still no vaccine available. Mosquito prevention remains the most important control measure, and early screening and isolation are key to preventing community transmission," Zhou said.
\n
Her hospital currently offers free nucleic acid testing for Chikungunya, with seven testing rounds conducted daily and results available within three to four hours.
\n
As of Monday, Foshan — located about 20 kilometers from Guangzhou, the provincial capital — has reported more than 7,000 cases of Chikungunya, the highest in Guangdong, China's most populous province with more than 127 million people.
Pakistan has recently commissioned its latest combat hardware — the Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopter, according to the Islamic republic's military publicity organ Inter Services Public Relations.
\n
According to a statement and video clip published on Saturday by the ISPR, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's chief of army staff, presided over a ceremony of the Z-10ME helicopters' induction into the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps during a recent inspection tour of the Multan Garrison.
\n
Munir personally inspected one of the newly delivered helicopters and sat inside the cockpit compartment to check flight — and weapons-control systems.
\n
Footage shows that the Z-10ME he checked had several Chinese weapons under its stub wings, including a CM-502 air-to-surface missile, a TY-90 air-to-air missile and a guided rocket launcher.
\n
Attendees at the ceremony witnessed firepower demonstration by the Z-10ME helicopters at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges, according to the statement.
\n
"This state-of-the-art, all-weather platform is capable of precision strike operations day and night. Equipped with advanced radar systems and cutting-edge electronic warfare suites, the Z-10ME significantly enhances the Army's capability to engage diverse aerial and ground threats," the ISPR said. "The induction of this potent system marks a major leap in the modernization of Army Aviation, reinforcing its integrated battlefield response and capacity to deliver decisive effects against potential adversaries."
\n
The Z-10ME's predecessor, the Z-10 medium-weight, twin-turboshaft attack helicopter was designed by the China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corp of China in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, primarily for anti-tank and anti-armor missions, but it also has a secondary air-to-air capability.
\n
The helicopter made its maiden flight in April 2003 and started deliveries to the People's Liberation Army around the end of the 2000s.
\n
So far, a large number of the Z-10's baseline and upgraded models have been deployed by the PLA Ground Force and PLA Air Force.
\n
As its export variant, the Z-10ME was first shown to the public at the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in November 2022, indicating that it had received government approval for export and was ready for tests and scrutiny by potential users.
\n
According to China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, AVIC's international trade wing, the Z-10ME is a 6-metric-ton class advanced attack helicopter that features round-the-clock combat capability. It can carry a wide variety of munitions, including air-to-air missiles, anti-tank missiles, guided rockets and a chin-mounted cannon.
\n
Before the Z-10ME, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps deployed two types of attack helicopters: 55 Bell AH-1 Cobras bought from the United States and four Russian Mil Mi-35s.
\n
zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Pakistan has recently commissioned its latest combat hardware — the Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopter, according to the Islamic republic's military publicity organ Inter Services Public Relations.
\n
According to a statement and video clip published on Saturday by the ISPR, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's chief of army staff, presided over a ceremony of the Z-10ME helicopters' induction into the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps during a recent inspection tour of the Multan Garrison.
\n
Munir personally inspected one of the newly delivered helicopters and sat inside the cockpit compartment to check flight — and weapons-control systems.
\n
Footage shows that the Z-10ME he checked had several Chinese weapons under its stub wings, including a CM-502 air-to-surface missile, a TY-90 air-to-air missile and a guided rocket launcher.
\n
Attendees at the ceremony witnessed firepower demonstration by the Z-10ME helicopters at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges, according to the statement.
\n
"This state-of-the-art, all-weather platform is capable of precision strike operations day and night. Equipped with advanced radar systems and cutting-edge electronic warfare suites, the Z-10ME significantly enhances the Army's capability to engage diverse aerial and ground threats," the ISPR said. "The induction of this potent system marks a major leap in the modernization of Army Aviation, reinforcing its integrated battlefield response and capacity to deliver decisive effects against potential adversaries."
\n
The Z-10ME's predecessor, the Z-10 medium-weight, twin-turboshaft attack helicopter was designed by the China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corp of China in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, primarily for anti-tank and anti-armor missions, but it also has a secondary air-to-air capability.
\n
The helicopter made its maiden flight in April 2003 and started deliveries to the People's Liberation Army around the end of the 2000s.
\n
So far, a large number of the Z-10's baseline and upgraded models have been deployed by the PLA Ground Force and PLA Air Force.
\n
As its export variant, the Z-10ME was first shown to the public at the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in November 2022, indicating that it had received government approval for export and was ready for tests and scrutiny by potential users.
\n
According to China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, AVIC's international trade wing, the Z-10ME is a 6-metric-ton class advanced attack helicopter that features round-the-clock combat capability. It can carry a wide variety of munitions, including air-to-air missiles, anti-tank missiles, guided rockets and a chin-mounted cannon.
\n
Before the Z-10ME, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps deployed two types of attack helicopters: 55 Bell AH-1 Cobras bought from the United States and four Russian Mil Mi-35s.
Two female South China tiger cubs play together at a breeding base in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on Monday. The cubs were born on April 27 and are said to be in good health.
\n",
+ "content": "
Two female South China tiger cubs play together at a breeding base in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on Monday. The cubs were born on April 27 and are said to be in good health.
Visitors and anime fans wait in line to participate in the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, or ChinaJoy, in Shanghai on Sunday. The event, held from Friday to Monday at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, featured 743 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions.
\n",
+ "content": "
Visitors and anime fans wait in line to participate in the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, or ChinaJoy, in Shanghai on Sunday. The event, held from Friday to Monday at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, featured 743 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Monday imposed new restrictive measures against 16 fugitives wanted for national security offenses, including bans on financial support and the revocation of most of their SAR passports.
\n
The 11 men and five women were among 19 fugitives originally named by police on July 25 as wanted for their alleged involvement in the "Hong Kong Parliament", which authorities have labeled a subversive organization operating outside the city. Among the 19 are Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da, who had previously been placed on a wanted list.
\n
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung invoked powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to impose new restrictions on 16 of the 19 individuals: Victor Ho Leung-mau, Chan Lai-chun, Feng Chongyi, Gong Sasha, Ng Man-yan, Tsang Wai-fan, Chin Po-fun, Paul Ha Hoi-chun, Hau Chung-yu, Ho Wing-yau, Keung Ka-wai, Tony Lam, Agnes Ng, Wong Chun-wah, Wong Sau-wo and Zhang Xinyan.
\n
The measures prohibit anyone from making available or handling funds for the fugitives, or engaging in specified transactions involving immovable property linked to them. Joint ventures and partnerships with them are also banned.
\n
Twelve of the individuals have had their Hong Kong SAR passports revoked, and two have been temporarily removed from their positions as directors of their respective enterprises.
\n
Four of the fugitives — Yuan, Fok, Choi and Victor Ho — were already wanted by police before the July 25 announcement, and each carries a bounty of HK$1 million (about $127,400). The other 15 fugitives are subject to HK$200,000 bounties.
\n
Tang also directed the Hong Kong Police Force to gather evidence for potentially banning the "Hong Kong Parliament" and another group, the "Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union", under the national security ordinance. Both are described by authorities as subversive organizations.
\n
A government representative said the 16 absconders are currently residing in countries and regions including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia and Thailand.
\n
"They continue to blatantly engage in activities that endanger national security. They also intended to incite hatred through smear and slander against the central authorities and the HKSAR," the representative said.
\n
The police reminded the public that providing financial or other support, including leasing or supplying property to the fugitives, without a license from the secretary for security constitutes an offense punishable by up to seven years in prison.
\n
Anyone who organizes, plans, participates in or commits acts aimed at subverting State power or the Hong Kong SAR by force, threats or other unlawful means is in breach of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
\n
As of July 25, Hong Kong police have listed 34 individuals wanted for alleged national security offenses.
\n
amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
\n",
+ "content": "
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Monday imposed new restrictive measures against 16 fugitives wanted for national security offenses, including bans on financial support and the revocation of most of their SAR passports.
\n
The 11 men and five women were among 19 fugitives originally named by police on July 25 as wanted for their alleged involvement in the "Hong Kong Parliament", which authorities have labeled a subversive organization operating outside the city. Among the 19 are Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da, who had previously been placed on a wanted list.
\n
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung invoked powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to impose new restrictions on 16 of the 19 individuals: Victor Ho Leung-mau, Chan Lai-chun, Feng Chongyi, Gong Sasha, Ng Man-yan, Tsang Wai-fan, Chin Po-fun, Paul Ha Hoi-chun, Hau Chung-yu, Ho Wing-yau, Keung Ka-wai, Tony Lam, Agnes Ng, Wong Chun-wah, Wong Sau-wo and Zhang Xinyan.
\n
The measures prohibit anyone from making available or handling funds for the fugitives, or engaging in specified transactions involving immovable property linked to them. Joint ventures and partnerships with them are also banned.
\n
Twelve of the individuals have had their Hong Kong SAR passports revoked, and two have been temporarily removed from their positions as directors of their respective enterprises.
\n
Four of the fugitives — Yuan, Fok, Choi and Victor Ho — were already wanted by police before the July 25 announcement, and each carries a bounty of HK$1 million (about $127,400). The other 15 fugitives are subject to HK$200,000 bounties.
\n
Tang also directed the Hong Kong Police Force to gather evidence for potentially banning the "Hong Kong Parliament" and another group, the "Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union", under the national security ordinance. Both are described by authorities as subversive organizations.
\n
A government representative said the 16 absconders are currently residing in countries and regions including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia and Thailand.
\n
"They continue to blatantly engage in activities that endanger national security. They also intended to incite hatred through smear and slander against the central authorities and the HKSAR," the representative said.
\n
The police reminded the public that providing financial or other support, including leasing or supplying property to the fugitives, without a license from the secretary for security constitutes an offense punishable by up to seven years in prison.
\n
Anyone who organizes, plans, participates in or commits acts aimed at subverting State power or the Hong Kong SAR by force, threats or other unlawful means is in breach of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
\n
As of July 25, Hong Kong police have listed 34 individuals wanted for alleged national security offenses.
An embodied intelligent humanoid robot developed by the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology was recently admitted to the Shanghai Theatre Academy as a doctoral candidate in its drama, film and television program, aiming to further explore the integration of generative artificial intelligence and theatrical art creation.
\n
The admission ceremony took place at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference that recently concluded in Shanghai, making it the first embodied intelligent robot in China to enroll as a doctoral student.
\n
Named "Xue Ba 01", the robot features excellent lightweight and endurance. Developed by a team led by Li Qingdu, a professor at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, the robot was produced by Shanghai DroidUp Co and its appearance and styling were designed by Yang Qingqing, a professor at Shanghai Theatre Academy.
\n
"The robot is essentially an AI agent with a physical entity. We are trying to make it like a 'bionic man' that has a realistic and natural humanlike appearance, expressions, body movements and interactions," said Li, who is also the founder of DroidUp.
\n
The development of the robot started in 2021 when the two institutions signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. They jointly launched the nation's first high-level talent cultivation program focusing on integrating arts and robotics technologies. Leveraging their own expertise and disciplinary strengths, the two sides designed a growth path and competency framework for robotics doctoral programs, and established multiple training modules.
\n
According to Yang, who is also Xue Ba 01's academic adviser, the robot's curriculum in the four-year program will cover foundational, artistic, system and task modules, among others. It will receive comprehensive training in sectors such as cognitive modeling, embodied control and action expression, stage role-playing, and participate in doctoral task challenges, reports and performances.
\n
In the future, Xue Ba 01 is expected to join other doctoral students in classrooms, where it will learn theory and engage in drama practice, and further study at key laboratories featuring the integration of AI and performing arts.
\n
"We see significant meaning in the program," Li said. "If the robot could learn well to become a good 'performer', it can serve to provide emotional values for humans in the future. A human performer may get exhausted after dozens of shows, but robots won't. It can also help in longtime companionship, as well as many other scenes that require human interaction."
\n
Li pointed out that their challenges in the four-year program lie not only in the robotics technology sector, but also in acting. With joint efforts, they expect to make breakthroughs in the robot's interaction with the physical world, especially in its movements, expressions and gestures with humanlike beauty and emotions.
\n
"The doctoral program for robotics is a groundbreaking educational experiment that requires 'unity of knowledge and action'. Robots have the ability to learn fast, which will have an important impact on future education. We must train them to understand people, scenes and arts," said Zhang Jianwei, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
\n
wangxin2@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Embodied intelligent robot Xue Ba 01.
\n
An embodied intelligent humanoid robot developed by the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology was recently admitted to the Shanghai Theatre Academy as a doctoral candidate in its drama, film and television program, aiming to further explore the integration of generative artificial intelligence and theatrical art creation.
\n
The admission ceremony took place at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference that recently concluded in Shanghai, making it the first embodied intelligent robot in China to enroll as a doctoral student.
\n
Named "Xue Ba 01", the robot features excellent lightweight and endurance. Developed by a team led by Li Qingdu, a professor at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, the robot was produced by Shanghai DroidUp Co and its appearance and styling were designed by Yang Qingqing, a professor at Shanghai Theatre Academy.
\n
"The robot is essentially an AI agent with a physical entity. We are trying to make it like a 'bionic man' that has a realistic and natural humanlike appearance, expressions, body movements and interactions," said Li, who is also the founder of DroidUp.
\n
The development of the robot started in 2021 when the two institutions signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. They jointly launched the nation's first high-level talent cultivation program focusing on integrating arts and robotics technologies. Leveraging their own expertise and disciplinary strengths, the two sides designed a growth path and competency framework for robotics doctoral programs, and established multiple training modules.
\n
According to Yang, who is also Xue Ba 01's academic adviser, the robot's curriculum in the four-year program will cover foundational, artistic, system and task modules, among others. It will receive comprehensive training in sectors such as cognitive modeling, embodied control and action expression, stage role-playing, and participate in doctoral task challenges, reports and performances.
\n
In the future, Xue Ba 01 is expected to join other doctoral students in classrooms, where it will learn theory and engage in drama practice, and further study at key laboratories featuring the integration of AI and performing arts.
\n
"We see significant meaning in the program," Li said. "If the robot could learn well to become a good 'performer', it can serve to provide emotional values for humans in the future. A human performer may get exhausted after dozens of shows, but robots won't. It can also help in longtime companionship, as well as many other scenes that require human interaction."
\n
Li pointed out that their challenges in the four-year program lie not only in the robotics technology sector, but also in acting. With joint efforts, they expect to make breakthroughs in the robot's interaction with the physical world, especially in its movements, expressions and gestures with humanlike beauty and emotions.
\n
"The doctoral program for robotics is a groundbreaking educational experiment that requires 'unity of knowledge and action'. Robots have the ability to learn fast, which will have an important impact on future education. We must train them to understand people, scenes and arts," said Zhang Jianwei, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
International visitors to Chengdu, the host city of the upcoming 2025 World Games in Sichuan province, are finding it easier to navigate the city with newly introduced transit payment options that accept overseas-issued bank cards.
\n
Joshua Yeh, a Canadian student at Sichuan University who recently returned to Chengdu from Canada, said he was amazed by the option to use his Visa card to ride the metro.
\n
"No apps, no cash, just tap to travel," Yeh said. "This is perfect for first-time travelers to China, especially for those who don't have Alipay or WeChat, like my mom."
\n
A Hungarian tourist, who only identified himself as Antal, used his overseas-issued bank card to take a bus from downtown to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the suburbs.
\n
"This makes exploring the city much easier for me," he said.
\n
Xu Jing, deputy director of Chengdu Metro's ticket data center, said more than 10,000 devices and 30 systems across the entire metro network had been upgraded to enable contactless fare payment.
\n
"As of July 28, passengers can use UnionPay cards as well as Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards issued overseas to tap at the fare gates for direct entry at all metro stations," Xu said. Chengdu is the third city on the Chinese mainland to offer the "tap and ride" service, following Beijing and Shanghai.
\n
Passengers must ensure that their bank cards have activated the small-amount password-free payment function in advance and have sufficient balance or credit available, she added.
\n
Overseas-issued bank cards can also be used to purchase single-journey tickets and day passes at metro ticket vending machines.
\n
To further improve the experience for foreign travelers, Chengdu Metro has installed bilingual Chinese-English signs throughout its network, and all trains and stations now feature bilingual announcements, according to Dong Pan, a Chengdu Metro staff member.
\n
"All 423 metro stations are now equipped with real-time translation devices supporting over 10 languages," Dong said. Bilingual volunteers are also available at key stations.
\n
Chengdu Public Transport Group Co also launched a similar "tap and ride" service for overseas-issued UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards across all its bus routes on July 28.
\n
The upgrades are part of a broader effort to position Chengdu as a global tourism destination ahead of the 12th edition of the World Games, which will take place from Thursday to Aug 17.
\n
The World Games is the highest-level international multisport event outside the Olympic Games. This year marks the first time the event will be held on the Chinese mainland.
\n
Organizers said the city is launching new inbound tourism measures, including expanding tax-refund stores and establishing duty-free shopping centers.
\n
Since June, the city's culture, radio, television and tourism bureau has rolled out or planned a wide range of themed activities, tourist routes and immersive travel experiences for international visitors.
\n
Museums, scenic spots and hotels across Chengdu will also offer additional benefits and discounts to World Games spectators, said Qiu Wei, director of the bureau.
\n
"Tourists can visit some museums for free with their ticket stubs from major sports events and enjoy additional discounts when checking into hotels," he said.
\n
Chengdu recorded 984,000 inbound visits in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 51.5 percent.
\n
"We will use the World Games as an opportunity to turn visitor flow into new growth momentum for the cultural and tourism sector," Qiu said.
\n
pengchao@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "\n
International visitors to Chengdu, the host city of the upcoming 2025 World Games in Sichuan province, are finding it easier to navigate the city with newly introduced transit payment options that accept overseas-issued bank cards.
\n
Joshua Yeh, a Canadian student at Sichuan University who recently returned to Chengdu from Canada, said he was amazed by the option to use his Visa card to ride the metro.
\n
"No apps, no cash, just tap to travel," Yeh said. "This is perfect for first-time travelers to China, especially for those who don't have Alipay or WeChat, like my mom."
\n
A Hungarian tourist, who only identified himself as Antal, used his overseas-issued bank card to take a bus from downtown to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the suburbs.
\n
"This makes exploring the city much easier for me," he said.
\n
Xu Jing, deputy director of Chengdu Metro's ticket data center, said more than 10,000 devices and 30 systems across the entire metro network had been upgraded to enable contactless fare payment.
\n
"As of July 28, passengers can use UnionPay cards as well as Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards issued overseas to tap at the fare gates for direct entry at all metro stations," Xu said. Chengdu is the third city on the Chinese mainland to offer the "tap and ride" service, following Beijing and Shanghai.
\n
Passengers must ensure that their bank cards have activated the small-amount password-free payment function in advance and have sufficient balance or credit available, she added.
\n
Overseas-issued bank cards can also be used to purchase single-journey tickets and day passes at metro ticket vending machines.
\n
To further improve the experience for foreign travelers, Chengdu Metro has installed bilingual Chinese-English signs throughout its network, and all trains and stations now feature bilingual announcements, according to Dong Pan, a Chengdu Metro staff member.
\n
"All 423 metro stations are now equipped with real-time translation devices supporting over 10 languages," Dong said. Bilingual volunteers are also available at key stations.
\n
Chengdu Public Transport Group Co also launched a similar "tap and ride" service for overseas-issued UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards across all its bus routes on July 28.
\n
The upgrades are part of a broader effort to position Chengdu as a global tourism destination ahead of the 12th edition of the World Games, which will take place from Thursday to Aug 17.
\n
The World Games is the highest-level international multisport event outside the Olympic Games. This year marks the first time the event will be held on the Chinese mainland.
\n
Organizers said the city is launching new inbound tourism measures, including expanding tax-refund stores and establishing duty-free shopping centers.
\n
Since June, the city's culture, radio, television and tourism bureau has rolled out or planned a wide range of themed activities, tourist routes and immersive travel experiences for international visitors.
\n
Museums, scenic spots and hotels across Chengdu will also offer additional benefits and discounts to World Games spectators, said Qiu Wei, director of the bureau.
\n
"Tourists can visit some museums for free with their ticket stubs from major sports events and enjoy additional discounts when checking into hotels," he said.
\n
Chengdu recorded 984,000 inbound visits in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 51.5 percent.
\n
"We will use the World Games as an opportunity to turn visitor flow into new growth momentum for the cultural and tourism sector," Qiu said.
Members from the United States Army Observation Group participate in the construction of an airfield in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, in 1944.
\n
Two members of the US observation group launch a meteorological balloon in Yan'an.
\n
Senior members of the Communist Party of China and CPC-led Eighth Route Army talk with a member of the US observation group in Yan'an in 1944.
\n
While China's meteorology is dominated by the use of satellites and computer modeling today, its modern origins can be traced back to a cave at the foot of Qingliang Mountain in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, in March 1945.
\n
In the cave, a group of young Chinese learned about modern meteorology and the use of wireless communication devices with meteorologists from the United States Army Observation Group, or as its members called it, the Dixie Mission.
\n
Using their knees as desks, stones as stools, and mixing soot with water to take notes, the trainees formed a meteorological training team, marking the beginning of meteorological undertakings led by the Communist Party of China. Six of the 21 trainees established the Party's first batch of six weather stations. Later that year, the Party's first weather observatory was put into service.
\n
In the final years of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), while bombs thundered across the skies of the Pacific and Europe burned with the fire of resistance, a quieter collaboration was taking shape in the loess hills of northwestern China.
\n
By 1944, the tide of war had turned as Allied forces were gaining ground and the Chinese battlefield had grown crucial to the Pacific theater. US bombers based in Chengdu in Sichuan province, Kunming in Yunnan province, and Hengyang in Hunan province, were launching raids deep into Japanese-held territory and over the Japanese mainland.
\n
Commenting on the situation 80 years ago, Yang Zengjun, an official from today's Yan'an Meteorological Bureau, said that as US aircraft often needed to land in northern China due to fuel limits, accurate meteorological data from areas controlled by the CPC became vital.
\n
That summer, the US Army Observation Group arrived in Yan'an to discuss the possibility of establishing weather observation stations across the region. They also proposed establishing weather stations in Communist-controlled areas and deploying US personnel to collect data, which raised concerns over national sovereignty, Yang said.
\n
Wang Zheng, then director of the Third Bureau of the Central Military Commission, refused their request. "We would rather forgo any equipment than compromise our national sovereignty. If you are sincere, offer guidance in teaching. Our weather stations will be built by our own graduates," Wang said at the time.
\n
The two sides made an agreement that the US would supply equipment and training, while the Chinese would staff and run the stations. The Qingliang Mountain Meteorological Training Team was then formed and had instructors, including US military meteorologists and Zhang Naizhao, a Tsinghua University meteorology graduate who also played the role of interpreter.
\n
During the three-month training course, the trainees studied atmospheric science, observation techniques and wireless communication. There were no desks, electricity or proper paper. Classes often took place outdoors when the weather allowed.
\n
The lecture notes were scrawled on the backs of old books or reused pamphlets. Evenings were dimly lit by makeshift lamps fashioned from used ink bottles, according to the introduction at the exhibition center of meteorological development in Yan'an.
\n
In May 1945, during the graduation ceremony of the first class, Ye Jianying, chief of staff of the Central Military Commission, who would become a marshal in 1955, addressed the new meteorologists. "You are the first generation of meteorological workers in our Party and our army. Your work marks the birth of our meteorological endeavor," Ye said.
\n
Soon after, six weather stations were established by the graduates in the CPC-led Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia area and revolutionary base areas in Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong and Henan provinces. They carried their instruments, along with portable radio sets, on muleback through forests and over mountains, setting up stations that would prove critical to both combat and flight operations.
\n
Ge Shimin, one of the 21 trainees, was dispatched to Chi'an village, Shexian county, a Communist-led base area in today's Hebei province.
\n
"I conducted observations twice a day, morning and evening, recording temperature, air pressure, and identifying cloud types with my eyes. I also visually estimated cloud height and visibility range. After compiling the data into a telegram, I sent the consolidated weather information to the Dixie Mission in Yan'an," Ge recalled in his book Days in Chi'an.
\n
At that time, the US military was bombing Japanese military targets in occupied areas. Their planes were often shot down and crash-landed in CPC-led revolutionary areas. Surviving US pilots were escorted by locals or stationed troops of the CPC, sometimes using donkeys, to the regional military headquarters, according to Ge.
\n
"When US pilots were brought in, I would send a message to Yan'an, and upon receiving a reply with timing instructions, I would go to the Changning airfield to meet the plane. I provided weather forecasts in advance and guided the landing," Ge wrote in the book.
\n
According to a collection of the US Army Observation Group, compiled by the national archives administration, US Army Colonel David D. Barrett believed the Communists greatly helped the Dixie Mission.
\n
"They collected weather forecasts for our navy and air force, which made crucial contributions. Thanks to the cooperation, many small radio stations and instruments for directing operations were sent to the remote parts of the areas under Communist control. An astonishing volume of useful weather reports came from those tiny radio posts," Barrett said.
\n
In January 1945, Major General George E. Stratemeyer, a senior commander of the US Army Air Force, sent a message to CPC leader Zhu De to express his gratitude for the Party's provision of meteorological intelligence and their assistance to the US Army Air Force in meteorological operations.
\n
"Colonel Ellsworth, inspector of the 10th weather region, recently returned from a visit to Yan'an and reported to me the excellent meteorological work carried out by the North China government and its significant contribution to our joint war effort," Stratemeyer said.
\n
Ellsworth believed that the meteorological school jointly built by the two sides and the graduates had greatly improved the efficiency of the US air force's meteorological operations, Stratemeyer added.
\n
In September 1945, following Japan's surrender, the Chinese military took over the US meteorological station in Yan'an. A group of 11 people, led by Zhang Naizhao and staffed with graduates of the training program, established the CPC's first official weather observatory.
\n
Barrett recalled that in September, after he left the mission, several well-known meteorological observers were sent to Yan'an to join this team. "These experts launched weather balloons every day, attaching them to radios so that they could automatically report weather conditions from the sky, which is a meteorological miracle," he said.
\n
In March 1947, the weather observatory was moved from Yan'an along with the Central Military Commission, and was renamed the Meteorological Team of the Third Bureau of the Central Military Commission.
\n
zhaoyimeng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Members from the United States Army Observation Group participate in the construction of an airfield in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, in 1944.
\n
Two members of the US observation group launch a meteorological balloon in Yan'an.
\n
Senior members of the Communist Party of China and CPC-led Eighth Route Army talk with a member of the US observation group in Yan'an in 1944.
\n
While China's meteorology is dominated by the use of satellites and computer modeling today, its modern origins can be traced back to a cave at the foot of Qingliang Mountain in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, in March 1945.
\n
In the cave, a group of young Chinese learned about modern meteorology and the use of wireless communication devices with meteorologists from the United States Army Observation Group, or as its members called it, the Dixie Mission.
\n
Using their knees as desks, stones as stools, and mixing soot with water to take notes, the trainees formed a meteorological training team, marking the beginning of meteorological undertakings led by the Communist Party of China. Six of the 21 trainees established the Party's first batch of six weather stations. Later that year, the Party's first weather observatory was put into service.
\n
In the final years of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), while bombs thundered across the skies of the Pacific and Europe burned with the fire of resistance, a quieter collaboration was taking shape in the loess hills of northwestern China.
\n
By 1944, the tide of war had turned as Allied forces were gaining ground and the Chinese battlefield had grown crucial to the Pacific theater. US bombers based in Chengdu in Sichuan province, Kunming in Yunnan province, and Hengyang in Hunan province, were launching raids deep into Japanese-held territory and over the Japanese mainland.
\n
Commenting on the situation 80 years ago, Yang Zengjun, an official from today's Yan'an Meteorological Bureau, said that as US aircraft often needed to land in northern China due to fuel limits, accurate meteorological data from areas controlled by the CPC became vital.
\n
That summer, the US Army Observation Group arrived in Yan'an to discuss the possibility of establishing weather observation stations across the region. They also proposed establishing weather stations in Communist-controlled areas and deploying US personnel to collect data, which raised concerns over national sovereignty, Yang said.
\n
Wang Zheng, then director of the Third Bureau of the Central Military Commission, refused their request. "We would rather forgo any equipment than compromise our national sovereignty. If you are sincere, offer guidance in teaching. Our weather stations will be built by our own graduates," Wang said at the time.
\n
The two sides made an agreement that the US would supply equipment and training, while the Chinese would staff and run the stations. The Qingliang Mountain Meteorological Training Team was then formed and had instructors, including US military meteorologists and Zhang Naizhao, a Tsinghua University meteorology graduate who also played the role of interpreter.
\n
During the three-month training course, the trainees studied atmospheric science, observation techniques and wireless communication. There were no desks, electricity or proper paper. Classes often took place outdoors when the weather allowed.
\n
The lecture notes were scrawled on the backs of old books or reused pamphlets. Evenings were dimly lit by makeshift lamps fashioned from used ink bottles, according to the introduction at the exhibition center of meteorological development in Yan'an.
\n
In May 1945, during the graduation ceremony of the first class, Ye Jianying, chief of staff of the Central Military Commission, who would become a marshal in 1955, addressed the new meteorologists. "You are the first generation of meteorological workers in our Party and our army. Your work marks the birth of our meteorological endeavor," Ye said.
\n
Soon after, six weather stations were established by the graduates in the CPC-led Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia area and revolutionary base areas in Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong and Henan provinces. They carried their instruments, along with portable radio sets, on muleback through forests and over mountains, setting up stations that would prove critical to both combat and flight operations.
\n
Ge Shimin, one of the 21 trainees, was dispatched to Chi'an village, Shexian county, a Communist-led base area in today's Hebei province.
\n
"I conducted observations twice a day, morning and evening, recording temperature, air pressure, and identifying cloud types with my eyes. I also visually estimated cloud height and visibility range. After compiling the data into a telegram, I sent the consolidated weather information to the Dixie Mission in Yan'an," Ge recalled in his book Days in Chi'an.
\n
At that time, the US military was bombing Japanese military targets in occupied areas. Their planes were often shot down and crash-landed in CPC-led revolutionary areas. Surviving US pilots were escorted by locals or stationed troops of the CPC, sometimes using donkeys, to the regional military headquarters, according to Ge.
\n
"When US pilots were brought in, I would send a message to Yan'an, and upon receiving a reply with timing instructions, I would go to the Changning airfield to meet the plane. I provided weather forecasts in advance and guided the landing," Ge wrote in the book.
\n
According to a collection of the US Army Observation Group, compiled by the national archives administration, US Army Colonel David D. Barrett believed the Communists greatly helped the Dixie Mission.
\n
"They collected weather forecasts for our navy and air force, which made crucial contributions. Thanks to the cooperation, many small radio stations and instruments for directing operations were sent to the remote parts of the areas under Communist control. An astonishing volume of useful weather reports came from those tiny radio posts," Barrett said.
\n
In January 1945, Major General George E. Stratemeyer, a senior commander of the US Army Air Force, sent a message to CPC leader Zhu De to express his gratitude for the Party's provision of meteorological intelligence and their assistance to the US Army Air Force in meteorological operations.
\n
"Colonel Ellsworth, inspector of the 10th weather region, recently returned from a visit to Yan'an and reported to me the excellent meteorological work carried out by the North China government and its significant contribution to our joint war effort," Stratemeyer said.
\n
Ellsworth believed that the meteorological school jointly built by the two sides and the graduates had greatly improved the efficiency of the US air force's meteorological operations, Stratemeyer added.
\n
In September 1945, following Japan's surrender, the Chinese military took over the US meteorological station in Yan'an. A group of 11 people, led by Zhang Naizhao and staffed with graduates of the training program, established the CPC's first official weather observatory.
\n
Barrett recalled that in September, after he left the mission, several well-known meteorological observers were sent to Yan'an to join this team. "These experts launched weather balloons every day, attaching them to radios so that they could automatically report weather conditions from the sky, which is a meteorological miracle," he said.
\n
In March 1947, the weather observatory was moved from Yan'an along with the Central Military Commission, and was renamed the Meteorological Team of the Third Bureau of the Central Military Commission.
Zhang Jun, a fruit farmer in Wuqi, Shaanxi province, shares his observations in his orchard in early July.
\n
A meteorological monitoring station is set up in an apple orchard in Wuqi county to better serve farmers.
\n
For experienced apple growers in Yan'an, a city in northwestern China's Shaanxi province, the toughest challenges of their jobs aren't planting techniques or irrigation systems, but the unpredictable late-spring frosts and sudden hailstorms that threaten to wipe out a year's worth of hard work in a single night.
\n
In recent years, farmers across the city's rugged apple-producing hills have increasingly turned to modern meteorological tools, including portable weather stations, artificial hail suppression systems, and weather index insurance, to protect their crops and reduce climate-related losses.
\n
At an orchard in Zhidan county in July, rows of apple trees stood lush and healthy despite enduring three recent frosts. The resilience was thanks in part to a small lantern-shaped device hanging from the branches — a "mini weather sentry" that monitors real-time temperature and humidity, local officials said.
\n
"This little gadget is a game-changer," said Zhang Hong, an official at the county's agriculture and rural affairs bureau. "In the past, farmers would tie thermometers to trees and check them with flashlights in the freezing night. Now, they can stay warm at home and monitor everything through the 'Shaanxi Weather' app or the 'Ping'an Weather' mini program."
\n
The devices are part of two-factor orchard weather stations deployed at different altitudes to offer localized data. These stations alert growers to freezing temperatures during the critical blooming season in April and May, giving them time to take preventive measures such as lighting smudge pots to create protective smoke around the trees.
\n
"Zhidan county has so far deployed 380 such stations," Zhang said.
\n
In Yan'an, 475 six-factor smart weather stations and 1,670 two-factor orchard weather sensors have been installed in recent years. According to the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau, the average distance between monitoring stations has been slashed from 23 kilometers to just 4, enhancing the accuracy of forecasts and frost warnings.
\n
While frost is a lingering threat in the spring, hailstorms pose a year-round risk, particularly in Wuqi county.
\n
"For apple farmers, hail is a nightmare," said Liu Yue, an orchard owner in Wuqi. "A flawless apple sells for up to 6 yuan per kilogram, but one hit by hail won't fetch a single yuan."
\n
To combat the risk, Wuqi launched a pilot hail suppression program in 2023. The project introduced advanced cloud-seeding equipment, automated rocket systems, and an artificial intelligence-enabled early warning command platform. The upgraded system allows for rapid detection, intelligent forecasting, and automated cloud seeding at precise locations and altitudes.
\n
"The key to successful hail suppression is to act early — when the hail is still just ice crystals," said Yang Guang, a technician with the Wuqi Meteorological Bureau. "This year, we've conducted more than 30 suppression operations, and the results have been very promising."
\n
In tandem, the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau has upgraded automated ground hail prevention equipment, enabling safer and more efficient storm mitigation efforts.
\n
However, even with cutting-edge equipment, some damage is unavoidable when extreme weather strikes.
\n
In May, Zhang Jun, a first-time apple grower in Wuqi, saw his 3-hectare orchard suffer a devastating frost. "We were expecting about 50 metric tons of apples," he said. "Now we might just get 10."
\n
Luckily, Zhang had enrolled in a pilot weather index insurance program, targeting frost in the blossom season, introduced this year in Wuqi and neighboring Luochuan county. The policy, triggered by specific temperature readings, allowed him to receive a quick payout.
\n
"That night, the orchard's temperature sensor recorded — 1.8 C," said Zhang Haihang, a representative from the People's Insurance Company of China in Wuqi. "We sent a loss adjuster the next morning. The system calculated a compensation of 6,075 yuan per hectare."
\n
Unlike traditional crop insurance, which often requires a lengthy damage assessment after harvest, the index insurance model speeds up compensation based on verified meteorological data.
\n
"This model brings insurance closer to farmers," said Sun Zhihui, chief technician at the Yan'an apple meteorological science and technology backyard. Sun and his team developed the weather index system specifically for apple farmers in the region.
\n
"Previously, growers had to wait until harvest season for any compensation, and the process was slow and uncertain," Sun said. "Now, with automatic payouts triggered by precise weather events, more insurers are willing to participate, and more farmers are covered," he added.
\n
As climate variability intensifies, the city's apple industry, which employs over one million people, is banking on meteorological innovation and public-private cooperation to protect its future.
\n
Wang Weigang, head of the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau, said the city will continue to strengthen monitoring, improve forecasting accuracy, and expand intelligent services tailored to apple growers.
\n",
+ "content": "
Zhang Jun, a fruit farmer in Wuqi, Shaanxi province, shares his observations in his orchard in early July.
\n
A meteorological monitoring station is set up in an apple orchard in Wuqi county to better serve farmers.
\n
For experienced apple growers in Yan'an, a city in northwestern China's Shaanxi province, the toughest challenges of their jobs aren't planting techniques or irrigation systems, but the unpredictable late-spring frosts and sudden hailstorms that threaten to wipe out a year's worth of hard work in a single night.
\n
In recent years, farmers across the city's rugged apple-producing hills have increasingly turned to modern meteorological tools, including portable weather stations, artificial hail suppression systems, and weather index insurance, to protect their crops and reduce climate-related losses.
\n
At an orchard in Zhidan county in July, rows of apple trees stood lush and healthy despite enduring three recent frosts. The resilience was thanks in part to a small lantern-shaped device hanging from the branches — a "mini weather sentry" that monitors real-time temperature and humidity, local officials said.
\n
"This little gadget is a game-changer," said Zhang Hong, an official at the county's agriculture and rural affairs bureau. "In the past, farmers would tie thermometers to trees and check them with flashlights in the freezing night. Now, they can stay warm at home and monitor everything through the 'Shaanxi Weather' app or the 'Ping'an Weather' mini program."
\n
The devices are part of two-factor orchard weather stations deployed at different altitudes to offer localized data. These stations alert growers to freezing temperatures during the critical blooming season in April and May, giving them time to take preventive measures such as lighting smudge pots to create protective smoke around the trees.
\n
"Zhidan county has so far deployed 380 such stations," Zhang said.
\n
In Yan'an, 475 six-factor smart weather stations and 1,670 two-factor orchard weather sensors have been installed in recent years. According to the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau, the average distance between monitoring stations has been slashed from 23 kilometers to just 4, enhancing the accuracy of forecasts and frost warnings.
\n
While frost is a lingering threat in the spring, hailstorms pose a year-round risk, particularly in Wuqi county.
\n
"For apple farmers, hail is a nightmare," said Liu Yue, an orchard owner in Wuqi. "A flawless apple sells for up to 6 yuan per kilogram, but one hit by hail won't fetch a single yuan."
\n
To combat the risk, Wuqi launched a pilot hail suppression program in 2023. The project introduced advanced cloud-seeding equipment, automated rocket systems, and an artificial intelligence-enabled early warning command platform. The upgraded system allows for rapid detection, intelligent forecasting, and automated cloud seeding at precise locations and altitudes.
\n
"The key to successful hail suppression is to act early — when the hail is still just ice crystals," said Yang Guang, a technician with the Wuqi Meteorological Bureau. "This year, we've conducted more than 30 suppression operations, and the results have been very promising."
\n
In tandem, the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau has upgraded automated ground hail prevention equipment, enabling safer and more efficient storm mitigation efforts.
\n
However, even with cutting-edge equipment, some damage is unavoidable when extreme weather strikes.
\n
In May, Zhang Jun, a first-time apple grower in Wuqi, saw his 3-hectare orchard suffer a devastating frost. "We were expecting about 50 metric tons of apples," he said. "Now we might just get 10."
\n
Luckily, Zhang had enrolled in a pilot weather index insurance program, targeting frost in the blossom season, introduced this year in Wuqi and neighboring Luochuan county. The policy, triggered by specific temperature readings, allowed him to receive a quick payout.
\n
"That night, the orchard's temperature sensor recorded — 1.8 C," said Zhang Haihang, a representative from the People's Insurance Company of China in Wuqi. "We sent a loss adjuster the next morning. The system calculated a compensation of 6,075 yuan per hectare."
\n
Unlike traditional crop insurance, which often requires a lengthy damage assessment after harvest, the index insurance model speeds up compensation based on verified meteorological data.
\n
"This model brings insurance closer to farmers," said Sun Zhihui, chief technician at the Yan'an apple meteorological science and technology backyard. Sun and his team developed the weather index system specifically for apple farmers in the region.
\n
"Previously, growers had to wait until harvest season for any compensation, and the process was slow and uncertain," Sun said. "Now, with automatic payouts triggered by precise weather events, more insurers are willing to participate, and more farmers are covered," he added.
\n
As climate variability intensifies, the city's apple industry, which employs over one million people, is banking on meteorological innovation and public-private cooperation to protect its future.
\n
Wang Weigang, head of the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau, said the city will continue to strengthen monitoring, improve forecasting accuracy, and expand intelligent services tailored to apple growers.
Wan Xiangqi poses with his bicycle at a rocky shore in Sanya, Hainan province, before launching a long ride to Mohe in Heilongjiang province last year.
\n
Wan poses on the street of Mohe after finishing the journey from Sanya last year.
\n
At China Three Gorges University, students often spot a figure striding across campus with a weathered backpack — Wan Xiangqi, a post-1990s professor known as the "cycling scholar".
\n
Over 12 years, he has pedaled more than 10,000 kilometers across China. From the tropical shores of Sanya, Hainan province, to the frozen tundra of Mohe in Heilongjiang province, he has mapped the nation's contours with his bicycle tires while bridging the gap between academia and adventure.
\n
In 2010, as a freshman, Wan stumbled upon The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake in the library, which struck his heart deeply. He still remembers the declaration of the explorer from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that "a true man should gaze upon the eastern seas at dawn and the western mountains by dusk".
\n
Starting with a solo circumnavigation of Hainan island, Wan combined his wanderlust with scientific purpose. Tasked by the National Geological Exploration and Testing Center to collect sand samples for analysis of titanium — a mineral critical to China's defense industry — he spent summers traversing 18 counties, documenting coordinates and environmental conditions.
\n
"Titanium is the backbone of national security," he said, referencing dog-eared copies of China's Mineral Resources Strategy.
\n
Last summer, Wan embarked on his most grueling journey, which was a 6,500-km ride from Sanya to Mohe. He braved rainforests, 4,000-meter-high mountain passes, and the desolate expanses of the Greater Hinggan Mountains. "Every crease on the map holds unknowns," he said, "but Xu Xiake taught me that answers lie on the road," he said.
\n
"Without books, traveling 10,000 miles makes one merely a courier," Wan added, quoting philosopher Wang Yangming from the Ming Dynasty.
\n
His saddlebags always carry texts: The Silk Road guided him through the ancient trade route, while Tibetan Book of Living and Dying lent perspective during his high-altitude rides.
\n
On his Sanya-Mohe ride, historian Qian Mu's Outline of National History became a talisman. "Respect for China's past isn't locked in museums. It flows through our rivers and mountains," he said, echoing Qian's words.
\n
When asked about his toughest challenge, Wan said: "Not the mountains or isolation, but the night before departure."
\n
In June 2022, perched on Sanya's cliffs, he scribbled his fears in the margins of the China Geographic Atlas: "What if I get lost? What if my bike fails? Taking that first pedal stroke is declaring war on fear," he wrote.
\n
That resolve spills into his classrooms. As a Marxist theory lecturer, he once tossed a 200-million-year-old basalt rock which he collected in Mohe onto desks. "This stone witnessed dinosaurs and now sees poverty alleviation. That's history's depth," he told students.
\n
He pairs Ordinary World, a novel of struggle, with field trips to the Loess Plateau. "The rustle of turning pages," he said, "makes me closer to truth than the click of a 'like' button."
\n
Wan's office shelves display relics of his journeys: Hainan coral, Gobi Desert stones, birchbark from Mohe — each tagged with coordinates. His digital archives hold thousands of pages on mineral deposits, dialects and rural transformation. "These will go to the university library," he said. "Maybe a student will find their own courage here."
\n
At a campus lecture last year, he told a rapt audience: "Progress is demanding of those who carry ink-stained books into muddy fields."
\n
Afterward, a freshman clutched a China Geographic Atlas — its cover inscribed by Wan, claiming that the first mile might start with turning this page.
\n
Zhao Chunhua, director of the China Three Gorges University Library, said that Wan truly lives by the principle of "reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles".
\n
"He masters both the written word and the unwritten lessons of the world — immersing himself in books while exploring the grandeur of China's landscapes. His life is a bridge between scholarship and the soul of our land," Zhao said.
\n
"Through his reading sessions, Wan does more than sharing knowledge. He reveals the power of literature to carry the weight of Chinese culture and the awe of our natural heritage. This is not just education; it's a vivid 'gold-standard ideological lesson' that inspires students to see learning as a journey of mind and spirit," he added.
\n
Contact the writers at weiwangyu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Wan Xiangqi poses with his bicycle at a rocky shore in Sanya, Hainan province, before launching a long ride to Mohe in Heilongjiang province last year.
\n
Wan poses on the street of Mohe after finishing the journey from Sanya last year.
\n
At China Three Gorges University, students often spot a figure striding across campus with a weathered backpack — Wan Xiangqi, a post-1990s professor known as the "cycling scholar".
\n
Over 12 years, he has pedaled more than 10,000 kilometers across China. From the tropical shores of Sanya, Hainan province, to the frozen tundra of Mohe in Heilongjiang province, he has mapped the nation's contours with his bicycle tires while bridging the gap between academia and adventure.
\n
In 2010, as a freshman, Wan stumbled upon The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake in the library, which struck his heart deeply. He still remembers the declaration of the explorer from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that "a true man should gaze upon the eastern seas at dawn and the western mountains by dusk".
\n
Starting with a solo circumnavigation of Hainan island, Wan combined his wanderlust with scientific purpose. Tasked by the National Geological Exploration and Testing Center to collect sand samples for analysis of titanium — a mineral critical to China's defense industry — he spent summers traversing 18 counties, documenting coordinates and environmental conditions.
\n
"Titanium is the backbone of national security," he said, referencing dog-eared copies of China's Mineral Resources Strategy.
\n
Last summer, Wan embarked on his most grueling journey, which was a 6,500-km ride from Sanya to Mohe. He braved rainforests, 4,000-meter-high mountain passes, and the desolate expanses of the Greater Hinggan Mountains. "Every crease on the map holds unknowns," he said, "but Xu Xiake taught me that answers lie on the road," he said.
\n
"Without books, traveling 10,000 miles makes one merely a courier," Wan added, quoting philosopher Wang Yangming from the Ming Dynasty.
\n
His saddlebags always carry texts: The Silk Road guided him through the ancient trade route, while Tibetan Book of Living and Dying lent perspective during his high-altitude rides.
\n
On his Sanya-Mohe ride, historian Qian Mu's Outline of National History became a talisman. "Respect for China's past isn't locked in museums. It flows through our rivers and mountains," he said, echoing Qian's words.
\n
When asked about his toughest challenge, Wan said: "Not the mountains or isolation, but the night before departure."
\n
In June 2022, perched on Sanya's cliffs, he scribbled his fears in the margins of the China Geographic Atlas: "What if I get lost? What if my bike fails? Taking that first pedal stroke is declaring war on fear," he wrote.
\n
That resolve spills into his classrooms. As a Marxist theory lecturer, he once tossed a 200-million-year-old basalt rock which he collected in Mohe onto desks. "This stone witnessed dinosaurs and now sees poverty alleviation. That's history's depth," he told students.
\n
He pairs Ordinary World, a novel of struggle, with field trips to the Loess Plateau. "The rustle of turning pages," he said, "makes me closer to truth than the click of a 'like' button."
\n
Wan's office shelves display relics of his journeys: Hainan coral, Gobi Desert stones, birchbark from Mohe — each tagged with coordinates. His digital archives hold thousands of pages on mineral deposits, dialects and rural transformation. "These will go to the university library," he said. "Maybe a student will find their own courage here."
\n
At a campus lecture last year, he told a rapt audience: "Progress is demanding of those who carry ink-stained books into muddy fields."
\n
Afterward, a freshman clutched a China Geographic Atlas — its cover inscribed by Wan, claiming that the first mile might start with turning this page.
\n
Zhao Chunhua, director of the China Three Gorges University Library, said that Wan truly lives by the principle of "reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles".
\n
"He masters both the written word and the unwritten lessons of the world — immersing himself in books while exploring the grandeur of China's landscapes. His life is a bridge between scholarship and the soul of our land," Zhao said.
\n
"Through his reading sessions, Wan does more than sharing knowledge. He reveals the power of literature to carry the weight of Chinese culture and the awe of our natural heritage. This is not just education; it's a vivid 'gold-standard ideological lesson' that inspires students to see learning as a journey of mind and spirit," he added.
\n
Contact the writers at weiwangyu@chinadaily.com.cn
Two workers check the health of a sheep raised at the Aoqun Animal Husbandry farm in Tianjin.
\n
A sheep breeding base in Tianjin is harnessing advanced technologies to reshape livestock farming both in China and abroad. Through its collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the base has helped slash lamb mortality rates from over 20 percent to below 10 percent and assisted in building three intelligent sheep barns in the country.
\n
These achievements showcase the progress China has made in smart agriculture and its influence in the international market, said Feng Jie, deputy head of Tuanbo town in Jinghai district, Tianjin.
\n
At the Aoqun Animal Husbandry facility in Tuanbo, the latest technologies are transforming traditional farming. Intelligent systems regulate barn temperatures, while robots identify and clean manure passages before returning to their stations. A feed efficiency monitoring system tracks each animal's feed intake, weight, and feeding time, enabling precise control over nutrition and health.
\n
"In recent years, the company has established a 'Sheep Internet' platform and a national-level mutton sheep performance testing center. These scientific breeding methods have been integrated into production practices, effectively guiding the selection, breeding and promotion of breeding sheep," said Lu Xiaofang, director of the mutton sheep factory in Tuanbo.
\n
"Each sheep wears an electronic ear tag that allows automatic tracking of weight, growth and health conditions," said Lu, "Through our Sheep Internet platform, managers can design more rational and scientific breeding plans."
\n
The facility also uses CT scanning technology developed in-house, producing high-resolution 3D images of sheep muscle, fat, and bone tissues. "This makes trait data as detailed as ocular muscle area, with muscle-fat and meat-bone ratios clearly visible," Lu said.
\n
During a recent demonstration, over 200 detailed images were captured in just 100 seconds, with a precision of 0.1 millimeters, showing the distribution of muscles, fat and bones in sheep.
\n
"Our efficient breeding technologies and intelligent breeding techniques have attracted inspection delegations from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iran and South Africa for visits on multiple occasions," said Lin Chunjian, manager of Aoqun.
\n
Beyond its global reach, Aoqun has had a major local impact. More than 80 jobs have been created in areas such as breeding, livestock care, and logistics. Over 5,000 farmers have received free training to boost their livestock-raising skills, helping lift rural communities out of poverty, according to Lu.
\n
Over 20 years ago, Chen Hua, founder of Aoqun Animal Husbandry, learned that China was heavily reliant on imported breeding sheep and decided to start his own business to cultivate breeding sheep.
\n
"Tuanbo town has abundant sunlight and geothermal resources, allowing the sheep barns to utilize geothermal energy for temperature control. Moreover, relying on the Tuanbo Lake Wetland, there is an abundance of natural forage and clean water, providing a natural grazing area for the sheep and further reducing breeding costs," Lu explained.
\n
Jinghai district has a well-developed agricultural sector, with a relatively high proportion of farmers engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. They not only have certain breeding experience but also enjoy low labor costs, creating favorable conditions for the development of breeding here, Feng said. After years of upgrading breeding technologies, in 2018, the new mutton sheep breed "Aobai Multiparous Sheep" developed by Chen's team achieved a reproduction rate of 220 percent.
\n
"We no longer import breeding sheep now. The breeding sheep we have cultivated through closed breeding surpass foreign breeds in production performance by about 10 to 15 percent," said Zhang Zhichao, breeding director of Aoqun.
\n
Tianjin will host the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit this autumn. Lu expressed hope of exchanging and learning from other international mutton sheep breeding enterprises.
\n
"Taking the opportunity of the SCO Summit, we hope to showcase the achievements in protecting the Tuanbo Lake Wetland to the world, share our breeding technologies, strive to become a pilot for ecological cooperation under the SCO, and promote cooperation between enterprises like Aoqun Animal Husbandry and SCO member states," Feng said.
Two workers check the health of a sheep raised at the Aoqun Animal Husbandry farm in Tianjin.
\n
A sheep breeding base in Tianjin is harnessing advanced technologies to reshape livestock farming both in China and abroad. Through its collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the base has helped slash lamb mortality rates from over 20 percent to below 10 percent and assisted in building three intelligent sheep barns in the country.
\n
These achievements showcase the progress China has made in smart agriculture and its influence in the international market, said Feng Jie, deputy head of Tuanbo town in Jinghai district, Tianjin.
\n
At the Aoqun Animal Husbandry facility in Tuanbo, the latest technologies are transforming traditional farming. Intelligent systems regulate barn temperatures, while robots identify and clean manure passages before returning to their stations. A feed efficiency monitoring system tracks each animal's feed intake, weight, and feeding time, enabling precise control over nutrition and health.
\n
"In recent years, the company has established a 'Sheep Internet' platform and a national-level mutton sheep performance testing center. These scientific breeding methods have been integrated into production practices, effectively guiding the selection, breeding and promotion of breeding sheep," said Lu Xiaofang, director of the mutton sheep factory in Tuanbo.
\n
"Each sheep wears an electronic ear tag that allows automatic tracking of weight, growth and health conditions," said Lu, "Through our Sheep Internet platform, managers can design more rational and scientific breeding plans."
\n
The facility also uses CT scanning technology developed in-house, producing high-resolution 3D images of sheep muscle, fat, and bone tissues. "This makes trait data as detailed as ocular muscle area, with muscle-fat and meat-bone ratios clearly visible," Lu said.
\n
During a recent demonstration, over 200 detailed images were captured in just 100 seconds, with a precision of 0.1 millimeters, showing the distribution of muscles, fat and bones in sheep.
\n
"Our efficient breeding technologies and intelligent breeding techniques have attracted inspection delegations from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iran and South Africa for visits on multiple occasions," said Lin Chunjian, manager of Aoqun.
\n
Beyond its global reach, Aoqun has had a major local impact. More than 80 jobs have been created in areas such as breeding, livestock care, and logistics. Over 5,000 farmers have received free training to boost their livestock-raising skills, helping lift rural communities out of poverty, according to Lu.
\n
Over 20 years ago, Chen Hua, founder of Aoqun Animal Husbandry, learned that China was heavily reliant on imported breeding sheep and decided to start his own business to cultivate breeding sheep.
\n
"Tuanbo town has abundant sunlight and geothermal resources, allowing the sheep barns to utilize geothermal energy for temperature control. Moreover, relying on the Tuanbo Lake Wetland, there is an abundance of natural forage and clean water, providing a natural grazing area for the sheep and further reducing breeding costs," Lu explained.
\n
Jinghai district has a well-developed agricultural sector, with a relatively high proportion of farmers engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. They not only have certain breeding experience but also enjoy low labor costs, creating favorable conditions for the development of breeding here, Feng said. After years of upgrading breeding technologies, in 2018, the new mutton sheep breed "Aobai Multiparous Sheep" developed by Chen's team achieved a reproduction rate of 220 percent.
\n
"We no longer import breeding sheep now. The breeding sheep we have cultivated through closed breeding surpass foreign breeds in production performance by about 10 to 15 percent," said Zhang Zhichao, breeding director of Aoqun.
\n
Tianjin will host the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit this autumn. Lu expressed hope of exchanging and learning from other international mutton sheep breeding enterprises.
\n
"Taking the opportunity of the SCO Summit, we hope to showcase the achievements in protecting the Tuanbo Lake Wetland to the world, share our breeding technologies, strive to become a pilot for ecological cooperation under the SCO, and promote cooperation between enterprises like Aoqun Animal Husbandry and SCO member states," Feng said.
Several flexible workers take a break at a service station in Beijing's Dongcheng district on June 25.
\n
SHANGHAI — After a tiring journey of 600 kilometers, Liu Chunliang pulled into a logistics park and hopped out of his truck. After taking a shower in a nearby building, he enjoyed some hearty dumplings and then had a brief nap in a rest lounge while his truck was being unloaded.
\n
The building where Liu took the much-needed break is located in the Hengdi logistics park in Shanghai's Jiading district. These facilities have transformed the park from a mere transfer site for goods into a vital rest stop for long-haul drivers such as Liu.
\n
"I make round trips between Xuzhou (in Jiangsu province) and Shanghai eight to ten times a month. There used to be no place for me to get some rest along the way, but now I feel at home here in the park," said Liu.
\n
Liu has benefited from a wider array of initiatives implemented by Jiading district to support gig workers in the area. As the gig economy continues to grow across China, cities are responding by establishing rest lounges, offering affordable dining options, and providing skill training for gig workers who play a crucial role in keeping urban life moving.
\n
The number of flexible workers in China exceeded 265 million in 2024, including 175 million engaged in platform-based gig work, according to an industry report by Hangzhou-based Gongmall, a digital solutions provider for the gig sector.
\n
They typically work as ride-hailing drivers, food delivery riders and long-haul drivers, among other trades. While making life more convenient for residents, these flexible workers often scramble to find facilities to meet their own basic needs — whether it is using the bathroom, recharging their mobile phones and electric bikes, or simply taking a moment to rest.
\n
Jiading district has set up stopover hubs for both ride-hailing drivers and food delivery riders. One such hub, located in Zhaqiao village, offers catering services and rental apartments. Here, ride-hailing drivers can take naps in massage chairs while their cars charge outside. The budget-friendly cafeteria even provides meals outside regular dining hours.
\n
"For meals, I used to grab some buns or snacks in the car, eating when I could and often going hungry. Now, not only do I eat well, but I can also rest properly, so I don't feel drowsy after long hours of driving," said driver Wu Yigui, who was dining in the cafeteria.
\n
The driver from Southwest China's Guizhou province has also made this service hub his temporary home, renting a shared apartment for 650 yuan ($91) per month — an affordable option in Shanghai.
\n
Food delivery riders have their rest lounges as well. On a typical workday afternoon, Jiang Zhongqiang, a rider for the food delivery platform Ele.me, stopped outside one of these lounges in Jiading. After replacing the battery for his electric bike, he stepped into the lounge, where he refilled his water bottle and plugged in his cellphone to charge while he enjoyed his meal.
\n
In 2022, the Chinese government issued a guideline aimed at improving gig economy services to boost employment. The country has been focusing on improving welfare for this increasingly significant segment of the workforce in recent years.
\n
In June, China released guidelines aimed at safeguarding public wellbeing and addressing the most pressing concerns of the people. These guidelines emphasized the need to improve the social insurance system for flexible workers. They also called for the gradual integration of flexible workers into the housing provident fund system.
\n
Rest stops for gig workers have proliferated in major cities across China. In Beijing's Chaoyang district alone, there are 2,912 service stations where the district's 83,000 flexible workers can recharge between tasks. One such lounge, located in the bustling Shuangjing commercial district, operates around the clock, allowing delivery riders to access it even deep in the night.
\n
The lounge, run by subdistrict government offices, also organizes skill training, festival celebrations, and reading activities for gig workers to foster a sense of belonging.
\n
These efforts extend beyond prosperous metropolises. In Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, 2,077 rest stations have been established for gig workers. Their locations are conveniently integrated into navigation apps for easy access. In addition to providing free drinking water, charging and leisure facilities, and medications, the region has also organized free health check-ups for 35,000 gig workers.
\n
Talking about the rest lounges in Jiading, Zhu Xuguang, an official with the Jiading branch of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, said that the rest stops have become a physical and spiritual harbor for gig workers.
\n",
+ "content": "
Several flexible workers take a break at a service station in Beijing's Dongcheng district on June 25.
\n
SHANGHAI — After a tiring journey of 600 kilometers, Liu Chunliang pulled into a logistics park and hopped out of his truck. After taking a shower in a nearby building, he enjoyed some hearty dumplings and then had a brief nap in a rest lounge while his truck was being unloaded.
\n
The building where Liu took the much-needed break is located in the Hengdi logistics park in Shanghai's Jiading district. These facilities have transformed the park from a mere transfer site for goods into a vital rest stop for long-haul drivers such as Liu.
\n
"I make round trips between Xuzhou (in Jiangsu province) and Shanghai eight to ten times a month. There used to be no place for me to get some rest along the way, but now I feel at home here in the park," said Liu.
\n
Liu has benefited from a wider array of initiatives implemented by Jiading district to support gig workers in the area. As the gig economy continues to grow across China, cities are responding by establishing rest lounges, offering affordable dining options, and providing skill training for gig workers who play a crucial role in keeping urban life moving.
\n
The number of flexible workers in China exceeded 265 million in 2024, including 175 million engaged in platform-based gig work, according to an industry report by Hangzhou-based Gongmall, a digital solutions provider for the gig sector.
\n
They typically work as ride-hailing drivers, food delivery riders and long-haul drivers, among other trades. While making life more convenient for residents, these flexible workers often scramble to find facilities to meet their own basic needs — whether it is using the bathroom, recharging their mobile phones and electric bikes, or simply taking a moment to rest.
\n
Jiading district has set up stopover hubs for both ride-hailing drivers and food delivery riders. One such hub, located in Zhaqiao village, offers catering services and rental apartments. Here, ride-hailing drivers can take naps in massage chairs while their cars charge outside. The budget-friendly cafeteria even provides meals outside regular dining hours.
\n
"For meals, I used to grab some buns or snacks in the car, eating when I could and often going hungry. Now, not only do I eat well, but I can also rest properly, so I don't feel drowsy after long hours of driving," said driver Wu Yigui, who was dining in the cafeteria.
\n
The driver from Southwest China's Guizhou province has also made this service hub his temporary home, renting a shared apartment for 650 yuan ($91) per month — an affordable option in Shanghai.
\n
Food delivery riders have their rest lounges as well. On a typical workday afternoon, Jiang Zhongqiang, a rider for the food delivery platform Ele.me, stopped outside one of these lounges in Jiading. After replacing the battery for his electric bike, he stepped into the lounge, where he refilled his water bottle and plugged in his cellphone to charge while he enjoyed his meal.
\n
In 2022, the Chinese government issued a guideline aimed at improving gig economy services to boost employment. The country has been focusing on improving welfare for this increasingly significant segment of the workforce in recent years.
\n
In June, China released guidelines aimed at safeguarding public wellbeing and addressing the most pressing concerns of the people. These guidelines emphasized the need to improve the social insurance system for flexible workers. They also called for the gradual integration of flexible workers into the housing provident fund system.
\n
Rest stops for gig workers have proliferated in major cities across China. In Beijing's Chaoyang district alone, there are 2,912 service stations where the district's 83,000 flexible workers can recharge between tasks. One such lounge, located in the bustling Shuangjing commercial district, operates around the clock, allowing delivery riders to access it even deep in the night.
\n
The lounge, run by subdistrict government offices, also organizes skill training, festival celebrations, and reading activities for gig workers to foster a sense of belonging.
\n
These efforts extend beyond prosperous metropolises. In Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, 2,077 rest stations have been established for gig workers. Their locations are conveniently integrated into navigation apps for easy access. In addition to providing free drinking water, charging and leisure facilities, and medications, the region has also organized free health check-ups for 35,000 gig workers.
\n
Talking about the rest lounges in Jiading, Zhu Xuguang, an official with the Jiading branch of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, said that the rest stops have become a physical and spiritual harbor for gig workers.
The tariff war engulfing the major economies, along with lasting geopolitical tensions, has spiked corporate costs and increased market volatility. The convergence of tensions and disruptions has clouded the global economic outlook, posing a profound test to the resilience of economies worldwide.
\n
Against this backdrop of rising uncertainty, it should be a common endeavor of all economies to restore certainty and stability. A major takeaway from the Chinese economy during these years — in which it has managed to cope with both tariff attacks and containment challenges — is that certainty and stability can be realized through the implementation of targeted, practical and systemic policies; they are by no means gifts from others.
\n
The Chinese economy grew by 5.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year, contributing an estimated 30 percent to global growth, serving as a major stabilizer for the world economy.
\n
The International Monetary Fund's latest forecast of China's GDP growth for the year testifies to the resilience of the Chinese economy. The organization predicts that the world's second-largest economy will expand 4.8 percent this year, an upward revision of its earlier forecast of 4.0 percent.
\n
The IMF also raised its outlook for economic growth across emerging markets and developing economies this year to 4.1 percent from 3.7 percent, driven by front-loading and a more upbeat view on China, according to a Reuters report.
\n
Although China has encountered a multitude of politicized and nonmarket practices aimed at suppressing its development in recent years, it has withstood all the stress tests thrown at it. More importantly, it has unequivocally shown that the high-quality development of the Chinese economy is unstoppable as long as the nation focuses on doing its own things well.
\n
Compared with the flip-flopping economic policies of some countries, China's institutional strengths and long-term thinking mean that its socioeconomic policies are effectively implemented and it always keeps the bigger picture in mind. China does not rely on short-term crisis interventions, but on structural resilience rooted in resolve and confidence.
\n
In a recent meeting in preparation for the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China — which will study the proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development — the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee set the economic priorities for the second half of the year. The meeting was a typical example of how the country's leadership seeks to balance long-term vision with immediate needs. This comprehensive approach helps buffer the Chinese economy against present and future external shocks. In doing so, it provides stability for the global economy.
\n
Openness is a key part of China's long-term perspective, which emphasizes greater international integration rather than isolation.
\n
Data from the Ministry of Commerce indicates that as of the end of June this year, China's actual use of foreign direct investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period had reached a cumulative total of $708.73 billion. Displaying their confidence in China's investment climate, 229,000 new foreign-funded enterprises were established during this period in the country, an increase of 25,000 compared with the previous five years.
\n
Many foreign companies continue to see China as an indispensable part of their global strategies. According to the latest annual survey released by the US-China Business Council, US companies remain committed to pursuing opportunities in China over the long term and nearly all sampled companies report they cannot stay globally competitive without their China operations.
\n
In the face of the current risks and challenges, China will focus on deepening reform and opening-up, promoting the in-depth integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial application, prevent and mitigate risks in key sectors, and expand domestic demand. To that end, governments at various levels are expected to make more efforts to strengthen domestic economic circulation and promote the positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows.
\n
That the Chinese economy posted stable performance and made steady progress in the first half of this year reflects its solid foundation, multiple advantages, strong resilience, great potential, and the continuous accumulation of positive factors that support its high-quality development.
\n
As a major trading partner of over 150 countries and regions, an ardent advocate of fair and inclusive economic globalization and a dedicated upholder of the rules-based world trade system, China will continue to offer opportunities to the world through its opening-up, and play a critical role in steadying the global industry and supply chains.
\n
Looking ahead, the country will therefore continue to provide not only high-quality products and services to the world, but also much-needed certainty and stability.
The tariff war engulfing the major economies, along with lasting geopolitical tensions, has spiked corporate costs and increased market volatility. The convergence of tensions and disruptions has clouded the global economic outlook, posing a profound test to the resilience of economies worldwide.
\n
Against this backdrop of rising uncertainty, it should be a common endeavor of all economies to restore certainty and stability. A major takeaway from the Chinese economy during these years — in which it has managed to cope with both tariff attacks and containment challenges — is that certainty and stability can be realized through the implementation of targeted, practical and systemic policies; they are by no means gifts from others.
\n
The Chinese economy grew by 5.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year, contributing an estimated 30 percent to global growth, serving as a major stabilizer for the world economy.
\n
The International Monetary Fund's latest forecast of China's GDP growth for the year testifies to the resilience of the Chinese economy. The organization predicts that the world's second-largest economy will expand 4.8 percent this year, an upward revision of its earlier forecast of 4.0 percent.
\n
The IMF also raised its outlook for economic growth across emerging markets and developing economies this year to 4.1 percent from 3.7 percent, driven by front-loading and a more upbeat view on China, according to a Reuters report.
\n
Although China has encountered a multitude of politicized and nonmarket practices aimed at suppressing its development in recent years, it has withstood all the stress tests thrown at it. More importantly, it has unequivocally shown that the high-quality development of the Chinese economy is unstoppable as long as the nation focuses on doing its own things well.
\n
Compared with the flip-flopping economic policies of some countries, China's institutional strengths and long-term thinking mean that its socioeconomic policies are effectively implemented and it always keeps the bigger picture in mind. China does not rely on short-term crisis interventions, but on structural resilience rooted in resolve and confidence.
\n
In a recent meeting in preparation for the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China — which will study the proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development — the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee set the economic priorities for the second half of the year. The meeting was a typical example of how the country's leadership seeks to balance long-term vision with immediate needs. This comprehensive approach helps buffer the Chinese economy against present and future external shocks. In doing so, it provides stability for the global economy.
\n
Openness is a key part of China's long-term perspective, which emphasizes greater international integration rather than isolation.
\n
Data from the Ministry of Commerce indicates that as of the end of June this year, China's actual use of foreign direct investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period had reached a cumulative total of $708.73 billion. Displaying their confidence in China's investment climate, 229,000 new foreign-funded enterprises were established during this period in the country, an increase of 25,000 compared with the previous five years.
\n
Many foreign companies continue to see China as an indispensable part of their global strategies. According to the latest annual survey released by the US-China Business Council, US companies remain committed to pursuing opportunities in China over the long term and nearly all sampled companies report they cannot stay globally competitive without their China operations.
\n
In the face of the current risks and challenges, China will focus on deepening reform and opening-up, promoting the in-depth integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial application, prevent and mitigate risks in key sectors, and expand domestic demand. To that end, governments at various levels are expected to make more efforts to strengthen domestic economic circulation and promote the positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows.
\n
That the Chinese economy posted stable performance and made steady progress in the first half of this year reflects its solid foundation, multiple advantages, strong resilience, great potential, and the continuous accumulation of positive factors that support its high-quality development.
\n
As a major trading partner of over 150 countries and regions, an ardent advocate of fair and inclusive economic globalization and a dedicated upholder of the rules-based world trade system, China will continue to offer opportunities to the world through its opening-up, and play a critical role in steadying the global industry and supply chains.
\n
Looking ahead, the country will therefore continue to provide not only high-quality products and services to the world, but also much-needed certainty and stability.
As part of the events commemorating 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, many war-themed movies have or are going to hit cinema screens both at home and overseas.
\n
Dead to Rights is one of them. Centered on the Nanjing Massacre, in just eight days since its July 25 release, the movie has become the top-grossing film of the country's summer box office, with revenues surpassing 1 billion yuan ($140 million).
\n
Based on true events, the film follows a group of civilians in a Japanese-controlled photo studio in Nanjing, where, as they are forced to develop images for the occupiers, they secretly document the atrocities being carried out by the Japanese troops, risking their lives to preserve the evidence of Japanese war crimes.
\n
Many moviegoers have attributed the film's success to its powerful storytelling and compelling performances, describing it as a vivid "history lesson" for the younger generation.
\n
Another film, 731, which revisits the horrific World War II-era human experiments conducted by Japan's notorious biological and chemical warfare unit, the eponymous 731, is set to premiere on Sept 18, to coincide with the 94th anniversary of the Sept 18 Incident in 1931, which marked the start of Japan's invasion of China.
\n
During the 14-year-long war, China suffered more than 35 million casualties, both military and civilian, and Japanese troops committed countless heinous crimes that deserved universal condemnation.
\n
Yet due to various reasons, many people in the West are still not fully aware of the horrific acts committed by Japanese invaders in China eight decades ago. While the Holocaust is taught in all history textbooks in the West, the Nanjing Massacre remains not fully understood despite its scale and significance. In 2022, when Evan Kail, a US pawnshop owner, decided to donate a photo album documenting Japanese wartime atrocities in China to the Chinese consulate in Chicago, he even faced death threats. "I want more people to know the truth," he explained about his courageous act.
\n
Now after watching Dead to Rights, Kail has urged all people, especially those in the West, to see the film, so that "the story of what was in (that) photo album could continue to be shared".
\n
Indeed, the war-related films are not intended to foster animosity but to help shape our collective memory so that these war crimes will never be forgotten. This is the right way to honor those who gave their lives to uphold freedom, justice and peace, and mourn the loss of innocent lives brutally taken during the war. Only by remembering the horrors of the past can people today truly cherish peace.
\n
It is outrageous that Japanese rightists still try to deny Japan's wartime atrocities and successive postwar Japanese governments still try to whitewash the country's past crimes. This makes people in countries victimized by Japanese aggressors doubt whether the country has really severed itself from its militaristic past. They rightly question whether Japan is ready to join hands with its Asian neighbors to build a peaceful and prosperous future.
\n
That some politicians in Japan are still regularly paying homage to the Yasukuni Shrine, where convicted war criminals who committed atrocities against humanity are enshrined, makes the sporadic apologies and remorse Japan has previously expressed for that war of aggression sound hollow and perfunctory.
\n
But it should be noted that Japanese people were also the victims of Japan's wartime militarism. It is wrong to foster hatred against a people just because a small minority of Japanese militarists set off the war of aggression. Rather, the people of China and Japan should pass on friendship from generation to generation through improved communication, bearing in mind that forgetting history is tantamount to the betrayal of truth.
\n",
+ "content": "
As part of the events commemorating 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, many war-themed movies have or are going to hit cinema screens both at home and overseas.
\n
Dead to Rights is one of them. Centered on the Nanjing Massacre, in just eight days since its July 25 release, the movie has become the top-grossing film of the country's summer box office, with revenues surpassing 1 billion yuan ($140 million).
\n
Based on true events, the film follows a group of civilians in a Japanese-controlled photo studio in Nanjing, where, as they are forced to develop images for the occupiers, they secretly document the atrocities being carried out by the Japanese troops, risking their lives to preserve the evidence of Japanese war crimes.
\n
Many moviegoers have attributed the film's success to its powerful storytelling and compelling performances, describing it as a vivid "history lesson" for the younger generation.
\n
Another film, 731, which revisits the horrific World War II-era human experiments conducted by Japan's notorious biological and chemical warfare unit, the eponymous 731, is set to premiere on Sept 18, to coincide with the 94th anniversary of the Sept 18 Incident in 1931, which marked the start of Japan's invasion of China.
\n
During the 14-year-long war, China suffered more than 35 million casualties, both military and civilian, and Japanese troops committed countless heinous crimes that deserved universal condemnation.
\n
Yet due to various reasons, many people in the West are still not fully aware of the horrific acts committed by Japanese invaders in China eight decades ago. While the Holocaust is taught in all history textbooks in the West, the Nanjing Massacre remains not fully understood despite its scale and significance. In 2022, when Evan Kail, a US pawnshop owner, decided to donate a photo album documenting Japanese wartime atrocities in China to the Chinese consulate in Chicago, he even faced death threats. "I want more people to know the truth," he explained about his courageous act.
\n
Now after watching Dead to Rights, Kail has urged all people, especially those in the West, to see the film, so that "the story of what was in (that) photo album could continue to be shared".
\n
Indeed, the war-related films are not intended to foster animosity but to help shape our collective memory so that these war crimes will never be forgotten. This is the right way to honor those who gave their lives to uphold freedom, justice and peace, and mourn the loss of innocent lives brutally taken during the war. Only by remembering the horrors of the past can people today truly cherish peace.
\n
It is outrageous that Japanese rightists still try to deny Japan's wartime atrocities and successive postwar Japanese governments still try to whitewash the country's past crimes. This makes people in countries victimized by Japanese aggressors doubt whether the country has really severed itself from its militaristic past. They rightly question whether Japan is ready to join hands with its Asian neighbors to build a peaceful and prosperous future.
\n
That some politicians in Japan are still regularly paying homage to the Yasukuni Shrine, where convicted war criminals who committed atrocities against humanity are enshrined, makes the sporadic apologies and remorse Japan has previously expressed for that war of aggression sound hollow and perfunctory.
\n
But it should be noted that Japanese people were also the victims of Japan's wartime militarism. It is wrong to foster hatred against a people just because a small minority of Japanese militarists set off the war of aggression. Rather, the people of China and Japan should pass on friendship from generation to generation through improved communication, bearing in mind that forgetting history is tantamount to the betrayal of truth.
What's really worrying about the United States administration's effort to overturn a key 2009 Environmental Protection Agency finding that pollutants from burning fossil fuels should be regulated under the Clean Air Act for the harm they cause to health is that it is propelled by short-term economic interests.
\n
Late last month the EPA crafted a proposal that would undo the government's "endangerment finding" regarding greenhouse gas emissions. The proposal is currently under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget.
\n
In June, the US administration announced plans to repeal all limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants.
\n
These moves serve to benefit the fossil fuel industry and related sectors that play an important role in US politics.
\n
"By revoking this key scientific finding our government is putting fealty to Big Oil over sound science and people's health," Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversity's Safe Climate Transport Campaign, said in a statement. "These proposals are a giant gift to oil companies that will do real damage to people, wildlife and future generations."
\n
Although it might take years for the EPA proposal to be realized even if the courts don't stop it, environmental and public health organizations remain pessimistic.
\n
"For the industries that contribute most to climate change, the message is 'pollute more'. For everyone feeling the pain of climate disasters, the message is 'you're on our own'," said Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice.
\n
"Health professionals don't change their diagnoses based on politics. The science is clear, and only becoming clearer — the climate crisis is already harming people's health, especially in communities already burdened by pollution and inequities," Emmie Mediate, the US chief program officer of Health Care Without Harm, said in a statement.
\n
Notably, EPA chief Lee Zeldin also announced plans to target 31 key regulations that would reduce wetland protection, loosen restrictions on pollution from vehicles and power plants, wastewater from coal plants, and air pollution from the energy and manufacturing sectors — including restrictions on mercury, a known neurotoxin. The administration also plans to overturn the "good neighbor rule" which requires states to address pollution carried downwind to other states.
\n
Environmental health experts correctly warn that if the proposal and plans materialize, they will directly affect health.
\n
"We need to confront the dangers of harmful pollution using a multitude of tools whether regulatory or via providing economic incentives. There seems to be an intention of willfully cutting off both of these avenues and putting our heads in the sand, while providing some with short-term profits. This is no solution to the challenge of climate change," Lynn Goldman, dean of the George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health and former EPA official, said in a statement to Health Policy Watch.
\n
Although Zeldin tried to defend the agency's proposal in The Wall Street Journal, saying "the EPA's core mission remains safeguarding human health and the environment", it seems increasingly clear the agency is saying one thing and doing another.
\n
Due to the tariff war waged by the US, the EPA move might also increase energy prices for US families. Meanwhile, the rising cost of medical care because of increased pollution must also be taken into account.
\n
According to the Clean Air Act, emissions reduction efforts return $9 to public health, the environment and productivity for every $1 spent.
\n
"The potential increase in health-related expenses, environmental degradation, and the stifling of innovation will lead to higher costs for consumers and impede economic growth," Margo Oge, former EPA director of transportation and air quality, said in a LinkedIn post.
\n
As she said, backpedaling on its climate actions will not make America great — it will just make Americans sicker.
\n",
+ "content": "
What's really worrying about the United States administration's effort to overturn a key 2009 Environmental Protection Agency finding that pollutants from burning fossil fuels should be regulated under the Clean Air Act for the harm they cause to health is that it is propelled by short-term economic interests.
\n
Late last month the EPA crafted a proposal that would undo the government's "endangerment finding" regarding greenhouse gas emissions. The proposal is currently under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget.
\n
In June, the US administration announced plans to repeal all limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants.
\n
These moves serve to benefit the fossil fuel industry and related sectors that play an important role in US politics.
\n
"By revoking this key scientific finding our government is putting fealty to Big Oil over sound science and people's health," Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversity's Safe Climate Transport Campaign, said in a statement. "These proposals are a giant gift to oil companies that will do real damage to people, wildlife and future generations."
\n
Although it might take years for the EPA proposal to be realized even if the courts don't stop it, environmental and public health organizations remain pessimistic.
\n
"For the industries that contribute most to climate change, the message is 'pollute more'. For everyone feeling the pain of climate disasters, the message is 'you're on our own'," said Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice.
\n
"Health professionals don't change their diagnoses based on politics. The science is clear, and only becoming clearer — the climate crisis is already harming people's health, especially in communities already burdened by pollution and inequities," Emmie Mediate, the US chief program officer of Health Care Without Harm, said in a statement.
\n
Notably, EPA chief Lee Zeldin also announced plans to target 31 key regulations that would reduce wetland protection, loosen restrictions on pollution from vehicles and power plants, wastewater from coal plants, and air pollution from the energy and manufacturing sectors — including restrictions on mercury, a known neurotoxin. The administration also plans to overturn the "good neighbor rule" which requires states to address pollution carried downwind to other states.
\n
Environmental health experts correctly warn that if the proposal and plans materialize, they will directly affect health.
\n
"We need to confront the dangers of harmful pollution using a multitude of tools whether regulatory or via providing economic incentives. There seems to be an intention of willfully cutting off both of these avenues and putting our heads in the sand, while providing some with short-term profits. This is no solution to the challenge of climate change," Lynn Goldman, dean of the George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health and former EPA official, said in a statement to Health Policy Watch.
\n
Although Zeldin tried to defend the agency's proposal in The Wall Street Journal, saying "the EPA's core mission remains safeguarding human health and the environment", it seems increasingly clear the agency is saying one thing and doing another.
\n
Due to the tariff war waged by the US, the EPA move might also increase energy prices for US families. Meanwhile, the rising cost of medical care because of increased pollution must also be taken into account.
\n
According to the Clean Air Act, emissions reduction efforts return $9 to public health, the environment and productivity for every $1 spent.
\n
"The potential increase in health-related expenses, environmental degradation, and the stifling of innovation will lead to higher costs for consumers and impede economic growth," Margo Oge, former EPA director of transportation and air quality, said in a LinkedIn post.
\n
As she said, backpedaling on its climate actions will not make America great — it will just make Americans sicker.
Editor's Note: China's 10 government bodies have jointly unveiled a new plan aimed at boosting the consumption of agricultural products by enhancing supply chains, modernizing distribution systems and stimulating domestic demand in response to changing consumer preferences. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Li Guoxiang, a researcher at the Rural Development Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explained how the 23 measures in the plan will affect the market and help solve problems. Following are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n
Agricultural products are an important component of overall consumption, and increasing their domestic consumption is vital for promoting economic circulation and boosting demand, which in turn contribute to broader economic and social development goals. It is also essential for rural vitalization, developing rural industries and increasing farmers' incomes.
\n
The new plan is expected to benefit mostly the primary suppliers of agricultural products. With increased policy support and coordinated national efforts, the increase in consumption of agricultural products will directly increase the income of producers. More importantly, as demand grows, all the parties in the supply chain can share the benefits generated.
\n
The plan promotes strong interdepartmental collaboration. In addition to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, departments not traditionally associated with agricultural production are now playing an important role. For example, sports authorities are helping to integrate the promotion of agricultural products in rural sports events, while the education sector contributes by including nutritious, farm-sourced meals in school lunch programs. This kind of multi-department synergy is expected to take agricultural consumption to a higher level.
\n
But interdepartmental collaboration can also be challenging because each department has its own expertise and operational logic. This will require breaking down existing bureaucratic silos and fostering better coordination and consensus across departments to form a cohesive and efficient work mechanism.
\n
A key priority in the implementation process will be the development and promotion of high-quality and eco-friendly agricultural products. At the same time, long-standing market issues such as false "organic" labels and fake geographical indications need to be addressed. These problems often emerge when the demand for certain products is very high, opening the door for counterfeits and mislabeling. To combat these problems, there is a need to establish product traceability systems and strengthen regulatory enforcement to root out fake and substandard goods. However, these measures can be costly and complex to implement in practice.
\n
The plan also seeks to address a number of pain points in agricultural consumption. Today's consumers are increasingly focused on health and nutrition, yet many find it difficult to purchase such agricultural products. Meanwhile, producers of high-quality products often find it difficult to secure a fair market price. Inconsistent product quality and inefficient supply chains contribute to this disconnect between supply and demand. To bridge this gap, greater efforts are needed to improve both the cost-effectiveness and personalization of agricultural offerings, ensuring that consumers across different income levels have access to a diverse range of high-quality choices.
\n
High prices do not always equate to high quality, nor should low prices imply poor standards. Agricultural products are influenced by a variety of factors, which affect their final quality. When changes in these conditions cause a decline in the product quality, timely adjustments must be made to maintain consumer confidence.
\n
The proliferation of livestream e-commerce, which connects consumers directly with producers, has opened new avenues for marketing agricultural products. But livestreaming has also introduced risks. To protect consumer interests and foster a fair market environment, buyers are encouraged to actively defend their rights. Ensuring accountability in this space is crucial to prevent dishonest practices from driving out legitimate businesses.
\n",
+ "content": "
Editor's Note: China's 10 government bodies have jointly unveiled a new plan aimed at boosting the consumption of agricultural products by enhancing supply chains, modernizing distribution systems and stimulating domestic demand in response to changing consumer preferences. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Li Guoxiang, a researcher at the Rural Development Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explained how the 23 measures in the plan will affect the market and help solve problems. Following are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n
Agricultural products are an important component of overall consumption, and increasing their domestic consumption is vital for promoting economic circulation and boosting demand, which in turn contribute to broader economic and social development goals. It is also essential for rural vitalization, developing rural industries and increasing farmers' incomes.
\n
The new plan is expected to benefit mostly the primary suppliers of agricultural products. With increased policy support and coordinated national efforts, the increase in consumption of agricultural products will directly increase the income of producers. More importantly, as demand grows, all the parties in the supply chain can share the benefits generated.
\n
The plan promotes strong interdepartmental collaboration. In addition to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, departments not traditionally associated with agricultural production are now playing an important role. For example, sports authorities are helping to integrate the promotion of agricultural products in rural sports events, while the education sector contributes by including nutritious, farm-sourced meals in school lunch programs. This kind of multi-department synergy is expected to take agricultural consumption to a higher level.
\n
But interdepartmental collaboration can also be challenging because each department has its own expertise and operational logic. This will require breaking down existing bureaucratic silos and fostering better coordination and consensus across departments to form a cohesive and efficient work mechanism.
\n
A key priority in the implementation process will be the development and promotion of high-quality and eco-friendly agricultural products. At the same time, long-standing market issues such as false "organic" labels and fake geographical indications need to be addressed. These problems often emerge when the demand for certain products is very high, opening the door for counterfeits and mislabeling. To combat these problems, there is a need to establish product traceability systems and strengthen regulatory enforcement to root out fake and substandard goods. However, these measures can be costly and complex to implement in practice.
\n
The plan also seeks to address a number of pain points in agricultural consumption. Today's consumers are increasingly focused on health and nutrition, yet many find it difficult to purchase such agricultural products. Meanwhile, producers of high-quality products often find it difficult to secure a fair market price. Inconsistent product quality and inefficient supply chains contribute to this disconnect between supply and demand. To bridge this gap, greater efforts are needed to improve both the cost-effectiveness and personalization of agricultural offerings, ensuring that consumers across different income levels have access to a diverse range of high-quality choices.
\n
High prices do not always equate to high quality, nor should low prices imply poor standards. Agricultural products are influenced by a variety of factors, which affect their final quality. When changes in these conditions cause a decline in the product quality, timely adjustments must be made to maintain consumer confidence.
\n
The proliferation of livestream e-commerce, which connects consumers directly with producers, has opened new avenues for marketing agricultural products. But livestreaming has also introduced risks. To protect consumer interests and foster a fair market environment, buyers are encouraged to actively defend their rights. Ensuring accountability in this space is crucial to prevent dishonest practices from driving out legitimate businesses.
\n",
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+ "pubDate": "Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:21:04 +0000",
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+ {
+ "title": "009VIEWS - China opens the door to a new energy future",
+ "description": "
Energy is transforming from extracted commodities such as coal, oil and natural gas to manufactured products such as solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and batteries. This shift helps explain why China, a manufacturing superpower, has emerged as the prime mover in the new energy economy, leading across electro-tech manufacturing, innovation, deployment and exports.
\n
In fact, manufacturing is the most visible pillar of China's energy revolution. In 2024, China produced four out of every five solar modules and battery cells in the world, more than two-thirds of the electric vehicles (EVs), and refined on average seven of the 10 critical minerals that underpin them. According to an International Energy Agency estimate, China's solar panel and battery manufacturing capacity alone is more than what is required to achieve the Paris Agreement's goals.
\n
Less visible but no less consequential an area is innovation. Today, China is as much the research center of energy transition as its factory. The country's share of patent applications in clean energy technology has risen from about 5 percent in 2000 to more than 75 percent, while Chinese corporations' R&D spending in the energy sector now nearly matches that of the European Union and the United States combined.
\n
This translates into real technological advances. For example, batteries with greater density, faster charging capacity, fewer inputs and lower costs so they can electrify trucks, ships and short-haul flights.
\n
The rapid deployment of clean energy is the third factor fueling China's energy revolution. The sheer scale and pace of increase of clean energy deployment make Western efforts look sluggish. For instance, Shandong province alone has more solar panels than Italy and Spain combined, while Guangdong province has more EVs on the road than the whole of Germany. Also, China's installed high-voltage direct current cables are 100 times higher in number than those in the US. When it comes to electro-tech deployment, years in the West are months in China.
\n
China is often in the headlines for renewable energy deployment. But what really sets the country apart is electrification. China is electrifying its economy faster than any other country, with electricity's share in the energy mix increasing by about 10 percentage points per decade. In stark contrast, economy-wide electrification sector has been stagnant for a generation in the EU and the US.
\n
The export of China's "new three" (solar panels, lithium batteries and EVs) is also booming. Last year, China exported solar modules which could generate an estimated 242 gigawatts of solar modules, more than tripling in five years, with half of them shipped to emerging markets.
\n
Pakistan presents an apt picture of what's possible. Since 2018, the solar panels Pakistan has imported from China are larger than the rest of the country's power sources (in gigawatt terms).
\n
China's EV story is equally impressive. Over the past decade, China has transformed from a net importer of cars to become the world's largest car exporter. In 2024, emerging economies became China's biggest markets for EVs, overtaking the EU. The value of Chinese-made EVs exported to the emerging economies surged from about $470 million in 2020 to $16.5 billion in 2024.
\n
Chinese electro-tech exports enable emerging market economies to more affordably and rapidly meet their rising energy demands. In fact, one-fifth of the emerging market economies have overtaken developed economies in terms of solar and wind power use, while about one-fifth have higher electrification rates. From Brazil to Morocco, and from Egypt to Vietnam, countries are harnessing electro-tech to boost economic growth.
\n
Critics argue that electro-tech imports merely swap one dependency for another: Saudi Arabian oil out, Chinese solar panels in. But this misses the difference between renting and owning. Fossil fuel imports are a recurring expense that never ends. Electro-tech imports are a onetime investment which produce energy for decades.
\n
Furthermore, thanks to its know-how and financing capability, China is building local electro-tech supply chains across the world. Over the past five years, Chinese EV and battery companies have made substantial investments to build production facilities across key emerging markets such as Indonesia, Thailand and Brazil.
\n
China is indeed becoming the world's first electro-state — a nation that leads across renewables and electrification, manufacturing and invention, domestic deployment and global exports.
\n
History offers a useful parallel. A little over a century ago, Henry Ford launched his Model T, and opened the door to cheap automobiles and the "Age of Oil". The mass production assembly line became the new industrial common sense. The US dollar was the currency, highways and suburbs were the new geography, and "Pax Americana" the geopolitics. Ford, and the US, didn't so much manufacture a car as manufacture a future, a future where the US was the main character.
\n
As we enter the "Electro-tech Age", the pattern is repeating itself. Except this time, the main actor is China. Solar panels and batteries are the tip, and the electro-tech era is the iceberg — a technology revolution that reinforces China's rise, perhaps China's century.
\n
Today, advanced, automated, precision manufacturing is the new industrial common sense, Jiangsu the new Detroit, electrons the new oil, and sunny emerging markets the new geography.
\n
China is not only manufacturing electro-tech hardware; it is manufacturing the electro-tech future. A future of cheaper and abundant energy, but also one that has risks for countries slow to embrace it. As the EU deliberates and the US retreats, emerging markets are racing into the electro-tech age.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
\n",
+ "content": "
Energy is transforming from extracted commodities such as coal, oil and natural gas to manufactured products such as solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and batteries. This shift helps explain why China, a manufacturing superpower, has emerged as the prime mover in the new energy economy, leading across electro-tech manufacturing, innovation, deployment and exports.
\n
In fact, manufacturing is the most visible pillar of China's energy revolution. In 2024, China produced four out of every five solar modules and battery cells in the world, more than two-thirds of the electric vehicles (EVs), and refined on average seven of the 10 critical minerals that underpin them. According to an International Energy Agency estimate, China's solar panel and battery manufacturing capacity alone is more than what is required to achieve the Paris Agreement's goals.
\n
Less visible but no less consequential an area is innovation. Today, China is as much the research center of energy transition as its factory. The country's share of patent applications in clean energy technology has risen from about 5 percent in 2000 to more than 75 percent, while Chinese corporations' R&D spending in the energy sector now nearly matches that of the European Union and the United States combined.
\n
This translates into real technological advances. For example, batteries with greater density, faster charging capacity, fewer inputs and lower costs so they can electrify trucks, ships and short-haul flights.
\n
The rapid deployment of clean energy is the third factor fueling China's energy revolution. The sheer scale and pace of increase of clean energy deployment make Western efforts look sluggish. For instance, Shandong province alone has more solar panels than Italy and Spain combined, while Guangdong province has more EVs on the road than the whole of Germany. Also, China's installed high-voltage direct current cables are 100 times higher in number than those in the US. When it comes to electro-tech deployment, years in the West are months in China.
\n
China is often in the headlines for renewable energy deployment. But what really sets the country apart is electrification. China is electrifying its economy faster than any other country, with electricity's share in the energy mix increasing by about 10 percentage points per decade. In stark contrast, economy-wide electrification sector has been stagnant for a generation in the EU and the US.
\n
The export of China's "new three" (solar panels, lithium batteries and EVs) is also booming. Last year, China exported solar modules which could generate an estimated 242 gigawatts of solar modules, more than tripling in five years, with half of them shipped to emerging markets.
\n
Pakistan presents an apt picture of what's possible. Since 2018, the solar panels Pakistan has imported from China are larger than the rest of the country's power sources (in gigawatt terms).
\n
China's EV story is equally impressive. Over the past decade, China has transformed from a net importer of cars to become the world's largest car exporter. In 2024, emerging economies became China's biggest markets for EVs, overtaking the EU. The value of Chinese-made EVs exported to the emerging economies surged from about $470 million in 2020 to $16.5 billion in 2024.
\n
Chinese electro-tech exports enable emerging market economies to more affordably and rapidly meet their rising energy demands. In fact, one-fifth of the emerging market economies have overtaken developed economies in terms of solar and wind power use, while about one-fifth have higher electrification rates. From Brazil to Morocco, and from Egypt to Vietnam, countries are harnessing electro-tech to boost economic growth.
\n
Critics argue that electro-tech imports merely swap one dependency for another: Saudi Arabian oil out, Chinese solar panels in. But this misses the difference between renting and owning. Fossil fuel imports are a recurring expense that never ends. Electro-tech imports are a onetime investment which produce energy for decades.
\n
Furthermore, thanks to its know-how and financing capability, China is building local electro-tech supply chains across the world. Over the past five years, Chinese EV and battery companies have made substantial investments to build production facilities across key emerging markets such as Indonesia, Thailand and Brazil.
\n
China is indeed becoming the world's first electro-state — a nation that leads across renewables and electrification, manufacturing and invention, domestic deployment and global exports.
\n
History offers a useful parallel. A little over a century ago, Henry Ford launched his Model T, and opened the door to cheap automobiles and the "Age of Oil". The mass production assembly line became the new industrial common sense. The US dollar was the currency, highways and suburbs were the new geography, and "Pax Americana" the geopolitics. Ford, and the US, didn't so much manufacture a car as manufacture a future, a future where the US was the main character.
\n
As we enter the "Electro-tech Age", the pattern is repeating itself. Except this time, the main actor is China. Solar panels and batteries are the tip, and the electro-tech era is the iceberg — a technology revolution that reinforces China's rise, perhaps China's century.
\n
Today, advanced, automated, precision manufacturing is the new industrial common sense, Jiangsu the new Detroit, electrons the new oil, and sunny emerging markets the new geography.
\n
China is not only manufacturing electro-tech hardware; it is manufacturing the electro-tech future. A future of cheaper and abundant energy, but also one that has risks for countries slow to embrace it. As the EU deliberates and the US retreats, emerging markets are racing into the electro-tech age.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
"Village BA" is a rural basketball tournament which, from a humble local pastime, has evolved into a cultural phenomenon eagerly watched by people across China. On court, the villagers play their hearts out. Off court, silver jewelry clinks in tune with traditional reed pipes, with hand-woven banners dancing to the melody. It's a dazzling fusion of the rustic charm of villages and the modern glitter of cities.
\n
This is rural culture at its best, grassroots sports and digital communication combining to advance rural vitalization. More than a craze, Village BA is a portrait of social cohesion, and symbolizes local culture's stride onto the national stage.
\n
Every drumbeat, lay-up and livestream reflects a different story — young people returning home to start businesses, communities rediscovering their pride. That these games regularly trend on social media, garnering hundreds of millions of views, has much to do with the power of digital technology and the villagers' desire to lead a better life.
\n
The standard "digital divide" narrative of "cities surging ahead, rural areas being left behind" is all too familiar. But China's villages are challenging that narrative. Across the country, some rural residents are learning to master digital skills, with many livestreaming their harvests, making short videos on village life, and selling their products directly online.
\n
For some villagers, digital technology has become part of their social fabric, vitalizing the rural economy and culture, even helping improve local governance. It's drawing a picture of a "digital countryside" that is both bucolically rural and vibrantly modern.
\n
Of course, none of this would have been possible without hard infrastructure. The government has made digital infrastructure a cornerstone of its rural vitalization policy, and it shows.
\n
By December 2024, China had established over 4.19 million 5G base stations with about 209 million gigabit broadband users, providing "gigabit for every county, 5G for every township, broadband for every village". No wonder rural internet penetration has reached 67.4 percent.
\n
Apart from 5G and broadband enabling faster downloads in townships and villages, mobile payment apps such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are now ubiquitous in rural areas. There are more than 158,000 village-level e-commerce service stations and 346,000 village-level delivery logistics comprehensive service stations. This has helped solve the "last mile" parcel delivery problem in the countryside, with companies such as Tencent even offering "first AI tools classes" tailored for villagers. These developments ensure rural communities participate in the digital economy on an equal footing.
\n
With this web of connectivity in place, the once-daunting city-village divide is gradually being bridged, one broadband cable, one mobile app at a time.
\n
But rural areas also used to face a content divide. Early rural short videos were often called tuwei (folksy or earthy), full of exaggerated performance and cheap props. They were rather stereotypical, more caricature-like than cultural.
\n
Nevertheless, for many rural users, it was the first attempt at self-expression, a rustic "notice me" shout in the digital void. Some urban viewers loved it, as a novelty sideshow. But that's changing. Influencers like Li Ziqi have pioneered a new aesthetical "return to pastoral life" with cinematic shots of rolling hills, beautiful handicrafts, and serene rural life. Her works enable millions to see rural China's real beauty.
\n
Today, a growing number of ordinary villagers are following in her footsteps. They're using short videos and livestreams to share their creativity with and tell their stories to the people, and preserve their dialects. Their growing cultural confidence has amplified rural voices in the digital landscape, turning passive content consumers into active creators and showcasing rural culture.
\n
However, there remains a final barrier to cross: digital literacy and technology. Many farmers still cannot see how digital tools could improve their lives.
\n
Enter short video and livestream e-commerce. Suddenly, the abstract promise of digitalization has become concrete. One smartphone is all it takes to turn farming chores, crafts or scenic views into marketable content on Douyin or Kuaishou. The number of rural content creators is an eye-opener. In 2024, the Douyin platform sold 7.1 billion packages of special agricultural products. That's 17.4 million orders a day, supported by 115.7 billion related short videos and 38.25 million hours of livestreaming.
\n
When a villager emerges out of poverty through short videos or livestreaming sales, neighbors take notice — and try to emulate him/her. Nothing kills skepticism like profit. It's the surest way to break down psychological barriers and get rural residents onboard the digital bandwagon.
\n
China's rural digital transformation is not a one-dimensional "connect and forget" model. It is a uniquely Chinese, replicable and scalable approach to bridging the urban-rural digital divide. It closes gaps in connectivity and device access, as well as unleashes new drivers of growth, boosts cultural confidence, and spreads digital awareness in the countryside.
\n
Digitalization is not just a new growth engine; it's also opening up new possibilities for revitalizing rural areas. Each like, comment and share on a short video or livestream can become a "traffic channel" — with the potential to evolve into industrial, cultural, or development momentum.
\n
Indeed, digital tools are helping farmers shift from passive spectators into central actors, propelling villages from the periphery toward becoming pivots for development, and reshaping how rural China works and sees its own future.
\n
As 5G, AI, big data and blockchain reach even the remotest villages, the rural digital picture will become even more vivid. A digital countryside with technological advancement, cultural resilience, and economic vitality is already emerging across China.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
\n",
+ "content": "\n
"Village BA" is a rural basketball tournament which, from a humble local pastime, has evolved into a cultural phenomenon eagerly watched by people across China. On court, the villagers play their hearts out. Off court, silver jewelry clinks in tune with traditional reed pipes, with hand-woven banners dancing to the melody. It's a dazzling fusion of the rustic charm of villages and the modern glitter of cities.
\n
This is rural culture at its best, grassroots sports and digital communication combining to advance rural vitalization. More than a craze, Village BA is a portrait of social cohesion, and symbolizes local culture's stride onto the national stage.
\n
Every drumbeat, lay-up and livestream reflects a different story — young people returning home to start businesses, communities rediscovering their pride. That these games regularly trend on social media, garnering hundreds of millions of views, has much to do with the power of digital technology and the villagers' desire to lead a better life.
\n
The standard "digital divide" narrative of "cities surging ahead, rural areas being left behind" is all too familiar. But China's villages are challenging that narrative. Across the country, some rural residents are learning to master digital skills, with many livestreaming their harvests, making short videos on village life, and selling their products directly online.
\n
For some villagers, digital technology has become part of their social fabric, vitalizing the rural economy and culture, even helping improve local governance. It's drawing a picture of a "digital countryside" that is both bucolically rural and vibrantly modern.
\n
Of course, none of this would have been possible without hard infrastructure. The government has made digital infrastructure a cornerstone of its rural vitalization policy, and it shows.
\n
By December 2024, China had established over 4.19 million 5G base stations with about 209 million gigabit broadband users, providing "gigabit for every county, 5G for every township, broadband for every village". No wonder rural internet penetration has reached 67.4 percent.
\n
Apart from 5G and broadband enabling faster downloads in townships and villages, mobile payment apps such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are now ubiquitous in rural areas. There are more than 158,000 village-level e-commerce service stations and 346,000 village-level delivery logistics comprehensive service stations. This has helped solve the "last mile" parcel delivery problem in the countryside, with companies such as Tencent even offering "first AI tools classes" tailored for villagers. These developments ensure rural communities participate in the digital economy on an equal footing.
\n
With this web of connectivity in place, the once-daunting city-village divide is gradually being bridged, one broadband cable, one mobile app at a time.
\n
But rural areas also used to face a content divide. Early rural short videos were often called tuwei (folksy or earthy), full of exaggerated performance and cheap props. They were rather stereotypical, more caricature-like than cultural.
\n
Nevertheless, for many rural users, it was the first attempt at self-expression, a rustic "notice me" shout in the digital void. Some urban viewers loved it, as a novelty sideshow. But that's changing. Influencers like Li Ziqi have pioneered a new aesthetical "return to pastoral life" with cinematic shots of rolling hills, beautiful handicrafts, and serene rural life. Her works enable millions to see rural China's real beauty.
\n
Today, a growing number of ordinary villagers are following in her footsteps. They're using short videos and livestreams to share their creativity with and tell their stories to the people, and preserve their dialects. Their growing cultural confidence has amplified rural voices in the digital landscape, turning passive content consumers into active creators and showcasing rural culture.
\n
However, there remains a final barrier to cross: digital literacy and technology. Many farmers still cannot see how digital tools could improve their lives.
\n
Enter short video and livestream e-commerce. Suddenly, the abstract promise of digitalization has become concrete. One smartphone is all it takes to turn farming chores, crafts or scenic views into marketable content on Douyin or Kuaishou. The number of rural content creators is an eye-opener. In 2024, the Douyin platform sold 7.1 billion packages of special agricultural products. That's 17.4 million orders a day, supported by 115.7 billion related short videos and 38.25 million hours of livestreaming.
\n
When a villager emerges out of poverty through short videos or livestreaming sales, neighbors take notice — and try to emulate him/her. Nothing kills skepticism like profit. It's the surest way to break down psychological barriers and get rural residents onboard the digital bandwagon.
\n
China's rural digital transformation is not a one-dimensional "connect and forget" model. It is a uniquely Chinese, replicable and scalable approach to bridging the urban-rural digital divide. It closes gaps in connectivity and device access, as well as unleashes new drivers of growth, boosts cultural confidence, and spreads digital awareness in the countryside.
\n
Digitalization is not just a new growth engine; it's also opening up new possibilities for revitalizing rural areas. Each like, comment and share on a short video or livestream can become a "traffic channel" — with the potential to evolve into industrial, cultural, or development momentum.
\n
Indeed, digital tools are helping farmers shift from passive spectators into central actors, propelling villages from the periphery toward becoming pivots for development, and reshaping how rural China works and sees its own future.
\n
As 5G, AI, big data and blockchain reach even the remotest villages, the rural digital picture will become even more vivid. A digital countryside with technological advancement, cultural resilience, and economic vitality is already emerging across China.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
"Had I known it would be so frustrating, I wouldn't have entered the homestay business," complained Jiang Ping, the owner of Big Roots Guesthouse in Wusu, a small town in Heilongjiang province bordering Russia. As China's easternmost town, Wusu is becoming a hot destination for tourists who visit it to witness the grandeur of sunrise, the beautiful wetlands and the black bears but most of all to escape the summer heat in other parts of China.
\n
Booming tourism prompted Jiang, a retired office clerk, to return to her family's long-deserted house in Wusu to open her seven-room homestay three years ago.
\n
Her nightmare began almost immediately. She felt frustrated when no guest turned up for several days, leaving her worried about how to recover her 1 million yuan ($138,659) investment, which she spent on refurbishing and decorating her family house. She was frustrated even when all the rooms were booked, mostly online, because, without any helping hands, she had to run like a clock, cleaning the rooms, making beds, washing bedsheets and quilt covers, and tending to the flowers in the front yard and the vegetable garden in the backyard.
\n
Jiang's frustration is likely shared by thousands of homestay owners in China, even as the homestay business is witnessing fast growth and tougher competition. According to 2022 data, there were 3.5 million guesthouse rooms in China. Although only about 10 percent of them are in villages, their number, at the time, was increasing at 25 percent a year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
\n
The homestay business in China started about 30 years ago when many better-off Chinese people, who loved traveling, found there were not enough hotels. Villagers in some tourist spots, to seize the opportunity, opened their houses to visitors, charging just a dozen or so yuan for a room per night. When urban residents bought their own apartments and had an extra room (or rooms) to spare, homestay became a booming business nationwide.
\n
To open a homestay, big or small, one has to register with the local administration for a business license and pass the tests for security, fire-prevention, health and sanitary requirements. Since most homestays offer their rooms through online platforms, the platforms grade them according to guests' comments.
\n
Following China's visa-free entry policy for the nationals of a number of countries over the past two years, an increasing number of foreigners have been visiting the country. But these visitors should know that apart from hotels, they can also use the services of homestays, where they can get a real feel of Chinese people's lifestyle, as well as save money. But before booking a Chinese homestay, they should make sure the property is legal and has a business license, and they can communicate with the host, probably with the help of a translation device, to avoid any misunderstanding.
\n
With thousands of homes registering each year to join the millions of existing homestays, it is high time the authorities took measures to regulate the sector. National unified standards should be implemented to ensure both the owners and visitors know what kind of facilities and service they are expected to provide and enjoy. Arbitrary charges and forced payments should be stopped and the violators punished, in order to protect consumer rights.
\n
Also, the number of homestays should be controlled in certain places to avoid vicious competition. Such competitions usually lead to losses to the owners and poor services for the guests. Also, when a locality lacks overall planning, too many guesthouses with divergent designs can destroy the landscape of the place.
\n
Being frequent travelers, my family prefers homestays to hotels both at home and abroad. We prefer them not only because they cost less or we can cook our own meals but also because we can learn a lot more about the place we are staying in by talking with our hosts/hostesses. In fact, I found that the best part of a visit is not necessarily the local sceneries but friendly and pleasant exchanges with "Lao Wang", "Peter" or "Wendy".
\n
Despite its rapid expansion, the homestay business in China, to me, is still in a premature state. But I hope it will grow healthily. I also hope Jiang Ping will keep running her business by overcoming the odds.
\n
kangbing@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Kang Bing
\n\n
"Had I known it would be so frustrating, I wouldn't have entered the homestay business," complained Jiang Ping, the owner of Big Roots Guesthouse in Wusu, a small town in Heilongjiang province bordering Russia. As China's easternmost town, Wusu is becoming a hot destination for tourists who visit it to witness the grandeur of sunrise, the beautiful wetlands and the black bears but most of all to escape the summer heat in other parts of China.
\n
Booming tourism prompted Jiang, a retired office clerk, to return to her family's long-deserted house in Wusu to open her seven-room homestay three years ago.
\n
Her nightmare began almost immediately. She felt frustrated when no guest turned up for several days, leaving her worried about how to recover her 1 million yuan ($138,659) investment, which she spent on refurbishing and decorating her family house. She was frustrated even when all the rooms were booked, mostly online, because, without any helping hands, she had to run like a clock, cleaning the rooms, making beds, washing bedsheets and quilt covers, and tending to the flowers in the front yard and the vegetable garden in the backyard.
\n
Jiang's frustration is likely shared by thousands of homestay owners in China, even as the homestay business is witnessing fast growth and tougher competition. According to 2022 data, there were 3.5 million guesthouse rooms in China. Although only about 10 percent of them are in villages, their number, at the time, was increasing at 25 percent a year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
\n
The homestay business in China started about 30 years ago when many better-off Chinese people, who loved traveling, found there were not enough hotels. Villagers in some tourist spots, to seize the opportunity, opened their houses to visitors, charging just a dozen or so yuan for a room per night. When urban residents bought their own apartments and had an extra room (or rooms) to spare, homestay became a booming business nationwide.
\n
To open a homestay, big or small, one has to register with the local administration for a business license and pass the tests for security, fire-prevention, health and sanitary requirements. Since most homestays offer their rooms through online platforms, the platforms grade them according to guests' comments.
\n
Following China's visa-free entry policy for the nationals of a number of countries over the past two years, an increasing number of foreigners have been visiting the country. But these visitors should know that apart from hotels, they can also use the services of homestays, where they can get a real feel of Chinese people's lifestyle, as well as save money. But before booking a Chinese homestay, they should make sure the property is legal and has a business license, and they can communicate with the host, probably with the help of a translation device, to avoid any misunderstanding.
\n
With thousands of homes registering each year to join the millions of existing homestays, it is high time the authorities took measures to regulate the sector. National unified standards should be implemented to ensure both the owners and visitors know what kind of facilities and service they are expected to provide and enjoy. Arbitrary charges and forced payments should be stopped and the violators punished, in order to protect consumer rights.
\n
Also, the number of homestays should be controlled in certain places to avoid vicious competition. Such competitions usually lead to losses to the owners and poor services for the guests. Also, when a locality lacks overall planning, too many guesthouses with divergent designs can destroy the landscape of the place.
\n
Being frequent travelers, my family prefers homestays to hotels both at home and abroad. We prefer them not only because they cost less or we can cook our own meals but also because we can learn a lot more about the place we are staying in by talking with our hosts/hostesses. In fact, I found that the best part of a visit is not necessarily the local sceneries but friendly and pleasant exchanges with "Lao Wang", "Peter" or "Wendy".
\n
Despite its rapid expansion, the homestay business in China, to me, is still in a premature state. But I hope it will grow healthily. I also hope Jiang Ping will keep running her business by overcoming the odds.
Energy-related concessions made by several Asian countries as part of tariff negotiations with the United States are seen to hurt the region's move to decarbonize their economies and violate the global commitments to reduce emissions, analysts said.
\n
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Thursday imposing "additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners", slapping 10 to 41 percent "reciprocal tariffs" against most Asian economies as well as dozens of others.
\n
The new duties, which will take effect from Aug 7, are lower than what Trump had earlier announced in April and July. But observers view this deal as unfair as they're still much higher than what was enforced in previous years. Moreover, trading partners had to offer many concessions — including duty-free access for US products to their domestic markets, and agreeing to purchase US energy and aircraft.
\n
These deals have shown that climate commitments are "intricately connected" with economic policies, according to Cesar Carlito Baclagon, regional finance campaigner at 350.org, an international environmental group.
\n
"Economic decisions actually impact the country's energy policy; economic decisions eventually, in the long term, would determine how a country will survive in the context of climate change," Baclagon said.
\n
Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Thailand have committed to importing oil and gas to address their respective trade imbalance with the US. Pakistan and the US will work together to develop Pakistan's "massive oil reserves", Trump said in his social media post on Wednesday.
\n
The White House also said in a July 23 statement that there will be a "major expansion" of US energy exports to Japan and that the two sides are exploring a new offtake agreement for Alaskan liquefied natural gas.
\n
Baclagon said that while Asian countries have been increasing clean energy generation in the past few years, Asian countries' promise to purchase US energy will slow down the global supply chain for clean energy technology and derail the region's energy transition.
\n
Adverse impact
\n
He said the energy deals have "a potential adverse impact" because this will raise the cost of deploying renewable energy.
\n
Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, Indonesia team leader at 350.org, said the US-Indonesia energy deals "will deepen our dependence" on fossil fuels. This, even as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto himself has pledged to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.
\n
Dewi said the deal is "robbing Indonesia of the chance to shape our energy futures and harness its vast renewable energy potential".
\n
"Indonesia has abundant renewable energy sources and the capacity to build a domestic renewable energy industry and create green jobs," she said. "We really don't need to rely on US oil and gas for our energy, transport and industrial needs."
\n
According to the latest data by Ember, a global energy think tank, Asia's energy transition is gaining momentum, with the share of renewables in Asia's electricity mix hitting 29 percent in 2024. Ember said China and India are among the world's biggest generators of wind and solar power, while countries like Indonesia and Vietnam have targets to secure more than 40 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2030.
\n
Putra Adhiguna, Jakarta-based managing director of the independent think tank Energy Shift Institute, said it's likely that Asian economies would resort to import substitution — dropping their traditional energy sources in favor of US suppliers. This, he said, is a "reversible decision".
\n
"What is not easy to backtrack is if some of these countries expand their fossil fuel-importing infrastructures like building a new pipeline or power plants. The short-term change in policy to import oil and gas from the US is reversible. But don't start overexpanding your fossil fuel because that may be a losing bet for the next 20 years," Adhiguna said.
\n
For Adhiguna, the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will further weigh on Asia's energy transition.
\n
Asian countries may say, if the US doesn't decarbonize, we're not going to decarbonize, he noted.
\n
prime@chinadailyapac.com
\n",
+ "content": "\n
Energy-related concessions made by several Asian countries as part of tariff negotiations with the United States are seen to hurt the region's move to decarbonize their economies and violate the global commitments to reduce emissions, analysts said.
\n
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Thursday imposing "additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners", slapping 10 to 41 percent "reciprocal tariffs" against most Asian economies as well as dozens of others.
\n
The new duties, which will take effect from Aug 7, are lower than what Trump had earlier announced in April and July. But observers view this deal as unfair as they're still much higher than what was enforced in previous years. Moreover, trading partners had to offer many concessions — including duty-free access for US products to their domestic markets, and agreeing to purchase US energy and aircraft.
\n
These deals have shown that climate commitments are "intricately connected" with economic policies, according to Cesar Carlito Baclagon, regional finance campaigner at 350.org, an international environmental group.
\n
"Economic decisions actually impact the country's energy policy; economic decisions eventually, in the long term, would determine how a country will survive in the context of climate change," Baclagon said.
\n
Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Thailand have committed to importing oil and gas to address their respective trade imbalance with the US. Pakistan and the US will work together to develop Pakistan's "massive oil reserves", Trump said in his social media post on Wednesday.
\n
The White House also said in a July 23 statement that there will be a "major expansion" of US energy exports to Japan and that the two sides are exploring a new offtake agreement for Alaskan liquefied natural gas.
\n
Baclagon said that while Asian countries have been increasing clean energy generation in the past few years, Asian countries' promise to purchase US energy will slow down the global supply chain for clean energy technology and derail the region's energy transition.
\n
Adverse impact
\n
He said the energy deals have "a potential adverse impact" because this will raise the cost of deploying renewable energy.
\n
Sisilia Nurmala Dewi, Indonesia team leader at 350.org, said the US-Indonesia energy deals "will deepen our dependence" on fossil fuels. This, even as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto himself has pledged to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.
\n
Dewi said the deal is "robbing Indonesia of the chance to shape our energy futures and harness its vast renewable energy potential".
\n
"Indonesia has abundant renewable energy sources and the capacity to build a domestic renewable energy industry and create green jobs," she said. "We really don't need to rely on US oil and gas for our energy, transport and industrial needs."
\n
According to the latest data by Ember, a global energy think tank, Asia's energy transition is gaining momentum, with the share of renewables in Asia's electricity mix hitting 29 percent in 2024. Ember said China and India are among the world's biggest generators of wind and solar power, while countries like Indonesia and Vietnam have targets to secure more than 40 percent of their electricity from renewables by 2030.
\n
Putra Adhiguna, Jakarta-based managing director of the independent think tank Energy Shift Institute, said it's likely that Asian economies would resort to import substitution — dropping their traditional energy sources in favor of US suppliers. This, he said, is a "reversible decision".
\n
"What is not easy to backtrack is if some of these countries expand their fossil fuel-importing infrastructures like building a new pipeline or power plants. The short-term change in policy to import oil and gas from the US is reversible. But don't start overexpanding your fossil fuel because that may be a losing bet for the next 20 years," Adhiguna said.
\n
For Adhiguna, the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will further weigh on Asia's energy transition.
\n
Asian countries may say, if the US doesn't decarbonize, we're not going to decarbonize, he noted.
People commute in a boat on a flooded road in Varanasi, India, after a rise in the Ganga River's water levels following heavy monsoon rains on Sunday. Several areas in the city were flooded. In response to the deteriorating situation, boat services on the Ganga have been suspended.
People commute in a boat on a flooded road in Varanasi, India, after a rise in the Ganga River's water levels following heavy monsoon rains on Sunday. Several areas in the city were flooded. In response to the deteriorating situation, boat services on the Ganga have been suspended.
NEW YORK — Generative artificial intelligence assistants like ChatGPT are cutting into traditional online search traffic, depriving news sites of visitors and impacting the advertising revenue they desperately need, in a crushing blow to an industry already fighting for survival.
\n
"The next three or four years will be incredibly challenging for publishers everywhere. No one is immune from the AI summaries storm gathering on the horizon," warned Matt Karolian, vice-president of research and development at Boston Globe Media. "Publishers need to build their own shelters or risk being swept away."
\n
While data remains limited, a recent Pew Research Center study reveals that AI-generated summaries now appearing regularly in Google searches discourage users from clicking through to source articles.
\n
When AI summaries are present, users click on suggested links half as often as they do in traditional searches.
\n
This represents a devastating loss of visitors for online media sites that depend on traffic for both advertising revenue and subscription conversions.
\n
According to Northeastern University professor John Wihbey, these trends "will accelerate, and pretty soon we will have an entirely different web".
\n
The dominance of tech giants like Google and Meta had already slashed online media advertising revenue, forcing publishers to pivot toward paid subscriptions.
\n
But Wihbey noted that subscriptions also depend on traffic, and paying subscribers alone aren't sufficient to support major media organizations.
\n
Limited lifelines
\n
The Boston Globe group has begun seeing subscribers sign up through ChatGPT, offering a new touchpoint with potential readers, Karolian said.
\n
However, "these remain incredibly modest compared to other platforms, including even smaller search engines".
\n
Other AI-powered tools like Perplexity are generating even fewer new subscriptions, he added.
\n
A fundamental question remains: "Should you allow OpenAI crawlers to basically crawl your website and your content?" asks Thomas Peham, CEO of optimization startup OtterlyAI.
\n
Burned by aggressive data collection from major AI companies, many news publishers have chosen to fight back by blocking AI crawlers from accessing their content.
\n
"We just need to ensure that companies using our content are paying fair market value," argued Danielle Coffey, who heads the News/Media Alliance trade organization.
\n
Some progress has been made on this front. Licensing agreements have emerged between major players, such as The New York Times and Amazon, Google and Associated Press, and Mistral and Agence France-Presse, among others.
\n",
+ "content": "
NEW YORK — Generative artificial intelligence assistants like ChatGPT are cutting into traditional online search traffic, depriving news sites of visitors and impacting the advertising revenue they desperately need, in a crushing blow to an industry already fighting for survival.
\n
"The next three or four years will be incredibly challenging for publishers everywhere. No one is immune from the AI summaries storm gathering on the horizon," warned Matt Karolian, vice-president of research and development at Boston Globe Media. "Publishers need to build their own shelters or risk being swept away."
\n
While data remains limited, a recent Pew Research Center study reveals that AI-generated summaries now appearing regularly in Google searches discourage users from clicking through to source articles.
\n
When AI summaries are present, users click on suggested links half as often as they do in traditional searches.
\n
This represents a devastating loss of visitors for online media sites that depend on traffic for both advertising revenue and subscription conversions.
\n
According to Northeastern University professor John Wihbey, these trends "will accelerate, and pretty soon we will have an entirely different web".
\n
The dominance of tech giants like Google and Meta had already slashed online media advertising revenue, forcing publishers to pivot toward paid subscriptions.
\n
But Wihbey noted that subscriptions also depend on traffic, and paying subscribers alone aren't sufficient to support major media organizations.
\n
Limited lifelines
\n
The Boston Globe group has begun seeing subscribers sign up through ChatGPT, offering a new touchpoint with potential readers, Karolian said.
\n
However, "these remain incredibly modest compared to other platforms, including even smaller search engines".
\n
Other AI-powered tools like Perplexity are generating even fewer new subscriptions, he added.
\n
A fundamental question remains: "Should you allow OpenAI crawlers to basically crawl your website and your content?" asks Thomas Peham, CEO of optimization startup OtterlyAI.
\n
Burned by aggressive data collection from major AI companies, many news publishers have chosen to fight back by blocking AI crawlers from accessing their content.
\n
"We just need to ensure that companies using our content are paying fair market value," argued Danielle Coffey, who heads the News/Media Alliance trade organization.
\n
Some progress has been made on this front. Licensing agreements have emerged between major players, such as The New York Times and Amazon, Google and Associated Press, and Mistral and Agence France-Presse, among others.
Firefighters battle the flames during the Cerro de los Pinos wildfire in Caceres, Spain, on Monday.
\n
As extreme heat grips much of Europe, soaring temperatures across Spain and Portugal have forced authorities to declare states of emergency, prompting wildfire warnings and forest closures.
\n
A mass of hot air from North Africa has brought temperatures of 36-44 C to the Iberian Peninsula.
\n
Portugal's Interior Minister Maria Lucia Amaral announced restrictions on access and movement within forest areas, in line with forest fire defense plans, reported Euronews on Monday. Fireworks, machinery operations and burning activities must be banned as the nation tackles the extreme temperatures, she said.
\n
The minister said the preventive measures would be implemented in response to the combination of high heat, low humidity and elevated wildfire risks.
\n
Red alerts have been issued for five northern districts of the country until Tuesday, with the rest of Portugal at the orange level except for the district of Faro, which remains at yellow. The overall high alert situation is expected to remain in place until Thursday.
\n
Forest fires continued to rage across northern Portugal on Sunday, forcing the evacuation of at least one village in the Douro region.
\n
Spain is experiencing its second summer heat wave, which is forecast to persist until the end of the week. Forecasts from the Spanish state meteorological agency Aemet indicate the extreme conditions will affect most of Spain, excluding the Cantabrian region and the Canary Islands.
\n
Spain's Health Ministry has issued "red risk" health alerts across hundreds of municipalities.
\n
Nordic nations are experiencing "truly unprecedented" heat, as temperatures strengthened and prolonged by carbon pollution continue to sweep across northern Europe, reported The Guardian newspaper.
\n
A weather station in Norway's Arctic Circle recorded temperatures above 30 C for 13 days in July, while Finland has experienced three consecutive weeks of 30 C heat. According to scientists, the area has endured its longest period of sustained heat since the 1960s.
\n
jonathan@mail.chinadailyuk.com
\n",
+ "content": "
Firefighters battle the flames during the Cerro de los Pinos wildfire in Caceres, Spain, on Monday.
\n
As extreme heat grips much of Europe, soaring temperatures across Spain and Portugal have forced authorities to declare states of emergency, prompting wildfire warnings and forest closures.
\n
A mass of hot air from North Africa has brought temperatures of 36-44 C to the Iberian Peninsula.
\n
Portugal's Interior Minister Maria Lucia Amaral announced restrictions on access and movement within forest areas, in line with forest fire defense plans, reported Euronews on Monday. Fireworks, machinery operations and burning activities must be banned as the nation tackles the extreme temperatures, she said.
\n
The minister said the preventive measures would be implemented in response to the combination of high heat, low humidity and elevated wildfire risks.
\n
Red alerts have been issued for five northern districts of the country until Tuesday, with the rest of Portugal at the orange level except for the district of Faro, which remains at yellow. The overall high alert situation is expected to remain in place until Thursday.
\n
Forest fires continued to rage across northern Portugal on Sunday, forcing the evacuation of at least one village in the Douro region.
\n
Spain is experiencing its second summer heat wave, which is forecast to persist until the end of the week. Forecasts from the Spanish state meteorological agency Aemet indicate the extreme conditions will affect most of Spain, excluding the Cantabrian region and the Canary Islands.
\n
Spain's Health Ministry has issued "red risk" health alerts across hundreds of municipalities.
\n
Nordic nations are experiencing "truly unprecedented" heat, as temperatures strengthened and prolonged by carbon pollution continue to sweep across northern Europe, reported The Guardian newspaper.
\n
A weather station in Norway's Arctic Circle recorded temperatures above 30 C for 13 days in July, while Finland has experienced three consecutive weeks of 30 C heat. According to scientists, the area has endured its longest period of sustained heat since the 1960s.
As the sun cast over the Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing, Lydia Matoke stood quietly, taking in the view. For the traditional health practitioner from Nakuru county, Kenya, the centuries-old structure was more than a marvel of ancient engineering — it was a living symbol of a country that has held fast to its cultural identity while adapting to the modern world.
\n
Matoke was one of the 25 Kenyan delegates — cultural officers, site managers and heritage practitioners — who recently took part in a 15-day seminar on integrating intangible cultural heritage into sustainable tourism.
\n
Held at Zhengzhou University of Science and Technology in Henan province, the training provided participants with firsthand insight into how China has successfully preserved and integrated its diverse cultural practices into modern development.
\n
"In China, culture is not something you pull out for a festival and then pack away," Matoke said. "It lives in families, in schools, in city planning — even in the way hospitals embrace traditional medicine. That level of integration is something Kenya must aspire to."
\n
Though she has attended previous trainings in traditional Chinese medicine, Matoke said this seminar deepened her appreciation of how culture can be anchored in everyday life, not only through practice, but also through strong policy and collective pride.
\n
According to Kiprop Lagat, director of culture at Kenya's State Department for Culture, The Arts and Heritage, the country has long relied on wildlife and coastal attractions, while its wealth of oral traditions, spiritual practices and indigenous knowledge systems remains underutilized. Therefore, sending a Kenyan delegation to explore how China's experience in safeguarding intangible heritage could aid Kenya's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings.
\n
"We have rich traditions — songs, dances, herbal medicine, spiritual ceremonies — but we've not integrated them into our tourism models," Lagat said. "In China, we've seen how communities can benefit when their intangible heritage is respected, protected and promoted as a tourism product."
\n
Living monuments
\n
One example that stood out for the delegates was the Fujian tulou — rural communal dwellings in Southeast China that are still inhabited today and serve as living monuments to traditional building techniques.
\n
"The techniques behind their construction come from ICH (intangible cultural heritages)," Lagat explained. "Yet they're still lived in and used for businesses like traditional crafts and family guesthouses. It's a system where culture and commerce reinforce each other."
\n
For Jeremiah Kipainoi, a member of Kenya's interim ICH Committee, the structured approach to preservation was especially striking.
\n
"The Chinese don't leave preservation to chance," he said. "From their laws to the way they handle tourist numbers, it's very deliberate."
\n
He believes the lessons extend beyond tourism. As Chinese influence continues to grow in Kenya through business, education and culture, he sees opportunities for deeper mutual exchange.
\n
Eboso Ann, a Kenyan delegate, also highlighted how intangible heritage in China is not only documented but also integrated into education.
\n
"For instance, at Zhengzhou University of Science and Technology, there was a tea mastering course which encompassed not just the tea preparation science but also the rituals, philosophies and heritages surrounding tea culture," said Ann. "It exemplified how heritage is preserved both academically and experientially."
\n
For the delegates, the return home is more than a conclusion — it's a call for action.
\n
"We left China not just with certificates, but with a vision," Matoke said.
\n
sharon@chinadaily.com
\n",
+ "content": "
As the sun cast over the Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing, Lydia Matoke stood quietly, taking in the view. For the traditional health practitioner from Nakuru county, Kenya, the centuries-old structure was more than a marvel of ancient engineering — it was a living symbol of a country that has held fast to its cultural identity while adapting to the modern world.
\n
Matoke was one of the 25 Kenyan delegates — cultural officers, site managers and heritage practitioners — who recently took part in a 15-day seminar on integrating intangible cultural heritage into sustainable tourism.
\n
Held at Zhengzhou University of Science and Technology in Henan province, the training provided participants with firsthand insight into how China has successfully preserved and integrated its diverse cultural practices into modern development.
\n
"In China, culture is not something you pull out for a festival and then pack away," Matoke said. "It lives in families, in schools, in city planning — even in the way hospitals embrace traditional medicine. That level of integration is something Kenya must aspire to."
\n
Though she has attended previous trainings in traditional Chinese medicine, Matoke said this seminar deepened her appreciation of how culture can be anchored in everyday life, not only through practice, but also through strong policy and collective pride.
\n
According to Kiprop Lagat, director of culture at Kenya's State Department for Culture, The Arts and Heritage, the country has long relied on wildlife and coastal attractions, while its wealth of oral traditions, spiritual practices and indigenous knowledge systems remains underutilized. Therefore, sending a Kenyan delegation to explore how China's experience in safeguarding intangible heritage could aid Kenya's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings.
\n
"We have rich traditions — songs, dances, herbal medicine, spiritual ceremonies — but we've not integrated them into our tourism models," Lagat said. "In China, we've seen how communities can benefit when their intangible heritage is respected, protected and promoted as a tourism product."
\n
Living monuments
\n
One example that stood out for the delegates was the Fujian tulou — rural communal dwellings in Southeast China that are still inhabited today and serve as living monuments to traditional building techniques.
\n
"The techniques behind their construction come from ICH (intangible cultural heritages)," Lagat explained. "Yet they're still lived in and used for businesses like traditional crafts and family guesthouses. It's a system where culture and commerce reinforce each other."
\n
For Jeremiah Kipainoi, a member of Kenya's interim ICH Committee, the structured approach to preservation was especially striking.
\n
"The Chinese don't leave preservation to chance," he said. "From their laws to the way they handle tourist numbers, it's very deliberate."
\n
He believes the lessons extend beyond tourism. As Chinese influence continues to grow in Kenya through business, education and culture, he sees opportunities for deeper mutual exchange.
\n
Eboso Ann, a Kenyan delegate, also highlighted how intangible heritage in China is not only documented but also integrated into education.
\n
"For instance, at Zhengzhou University of Science and Technology, there was a tea mastering course which encompassed not just the tea preparation science but also the rituals, philosophies and heritages surrounding tea culture," said Ann. "It exemplified how heritage is preserved both academically and experientially."
\n
For the delegates, the return home is more than a conclusion — it's a call for action.
\n
"We left China not just with certificates, but with a vision," Matoke said.
Soldiers of the Republic of Korea remove loudspeakers that were set up for propaganda broadcasts near the Demilitarized Zone separating the country and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on Monday. The move was to help ease tensions between the two sides without any influence on the military's readiness posture, the Defense Ministry of the ROK said.
\n",
+ "content": "
Soldiers of the Republic of Korea remove loudspeakers that were set up for propaganda broadcasts near the Demilitarized Zone separating the country and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on Monday. The move was to help ease tensions between the two sides without any influence on the military's readiness posture, the Defense Ministry of the ROK said.
VLADIVOSTOK — The simultaneous activity of six volcanoes on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula is a highly unusual phenomenon, which scientists are calling a parade of eruptions, TASS news agency reported.
\n
"According to our data, the last time such widespread volcanic activity occurred in Kamchatka was in 1737, following a magnitude-9 earthquake," Alexey Ozerov, director of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Russian Academy of Sciences, was quoted by TASS as saying.
\n
Ozerov said the powerful seismic event on Wednesday may have reawakened the region's "sleeping giants".
\n
Yury Demyanchuk, head of the volcanology station in the village of Klyuchi, said he had not seen such widespread volcanic activity in his five decades of work in Kamchatka.
\n
"On Krasheninnikov volcano, both summit and central eruptions have begun simultaneously, which may indicate intense internal seismic processes. As for Kambalny volcano, I last worked on it in 1979. While it has been quiet for decades, it should not be considered extinct," Demyanchuk said.
\n
He said the previous eruption of Krasheninnikov likely occurred in the 15th century and is known only from layers of volcanic ash.
\n
As of Sunday, six volcanoes are showing active signs: Avachinsky, Klyuchevskoy, Bezymianny, Kambalny, Karymsky, and, most recently, Krasheninnikov, which is located in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve.
\n
At Klyuchevskoy volcano, summit eruptions have intensified, accompanied by Strombolian activity, which refers to a type of eruption characterized by intermittent explosive bursts of lava.
\n
Authorities are warning residents and visitors to stay away from the active volcanoes.
\n",
+ "content": "
VLADIVOSTOK — The simultaneous activity of six volcanoes on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula is a highly unusual phenomenon, which scientists are calling a parade of eruptions, TASS news agency reported.
\n
"According to our data, the last time such widespread volcanic activity occurred in Kamchatka was in 1737, following a magnitude-9 earthquake," Alexey Ozerov, director of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Russian Academy of Sciences, was quoted by TASS as saying.
\n
Ozerov said the powerful seismic event on Wednesday may have reawakened the region's "sleeping giants".
\n
Yury Demyanchuk, head of the volcanology station in the village of Klyuchi, said he had not seen such widespread volcanic activity in his five decades of work in Kamchatka.
\n
"On Krasheninnikov volcano, both summit and central eruptions have begun simultaneously, which may indicate intense internal seismic processes. As for Kambalny volcano, I last worked on it in 1979. While it has been quiet for decades, it should not be considered extinct," Demyanchuk said.
\n
He said the previous eruption of Krasheninnikov likely occurred in the 15th century and is known only from layers of volcanic ash.
\n
As of Sunday, six volcanoes are showing active signs: Avachinsky, Klyuchevskoy, Bezymianny, Kambalny, Karymsky, and, most recently, Krasheninnikov, which is located in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve.
\n
At Klyuchevskoy volcano, summit eruptions have intensified, accompanied by Strombolian activity, which refers to a type of eruption characterized by intermittent explosive bursts of lava.
\n
Authorities are warning residents and visitors to stay away from the active volcanoes.
Aid packages dropped from an airplane descend over Zawayda, central Gaza, on Sunday.
\n
In a growing shift within the international community, three G7 nations have moved toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, fueling broader calls for the implementation of the two-state solution and raising alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, experts say.
\n
On July 24, French President Emmanuel Macron said France will recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, making it the first G7 country to do so.
\n
"The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to rescue the civilian population," he said on X. "We must build the State of Palestine."
\n
Five days later, the United Kingdom urged "immediate and meaningful" action to ease the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, or else the British government will recognize the State of Palestine in September to "protect the viability of the two-state solution".
\n
In addition, Canada and Malta said on Wednesday they intended to recognize the State of Palestine in September.
\n
During a UN conference on the two-state solution that concluded last week, Portugal and a group of other countries reexamined the issue and the conditions for recognizing the State of Palestine.
\n
Following the meeting, 15 foreign ministers signed a joint statement, saying they will consider formally recognizing the Palestinian state at the upcoming UN session.
\n
China said the two-state solution is the only way out of the Palestinian question. "China firmly supports the Palestinian people in establishing the independent State of Palestine," Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.
\n
Yan Wei, deputy director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at China's Northwest University, said the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the key factor prompting Western countries to shift their stance on Palestinian statehood.
\n
"Israel's actions in Gaza, which triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, were a direct factor behind the shift in these countries' positions," he said. "Public opinion, particularly in nations with significant Muslim populations such as France, also placed political pressure on governments to reconsider their stance."
\n
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israeli military operations in the territory since October 2023 have resulted in more than 60,400 Palestinian deaths.
\n
The authorities also reported that the death toll from hunger and malnutrition had risen to 175, including 93 children, since the conflict began.
\n
Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said people in the UK and France increasingly recognize that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza constitutes a grave violation of humanitarian principles.
\n
"The Israeli military's actions in Gaza, widely viewed as excessive and leading to mass civilian casualties, have sparked strong public backlash in these countries, prompting calls for their governments to recognize the State of Palestine and take measures to protect Palestinian civilians," Sun said.
\n
Both Yan and Sun said that growing global support for Palestinian statehood is mounting pressure on Israel and the United States, potentially deepening their diplomatic isolation and counterbalancing Israel's military actions in Gaza.
\n
Yan said tensions between the US and its allies over tariffs and strategic matters have escalated since Donald Trump returned to the office in January, prompting these countries to pursue strategic autonomy in global affairs increasingly.
\n
"The allies' recognition of Palestine reflects both a reconstruction of their identity and dissatisfaction with the US hard-line policies. These two factors are driving the enhancement of their strategic independence."
\n
Sun said the US and Israel are facing mounting public pressure over humanitarian concerns and risk deeper isolation on the global stage.
\n
Facing rising international pressure, Washington may take minor steps to ease tensions in the Middle East, he said, noting it has sent special envoy Steve Witkoff to Tel Aviv.
\n
The Trump administration, with its transactional style, is unlikely to impose stricter constraints on Israel following its allies' recognition of a Palestinian state, he said.
\n
"However, it is expected to adopt a policy of tacit approval toward the two-state solution, thereby increasing pressure on Israel."
\n
liujianqiao@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Aid packages dropped from an airplane descend over Zawayda, central Gaza, on Sunday.
\n
In a growing shift within the international community, three G7 nations have moved toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, fueling broader calls for the implementation of the two-state solution and raising alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, experts say.
\n
On July 24, French President Emmanuel Macron said France will recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, making it the first G7 country to do so.
\n
"The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to rescue the civilian population," he said on X. "We must build the State of Palestine."
\n
Five days later, the United Kingdom urged "immediate and meaningful" action to ease the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, or else the British government will recognize the State of Palestine in September to "protect the viability of the two-state solution".
\n
In addition, Canada and Malta said on Wednesday they intended to recognize the State of Palestine in September.
\n
During a UN conference on the two-state solution that concluded last week, Portugal and a group of other countries reexamined the issue and the conditions for recognizing the State of Palestine.
\n
Following the meeting, 15 foreign ministers signed a joint statement, saying they will consider formally recognizing the Palestinian state at the upcoming UN session.
\n
China said the two-state solution is the only way out of the Palestinian question. "China firmly supports the Palestinian people in establishing the independent State of Palestine," Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.
\n
Yan Wei, deputy director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at China's Northwest University, said the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the key factor prompting Western countries to shift their stance on Palestinian statehood.
\n
"Israel's actions in Gaza, which triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, were a direct factor behind the shift in these countries' positions," he said. "Public opinion, particularly in nations with significant Muslim populations such as France, also placed political pressure on governments to reconsider their stance."
\n
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israeli military operations in the territory since October 2023 have resulted in more than 60,400 Palestinian deaths.
\n
The authorities also reported that the death toll from hunger and malnutrition had risen to 175, including 93 children, since the conflict began.
\n
Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said people in the UK and France increasingly recognize that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza constitutes a grave violation of humanitarian principles.
\n
"The Israeli military's actions in Gaza, widely viewed as excessive and leading to mass civilian casualties, have sparked strong public backlash in these countries, prompting calls for their governments to recognize the State of Palestine and take measures to protect Palestinian civilians," Sun said.
\n
Both Yan and Sun said that growing global support for Palestinian statehood is mounting pressure on Israel and the United States, potentially deepening their diplomatic isolation and counterbalancing Israel's military actions in Gaza.
\n
Yan said tensions between the US and its allies over tariffs and strategic matters have escalated since Donald Trump returned to the office in January, prompting these countries to pursue strategic autonomy in global affairs increasingly.
\n
"The allies' recognition of Palestine reflects both a reconstruction of their identity and dissatisfaction with the US hard-line policies. These two factors are driving the enhancement of their strategic independence."
\n
Sun said the US and Israel are facing mounting public pressure over humanitarian concerns and risk deeper isolation on the global stage.
\n
Facing rising international pressure, Washington may take minor steps to ease tensions in the Middle East, he said, noting it has sent special envoy Steve Witkoff to Tel Aviv.
\n
The Trump administration, with its transactional style, is unlikely to impose stricter constraints on Israel following its allies' recognition of a Palestinian state, he said.
\n
"However, it is expected to adopt a policy of tacit approval toward the two-state solution, thereby increasing pressure on Israel."
At least 76 people have been killed and dozens are missing after a boat carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants sank off Yemen, officials told AFP on Monday. Yemeni security officials said 76 bodies had been recovered and 32 people rescued from the shipwreck in the Gulf of Aden. The United Nations' migration agency said 157 people were on board. The accident occurred off Abyan Governorate in southern Yemen, a frequent destination for boats smuggling African migrants hoping to reach the wealthy Gulf states.
\n
AUSTRALIA
\n
Chinese national missing amid floods
\n
The Chinese Consulate General in Sydney said on Sunday that two Chinese nationals were hit by floods in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales on Saturday evening. A 27-year-old woman was rescued unharmed, while a 26-year-old woman remains missing. The consulate has contacted local police repeatedly, urging maximum efforts in the search and rescue operation.
\n
UNITED STATES
\n
Man suspected of killing 4 still at large
\n
The former US soldier suspected of killing four people at a Montana bar was still at large on Sunday and may be armed after escaping in a stolen vehicle containing clothes and camping gear, officials said. Authorities believe Michael Paul Brown, 45, killed four people on Friday morning at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. Montana's Attorney General Austin Knudsen said on Sunday that Brown committed the shooting with a rifle believed to be his personal weapon.
\n",
+ "content": "
YEMEN
\n
76 dead as boat with migrants capsizes
\n
At least 76 people have been killed and dozens are missing after a boat carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants sank off Yemen, officials told AFP on Monday. Yemeni security officials said 76 bodies had been recovered and 32 people rescued from the shipwreck in the Gulf of Aden. The United Nations' migration agency said 157 people were on board. The accident occurred off Abyan Governorate in southern Yemen, a frequent destination for boats smuggling African migrants hoping to reach the wealthy Gulf states.
\n
AUSTRALIA
\n
Chinese national missing amid floods
\n
The Chinese Consulate General in Sydney said on Sunday that two Chinese nationals were hit by floods in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales on Saturday evening. A 27-year-old woman was rescued unharmed, while a 26-year-old woman remains missing. The consulate has contacted local police repeatedly, urging maximum efforts in the search and rescue operation.
\n
UNITED STATES
\n
Man suspected of killing 4 still at large
\n
The former US soldier suspected of killing four people at a Montana bar was still at large on Sunday and may be armed after escaping in a stolen vehicle containing clothes and camping gear, officials said. Authorities believe Michael Paul Brown, 45, killed four people on Friday morning at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. Montana's Attorney General Austin Knudsen said on Sunday that Brown committed the shooting with a rifle believed to be his personal weapon.
The Vtron Innovation Park in Guangzhou Science City offers innovative life cycle services.
\n
Guangzhou Development District, also known as Huangpu district of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, is offering a series of incentives centering on "financial services plus industrial space" to empower the high-quality development of local industries.
\n
GDD officials recently revealed a pilot plan of "zero rent" to promote investment attraction and expansion in a bid to support the district's modern industrial system, and launched new measures to encourage finance to better serve high-quality development of the real economy.
\n
"We are going all out to help enterprises overcome difficulties during critical phases such as starting up businesses, production capacity expansion, and technological research and development," Tang Keming, head of the GDD State-owned assets supervision and administration commission, said at a media conference.
\n
"As a crucial part of the move, we have selected 150,000 square meters of industrial space owned by the district's State-owned enterprises to pilot the 'zero rent' initiative. For eligible enterprises, those signing contracts for three years or more can enjoy rent exemption in the first two years, while those signing for six years or more can be exempted from rent for the first three years," said Tang.
\n
The pilot industrial spaces are designed for investment projects in strategic emerging industries and future industries, including intelligent connected and new energy vehicles, biomedicine and health, low-altitude economy and aerospace, artificial intelligence, new display technologies and integrated circuits.
\n
The initiative particularly appeals to small and microtech businesses with innovative vitality and high growth potential. They include award-winning project teams from innovation and entrepreneurship competitions at the city level or higher or tech industry competitions held by major institutions, as well as startup projects headed by talents with independent intellectual property rights or on-duty technological achievements.
\n
The new measures are aimed at lowering the barriers and costs for small and microenterprises engaging in innovation and entrepreneurship, helping them set sail in the wave of technological innovation.
\n
While attracting high-quality projects with zero rent, the district is also assisting SOE-owned parks in creating a high-quality industrial ecosystem. The parks are empowered to explore diverse industrial space rental and sales supply models, including rent-for-equity, revenue sharing, and asset valuation equity to support local businesses' growth.
\n
Within the parks, efforts are being made to enhance value-added supplementary services, such as finance and taxation, entrepreneurship guidance, investment and financing, and policy application support.
\n
Value-added services
\n
"Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group has established a biopharmaceutical industry service center at Guangzhou International Bio Island. This center provides value-added supplementary services such as initial public offering guidance, registration, and legal consultation for biopharmaceutical companies, aiding in their rapid growth within the park," Tang said.
\n
Ma Lina, vice-president of Guangzhou Biotron Technology in the accelerator park of GDD Holding Group, said: "The zero rent policy provides highly attractive and timely support for tech startups like ours. It provides up to three years of partial rent exemption, which for companies like ours that require continuous and intensive investment in R&D, is expected to save us tens of millions of yuan. This valuable financial relief allows us to focus more on core product upgrades and market expansion, significantly easing our early-stage funding pressure."
\n
As a key integrated service provider for the biopharmaceutical industry in the district, Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group is committed to being an industrial partner for enterprises. It has developed a multirole model as a landlord, shareholder and comprehensive service provider to offer full life cycle support and empowerment for businesses.
\n
Akeso, a biopharmaceutical company, established a Guangzhou subsidiary in 2017, with its R&D headquarters set up at Guangzhou International Bio Island, according to Qiu Xiaofeng, deputy general manager of Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group.
\n
"We greatly value and support such innovative domestic companies, and increased our investment in Akeso's Guangzhou manufacturing facility in 2018," said Qiu. "Subsequently, we have continued to provide strong financial support and value-added services through shareholder loans, financial leasing, policy consultations and industrial empowerment. Akeso has grown rapidly and went public in Hong Kong in 2020."
\n
Industrial cluster
\n
Several discounted industrial parks, which are owned by the district's SOEs, are also available. They offer preferential pricing to reduce the cost of business entry, accelerate industrial clustering and jointly promote the vitality of the regional economy.
\n
At Guangzhou Science City, the Vtron Innovation Park, operated by a management company affiliated with Science City (Guangzhou) Investment Group, is one example. It has attracted a number of high-quality businesses, including branches of listed companies such as Runjian, Westone Information Industry, and NSFocus.
\n
Nearly 20 specialized and innovative small enterprises, as well as high-tech companies such as Wise Security Technology (Guangzhou), Suntaq International, and IT Xinhe, have also settled in Vtron Innovation Park, along with GAC GAOO, a leader in the low-altitude mobility sector. This has created an industrial cluster led by the information technology industry, in synergy with future industries such as the low-altitude economy and AI.
\n
The park currently offers amenities including restaurants, a basketball court and convenience stores. In the future, it plans to introduce additional facilities such as a gym, coffee shops and EV charging stations.
\n
Although this park is uninvolved in the zero rent initiative, its rent policy will fully consider tenant needs based on the current market environment, offering flexible and competitive leasing options, said local officials. The park offers diverse spatial resources, including two floors of incubation space in Building 3, which also includes pilot production facilities. A full-chain spatial layout incorporating incubation, pilot production and mass production has been established, meeting the needs of enterprises at different development stages, said Zhu Jiaquan, chairman of the park's management company.
\n
Building on the spatial layout, the park aims to become a cradle for fostering emerging industries and high-tech companies, Zhu said, adding that the incubator park has drawn in 31 startup companies, which can share park facilities such as a demo hall, conference rooms, break areas, and reception areas.
\n
Key attractions
\n
Robust infrastructure and efficient service are why many companies choose to settle in GDD. An education consulting company, which has moved into China Nano Valley at the GDD, values the "move-in ready "infrastructure and the butler services provided by SCI Group, operator of the park.
\n
"While preparing for our summer camp, we urgently needed a dedicated space that could meet specific teaching requirements," said Tang Ziqiang, the company's chief financial officer. "After learning about our needs, SCI Group quickly coordinated to provide suitable space within China Nano Valley and assisted us in customizing it. This timely support demonstrated their service philosophy of being 'not just landlords, but partners'."
\n
GDD Holding Group integrates technological finance, strategic investment and park operations into a synergistic closed-loop ecosystem to inject innovative momentum into policies.
\n
Xu Xiao, deputy general manager of GDD Holding Group, said: "We will leverage strategic investment to share resources and offer tailor-made services according to the enterprise life cycle — connecting startups with funds and providing financing solutions during the growth phase. Additionally, we will accelerate the recoupment of funds through capital operations such as real estate investment trust arrangements, which will, in turn, support the development and investment attraction of new parks, forming a positive cycle of 'operation-value increase-reinvestment'."
\n
Yao Qihong, government affairs manager at the southern headquarters of Sino Biopharmaceutical, was impressed by the service density and cooperation depth of Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group. This was also the key reason why its subsidiary, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, ultimately chose to establish roots here.
\n
"From the site selection and inspection to actual settlement, and even in proposing the dual-circulation strategy of acquiring advanced overseas pipelines and converting them domestically, Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group formed dedicated task forces to provide high-density services combining online policy interpretation and offline site visits, truly catering to the needs of the enterprises," Yao said.
\n",
+ "content": "
The Vtron Innovation Park in Guangzhou Science City offers innovative life cycle services.
\n
Guangzhou Development District, also known as Huangpu district of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, is offering a series of incentives centering on "financial services plus industrial space" to empower the high-quality development of local industries.
\n
GDD officials recently revealed a pilot plan of "zero rent" to promote investment attraction and expansion in a bid to support the district's modern industrial system, and launched new measures to encourage finance to better serve high-quality development of the real economy.
\n
"We are going all out to help enterprises overcome difficulties during critical phases such as starting up businesses, production capacity expansion, and technological research and development," Tang Keming, head of the GDD State-owned assets supervision and administration commission, said at a media conference.
\n
"As a crucial part of the move, we have selected 150,000 square meters of industrial space owned by the district's State-owned enterprises to pilot the 'zero rent' initiative. For eligible enterprises, those signing contracts for three years or more can enjoy rent exemption in the first two years, while those signing for six years or more can be exempted from rent for the first three years," said Tang.
\n
The pilot industrial spaces are designed for investment projects in strategic emerging industries and future industries, including intelligent connected and new energy vehicles, biomedicine and health, low-altitude economy and aerospace, artificial intelligence, new display technologies and integrated circuits.
\n
The initiative particularly appeals to small and microtech businesses with innovative vitality and high growth potential. They include award-winning project teams from innovation and entrepreneurship competitions at the city level or higher or tech industry competitions held by major institutions, as well as startup projects headed by talents with independent intellectual property rights or on-duty technological achievements.
\n
The new measures are aimed at lowering the barriers and costs for small and microenterprises engaging in innovation and entrepreneurship, helping them set sail in the wave of technological innovation.
\n
While attracting high-quality projects with zero rent, the district is also assisting SOE-owned parks in creating a high-quality industrial ecosystem. The parks are empowered to explore diverse industrial space rental and sales supply models, including rent-for-equity, revenue sharing, and asset valuation equity to support local businesses' growth.
\n
Within the parks, efforts are being made to enhance value-added supplementary services, such as finance and taxation, entrepreneurship guidance, investment and financing, and policy application support.
\n
Value-added services
\n
"Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group has established a biopharmaceutical industry service center at Guangzhou International Bio Island. This center provides value-added supplementary services such as initial public offering guidance, registration, and legal consultation for biopharmaceutical companies, aiding in their rapid growth within the park," Tang said.
\n
Ma Lina, vice-president of Guangzhou Biotron Technology in the accelerator park of GDD Holding Group, said: "The zero rent policy provides highly attractive and timely support for tech startups like ours. It provides up to three years of partial rent exemption, which for companies like ours that require continuous and intensive investment in R&D, is expected to save us tens of millions of yuan. This valuable financial relief allows us to focus more on core product upgrades and market expansion, significantly easing our early-stage funding pressure."
\n
As a key integrated service provider for the biopharmaceutical industry in the district, Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group is committed to being an industrial partner for enterprises. It has developed a multirole model as a landlord, shareholder and comprehensive service provider to offer full life cycle support and empowerment for businesses.
\n
Akeso, a biopharmaceutical company, established a Guangzhou subsidiary in 2017, with its R&D headquarters set up at Guangzhou International Bio Island, according to Qiu Xiaofeng, deputy general manager of Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group.
\n
"We greatly value and support such innovative domestic companies, and increased our investment in Akeso's Guangzhou manufacturing facility in 2018," said Qiu. "Subsequently, we have continued to provide strong financial support and value-added services through shareholder loans, financial leasing, policy consultations and industrial empowerment. Akeso has grown rapidly and went public in Hong Kong in 2020."
\n
Industrial cluster
\n
Several discounted industrial parks, which are owned by the district's SOEs, are also available. They offer preferential pricing to reduce the cost of business entry, accelerate industrial clustering and jointly promote the vitality of the regional economy.
\n
At Guangzhou Science City, the Vtron Innovation Park, operated by a management company affiliated with Science City (Guangzhou) Investment Group, is one example. It has attracted a number of high-quality businesses, including branches of listed companies such as Runjian, Westone Information Industry, and NSFocus.
\n
Nearly 20 specialized and innovative small enterprises, as well as high-tech companies such as Wise Security Technology (Guangzhou), Suntaq International, and IT Xinhe, have also settled in Vtron Innovation Park, along with GAC GAOO, a leader in the low-altitude mobility sector. This has created an industrial cluster led by the information technology industry, in synergy with future industries such as the low-altitude economy and AI.
\n
The park currently offers amenities including restaurants, a basketball court and convenience stores. In the future, it plans to introduce additional facilities such as a gym, coffee shops and EV charging stations.
\n
Although this park is uninvolved in the zero rent initiative, its rent policy will fully consider tenant needs based on the current market environment, offering flexible and competitive leasing options, said local officials. The park offers diverse spatial resources, including two floors of incubation space in Building 3, which also includes pilot production facilities. A full-chain spatial layout incorporating incubation, pilot production and mass production has been established, meeting the needs of enterprises at different development stages, said Zhu Jiaquan, chairman of the park's management company.
\n
Building on the spatial layout, the park aims to become a cradle for fostering emerging industries and high-tech companies, Zhu said, adding that the incubator park has drawn in 31 startup companies, which can share park facilities such as a demo hall, conference rooms, break areas, and reception areas.
\n
Key attractions
\n
Robust infrastructure and efficient service are why many companies choose to settle in GDD. An education consulting company, which has moved into China Nano Valley at the GDD, values the "move-in ready "infrastructure and the butler services provided by SCI Group, operator of the park.
\n
"While preparing for our summer camp, we urgently needed a dedicated space that could meet specific teaching requirements," said Tang Ziqiang, the company's chief financial officer. "After learning about our needs, SCI Group quickly coordinated to provide suitable space within China Nano Valley and assisted us in customizing it. This timely support demonstrated their service philosophy of being 'not just landlords, but partners'."
\n
GDD Holding Group integrates technological finance, strategic investment and park operations into a synergistic closed-loop ecosystem to inject innovative momentum into policies.
\n
Xu Xiao, deputy general manager of GDD Holding Group, said: "We will leverage strategic investment to share resources and offer tailor-made services according to the enterprise life cycle — connecting startups with funds and providing financing solutions during the growth phase. Additionally, we will accelerate the recoupment of funds through capital operations such as real estate investment trust arrangements, which will, in turn, support the development and investment attraction of new parks, forming a positive cycle of 'operation-value increase-reinvestment'."
\n
Yao Qihong, government affairs manager at the southern headquarters of Sino Biopharmaceutical, was impressed by the service density and cooperation depth of Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group. This was also the key reason why its subsidiary, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group, ultimately chose to establish roots here.
\n
"From the site selection and inspection to actual settlement, and even in proposing the dual-circulation strategy of acquiring advanced overseas pipelines and converting them domestically, Guangzhou High-tech Investment Group formed dedicated task forces to provide high-density services combining online policy interpretation and offline site visits, truly catering to the needs of the enterprises," Yao said.
To shift the banking sector from scale-driven expansion to value creation and reduce long-term risk, experts have called on banks to strengthen self-discipline and abandon their obsession with size and speed, warning against destructive "involution-style" competition.
\n
In recent years, under mounting pressure, China's banking sector has increasingly engaged in such competition — marked by irrational price wars, relaxed risk controls, service homogenization and distorted performance metrics.
\n
Some small and medium-sized lenders have offered shopping cards, cash vouchers and even cooking oil to attract depositors, while others have manipulated interest calculations to artificially inflate deposit figures or boost deposit and loan volumes at month or quarter-end to meet targets. In some cases, annual interest rates on personal loans have dropped below 3 percent, even lower than banks' funding costs.
\n
Dong Ximiao, chief researcher at Merchants Union Consumer Finance and deputy director of the Shanghai Institution for Finance &Development, said the drivers behind this behavior are twofold — the economy's downward cycle and weak demand have intensified market competition, and some banks remain fixated on scale and speed, chasing superficial growth in assets and market share.
\n
These practices not only erode banking sector profitability, but also heighten financial risks. "Excessive competition often drives short-term tactics to seize market share and clients, disrupting financial order and accumulating long-term risks," Dong said, adding that in order to promote healthier competition, regulators should foster a multitiered, diversified financial system that allows institutions to align with market needs, leverage their strengths and offer targeted services to various client groups.
\n
He also called for accelerated reform and risk mitigation in small and medium-sized banks, encouraging a shift from quantity to quality and improving the overall competitive landscape.
\n
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held a meeting on Wednesday during which it was stated that China will further regulate disorderly competition among enterprises in accordance with laws and regulations.
\n
The call for regulation and reform has been echoed. Also on Wednesday, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the country's largest bank by assets, announced plans to take the lead in addressing "involution-style" competition. Stressing the importance of aligning products with real customer needs rather than relying on price competition, ICBC outlined a three-pronged approach.
\n
First, using artificial intelligence and its large model platform, ICBC aims to transform its tech capabilities into service advantages — for example, analyzing corporate data to provide comprehensive solutions rather than simply issuing loans.
\n
Second, by linking governments, businesses and individual clients, the bank seeks to generate new financial demand in areas like e-government and industrial collaboration.
\n
Third, ICBC pledged to uphold credit standards and continue reinforcing its risk management framework to steer clear of scale-driven temptations.
\n
Similar signals emerged on July 24 when the Banking Association of Guangdong released a self-discipline convention against unfair competition. It emphasized rational pricing as well as strict control over rebates and incentives, and included both recommended and prohibited practices.
\n
Regulators have also repeatedly stressed the need to improve the quality and efficiency of financial services. At the core of this directive is a strategic shift from expanding size to creating value.
\n
"Involution-style competition is fundamentally incompatible with China's new development philosophy and the goal of high-quality development. It must be decisively eliminated," said Lou Feipeng, a researcher at the Postal Savings Bank of China. He warned that its spread across the banking sector — fueled by both internal dynamics and external pressure — poses serious risks that cannot be ignored.
\n
"The industry must proactively seek transformation, strengthen regulation and self-discipline, and collaborate with market oversight to curb involution-style competition and support high-quality development," Lou said.
\n
He added that homogeneous expansion limits banks' ability to meet diverse financial needs and, without meaningful innovation, this often leads to inefficient capital allocation — diverting funds into arbitrage instead of productive sectors like tech innovation, ultimately weakening the effectiveness of China's monetary policy.
\n
Lou called on lenders to invest in product and service innovation based on thorough market research, refine product components to enhance targeting and embrace digital transformation. He also recommended establishing specialized branches tailored to regional or sectoral needs.
\n
jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
To shift the banking sector from scale-driven expansion to value creation and reduce long-term risk, experts have called on banks to strengthen self-discipline and abandon their obsession with size and speed, warning against destructive "involution-style" competition.
\n
In recent years, under mounting pressure, China's banking sector has increasingly engaged in such competition — marked by irrational price wars, relaxed risk controls, service homogenization and distorted performance metrics.
\n
Some small and medium-sized lenders have offered shopping cards, cash vouchers and even cooking oil to attract depositors, while others have manipulated interest calculations to artificially inflate deposit figures or boost deposit and loan volumes at month or quarter-end to meet targets. In some cases, annual interest rates on personal loans have dropped below 3 percent, even lower than banks' funding costs.
\n
Dong Ximiao, chief researcher at Merchants Union Consumer Finance and deputy director of the Shanghai Institution for Finance &Development, said the drivers behind this behavior are twofold — the economy's downward cycle and weak demand have intensified market competition, and some banks remain fixated on scale and speed, chasing superficial growth in assets and market share.
\n
These practices not only erode banking sector profitability, but also heighten financial risks. "Excessive competition often drives short-term tactics to seize market share and clients, disrupting financial order and accumulating long-term risks," Dong said, adding that in order to promote healthier competition, regulators should foster a multitiered, diversified financial system that allows institutions to align with market needs, leverage their strengths and offer targeted services to various client groups.
\n
He also called for accelerated reform and risk mitigation in small and medium-sized banks, encouraging a shift from quantity to quality and improving the overall competitive landscape.
\n
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held a meeting on Wednesday during which it was stated that China will further regulate disorderly competition among enterprises in accordance with laws and regulations.
\n
The call for regulation and reform has been echoed. Also on Wednesday, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the country's largest bank by assets, announced plans to take the lead in addressing "involution-style" competition. Stressing the importance of aligning products with real customer needs rather than relying on price competition, ICBC outlined a three-pronged approach.
\n
First, using artificial intelligence and its large model platform, ICBC aims to transform its tech capabilities into service advantages — for example, analyzing corporate data to provide comprehensive solutions rather than simply issuing loans.
\n
Second, by linking governments, businesses and individual clients, the bank seeks to generate new financial demand in areas like e-government and industrial collaboration.
\n
Third, ICBC pledged to uphold credit standards and continue reinforcing its risk management framework to steer clear of scale-driven temptations.
\n
Similar signals emerged on July 24 when the Banking Association of Guangdong released a self-discipline convention against unfair competition. It emphasized rational pricing as well as strict control over rebates and incentives, and included both recommended and prohibited practices.
\n
Regulators have also repeatedly stressed the need to improve the quality and efficiency of financial services. At the core of this directive is a strategic shift from expanding size to creating value.
\n
"Involution-style competition is fundamentally incompatible with China's new development philosophy and the goal of high-quality development. It must be decisively eliminated," said Lou Feipeng, a researcher at the Postal Savings Bank of China. He warned that its spread across the banking sector — fueled by both internal dynamics and external pressure — poses serious risks that cannot be ignored.
\n
"The industry must proactively seek transformation, strengthen regulation and self-discipline, and collaborate with market oversight to curb involution-style competition and support high-quality development," Lou said.
\n
He added that homogeneous expansion limits banks' ability to meet diverse financial needs and, without meaningful innovation, this often leads to inefficient capital allocation — diverting funds into arbitrage instead of productive sectors like tech innovation, ultimately weakening the effectiveness of China's monetary policy.
\n
Lou called on lenders to invest in product and service innovation based on thorough market research, refine product components to enhance targeting and embrace digital transformation. He also recommended establishing specialized branches tailored to regional or sectoral needs.
As the summer harvest is in full swing at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, staff members of State Grid Changji visit a production workshop of Xinjiang Tianshan Flour (Group) Qitai Co Ltd to inquire about its electricity needs and offer timely help. More than 40,000 hectares of wheat await harvest, while the grain depots and flour mills are running at full capacity.
\n",
+ "content": "
As the summer harvest is in full swing at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, staff members of State Grid Changji visit a production workshop of Xinjiang Tianshan Flour (Group) Qitai Co Ltd to inquire about its electricity needs and offer timely help. More than 40,000 hectares of wheat await harvest, while the grain depots and flour mills are running at full capacity.
An employee checks automobiles on an assembly line at a factory in Chongqing.
\n
China's machinery sector registered steady growth across key economic indicators in the first half, underpinned by strong performance in the automotive and electrical machinery segments, said the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) on Monday.
\n
In the January-June period, the added value of industrial enterprises above a designated size in the machinery sector rose 9 percent year-on-year, outpacing the national industrial and manufacturing averages by 2.6 and 2 percentage points, respectively, said the federation.
\n
Notably, the automotive and electrical machinery sectors recorded robust growth of 11.3 percent and 12.2 percent, respectively, leading the industry's expansion and playing a vital role in stabilizing the broader economy and boosting industrial momentum.
\n
"The combined impact of existing macroeconomic policies and the latest round of the 'two new' policy has helped improve domestic demand, contributing to a better-than-expected industrial landscape compared to the same period last year," said Luo Junjie, CMIF's executive vice-president, adding that of the 122 key products tracked by the federation, 84 reported year-on-year output increases, accounting for 68.9 percent of the total, a 7.4 percentage point rise from a year earlier.
\n
The "two new" policy involves large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-ins of consumer goods.
\n
Luo highlighted that the stable growth in automobile production and sales serves as a key driver propelling this growth momentum.
\n
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said that in the first half, China produced 15.62 million vehicles and sold 15.65 million units, marking year-on-year increases of 12.5 percent and 11.4 percent, respectively. New energy vehicles also continued their upward trajectory, with production and sales reaching about 6.97 million and 6.94 million units, up 41.4 percent and 40.3 percent year-on-year.
\n
The CMIF said a notable milestone was reached in NEV market penetration, which hit 44.3 percent in the first half — an all-time high for the period.
\n
China's NEV penetration rates have been climbing steadily in recent years, with several months exceeding the 50 percent threshold.
\n
The China Passenger Car Association said that this year, the NEV retail penetration rate has steadily gone above 50 percent from March to June, reaching 51.1 percent, 51.5 percent, 53.0 percent and 53.3 percent, respectively. July's rate is expected to climb further to 54.6 percent, marking the fifth consecutive month above 50 percent.
\n
On the trade front, Luo said the sector demonstrated resilience amid increasingly complex global conditions and rising external pressure.
\n
In the first half, foreign trade in the machinery sector maintained solid momentum, with exports to major economies recording double-digit growth, CMIF data showed.
\n
Specifically, exports to other Belt and Road economies surged 23.9 percent year-on-year, while shipments to other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership member countries rose 16.7 percent. Exports to the European Union grew 12.3 percent, and those to ASEAN countries jumped 24.2 percent.
\n
Among major trading partners, exports to the United States decreased 3.3 percent year-on-year in the first half, while exports to Russia dropped 18.2 percent. In addition, exports to Germany, Japan, and South Korea grew steadily by 11.6 percent, 2 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively. Exports to Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia posted growth of over 20 percent, CMIF data showed.
\n
Contact the writers at lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn
An employee checks automobiles on an assembly line at a factory in Chongqing.
\n
China's machinery sector registered steady growth across key economic indicators in the first half, underpinned by strong performance in the automotive and electrical machinery segments, said the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) on Monday.
\n
In the January-June period, the added value of industrial enterprises above a designated size in the machinery sector rose 9 percent year-on-year, outpacing the national industrial and manufacturing averages by 2.6 and 2 percentage points, respectively, said the federation.
\n
Notably, the automotive and electrical machinery sectors recorded robust growth of 11.3 percent and 12.2 percent, respectively, leading the industry's expansion and playing a vital role in stabilizing the broader economy and boosting industrial momentum.
\n
"The combined impact of existing macroeconomic policies and the latest round of the 'two new' policy has helped improve domestic demand, contributing to a better-than-expected industrial landscape compared to the same period last year," said Luo Junjie, CMIF's executive vice-president, adding that of the 122 key products tracked by the federation, 84 reported year-on-year output increases, accounting for 68.9 percent of the total, a 7.4 percentage point rise from a year earlier.
\n
The "two new" policy involves large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-ins of consumer goods.
\n
Luo highlighted that the stable growth in automobile production and sales serves as a key driver propelling this growth momentum.
\n
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said that in the first half, China produced 15.62 million vehicles and sold 15.65 million units, marking year-on-year increases of 12.5 percent and 11.4 percent, respectively. New energy vehicles also continued their upward trajectory, with production and sales reaching about 6.97 million and 6.94 million units, up 41.4 percent and 40.3 percent year-on-year.
\n
The CMIF said a notable milestone was reached in NEV market penetration, which hit 44.3 percent in the first half — an all-time high for the period.
\n
China's NEV penetration rates have been climbing steadily in recent years, with several months exceeding the 50 percent threshold.
\n
The China Passenger Car Association said that this year, the NEV retail penetration rate has steadily gone above 50 percent from March to June, reaching 51.1 percent, 51.5 percent, 53.0 percent and 53.3 percent, respectively. July's rate is expected to climb further to 54.6 percent, marking the fifth consecutive month above 50 percent.
\n
On the trade front, Luo said the sector demonstrated resilience amid increasingly complex global conditions and rising external pressure.
\n
In the first half, foreign trade in the machinery sector maintained solid momentum, with exports to major economies recording double-digit growth, CMIF data showed.
\n
Specifically, exports to other Belt and Road economies surged 23.9 percent year-on-year, while shipments to other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership member countries rose 16.7 percent. Exports to the European Union grew 12.3 percent, and those to ASEAN countries jumped 24.2 percent.
\n
Among major trading partners, exports to the United States decreased 3.3 percent year-on-year in the first half, while exports to Russia dropped 18.2 percent. In addition, exports to Germany, Japan, and South Korea grew steadily by 11.6 percent, 2 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively. Exports to Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia posted growth of over 20 percent, CMIF data showed.
\n
Contact the writers at lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn
China's southern Hainan province will launch a comprehensive zero-tariff system for imports starting Dec 18, when it begins operating as a special Customs regulatory area, experts said on Monday, marking a major step in its push to become a globally competitive free trade hub.
\n
The new policy, approved by China's finance, Customs and tax authorities, will exempt about 6,600 product categories — 74 percent of all taxable items — from import duties, value-added tax and consumption tax, up from the current 1,900. Goods imported by eligible entities from abroad, except those on a restricted list, will qualify for the exemptions.
\n
"Negative lists are a common approach in high-standard international trade rules," said Zhou Zheng, deputy director of Hainan's finance department. "This shift from positive to negative lists reflects China's commitment to deeper institutional openness."
\n
The move is expected to lower costs for businesses, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Hainan's role as a bridge between China's domestic market and global supply chains. Companies in encouraged industries can also export goods tariff-free to the rest of the Chinese mainland if the local added value reaches 30 percent.
\n
The province has already rolled out zero-tariff policies for key sectors, but the new framework significantly expands coverage.
\n
The Master Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port aims to create a tax system aligned with high-level global standards, guided by "zero tariffs, low tax rates and simplified tax structures".
\n
"China is leveraging openness to drive reform and growth as global uncertainties rise," Zhou said, noting of Hainan's role as a testing ground for bold reforms amid geopolitical shifts and protectionism.
\n
With its strategic location linking China to Southeast Asia and global trade routes, Hainan is poised to become a key hub in China's "dual circulation" strategy, which seeks to balance domestic and international economic activity.
\n
Tu Xinquan, dean of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said Hainan's zero-tariff model goes beyond regional pacts like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
\n
"Hainan will eliminate import duties on 74 percent of product categories — a 53 percentage-point shift from current arrangements — surpassing RCEP's highest tariff elimination rate of about 65 percent," Tu said. "This autonomous opening-up demonstrates China's push for higher global economic integration."
\n
Tu noted that unlike trade pacts that only remove import tariffs, Hainan will also waive value-added and consumption taxes. "Businesses can choose between Hainan's zero-tariff scheme or other preferential rates, such as RCEP, to secure the lowest applicable duties," he added.
\n
Combined with Hainan's reduced 15 percent corporate tax rate — compared to China's standard 25 percent — the policies could significantly cut costs for import-reliant industries.
\n
chenbowen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China's southern Hainan province will launch a comprehensive zero-tariff system for imports starting Dec 18, when it begins operating as a special Customs regulatory area, experts said on Monday, marking a major step in its push to become a globally competitive free trade hub.
\n
The new policy, approved by China's finance, Customs and tax authorities, will exempt about 6,600 product categories — 74 percent of all taxable items — from import duties, value-added tax and consumption tax, up from the current 1,900. Goods imported by eligible entities from abroad, except those on a restricted list, will qualify for the exemptions.
\n
"Negative lists are a common approach in high-standard international trade rules," said Zhou Zheng, deputy director of Hainan's finance department. "This shift from positive to negative lists reflects China's commitment to deeper institutional openness."
\n
The move is expected to lower costs for businesses, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Hainan's role as a bridge between China's domestic market and global supply chains. Companies in encouraged industries can also export goods tariff-free to the rest of the Chinese mainland if the local added value reaches 30 percent.
\n
The province has already rolled out zero-tariff policies for key sectors, but the new framework significantly expands coverage.
\n
The Master Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port aims to create a tax system aligned with high-level global standards, guided by "zero tariffs, low tax rates and simplified tax structures".
\n
"China is leveraging openness to drive reform and growth as global uncertainties rise," Zhou said, noting of Hainan's role as a testing ground for bold reforms amid geopolitical shifts and protectionism.
\n
With its strategic location linking China to Southeast Asia and global trade routes, Hainan is poised to become a key hub in China's "dual circulation" strategy, which seeks to balance domestic and international economic activity.
\n
Tu Xinquan, dean of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said Hainan's zero-tariff model goes beyond regional pacts like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
\n
"Hainan will eliminate import duties on 74 percent of product categories — a 53 percentage-point shift from current arrangements — surpassing RCEP's highest tariff elimination rate of about 65 percent," Tu said. "This autonomous opening-up demonstrates China's push for higher global economic integration."
\n
Tu noted that unlike trade pacts that only remove import tariffs, Hainan will also waive value-added and consumption taxes. "Businesses can choose between Hainan's zero-tariff scheme or other preferential rates, such as RCEP, to secure the lowest applicable duties," he added.
\n
Combined with Hainan's reduced 15 percent corporate tax rate — compared to China's standard 25 percent — the policies could significantly cut costs for import-reliant industries.
China is stepping up the enforcement of a long-standing policy requiring residents to pay personal income tax on gains accruing from overseas investments, which industry experts said reflects improved access to cross-border financial data and a broader effort to standardize tax compliance across jurisdictions.
\n
A well-structured tax system will help attract high-quality foreign capital and promote the healthy development of the A-share market, the experts added.
\n
The comments came after social media platforms in China saw a surge in posts from investors sharing tax payment notices, many of which refer to a 20 percent personal income tax on overseas investment income such as dividends and capital gains.
\n
He Yang, executive director of an international tax research center at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said: "The tax rules aren't new, but the enforcement mechanism has become more effective. This is largely driven by greater data availability and system upgrades."
\n
The increased enforcement coincides with the expansion of China's golden tax phase IV system, a robust data analytics platform that compares invoices, bank transactions, contracts and other relevant data to identify discrepancies and signs of tax evasion, and its integration with the Common Reporting Standard, an international framework for the automatic exchange of financial account information.
\n
The CRS system now enables Chinese tax authorities to access offshore financial data from more than 100 countries and regions, with coverage expected to grow to over 150 jurisdictions by 2025.
\n
Zhang Wei, dean of the School of Taxation at Jilin University of Finance and Economics, said: "Through CRS and domestic tax systems, authorities can now match offshore financial information with self-reported tax filings. That makes it easier to identify underreported income."
\n
According to the country's official 12366 tax service platform, China's current practice treats profits from overseas securities trading as "property transfer income", which is taxed on a pertransaction basis. This means investors are required to pay 20 percent tax on each profitable trade, while losses cannot be carried over across years.
\n
While the tax policy remains unchanged, analysts say the timing and focus of enforcement may reflect broader efforts from authorities to discourage excessive and unchecked capital outflows.
\n
The tightening of tax policies on overseas investment could trigger a series of ripple effects for China's A-share market. Some investors may keep their funds within the Chinese mainland, which will support the stable development of A-shares, experts said.
\n
Yu Fenghui, an independent economist, said that some capital that would have flowed into markets such as the United States may reassess its allocation strategy due to rising tax costs and reduced returns. "But overall, that effect will likely be short-term. In the long run, a well-structured tax system will help attract high-quality foreign capital and promote the healthy development of the A-share market," Yu said.
\n
chengyu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China is stepping up the enforcement of a long-standing policy requiring residents to pay personal income tax on gains accruing from overseas investments, which industry experts said reflects improved access to cross-border financial data and a broader effort to standardize tax compliance across jurisdictions.
\n
A well-structured tax system will help attract high-quality foreign capital and promote the healthy development of the A-share market, the experts added.
\n
The comments came after social media platforms in China saw a surge in posts from investors sharing tax payment notices, many of which refer to a 20 percent personal income tax on overseas investment income such as dividends and capital gains.
\n
He Yang, executive director of an international tax research center at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said: "The tax rules aren't new, but the enforcement mechanism has become more effective. This is largely driven by greater data availability and system upgrades."
\n
The increased enforcement coincides with the expansion of China's golden tax phase IV system, a robust data analytics platform that compares invoices, bank transactions, contracts and other relevant data to identify discrepancies and signs of tax evasion, and its integration with the Common Reporting Standard, an international framework for the automatic exchange of financial account information.
\n
The CRS system now enables Chinese tax authorities to access offshore financial data from more than 100 countries and regions, with coverage expected to grow to over 150 jurisdictions by 2025.
\n
Zhang Wei, dean of the School of Taxation at Jilin University of Finance and Economics, said: "Through CRS and domestic tax systems, authorities can now match offshore financial information with self-reported tax filings. That makes it easier to identify underreported income."
\n
According to the country's official 12366 tax service platform, China's current practice treats profits from overseas securities trading as "property transfer income", which is taxed on a pertransaction basis. This means investors are required to pay 20 percent tax on each profitable trade, while losses cannot be carried over across years.
\n
While the tax policy remains unchanged, analysts say the timing and focus of enforcement may reflect broader efforts from authorities to discourage excessive and unchecked capital outflows.
\n
The tightening of tax policies on overseas investment could trigger a series of ripple effects for China's A-share market. Some investors may keep their funds within the Chinese mainland, which will support the stable development of A-shares, experts said.
\n
Yu Fenghui, an independent economist, said that some capital that would have flowed into markets such as the United States may reassess its allocation strategy due to rising tax costs and reduced returns. "But overall, that effect will likely be short-term. In the long run, a well-structured tax system will help attract high-quality foreign capital and promote the healthy development of the A-share market," Yu said.
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 101 pips to 7.1395 against the US dollar on Monday, said 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.
\n
Unique industries to boost rural vitalization
\n
Chinese agricultural areas are boosting their unique industries to spur rural vitalization. In Southwest China's Guizhou province, farmers in Sanyuan village in Wuma, under the city of Renhuai, joined a 20-hectare mandarin orange orchard to lift their incomes. Orchard manager Xiao Wencai said that since 2018, the base paid some 1 million yuan ($140,850) each year to the farmers working on it. This year, Sanyuan expects 50,000 kilograms of the citrus worth over 1.5 million yuan. Sanyuan has built a system integrating fruit cultivation, cold storage and tourism to promote rural vitalization.
\n",
+ "content": "
Yuan strengthens against greenback
\n
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 101 pips to 7.1395 against the US dollar on Monday, said 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.
\n
Unique industries to boost rural vitalization
\n
Chinese agricultural areas are boosting their unique industries to spur rural vitalization. In Southwest China's Guizhou province, farmers in Sanyuan village in Wuma, under the city of Renhuai, joined a 20-hectare mandarin orange orchard to lift their incomes. Orchard manager Xiao Wencai said that since 2018, the base paid some 1 million yuan ($140,850) each year to the farmers working on it. This year, Sanyuan expects 50,000 kilograms of the citrus worth over 1.5 million yuan. Sanyuan has built a system integrating fruit cultivation, cold storage and tourism to promote rural vitalization.
China has achieved a significant milestone in shale oil exploration with the discovery of the Fuxing oilfield in the Sichuan Basin, the first shale oilfield in the country's southwestern region.
\n
With initial proven reserves of 20.1 million metric tons of oil and 12.35 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the discovery is expected to boost domestic energy security and spur further exploration in the area, said its operator China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, also known as Sinopec.
\n
Shale oil mainly refers to liquid hydrocarbons trapped in formations of shale rock that can be extracted for refining. It is often found in organic-rich shale and thin interlayers of carbonate rock, sandstone and siltstone.
\n
The project is located in Chongqing on the southeastern edge of the Sichuan Basin, which has traditionally been characterized as "rich in gas but poor in oil", with exploration and development efforts historically focused on natural gas due to limited oil resources.
\n
The Fuxing discovery thus signifies a breakthrough in shale oil exploration in Southwest China and opens up a new frontier for shale oil and gas resource expansion in the basin, it said.
\n
Wei Xiangfeng, manager of the shale gas project department of Sinopec's exploration company, said the theoretical advancements and key technologies developed at the Fuxing oilfield are of great significance in supplementing and refining China's shale oil and gas exploration theories, technologies and standards.
\n
Going forward, efforts will focus on deepening the understanding of enrichment patterns and strengthening the overall assessment and planning of terrestrial shale oil in the Sichuan Basin, with the aim of achieving another major breakthrough and establishing a second shale oil reserve base, Wei said.
\n
China has been actively working to enhance its oil and natural gas production in recent years, including intensifying exploration and development of unconventional resources like shale oil and gas.
\n
Wu Mouyuan, vice-president of the Economics and Technology Research Institute under China National Petroleum Corp, has said previously that China is making strides in expanding its energy resources by tapping into unconventional sources, notably with significant progress in shale gas exploration.
\n
Resources like low-maturity shale oil and underground coal gasification, currently unexploited, hold the key to unlocking significant new opportunities in the decades ahead, Wu said.
\n
Sinopec announced in March the discovery of two major shale oilfields — the Xinxing and Qintong oilfields — in the east of the country with combined proven reserves of 180 million tons, which have been approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
\n
zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China has achieved a significant milestone in shale oil exploration with the discovery of the Fuxing oilfield in the Sichuan Basin, the first shale oilfield in the country's southwestern region.
\n
With initial proven reserves of 20.1 million metric tons of oil and 12.35 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the discovery is expected to boost domestic energy security and spur further exploration in the area, said its operator China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, also known as Sinopec.
\n
Shale oil mainly refers to liquid hydrocarbons trapped in formations of shale rock that can be extracted for refining. It is often found in organic-rich shale and thin interlayers of carbonate rock, sandstone and siltstone.
\n
The project is located in Chongqing on the southeastern edge of the Sichuan Basin, which has traditionally been characterized as "rich in gas but poor in oil", with exploration and development efforts historically focused on natural gas due to limited oil resources.
\n
The Fuxing discovery thus signifies a breakthrough in shale oil exploration in Southwest China and opens up a new frontier for shale oil and gas resource expansion in the basin, it said.
\n
Wei Xiangfeng, manager of the shale gas project department of Sinopec's exploration company, said the theoretical advancements and key technologies developed at the Fuxing oilfield are of great significance in supplementing and refining China's shale oil and gas exploration theories, technologies and standards.
\n
Going forward, efforts will focus on deepening the understanding of enrichment patterns and strengthening the overall assessment and planning of terrestrial shale oil in the Sichuan Basin, with the aim of achieving another major breakthrough and establishing a second shale oil reserve base, Wei said.
\n
China has been actively working to enhance its oil and natural gas production in recent years, including intensifying exploration and development of unconventional resources like shale oil and gas.
\n
Wu Mouyuan, vice-president of the Economics and Technology Research Institute under China National Petroleum Corp, has said previously that China is making strides in expanding its energy resources by tapping into unconventional sources, notably with significant progress in shale gas exploration.
\n
Resources like low-maturity shale oil and underground coal gasification, currently unexploited, hold the key to unlocking significant new opportunities in the decades ahead, Wu said.
\n
Sinopec announced in March the discovery of two major shale oilfields — the Xinxing and Qintong oilfields — in the east of the country with combined proven reserves of 180 million tons, which have been approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
A group of tourists from Southeast Asian countries pose for photos on Central Street, a major attraction in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in July.
\n
As the nation experiences sweltering heat during the sanfu period — the hottest part of summer based on the Chinese calendar — Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province known to many as China's "Ice city", is embracing a comfortable 23 C, welcoming waves of tourists escaping the heat.
\n
Data from Harbin Orange Vacation Travel Service Co Ltd show that the company received a total of 1,300 summer vacationers from Southeast Asian countries in June.
\n
"May, June, September and October are the peak months for inbound tourism from Southeast Asia," said Wang Hongxin, the company's general manager. "This summer, the comfortable climate in Harbin has made it an attractive destination for tourists."
\n
"In June, we received over 60 summer vacation groups from Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, marking a year-on-year increase of 30 percent," he said. "Bookings for September have already exceeded 100 groups and over 2,000 visitors, with some reservations extending into the end of 2026."
\n
With the increasing popularity of Harbin, the customer base is also expanding.
\n
"In addition to traditional customer sources, emerging markets such as Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and Laos are also rapidly increasing this summer," Wang added.
\n
The rising popularity of inbound tourism in Harbin is driven by multiple favorable factors, according to Wang.
\n
"The continuous increase in charter flights has broken through transportation bottlenecks, providing convenience for visitors," said Wang. "Visitors from Southeast Asia and other regions can now reach Harbin more easily, significantly reducing time spent traveling."
\n
"The improvement of tourism facilities, from comfortable accommodation to rich scenic experiences, also allows visitors from afar to enjoy their journey with peace of mind," he said. "In addition, the simplification of inbound tourism visa procedures enables more people to easily plan their trips."
\n
After enjoying their time in Harbin, many vacationers extend their itineraries to areas further north, such as Yichun and Mohe.
\n
"In past years, most tourists chose destinations such as Changbai Mountain in Jilin province or Panjin in Liaoning province after their trip to Harbin," said Wang. "However, this summer, more of them chose to continue their trip in Heilongjiang."
\n
A chartered tourist train, named "Yichun", offers guests an extraordinary experience aboard one of the best-quality trains dedicated to sightseeing in the country.
\n
Run by the Yichun Tourism Development Group and the Harbin Railway Culture and Tourism Group, the dedicated sightseeing train caters exclusively to tourists and is fitted with compartments for dining and entertainment to add to its appeal.
\n
"In April, we launched a themed tourist train from Harbin to Yichun, carrying over 100 tourists from countries and regions such as Singapore and Malaysia," said Wang Yuyao, chairman assistant of the Yichun Tourism Development. "The passengers embarked on a unique journey to experience the world of Chinese movies."
\n
"After the trip, the chartered train received a very positive response among tourists from Southeast Asian countries," he said. "Bookings for the tourist train have been scheduled until the end of 2026, with plans for 10 trips in the initial stages."
\n
Data from the Harbin immigration station show that in July, a total of 61,000 inbound and outbound passengers were inspected at Harbin Airport, an increase of nearly 10,000 compared with the number in June and a year-on-year increase of 19.3 percent.
\n
Among them, the number of inbound foreign passengers was nearly 10,000, with a year-on-year increase of 15.9 percent.
\n
zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
A group of tourists from Southeast Asian countries pose for photos on Central Street, a major attraction in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in July.
\n
As the nation experiences sweltering heat during the sanfu period — the hottest part of summer based on the Chinese calendar — Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province known to many as China's "Ice city", is embracing a comfortable 23 C, welcoming waves of tourists escaping the heat.
\n
Data from Harbin Orange Vacation Travel Service Co Ltd show that the company received a total of 1,300 summer vacationers from Southeast Asian countries in June.
\n
"May, June, September and October are the peak months for inbound tourism from Southeast Asia," said Wang Hongxin, the company's general manager. "This summer, the comfortable climate in Harbin has made it an attractive destination for tourists."
\n
"In June, we received over 60 summer vacation groups from Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, marking a year-on-year increase of 30 percent," he said. "Bookings for September have already exceeded 100 groups and over 2,000 visitors, with some reservations extending into the end of 2026."
\n
With the increasing popularity of Harbin, the customer base is also expanding.
\n
"In addition to traditional customer sources, emerging markets such as Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and Laos are also rapidly increasing this summer," Wang added.
\n
The rising popularity of inbound tourism in Harbin is driven by multiple favorable factors, according to Wang.
\n
"The continuous increase in charter flights has broken through transportation bottlenecks, providing convenience for visitors," said Wang. "Visitors from Southeast Asia and other regions can now reach Harbin more easily, significantly reducing time spent traveling."
\n
"The improvement of tourism facilities, from comfortable accommodation to rich scenic experiences, also allows visitors from afar to enjoy their journey with peace of mind," he said. "In addition, the simplification of inbound tourism visa procedures enables more people to easily plan their trips."
\n
After enjoying their time in Harbin, many vacationers extend their itineraries to areas further north, such as Yichun and Mohe.
\n
"In past years, most tourists chose destinations such as Changbai Mountain in Jilin province or Panjin in Liaoning province after their trip to Harbin," said Wang. "However, this summer, more of them chose to continue their trip in Heilongjiang."
\n
A chartered tourist train, named "Yichun", offers guests an extraordinary experience aboard one of the best-quality trains dedicated to sightseeing in the country.
\n
Run by the Yichun Tourism Development Group and the Harbin Railway Culture and Tourism Group, the dedicated sightseeing train caters exclusively to tourists and is fitted with compartments for dining and entertainment to add to its appeal.
\n
"In April, we launched a themed tourist train from Harbin to Yichun, carrying over 100 tourists from countries and regions such as Singapore and Malaysia," said Wang Yuyao, chairman assistant of the Yichun Tourism Development. "The passengers embarked on a unique journey to experience the world of Chinese movies."
\n
"After the trip, the chartered train received a very positive response among tourists from Southeast Asian countries," he said. "Bookings for the tourist train have been scheduled until the end of 2026, with plans for 10 trips in the initial stages."
\n
Data from the Harbin immigration station show that in July, a total of 61,000 inbound and outbound passengers were inspected at Harbin Airport, an increase of nearly 10,000 compared with the number in June and a year-on-year increase of 19.3 percent.
\n
Among them, the number of inbound foreign passengers was nearly 10,000, with a year-on-year increase of 15.9 percent.
L'Oreal Group reported a modest rise in first-half earnings, fueled by double-digit growth in emerging markets and a return to growth on the Chinese mainland.
\n
Sales in the six months through June rose 3 percent on a like-for-like basis to 22.47 billion euros ($25.98 billion), the French cosmetics giant said on July 29. Net profit excluding non-recurring items was 3.78 billion euros, up 1 percent from a year earlier.
\n
"As anticipated, L'Oreal's like-for-like growth accelerated between the first and second quarter," CEO Nicolas Hieronimus said. "The ongoing strength in emerging markets, the slight rebound on the Chinese mainland and the gradual recovery in North America more than offset the expected slowdown in Europe, once again validating our multipolar model."
\n
"Adjusted growth improved sequentially in North Asia and the key driver was the Chinese mainland, which turned positive for the first time in five quarters," Hieronimus told analysts during an earnings call on Friday.
\n
The Chinese mainland market returned to positive territory in the second quarter, reversing a slight decline in the first. Adjusted for IT transformation phasing, growth on the mainland hit around 3 percent in the second quarter, with all divisions positive, said the CEO.
\n
Dermatological beauty and professional products delivered particularly strong results for the group, said the company.
\n
During the key midyear June 18 shopping festival, L'Oreal Group outpaced a more dynamic market, Hieronimus said, placing four brands in the top 10 and eight in the top 20 in this year's ranking.
\n
Dermatological beauty division sales rose 3.1 percent on a like-for-like basis, with reported growth at 1.7 percent. Market growth in China remained broadly flat year-on-year, an improvement from the 4 percent contraction recorded during the same period last year.
\n
Hieronimus said L'Oreal's luxury brands began outperforming mass-market peers, benefiting from consumer appetite for premium and high-end offerings.
\n
"In China, we see the market getting better," he said. He also noted fierce competition from local Chinese brands, particularly in the mass and cosmetics categories. Some independent local names that had gained traction earlier showed signs of fading during 6.18, reinforcing the high churn rate typical of the dynamic beauty landscape in the Chinese market.
\n
While L'Oreal Paris is "doing OK", the brand is under pressure in the makeup segment, Hieronimus said. A revamped product pipeline for the second half, including the relaunch of the Hyaluronic Acid Filler and Age Perfect lines, is expected to drive momentum.
\n
Among the highlights of L'Oreal's "Beauty Stimulus Plan" — a strategic initiative launched to boost consumer demand — is a high-stakes skincare launch under its Helena Rubinstein brand. The group has introduced a new product to its Re-Plasty Age Recovery line, which already ranks as China's top-selling beauty product. The new cream contains 60 percent Pro-Xylane, an antiaging molecule developed by the company.
\n
"We have high expectations for this product," Hieronimus said. "When it sells, it's money in the bank."
\n
He added that China's higher-income consumers remain committed to high-quality, luxury beauty products, particularly in fragrance and premium skincare. More affordable brands, such as Biotherm, face greater pricing pressure and competition.
\n
"There is this appetite for quality," he said. "The top end of the market remains stronger and more dynamic."
\n
Jiang Yali, category director of beauty and personal care, Mintel China, said the Chinese beauty and personal care market is currently undergoing a cyclical adjustment with a return to rational consumption.
\n
"Although the overall market growth rate has slowed down, the professional upgrade of skincare efficacy centered on skin health, the upgrade of cosmetics focused on professional makeup artists as a selling point, and the in-depth exploration and fulfillment of consumer needs in emotional skincare, niche groups and specific scenarios have injected new growth momentum into brands," said Jiang.
\n
In the future, brands can also provide cross-category integrated solutions that can rebuild healthy beauty by focusing on changes in consumer psychology for beauty and personal care products, said Jiang.
L'Oreal Group reported a modest rise in first-half earnings, fueled by double-digit growth in emerging markets and a return to growth on the Chinese mainland.
\n
Sales in the six months through June rose 3 percent on a like-for-like basis to 22.47 billion euros ($25.98 billion), the French cosmetics giant said on July 29. Net profit excluding non-recurring items was 3.78 billion euros, up 1 percent from a year earlier.
\n
"As anticipated, L'Oreal's like-for-like growth accelerated between the first and second quarter," CEO Nicolas Hieronimus said. "The ongoing strength in emerging markets, the slight rebound on the Chinese mainland and the gradual recovery in North America more than offset the expected slowdown in Europe, once again validating our multipolar model."
\n
"Adjusted growth improved sequentially in North Asia and the key driver was the Chinese mainland, which turned positive for the first time in five quarters," Hieronimus told analysts during an earnings call on Friday.
\n
The Chinese mainland market returned to positive territory in the second quarter, reversing a slight decline in the first. Adjusted for IT transformation phasing, growth on the mainland hit around 3 percent in the second quarter, with all divisions positive, said the CEO.
\n
Dermatological beauty and professional products delivered particularly strong results for the group, said the company.
\n
During the key midyear June 18 shopping festival, L'Oreal Group outpaced a more dynamic market, Hieronimus said, placing four brands in the top 10 and eight in the top 20 in this year's ranking.
\n
Dermatological beauty division sales rose 3.1 percent on a like-for-like basis, with reported growth at 1.7 percent. Market growth in China remained broadly flat year-on-year, an improvement from the 4 percent contraction recorded during the same period last year.
\n
Hieronimus said L'Oreal's luxury brands began outperforming mass-market peers, benefiting from consumer appetite for premium and high-end offerings.
\n
"In China, we see the market getting better," he said. He also noted fierce competition from local Chinese brands, particularly in the mass and cosmetics categories. Some independent local names that had gained traction earlier showed signs of fading during 6.18, reinforcing the high churn rate typical of the dynamic beauty landscape in the Chinese market.
\n
While L'Oreal Paris is "doing OK", the brand is under pressure in the makeup segment, Hieronimus said. A revamped product pipeline for the second half, including the relaunch of the Hyaluronic Acid Filler and Age Perfect lines, is expected to drive momentum.
\n
Among the highlights of L'Oreal's "Beauty Stimulus Plan" — a strategic initiative launched to boost consumer demand — is a high-stakes skincare launch under its Helena Rubinstein brand. The group has introduced a new product to its Re-Plasty Age Recovery line, which already ranks as China's top-selling beauty product. The new cream contains 60 percent Pro-Xylane, an antiaging molecule developed by the company.
\n
"We have high expectations for this product," Hieronimus said. "When it sells, it's money in the bank."
\n
He added that China's higher-income consumers remain committed to high-quality, luxury beauty products, particularly in fragrance and premium skincare. More affordable brands, such as Biotherm, face greater pricing pressure and competition.
\n
"There is this appetite for quality," he said. "The top end of the market remains stronger and more dynamic."
\n
Jiang Yali, category director of beauty and personal care, Mintel China, said the Chinese beauty and personal care market is currently undergoing a cyclical adjustment with a return to rational consumption.
\n
"Although the overall market growth rate has slowed down, the professional upgrade of skincare efficacy centered on skin health, the upgrade of cosmetics focused on professional makeup artists as a selling point, and the in-depth exploration and fulfillment of consumer needs in emotional skincare, niche groups and specific scenarios have injected new growth momentum into brands," said Jiang.
\n
In the future, brands can also provide cross-category integrated solutions that can rebuild healthy beauty by focusing on changes in consumer psychology for beauty and personal care products, said Jiang.
Liang Jing (right) plays the lead in Jingwei Tian Hai (Jingwei Fills the Sea), a Puju Opera based on an ancient myth from Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas). Her role in the play was recognized with a top honor in traditional theater.
\n
A scene from the Puju Opera production tells a classic Chinese story through the combination of the opera — an old art form — with contemporary storytelling style.
\n
Left: Liang in rehearsal. Right: The actress plays the role of Jingwei, a beautiful princess in the Puju Opera production.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
Liang Jing was born in the historic city of Linfen, nestled in the heart of Shanxi province, a region rich in cultural traditions and a vibrant history. Linfen had long been a hub for Puju Opera, a local art form that flourished over 400 years. The city seemed to breathe with the powerful arias and intricate movements of this ancient art, its sound echoing through narrow alleyways and resonating in the hearts of its people.
\n
From an early age, Liang was immersed in the world of Puju Opera. Her grandparents, passionate theater lovers, instilled in her a deep affection for the art. They frequently took her to the local theaters where she would sit wide-eyed and mesmerized by the dancers' skills and elegance, and the singers' powerful voices.
\n
Her parents, too, were dedicated to the opera, and her aunt and uncle were performers in a local theater troupe, acting in the same plays her grandparents adored. Their home was always alive with the sound of rehearsals. Liang grew up surrounded by the music, emotions and soul of Puju Opera, absorbing its essence as if it were second nature.
\n
By the time she was 12, Liang's passion for this ancient art was undeniable. Inspired by the performances she had seen and the stories she heard from her family, she decided to follow in their footsteps.
\n
She enrolled in a local art school in Linfen, where she began formal training in Puju Opera. What started as a childhood fascination soon blossomed into a lifelong devotion. Liang's career progressed from small roles to more significant parts. Over the following two decades, she steadily earned the respect of both her peers and her audiences.
\n
Her dedication was recognized in May when she received the prestigious China Plum Performance Award, one of the highest honors in traditional Chinese theater. The production that earned her the award was Jingwei Tian Hai (Jingwei Fills the Sea), a Puju Opera based on an ancient myth from Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), a revered text that chronicles various legends and geographical descriptions.
\n
The story follows a beautiful young princess, beloved by her people for her intelligence, kindness and bravery, who tragically perishes in a sea accident. Her soul descends into the underworld, where she is reborn as Jingwei, a small, fiery bird with red feathers. Consumed by fury and a desire for vengeance, Jingwei resolves to fill the sea with stones to prevent the waves from claiming other lives. Every day, she carries tiny stones in her beak, dropping them into the vast ocean — an impossible task — but one she pursues with unwavering determination.
\n
"My heart raced when the award was announced. In accepting this award, I dedicated it not only to the team behind the production but also to Jingwei, a symbol of unbreakable spirit and relentless resolve, and the ancient art form of Puju Opera," says Liang, 35, who portrayed Jingwei.
\n
Puju Opera originated in Shanxi province, and is one of China's major regional operatic styles, though it is less internationally renowned than Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. It is deeply influenced by other regional operas like Qinqiang Opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, particularly popular in northwestern China. Puju Opera music is dramatic and powerful, featuring high-pitched vocals, recitative-style dialogue, and traditional instruments, such as drums, string and wind.
\n
Liang was trained to portray the role of daomadan, a female warrior character in Chinese opera akin to the heroic figures of Mulan. These roles require martial arts skills, singing, acting, and stylized movements, making them among the most physically demanding female roles in Chinese theater.
\n
However, in her portrayal of Jingwei, Liang had to switch between various roles, each representing a different aspect of the character's emotional journey. For instance, when Jingwei seeks permission from her parents to investigate a coastal disaster, Liang performs in huadan style, embodying a lively, clever young woman. Later, as Jingwei bids a sorrowful farewell to her parents in a long, emotionally charged singing passage, Liang adopts the qingyi style, portraying a dignified, mature character.
\n
Jingwei's transformation, from an innocent princess to a tragic heroine and finally, to a warrior spirit, is reflected in her four distinct personalities. The final scene, full of intense action, showcases her strength in the daomadan role, which demands martial arts prowess, a specialty of Liang's.
\n
The production of Jingwei Fills the Sea received high praise, particularly from younger audiences captivated by its energy and intensity.
\n
"They never imagined that traditional Chinese opera could be this thrilling," says Lin Weilin, the director of the Puju Opera production. "Ancient cultural arts are not outdated; they just require continual efforts in adapting them for modern audiences.
\n
"Innovation must honor the essence of the art form," Lin continues, highlighting a particularly memorable scene in which Liang performs an acrobatic sequence of flips and kneeling slides while singing, followed by over 30 lines of vocals — an incredible display of her vocal and physical skills.
\n
Lin, who heads a Kunqu Opera troupe and won the Plum Performance Award in 1985, is also a veteran Kunqu Opera artist.
\n
For Liang, the award is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the enduring power of traditional Chinese theater and the unyielding dedication of those who keep it alive, the director adds.
\n
Ren Genxin, a veteran Puju Opera actress and former head of the Linfen Puju Opera Troupe, says that since the 1960s, the theater has long fostered young talent through the "Little Plum Blossom Puju Troupe".This troupe, established 20 years ago, presents many talented young performers, including Liang, to ensure the legacy of Puju Opera continues to thrive.
\n
Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Liang Jing (right) plays the lead in Jingwei Tian Hai (Jingwei Fills the Sea), a Puju Opera based on an ancient myth from Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas). Her role in the play was recognized with a top honor in traditional theater.
\n
A scene from the Puju Opera production tells a classic Chinese story through the combination of the opera — an old art form — with contemporary storytelling style.
\n
Left: Liang in rehearsal. Right: The actress plays the role of Jingwei, a beautiful princess in the Puju Opera production.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
Liang Jing was born in the historic city of Linfen, nestled in the heart of Shanxi province, a region rich in cultural traditions and a vibrant history. Linfen had long been a hub for Puju Opera, a local art form that flourished over 400 years. The city seemed to breathe with the powerful arias and intricate movements of this ancient art, its sound echoing through narrow alleyways and resonating in the hearts of its people.
\n
From an early age, Liang was immersed in the world of Puju Opera. Her grandparents, passionate theater lovers, instilled in her a deep affection for the art. They frequently took her to the local theaters where she would sit wide-eyed and mesmerized by the dancers' skills and elegance, and the singers' powerful voices.
\n
Her parents, too, were dedicated to the opera, and her aunt and uncle were performers in a local theater troupe, acting in the same plays her grandparents adored. Their home was always alive with the sound of rehearsals. Liang grew up surrounded by the music, emotions and soul of Puju Opera, absorbing its essence as if it were second nature.
\n
By the time she was 12, Liang's passion for this ancient art was undeniable. Inspired by the performances she had seen and the stories she heard from her family, she decided to follow in their footsteps.
\n
She enrolled in a local art school in Linfen, where she began formal training in Puju Opera. What started as a childhood fascination soon blossomed into a lifelong devotion. Liang's career progressed from small roles to more significant parts. Over the following two decades, she steadily earned the respect of both her peers and her audiences.
\n
Her dedication was recognized in May when she received the prestigious China Plum Performance Award, one of the highest honors in traditional Chinese theater. The production that earned her the award was Jingwei Tian Hai (Jingwei Fills the Sea), a Puju Opera based on an ancient myth from Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), a revered text that chronicles various legends and geographical descriptions.
\n
The story follows a beautiful young princess, beloved by her people for her intelligence, kindness and bravery, who tragically perishes in a sea accident. Her soul descends into the underworld, where she is reborn as Jingwei, a small, fiery bird with red feathers. Consumed by fury and a desire for vengeance, Jingwei resolves to fill the sea with stones to prevent the waves from claiming other lives. Every day, she carries tiny stones in her beak, dropping them into the vast ocean — an impossible task — but one she pursues with unwavering determination.
\n
"My heart raced when the award was announced. In accepting this award, I dedicated it not only to the team behind the production but also to Jingwei, a symbol of unbreakable spirit and relentless resolve, and the ancient art form of Puju Opera," says Liang, 35, who portrayed Jingwei.
\n
Puju Opera originated in Shanxi province, and is one of China's major regional operatic styles, though it is less internationally renowned than Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. It is deeply influenced by other regional operas like Qinqiang Opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, particularly popular in northwestern China. Puju Opera music is dramatic and powerful, featuring high-pitched vocals, recitative-style dialogue, and traditional instruments, such as drums, string and wind.
\n
Liang was trained to portray the role of daomadan, a female warrior character in Chinese opera akin to the heroic figures of Mulan. These roles require martial arts skills, singing, acting, and stylized movements, making them among the most physically demanding female roles in Chinese theater.
\n
However, in her portrayal of Jingwei, Liang had to switch between various roles, each representing a different aspect of the character's emotional journey. For instance, when Jingwei seeks permission from her parents to investigate a coastal disaster, Liang performs in huadan style, embodying a lively, clever young woman. Later, as Jingwei bids a sorrowful farewell to her parents in a long, emotionally charged singing passage, Liang adopts the qingyi style, portraying a dignified, mature character.
\n
Jingwei's transformation, from an innocent princess to a tragic heroine and finally, to a warrior spirit, is reflected in her four distinct personalities. The final scene, full of intense action, showcases her strength in the daomadan role, which demands martial arts prowess, a specialty of Liang's.
\n
The production of Jingwei Fills the Sea received high praise, particularly from younger audiences captivated by its energy and intensity.
\n
"They never imagined that traditional Chinese opera could be this thrilling," says Lin Weilin, the director of the Puju Opera production. "Ancient cultural arts are not outdated; they just require continual efforts in adapting them for modern audiences.
\n
"Innovation must honor the essence of the art form," Lin continues, highlighting a particularly memorable scene in which Liang performs an acrobatic sequence of flips and kneeling slides while singing, followed by over 30 lines of vocals — an incredible display of her vocal and physical skills.
\n
Lin, who heads a Kunqu Opera troupe and won the Plum Performance Award in 1985, is also a veteran Kunqu Opera artist.
\n
For Liang, the award is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the enduring power of traditional Chinese theater and the unyielding dedication of those who keep it alive, the director adds.
\n
Ren Genxin, a veteran Puju Opera actress and former head of the Linfen Puju Opera Troupe, says that since the 1960s, the theater has long fostered young talent through the "Little Plum Blossom Puju Troupe".This troupe, established 20 years ago, presents many talented young performers, including Liang, to ensure the legacy of Puju Opera continues to thrive.
A 15-member troupe from North Minzu University in Ningxia Hui autonomous region presents traditional music, ethnic dance and ancient instrumental arts to Jordanian audiences on July 25.
\n
JERASH, Jordan — A traditional Chinese performance took center stage on July 25, thrilling audiences at the 39th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts.
\n
The performance, Colorful China, was staged by a 15-member troupe from North Minzu University in northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The group presented a vibrant 13-piece program that combined traditional music, ethnic dance, and ancient instrumental art.
\n
The troupe's leader, Bao Wenxing, expressed his pride in bringing his troupe's performance to a Middle Eastern stage for the first time.
\n
Bao notes that China and Jordan share a long-standing history of economic and cultural cooperation, and such events are an extension of the relationship and friendship between the two countries.
\n
The traditional Chinese performance drew a warm response from the Jerash Festival audience.
\n
"The choreography, the music, and the costumes, they were all so different and beautiful," says Lamar Khalil, a Jerash resident.
\n
Lina Ahmad, an art teacher from Zarqa, described the evening as "a lesson in elegance and tradition", adding that the performance provided her with a rare glimpse into another culture's artistic language.
\n
The 39th edition of the Jerash Festival, which runs through Aug 2 under the theme "Authenticity, Continuity", features more than 235 performances from 35 Arab countries, along with other foreign countries from around the world.
\n
Festival Executive Director Ayman Samawi says the strong international turnout reflects Jordan's openness, calling the festival "a cultural ambassador for the country".
\n
Zhao Xiaoqiang, a cultural counselor at the Chinese embassy in Jordan, says that cultural exchanges play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding, particularly in the Middle Eastern and North African regions.
\n
The Chinese troupe's performance conveyed a message of goodwill from the Chinese people to the Jordanians, promoting peace, harmony and friendship.
\n
Zhao hopes that such exchanges will inspire more Chinese travelers to explore Jordan's heritage and experience Jordanian hospitality.
\n
"I am confident there will be more Chinese people coming here and they will build stronger ties between China and Jordan," Zhao says.
\n
Founded in 1981, the Jerash Festival has evolved into one of the region's premier cultural events, transforming the ancient city into a global stage for music, dance and artistic dialogue each summer.
\n",
+ "content": "
A 15-member troupe from North Minzu University in Ningxia Hui autonomous region presents traditional music, ethnic dance and ancient instrumental arts to Jordanian audiences on July 25.
\n
JERASH, Jordan — A traditional Chinese performance took center stage on July 25, thrilling audiences at the 39th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts.
\n
The performance, Colorful China, was staged by a 15-member troupe from North Minzu University in northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The group presented a vibrant 13-piece program that combined traditional music, ethnic dance, and ancient instrumental art.
\n
The troupe's leader, Bao Wenxing, expressed his pride in bringing his troupe's performance to a Middle Eastern stage for the first time.
\n
Bao notes that China and Jordan share a long-standing history of economic and cultural cooperation, and such events are an extension of the relationship and friendship between the two countries.
\n
The traditional Chinese performance drew a warm response from the Jerash Festival audience.
\n
"The choreography, the music, and the costumes, they were all so different and beautiful," says Lamar Khalil, a Jerash resident.
\n
Lina Ahmad, an art teacher from Zarqa, described the evening as "a lesson in elegance and tradition", adding that the performance provided her with a rare glimpse into another culture's artistic language.
\n
The 39th edition of the Jerash Festival, which runs through Aug 2 under the theme "Authenticity, Continuity", features more than 235 performances from 35 Arab countries, along with other foreign countries from around the world.
\n
Festival Executive Director Ayman Samawi says the strong international turnout reflects Jordan's openness, calling the festival "a cultural ambassador for the country".
\n
Zhao Xiaoqiang, a cultural counselor at the Chinese embassy in Jordan, says that cultural exchanges play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding, particularly in the Middle Eastern and North African regions.
\n
The Chinese troupe's performance conveyed a message of goodwill from the Chinese people to the Jordanians, promoting peace, harmony and friendship.
\n
Zhao hopes that such exchanges will inspire more Chinese travelers to explore Jordan's heritage and experience Jordanian hospitality.
\n
"I am confident there will be more Chinese people coming here and they will build stronger ties between China and Jordan," Zhao says.
\n
Founded in 1981, the Jerash Festival has evolved into one of the region's premier cultural events, transforming the ancient city into a global stage for music, dance and artistic dialogue each summer.
\n",
+ "category": "",
+ "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/05/content_017_68911dbaed50ccabe1516ee2.htm#017LIFE",
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+ "pubDate": "Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:21:04 +0000",
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+ {
+ "title": "018CULTURE - Verne stage production is in a league of its own",
+ "description": "
From left: Actress Gu Tianyu plays Flippos, Captain Nemo's second-in-command. TV and film actor Bao Jianfeng is one of the actors who portray Captain Nemo. The story is set on Captain Nemo's submarine Nautilus, which takes the crew and passengers on underwater expeditions.
\n
Stage production Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, adapted from French writer Jules Verne's eponymous work, made its Beijing premiere at the Beijing Performing Arts Center in July.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
A jellyfish bobs up and down, a school of fish flashes by and disappears into the darkness, and outside a porthole, an actor rises and falls, as if holding his breath while suspended in the deep sea.
\n
These scenes come from Sino-French sci-fi fantasy production Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, adapted from the eponymous work of French literary giant Jules Verne, bringing to life its deep-sea adventures.
\n
After being staged at the 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival and as the opening production of the Festival Croisements 2025, the production made its Beijing premiere at the Beijing Performing Arts Center from July 11 to 20.
\n
Today's stage productions never lack stunning visual effects, yet what is special about this one is its authentic, classic theatrical methods. Instead of using digital technology, the show's spectacle is created by puppetry and physical theater.
\n
All the performers act as both human characters and puppeteers. They wear specially designed sheer black costumes and manipulate puppets in the dark, with precise lighting design that conceals them and makes the puppets appear more lively.
\n
"We invite the audience to temporarily set aside their reliance on technological effects and reexperience the purest charm of theater. Living performers are here to create artistic miracles in real time," says the production's Chinese director Zha Wenyuan.
\n
"The puppets are not merely props, but extensions of the actors' bodies. Each underwater creature carries human emotions and thoughts. Just as the original work indicates, technology and humanity can poetically intertwine."
\n
The storyline keeps true to Verne's original plot. Natural scientist Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil and harpooner Ned Land set off to hunt a mysterious sea monster. Instead, they discover the Nautilus, a submarine built and manned by Captain Nemo, who invites them to go on adventures under the sea.
\n
TV and film actor Bao Jianfeng is one of the actors who portray Captain Nemo. It's been about 10 years since he last participated in a stage production.
\n
"I've always hoped for an opportunity to come back onstage. Because I respect the stage, I am more prudent in my choices. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is precisely the reason I needed. The book has been a window to explore the world since childhood," he says.
\n
He was also curious about how the team would bring the novel to life. Coproduced by the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, the Hong Kong Arts Festival and performing arts company Tempest Projects, the production is joined by French theater artists, notably Christian Hecq, director and actor from leading French theater company Comedie-Francaise.
\n
Hecq says that what touched him the most about Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is not written in the book itself, but in another book by Verne, The Mysterious Island.
\n
The book unveils the earlier life experiences of Captain Nemo, who turned out to be a prince forced to exile, flee his own kingdom, and take on a new identity.
\n
"We learn why he is so angry. I really like the fact that he is changeable and unpredictable. He helps people who have no money. He is also a person with a beautiful soul," Hecq says.
\n
"He's not a simple character, but complicated and layered. Paradoxical personalities, to me, are very interesting."
\n
Bao also says that what he finds most interesting about playing Captain Nemo is finding commonalities as humans and understanding the character's complexity.
\n
"Theater is really about exploring human issues and inner conflicts. There are people like Nemo, who is turbulent and temperamental, whose logic can be hard to grasp. Yet every role has some aspects that resonate with us," he says.
\n
"To understand Nemo, to enter his world and explore whether I can make sense of it, is what brings me the greatest joy in my work."
\n
Collaborating with French artists and adapting a French novel, the Chinese crew aimed to respect the original work while shaping a Chinese stage aesthetic that resonates with local audiences.
\n
The localization took place in mainly four aspects, according to Zha — language, visuals, sentiment and performance.
\n
The lines were translated not only faithfully, but also naturally. The translated dialogues aimed to fit the contemporary Chinese conversational context, adding idioms and humorous sayings that are easily understood by Chinese audiences.
\n
Characters' costumes are redesigned based on the performers' physiques and temperaments, giving a touch of Chinese aesthetics while preserving their original identities.
\n
Harpooner Ned Land, for example, dons the outfit of Chinese fishermen in this production, and speaks with folk idioms.
\n
"As we worked with the actor, the character gradually took on the quality of a Chinese wandering hero. The folk idioms in his lines represent wisdom of surviving in the grassroots society, which add a sense of humor and also make the character more down-to-earth," Zha says.
\n
To more closely align the mysterious marine world with the imaginations of Chinese audiences, the crew also introduced underwater creatures inspired by mythology.
\n
Drawing inspiration from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, an ancient Chinese collection of mythological creatures, designer Liu Kaiyin created a dragon-like snakefish puppet, which is operated using traditional Chinese dragon dance methods.
\n
"Localization is not simply a matter of translation and substitution. It's about allowing the work to truly enter the aesthetic and emotional world of the local audience," Zha says.
\n
The production has been selected as an excellent program within the "Grand Performances in Beijing" initiative by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles. It is now going on its national tour to major Chinese cities, with an estimated total of 34 performances this year.
\n
"For young children, this fantasy show offers an engaging stage and captivating visual spectacle, with mysterious sea creatures against a pitch-black background. At the same time, parents accompanying their children to the theater can also discover profound reflections within their own hearts," commented Hugo Award-winning science fiction writer Hao Jingfang after watching the show.
\n
Contact the writer at chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
From left: Actress Gu Tianyu plays Flippos, Captain Nemo's second-in-command. TV and film actor Bao Jianfeng is one of the actors who portray Captain Nemo. The story is set on Captain Nemo's submarine Nautilus, which takes the crew and passengers on underwater expeditions.
\n
Stage production Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, adapted from French writer Jules Verne's eponymous work, made its Beijing premiere at the Beijing Performing Arts Center in July.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
A jellyfish bobs up and down, a school of fish flashes by and disappears into the darkness, and outside a porthole, an actor rises and falls, as if holding his breath while suspended in the deep sea.
\n
These scenes come from Sino-French sci-fi fantasy production Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, adapted from the eponymous work of French literary giant Jules Verne, bringing to life its deep-sea adventures.
\n
After being staged at the 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival and as the opening production of the Festival Croisements 2025, the production made its Beijing premiere at the Beijing Performing Arts Center from July 11 to 20.
\n
Today's stage productions never lack stunning visual effects, yet what is special about this one is its authentic, classic theatrical methods. Instead of using digital technology, the show's spectacle is created by puppetry and physical theater.
\n
All the performers act as both human characters and puppeteers. They wear specially designed sheer black costumes and manipulate puppets in the dark, with precise lighting design that conceals them and makes the puppets appear more lively.
\n
"We invite the audience to temporarily set aside their reliance on technological effects and reexperience the purest charm of theater. Living performers are here to create artistic miracles in real time," says the production's Chinese director Zha Wenyuan.
\n
"The puppets are not merely props, but extensions of the actors' bodies. Each underwater creature carries human emotions and thoughts. Just as the original work indicates, technology and humanity can poetically intertwine."
\n
The storyline keeps true to Verne's original plot. Natural scientist Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil and harpooner Ned Land set off to hunt a mysterious sea monster. Instead, they discover the Nautilus, a submarine built and manned by Captain Nemo, who invites them to go on adventures under the sea.
\n
TV and film actor Bao Jianfeng is one of the actors who portray Captain Nemo. It's been about 10 years since he last participated in a stage production.
\n
"I've always hoped for an opportunity to come back onstage. Because I respect the stage, I am more prudent in my choices. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is precisely the reason I needed. The book has been a window to explore the world since childhood," he says.
\n
He was also curious about how the team would bring the novel to life. Coproduced by the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, the Hong Kong Arts Festival and performing arts company Tempest Projects, the production is joined by French theater artists, notably Christian Hecq, director and actor from leading French theater company Comedie-Francaise.
\n
Hecq says that what touched him the most about Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is not written in the book itself, but in another book by Verne, The Mysterious Island.
\n
The book unveils the earlier life experiences of Captain Nemo, who turned out to be a prince forced to exile, flee his own kingdom, and take on a new identity.
\n
"We learn why he is so angry. I really like the fact that he is changeable and unpredictable. He helps people who have no money. He is also a person with a beautiful soul," Hecq says.
\n
"He's not a simple character, but complicated and layered. Paradoxical personalities, to me, are very interesting."
\n
Bao also says that what he finds most interesting about playing Captain Nemo is finding commonalities as humans and understanding the character's complexity.
\n
"Theater is really about exploring human issues and inner conflicts. There are people like Nemo, who is turbulent and temperamental, whose logic can be hard to grasp. Yet every role has some aspects that resonate with us," he says.
\n
"To understand Nemo, to enter his world and explore whether I can make sense of it, is what brings me the greatest joy in my work."
\n
Collaborating with French artists and adapting a French novel, the Chinese crew aimed to respect the original work while shaping a Chinese stage aesthetic that resonates with local audiences.
\n
The localization took place in mainly four aspects, according to Zha — language, visuals, sentiment and performance.
\n
The lines were translated not only faithfully, but also naturally. The translated dialogues aimed to fit the contemporary Chinese conversational context, adding idioms and humorous sayings that are easily understood by Chinese audiences.
\n
Characters' costumes are redesigned based on the performers' physiques and temperaments, giving a touch of Chinese aesthetics while preserving their original identities.
\n
Harpooner Ned Land, for example, dons the outfit of Chinese fishermen in this production, and speaks with folk idioms.
\n
"As we worked with the actor, the character gradually took on the quality of a Chinese wandering hero. The folk idioms in his lines represent wisdom of surviving in the grassroots society, which add a sense of humor and also make the character more down-to-earth," Zha says.
\n
To more closely align the mysterious marine world with the imaginations of Chinese audiences, the crew also introduced underwater creatures inspired by mythology.
\n
Drawing inspiration from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, an ancient Chinese collection of mythological creatures, designer Liu Kaiyin created a dragon-like snakefish puppet, which is operated using traditional Chinese dragon dance methods.
\n
"Localization is not simply a matter of translation and substitution. It's about allowing the work to truly enter the aesthetic and emotional world of the local audience," Zha says.
\n
The production has been selected as an excellent program within the "Grand Performances in Beijing" initiative by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles. It is now going on its national tour to major Chinese cities, with an estimated total of 34 performances this year.
\n
"For young children, this fantasy show offers an engaging stage and captivating visual spectacle, with mysterious sea creatures against a pitch-black background. At the same time, parents accompanying their children to the theater can also discover profound reflections within their own hearts," commented Hugo Award-winning science fiction writer Hao Jingfang after watching the show.
\n
Contact the writer at chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "category": "",
+ "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/05/content_018_68911dbeed50ccabe1516ee3.htm#018CULTURE",
+ "creator": "",
+ "pubDate": "Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:21:04 +0000",
+ "enclosure": "",
+ "enclosureType": "",
+ "image": "",
+ "id": "",
+ "language": "",
+ "folder": "双语",
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+ },
+ {
+ "title": "018CULTURE - It pays dividends to make space for politeness in public",
+ "description": "
Yang Feiyue
\n
The train sped along, its steady hum creating a rhythm that should have been calming. But that peace was shattered when a sharp, discordant noise pierced through, pulling me out of focus. I had been absorbed in reviewing my interviews during a five-hour high-speed train ride from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to Beijing when the sound reached my ears.
\n
It came from across the aisle — a woman, engrossed in a teleconference, had turned her computer speakers on, filling the space with voices and the clatter of keys. The volume wasn't high, but it was enough to throw me off track.
\n
A surge of annoyance welled up in me. I wanted to ask her to use headphones, but then I scanned the carriage. No one else seemed to mind. Would I seem petty if I spoke up? What if she refused and the confrontation escalated into an awkward scene? The thought of being caught in a public dispute was unappealing, so I decided to let it go, hoping the meeting would end soon.
\n
Ten minutes passed. Then 20. The words drifting from her speakers assured me this wasn't going to end anytime soon.
\n
Then, a welcome interruption came: the train's public announcement.
\n
"Dear passengers, welcome aboard. For a pleasant journey, please maintain a quiet environment … use headphones or mute your audio devices."
\n
It was as if the universe had spoken for me, a message I had been too hesitant to voice myself. I felt a flicker of hope that the woman would respect the request. But to my surprise, she seemed oblivious.
\n
I paused, trying to put myself in her shoes. Perhaps she hadn't heard the announcement, lost in the demands of her meeting. But just a few minutes later, an attendant walked by and answered my prayer by kindly asking her to turn down the volume. She complied immediately, without hesitation. I felt a small wave of relief, though my peace was short-lived.
\n
Not long after, the second segment of her teleconference began, and the volume slowly crept back up again. I glanced at the clock — there were still two hours ahead.
\n
This time, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I tilted my body slightly, extended my hand in a soft wave, careful not to seem aggressive.
\n
After a moment, she noticed. Before I could say a word, she looked at me with a flash of understanding and whispered, "Oh, it's too loud, right?" Immediately, she lowered the volume, and her expression shifted, a quick, almost guilty apology in her eyes.
\n
In that simple act of recognition, all my frustration melted away. What struck me most was how such a small gesture — just a subtle nudge — could restore a sense of boundaries and resolve a conflict without words. It was a quiet moment of self-awareness, and I felt genuinely grateful for her willingness to adjust.
\n
For the record, I'm not someone who imposes my standards on others. I'm not a moralist who holds people to impossible expectations. I've always tried to be considerate in public spaces. I never block pedestrian lanes, and always make room for others to pass. At home, I ask my family to tread lightly at night to avoid disturbing the neighbors. When I return home late, I sneak up the stairs like a thief, careful not to wake my dog, whose barking could disturb the whole building.
\n
These small acts of consideration seem like the bedrock of civility, but all too often, a lack of respect for others persists, causing discomfort and dissonance in society.
\n
As I reflected on the small victory of asserting my own boundaries on the train, I couldn't help but think about a similar incident that recently made headlines. A young woman in Chengdu, in southwestern Sichuan province, confronted a man for smoking in a shopping plaza, only to be kicked in response. Despite being visibly upset, she stood her ground, even as the man continued to smoke and laugh, undeterred by the arrival of the police.
\n
Like my own hesitation on the train, she faced a choice: speak up or let it slide.
\n
When local public security bureau issued an administrative penalty of a 200-yuan ($27.7) fine to the man for assault, the woman kept pressing the issue and filed a lawsuit, demanding an apology and compensation for medical expenses and travel costs. The incident sparked a heated debate, with some applauding her for asserting her rights, while others criticized her for overreacting.
\n
I believe my experience on the train and hers in the plaza both highlight the delicate balance of standing up for personal boundaries in a public space. There is tension between respecting personal space and navigating the potential fallout of asserting that right. While her confrontation escalated in a way mine didn't, I consider the underlying issue as being the same: how much are we willing to tolerate in the name of civility, and when do we draw the line?
\n
I, for one, applaud her. The man's behavior, though seemingly minor, revealed a troubling disregard for boundaries and basic decency. His reaction to her request showed how far removed he was from the social contract we all share — one that includes respecting other people's space and needs. In contrast, the bystanders who did nothing, and those who criticized her for "overreacting", may have unwittingly perpetuated the very indifference that allows these small transgressions to go unchecked.
\n
I believe the lack of respect for boundaries, whether in trivial moments or more significant confrontations, reflects a gap in social literacy. It's a reminder that the line between being overly sensitive and standing up for one's rights isn't always clear. But knowing when to assert yourself and stand firm in your convictions is crucial in shaping a truly civil society.
\n
As the train approached its final stop, the woman's young son, no older than 5, turned to her with a mischievous grin and suddenly blurted, "My mom, useless as she is, still gets the VIP treatment!"
\n
Laughter bubbled up around us, and I couldn't help but join in, with no malice, just lightheartedness. Even the other passengers in our section couldn't resist chuckling. Another woman, perhaps a friend or relative, grinned and teasingly said, "Why do you always have to tell the truth?"
\n
It was such a lighthearted, unexpected ending.
\n
The playful banter lingered on my mind long after I got off the train. It reminded me of how small moments of connection, even in the most mundane settings, can soften the edges of a tense situation.
\n
I could have remained silent, holding onto my frustration for the rest of the ride, but I'm glad I listened to my instincts and spoke up. The interaction, though minor, gave me a new appreciation for the woman's quick response and her ability to laugh off the joke.
\n
In a way, it brought us closer.
\n
Sometimes, it's the smallest of boundaries, gently asserted, that shape our experiences and our connections with others.
\n
Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Yang Feiyue
\n
The train sped along, its steady hum creating a rhythm that should have been calming. But that peace was shattered when a sharp, discordant noise pierced through, pulling me out of focus. I had been absorbed in reviewing my interviews during a five-hour high-speed train ride from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, to Beijing when the sound reached my ears.
\n
It came from across the aisle — a woman, engrossed in a teleconference, had turned her computer speakers on, filling the space with voices and the clatter of keys. The volume wasn't high, but it was enough to throw me off track.
\n
A surge of annoyance welled up in me. I wanted to ask her to use headphones, but then I scanned the carriage. No one else seemed to mind. Would I seem petty if I spoke up? What if she refused and the confrontation escalated into an awkward scene? The thought of being caught in a public dispute was unappealing, so I decided to let it go, hoping the meeting would end soon.
\n
Ten minutes passed. Then 20. The words drifting from her speakers assured me this wasn't going to end anytime soon.
\n
Then, a welcome interruption came: the train's public announcement.
\n
"Dear passengers, welcome aboard. For a pleasant journey, please maintain a quiet environment … use headphones or mute your audio devices."
\n
It was as if the universe had spoken for me, a message I had been too hesitant to voice myself. I felt a flicker of hope that the woman would respect the request. But to my surprise, she seemed oblivious.
\n
I paused, trying to put myself in her shoes. Perhaps she hadn't heard the announcement, lost in the demands of her meeting. But just a few minutes later, an attendant walked by and answered my prayer by kindly asking her to turn down the volume. She complied immediately, without hesitation. I felt a small wave of relief, though my peace was short-lived.
\n
Not long after, the second segment of her teleconference began, and the volume slowly crept back up again. I glanced at the clock — there were still two hours ahead.
\n
This time, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I tilted my body slightly, extended my hand in a soft wave, careful not to seem aggressive.
\n
After a moment, she noticed. Before I could say a word, she looked at me with a flash of understanding and whispered, "Oh, it's too loud, right?" Immediately, she lowered the volume, and her expression shifted, a quick, almost guilty apology in her eyes.
\n
In that simple act of recognition, all my frustration melted away. What struck me most was how such a small gesture — just a subtle nudge — could restore a sense of boundaries and resolve a conflict without words. It was a quiet moment of self-awareness, and I felt genuinely grateful for her willingness to adjust.
\n
For the record, I'm not someone who imposes my standards on others. I'm not a moralist who holds people to impossible expectations. I've always tried to be considerate in public spaces. I never block pedestrian lanes, and always make room for others to pass. At home, I ask my family to tread lightly at night to avoid disturbing the neighbors. When I return home late, I sneak up the stairs like a thief, careful not to wake my dog, whose barking could disturb the whole building.
\n
These small acts of consideration seem like the bedrock of civility, but all too often, a lack of respect for others persists, causing discomfort and dissonance in society.
\n
As I reflected on the small victory of asserting my own boundaries on the train, I couldn't help but think about a similar incident that recently made headlines. A young woman in Chengdu, in southwestern Sichuan province, confronted a man for smoking in a shopping plaza, only to be kicked in response. Despite being visibly upset, she stood her ground, even as the man continued to smoke and laugh, undeterred by the arrival of the police.
\n
Like my own hesitation on the train, she faced a choice: speak up or let it slide.
\n
When local public security bureau issued an administrative penalty of a 200-yuan ($27.7) fine to the man for assault, the woman kept pressing the issue and filed a lawsuit, demanding an apology and compensation for medical expenses and travel costs. The incident sparked a heated debate, with some applauding her for asserting her rights, while others criticized her for overreacting.
\n
I believe my experience on the train and hers in the plaza both highlight the delicate balance of standing up for personal boundaries in a public space. There is tension between respecting personal space and navigating the potential fallout of asserting that right. While her confrontation escalated in a way mine didn't, I consider the underlying issue as being the same: how much are we willing to tolerate in the name of civility, and when do we draw the line?
\n
I, for one, applaud her. The man's behavior, though seemingly minor, revealed a troubling disregard for boundaries and basic decency. His reaction to her request showed how far removed he was from the social contract we all share — one that includes respecting other people's space and needs. In contrast, the bystanders who did nothing, and those who criticized her for "overreacting", may have unwittingly perpetuated the very indifference that allows these small transgressions to go unchecked.
\n
I believe the lack of respect for boundaries, whether in trivial moments or more significant confrontations, reflects a gap in social literacy. It's a reminder that the line between being overly sensitive and standing up for one's rights isn't always clear. But knowing when to assert yourself and stand firm in your convictions is crucial in shaping a truly civil society.
\n
As the train approached its final stop, the woman's young son, no older than 5, turned to her with a mischievous grin and suddenly blurted, "My mom, useless as she is, still gets the VIP treatment!"
\n
Laughter bubbled up around us, and I couldn't help but join in, with no malice, just lightheartedness. Even the other passengers in our section couldn't resist chuckling. Another woman, perhaps a friend or relative, grinned and teasingly said, "Why do you always have to tell the truth?"
\n
It was such a lighthearted, unexpected ending.
\n
The playful banter lingered on my mind long after I got off the train. It reminded me of how small moments of connection, even in the most mundane settings, can soften the edges of a tense situation.
\n
I could have remained silent, holding onto my frustration for the rest of the ride, but I'm glad I listened to my instincts and spoke up. The interaction, though minor, gave me a new appreciation for the woman's quick response and her ability to laugh off the joke.
\n
In a way, it brought us closer.
\n
Sometimes, it's the smallest of boundaries, gently asserted, that shape our experiences and our connections with others.
\n
Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
From left: In a moment of high drama, Olympic champion Noah Lyles (left) stares down rival sprinter Kenny Bednarek as Lyles passes him to win the 200m final of the US track championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday. Bednarek can then be seen shoving Lyles in the back following a verbal exchange between the pair as they crossed the finish line.
\n
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the 200m at the US Nationals on Sunday with a personal-best time of 21.84 seconds.
\n
Noah Lyles landed the day's biggest blow on the track, passing Kenny Bednarek for the win, but not before looking his way to talk some trash.
\n
Bednarek's answer was a two-handed shove in the back after the finish line, some more heated words and a challenge for a rematch that can't come soon enough.
\n
The pair's shoving and shouting match came during the US track championships at the end of a hotly contested 200m final at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday.
\n
"Like I've said before, Noah's going to be Noah," Bednarek said. "If he wants to stare me down, that's fine."
\n
Lyles reeled in Bednarek and crossed in 19.63 seconds for a 0.04-second victory that sets up a rematch at world championships on Sept 19 in Tokyo.
\n
The best action in Round 1 came after the finish line.
\n
There was jawing, the shove and, then, Lyles turning around, backpedaling, reaching his arms out and bouncing up and down like a boxer before lobbing a few more choice words at Bednarek.
\n
Their argument bled into the start of what is normally a celebratory NBC winner's interview.
\n
"I tell ya, if you've got a problem, I expect a call," Bednarek said, as the network's Lewis Johnson moved the mic between the feuding runners.
Though they shook hands during that tense post-race interview, Bednarek was fired up well after the sprinters had left the track.
\n
"The summary is, don't do that to me," he said.
\n
"I don't do any of that stuff. It's not good character right there. That's pretty much it. At the end of the day, he won the race. I've got to give him props. He was the better man today."
\n
The win itself was no big surprise for Lyles, the three-time defending world champion who will have to get past Bednarek to make it four in Tokyo. Bednarek was asked what Lyles said as he turned around and gloated after securing his fifth national title at his favorite distance.
\n
"What he said didn't matter, it's just what he did," Bednarek said. "Unsportsmanlike shit and I don't deal with that. It's a respect factor.
\n
"He's fresh. Last time we lined it up, I beat him, that's all I can say. Next time we line up, I'm going to win. That's all that matters."
\n
Asked to expand on his role in the tiff, Lyles was less forthcoming: "On coach's orders, no comment."
\n
As is common in a year after the Olympics — and in an era after Usain Bolt — track is a sport desperately in need of some energy. Who else to provide it than Lyles? On the men's side of US track, he's arguably the sport's most engaging character.
\n
Up to now, track media and the runners themselves have tried to generate rivalries between Lyles and Erriyon Knighton (who's currently appealing a doping violation), or Lyles and Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (whom Lyles beat in the Olympics last year), or even between Lyles and NFL receiver Tyreek Hill (a supposed grudge match never took place).
\n
Turns out, they probably should have looked at the lane next to him. Bednarek has won silver and beaten Lyles the last two times they've lined up in the 200m at the Olympics, even though Lyles has had issues at both — in Tokyo with his mental health, then in Paris with COVID.
\n
Bednarek referenced some long-simmering issues between the two.
\n
"Just some personal stuff we've got to handle," he said.
\n
But, when asked for something, anything, about this burgeoning rivalry, Lyles demurred, instead focusing on what a difficult year this has been for him after an injury in April kept him out of spikes until June.
\n
"If they ain't gonna beat me now, they ain't gonna beat me ever," Lyles said. Bednarek isn't so sure of that.
\n
The 200m final was Bednarek's fifth race of the week, counting the three heats of the 100m, the final of which he won on Friday.
\n
Lyles, who has an automatic spot at the worlds in that event as the defending champion, only ran one heat of the 100m.
\n
"We'll go fresh and we'll see what happens," Bednarek said. "Because I'm very confident I can beat him. That's all I can say."
\n
On the women's side, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the 200m in a personal-best time of 21.84 seconds, while Olympic champion Gabby Thomas had to wait a few anxious moments to see if she earned a spot on the worlds team. Her named popped up in third place, putting her on the plane.
\n
It was a winning weekend for Jefferson-Wooden, who also captured the 100m on Friday. She will be joined in the event at the worlds by Sha'Carri Richardson, who has an automatic spot as the defending champion. However, Richardson, who didn't advance to the 200m final, has again found herself in the headlines for her offtrack activities after being arrested on Sunday for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend.
\n
One of the afternoon's most exciting finishes was in the men's 800m, where 2019 world champion Donavan Brazier used a strong kick to hold off 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus and Bryce Hoppel.
\n
In the 5,000m, Shelby Houlihan held off Elise Cranny by less than a second to win the title. Houlihan returned this year after serving a four-year doping ban for testing positive after eating a burrito she claimed was tainted with a performance-enhancing drug.
\n",
+ "content": "
From left: In a moment of high drama, Olympic champion Noah Lyles (left) stares down rival sprinter Kenny Bednarek as Lyles passes him to win the 200m final of the US track championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday. Bednarek can then be seen shoving Lyles in the back following a verbal exchange between the pair as they crossed the finish line.
\n
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the 200m at the US Nationals on Sunday with a personal-best time of 21.84 seconds.
\n
Noah Lyles landed the day's biggest blow on the track, passing Kenny Bednarek for the win, but not before looking his way to talk some trash.
\n
Bednarek's answer was a two-handed shove in the back after the finish line, some more heated words and a challenge for a rematch that can't come soon enough.
\n
The pair's shoving and shouting match came during the US track championships at the end of a hotly contested 200m final at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday.
\n
"Like I've said before, Noah's going to be Noah," Bednarek said. "If he wants to stare me down, that's fine."
\n
Lyles reeled in Bednarek and crossed in 19.63 seconds for a 0.04-second victory that sets up a rematch at world championships on Sept 19 in Tokyo.
\n
The best action in Round 1 came after the finish line.
\n
There was jawing, the shove and, then, Lyles turning around, backpedaling, reaching his arms out and bouncing up and down like a boxer before lobbing a few more choice words at Bednarek.
\n
Their argument bled into the start of what is normally a celebratory NBC winner's interview.
\n
"I tell ya, if you've got a problem, I expect a call," Bednarek said, as the network's Lewis Johnson moved the mic between the feuding runners.
Though they shook hands during that tense post-race interview, Bednarek was fired up well after the sprinters had left the track.
\n
"The summary is, don't do that to me," he said.
\n
"I don't do any of that stuff. It's not good character right there. That's pretty much it. At the end of the day, he won the race. I've got to give him props. He was the better man today."
\n
The win itself was no big surprise for Lyles, the three-time defending world champion who will have to get past Bednarek to make it four in Tokyo. Bednarek was asked what Lyles said as he turned around and gloated after securing his fifth national title at his favorite distance.
\n
"What he said didn't matter, it's just what he did," Bednarek said. "Unsportsmanlike shit and I don't deal with that. It's a respect factor.
\n
"He's fresh. Last time we lined it up, I beat him, that's all I can say. Next time we line up, I'm going to win. That's all that matters."
\n
Asked to expand on his role in the tiff, Lyles was less forthcoming: "On coach's orders, no comment."
\n
As is common in a year after the Olympics — and in an era after Usain Bolt — track is a sport desperately in need of some energy. Who else to provide it than Lyles? On the men's side of US track, he's arguably the sport's most engaging character.
\n
Up to now, track media and the runners themselves have tried to generate rivalries between Lyles and Erriyon Knighton (who's currently appealing a doping violation), or Lyles and Botswana's Letsile Tebogo (whom Lyles beat in the Olympics last year), or even between Lyles and NFL receiver Tyreek Hill (a supposed grudge match never took place).
\n
Turns out, they probably should have looked at the lane next to him. Bednarek has won silver and beaten Lyles the last two times they've lined up in the 200m at the Olympics, even though Lyles has had issues at both — in Tokyo with his mental health, then in Paris with COVID.
\n
Bednarek referenced some long-simmering issues between the two.
\n
"Just some personal stuff we've got to handle," he said.
\n
But, when asked for something, anything, about this burgeoning rivalry, Lyles demurred, instead focusing on what a difficult year this has been for him after an injury in April kept him out of spikes until June.
\n
"If they ain't gonna beat me now, they ain't gonna beat me ever," Lyles said. Bednarek isn't so sure of that.
\n
The 200m final was Bednarek's fifth race of the week, counting the three heats of the 100m, the final of which he won on Friday.
\n
Lyles, who has an automatic spot at the worlds in that event as the defending champion, only ran one heat of the 100m.
\n
"We'll go fresh and we'll see what happens," Bednarek said. "Because I'm very confident I can beat him. That's all I can say."
\n
On the women's side, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won the 200m in a personal-best time of 21.84 seconds, while Olympic champion Gabby Thomas had to wait a few anxious moments to see if she earned a spot on the worlds team. Her named popped up in third place, putting her on the plane.
\n
It was a winning weekend for Jefferson-Wooden, who also captured the 100m on Friday. She will be joined in the event at the worlds by Sha'Carri Richardson, who has an automatic spot as the defending champion. However, Richardson, who didn't advance to the 200m final, has again found herself in the headlines for her offtrack activities after being arrested on Sunday for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend.
\n
One of the afternoon's most exciting finishes was in the men's 800m, where 2019 world champion Donavan Brazier used a strong kick to hold off 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus and Bryce Hoppel.
\n
In the 5,000m, Shelby Houlihan held off Elise Cranny by less than a second to win the title. Houlihan returned this year after serving a four-year doping ban for testing positive after eating a burrito she claimed was tainted with a performance-enhancing drug.
Luka Doncic in action for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has recently signed a three-year contract extension reportedly worth $165m.
\n
EL SEGUNDO, California — Luka Doncic's first six months with the Los Angeles Lakers were more than enough to give him a vision of a glittering long-term future with his new team.
\n
He sees championship banners, trophies and team success while living in a cosmopolitan city and playing for a world-famous team.
\n
He envisions his name and number in the rafters alongside every other transcendent great to wear the Lakers' gold jersey.
\n
So Doncic took the next step toward turning his dreams into reality Saturday when he agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension through 2028 with the Lakers, bypassing a chance at free agency next summer.
\n
"Being a Laker is an honor, and I wanted to be here," Doncic said during a news conference under the title banners and retired numbers festooning the gym at the Lakers' training complex. "When you look up here, so many great names and what they've achieved. I want to be up there, too, one day."
\n
The deal should keep the 26-year-old Doncic with Los Angeles through 2028 under a player option for the final season, after which he'll be eligible for a massive five-year extension that could allow him to recoup all the money he lost by getting traded by Dallas. The Slovenian superstar had a player option for the 2026-27 season under his previous contract.
\n
A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed the terms to reporters on condition of anonymity, because the Lakers don't publicly announce the details of contracts.
\n
The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Mavericks in February in a seismic trade for Anthony Davis. The five-time All-NBA selection and a five-time All-Star averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game last season, while teaming up with LeBron James for 50 victories and the No 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
\n
Although his debut season in Los Angeles ended with a first-round playoff loss to Minnesota, the high-scoring guard says he greatly enjoyed his first months in Hollywood — enough to commit to the Lakers for the rest of his 20s, and almost certainly beyond.
\n
"It's an honor playing for this organization," Doncic said. "Many, many great players played here, so obviously I want to add one more up there. That's what we're working for."
\n
In another sign of his reinvigorated passion, Doncic confirmed that he has been doing extensive summer conditioning and strength work after the Mavericks' questions about his physical commitment to the sport reportedly played a role in his shocking departure from Dallas.
\n
Doncic looked trim and athletic at his news conference, and he chuckled, saying he'll "obviously be a little bit faster" next season.
\n
"Just trying to help the team condition-wise," Doncic said. "Playing a lot of minutes, a lot of games, so I think it's going to be the best for me."
\n
Reaching the deal with no drama or delay is also a significant coup for the Lakers, the future of which looks even brighter with Doncic under contract less than two months after the Buss family agreed to sell a controlling stake in the franchise to a deep-pocketed group led by Mark Walter, who also owns the LA Dodgers MLB team.
\n
Doncic will return this fall alongside James, who will begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season. While Doncic's preeminent importance to the Lakers has been obvious from the moment they acquired him, general manager Rob Pelinka on Saturday called Doncic "the centerpiece and the foundation piece" of the Lakers going forward.
\n
James didn't attend Doncic's news conference, but Pelinka said the relationship between the Lakers and the top scorer in NBA history is still strong, even after James' agent, Rich Paul, made pointed comments about James' desire for the Lakers to be a championship contender when James agreed to return this summer.
\n
"All the interactions we've had with LeBron and his camp have been positive and supportive," Pelinka said when asked if he thought the Lakers would be James' final team. "The dialogue with him has been open and constant. The number one thing we have to do (with James' future) is respect him and his family's decision. We want to respect his opportunity to come up with his timetable on that. If he had a chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great."
\n
Doncic's comfort with the Lakers was already obvious in his offseason activity: He played a significant role in Los Angeles' successful bids to sign Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, helping to persuade the two veterans to team up with him for the upcoming season.
\n
Doncic said he campaigned with both players because he respected them as opponents. Ayton, Smart and several other Lakers showed up in El Segundo to congratulate Doncic on his new deal.
\n
"Honestly, I think we have a great team," Doncic said. "We have what we need to compete for the championship. I will bring whatever I can bring, and try to win every game, no matter what. We've got some new great guys on the team, so you know we're going to go for it."
\n",
+ "content": "
Luka Doncic in action for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has recently signed a three-year contract extension reportedly worth $165m.
\n
EL SEGUNDO, California — Luka Doncic's first six months with the Los Angeles Lakers were more than enough to give him a vision of a glittering long-term future with his new team.
\n
He sees championship banners, trophies and team success while living in a cosmopolitan city and playing for a world-famous team.
\n
He envisions his name and number in the rafters alongside every other transcendent great to wear the Lakers' gold jersey.
\n
So Doncic took the next step toward turning his dreams into reality Saturday when he agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension through 2028 with the Lakers, bypassing a chance at free agency next summer.
\n
"Being a Laker is an honor, and I wanted to be here," Doncic said during a news conference under the title banners and retired numbers festooning the gym at the Lakers' training complex. "When you look up here, so many great names and what they've achieved. I want to be up there, too, one day."
\n
The deal should keep the 26-year-old Doncic with Los Angeles through 2028 under a player option for the final season, after which he'll be eligible for a massive five-year extension that could allow him to recoup all the money he lost by getting traded by Dallas. The Slovenian superstar had a player option for the 2026-27 season under his previous contract.
\n
A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed the terms to reporters on condition of anonymity, because the Lakers don't publicly announce the details of contracts.
\n
The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Mavericks in February in a seismic trade for Anthony Davis. The five-time All-NBA selection and a five-time All-Star averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game last season, while teaming up with LeBron James for 50 victories and the No 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
\n
Although his debut season in Los Angeles ended with a first-round playoff loss to Minnesota, the high-scoring guard says he greatly enjoyed his first months in Hollywood — enough to commit to the Lakers for the rest of his 20s, and almost certainly beyond.
\n
"It's an honor playing for this organization," Doncic said. "Many, many great players played here, so obviously I want to add one more up there. That's what we're working for."
\n
In another sign of his reinvigorated passion, Doncic confirmed that he has been doing extensive summer conditioning and strength work after the Mavericks' questions about his physical commitment to the sport reportedly played a role in his shocking departure from Dallas.
\n
Doncic looked trim and athletic at his news conference, and he chuckled, saying he'll "obviously be a little bit faster" next season.
\n
"Just trying to help the team condition-wise," Doncic said. "Playing a lot of minutes, a lot of games, so I think it's going to be the best for me."
\n
Reaching the deal with no drama or delay is also a significant coup for the Lakers, the future of which looks even brighter with Doncic under contract less than two months after the Buss family agreed to sell a controlling stake in the franchise to a deep-pocketed group led by Mark Walter, who also owns the LA Dodgers MLB team.
\n
Doncic will return this fall alongside James, who will begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season. While Doncic's preeminent importance to the Lakers has been obvious from the moment they acquired him, general manager Rob Pelinka on Saturday called Doncic "the centerpiece and the foundation piece" of the Lakers going forward.
\n
James didn't attend Doncic's news conference, but Pelinka said the relationship between the Lakers and the top scorer in NBA history is still strong, even after James' agent, Rich Paul, made pointed comments about James' desire for the Lakers to be a championship contender when James agreed to return this summer.
\n
"All the interactions we've had with LeBron and his camp have been positive and supportive," Pelinka said when asked if he thought the Lakers would be James' final team. "The dialogue with him has been open and constant. The number one thing we have to do (with James' future) is respect him and his family's decision. We want to respect his opportunity to come up with his timetable on that. If he had a chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great."
\n
Doncic's comfort with the Lakers was already obvious in his offseason activity: He played a significant role in Los Angeles' successful bids to sign Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, helping to persuade the two veterans to team up with him for the upcoming season.
\n
Doncic said he campaigned with both players because he respected them as opponents. Ayton, Smart and several other Lakers showed up in El Segundo to congratulate Doncic on his new deal.
\n
"Honestly, I think we have a great team," Doncic said. "We have what we need to compete for the championship. I will bring whatever I can bring, and try to win every game, no matter what. We've got some new great guys on the team, so you know we're going to go for it."
From top: Pan Zhanle swims in a heat for the men's 100m freestyle during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore; Tween star Yu Zidi in action at the worlds.
\n
China's swimmers celebrate with their 4x100m mixed medley relay silver medals.
\n\n
With tween sensation Yu Zidi stepping into the global spotlight as some senior stars struggle with a dip in performance, China's swimming squad has completed its first major test of the new Olympic cycle with mixed results.
\n
The eight-day swimming program of the World Aquatics Championships concluded on Sunday with a total of three world and 15 meet records refreshed at the Singapore Sports Hub, where the swimming powerhouses of the United States and Australia continue to reign supreme across all individual and relay events.
\n
China's 12-year-old prodigy Yu, although leaving without an individual medal around her neck, has stolen the show from the record-smashing, gold-mining international stars by reaching the final in all three of her individual events. She made history by becoming the first swimmer of her age to do so, completing an exceptionally strong senior debut never before seen from anyone, male or female.
\n
The fact that she narrowly missed the podium in three individual races, all by hair-thin margins — 0.06 seconds in the 200m medley, 0.31 in the 200m butterfly and 0.50 in 400m medley, respectively, speaks volumes for the staggering potential of the young phenom, who, after probably her coolest summer holiday ever, still has homework to finish.
\n
Although skipping the evening's final session, Yu still became the youngest swimmer in history to win a medal at the worlds on Thursday after contributing to China's women's bronze-winning 4x200m freestyle relay team as a leg in the morning's preliminary heats.
\n
Yu said racing against elite swimmers she once watched on television has provided invaluable experience.
\n
"I learned so much," Yu told Xinhua. "For example, I want to study Summer McIntosh's turns. I really admire her technique. I see her as a role model, and I hope I can become as good as she is someday."
\n
World-class swimmers including Romania's men's double-gold winner David Popovici and Canada's female medley swimmer Mary-Sophie Harvey have taken notice of Yu's rise, hailing her performance as a glimpse of the sport's awesome future potential.
\n
"I noticed her. Her 12-year-old times are much faster than mine at that age. When I was 12, I set the national record in the 200m medley, but I was still seven seconds slower than her. She's really fast," Popovici said of Yu's performance on July 29.
\n
Harvey, who held off a surging Yu in the 200m medley final to finish in third, said the big-time experience will, for sure, help Yu's growth under pressure.
\n
"She might have more pressure by the end of the meet, because she's been swimming really well so far. I used to be a junior, and I used to think that it's just gaining experience for the future, and I think going into LA, we're probably going to see her a lot more," Harvey said.
\n
"I think it's good for younger people to just get that experience, and swim without any pressure, because they don't have expectations, it's just a bonus every time they swim faster."
\n
Yu's emergence was the bright spot of a youthful Chinese squad that finished third in swimming's overall medal standings with two golds, six silvers and six bronzes, trailing only the US and Australia.
\n
China's breaststroke star Qin Haiyang, who swept all three titles in the stroke at the 2023 Fukuoka worlds but left the Paris Olympics without an individual gold, returned to form by winning the men's 100m and 200m in Singapore.
\n
Women's distance freestyle contender Li Bingjie opened her campaign by taking silver in the 400m, after edging her idol and American great Katie Ledecky on July 27, followed by another runner-up finish in the 200m on July 30.
\n
Still, the disappointing performance of China's reigning men's 100m free Olympic champion and world record-holder Pan Zhanle has raised concerns of fans over the post-Olympic slump of the 21-year-old star.
\n
Pan even failed to reach the final in 100m in Singapore, finishing 10th in the semis with a mediocre 47.81 on Wednesday, exactly one year after he stunned the world at Paris 2024 by clocking a new world record of 46.40 to win Olympic gold in the sprint event.
\n
Pan also failed to reach the 200m semifinals at his fourth worlds, showing that he remains a long way from recovery, both mentally and physically, from the heavy toll taken by his Olympic preparations.
\n
"Tenth place!?" Pan responded in disbelief when told the 100m result, before admitting: "I am not in good shape."
\n
Following his breakout performance in Paris, Pan became a celebrity beyond the country's sporting circles, drawing a surge of media and public interest that disrupted his training. When he returned to the pool at the end of 2024, Pan admitted he was far from competitive.
\n
"His form at the Olympics was 100 out of 100. Now, maybe 20 out of 100," coach Zheng Kunliang said in a TV interview in November.
\n
Similar performance slumps also saw Tokyo 2020 women's 200m butterfly gold medalist Zhang Yufei, men's 200m medley Olympic champion Wang Shun and former backstroke world champion Xu Jiayu head home empty-handed.
\n
"This is the first international competition of the new Olympic cycle," China's head coach Cui Dengrong told Xinhua. "Our focus is on developing young athletes and coaches, while assessing our standing on the world stage."
From top: Pan Zhanle swims in a heat for the men's 100m freestyle during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore; Tween star Yu Zidi in action at the worlds.
\n
China's swimmers celebrate with their 4x100m mixed medley relay silver medals.
\n\n
With tween sensation Yu Zidi stepping into the global spotlight as some senior stars struggle with a dip in performance, China's swimming squad has completed its first major test of the new Olympic cycle with mixed results.
\n
The eight-day swimming program of the World Aquatics Championships concluded on Sunday with a total of three world and 15 meet records refreshed at the Singapore Sports Hub, where the swimming powerhouses of the United States and Australia continue to reign supreme across all individual and relay events.
\n
China's 12-year-old prodigy Yu, although leaving without an individual medal around her neck, has stolen the show from the record-smashing, gold-mining international stars by reaching the final in all three of her individual events. She made history by becoming the first swimmer of her age to do so, completing an exceptionally strong senior debut never before seen from anyone, male or female.
\n
The fact that she narrowly missed the podium in three individual races, all by hair-thin margins — 0.06 seconds in the 200m medley, 0.31 in the 200m butterfly and 0.50 in 400m medley, respectively, speaks volumes for the staggering potential of the young phenom, who, after probably her coolest summer holiday ever, still has homework to finish.
\n
Although skipping the evening's final session, Yu still became the youngest swimmer in history to win a medal at the worlds on Thursday after contributing to China's women's bronze-winning 4x200m freestyle relay team as a leg in the morning's preliminary heats.
\n
Yu said racing against elite swimmers she once watched on television has provided invaluable experience.
\n
"I learned so much," Yu told Xinhua. "For example, I want to study Summer McIntosh's turns. I really admire her technique. I see her as a role model, and I hope I can become as good as she is someday."
\n
World-class swimmers including Romania's men's double-gold winner David Popovici and Canada's female medley swimmer Mary-Sophie Harvey have taken notice of Yu's rise, hailing her performance as a glimpse of the sport's awesome future potential.
\n
"I noticed her. Her 12-year-old times are much faster than mine at that age. When I was 12, I set the national record in the 200m medley, but I was still seven seconds slower than her. She's really fast," Popovici said of Yu's performance on July 29.
\n
Harvey, who held off a surging Yu in the 200m medley final to finish in third, said the big-time experience will, for sure, help Yu's growth under pressure.
\n
"She might have more pressure by the end of the meet, because she's been swimming really well so far. I used to be a junior, and I used to think that it's just gaining experience for the future, and I think going into LA, we're probably going to see her a lot more," Harvey said.
\n
"I think it's good for younger people to just get that experience, and swim without any pressure, because they don't have expectations, it's just a bonus every time they swim faster."
\n
Yu's emergence was the bright spot of a youthful Chinese squad that finished third in swimming's overall medal standings with two golds, six silvers and six bronzes, trailing only the US and Australia.
\n
China's breaststroke star Qin Haiyang, who swept all three titles in the stroke at the 2023 Fukuoka worlds but left the Paris Olympics without an individual gold, returned to form by winning the men's 100m and 200m in Singapore.
\n
Women's distance freestyle contender Li Bingjie opened her campaign by taking silver in the 400m, after edging her idol and American great Katie Ledecky on July 27, followed by another runner-up finish in the 200m on July 30.
\n
Still, the disappointing performance of China's reigning men's 100m free Olympic champion and world record-holder Pan Zhanle has raised concerns of fans over the post-Olympic slump of the 21-year-old star.
\n
Pan even failed to reach the final in 100m in Singapore, finishing 10th in the semis with a mediocre 47.81 on Wednesday, exactly one year after he stunned the world at Paris 2024 by clocking a new world record of 46.40 to win Olympic gold in the sprint event.
\n
Pan also failed to reach the 200m semifinals at his fourth worlds, showing that he remains a long way from recovery, both mentally and physically, from the heavy toll taken by his Olympic preparations.
\n
"Tenth place!?" Pan responded in disbelief when told the 100m result, before admitting: "I am not in good shape."
\n
Following his breakout performance in Paris, Pan became a celebrity beyond the country's sporting circles, drawing a surge of media and public interest that disrupted his training. When he returned to the pool at the end of 2024, Pan admitted he was far from competitive.
\n
"His form at the Olympics was 100 out of 100. Now, maybe 20 out of 100," coach Zheng Kunliang said in a TV interview in November.
\n
Similar performance slumps also saw Tokyo 2020 women's 200m butterfly gold medalist Zhang Yufei, men's 200m medley Olympic champion Wang Shun and former backstroke world champion Xu Jiayu head home empty-handed.
\n
"This is the first international competition of the new Olympic cycle," China's head coach Cui Dengrong told Xinhua. "Our focus is on developing young athletes and coaches, while assessing our standing on the world stage."
Team USA's women celebrate their 4x100 medley win on Sunday.
\n
SINGAPORE — The United States, which had a frustrating world championships, ended on a high note Sunday with a world record in the women's 4x100m medley relay in the final event of the eight-day tournament.
\n
The US team swam a time of 3 min, 49.34 sec, breaking its own previous mark of 3:49.63 set a year ago at the Paris Olympics.
\n
The US finished with nine gold medals and 29 overall, ahead of Australia with eight gold and 20 overall.
\n
France and Canada were next in the gold-medal count with four golds, all of which for the latter were won by 18-year-old star Summer McIntosh.
\n
The Americans struggled early on, battling a case of "acute gastroenteritis" supposedly picked up at a training camp in Thailand. The malady clearly affected the team's up-and-down performances in Singapore.
\n
"This is the best way to end the meet," Gretchen Walsh said. "And I feel like we had such a good opportunity having this stacked group of women closing it out on a relay like this.
\n
"We're going to leave Singapore with a smile on our faces," she added.
\n
Regan Smith, Kate Douglass and Walsh swam the first three legs with Torri Huske taking the anchor.
\n
The Americans had only five gold medals through six days, but won four in the last two, as team health clearly improved.
\n
Finke defends his team
\n
Bobby Finke, the 1,500m freestyle champion for the US at the Paris Olympics, took a bronze in the same event on Sunday. But, he also had a message for critics back home.
\n
They included former American swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte who were scathing on social media.
\n
Three-time Olympic gold-medalist Rowdy Gaines was also vocal about the team's performance, calling for changes at USA Swimming. The governing body has been without a CEO for a year.
\n
"I'm proud of the USA team and what we've been able to accomplish, despite all the people back at home saying whatever they want to say," Finke said. "But, you know, I'm proud of these boys. If someone's angry, my direct messages are open. Do what you want.
\n
"I'm proud of the team and what we've been able to do here. It's a big stepping point for the 2028 LA Olympics."
\n
Sunday's closing day featured eight finals and victories for seven different teams.
\n
Leon Marchand of France left the worlds on Sunday with what he came for — two individual gold medals.
\n
Marchand won the 400m individual medley (IM), but didn't break his own world record. The Frenchman won in 4:04.73, just off the world mark he set two years ago in Fukuoka, Japan (4:02.50).Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan took silver (4:08.32), while Ilya Borodin of the Neutral Athletes took bronze in 4:09.16.
\n
Marchand, earlier in the championships, shattered the 200m IM mark of 1:54.00 set 14 years ago by Lochte, finishing in 1:52.69.
\n
Marchand said his performances showed that he still has the hunger to succeed on the long road toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
\n
"It's not perfect, because it's never perfect, but it's more than I expected, especially the world record in the 200m medley," said the 23-year-old.
\n
"It shows that I still have a passion for swimming, that I love it.
\n
"It's still what I like the most, and that I want to continue doing."
\n",
+ "content": "
Team USA's women celebrate their 4x100 medley win on Sunday.
\n
SINGAPORE — The United States, which had a frustrating world championships, ended on a high note Sunday with a world record in the women's 4x100m medley relay in the final event of the eight-day tournament.
\n
The US team swam a time of 3 min, 49.34 sec, breaking its own previous mark of 3:49.63 set a year ago at the Paris Olympics.
\n
The US finished with nine gold medals and 29 overall, ahead of Australia with eight gold and 20 overall.
\n
France and Canada were next in the gold-medal count with four golds, all of which for the latter were won by 18-year-old star Summer McIntosh.
\n
The Americans struggled early on, battling a case of "acute gastroenteritis" supposedly picked up at a training camp in Thailand. The malady clearly affected the team's up-and-down performances in Singapore.
\n
"This is the best way to end the meet," Gretchen Walsh said. "And I feel like we had such a good opportunity having this stacked group of women closing it out on a relay like this.
\n
"We're going to leave Singapore with a smile on our faces," she added.
\n
Regan Smith, Kate Douglass and Walsh swam the first three legs with Torri Huske taking the anchor.
\n
The Americans had only five gold medals through six days, but won four in the last two, as team health clearly improved.
\n
Finke defends his team
\n
Bobby Finke, the 1,500m freestyle champion for the US at the Paris Olympics, took a bronze in the same event on Sunday. But, he also had a message for critics back home.
\n
They included former American swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte who were scathing on social media.
\n
Three-time Olympic gold-medalist Rowdy Gaines was also vocal about the team's performance, calling for changes at USA Swimming. The governing body has been without a CEO for a year.
\n
"I'm proud of the USA team and what we've been able to accomplish, despite all the people back at home saying whatever they want to say," Finke said. "But, you know, I'm proud of these boys. If someone's angry, my direct messages are open. Do what you want.
\n
"I'm proud of the team and what we've been able to do here. It's a big stepping point for the 2028 LA Olympics."
\n
Sunday's closing day featured eight finals and victories for seven different teams.
\n
Leon Marchand of France left the worlds on Sunday with what he came for — two individual gold medals.
\n
Marchand won the 400m individual medley (IM), but didn't break his own world record. The Frenchman won in 4:04.73, just off the world mark he set two years ago in Fukuoka, Japan (4:02.50).Tomoyuki Matsushita of Japan took silver (4:08.32), while Ilya Borodin of the Neutral Athletes took bronze in 4:09.16.
\n
Marchand, earlier in the championships, shattered the 200m IM mark of 1:54.00 set 14 years ago by Lochte, finishing in 1:52.69.
\n
Marchand said his performances showed that he still has the hunger to succeed on the long road toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
\n
"It's not perfect, because it's never perfect, but it's more than I expected, especially the world record in the 200m medley," said the 23-year-old.
\n
"It shows that I still have a passion for swimming, that I love it.
\n
"It's still what I like the most, and that I want to continue doing."
Summer McIntosh celebrates her Best Female Swimmer award.
\n
Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh fell just short in her quest to match Michael Phelps's feat of winning five individual gold medals at a single world championships, but the meet has given her the motivation to improve even more.
\n
McIntosh won the 400m individual medley (IM) title on the final day of the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Sunday, adding to her 200m IM, 200m butterfly and 400m freestyle golds that saw her named Best Female Swimmer at the tournament.
\n
The three-time Olympic champion's only failure to stand atop the podium in an individual event came in the 800m freestyle, in which she claimed bronze, as American great Katie Ledecky took the victory.
\n
"I think it was very obvious that my goal was five golds. Time just didn't matter. I just wanted to get my hand on the wall the first five times," McIntosh said of her campaign.
\n
"I fell short of that, but I think it's just going to keep me hungry to push, and to keep moving forward. I think this meet, I learned more than at any other meet ever. And that says a lot. The thing I'm learning from the most is the bronze and 800m freestyle. And that's going to keep me hungry moving into next season and into (the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics)."
\n
McIntosh has plenty to be proud of, however, as she became just the third swimmer to win five individual medals at a world championships after Phelps and Swede Sarah Sjostrom.
\n
The 18-year-old, who also swam for Canada in the 4x100m medley relay on Sunday, said she had never had such a challenging program, adding: "I've never done a double before, also doing five individual events, I've never done that before, let alone one of them being the 800m.
\n
"My sleep has never been this good. I've never been a good sleeper during meets. I've been able to relax and have amazing sleep.
\n
"Overall, happy with my meet, but I always want more. I'm just going to celebrate my wins and kind of take a reset heading into next season. The negatives, I'm going to apply myself to next season."
\n",
+ "content": "
Summer McIntosh celebrates her Best Female Swimmer award.
\n
Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh fell just short in her quest to match Michael Phelps's feat of winning five individual gold medals at a single world championships, but the meet has given her the motivation to improve even more.
\n
McIntosh won the 400m individual medley (IM) title on the final day of the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Sunday, adding to her 200m IM, 200m butterfly and 400m freestyle golds that saw her named Best Female Swimmer at the tournament.
\n
The three-time Olympic champion's only failure to stand atop the podium in an individual event came in the 800m freestyle, in which she claimed bronze, as American great Katie Ledecky took the victory.
\n
"I think it was very obvious that my goal was five golds. Time just didn't matter. I just wanted to get my hand on the wall the first five times," McIntosh said of her campaign.
\n
"I fell short of that, but I think it's just going to keep me hungry to push, and to keep moving forward. I think this meet, I learned more than at any other meet ever. And that says a lot. The thing I'm learning from the most is the bronze and 800m freestyle. And that's going to keep me hungry moving into next season and into (the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics)."
\n
McIntosh has plenty to be proud of, however, as she became just the third swimmer to win five individual medals at a world championships after Phelps and Swede Sarah Sjostrom.
\n
The 18-year-old, who also swam for Canada in the 4x100m medley relay on Sunday, said she had never had such a challenging program, adding: "I've never done a double before, also doing five individual events, I've never done that before, let alone one of them being the 800m.
\n
"My sleep has never been this good. I've never been a good sleeper during meets. I've been able to relax and have amazing sleep.
\n
"Overall, happy with my meet, but I always want more. I'm just going to celebrate my wins and kind of take a reset heading into next season. The negatives, I'm going to apply myself to next season."
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
Athletes from Singapore pose for a group photo after arriving at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Sunday, as the official arrival and departure services for the 2025 Chengdu World Games kick off. See story, page 3
\n",
+ "content": "
Athletes from Singapore pose for a group photo after arriving at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Sunday, as the official arrival and departure services for the 2025 Chengdu World Games kick off. See story, page 3
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.
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.
\n
Contact the writer at sunnyu923@163.com
\n",
+ "content": "
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",
+ "content": "
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.
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.
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",
+ "content": "
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.
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.
\n",
+ "content": "
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",
+ "content": "
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.
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",
+ "content": "
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.
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.
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.
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.
\n",
+ "content": "
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.
\n",
+ "content": "
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",
+ "content": "
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".
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",
+ "content": "
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.
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.
\n",
+ "content": "
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.
\n \n \n \n On the G1546 train from Nanning East to Hangzhou West, a post-00s train attendant Qin Yunhao carries a plastic bag with him every time he works during the busy summer travel season, according to China Railway's official social media account.\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n This \"mysterious plastic bag\" contains a stack of primary school exam papers for various grades. If children are being noisy, Qin approaches them and \"rewards\" them with a test paper.\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n This summer, Qin's train has been especially crowded, popular with study tour groups and families. At times, student passengers make up half the carriage. Keeping children calm is a frequent topic discussed among the crew.\n \n \n
\n \n \n \"I noticed some parents bring their kids' summer homework on board, which keeps them busy and quiet,\" Qin said. \"So I thought, why not print simple exam papers for parents who didn't bring any?\"\n \n \n
\n \n \n He added that many of his colleagues have their own tricks, like giving out coloring books, stickers, or small toys that help improve concentration. Some trains even set up \"mobile play zones\" in dining cars for young travelers.\n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n Qin advises parents to prepare cartoons, movies, toys, or picture books to make trips more enjoyable.\n \n \n \n
\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 \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
\n
\n \n \n \n \n \n
\n
\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 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
\n \n \n \n
\n
\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
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\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
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\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
\n
\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 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
\n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n \n \n \n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n 在线下购买皮蛋的消费者\n \n
\n
\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
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n \n \n
\n
\n \n 在TikTok上\n \n
\n
\n \n 皮蛋还收获了不少“回头客”\n \n
\n
\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 \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
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\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/004/20250805_004_04_51564.png\")
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\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/006/20250805_006_01_66.png\")
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![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/008/20250805_008_03_67.png\")
\n",
+ "content": "![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/009/20250805_009_02_60.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/009/20250805_009_03_51.png\")
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\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/011/20250805_011_01_65780.png\")
\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/011/20250805_011_02_37780.png\")
![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/011/20250805_011_04_48780.png\")
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\n![](\"https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/resfile/2025-08-05/017/20250805_017_01_34206.png\")
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