From 40748895b35d369b5fc1f7509a286d9fd2b3dcc7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: CrazyJasonwell Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:32:23 +0800 Subject: [PATCH] vault backup: 2025-08-11 22:32:23 --- .obsidian/plugins/cubox-sync/data.json | 2 +- .obsidian/plugins/rss-reader/data.json | 1284 ++++++++++++++++++++++-- 2 files changed, 1215 insertions(+), 71 deletions(-) diff --git a/.obsidian/plugins/cubox-sync/data.json b/.obsidian/plugins/cubox-sync/data.json index 51c0b53f..69db599c 100644 --- a/.obsidian/plugins/cubox-sync/data.json +++ b/.obsidian/plugins/cubox-sync/data.json @@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ "contentTemplate": "# {{{title}}}\n\n{{{description}}}\n\n{{{article_title}}} //文章内容标题\n{{{content}}} //文章正文\n\n\n[Read in Cubox]({{{cubox_url}}}) \n[Read Original]({{{url}}}) \n\n---\n\n{{#highlights.length}}\n## Annotations \n\n{{#highlights}}\n> {{{text}}} \n\n{{#note}}\n{{{note}}}\n{{/note}}\n[Link️]({{{cubox_url}}}) \n\n{{/highlights}}\n{{/highlights.length}}", "highlightInContent": true, "dateFormat": "yyyy-MM-dd", - "lastSyncTime": 1754919608722, + "lastSyncTime": 1754921408712, "lastSyncCardId": "7350452026397950547", "lastCardUpdateTime": "2025-08-09T15:46:52.780+0800", "syncing": false diff --git a/.obsidian/plugins/rss-reader/data.json b/.obsidian/plugins/rss-reader/data.json index 02eaec4e..d12e7cbd 100644 --- a/.obsidian/plugins/rss-reader/data.json +++ b/.obsidian/plugins/rss-reader/data.json @@ -1707,7 +1707,7 @@ { "title": "B2Y- 在 YouTube 上自动同步显示 B 站弹幕[Chrome]", "description": "来自小众软件发现频道的有趣项目，开发者 @啊对对对 自荐：https://meta.appinn.net/t/topic/73965 现在 B 站影视飓风或者极客湾这样的高画质 UP 的视频 ", - "content": "\n

来自小众软件发现频道的有趣项目，开发者 @啊对对对 自荐：https://meta.appinn.net/t/topic/73965

\n\n\n\n
\"B2Y-
\n\n\n\n

现在 B 站影视飓风或者极客湾这样的高画质 UP 的视频被压缩得太厉害了，在 YouTube 可以看高画质的 4K 或者 1080P，但是又没有弹幕，所以搞了一个 Chrome插件，可以自动把 B 站弹幕搬过去。

\n\n\n\n

功能

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

使用方法

\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. 安装本插件
    2. \n\n\n\n
  2. 打开你在 YouTube 上观看的对应视频 \n
      \n
    • 热门UP主可以自动匹配，无需设置
      • \n\n\n\n
    • 手动搜索可绑定 UP 主B 站空间
      • \n\n\n\n
    • 也可以手动输入 B 站原视频链接。
      • \n
    \n
    3. \n\n\n\n
  3. 弹幕将在播放时自动显示在视频上方
    4. \n\n\n\n
  4. 可根据需要调节字体大小、透明度、轨道间距、滚动速度等显示参数
    5. \n
\n\n\n\n

截图

\n\n\n\n
\"B2Y-
\n\n\n\n
\"B2Y-
\n\n\n\n

获取

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/b2y-youtube-danmu-sync/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", + "content": "\n

来自小众软件发现频道的有趣项目，开发者 @啊对对对 自荐：https://meta.appinn.net/t/topic/73965

\n\n\n\n
\"B2Y-
\n\n\n\n

现在 B 站影视飓风或者极客湾这样的高画质 UP 的视频被压缩得太厉害了，在 YouTube 可以看高画质的 4K 或者 1080P，但是又没有弹幕，所以搞了一个 Chrome插件，可以自动把 B 站弹幕搬过去。

\n\n\n\n

功能

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

使用方法

\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. 安装本插件
    2. \n\n\n\n
  2. 打开你在 YouTube 上观看的对应视频 \n
      \n
    • 热门UP主可以自动匹配，无需设置
      • \n\n\n\n
    • 手动搜索可绑定 UP 主B 站空间
      • \n\n\n\n
    • 也可以手动输入 B 站原视频链接。
      • \n
    \n
    3. \n\n\n\n
  3. 弹幕将在播放时自动显示在视频上方
    4. \n\n\n\n
  4. 可根据需要调节字体大小、透明度、轨道间距、滚动速度等显示参数
    5. \n
\n\n\n\n

截图

\n\n\n\n
\"B2Y-
\n\n\n\n
\"B2Y-
\n\n\n\n

获取

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/b2y-youtube-danmu-sync/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", "category": "Chrome", "link": "https://www.appinn.com/b2y-youtube-danmu-sync/", "creator": "青小蛙", @@ -1751,7 +1751,7 @@ { "title": "Tailwind CSS 创始人正式道歉：为什么地球上每个 AI 生成的 UI 也都是靛蓝色的", "description": "这是一个有趣的事情。 前天，Tailwind CSS 创始人 Adam Wathan 在 X 上回复别人「所以，GPT-5 还没有解决“紫色问题”」时，正式道歉： 我想正式向大家道歉，因为五年前我将 ", - "content": "\n

这是一个有趣的事情。

\n\n\n\n
\"Tailwind
\n\n\n\n

前天，Tailwind CSS 创始人 Adam Wathan 在 X 上回复别人「所以，GPT-5 还没有解决“紫色问题”」时，正式道歉：

\n\n\n\n

我想正式向大家道歉，因为五年前我将 Tailwind UI 中的每个按钮都设为“bg-indigo-500”，这导致地球上每个 AI 生成的 UI 也都是靛蓝色的。

\n\n\n
\n
\"Tailwind
来自 X
\n\n\n

就…很好笑 \"😂\"

\n\n\n\n

Tailwind CSS 是什么？

\n\n\n\n

Tailwind CSS 是一个非常容易使用的 实用类优先（Utility-First）CSS 框架，它提供大量简单且功能明确的样式类，开发者只需在网页中添加相关类名，就可以快速无设计基础地创造出漂亮又响应式的页面。

\n\n\n\n

就算不是设计师，也可以轻松写出漂亮的网页，更何况是 AI 了。

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/tailwind-indigo-ai-ui-color-issue/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", + "content": "\n

这是一个有趣的事情。

\n\n\n\n
\"Tailwind
\n\n\n\n

前天，Tailwind CSS 创始人 Adam Wathan 在 X 上回复别人「所以，GPT-5 还没有解决“紫色问题”」时，正式道歉：

\n\n\n\n

我想正式向大家道歉，因为五年前我将 Tailwind UI 中的每个按钮都设为“bg-indigo-500”，这导致地球上每个 AI 生成的 UI 也都是靛蓝色的。

\n\n\n
\n
\"Tailwind
来自 X
\n\n\n

就…很好笑 \"😂\"

\n\n\n\n

Tailwind CSS 是什么？

\n\n\n\n

Tailwind CSS 是一个非常容易使用的 实用类优先（Utility-First）CSS 框架，它提供大量简单且功能明确的样式类，开发者只需在网页中添加相关类名，就可以快速无设计基础地创造出漂亮又响应式的页面。

\n\n\n\n

就算不是设计师，也可以轻松写出漂亮的网页，更何况是 AI 了。

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/tailwind-indigo-ai-ui-color-issue/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", "category": "业界消息", "link": "https://www.appinn.com/tailwind-indigo-ai-ui-color-issue/", "creator": "青小蛙", @@ -1795,7 +1795,7 @@ { "title": "关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私 && 限制第三方 API", "description": "今天，当我还沉浸在沉浸式翻译的时候，有同学已经把瓜喂到嘴边了： 然后我就去研究了一下，事情…大概是这样的。 沉浸式翻译是什么？ 这是一款非常流行的浏览器翻译插件，青小蛙也一直在用。（沉浸式 ", - "content": "\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

今天，当我还沉浸在沉浸式翻译的时候，有同学已经把瓜喂到嘴边了：

\n\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
来自 Appinn 频道群组
\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
来自小众软件论坛
\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

然后我就去研究了一下，事情…大概是这样的。

\n\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译是什么？

\n\n\n\n

这是一款非常流行的浏览器翻译插件，青小蛙也一直在用。（沉浸式翻译 – 支持 PDF、EPUB、网页，可同时显示原文与译文的双语翻译工具[Chrome/Firefox/油猴脚本]）

\n\n\n\n

最方便的地方是，只需要将鼠标放到需要翻译的地方，按下快捷键，就能翻译该行。如果需要全文翻译，也可以按快捷键实现。并且，是双语显示，方便你对照原文，还能使用 AI 来翻译内容。

\n\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译的第一个问题：快照泄漏隐私

\n\n\n\n

如果你没用过生成网页快照这个功能，那么这个问题和你无关。

\n\n\n\n

如果你用过网页快照，那么：

\n\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
青小蛙找到酱紫表的微博看到的这张图片（网络上流传的也是这张图片）
\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译有一个功能叫做生成网页快照，它能为翻译后的网页生成一个快照，然后分享给别人。但由于权限设置问题，这个翻译后的快照被搜索引擎爬到了，于是…这些用户翻译的内容就被泄漏了：

\n\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n

截止目前，该地址 readit.plus 在常见的搜索引擎中还有一些内容：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

不过，这些页面都已经无法打开了：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

但是，根据蓝点网的消息，终究还是泄漏了一个 readit.site.tar.zst 文件，这个文件中包含了大量敏感内容：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

关于这个功能，沉浸式翻译官方是这样解释的：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

所以，如果你曾经分享过一些什么东西…就仔细回想一下吧，别无他法。

\n\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译的第二个问题：限制第三方API使用【已撤回】

\n\n\n\n

就在昨天晚上（2025年8月8日），沉浸式翻译在公众号发布了一则公告（已删除），大意是：

\n\n\n\n

用户使用了自己的 API Key 接入沉浸式翻译，但沉浸式翻译认为有些 API 属于非正规渠道，甚至是盗刷信用卡得来的，会影响使用体验。以及为了保证沉浸式翻译所有用户（包括免费、Pro 和 Max 用户）的体验与合法权益，决定从下周起，沉浸式翻译将仅支持来自官方渠道、大型云服务商或已认证第三方的 API。

\n\n\n\n

这则公告目前已撤回，并且在流传的沉浸式翻译 Telegram 群组内容截图（图片来自 linux.do）显示：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

目前尚不知未来情况如何，截止 2025年8月9日，1.19.6 版本的沉浸式翻译插件还能使用第三方 API Key，以及修改「自定义 API 接口」。

\n\n\n\n

不过，青小蛙觉得这有点多管闲事了。

\n\n\n\n

以及还有一些瓜，由于没有明确的证据，就这样吧。

\n\n\n\n

用还是能用的，问题不大。

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/immersive-translate-2-questions/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", + "content": "\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

今天，当我还沉浸在沉浸式翻译的时候，有同学已经把瓜喂到嘴边了：

\n\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
来自 Appinn 频道群组
\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
来自小众软件论坛
\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

然后我就去研究了一下，事情…大概是这样的。

\n\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译是什么？

\n\n\n\n

这是一款非常流行的浏览器翻译插件，青小蛙也一直在用。（沉浸式翻译 – 支持 PDF、EPUB、网页，可同时显示原文与译文的双语翻译工具[Chrome/Firefox/油猴脚本]）

\n\n\n\n

最方便的地方是，只需要将鼠标放到需要翻译的地方，按下快捷键，就能翻译该行。如果需要全文翻译，也可以按快捷键实现。并且，是双语显示，方便你对照原文，还能使用 AI 来翻译内容。

\n\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译的第一个问题：快照泄漏隐私

\n\n\n\n

如果你没用过生成网页快照这个功能，那么这个问题和你无关。

\n\n\n\n

如果你用过网页快照，那么：

\n\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
青小蛙找到酱紫表的微博看到的这张图片（网络上流传的也是这张图片）
\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译有一个功能叫做生成网页快照，它能为翻译后的网页生成一个快照，然后分享给别人。但由于权限设置问题，这个翻译后的快照被搜索引擎爬到了，于是…这些用户翻译的内容就被泄漏了：

\n\n\n
\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n

截止目前，该地址 readit.plus 在常见的搜索引擎中还有一些内容：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

不过，这些页面都已经无法打开了：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

但是，根据蓝点网的消息，终究还是泄漏了一个 readit.site.tar.zst 文件，这个文件中包含了大量敏感内容：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

关于这个功能，沉浸式翻译官方是这样解释的：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

所以，如果你曾经分享过一些什么东西…就仔细回想一下吧，别无他法。

\n\n\n\n

沉浸式翻译的第二个问题：限制第三方API使用【已撤回】

\n\n\n\n

就在昨天晚上（2025年8月8日），沉浸式翻译在公众号发布了一则公告（已删除），大意是：

\n\n\n\n

用户使用了自己的 API Key 接入沉浸式翻译，但沉浸式翻译认为有些 API 属于非正规渠道，甚至是盗刷信用卡得来的，会影响使用体验。以及为了保证沉浸式翻译所有用户（包括免费、Pro 和 Max 用户）的体验与合法权益，决定从下周起，沉浸式翻译将仅支持来自官方渠道、大型云服务商或已认证第三方的 API。

\n\n\n\n

这则公告目前已撤回，并且在流传的沉浸式翻译 Telegram 群组内容截图（图片来自 linux.do）显示：

\n\n\n\n
\"关于沉浸式翻译的两个疑问：泄漏隐私
\n\n\n\n

目前尚不知未来情况如何，截止 2025年8月9日，1.19.6 版本的沉浸式翻译插件还能使用第三方 API Key，以及修改「自定义 API 接口」。

\n\n\n\n

不过，青小蛙觉得这有点多管闲事了。

\n\n\n\n

以及还有一些瓜，由于没有明确的证据，就这样吧。

\n\n\n\n

用还是能用的，问题不大。

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/immersive-translate-2-questions/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", "category": "业界消息", "link": "https://www.appinn.com/immersive-translate-2-questions/", "creator": "青小蛙", @@ -1839,7 +1839,7 @@ { "title": "GPT-5 也嫌弃表情符号了，还说它不再谄媚，少拍马屁", "description": "GPT-5，它来了。 详细文字在这里：《Introducing GPT-5》，好长不想看 但看到了这里： 并且：减少谄媚，少拍马屁 在发布 GPT-5 之前，我看到的都是这样的内容： 当时内心充满激动 ", - "content": "\n

GPT-5，它来了。

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

详细文字在这里：《Introducing GPT-5》，好长不想看

\n\n\n\n

但看到了这里：

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

并且：减少谄媚，少拍马屁

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

在发布 GPT-5 之前，我看到的都是这样的内容：

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

当时内心充满激动，世界又要变啦！

\n\n\n\n

在发布之后，我去问了GPT-5，它是这样总结的：

\n\n\n\n

问：总结一下GPT-5与之前版本的区别

\n\n\n\n

答：总的来说，GPT-5在智能对话、生成内容、跨模态处理、语言支持等方面都超越了前几代，带来了更强的通用性和灵活性。

\n\n\n\n

然后，我又问了一个诛心的问题：

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

为什么看起来没有革命性提升？

\n\n\n\n

渐进式优化：从GPT-3到GPT-4再到GPT-5，OpenAI逐步解决的是模型的局部瓶颈，例如推理能力、偏见控制和多模态处理的改进，而不是彻底改变现有的架构或计算原理。因此，GPT-5更像是对已有模型的不断优化，而不是从零开始的创新。

\n\n\n\n

技术已趋于成熟：GPT系列的基础架构已经非常强大，提升的空间逐渐收窄，更多的是在细节上的调整和提升。例如，之前版本在长对话中可能会断裂，GPT-5解决了这个问题，但从宏观角度看，这只是一个细节的改进，而非革命性的变化。

\n\n\n\n

革命性的突破难度大：像GPT-3那样的巨大飞跃，涉及的是神经网络模型架构和大规模计算资源的突破，这种飞跃的难度是极大的。GPT-5虽然强大，但它并没有在模型架构上做根本性的创新（例如GPT-4已基本摸索出了“Transformer架构”的边界），所以突破显得更为渐进。

\n\n\n\n

多模态和多语言的优化：虽然GPT-5的多模态处理能力增强了，但这一点对于大多数应用来说还是在进一步完善和拓展。对于大多数用户来说，单纯的文本生成和推理能力的提升仍是最为直观的感受，而这一领域的提升与之前版本相比，并不会带来一种“革命性的体验”。

\n\n\n\n

总之，GPT-5是一次强有力的进化，但从“革命性”角度来看，确实算是一个渐进性的提升。

\n\n\n\n

说的很有道理啊 

\n\n\n\n

而且，真的是一个 Emoji 都没有用呢。

\n\n\n\n

另外目前的限制是：

\n\n\n\n

Free – 每 5 小时 10 条 GPT-5 消息，然后是 mini 模型，外加每天 1 条 GPT-5 思考消息

\n\n\n\n

Plus – 每 3 小时 80 条 GPT-5 消息，然后是 mini 模型，手动 GPT-5 思考最多每周 200 条，从 GPT-5 自动切换到思考不计入每周限制，达到限制后仍然有效  

\n\n\n\n

Team/Pro – 无限制访问 GPT-5 模型

\n\n\n\n

另外的另外，目前的 Sora（就是之前火爆出圈的文生图 sora.chatgpt.com）还能每日画图好几张。

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/gpt5-no-emoji-no-flattery/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", + "content": "\n

GPT-5，它来了。

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

详细文字在这里：《Introducing GPT-5》，好长不想看

\n\n\n\n

但看到了这里：

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

并且：减少谄媚，少拍马屁

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

在发布 GPT-5 之前，我看到的都是这样的内容：

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

当时内心充满激动，世界又要变啦！

\n\n\n\n

在发布之后，我去问了GPT-5，它是这样总结的：

\n\n\n\n

问：总结一下GPT-5与之前版本的区别

\n\n\n\n

答：总的来说，GPT-5在智能对话、生成内容、跨模态处理、语言支持等方面都超越了前几代，带来了更强的通用性和灵活性。

\n\n\n\n

然后，我又问了一个诛心的问题：

\n\n\n\n
\"GPT-5
\n\n\n\n

为什么看起来没有革命性提升？

\n\n\n\n

渐进式优化：从GPT-3到GPT-4再到GPT-5，OpenAI逐步解决的是模型的局部瓶颈，例如推理能力、偏见控制和多模态处理的改进，而不是彻底改变现有的架构或计算原理。因此，GPT-5更像是对已有模型的不断优化，而不是从零开始的创新。

\n\n\n\n

技术已趋于成熟：GPT系列的基础架构已经非常强大，提升的空间逐渐收窄，更多的是在细节上的调整和提升。例如，之前版本在长对话中可能会断裂，GPT-5解决了这个问题，但从宏观角度看，这只是一个细节的改进，而非革命性的变化。

\n\n\n\n

革命性的突破难度大：像GPT-3那样的巨大飞跃，涉及的是神经网络模型架构和大规模计算资源的突破，这种飞跃的难度是极大的。GPT-5虽然强大，但它并没有在模型架构上做根本性的创新（例如GPT-4已基本摸索出了“Transformer架构”的边界），所以突破显得更为渐进。

\n\n\n\n

多模态和多语言的优化：虽然GPT-5的多模态处理能力增强了，但这一点对于大多数应用来说还是在进一步完善和拓展。对于大多数用户来说，单纯的文本生成和推理能力的提升仍是最为直观的感受，而这一领域的提升与之前版本相比，并不会带来一种“革命性的体验”。

\n\n\n\n

总之，GPT-5是一次强有力的进化，但从“革命性”角度来看，确实算是一个渐进性的提升。

\n\n\n\n

说的很有道理啊 

\n\n\n\n

而且，真的是一个 Emoji 都没有用呢。

\n\n\n\n

另外目前的限制是：

\n\n\n\n

Free – 每 5 小时 10 条 GPT-5 消息，然后是 mini 模型，外加每天 1 条 GPT-5 思考消息

\n\n\n\n

Plus – 每 3 小时 80 条 GPT-5 消息，然后是 mini 模型，手动 GPT-5 思考最多每周 200 条，从 GPT-5 自动切换到思考不计入每周限制，达到限制后仍然有效  

\n\n\n\n

Team/Pro – 无限制访问 GPT-5 模型

\n\n\n\n

另外的另外，目前的 Sora（就是之前火爆出圈的文生图 sora.chatgpt.com）还能每日画图好几张。

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/gpt5-no-emoji-no-flattery/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", "category": "AI", "link": "https://www.appinn.com/gpt5-no-emoji-no-flattery/", "creator": "青小蛙", @@ -1880,28 +1880,6 @@ "hash": "19ac2d05328477d2b25f5413a790f6b8", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "运行你自己的 Firefox 同步服务器，替代 Firefox 中国", - "description": "今天早上 @huaingabc 同学在 Firefox 中国关闭，如何备份数据一文中说： 昨天亲测，把国内账号改为国际账号就行了；退出登录，（退出前最好备份一下数据，且退出的时候不 ", - "content": "\n
\"运行你自己的
\n\n\n\n

今天早上 @huaingabc 同学在 Firefox 中国关闭，如何备份数据一文中说：

\n\n\n\n
\n

昨天亲测，把国内账号改为国际账号就行了；退出登录，（退出前最好备份一下数据，且退出的时候不要清除数据）然后地址栏输入 about:config → 搜索并修改以下参数identity.fxaccounts.autoconfig.uri → “https://accounts.firefox.com/, 重启就行了。国际账号为新账号，简单设置下就好了。

\n
\n\n\n\n

青小蛙表示很好奇，就搜索了下，没想到发现了新大陆：

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\"运行你自己的
\n\n\n\n

这是 Mozilla 官方发布的全套 Firefox 同步服务器教程文档（Mozilla Services Documentation）啊。

\n\n\n\n

包括两个部分：

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Sync-1.5 Server（自托管同步服务器）

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Firefox Accounts Server（Firefox 账户服务器）

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

也就是说，根据这个教程最终可以实现：

\n\n\n\n

一个完整的自托管 Firefox 数据同步服务，与 Firefox 官方一模一样…除了自己用，你还可以为别人提供服务，只需要在 about:config 里面修改服务器地址就好了。

\n\n\n\n

甚至，你都能通过 Firefox 的源码，直接自定义同步服务器地址，重新编译后，发给自己的用户，默认就使用了你的同步服务器，就像之前 Firefox 中国做的那样…

\n\n\n\n

或者可以这样说：Firefox 官方的同步功能，就是这个东西。

\n\n\n\n

就…正经的开源项目，还挺酷的。

\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

原文：https://www.appinn.com/run-firefox-sync-server/

\n

[ 点击前往获取链接 ]

", - "category": "Firefox", - "link": "https://www.appinn.com/run-firefox-sync-server/", - "creator": "青小蛙", - "pubDate": "Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:10:02 +0000", - "enclosure": "", - "enclosureType": "", - "image": "", - "id": "", - "language": "zh", - "folder": "资讯", - "feed": "小众软件", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "0d29145c0cfec85fcfb95f25082c4112", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "China urges U.S. to abandon excessive use of national security concept", "description": "

BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China has urged the United States to abandon its generalized and excessive use of the national security concept, and to collaborate with all parties in maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

At a regular press conference, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks when asked to comment on the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on imported steel, aluminium and their derivative products from 25 percent to 50 percent.

He said that such U.S. moves not only harm others and itself, but also will severely disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

The United States should abandon the zero-sum mentality, address respective concerns through equal dialogue, and jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, He said.

Source: Xinhua

", @@ -11387,28 +11365,6 @@ "hash": "a77d6482cfa2541800967be09705c31b", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "桥牌通讯系列赛走进避暑胜地 “桥牌+旅游”引领生活新时尚", - "description": "盛夏时节，酷暑难耐。恩施利川，中国凉城。桥友相约，避暑旅游。", - "content": "
\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n

\n \n \n
\n \n \n

\n

\n \n \n 盛夏时节，酷暑难耐。恩施利川，中国凉城。桥友相约，避暑旅游。\n \n \n

\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n
\n \n
\n

\n \n \n

\n

\n \n \n 7月27日下午，全国桥牌通讯系列赛（7月）在全国各地同时开赛，湖北省桥牌协会将湖北赛区主赛场设在恩施州利川市，顺应桥友夏日避暑和桥牌活动的双重需求。利川宏信和谐医院为本次通讯赛提供赛场和赛事服务。恩施州桥牌协会协办通讯赛。\n \n \n

\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n
\n \n
\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n

\n \n \n 赛前举行简短开赛仪式，利川宏信和谐医院院长祝建波先生致欢迎词，湖北省桥牌协会常务副会长兼秘书长沈光明先生讲话并宣布“”全国桥牌通讯训练赛暨‘清凉一夏’桥牌系列活动”开赛。\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 \n \n 从湖北各地到恩施州避暑的24对桥牌爱好者相聚中国凉城，参加通讯赛。另有近20名桥牌爱好者到现场观摩。\n \n \n

\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n
\n \n
\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n

\n \n \n 黄石市桥牌协会、襄阳市桥牌协会、十堰市桥牌协会、武汉省电社区活动站和武汉侧航社区活动站等积极创建赛线，吸引桥牌爱好者就近参赛，盛夏酷暑之时，让桥友静享桥牌运动之乐。\n \n \n

\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n
\n \n
\n
\n

\n \n \n 黄石赛场\n \n \n

\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n

\n \n \n 襄阳赛场\n \n \n

\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n

\n \n \n 十堰赛场\n \n \n

\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n

\n \n \n 省电社区活动站赛场\n \n \n

\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n

\n \n \n 侧航社区活动站赛场\n \n \n

\n
\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n

\n \n \n 武汉市桥牌协会在湖北恩施鹿院坪组织桥牌夏令营；武汉集贤社区活动站多年来坚持组织桥友参加桥牌夏令营活动。通讯赛也是夏令营的桥牌赛事活动之一。\n \n \n

\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n
\n \n
\n
\n \n
\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n

\n \n \n 桥牌通讯系列赛走进避暑胜地，“桥牌+旅游”引领生活新时尚。\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", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/KlYSI7GtrQlajMVQ_OqpbQ", - "creator": "中国桥牌协会", - "pubDate": "Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:54:55 ", - "enclosure": "https://mmbiz.qpic.cn/sz_mmbiz_jpg/71SHwPo8iax7UJfs67YtQTOhlJJsnSM5haURsCXqpicrbgTU1agXaW9ibPk9L2DYhLibM2NJ3hw2SWOP38pxOzuZ2w/0?wx_fmt=jpeg", - "enclosureType": "image/jpeg", - "image": "https://mmbiz.qpic.cn/sz_mmbiz_jpg/71SHwPo8iax7UJfs67YtQTOhlJJsnSM5haURsCXqpicrbgTU1agXaW9ibPk9L2DYhLibM2NJ3hw2SWOP38pxOzuZ2w/0?wx_fmt=jpeg", - "id": "2651310471_1", - "language": "", - "folder": "桥牌", - "feed": "中国桥牌协会", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "b15515aab88353e980546ff84f92f88e", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "第三届“泰豪杯”年度总决赛直播预告", "description": "新睿桥牌", @@ -11431,28 +11387,6 @@ "hash": "e1b86b0a977abfaf05c75f3bcabd4a79", "highlights": [] }, - { - "title": "“乡村振兴·智惠织金”全国桥牌公开赛八强产生", - "description": "“乡村振兴·智惠织金”全国桥牌公开赛八强产生", - "content": "
\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
\n \n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

\n \n \n 2025年“乡村振兴·智惠织金”全国桥牌公开赛在贵州织金进入第二个比赛日，随着第一阶段排位赛以及八分之一淘汰赛分别结束，晋级四分之一淘汰赛的队伍产生。\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 \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 \n

\n

\n \n \n 在第一阶段9轮排位赛后，弘途微光、沈阳拓普、身不由己、宜昌银光、锦江区桥牌协会、杭州桥协、成都青羊、JJ比赛、山海行者、江苏石泰、云南畅和、贵州省桥牌协会、校园漫步、攀枝花市红太阳、智艺以及江苏佳宏共16支队伍进入下一阶段。\n \n \n

\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n
\n \n
\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n

\n \n \n 八分之一淘汰赛分2节比拼24副牌，\n \n \n 江苏佳宏、JJ比赛、锦江区桥牌协会、宜昌银光、攀枝花市红太阳、杭州桥协、成都青羊和沈阳拓普\n \n \n 8支队伍分别战胜对手继续向领奖台迈进。\n \n \n

\n

\n \n
\n \n

\n

\n \n \n 明日将先后展开四分之一淘汰赛和半决赛的争夺，各阶段未晋级队伍均可参加附加积分编排赛。\n \n \n

\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n

\n \n \n

\n
\n", - "category": "", - "link": "https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/pyC6kt3q6gz-grRF6349HQ", - "creator": "中国桥牌协会", - "pubDate": "Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:34:12 ", - "enclosure": "https://mmbiz.qpic.cn/sz_mmbiz_jpg/71SHwPo8iax7uibvCboB6jZek6azBwLMTLRMF5xsaTV7GLKObKM3UHFBzw7kqpGIpc6QMQQNGUP25FicRicHxJBhNw/0?wx_fmt=jpeg", - "enclosureType": "image/jpeg", - "image": "https://mmbiz.qpic.cn/sz_mmbiz_jpg/71SHwPo8iax7uibvCboB6jZek6azBwLMTLRMF5xsaTV7GLKObKM3UHFBzw7kqpGIpc6QMQQNGUP25FicRicHxJBhNw/0?wx_fmt=jpeg", - "id": "2651310344_1", - "language": "", - "folder": "桥牌", - "feed": "中国桥牌协会", - "read": false, - "favorite": false, - "created": false, - "tags": [], - "hash": "3c66a27549298e5a4b6f898a34605cb2", - "highlights": [] - }, { "title": "001FRONT - Commitment to promoting peace stressed", "description": "

China is glad to see Russia and the United States maintaining contact, improving their bilateral relations and advancing the political settlement process of the Ukraine crisis, President Xi Jinping said.

\n

Xi made the remark during a phone conversation on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

\n

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said on Thursday that Russia and the US had reached an agreement on a meeting between the two countries' presidents in the coming days.

\n

During the phone talks on Friday, Putin briefed Xi on Russia's views on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis and the recent contacts and communications between Russia and the US.

\n

Putin said that Russia highly appreciates the constructive role China has played in the political settlement of the crisis.

\n

Noting that "there are no simple solutions to complex issues", Xi elaborated on China's principled position.

\n

No matter how the situation changes, China will stick to its consistent position and keep promoting peace and talks, Xi said.

\n

Putin said the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination will not change under any circumstances, and Moscow is willing to maintain close communication with Beijing.

\n

During the call, the two leaders spoke highly of the high-level political mutual trust and strategic cooperation between China and Russia.

\n

They agreed to work together to promote greater development in bilateral relations.

\n

During the phone conversation, the two leaders spoke about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as China will host the SCO summit in North China's Tianjin from Aug 31 to Sept 1.

\n

Xi and Putin agreed that both sides will collaborate closely to ensure the successful preparation of the SCO Tianjin Summit, making it a summit of friendship, unity with fruitful outcomes, and to advance the high-quality development of the SCO.

\n

Leaders of more than 20 countries, including all the 10 member countries of the SCO, will attend the SCO Tianjin Summit, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

\n

The summit will also bring together heads of 10 international organizations. This will be the largest SCO summit since the organization's founding in 2001, Guo said.

\n

According to recent media reports, Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are planning to attend the summit.

\n

"We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness," Guo said.

\n

Contact the writers at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", @@ -18176,6 +18110,1216 @@ "image": null, "description": "China Daily全文RSS。获取更多全文RSS：https://feedx.net", "items": [ + { + "title": "001FRONT - Consumption gains steam, drives growth", + "description": "

China's domestic consumption market is poised to continue its growth momentum in the second half of the year, fueled by continuous implementation of stimulus policies and residents' rising demand for high-end consumer goods, industry experts said.

\n

Consumption's key role as a driver of economic growth has long been a key focus of China's top leadership. In the Government Work Report delivered in March, boosting consumption was listed as a top priority among this year's major tasks.

\n

Consumer spending has played an increasingly pivotal role in China's economy. During a meeting of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs in February last year that was presided over by President Xi Jinping, he stressed that efforts should be made to encourage and guide a new round of large-scale equipment upgrading and consumer goods trade-in.

\n

Last year, final consumption contributed 44.5 percent to China's economic growth, surpassing investment and exports, and it drove GDP up by 2.2 percentage points, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

\n

Cai Jiming, a professor at Tsinghua University's Institute of Economics, said: "Consumption is the fundamental driving force of economic growth.

\n

"Improving consumption capacity, optimizing the consumption environment and promoting consumption upgrading can help drive the coordinated development of production and circulation, forming a virtuous cycle of economic growth. The shift toward a consumption-driven economic growth model has become inevitable."

\n

To support this pivotal transition, stronger supportive measures have been introduced, including the issuing of ultra-long-term special treasury bonds worth 300 billion yuan ($41.8 billion) to back the consumer goods trade-in program, doubling the scale from last year. In October, the fourth and final group of fund, amounting to 69 billion yuan, will be allocated as planned, said the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic regulator.

\n

The trade-in program has led to sales exceeding 1.6 trillion yuan in the first six months, driving strong growth in the retail sales of cars, home appliances and electronic products, the NDRC said.

\n

Over the same period, total retail sales, a gauge of consumption, reached 24.5 trillion yuan, up 5 percent year-on-year. Specifically, the retail sales of goods reached 21.8 trillion yuan, growing 5.1 percent year-on-year, said the NBS.

\n

"Facing downward pressure in the global economy and profound uncertainties this year, China's economy showed its resilience. The country's population of 1.4 billion constitutes a super large-scale market, which serves as a key driving force for China's economic growth and provides good business opportunities for global companies," said Fu Yifu, a special researcher at Su Merchants Bank based in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.

\n

"The consumption market is expected to continue its growth trend in the second half. To further boost consumer demand, it's also crucial to lift consumer confidence by raising incomes and creating more jobs," Fu said.

\n

On July 30, in a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee that was chaired by Xi, the need to effectively unleash potential in domestic demand, encourage goods consumption and foster new growth drivers of service consumption was reiterated.

\n

Fu added that for new growth points of service consumption, elderly care is expected to be a sunrise sector, fueled by an increasingly aging society.

\n

In addition, long-range medical treatment, high-end physical examinations, housekeeping services, the cultural tourism sector and advancements in technological innovation such as artificial intelligence are set to open up new market frontiers.

\n

The Ministry of Commerce, together with five other departments, launched the "Shopping in China" campaign in April, and various events and promotions have been held across the country, attracting domestic and international consumers and generating fresh sales growth.

\n

China unveiled a set of measures in April to further optimize its departure tax refund policy for eligible overseas visitors. In the first six months, sales revenue driven by tax refund shopping jumped 94.6 percent year-on-year, according to the State Taxation Administration.

\n

At domestic drone manufacturer DJI's store in Beijing's Guomao area, sales were further boosted after it introduced the tax refund policy last year, and the store's order conversion rate was lifted to around 80 percent, from the previous 20 to 30 percent.

\n

Guo Shaogang, store manager of DJI in Guomao, said: "Foreign visitors are used to getting tax refunds when they travel abroad. Many travelers coming from countries such as the United States, Russia, Germany and Saudi Arabia are interested in buying drones and handheld products."

\n

A traveler from the Netherlands who wanted to be identified only as Marco recently shopped in the Guomao area and received an instant tax refund for the products he bought. He said that being able to buy tax-free goods is always good, just like in many other countries.

\n

Macloud Kadam'manja, an official from Malawi who went to Changsha, the capital of Central China's Hunan province, earlier this summer, said he enjoyed shopping for Chinese products at a local market.

\n

"I came to this shop because the prices of most items are reasonable, and I will get some tax refunds, so this is the place that I would buy things each time I come to Changsha," Kadam'manja said.

\n

Andrea Yue, partner of indirect tax services at professional services provider EY, said that implementation of the instant tax refund policy has become an accelerator to help stimulate spending.

\n

"Foreign visitors' trend of shopping in China is further heating up, thanks to the country's continuous optimization of the business environment and consumption experiences, and the supply of more high-quality products," Yue said.

\n

With more such policy fine-tuning and the upcoming peak time for travel as well as festival-incentivized spending, China's domestic consumption is expected to contribute more to the nation's overall economic growth this year, observers said.

\n

zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

China's domestic consumption market is poised to continue its growth momentum in the second half of the year, fueled by continuous implementation of stimulus policies and residents' rising demand for high-end consumer goods, industry experts said.

\n

Consumption's key role as a driver of economic growth has long been a key focus of China's top leadership. In the Government Work Report delivered in March, boosting consumption was listed as a top priority among this year's major tasks.

\n

Consumer spending has played an increasingly pivotal role in China's economy. During a meeting of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs in February last year that was presided over by President Xi Jinping, he stressed that efforts should be made to encourage and guide a new round of large-scale equipment upgrading and consumer goods trade-in.

\n

Last year, final consumption contributed 44.5 percent to China's economic growth, surpassing investment and exports, and it drove GDP up by 2.2 percentage points, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

\n

Cai Jiming, a professor at Tsinghua University's Institute of Economics, said: "Consumption is the fundamental driving force of economic growth.

\n

"Improving consumption capacity, optimizing the consumption environment and promoting consumption upgrading can help drive the coordinated development of production and circulation, forming a virtuous cycle of economic growth. The shift toward a consumption-driven economic growth model has become inevitable."

\n

To support this pivotal transition, stronger supportive measures have been introduced, including the issuing of ultra-long-term special treasury bonds worth 300 billion yuan ($41.8 billion) to back the consumer goods trade-in program, doubling the scale from last year. In October, the fourth and final group of fund, amounting to 69 billion yuan, will be allocated as planned, said the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic regulator.

\n

The trade-in program has led to sales exceeding 1.6 trillion yuan in the first six months, driving strong growth in the retail sales of cars, home appliances and electronic products, the NDRC said.

\n

Over the same period, total retail sales, a gauge of consumption, reached 24.5 trillion yuan, up 5 percent year-on-year. Specifically, the retail sales of goods reached 21.8 trillion yuan, growing 5.1 percent year-on-year, said the NBS.

\n

"Facing downward pressure in the global economy and profound uncertainties this year, China's economy showed its resilience. The country's population of 1.4 billion constitutes a super large-scale market, which serves as a key driving force for China's economic growth and provides good business opportunities for global companies," said Fu Yifu, a special researcher at Su Merchants Bank based in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.

\n

"The consumption market is expected to continue its growth trend in the second half. To further boost consumer demand, it's also crucial to lift consumer confidence by raising incomes and creating more jobs," Fu said.

\n

On July 30, in a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee that was chaired by Xi, the need to effectively unleash potential in domestic demand, encourage goods consumption and foster new growth drivers of service consumption was reiterated.

\n

Fu added that for new growth points of service consumption, elderly care is expected to be a sunrise sector, fueled by an increasingly aging society.

\n

In addition, long-range medical treatment, high-end physical examinations, housekeeping services, the cultural tourism sector and advancements in technological innovation such as artificial intelligence are set to open up new market frontiers.

\n

The Ministry of Commerce, together with five other departments, launched the "Shopping in China" campaign in April, and various events and promotions have been held across the country, attracting domestic and international consumers and generating fresh sales growth.

\n

China unveiled a set of measures in April to further optimize its departure tax refund policy for eligible overseas visitors. In the first six months, sales revenue driven by tax refund shopping jumped 94.6 percent year-on-year, according to the State Taxation Administration.

\n

At domestic drone manufacturer DJI's store in Beijing's Guomao area, sales were further boosted after it introduced the tax refund policy last year, and the store's order conversion rate was lifted to around 80 percent, from the previous 20 to 30 percent.

\n

Guo Shaogang, store manager of DJI in Guomao, said: "Foreign visitors are used to getting tax refunds when they travel abroad. Many travelers coming from countries such as the United States, Russia, Germany and Saudi Arabia are interested in buying drones and handheld products."

\n

A traveler from the Netherlands who wanted to be identified only as Marco recently shopped in the Guomao area and received an instant tax refund for the products he bought. He said that being able to buy tax-free goods is always good, just like in many other countries.

\n

Macloud Kadam'manja, an official from Malawi who went to Changsha, the capital of Central China's Hunan province, earlier this summer, said he enjoyed shopping for Chinese products at a local market.

\n

"I came to this shop because the prices of most items are reasonable, and I will get some tax refunds, so this is the place that I would buy things each time I come to Changsha," Kadam'manja said.

\n

Andrea Yue, partner of indirect tax services at professional services provider EY, said that implementation of the instant tax refund policy has become an accelerator to help stimulate spending.

\n

"Foreign visitors' trend of shopping in China is further heating up, thanks to the country's continuous optimization of the business environment and consumption experiences, and the supply of more high-quality products," Yue said.

\n

With more such policy fine-tuning and the upcoming peak time for travel as well as festival-incentivized spending, China's domestic consumption is expected to contribute more to the nation's overall economic growth this year, observers said.

\n

zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_001_6898fdcfed50ccabe1517457.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "18588a5b580e7e20f0635999d515d432", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Reopened roads to speed up search for flood victims", + "description": "

People's Armed Police Force personnel rescue a trapped resident in Xinglongshan village of Yuzhong county, Gansu province, on Saturday.

\n

Volunteers serve watermelons to flood victims at the Yuzhong No 3 Middle School resettlement site in Yuzhong county on Sunday.

\n

Roads damaged by last week's flash floods in Yuzhong county of Northwest China's Gansu province have been reopened and power supply has been restored, but rescuers continue to race against time to find more than two dozen people who were missing.

\n

As of Sunday, 15 people were confirmed dead and 28 remained unaccounted for, according to provincial emergency authorities.

\n

"Based on our assessment, the missing are likely buried beneath sediment. Logistical problems have until now prevented heavy equipment from reaching the hardest-hit areas. We were only able to search on foot and dig by hand," said Liu Xuefeng, deputy commander of the Gansu Forest Fire Brigade.

\n

With arterial roads reopened on Sunday, the disaster relief command mobilized more than 100 pieces of heavy machinery, and Liu said he expected the search-and-rescue operation to be expedited.

\n

Torrential rainfall from Thursday to Friday damaged 51 road sections in Yuzhong, covering 102.2 kilometers. Local authorities deployed more than 670 emergency personnel and around 130 machines and vehicles by 3 am on Friday to carry out urgent repairs.

\n

By Saturday afternoon, all affected villages in the county were made accessible. Members of the emergency crew are currently focusing on keeping repaired road sections clear for delivery of relief supplies.

\n

According to State Grid Gansu Electric Power Co, power supply for affected residents was fully restored as early as Saturday night. The company credited the quick deployment of 330 repair personnel, 73 emergency vehicles, 42 generators and three mobile power units for the success.

\n

Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing visited Yuzhong on Friday to guide emergency response and search-and-rescue operations.

\n

Zhang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that finding the missing people is an urgent priority. He called for more precise rainfall forecast, emphasized close monitoring of areas vulnerable to flash floods and landslides, and urged timely evacuations when needed.

\n

As of 3 pm on Sunday, 10,160 people had been evacuated and resettled, according to the disaster relief command.

\n

Eight township resettlement centers have been opened and 54 hotels turned into temporary shelters. Yuzhong No 3 Middle School is housing 178 people, including 23 children, who are mainly residents of Maliantan village, located about 30 kilometers away. They are being provided with three meals a day, as well as medical services if needed.

\n

Officials said that relief supplies at the shelter were adequate, including staples such as rice and eggs, as well as drinking water. Most relief items have been donated by members of the public.

\n

"On the night of Aug 7, the rain was so heavy that we could not sleep. The next day, we were brought to the shelter, and we were provided with hot meals and clean bedding," said Song Juhua, 63, a resident of Maliantan village.

\n

A counseling team has arrived at the shelter to provide emotional support to the 23 children and other young flood victims.

\n

Meteorological data shows that the rainfall last week was prolonged and intense, with several stations breaking daily precipitation records set since monitoring began in 2002.

\n

"I am 61 years old and I have never seen such heavy flooding," said Yang Zuodong, head of the Yangwa village committee.

\n

Maliantan resident Zhang Lunkuan called the rainstorm on the night of Aug 7 terrifying. "It sounded like the sky was crashing and the earth splitting. The rain was so heavy that it was blinding."

\n

Yuzhong county sits on the Loess Plateau, where loose soil, sparse vegetation and low soil water retention make the area particularly vulnerable to flash floods during severe downpours.

\n

The Lanzhou Meteorological Administration has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday in southern Yuzhong, where it said saturated, loose soil could trigger landslides and hamper ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

\n

Contact the writers at liuboqian@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

People's Armed Police Force personnel rescue a trapped resident in Xinglongshan village of Yuzhong county, Gansu province, on Saturday.

\n

Volunteers serve watermelons to flood victims at the Yuzhong No 3 Middle School resettlement site in Yuzhong county on Sunday.

\n

Roads damaged by last week's flash floods in Yuzhong county of Northwest China's Gansu province have been reopened and power supply has been restored, but rescuers continue to race against time to find more than two dozen people who were missing.

\n

As of Sunday, 15 people were confirmed dead and 28 remained unaccounted for, according to provincial emergency authorities.

\n

"Based on our assessment, the missing are likely buried beneath sediment. Logistical problems have until now prevented heavy equipment from reaching the hardest-hit areas. We were only able to search on foot and dig by hand," said Liu Xuefeng, deputy commander of the Gansu Forest Fire Brigade.

\n

With arterial roads reopened on Sunday, the disaster relief command mobilized more than 100 pieces of heavy machinery, and Liu said he expected the search-and-rescue operation to be expedited.

\n

Torrential rainfall from Thursday to Friday damaged 51 road sections in Yuzhong, covering 102.2 kilometers. Local authorities deployed more than 670 emergency personnel and around 130 machines and vehicles by 3 am on Friday to carry out urgent repairs.

\n

By Saturday afternoon, all affected villages in the county were made accessible. Members of the emergency crew are currently focusing on keeping repaired road sections clear for delivery of relief supplies.

\n

According to State Grid Gansu Electric Power Co, power supply for affected residents was fully restored as early as Saturday night. The company credited the quick deployment of 330 repair personnel, 73 emergency vehicles, 42 generators and three mobile power units for the success.

\n

Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing visited Yuzhong on Friday to guide emergency response and search-and-rescue operations.

\n

Zhang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that finding the missing people is an urgent priority. He called for more precise rainfall forecast, emphasized close monitoring of areas vulnerable to flash floods and landslides, and urged timely evacuations when needed.

\n

As of 3 pm on Sunday, 10,160 people had been evacuated and resettled, according to the disaster relief command.

\n

Eight township resettlement centers have been opened and 54 hotels turned into temporary shelters. Yuzhong No 3 Middle School is housing 178 people, including 23 children, who are mainly residents of Maliantan village, located about 30 kilometers away. They are being provided with three meals a day, as well as medical services if needed.

\n

Officials said that relief supplies at the shelter were adequate, including staples such as rice and eggs, as well as drinking water. Most relief items have been donated by members of the public.

\n

"On the night of Aug 7, the rain was so heavy that we could not sleep. The next day, we were brought to the shelter, and we were provided with hot meals and clean bedding," said Song Juhua, 63, a resident of Maliantan village.

\n

A counseling team has arrived at the shelter to provide emotional support to the 23 children and other young flood victims.

\n

Meteorological data shows that the rainfall last week was prolonged and intense, with several stations breaking daily precipitation records set since monitoring began in 2002.

\n

"I am 61 years old and I have never seen such heavy flooding," said Yang Zuodong, head of the Yangwa village committee.

\n

Maliantan resident Zhang Lunkuan called the rainstorm on the night of Aug 7 terrifying. "It sounded like the sky was crashing and the earth splitting. The rain was so heavy that it was blinding."

\n

Yuzhong county sits on the Loess Plateau, where loose soil, sparse vegetation and low soil water retention make the area particularly vulnerable to flash floods during severe downpours.

\n

The Lanzhou Meteorological Administration has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday in southern Yuzhong, where it said saturated, loose soil could trigger landslides and hamper ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

\n

Contact the writers at liuboqian@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_001_6898fdd3ed50ccabe1517458.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "3591b8b2755c4f48cb10e5d24b572cc6", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - Aruban karate athlete hogs Chengdu spotlight", + "description": "

Karate athlete Rob Timmermans marches with Aruba's flag on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

\n

Online See more by scanning the code.

\n

Rob Timmermans, a karate athlete from Aruba, arrived as the Caribbean island's sole competitor in the 2025 World Games being held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, but he left as the new darling of social media.

\n

The spotlight turned to the 29-year-old as he carried Aruba's flag during the games' opening ceremony on Thursday, and he soon became the most-talked-about face of the sporting extravaganza. His Instagram account was flooded with messages praising his photogenic looks and wishing him good luck in the competition.

\n

Despite ranking fifth in the men's kumite (sparring) +84kg division on Saturday, Timmermans was showered with overwhelming affection, and he left Chengdu on Sunday with an indelible imprint of the city's warmth and cultural wealth on his heart and mind.

\n

"I think this whole week has been amazing. Even though I lost, I still got a lot of support from Chinese fans. This is why I keep going," he said.

\n

Off the mat, Timmermans participated in a series of city tours organized by the Chengdu games' executive committee, visiting attractions such as the Wangjiang Tower Park and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. He also watched Sichuan Opera face-changing performances.

\n

During the tours, Timmermans enjoyed a night cruise along the Jinjiang River and boarded a sightseeing bus, which offered hotpot-style meals along with stunning views of the city.

\n

"We carefully considered dietary preferences of foreign visitors, selecting ingredients that suit most palates while also highlighting Chengdu's local characteristics," said Lai Xin, operator of the cultural tours.

\n

The tour prepared tomato-based broth, instead of Sichuan's spicy hot broth called malatang, to accompany a selection of beef, lettuce, wide noodles, quail eggs and local snacks such as ciba, which is made of glutinous rice, and mahua, or fried dough twists.

\n

These tailored cultural experiences for athletes will be available throughout the duration of the games, with activities continuing till Aug 18.

\n

Timmermans likened the relaxed vibe of Chengdu with the easygoing life in Aruba.

\n

"It is an island boasting beautiful beaches, nice weather and a really laid-back atmosphere," he said, as he experienced traditional Chinese massages and the tea culture during his tours.

\n

"I have a really good impression of China. I think it's a really good country. I'll try to come back sometime," he added.

\n

Timmermans' younger brother, Brian Timmermans, 27, also took part in the Chengdu games, but he represented the Netherlands and finished seventh in the men's kumite 84kg division.

\n

The Timmermans family operates a karate club called Karate Team Timmermans in Heerlen, a city in southeastern Netherlands, passionately promoting their love for the sport.

\n

Rob Timmermans said he particularly cherishes his participation in the World Games in Chengdu, because karate has been excluded from the additional sports list for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

\n

The Aruban athlete, who recently opened an account on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, plans to share glimpses of his daily life and training routine on the platform, although he clarified that he has no intention of becoming an "oversharing online influencer".

\n

He encouraged his new Chinese fans to deepen their understanding of the sport. "If you're interested in karate, start practicing and competing."

\n

He has now set his sights on the Kyokushinkan World Karate Championship 2025 scheduled for November, aiming for podium success at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Japan.

\n

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Karate athlete Rob Timmermans marches with Aruba's flag on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

\n

Online See more by scanning the code.

\n

Rob Timmermans, a karate athlete from Aruba, arrived as the Caribbean island's sole competitor in the 2025 World Games being held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, but he left as the new darling of social media.

\n

The spotlight turned to the 29-year-old as he carried Aruba's flag during the games' opening ceremony on Thursday, and he soon became the most-talked-about face of the sporting extravaganza. His Instagram account was flooded with messages praising his photogenic looks and wishing him good luck in the competition.

\n

Despite ranking fifth in the men's kumite (sparring) +84kg division on Saturday, Timmermans was showered with overwhelming affection, and he left Chengdu on Sunday with an indelible imprint of the city's warmth and cultural wealth on his heart and mind.

\n

"I think this whole week has been amazing. Even though I lost, I still got a lot of support from Chinese fans. This is why I keep going," he said.

\n

Off the mat, Timmermans participated in a series of city tours organized by the Chengdu games' executive committee, visiting attractions such as the Wangjiang Tower Park and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. He also watched Sichuan Opera face-changing performances.

\n

During the tours, Timmermans enjoyed a night cruise along the Jinjiang River and boarded a sightseeing bus, which offered hotpot-style meals along with stunning views of the city.

\n

"We carefully considered dietary preferences of foreign visitors, selecting ingredients that suit most palates while also highlighting Chengdu's local characteristics," said Lai Xin, operator of the cultural tours.

\n

The tour prepared tomato-based broth, instead of Sichuan's spicy hot broth called malatang, to accompany a selection of beef, lettuce, wide noodles, quail eggs and local snacks such as ciba, which is made of glutinous rice, and mahua, or fried dough twists.

\n

These tailored cultural experiences for athletes will be available throughout the duration of the games, with activities continuing till Aug 18.

\n

Timmermans likened the relaxed vibe of Chengdu with the easygoing life in Aruba.

\n

"It is an island boasting beautiful beaches, nice weather and a really laid-back atmosphere," he said, as he experienced traditional Chinese massages and the tea culture during his tours.

\n

"I have a really good impression of China. I think it's a really good country. I'll try to come back sometime," he added.

\n

Timmermans' younger brother, Brian Timmermans, 27, also took part in the Chengdu games, but he represented the Netherlands and finished seventh in the men's kumite 84kg division.

\n

The Timmermans family operates a karate club called Karate Team Timmermans in Heerlen, a city in southeastern Netherlands, passionately promoting their love for the sport.

\n

Rob Timmermans said he particularly cherishes his participation in the World Games in Chengdu, because karate has been excluded from the additional sports list for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

\n

The Aruban athlete, who recently opened an account on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, plans to share glimpses of his daily life and training routine on the platform, although he clarified that he has no intention of becoming an "oversharing online influencer".

\n

He encouraged his new Chinese fans to deepen their understanding of the sport. "If you're interested in karate, start practicing and competing."

\n

He has now set his sights on the Kyokushinkan World Karate Championship 2025 scheduled for November, aiming for podium success at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Japan.

\n

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_001_6898fdd7ed50ccabe1517459.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "1f0f3d6256bec8c6f9da4ed4aa49ec6a", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "001FRONT - HOW TIN TOYS GEARED UP MANUFACTURING SUCCESS", + "description": "

Sun Yonghao's collection of Bumblebee (left) from the Transformers and Gundam models.

\n

Collector Marvin Chan's company in Shanghai produces retro-looking tin toys, including cars and robots.

\n

Chan, founder of the designing and manufacturing company Saint John, delivers a speech at the College of Design and Innovation at Tongji University, Shanghai.

\n

Influencer and toy designer Zhang Yiyi's toy collection of various IPs, including Super Mario, Toy Story and SpongeBob SquarePants.

\n

Sun Yonghao holds Gundam models in his own store.

\n

In the world of collectible figures, Marvin Chan stands out for his love of mechanical tin toys — a passion that is also a compelling reminder of China's baby steps to becoming a manufacturing giant.

\n

Born in Hong Kong in the mid-1960s, Chan is not simply a collector — he's a preserver of memories, colorful industrial design and Chinese craftsmanship.

\n

"From a young age, I had the chance to experience toys from all over the world, including Chinese-made tin toys. Though I loved toys, I never imagined that my life would one day be intertwined with them," he said.

\n

That connection deepened in the late 1980s during a trip to Kota Tinggi, Malaysia. Wandering into a small toy shop near a bus interchange, Chan came across a few old Chinese tin toys produced in the early 1980s. The sight, and familiar "click-clack" sound of their mechanisms awoke dormant memories.

\n

"It felt as though time had reversed," he recalled. "I could once again experience the pure joy of playing with these toys as a child."

\n

In 1994, his interest turned into a mission after visiting the legendary Japanese tin toy collector Teruhisa Kitahara in Yokohama. Kitahara's meticulously curated collection stirred a sense of urgency in Chan to try and preserve a chapter of China's nascent manufacturing past.

\n

"Seeing his collection, carefully curated over more than 20 years, left me deeply shaken," he recalled.

\n

"As a Chinese, I suddenly realized that these seemingly simple toys carried the memories of an entire era. I felt it was my responsibility to preserve this cultural heritage."

\n

Hong Kong to Shanghai

\n

As an international business hub, Hong Kong in the 1960s and 70s had a wide selection of toys from around the globe on sale. Japanese tinplate robots, American action figures, mechanical toys made on the Chinese mainland, and locally manufactured plastic figures shared the same shelves in the city's toy stores.

\n

"All of these toys made up the most wonderful fragments of my childhood memories," Chan said.

\n

One toy in particular, remains unforgettable — a Japanese-made wind-up tin Ultraman Chan's parents gifted him after he did well in a school exam.

\n

"Its red and silver figure, with a head that could turn, made me very happy. Every time I wound it up, it felt like I was fighting alongside Ultraman to protect peace in the galaxy. That toy was priceless to me," he said.

\n

Inspired by the romanticized version of Shanghai he saw in the classic Hong Kong TV drama The Bund, Chan went to the city in 1991.Between 1998 and 2008, he split his time between Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, researching Chinese toy history and exploring manufacturing partnerships.

\n

In 2005, he launched the Museum of Shanghai Toys in Singapore, displaying his collection of over 2,000 toys made in Shanghai from 1910 to 1970.

\n

But the opportunity he had been waiting for arrived in 2008, when a tin toy factory in Shanghai was seeking a collaborator. Chan decided to relocate to Shanghai and devote himself to reviving the city's fading tin toy industry. Later, he took over a tin toy factory and founded the Saint John company, designing and manufacturing items himself.

\n

Shanghai has long been a toy manufacturing powerhouse, according to Chan.

\n

By the 1950s, Shanghai's tin toy industry was flourishing — technically innovative, nationally influential, and export-driven. Companies developed new metal toys that went beyond the wind-up models of earlier decades, injecting new vitality into a rapidly evolving market.

\n

In 1965, Shanghai's tin toys were showcased internationally at China's first toy exhibition in Hong Kong. The products delighted children across the globe with their clever mechanisms and imaginative forms. Even by the early 1980s, tin toys remained a dominant force in Shanghai's toy market.

\n

"From an artistic perspective, vintage tin toys — both the toys themselves and their packaging — often featured hand-painted art," Chan said. "The vibrant colors, smooth lines, and clever construction gave these toys not only charm, but real artistic value."

\n

Profitable hobby

\n

Growing up in Tianjin, Sun Yonghao was shy and introspective and different from the other kids in his neighborhood.

\n

But when the clock struck six in the evening, the bookish child would rush to the living room to watch his favorite cartoons.

\n

The iconic Japanese series Gundam, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and first aired in 1979 with its towering robots and epic battles in space, left an indelible mark on the young boy's mind.

\n

The Gundam robots, detailed and powerful and each with their own rich backstory, felt like something straight out of a dream. "It wasn't just about the robots," Sun recalls. "It was the entire universe they created — the battles, the stories, the characters. There was a depth to it that I hadn't seen in other cartoons."

\n

As the years passed, his love for Gundam only grew stronger, evolving from childhood fascination into something that would shape his entire future.

\n

In the summer of 2002, at the age of 15, Sun finally realized a long-held dream. After saving his pocket money for an entire year, he had 220 yuan ($30.65) and made his first-ever purchase, an electroplated TV Wing Gundam Zero model.

\n

That Gundam model became Sun's most treasured possession. It wasn't just something he displayed on a shelf — it became a part of his identity, a tangible connection to his childhood passions.

\n

After completing his studies, Sun entered the automotive industry, where he worked for 13 years. As his career progressed and his income grew, so did his collection. Today, Sun owns over 2,000 Gundam models, which have cost him more than 1 million yuan.

\n

"I love spending time with my collection, even though I'm busy with my job and my responsibilities as a husband, son, and father," he said. "For me, toys aren't just relics of the past — they're bridges to a timeless joy. The happiness they bring is the same joy I felt as a child."

\n

Three years ago, Sun decided to leave the automotive industry behind and turn his lifelong love of toys into a career. He began sharing his collection on social media, where it quickly gained a large following.

\n

Today, he is the chief operating officer of ILoveToy, a Chinese toy brand that started in 2008 with online shops before expanding into physical stores.

\n

The company's goal was to create an immersive, hands-on shopping experience for its growing customer base. "We have tables and chairs in the stores, offering people a space to play with the toys," Sun said.

\n

Now, ILoveToy boasts 18 stores in 10 cities across China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai.

\n

"I wanted to do something that would bring people like me happiness every day," he said. "Toys, particularly my Gundam collection, have always been a source of pure joy for me."

\n

No longer just an occasional hobby, his passion for Gundam and toys has become an all-encompassing pursuit. Sun's collection has expanded to include rare action figures and limited-edition models. With each new addition, he finds deeper joy in preserving these pieces of nostalgia.

\n

Zhang Yiyi, 32, also enjoys collecting toys. For him, it isn't just a hobby but a way to experience a carefree childhood he believes he never really had. "It is also a reminder that it's never too late to find joy in the little things," Zhang said.

\n

Born and raised in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, Zhang now lives in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and is an influencer and toy designer.

\n

"Toys can really help alleviate the stress and anxiety that come from life and work. They let me immerse myself and feel happy. Just having them on display at home makes me feel good. It's a way for me to release my emotions," said Zhang, who started collecting toys in 2021.One of his favorite series is from the animated movie franchise, Toy Story, which he described as "a world full of fun".

\n

He said thanks to the rising popularity of designer toys, many manufacturers have made many toys and figurines, or collectibles, that are from his childhood.

\n

Zhang has released 10 series of toy designs, including Yibeiji, featuring a chicken image inspired by his zodiac animal, the rooster, and Crazy Botanical Garden, featuring animated images of various plants.

\n

"I created those images out of pure personal interest and I didn't expect fans to love them," he said. "The world needs toys, and so do the grown-ups, because who can live without joy and a little fun to pursue?"

\n

After the green frog

\n

Beyond their mechanical beauty, tin toys were cultural touchstones. For children born in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, toys like the ubiquitous wind-up hopping green tin frog were like old friends.

\n

Today, Chan is partnering with artisans and designers in Shanghai to breathe new life into these toys. His creations honor the past but are made for the present — beautiful, functional, joyful objects creating memories for a new generation.

\n

He is also the vice-president of the Shanghai Putuo Collectibles &Heritage Association, which was launched in 2002.

\n

The association is committed to the popularization of folk art collections, and the promotion of collecting cultural items as diverse as comics, transportation tickets, and toys.

\n

On June 1, the association launched a new organization, the Research Committee of Modern and Contemporary Toys, to promote the inheritance and innovation of toy culture for a new generation.

\n

It plans to collaborate with academic institutions and collectors to jointly delve into and widely spread toy culture, according to Chan, who is the director of the new branch association.

\n

Chan leads the in-depth exploration of toy history, the refinement of cultural values, the organization of themed exhibitions and academic seminars, "all to enhance public recognition and dissemination of Chinese toy culture", he said.

\n

The collectible toy market has entered a stage of explosive growth, according to the 2021 China Collectible Toy Industry Market Insight Analysis, released by Analysys International, a company that focuses on internet sales and products.

\n

The boom is driven by the rapid growth of Chinese residents' income and the collectible toy market. It's dominated by intellectual property with a focus on product design and platform-based channel operations, the report said.

\n

In recent years, the annual growth rate of the Chinese collectible toy market has remained above 35 percent. It is expected that by 2025, the market size will exceed 150 billion yuan.

\n

The report also pointed out the difference between collectible toys and designer toys.

\n

Collectors focus on rare or vintage toys, often seeking to complete a set or own valuable items, such as older action figures, model cars, or dolls. Designer toys, or trendy toys, such as blind boxes, often represent limited-edition collaborations with well-known brands, pop culture icons, or artists. They are marketed to a younger audience that values exclusivity, innovation and trendiness.

\n

"Some types of designer toys experience only brief popularity and fade away over time — they're trendy for a moment but are soon forgotten. Others, however, manage to stand the test of time and become classic collectibles that are appreciated and sought after by people of all ages," the report said.

\n

Chan was more philosophical, saying people are always trying to explain why everyone likes toys.

\n

"But sometimes, it's simple. We like them because they make us happy, and that's enough," he said.

\n

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Sun Yonghao's collection of Bumblebee (left) from the Transformers and Gundam models.

\n

Collector Marvin Chan's company in Shanghai produces retro-looking tin toys, including cars and robots.

\n

Chan, founder of the designing and manufacturing company Saint John, delivers a speech at the College of Design and Innovation at Tongji University, Shanghai.

\n

Influencer and toy designer Zhang Yiyi's toy collection of various IPs, including Super Mario, Toy Story and SpongeBob SquarePants.

\n

Sun Yonghao holds Gundam models in his own store.

\n

In the world of collectible figures, Marvin Chan stands out for his love of mechanical tin toys — a passion that is also a compelling reminder of China's baby steps to becoming a manufacturing giant.

\n

Born in Hong Kong in the mid-1960s, Chan is not simply a collector — he's a preserver of memories, colorful industrial design and Chinese craftsmanship.

\n

"From a young age, I had the chance to experience toys from all over the world, including Chinese-made tin toys. Though I loved toys, I never imagined that my life would one day be intertwined with them," he said.

\n

That connection deepened in the late 1980s during a trip to Kota Tinggi, Malaysia. Wandering into a small toy shop near a bus interchange, Chan came across a few old Chinese tin toys produced in the early 1980s. The sight, and familiar "click-clack" sound of their mechanisms awoke dormant memories.

\n

"It felt as though time had reversed," he recalled. "I could once again experience the pure joy of playing with these toys as a child."

\n

In 1994, his interest turned into a mission after visiting the legendary Japanese tin toy collector Teruhisa Kitahara in Yokohama. Kitahara's meticulously curated collection stirred a sense of urgency in Chan to try and preserve a chapter of China's nascent manufacturing past.

\n

"Seeing his collection, carefully curated over more than 20 years, left me deeply shaken," he recalled.

\n

"As a Chinese, I suddenly realized that these seemingly simple toys carried the memories of an entire era. I felt it was my responsibility to preserve this cultural heritage."

\n

Hong Kong to Shanghai

\n

As an international business hub, Hong Kong in the 1960s and 70s had a wide selection of toys from around the globe on sale. Japanese tinplate robots, American action figures, mechanical toys made on the Chinese mainland, and locally manufactured plastic figures shared the same shelves in the city's toy stores.

\n

"All of these toys made up the most wonderful fragments of my childhood memories," Chan said.

\n

One toy in particular, remains unforgettable — a Japanese-made wind-up tin Ultraman Chan's parents gifted him after he did well in a school exam.

\n

"Its red and silver figure, with a head that could turn, made me very happy. Every time I wound it up, it felt like I was fighting alongside Ultraman to protect peace in the galaxy. That toy was priceless to me," he said.

\n

Inspired by the romanticized version of Shanghai he saw in the classic Hong Kong TV drama The Bund, Chan went to the city in 1991.Between 1998 and 2008, he split his time between Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, researching Chinese toy history and exploring manufacturing partnerships.

\n

In 2005, he launched the Museum of Shanghai Toys in Singapore, displaying his collection of over 2,000 toys made in Shanghai from 1910 to 1970.

\n

But the opportunity he had been waiting for arrived in 2008, when a tin toy factory in Shanghai was seeking a collaborator. Chan decided to relocate to Shanghai and devote himself to reviving the city's fading tin toy industry. Later, he took over a tin toy factory and founded the Saint John company, designing and manufacturing items himself.

\n

Shanghai has long been a toy manufacturing powerhouse, according to Chan.

\n

By the 1950s, Shanghai's tin toy industry was flourishing — technically innovative, nationally influential, and export-driven. Companies developed new metal toys that went beyond the wind-up models of earlier decades, injecting new vitality into a rapidly evolving market.

\n

In 1965, Shanghai's tin toys were showcased internationally at China's first toy exhibition in Hong Kong. The products delighted children across the globe with their clever mechanisms and imaginative forms. Even by the early 1980s, tin toys remained a dominant force in Shanghai's toy market.

\n

"From an artistic perspective, vintage tin toys — both the toys themselves and their packaging — often featured hand-painted art," Chan said. "The vibrant colors, smooth lines, and clever construction gave these toys not only charm, but real artistic value."

\n

Profitable hobby

\n

Growing up in Tianjin, Sun Yonghao was shy and introspective and different from the other kids in his neighborhood.

\n

But when the clock struck six in the evening, the bookish child would rush to the living room to watch his favorite cartoons.

\n

The iconic Japanese series Gundam, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and first aired in 1979 with its towering robots and epic battles in space, left an indelible mark on the young boy's mind.

\n

The Gundam robots, detailed and powerful and each with their own rich backstory, felt like something straight out of a dream. "It wasn't just about the robots," Sun recalls. "It was the entire universe they created — the battles, the stories, the characters. There was a depth to it that I hadn't seen in other cartoons."

\n

As the years passed, his love for Gundam only grew stronger, evolving from childhood fascination into something that would shape his entire future.

\n

In the summer of 2002, at the age of 15, Sun finally realized a long-held dream. After saving his pocket money for an entire year, he had 220 yuan ($30.65) and made his first-ever purchase, an electroplated TV Wing Gundam Zero model.

\n

That Gundam model became Sun's most treasured possession. It wasn't just something he displayed on a shelf — it became a part of his identity, a tangible connection to his childhood passions.

\n

After completing his studies, Sun entered the automotive industry, where he worked for 13 years. As his career progressed and his income grew, so did his collection. Today, Sun owns over 2,000 Gundam models, which have cost him more than 1 million yuan.

\n

"I love spending time with my collection, even though I'm busy with my job and my responsibilities as a husband, son, and father," he said. "For me, toys aren't just relics of the past — they're bridges to a timeless joy. The happiness they bring is the same joy I felt as a child."

\n

Three years ago, Sun decided to leave the automotive industry behind and turn his lifelong love of toys into a career. He began sharing his collection on social media, where it quickly gained a large following.

\n

Today, he is the chief operating officer of ILoveToy, a Chinese toy brand that started in 2008 with online shops before expanding into physical stores.

\n

The company's goal was to create an immersive, hands-on shopping experience for its growing customer base. "We have tables and chairs in the stores, offering people a space to play with the toys," Sun said.

\n

Now, ILoveToy boasts 18 stores in 10 cities across China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai.

\n

"I wanted to do something that would bring people like me happiness every day," he said. "Toys, particularly my Gundam collection, have always been a source of pure joy for me."

\n

No longer just an occasional hobby, his passion for Gundam and toys has become an all-encompassing pursuit. Sun's collection has expanded to include rare action figures and limited-edition models. With each new addition, he finds deeper joy in preserving these pieces of nostalgia.

\n

Zhang Yiyi, 32, also enjoys collecting toys. For him, it isn't just a hobby but a way to experience a carefree childhood he believes he never really had. "It is also a reminder that it's never too late to find joy in the little things," Zhang said.

\n

Born and raised in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, Zhang now lives in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and is an influencer and toy designer.

\n

"Toys can really help alleviate the stress and anxiety that come from life and work. They let me immerse myself and feel happy. Just having them on display at home makes me feel good. It's a way for me to release my emotions," said Zhang, who started collecting toys in 2021.One of his favorite series is from the animated movie franchise, Toy Story, which he described as "a world full of fun".

\n

He said thanks to the rising popularity of designer toys, many manufacturers have made many toys and figurines, or collectibles, that are from his childhood.

\n

Zhang has released 10 series of toy designs, including Yibeiji, featuring a chicken image inspired by his zodiac animal, the rooster, and Crazy Botanical Garden, featuring animated images of various plants.

\n

"I created those images out of pure personal interest and I didn't expect fans to love them," he said. "The world needs toys, and so do the grown-ups, because who can live without joy and a little fun to pursue?"

\n

After the green frog

\n

Beyond their mechanical beauty, tin toys were cultural touchstones. For children born in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, toys like the ubiquitous wind-up hopping green tin frog were like old friends.

\n

Today, Chan is partnering with artisans and designers in Shanghai to breathe new life into these toys. His creations honor the past but are made for the present — beautiful, functional, joyful objects creating memories for a new generation.

\n

He is also the vice-president of the Shanghai Putuo Collectibles &Heritage Association, which was launched in 2002.

\n

The association is committed to the popularization of folk art collections, and the promotion of collecting cultural items as diverse as comics, transportation tickets, and toys.

\n

On June 1, the association launched a new organization, the Research Committee of Modern and Contemporary Toys, to promote the inheritance and innovation of toy culture for a new generation.

\n

It plans to collaborate with academic institutions and collectors to jointly delve into and widely spread toy culture, according to Chan, who is the director of the new branch association.

\n

Chan leads the in-depth exploration of toy history, the refinement of cultural values, the organization of themed exhibitions and academic seminars, "all to enhance public recognition and dissemination of Chinese toy culture", he said.

\n

The collectible toy market has entered a stage of explosive growth, according to the 2021 China Collectible Toy Industry Market Insight Analysis, released by Analysys International, a company that focuses on internet sales and products.

\n

The boom is driven by the rapid growth of Chinese residents' income and the collectible toy market. It's dominated by intellectual property with a focus on product design and platform-based channel operations, the report said.

\n

In recent years, the annual growth rate of the Chinese collectible toy market has remained above 35 percent. It is expected that by 2025, the market size will exceed 150 billion yuan.

\n

The report also pointed out the difference between collectible toys and designer toys.

\n

Collectors focus on rare or vintage toys, often seeking to complete a set or own valuable items, such as older action figures, model cars, or dolls. Designer toys, or trendy toys, such as blind boxes, often represent limited-edition collaborations with well-known brands, pop culture icons, or artists. They are marketed to a younger audience that values exclusivity, innovation and trendiness.

\n

"Some types of designer toys experience only brief popularity and fade away over time — they're trendy for a moment but are soon forgotten. Others, however, manage to stand the test of time and become classic collectibles that are appreciated and sought after by people of all ages," the report said.

\n

Chan was more philosophical, saying people are always trying to explain why everyone likes toys.

\n

"But sometimes, it's simple. We like them because they make us happy, and that's enough," he said.

\n

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_001_6898fddced50ccabe151745a.htm#001FRONT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "deb099cb275366f767da79103638ba92", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004CHINA - Shanghai subsidizes maternity insurance", + "description": "

The Shanghai government has pledged to cover half the social insurance fees an employer in the city pays for a female employee who gives birth during her tenure.

\n

Experts perceived this as the latest effort by the authority to support maternity and reduce costs for employers while advancing gender equality in the workplace.

\n

The new regulation is among a series of pro-natal policies that have been rolled out recently.

\n

In late July, the country introduced a nationwide child care subsidy program, which will offer families 3,600 yuan ($501) per year for each child under age 3. On Thursday, officials with the Ministry of Finance said all children in the final year of kindergarten will be exempted from care and education fees in the upcoming autumn semester, benefiting about 12 million children.

\n

The new Shanghai regulation said the government will assume 50 percent of the employer's actual contributions to the female employee's basic pension, medical, unemployment and work injury insurance for six months starting from the month she gives birth. This policy applies to female employees who have given birth since Jan 1, regardless of whether it's their first, second or third child. The city currently allows women 158 days of maternity leave.

\n

The government said the new policy is to establish a cost-sharing mechanism for maternity among the government, society and enterprises, further reinforcing the value of maternity friendliness and breaking down barriers to female employment.

\n

According to the policy, employers are required to pay the social insurance fees for female employees who give birth as usual, and can apply for reimbursement within a one-year period after the employee returns from maternity leave.

\n

In a pioneering move, Shanghai's neighboring Jiangsu province in early 2022 initiated a similar policy where employers are provided with subsidies on social insurance fees for female employees on maternity leave.

\n

Employers get 50 percent and 80 percent of the fees subsidized, respectively, if the employees give birth to a second and a third child.

\n

In January, the coverage was expanded to include subsidies for employers with workers who are first-time mothers.

\n

Similarly, Zhejiang province has also been providing a 50 percent subsidy for a female employee's social insurance fees borne by the employer during her maternity leave for six months since June 2022.

\n

Many women, both mothers and those yet to have children, praised such policies as a significant step towards building a more maternity-friendly society.

\n

"Those policies of prolonging maternity leaves may end up making women more unpopular in the job market, even if we know it all starts with goodwill. In comparison, such initiatives really reduce the burden on enterprises. A maternity-friendly society requires efforts from various sides, and we cannot ignore the conflicts between companies and female jobseekers," said Lin Xiaojie, 39, who works in the human resources department of an automotive enterprise in Suzhou, Jiangsu.

\n

While cheering efforts by the government to introduce more policies that can boost confidence in childbearing, many working women called for legislation mandating paternity leave. Some even said the length of maternity leave and paternity leave should be equal.

\n

Although there is a countrywide provision for paternity leave for new fathers, many women said that, in reality, their spouses continue to work, as some are unwilling to take time off or their employers do not approve it.

\n

Wang Shuangchen, 37, is a mother of a 5-year-old boy and lives in Shanghai. She expressed concern about the stigma attached to female employees who need to take maternity leave.

\n

"I believe one way to solve this deadlock between female employees and employers is to force male employees to take leave after becoming fathers, which can be as long as what a woman is subject to, so as to reduce discrimination against women in the workplace," said Wang, a book editor.

\n

"Involving fathers in childcare as much as possible from the initial phase of a newborn's life also helps ensure better gender equality in childcare responsibilities and promote stronger parent-child relationships," she said, adding that a family dynamic where a child relies solely on the mother is outdated.

\n

zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

The Shanghai government has pledged to cover half the social insurance fees an employer in the city pays for a female employee who gives birth during her tenure.

\n

Experts perceived this as the latest effort by the authority to support maternity and reduce costs for employers while advancing gender equality in the workplace.

\n

The new regulation is among a series of pro-natal policies that have been rolled out recently.

\n

In late July, the country introduced a nationwide child care subsidy program, which will offer families 3,600 yuan ($501) per year for each child under age 3. On Thursday, officials with the Ministry of Finance said all children in the final year of kindergarten will be exempted from care and education fees in the upcoming autumn semester, benefiting about 12 million children.

\n

The new Shanghai regulation said the government will assume 50 percent of the employer's actual contributions to the female employee's basic pension, medical, unemployment and work injury insurance for six months starting from the month she gives birth. This policy applies to female employees who have given birth since Jan 1, regardless of whether it's their first, second or third child. The city currently allows women 158 days of maternity leave.

\n

The government said the new policy is to establish a cost-sharing mechanism for maternity among the government, society and enterprises, further reinforcing the value of maternity friendliness and breaking down barriers to female employment.

\n

According to the policy, employers are required to pay the social insurance fees for female employees who give birth as usual, and can apply for reimbursement within a one-year period after the employee returns from maternity leave.

\n

In a pioneering move, Shanghai's neighboring Jiangsu province in early 2022 initiated a similar policy where employers are provided with subsidies on social insurance fees for female employees on maternity leave.

\n

Employers get 50 percent and 80 percent of the fees subsidized, respectively, if the employees give birth to a second and a third child.

\n

In January, the coverage was expanded to include subsidies for employers with workers who are first-time mothers.

\n

Similarly, Zhejiang province has also been providing a 50 percent subsidy for a female employee's social insurance fees borne by the employer during her maternity leave for six months since June 2022.

\n

Many women, both mothers and those yet to have children, praised such policies as a significant step towards building a more maternity-friendly society.

\n

"Those policies of prolonging maternity leaves may end up making women more unpopular in the job market, even if we know it all starts with goodwill. In comparison, such initiatives really reduce the burden on enterprises. A maternity-friendly society requires efforts from various sides, and we cannot ignore the conflicts between companies and female jobseekers," said Lin Xiaojie, 39, who works in the human resources department of an automotive enterprise in Suzhou, Jiangsu.

\n

While cheering efforts by the government to introduce more policies that can boost confidence in childbearing, many working women called for legislation mandating paternity leave. Some even said the length of maternity leave and paternity leave should be equal.

\n

Although there is a countrywide provision for paternity leave for new fathers, many women said that, in reality, their spouses continue to work, as some are unwilling to take time off or their employers do not approve it.

\n

Wang Shuangchen, 37, is a mother of a 5-year-old boy and lives in Shanghai. She expressed concern about the stigma attached to female employees who need to take maternity leave.

\n

"I believe one way to solve this deadlock between female employees and employers is to force male employees to take leave after becoming fathers, which can be as long as what a woman is subject to, so as to reduce discrimination against women in the workplace," said Wang, a book editor.

\n

"Involving fathers in childcare as much as possible from the initial phase of a newborn's life also helps ensure better gender equality in childcare responsibilities and promote stronger parent-child relationships," she said, adding that a family dynamic where a child relies solely on the mother is outdated.

\n

zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_004_6898fdeced50ccabe1517461.htm#004CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "5f4dd339f293808c6e9fd7f67af681c6", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004CHINA - Briefly", + "description": "

First rehearsal held for war anniversary event

\n

The first comprehensive rehearsal for the upcoming grand gathering to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was staged over the weekend in Beijing, according to the event's media center. The rehearsal, held from Saturday night to early Sunday morning in Tian'anmen Square, involved about 22,000 participants, including those taking part in the rehearsal and personnel providing on-site support. The grand gathering, which will include a military parade, is scheduled for the morning of Sept 3 in Tian'anmen Square.

\n

Yuyuan Garden kicks off public night tours

\n

The 466-year-old Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai launched its inaugural public night tours on Friday, according to the garden management office. The night tours combine modern lighting, dynamic projections and mapping shows with classical garden art, revitalizing the garden's cultural legacy. They also feature a special exhibition of rarely displayed Shanghai-style calligraphy and painting, enhanced by digital technology bringing scenes to life. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) garden, which has been a nationally protected cultural site since 1982, is renowned as "the finest garden in southeast China".

\n

11 satellites carried into orbit from sea

\n

A Smart Dragon 3 rocket lifted off on Saturday morning from Shandong province, sending the Geely-04 constellation of 11 satellites into planned orbit. It blasted off from the sea at 12:31 am. With a total length of 31 meters and a weight of 140 metric tons, the SD-3 is part of China's Dragon rocket family. Unlike the Long March rockets, which form the backbone of the country's space-launch vehicles, the Dragon series has been developed specifically to meet the growing market demand for launches of small commercial low-orbit satellites and satellite networks.

\n

", + "content": "

First rehearsal held for war anniversary event

\n

The first comprehensive rehearsal for the upcoming grand gathering to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was staged over the weekend in Beijing, according to the event's media center. The rehearsal, held from Saturday night to early Sunday morning in Tian'anmen Square, involved about 22,000 participants, including those taking part in the rehearsal and personnel providing on-site support. The grand gathering, which will include a military parade, is scheduled for the morning of Sept 3 in Tian'anmen Square.

\n

Yuyuan Garden kicks off public night tours

\n

The 466-year-old Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai launched its inaugural public night tours on Friday, according to the garden management office. The night tours combine modern lighting, dynamic projections and mapping shows with classical garden art, revitalizing the garden's cultural legacy. They also feature a special exhibition of rarely displayed Shanghai-style calligraphy and painting, enhanced by digital technology bringing scenes to life. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) garden, which has been a nationally protected cultural site since 1982, is renowned as "the finest garden in southeast China".

\n

11 satellites carried into orbit from sea

\n

A Smart Dragon 3 rocket lifted off on Saturday morning from Shandong province, sending the Geely-04 constellation of 11 satellites into planned orbit. It blasted off from the sea at 12:31 am. With a total length of 31 meters and a weight of 140 metric tons, the SD-3 is part of China's Dragon rocket family. Unlike the Long March rockets, which form the backbone of the country's space-launch vehicles, the Dragon series has been developed specifically to meet the growing market demand for launches of small commercial low-orbit satellites and satellite networks.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_004_6898fdf1ed50ccabe1517462.htm#004CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "fccec2b31aae581297f2638e0287222e", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004CHINA - Meerkat magic", + "description": "

Spectators are captivated by a meerkat on display at the 2025 Grandeur World Pet Fair in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Saturday. Running from Friday to Sunday, the pet fair was the seventh stop in a series of 13 city tours, showcasing the vibrant growth and vast potential of the pet economy.

\n

", + "content": "

Spectators are captivated by a meerkat on display at the 2025 Grandeur World Pet Fair in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Saturday. Running from Friday to Sunday, the pet fair was the seventh stop in a series of 13 city tours, showcasing the vibrant growth and vast potential of the pet economy.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_004_6898fdf5ed50ccabe1517463.htm#004CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "f40280a8ddcbe57455a4bb92e080e027", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "004CHINA - Marriage registrations climb with new policies supporting couples, families", + "description": "

China's marriage registry offices were busier than usual this year, with nearly 3.54 million couples tying the knot in the first half of this year, a notable increase of 109,000 compared with the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

\n

China recorded 6.106 million marriage registrations throughout 2024, down 20.5 percent year-on-year. The unexpected rebound in marriages this year has sparked optimism that China's recent pro-marriage and pro-childbirth policies appear to be gaining traction.

\n

One landmark reform, piloted in 2021 and implemented nationwide this May, allows couples to get married anywhere in the country without presenting their household registration booklet, or hukou, ending a decades-old restriction that required people to register their marriages in their hometowns.

\n

On the very first day the new rule took effect, Mao Yuanjing, a marriage registrar in Guiyang, Guizhou province, had her hands full. She processed marriage registrations for more than 70 couples, with over 60 pairs showing up with their ID cards. The buzz didn't stop there as her phone kept ringing with calls from would-be newlyweds eager to confirm the details of the policy change.

\n

The relaxed regulation has not only simplified the paperwork, but also freed young couples from the old hometown-bound hassle. In some places, saying "I do" now comes wrapped in scenic backdrops and an extra layer of celebration.

\n

In the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the Sayram Lake scenic area — renowned as a lovers' paradise — has rolled out a lifetime free entry policy for newlyweds who register their marriage there, while the regional capital Urumqi offers on-site marriage registration services during music festivals. Meanwhile, Sichuan province has a registry sitting 3,250 meters above sea level on a snowcapped mountain, so adventurous couples can marry with breathtaking views.

\n

China has also ramped up family-friendly policies. At least 28 provincial-level regions across the country now offer extended marriage leave. Shanxi and Gansu provinces provide up to 30 days of marriage leave, with additional maternity and paternity benefits.

\n

Meanwhile, measures aimed at easing the financial burden on families are also on the way. On July 28, China introduced a nationwide child care subsidy program, which will provide families with an annual subsidy of 3,600 yuan ($501) for each child who is under age 3 as of Jan 1 this year. The program is expected to benefit more than 20 million families every year.

\n

"This marks China's first direct cash subsidies for all families with children, sending a clear message that raising children is a shared responsibility of the country, society and families," said Du Min, a researcher at the China Population and Development Research Center.

\n

In addition, beginning this autumn semester, China will waive the child care and education fees for pupils in public kindergartens in the year prior to entering primary school, and the policy is expected to cover 12 million children.

\n

Twin boys of a mother surnamed Chang will start their final year of kindergarten in Beijing in September. Although the 900 yuan monthly fee at public kindergartens isn't high, having two children means the costs add up quickly, so saving on tuition makes a real difference, according to Chang.

\n

"The policy means more than just financial relief, as it eases the stress and anxiety of raising children," she said. "What matters most is knowing that China is creating a truly child-friendly environment. The support measures will, hopefully, encourage more young couples to embrace parenthood."

\n

", + "content": "

China's marriage registry offices were busier than usual this year, with nearly 3.54 million couples tying the knot in the first half of this year, a notable increase of 109,000 compared with the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

\n

China recorded 6.106 million marriage registrations throughout 2024, down 20.5 percent year-on-year. The unexpected rebound in marriages this year has sparked optimism that China's recent pro-marriage and pro-childbirth policies appear to be gaining traction.

\n

One landmark reform, piloted in 2021 and implemented nationwide this May, allows couples to get married anywhere in the country without presenting their household registration booklet, or hukou, ending a decades-old restriction that required people to register their marriages in their hometowns.

\n

On the very first day the new rule took effect, Mao Yuanjing, a marriage registrar in Guiyang, Guizhou province, had her hands full. She processed marriage registrations for more than 70 couples, with over 60 pairs showing up with their ID cards. The buzz didn't stop there as her phone kept ringing with calls from would-be newlyweds eager to confirm the details of the policy change.

\n

The relaxed regulation has not only simplified the paperwork, but also freed young couples from the old hometown-bound hassle. In some places, saying "I do" now comes wrapped in scenic backdrops and an extra layer of celebration.

\n

In the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the Sayram Lake scenic area — renowned as a lovers' paradise — has rolled out a lifetime free entry policy for newlyweds who register their marriage there, while the regional capital Urumqi offers on-site marriage registration services during music festivals. Meanwhile, Sichuan province has a registry sitting 3,250 meters above sea level on a snowcapped mountain, so adventurous couples can marry with breathtaking views.

\n

China has also ramped up family-friendly policies. At least 28 provincial-level regions across the country now offer extended marriage leave. Shanxi and Gansu provinces provide up to 30 days of marriage leave, with additional maternity and paternity benefits.

\n

Meanwhile, measures aimed at easing the financial burden on families are also on the way. On July 28, China introduced a nationwide child care subsidy program, which will provide families with an annual subsidy of 3,600 yuan ($501) for each child who is under age 3 as of Jan 1 this year. The program is expected to benefit more than 20 million families every year.

\n

"This marks China's first direct cash subsidies for all families with children, sending a clear message that raising children is a shared responsibility of the country, society and families," said Du Min, a researcher at the China Population and Development Research Center.

\n

In addition, beginning this autumn semester, China will waive the child care and education fees for pupils in public kindergartens in the year prior to entering primary school, and the policy is expected to cover 12 million children.

\n

Twin boys of a mother surnamed Chang will start their final year of kindergarten in Beijing in September. Although the 900 yuan monthly fee at public kindergartens isn't high, having two children means the costs add up quickly, so saving on tuition makes a real difference, according to Chang.

\n

"The policy means more than just financial relief, as it eases the stress and anxiety of raising children," she said. "What matters most is knowing that China is creating a truly child-friendly environment. The support measures will, hopefully, encourage more young couples to embrace parenthood."

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_004_6898fdf9ed50ccabe1517464.htm#004CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "e7d335b3795f5ac9c52273b4bb1ba34b", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "005CHINA - Ecological vision aids global goals", + "description": "
\n

Workers tend to a roughly 380-year-old Chinese wingnut tree in Shuilong village in Tongling, Anhui province, on July 31.

\n

China's vision of harmony between humanity and nature not only serves the nation but also benefits the world, offering a new path for global sustainable development, experts said at a seminar on Sunday.

\n

President Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Provincial Committee, first proposed the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" during an inspection in Anji county, Zhejiang province, on Aug 15,2005. The idea marked the start of a new chapter in China's pursuit of ecological conservation and green development.

\n

"The ecological turn in Chinese-style modernization, guided by this concept for the past 20 years, corrects the past philosophical errors of the West," said Andrew Schwartz, vice-president of the Institute for Ecological Civilization in the United States.

\n

He noted that the principle aligned with the traditional Chinese belief in the unity of heaven and humanity, and that modern development should coexist harmoniously with nature.

\n

A new report, "Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China's Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World", was jointly released at the seminar organized by the Xinhua Institute and the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. It examined China's vision and practice of ecological civilization as well as its implications for the world.

\n

Hu Jun, director of the research center, said the concept has addressed the long-standing global dilemma between development and environmental protection, breaking down the perceived divide between humanity and nature.

\n

According to the report, since 2012, China's annual economic growth has averaged over 6.1 percent, supported by an average annual increase of 3.3 percent in energy consumption.

\n

During the first four years of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), China's energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 11.6 percent, equivalent to a reduction of 1.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, nearly half the European Union's total carbon emissions in 2024.

\n

"The concept demonstrates that protecting and improving the ecological environment is, in essence, protecting and improving productive forces," Hu said.

\n

Zhang Haibin, associate dean and professor at Peking University's School of International Studies, said: "China's approach offers both theoretical and practical guidance to the world, building on and innovating upon the international mainstream thinking on sustainable development."

\n

"China's experience showed developing countries that it is possible to avoid the path taken by some developed nations — polluting first and cleaning up later," Zhang added.

\n

The report noted that China has led the world in both photovoltaic and wind power installations, contributing over 45 percent of the global growth in non-fossil energy consumption. By the end of May, the country's installed capacity for renewable energy power generation had reached 2.09 billion kilowatts.

\n

Over the past two decades, large-scale implementation of the "green is gold" philosophy has been carried out nationwide.

\n

The principle has also played a key role in poverty alleviation. According to the report, new models such as eco-agriculture, ecotourism and eco-industrial development have helped lift 98.99 million rural residents out of poverty. China thus achieved the poverty alleviation goal outlined in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a full decade ahead of schedule.

\n

"Breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and environmental degradation is vital to the sustainable development of human civilization," said Zhang Yunfei, a researcher at the National Academy of Development and Strategy at Renmin University of China.

\n

"China's model of ecological poverty alleviation has offered developing countries a new way to use green solutions to eradicate poverty," he said. "Transforming poor environments into lucid waters and lush mountains allowed them to become invaluable assets."

\n

Experts also praised China's strong commitment to tackling climate change, noting its active participation in global initiatives such as the green Belt and Road Initiative, which reflects the core values of the concept. According to the report, China has partnered with over 100 countries and regions on green energy projects.

\n

"Ecological civilization cannot be achieved by one nation alone. It requires unprecedented international cooperation," Schwartz said.

\n

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "
\n

Workers tend to a roughly 380-year-old Chinese wingnut tree in Shuilong village in Tongling, Anhui province, on July 31.

\n

China's vision of harmony between humanity and nature not only serves the nation but also benefits the world, offering a new path for global sustainable development, experts said at a seminar on Sunday.

\n

President Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Provincial Committee, first proposed the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" during an inspection in Anji county, Zhejiang province, on Aug 15,2005. The idea marked the start of a new chapter in China's pursuit of ecological conservation and green development.

\n

"The ecological turn in Chinese-style modernization, guided by this concept for the past 20 years, corrects the past philosophical errors of the West," said Andrew Schwartz, vice-president of the Institute for Ecological Civilization in the United States.

\n

He noted that the principle aligned with the traditional Chinese belief in the unity of heaven and humanity, and that modern development should coexist harmoniously with nature.

\n

A new report, "Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China's Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World", was jointly released at the seminar organized by the Xinhua Institute and the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. It examined China's vision and practice of ecological civilization as well as its implications for the world.

\n

Hu Jun, director of the research center, said the concept has addressed the long-standing global dilemma between development and environmental protection, breaking down the perceived divide between humanity and nature.

\n

According to the report, since 2012, China's annual economic growth has averaged over 6.1 percent, supported by an average annual increase of 3.3 percent in energy consumption.

\n

During the first four years of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), China's energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 11.6 percent, equivalent to a reduction of 1.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, nearly half the European Union's total carbon emissions in 2024.

\n

"The concept demonstrates that protecting and improving the ecological environment is, in essence, protecting and improving productive forces," Hu said.

\n

Zhang Haibin, associate dean and professor at Peking University's School of International Studies, said: "China's approach offers both theoretical and practical guidance to the world, building on and innovating upon the international mainstream thinking on sustainable development."

\n

"China's experience showed developing countries that it is possible to avoid the path taken by some developed nations — polluting first and cleaning up later," Zhang added.

\n

The report noted that China has led the world in both photovoltaic and wind power installations, contributing over 45 percent of the global growth in non-fossil energy consumption. By the end of May, the country's installed capacity for renewable energy power generation had reached 2.09 billion kilowatts.

\n

Over the past two decades, large-scale implementation of the "green is gold" philosophy has been carried out nationwide.

\n

The principle has also played a key role in poverty alleviation. According to the report, new models such as eco-agriculture, ecotourism and eco-industrial development have helped lift 98.99 million rural residents out of poverty. China thus achieved the poverty alleviation goal outlined in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a full decade ahead of schedule.

\n

"Breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and environmental degradation is vital to the sustainable development of human civilization," said Zhang Yunfei, a researcher at the National Academy of Development and Strategy at Renmin University of China.

\n

"China's model of ecological poverty alleviation has offered developing countries a new way to use green solutions to eradicate poverty," he said. "Transforming poor environments into lucid waters and lush mountains allowed them to become invaluable assets."

\n

Experts also praised China's strong commitment to tackling climate change, noting its active participation in global initiatives such as the green Belt and Road Initiative, which reflects the core values of the concept. According to the report, China has partnered with over 100 countries and regions on green energy projects.

\n

"Ecological civilization cannot be achieved by one nation alone. It requires unprecedented international cooperation," Schwartz said.

\n

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_005_6898fdfded50ccabe1517465.htm#005CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "0f030edf6998c742cab40a1dae8b36df", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "005CHINA - Calling kale beverages 'slim' raises eyebrows", + "description": "
\n

As scorching summer heat drives beverage sales across China, some tea drink chains are drawing scrutiny for the way they market their latest fruit and vegetable drinks featuring kale.

\n

Several popular brands have rolled out beverages with names using terms such as "slim", "slimming" and "slim body", which could easily lead consumers to believe the drinks have weight-loss functions. But the fine print on the labels tells a different story.

\n

Naisnow, a well-known Chinese beverage chain, recently launched a drink called Slim Little Green Bottle, made with kale, apple and orange juice. The product prominently features the words "slim" and "light" on its packaging. However, the third note in the product details clarifies that these terms refer only to the bottle's slender and lightweight design — not to any slimming benefits.

\n

Kale is often associated with fitness and weight management due to its low-calorie, high-nutrient profile and ability to promote satiety. This has added to consumer assumptions that kale-based drinks might aid in weight loss.

\n

Heytea, another leading Chinese beverage brand, offers a kale drink as part of its Fire-Reducing and Slimming Bottle series. In traditional Chinese medicine, the term "fire-reducing" refers to restoring internal balance by eliminating excess heat, which is believed to cause ailments such as sore throats or acne.

\n

However, the official product description notes in small print that the term refers only to the drink's cooling and refreshing taste, which "may help alleviate the feeling of heat in daily life".The product makes no explicit claims about aiding weight loss.

\n

Li Mofan, a lawyer with Hesen Law Firm in Hefei, Anhui province, said these marketing tactics are likely to mislead consumers.

\n

"Consumers may mistakenly believe the drinks have slimming effects, especially if they do not notice the fine print," she said. "The naming and marketing strategies of Naisnow and Heytea carry significant legal risks and potentially infringe on consumer rights."

\n

China's Advertisement Law states that advertising must not contain false or misleading content and should not deceive or mislead consumers. Advertisers are responsible for the truthfulness of their ads, Li noted.

\n

"The use of terms like 'slim' and 'slimming' implies strong functionality," she said. "Such word choices exploit the public's common understanding and lead consumers to believe the products may deliver weight-loss or body-shaping results."

\n

Even though the companies provide clarifications, these are often placed in obscure locations or printed in small font sizes, creating what Li calls a "cognitive dissonance" between the product name and its actual attributes.

\n

"This may amount to wordplay designed to evade responsibility," she added.

\n

Li advised consumers to be cautious when encountering suggestive health or functional terms and to pay close attention to product ingredient lists and disclaimers. She also called on beverage brands to avoid using terms that easily trigger assumptions about health benefits unless those effects are scientifically supported and clearly stated.

\n

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "
\n

As scorching summer heat drives beverage sales across China, some tea drink chains are drawing scrutiny for the way they market their latest fruit and vegetable drinks featuring kale.

\n

Several popular brands have rolled out beverages with names using terms such as "slim", "slimming" and "slim body", which could easily lead consumers to believe the drinks have weight-loss functions. But the fine print on the labels tells a different story.

\n

Naisnow, a well-known Chinese beverage chain, recently launched a drink called Slim Little Green Bottle, made with kale, apple and orange juice. The product prominently features the words "slim" and "light" on its packaging. However, the third note in the product details clarifies that these terms refer only to the bottle's slender and lightweight design — not to any slimming benefits.

\n

Kale is often associated with fitness and weight management due to its low-calorie, high-nutrient profile and ability to promote satiety. This has added to consumer assumptions that kale-based drinks might aid in weight loss.

\n

Heytea, another leading Chinese beverage brand, offers a kale drink as part of its Fire-Reducing and Slimming Bottle series. In traditional Chinese medicine, the term "fire-reducing" refers to restoring internal balance by eliminating excess heat, which is believed to cause ailments such as sore throats or acne.

\n

However, the official product description notes in small print that the term refers only to the drink's cooling and refreshing taste, which "may help alleviate the feeling of heat in daily life".The product makes no explicit claims about aiding weight loss.

\n

Li Mofan, a lawyer with Hesen Law Firm in Hefei, Anhui province, said these marketing tactics are likely to mislead consumers.

\n

"Consumers may mistakenly believe the drinks have slimming effects, especially if they do not notice the fine print," she said. "The naming and marketing strategies of Naisnow and Heytea carry significant legal risks and potentially infringe on consumer rights."

\n

China's Advertisement Law states that advertising must not contain false or misleading content and should not deceive or mislead consumers. Advertisers are responsible for the truthfulness of their ads, Li noted.

\n

"The use of terms like 'slim' and 'slimming' implies strong functionality," she said. "Such word choices exploit the public's common understanding and lead consumers to believe the products may deliver weight-loss or body-shaping results."

\n

Even though the companies provide clarifications, these are often placed in obscure locations or printed in small font sizes, creating what Li calls a "cognitive dissonance" between the product name and its actual attributes.

\n

"This may amount to wordplay designed to evade responsibility," she added.

\n

Li advised consumers to be cautious when encountering suggestive health or functional terms and to pay close attention to product ingredient lists and disclaimers. She also called on beverage brands to avoid using terms that easily trigger assumptions about health benefits unless those effects are scientifically supported and clearly stated.

\n

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_005_6898fe01ed50ccabe1517466.htm#005CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "7a2fdf5d12be309f4e81adbdfcab8e15", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "005CHINA - Taking a lake break", + "description": "

A woman jumps into Donghu Lake in Wuhan, Hubei province, during an annual lake-jumping event on Saturday. The event drew many people who made various poses as they jumped into the lake to escape the summer heat.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

A woman jumps into Donghu Lake in Wuhan, Hubei province, during an annual lake-jumping event on Saturday. The event drew many people who made various poses as they jumped into the lake to escape the summer heat.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_005_6898fe05ed50ccabe1517467.htm#005CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "7701f74d706baecce2c6c8cd69091cca", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "005CHINA - Xizang's education development has made strides in past decades", + "description": "

In the 60 years since the Xizang autonomous region's establishment, local education has developed dramatically, reflected in the improved facilities, teaching environment and quality, and education investment, according to the head of the regional education department.

\n

Preliminary statistics from the regional education department showed that funding increased from 3.48 million yuan ($485,000) in 1965 (not adjusted for inflation) to nearly 40 billion yuan in 2024, a combined investment of over 381 billion yuan (also not adjusted).

\n

Yu Han, secretary of the department's Party leadership group, stated that by 2024, Xizang had established a modern education system covering preschool education, compulsory education, vocational education, higher education, continuing education and special education.

\n

The region had 3,618 schools at all levels and types as of last year, over twice as many as in 1965. It also had 969,900 students and 97,300 teachers, 14.4 times and 32.4 times as many as 60 years ago, respectively, according to the official statistics.

\n

According to Yu, Xizang implemented an education policy known as sanbao in 1985 for the children of farmers and herdsmen, in which the government paid for school meals, clothing and lodging. Now, children are exempt from meals, lodging and tuition.

\n

"Over the decades, the region has elevated the educational subsidy standards 22 times, with the per capita annual standard reaching 5,620 yuan in the autumn semester of 2024," Yu said.

\n

As of 2024, the gross enrollment rate for preschool education stood at 91.33 percent; the consolidation rate for nine-year compulsory education was 97.86 percent; the gross enrollment rate for high school education was 91.65 percent; and the gross enrollment rate for higher education was 57.81 percent. All these rates have reached or exceeded the national average, according to the secretary.

\n

Established in 1962, the Lhasa Experimental Primary School is one of the earliest modern primary schools in Xizang.

\n

"Since most of our students are Tibetans, the Tibetan language is a core subject, similar to the national curriculum of Chinese language and mathematics, with six hours per week," said Yu Biqiong, the principal of the school's Jiaoyucheng branch. Yu added that the school offers more than 20 selective courses, including Tibetan classics recitation, dances, Chinese and Tibetan calligraphy, music and chess in addition to the national curriculum.

\n

Student Zhen Phurdron said that the school has excellent teaching standards, and the teachers perform well. She selected a course in Chinese calligraphy, while her classmates studied art, Chinese and Tibetan chess, and aircraft model-making.

\n

In addition to compulsory education, a relatively complete higher education system has been gradually established in the region, including graduate programs for master's and doctoral students, undergraduate programs, continuing education courses and programs for international students.

\n

As of 2024, there were seven higher education institutions in the region, with a total of 50,800 students enrolled.

\n

Xizang University began developing first-class disciplines as part of the "Double First-Class" initiative in 2022. Xizang Minzu University was elevated from college to university status in 2015, followed by Xizang University of Tibetan Medicine in 2018. They have since become doctorate-granting institutions.

\n

Dorje Rinchen, vice-president of the Xizang University of Tibetan Medicine, said though it's relatively small, the school has a comprehensive education system with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.

\n

"In terms of cultural inheritance, our university has collected a rich variety of ancient books and documents on Tibetan medicine and saved them in the library," he said.

\n

He credited the National Publication Foundation for making the university a leading publisher of photographic reproductions of books on rare ancient Tibetan medicines. "Early this year, the university completed the official publication of a series of postgraduate textbooks on Tibetan medicine," he said.

\n

Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

In the 60 years since the Xizang autonomous region's establishment, local education has developed dramatically, reflected in the improved facilities, teaching environment and quality, and education investment, according to the head of the regional education department.

\n

Preliminary statistics from the regional education department showed that funding increased from 3.48 million yuan ($485,000) in 1965 (not adjusted for inflation) to nearly 40 billion yuan in 2024, a combined investment of over 381 billion yuan (also not adjusted).

\n

Yu Han, secretary of the department's Party leadership group, stated that by 2024, Xizang had established a modern education system covering preschool education, compulsory education, vocational education, higher education, continuing education and special education.

\n

The region had 3,618 schools at all levels and types as of last year, over twice as many as in 1965. It also had 969,900 students and 97,300 teachers, 14.4 times and 32.4 times as many as 60 years ago, respectively, according to the official statistics.

\n

According to Yu, Xizang implemented an education policy known as sanbao in 1985 for the children of farmers and herdsmen, in which the government paid for school meals, clothing and lodging. Now, children are exempt from meals, lodging and tuition.

\n

"Over the decades, the region has elevated the educational subsidy standards 22 times, with the per capita annual standard reaching 5,620 yuan in the autumn semester of 2024," Yu said.

\n

As of 2024, the gross enrollment rate for preschool education stood at 91.33 percent; the consolidation rate for nine-year compulsory education was 97.86 percent; the gross enrollment rate for high school education was 91.65 percent; and the gross enrollment rate for higher education was 57.81 percent. All these rates have reached or exceeded the national average, according to the secretary.

\n

Established in 1962, the Lhasa Experimental Primary School is one of the earliest modern primary schools in Xizang.

\n

"Since most of our students are Tibetans, the Tibetan language is a core subject, similar to the national curriculum of Chinese language and mathematics, with six hours per week," said Yu Biqiong, the principal of the school's Jiaoyucheng branch. Yu added that the school offers more than 20 selective courses, including Tibetan classics recitation, dances, Chinese and Tibetan calligraphy, music and chess in addition to the national curriculum.

\n

Student Zhen Phurdron said that the school has excellent teaching standards, and the teachers perform well. She selected a course in Chinese calligraphy, while her classmates studied art, Chinese and Tibetan chess, and aircraft model-making.

\n

In addition to compulsory education, a relatively complete higher education system has been gradually established in the region, including graduate programs for master's and doctoral students, undergraduate programs, continuing education courses and programs for international students.

\n

As of 2024, there were seven higher education institutions in the region, with a total of 50,800 students enrolled.

\n

Xizang University began developing first-class disciplines as part of the "Double First-Class" initiative in 2022. Xizang Minzu University was elevated from college to university status in 2015, followed by Xizang University of Tibetan Medicine in 2018. They have since become doctorate-granting institutions.

\n

Dorje Rinchen, vice-president of the Xizang University of Tibetan Medicine, said though it's relatively small, the school has a comprehensive education system with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.

\n

"In terms of cultural inheritance, our university has collected a rich variety of ancient books and documents on Tibetan medicine and saved them in the library," he said.

\n

He credited the National Publication Foundation for making the university a leading publisher of photographic reproductions of books on rare ancient Tibetan medicines. "Early this year, the university completed the official publication of a series of postgraduate textbooks on Tibetan medicine," he said.

\n

Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_005_6898fe09ed50ccabe1517468.htm#005CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "f3e92ab113f2b72ab896b06c860ede5a", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "005CHINA - Adult pacifier trend sparks efficacy debate", + "description": "

The sudden rise in popularity of adult pacifiers among Chinese adults has sparked debates and garnered significant attention on Sina Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform.

\n

With over 68 million views as of Sunday, the trend has taken a curious turn as one of the top-selling adult pacifiers on Taobao, a popular e-commerce platform, surpassed 10,000 units sold at 15.90 yuan ($2.20) each.

\n

Adult pacifiers are being touted for their potential benefits. Some users claim they aid in curbing habits such as smoking and snacking, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety. Other buyers have cited various reasons for purchasing, from preventing teeth grinding at night to silencing a snoring spouse.

\n

A user from Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, praised the pacifier for curbing her incessant snacking and chatter, attributing weight loss and emotional comfort to its use.

\n

The top-selling adult pacifier measures 4.5 centimeters in length, longer than 2.5 cm, the size of their counterparts used by infants under 6 months. The products are priced between 8.90 and 85.90 yuan on Taobao.

\n

Among comments on the topic that received the most likes on Weibo, one said: "It may be a marketing ploy to sell surplus infant products". Others include: "The world has finally gone mad in a way I don't recognize"; "Some people always want to treat themselves like babies and act cute. All the people have to grow up, just let things be natural".

\n

Wang Xueling, director of the stomatology department with the Aerospace Center Hospital in Beijing, said that some adults, when faced with high-pressure situations beyond their coping abilities, may subconsciously wish to regress to the oral stage of infancy.

\n

They seek relief from anxiety through the familiar and comforting act of sucking. The adult pacifier can indeed provide temporary relief, similar to how some adults rely on stuffed toys, she said.

\n

"However, if this behavior persists for more than three months, it could delay the identification and intervention of the actual sources of anxiety and weaken the individual's ability to address real life issues. Professional treatment is necessary," she said.

\n

"It is ill-advised to use a pacifier to prevent snoring or teeth grinding. While biting on a pacifier can temporarily prevent teeth grinding by separating the upper and lower teeth, its long-term use can lead to significant side effects, including anterior open bite, which means front teeth don't close together properly, and bad habits such as tongue thrusting, retruded chin and protruding teeth.

\n

"Prolonged friction and pressure may result in oral mucosal ulcers. If a pacifier is used during sleep, there is also a risk of airway obstruction, disrupting normal breathing and exacerbating snoring," she added.

\n

Fan Shaoqing, a master's graduate from Peking University's School of Stomatology, said that the efficacy of pacifiers is not definitive.

\n

"Excessive and frequent sucking on a pacifier can potentially affect the alignment of teeth. If the pacifier is not designed with an anti-choking feature, there is a risk of accidental swallowing.

\n

"There is likely no scientific basis for using pacifiers to relieve anxiety. Infants need pacifiers because they have a need to suck during infancy. However, adults no longer have this need instinctively," she said.

\n

lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

The sudden rise in popularity of adult pacifiers among Chinese adults has sparked debates and garnered significant attention on Sina Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform.

\n

With over 68 million views as of Sunday, the trend has taken a curious turn as one of the top-selling adult pacifiers on Taobao, a popular e-commerce platform, surpassed 10,000 units sold at 15.90 yuan ($2.20) each.

\n

Adult pacifiers are being touted for their potential benefits. Some users claim they aid in curbing habits such as smoking and snacking, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety. Other buyers have cited various reasons for purchasing, from preventing teeth grinding at night to silencing a snoring spouse.

\n

A user from Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, praised the pacifier for curbing her incessant snacking and chatter, attributing weight loss and emotional comfort to its use.

\n

The top-selling adult pacifier measures 4.5 centimeters in length, longer than 2.5 cm, the size of their counterparts used by infants under 6 months. The products are priced between 8.90 and 85.90 yuan on Taobao.

\n

Among comments on the topic that received the most likes on Weibo, one said: "It may be a marketing ploy to sell surplus infant products". Others include: "The world has finally gone mad in a way I don't recognize"; "Some people always want to treat themselves like babies and act cute. All the people have to grow up, just let things be natural".

\n

Wang Xueling, director of the stomatology department with the Aerospace Center Hospital in Beijing, said that some adults, when faced with high-pressure situations beyond their coping abilities, may subconsciously wish to regress to the oral stage of infancy.

\n

They seek relief from anxiety through the familiar and comforting act of sucking. The adult pacifier can indeed provide temporary relief, similar to how some adults rely on stuffed toys, she said.

\n

"However, if this behavior persists for more than three months, it could delay the identification and intervention of the actual sources of anxiety and weaken the individual's ability to address real life issues. Professional treatment is necessary," she said.

\n

"It is ill-advised to use a pacifier to prevent snoring or teeth grinding. While biting on a pacifier can temporarily prevent teeth grinding by separating the upper and lower teeth, its long-term use can lead to significant side effects, including anterior open bite, which means front teeth don't close together properly, and bad habits such as tongue thrusting, retruded chin and protruding teeth.

\n

"Prolonged friction and pressure may result in oral mucosal ulcers. If a pacifier is used during sleep, there is also a risk of airway obstruction, disrupting normal breathing and exacerbating snoring," she added.

\n

Fan Shaoqing, a master's graduate from Peking University's School of Stomatology, said that the efficacy of pacifiers is not definitive.

\n

"Excessive and frequent sucking on a pacifier can potentially affect the alignment of teeth. If the pacifier is not designed with an anti-choking feature, there is a risk of accidental swallowing.

\n

"There is likely no scientific basis for using pacifiers to relieve anxiety. Infants need pacifiers because they have a need to suck during infancy. However, adults no longer have this need instinctively," she said.

\n

lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_005_6898fe0eed50ccabe1517469.htm#005CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "bb9f3b9d0a9333d20d8d99f18dd07fb6", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "006CHINA - Experts share experiences in environmental governance", + "description": "

Participants in an urban planning and landscaping seminar visit Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in August last year. Eighteen officials and scholars from six African countries took part in the event hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

\n

Training session attendees learn about the production and use of bamboo charcoal, and bamboo products in Kampala, Uganda, in March. Co-hosted by China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, eight Chinese experts shared their thoughts in the field.

\n

Trainees from the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration conduct a field trip exploring bamboo usage in Guizhou province in June.

\n

Online Scan the code to watch the video.

\n

China's aid training programs on environment and ecology, which invite participants from around the world, are helping build capacity in many countries, according to a Kenyan official who attended a training session in Beijing in June.

\n

Mary Ivy Wanjiku Kimama, a senior research scientist at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, attended a seminar on forest ecological protection and restoration for developing countries from June to July. "I came here because I wanted to see China's forestry practices and bring these ideas back home," she said. "It's impressive to see that it takes only 10 minutes in China to mobilize for forest fire fighting."

\n

Under China's aid training program, officials and technical experts from various countries eager to tackle climate challenges gathered in Beijing to learn from China's experience in ecological and environmental governance.

\n

Rajendra Phuyal, former secretary of Nepal's National Assembly, also took part in the training. He praised the program for combining theoretical, technical and practical knowledge on environmental conservation and sustainable development. "It provides an opportunity to interact with delegates from other countries, which promotes information exchange and sharing of experiences," he said.

\n

Inspired by China's tech-driven approach to forest conservation and management, he said, "The use of satellite monitoring, satellite tracking and coordinated forest management systems could greatly enhance our capacity to respond to disasters and protect our forests."

\n

From June to July, several training programs were held at the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration in Beijing. The sessions brought together officials, foresters and scholars from countries including Egypt, Fiji, Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Nepal, Kenya, Thailand and the Solomon Islands.

\n

These programs focused on topics such as forest resource utilization under climate change, forest protection and restoration, biodiversity conservation and the development of the bamboo industry and green economy, with some seminars specifically designed for developing countries.

\n

Running since 2007, the seminars are organized by the NAFGA as part of the aid training framework of the Ministry of Commerce and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

\n

During the two-week seminar, instructors from various institutions explained China's environmental systems, policies, practices and technologies. For example, the forestry seminar covered topics such as forest law, the application of monitoring technologies in forestry surveys and collective forest ownership in China.

\n

Sera Vere, a forest ranger from Fiji's Ministry of Forestry, said the program was an opportunity to strengthen her skills in modern forest monitoring and to contribute more effectively to Fiji's sustainable forest management under climate change.

\n

"China's use of advanced satellite and drone technologies to map forest cover, monitor changes and assess biomass can be directly applied to my work in forest resource assessment in Fiji," she said.

\n

She noted that one of the biggest challenges in Fiji is the lack of structured incentives or compensation for communities engaged in tree planting. "This training introduced the concept of carbon trading, where communities can benefit financially by maintaining and restoring forests," she said.

\n

Agnes-Zsuzsa Keresztesi, scientific director of the Research and Development Institute for Wildlife and Mountain Resources in Romania, said she was particularly interested in China's practices to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. "The training offered valuable insights into building an elephant-smart community and ecological corridors in China, which I can apply to help reduce conflicts between brown bears and humans in our region and build a bear-smart community," she said.

\n

According to Bian Mingming, director for international cooperation and the aid training programs at NAFGA, more than 100 training programs have been organized since 2007, including 24 online and over 70 in-person sessions. "More than 5,000 participants from over 100 countries have attended NAFGA training programs," he said.

\n

Jiang Kejuan, a researcher at the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission, has been teaching seminars in the program for about six years. He said the seminar is designed to share China's development experience, particularly in areas of interest to developing countries, such as the net-zero transition and climate change response.

\n

"These developing countries are going through challenges similar to those we faced on our own development path. We have successful experiences to share, as well as lessons learned from our mistakes. These seminars share China's ideas, technologies and commitment to cooperation with the rest of the world," he said.

\n

After class, many students approached Jiang with questions. "I can see their eagerness to learn," he said.

\n

Each seminar also includes thematic field trips to various cities. For example, in June, one class visited Xinyang in Henan province to learn about forestry eco-tourism, tea planting and ancient tree conservation. Another group visited Mohe in Heilongjiang province to see the digital management of forest fire prevention.

\n

Ahmed Allam Mohamed Hamadalla from Egypt's Institute of Environment under the Ministry of Environment joined the trip to Xinyang on his second visit to China. "I learned about tree conservation and tea cultivation with minimal pollution," he said. "China's training programs truly meet the needs of developing countries."

\n

After visiting Mohe, Zandile Monokoane from South Africa said she was inspired by how different generations in China have worked together to build infrastructure and forests. "China ensures that everyone understands the importance of preserving the environment," she said.

\n

"China and other developing nations share common challenges, such as how to balance development and protection," Bian noted.

\n

"The practices and examples of China's concept 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets' offer important lessons for the ecological governance of developing countries and contribute Chinese solutions to building a community with a shared future for humanity," he said.

\n

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Participants in an urban planning and landscaping seminar visit Zhejiang Provincial Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in August last year. Eighteen officials and scholars from six African countries took part in the event hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

\n

Training session attendees learn about the production and use of bamboo charcoal, and bamboo products in Kampala, Uganda, in March. Co-hosted by China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, eight Chinese experts shared their thoughts in the field.

\n

Trainees from the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration conduct a field trip exploring bamboo usage in Guizhou province in June.

\n

Online Scan the code to watch the video.

\n

China's aid training programs on environment and ecology, which invite participants from around the world, are helping build capacity in many countries, according to a Kenyan official who attended a training session in Beijing in June.

\n

Mary Ivy Wanjiku Kimama, a senior research scientist at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, attended a seminar on forest ecological protection and restoration for developing countries from June to July. "I came here because I wanted to see China's forestry practices and bring these ideas back home," she said. "It's impressive to see that it takes only 10 minutes in China to mobilize for forest fire fighting."

\n

Under China's aid training program, officials and technical experts from various countries eager to tackle climate challenges gathered in Beijing to learn from China's experience in ecological and environmental governance.

\n

Rajendra Phuyal, former secretary of Nepal's National Assembly, also took part in the training. He praised the program for combining theoretical, technical and practical knowledge on environmental conservation and sustainable development. "It provides an opportunity to interact with delegates from other countries, which promotes information exchange and sharing of experiences," he said.

\n

Inspired by China's tech-driven approach to forest conservation and management, he said, "The use of satellite monitoring, satellite tracking and coordinated forest management systems could greatly enhance our capacity to respond to disasters and protect our forests."

\n

From June to July, several training programs were held at the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration in Beijing. The sessions brought together officials, foresters and scholars from countries including Egypt, Fiji, Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Nepal, Kenya, Thailand and the Solomon Islands.

\n

These programs focused on topics such as forest resource utilization under climate change, forest protection and restoration, biodiversity conservation and the development of the bamboo industry and green economy, with some seminars specifically designed for developing countries.

\n

Running since 2007, the seminars are organized by the NAFGA as part of the aid training framework of the Ministry of Commerce and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

\n

During the two-week seminar, instructors from various institutions explained China's environmental systems, policies, practices and technologies. For example, the forestry seminar covered topics such as forest law, the application of monitoring technologies in forestry surveys and collective forest ownership in China.

\n

Sera Vere, a forest ranger from Fiji's Ministry of Forestry, said the program was an opportunity to strengthen her skills in modern forest monitoring and to contribute more effectively to Fiji's sustainable forest management under climate change.

\n

"China's use of advanced satellite and drone technologies to map forest cover, monitor changes and assess biomass can be directly applied to my work in forest resource assessment in Fiji," she said.

\n

She noted that one of the biggest challenges in Fiji is the lack of structured incentives or compensation for communities engaged in tree planting. "This training introduced the concept of carbon trading, where communities can benefit financially by maintaining and restoring forests," she said.

\n

Agnes-Zsuzsa Keresztesi, scientific director of the Research and Development Institute for Wildlife and Mountain Resources in Romania, said she was particularly interested in China's practices to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. "The training offered valuable insights into building an elephant-smart community and ecological corridors in China, which I can apply to help reduce conflicts between brown bears and humans in our region and build a bear-smart community," she said.

\n

According to Bian Mingming, director for international cooperation and the aid training programs at NAFGA, more than 100 training programs have been organized since 2007, including 24 online and over 70 in-person sessions. "More than 5,000 participants from over 100 countries have attended NAFGA training programs," he said.

\n

Jiang Kejuan, a researcher at the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission, has been teaching seminars in the program for about six years. He said the seminar is designed to share China's development experience, particularly in areas of interest to developing countries, such as the net-zero transition and climate change response.

\n

"These developing countries are going through challenges similar to those we faced on our own development path. We have successful experiences to share, as well as lessons learned from our mistakes. These seminars share China's ideas, technologies and commitment to cooperation with the rest of the world," he said.

\n

After class, many students approached Jiang with questions. "I can see their eagerness to learn," he said.

\n

Each seminar also includes thematic field trips to various cities. For example, in June, one class visited Xinyang in Henan province to learn about forestry eco-tourism, tea planting and ancient tree conservation. Another group visited Mohe in Heilongjiang province to see the digital management of forest fire prevention.

\n

Ahmed Allam Mohamed Hamadalla from Egypt's Institute of Environment under the Ministry of Environment joined the trip to Xinyang on his second visit to China. "I learned about tree conservation and tea cultivation with minimal pollution," he said. "China's training programs truly meet the needs of developing countries."

\n

After visiting Mohe, Zandile Monokoane from South Africa said she was inspired by how different generations in China have worked together to build infrastructure and forests. "China ensures that everyone understands the importance of preserving the environment," she said.

\n

"China and other developing nations share common challenges, such as how to balance development and protection," Bian noted.

\n

"The practices and examples of China's concept 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets' offer important lessons for the ecological governance of developing countries and contribute Chinese solutions to building a community with a shared future for humanity," he said.

\n

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_006_6898fe12ed50ccabe151746a.htm#006CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "64181e5399e88739e0c7e0cb304c2fca", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "006CHINA - Bamboo explored as alternative to plastic", + "description": "

Bamboo is a valuable tool for mitigating climate change thanks to its renewable, biodegradable and recyclable properties, said Anutra Wannaviroj, project director of Thailand's Chaipattana Foundation, who recently completed a seminar on the bamboo industry and green economy in Beijing.

\n

"China is home to the largest bamboo industry in the world," Wannaviroj said. "I am particularly inspired by China's concept that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets', which aligns with the idea of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own."

\n

As a participant in the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration's bilateral training program on the bamboo industry, Wannaviroj explored a wide range of bamboo applications, including its use in food, medicine, textiles, building materials and handicrafts.

\n

The training, offered to 35 officials and scholars from Thailand, shared China's experience in developing the bamboo industry and promoting bamboo products as alternatives to plastics. Thailand has abundant bamboo resources and is working to expand its bamboo processing sector.

\n

"It was impressive to see how bamboo can replace plastics in daily life, with products such as bamboo spoons, forks and plates," she said. "Bamboo is a fast-growing, versatile plant that absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in biomass and soil."

\n

Wannaviroj noted that the concept of sustainable development highlighted in the training aligns with Thailand's development strategy, which seeks to balance economic growth with social and environmental well-being.

\n

However, she pointed out that one challenge for Thailand is to diversify bamboo products by leveraging technology and innovation to add greater value.

\n

Kitipong Tangkit, deputy dean of the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University in Thailand, also attended the two-week program. "We visited Guizhou province and learned how to create business opportunities under forest canopies, for example, planting mushrooms and nurturing medicinal plants," he said.

\n

In Tangkit's view, China's bamboo policy integrates different aspects of the economy, society and environment. "The cooperation between China and Thailand brings opportunity for Thai bamboo farmers and Thai people," he said.

\n

"Beyond addressing environmental challenges, the bamboo industry can also boost grassroots economies by generating income for local communities and reducing inequality," Wannaviroj added.

\n

The seminar covered bamboo forest cultivation, resource management, environmental conservation and industrial applications. Wannaviroj said she plans to share what she learned with bamboo farmers and entrepreneurs in Thailand.

\n

"I also look forward to learning more about technology and innovation in the bamboo industry, particularly in bamboo processing, which will help further develop Thailand's bamboo sector," she said.

\n

", + "content": "

Bamboo is a valuable tool for mitigating climate change thanks to its renewable, biodegradable and recyclable properties, said Anutra Wannaviroj, project director of Thailand's Chaipattana Foundation, who recently completed a seminar on the bamboo industry and green economy in Beijing.

\n

"China is home to the largest bamboo industry in the world," Wannaviroj said. "I am particularly inspired by China's concept that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets', which aligns with the idea of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own."

\n

As a participant in the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration's bilateral training program on the bamboo industry, Wannaviroj explored a wide range of bamboo applications, including its use in food, medicine, textiles, building materials and handicrafts.

\n

The training, offered to 35 officials and scholars from Thailand, shared China's experience in developing the bamboo industry and promoting bamboo products as alternatives to plastics. Thailand has abundant bamboo resources and is working to expand its bamboo processing sector.

\n

"It was impressive to see how bamboo can replace plastics in daily life, with products such as bamboo spoons, forks and plates," she said. "Bamboo is a fast-growing, versatile plant that absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in biomass and soil."

\n

Wannaviroj noted that the concept of sustainable development highlighted in the training aligns with Thailand's development strategy, which seeks to balance economic growth with social and environmental well-being.

\n

However, she pointed out that one challenge for Thailand is to diversify bamboo products by leveraging technology and innovation to add greater value.

\n

Kitipong Tangkit, deputy dean of the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University in Thailand, also attended the two-week program. "We visited Guizhou province and learned how to create business opportunities under forest canopies, for example, planting mushrooms and nurturing medicinal plants," he said.

\n

In Tangkit's view, China's bamboo policy integrates different aspects of the economy, society and environment. "The cooperation between China and Thailand brings opportunity for Thai bamboo farmers and Thai people," he said.

\n

"Beyond addressing environmental challenges, the bamboo industry can also boost grassroots economies by generating income for local communities and reducing inequality," Wannaviroj added.

\n

The seminar covered bamboo forest cultivation, resource management, environmental conservation and industrial applications. Wannaviroj said she plans to share what she learned with bamboo farmers and entrepreneurs in Thailand.

\n

"I also look forward to learning more about technology and innovation in the bamboo industry, particularly in bamboo processing, which will help further develop Thailand's bamboo sector," she said.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_006_6898fe16ed50ccabe151746b.htm#006CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "dd108ab5d511b096b7527adc32c8e2d9", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "006CHINA - Solomon Islands aims to get more from its forests", + "description": "

Trainees from the Solomon Islands tour an industrial park focused on innovating equipment used in the forestry and grassland sector.

\n

Christina Gabuvai, chief forester at the National Herbarium and Botanical Garden Division under the Ministry of Forestry and Research of the Solomon Islands, recently completed a two-month forestry utilization program at the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration in China.

\n

"In Solomon Islands, forest coverage is around 90 percent, and most of the country's revenue comes from logging, with limited development of downstream products," Gabuvai said. Logging is the country's largest export, but unsustainable practices have become a growing concern for local communities.

\n

"I joined this seminar because the government of Solomon Islands recognized the importance of this training," she said. "Here, I've gained new ideas and skills, including how to transform timber into value-added products."

\n

The bilateral training program, held from May to July, focused on forest utilization and downstream processing. Eleven forestry officers from the Solomon Islands took part in seminars covering topics such as wood processing, wood industrial development and ecological poverty alleviation.

\n

As part of the program, the group visited Zhejiang province in East China and Henan province in Central China, where they learned about the local experiences in forest economies, forest management and the wood industry supply chain.

\n

Field trips and cultural visits also gave participants insight into China's historical relationship with forests, according to Gabuvai. "We learned about China's journey from a hunting society to an agricultural one and then to industrialization, which brought deforestation and land degradation," she said.

\n

She was impressed to see how modern China has learned from its history and now places strong emphasis on environmental protection.

\n

"The idea that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets' was new to me, and it perfectly sums up forestry," she said. "It's about balancing environmental protection and economic development."

\n

The delegation from the Solomon Islands held in-depth discussions with Chinese experts, exchanging ideas on green development across the Pacific, from combating illegal logging and promoting community co-management models to developing under-forest economies and building disaster early warning systems.

\n

Although China's advances in technology and green energy have inspired her, Gabuvai admitted that applying these lessons back home remains a challenge.

\n

"Given our national conditions, Solomon Islands is a small country and we lack adequate infrastructure," she said.

\n

One takeaway from the program, she added, is the importance of looking beyond logging for profit. "Instead of relying solely on the timber industry, we can also develop eco-tourism," Gabuvai said. "But to do that, we need supporting infrastructure and facilities."

\n

", + "content": "

Trainees from the Solomon Islands tour an industrial park focused on innovating equipment used in the forestry and grassland sector.

\n

Christina Gabuvai, chief forester at the National Herbarium and Botanical Garden Division under the Ministry of Forestry and Research of the Solomon Islands, recently completed a two-month forestry utilization program at the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration in China.

\n

"In Solomon Islands, forest coverage is around 90 percent, and most of the country's revenue comes from logging, with limited development of downstream products," Gabuvai said. Logging is the country's largest export, but unsustainable practices have become a growing concern for local communities.

\n

"I joined this seminar because the government of Solomon Islands recognized the importance of this training," she said. "Here, I've gained new ideas and skills, including how to transform timber into value-added products."

\n

The bilateral training program, held from May to July, focused on forest utilization and downstream processing. Eleven forestry officers from the Solomon Islands took part in seminars covering topics such as wood processing, wood industrial development and ecological poverty alleviation.

\n

As part of the program, the group visited Zhejiang province in East China and Henan province in Central China, where they learned about the local experiences in forest economies, forest management and the wood industry supply chain.

\n

Field trips and cultural visits also gave participants insight into China's historical relationship with forests, according to Gabuvai. "We learned about China's journey from a hunting society to an agricultural one and then to industrialization, which brought deforestation and land degradation," she said.

\n

She was impressed to see how modern China has learned from its history and now places strong emphasis on environmental protection.

\n

"The idea that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets' was new to me, and it perfectly sums up forestry," she said. "It's about balancing environmental protection and economic development."

\n

The delegation from the Solomon Islands held in-depth discussions with Chinese experts, exchanging ideas on green development across the Pacific, from combating illegal logging and promoting community co-management models to developing under-forest economies and building disaster early warning systems.

\n

Although China's advances in technology and green energy have inspired her, Gabuvai admitted that applying these lessons back home remains a challenge.

\n

"Given our national conditions, Solomon Islands is a small country and we lack adequate infrastructure," she said.

\n

One takeaway from the program, she added, is the importance of looking beyond logging for profit. "Instead of relying solely on the timber industry, we can also develop eco-tourism," Gabuvai said. "But to do that, we need supporting infrastructure and facilities."

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_006_6898fe1aed50ccabe151746c.htm#006CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "2263060e31c1617448556db5b81f8080", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "007CHINA - Embroidery stitches a modern yarn in Jianhe", + "description": "

Long Nyusanjiu stitches for a tin embroidery work at her workshop in Jianhe county, Guizhou province.

\n

Long talks with her students in the showroom of her workshop.

\n

Big hills and small hills, rakes and harrows, long table feasts, these rhythms of Long Nyusanjiu's childhood in Jianhe county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, remain the wellspring of inspiration for her rare metal-thread embroidery.

\n

Now in her 60s, Long is a nationally recognized inheritor of tin embroidery, a unique form of Miao needlework. To complete a garment, she begins with a cotton base, then trims tin sheets into strands about a millimeter wide, using each strip as both needle and thread.

\n

Because tin is rigid, most designs rely on geometric shapes. Still, Miao artisans have drawn on everyday life — chicken feet, saddles or swirling water — to shape patterns that are passed down orally through generations. In sunlight, the tin threads shimmer with a silvery glow, while darker under-patterns in black, red, and blue provide contrast, creating designs that dazzle without overwhelming.

\n

The process is painstaking. "An ordinary garment, from dyeing the cloth to the final stitches, takes at least six months," Long told China Daily. "A ceremonial costume is even more demanding. I spent two years on this one, sewing it stitch by stitch. If you try to rush it, it wears you out and ends up poorly done," she said, gesturing toward a festival outfit hanging nearby.

\n

At one time, every young woman in Long's village had mastered this craft. Today, however, it survives in only a few Miao communities in the county. Its precise origins have been lost, but elders recall that silver was too costly while tin — salvaged from fishing nets — was plentiful. "If you melt tin, it turns white like silver," a villager said.

\n

Traditionally, Miao girls were spared heavy labor before marriage and used their spare time to embroider dowries. Most completed no more than two outfits before their wedding day. Some describe tin-thread embroidery as the everyday armor worn by local Miao women.

\n

"In our Zhanliu village, every girl loved tin embroidery," Long recalled. "After work, they dropped everything — cooking, resting — just to embroider. They lost themselves in it."

\n

Long began learning the craft as a child and is now the fourth generation in her family to carry it on. She gently ran her fingers over a colored waistband her mother made more than 50 years ago. "The colors haven't faded," she said proudly. "That's real craftsmanship."

\n

Her household is seen by villagers as the rightful guardians of the art. "She deserves to win awards," they said, "to honor her efforts and the skills of our ancestors."

\n

Long finds comfort in seeing tin embroidery gain new audiences. Last year, it debuted on the runway at China International Fashion Week. More recently, her daughter Chen Yan wore a tin-embroidered outfit at a cultural tourism event in Sydney.

\n

With state and local support, Long's workshop has begun showcasing its work in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and beyond.

\n

Orders now come in by the hundreds, sometimes even thousands. "I work with over 30 embroiderers," she said. "I teach them by hand. When new orders arrive, I divide the work among artisans in nearby villages and communities.

\n

"Even small orders provide income and joy," she added.

\n

Today, Long's daughter and daughters-in-law sat beside her at the embroidery frame. "They're following the same path I did," she said with a smile. Under Chen's guidance, tin embroidery, like many of China's intangible cultural heritages, is finding a new role in high fashion and cultural innovation.

\n

"I am designing accessories, lifestyle goods, and collectibles that blend tin-thread techniques with modern style," Chen explained. "This way, we preserve our traditional patterns while appealing to contemporary audiences. Through these creations, I want the world to see the stitches my mother taught me."

\n

Contact the writers at liuboqian@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Long Nyusanjiu stitches for a tin embroidery work at her workshop in Jianhe county, Guizhou province.

\n

Long talks with her students in the showroom of her workshop.

\n

Big hills and small hills, rakes and harrows, long table feasts, these rhythms of Long Nyusanjiu's childhood in Jianhe county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, remain the wellspring of inspiration for her rare metal-thread embroidery.

\n

Now in her 60s, Long is a nationally recognized inheritor of tin embroidery, a unique form of Miao needlework. To complete a garment, she begins with a cotton base, then trims tin sheets into strands about a millimeter wide, using each strip as both needle and thread.

\n

Because tin is rigid, most designs rely on geometric shapes. Still, Miao artisans have drawn on everyday life — chicken feet, saddles or swirling water — to shape patterns that are passed down orally through generations. In sunlight, the tin threads shimmer with a silvery glow, while darker under-patterns in black, red, and blue provide contrast, creating designs that dazzle without overwhelming.

\n

The process is painstaking. "An ordinary garment, from dyeing the cloth to the final stitches, takes at least six months," Long told China Daily. "A ceremonial costume is even more demanding. I spent two years on this one, sewing it stitch by stitch. If you try to rush it, it wears you out and ends up poorly done," she said, gesturing toward a festival outfit hanging nearby.

\n

At one time, every young woman in Long's village had mastered this craft. Today, however, it survives in only a few Miao communities in the county. Its precise origins have been lost, but elders recall that silver was too costly while tin — salvaged from fishing nets — was plentiful. "If you melt tin, it turns white like silver," a villager said.

\n

Traditionally, Miao girls were spared heavy labor before marriage and used their spare time to embroider dowries. Most completed no more than two outfits before their wedding day. Some describe tin-thread embroidery as the everyday armor worn by local Miao women.

\n

"In our Zhanliu village, every girl loved tin embroidery," Long recalled. "After work, they dropped everything — cooking, resting — just to embroider. They lost themselves in it."

\n

Long began learning the craft as a child and is now the fourth generation in her family to carry it on. She gently ran her fingers over a colored waistband her mother made more than 50 years ago. "The colors haven't faded," she said proudly. "That's real craftsmanship."

\n

Her household is seen by villagers as the rightful guardians of the art. "She deserves to win awards," they said, "to honor her efforts and the skills of our ancestors."

\n

Long finds comfort in seeing tin embroidery gain new audiences. Last year, it debuted on the runway at China International Fashion Week. More recently, her daughter Chen Yan wore a tin-embroidered outfit at a cultural tourism event in Sydney.

\n

With state and local support, Long's workshop has begun showcasing its work in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and beyond.

\n

Orders now come in by the hundreds, sometimes even thousands. "I work with over 30 embroiderers," she said. "I teach them by hand. When new orders arrive, I divide the work among artisans in nearby villages and communities.

\n

"Even small orders provide income and joy," she added.

\n

Today, Long's daughter and daughters-in-law sat beside her at the embroidery frame. "They're following the same path I did," she said with a smile. Under Chen's guidance, tin embroidery, like many of China's intangible cultural heritages, is finding a new role in high fashion and cultural innovation.

\n

"I am designing accessories, lifestyle goods, and collectibles that blend tin-thread techniques with modern style," Chen explained. "This way, we preserve our traditional patterns while appealing to contemporary audiences. Through these creations, I want the world to see the stitches my mother taught me."

\n

Contact the writers at liuboqian@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_007_6898fe1eed50ccabe151746d.htm#007CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "4992ce286a45fbcd2a9e894f83a06bb0", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "007CHINA - Live wedding painting catches on nationwide", + "description": "
\n

Chang Jie paints during a wedding ceremony in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

\n

Chang Jie still remembers the emotional pull of painting her first live wedding scenes. The touching love stories and heartfelt moments she witnessed inspired her to pursue a part-time career as a live wedding painter.

\n

"Their love stories really touched me," she said. "Every wedding ceremony has its own emotional highlights."

\n

A graduate in environmental design, the 25-year-old has a full-time job at a local gallery in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. But after discovering the trend of live wedding painting on social media several years ago, she began exploring it as a side venture.

\n

While most wedding painting services cater to major cities, Chang saw an opportunity in her city. "This niche market in smaller cities like Yinchuan is growing," she explained. "Young couples want personalized experiences, and art can offer that."

\n

Partnering with local wedding studios, Chang paints on weekends or during her spare time. Her work has attracted growing attention on Chinese social media, drawing couples who want to tailor a memorial for their precious life moments.

\n

"Every couple has a different story," she said. "Their ceremonies deserve to be remembered in a meaningful way."

\n

For her, the paintings are more than decoration; they are an instant tool to capture the moments and immortalize the feelings. To prepare, Chang consults with the couple ahead of the event to understand the wedding's tone, setting and theme. She then selects the medium — acrylic, watercolor or oil — based on the style of the wedding, whether it's a Western garden ceremony or a traditional Chinese one.

\n

Oil paintings, she noted, are particularly popular for their rich texture. On the wedding day, it takes her three to four hours to paint live at the venue, capturing the emotions of the couples and those who witness their happiness. The finished painting is often presented to the couple during the celebration, adding a personal and surprising touch to the event.

\n

The most impressive ones come when the couple's late family members or beloved pets are included. Tears or thanks are rewarding to her.

\n

Despite the emotional highs, live painting comes with its challenges. Working under time constraints, adapting to unexpected changes in lighting or weather, and dealing with shifting wedding schedules all demand flexibility and quick thinking. Over time, Chang has refined her technique and adjusted her tools to work more efficiently under pressure.

\n

Chang is not alone. As demand grows across the country, more artists are tapping into this emerging industry. From metropolises such as Beijing to small towns and counties, live wedding painting is gaining momentum for its personalized and unique touch.

\n

In Handan, Hebei province, 27-year-old Jiang Yiwei is helping to expand the field.

\n

A wedding painter herself, she launched her own studio and training program last year. Her courses have drawn students from across the country, from the south to the northeast. Many of her trainees have since started their own businesses, gaining creative fulfillment and satisfying incomes.

\n

"Couples want more than just standard photos," Jiang observed. "They're drawn to how brushstrokes capture the fleeting emotions in a lasting way."

\n

As demand rises, so do calls for innovation. Chang acknowledges that many services in the market currently offer similar styles. "There's still room for growth and originality," she said. "We're working to push creative boundaries and deliver more refined, high-quality work."

\n

", + "content": "
\n

Chang Jie paints during a wedding ceremony in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

\n

Chang Jie still remembers the emotional pull of painting her first live wedding scenes. The touching love stories and heartfelt moments she witnessed inspired her to pursue a part-time career as a live wedding painter.

\n

"Their love stories really touched me," she said. "Every wedding ceremony has its own emotional highlights."

\n

A graduate in environmental design, the 25-year-old has a full-time job at a local gallery in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. But after discovering the trend of live wedding painting on social media several years ago, she began exploring it as a side venture.

\n

While most wedding painting services cater to major cities, Chang saw an opportunity in her city. "This niche market in smaller cities like Yinchuan is growing," she explained. "Young couples want personalized experiences, and art can offer that."

\n

Partnering with local wedding studios, Chang paints on weekends or during her spare time. Her work has attracted growing attention on Chinese social media, drawing couples who want to tailor a memorial for their precious life moments.

\n

"Every couple has a different story," she said. "Their ceremonies deserve to be remembered in a meaningful way."

\n

For her, the paintings are more than decoration; they are an instant tool to capture the moments and immortalize the feelings. To prepare, Chang consults with the couple ahead of the event to understand the wedding's tone, setting and theme. She then selects the medium — acrylic, watercolor or oil — based on the style of the wedding, whether it's a Western garden ceremony or a traditional Chinese one.

\n

Oil paintings, she noted, are particularly popular for their rich texture. On the wedding day, it takes her three to four hours to paint live at the venue, capturing the emotions of the couples and those who witness their happiness. The finished painting is often presented to the couple during the celebration, adding a personal and surprising touch to the event.

\n

The most impressive ones come when the couple's late family members or beloved pets are included. Tears or thanks are rewarding to her.

\n

Despite the emotional highs, live painting comes with its challenges. Working under time constraints, adapting to unexpected changes in lighting or weather, and dealing with shifting wedding schedules all demand flexibility and quick thinking. Over time, Chang has refined her technique and adjusted her tools to work more efficiently under pressure.

\n

Chang is not alone. As demand grows across the country, more artists are tapping into this emerging industry. From metropolises such as Beijing to small towns and counties, live wedding painting is gaining momentum for its personalized and unique touch.

\n

In Handan, Hebei province, 27-year-old Jiang Yiwei is helping to expand the field.

\n

A wedding painter herself, she launched her own studio and training program last year. Her courses have drawn students from across the country, from the south to the northeast. Many of her trainees have since started their own businesses, gaining creative fulfillment and satisfying incomes.

\n

"Couples want more than just standard photos," Jiang observed. "They're drawn to how brushstrokes capture the fleeting emotions in a lasting way."

\n

As demand rises, so do calls for innovation. Chang acknowledges that many services in the market currently offer similar styles. "There's still room for growth and originality," she said. "We're working to push creative boundaries and deliver more refined, high-quality work."

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_007_6898fe22ed50ccabe151746e.htm#007CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "aa0fb009028fb187212501300fb0aaeb", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "007CHINA - Tourists drive 'summer cooling economy' in Chongqing", + "description": "

CHONGQING — As heatwaves sweep across much of China, high-altitude destinations in the mountainous areas of Southwest China's Chongqing municipality are seeing a surge in visitors seeking relief from the sweltering temperatures.

\n

This influx is fueling the rise of a "summer cooling economy" and giving fresh momentum to rural tourism, as the region deepens efforts to integrate culture with tourism development.

\n

High in the mountains of Shizhu Tujia autonomous county, the Daobeiliang forest campsite, perched at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, offers visitors a cool retreat from the summer heat.

\n

For a couple from Central China's Hubei province, watching the sunset from their cliffside tent was an unforgettable experience. They described it as "refreshingly cool" with "breathtaking views".

\n

The Daobeiliang ridge, known for its dramatic cliffs and a narrow highway flanked by drop-offs — dubbed the "Blade Celestial Road" — has become a hot spot for cyclists and photographers.

\n

"Thanks to the pleasant summer weather, we reached peak daily footfall of around 2,000 visitors during last year's trial run, and we've been fully booked almost every day," said Li Hao, who manages the campsite.

\n

The steady stream of tourists has presented new opportunities for rural tourism.

\n

Zeng Hongming, publicity officer of Shizhu's Liutang township, where Daobeiliang is located, noted that the area has leveraged its high-altitude climate and unique landscape, including wind turbines, forests and cloud-top vistas, to create diverse summer tourism experiences.

\n

Since June this year, Shizhu has welcomed about 9.92 million tourists and generated around 7 billion yuan ($979 million) in tourism revenue, marking year-on-year increases of 5 percent and 6.28 percent, respectively.

\n

"This year we've added new viewing platforms and introduced attractions like mountain biking and cloud-top go-karts, which are seeing strong bookings, especially from families vacationing during the school break," Li said.

\n

The Fairy Mountain National Tourist Resort in Chongqing's Wulong district, a national 5A-rated tourist attraction, the highest in China, also draws large numbers of visitors during summer. Situated between 1,100 and 1,700 meters in elevation, the resort provides a cool, temperate retreat, ideal for seniors and children alike.

\n

Recent additions include the "Treetop Walk" nature education camp, featuring forest exploration zones, nature-themed learning activities, zip lines and climbing installations, which attract over 200,000 visitors during peak periods. The introduction of an apitherapy clinic, which uses honeybee products, has also become a favorite among older tourists spending the season at the resort.

\n

According to the culture and tourism commission of Wulong, as of mid-July, ticketed tourist numbers and revenue in the district's scenic areas went up 25.27 percent and 19.06 percent year-on-year, respectively.

\n

Independent travelers, mostly seasonal visitors, surged by 54.42 percent from the same period last year.

\n

Meanwhile, in Qijiang district in southern Chongqing, five resorts located above 1,000 meters in altitude are also popular for their cool climates and summer appeal.

\n

For locals like Shuai Chengyou, who has worked at the Wanfo Gorge Rafting Resort for five years, tourism has provided both income and flexibility.

\n

"I work on the land during the busy farming season and at the resort during the off-season, so I can earn money while spending time with my family," he said.

\n

Fellow villager Wang Guangmin runs a snack stall at the scenic area entrance with his wife, selling cold noodles and iced jelly to tourists. "During peak rafting season, we can make up to 10,000 yuan a month," Wang said.

\n

", + "content": "

CHONGQING — As heatwaves sweep across much of China, high-altitude destinations in the mountainous areas of Southwest China's Chongqing municipality are seeing a surge in visitors seeking relief from the sweltering temperatures.

\n

This influx is fueling the rise of a "summer cooling economy" and giving fresh momentum to rural tourism, as the region deepens efforts to integrate culture with tourism development.

\n

High in the mountains of Shizhu Tujia autonomous county, the Daobeiliang forest campsite, perched at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, offers visitors a cool retreat from the summer heat.

\n

For a couple from Central China's Hubei province, watching the sunset from their cliffside tent was an unforgettable experience. They described it as "refreshingly cool" with "breathtaking views".

\n

The Daobeiliang ridge, known for its dramatic cliffs and a narrow highway flanked by drop-offs — dubbed the "Blade Celestial Road" — has become a hot spot for cyclists and photographers.

\n

"Thanks to the pleasant summer weather, we reached peak daily footfall of around 2,000 visitors during last year's trial run, and we've been fully booked almost every day," said Li Hao, who manages the campsite.

\n

The steady stream of tourists has presented new opportunities for rural tourism.

\n

Zeng Hongming, publicity officer of Shizhu's Liutang township, where Daobeiliang is located, noted that the area has leveraged its high-altitude climate and unique landscape, including wind turbines, forests and cloud-top vistas, to create diverse summer tourism experiences.

\n

Since June this year, Shizhu has welcomed about 9.92 million tourists and generated around 7 billion yuan ($979 million) in tourism revenue, marking year-on-year increases of 5 percent and 6.28 percent, respectively.

\n

"This year we've added new viewing platforms and introduced attractions like mountain biking and cloud-top go-karts, which are seeing strong bookings, especially from families vacationing during the school break," Li said.

\n

The Fairy Mountain National Tourist Resort in Chongqing's Wulong district, a national 5A-rated tourist attraction, the highest in China, also draws large numbers of visitors during summer. Situated between 1,100 and 1,700 meters in elevation, the resort provides a cool, temperate retreat, ideal for seniors and children alike.

\n

Recent additions include the "Treetop Walk" nature education camp, featuring forest exploration zones, nature-themed learning activities, zip lines and climbing installations, which attract over 200,000 visitors during peak periods. The introduction of an apitherapy clinic, which uses honeybee products, has also become a favorite among older tourists spending the season at the resort.

\n

According to the culture and tourism commission of Wulong, as of mid-July, ticketed tourist numbers and revenue in the district's scenic areas went up 25.27 percent and 19.06 percent year-on-year, respectively.

\n

Independent travelers, mostly seasonal visitors, surged by 54.42 percent from the same period last year.

\n

Meanwhile, in Qijiang district in southern Chongqing, five resorts located above 1,000 meters in altitude are also popular for their cool climates and summer appeal.

\n

For locals like Shuai Chengyou, who has worked at the Wanfo Gorge Rafting Resort for five years, tourism has provided both income and flexibility.

\n

"I work on the land during the busy farming season and at the resort during the off-season, so I can earn money while spending time with my family," he said.

\n

Fellow villager Wang Guangmin runs a snack stall at the scenic area entrance with his wife, selling cold noodles and iced jelly to tourists. "During peak rafting season, we can make up to 10,000 yuan a month," Wang said.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_007_6898fe27ed50ccabe151746f.htm#007CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "d5e925f9ce733f6a39f6f27e14b79374", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "007CHINA - Beer festival celebrates friendships in Qingdao", + "description": "

QINGDAO — Zhu Junhai, assistant to the president of Tsingtao Brewery Co, presented an old photograph from 1991 that captured the inaugural Qingdao International Beer Festival. This moment was shared at an industry meeting held during the ongoing international beer festival in Qingdao, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province. Back then, the festival only showcased around 40 to 50 domestic beer varieties alongside a handful of international brands, but it was enough to amaze both local residents and visitors.

\n

Of late, the beer festival has grown into an internationally renowned celebration. The host city is home to the Tsingtao brewery, a time-honored beer brand in China. Last year, over 6 million visitors from across the globe joined the festival, consuming nearly 2,800 metric tons of beer and generating approximately 7.3 billion yuan ($1.02 billion) in comprehensive revenue.

\n

The 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival opened on July 18 near the beach in Xihai'an (West Coast) New Area and will last for about a month. This year's event features over 2,300 domestic and international beer brands and, for the first time, introduced an "exclusive festival beer" to give visitors a truly unique tasting experience. "In Bavaria, we consume more than 180 liters of beer per person annually, so we do have a say when it comes to beer," said Toni Lautenschlager, director of the economic development bureau of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany.

\n

"Tsingtao Beer is lighter and smoother than our local beer, and I find it quite tasty," Lautenschlager remarked after sampling the brew at this year's festival.

\n

Warsteiner, a well-known German beer brand, has made its seventh consecutive appearance at the festival with its iconic beer tent. This year, the brand has rolled out some exciting new options, including alcohol-free beer and a refreshing beach lager, catering to the diverse tastes of its international guests.

\n

Chen Feng, who is in charge of the Warsteiner beer tent, revealed that over 1,200 liters of beer were sold on the opening night alone, demonstrating visitors' strong enthusiasm for authentic German brews.

\n

Qingdao has developed beer culture into a bridge that connects international friendships.

\n

"Qingdao is a dynamic and ever-evolving city. Both its urban development and beer culture have impressed me greatly," said Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, mayor of Regensburg, who made her first visit to the city in 2019.

\n

In the same year, a cooperative mechanism for international beer festivals was set up in Qingdao. Initiated by the Qingdao beer festival, the mechanism is set to boost exchanges among popular beer festival organizers including Munich's Oktoberfest, the Great American Beer Festival, and Toronto's Festival of Beer. The mechanism aims to enhance cooperation within the beer industry and related tourism, while also creating a platform for international players to explore overseas business opportunities.

\n

On July 19, representatives from beer festivals in Belgium, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Hungary, and other countries and regions participated in the International Beer Festivals Alliance Cooperative Mechanism 2025 Qingdao Meeting.

\n

"Since each city and region that joins the alliance has a unique beer festival culture with its own charm, we need to protect our distinct traditions and carry them forward," said Christian Scharpf, director of the department of labor and economic development of Munich, Germany, and chief coordinator of Munich's Oktoberfest.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

QINGDAO — Zhu Junhai, assistant to the president of Tsingtao Brewery Co, presented an old photograph from 1991 that captured the inaugural Qingdao International Beer Festival. This moment was shared at an industry meeting held during the ongoing international beer festival in Qingdao, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province. Back then, the festival only showcased around 40 to 50 domestic beer varieties alongside a handful of international brands, but it was enough to amaze both local residents and visitors.

\n

Of late, the beer festival has grown into an internationally renowned celebration. The host city is home to the Tsingtao brewery, a time-honored beer brand in China. Last year, over 6 million visitors from across the globe joined the festival, consuming nearly 2,800 metric tons of beer and generating approximately 7.3 billion yuan ($1.02 billion) in comprehensive revenue.

\n

The 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival opened on July 18 near the beach in Xihai'an (West Coast) New Area and will last for about a month. This year's event features over 2,300 domestic and international beer brands and, for the first time, introduced an "exclusive festival beer" to give visitors a truly unique tasting experience. "In Bavaria, we consume more than 180 liters of beer per person annually, so we do have a say when it comes to beer," said Toni Lautenschlager, director of the economic development bureau of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany.

\n

"Tsingtao Beer is lighter and smoother than our local beer, and I find it quite tasty," Lautenschlager remarked after sampling the brew at this year's festival.

\n

Warsteiner, a well-known German beer brand, has made its seventh consecutive appearance at the festival with its iconic beer tent. This year, the brand has rolled out some exciting new options, including alcohol-free beer and a refreshing beach lager, catering to the diverse tastes of its international guests.

\n

Chen Feng, who is in charge of the Warsteiner beer tent, revealed that over 1,200 liters of beer were sold on the opening night alone, demonstrating visitors' strong enthusiasm for authentic German brews.

\n

Qingdao has developed beer culture into a bridge that connects international friendships.

\n

"Qingdao is a dynamic and ever-evolving city. Both its urban development and beer culture have impressed me greatly," said Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, mayor of Regensburg, who made her first visit to the city in 2019.

\n

In the same year, a cooperative mechanism for international beer festivals was set up in Qingdao. Initiated by the Qingdao beer festival, the mechanism is set to boost exchanges among popular beer festival organizers including Munich's Oktoberfest, the Great American Beer Festival, and Toronto's Festival of Beer. The mechanism aims to enhance cooperation within the beer industry and related tourism, while also creating a platform for international players to explore overseas business opportunities.

\n

On July 19, representatives from beer festivals in Belgium, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Hungary, and other countries and regions participated in the International Beer Festivals Alliance Cooperative Mechanism 2025 Qingdao Meeting.

\n

"Since each city and region that joins the alliance has a unique beer festival culture with its own charm, we need to protect our distinct traditions and carry them forward," said Christian Scharpf, director of the department of labor and economic development of Munich, Germany, and chief coordinator of Munich's Oktoberfest.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_007_6898fe2bed50ccabe1517470.htm#007CHINA", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "9d2b9b70e0349c0e6f629a5c4e2a4801", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "008COMMENT - Welcome extended to Modi, but prudence will prevail as India needs to lift restrictions", + "description": "

Two days after Indian media reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China on Aug 31 and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the first visit of the Indian leader in over seven years.

\n

Welcoming Modi ahead of his visit to the country for the SCO Summit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular news conference in Beijing on Friday: "We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness."

\n

Although China and India have started making joint efforts to repair their ties, which had plunged to a low ebb following the border clash in 2020, it makes sense that China should be pragmatic and prudent in handling the relations with India. There remains a lot to be done, particularly on India's part, to better transform the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in Kazan, Russia, in October last year into concrete actions.

\n

Since the two leaders agreed that China and India are each other's development opportunity rather than being a threat, and partner rather than competitor, the Indian government should take more practical measures to ease, if not lift, its restrictive policies against Chinese technical personnel and Chinese capital if India really looks forward to deepening economic and trade cooperation with China.

\n

Although India reopened the channel for Chinese citizens to apply for a tourist visa from July 24, which it suspended five years ago, the application thresholds remain much higher than five years ago. For instance, the applicants are required to submit their bank statements for the last six months showing a minimum balance of 100,000 yuan ($13,920) — India's per capita GDP was about $2,697 last year according to the World Bank — and must apply in person in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

\n

In contrast, China has continued to issue visas to Indian nationals even after the border clash in 2020. Last year, the Chinese government issued about 280,000 visas to Indian nationals, including technicians, engineers, students and reporters, while India still strictly restricts the four kinds of Chinese visitors till now. And it hasn't reopened the direct flights between the two countries that it canceled five years ago.

\n

The onus is on India to do more to facilitate the subdued people-to-people and cultural exchanges and smooth flow of talents, capital and know-how that serves the common interests of the two countries.

\n

Modi's visit provides the Indian government with a good opportunity to markedly accelerate relevant moves to remove the irrational barriers that have suppressed the development potential of relations in various fields between the two most populous countries in the world.

\n

Notably, one day before Modi's China trip was reported, in response to a media query at a news conference in Beijing regarding the Philippines-India joint exercises in the South China Sea last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stressed that disputes over territory and maritime rights and interests should be settled through negotiation and consultation by countries directly concerned, and no third party is in any position to interfere in that.

\n

So given the Modi government's long-term ambiguity toward the US' "Indo-Pacific" strategy that targets China, if New Delhi really intends to make Modi's visit more than symbolic, it knows what to do and what not to do.

\n

As Modi's visit is also coming amid rising tensions between India and the United States, the Indian leader is also obliged to prove his visit is not expedient.

\n

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. Bearing the big picture in mind, China has always been consistent in its Indian policy that features principled and practical handling of both opportunities and challenges related to bilateral ties.

\n

India should reciprocate China's openness for improved relations with equal sincerity, consistency and certainty.

\n

", + "content": "

Two days after Indian media reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China on Aug 31 and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the first visit of the Indian leader in over seven years.

\n

Welcoming Modi ahead of his visit to the country for the SCO Summit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular news conference in Beijing on Friday: "We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness."

\n

Although China and India have started making joint efforts to repair their ties, which had plunged to a low ebb following the border clash in 2020, it makes sense that China should be pragmatic and prudent in handling the relations with India. There remains a lot to be done, particularly on India's part, to better transform the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in Kazan, Russia, in October last year into concrete actions.

\n

Since the two leaders agreed that China and India are each other's development opportunity rather than being a threat, and partner rather than competitor, the Indian government should take more practical measures to ease, if not lift, its restrictive policies against Chinese technical personnel and Chinese capital if India really looks forward to deepening economic and trade cooperation with China.

\n

Although India reopened the channel for Chinese citizens to apply for a tourist visa from July 24, which it suspended five years ago, the application thresholds remain much higher than five years ago. For instance, the applicants are required to submit their bank statements for the last six months showing a minimum balance of 100,000 yuan ($13,920) — India's per capita GDP was about $2,697 last year according to the World Bank — and must apply in person in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

\n

In contrast, China has continued to issue visas to Indian nationals even after the border clash in 2020. Last year, the Chinese government issued about 280,000 visas to Indian nationals, including technicians, engineers, students and reporters, while India still strictly restricts the four kinds of Chinese visitors till now. And it hasn't reopened the direct flights between the two countries that it canceled five years ago.

\n

The onus is on India to do more to facilitate the subdued people-to-people and cultural exchanges and smooth flow of talents, capital and know-how that serves the common interests of the two countries.

\n

Modi's visit provides the Indian government with a good opportunity to markedly accelerate relevant moves to remove the irrational barriers that have suppressed the development potential of relations in various fields between the two most populous countries in the world.

\n

Notably, one day before Modi's China trip was reported, in response to a media query at a news conference in Beijing regarding the Philippines-India joint exercises in the South China Sea last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stressed that disputes over territory and maritime rights and interests should be settled through negotiation and consultation by countries directly concerned, and no third party is in any position to interfere in that.

\n

So given the Modi government's long-term ambiguity toward the US' "Indo-Pacific" strategy that targets China, if New Delhi really intends to make Modi's visit more than symbolic, it knows what to do and what not to do.

\n

As Modi's visit is also coming amid rising tensions between India and the United States, the Indian leader is also obliged to prove his visit is not expedient.

\n

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. Bearing the big picture in mind, China has always been consistent in its Indian policy that features principled and practical handling of both opportunities and challenges related to bilateral ties.

\n

India should reciprocate China's openness for improved relations with equal sincerity, consistency and certainty.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_008_6898fe2fed50ccabe1517471.htm#008COMMENT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "a2d11e373f0f47c496f442d0ff906449", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "008COMMENT - Ceasefire should be the goal of Alaska talks", + "description": "

The announcement that President Donald Trump of the United States and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will meet on Aug 15 in Alaska has grabbed much attention. It is a critical moment, as many hope it will help open the door to meaningful peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

\n

It is thought that the meeting of the two leaders could have far-reaching impacts on how the Russia-Ukraine conflict will evolve, and the future of relations between Ukraine, Russia and Europe, as well as the immediate future of US — Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

\n

The meeting, announced by Trump on social media and confirmed by the Kremlin, is an encouraging development as long as it can contribute to a ceasefire.

\n

While expectations for a comprehensive resolution must be tempered — a conflict as complex as the one between Ukraine and Russia cannot be solved through a single dialogue — any effort to end the bloodshed should be encouraged.

\n

The international community should see this as a step toward a diplomatic solution, recognizing that progress will require the engagement of all stakeholders.

\n

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without its involvement, a position echoed by European leaders, who jointly stated that any deal must protect Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and vital security interests. Their joint declaration on Saturday makes clear that any credible settlement must also provide robust and enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine.

\n

Zelensky has also noted that European proposals and perspectives were conveyed to and considered by the US side during preparatory exchanges for the Alaska meeting, signaling a degree of alignment between Washington and European capitals. This acknowledgment suggests that, despite differences over tactics, there is a shared understanding among Kyiv, Brussels and Washington.

\n

However, the US and some major European countries are believed to still have differences on some critical issues, such as the conditions for a ceasefire, not to mention an end to the crisis.

\n

Even if the Alaska meeting fails to yield a tangible breakthrough, it might be possible for relevant parties to figure out exactly what the obstacles are that need to be overcome in order to reach a peace deal and to identify ways in which the barriers can be surmounted so as to realize lasting peace between the two conflicting sides.

\n

In his telephone talk with Russian President Putin on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China welcomes the meeting between the Russian and US leaders. Noting that complex problems have no simple solutions, President Xi said that China hopes they will maintain contact to improve their relations and promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and that China will continue to work for peace talks between the two sides.

\n

During the call, Putin outlined Russia's views on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis and on recent US-Russia contacts, and said that Moscow highly appreciates China's constructive role in seeking a political resolution to the crisis.

\n

Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, Beijing has promoted dialogue and negotiations, advancing initiatives such as the "Friends of Peace" group and upholding President Xi's four-point proposal: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to the UN Charter, addressing legitimate security concerns of all parties, and supporting all efforts conducive to peace.

\n

A realistic and achievable goal for the meeting in Alaska on Friday would be for it to pave the way for a ceasefire to immediately end the killing on the battlefield. While resolving deep-seated differences will take time, an initial truce could halt the humanitarian suffering and help create the conditions for a sustainable peace agreement.

\n

The meeting is an important moment that underscores the role of dialogue in resolving global conflicts. The international community should work together to address the root causes of the crisis and work toward a balanced, effective and sustainable security framework for lasting peace in Europe.

\n

", + "content": "

The announcement that President Donald Trump of the United States and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will meet on Aug 15 in Alaska has grabbed much attention. It is a critical moment, as many hope it will help open the door to meaningful peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

\n

It is thought that the meeting of the two leaders could have far-reaching impacts on how the Russia-Ukraine conflict will evolve, and the future of relations between Ukraine, Russia and Europe, as well as the immediate future of US — Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

\n

The meeting, announced by Trump on social media and confirmed by the Kremlin, is an encouraging development as long as it can contribute to a ceasefire.

\n

While expectations for a comprehensive resolution must be tempered — a conflict as complex as the one between Ukraine and Russia cannot be solved through a single dialogue — any effort to end the bloodshed should be encouraged.

\n

The international community should see this as a step toward a diplomatic solution, recognizing that progress will require the engagement of all stakeholders.

\n

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without its involvement, a position echoed by European leaders, who jointly stated that any deal must protect Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and vital security interests. Their joint declaration on Saturday makes clear that any credible settlement must also provide robust and enforceable security guarantees for Ukraine.

\n

Zelensky has also noted that European proposals and perspectives were conveyed to and considered by the US side during preparatory exchanges for the Alaska meeting, signaling a degree of alignment between Washington and European capitals. This acknowledgment suggests that, despite differences over tactics, there is a shared understanding among Kyiv, Brussels and Washington.

\n

However, the US and some major European countries are believed to still have differences on some critical issues, such as the conditions for a ceasefire, not to mention an end to the crisis.

\n

Even if the Alaska meeting fails to yield a tangible breakthrough, it might be possible for relevant parties to figure out exactly what the obstacles are that need to be overcome in order to reach a peace deal and to identify ways in which the barriers can be surmounted so as to realize lasting peace between the two conflicting sides.

\n

In his telephone talk with Russian President Putin on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China welcomes the meeting between the Russian and US leaders. Noting that complex problems have no simple solutions, President Xi said that China hopes they will maintain contact to improve their relations and promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and that China will continue to work for peace talks between the two sides.

\n

During the call, Putin outlined Russia's views on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis and on recent US-Russia contacts, and said that Moscow highly appreciates China's constructive role in seeking a political resolution to the crisis.

\n

Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, Beijing has promoted dialogue and negotiations, advancing initiatives such as the "Friends of Peace" group and upholding President Xi's four-point proposal: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to the UN Charter, addressing legitimate security concerns of all parties, and supporting all efforts conducive to peace.

\n

A realistic and achievable goal for the meeting in Alaska on Friday would be for it to pave the way for a ceasefire to immediately end the killing on the battlefield. While resolving deep-seated differences will take time, an initial truce could halt the humanitarian suffering and help create the conditions for a sustainable peace agreement.

\n

The meeting is an important moment that underscores the role of dialogue in resolving global conflicts. The international community should work together to address the root causes of the crisis and work toward a balanced, effective and sustainable security framework for lasting peace in Europe.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_008_6898fe33ed50ccabe1517472.htm#008COMMENT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "521aeef1ee8a533f5ece850066e6efca", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "008COMMENT - Picture news", + "description": "

\n

", + "content": "

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_008_6898fe37ed50ccabe1517473.htm#008COMMENT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "df27b72306cac29ec3934e0f258af058", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "008COMMENT - Absurd logic of Manila's game of flames belies its assigned role", + "description": "

A golden principle for politicians taking media interviews is not to respond to hypothetical questions. But the Philippine leader seems not to have learned this.

\n

In an interview with Indian media during his visit to the South Asian country last week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr only proved the dire consequences of ignoring that principle by making some wrong and irresponsible remarks on a series of hypothetical queries related to the Taiwan question.

\n

"If there is a confrontation over Taiwan between China and the United States, there is no way that the Philippines can stay out of it, simply because of our physical geographic location. If there is an all-out war (across the Taiwan Strait), then the Philippines will be drawn into it," Marcos told Firstpost on Wednesday.

\n

That's simply absurd.

\n

To begin with, the Taiwan question is China's internal affair that brooks no external interference. Marcos is in no position to touch upon that issue in the interview on relations between his country and India.

\n

He intentionally paralleled the Chinese island with its motherland in defiance of the fact that the one-China principle is a political foundation of and a requisite for the diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines.

\n

By making such reckless and provocative statements in India, Marcos also put his host country in a difficult position. Not to mention that it was during the week of Marcos' visit that Indian media reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China, later this month, for the first time in over seven years.

\n

Marcos made at least two hotheaded hypotheses — that there will be a conflict across the Taiwan Strait and then a war between China and the US — and rashly expressed the Philippines' readiness to become involved in any conflict.

\n

Compared with other US allies and partners, including Japan and Australia, that try to push the US to the front when pressed to declare their stance on the issue to avoid being caught between China and the US and interfering in China's internal affairs, Marcos seems eager for the Philippines to be to the fore.

\n

Given that he just wrapped up a visit to the Pentagon before visiting India where he was encouraged to carry on leading the Philippines to play its assigned role against China in the South China Sea and beyond, Marcos' blatant Taiwan-related remarks in India indicate that he might have been given some new instructions at the Pentagon.

\n

Considering the rising tensions between the United States and India due to their strained economic and trade ties, Marcos is also trying to do the US a favor by trying to drive a wedge between India and China with his irresponsible remarks.

\n

As a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement, the Marcos government has kept making wrong and provocative remarks and actions, kept fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle, and kept harming China-Philippines relations.

\n

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in the Philippines have every right to lodge serious protests with the Philippine side as they did late last week.

\n

As the spokesperson stressed, neither the Philippines' "geographic location" nor the "large volume of Filipinos" in Taiwan should be used as pretexts to interfere in the internal and sovereign affairs of other countries.

\n

These claims not only contravene international law and the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but also harm regional peace and stability and the fundamental interests of the Philippine people.

\n

The Philippines is urged to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the spirit of the China-Philippines Joint Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations, and refrain from playing with fire on issues bearing on China's core interests.

\n

", + "content": "

A golden principle for politicians taking media interviews is not to respond to hypothetical questions. But the Philippine leader seems not to have learned this.

\n

In an interview with Indian media during his visit to the South Asian country last week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr only proved the dire consequences of ignoring that principle by making some wrong and irresponsible remarks on a series of hypothetical queries related to the Taiwan question.

\n

"If there is a confrontation over Taiwan between China and the United States, there is no way that the Philippines can stay out of it, simply because of our physical geographic location. If there is an all-out war (across the Taiwan Strait), then the Philippines will be drawn into it," Marcos told Firstpost on Wednesday.

\n

That's simply absurd.

\n

To begin with, the Taiwan question is China's internal affair that brooks no external interference. Marcos is in no position to touch upon that issue in the interview on relations between his country and India.

\n

He intentionally paralleled the Chinese island with its motherland in defiance of the fact that the one-China principle is a political foundation of and a requisite for the diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines.

\n

By making such reckless and provocative statements in India, Marcos also put his host country in a difficult position. Not to mention that it was during the week of Marcos' visit that Indian media reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China, later this month, for the first time in over seven years.

\n

Marcos made at least two hotheaded hypotheses — that there will be a conflict across the Taiwan Strait and then a war between China and the US — and rashly expressed the Philippines' readiness to become involved in any conflict.

\n

Compared with other US allies and partners, including Japan and Australia, that try to push the US to the front when pressed to declare their stance on the issue to avoid being caught between China and the US and interfering in China's internal affairs, Marcos seems eager for the Philippines to be to the fore.

\n

Given that he just wrapped up a visit to the Pentagon before visiting India where he was encouraged to carry on leading the Philippines to play its assigned role against China in the South China Sea and beyond, Marcos' blatant Taiwan-related remarks in India indicate that he might have been given some new instructions at the Pentagon.

\n

Considering the rising tensions between the United States and India due to their strained economic and trade ties, Marcos is also trying to do the US a favor by trying to drive a wedge between India and China with his irresponsible remarks.

\n

As a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement, the Marcos government has kept making wrong and provocative remarks and actions, kept fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle, and kept harming China-Philippines relations.

\n

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in the Philippines have every right to lodge serious protests with the Philippine side as they did late last week.

\n

As the spokesperson stressed, neither the Philippines' "geographic location" nor the "large volume of Filipinos" in Taiwan should be used as pretexts to interfere in the internal and sovereign affairs of other countries.

\n

These claims not only contravene international law and the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but also harm regional peace and stability and the fundamental interests of the Philippine people.

\n

The Philippines is urged to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the spirit of the China-Philippines Joint Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations, and refrain from playing with fire on issues bearing on China's core interests.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_008_6898fe3bed50ccabe1517474.htm#008COMMENT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "cb1666e9d228c2a167453afd2acda7ed", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "008COMMENT - Robot conference a weather vane for industry", + "description": "

Editor's Note: Beijing is holding the 2025 World Robot Conference from Aug 8 to 12. Cohosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization, the conference has witnessed the remarkable development of the global robotics industry over the past decade, becoming an important platform for promoting international exchanges and cooperation in robotics technology and industry. Xu Xiaolan, president of the CIE, said in an interview with China Electronics News that the conference has driven new breakthroughs in the country's robotics sector, contributing to the high-quality development of both China's and the global robotics industry. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

\n

The World Robot Conference has become a promoter, participant and witness to robots empowering thousands of industries and entering thousands of households.

\n

In 2024, the number of robot patent applications from China accounted for two-thirds of the global total. Many core components that 10 years ago were heavily dependent on imports are now produced domestically.

\n

Through the optimization of AI control algorithms, domestically produced robots continue to improve in stability, flexibility and coherence. Humanoid robots, which 10 years ago could only perform simple limb control, now possess a smart "brain", an agile "cerebellum" and flexible "limbs", all this while being equipped with core domestic components.

\n

China has maintained its position as the world's largest industrial robot market for 12 consecutive years with the sales volume rising from 70,000 units in 2015 to 302,000 units in 2024.

\n

China is also the world's largest producer of robots, with its industrial robot output rising from 33,000 units in 2015 to 556,000 units in 2023, and its service robot output reaching 10.52 million units, a year-on-year increase of 34.3 percent.

\n

The application of industrial robots now covers 71 major categories and 236 medium categories of the national economy, with the density of robots in the manufacturing industry having risen to become the third highest in the world.

\n

The penetration rate of service robots has increased significantly in fields such as household services, warehousing and logistics, commercial services, elderly care and assistance for the disabled, and medical rehabilitation.

\n

It is worth mentioning that China's humanoid robots have achieved major breakthroughs in mobility and dexterity, ranking among the world's best in overall ranking, making China one of the major players in the field.

\n

The conference provides a cooperative platform for global exports and entrepreneurs to contribute to the development of robotics. Over the past decade, the number of international supporting institutions at the conference has grown from 12 to 28, while overseas participants have increased from just over 10 to more than 80.

\n

Over the past decade, the conference has played the role of a weather-vane in promoting the development of the robotics industry.

\n

By holding hundreds of forums and releasing research reports, the conference has opened a "window" for robotics scholars, entrepreneurs and a broad range of science and technology professionals worldwide to understand global scientific and technological trends and gain insights into industrial development trends, playing an important role in stimulating innovation vitality, accelerating the pace of innovation, and promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation.

\n

The conference also accelerates industrial development. The conference has been delving deeply into scenario-based needs, connecting upstream and downstream links, and promoting the rapid development of China's robotics industry.

\n

This year, representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Nepal and Cameroon attended the event, voicing their needs for robot application scenarios and cooperation, effectively helping enterprises expand into overseas markets.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

Editor's Note: Beijing is holding the 2025 World Robot Conference from Aug 8 to 12. Cohosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization, the conference has witnessed the remarkable development of the global robotics industry over the past decade, becoming an important platform for promoting international exchanges and cooperation in robotics technology and industry. Xu Xiaolan, president of the CIE, said in an interview with China Electronics News that the conference has driven new breakthroughs in the country's robotics sector, contributing to the high-quality development of both China's and the global robotics industry. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

\n

The World Robot Conference has become a promoter, participant and witness to robots empowering thousands of industries and entering thousands of households.

\n

In 2024, the number of robot patent applications from China accounted for two-thirds of the global total. Many core components that 10 years ago were heavily dependent on imports are now produced domestically.

\n

Through the optimization of AI control algorithms, domestically produced robots continue to improve in stability, flexibility and coherence. Humanoid robots, which 10 years ago could only perform simple limb control, now possess a smart "brain", an agile "cerebellum" and flexible "limbs", all this while being equipped with core domestic components.

\n

China has maintained its position as the world's largest industrial robot market for 12 consecutive years with the sales volume rising from 70,000 units in 2015 to 302,000 units in 2024.

\n

China is also the world's largest producer of robots, with its industrial robot output rising from 33,000 units in 2015 to 556,000 units in 2023, and its service robot output reaching 10.52 million units, a year-on-year increase of 34.3 percent.

\n

The application of industrial robots now covers 71 major categories and 236 medium categories of the national economy, with the density of robots in the manufacturing industry having risen to become the third highest in the world.

\n

The penetration rate of service robots has increased significantly in fields such as household services, warehousing and logistics, commercial services, elderly care and assistance for the disabled, and medical rehabilitation.

\n

It is worth mentioning that China's humanoid robots have achieved major breakthroughs in mobility and dexterity, ranking among the world's best in overall ranking, making China one of the major players in the field.

\n

The conference provides a cooperative platform for global exports and entrepreneurs to contribute to the development of robotics. Over the past decade, the number of international supporting institutions at the conference has grown from 12 to 28, while overseas participants have increased from just over 10 to more than 80.

\n

Over the past decade, the conference has played the role of a weather-vane in promoting the development of the robotics industry.

\n

By holding hundreds of forums and releasing research reports, the conference has opened a "window" for robotics scholars, entrepreneurs and a broad range of science and technology professionals worldwide to understand global scientific and technological trends and gain insights into industrial development trends, playing an important role in stimulating innovation vitality, accelerating the pace of innovation, and promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation.

\n

The conference also accelerates industrial development. The conference has been delving deeply into scenario-based needs, connecting upstream and downstream links, and promoting the rapid development of China's robotics industry.

\n

This year, representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Nepal and Cameroon attended the event, voicing their needs for robot application scenarios and cooperation, effectively helping enterprises expand into overseas markets.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_008_6898fe40ed50ccabe1517475.htm#008COMMENT", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "147fc5e50622942e66ad4aec83f3c05c", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "009VIEWS - Rising demand promoting innovation", + "description": "

The author is a professor at the School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University.

\n

\n

Editor's note: Increasing challenges and uncertainties across the world have prompted China to improve the technology, transportation and other important sectors, as well as more actively promote innovation. China will continue to comprehensively deepen reform, intensify higher-level opening-up to achieve high-quality development. Three experts share their views on the issue with China Daily.

\n

The fact that a middle-class shopper in a metropolis lingers over a 69,000-yuan ($9,612) filigree pendant from Laopu Gold, Gen Z crowds queue through the night for a 340-yuan Labubu blind box from Pop Mart, and young people in a small town flock to social media platforms for a 2-yuan ice cream from Mixue is evidence of the rapid development of China's consumer market.

\n

Three groups are now driving China's consumption: the urban middle-income group, Gen Z, and youths in lower-tier markets, often referred to as the "small-town youth". The meteoric rise of brands like Pop Mart, Laopu Gold and Mixue is not a coincidence. Each is meeting the demand of distinct consumer groups, leveraging digital innovation in branding, product design, distribution and promotion to orchestrate a cycle of demand-led market growth.

\n

Gen Z members, people who are digitally savvy and born into relative comfort, are ready to spend, and spend big, on products they love. They crave novelty, fancy products and entertainment. A Tencent report earlier this year said that 62 percent of the post-2000 consumers are willing to spend a lot of time and money on their hobbies, and that the post-1995 consumers are the main driving force behind the rising sales of designer toys.

\n

Pop Mart has tapped into their passions with remarkable precision. As a trendsetting toy company, it has built a compelling portfolio of patented-character toys that fulfill Gen Z's quest for joy and belonging. In 2024, Pop Mart's sales touched 13 billion yuan, up 106 percent year-on-year. Importantly, its standout characters — The Monsters, Molly, Skullpanda, Crybaby, and especially Labubu — have extended their reach beyond the domestic market to reach global markets.

\n

The allure of Pop Mart's "blind box" — a purchase that comes with an element of surprise and collectible value — feeds Gen Z's hunger to explore the "unknown", with the brand's 46 million registered members forming a thriving fan ecosystem, and reinforcing loyalty through social connection.

\n

Pop Mart's omni-channel strategy is in tandem with Gen Z's instant, frictionless consumption. With more than 400 offline stores, 2,300 vending machines, and livestreaming-promoted e-commerce growth, the brand has become an obsession with Gen Z. Its combination of patent-induced creativity, real-time accessibility, and social engagement has invigorated the toy industry.

\n

Lower-tier cities and towns, too, are witnessing a quiet revolution in consumption. The "small-town youth" are shifting from "volume consumption" to "quality consumption", moving away from knockoffs and embracing authentic brands, while balancing quality with affordability.

\n

Moreover, Mixue's explosive growth shows another way to win the market. That its revenue in 2024 reached 24.8 billion yuan, up over 22 percent year-on-year, is testament to its successful strategy of offering "premium quality at ultra-low prices".

\n

The secret of Mixue's success lies in its vertically integrated supply chain. It produces more than 60 percent of its core ingredients in-house across five manufacturing hubs, and its cost of raw materials is significantly lower than the industry average — a single lemon-based drink costs only 1.2 yuan to make, a third of premium competitors'. This makes its 4-yuan lemonade a profitable beverage.

\n

Yet Mixue is not only about beverages. It has become a cultural icon in lower-tier cities. With over 46,000 stores — 57.4 percent of them in tier-three and tier-four cities — the brand is omnipresent in China. In some towns, three Mixue outlets line a single street. The brand's snowman mascot, "Snow King", and viral theme song have made it into a recognizable cultural symbol. And its digital reach, through WeChat and Alipay mini programs, ensures it receives direct consumer feedback.

\n

Mixue has proved that affordability and branding are not mutually exclusive, with its "full-chain control and deep market penetration" changing consumption patterns in lower-tier cities.

\n

China's urban middle-income group, the largest and most dynamic segment, is well-educated and discerning. With annual household disposable income ranging from 300,000 to 1 million yuan, the middle-income group now prioritizes quality.

\n

Furthermore, Laopu Gold has emerged as a breakout player in the market, by combining ancient craftsmanship with modern sensibility. In 2024, its sales reached 9.8 billion yuan, up 166 percent year-on-year. Rooted in the "royal Chinese goldsmith" tradition, Laopu Gold fuses intangible heritage craftsmanship like filigree inlay and enameling with contemporary aesthetics. Its collaboration with the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) has yielded culturally rich designs, such as pendants with auspicious symbols and celestial dragons.

\n

Laopu Gold has opened 36 flagship boutiques in 15 major cities, often in luxury malls, which occupy the pride of place alongside Cartier and Bulgari.

\n

Brands like Pop Mart, Laopu Gold and Mixue demonstrate that meeting consumers' demand for special innovative products is the best way to boost business. These brands are not only benefitting from the market; they are helping shape it as well. While Pop Mart has turned designer toys from niche to mainstream products, Mixue has spread brand consciousness in smaller cities, and Laopu Gold has redefined the role of culture in premium retail.

\n

This is China's new consumption era, when people are boosting consumption but also promoting smarter, deeper, and more meaningful consumption.

\n

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

\n

", + "content": "

The author is a professor at the School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University.

\n

\n

Editor's note: Increasing challenges and uncertainties across the world have prompted China to improve the technology, transportation and other important sectors, as well as more actively promote innovation. China will continue to comprehensively deepen reform, intensify higher-level opening-up to achieve high-quality development. Three experts share their views on the issue with China Daily.

\n

The fact that a middle-class shopper in a metropolis lingers over a 69,000-yuan ($9,612) filigree pendant from Laopu Gold, Gen Z crowds queue through the night for a 340-yuan Labubu blind box from Pop Mart, and young people in a small town flock to social media platforms for a 2-yuan ice cream from Mixue is evidence of the rapid development of China's consumer market.

\n

Three groups are now driving China's consumption: the urban middle-income group, Gen Z, and youths in lower-tier markets, often referred to as the "small-town youth". The meteoric rise of brands like Pop Mart, Laopu Gold and Mixue is not a coincidence. Each is meeting the demand of distinct consumer groups, leveraging digital innovation in branding, product design, distribution and promotion to orchestrate a cycle of demand-led market growth.

\n

Gen Z members, people who are digitally savvy and born into relative comfort, are ready to spend, and spend big, on products they love. They crave novelty, fancy products and entertainment. A Tencent report earlier this year said that 62 percent of the post-2000 consumers are willing to spend a lot of time and money on their hobbies, and that the post-1995 consumers are the main driving force behind the rising sales of designer toys.

\n

Pop Mart has tapped into their passions with remarkable precision. As a trendsetting toy company, it has built a compelling portfolio of patented-character toys that fulfill Gen Z's quest for joy and belonging. In 2024, Pop Mart's sales touched 13 billion yuan, up 106 percent year-on-year. Importantly, its standout characters — The Monsters, Molly, Skullpanda, Crybaby, and especially Labubu — have extended their reach beyond the domestic market to reach global markets.

\n

The allure of Pop Mart's "blind box" — a purchase that comes with an element of surprise and collectible value — feeds Gen Z's hunger to explore the "unknown", with the brand's 46 million registered members forming a thriving fan ecosystem, and reinforcing loyalty through social connection.

\n

Pop Mart's omni-channel strategy is in tandem with Gen Z's instant, frictionless consumption. With more than 400 offline stores, 2,300 vending machines, and livestreaming-promoted e-commerce growth, the brand has become an obsession with Gen Z. Its combination of patent-induced creativity, real-time accessibility, and social engagement has invigorated the toy industry.

\n

Lower-tier cities and towns, too, are witnessing a quiet revolution in consumption. The "small-town youth" are shifting from "volume consumption" to "quality consumption", moving away from knockoffs and embracing authentic brands, while balancing quality with affordability.

\n

Moreover, Mixue's explosive growth shows another way to win the market. That its revenue in 2024 reached 24.8 billion yuan, up over 22 percent year-on-year, is testament to its successful strategy of offering "premium quality at ultra-low prices".

\n

The secret of Mixue's success lies in its vertically integrated supply chain. It produces more than 60 percent of its core ingredients in-house across five manufacturing hubs, and its cost of raw materials is significantly lower than the industry average — a single lemon-based drink costs only 1.2 yuan to make, a third of premium competitors'. This makes its 4-yuan lemonade a profitable beverage.

\n

Yet Mixue is not only about beverages. It has become a cultural icon in lower-tier cities. With over 46,000 stores — 57.4 percent of them in tier-three and tier-four cities — the brand is omnipresent in China. In some towns, three Mixue outlets line a single street. The brand's snowman mascot, "Snow King", and viral theme song have made it into a recognizable cultural symbol. And its digital reach, through WeChat and Alipay mini programs, ensures it receives direct consumer feedback.

\n

Mixue has proved that affordability and branding are not mutually exclusive, with its "full-chain control and deep market penetration" changing consumption patterns in lower-tier cities.

\n

China's urban middle-income group, the largest and most dynamic segment, is well-educated and discerning. With annual household disposable income ranging from 300,000 to 1 million yuan, the middle-income group now prioritizes quality.

\n

Furthermore, Laopu Gold has emerged as a breakout player in the market, by combining ancient craftsmanship with modern sensibility. In 2024, its sales reached 9.8 billion yuan, up 166 percent year-on-year. Rooted in the "royal Chinese goldsmith" tradition, Laopu Gold fuses intangible heritage craftsmanship like filigree inlay and enameling with contemporary aesthetics. Its collaboration with the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) has yielded culturally rich designs, such as pendants with auspicious symbols and celestial dragons.

\n

Laopu Gold has opened 36 flagship boutiques in 15 major cities, often in luxury malls, which occupy the pride of place alongside Cartier and Bulgari.

\n

Brands like Pop Mart, Laopu Gold and Mixue demonstrate that meeting consumers' demand for special innovative products is the best way to boost business. These brands are not only benefitting from the market; they are helping shape it as well. While Pop Mart has turned designer toys from niche to mainstream products, Mixue has spread brand consciousness in smaller cities, and Laopu Gold has redefined the role of culture in premium retail.

\n

This is China's new consumption era, when people are boosting consumption but also promoting smarter, deeper, and more meaningful consumption.

\n

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_009_6898fe44ed50ccabe1517476.htm#009VIEWS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "50619e613e7dd2c9d3b66d2a09f8b710", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "009VIEWS - Smart machines rewriting growth story", + "description": "

The author is a professor at School of Economics, Renmin University of China.

\n

Amid the sweltering midsummer heat in July, three consequential gatherings in China sent out a clear message: technology is more than just an add-on to economic growth; it is its very lifeblood. On July 30, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee underscored the need to create more jobs, stabilize enterprises and markets, and meet people's expectations, saying that scientific and technological innovation must drive the development of "new quality productive forces".

\n

Just days earlier, on July 26-28, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai rolled out its Global AI Governance Action Plan, a blueprint for the healthy development of AI and preventing it from controlling human life. And in mid-July, the third China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing became an exhibition for smart gizmos — robotic arms that never tire, blockchain trackers that follow a courier package's every move, and digital twins so lifelike they deserve their own passports.

\n

The conference and expo did more than showcase smart gadgets and cutting-edge software. They highlighted a simple truth: China's economic engine is now powered by technology at every stage — from ideation and prototyping to manufacturing and logistics.

\n

Numbers cut through the rhetoric. In the first half of this year, China's GDP grew by 5.3 percent year-on-year despite mounting external pressure and sharp shifts in the international environment since April. More tellingly, the fastest gains were made by sectors steeped in high-end technology. In terms of industrial output, enterprises above a certain size saw their value-added output increase by 6.4 percent, with equipment manufacturing surging by 10.2 percent and high-tech manufacturing by 9.5 percent.

\n

More than marginal increases, these constitute a structural shift, where machinery, robotics and precision instruments, not traditional factors such as coal, steel or low-end assembly lines, are propelling growth.

\n

Since equipment manufacturing is the bedrock of the real economy, many enterprises engaged in the sector have raised their production capacity by pursuing green and intelligent production. For evidence, you need look no further than the growing smart equipment-manufacturing clusters in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where internet-connected robots collaborate with human workers to weld, pack and inspect products with uncanny precision. On the other hand, the electric vehicles awaiting shipment to Europe and other regions show what the marriage of clean-tech and smart manufacturing can yield.

\n

The service sector, too, has shed its image of a passive recipient of industrial spillovers. Thanks to the breakthroughs in large AI models, quantum communications and humanoid robotics, the service sector has become a hotbed of innovation. In the first half of this year, services value-added increased by 5.5 percent. But more striking was the 11.1 percent growth in information transmission, software and IT services, and the 9.6 percent increase in leasing and business services.

\n

From January to May, high-tech service firms' revenue increased by nearly 10 percent, while strategic emerging services — for example, digital health platforms, smart finance and e-commerce enablers — grew by 9.5 percent, while transactions handled by e-commerce services increased by 13.4 percent.

\n

Much of this surge can be attributed to the deepening integration of technology into everyday business. This means digital-service firms are no longer mere data warehouses. They've become active R&D centers, co-designing products with manufacturers, optimizing supply-chain logistics in real time, and even managing risks through predictive analytics.

\n

All these innovations require capital, and China has been sowing the much-needed financial seeds with gusto.

\n

Also in the first half, manufacturing investment increased by 7.5 percent, outpacing total investment by nearly five percentage points, while high-tech manufacturing attracted heavy investment: aerospace-equipment investment surged by 26.3 percent, and computer and office-equipment manufacturing increased by 21.5 percent. And in the services sector, investment in high-tech services grew by 8.6 percent, with information-service investment alone increasing 37.4 percent.

\n

These are far from ego-boosting figures. They represent capacity — factories, labs and digital platforms that will underpin China's next phase of global competitiveness. Traditionally infrastructure used to be measured in terms of kilometers of railways or megawatts of power. Today, infrastructure is measured by gigaflops, number of data centers and use of AI chips.

\n

With R&D spending at nearly 2.7 percent of GDP — already more than the European Union's average and approaching the OECD mean — China is betting on knowledge, not just bricks and mortar. Patent offices are overloaded with applications: almost 5 million valid patent filings in the first five months of 2025, up 12.8 percent year-on-year. This transforms the narrative from line charts of export volumes to intellectual property portfolios, and trained teams of data scientists.

\n

Yet challenges remain. The global competition in semiconductors and the perennial need for regulatory calibration of data privacy and AI ethics demand special attention. It is a fact that the Chinese economy has entered a new era where technology is driving productivity, the service sector is leading in innovation platforms, and investment is promoting sustainable growth.

\n

In short, the Chinese economy is evolving. The old model of low-cost manufacturing is giving way to one defined by intelligent machines, data-driven services and frontier-pushing research. If the events of July 2025 tell us anything, it is that this transformation is not a footnote to China's economic story but its very headline.

\n

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

\n

", + "content": "

The author is a professor at School of Economics, Renmin University of China.

\n

Amid the sweltering midsummer heat in July, three consequential gatherings in China sent out a clear message: technology is more than just an add-on to economic growth; it is its very lifeblood. On July 30, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee underscored the need to create more jobs, stabilize enterprises and markets, and meet people's expectations, saying that scientific and technological innovation must drive the development of "new quality productive forces".

\n

Just days earlier, on July 26-28, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai rolled out its Global AI Governance Action Plan, a blueprint for the healthy development of AI and preventing it from controlling human life. And in mid-July, the third China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing became an exhibition for smart gizmos — robotic arms that never tire, blockchain trackers that follow a courier package's every move, and digital twins so lifelike they deserve their own passports.

\n

The conference and expo did more than showcase smart gadgets and cutting-edge software. They highlighted a simple truth: China's economic engine is now powered by technology at every stage — from ideation and prototyping to manufacturing and logistics.

\n

Numbers cut through the rhetoric. In the first half of this year, China's GDP grew by 5.3 percent year-on-year despite mounting external pressure and sharp shifts in the international environment since April. More tellingly, the fastest gains were made by sectors steeped in high-end technology. In terms of industrial output, enterprises above a certain size saw their value-added output increase by 6.4 percent, with equipment manufacturing surging by 10.2 percent and high-tech manufacturing by 9.5 percent.

\n

More than marginal increases, these constitute a structural shift, where machinery, robotics and precision instruments, not traditional factors such as coal, steel or low-end assembly lines, are propelling growth.

\n

Since equipment manufacturing is the bedrock of the real economy, many enterprises engaged in the sector have raised their production capacity by pursuing green and intelligent production. For evidence, you need look no further than the growing smart equipment-manufacturing clusters in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where internet-connected robots collaborate with human workers to weld, pack and inspect products with uncanny precision. On the other hand, the electric vehicles awaiting shipment to Europe and other regions show what the marriage of clean-tech and smart manufacturing can yield.

\n

The service sector, too, has shed its image of a passive recipient of industrial spillovers. Thanks to the breakthroughs in large AI models, quantum communications and humanoid robotics, the service sector has become a hotbed of innovation. In the first half of this year, services value-added increased by 5.5 percent. But more striking was the 11.1 percent growth in information transmission, software and IT services, and the 9.6 percent increase in leasing and business services.

\n

From January to May, high-tech service firms' revenue increased by nearly 10 percent, while strategic emerging services — for example, digital health platforms, smart finance and e-commerce enablers — grew by 9.5 percent, while transactions handled by e-commerce services increased by 13.4 percent.

\n

Much of this surge can be attributed to the deepening integration of technology into everyday business. This means digital-service firms are no longer mere data warehouses. They've become active R&D centers, co-designing products with manufacturers, optimizing supply-chain logistics in real time, and even managing risks through predictive analytics.

\n

All these innovations require capital, and China has been sowing the much-needed financial seeds with gusto.

\n

Also in the first half, manufacturing investment increased by 7.5 percent, outpacing total investment by nearly five percentage points, while high-tech manufacturing attracted heavy investment: aerospace-equipment investment surged by 26.3 percent, and computer and office-equipment manufacturing increased by 21.5 percent. And in the services sector, investment in high-tech services grew by 8.6 percent, with information-service investment alone increasing 37.4 percent.

\n

These are far from ego-boosting figures. They represent capacity — factories, labs and digital platforms that will underpin China's next phase of global competitiveness. Traditionally infrastructure used to be measured in terms of kilometers of railways or megawatts of power. Today, infrastructure is measured by gigaflops, number of data centers and use of AI chips.

\n

With R&D spending at nearly 2.7 percent of GDP — already more than the European Union's average and approaching the OECD mean — China is betting on knowledge, not just bricks and mortar. Patent offices are overloaded with applications: almost 5 million valid patent filings in the first five months of 2025, up 12.8 percent year-on-year. This transforms the narrative from line charts of export volumes to intellectual property portfolios, and trained teams of data scientists.

\n

Yet challenges remain. The global competition in semiconductors and the perennial need for regulatory calibration of data privacy and AI ethics demand special attention. It is a fact that the Chinese economy has entered a new era where technology is driving productivity, the service sector is leading in innovation platforms, and investment is promoting sustainable growth.

\n

In short, the Chinese economy is evolving. The old model of low-cost manufacturing is giving way to one defined by intelligent machines, data-driven services and frontier-pushing research. If the events of July 2025 tell us anything, it is that this transformation is not a footnote to China's economic story but its very headline.

\n

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_009_6898fe48ed50ccabe1517477.htm#009VIEWS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "87a34f67323d377cb9aab9207f67cd4e", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "009VIEWS - Silver is the new gold in China's economic mosaic", + "description": "

The author is a professor at the School of Economics, Nankai University.

\n

Chinese modernization is intertwined with reform and innovation. China's rapidly rising ageing population, alongside its technological and industrial advancement, is opening up a new economic frontier: the "silver economy". From just a peripheral concept, the silver economy is emerging as a promising area for growth, reform, and innovation.

\n

Described not only as economic activity that serves senior citizens but also as a broader preparation for an ageing society, the silver economy is a cross-sector economy dedicated to elderly people in our societies and impacts industries and markets across the economy.

\n

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, at the end of 2024, the number of Chinese people aged 60 or above was 310 million, accounting for about 22 percent of China's total population. This means China is now a moderately ageing society. By 2035, the UN's World Population Prospects 2024 projects the figure will exceed 400 million, crossing the 30 percent threshold to turn China into a severely ageing society. And by 2050, about 500 million people — or nearly 40 percent of the population — will be 60 or above, making China a "super-aged" society.

\n

Add to that the broader silver demographic — those aged 50 or above — and the numbers become even more striking: 530 million in 2024, more than 600 million by 2035, and nearly 680 million by 2050. By the 2040s, more than half of China's population will be "silver", making them the primary consumers, and transforming the country's socioeconomic landscape.

\n

Globally, China is expected to remain the country with the largest elderly population through the middle of the 21st century.

\n

Since, on average, one in every four elderly person in the world lives in China, the demographic foundation for developing a robust silver economy is not only strong but also unparalleled.

\n

The consumption power of China's "silver generation" is being re-evaluated. Unlike their predecessors, the post-1960s cohorts — the first to benefit from China's reform and opening-up — have already retired or are moving toward retirement but with higher income levels, better education, and a broader outlook.

\n

Their peak earning years coincided with a period of rapid income growth: from double-digit monthly incomes in the 1980s to five-digit incomes in recent years. According to the 2020 national census, 7.5 percent of the post-1960s, 15 percent of the post-1970s, and more than 30 percent of the post-1980s generations received higher education. With higher incomes and greater willingness to spend, the "new silver consumers" are shifting from survival-based to lifestyle-oriented consumption.

\n

Their spending extends beyond products like food and housing to quality healthcare, travel, smart homes, digital tools, cultural products and personalized services. In this transition, quality, diversity, personalization and convenience are the new benchmarks, and they are transforming the elderly people into increasingly important contributor to economic activity.

\n

The convergence of an ageing society and the digital age has generated a powerful momentum. Emerging technologies — from AI and 5G to big data, quantum computing, and digital healthcare — are being applied to meet the needs/demands of the elderly people.

\n

This shift is fueling three key transformations. First, it is fueling the rise of new "silver industries". By integrating frontier technologies such as AI, smart materials, biomedicine, and green energy, China is developing sectors such as intelligent eldercare, smart manufacturing, age-friendly financing, and healthy living.

\n

Second, it is helping create new products and services. From elderly friendly wearables and smart home systems to anti-ageing treatments, cultural tourism and digital companionship platforms, innovation is giving rise to a high-tech-driven and scalable industry with global potential.

\n

And third, the shift is facilitating the cultivation of new market standards. High-quality eldercare services, including silver-focused education, nutrition, home services and tailored financing — are becoming more standardized and brand-driven, creating room for specialization and mass-market appeal.

\n

China's silver economy is multi-dimensional and innovation-driven. Instead of being a knee-jerk reaction to the ageing population problem, it is a way to make full use of a strategic opportunity in the modernization process. Developing the silver economy is essential to building a modern economic system, upgrading the industrial structure, and improving the well-being of hundreds of millions of people.

\n

The race to adapt to population ageing is on. With a proactive, tech-enabled, and people-centered approach, China is positioning itself to play a significant role in the global transformation toward silver-oriented development.

\n

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

\n

", + "content": "

The author is a professor at the School of Economics, Nankai University.

\n

Chinese modernization is intertwined with reform and innovation. China's rapidly rising ageing population, alongside its technological and industrial advancement, is opening up a new economic frontier: the "silver economy". From just a peripheral concept, the silver economy is emerging as a promising area for growth, reform, and innovation.

\n

Described not only as economic activity that serves senior citizens but also as a broader preparation for an ageing society, the silver economy is a cross-sector economy dedicated to elderly people in our societies and impacts industries and markets across the economy.

\n

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, at the end of 2024, the number of Chinese people aged 60 or above was 310 million, accounting for about 22 percent of China's total population. This means China is now a moderately ageing society. By 2035, the UN's World Population Prospects 2024 projects the figure will exceed 400 million, crossing the 30 percent threshold to turn China into a severely ageing society. And by 2050, about 500 million people — or nearly 40 percent of the population — will be 60 or above, making China a "super-aged" society.

\n

Add to that the broader silver demographic — those aged 50 or above — and the numbers become even more striking: 530 million in 2024, more than 600 million by 2035, and nearly 680 million by 2050. By the 2040s, more than half of China's population will be "silver", making them the primary consumers, and transforming the country's socioeconomic landscape.

\n

Globally, China is expected to remain the country with the largest elderly population through the middle of the 21st century.

\n

Since, on average, one in every four elderly person in the world lives in China, the demographic foundation for developing a robust silver economy is not only strong but also unparalleled.

\n

The consumption power of China's "silver generation" is being re-evaluated. Unlike their predecessors, the post-1960s cohorts — the first to benefit from China's reform and opening-up — have already retired or are moving toward retirement but with higher income levels, better education, and a broader outlook.

\n

Their peak earning years coincided with a period of rapid income growth: from double-digit monthly incomes in the 1980s to five-digit incomes in recent years. According to the 2020 national census, 7.5 percent of the post-1960s, 15 percent of the post-1970s, and more than 30 percent of the post-1980s generations received higher education. With higher incomes and greater willingness to spend, the "new silver consumers" are shifting from survival-based to lifestyle-oriented consumption.

\n

Their spending extends beyond products like food and housing to quality healthcare, travel, smart homes, digital tools, cultural products and personalized services. In this transition, quality, diversity, personalization and convenience are the new benchmarks, and they are transforming the elderly people into increasingly important contributor to economic activity.

\n

The convergence of an ageing society and the digital age has generated a powerful momentum. Emerging technologies — from AI and 5G to big data, quantum computing, and digital healthcare — are being applied to meet the needs/demands of the elderly people.

\n

This shift is fueling three key transformations. First, it is fueling the rise of new "silver industries". By integrating frontier technologies such as AI, smart materials, biomedicine, and green energy, China is developing sectors such as intelligent eldercare, smart manufacturing, age-friendly financing, and healthy living.

\n

Second, it is helping create new products and services. From elderly friendly wearables and smart home systems to anti-ageing treatments, cultural tourism and digital companionship platforms, innovation is giving rise to a high-tech-driven and scalable industry with global potential.

\n

And third, the shift is facilitating the cultivation of new market standards. High-quality eldercare services, including silver-focused education, nutrition, home services and tailored financing — are becoming more standardized and brand-driven, creating room for specialization and mass-market appeal.

\n

China's silver economy is multi-dimensional and innovation-driven. Instead of being a knee-jerk reaction to the ageing population problem, it is a way to make full use of a strategic opportunity in the modernization process. Developing the silver economy is essential to building a modern economic system, upgrading the industrial structure, and improving the well-being of hundreds of millions of people.

\n

The race to adapt to population ageing is on. With a proactive, tech-enabled, and people-centered approach, China is positioning itself to play a significant role in the global transformation toward silver-oriented development.

\n

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_009_6898fe4ced50ccabe1517478.htm#009VIEWS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "5afe1b453738770d5d2ecb7f0f04404a", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "011WORLD - Health mission to strengthen China-Fiji ties", + "description": "

Silk Road Ark, one of China's biggest hospital ships, will visit Fiji in October for a weeklong mission to provide high-quality medical services to the local community, says Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian.

\n

"Healthcare is crucial to people's sense of happiness and well-being, representing an important part of bilateral relations," Zhou said. "China will continue to increase its assistance to Fiji in this area."

\n

The October mission will mark the first overseas trip for the self-designed, home-built, 10,000-ton-class oceangoing hospital ship, following its maiden voyage to South China Sea islands last year.

\n

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji — the first Pacific island country to forge ties with China. Zhou said the two countries are natural cooperation partners of the Global South, and that China's support for Fiji and other South Pacific island nations will not be affected by policy changes in other countries.

\n

"Over the years, China has provided (various) assistance to Pacific island countries without attaching any political conditions," he said, adding the support has greatly improved local livelihoods.

\n

Asked about media reports claiming China is filling a "void" in the Pacific after the United States Agency for International Development halted funding in the region, Zhou said China's support for Pacific countries is driven not by geopolitical concerns but by common interests and mutual respect — demonstrating Beijing's responsibility in global governance.

\n

"The international community should respect island nations' sovereign right to independently choose their own development paths and to cooperate with any international partner," he said, noting these countries should not be forced into making a binary choice.

\n

In addition to the upcoming hospital ship mission, Zhou said China will continue working on existing projects such as free cataract surgeries, while dispatching medical specialists in other fields to serve the Fijian people.

\n

"We will also provide more opportunities for Fijian students to pursue medical education in China, so that they can better serve their communities once they complete their studies."

\n

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of GX Foundation — a medical humanitarian aid and charitable organization in Hong Kong — said public health cooperation can demonstrate people-to-people connectivity between China and Fiji.

\n

Earlier this month, Leung led GX Foundation delegations to assess the dengue fever situation in Fiji and discuss the issue with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and other senior officials.

\n

Leung expressed hope that the foundation can form long-term cooperation with Fiji in dengue fever control and other healthcare projects.

\n

Multilateral trade system

\n

With global trade facing challenges from US tariffs, Ambassador Zhou said China and Fiji should jointly safeguard the multilateral trade system, with the World Trade Organization at its core.

\n

China is a major trading partner of Fiji, with bilateral trade reaching $534 million last year, according to the Chinese embassy in Fiji.

\n

As the two countries discuss launching direct flights by the end of this year, Zhou said he expects to see more win-win cooperation. "I believe the next 50 years will usher in a new golden era for China-Fiji relations."

\n

This year also marks the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese people in Fiji. Zhou said he hopes the overseas Chinese community will continue to respect local laws, live in harmony with the Fijian people, and contribute more to the country's development.

\n

"As a bridge of people-to-people ties between China and Fiji, I hope they can play an even greater role in fostering friendly bilateral relations in the future," he said.

\n

kelly@chinadailyapac.com

\n

", + "content": "

Silk Road Ark, one of China's biggest hospital ships, will visit Fiji in October for a weeklong mission to provide high-quality medical services to the local community, says Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian.

\n

"Healthcare is crucial to people's sense of happiness and well-being, representing an important part of bilateral relations," Zhou said. "China will continue to increase its assistance to Fiji in this area."

\n

The October mission will mark the first overseas trip for the self-designed, home-built, 10,000-ton-class oceangoing hospital ship, following its maiden voyage to South China Sea islands last year.

\n

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji — the first Pacific island country to forge ties with China. Zhou said the two countries are natural cooperation partners of the Global South, and that China's support for Fiji and other South Pacific island nations will not be affected by policy changes in other countries.

\n

"Over the years, China has provided (various) assistance to Pacific island countries without attaching any political conditions," he said, adding the support has greatly improved local livelihoods.

\n

Asked about media reports claiming China is filling a "void" in the Pacific after the United States Agency for International Development halted funding in the region, Zhou said China's support for Pacific countries is driven not by geopolitical concerns but by common interests and mutual respect — demonstrating Beijing's responsibility in global governance.

\n

"The international community should respect island nations' sovereign right to independently choose their own development paths and to cooperate with any international partner," he said, noting these countries should not be forced into making a binary choice.

\n

In addition to the upcoming hospital ship mission, Zhou said China will continue working on existing projects such as free cataract surgeries, while dispatching medical specialists in other fields to serve the Fijian people.

\n

"We will also provide more opportunities for Fijian students to pursue medical education in China, so that they can better serve their communities once they complete their studies."

\n

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of GX Foundation — a medical humanitarian aid and charitable organization in Hong Kong — said public health cooperation can demonstrate people-to-people connectivity between China and Fiji.

\n

Earlier this month, Leung led GX Foundation delegations to assess the dengue fever situation in Fiji and discuss the issue with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and other senior officials.

\n

Leung expressed hope that the foundation can form long-term cooperation with Fiji in dengue fever control and other healthcare projects.

\n

Multilateral trade system

\n

With global trade facing challenges from US tariffs, Ambassador Zhou said China and Fiji should jointly safeguard the multilateral trade system, with the World Trade Organization at its core.

\n

China is a major trading partner of Fiji, with bilateral trade reaching $534 million last year, according to the Chinese embassy in Fiji.

\n

As the two countries discuss launching direct flights by the end of this year, Zhou said he expects to see more win-win cooperation. "I believe the next 50 years will usher in a new golden era for China-Fiji relations."

\n

This year also marks the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese people in Fiji. Zhou said he hopes the overseas Chinese community will continue to respect local laws, live in harmony with the Fijian people, and contribute more to the country's development.

\n

"As a bridge of people-to-people ties between China and Fiji, I hope they can play an even greater role in fostering friendly bilateral relations in the future," he said.

\n

kelly@chinadailyapac.com

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_011_6898fe55ed50ccabe151747a.htm#011WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "4287383dc55932da9f2741817e57c0dc", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "011WORLD - Free fall", + "description": "

Competitors leap from the 20-meter-high Pliva Waterfall during the International Waterfall Jumping Competition in the historic town of Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Saturday. The annual event draws daring divers from across the Balkans and beyond, showcasing remarkable skill and courage against the stunning backdrop of one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

Competitors leap from the 20-meter-high Pliva Waterfall during the International Waterfall Jumping Competition in the historic town of Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Saturday. The annual event draws daring divers from across the Balkans and beyond, showcasing remarkable skill and courage against the stunning backdrop of one of the country's most iconic natural landmarks.

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_011_6898fe59ed50ccabe151747b.htm#011WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "45ffa420c495565f056bcde54cc4b964", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "011WORLD - Win in global fight against fascism celebrated at UN", + "description": "

Asian American Community Empowerment Chairman John Chan (left) and Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li (right) visit a photo exhibition in New York on Friday.

\n

Chinese and Asian American community members from across the New York area gathered at the United Nations headquarters on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of both the UN's founding and the victory in the global fight against fascism.

\n

The event, themed "Remembering History and Protecting Peace Together", was organized by Asian American Community Empowerment and co-hosted by local Chinese and Asian American associations, drawing around 150 participants.

\n

During World War II, North Americans fought alongside the Chinese on China's battlefields against Japanese aggression. Chinese Americans played a key role — with many returning to their homeland to join the fight, while communities across the United States contributed through donations of money and supplies.

\n

John Chan, chairman of Asian American Community Empowerment, reflected on the lessons history offers to people today.

\n

"As members of the Asian American community, we deeply understand the precariousness of peace," he said, adding it forms the foundation for living securely in a foreign land.

\n

"We also understand the power of unity — people of different backgrounds and skin colors can only achieve lasting peace and prosperity through respect, understanding and cooperation."

\n

Peace should never be taken for granted, but must be protected and passed on to future generations, he added. Friday's commemoration, he said, was not only to honor those who came before, but also to echo the calls for justice and conscience.

\n

"We need to pass on the flames of peace and gather the strength of friendship, and together protect this hard-won tranquility and development."

\n

New York State Assembly member Lester Chang shared the story of a veteran Flying Tiger who lived in New York's Chinatown.

\n

"We had several members who were Flying Tigers themselves," Chang said, referring to the US air force unit that assisted the Chinese people in resisting Japanese aggression.

\n

"Unfortunately, all passed away, but one of them lived to the age of 100. He was a Chinese interpreter in World War II, and many of our Chinese Americans served with the Flying Tigers as interpreters in China during the war."

\n

Chinese Americans played an important role during World War II, he said, with around 25,000 serving in the US military — the highest proportion of participation from any ethnic group.

\n

Enormous sacrifices

\n

In addition to Chinese American support for the joint China-US effort against fascism, China itself made enormous sacrifices in securing victory — tying down Japanese forces on the Chinese front and giving the Allies crucial time to mount their counteroffensive.

\n

"For China, this war was exceptionally prolonged," said Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li.

\n

From the fall of Northeast China in 1931 to Japan's surrender in 1945, the Chinese people fought relentlessly for 14 years, Chen said.

\n

"Facing a brutal, well-equipped aggressor, the whole nation stood up," he said. "With the staggering cost of over 35 million military and civilian casualties, we resisted and pinned down more than half of Japan's main forces, building a new Great Wall with our flesh and blood."

\n

Chen also highlighted the contributions of Chinese communities in the US, who during the war established thousands of salvation groups to support resistance against Japanese aggression — with some individuals even returning to China to join the fight.

\n

"Records show that over 70 percent of Chinese fighter pilots were overseas Chinese, mostly from America," he said.

\n

Chinese people were not alone in their fight, he said, as warships departed from New York Harbor for multiple battlefronts and the Brooklyn Navy Yard worked around the clock.

\n

"While contributing to victory, the American people also forged deeper ties with China," Chen said.

\n

"Through the Hump Airlift and the Stilwell Road, nearly 1 million tons of strategic supplies and tens of thousands of personnel reached Southwest China. The Flying Tigers defended nearly one-third of China's airspace. This friendship, forged on the battlefield, shall be treasured eternally by both our peoples.

\n

"Though most have passed, their spirit must be carried forward," he said.

\n

mingmeili@chinadailyusa.com

\n

", + "content": "

Asian American Community Empowerment Chairman John Chan (left) and Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li (right) visit a photo exhibition in New York on Friday.

\n

Chinese and Asian American community members from across the New York area gathered at the United Nations headquarters on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of both the UN's founding and the victory in the global fight against fascism.

\n

The event, themed "Remembering History and Protecting Peace Together", was organized by Asian American Community Empowerment and co-hosted by local Chinese and Asian American associations, drawing around 150 participants.

\n

During World War II, North Americans fought alongside the Chinese on China's battlefields against Japanese aggression. Chinese Americans played a key role — with many returning to their homeland to join the fight, while communities across the United States contributed through donations of money and supplies.

\n

John Chan, chairman of Asian American Community Empowerment, reflected on the lessons history offers to people today.

\n

"As members of the Asian American community, we deeply understand the precariousness of peace," he said, adding it forms the foundation for living securely in a foreign land.

\n

"We also understand the power of unity — people of different backgrounds and skin colors can only achieve lasting peace and prosperity through respect, understanding and cooperation."

\n

Peace should never be taken for granted, but must be protected and passed on to future generations, he added. Friday's commemoration, he said, was not only to honor those who came before, but also to echo the calls for justice and conscience.

\n

"We need to pass on the flames of peace and gather the strength of friendship, and together protect this hard-won tranquility and development."

\n

New York State Assembly member Lester Chang shared the story of a veteran Flying Tiger who lived in New York's Chinatown.

\n

"We had several members who were Flying Tigers themselves," Chang said, referring to the US air force unit that assisted the Chinese people in resisting Japanese aggression.

\n

"Unfortunately, all passed away, but one of them lived to the age of 100. He was a Chinese interpreter in World War II, and many of our Chinese Americans served with the Flying Tigers as interpreters in China during the war."

\n

Chinese Americans played an important role during World War II, he said, with around 25,000 serving in the US military — the highest proportion of participation from any ethnic group.

\n

Enormous sacrifices

\n

In addition to Chinese American support for the joint China-US effort against fascism, China itself made enormous sacrifices in securing victory — tying down Japanese forces on the Chinese front and giving the Allies crucial time to mount their counteroffensive.

\n

"For China, this war was exceptionally prolonged," said Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li.

\n

From the fall of Northeast China in 1931 to Japan's surrender in 1945, the Chinese people fought relentlessly for 14 years, Chen said.

\n

"Facing a brutal, well-equipped aggressor, the whole nation stood up," he said. "With the staggering cost of over 35 million military and civilian casualties, we resisted and pinned down more than half of Japan's main forces, building a new Great Wall with our flesh and blood."

\n

Chen also highlighted the contributions of Chinese communities in the US, who during the war established thousands of salvation groups to support resistance against Japanese aggression — with some individuals even returning to China to join the fight.

\n

"Records show that over 70 percent of Chinese fighter pilots were overseas Chinese, mostly from America," he said.

\n

Chinese people were not alone in their fight, he said, as warships departed from New York Harbor for multiple battlefronts and the Brooklyn Navy Yard worked around the clock.

\n

"While contributing to victory, the American people also forged deeper ties with China," Chen said.

\n

"Through the Hump Airlift and the Stilwell Road, nearly 1 million tons of strategic supplies and tens of thousands of personnel reached Southwest China. The Flying Tigers defended nearly one-third of China's airspace. This friendship, forged on the battlefield, shall be treasured eternally by both our peoples.

\n

"Though most have passed, their spirit must be carried forward," he said.

\n

mingmeili@chinadailyusa.com

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_011_6898fe5ded50ccabe151747c.htm#011WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "3e39e4f62f860d947718e274649771f7", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "011WORLD - Key talks on plastic pollution deadlocked", + "description": "

People protest with placards as delegates arrive for the second part of the fifth session of the UN plastic pollution conference in Geneva on Saturday.

\n

GENEVA — Talks on forging a landmark treaty to combat the scourge of plastic pollution were stumbling on Saturday, with progress slow and countries at odds on how far the proposed agreement should go.

\n

The negotiations, which opened on Tuesday, have four working days left to strike a legally binding instrument that would tackle the growing problem choking the environment.

\n

In a midway assessment, talks chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso, an Ecuadoran diplomat, warned the 184 countries negotiating at the United Nations that they had to get shifting to get a deal.

\n

"Progress made has not been sufficient," he told delegates. "A real push to achieve our common goal is needed."

\n

Thursday is not just a deadline but "a date by which we must deliver", he added.

\n

"Some articles still have unresolved issues and show little progress toward reaching a common understanding."

\n

The key fracture is between countries that want to focus on waste management and others who want a more ambitious treaty that also cuts production and eliminates use of the most toxic chemicals.

\n

And with the talks relying on finding consensus, it has become a game of brinkmanship.

\n

A diplomatic source told reporters that many informal meetings had been scrambled together for Sunday's day off to try and break the deadlock.

\n

"If nothing changes, we won't get there," the source added.

\n

Countries have reconvened in Geneva after the failure of the supposedly fifth and final round of negotiations in South Korea last year.

\n

After four days of talks, the draft text has ballooned from 22 to 35 pages, with the number of brackets in the text going up near fivefold to almost 1,500 as countries insert a blizzard of conflicting wishes and ideas.

\n

"We need to accelerate," Vayas said. "We need a better rhythm in this and we need to also work in such a way that it will be clear that we will deliver by the end."

\n

Bjorn Beeler, executive director at the International Pollutants Elimination Network, told AFP: "This whole process has not been able to take decisions and is still collecting ideas. We're sleepwalking toward a cliff and if we don't wake up, we're falling off."

\n

Plastic pollution is so ubiquitous that microplastics have been found on the highest mountain peaks, in the deepest ocean trench and scattered throughout almost every part of the human body.

\n

More than 400 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally each year, half of which is for single-use items.

\n

", + "content": "

People protest with placards as delegates arrive for the second part of the fifth session of the UN plastic pollution conference in Geneva on Saturday.

\n

GENEVA — Talks on forging a landmark treaty to combat the scourge of plastic pollution were stumbling on Saturday, with progress slow and countries at odds on how far the proposed agreement should go.

\n

The negotiations, which opened on Tuesday, have four working days left to strike a legally binding instrument that would tackle the growing problem choking the environment.

\n

In a midway assessment, talks chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso, an Ecuadoran diplomat, warned the 184 countries negotiating at the United Nations that they had to get shifting to get a deal.

\n

"Progress made has not been sufficient," he told delegates. "A real push to achieve our common goal is needed."

\n

Thursday is not just a deadline but "a date by which we must deliver", he added.

\n

"Some articles still have unresolved issues and show little progress toward reaching a common understanding."

\n

The key fracture is between countries that want to focus on waste management and others who want a more ambitious treaty that also cuts production and eliminates use of the most toxic chemicals.

\n

And with the talks relying on finding consensus, it has become a game of brinkmanship.

\n

A diplomatic source told reporters that many informal meetings had been scrambled together for Sunday's day off to try and break the deadlock.

\n

"If nothing changes, we won't get there," the source added.

\n

Countries have reconvened in Geneva after the failure of the supposedly fifth and final round of negotiations in South Korea last year.

\n

After four days of talks, the draft text has ballooned from 22 to 35 pages, with the number of brackets in the text going up near fivefold to almost 1,500 as countries insert a blizzard of conflicting wishes and ideas.

\n

"We need to accelerate," Vayas said. "We need a better rhythm in this and we need to also work in such a way that it will be clear that we will deliver by the end."

\n

Bjorn Beeler, executive director at the International Pollutants Elimination Network, told AFP: "This whole process has not been able to take decisions and is still collecting ideas. We're sleepwalking toward a cliff and if we don't wake up, we're falling off."

\n

Plastic pollution is so ubiquitous that microplastics have been found on the highest mountain peaks, in the deepest ocean trench and scattered throughout almost every part of the human body.

\n

More than 400 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally each year, half of which is for single-use items.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_011_6898fe61ed50ccabe151747d.htm#011WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "61bf2a3cccc5bf8c4db977d50ae25f63", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "011WORLD - Gaza takeover plan sparks global outcry", + "description": "

JERUSALEM/LONDON — As European and Arab countries condemn Israel's Gaza takeover plan, the United States has signaled its approval despite the expected international backlash.

\n

The decision violates international law, exacerbates Gaza's humanitarian crisis and jeopardizes peace efforts, many have warned.

\n

On Friday, Israel's security cabinet greenlighted plans for a major operation to seize Gaza City, triggering a wave of domestic and international criticism. The takeover is expected to take at least six months, state-owned Kan TV News reported on Saturday, citing senior security sources.

\n

Before the announcement, when asked if he could support such a plan, US President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday he was focused on boosting Gaza aid to help starving Palestinians. "As far as the rest of it, I really, I really can't say — that's going to be pretty much up to Israel," he said.

\n

Agence France-Presse commented on Saturday that the remarks speak volumes about the US strategy. Since Gaza ceasefire talks fell apart, Washington has broadly embraced Israel's views following US envoy Steve Witkoff's recent visit to Tel Aviv.

\n

On Friday, European Council President Antonio Costa urged Israel to reverse the decision, warning the move would have consequences for European Union-Israel relations.

\n

The next day, the ministerial committee mandated by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza — along with 23 countries, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation — jointly voiced "strong condemnation and categorical rejection" of Israel's intention to impose full military control over Gaza.

\n

In the enclave, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was crushed to death by a falling pallet during the airdrop of humanitarian aid, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday.

\n

The death came after the United Nations repeatedly warned that the airdrops are dangerous, inefficient and costly, and it urged Israel to allow a steady supply of humanitarian assistance into Gaza via land crossings instead.

\n

Elsewhere in London, police arrested 466 people on Saturday for supporting Palestine Action at the latest and largest protest backing the group since the government banned it last month.

\n

The Metropolitan Police said it had made the arrests, thought to be one of the highest number ever at a single protest in London, for "supporting a proscribed organization".

\n

", + "content": "

JERUSALEM/LONDON — As European and Arab countries condemn Israel's Gaza takeover plan, the United States has signaled its approval despite the expected international backlash.

\n

The decision violates international law, exacerbates Gaza's humanitarian crisis and jeopardizes peace efforts, many have warned.

\n

On Friday, Israel's security cabinet greenlighted plans for a major operation to seize Gaza City, triggering a wave of domestic and international criticism. The takeover is expected to take at least six months, state-owned Kan TV News reported on Saturday, citing senior security sources.

\n

Before the announcement, when asked if he could support such a plan, US President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday he was focused on boosting Gaza aid to help starving Palestinians. "As far as the rest of it, I really, I really can't say — that's going to be pretty much up to Israel," he said.

\n

Agence France-Presse commented on Saturday that the remarks speak volumes about the US strategy. Since Gaza ceasefire talks fell apart, Washington has broadly embraced Israel's views following US envoy Steve Witkoff's recent visit to Tel Aviv.

\n

On Friday, European Council President Antonio Costa urged Israel to reverse the decision, warning the move would have consequences for European Union-Israel relations.

\n

The next day, the ministerial committee mandated by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza — along with 23 countries, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation — jointly voiced "strong condemnation and categorical rejection" of Israel's intention to impose full military control over Gaza.

\n

In the enclave, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was crushed to death by a falling pallet during the airdrop of humanitarian aid, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday.

\n

The death came after the United Nations repeatedly warned that the airdrops are dangerous, inefficient and costly, and it urged Israel to allow a steady supply of humanitarian assistance into Gaza via land crossings instead.

\n

Elsewhere in London, police arrested 466 people on Saturday for supporting Palestine Action at the latest and largest protest backing the group since the government banned it last month.

\n

The Metropolitan Police said it had made the arrests, thought to be one of the highest number ever at a single protest in London, for "supporting a proscribed organization".

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_011_6898fe66ed50ccabe151747e.htm#011WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "a3fd3a9609fe418eb8873400cdf66ea6", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "011WORLD - Germany curbs arms exports to Israel", + "description": "

BERLIN — The worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel's plans to expand military control over the enclave have pushed Germany to curb arms exports to Israel, a historically fraught step for Berlin driven by a growing public outcry.

\n

Chancellor Friedrich Merz, hitherto staunchly pro-Israel, made the announcement on Friday arguing Israel's actions would not achieve its goals of eliminating Hamas militants or bringing Israeli hostages home.

\n

It is a bold move for a leader who had said he would invite Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany in defiance of an arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister issued by the International Criminal Court.

\n

The shift reflects how Germany's come-what-may support for Israel — rooted in its historical guilt over the Holocaust — is being tested like never before as the high Palestinian death toll in Gaza, massive destruction and images of starving children are chipping away at decades of policy.

\n

"It is remarkable as it is the first concrete measure of this German government," said Muriel Asseburg, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "But I would not see it as a U-turn, rather a 'warning shot'."

\n

", + "content": "

BERLIN — The worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel's plans to expand military control over the enclave have pushed Germany to curb arms exports to Israel, a historically fraught step for Berlin driven by a growing public outcry.

\n

Chancellor Friedrich Merz, hitherto staunchly pro-Israel, made the announcement on Friday arguing Israel's actions would not achieve its goals of eliminating Hamas militants or bringing Israeli hostages home.

\n

It is a bold move for a leader who had said he would invite Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany in defiance of an arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister issued by the International Criminal Court.

\n

The shift reflects how Germany's come-what-may support for Israel — rooted in its historical guilt over the Holocaust — is being tested like never before as the high Palestinian death toll in Gaza, massive destruction and images of starving children are chipping away at decades of policy.

\n

"It is remarkable as it is the first concrete measure of this German government," said Muriel Asseburg, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "But I would not see it as a U-turn, rather a 'warning shot'."

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_011_6898fe6aed50ccabe151747f.htm#011WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:06 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "f8168b3ab5f28ac5a9ded5e50b64aa03", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "012WORLD - Diplomatic solution for Ukraine crisis sought", + "description": "

Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze in a house following artillery shelling in the city of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk, on Saturday.

\n

European leaders stressed over the weekend that any diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis must protect the vital security interests of both Ukraine and Europe, in the wake of the announcement of the Russia-US summit in Alaska this week.

\n

European leaders said the vital interests include the need for robust and credible security guarantees that enable Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in a joint statement made on Saturday night.

\n

Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities, according to the statement made by French, Italian, German, Polish, British and Finnish leaders and the president of the European Commission.

\n

They welcomed the efforts to secure peace in Ukraine and pledged continued European diplomatic support, along with "substantive military and financial support "to Ukraine through the "coalition of the willing".

\n

"The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine," they said.

\n

European and Ukrainian officials met with US Vice-president JD Vance in England to discuss how to end the conflict ongoing for more than three years.

\n

It came as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are set to meet on Aug 15 in Alaska to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

\n

Trump announced the meeting via his Truth Social platform on Friday, stating, "Will be meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska next week — big things on the table!"

\n

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the details hours later, noting the talks would focus on a "long-term peaceful solution for Ukraine".

\n

In remarks on Friday, Trump hinted at potential land swaps between Ukraine and Russia, saying, "We're actually going to take back some land and exchange some … There will be territorial adjustments beneficial to both sides."

\n

The Kremlin earlier last week reiterated demands that Ukraine give up territory, abandon its bid to join NATO, and accept limits on its military, in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the rest of the country.

\n

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine won't surrender land to buy peace. "Any decisions against us, any decisions without Ukraine, are also decisions against peace," he said on social media.

\n

Three rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine this year have failed to bear fruit.

\n

The upcoming meeting between the two leaders will be the first US-Russia summit since 2021, when former US president Joe Biden met Putin in Switzerland.

\n

The decision to meet in Alaska — where Russia and the US are separated by around 85 kilometers across the Bering Strait — carries deep historical weight as it was sold to the US in 1867.

\n

The Kremlin said the choice was "logical" because the state close to the Arctic is on the border between the two countries, and this is where their "economic interests intersect".

\n

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy welcomed the event, calling the state "a bridge between nations".

\n

Moscow has also invited Trump to pay a reciprocal visit to Russia later.

\n

Despite the diplomatic efforts, Russia and Ukraine continued pouring dozens of drones onto each other's positions in an exchange of attacks over the weekend.

\n

A bus carrying civilians was hit in the city of Kherson, killing two people and wounding 16.

\n

The Russian army claimed to have taken Yablonovka, another village in the Donetsk region.

\n

Ukrainian media reported that an oil refinery in the city of Saratov, the administrative center of the region, was on fire after a drone attack.

\n

Xinhua and agencies contributed to this story.

\n

liuhongjie@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze in a house following artillery shelling in the city of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk, on Saturday.

\n

European leaders stressed over the weekend that any diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis must protect the vital security interests of both Ukraine and Europe, in the wake of the announcement of the Russia-US summit in Alaska this week.

\n

European leaders said the vital interests include the need for robust and credible security guarantees that enable Ukraine to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in a joint statement made on Saturday night.

\n

Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities, according to the statement made by French, Italian, German, Polish, British and Finnish leaders and the president of the European Commission.

\n

They welcomed the efforts to secure peace in Ukraine and pledged continued European diplomatic support, along with "substantive military and financial support "to Ukraine through the "coalition of the willing".

\n

"The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine," they said.

\n

European and Ukrainian officials met with US Vice-president JD Vance in England to discuss how to end the conflict ongoing for more than three years.

\n

It came as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are set to meet on Aug 15 in Alaska to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

\n

Trump announced the meeting via his Truth Social platform on Friday, stating, "Will be meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska next week — big things on the table!"

\n

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the details hours later, noting the talks would focus on a "long-term peaceful solution for Ukraine".

\n

In remarks on Friday, Trump hinted at potential land swaps between Ukraine and Russia, saying, "We're actually going to take back some land and exchange some … There will be territorial adjustments beneficial to both sides."

\n

The Kremlin earlier last week reiterated demands that Ukraine give up territory, abandon its bid to join NATO, and accept limits on its military, in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the rest of the country.

\n

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine won't surrender land to buy peace. "Any decisions against us, any decisions without Ukraine, are also decisions against peace," he said on social media.

\n

Three rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine this year have failed to bear fruit.

\n

The upcoming meeting between the two leaders will be the first US-Russia summit since 2021, when former US president Joe Biden met Putin in Switzerland.

\n

The decision to meet in Alaska — where Russia and the US are separated by around 85 kilometers across the Bering Strait — carries deep historical weight as it was sold to the US in 1867.

\n

The Kremlin said the choice was "logical" because the state close to the Arctic is on the border between the two countries, and this is where their "economic interests intersect".

\n

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy welcomed the event, calling the state "a bridge between nations".

\n

Moscow has also invited Trump to pay a reciprocal visit to Russia later.

\n

Despite the diplomatic efforts, Russia and Ukraine continued pouring dozens of drones onto each other's positions in an exchange of attacks over the weekend.

\n

A bus carrying civilians was hit in the city of Kherson, killing two people and wounding 16.

\n

The Russian army claimed to have taken Yablonovka, another village in the Donetsk region.

\n

Ukrainian media reported that an oil refinery in the city of Saratov, the administrative center of the region, was on fire after a drone attack.

\n

Xinhua and agencies contributed to this story.

\n

liuhongjie@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_012_6898fe6eed50ccabe1517480.htm#012WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "b71aabc6940262e5583a4f609ffea8f0", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "012WORLD - Cash remittances from US to face tax", + "description": "

Every month, Joanne Nichols, 66, from Queens, New York, visits a small money transfer business in Brooklyn where she uses cash to send money abroad to her family in her native St. Lucia, in the Caribbean.

\n

"I have a daughter back home and even though she's grown up, I send her money from time to time. Not as much as I used to before, years ago, but I like to help out," Nichols said.

\n

But starting on Jan 1, 2026, under the One Big Beautiful Act, passed in July, anyone who sends a cash remittance transfer to a foreign country will have to pay an excise tax of 1 percent on that transaction.

\n

The fee, payable to the government, will be in addition to other costs. Nichols thinks the fees "are already too high". She said she'll likely send less money abroad if she has to pay more.

\n

For decades, the US has consistently been the top remittance-sending country in the world, according to the 2024 World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration, or IOM.

\n

At least $79 billion worth of remittances were sent from the US to other countries in 2022.

\n

India, Mexico, and the Philippines are among the top destinations that receive US dollars, according to IOM's report published last year.

\n

African nations received nearly $10 billion in remittances from the US in 2024, the World Bank estimates. Latin America and the Caribbean received $161 billion in 2023, mostly sent from the US, the Inter-American Development Bank found.

\n

Helen Dempster from the Center for Global Development describes these money transfers as "a crucial source of household income and economic stability for low- and middle-income countries".

\n

Neal Allen, 52, from Brooklyn, New York, is originally from Jamaica in the West Indies. He sends money back to his family and friends in his home country at least once a month.

\n

"The money is very much important," Allen said. "They mostly buy food, clothes and necessary things with it. I send money back about one time per month. I heard about the fees. Like, if you send $100, it takes $10 to send it.

\n

"If I could get cheaper fees, naturally, I'd like that. I'd send more."

\n

New York City is home to over 3 million people who are foreign-born, the mayor's office said. Many strive to maintain important links to their home countries.

\n

Across all five boroughs, independent businesses that offer remittance services like Western Union or MoneyGram are a familiar sight.

\n

Under the initial proposals in the budget bill, the excise fee was due to be 3.5 percent, but this was later lowered to 1 percent by the time it was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4.

\n

Section 4475 of the tax act states that the exact amount paid in remittance fees will depend on how much is transferred.

\n

The fee only applies to "cash, a money order, a cashier's check, or any other similar physical instrument to the remittance transfer provider".

\n

Money sent from a US bank account, online, with a debit or credit card, or from a retirement or brokerage account is exempt.

\n

The sender of the money, regardless of US citizenship, is responsible for paying the tax and the remittance transfer provider must collect it for the Internal Revenue Service.

\n

Most people who send remittances have already paid income tax on their earnings. The average transfer fee is estimated at 6.4 percent, the Financial Times reports.

\n

Americans for Financial Reform, a nonprofit organization, found that "in the last three years, some of the most financially vulnerable people in the US, lower-income immigrant workers, lost $15.4 billion in hidden exchange rate markups — about 20 percent of the value of total transfers — when they sent money home to support their families".

\n

belindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com

\n

", + "content": "

Every month, Joanne Nichols, 66, from Queens, New York, visits a small money transfer business in Brooklyn where she uses cash to send money abroad to her family in her native St. Lucia, in the Caribbean.

\n

"I have a daughter back home and even though she's grown up, I send her money from time to time. Not as much as I used to before, years ago, but I like to help out," Nichols said.

\n

But starting on Jan 1, 2026, under the One Big Beautiful Act, passed in July, anyone who sends a cash remittance transfer to a foreign country will have to pay an excise tax of 1 percent on that transaction.

\n

The fee, payable to the government, will be in addition to other costs. Nichols thinks the fees "are already too high". She said she'll likely send less money abroad if she has to pay more.

\n

For decades, the US has consistently been the top remittance-sending country in the world, according to the 2024 World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration, or IOM.

\n

At least $79 billion worth of remittances were sent from the US to other countries in 2022.

\n

India, Mexico, and the Philippines are among the top destinations that receive US dollars, according to IOM's report published last year.

\n

African nations received nearly $10 billion in remittances from the US in 2024, the World Bank estimates. Latin America and the Caribbean received $161 billion in 2023, mostly sent from the US, the Inter-American Development Bank found.

\n

Helen Dempster from the Center for Global Development describes these money transfers as "a crucial source of household income and economic stability for low- and middle-income countries".

\n

Neal Allen, 52, from Brooklyn, New York, is originally from Jamaica in the West Indies. He sends money back to his family and friends in his home country at least once a month.

\n

"The money is very much important," Allen said. "They mostly buy food, clothes and necessary things with it. I send money back about one time per month. I heard about the fees. Like, if you send $100, it takes $10 to send it.

\n

"If I could get cheaper fees, naturally, I'd like that. I'd send more."

\n

New York City is home to over 3 million people who are foreign-born, the mayor's office said. Many strive to maintain important links to their home countries.

\n

Across all five boroughs, independent businesses that offer remittance services like Western Union or MoneyGram are a familiar sight.

\n

Under the initial proposals in the budget bill, the excise fee was due to be 3.5 percent, but this was later lowered to 1 percent by the time it was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4.

\n

Section 4475 of the tax act states that the exact amount paid in remittance fees will depend on how much is transferred.

\n

The fee only applies to "cash, a money order, a cashier's check, or any other similar physical instrument to the remittance transfer provider".

\n

Money sent from a US bank account, online, with a debit or credit card, or from a retirement or brokerage account is exempt.

\n

The sender of the money, regardless of US citizenship, is responsible for paying the tax and the remittance transfer provider must collect it for the Internal Revenue Service.

\n

Most people who send remittances have already paid income tax on their earnings. The average transfer fee is estimated at 6.4 percent, the Financial Times reports.

\n

Americans for Financial Reform, a nonprofit organization, found that "in the last three years, some of the most financially vulnerable people in the US, lower-income immigrant workers, lost $15.4 billion in hidden exchange rate markups — about 20 percent of the value of total transfers — when they sent money home to support their families".

\n

belindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_012_6898fe72ed50ccabe1517481.htm#012WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "594d9ebaa82273af98deef92aed59ed0", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "012WORLD - Briefly", + "description": "

SPACE MISSION

\n

4 astronauts return from space station

\n

Four astronauts returned to earth on Saturday after hustling to the International Space Station five months ago to relieve the stuck test pilots of Boeing's Starliner. Their SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Pacific off the Southern California coast a day after departing the orbiting lab. Splashing down were NASA's Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi and Russia's Kirill Peskov. They were launched in March as replacements for the two stranded NASA astronauts.

\n

SOUTH CAUCASUS

\n

Armenia, Azerbaijan ink peace agreement

\n

The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement at the White House on Friday, ending a decades-long border conflict. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev witnessed the signing of the deal by their foreign ministers. The two countries will take further steps to eventually sign and ratify the agreement, the declaration said. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at loggerheads over the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1988.Peace talks have been going on since 1994 when a ceasefire was agreed on, despite sporadic clashes since then.

\n

", + "content": "

SPACE MISSION

\n

4 astronauts return from space station

\n

Four astronauts returned to earth on Saturday after hustling to the International Space Station five months ago to relieve the stuck test pilots of Boeing's Starliner. Their SpaceX capsule parachuted into the Pacific off the Southern California coast a day after departing the orbiting lab. Splashing down were NASA's Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi and Russia's Kirill Peskov. They were launched in March as replacements for the two stranded NASA astronauts.

\n

SOUTH CAUCASUS

\n

Armenia, Azerbaijan ink peace agreement

\n

The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement at the White House on Friday, ending a decades-long border conflict. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev witnessed the signing of the deal by their foreign ministers. The two countries will take further steps to eventually sign and ratify the agreement, the declaration said. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at loggerheads over the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1988.Peace talks have been going on since 1994 when a ceasefire was agreed on, despite sporadic clashes since then.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_012_6898fe76ed50ccabe1517482.htm#012WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "2d70b1e32858e6a9917adf3142c56634", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "012WORLD - Indoor marathon", + "description": "

People take part in the Dubai Marathon 2025 at a mall in Dubai on Saturday. The marathon is a citywide community wellness initiative aimed at encouraging people to remain active during the hot summer by transforming the city's major shopping malls into fitness spaces.

\n

", + "content": "

People take part in the Dubai Marathon 2025 at a mall in Dubai on Saturday. The marathon is a citywide community wellness initiative aimed at encouraging people to remain active during the hot summer by transforming the city's major shopping malls into fitness spaces.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_012_6898fe7aed50ccabe1517483.htm#012WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "0ba3d4fe0fc8f7cc78cd1076acd2a0fb", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "012WORLD - Fair trade urged as tariffs slammed", + "description": "

MUNICH/LISBON — Rising protectionist measures, particularly punitive tariffs, are undermining global industrial cooperation, European industry experts say, adding that US tariff policies mark another step in a worrying trend toward fragmentation of global trade.

\n

Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's deputy minister president, said that US tariff hikes have hit German carmakers hard.

\n

"Over the past few months, German auto exports were hit with tariffs of up to 27.5 percent, compared with just 2.5 percent previously," said Aiwanger, whose state is a hub for Germany's auto industry.

\n

"Although a recent deal between the United States and the EU brought the rate down to 15 percent, the impact is still very painful and results in billions of euros in losses annually."

\n

Bavaria has long been a leading exporter of vehicles to the United States. However, financial reports for the first half of 2025 from BMW and Audi, both headquartered in Bavaria, showed a sharp decline in profits.

\n

Aiwanger warned that high tariffs not only hurt German and European industries but also drive up prices for consumers in the US.Such policies, he said, are ultimately counterproductive and risk creating a lose-lose outcome for the global economy.

\n

"We oppose high tariffs imposed by the United States," Aiwanger said. "The best solutions come from fair competition, not artificial barriers."

\n

Bernardo Mendia, secretary-general of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has criticized US tariff policy, saying it marks another step in a worrying trend toward fragmentation of global trade.

\n

These tariffs, which heavily penalize European exporters, including Portuguese businesses, are "particularly asymmetrical" as they were imposed unilaterally by Washington, Mendia has said.

\n

For Portugal, the impact will be felt mainly along value chains where the country serves as an indirect supplier to European industrial sectors such as automobiles and machinery. Those sectors will now face higher costs when accessing the US market, he said.

\n

Mendia said what is even more concerning is the geopolitical backdrop, in which the US, rather than promoting multilateral cooperation, has chosen protectionist steps with extraterritorial effects, exerting pressure on both allies and competitors.

\n

Mendia said the tariffs run counter to the global development priorities of balanced interdependence, economic sustainability, and inclusive growth driven by multiple centers. As a country committed to openness and multilateralism, Portugal will continue to defend a fairer and more predictable international trading system, he said.

\n

", + "content": "

MUNICH/LISBON — Rising protectionist measures, particularly punitive tariffs, are undermining global industrial cooperation, European industry experts say, adding that US tariff policies mark another step in a worrying trend toward fragmentation of global trade.

\n

Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's deputy minister president, said that US tariff hikes have hit German carmakers hard.

\n

"Over the past few months, German auto exports were hit with tariffs of up to 27.5 percent, compared with just 2.5 percent previously," said Aiwanger, whose state is a hub for Germany's auto industry.

\n

"Although a recent deal between the United States and the EU brought the rate down to 15 percent, the impact is still very painful and results in billions of euros in losses annually."

\n

Bavaria has long been a leading exporter of vehicles to the United States. However, financial reports for the first half of 2025 from BMW and Audi, both headquartered in Bavaria, showed a sharp decline in profits.

\n

Aiwanger warned that high tariffs not only hurt German and European industries but also drive up prices for consumers in the US.Such policies, he said, are ultimately counterproductive and risk creating a lose-lose outcome for the global economy.

\n

"We oppose high tariffs imposed by the United States," Aiwanger said. "The best solutions come from fair competition, not artificial barriers."

\n

Bernardo Mendia, secretary-general of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has criticized US tariff policy, saying it marks another step in a worrying trend toward fragmentation of global trade.

\n

These tariffs, which heavily penalize European exporters, including Portuguese businesses, are "particularly asymmetrical" as they were imposed unilaterally by Washington, Mendia has said.

\n

For Portugal, the impact will be felt mainly along value chains where the country serves as an indirect supplier to European industrial sectors such as automobiles and machinery. Those sectors will now face higher costs when accessing the US market, he said.

\n

Mendia said what is even more concerning is the geopolitical backdrop, in which the US, rather than promoting multilateral cooperation, has chosen protectionist steps with extraterritorial effects, exerting pressure on both allies and competitors.

\n

Mendia said the tariffs run counter to the global development priorities of balanced interdependence, economic sustainability, and inclusive growth driven by multiple centers. As a country committed to openness and multilateralism, Portugal will continue to defend a fairer and more predictable international trading system, he said.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_012_6898fe7fed50ccabe1517484.htm#012WORLD", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "f8d0d3250639d94d47e10ae83b54b9c8", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "013BUSINESS - STAR shines for innovative companies", + "description": "

\n

Three months after Shanghai Allist Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd's successful initial public offering at the tech-focused STAR Market on the Shanghai bourse in December 2020, the biomedical company received marketing approval in China for its third-generation treatment innovation for non-small cell lung cancer.

\n

Allist had been reporting losses for four consecutive years, including a loss of over 300 million yuan ($42 million) in the year of its listing. However, it was a totally different story for the company after its flotation on the STAR Market.

\n

In 2021, Allist made a turnaround of about 18.3 million yuan, and it profits have skyrocketed ever since. In 2023, Allist announced to use a part of its 1.5 billion yuan IPO proceeds to build a new production line for one of its key products every year. One year later, the company's net profit surged to 1.43 billion yuan.

\n

"The leapfrogging progress made by Allist is inseparable from the fifth (set of) listing rules of the STAR Market, which allow the IPO of unprofitable companies," said Du Jinhao, Allist's chairman.

\n

The inclusiveness of the mechanism of the STAR Market has provided a better financing environment for quality but unprofitable "hard technology" companies which are dedicated to innovation, added Du.

\n

In 16 years, Allist rolled out two innovative drugs. As Du understands, having a long-term vision is vital to technology advancement. This is especially true for biomedicine companies, as they encounter a lot of setbacks and difficulties, requiring much patience, the right talents, and of course, capital.

\n

The fifth set of listing rules on the STAR Market, which are more inclusive, provide financing to biomedical companies that usually undergo a longer research and development timeline.

\n

With the IPO proceeds, biomedical companies can step up on R&D and seek breakthroughs in key technologies, said Dong Zhongyun, chief economist of AVIC Securities.

\n

More importantly, innovative sectors can attract long-term capital, deepening integration between capital and technologies. Industries will be able to seek sustainable development and the entire economic structure can be optimized, he said.

\n

As of end-June, a total of 588 companies had been listed on the STAR Market. The majority — 80 percent — are from emerging industries such as new-generation information technology, biomedicine and high-end equipment.

\n

"Over time, the STAR Market has become the first listing choice for China's hard technology companies. Providing more than 1 trillion yuan of IPO proceeds and refinancing, the board has supported the development of new quality productive forces and strengthened the Chinese capital market's capabilities in serving the real economy," said Li Zhan, chief economist at China Merchants Securities.

\n

With the ongoing reform at the STAR Market, research results are industrialized at a faster pace, growing into new economic drivers. The entire ecosystem in the Chinese capital market is more innovation-centered, boosting entrepreneurship and stimulating more innovative attempts, said Zhang Yidong, chief global strategist at Industrial Securities.

\n

According to the Health China 2030 Initiative released by the State Council, China's Cabinet, the market value of China's biomedical industry is expected to reach 8 trillion yuan in 2030, making it one of the most vibrant and promising sectors in the country.

\n

Biomedicine has been elevated as one of China's strategic emerging industries in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

\n

Wang Enduo, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the development of the healthcare sector is closely related to frontier technologies, among which biotechnologies make up a big part.

\n

Ever since the STAR Market was launched in 2019, a total of 20 innovative biomedical companies have been listed on the board via the fifth set of listing rules, and 19 of them have introduced their core products to the market as of date.

\n

Though approval for companies' IPOs based on the fifth set of rules had been suspended since 2023, Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, said at the Lujiazui Forum on June 18 that the rules will be restarted.

\n

Soon enough, Wuhan Healthgen Biotechnology Corp became the first biomedical company to seek a public listing after the resumption of the rules, and its IPO application was approved by the Listing Review Center of the Shanghai bourse in July.

\n

Founded in 2006, Healthgen has been specializing in plant-derived recombinant human serum albumin, which is widely used in vaccine production and supplements for cell culture media. As of 2024, the company reported combined losses of 851 million yuan. The losses between 2022 and 2024 came in at 144 million yuan, 187 million yuan and 151 million yuan, respectively.

\n

As the company explained in the public circular, "complicated R&D procedures, strict approval standards, huge investment in new drugs, and high risks" can best describe companies of their kind. As there is limited income before the approval of a new drug, many new drug makers face losses due to highly intensive R&D.

\n

Indeed, Healthgen directed 110 million yuan, 159 million yuan and 117 million yuan, respectively, toward R&D from 2022 to 2024.

\n

Aiming to raise 2.4 billion yuan in financing via the IPO, Healthgen plans to build a recombinant human serum albumin production base with about 1.66 billion yuan, while another 642 million yuan will be used for R&D of new drugs.

\n

"Financing has been a huge challenge for technology companies. Profitability usually takes place long after their inception. Opening the financing gate to unprofitable but rapidly developing companies can help them jump over the so-called 'death valley'," said Yang Chao, chief strategist at China Galaxy Securities.

\n

More STAR Market reform policies were announced by the CSRC's Wu at the Lujiazui Forum.

\n

The fifth set of listing rules, which used to apply to semiconductor and biomedical companies, will be applicable to frontier industries of artificial intelligence, commercial aviation and low-altitude companies, based on the CSRC's approval announced in mid June.

\n

"It has been underlined that the new reform policies can only apply to companies with major technology breakthroughs, huge business prospects and continued huge amount of R&D. This is to make sure that the resources can precisely nurture the emerging industries that are in line with China's development strategies," said Tian Lihui, head of the Institute of Finance and Development at Nankai University.

\n

Just like biomedical companies, commercial aviation companies also require huge R&D investments during their early stage. The long profitability cycle made commercial aviation companies highly reliant on the primary market in the past, said Zhao Lei, founder of Beijing-based satellite ground station service provider Emposat Co Ltd.

\n

The latest STAR Market reform will help commercial aviation companies access the capital market more rapidly and lower financing costs. This is of much importance to the Chinese commercial aviation industry, which is now undergoing a transition from technology accumulation to explosive growth. A closed business loop made up by rockets, satellites and applications has been formed in China, with the costs of making these equipment increasingly lower. The Chinese commercial aviation industry is set to enter a golden age in the next few years, according to Zhao.

\n

A similar logic can be applied to the low-altitude economy sector.

\n

As the Civil Aviation Administration of China has estimated, the market value of the country's low-altitude economy will come at 1.5 trillion yuan at the end of this year, and is likely to surge to 3.5 trillion yuan in 2035.

\n

According to Xie Ling, founder of VerTaxi, a Shanghai-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft maker, the capital market's support for the low-altitude economy is not only about financing. An innovation ecosystem will be created amid higher resources allocation efficiency as more companies go public.

\n

The recent reform policies are more than about giving the stock market a green light to unprofitable technologically-advanced companies. It has also introduced a pilot program under which quality tech firms can go through a pre-review for their initial public offerings.

\n

According to the Shanghai bourse, this arrangement has addressed the requests raised by many tech enterprises. Premature disclosure of a company's technologies and IPO plans may have a major impact on operations. The pre-review mechanism can minimize such effects, said the SSE.

\n

According to Zheng Jisha, chief nonbanking industry analyst at China Merchants Securities, similar practices have been adopted in mature markets. The United States passed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act in 2012 to accept confidential submissions from growth enterprises seeking to go public. This act was later expanded to all stock issuers to further lower the threshold for such public financing.

\n

Likewise, a new confidential filing option has been opened to special technology companies and biotechnology companies at the Hong Kong bourse since May.

\n

Premature disclosure of companies' operation strategies, core technologies and financing plans may impact their competitiveness, which have been the concerns of many technology companies about stock market debuts. The new reform measures at the STAR Market, which are in line with international practices, will help to remove such concerns and provide a more amiable environment for technology companies, said Zheng.

\n

shijing@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

\n

Three months after Shanghai Allist Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd's successful initial public offering at the tech-focused STAR Market on the Shanghai bourse in December 2020, the biomedical company received marketing approval in China for its third-generation treatment innovation for non-small cell lung cancer.

\n

Allist had been reporting losses for four consecutive years, including a loss of over 300 million yuan ($42 million) in the year of its listing. However, it was a totally different story for the company after its flotation on the STAR Market.

\n

In 2021, Allist made a turnaround of about 18.3 million yuan, and it profits have skyrocketed ever since. In 2023, Allist announced to use a part of its 1.5 billion yuan IPO proceeds to build a new production line for one of its key products every year. One year later, the company's net profit surged to 1.43 billion yuan.

\n

"The leapfrogging progress made by Allist is inseparable from the fifth (set of) listing rules of the STAR Market, which allow the IPO of unprofitable companies," said Du Jinhao, Allist's chairman.

\n

The inclusiveness of the mechanism of the STAR Market has provided a better financing environment for quality but unprofitable "hard technology" companies which are dedicated to innovation, added Du.

\n

In 16 years, Allist rolled out two innovative drugs. As Du understands, having a long-term vision is vital to technology advancement. This is especially true for biomedicine companies, as they encounter a lot of setbacks and difficulties, requiring much patience, the right talents, and of course, capital.

\n

The fifth set of listing rules on the STAR Market, which are more inclusive, provide financing to biomedical companies that usually undergo a longer research and development timeline.

\n

With the IPO proceeds, biomedical companies can step up on R&D and seek breakthroughs in key technologies, said Dong Zhongyun, chief economist of AVIC Securities.

\n

More importantly, innovative sectors can attract long-term capital, deepening integration between capital and technologies. Industries will be able to seek sustainable development and the entire economic structure can be optimized, he said.

\n

As of end-June, a total of 588 companies had been listed on the STAR Market. The majority — 80 percent — are from emerging industries such as new-generation information technology, biomedicine and high-end equipment.

\n

"Over time, the STAR Market has become the first listing choice for China's hard technology companies. Providing more than 1 trillion yuan of IPO proceeds and refinancing, the board has supported the development of new quality productive forces and strengthened the Chinese capital market's capabilities in serving the real economy," said Li Zhan, chief economist at China Merchants Securities.

\n

With the ongoing reform at the STAR Market, research results are industrialized at a faster pace, growing into new economic drivers. The entire ecosystem in the Chinese capital market is more innovation-centered, boosting entrepreneurship and stimulating more innovative attempts, said Zhang Yidong, chief global strategist at Industrial Securities.

\n

According to the Health China 2030 Initiative released by the State Council, China's Cabinet, the market value of China's biomedical industry is expected to reach 8 trillion yuan in 2030, making it one of the most vibrant and promising sectors in the country.

\n

Biomedicine has been elevated as one of China's strategic emerging industries in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

\n

Wang Enduo, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the development of the healthcare sector is closely related to frontier technologies, among which biotechnologies make up a big part.

\n

Ever since the STAR Market was launched in 2019, a total of 20 innovative biomedical companies have been listed on the board via the fifth set of listing rules, and 19 of them have introduced their core products to the market as of date.

\n

Though approval for companies' IPOs based on the fifth set of rules had been suspended since 2023, Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, said at the Lujiazui Forum on June 18 that the rules will be restarted.

\n

Soon enough, Wuhan Healthgen Biotechnology Corp became the first biomedical company to seek a public listing after the resumption of the rules, and its IPO application was approved by the Listing Review Center of the Shanghai bourse in July.

\n

Founded in 2006, Healthgen has been specializing in plant-derived recombinant human serum albumin, which is widely used in vaccine production and supplements for cell culture media. As of 2024, the company reported combined losses of 851 million yuan. The losses between 2022 and 2024 came in at 144 million yuan, 187 million yuan and 151 million yuan, respectively.

\n

As the company explained in the public circular, "complicated R&D procedures, strict approval standards, huge investment in new drugs, and high risks" can best describe companies of their kind. As there is limited income before the approval of a new drug, many new drug makers face losses due to highly intensive R&D.

\n

Indeed, Healthgen directed 110 million yuan, 159 million yuan and 117 million yuan, respectively, toward R&D from 2022 to 2024.

\n

Aiming to raise 2.4 billion yuan in financing via the IPO, Healthgen plans to build a recombinant human serum albumin production base with about 1.66 billion yuan, while another 642 million yuan will be used for R&D of new drugs.

\n

"Financing has been a huge challenge for technology companies. Profitability usually takes place long after their inception. Opening the financing gate to unprofitable but rapidly developing companies can help them jump over the so-called 'death valley'," said Yang Chao, chief strategist at China Galaxy Securities.

\n

More STAR Market reform policies were announced by the CSRC's Wu at the Lujiazui Forum.

\n

The fifth set of listing rules, which used to apply to semiconductor and biomedical companies, will be applicable to frontier industries of artificial intelligence, commercial aviation and low-altitude companies, based on the CSRC's approval announced in mid June.

\n

"It has been underlined that the new reform policies can only apply to companies with major technology breakthroughs, huge business prospects and continued huge amount of R&D. This is to make sure that the resources can precisely nurture the emerging industries that are in line with China's development strategies," said Tian Lihui, head of the Institute of Finance and Development at Nankai University.

\n

Just like biomedical companies, commercial aviation companies also require huge R&D investments during their early stage. The long profitability cycle made commercial aviation companies highly reliant on the primary market in the past, said Zhao Lei, founder of Beijing-based satellite ground station service provider Emposat Co Ltd.

\n

The latest STAR Market reform will help commercial aviation companies access the capital market more rapidly and lower financing costs. This is of much importance to the Chinese commercial aviation industry, which is now undergoing a transition from technology accumulation to explosive growth. A closed business loop made up by rockets, satellites and applications has been formed in China, with the costs of making these equipment increasingly lower. The Chinese commercial aviation industry is set to enter a golden age in the next few years, according to Zhao.

\n

A similar logic can be applied to the low-altitude economy sector.

\n

As the Civil Aviation Administration of China has estimated, the market value of the country's low-altitude economy will come at 1.5 trillion yuan at the end of this year, and is likely to surge to 3.5 trillion yuan in 2035.

\n

According to Xie Ling, founder of VerTaxi, a Shanghai-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft maker, the capital market's support for the low-altitude economy is not only about financing. An innovation ecosystem will be created amid higher resources allocation efficiency as more companies go public.

\n

The recent reform policies are more than about giving the stock market a green light to unprofitable technologically-advanced companies. It has also introduced a pilot program under which quality tech firms can go through a pre-review for their initial public offerings.

\n

According to the Shanghai bourse, this arrangement has addressed the requests raised by many tech enterprises. Premature disclosure of a company's technologies and IPO plans may have a major impact on operations. The pre-review mechanism can minimize such effects, said the SSE.

\n

According to Zheng Jisha, chief nonbanking industry analyst at China Merchants Securities, similar practices have been adopted in mature markets. The United States passed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act in 2012 to accept confidential submissions from growth enterprises seeking to go public. This act was later expanded to all stock issuers to further lower the threshold for such public financing.

\n

Likewise, a new confidential filing option has been opened to special technology companies and biotechnology companies at the Hong Kong bourse since May.

\n

Premature disclosure of companies' operation strategies, core technologies and financing plans may impact their competitiveness, which have been the concerns of many technology companies about stock market debuts. The new reform measures at the STAR Market, which are in line with international practices, will help to remove such concerns and provide a more amiable environment for technology companies, said Zheng.

\n

shijing@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_013_6898fe83ed50ccabe1517485.htm#013BUSINESS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "0a0850736db34133dfa36465a736ae7c", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "013BUSINESS - Sustained technology innovation will spur GDP growth", + "description": "

Anti-involution has been a buzzword this year.

\n

Efforts by central regulators to eliminate outdated and excessive capacity in certain industries and to rein in cutthroat competition may be one reason.

\n

But more importantly, as an explanation that went viral on the internet goes: China has been long afflicted with overly intensive competition.

\n

Local governments may be responsible for the unhealthy competition over the past years.

\n

When one emerging industry showed huge growth potential thanks to its advanced technologies and brought in much needed income to the city where it was based, other governments quickly followed suit, dedicated to developing the same industry that had already been a success story elsewhere.

\n

Repetitive construction of similar industrial parks has led to large amounts of production and, eventually, overcapacity.

\n

Of course, the performance appraisal system for local governments should be altered to change the situation. But there is also a simple reason behind such a copy-paste pattern: it is always easier to be a follower.

\n

At a news briefing that I attended the other day, a portfolio manager was outspoken, saying China excels at achieving progress from zero to one, but is no expert in creation from zero to one. Everyone in the room chuckled, signaling consensus.

\n

However, that is not only the case in China.

\n

Although no one remembers the second-largest company in an industry, it should be noted that the second place is somehow safer, as the biggest player, usually the first one to succeed in its area, withstands more risks such as innovation, technology upgrading, change of business models, or simply, public attention.

\n

Legendary Japanese entrepreneur Satoru Anzaki, who served as a top executive for Japanese machinery giant Komatsu for over a decade, once said that the company, which was the world's second largest, would no longer take Caterpillar, the industry's No 1, as its competitor.

\n

His reason was simple.

\n

If Komatsu really rises to the top position, it would lose an example to follow. It would completely depend on itself to fumble on the way ahead. For a company that is not completely well-grounded and prepared, it cannot shoulder such a huge responsibility. The company may even go into the wrong trajectory due to the lack of management experiences and right talent.

\n

Anzaki's words may somehow explain the homogeneous investments made by Chinese companies and governments. On second thought, we can see that the intention behind these investments is nothing but forward-looking: they are searching for continued growth.

\n

A leapfrog in technological innovation will spur GDP growth, which cannot be compared to demographic dividends and capital investment.

\n

We can see that some industries facing the problem of "involution" in China at present are related to emerging technologies.

\n

Photovoltaics is one example. When exports are held up, companies in these industries may need greater competition in the domestic market, thus pointing to the necessity of reducing capacity.

\n

But on the other hand, the importance of original innovation has been pointed out. However, this is an even harder mission.

\n

Originality, as understood by all, cannot be realized overnight. It sits on years of continued efforts, even generations. A country's economic size and competency are the fundamental basis on which companies and individuals can enjoy the liberty of working on something of their own interest.

\n

Meanwhile, a mindset of allowing mistakes, setbacks and complete failures should be nurtured in society.

\n

Fortunately, some attempts are being made in China now. The green light given to unprofitable tech companies to go public on the STAR Market in Shanghai is one such example.

\n

", + "content": "

Anti-involution has been a buzzword this year.

\n

Efforts by central regulators to eliminate outdated and excessive capacity in certain industries and to rein in cutthroat competition may be one reason.

\n

But more importantly, as an explanation that went viral on the internet goes: China has been long afflicted with overly intensive competition.

\n

Local governments may be responsible for the unhealthy competition over the past years.

\n

When one emerging industry showed huge growth potential thanks to its advanced technologies and brought in much needed income to the city where it was based, other governments quickly followed suit, dedicated to developing the same industry that had already been a success story elsewhere.

\n

Repetitive construction of similar industrial parks has led to large amounts of production and, eventually, overcapacity.

\n

Of course, the performance appraisal system for local governments should be altered to change the situation. But there is also a simple reason behind such a copy-paste pattern: it is always easier to be a follower.

\n

At a news briefing that I attended the other day, a portfolio manager was outspoken, saying China excels at achieving progress from zero to one, but is no expert in creation from zero to one. Everyone in the room chuckled, signaling consensus.

\n

However, that is not only the case in China.

\n

Although no one remembers the second-largest company in an industry, it should be noted that the second place is somehow safer, as the biggest player, usually the first one to succeed in its area, withstands more risks such as innovation, technology upgrading, change of business models, or simply, public attention.

\n

Legendary Japanese entrepreneur Satoru Anzaki, who served as a top executive for Japanese machinery giant Komatsu for over a decade, once said that the company, which was the world's second largest, would no longer take Caterpillar, the industry's No 1, as its competitor.

\n

His reason was simple.

\n

If Komatsu really rises to the top position, it would lose an example to follow. It would completely depend on itself to fumble on the way ahead. For a company that is not completely well-grounded and prepared, it cannot shoulder such a huge responsibility. The company may even go into the wrong trajectory due to the lack of management experiences and right talent.

\n

Anzaki's words may somehow explain the homogeneous investments made by Chinese companies and governments. On second thought, we can see that the intention behind these investments is nothing but forward-looking: they are searching for continued growth.

\n

A leapfrog in technological innovation will spur GDP growth, which cannot be compared to demographic dividends and capital investment.

\n

We can see that some industries facing the problem of "involution" in China at present are related to emerging technologies.

\n

Photovoltaics is one example. When exports are held up, companies in these industries may need greater competition in the domestic market, thus pointing to the necessity of reducing capacity.

\n

But on the other hand, the importance of original innovation has been pointed out. However, this is an even harder mission.

\n

Originality, as understood by all, cannot be realized overnight. It sits on years of continued efforts, even generations. A country's economic size and competency are the fundamental basis on which companies and individuals can enjoy the liberty of working on something of their own interest.

\n

Meanwhile, a mindset of allowing mistakes, setbacks and complete failures should be nurtured in society.

\n

Fortunately, some attempts are being made in China now. The green light given to unprofitable tech companies to go public on the STAR Market in Shanghai is one such example.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_013_6898fe87ed50ccabe1517486.htm#013BUSINESS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "12a418836bac3e3d14c5550176806336", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "014BUSINESS - Mainland insurers increase holdings in HK-listed firms", + "description": "

Pedestrians walk in front of the Exchange Square building in Hong Kong on May 6.

\n

During the first half of the year, Chinese mainland insurers have stepped up their holdings in Hong Kong-listed companies, a trend which is likely to continue thanks to the high yields and market vibrancy seen in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's market, experts said.

\n

Public announcements showed that 13 out of the 19 major increased shareholding cases reported by Chinese mainland insurance companies so far this year have targeted companies trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

\n

According to China's regulations, an investor should make an announcement if their holding in a listed company has reached 5 percent or above.

\n

According to the latest report released by the Insurance Asset Management Association of China, 63 percent of the surveyed Chinese mainland insurers will expand their investment in Hong Kong stocks this year.

\n

During the annual business news conference held in March, Yu Rongquan, general manager of CPIC AMC, the investment arm of China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co Ltd, said that high-dividend stocks in Hong Kong are major targets for insurance companies' increased shareholding. This helps to improve insurers' net investment returns.

\n

As the risk-free yield in the bond market has been slowly declining in recent years, high-dividend stocks can compensate and hedge against the downward trend, he said.

\n

Banks trading on the Hong Kong bourse, which provide higher dividends, have thus been the most sought after by these insurers. Seven out of the 13 shareholding increase cases made by insurers at the Hong Kong stock market were those targeting banks, accounting for 64 percent of the combined market cap of all 19 share increase cases.

\n

Companies from energy and real estate industries have also provided high dividends this year, but the stability of these sectors is lower than that of banks, Meng Lei, China equity strategist at UBS Securities, explained.

\n

Given that the average duration of insurance capital is longer, at around seven to 10 years, stability is prioritized, resulting in insurers' preference over banks, telecommunication companies and utility companies, he added.

\n

Among the 42 constituents of the AH banking index compiled by China Securities Index Co Ltd, 14 are listed in Hong Kong, whose average dividend rate has been higher than their peers trading on Chinese mainland bourses. Meanwhile, eight of them have provided a dividend ratio higher than 5 percent, while the industry average has been around 4.14 percent so far this year.

\n

Guo Yiming, head of investment advisory at Jufeng Investment, said that insurers prefer Hong Kong stocks to their peers in the Chinese mainland mainly because of the former's lower market valuation, higher liquidity and dividends.

\n

In a low interest rate environment, insurance capital will see their interest rate income contract. They need high-yield assets to offset such a decline. The higher yields generated in the Hong Kong stock market, combined with the favorable tax policy for dividend income generated by Hong Kong stock investment, can effectively address insurers' pressure regarding lowering net investment returns, he said.

\n

Experts from Huatai Securities explained that insurance companies' profit volatility will aggravate as the country's new accounting standards, which took effect in July 2024, have included changes such as encouraging insurance companies to measure financial assets according to their fair value.

\n

The trend started to take shape last year. Data from IAMAC showed that 99 insurance companies made investments via the Stock Connect program in 2024, mainly investing in the financial, energy and telecommunications industries. The average annual return rate of these investments came to 15 percent, 10 percentage points higher than one year ago.

\n

According to UBS, discretionary consumption, finance, information technology, healthcare and energy have so far this year been the top five industries attracting the most capital from the southbound leg of Stock Connect, via which Chinese mainland investors buy into Hong Kong stocks.

\n

Hong Kong market's bullish performance so far this year has been another attraction. During the first half of the year, the Hang Seng Index gained about 20 percent, only second to the 28 percent year-on-year increase reported by South Korea's major stock market index KOSPI.

\n

The Hong Kong stock market has also been the most vibrant globally in terms of initial public offering activities.

\n

During the first half of the year, total IPO proceeds registered at the Hong Kong bourse came to approximately HK$107 billion ($13.63 billion), which was seven times the figure collected in the same period of 2024 and exceeded last year's whole year amount of $11 billion.

\n

shijing@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Pedestrians walk in front of the Exchange Square building in Hong Kong on May 6.

\n

During the first half of the year, Chinese mainland insurers have stepped up their holdings in Hong Kong-listed companies, a trend which is likely to continue thanks to the high yields and market vibrancy seen in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's market, experts said.

\n

Public announcements showed that 13 out of the 19 major increased shareholding cases reported by Chinese mainland insurance companies so far this year have targeted companies trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

\n

According to China's regulations, an investor should make an announcement if their holding in a listed company has reached 5 percent or above.

\n

According to the latest report released by the Insurance Asset Management Association of China, 63 percent of the surveyed Chinese mainland insurers will expand their investment in Hong Kong stocks this year.

\n

During the annual business news conference held in March, Yu Rongquan, general manager of CPIC AMC, the investment arm of China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co Ltd, said that high-dividend stocks in Hong Kong are major targets for insurance companies' increased shareholding. This helps to improve insurers' net investment returns.

\n

As the risk-free yield in the bond market has been slowly declining in recent years, high-dividend stocks can compensate and hedge against the downward trend, he said.

\n

Banks trading on the Hong Kong bourse, which provide higher dividends, have thus been the most sought after by these insurers. Seven out of the 13 shareholding increase cases made by insurers at the Hong Kong stock market were those targeting banks, accounting for 64 percent of the combined market cap of all 19 share increase cases.

\n

Companies from energy and real estate industries have also provided high dividends this year, but the stability of these sectors is lower than that of banks, Meng Lei, China equity strategist at UBS Securities, explained.

\n

Given that the average duration of insurance capital is longer, at around seven to 10 years, stability is prioritized, resulting in insurers' preference over banks, telecommunication companies and utility companies, he added.

\n

Among the 42 constituents of the AH banking index compiled by China Securities Index Co Ltd, 14 are listed in Hong Kong, whose average dividend rate has been higher than their peers trading on Chinese mainland bourses. Meanwhile, eight of them have provided a dividend ratio higher than 5 percent, while the industry average has been around 4.14 percent so far this year.

\n

Guo Yiming, head of investment advisory at Jufeng Investment, said that insurers prefer Hong Kong stocks to their peers in the Chinese mainland mainly because of the former's lower market valuation, higher liquidity and dividends.

\n

In a low interest rate environment, insurance capital will see their interest rate income contract. They need high-yield assets to offset such a decline. The higher yields generated in the Hong Kong stock market, combined with the favorable tax policy for dividend income generated by Hong Kong stock investment, can effectively address insurers' pressure regarding lowering net investment returns, he said.

\n

Experts from Huatai Securities explained that insurance companies' profit volatility will aggravate as the country's new accounting standards, which took effect in July 2024, have included changes such as encouraging insurance companies to measure financial assets according to their fair value.

\n

The trend started to take shape last year. Data from IAMAC showed that 99 insurance companies made investments via the Stock Connect program in 2024, mainly investing in the financial, energy and telecommunications industries. The average annual return rate of these investments came to 15 percent, 10 percentage points higher than one year ago.

\n

According to UBS, discretionary consumption, finance, information technology, healthcare and energy have so far this year been the top five industries attracting the most capital from the southbound leg of Stock Connect, via which Chinese mainland investors buy into Hong Kong stocks.

\n

Hong Kong market's bullish performance so far this year has been another attraction. During the first half of the year, the Hang Seng Index gained about 20 percent, only second to the 28 percent year-on-year increase reported by South Korea's major stock market index KOSPI.

\n

The Hong Kong stock market has also been the most vibrant globally in terms of initial public offering activities.

\n

During the first half of the year, total IPO proceeds registered at the Hong Kong bourse came to approximately HK$107 billion ($13.63 billion), which was seven times the figure collected in the same period of 2024 and exceeded last year's whole year amount of $11 billion.

\n

shijing@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_014_6898fe8bed50ccabe1517487.htm#014BUSINESS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "d8fd6c973ba951403f5fd9dd6587263e", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "014BUSINESS - Railways playing greater role in modernization", + "description": "

Builders from China Railway No 4 Engineering Group install a prefabricated box girder on Yuantang Village Grand Bridge on the Shaoyang-Yongzhou High-speed Railway in Hunan province on Aug 1.

\n

China National Railway Group (CR), the nation's railway operator, said that to better serve and support Chinese modernization, building a world-class railway enterprise in China is vital.

\n

In a key meeting it convened in Beijing in late July, CR said by focusing on railway passenger and freight transport services with diversified business operations, it must bolster market-oriented operations and expand its main businesses for such an aim.

\n

The country's railways carried passengers on 2.24 billion trips in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 6.7 percent and a new historical high, CR said, noting that the railways also carried 1.98 billion metric tons of goods, a rise of 3 percent.

\n

"Passenger and freight transportation are showing a trend of prosperity, making a positive contribution to smooth domestic and international dual circulation and ensuring stable operation of the national economy," CR said.

\n

Currently, China's plan to connect the whole country with high-speed railway is gaining momentum and its high-speed rail network is playing an increasing role in the nation's socioeconomic progress.

\n

CR said the country's high-speed rail network spans about 48,000 kilometers, accounting for 70 percent of the world's total, and linking nearly every Chinese city with a population of over 500,000.

\n

The two-day 12th International Union of Railways World Congress on High-Speed Rail concluded on July 10 in Beijing with over 2,000 participants from more than 60 countries, regions and international organizations, saying China has created the largest and most advanced high-speed rail system in the world in less than two decades.

\n

Liu Wei, minister of transport, said the country's comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network has enabled people, logistics and capital to flow efficiently across 9.6 million square kilometers of land, offering a vivid portrayal of Chinese modernization.

\n

The high-speed rail express network also covers 90 percent of China's top-rated 5A scenic spots, while high-speed rail cargo volume during the five-day May Day holiday this year jumped by 120 percent year-on-year, promoting the emergence of new economic forms.

\n

Cao Wei, an employee from State builder China Railway No 4 Engineering Group, said to highlight the smooth progress of an HSR in Central China's Hunan province, the first box girder of the Shaoyang section of the Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR was erected at Yuantang Village Grand Bridge on Aug 1.

\n

This marked a new cornerstone of the HSR linking the last two remaining prefecture-level cities of Shaoyang and Yongzhou in Hunan province that do not have an HSR allowing trains to run 350 kilometers per hour.

\n

The 96-km Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR, which began construction on Dec 26, 2023, is part of the 2,300-km Hohhot-Nanning HSR that links Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, with Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and is a key part of China's HSR network with eight HSR running vertically and eight HSR running horizontally.

\n

Cao said CREC4 is in charge of building the No 1 bid, which extends for 34.233 kilometers, for the Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR that will have three stations.

\n

She noted that upon completion, the Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR can extend southward through the designated Guangzhou-Qingyuan-Yongzhou HSR that connects Yongzhou with Guangzhou and Qingyuan in South China's Guangdong province, running in a north-south direction.

\n

The railway will then become a vital external channel in central and western regions of Hunan to join the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, she said.

\n

To ensure the smooth installation of the first box girder, the CREC4 project team focused on the construction tasks of box-girder fabrication, transportation and erection, as well as key processes such as box girder hoisting, transportation and installation, said Cao's colleague Bai Xingtao.

\n

hanjingyan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Builders from China Railway No 4 Engineering Group install a prefabricated box girder on Yuantang Village Grand Bridge on the Shaoyang-Yongzhou High-speed Railway in Hunan province on Aug 1.

\n

China National Railway Group (CR), the nation's railway operator, said that to better serve and support Chinese modernization, building a world-class railway enterprise in China is vital.

\n

In a key meeting it convened in Beijing in late July, CR said by focusing on railway passenger and freight transport services with diversified business operations, it must bolster market-oriented operations and expand its main businesses for such an aim.

\n

The country's railways carried passengers on 2.24 billion trips in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 6.7 percent and a new historical high, CR said, noting that the railways also carried 1.98 billion metric tons of goods, a rise of 3 percent.

\n

"Passenger and freight transportation are showing a trend of prosperity, making a positive contribution to smooth domestic and international dual circulation and ensuring stable operation of the national economy," CR said.

\n

Currently, China's plan to connect the whole country with high-speed railway is gaining momentum and its high-speed rail network is playing an increasing role in the nation's socioeconomic progress.

\n

CR said the country's high-speed rail network spans about 48,000 kilometers, accounting for 70 percent of the world's total, and linking nearly every Chinese city with a population of over 500,000.

\n

The two-day 12th International Union of Railways World Congress on High-Speed Rail concluded on July 10 in Beijing with over 2,000 participants from more than 60 countries, regions and international organizations, saying China has created the largest and most advanced high-speed rail system in the world in less than two decades.

\n

Liu Wei, minister of transport, said the country's comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network has enabled people, logistics and capital to flow efficiently across 9.6 million square kilometers of land, offering a vivid portrayal of Chinese modernization.

\n

The high-speed rail express network also covers 90 percent of China's top-rated 5A scenic spots, while high-speed rail cargo volume during the five-day May Day holiday this year jumped by 120 percent year-on-year, promoting the emergence of new economic forms.

\n

Cao Wei, an employee from State builder China Railway No 4 Engineering Group, said to highlight the smooth progress of an HSR in Central China's Hunan province, the first box girder of the Shaoyang section of the Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR was erected at Yuantang Village Grand Bridge on Aug 1.

\n

This marked a new cornerstone of the HSR linking the last two remaining prefecture-level cities of Shaoyang and Yongzhou in Hunan province that do not have an HSR allowing trains to run 350 kilometers per hour.

\n

The 96-km Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR, which began construction on Dec 26, 2023, is part of the 2,300-km Hohhot-Nanning HSR that links Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, with Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and is a key part of China's HSR network with eight HSR running vertically and eight HSR running horizontally.

\n

Cao said CREC4 is in charge of building the No 1 bid, which extends for 34.233 kilometers, for the Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR that will have three stations.

\n

She noted that upon completion, the Shaoyang-Yongzhou HSR can extend southward through the designated Guangzhou-Qingyuan-Yongzhou HSR that connects Yongzhou with Guangzhou and Qingyuan in South China's Guangdong province, running in a north-south direction.

\n

The railway will then become a vital external channel in central and western regions of Hunan to join the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, she said.

\n

To ensure the smooth installation of the first box girder, the CREC4 project team focused on the construction tasks of box-girder fabrication, transportation and erection, as well as key processes such as box girder hoisting, transportation and installation, said Cao's colleague Bai Xingtao.

\n

hanjingyan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_014_6898fe8fed50ccabe1517488.htm#014BUSINESS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "47d5037bccce2eceb2d69dcb5452828e", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "016MOTORING - Li Auto misfire signals deeper troubles", + "description": "

Li Auto's i8 pure electric SUV on display in a shopping mall in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Aug 7.

\n

Li Auto had hoped to stage a comeback in China's crowded pure electric vehicle market with the launch of the i8 SUV in late July. This comes after the fiasco of its first electric car, the Mega MPV, launched in March 2024.

\n

Now the company, known for extended-range plug-in hybrids, is mired in a backlash that highlights broader strategic and reputational challenges to the once high-flying automaker.

\n

The controversy centers on a dramatic crash test video shown at the i8's unveiling. In the footage, the SUV collides head-on with an 8-ton truck, sending the larger vehicle airborne and almost separating its cab from the trailer, while the i8 appears intact, its airbags deployed, and battery system undamaged.

\n

The clip quickly went viral — but not in the way Li Auto intended. Critics questioned the credibility of the test, noting that a light passenger vehicle causing such extensive damage to a fully loaded truck defies typical crash physics.

\n

Many observers dismissed the stunt as "sensationalist", accusing Li Auto of relying on emotionally charged imagery to stand out in an increasingly competitive EV segment.

\n

"This wasn't a safety demo — it was marketing theater," said a Shanghai-based automotive analyst who declined to be named.

\n

The situation escalated when Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, the manufacturer of the truck used in the test, issued a public statement condemning what it called a "scenario that misleads the public and damages the brand".

\n

Usually, if a product of another company is used in such tests, its logo, name or any other information is concealed. This was not the case in the i8 crash test, for unknown reasons.

\n

Some Li Auto executives initially adopted a combative tone, expressing willingness to repeat the test.

\n

But the company and the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, which conducted the test, later moved to ease tensions.

\n

Both issued statements clarifying that the test was intended solely to demonstrate the i8's passive safety performance, with no intent to disparage the truck brand.

\n

The i8 launch also became the subject of ridicule for another reason: a wooden table presented proudly onstage by CEO Li Xiang.

\n

He touted it as a useful feature for passengers to dine on or children to do homework during road trips.

\n

Social media users quickly drew mocking comparisons between Li's table and the more high-tech reveals by rivals Nio and XPeng, whose executives showcased in-house microchips at their product launches.

\n

In the days that followed, short videos began circulating online showing Li Auto vehicles occupying multiple parking spots or blocking entrances, further souring public sentiment. Though unrelated to the product itself, the clips fueled a narrative of poor brand image and low-class customers.

\n

The backlash has placed Li Auto in a precarious position. The company has been under pressure to regain momentum after the all-electric Mega MPV failed to resonate with buyers despite heavy promotion. The futuristic styling of the Mega proved divisive, with some praising its aerodynamic credentials but others claiming it resembled a hearse.

\n

The i8 was intended to relaunch its pure EV ambitions. On paper, it offers solid credentials, including a high-voltage platform and family-focused features.

\n

One week after launch, Li Auto abruptly consolidated the i8's three trims into a single "Max" variant saying that it was "surprised" that a big proportion of its users placed orders on the variant so it decided to "follow their advice".

\n

While some users welcomed the move, which effectively offers a 20,000-yuan ($2,780) discount, analysts said it reflected hasty decision-making and unclear product positioning. They added that the so-called decision to follow users' advice was nothing but a price cut in disguise to boost sales.

\n

"They're reacting to the market in real time, but it shows a lack of strategic foresight," said one auto consultant who wanted to remain anonymous.

\n

Behind the theatrics lies a more sobering reality: China's new energy vehicle landscape is evolving rapidly.

\n

The advantages that once fueled Li Auto's rise — its extended-range hybrids, family-centric branding, and early bet on the smart cockpit — are no longer enough to guarantee growth.

\n

Statistics show that Li Auto sales stood at 30,700 units in July, down 39.7 percent year-on-year and down 15.3 percent from June.

\n

Competitors such as Nio's sub-brand Onvo are quickly gaining ground with lower priced, better-integrated EV offerings.

\n

There were posts on social media claiming that Li Auto sales representatives told prospective Onvo L90 buyers that the i8 is now cheaper than a week ago, encouraging them to return for a test drive and promising to offset the deposit they paid for the L90.

\n

Investor sentiment has echoed that shift. Li Auto's shares tumbled more than 12 percent in Hong Kong the day after the i8 launch, though they recovered slightly following the price cut.

\n

Some analysts remain optimistic about the company's strong brand recognition and loyal user base. Others view the i8 rollout as symptomatic of internal mismanagement; a lack of critical voices around the table that might have questioned the value of the crash video or the logic of the product trim strategy.

\n

Still, the i8 is not without merit. It represents a technological step forward and Li Auto retains a sizable following among China's urban middle-class families.

\n

If the company can avoid further setbacks and better align marketing with its engineering, Li Auto may yet secure a position in China's fast-changing EV hierarchy. But to do so, the company must recalibrate its marketing approach, and — above all — let its products speak louder than theatrics.

\n

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Li Auto's i8 pure electric SUV on display in a shopping mall in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Aug 7.

\n

Li Auto had hoped to stage a comeback in China's crowded pure electric vehicle market with the launch of the i8 SUV in late July. This comes after the fiasco of its first electric car, the Mega MPV, launched in March 2024.

\n

Now the company, known for extended-range plug-in hybrids, is mired in a backlash that highlights broader strategic and reputational challenges to the once high-flying automaker.

\n

The controversy centers on a dramatic crash test video shown at the i8's unveiling. In the footage, the SUV collides head-on with an 8-ton truck, sending the larger vehicle airborne and almost separating its cab from the trailer, while the i8 appears intact, its airbags deployed, and battery system undamaged.

\n

The clip quickly went viral — but not in the way Li Auto intended. Critics questioned the credibility of the test, noting that a light passenger vehicle causing such extensive damage to a fully loaded truck defies typical crash physics.

\n

Many observers dismissed the stunt as "sensationalist", accusing Li Auto of relying on emotionally charged imagery to stand out in an increasingly competitive EV segment.

\n

"This wasn't a safety demo — it was marketing theater," said a Shanghai-based automotive analyst who declined to be named.

\n

The situation escalated when Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, the manufacturer of the truck used in the test, issued a public statement condemning what it called a "scenario that misleads the public and damages the brand".

\n

Usually, if a product of another company is used in such tests, its logo, name or any other information is concealed. This was not the case in the i8 crash test, for unknown reasons.

\n

Some Li Auto executives initially adopted a combative tone, expressing willingness to repeat the test.

\n

But the company and the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, which conducted the test, later moved to ease tensions.

\n

Both issued statements clarifying that the test was intended solely to demonstrate the i8's passive safety performance, with no intent to disparage the truck brand.

\n

The i8 launch also became the subject of ridicule for another reason: a wooden table presented proudly onstage by CEO Li Xiang.

\n

He touted it as a useful feature for passengers to dine on or children to do homework during road trips.

\n

Social media users quickly drew mocking comparisons between Li's table and the more high-tech reveals by rivals Nio and XPeng, whose executives showcased in-house microchips at their product launches.

\n

In the days that followed, short videos began circulating online showing Li Auto vehicles occupying multiple parking spots or blocking entrances, further souring public sentiment. Though unrelated to the product itself, the clips fueled a narrative of poor brand image and low-class customers.

\n

The backlash has placed Li Auto in a precarious position. The company has been under pressure to regain momentum after the all-electric Mega MPV failed to resonate with buyers despite heavy promotion. The futuristic styling of the Mega proved divisive, with some praising its aerodynamic credentials but others claiming it resembled a hearse.

\n

The i8 was intended to relaunch its pure EV ambitions. On paper, it offers solid credentials, including a high-voltage platform and family-focused features.

\n

One week after launch, Li Auto abruptly consolidated the i8's three trims into a single "Max" variant saying that it was "surprised" that a big proportion of its users placed orders on the variant so it decided to "follow their advice".

\n

While some users welcomed the move, which effectively offers a 20,000-yuan ($2,780) discount, analysts said it reflected hasty decision-making and unclear product positioning. They added that the so-called decision to follow users' advice was nothing but a price cut in disguise to boost sales.

\n

"They're reacting to the market in real time, but it shows a lack of strategic foresight," said one auto consultant who wanted to remain anonymous.

\n

Behind the theatrics lies a more sobering reality: China's new energy vehicle landscape is evolving rapidly.

\n

The advantages that once fueled Li Auto's rise — its extended-range hybrids, family-centric branding, and early bet on the smart cockpit — are no longer enough to guarantee growth.

\n

Statistics show that Li Auto sales stood at 30,700 units in July, down 39.7 percent year-on-year and down 15.3 percent from June.

\n

Competitors such as Nio's sub-brand Onvo are quickly gaining ground with lower priced, better-integrated EV offerings.

\n

There were posts on social media claiming that Li Auto sales representatives told prospective Onvo L90 buyers that the i8 is now cheaper than a week ago, encouraging them to return for a test drive and promising to offset the deposit they paid for the L90.

\n

Investor sentiment has echoed that shift. Li Auto's shares tumbled more than 12 percent in Hong Kong the day after the i8 launch, though they recovered slightly following the price cut.

\n

Some analysts remain optimistic about the company's strong brand recognition and loyal user base. Others view the i8 rollout as symptomatic of internal mismanagement; a lack of critical voices around the table that might have questioned the value of the crash video or the logic of the product trim strategy.

\n

Still, the i8 is not without merit. It represents a technological step forward and Li Auto retains a sizable following among China's urban middle-class families.

\n

If the company can avoid further setbacks and better align marketing with its engineering, Li Auto may yet secure a position in China's fast-changing EV hierarchy. But to do so, the company must recalibrate its marketing approach, and — above all — let its products speak louder than theatrics.

\n

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_016_6898fe9ced50ccabe151748b.htm#016MOTORING", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "eeadcc5f73f9733444c9f838e964d7ae", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "016MOTORING - Mid-tier premium brands feel the squeeze in China", + "description": "

Volvo launches the all-new S90 sedan in Daqing, Heilongjiang province, on May 29.

\n

Mid-tier premium brands such as Volvo and Jaguar are struggling to stay relevant in the competitive Chinese market, as local EV marques woo their customers and more popular global brands, including Audi and BMW, push downward into their previous domains.

\n

Once positioned well above mass-market offerings, these brands have been forced to slash prices in recent months to draw customers back into their showrooms.

\n

Volvo is offering incentives with its XC60 SUV, which is priced starting from 250,000 yuan ($34,500). Jaguar's XEL now starts at just 160,000 yuan, and Lincoln's Z sedan begins at 170,000 yuan, according to the China Automotive News.

\n

Even Lexus — long known for holding firm on pricing — has joined the discounting wave, it reported.

\n

The discounts have drawn some consumer interest, but they also point to deeper structural challenges.

\n

Many of these brands have been slow to electrify their lineups or invest meaningfully in intelligent driving systems — areas where domestic EV players have rapidly gained ground.

\n

"Consumers are no longer buying based on badge alone," Shi Hongtao, general manager at car rental and service platform Yian Yongche, told China Automotive News.

\n

Models such as the Arcfox S5 and Dongfeng eπ007, Shi noted, come equipped with large infotainment displays, voice control, and semi-autonomous driving features — technologies that were once confined to the high-end segment.

\n

For many buyers, particularly younger consumers, such tech has become non-negotiable.

\n

The effect is already visible. In the first half of 2025, China's car market grew 11.4 percent year-on-year, with new energy vehicles leading the charge.

\n

But mid-tier premium brands bucked the trend. Volvo's China sales fell 5.9 percent to 59,400 units. Lincoln posted a steep 32.5 percent drop to 33,000 vehicles, while Jaguar Land Rover sold just 22,000 units — a fraction of their former volumes.

\n

For quite a while, these brands relied on large discounts to attract customers, particularly during market downturns.

\n

But this strategy is rapidly losing effectiveness. "The model of trading margin for volume is breaking down," said one Beijing-based dealer for a European brand.

\n

"Today, even if you cut prices by 40 percent, customers may still walk away. There's growing skepticism about the long-term value and brand direction."

\n

Adding to their woes, second-tier premium players now find themselves caught in the middle.

\n

If they maintain higher prices, they risk being undercut by more competitive EV offerings.

\n

Meanwhile, first-tier luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are coming close to their pricing territory, eroding any justification for choosing the lesser-known marques.

\n

Brand erosion is becoming a real concern. "If you sell a 300,000-yuan car at 150,000, the brand suffers," said Liu Jun, an auto dealer in Beijing.

\n

"Consumers start to question whether the product was ever worth the original price. It undermines trust."

\n

Liu believes the better path is to maintain pricing discipline and reinforce brand positioning through more exclusive offerings — such as personalized vehicle options, premium after-sales service, and a more curated ownership experience.

\n

"There is still demand for niche, high-quality products," he said, "but not if brands try to compete as volume players in a market they're not equipped to serve."

\n

With competition in China intensifying and EVs commanding ever-greater mindshare, some foreign premium brands may shift their focus to overseas markets, where EV infrastructure remains underdeveloped and fuel cars retain a stronger foothold.

\n

Some industry insiders believe a quiet retreat may already be underway. "The intensity of competition in China is unlike anything in Europe or North America," said Shi.

\n

"If these brands cannot adapt to the pace of change — not just in technology, but in consumer expectations — their role in this market will continue to shrink. A full exit may not be imminent, but marginalization is already happening," he said.

\n

", + "content": "

Volvo launches the all-new S90 sedan in Daqing, Heilongjiang province, on May 29.

\n

Mid-tier premium brands such as Volvo and Jaguar are struggling to stay relevant in the competitive Chinese market, as local EV marques woo their customers and more popular global brands, including Audi and BMW, push downward into their previous domains.

\n

Once positioned well above mass-market offerings, these brands have been forced to slash prices in recent months to draw customers back into their showrooms.

\n

Volvo is offering incentives with its XC60 SUV, which is priced starting from 250,000 yuan ($34,500). Jaguar's XEL now starts at just 160,000 yuan, and Lincoln's Z sedan begins at 170,000 yuan, according to the China Automotive News.

\n

Even Lexus — long known for holding firm on pricing — has joined the discounting wave, it reported.

\n

The discounts have drawn some consumer interest, but they also point to deeper structural challenges.

\n

Many of these brands have been slow to electrify their lineups or invest meaningfully in intelligent driving systems — areas where domestic EV players have rapidly gained ground.

\n

"Consumers are no longer buying based on badge alone," Shi Hongtao, general manager at car rental and service platform Yian Yongche, told China Automotive News.

\n

Models such as the Arcfox S5 and Dongfeng eπ007, Shi noted, come equipped with large infotainment displays, voice control, and semi-autonomous driving features — technologies that were once confined to the high-end segment.

\n

For many buyers, particularly younger consumers, such tech has become non-negotiable.

\n

The effect is already visible. In the first half of 2025, China's car market grew 11.4 percent year-on-year, with new energy vehicles leading the charge.

\n

But mid-tier premium brands bucked the trend. Volvo's China sales fell 5.9 percent to 59,400 units. Lincoln posted a steep 32.5 percent drop to 33,000 vehicles, while Jaguar Land Rover sold just 22,000 units — a fraction of their former volumes.

\n

For quite a while, these brands relied on large discounts to attract customers, particularly during market downturns.

\n

But this strategy is rapidly losing effectiveness. "The model of trading margin for volume is breaking down," said one Beijing-based dealer for a European brand.

\n

"Today, even if you cut prices by 40 percent, customers may still walk away. There's growing skepticism about the long-term value and brand direction."

\n

Adding to their woes, second-tier premium players now find themselves caught in the middle.

\n

If they maintain higher prices, they risk being undercut by more competitive EV offerings.

\n

Meanwhile, first-tier luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are coming close to their pricing territory, eroding any justification for choosing the lesser-known marques.

\n

Brand erosion is becoming a real concern. "If you sell a 300,000-yuan car at 150,000, the brand suffers," said Liu Jun, an auto dealer in Beijing.

\n

"Consumers start to question whether the product was ever worth the original price. It undermines trust."

\n

Liu believes the better path is to maintain pricing discipline and reinforce brand positioning through more exclusive offerings — such as personalized vehicle options, premium after-sales service, and a more curated ownership experience.

\n

"There is still demand for niche, high-quality products," he said, "but not if brands try to compete as volume players in a market they're not equipped to serve."

\n

With competition in China intensifying and EVs commanding ever-greater mindshare, some foreign premium brands may shift their focus to overseas markets, where EV infrastructure remains underdeveloped and fuel cars retain a stronger foothold.

\n

Some industry insiders believe a quiet retreat may already be underway. "The intensity of competition in China is unlike anything in Europe or North America," said Shi.

\n

"If these brands cannot adapt to the pace of change — not just in technology, but in consumer expectations — their role in this market will continue to shrink. A full exit may not be imminent, but marginalization is already happening," he said.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_016_6898fea0ed50ccabe151748c.htm#016MOTORING", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "996ca44dd2b5125d846272fd89aff852", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "016MOTORING - NEV sales charge ahead in offseason", + "description": "

The auto market hit its usual midsummer lull in July, with growth easing, but some carmakers bucked the trend and set new monthly records.

\n

According to the China Automobile Dealers Association, passenger vehicle retail sales reached approximately 1.9 million units in July, slightly exceeding expectations. The figure in 2024 was 1.73 million units.

\n

The association noted that July saw the auto market enter its traditional offseason. With some regional subsidies phasing out, auto finance rebates falling, and automakers cutting promotions, consumer wait-and-see sentiment grew.

\n

In terms of brands, BYD remained the leader with 344,300 vehicles sold in July, a modest year-on-year increase of 0.6 percent and down 8.8 percent compared with June.

\n

Its performance in overseas markets jumped 159.5 percent in July, with sales of passenger cars and pickups reaching 80,200 units.

\n

SAIC Group followed with 338,000 units sold in July, up 34.2 percent year-on-year. Its sub-brands and new energy vehicle sectors have emerged as the primary growth engines for SAIC.

\n

Sales of its sub-brands including MG and IM Motors reached 214,000 units, a 39.4 percent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, NEV sales amounted to 117,000 units, showing year-on-year growth of 64.9 percent.

\n

Geely achieved sales of 237,700 units in July, up 58 percent year-on-year and 0.7 percent compared with June.

\n

Its NEV sector soared 120 percent year-on-year to 130,100 units, accounting for 55 percent of the total.

\n

Chery achieved vehicle sales of 224,400 units in July, up 14.7 percent year-on-year but down 3.9 percent over June. Among these, export vehicles accounted for 119,100 units, a 31.9 percent year-on-year increase, maintaining its position as the top Chinese auto exporter.

\n

The competition among NEV startups intensified, with multiple players setting delivery records.

\n

Leapmotor continues to hold top position among its peers with July deliveries at 50,100 units, a year-on-year growth of over 126 percent. This was the first time that its monthly delivery surpassed 50,000 units.

\n

XPeng delivered 36,700 new vehicles in July, showing a 229 percent year-on-year growth and a 6 percent increase from June. It also set a record for monthly deliveries.

\n

In contrast, Li Auto's deliveries fell, with 30,700 vehicles delivered in July, down 39.74 percent year-on-year. The automaker faced challenges following a public relations crisis triggered by a crash test video released during its i8 electric SUV launch event in late July.

\n

Xiaomi's car deliveries hit a record high, exceeding 30,000 units in July.

\n

The CADA said August is expected to outperform July because of the back-to-school season, car festival promotions, and auto shows.

\n

The China Passenger Car Association upgraded its predictions for full-year sales and exports last week based on "better-than-expected "performance.

\n

The CPCA now projects a 6 percent growth in China's car sales this year, with car export growth likely to reach 14 percent. This compares with the CPCA's June estimates of a 5 percent increase in car sales and a 10 percent rise in exports.

\n

caoyingying@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

The auto market hit its usual midsummer lull in July, with growth easing, but some carmakers bucked the trend and set new monthly records.

\n

According to the China Automobile Dealers Association, passenger vehicle retail sales reached approximately 1.9 million units in July, slightly exceeding expectations. The figure in 2024 was 1.73 million units.

\n

The association noted that July saw the auto market enter its traditional offseason. With some regional subsidies phasing out, auto finance rebates falling, and automakers cutting promotions, consumer wait-and-see sentiment grew.

\n

In terms of brands, BYD remained the leader with 344,300 vehicles sold in July, a modest year-on-year increase of 0.6 percent and down 8.8 percent compared with June.

\n

Its performance in overseas markets jumped 159.5 percent in July, with sales of passenger cars and pickups reaching 80,200 units.

\n

SAIC Group followed with 338,000 units sold in July, up 34.2 percent year-on-year. Its sub-brands and new energy vehicle sectors have emerged as the primary growth engines for SAIC.

\n

Sales of its sub-brands including MG and IM Motors reached 214,000 units, a 39.4 percent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, NEV sales amounted to 117,000 units, showing year-on-year growth of 64.9 percent.

\n

Geely achieved sales of 237,700 units in July, up 58 percent year-on-year and 0.7 percent compared with June.

\n

Its NEV sector soared 120 percent year-on-year to 130,100 units, accounting for 55 percent of the total.

\n

Chery achieved vehicle sales of 224,400 units in July, up 14.7 percent year-on-year but down 3.9 percent over June. Among these, export vehicles accounted for 119,100 units, a 31.9 percent year-on-year increase, maintaining its position as the top Chinese auto exporter.

\n

The competition among NEV startups intensified, with multiple players setting delivery records.

\n

Leapmotor continues to hold top position among its peers with July deliveries at 50,100 units, a year-on-year growth of over 126 percent. This was the first time that its monthly delivery surpassed 50,000 units.

\n

XPeng delivered 36,700 new vehicles in July, showing a 229 percent year-on-year growth and a 6 percent increase from June. It also set a record for monthly deliveries.

\n

In contrast, Li Auto's deliveries fell, with 30,700 vehicles delivered in July, down 39.74 percent year-on-year. The automaker faced challenges following a public relations crisis triggered by a crash test video released during its i8 electric SUV launch event in late July.

\n

Xiaomi's car deliveries hit a record high, exceeding 30,000 units in July.

\n

The CADA said August is expected to outperform July because of the back-to-school season, car festival promotions, and auto shows.

\n

The China Passenger Car Association upgraded its predictions for full-year sales and exports last week based on "better-than-expected "performance.

\n

The CPCA now projects a 6 percent growth in China's car sales this year, with car export growth likely to reach 14 percent. This compares with the CPCA's June estimates of a 5 percent increase in car sales and a 10 percent rise in exports.

\n

caoyingying@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_016_6898fea4ed50ccabe151748d.htm#016MOTORING", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "af1a853fe21ea7080ee3fb447e92afc6", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "016MOTORING - Short Torque", + "description": "

Huawei and Chery deepen alliance

\n

Huawei and Chery signed a new cooperation agreement on Thursday to bring their jointly created new car brand Luxeed into "Phase 2.0". Luxeed will invest over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) and expand its R&D team to 5,000 people to strengthen its technological leadership, the brand said. A new energy vehicle company dedicated to Luxeed has been established, with production, sales, and services operating independently to provide a better service experience. Luxeed plans to launch multiple new models to diversify its product lineup and accelerate its long-term development. The brand debuted its first model, the electric Luxeed S7 sedan, in November 2023, followed by the R7 coupe SUV in September 2024.

\n

GM and Hyundai to co-develop models

\n

Hyundai Motor and General Motors plan to jointly develop five vehicles set to hit the market in 2028, including an electric van for North America. The two automakers are deepening strategic ties amid intensifying competition from China. The pair will develop four vehicles for the Central and South American market, including a compact SUV, sedan and two pickups, all with the flexibility to use either an internal combustion engine or a hybrid system, they said on Thursday. GM will lead the development of the midsize truck platform, while Hyundai will lead the compact vehicle and electric van. Production of the five vehicles is forecast to exceed 800,000 units a year once production is fully running, they said.

\n

Shareholders sue over 'hidden risks'

\n

Elon Musk and Tesla were sued by shareholders who accused them of securities fraud for concealing the significant risk that the company's self-driving vehicles, including the robotaxi, were dangerous. The proposed class action was filed last week, following Tesla's first public test of its robotaxis in late June in the company's Austin, Texas, hometown. That test showed the vehicles speeding, braking suddenly, driving over a curb, entering the wrong lane, and dropping off passengers in the middle of multilane roads. Musk and his electric vehicle maker were accused of repeatedly overstating the effectiveness of and prospects for their autonomous driving technology, inflating Tesla's financial prospects and stock price.

\n

Doubts raised over German car growth

\n

New car sales in Germany posted a big rise in July, official data showed on Tuesday, but analysts warned against sounding the all-clear for Europe's top auto market. A total of 264,802 new cars were registered, up 11.1 percent year-on-year, the KBA federal transport authority said. Across a less volatile six-month comparison, however, new car registrations were down 2.5 percent, underlining Germany's sluggish market for new vehicles. "Demand is still weak, individuals and companies are delaying purchases amid a weak economy and very uncertain prospects," said Constantin Gall, an automotive analyst at consultancy EY. "The new car market is not moving forward." New car sales were particularly weak in July 2024 after customers had rushed to buy cars that June, hoping to avoid pricier vehicles before a new European Union regulation mandating driver-assistance systems took effect.

\n

US tariffs halving profits at Honda

\n

The Japanese automaker Honda reported on Wednesday that its April-June profit totaled 196.7 billion yen ($1.3 billion), about half of what it earned during the same period of 2024 at 394.7 billion yen, as it was hit by 25 percent tariffs on vehicle exports to the United States. Quarterly sales moved 1.2 percent lower to 5.3 trillion yen. The Tokyo-based automaker revised its profit forecast for the full fiscal year through March 2026 to 420 billion yen, better than its earlier estimate of 250 billion yen. But the projection still marks a 50 percent drop from the 2024-25 results. Honda stuck to its forecast to sell 3.62 million vehicles worldwide in that fiscal year. The negative effect of the tariffs was estimated at about 450 billion yen, based on "a detailed review", according to Honda. The company's auto sales declined year-on-year in Japan, the rest of Asia and Europe. Honda's quarterly global auto sales totaled 839,000 units, down from 869,000 in the same period of 2024.

\n

", + "content": "

Huawei and Chery deepen alliance

\n

Huawei and Chery signed a new cooperation agreement on Thursday to bring their jointly created new car brand Luxeed into "Phase 2.0". Luxeed will invest over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) and expand its R&D team to 5,000 people to strengthen its technological leadership, the brand said. A new energy vehicle company dedicated to Luxeed has been established, with production, sales, and services operating independently to provide a better service experience. Luxeed plans to launch multiple new models to diversify its product lineup and accelerate its long-term development. The brand debuted its first model, the electric Luxeed S7 sedan, in November 2023, followed by the R7 coupe SUV in September 2024.

\n

GM and Hyundai to co-develop models

\n

Hyundai Motor and General Motors plan to jointly develop five vehicles set to hit the market in 2028, including an electric van for North America. The two automakers are deepening strategic ties amid intensifying competition from China. The pair will develop four vehicles for the Central and South American market, including a compact SUV, sedan and two pickups, all with the flexibility to use either an internal combustion engine or a hybrid system, they said on Thursday. GM will lead the development of the midsize truck platform, while Hyundai will lead the compact vehicle and electric van. Production of the five vehicles is forecast to exceed 800,000 units a year once production is fully running, they said.

\n

Shareholders sue over 'hidden risks'

\n

Elon Musk and Tesla were sued by shareholders who accused them of securities fraud for concealing the significant risk that the company's self-driving vehicles, including the robotaxi, were dangerous. The proposed class action was filed last week, following Tesla's first public test of its robotaxis in late June in the company's Austin, Texas, hometown. That test showed the vehicles speeding, braking suddenly, driving over a curb, entering the wrong lane, and dropping off passengers in the middle of multilane roads. Musk and his electric vehicle maker were accused of repeatedly overstating the effectiveness of and prospects for their autonomous driving technology, inflating Tesla's financial prospects and stock price.

\n

Doubts raised over German car growth

\n

New car sales in Germany posted a big rise in July, official data showed on Tuesday, but analysts warned against sounding the all-clear for Europe's top auto market. A total of 264,802 new cars were registered, up 11.1 percent year-on-year, the KBA federal transport authority said. Across a less volatile six-month comparison, however, new car registrations were down 2.5 percent, underlining Germany's sluggish market for new vehicles. "Demand is still weak, individuals and companies are delaying purchases amid a weak economy and very uncertain prospects," said Constantin Gall, an automotive analyst at consultancy EY. "The new car market is not moving forward." New car sales were particularly weak in July 2024 after customers had rushed to buy cars that June, hoping to avoid pricier vehicles before a new European Union regulation mandating driver-assistance systems took effect.

\n

US tariffs halving profits at Honda

\n

The Japanese automaker Honda reported on Wednesday that its April-June profit totaled 196.7 billion yen ($1.3 billion), about half of what it earned during the same period of 2024 at 394.7 billion yen, as it was hit by 25 percent tariffs on vehicle exports to the United States. Quarterly sales moved 1.2 percent lower to 5.3 trillion yen. The Tokyo-based automaker revised its profit forecast for the full fiscal year through March 2026 to 420 billion yen, better than its earlier estimate of 250 billion yen. But the projection still marks a 50 percent drop from the 2024-25 results. Honda stuck to its forecast to sell 3.62 million vehicles worldwide in that fiscal year. The negative effect of the tariffs was estimated at about 450 billion yen, based on "a detailed review", according to Honda. The company's auto sales declined year-on-year in Japan, the rest of Asia and Europe. Honda's quarterly global auto sales totaled 839,000 units, down from 869,000 in the same period of 2024.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_016_6898fea8ed50ccabe151748e.htm#016MOTORING", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "acffa45aa83b995cd48e50e8a473558f", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "017LIFE - Contest dishes out China's talented chefs", + "description": "

From left: Some of the dishes prepared by contestants from the show Chef of China: Glutinous rice wrapped in palm leaves with Dai-style sabayon and golden osmanthus; modern-style stinky Mandarin fish; Kung Pao prawns; and black pork roulade.

\n

From left: Judges of the show Vicky Cheng, owner of a high-ranking Chinese restaurant, and Nicholas Tse, pop star-turned-chef; contestant master chefs Tian Zeyu and Ken Huang.

\n

Elegant, composed, and confident, eyes gleaming with focus and hands dancing between flames and appliances is not the image most people conjure up when they imagine a chef. But in Chef of China, a hit reality cooking show, this is exactly the portrait on display.

\n

Gone are the tired stereotypes of burly cooks with sweat-stained collars. Replacing the stereotype are stylish, witty, and fiercely passionate chefs who are also humorous while competing with flair and creating cuisines with heart.

\n

Airing now on Tencent Video, Chef of China unites a dazzlingly diverse cast of culinary talent. From rising young stars to seasoned veterans, from women breaking new ground to men redefining tradition, the show features chefs of all backgrounds — restaurant professionals and home cooks, masters of Chinese flavors and experts in Western techniques who work in China and abroad.

\n

It's a rare gathering of skills, creativity, and personal stories that take center stage to reveal just how wide and dynamic the world of Chinese cuisine has become.

\n

But this is no ordinary cooking competition. It's a culinary battleground. The show begins with 100 chefs — 16 master chefs and 84 challengers. In a dramatic first round, the competitors face a brutal elimination in which only 16 survive to take on the masters; a format that mirrors a Chinese chess match. And, just like chess, only one can win.

\n

Chief director He Shu set a high bar for the "masters" — Michelin stars, Black Pearl accolades, spots on global top-restaurant lists, or legendary status in China's eight major traditional cuisines. Some are executive chefs from five-star hotels with decades of experience.

\n

"What moved me most was their willingness to compete," He says. "They've already made it, but they came to inspire and boost the industry."

\n

The challengers, or "small chefs", were selected from over 5,000 applicants — young talents, seasoned veterans, home cooks, and pros, among whom are a 23-year-old innovator and a 71-year-old spicy crab icon.

\n

"Delicious food is the baseline," He says. "We also value creativity, vision, and potential.

\n

"Our goal is for the audience to truly understand who Chinese chefs are," she adds. "To see their skills, feel their passion, and respect their worth."

\n

From its beginning, Chef of China aimed to be more than just a competition. He and her team collaborated closely with chefs nationwide, seeking input on everything from stage design to ingredient sourcing and format. Their mission is to create a platform that feels both professional and respectful.

\n

That respect became mutual. During filming, many chefs shared ideas and gave feedback, hoping to help the show grow. "It became a two-way journey," He says. "We weren't just documenting them; they were helping shape the show."

\n

Cantonese master chef Chen Xiaodong was especially moved by the diversity — traditionalists, modernists, and chefs blending both styles, including those from ethnic backgrounds. "It's a blooming era for Chinese cuisine," he says. "The talent and energy we're seeing is thrilling."

\n

Reflecting on these changes, Chen has witnessed in China how Cantonese cuisine has evolved over decades, from intricate carvings to molecular gastronomy. Today, he notes a return to simplicity and confidence; refined tableware, clean presentations, and flavor-forward dishes.

\n

"We're at a turning point," he says. "The traditional eight cuisines are just the beginning. Chinese food and chefs deserve to be reintroduced to the world."

\n

Genuine connections

\n

The show also sparked genuine friendships. After filming, chefs often stayed up late sharing meals to dissect challenges and exchange ideas.

\n

One such bond led to a new venture. Chen, along with fellow chefs Yang Yanbin, Tian Zeyu and Zhang Jian, teamed up during a group round and discovered instant chemistry.

\n

"We'd never worked together before, but on set, we just clicked," Chen recalls. "There was this incredible sense of flow. We were in it not just to compete but to create."

\n

Now, they're launching an eight-handed consecutive dining experience — a rotating pop-up dinner series across their restaurants in Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Shanghai, and Chengdu in Sichuan province. A collaboration born on the set is now headed to the table.

\n

Organizing a cooking competition in China is no easy feat. With its vast geography and varied culinary traditions, "The differences in lifestyle are just too great," says Chen Xiaoqing, chief adviser to the show and famous food documentary director.

\n

Still, Chen Xiaoqing sees the show as more than a contest. "It's a platform for exchange and growth," he says. "Food expresses cultural diversity and a civilization's depth. Our daily meals are as meaningful as a nation's artistic or scientific achievements. They're part of something great."

\n

Reflecting that richness, the judging panel spans the culinary spectrum — Zhang Yong, founder of Michelin and Black Pearl-recognized Xin Rong Ji; Nicholas Tse, pop star-turned-chef and global food connoisseur; and Vicky Cheng, chef and owner of Wing, highest-ranked Chinese restaurant on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

\n

Director He recalls Tse's reaction to joining the show. "He told me when he pursued cooking at the height of his fame, many didn't understand. But he's truly passionate. Seeing such a professional show means a lot to him.

\n

"We call it a show," she adds, "but sometimes it feels like a documentary or a powerful drama about food and people."

\n

Elevating women

\n

Chef of China showcases a rich mix of chefs — banquet cooks, home chefs, social media creators, and outdoor specialists — broadening how audiences view the profession.

\n

Notably, women are rising in this traditionally male-dominated space. Among them are several outstanding figures: Wei Guirong, the "London Noodle Queen", who taught foreigners to use chopsticks with a single bowl of oil-splashed noodles, along with masters of Sichuan cuisine, Minnan (southern region of Fujian province) homestyle cooks, and young Western cuisine chefs.

\n

Grace Choy, 58, is a standout. She became a chef in her 40s and now runs ChoyChoy, a tiny four-seat private kitchen in Tokyo, which was praised by CNN and the South China Morning Post as one of Asia's best hidden gems.

\n

Competing as a "small chef", Choy's goal isn't to obtain trophies but to share her passion.

\n

Her journey has been tough. Fired from three office jobs and diagnosed with ADHD, she found focus and peace in cooking. "I'm grateful I took the leap and want to inspire others," she says.

\n

Her signature soy sauce chicken, a classic Cantonese dish elevated with a touch of Japanese koji, won the judges over in the first round. In the second round, she made Queen's Chicken, a dish inspired by postpartum meals reimagined as a celebration of all women. "Every woman deserves to be a queen," she says.

\n

For Choy, cooking is about breaking rules and pushing boundaries. "I learn from both the young and the experienced chefs," she reflects. "Sometimes I feel small next to their talent, but that only fuels my passion."

\n

With nearly a million followers on Facebook and sharing recipes and stories on Xiaohongshu (RedNote), Choy's warmth and authenticity touch many, especially stay-at-home moms who see themselves in her journey.

\n

A younger generation

\n

Since the show aired, its impact has been obvious. Choy's tiny Tokyo restaurant is booked through next spring. In Changsha, Hunan province, a chef known for spicy crayfish praised by judge Tse has seen weekend sales quadruple. Meanwhile, a Fujian cuisine specialist in Xiamen now pulls in daily revenue of over 100,000 yuan ($13,900) after winning judges' praise.

\n

Executive producer Zhao Jing often hears stories like these and is struck by the confidence of China's new generation of chefs. "They've traveled widely and blend East and West creatively," she says. "They don't just cook, but also design whole dining experiences."

\n

Zhao's daughter is in high school, and while Zhao hadn't initially considered a culinary career for her, she now sees it as a wonderful, rewarding path. "You can see the spark in their eyes," she says.

\n

One standout in the competition is 27-year-old Gao Yonghao, the head chef at Beijing's French restaurant Brasserie 1893. Gao captured hearts with a charcoal wok-fried rice cooked on a skimmer, a secret menu hit.

\n

Gao's inspiration came two years ago while crafting a winter menu. He wanted a dish that evoked the festive flavors of lap cheong (a Chinese sausage) and cured pork, infusing smoky charcoal aromas by cooking rice on a skimmer.

\n

Judge Zhang Yong's critique was eye-opening. While the dish was memorable, some flavors overshadowed the natural aroma of the rice. "It shattered my previous thinking," Gao admits.

\n

Today, Gao's refined version includes crispy fried rice bits that add texture and enhance the fragrance.

\n

For Gao, the competition is about creativity and embracing global influences. "My style includes all cultures and cooking methods," he says. He hopes viewers see the chefs' passion and dedication. "I want my career to be about living authentically and to find joy and meaning in what I do."

\n

With filming wrapped, director He says there's more to explore, and China's rich ingredients and stories still await. Plans for the next season are underway, with chefs eager to return.

\n

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

From left: Some of the dishes prepared by contestants from the show Chef of China: Glutinous rice wrapped in palm leaves with Dai-style sabayon and golden osmanthus; modern-style stinky Mandarin fish; Kung Pao prawns; and black pork roulade.

\n

From left: Judges of the show Vicky Cheng, owner of a high-ranking Chinese restaurant, and Nicholas Tse, pop star-turned-chef; contestant master chefs Tian Zeyu and Ken Huang.

\n

Elegant, composed, and confident, eyes gleaming with focus and hands dancing between flames and appliances is not the image most people conjure up when they imagine a chef. But in Chef of China, a hit reality cooking show, this is exactly the portrait on display.

\n

Gone are the tired stereotypes of burly cooks with sweat-stained collars. Replacing the stereotype are stylish, witty, and fiercely passionate chefs who are also humorous while competing with flair and creating cuisines with heart.

\n

Airing now on Tencent Video, Chef of China unites a dazzlingly diverse cast of culinary talent. From rising young stars to seasoned veterans, from women breaking new ground to men redefining tradition, the show features chefs of all backgrounds — restaurant professionals and home cooks, masters of Chinese flavors and experts in Western techniques who work in China and abroad.

\n

It's a rare gathering of skills, creativity, and personal stories that take center stage to reveal just how wide and dynamic the world of Chinese cuisine has become.

\n

But this is no ordinary cooking competition. It's a culinary battleground. The show begins with 100 chefs — 16 master chefs and 84 challengers. In a dramatic first round, the competitors face a brutal elimination in which only 16 survive to take on the masters; a format that mirrors a Chinese chess match. And, just like chess, only one can win.

\n

Chief director He Shu set a high bar for the "masters" — Michelin stars, Black Pearl accolades, spots on global top-restaurant lists, or legendary status in China's eight major traditional cuisines. Some are executive chefs from five-star hotels with decades of experience.

\n

"What moved me most was their willingness to compete," He says. "They've already made it, but they came to inspire and boost the industry."

\n

The challengers, or "small chefs", were selected from over 5,000 applicants — young talents, seasoned veterans, home cooks, and pros, among whom are a 23-year-old innovator and a 71-year-old spicy crab icon.

\n

"Delicious food is the baseline," He says. "We also value creativity, vision, and potential.

\n

"Our goal is for the audience to truly understand who Chinese chefs are," she adds. "To see their skills, feel their passion, and respect their worth."

\n

From its beginning, Chef of China aimed to be more than just a competition. He and her team collaborated closely with chefs nationwide, seeking input on everything from stage design to ingredient sourcing and format. Their mission is to create a platform that feels both professional and respectful.

\n

That respect became mutual. During filming, many chefs shared ideas and gave feedback, hoping to help the show grow. "It became a two-way journey," He says. "We weren't just documenting them; they were helping shape the show."

\n

Cantonese master chef Chen Xiaodong was especially moved by the diversity — traditionalists, modernists, and chefs blending both styles, including those from ethnic backgrounds. "It's a blooming era for Chinese cuisine," he says. "The talent and energy we're seeing is thrilling."

\n

Reflecting on these changes, Chen has witnessed in China how Cantonese cuisine has evolved over decades, from intricate carvings to molecular gastronomy. Today, he notes a return to simplicity and confidence; refined tableware, clean presentations, and flavor-forward dishes.

\n

"We're at a turning point," he says. "The traditional eight cuisines are just the beginning. Chinese food and chefs deserve to be reintroduced to the world."

\n

Genuine connections

\n

The show also sparked genuine friendships. After filming, chefs often stayed up late sharing meals to dissect challenges and exchange ideas.

\n

One such bond led to a new venture. Chen, along with fellow chefs Yang Yanbin, Tian Zeyu and Zhang Jian, teamed up during a group round and discovered instant chemistry.

\n

"We'd never worked together before, but on set, we just clicked," Chen recalls. "There was this incredible sense of flow. We were in it not just to compete but to create."

\n

Now, they're launching an eight-handed consecutive dining experience — a rotating pop-up dinner series across their restaurants in Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Shanghai, and Chengdu in Sichuan province. A collaboration born on the set is now headed to the table.

\n

Organizing a cooking competition in China is no easy feat. With its vast geography and varied culinary traditions, "The differences in lifestyle are just too great," says Chen Xiaoqing, chief adviser to the show and famous food documentary director.

\n

Still, Chen Xiaoqing sees the show as more than a contest. "It's a platform for exchange and growth," he says. "Food expresses cultural diversity and a civilization's depth. Our daily meals are as meaningful as a nation's artistic or scientific achievements. They're part of something great."

\n

Reflecting that richness, the judging panel spans the culinary spectrum — Zhang Yong, founder of Michelin and Black Pearl-recognized Xin Rong Ji; Nicholas Tse, pop star-turned-chef and global food connoisseur; and Vicky Cheng, chef and owner of Wing, highest-ranked Chinese restaurant on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

\n

Director He recalls Tse's reaction to joining the show. "He told me when he pursued cooking at the height of his fame, many didn't understand. But he's truly passionate. Seeing such a professional show means a lot to him.

\n

"We call it a show," she adds, "but sometimes it feels like a documentary or a powerful drama about food and people."

\n

Elevating women

\n

Chef of China showcases a rich mix of chefs — banquet cooks, home chefs, social media creators, and outdoor specialists — broadening how audiences view the profession.

\n

Notably, women are rising in this traditionally male-dominated space. Among them are several outstanding figures: Wei Guirong, the "London Noodle Queen", who taught foreigners to use chopsticks with a single bowl of oil-splashed noodles, along with masters of Sichuan cuisine, Minnan (southern region of Fujian province) homestyle cooks, and young Western cuisine chefs.

\n

Grace Choy, 58, is a standout. She became a chef in her 40s and now runs ChoyChoy, a tiny four-seat private kitchen in Tokyo, which was praised by CNN and the South China Morning Post as one of Asia's best hidden gems.

\n

Competing as a "small chef", Choy's goal isn't to obtain trophies but to share her passion.

\n

Her journey has been tough. Fired from three office jobs and diagnosed with ADHD, she found focus and peace in cooking. "I'm grateful I took the leap and want to inspire others," she says.

\n

Her signature soy sauce chicken, a classic Cantonese dish elevated with a touch of Japanese koji, won the judges over in the first round. In the second round, she made Queen's Chicken, a dish inspired by postpartum meals reimagined as a celebration of all women. "Every woman deserves to be a queen," she says.

\n

For Choy, cooking is about breaking rules and pushing boundaries. "I learn from both the young and the experienced chefs," she reflects. "Sometimes I feel small next to their talent, but that only fuels my passion."

\n

With nearly a million followers on Facebook and sharing recipes and stories on Xiaohongshu (RedNote), Choy's warmth and authenticity touch many, especially stay-at-home moms who see themselves in her journey.

\n

A younger generation

\n

Since the show aired, its impact has been obvious. Choy's tiny Tokyo restaurant is booked through next spring. In Changsha, Hunan province, a chef known for spicy crayfish praised by judge Tse has seen weekend sales quadruple. Meanwhile, a Fujian cuisine specialist in Xiamen now pulls in daily revenue of over 100,000 yuan ($13,900) after winning judges' praise.

\n

Executive producer Zhao Jing often hears stories like these and is struck by the confidence of China's new generation of chefs. "They've traveled widely and blend East and West creatively," she says. "They don't just cook, but also design whole dining experiences."

\n

Zhao's daughter is in high school, and while Zhao hadn't initially considered a culinary career for her, she now sees it as a wonderful, rewarding path. "You can see the spark in their eyes," she says.

\n

One standout in the competition is 27-year-old Gao Yonghao, the head chef at Beijing's French restaurant Brasserie 1893. Gao captured hearts with a charcoal wok-fried rice cooked on a skimmer, a secret menu hit.

\n

Gao's inspiration came two years ago while crafting a winter menu. He wanted a dish that evoked the festive flavors of lap cheong (a Chinese sausage) and cured pork, infusing smoky charcoal aromas by cooking rice on a skimmer.

\n

Judge Zhang Yong's critique was eye-opening. While the dish was memorable, some flavors overshadowed the natural aroma of the rice. "It shattered my previous thinking," Gao admits.

\n

Today, Gao's refined version includes crispy fried rice bits that add texture and enhance the fragrance.

\n

For Gao, the competition is about creativity and embracing global influences. "My style includes all cultures and cooking methods," he says. He hopes viewers see the chefs' passion and dedication. "I want my career to be about living authentically and to find joy and meaning in what I do."

\n

With filming wrapped, director He says there's more to explore, and China's rich ingredients and stories still await. Plans for the next season are underway, with chefs eager to return.

\n

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_017_6898feaced50ccabe151748f.htm#017LIFE", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "fe3ef93262f56898beb6299b2a2c1d2d", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "017LIFE - Festival expands beyond the Swiss Alps to make Asian debut in Shenzhen", + "description": "

Cellist Mischa Maisky (left) and pianist Bruce Liu will greet the inaugural Verbier Festival in Shenzhen.

\n

One of the world's premier classical music events, The Verbier Festival, is embarking on a historic expansion beyond the Swiss Alps, making its Asian debut in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in late January 2026.

\n

"The strategic move reflects Asia's remarkable ascent as a classical music destination. With its robust arts education systems, thriving consumer market, and growing artistic influence, the region is full of potential for growth," says Martin Engstroem, the Verbier Festival's founder and director. Agreeing with his statement is Wu Jiatong, co-founder and president of Wu Promotion, who developed the "Verbier Festival in Asia" concept with Engstroem.

\n

The Verbier Festival was established in Switzerland in 1994, to create a "music camp" for young artists, featuring the participation of global musicians.

\n

The cooperation also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland.

\n

The inaugural 2026 Verbier Festival in Shenzhen will run for 10 days from Jan 30 to Feb 8, 2026, presenting over 25 concerts and events. It will feature an exciting lineup, including pianists Martha Argerich, Lang Lang, Bruce Liu, Alexander Malofeev, violinist Joshua Bell, and cellist Mischa Maisky.

\n

The world-renowned Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra will beat as the heart of the festival as its orchestra-in-residence, with music director Gabor Takacs-Nagy, performing six concerts.

\n

Reflecting on the festival's commitment to nurturing young talent, it will offer master classes, one-on-one mentoring, and interactive sessions with famous musicians to provide learning opportunities for emerging artists from Asia and beyond. In addition to musical performances, the festival will engage the wider community through public workshops, educational programs, and partnerships with local institutions to enrich Shenzhen's cultural landscape.

\n

The Shenzhen Longgang International Art Centre, a new cultural landmark scheduled to open by late 2025, and the Shenzhen Concert Hall will be the festival's main venues for performances and events.

\n

"Since our first visit in 2003, a whole generation of young Chinese musicians is educated and has performed at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland," says Engstroem.

\n

"Now is the moment to bring the Verbier Festival to Asia. The great artists who have made Verbier what it is over the past 32 years come to Shenzhen to share their extraordinary performances and collaborations."

\n

"At this moment, I am proud to embark alongside Martin Engstroem on another milestone: the Verbier Festival in Shenzhen, the first in Asia, with support from the Shenzhen government," says Wu.

\n

"This initiative will position the Verbier Festival as a new platform for Sino-Swiss cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the two cultures," says Ding Zhongyuan, deputy director of the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports.

\n

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "content": "

Cellist Mischa Maisky (left) and pianist Bruce Liu will greet the inaugural Verbier Festival in Shenzhen.

\n

One of the world's premier classical music events, The Verbier Festival, is embarking on a historic expansion beyond the Swiss Alps, making its Asian debut in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in late January 2026.

\n

"The strategic move reflects Asia's remarkable ascent as a classical music destination. With its robust arts education systems, thriving consumer market, and growing artistic influence, the region is full of potential for growth," says Martin Engstroem, the Verbier Festival's founder and director. Agreeing with his statement is Wu Jiatong, co-founder and president of Wu Promotion, who developed the "Verbier Festival in Asia" concept with Engstroem.

\n

The Verbier Festival was established in Switzerland in 1994, to create a "music camp" for young artists, featuring the participation of global musicians.

\n

The cooperation also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland.

\n

The inaugural 2026 Verbier Festival in Shenzhen will run for 10 days from Jan 30 to Feb 8, 2026, presenting over 25 concerts and events. It will feature an exciting lineup, including pianists Martha Argerich, Lang Lang, Bruce Liu, Alexander Malofeev, violinist Joshua Bell, and cellist Mischa Maisky.

\n

The world-renowned Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra will beat as the heart of the festival as its orchestra-in-residence, with music director Gabor Takacs-Nagy, performing six concerts.

\n

Reflecting on the festival's commitment to nurturing young talent, it will offer master classes, one-on-one mentoring, and interactive sessions with famous musicians to provide learning opportunities for emerging artists from Asia and beyond. In addition to musical performances, the festival will engage the wider community through public workshops, educational programs, and partnerships with local institutions to enrich Shenzhen's cultural landscape.

\n

The Shenzhen Longgang International Art Centre, a new cultural landmark scheduled to open by late 2025, and the Shenzhen Concert Hall will be the festival's main venues for performances and events.

\n

"Since our first visit in 2003, a whole generation of young Chinese musicians is educated and has performed at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland," says Engstroem.

\n

"Now is the moment to bring the Verbier Festival to Asia. The great artists who have made Verbier what it is over the past 32 years come to Shenzhen to share their extraordinary performances and collaborations."

\n

"At this moment, I am proud to embark alongside Martin Engstroem on another milestone: the Verbier Festival in Shenzhen, the first in Asia, with support from the Shenzhen government," says Wu.

\n

"This initiative will position the Verbier Festival as a new platform for Sino-Swiss cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the two cultures," says Ding Zhongyuan, deputy director of the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports.

\n

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n


获取更多RSS：
https://feedx.net
https://feedx.site
", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_017_6898feb0ed50ccabe1517490.htm#017LIFE", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "681719f50b05d934a8b8221df2e06fc8", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "018CULTURE - Life lessons behind the music", + "description": "

Singer Gong Linna performs at the Beijing Concert Hall on Aug 1, celebrating her 50th birthday and the release of a new book.

\n

Gong in Dali, Yunnan province.

\n

The cover of Gong's new book, Do Not Worry, Be Yourself.

\n

On the evening of Aug 1, the Beijing Concert Hall was alive with music, laughter, and celebration as Gong Linna marked her 50th birthday with a performance unlike any other.

\n

The hall was filled with her fans, her music teachers, neighbors, and friends — people who had supported her through the highs and lows of her journey.

\n

"It was an evening to honor not just my music but the woman I have become," she says with a big smile.

\n

Shaped by years of introspection, struggle and growth, the concert featured some of Gong's best-known songs. With each note, she shared a piece of herself, revealing the depths of her vulnerability and strength.

\n

Between songs, Gong spoke openly about the purpose behind this celebration. It wasn't just about her birthday or her music — "it was a moment to celebrate life itself", to reflect on the years that had shaped her, and to embrace the powerful themes of her new book, Do Not Worry, Be Yourself, released that day.

\n

The book, six years in the making, chronicles Gong's life between 40 and 50, a period of profound change and personal awakening. From the dizzying heights of fame to quiet moments of self-doubt, from the end of her 20-year marriage to career breakthroughs, Gong's path was anything but easy. Yet, through it all, she says that she discovered something profound — the power of truly being herself.

\n

"It's one of the most important books of my spiritual growth and development," she says.

\n

In the book, she recounts her struggles with the pressures of fame and the unease that accompanied her rise to stardom. At the peak of her career, burdened by public expectations and her own ambitions, she began questioning everything.

\n

"Fame came with its set of challenges. I was unsure of who I was beyond the public persona of a 'star'," she recalls.

\n

A turning point came when, facing a severe leg injury and a stagnant career, Gong made a bold choice: she left Beijing, the city that had defined her career, and moved to the tranquil beauty of Dali, Yunnan province — a place where she could escape the pressures of fame and reconnect with herself. In Dali's simplicity, she found space for healing, both physically and emotionally.

\n

In Dali, she sang every day, not just by herself, but also with neighbors who formed a choir, which performed at her Beijing concert.

\n

She also reflects on her marriage to Robert Zollitsch, a German composer and musicologist.

\n

Gong began singing at the age of 5 in her hometown, Guiyang, Guizhou province, in Southwest China. The musically versatile youngster enrolled to study folk music at the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing at 16. She held her first solo concert in 1999, and in 2000, won the second prize at the CCTV young singers Grand Prix, becoming a regular at major galas.

\n

She met Zollitsch in 2002. Together, they explored new musical horizons. Zollitsch composed for Gong, and with his support, she left her secure position with a top traditional Chinese orchestra to pursue her own artistic voice.

\n

One of the first songs they recorded was Free Bird. Inspiration came from breaking free from the constraints of traditional singing styles to pursue self-expression.

\n

"I wanted to move beyond the established norms and structures of the conventional singing techniques I learned for decades. Instead, I embraced a more personal and authentic form of artistic expression," says Gong, who performed the song at the Aug 1 concert.

\n

Their biggest hit was Tan Te (Unease), a song without lyrics, released in 2009.With Gong's powerful voice, wide vocal range and dramatic facial expressions, the song drew rave reviews, making Gong an internet sensation. They went on to release albums inspired by traditional Chinese poetry, with a goal of preserving the essence of traditional Chinese folk music in new forms. They also composed songs inspired by the 24 Solar Terms, a traditional Chinese calendar that summarizes different seasonal phenomena.

\n

Five years ago, the pandemic separated them, prompting Gong to reflect on her artistic independence. Gradually, she realized she no longer needed to depend on anyone.

\n

"When the fruit of love spoils, you must clean it up and perform surgery in time. Otherwise, all you'll be left with is broken pieces," she writes in the book. Through these reflections, she came to see love not as possession or control but as mutual growth and support.

\n

In October 2024, their marriage ended. Gong marked the occasion with a party, inviting the friends who had attended her wedding and performing the music she and Zollitsch created together.

\n

"We have two lovely sons and created so much great music together. That's very beautiful," she says.

\n

In Dali, Gong rekindled her musical spark. The book describes her journey back to music — not through the lens of commercial success but through the joy of creation and artistic freedom. She explored new musical collaborations, stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new forms, like rap and performances on the music competition Riding Wind, a bold TV show for women above 30 in the entertainment industry that is shattering age stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted brilliance of women at every stage of life.

\n

"I tried musical styles that I had never done before. I also learned street dance. I never expected that I could dance," she says, adding that dancing is now part of her life.

\n

With a hectic schedule, from touring around the country to releasing albums, Gong still collects folk songs wherever she travels. In a village in Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, for example, she met an elderly couple who set up a small balcony on the second floor of their home. They would call their neighbors to come in the evening and play music together after days spent picking tea leaves or farming.

\n

"Sounds that come from the land have the most vibrant vitality," says Gong.

\n

"I finished the book in one go. What attracted me was its honesty and straightforwardness. Like many people, I have long enjoyed her songs, but after reading this book, I listen to them with a new understanding," says TV host Jing Yidan.

\n

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Singer Gong Linna performs at the Beijing Concert Hall on Aug 1, celebrating her 50th birthday and the release of a new book.

\n

Gong in Dali, Yunnan province.

\n

The cover of Gong's new book, Do Not Worry, Be Yourself.

\n

On the evening of Aug 1, the Beijing Concert Hall was alive with music, laughter, and celebration as Gong Linna marked her 50th birthday with a performance unlike any other.

\n

The hall was filled with her fans, her music teachers, neighbors, and friends — people who had supported her through the highs and lows of her journey.

\n

"It was an evening to honor not just my music but the woman I have become," she says with a big smile.

\n

Shaped by years of introspection, struggle and growth, the concert featured some of Gong's best-known songs. With each note, she shared a piece of herself, revealing the depths of her vulnerability and strength.

\n

Between songs, Gong spoke openly about the purpose behind this celebration. It wasn't just about her birthday or her music — "it was a moment to celebrate life itself", to reflect on the years that had shaped her, and to embrace the powerful themes of her new book, Do Not Worry, Be Yourself, released that day.

\n

The book, six years in the making, chronicles Gong's life between 40 and 50, a period of profound change and personal awakening. From the dizzying heights of fame to quiet moments of self-doubt, from the end of her 20-year marriage to career breakthroughs, Gong's path was anything but easy. Yet, through it all, she says that she discovered something profound — the power of truly being herself.

\n

"It's one of the most important books of my spiritual growth and development," she says.

\n

In the book, she recounts her struggles with the pressures of fame and the unease that accompanied her rise to stardom. At the peak of her career, burdened by public expectations and her own ambitions, she began questioning everything.

\n

"Fame came with its set of challenges. I was unsure of who I was beyond the public persona of a 'star'," she recalls.

\n

A turning point came when, facing a severe leg injury and a stagnant career, Gong made a bold choice: she left Beijing, the city that had defined her career, and moved to the tranquil beauty of Dali, Yunnan province — a place where she could escape the pressures of fame and reconnect with herself. In Dali's simplicity, she found space for healing, both physically and emotionally.

\n

In Dali, she sang every day, not just by herself, but also with neighbors who formed a choir, which performed at her Beijing concert.

\n

She also reflects on her marriage to Robert Zollitsch, a German composer and musicologist.

\n

Gong began singing at the age of 5 in her hometown, Guiyang, Guizhou province, in Southwest China. The musically versatile youngster enrolled to study folk music at the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing at 16. She held her first solo concert in 1999, and in 2000, won the second prize at the CCTV young singers Grand Prix, becoming a regular at major galas.

\n

She met Zollitsch in 2002. Together, they explored new musical horizons. Zollitsch composed for Gong, and with his support, she left her secure position with a top traditional Chinese orchestra to pursue her own artistic voice.

\n

One of the first songs they recorded was Free Bird. Inspiration came from breaking free from the constraints of traditional singing styles to pursue self-expression.

\n

"I wanted to move beyond the established norms and structures of the conventional singing techniques I learned for decades. Instead, I embraced a more personal and authentic form of artistic expression," says Gong, who performed the song at the Aug 1 concert.

\n

Their biggest hit was Tan Te (Unease), a song without lyrics, released in 2009.With Gong's powerful voice, wide vocal range and dramatic facial expressions, the song drew rave reviews, making Gong an internet sensation. They went on to release albums inspired by traditional Chinese poetry, with a goal of preserving the essence of traditional Chinese folk music in new forms. They also composed songs inspired by the 24 Solar Terms, a traditional Chinese calendar that summarizes different seasonal phenomena.

\n

Five years ago, the pandemic separated them, prompting Gong to reflect on her artistic independence. Gradually, she realized she no longer needed to depend on anyone.

\n

"When the fruit of love spoils, you must clean it up and perform surgery in time. Otherwise, all you'll be left with is broken pieces," she writes in the book. Through these reflections, she came to see love not as possession or control but as mutual growth and support.

\n

In October 2024, their marriage ended. Gong marked the occasion with a party, inviting the friends who had attended her wedding and performing the music she and Zollitsch created together.

\n

"We have two lovely sons and created so much great music together. That's very beautiful," she says.

\n

In Dali, Gong rekindled her musical spark. The book describes her journey back to music — not through the lens of commercial success but through the joy of creation and artistic freedom. She explored new musical collaborations, stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new forms, like rap and performances on the music competition Riding Wind, a bold TV show for women above 30 in the entertainment industry that is shattering age stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted brilliance of women at every stage of life.

\n

"I tried musical styles that I had never done before. I also learned street dance. I never expected that I could dance," she says, adding that dancing is now part of her life.

\n

With a hectic schedule, from touring around the country to releasing albums, Gong still collects folk songs wherever she travels. In a village in Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, for example, she met an elderly couple who set up a small balcony on the second floor of their home. They would call their neighbors to come in the evening and play music together after days spent picking tea leaves or farming.

\n

"Sounds that come from the land have the most vibrant vitality," says Gong.

\n

"I finished the book in one go. What attracted me was its honesty and straightforwardness. Like many people, I have long enjoyed her songs, but after reading this book, I listen to them with a new understanding," says TV host Jing Yidan.

\n

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_018_6898feb5ed50ccabe1517491.htm#018CULTURE", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "88294d571b54ffe27deed797e1aa9f04", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "018CULTURE - Kazakh heritage flies high on wings of eagle dance", + "description": "

A Kazakh herdsman performs a traditional eagle dance at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi.

\n

URUMQI — Though in his late 50s, Jeneshan Salapi, an ethnic Kazakh herdsman, moves with the fluid grace of youth when performing the ethnic group's traditional eagle dance.

\n

"The eagle's head pivots six ways, a gift no other bird has," he says, arching his neck and sweeping his arms like wings, embodying the raptor's hunt. He hails from Aksu township in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, nestled beneath the snowcapped Bogda Peak of the Tianshan Mountains.

\n

As the fourth-generation inheritor of the art, now recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in the region, Jeneshan Salapi began training with his father at the age of 5.

\n

After years of practice, he mastered the dance's hypnotic movements. His eagle costume — a 20-kg masterpiece — is stitched from black goatskin and built with springs and pulleys. The neck bends like a joint, and the beak is carved from cattle horn.

\n

When the music swells, Jeneshan Salapi transforms. Head thrusts, spiraling twists and sweeping dives bring the eagle's spirit to life. In the climactic "falcon hunts fox "sequence, every gesture captures centuries of nomadic resilience, tenacity, struggle and triumph.

\n

"True eagle dancing flows from understanding falconry's soul," he explains. "Every flick of the wing and every turn of the head hold meanings known only to those raised with eagles." This dance is an artistic hymn to falconry, once vital to the survival of ethnic Kazakh people on the steppes where horses and eagles hunted side by side.

\n

Jeneshan Salapi's bond with this tradition runs deep. From boyhood, he studied eagles' instincts, blending careful observation with ancestral wisdom into his art. "Eagles are family members to us rather than tools," he says. "Falconry is culture. Knowing we must release them back to the wild makes every moment sacred. That bond inspired this dance."

\n

According to Jeneshan Salapi, his ancestors performed the dance at festive occasions such as weddings. Today, the folk dance thrives onstage as a carefully preserved heritage. At Aksu's Eagle Dance Square — a cultural hub rich with traditional motifs — visitors can experience its power firsthand.

\n

"This dance is my ancestors' legacy. Passing it down is my duty," he says. Today, his eldest son is also learning the art from him.

\n

Cultural preservation policies rolled out by the local government have amplified his mission. In addition to establishing the public square dedicated to the traditional dance, local authorities grant him an annual stipend of around 4,800 yuan ($668.3) as a representative inheritor of the region. He also teaches at local schools.

\n

Thanks to short videos sweeping social media, Jeneshan Salapi's name has spread throughout Urumqi. He also appeared on a popular Chinese variety show, where he taught celebrity guests the dance. Bringing this time-honored ethnic art to wider audiences has earned him acclaim across Xinjiang and beyond.

\n

Home to multiple ethnic groups, Xinjiang has safeguarded over 9,000 intangible heritage items — ranging from national to county level. It supports more than 10,000 inheritors, creating a vibrant mosaic of living traditions.

\n

The eagle dance has also brought tangible economic gains to Jeneshan Salapi, whose mode of transportation has evolved — from horse to motorcycle and now, family cars.

\n

In recent years, a township camel cooperative has helped boost his income, with more than 40 camels generating over 200,000 yuan annually from milk sales.

\n

"While young people today have embraced modern lives far from their nomadic roots, their growing passion for the eagle dance ensures this heritage not only survives but echoes well beyond the mountains," he says.

\n

", + "content": "

A Kazakh herdsman performs a traditional eagle dance at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi.

\n

URUMQI — Though in his late 50s, Jeneshan Salapi, an ethnic Kazakh herdsman, moves with the fluid grace of youth when performing the ethnic group's traditional eagle dance.

\n

"The eagle's head pivots six ways, a gift no other bird has," he says, arching his neck and sweeping his arms like wings, embodying the raptor's hunt. He hails from Aksu township in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, nestled beneath the snowcapped Bogda Peak of the Tianshan Mountains.

\n

As the fourth-generation inheritor of the art, now recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in the region, Jeneshan Salapi began training with his father at the age of 5.

\n

After years of practice, he mastered the dance's hypnotic movements. His eagle costume — a 20-kg masterpiece — is stitched from black goatskin and built with springs and pulleys. The neck bends like a joint, and the beak is carved from cattle horn.

\n

When the music swells, Jeneshan Salapi transforms. Head thrusts, spiraling twists and sweeping dives bring the eagle's spirit to life. In the climactic "falcon hunts fox "sequence, every gesture captures centuries of nomadic resilience, tenacity, struggle and triumph.

\n

"True eagle dancing flows from understanding falconry's soul," he explains. "Every flick of the wing and every turn of the head hold meanings known only to those raised with eagles." This dance is an artistic hymn to falconry, once vital to the survival of ethnic Kazakh people on the steppes where horses and eagles hunted side by side.

\n

Jeneshan Salapi's bond with this tradition runs deep. From boyhood, he studied eagles' instincts, blending careful observation with ancestral wisdom into his art. "Eagles are family members to us rather than tools," he says. "Falconry is culture. Knowing we must release them back to the wild makes every moment sacred. That bond inspired this dance."

\n

According to Jeneshan Salapi, his ancestors performed the dance at festive occasions such as weddings. Today, the folk dance thrives onstage as a carefully preserved heritage. At Aksu's Eagle Dance Square — a cultural hub rich with traditional motifs — visitors can experience its power firsthand.

\n

"This dance is my ancestors' legacy. Passing it down is my duty," he says. Today, his eldest son is also learning the art from him.

\n

Cultural preservation policies rolled out by the local government have amplified his mission. In addition to establishing the public square dedicated to the traditional dance, local authorities grant him an annual stipend of around 4,800 yuan ($668.3) as a representative inheritor of the region. He also teaches at local schools.

\n

Thanks to short videos sweeping social media, Jeneshan Salapi's name has spread throughout Urumqi. He also appeared on a popular Chinese variety show, where he taught celebrity guests the dance. Bringing this time-honored ethnic art to wider audiences has earned him acclaim across Xinjiang and beyond.

\n

Home to multiple ethnic groups, Xinjiang has safeguarded over 9,000 intangible heritage items — ranging from national to county level. It supports more than 10,000 inheritors, creating a vibrant mosaic of living traditions.

\n

The eagle dance has also brought tangible economic gains to Jeneshan Salapi, whose mode of transportation has evolved — from horse to motorcycle and now, family cars.

\n

In recent years, a township camel cooperative has helped boost his income, with more than 40 camels generating over 200,000 yuan annually from milk sales.

\n

"While young people today have embraced modern lives far from their nomadic roots, their growing passion for the eagle dance ensures this heritage not only survives but echoes well beyond the mountains," he says.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_018_6898feb9ed50ccabe1517492.htm#018CULTURE", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "6f847672b8979e717623f67932d5f00e", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "019SPORTS - Preserving a cultural movement", + "description": "

Xiao Jie, better known as Locking Jay, and his son Suo-Suo perform during the judging show of the Keep On Dancing Global Finals on July 20.

\n

Xiao Jie, better known as Locking Jay, and his son Suo-Suo perform during the judging show of the Keep On Dancing Global Finals on July 20.

\n

A four-time KOD winner, Xiao is now China's only representative on the competition's judging panel.

\n

A dancer, a judge, a father, an educator — the representative.

\n

At 39, Xiao Jie — better known on the global street dance scene as "Locking Jay" — continues to break boundaries and redefine Chinese street dance with every beat and step.

\n

From a three-time consecutive Keep On Dancing (KOD) world champion to becoming the only Chinese representative on its judging panel, Locking Jay's journey is as layered as his choreography: persistent, personal and powerfully transformative.

\n

During the judging show at the Global Finals on July 20, he took the KOD stage once more, but not alone. He was with his young son, Suo-Suo. Together, the duo delivered a locking-style reinterpretation of Spread Your Wings, and a mix of two recently trending dances on Chinese social media, with a catchy hook and hilarious moves, blending humor, rhythm and originality. Their performance — full of vibrant energy, precise execution and innovative movement — quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

\n

But for Jay, this wasn't just another highlight. "The meaning of Keep On Dancing is simple: if you love something, you keep at it," he said backstage. The audience roared for his performance, but Jay's focus remained steady, always looking ahead, and always dancing forward.

\n

Born in 1985 in Neijiang, Sichuan province, Xiao's intertwining relationship with dance began in his early teens. Encouraged by his budding passion, his parents sent him to an arts school affiliated with Capital Normal University in Beijing. Yet, he was rudely awakened from his dreams and quickly confronted by reality. Unable to afford tuition, he dropped out and returned home, opening a clothing store back in his hometown. Business, however, was poor, and that venture soon failed.

\n

It was then that he made a bold choice to dedicate himself entirely to dance. Moving to Chengdu, he scraped by with weekend promotional performances in local malls, two shows for 300 yuan ($42). At first, he imitated others, like many beginners, but this uniformity soon bred discontent.

\n

"If we all stood in a line, the moves would appear to be exactly the same," he recalled.

\n

His breakthrough came in 2005 when he snatched the national title at the China Mobile Street Dance Contest. Two years later, his first trip abroad to compete in Japan's Old School Night street dance competition became a turning point, where he met, and later studied under, locking legend Tony Gogo — who provided the foundation of his understanding of, and approach to, dance.

\n

"Tony didn't just teach moves — he taught why they existed," Jay said. "He'd say: 'This came from stepping on a staircase, from playing around.' That is creation, taking something simple and building from it."

\n

From being an amateur to staking his place among locking's elite, Jay never stops polishing his moves and experimenting with different styles, always with an eye on gold.

\n

In 2010, Jay clinched his first KOD world title. Victories in 2011, 2012 and 2014 followed, making him the first dancer to win multiple times at the elite global event. After retiring from competitive battling, he transitioned into new roles as a judge, an educator and a cultural ambassador for Chinese street dance.

\n

Yet, the journey has not been without criticism. Some have argued his choreography lacks synchronization, or is too stylistically individual for group dances. Others have accused him of being too repetitive.

\n

Understanding 'the real vibe'

\n

"I'm probably the most diverse locker in the world," he noted. "People may think hip-hop looks dynamic, but it's actually more repetitive than locking. Locking has over a dozen elemental movements — you have to show them all, or it's not locking anymore."

\n

Jay believes that his versatility and fusion of styles, blending Latin influences and beyond, make him a standout competitor.

\n

"Judges don't just see technique — they see diversity. That's what I aim to deliver."

\n

The recent show is not Jay's first time captivating global attention, nor does it hold a candle to his capacity in his prime. But this time, bringing his son onto the stage means something different — the bond of carrying on the talent and tradition: "We must pass on the street dance of China, of the world," Jay said.

\n

He is doing just that. As a mentor on television shows like This Is Youth, as the founder of the renowned "Star Lockers" crew and studio, and as principal of his own dance school, Jay has cultivated a generation of young dancers — known collectively in the street dance community as "Xiao's Class". His students have become champions in their own right, including "Locking Dou", who has claimed multiple national youth titles. His teaching goes beyond technique.

\n

"Street dance isn't just performance — it's connection. It was born from the streets, cyphers, circles and friendships. That's the part I worry is being lost," he said in an exclusive interview for Chengdu's Hip-Hop Exhibition at the A4 Art Museum .

\n

At a time when breaking has been in the Olympics, making its debut at Paris 2024, and street dance is enjoying newfound legitimacy, Jay warns against the sport losing its soul. "Street dance was born in the streets. You gotta have actually danced in the streets to understand the real vibe, to know what genuine street culture feels like," he said.

\n

Today, Xiao remains a singular force amid China's street dance landscape. As he continues to represent the nation on international stages, his story serves as both a blueprint and a beacon — for young dancers, for street culture and for anyone who believes in the power of movement to carry meaning across generations.

\n

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Xiao Jie, better known as Locking Jay, and his son Suo-Suo perform during the judging show of the Keep On Dancing Global Finals on July 20.

\n

Xiao Jie, better known as Locking Jay, and his son Suo-Suo perform during the judging show of the Keep On Dancing Global Finals on July 20.

\n

A four-time KOD winner, Xiao is now China's only representative on the competition's judging panel.

\n

A dancer, a judge, a father, an educator — the representative.

\n

At 39, Xiao Jie — better known on the global street dance scene as "Locking Jay" — continues to break boundaries and redefine Chinese street dance with every beat and step.

\n

From a three-time consecutive Keep On Dancing (KOD) world champion to becoming the only Chinese representative on its judging panel, Locking Jay's journey is as layered as his choreography: persistent, personal and powerfully transformative.

\n

During the judging show at the Global Finals on July 20, he took the KOD stage once more, but not alone. He was with his young son, Suo-Suo. Together, the duo delivered a locking-style reinterpretation of Spread Your Wings, and a mix of two recently trending dances on Chinese social media, with a catchy hook and hilarious moves, blending humor, rhythm and originality. Their performance — full of vibrant energy, precise execution and innovative movement — quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

\n

But for Jay, this wasn't just another highlight. "The meaning of Keep On Dancing is simple: if you love something, you keep at it," he said backstage. The audience roared for his performance, but Jay's focus remained steady, always looking ahead, and always dancing forward.

\n

Born in 1985 in Neijiang, Sichuan province, Xiao's intertwining relationship with dance began in his early teens. Encouraged by his budding passion, his parents sent him to an arts school affiliated with Capital Normal University in Beijing. Yet, he was rudely awakened from his dreams and quickly confronted by reality. Unable to afford tuition, he dropped out and returned home, opening a clothing store back in his hometown. Business, however, was poor, and that venture soon failed.

\n

It was then that he made a bold choice to dedicate himself entirely to dance. Moving to Chengdu, he scraped by with weekend promotional performances in local malls, two shows for 300 yuan ($42). At first, he imitated others, like many beginners, but this uniformity soon bred discontent.

\n

"If we all stood in a line, the moves would appear to be exactly the same," he recalled.

\n

His breakthrough came in 2005 when he snatched the national title at the China Mobile Street Dance Contest. Two years later, his first trip abroad to compete in Japan's Old School Night street dance competition became a turning point, where he met, and later studied under, locking legend Tony Gogo — who provided the foundation of his understanding of, and approach to, dance.

\n

"Tony didn't just teach moves — he taught why they existed," Jay said. "He'd say: 'This came from stepping on a staircase, from playing around.' That is creation, taking something simple and building from it."

\n

From being an amateur to staking his place among locking's elite, Jay never stops polishing his moves and experimenting with different styles, always with an eye on gold.

\n

In 2010, Jay clinched his first KOD world title. Victories in 2011, 2012 and 2014 followed, making him the first dancer to win multiple times at the elite global event. After retiring from competitive battling, he transitioned into new roles as a judge, an educator and a cultural ambassador for Chinese street dance.

\n

Yet, the journey has not been without criticism. Some have argued his choreography lacks synchronization, or is too stylistically individual for group dances. Others have accused him of being too repetitive.

\n

Understanding 'the real vibe'

\n

"I'm probably the most diverse locker in the world," he noted. "People may think hip-hop looks dynamic, but it's actually more repetitive than locking. Locking has over a dozen elemental movements — you have to show them all, or it's not locking anymore."

\n

Jay believes that his versatility and fusion of styles, blending Latin influences and beyond, make him a standout competitor.

\n

"Judges don't just see technique — they see diversity. That's what I aim to deliver."

\n

The recent show is not Jay's first time captivating global attention, nor does it hold a candle to his capacity in his prime. But this time, bringing his son onto the stage means something different — the bond of carrying on the talent and tradition: "We must pass on the street dance of China, of the world," Jay said.

\n

He is doing just that. As a mentor on television shows like This Is Youth, as the founder of the renowned "Star Lockers" crew and studio, and as principal of his own dance school, Jay has cultivated a generation of young dancers — known collectively in the street dance community as "Xiao's Class". His students have become champions in their own right, including "Locking Dou", who has claimed multiple national youth titles. His teaching goes beyond technique.

\n

"Street dance isn't just performance — it's connection. It was born from the streets, cyphers, circles and friendships. That's the part I worry is being lost," he said in an exclusive interview for Chengdu's Hip-Hop Exhibition at the A4 Art Museum .

\n

At a time when breaking has been in the Olympics, making its debut at Paris 2024, and street dance is enjoying newfound legitimacy, Jay warns against the sport losing its soul. "Street dance was born in the streets. You gotta have actually danced in the streets to understand the real vibe, to know what genuine street culture feels like," he said.

\n

Today, Xiao remains a singular force amid China's street dance landscape. As he continues to represent the nation on international stages, his story serves as both a blueprint and a beacon — for young dancers, for street culture and for anyone who believes in the power of movement to carry meaning across generations.

\n

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_019_6898febded50ccabe1517493.htm#019SPORTS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "4edaa46ed574b62c4a8c799e598f8e56", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "020SPORTS - HAVING A BLAST", + "description": "

The spectacular pyrotechnic creations of Cai Canhuang light up the Chengdu night at the opening of the World Games on Thursday.

\n

The spectacular pyrotechnic creations of Cai Canhuang light up the Chengdu night at the opening of the World Games on Thursday.

\n

\n\n

Online Scan the code to watch the video.

\n

Fireworks, born to burn bright yet fated to vanish, leave behind the glow of an enduring memory, that, like the discussion about the Chengdu World Games' opening ceremony on Aug 7, lingers on — with viewers awestruck by the breathtaking beauty, and moved by the symbolism, of the pyrotechnic extravaganza.

\n

As the ceremony at the lakeside Tianfu International Conference Center reached its climax, golden and green fireworks erupted across the night sky, swiftly morphing into the silhouette of a mighty tree: a solid trunk crowned with luxuriant branches and leaves, as if growing before the audience's eyes. Amid the emerald "foliage", white sparks bloomed into dove-shaped flowers, then scattered like a fluttering flock taking flight.

\n

Inspired by the remains of a 3,000-year-old giant banyan tree discovered in Chengdu's Qingyang district and the rare dove tree (Davidia involucrata) — the blossoms of which resemble white wings — the display celebrated vitality, friendship and peace, transforming the sky into a canvas of vivid colors and poetic storytelling.

\n

Yet, this moment represented just one chapter in the fireworks' grand narrative.

\n

"I've never seen anything like that," remarked Ukrainian gymnast Alina Puhach, struggling to articulate the display's transcendent beauty.

\n

Cai Canhuang, the ceremony's chief fireworks designer, explained: "Fireworks communicate emotions beyond words. They're not merely festive embellishments, but a form of public art that allows entire cities to share in a collective aesthetic experience."

\n

Cai was also the pyrotechnics director for the opening ceremony of Beijing 2022 and the chief fireworks designer for the opening ceremony of the 2023 Chengdu World University Games.

\n

He described the ongoing Chengdu World Games — with its diverse sporting program, featuring a number of non-Olympic events — as more of an inclusive celebration than the more competitive atmosphere of the Olympic Games, and their focus on "faster, higher, stronger".

\n

This perspective made his approach to designing the show more relaxed and playful compared to previous projects.

\n

"With every major fireworks display, I aim to capture the spirit of the times," he said. This time, he even incorporated a segment where the fireworks took the form of rolling ocean waves — a deliberate metaphor.

\n

To him, sporting events are almost Utopian spaces, where conflicts and cultural differences are temporarily set aside.

\n

"In recent years, geopolitical tensions have escalated, and economic wars persist. The 'waves' symbolize my hope — that despite the current setbacks to globalization, its tide will inevitably keep advancing with unstoppable force," he explained.

\n

Cai's name literally contains fire — both characters in his given name "Canhuang "incorporate the "fire" element.

\n

This seems prophetically aligned with his eventual career.

\n

Yet destiny works in curious ways. The 40-year-old artist and large-scale fireworks designer was once a martial arts student at Beijing Sport University, with no childhood interest in the arts whatsoever.

\n

Everything changed in the summer of 2008. Then 23, Cai was volunteering at the Beijing Olympics when he witnessed the iconic footprint fireworks designed by renowned artist Cai Guoqiang. Twenty-nine explosive steps marched along Beijing's central axis into the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, symbolizing the 29 Olympiads and China's century-long journey toward its Olympic dream.

\n

"Inside the stadium, I was spellbound, but didn't fully grasp the meaning," Cai Canhuang recalls.

\n

"Only after hearing Cai Guoqiang's interviews did I realize fireworks could convey such profound concepts. That's when my obsession with fireworks began."

\n

After graduation, he joined Cai Guoqiang's studio.

\n

"Pyrotechnic design isn't a safe or clean job — you handle volatile chemicals daily. But passion makes you dive deep into the research.

\n

"Fireworks feel alive to me. There's an unpredictability, as if they have their own will."

\n

As a designer, his greatest joy remains that final moment of ignition.

\n

"The entire creative process is intense, cerebral. But, when my designs finally light up the night sky, no matter how many times I see it, the emotion still overwhelms me," he added.

\n

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

The spectacular pyrotechnic creations of Cai Canhuang light up the Chengdu night at the opening of the World Games on Thursday.

\n

The spectacular pyrotechnic creations of Cai Canhuang light up the Chengdu night at the opening of the World Games on Thursday.

\n

\n\n

Online Scan the code to watch the video.

\n

Fireworks, born to burn bright yet fated to vanish, leave behind the glow of an enduring memory, that, like the discussion about the Chengdu World Games' opening ceremony on Aug 7, lingers on — with viewers awestruck by the breathtaking beauty, and moved by the symbolism, of the pyrotechnic extravaganza.

\n

As the ceremony at the lakeside Tianfu International Conference Center reached its climax, golden and green fireworks erupted across the night sky, swiftly morphing into the silhouette of a mighty tree: a solid trunk crowned with luxuriant branches and leaves, as if growing before the audience's eyes. Amid the emerald "foliage", white sparks bloomed into dove-shaped flowers, then scattered like a fluttering flock taking flight.

\n

Inspired by the remains of a 3,000-year-old giant banyan tree discovered in Chengdu's Qingyang district and the rare dove tree (Davidia involucrata) — the blossoms of which resemble white wings — the display celebrated vitality, friendship and peace, transforming the sky into a canvas of vivid colors and poetic storytelling.

\n

Yet, this moment represented just one chapter in the fireworks' grand narrative.

\n

"I've never seen anything like that," remarked Ukrainian gymnast Alina Puhach, struggling to articulate the display's transcendent beauty.

\n

Cai Canhuang, the ceremony's chief fireworks designer, explained: "Fireworks communicate emotions beyond words. They're not merely festive embellishments, but a form of public art that allows entire cities to share in a collective aesthetic experience."

\n

Cai was also the pyrotechnics director for the opening ceremony of Beijing 2022 and the chief fireworks designer for the opening ceremony of the 2023 Chengdu World University Games.

\n

He described the ongoing Chengdu World Games — with its diverse sporting program, featuring a number of non-Olympic events — as more of an inclusive celebration than the more competitive atmosphere of the Olympic Games, and their focus on "faster, higher, stronger".

\n

This perspective made his approach to designing the show more relaxed and playful compared to previous projects.

\n

"With every major fireworks display, I aim to capture the spirit of the times," he said. This time, he even incorporated a segment where the fireworks took the form of rolling ocean waves — a deliberate metaphor.

\n

To him, sporting events are almost Utopian spaces, where conflicts and cultural differences are temporarily set aside.

\n

"In recent years, geopolitical tensions have escalated, and economic wars persist. The 'waves' symbolize my hope — that despite the current setbacks to globalization, its tide will inevitably keep advancing with unstoppable force," he explained.

\n

Cai's name literally contains fire — both characters in his given name "Canhuang "incorporate the "fire" element.

\n

This seems prophetically aligned with his eventual career.

\n

Yet destiny works in curious ways. The 40-year-old artist and large-scale fireworks designer was once a martial arts student at Beijing Sport University, with no childhood interest in the arts whatsoever.

\n

Everything changed in the summer of 2008. Then 23, Cai was volunteering at the Beijing Olympics when he witnessed the iconic footprint fireworks designed by renowned artist Cai Guoqiang. Twenty-nine explosive steps marched along Beijing's central axis into the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, symbolizing the 29 Olympiads and China's century-long journey toward its Olympic dream.

\n

"Inside the stadium, I was spellbound, but didn't fully grasp the meaning," Cai Canhuang recalls.

\n

"Only after hearing Cai Guoqiang's interviews did I realize fireworks could convey such profound concepts. That's when my obsession with fireworks began."

\n

After graduation, he joined Cai Guoqiang's studio.

\n

"Pyrotechnic design isn't a safe or clean job — you handle volatile chemicals daily. But passion makes you dive deep into the research.

\n

"Fireworks feel alive to me. There's an unpredictability, as if they have their own will."

\n

As a designer, his greatest joy remains that final moment of ignition.

\n

"The entire creative process is intense, cerebral. But, when my designs finally light up the night sky, no matter how many times I see it, the emotion still overwhelms me," he added.

\n

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_020_6898fec1ed50ccabe1517494.htm#020SPORTS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "5028920c6dfc7439588de36caf346fa7", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "020SPORTS - That Sinkins feeling: Dance judge moves Chinese netizens", + "description": "

Sergejs Sinkins during the dance sport competition.

\n

Online Scan the code to watch the video.

\n

In the world of dance sport, all eyes are typically fixed on the athletes — their immaculate makeup, flowing movements and dazzling costumes commanding the spotlight.

\n

But, at the dance sport event of the Chengdu World Games, being held in Chengbei Gymnasium, the real showstopper wasn't on the dance floor at all.

\n

Instead, it was a silver-haired judge standing quietly on the sidelines, whose effortless elegance sent the internet into a frenzy.

\n

The phenomenon began when a Xiaohongshu user uploaded two candid shots of Sergejs Sinkins, the event's Latin dance adjudicator, mid-evaluation.

\n

The caption read: "Anyone who sees him can't help but utter the word — 'elegant'."

\n

In the photos, Sinkins is wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, his silver-gray hair neatly styled, black-framed glasses accentuating his sharp features. His tall, upright posture and refined demeanor exudes sophistication.

\n

The post quickly went viral, amassing millions of views, with people online praising his "unmistakable elegance" and calling him "a man with manga-like proportions".

\n

He was quickly dubbed "Ferrari" — because like the car, he never goes out of style.

\n

The term gained traction online after the film F1: The Movie, starring 62-year-old Brad Pitt, premiered on the Chinese mainland in late June.

\n

Pitt's charismatic smile and rugged physique sparked waves of admiration, with audiences declaring: "A handsome man stays handsome, even as he ages" — later evolving into the catchphrase "a Ferrari is still a Ferrari, no matter how old".

\n

Since then, the internet has embraced a craze for "hot older guys".

\n

"I don't know what to say, because I'm shocked about the situation, with this popularity explosion on social media in China," said Sinkins, the veteran Latvian dancer.

\n

"I did nothing for this, but you chose me. This is unbelievable."

\n

He revealed he'd received floods of messages on Instagram.

\n

"We feel a very warm atmosphere, because of the Chinese people around us who are very open and keep sending warm words to me and my colleagues," he added.

\n

When asked about the secret to maintaining his elegance and youthful vitality, the 191cm-tall dancer credited his lifelong dedication to the sport — which he began practicing at age seven — and his constant collaboration with younger generations.

\n

He described dance sport as a discipline that transcends conventional sports. He emphasized that it represents not just physical competition, but an artistic synthesis of beauty, partnership dynamics and personal presentation.

\n

He said that dancer must care about far more than technical skills — they need to cultivate complete aesthetic awareness, from couture-level costuming to makeup.

\n

Sinkins expressed hope that this wave of attention for him might generate positive momentum for dance sport as a whole. He extended an open invitation, emphasizing that the world of competitive dance welcomes all who wish to experience its beauty and energy.

\n

It's Sinkins' first visit to Chengdu, and he left on Sunday. He said he hopes to return to China both as a tourist with his family, and as an adjudicator for future competitions.

\n

", + "content": "

Sergejs Sinkins during the dance sport competition.

\n

Online Scan the code to watch the video.

\n

In the world of dance sport, all eyes are typically fixed on the athletes — their immaculate makeup, flowing movements and dazzling costumes commanding the spotlight.

\n

But, at the dance sport event of the Chengdu World Games, being held in Chengbei Gymnasium, the real showstopper wasn't on the dance floor at all.

\n

Instead, it was a silver-haired judge standing quietly on the sidelines, whose effortless elegance sent the internet into a frenzy.

\n

The phenomenon began when a Xiaohongshu user uploaded two candid shots of Sergejs Sinkins, the event's Latin dance adjudicator, mid-evaluation.

\n

The caption read: "Anyone who sees him can't help but utter the word — 'elegant'."

\n

In the photos, Sinkins is wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, his silver-gray hair neatly styled, black-framed glasses accentuating his sharp features. His tall, upright posture and refined demeanor exudes sophistication.

\n

The post quickly went viral, amassing millions of views, with people online praising his "unmistakable elegance" and calling him "a man with manga-like proportions".

\n

He was quickly dubbed "Ferrari" — because like the car, he never goes out of style.

\n

The term gained traction online after the film F1: The Movie, starring 62-year-old Brad Pitt, premiered on the Chinese mainland in late June.

\n

Pitt's charismatic smile and rugged physique sparked waves of admiration, with audiences declaring: "A handsome man stays handsome, even as he ages" — later evolving into the catchphrase "a Ferrari is still a Ferrari, no matter how old".

\n

Since then, the internet has embraced a craze for "hot older guys".

\n

"I don't know what to say, because I'm shocked about the situation, with this popularity explosion on social media in China," said Sinkins, the veteran Latvian dancer.

\n

"I did nothing for this, but you chose me. This is unbelievable."

\n

He revealed he'd received floods of messages on Instagram.

\n

"We feel a very warm atmosphere, because of the Chinese people around us who are very open and keep sending warm words to me and my colleagues," he added.

\n

When asked about the secret to maintaining his elegance and youthful vitality, the 191cm-tall dancer credited his lifelong dedication to the sport — which he began practicing at age seven — and his constant collaboration with younger generations.

\n

He described dance sport as a discipline that transcends conventional sports. He emphasized that it represents not just physical competition, but an artistic synthesis of beauty, partnership dynamics and personal presentation.

\n

He said that dancer must care about far more than technical skills — they need to cultivate complete aesthetic awareness, from couture-level costuming to makeup.

\n

Sinkins expressed hope that this wave of attention for him might generate positive momentum for dance sport as a whole. He extended an open invitation, emphasizing that the world of competitive dance welcomes all who wish to experience its beauty and energy.

\n

It's Sinkins' first visit to Chengdu, and he left on Sunday. He said he hopes to return to China both as a tourist with his family, and as an adjudicator for future competitions.

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_020_6898fec5ed50ccabe1517495.htm#020SPORTS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "e93e1a8ed41b942bad07b4d5e13cf3ab", + "highlights": [] + }, + { + "title": "020SPORTS - Tearful Gong returns from horror injury to win gold", + "description": "

Gong Li cuts an emotional figure after winning the women's kumite — 61kg karate gold medal in Chengdu.

\n

Even while standing atop the podium at the 2025 Chengdu World Games, Chinese karate champion Gong Li still felt chills down her spine when recalling her career-threatening injury.

\n

The 26-year-old defeated her Japanese rival Sarara Shimada 5-1 in the women's kumite — 61kg final on Saturday, securing China's first ever World Games gold medal in the sport.

\n

During the 20th Asian Senior Karate Championship last September, Gong suffered a devastating injury — a torn ACL, meniscus, and MCL, and had to receive two surgeries.

\n

"I was on the verge of breaking down," she recalled. "Many athletes never fully recover from such injuries. Some even have to retire."

\n

It was her love for karate and an unshakable belief in herself that brought her back to the arena she has always longed for and loved, Gong said.

\n

"I kept telling myself that injuries weren't obstacles on my path, but rather medals witnessing my achievements," she said.

\n

To compete at the World Games on home soil, Gong pushed through an arduous eight-month rehabilitation after surgery.

\n

"The pain was almost unbearable in the early stage of rehabilitation," she said.

\n

"During rehabilitation training, I realized my skills, physical conditioning and muscle strength had significantly deteriorated," Gong said, adding that she endured immense mental pressure, having no idea if she could ever return to her peak form.

\n

But Gong refused to give up. "I've created miracles time and again, and I believe this time will be no exception," she said.

\n

Before the competition, Gong admitted that she hadn't fully recovered physically, estimating her condition at about 80 percent of her peak.

\n

She wrote on her Weibo account: "I've always believed that karate is a sport that demands courage — not just to fight bravely in competitions, but also to fearlessly rise again after setbacks and injuries."

\n

Gong said the latest victory carries immense meaning, not just because it marks her first victory after her horror injury, but also it makes up for the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.

\n

On Aug 7, 2021, she claimed a bronze medal in karate's Olympic debut.

\n

"Back then, I was too focused on winning and didn't perform my best," she admitted.

\n

The comeback journey has given Gong fresh insights into karate. With comprehensive improvements in punches, kicks and throws, she now competes with greater composure and determination.

\n

"I've learned to enjoy the process and trust my training," Gong said.

\n

She credits her training partners — the unsung heroes who sparred with her through every setback — for helping her reclaim glory.

\n

"They sacrificed so much for me," she said. "This gold medal belongs to them too."

\n

Except for the unrepeatable Tokyo Olympics, Gong has collected gold medals in karate at every level in China, Asia and the world.

\n

Looking ahead, she has set her sights on China's 15th National Games in November and the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.

\n

Beyond the competitions, Gong is dedicated to promoting karate among China's youth.

\n

"Karate, which originated in China and has flourished worldwide, embodies the traditional spirit of sportsmanship," Gong said. "Unlike other combat sports, which are focused on knockouts, it emphasizes controlled strikes that protect one's opponent, which makes it an ideal sport for children," she added.

\n

pengchao@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "content": "

Gong Li cuts an emotional figure after winning the women's kumite — 61kg karate gold medal in Chengdu.

\n

Even while standing atop the podium at the 2025 Chengdu World Games, Chinese karate champion Gong Li still felt chills down her spine when recalling her career-threatening injury.

\n

The 26-year-old defeated her Japanese rival Sarara Shimada 5-1 in the women's kumite — 61kg final on Saturday, securing China's first ever World Games gold medal in the sport.

\n

During the 20th Asian Senior Karate Championship last September, Gong suffered a devastating injury — a torn ACL, meniscus, and MCL, and had to receive two surgeries.

\n

"I was on the verge of breaking down," she recalled. "Many athletes never fully recover from such injuries. Some even have to retire."

\n

It was her love for karate and an unshakable belief in herself that brought her back to the arena she has always longed for and loved, Gong said.

\n

"I kept telling myself that injuries weren't obstacles on my path, but rather medals witnessing my achievements," she said.

\n

To compete at the World Games on home soil, Gong pushed through an arduous eight-month rehabilitation after surgery.

\n

"The pain was almost unbearable in the early stage of rehabilitation," she said.

\n

"During rehabilitation training, I realized my skills, physical conditioning and muscle strength had significantly deteriorated," Gong said, adding that she endured immense mental pressure, having no idea if she could ever return to her peak form.

\n

But Gong refused to give up. "I've created miracles time and again, and I believe this time will be no exception," she said.

\n

Before the competition, Gong admitted that she hadn't fully recovered physically, estimating her condition at about 80 percent of her peak.

\n

She wrote on her Weibo account: "I've always believed that karate is a sport that demands courage — not just to fight bravely in competitions, but also to fearlessly rise again after setbacks and injuries."

\n

Gong said the latest victory carries immense meaning, not just because it marks her first victory after her horror injury, but also it makes up for the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.

\n

On Aug 7, 2021, she claimed a bronze medal in karate's Olympic debut.

\n

"Back then, I was too focused on winning and didn't perform my best," she admitted.

\n

The comeback journey has given Gong fresh insights into karate. With comprehensive improvements in punches, kicks and throws, she now competes with greater composure and determination.

\n

"I've learned to enjoy the process and trust my training," Gong said.

\n

She credits her training partners — the unsung heroes who sparred with her through every setback — for helping her reclaim glory.

\n

"They sacrificed so much for me," she said. "This gold medal belongs to them too."

\n

Except for the unrepeatable Tokyo Olympics, Gong has collected gold medals in karate at every level in China, Asia and the world.

\n

Looking ahead, she has set her sights on China's 15th National Games in November and the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.

\n

Beyond the competitions, Gong is dedicated to promoting karate among China's youth.

\n

"Karate, which originated in China and has flourished worldwide, embodies the traditional spirit of sportsmanship," Gong said. "Unlike other combat sports, which are focused on knockouts, it emphasizes controlled strikes that protect one's opponent, which makes it an ideal sport for children," she added.

\n

pengchao@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

", + "category": "", + "link": "https://mobile.chinadaily.com.cn/cn/html5/2025-08/11/content_020_6898fec9ed50ccabe1517496.htm#020SPORTS", + "creator": "", + "pubDate": "Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:21:05 +0000", + "enclosure": "", + "enclosureType": "", + "image": "", + "id": "", + "language": "", + "folder": "双语", + "feed": "ChinaDaily", + "read": false, + "favorite": false, + "created": false, + "tags": [], + "hash": "45f97d183ebfd1dc0f0a0eff2badda13", + "highlights": [] + }, { "title": "001FRONT - Commitment to promoting peace stressed", "description": "

China is glad to see Russia and the United States maintaining contact, improving their bilateral relations and advancing the political settlement process of the Ukraine crisis, President Xi Jinping said.

\n

Xi made the remark during a phone conversation on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

\n

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said on Thursday that Russia and the US had reached an agreement on a meeting between the two countries' presidents in the coming days.

\n

During the phone talks on Friday, Putin briefed Xi on Russia's views on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis and the recent contacts and communications between Russia and the US.

\n

Putin said that Russia highly appreciates the constructive role China has played in the political settlement of the crisis.

\n

Noting that "there are no simple solutions to complex issues", Xi elaborated on China's principled position.

\n

No matter how the situation changes, China will stick to its consistent position and keep promoting peace and talks, Xi said.

\n

Putin said the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination will not change under any circumstances, and Moscow is willing to maintain close communication with Beijing.

\n

During the call, the two leaders spoke highly of the high-level political mutual trust and strategic cooperation between China and Russia.

\n

They agreed to work together to promote greater development in bilateral relations.

\n

During the phone conversation, the two leaders spoke about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as China will host the SCO summit in North China's Tianjin from Aug 31 to Sept 1.

\n

Xi and Putin agreed that both sides will collaborate closely to ensure the successful preparation of the SCO Tianjin Summit, making it a summit of friendship, unity with fruitful outcomes, and to advance the high-quality development of the SCO.

\n

Leaders of more than 20 countries, including all the 10 member countries of the SCO, will attend the SCO Tianjin Summit, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

\n

The summit will also bring together heads of 10 international organizations. This will be the largest SCO summit since the organization's founding in 2001, Guo said.

\n

According to recent media reports, Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are planning to attend the summit.

\n

"We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the Tianjin summit will be a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness," Guo said.

\n

Contact the writers at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn

\n

",