Visitors explore a memorial exhibition on the contribution of overseas Chinese in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War, themed "united across vast distances", at the Overseas Chinese History Museum of China in Beijing on Thursday.
\n",
- "content": "
Visitors explore a memorial exhibition on the contribution of overseas Chinese in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War, themed "united across vast distances", at the Overseas Chinese History Museum of China in Beijing on Thursday.
As the doors swing open at Beijing's new robot-themed restaurant, diners are greeted by humanoid workers who nod and speak in lifelike gestures, while robotic servers glide between tables delivering dishes and a robot band plays drums and guitars, turning a dining experience into a futuristic spectacle.
\n
"The restaurant gives me a fresh sense of technology. It's quite an amazing attempt," said Ding Wenjun, a tourist from Jiangxi province.
\n
Sun Ling, head of the Robot Restaurant, said, "It is not only an immersive dining place integrating cuisine, culture and technology, but also provides a scenario for robot application and data collection."
\n
The tech-savvy restaurant is participating in the E-Town Robot Consumption Festival, running from Aug 2 to Sunday. The event was organized by the administrative committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town.
\n
Making its debut at the festival is the Robot Mall, a 4,000-square-meter "robot 4S" store. It features more than 50 products across medical, industrial and companion robotics.
\n
For example, the Galbot G1, a wheeled-chassis humanoid robot, can retrieve medications from shelves and deliver them directly to patients.
\n
"It can automatically dispense and distribute medications, alleviating the heavy workload of nurses and reducing the risk of human error," said Meng Yanpei, a manager at the mall. "In pharmacies, it serves emergency patients, especially at night, while also lowering operating costs by taking over repetitive tasks."
\n
Over 10 pharmacies in Beijing are now operating 24 hours a day with the use of a Galbot G1. The robot is priced at 680,000 yuan ($94,800), a 50,000 yuan discount, at the 4S store during the festival.
\n
As of Tuesday, more than 19,000 robots and related products have been sold during the festival, generating total sales of over 200 million yuan. Meanwhile, the distribution of consumption vouchers has boosted sales by over 60 million yuan, according to the administrative committee of Beijing E-Town.
\n
Meanwhile, shopping malls and e-commerce platform JD.com are hosting sales campaigns at the festival. Enterprises can enjoy subsidies of up to 250,000 yuan on robot purchases.
\n
Targeting online consumers, JD.com has showcased over 680 robots and related products, including quadruped, biped, exoskeleton, and educational and companion robots, offering a maximum subsidy of 600 yuan for a single product.
\n
"In the past, these robots were priced in the millions of yuan, but now they are becoming more affordable," said Xu Lei, head of the Intelligent Robot Business Department under the 3C Digital Business Group of JD.com. "We hope to leverage the advantages of online sales, brand support and supply chains to make robots accessible to more consumers."
\n
Zhang Hao, chief scientist of ALVA (Beijing) Technology Co, said that robots are still in their infancy and are often used mainly for display. "Even though they may stagger while walking, they captivate us because we can sense their intelligence gradually maturing."
\n
"Only when robots help customers make money will they buy and keep buying such machines," said Zhang, adding that such machines must be practical, affordable, versatile and of effective use for consumers.
\n
Zhang's perspective echoes that of Massimiliano Zecca, a professor of healthcare technology at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.
\n
"Humanoid robots now require an engineering team to look after them," the professor said. "They need to bring real value to form a natural market."
\n
Despite the limitations of the robots, Zecca was clearly impressed by a humanoid coffee barista crafting intricate latte art at the 2025 World Robot Conference, which concluded on Tuesday.
\n
"I would pay for a cup of coffee with artistic flavor. The evolution of humanoid robots will surely provide more choices to meet personal preferences," Zecca said.
The USS Higgins, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, "illegally entered China's territorial waters around Huangyan Island without the approval of the Chinese government" on Wednesday, and the People's Liberation Army Navy "tracked, monitored, and warned the vessel to leave", the PLA Southern Theater Command said in a statement that day.
\n
Sarah Merrill, a spokesperson for the US Seventh Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan, to which the USS Higgins belongs, said the warship was conducting a "freedom of navigation operation "in accordance with international law.
\n
But that's not the case. The only reason the US dispatched the vessel to those waters was to show its support for Manila to continue the hazardous game it is playing. A Philippine Coast Guard ship made some dangerous provocative maneuvers on Monday that posed a risk to the Chinese law enforcement ships patrolling in the waters. But US ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, on Tuesday ridiculously pointed the finger of blame at China for "the latest reckless action".
\n
The claim of Merrill that the USS Higgins was upholding the US' right to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows only exposes the hypocrisy of the US. As the PLA statement said, the US warship "seriously" infringed on China's sovereignty, severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, and violated international law and basic norms governing international relations.
\n
The US Navy spokesperson's dismissal of these remarks — "Nothing China says otherwise will deter us" — reveals the US' intention to constantly escalate tensions in the South China Sea, by emboldening the Philippines. The reason why the US sent the warship to the waters around Huangyan Island is because it realizes the consequences of the Philippines' provocations two days ago might make Manila jittery, waiting for China's response.
\n
Since it assumed office over three years ago, the Ferdinand Marcos Jr government has been fully aware of the dangerous position it is putting the Philippines in by acting as a US pawn against China in the South China Sea. It has practiced a brinkmanship policy to try and maximize its gains in the US-orchestrated geopolitical game — reaching for a yard after taking an inch and hiding low to weather the self-created storms.
\n
A review of what the Marcos government has done in playing its assigned role in the South China Sea clearly demonstrates that whenever it becomes hesitant and worried after playing with fire, the US will always show its support, usually by sending warships to the waters.
\n
Manila then has no choice but to continue playing its provocative game. Notably, its incursion into Chinese waters earlier this week came after Marcos' visit to the US late last month. Before that Marcos also made a series of irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question and tried to drag India into the game it is playing with the US.
\n
During his visit to the Pentagon, the Philippine president was reassured by his hosts, who reaffirmed the US' commitment to the two countries' mutual defense treaty, which states that an attack on either the Philippines or the US is deemed to be an attack on the other. The treaty is the major source of the Marcos government's confidence that the US will not abandon the Philippines in the case of an emergency. The US is actually taking advantage of that mentality to use the Philippines as a tool in its "Indo-Pacific" strategy, squeezing the space for its autonomy and alienating it from the other countries in the region.
\n
But the US knows it has not yet dispelled Manila's fear of either being discarded by the US or reaping what it has sowed in advancing the US' agenda at its own cost. So whenever Manila thinks it has gone too far, the US has to reassure it. Yet the US' exploitative approach to other hotspot issues incessantly reminds Manila that the US will take its pound of flesh.
\n
Having been pressed to be increasingly provocative, the Marcos government has finally realized that it is not a case of asking what the US can do for the Philippines, but rather what the Philippines can do for the US.
\n
The Philippines will succeed Malaysia as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year, which offers the Marcos government a chance to prove it can contribute to regional peace and stability. In an interview for his podcast on Friday, Marcos confirmed that Manila would "certainly try" to push for a legally binding code of conduct for the South China Sea to maintain stability in the region that regional countries have been negotiating.
\n
It is certainly to be hoped that this is the case.
\n",
- "content": "
The USS Higgins, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, "illegally entered China's territorial waters around Huangyan Island without the approval of the Chinese government" on Wednesday, and the People's Liberation Army Navy "tracked, monitored, and warned the vessel to leave", the PLA Southern Theater Command said in a statement that day.
\n
Sarah Merrill, a spokesperson for the US Seventh Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan, to which the USS Higgins belongs, said the warship was conducting a "freedom of navigation operation "in accordance with international law.
\n
But that's not the case. The only reason the US dispatched the vessel to those waters was to show its support for Manila to continue the hazardous game it is playing. A Philippine Coast Guard ship made some dangerous provocative maneuvers on Monday that posed a risk to the Chinese law enforcement ships patrolling in the waters. But US ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, on Tuesday ridiculously pointed the finger of blame at China for "the latest reckless action".
\n
The claim of Merrill that the USS Higgins was upholding the US' right to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows only exposes the hypocrisy of the US. As the PLA statement said, the US warship "seriously" infringed on China's sovereignty, severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, and violated international law and basic norms governing international relations.
\n
The US Navy spokesperson's dismissal of these remarks — "Nothing China says otherwise will deter us" — reveals the US' intention to constantly escalate tensions in the South China Sea, by emboldening the Philippines. The reason why the US sent the warship to the waters around Huangyan Island is because it realizes the consequences of the Philippines' provocations two days ago might make Manila jittery, waiting for China's response.
\n
Since it assumed office over three years ago, the Ferdinand Marcos Jr government has been fully aware of the dangerous position it is putting the Philippines in by acting as a US pawn against China in the South China Sea. It has practiced a brinkmanship policy to try and maximize its gains in the US-orchestrated geopolitical game — reaching for a yard after taking an inch and hiding low to weather the self-created storms.
\n
A review of what the Marcos government has done in playing its assigned role in the South China Sea clearly demonstrates that whenever it becomes hesitant and worried after playing with fire, the US will always show its support, usually by sending warships to the waters.
\n
Manila then has no choice but to continue playing its provocative game. Notably, its incursion into Chinese waters earlier this week came after Marcos' visit to the US late last month. Before that Marcos also made a series of irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question and tried to drag India into the game it is playing with the US.
\n
During his visit to the Pentagon, the Philippine president was reassured by his hosts, who reaffirmed the US' commitment to the two countries' mutual defense treaty, which states that an attack on either the Philippines or the US is deemed to be an attack on the other. The treaty is the major source of the Marcos government's confidence that the US will not abandon the Philippines in the case of an emergency. The US is actually taking advantage of that mentality to use the Philippines as a tool in its "Indo-Pacific" strategy, squeezing the space for its autonomy and alienating it from the other countries in the region.
\n
But the US knows it has not yet dispelled Manila's fear of either being discarded by the US or reaping what it has sowed in advancing the US' agenda at its own cost. So whenever Manila thinks it has gone too far, the US has to reassure it. Yet the US' exploitative approach to other hotspot issues incessantly reminds Manila that the US will take its pound of flesh.
\n
Having been pressed to be increasingly provocative, the Marcos government has finally realized that it is not a case of asking what the US can do for the Philippines, but rather what the Philippines can do for the US.
\n
The Philippines will succeed Malaysia as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year, which offers the Marcos government a chance to prove it can contribute to regional peace and stability. In an interview for his podcast on Friday, Marcos confirmed that Manila would "certainly try" to push for a legally binding code of conduct for the South China Sea to maintain stability in the region that regional countries have been negotiating.
\n
It is certainly to be hoped that this is the case.
An employee handles semiconductor materials at a factory in Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, on Wednesday. The United States has declared plans for a 100 percent tariff on semiconductor imports.
\n
Thai experts have called for a long-term strategy to offset the negative effects of US tariffs, saying Thailand should strengthen its competitiveness by investing more in innovation and technology while expanding its trade partners, including focusing more on China.
\n
The United States recently announced a new "reciprocal" tariff rate for Thailand at 19 percent, which is significantly lower than the previously proposed 36 percent. The new rate is almost on par with those on several other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but lower than the levy on Vietnam.
\n
"The reduced tariff attributed to the government's negotiation efforts is not over yet," said Wichai Kinchong Choi, a business development expert at Kasikorn Bank in Bangkok. "What's more important is to strengthen the country's own risk resistance capacity amid the future global challenges through building a robust economy."
\n
A cautiously optimistic attitude should be held as the US has not yet revealed its additional conditions, Wichai said. According to the agreement, for example, Thailand must fully open its domestic agricultural product market and exempt agricultural products imported from the US from tariffs.
\n
"The move will pose risks to Thailand's domestic fruit market," he said.
\n
In the long term, he said, Thailand should further expand into new markets to diversify risk and enhance its production processes to reduce costs while further strengthening its partnership with ASEAN countries and major trade partners such as China.
\n
"As the global trade will deepen, Thailand should urge its major sectors to accelerate reform by leveraging innovation and technology," Wichai said. "We need to adapt and enhance our own competition by investing more in industries such as clean energy, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles that contribute to the kingdom's industrial upgrading and sustainable development."
\n
After the announcement of the reduced tariff rate, Kasikorn Research Center in Bangkok released a report estimating that the Thai economy is expected to grow by 1.5 percent this year, an improvement from the prior projection of 1.4 percent.
\n
Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office at the Thai Finance Ministry, said in a recent interview with the Bangkok Post that the ministry plans to implement stimulus measures to spur domestic spending and investment to support the economy.
\n
Stimulus measures
\n
Measures may include accelerating the disbursement of public investment budgets for infrastructure projects, introducing tax policies to encourage consumption, and supporting the tourism and service sectors.
\n
In addition, the government has established a Competitiveness Enhancement Fund with a budget of 10 billion baht ($308 million), targeting vulnerable industries or those requiring urgent adaptation, which can also aid local businesses in adapting to changing trade conditions.
\n
Apart from solving the internal problems, experts said Thailand should join hands with Southeast Asian countries to open up further and improve market facilitation, as well as improve trade rules and regulations for deepening cooperation with more partners, including China.
\n
Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation, said Thailand has so far joined several regional agreements, such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, which are crucial for it to strengthen cooperation with more partners.
\n
He urged the Thai government to upgrade regulations and agreements with other trade partners and enlarge existing cooperation frameworks, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
\n
"Apart from that, we also need to access the larger market, such as BRICS Plus, which will provide Thailand with access to a larger market, facilitating trade and investment opportunities," Piti said. "Being part of BRICS can elevate Thailand's political status on the global stage, providing it with a platform to voice its interests and contribute to global economic and political discussions."
\n
The tariff policy initiated by the US can be a good chance for Thailand to reshape its industry and economy, said Suthiphand Chirathivat, a professor emeritus of economics and former director of the ASEAN Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
\n
"Moreover, the trade war will very likely bring ASEAN and China even closer," Suthiphand said.
",
@@ -6926,28 +6882,6 @@
"hash": "f32f92a3a468f4bebed2242c49936b77",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "012ADVERTORIAL - Capital maps humanoid future at 2025 World Robot Conference",
- "description": "\n
Visitors interact with an intelligent robot imitating Confucius at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug 8.
\n
Since robots are a crucial driving force in developing new quality productive forces and shaping an intelligent lifestyle, Beijing has been leveraging its technological and talent strengths to accelerate the development of common technologies, expand application scenarios, build industry exchange platforms, and continuously enhance the supply of essential resources in this field.
\n
As a result, the city's robotics industry ranks among the top in China, Beijing Mayor Yin Yong said at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Robot Conference.
\n
The event, held from Aug 8 to 12, was jointly hosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town.
\n
It featured an exhibition area of approximately 50,000 square meters, comprising three main halls focused on innovation, application, and technology.
\n
Over 200 domestic and international robotics companies showcased more than 1,500 exhibits, with over 100 new products making their debut. Among the participants were 50 humanoid robot companies, the highest number among similar exhibitions worldwide.
\n
In the exhibition area of the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, different models of heterogeneous robots carried out cross-scenario collaborative operations through the coordination of Huisi Kaiwu, the world's first general embodied intelligence platform.
\n
Experts noted that this breaks the traditional barrier of "one machine for one post", marking an evolution from individual intelligence to group intelligence.
\n
Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation in the United States, witnessed remarkable changes at this year's conference, one of the most noticeable being the significant increase in international participants. He added that since its inception, the conference has now grown into a truly global event.
\n
Today, the robotics industry is on the verge of large-scale industrialization. The guiding opinions on the innovative development of humanoid robots, released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, state that by 2027, the humanoid robot industry is expected to achieve larger-scale growth, with related products deeply integrated into the real economy and becoming an important engine for economic growth.
\n
In response, Beijing aims to build an internationally influential hub for robotics innovation. It will collaborate with Tianjin and Hebei to strategically position key components, promoting the gradual development of high-level, large-scale production capabilities for humanoid robots.
\n
It also plans to establish the first national-level testing and verification platform for humanoid robots, continuously enhance the brand influence of major events such as the World Robot Conference and the World Humanoid Robot Games, and take the lead in setting up specialized robot service institutions to become a global benchmark city for human-robot collaboration.
\n
As for the World Humanoid Robot Games, Beijing is hosting the event at the National Speed Skating Oval, known as the "Ice Ribbon". A total of 280 teams from 16 countries, featuring over 500 humanoid robots, will compete in 487 events, including running, basketball, dance, martial arts, and industrial material handling.
\n
The "Panda Eye" training base — the world's first professional venue for humanoid robot football — was recently officially unveiled. Guo Yonghao, executive deputy director of the Games' organizing committee, said its semi-transparent design allows precise control of temperature, humidity, and cleanliness.
\n
The base can create a laboratory-level stable competitive environment for robots while allowing natural sunlight, moonlight, and starlight to shine through, he added.
\n
Located on the southwestern side of the "Ice Ribbon", the ROBOLAND camp is expected to become a future hub for the humanoid robot industry. It is designed to promote domestic and international industrial cooperation and exchange, supporting the sustainable development of the robotics sector.
Visitors interact with an intelligent robot imitating Confucius at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug 8.
\n
Since robots are a crucial driving force in developing new quality productive forces and shaping an intelligent lifestyle, Beijing has been leveraging its technological and talent strengths to accelerate the development of common technologies, expand application scenarios, build industry exchange platforms, and continuously enhance the supply of essential resources in this field.
\n
As a result, the city's robotics industry ranks among the top in China, Beijing Mayor Yin Yong said at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Robot Conference.
\n
The event, held from Aug 8 to 12, was jointly hosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town.
\n
It featured an exhibition area of approximately 50,000 square meters, comprising three main halls focused on innovation, application, and technology.
\n
Over 200 domestic and international robotics companies showcased more than 1,500 exhibits, with over 100 new products making their debut. Among the participants were 50 humanoid robot companies, the highest number among similar exhibitions worldwide.
\n
In the exhibition area of the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, different models of heterogeneous robots carried out cross-scenario collaborative operations through the coordination of Huisi Kaiwu, the world's first general embodied intelligence platform.
\n
Experts noted that this breaks the traditional barrier of "one machine for one post", marking an evolution from individual intelligence to group intelligence.
\n
Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation in the United States, witnessed remarkable changes at this year's conference, one of the most noticeable being the significant increase in international participants. He added that since its inception, the conference has now grown into a truly global event.
\n
Today, the robotics industry is on the verge of large-scale industrialization. The guiding opinions on the innovative development of humanoid robots, released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, state that by 2027, the humanoid robot industry is expected to achieve larger-scale growth, with related products deeply integrated into the real economy and becoming an important engine for economic growth.
\n
In response, Beijing aims to build an internationally influential hub for robotics innovation. It will collaborate with Tianjin and Hebei to strategically position key components, promoting the gradual development of high-level, large-scale production capabilities for humanoid robots.
\n
It also plans to establish the first national-level testing and verification platform for humanoid robots, continuously enhance the brand influence of major events such as the World Robot Conference and the World Humanoid Robot Games, and take the lead in setting up specialized robot service institutions to become a global benchmark city for human-robot collaboration.
\n
As for the World Humanoid Robot Games, Beijing is hosting the event at the National Speed Skating Oval, known as the "Ice Ribbon". A total of 280 teams from 16 countries, featuring over 500 humanoid robots, will compete in 487 events, including running, basketball, dance, martial arts, and industrial material handling.
\n
The "Panda Eye" training base — the world's first professional venue for humanoid robot football — was recently officially unveiled. Guo Yonghao, executive deputy director of the Games' organizing committee, said its semi-transparent design allows precise control of temperature, humidity, and cleanliness.
\n
The base can create a laboratory-level stable competitive environment for robots while allowing natural sunlight, moonlight, and starlight to shine through, he added.
\n
Located on the southwestern side of the "Ice Ribbon", the ROBOLAND camp is expected to become a future hub for the humanoid robot industry. It is designed to promote domestic and international industrial cooperation and exchange, supporting the sustainable development of the robotics sector.
The US government's reported practice of secretly placing location tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips showcases that it is using all kinds of tactics to implement its export control measures, experts said.
\n
Such moves severely disrupt normal business cooperation and undermine trust in US technologies and products, they added.
\n
The comments came after Reuters quoted anonymous sources as saying that US authorities have secretly placed location tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips they see as being at high risk of unauthorized diversion to China.
\n
Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Zhongguancun Modern Information Consumer Application Industry Technology Alliance, a telecom industry association, said such behavior only fuels Chinese companies' distrust toward US companies such as Nvidia.
\n
Reuters reported that five people actively involved in the AI server supply chain claim they are aware of the use of the trackers in shipments of servers from manufacturers such as Dell and Supermicro, which include chips from Nvidia and AMD.
\n
Xiang said users, not only companies in China, but also clients across the world, may abandon US products over fears of potential risks.
\n
In addition, in late July, the Cyberspace Administration of China summoned Nvidia over alleged security risks concerning its H20 AI chips sold to China.
\n
"The demand for H20 chips was lower than expected, according to the latest feedback of our customers," said a regional manager of a major Chinese information technology distributor, on condition of anonymity.
\n
The manager said that for chips like the H20, demand depends heavily on large corporations, which are reluctant to buy the products from Nvidia.
\n
An engineer at a Chinese internet company, also on condition of anonymity, said: "Cybersecurity is of crucial importance to us. We cannot tolerate any potential risks. Even if H20 chips are available now, we are not that eager to buy."
\n
Last year, the Cyber Security Association of China urged a comprehensive review of products from US tech company Intel, citing recurring cybersecurity vulnerabilities and high failure rates, so as to safeguard the country's national security and protect the rights of Chinese consumers.
\n
On July 26, 2023, the Wuhan Municipal Emergency Management Bureau published a statement that 360 Security Group detected a cyberattack from overseas organizations on its earthquake monitoring center. Some front-end station collection points of seismic reporting data had been implanted with back-door programs.
\n
Lu Chuanying, a professor at the School of Political Science and International Relations at Tongji University, said: "Digital space is a virtual domain where information travels at light speed, defying the conventional boundaries of time and space that govern human society. In doing so, it neutralizes the role of geography in shaping the digital geopolitical landscape.
\n
"China-US relations in the digital sphere have undergone a profound transformation over the years — evolving from initial technological collaboration to strategic decoupling, and escalating from random disputes to systemic geopolitical maneuvering."
\n
The Financial Times reported on Monday that Nvidia has agreed to pay the US government 15 percent of its revenue from H20 chip sales in China as part of a deal to secure export licenses to Beijing.
\n
In response to the report, Nvidia said in a statement to China Daily, "We follow rules the US government sets for our participation in worldwide markets."
\n
Charlie Dai, vice-president and principal analyst at market research company Forrester, said the 15 percent fee agreement starkly underscores how trade tensions drive up market access costs.
Ling Cage, a popular sci-fi animated series, fictionalizes a postapocalyptic world where humans rely on cutting-edge technology to battle catastrophe.
\n
Marc, the protagonist of the franchise.
\n
A scene from the second season featuring Bai Yuekui, a powerful female character, wielding a weapon inspired by Chinese martial arts.
\n
An artistic rendering of a futuristic world.
\n
When Dong Xiangbo was in primary school, his father once caught him skipping homework to watch Dinosaur Corps Koseidon, a popular Japanese sci-fi series. The punishment was swift: a spanking that left the boy in tears. Yet, even as his father scolded him, Dong kept sneaking glances at the TV, where a superhero battled aliens.
\n
Decades later, that childhood moment feels almost prophetic. Today, the 38-year-old director is at the helm of Ling Cage, one of China's most ambitious sci-fi animated series.
\n
The latest, its second season, marks a return to the futuristic world after a six-year hiatus. Since its release, it has racked up over 320 million online views and earned a stellar 8.9 out of 10 on the popular review site Douban.
\n
Set in a postapocalyptic world, Ling Cage envisions humanity on the brink of extinction after a catastrophic geological disaster. The survivors take refuge in a floating fortress governed by draconian laws: emotional bonds are banned, reproduction is strictly controlled to ensure genetic superiority, and the weak are exiled.
\n
Marc, the series' protagonist, was once a commander tasked with retrieving vital supplies like food and medicine from the dangerous surface, overrun by monstrous predators. But after losing his beloved in a scheme engineered by the fortress ruler's son — once his friend and mentor — Marc transforms into one of the very creatures he hunted.
\n
The new season picks up where the first left off, introducing a seemingly utopian village, a stark contrast to the fortress. At first idyllic, with residents enjoying peaceful lives, the settlement is soon revealed to harbor sinister experiments and moral compromises. Marc, still clinging to his human consciousness, embarks on a new adventure to face even greater challenges.
\n
The second season, enhanced by advanced technologies like motion capture, features over 10,000 different shots.
\n
For producer Ruan Rui, also the founder of animation studio YHKT Entertainment, the village's design draws from ancient Chinese philosophy — particularly the belief that human perseverance can overcome even the harshest environments. While sci-fi has long thrived in the West, Ruan says he and his fellow creators have worked hard to develop sci-fi stories rooted in Chinese culture that reflect distinctly Chinese ideas.
\n
Such instances range from characters using martial arts to fight monsters to engaging in typical Chinese pastimes like playing mahjong, eating hotpot, and gathering elderly villagers for square dancing as a form of exercise.
\n
When the idea for the franchise emerged around 2015 or 2016, global tensions also shaped its themes. "We originally wanted to explore how people from different countries could unite and work together to confront a global crisis," Ruan explains.
\n
Director Dong, also the cofounder of Wuhan-based YHKT Entertainment, says it took them four years to produce the second season. It aims to delve deeper into thought-provoking sci-fi themes — such as the limits of human potential and whether social systems trap us in patterns that are hard to escape.
\n
A self-taught animator, Dong traces his passion back to a chance encounter in an internet cafe where he saw a middle-aged man creating animations on a computer. Fascinated, Dong bought nearly every animation book he could find and taught himself when he was in college.
\n
Fueled by his interest in sci-fi — from classics by British novelist Arthur C. Clarke to works by Asia's first Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin, as well as Hollywood blockbusters like Canadian director Denis Villeneuve's Arrival (2016) — Dong says he aims to blend universal sci-fi themes with Chinese cultural elements, even weaving acupuncture into the story.
\n
Now leading his team in writing the script for the third season, Dong says he visited several research institutions, including the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, consulting experts on incorporating cutting-edge ideas such as brain-computer interfaces to make the new season even more compelling.
\n
"We hope that, through more high-quality scifi animated projects like the Ling Cage franchise, Chinese animators can elevate the global recognition of domestic animation and earn a place alongside top players in countries like the United States and Japan," says Dong.
\n
Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Ling Cage, a popular sci-fi animated series, fictionalizes a postapocalyptic world where humans rely on cutting-edge technology to battle catastrophe.
\n
Marc, the protagonist of the franchise.
\n
A scene from the second season featuring Bai Yuekui, a powerful female character, wielding a weapon inspired by Chinese martial arts.
\n
An artistic rendering of a futuristic world.
\n
When Dong Xiangbo was in primary school, his father once caught him skipping homework to watch Dinosaur Corps Koseidon, a popular Japanese sci-fi series. The punishment was swift: a spanking that left the boy in tears. Yet, even as his father scolded him, Dong kept sneaking glances at the TV, where a superhero battled aliens.
\n
Decades later, that childhood moment feels almost prophetic. Today, the 38-year-old director is at the helm of Ling Cage, one of China's most ambitious sci-fi animated series.
\n
The latest, its second season, marks a return to the futuristic world after a six-year hiatus. Since its release, it has racked up over 320 million online views and earned a stellar 8.9 out of 10 on the popular review site Douban.
\n
Set in a postapocalyptic world, Ling Cage envisions humanity on the brink of extinction after a catastrophic geological disaster. The survivors take refuge in a floating fortress governed by draconian laws: emotional bonds are banned, reproduction is strictly controlled to ensure genetic superiority, and the weak are exiled.
\n
Marc, the series' protagonist, was once a commander tasked with retrieving vital supplies like food and medicine from the dangerous surface, overrun by monstrous predators. But after losing his beloved in a scheme engineered by the fortress ruler's son — once his friend and mentor — Marc transforms into one of the very creatures he hunted.
\n
The new season picks up where the first left off, introducing a seemingly utopian village, a stark contrast to the fortress. At first idyllic, with residents enjoying peaceful lives, the settlement is soon revealed to harbor sinister experiments and moral compromises. Marc, still clinging to his human consciousness, embarks on a new adventure to face even greater challenges.
\n
The second season, enhanced by advanced technologies like motion capture, features over 10,000 different shots.
\n
For producer Ruan Rui, also the founder of animation studio YHKT Entertainment, the village's design draws from ancient Chinese philosophy — particularly the belief that human perseverance can overcome even the harshest environments. While sci-fi has long thrived in the West, Ruan says he and his fellow creators have worked hard to develop sci-fi stories rooted in Chinese culture that reflect distinctly Chinese ideas.
\n
Such instances range from characters using martial arts to fight monsters to engaging in typical Chinese pastimes like playing mahjong, eating hotpot, and gathering elderly villagers for square dancing as a form of exercise.
\n
When the idea for the franchise emerged around 2015 or 2016, global tensions also shaped its themes. "We originally wanted to explore how people from different countries could unite and work together to confront a global crisis," Ruan explains.
\n
Director Dong, also the cofounder of Wuhan-based YHKT Entertainment, says it took them four years to produce the second season. It aims to delve deeper into thought-provoking sci-fi themes — such as the limits of human potential and whether social systems trap us in patterns that are hard to escape.
\n
A self-taught animator, Dong traces his passion back to a chance encounter in an internet cafe where he saw a middle-aged man creating animations on a computer. Fascinated, Dong bought nearly every animation book he could find and taught himself when he was in college.
\n
Fueled by his interest in sci-fi — from classics by British novelist Arthur C. Clarke to works by Asia's first Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin, as well as Hollywood blockbusters like Canadian director Denis Villeneuve's Arrival (2016) — Dong says he aims to blend universal sci-fi themes with Chinese cultural elements, even weaving acupuncture into the story.
\n
Now leading his team in writing the script for the third season, Dong says he visited several research institutions, including the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, consulting experts on incorporating cutting-edge ideas such as brain-computer interfaces to make the new season even more compelling.
\n
"We hope that, through more high-quality scifi animated projects like the Ling Cage franchise, Chinese animators can elevate the global recognition of domestic animation and earn a place alongside top players in countries like the United States and Japan," says Dong.
The signs of a bull run are slowly but steadily emerging in China's A-share market, underpinned by ongoing structural reforms and sustained long-term capital inflows. Experts said the developing rally is expected to gain further traction on the back of policy support and a gradually improving external environment.
\n
Their remarks came on Wednesday as the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose for an eighth straight session, climbing 0.48 percent to close at 3,683.46 — its highest level since December 2021.
\n
The Shenzhen Component Index gained 1.76 percent, while the tech-heavy ChiNext surged 3.62 percent. The total turnover on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges topped 2.1 trillion yuan ($292.69 billion) — a 13.5 percent increase from the previous day.
\n
Investor enthusiasm is surging on both the institutional and retail fronts. July witnessed a record monthly number of new mutual fund launches, reflecting rising interest among households in equity assets as returns from traditional savings and wealth management products continue to decline. Total assets under management in public mutual funds have now exceeded 34 trillion yuan.
\n
Insurance companies are also ramping up their presence in the A-share market. The number of public disclosures triggered by insurers' equity holdings surpassing the 5 percent threshold has already exceeded last year's total. Analysts said insurers are increasingly focusing on companies from the emerging industries and advanced manufacturing sectors, supporting China's shift toward high-quality development.
\n
Yang Delong, chief economist at First Seafront Fund, said that insurance companies have played an increasingly stabilizing role in the A-share market by boosting their equity allocations. He noted that insurers have recently focused more of their research on companies engaged in new quality productive forces, a move that supports China's broader push to upgrade its real economy and enhance long-term investment value.
\n
Retail investor participation is also rising. Nearly 14.6 million individual trading accounts were opened in the first seven months of 2025, a 37 percent year-on-year increase, according to data provider Wind Info.
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Furthermore, foreign investors have been steadily increasing their exposure to Chinese equities, including A-shares and Hong Kong-listed stocks. Net foreign inflows totaled $2.7 billion in July, more than double the level in June, according to a recent report by Morgan Stanley.
\n
Analysts said the macro environment is becoming increasingly favorable for Chinese equities. Expectations of a weaker US dollar and potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve are improving the outlook for emerging markets. The narrowing interest rate differential between China and the United States could further accelerate foreign capital inflows.
\n
Hong Hao, chief investment officer at Lotus Asset Management, said the upward momentum of Chinese stocks will sustain for a long time if the US dollar's weakness proves to be a multiyear trend. Also, the Chinese market has been increasingly resilient in the face of negative tariff headlines.
\n
Given the current favorable liquidity conditions in the Chinese market and the fear-of-missing-out sentiment, any corrections in the A-share market are likely to be quickly absorbed by buyers, he added.
\n
Zhu Liang, chief investment officer at AllianceBernstein China, said that despite strong gains in recent weeks — with the Shanghai Composite Index up nearly 7 percent and the Shenzhen Component Index up more than 10 percent since July — valuations in the A-share market remain attractive.
\n
Sounding a word of caution, some experts said that risk appetite in the A-share market may be suppressed by factors such as changes in tariff talks between China and the US, as well as domestic challenges facing the Chinese economy.
\n
He Kang, chief strategy analyst at Huatai Securities, said that there are still challenges regarding China's economic recovery, as efforts by policymakers to create a fairer competition environment may take time to show effect, and this may affect the profitability outlook of A-share companies.
A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday criticized the Lai Ching-te administration in Taiwan for prioritizing political self-interest over public welfare, following recent polls showing Lai's approval ratings were the lowest they've been since he took office last year.
\n
The surveys, including one from Formosa Publishing and other "pro-independence" institutions in Taiwan, indicated a significant drop in satisfaction with Lai's performance, with dissatisfaction and distrust both exceeding 50 percent.
\n
This decline in approval comes as Taiwan society expresses dissatisfaction over the United States' recent announcement of a 20 percent tariff on most of Taiwan's exports. This rate is higher than the 15 percent export tariff imposed on Japan and South Korea, which are major competitors to Taiwan, posing a substantial challenge for Taiwan businesses.
\n
In response, the Lai administration of the island stated that the tariff rates are still negotiable and mentioned the possibility of increasing investments in the US by an additional $400 billion, sparking criticism in Taiwan.
\n
At the same time, the US reportedly planned to impose a 100 per-cent tariff on semiconductor imports while announcing that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the island's pillar industry, will invest $300 billion in the US to build the world's largest wafer factory in Arizona.
\n
Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, accused the Democratic Progressive Party-led administration of having "no bottom line" in selling out Taiwan and being obedient in its response to US demands. She noted that the proposed $400 billion investment equates to half of Taiwan's annual GDP.
\n
Zhu said that the DPP's willingness to hand over TSMC and allow the US to extract value from Taiwan's advantageous industries demonstrated a lack of commitment and capability to safeguard Taiwan's economic development and the welfare of its people.
\n
She said that Taiwan could have mitigated rising external risks and uncertainties by strengthening economic cooperation with the mainland. Instead, she accused the DPP of harboring a misguided desire for "independence" through reliance on external forces, ultimately harming Taiwan's development interests.
\n
Meanwhile, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, criticized the Lai administration for its inadequate response to the southern Taiwan floods last month, noting that many residents remain without proper resettlement, leading to widespread public discontent.
\n
Hsiao accused the ineffective Lai administration of focusing on political ideology to divide the island facing the severe impact of the tariff increase on Taiwan's industries and people's livelihoods.
\n
"This kind of government is an 'internal hostile force' for the Taiwan people, and people should reject the DPP and Lai," he said.
\n
Zou Zhiqiang, deputy secretary-general of the US-based Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification, said the recent rejection of Lai's planned "transit" through New York by the US indicated the country was unwilling to damage Sino-US relations over Taiwan, disproving the DPP's claim of a "rock-solid" relationship with the US.
\n
Zou said that Taiwan is not a core interest for the US and is seen merely as a pawn that could be discarded at any moment.
\n
zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday criticized the Lai Ching-te administration in Taiwan for prioritizing political self-interest over public welfare, following recent polls showing Lai's approval ratings were the lowest they've been since he took office last year.
\n
The surveys, including one from Formosa Publishing and other "pro-independence" institutions in Taiwan, indicated a significant drop in satisfaction with Lai's performance, with dissatisfaction and distrust both exceeding 50 percent.
\n
This decline in approval comes as Taiwan society expresses dissatisfaction over the United States' recent announcement of a 20 percent tariff on most of Taiwan's exports. This rate is higher than the 15 percent export tariff imposed on Japan and South Korea, which are major competitors to Taiwan, posing a substantial challenge for Taiwan businesses.
\n
In response, the Lai administration of the island stated that the tariff rates are still negotiable and mentioned the possibility of increasing investments in the US by an additional $400 billion, sparking criticism in Taiwan.
\n
At the same time, the US reportedly planned to impose a 100 per-cent tariff on semiconductor imports while announcing that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the island's pillar industry, will invest $300 billion in the US to build the world's largest wafer factory in Arizona.
\n
Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, accused the Democratic Progressive Party-led administration of having "no bottom line" in selling out Taiwan and being obedient in its response to US demands. She noted that the proposed $400 billion investment equates to half of Taiwan's annual GDP.
\n
Zhu said that the DPP's willingness to hand over TSMC and allow the US to extract value from Taiwan's advantageous industries demonstrated a lack of commitment and capability to safeguard Taiwan's economic development and the welfare of its people.
\n
She said that Taiwan could have mitigated rising external risks and uncertainties by strengthening economic cooperation with the mainland. Instead, she accused the DPP of harboring a misguided desire for "independence" through reliance on external forces, ultimately harming Taiwan's development interests.
\n
Meanwhile, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, criticized the Lai administration for its inadequate response to the southern Taiwan floods last month, noting that many residents remain without proper resettlement, leading to widespread public discontent.
\n
Hsiao accused the ineffective Lai administration of focusing on political ideology to divide the island facing the severe impact of the tariff increase on Taiwan's industries and people's livelihoods.
\n
"This kind of government is an 'internal hostile force' for the Taiwan people, and people should reject the DPP and Lai," he said.
\n
Zou Zhiqiang, deputy secretary-general of the US-based Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification, said the recent rejection of Lai's planned "transit" through New York by the US indicated the country was unwilling to damage Sino-US relations over Taiwan, disproving the DPP's claim of a "rock-solid" relationship with the US.
\n
Zou said that Taiwan is not a core interest for the US and is seen merely as a pawn that could be discarded at any moment.
\n
zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
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"title": "008COMMENT - US annual human rights circus show exposes its hypocrisy and political bias",
"description": "
The US Department of State released its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on Tuesday, about three months later than usual. However, the additional time has not been spent improving the content to align with facts, but instead on reducing it to about one-third the length of last year's reports.
\n
The tremendous amount of reediting work that has been done is to ensure that the reports conform with the US administration's policies, even though the State Department has described it as an effort to make the reports more "streamlined", "more readable" and adhering more closely to what's required to be in them by law.
\n
For instance, the agency removed whole categories of violations not "explicitly required by statute", including gender-based violence and environmental justice. The deleted material includes issues widely regarded as fundamental rights under international law, such as the right to a fair public trial, as National Public Radio observed in a report.
\n
According to a State Department memo the US media obtained about the editing of the reports, editors were ordered to remove references to diversity, equity, and inclusion, sexual violence against children and violation of privacy.
\n
Even though the US administration insists it remains committed to defending human rights, the "minimalist rewrite", as some US lawmakers put it, fundamentally serves the US' domestic politics, and might not comply with domestic law, which requires a "full and complete" accounting of internationally recognized human rights.
\n
The United States has compiled these reports on every country in the world since the 1970s. The reports, which are invariably patchwork based on carefully selected "reported facts", constitute grave interference in other countries' internal affairs, and the practice is widely criticized by the international community.
\n
That Congress still relies on these assessments to shape decisions on foreign aid and weapons sales clearly demonstrates the reports' politicized nature. Human rights protection is only an excuse for the US to justify its interventionist foreign policies as well as weaponized sanctions that have no legitimate basis in international law.
\n
The irony is that human rights are essentially a privilege enjoyed only by a few in the US. Racial discrimination, inequality, and forced repatriations and deportations are just the tip of the iceberg.
\n
In February, the US president signed an executive order pulling the country out of the United Nations Human Rights Council again, unwarrantedly citing "political bias", particularly against Israel, and the agency's alleged "failure" to adequately address human rights abuses globally as due cause.
\n
But the reality is it is the US that applies "political bias" on human rights issues, and it is the US that is actually, overtly or covertly, behind many human rights abuses and humanitarian crises around the world, such as the one unfolding in Gaza.
\n
The US baselessly criticizes China over so-called human rights issues related to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in the reports. If the US administration truly cares about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the hell on earth in Gaza? Why does it turn a blind eye to the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people? These are questions the Chinese ambassador to the UN raised recently at a UN gathering, toward which his US counterpart was as mute as a fish.
\n
The US withdrew from the United Nations human rights body in 2018 — on similar grounds, in disregard of the fact that its cutting off funding to the agency will seriously affect many of its critical humanitarian aid projects in the least developed countries.
\n
No wonder the extent to which the US government can manipulate the concept of "human rights" to suit its own policy changes has even made many ardent supporters of the US' weaponization of human rights dumbstruck. Many so-called bedrock principles of human rights, such as those related to gender, the environment, race and judicial justice, that have been taken for granted by generations of human rights advocates as the foundation of the US beacon, have bitten the dust.
\n
As such, the reports are naturally devoid of credibility. Instead of showing the US as being principled, they only serve to expose its hypocrisy and double standards on the issue. Using human rights as a political tool undermines humanity's core values and basic principles. It also poses serious risks, such as its potential to escalate conflicts and jeopardize cooperation on pressing global issues. Exercising political bias on human rights, the US only exacerbates the global turbulence with its latest annual human rights circus show.
China announced on Thursday that it will introduce a new type of visa — a K visa — for young foreign talent in science and technology.
\n
The new visa type was unveiled after Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to promulgate a decision amending the country's regulations on the administration of foreigners' entries and exits.
\n
The decision came as China puts a greater emphasis on building a more proactive, open and effective talent policy.
\n
The K visa is a new addition to the ordinary visa categories and the new rules will take effect on Oct 1, according to the decision, which was drafted by the Ministry of Justice, along with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Public Security and the National Immigration Administration.
\n
Applicants for the K visa should be young international professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from prestigious universities or research institutions.
\n
In addition, it will be available to individuals involved in educational or research activities at prestigious universities or research institutions, according to a joint statement released by the four departments on Thursday night.
\n
K visa holders are permitted to engage in activities in fields such as education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges, according to the joint statement.
\n
Before this addition, there were 12 visa types classified based on the purposes of visiting China, including the L visa for sightseeing and tourism, the D visa for permanent residence and the G visa for transit through the country.
\n
Compared with other visa types, the K visa will offer holders more convenience in terms of the number of entries, validity period and duration of stay. The eligibility criteria for the K visa are set based on applicants' age, educational background and work experience, without requiring them to have an employer or inviting organization within China, according to the statement.
\n
The application process for this visa is designed to be more convenient, streamlining the steps for eligible applicants, it added.
\n
The Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Public Security, along with embassies and consulates abroad, will step up collaboration in management of the issuance, extension, renewal and replacement of K visas, as well as the residence and stay of K visa holders. They will provide appropriate assistance to applicants and holders of K visas in accordance with the law, the statement said.
\n
jihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China announced on Thursday that it will introduce a new type of visa — a K visa — for young foreign talent in science and technology.
\n
The new visa type was unveiled after Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree to promulgate a decision amending the country's regulations on the administration of foreigners' entries and exits.
\n
The decision came as China puts a greater emphasis on building a more proactive, open and effective talent policy.
\n
The K visa is a new addition to the ordinary visa categories and the new rules will take effect on Oct 1, according to the decision, which was drafted by the Ministry of Justice, along with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Public Security and the National Immigration Administration.
\n
Applicants for the K visa should be young international professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from prestigious universities or research institutions.
\n
In addition, it will be available to individuals involved in educational or research activities at prestigious universities or research institutions, according to a joint statement released by the four departments on Thursday night.
\n
K visa holders are permitted to engage in activities in fields such as education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges, according to the joint statement.
\n
Before this addition, there were 12 visa types classified based on the purposes of visiting China, including the L visa for sightseeing and tourism, the D visa for permanent residence and the G visa for transit through the country.
\n
Compared with other visa types, the K visa will offer holders more convenience in terms of the number of entries, validity period and duration of stay. The eligibility criteria for the K visa are set based on applicants' age, educational background and work experience, without requiring them to have an employer or inviting organization within China, according to the statement.
\n
The application process for this visa is designed to be more convenient, streamlining the steps for eligible applicants, it added.
\n
The Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Public Security, along with embassies and consulates abroad, will step up collaboration in management of the issuance, extension, renewal and replacement of K visas, as well as the residence and stay of K visa holders. They will provide appropriate assistance to applicants and holders of K visas in accordance with the law, the statement said.
Visitors explore a memorial exhibition on the contribution of overseas Chinese in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War, themed "united across vast distances", at the Overseas Chinese History Museum of China in Beijing on Thursday.
A performer showcases equestrian skills at the opening ceremony of the 16th Gesar Horse Racing Festival in Maqu county, Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province, on Wednesday.
\n",
- "content": "
A performer showcases equestrian skills at the opening ceremony of the 16th Gesar Horse Racing Festival in Maqu county, Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Gansu province, on Wednesday.
As the doors swing open at Beijing's new robot-themed restaurant, diners are greeted by humanoid workers who nod and speak in lifelike gestures, while robotic servers glide between tables delivering dishes and a robot band plays drums and guitars, turning a dining experience into a futuristic spectacle.
\n
"The restaurant gives me a fresh sense of technology. It's quite an amazing attempt," said Ding Wenjun, a tourist from Jiangxi province.
\n
Sun Ling, head of the Robot Restaurant, said, "It is not only an immersive dining place integrating cuisine, culture and technology, but also provides a scenario for robot application and data collection."
\n
The tech-savvy restaurant is participating in the E-Town Robot Consumption Festival, running from Aug 2 to Sunday. The event was organized by the administrative committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town.
\n
Making its debut at the festival is the Robot Mall, a 4,000-square-meter "robot 4S" store. It features more than 50 products across medical, industrial and companion robotics.
\n
For example, the Galbot G1, a wheeled-chassis humanoid robot, can retrieve medications from shelves and deliver them directly to patients.
\n
"It can automatically dispense and distribute medications, alleviating the heavy workload of nurses and reducing the risk of human error," said Meng Yanpei, a manager at the mall. "In pharmacies, it serves emergency patients, especially at night, while also lowering operating costs by taking over repetitive tasks."
\n
Over 10 pharmacies in Beijing are now operating 24 hours a day with the use of a Galbot G1. The robot is priced at 680,000 yuan ($94,800), a 50,000 yuan discount, at the 4S store during the festival.
\n
As of Tuesday, more than 19,000 robots and related products have been sold during the festival, generating total sales of over 200 million yuan. Meanwhile, the distribution of consumption vouchers has boosted sales by over 60 million yuan, according to the administrative committee of Beijing E-Town.
\n
Meanwhile, shopping malls and e-commerce platform JD.com are hosting sales campaigns at the festival. Enterprises can enjoy subsidies of up to 250,000 yuan on robot purchases.
\n
Targeting online consumers, JD.com has showcased over 680 robots and related products, including quadruped, biped, exoskeleton, and educational and companion robots, offering a maximum subsidy of 600 yuan for a single product.
\n
"In the past, these robots were priced in the millions of yuan, but now they are becoming more affordable," said Xu Lei, head of the Intelligent Robot Business Department under the 3C Digital Business Group of JD.com. "We hope to leverage the advantages of online sales, brand support and supply chains to make robots accessible to more consumers."
\n
Zhang Hao, chief scientist of ALVA (Beijing) Technology Co, said that robots are still in their infancy and are often used mainly for display. "Even though they may stagger while walking, they captivate us because we can sense their intelligence gradually maturing."
\n
"Only when robots help customers make money will they buy and keep buying such machines," said Zhang, adding that such machines must be practical, affordable, versatile and of effective use for consumers.
\n
Zhang's perspective echoes that of Massimiliano Zecca, a professor of healthcare technology at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.
\n
"Humanoid robots now require an engineering team to look after them," the professor said. "They need to bring real value to form a natural market."
\n
Despite the limitations of the robots, Zecca was clearly impressed by a humanoid coffee barista crafting intricate latte art at the 2025 World Robot Conference, which concluded on Tuesday.
\n
"I would pay for a cup of coffee with artistic flavor. The evolution of humanoid robots will surely provide more choices to meet personal preferences," Zecca said.
\n",
@@ -8809,28 +8633,6 @@
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- {
- "title": "007CHINA - Algorithms help grow seedlings on hot days",
- "description": "
A technician (right) checks the growth of seedlings through a monitor in a greenhouse at the Zhixin Digital Seedling Breeding Industrial Park in Raoyang county, Hebei province.
\n
In Raoyang county, Hebei province, a high-tech approach is overturning long-held beliefs that North China's sweltering summers are ill-suited for seedling cultivation.
\n
At the Zhixin Digital Seedling Breeding Industrial Park in Raoyang in Hengshui city, algorithms now replace gut instinct.
\n
The cutting-edge solutions are transforming challenging conditions of high temperatures, heavy rain and intense sunlight into precisely controlled parameters, enabling consistent and high-quality seedling production in the hot season.
\n
"In the past, we relied on experience. Now, we rely on algorithms," said Wei Fangcui, the park's director, while navigating the park's cloud-based management platform via a tablet.
\n
The system integrates over a dozen critical parameters, including micro-climate, soil conditions, and crop growth stages, using machines to autonomously optimize irrigation, nutrient delivery, light exposure and ventilation cycles.
\n
Stepping into the vast complex reveals a scene of quiet efficiency — automated rail-guided seedling beds glide smoothly, precision spray systems deliver moisture, and clusters of internet of things sensors display temperature and humidity data in real time.
\n
This highly integrated "breeding-cultivation-promotion" facility, a model of intelligent agriculture, now produces over 120 million robust seedlings annually, according to the park.
\n
"Problems are spotted instantly and solved with a click," said technician Xie Keju, using a mobile app to track seedlings' "body temperature" and "nutritional intake". Sensors in eight vast glass greenhouses — each nearly 10,000 square meters and housing up to one million plants — feed real time data into the system, triggering automatic adjustments to ensure every seedling receives balanced nourishment.
\n
"Crucially, the platform also provides early disease and pest warnings and tracks the growth history of individual plants," he said.
\n
The outcomes are compelling. According to Wei, the park achieves a five percent higher rate of strong, viable seedlings and reduces the overall cultivation cycle by five percent.
\n
"These tech-based seedlings are the 'chips' of modern agriculture," she said.
\n
Technology is also reshaping productivity. An artificial intelligence-powered precision seeder allows one worker to sow 45 trays in three minutes, work that once took four people almost an hour. Xie now manages 300,000 seedlings singlehandedly, with his monthly income rising from 3,000 to 8,000 yuan ($417 to 1,112).
\n
This transformation stems from Raoyang county's "Science Commissioner plus Local Expert" training program, which has delivered over 100 specialized trainings on smart equipment and pest management, grooming over 10,000 skilled fruit and vegetable technicians, according to local authorities.
\n
"Quality must be controlled from the very source," said Li Bingshun, deputy director of Raoyang county's agriculture and rural affairs bureau.
\n
This focus has attracted over 30 prominent breeding enterprises to establish operations in Raoyang. Together with 44 local seedling bases, they form an integrated breeding and promotion network, he said.
\n
The technological journey extends seamlessly from greenhouse to market. In the packaging facility, automated sorting lines place seedlings into custom boxes at a rate of three per second, each affixed with a QR code tracing its origin and journey.
\n
"These 500,000 tomato seedlings head to Beijing tomorrow via refrigerated transport, reaching fields within 48 hours," Wei Fangcui said in an interview in July, pointing to live national demand data.
\n
Since its February launch, the park has supplied over four million premium seedlings to multiple places, including the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, as well as provinces of Hebei and Henan, Wei said.
\n
The supplies cover over a dozen varieties of common and specialty fruit and vegetable seedlings, she added.
\n
"The return on our technology investment is increasing rapidly," Wei said.
\n
Their seedlings, prized for superior genetics and consistent quality, have driven tangible benefits — farmers report average yield increases of 15 to 20 percent per hectare alongside significantly improved produce quality, achieving market satisfaction rates exceeding 90 percent, according to Wei.
\n
This revolution not only supplies premium seedlings nationally but also catalyzes local industry transformation.
\n
Raoyang has established Hebei's first High-Quality Fruit and Vegetable Seed Industry Alliance, guiding breeding bases and planning 10,667-hectare demonstration zones. Additionally, it integrates data from the entire industry chain to create a regulatory platform.
\n
Currently, Raoyang has cultivated 28,667 hectares of fruits and vegetables, including 22,667 hectares of protected greenhouse crops, producing 2.4 million metric tons annually and supplying 2,000 tons daily to neighboring Beijing and Tianjin, according to local statistics.
\n
"We will amplify our leading role, aiming to bring 40 more bases into the digital fold within two years, creating scale and synergy for shared resources and technology," Wei said.
\n
She added that continuous research& development investment will refine their algorithms and deepen IoT integration, embedding technology into every facet of seedling cultivation.
\n
zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
A technician (right) checks the growth of seedlings through a monitor in a greenhouse at the Zhixin Digital Seedling Breeding Industrial Park in Raoyang county, Hebei province.
\n
In Raoyang county, Hebei province, a high-tech approach is overturning long-held beliefs that North China's sweltering summers are ill-suited for seedling cultivation.
\n
At the Zhixin Digital Seedling Breeding Industrial Park in Raoyang in Hengshui city, algorithms now replace gut instinct.
\n
The cutting-edge solutions are transforming challenging conditions of high temperatures, heavy rain and intense sunlight into precisely controlled parameters, enabling consistent and high-quality seedling production in the hot season.
\n
"In the past, we relied on experience. Now, we rely on algorithms," said Wei Fangcui, the park's director, while navigating the park's cloud-based management platform via a tablet.
\n
The system integrates over a dozen critical parameters, including micro-climate, soil conditions, and crop growth stages, using machines to autonomously optimize irrigation, nutrient delivery, light exposure and ventilation cycles.
\n
Stepping into the vast complex reveals a scene of quiet efficiency — automated rail-guided seedling beds glide smoothly, precision spray systems deliver moisture, and clusters of internet of things sensors display temperature and humidity data in real time.
\n
This highly integrated "breeding-cultivation-promotion" facility, a model of intelligent agriculture, now produces over 120 million robust seedlings annually, according to the park.
\n
"Problems are spotted instantly and solved with a click," said technician Xie Keju, using a mobile app to track seedlings' "body temperature" and "nutritional intake". Sensors in eight vast glass greenhouses — each nearly 10,000 square meters and housing up to one million plants — feed real time data into the system, triggering automatic adjustments to ensure every seedling receives balanced nourishment.
\n
"Crucially, the platform also provides early disease and pest warnings and tracks the growth history of individual plants," he said.
\n
The outcomes are compelling. According to Wei, the park achieves a five percent higher rate of strong, viable seedlings and reduces the overall cultivation cycle by five percent.
\n
"These tech-based seedlings are the 'chips' of modern agriculture," she said.
\n
Technology is also reshaping productivity. An artificial intelligence-powered precision seeder allows one worker to sow 45 trays in three minutes, work that once took four people almost an hour. Xie now manages 300,000 seedlings singlehandedly, with his monthly income rising from 3,000 to 8,000 yuan ($417 to 1,112).
\n
This transformation stems from Raoyang county's "Science Commissioner plus Local Expert" training program, which has delivered over 100 specialized trainings on smart equipment and pest management, grooming over 10,000 skilled fruit and vegetable technicians, according to local authorities.
\n
"Quality must be controlled from the very source," said Li Bingshun, deputy director of Raoyang county's agriculture and rural affairs bureau.
\n
This focus has attracted over 30 prominent breeding enterprises to establish operations in Raoyang. Together with 44 local seedling bases, they form an integrated breeding and promotion network, he said.
\n
The technological journey extends seamlessly from greenhouse to market. In the packaging facility, automated sorting lines place seedlings into custom boxes at a rate of three per second, each affixed with a QR code tracing its origin and journey.
\n
"These 500,000 tomato seedlings head to Beijing tomorrow via refrigerated transport, reaching fields within 48 hours," Wei Fangcui said in an interview in July, pointing to live national demand data.
\n
Since its February launch, the park has supplied over four million premium seedlings to multiple places, including the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, as well as provinces of Hebei and Henan, Wei said.
\n
The supplies cover over a dozen varieties of common and specialty fruit and vegetable seedlings, she added.
\n
"The return on our technology investment is increasing rapidly," Wei said.
\n
Their seedlings, prized for superior genetics and consistent quality, have driven tangible benefits — farmers report average yield increases of 15 to 20 percent per hectare alongside significantly improved produce quality, achieving market satisfaction rates exceeding 90 percent, according to Wei.
\n
This revolution not only supplies premium seedlings nationally but also catalyzes local industry transformation.
\n
Raoyang has established Hebei's first High-Quality Fruit and Vegetable Seed Industry Alliance, guiding breeding bases and planning 10,667-hectare demonstration zones. Additionally, it integrates data from the entire industry chain to create a regulatory platform.
\n
Currently, Raoyang has cultivated 28,667 hectares of fruits and vegetables, including 22,667 hectares of protected greenhouse crops, producing 2.4 million metric tons annually and supplying 2,000 tons daily to neighboring Beijing and Tianjin, according to local statistics.
\n
"We will amplify our leading role, aiming to bring 40 more bases into the digital fold within two years, creating scale and synergy for shared resources and technology," Wei said.
\n
She added that continuous research& development investment will refine their algorithms and deepen IoT integration, embedding technology into every facet of seedling cultivation.
The USS Higgins, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, "illegally entered China's territorial waters around Huangyan Island without the approval of the Chinese government" on Wednesday, and the People's Liberation Army Navy "tracked, monitored, and warned the vessel to leave", the PLA Southern Theater Command said in a statement that day.
\n
Sarah Merrill, a spokesperson for the US Seventh Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan, to which the USS Higgins belongs, said the warship was conducting a "freedom of navigation operation "in accordance with international law.
\n
But that's not the case. The only reason the US dispatched the vessel to those waters was to show its support for Manila to continue the hazardous game it is playing. A Philippine Coast Guard ship made some dangerous provocative maneuvers on Monday that posed a risk to the Chinese law enforcement ships patrolling in the waters. But US ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, on Tuesday ridiculously pointed the finger of blame at China for "the latest reckless action".
\n
The claim of Merrill that the USS Higgins was upholding the US' right to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows only exposes the hypocrisy of the US. As the PLA statement said, the US warship "seriously" infringed on China's sovereignty, severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, and violated international law and basic norms governing international relations.
\n
The US Navy spokesperson's dismissal of these remarks — "Nothing China says otherwise will deter us" — reveals the US' intention to constantly escalate tensions in the South China Sea, by emboldening the Philippines. The reason why the US sent the warship to the waters around Huangyan Island is because it realizes the consequences of the Philippines' provocations two days ago might make Manila jittery, waiting for China's response.
\n
Since it assumed office over three years ago, the Ferdinand Marcos Jr government has been fully aware of the dangerous position it is putting the Philippines in by acting as a US pawn against China in the South China Sea. It has practiced a brinkmanship policy to try and maximize its gains in the US-orchestrated geopolitical game — reaching for a yard after taking an inch and hiding low to weather the self-created storms.
\n
A review of what the Marcos government has done in playing its assigned role in the South China Sea clearly demonstrates that whenever it becomes hesitant and worried after playing with fire, the US will always show its support, usually by sending warships to the waters.
\n
Manila then has no choice but to continue playing its provocative game. Notably, its incursion into Chinese waters earlier this week came after Marcos' visit to the US late last month. Before that Marcos also made a series of irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question and tried to drag India into the game it is playing with the US.
\n
During his visit to the Pentagon, the Philippine president was reassured by his hosts, who reaffirmed the US' commitment to the two countries' mutual defense treaty, which states that an attack on either the Philippines or the US is deemed to be an attack on the other. The treaty is the major source of the Marcos government's confidence that the US will not abandon the Philippines in the case of an emergency. The US is actually taking advantage of that mentality to use the Philippines as a tool in its "Indo-Pacific" strategy, squeezing the space for its autonomy and alienating it from the other countries in the region.
\n
But the US knows it has not yet dispelled Manila's fear of either being discarded by the US or reaping what it has sowed in advancing the US' agenda at its own cost. So whenever Manila thinks it has gone too far, the US has to reassure it. Yet the US' exploitative approach to other hotspot issues incessantly reminds Manila that the US will take its pound of flesh.
\n
Having been pressed to be increasingly provocative, the Marcos government has finally realized that it is not a case of asking what the US can do for the Philippines, but rather what the Philippines can do for the US.
\n
The Philippines will succeed Malaysia as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year, which offers the Marcos government a chance to prove it can contribute to regional peace and stability. In an interview for his podcast on Friday, Marcos confirmed that Manila would "certainly try" to push for a legally binding code of conduct for the South China Sea to maintain stability in the region that regional countries have been negotiating.
\n
It is certainly to be hoped that this is the case.
\n",
@@ -8853,28 +8655,6 @@
"hash": "8b3369a4bf354fb052986316bbc4daf9",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "009VIEWS - Japan must face up to its wartime past",
- "description": "\n
Editor's note: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan should learn from its past and desist from rebuilding its military. In an interview with Li Huixian for Dialogues with Thinkers, China Daily's high-end interview program, Fang Ke, a Japanese affairs expert at the National Defense University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, said Japan should face up to its history, and stressed that Japanese right-wing forces should not distort history and mislead ordinary Japanese people, especially the younger generation. Excerpts follow:
\n
Question: Aug 15 marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II. How should Japan behave now?
\n
Answer: Japanese invaders in China and other Asian countries killed and wounded millions of people, leaving a trail of destruction across much of East and Southeast Asia. For Japan, adopting a right view of history is imperative. Only by facing up to history can Japan truly atone for its atrocities before and during World War II. Facing up to history is a litmus test of its political sincerity.
\n
Also, Japan must adhere, both in letter and spirit, to the four political documents it has signed with China. It is equally crucial for Japan to enhance communication with China to build strategic mutual trust and better understand each other's legitimate concerns.
\n
Amid growing economic turbulence fueled by the United States' tariff war, China and Japan, as the Asia-Pacific's leading economies, have every reason to deepen economic cooperation, because it would not only mitigate economic risks but also bolster regional stability. Effective crisis management is critical, too, for Japan to improve relations with China and other countries in the region. So it should respect Beijing's core interests. Rather than exacerbating tensions, it should adopt a constructive approach to fostering regional stability, particularly bilateral relations with China.
\n
Q: To what extent will the far-right forces in Japan continue to influence the country's policies?
\n
A: Ever since the Meiji Restoration, militarists and far-right forces have been influencing, to various degrees, Japan's policies, even dragging it into the abyss of war. After World War II, the international community's oversight and the US-engineered democratization reforms temporarily marginalized these elements, even stripped them of political power.
\n
However, the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 prompted a US policy reversal. By remolding Japan into an anti-communist linchpin in East Asia, the US helped rehabilitate convicted war criminals and dismissed wartime officials, some of whom became part of Japan's power structure.
\n
Consequently, Japan has never truly atoned for its wartime crimes nor has it fully abandoned its militarist views. Although these elements' capacity to fundamentally alter Japan's domestic or foreign policy is constrained, they can still shape public views, especially influence young minds.
\n
Q: What sort of impact did the Chinese people's humanitarian act of adopting Japanese war orphans after the end of World War II have on the development of Sino-Japanese relations?
\n
A: The sort of treatment Japanese orphans got from kindhearted Chinese people has long been a testament to the friendship between China and Japan. After Japan's defeat in World War II, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 war orphans were left behind in China. The older generation of Chinese leaders, including Chairman Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, treated them with kindness, as did ordinary Chinese people in Northeast China.
\n
This shows that China distinguishes between Japan's militarist clique and the Japanese people. By launching the war, the militarists not only dragged all the Japanese people into World War II but also made them victims of the war.
\n
After returning to Japan, those orphans acted as a bridge between China and Japan. Many of them formed organizations, revisited their adoptive families in China, and fostered goodwill between the two countries. Their story shows that a genuine people-to-people bond rooted in compassion and mutual understanding is irreplaceable.
\n
Q: Will Japan's labeling of China as the \"greatest strategic challenge\" in its recent defense white papers harm bilateral relations?
\n
A: Postwar Japan has oscillated between pursuing strategic autonomy to enhance its defense capabilities and relying on the US for national security. Yet by calling China the "greatest strategic challenge", Japan is fabricating stories to justify its militarization and rally domestic public support for it. Japan plans to increase its defense spending beyond 2 percent of GDP by 2027.
\n
The Japanese government argues that its "low defense spending" is inadequate to sustain its status as a major power or counter what it calls "diversified threats", whether from China or other sources. To this end, it seeks to increase defense budgets, expand offensive weapons capabilities, and procure advanced military hardware — all of which require securing public support to ensure smooth approval in both houses of the Diet when these policies are formally proposed.
\n
On the other hand, with the US advancing its "Indo-Pacific" strategy, Japan is concerned about its diminishing role in the alliance due to the US' growing diversified partners. For decades, Tokyo has followed Washington's lead, but it has been working to exercise greater influence and autonomy within the alliance.
\n
By calling China as such a "threat", both countries gain justification to deepen alliance integration, enabling Tokyo to harness US strategic weight for expanded regional influence and leadership. Japan also believes this will make it an indispensable ally of the US in the Asia-Pacific. But Japan should realize that in today's world, national security cannot be safeguarded by hyping up nonexistent threats. And clinging to the beggar-thy-neighbor approach will not help Japan win the support of its neighbors or the wider international community either.
\n
Q: Is Japan's strategy of boosting security and the economy sustainable?
\n
A: At the end of 2024, Japan was China's fifth-largest trading partner, third largest among individual countries, while China was Japan's largest trading partner and primary source of imports. Sino-Japanese trade has been mutually beneficial for decades. It is the US that has been trying to destabilize the global economic order by launching the tariff war.
\n
It is essential for China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, as major economies in the Asia-Pacific, to deepen cooperation, especially in fields such as cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure development, to ensure the region's continued development.
\n
Japan's approach to China is inherently contradictory. Despite continuing to align with the US in matters of security and defense, Japan has been enjoying the economic gains from Sino-Japanese trade.
\n
Q: How should we respond to certain US and Japanese politicians' frequent hyping of the Taiwan question?
\n
A: This is a matter of serious concern. We should continue to make efforts to achieve the reunification of Taiwan with the motherland, and avoid making the mistake of "strategic overreach".
\n
Ineffective crisis management could turn a friction into conflict, potentially dragging other countries into it. To prevent this, China and Japan have established effective multi-tier, multi-channel crisis management mechanisms, including hotlines at the defense minister level.
\n
In recent years, through a series of military exercises and demonstrations of advanced weapons systems, China has showcased the modernization of its defense forces, as well as its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and achieve national reunification.
\n
It will again do so at an opportune moment and location to demonstrate its military capabilities to deter hostile forces, and prevent them from exploiting sensitive issues.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
- "content": "\n
Editor's note: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan should learn from its past and desist from rebuilding its military. In an interview with Li Huixian for Dialogues with Thinkers, China Daily's high-end interview program, Fang Ke, a Japanese affairs expert at the National Defense University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, said Japan should face up to its history, and stressed that Japanese right-wing forces should not distort history and mislead ordinary Japanese people, especially the younger generation. Excerpts follow:
\n
Question: Aug 15 marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II. How should Japan behave now?
\n
Answer: Japanese invaders in China and other Asian countries killed and wounded millions of people, leaving a trail of destruction across much of East and Southeast Asia. For Japan, adopting a right view of history is imperative. Only by facing up to history can Japan truly atone for its atrocities before and during World War II. Facing up to history is a litmus test of its political sincerity.
\n
Also, Japan must adhere, both in letter and spirit, to the four political documents it has signed with China. It is equally crucial for Japan to enhance communication with China to build strategic mutual trust and better understand each other's legitimate concerns.
\n
Amid growing economic turbulence fueled by the United States' tariff war, China and Japan, as the Asia-Pacific's leading economies, have every reason to deepen economic cooperation, because it would not only mitigate economic risks but also bolster regional stability. Effective crisis management is critical, too, for Japan to improve relations with China and other countries in the region. So it should respect Beijing's core interests. Rather than exacerbating tensions, it should adopt a constructive approach to fostering regional stability, particularly bilateral relations with China.
\n
Q: To what extent will the far-right forces in Japan continue to influence the country's policies?
\n
A: Ever since the Meiji Restoration, militarists and far-right forces have been influencing, to various degrees, Japan's policies, even dragging it into the abyss of war. After World War II, the international community's oversight and the US-engineered democratization reforms temporarily marginalized these elements, even stripped them of political power.
\n
However, the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 prompted a US policy reversal. By remolding Japan into an anti-communist linchpin in East Asia, the US helped rehabilitate convicted war criminals and dismissed wartime officials, some of whom became part of Japan's power structure.
\n
Consequently, Japan has never truly atoned for its wartime crimes nor has it fully abandoned its militarist views. Although these elements' capacity to fundamentally alter Japan's domestic or foreign policy is constrained, they can still shape public views, especially influence young minds.
\n
Q: What sort of impact did the Chinese people's humanitarian act of adopting Japanese war orphans after the end of World War II have on the development of Sino-Japanese relations?
\n
A: The sort of treatment Japanese orphans got from kindhearted Chinese people has long been a testament to the friendship between China and Japan. After Japan's defeat in World War II, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 war orphans were left behind in China. The older generation of Chinese leaders, including Chairman Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, treated them with kindness, as did ordinary Chinese people in Northeast China.
\n
This shows that China distinguishes between Japan's militarist clique and the Japanese people. By launching the war, the militarists not only dragged all the Japanese people into World War II but also made them victims of the war.
\n
After returning to Japan, those orphans acted as a bridge between China and Japan. Many of them formed organizations, revisited their adoptive families in China, and fostered goodwill between the two countries. Their story shows that a genuine people-to-people bond rooted in compassion and mutual understanding is irreplaceable.
\n
Q: Will Japan's labeling of China as the \"greatest strategic challenge\" in its recent defense white papers harm bilateral relations?
\n
A: Postwar Japan has oscillated between pursuing strategic autonomy to enhance its defense capabilities and relying on the US for national security. Yet by calling China the "greatest strategic challenge", Japan is fabricating stories to justify its militarization and rally domestic public support for it. Japan plans to increase its defense spending beyond 2 percent of GDP by 2027.
\n
The Japanese government argues that its "low defense spending" is inadequate to sustain its status as a major power or counter what it calls "diversified threats", whether from China or other sources. To this end, it seeks to increase defense budgets, expand offensive weapons capabilities, and procure advanced military hardware — all of which require securing public support to ensure smooth approval in both houses of the Diet when these policies are formally proposed.
\n
On the other hand, with the US advancing its "Indo-Pacific" strategy, Japan is concerned about its diminishing role in the alliance due to the US' growing diversified partners. For decades, Tokyo has followed Washington's lead, but it has been working to exercise greater influence and autonomy within the alliance.
\n
By calling China as such a "threat", both countries gain justification to deepen alliance integration, enabling Tokyo to harness US strategic weight for expanded regional influence and leadership. Japan also believes this will make it an indispensable ally of the US in the Asia-Pacific. But Japan should realize that in today's world, national security cannot be safeguarded by hyping up nonexistent threats. And clinging to the beggar-thy-neighbor approach will not help Japan win the support of its neighbors or the wider international community either.
\n
Q: Is Japan's strategy of boosting security and the economy sustainable?
\n
A: At the end of 2024, Japan was China's fifth-largest trading partner, third largest among individual countries, while China was Japan's largest trading partner and primary source of imports. Sino-Japanese trade has been mutually beneficial for decades. It is the US that has been trying to destabilize the global economic order by launching the tariff war.
\n
It is essential for China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, as major economies in the Asia-Pacific, to deepen cooperation, especially in fields such as cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure development, to ensure the region's continued development.
\n
Japan's approach to China is inherently contradictory. Despite continuing to align with the US in matters of security and defense, Japan has been enjoying the economic gains from Sino-Japanese trade.
\n
Q: How should we respond to certain US and Japanese politicians' frequent hyping of the Taiwan question?
\n
A: This is a matter of serious concern. We should continue to make efforts to achieve the reunification of Taiwan with the motherland, and avoid making the mistake of "strategic overreach".
\n
Ineffective crisis management could turn a friction into conflict, potentially dragging other countries into it. To prevent this, China and Japan have established effective multi-tier, multi-channel crisis management mechanisms, including hotlines at the defense minister level.
\n
In recent years, through a series of military exercises and demonstrations of advanced weapons systems, China has showcased the modernization of its defense forces, as well as its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and achieve national reunification.
\n
It will again do so at an opportune moment and location to demonstrate its military capabilities to deter hostile forces, and prevent them from exploiting sensitive issues.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
An employee handles semiconductor materials at a factory in Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, on Wednesday. The United States has declared plans for a 100 percent tariff on semiconductor imports.
\n
Thai experts have called for a long-term strategy to offset the negative effects of US tariffs, saying Thailand should strengthen its competitiveness by investing more in innovation and technology while expanding its trade partners, including focusing more on China.
\n
The United States recently announced a new "reciprocal" tariff rate for Thailand at 19 percent, which is significantly lower than the previously proposed 36 percent. The new rate is almost on par with those on several other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but lower than the levy on Vietnam.
\n
"The reduced tariff attributed to the government's negotiation efforts is not over yet," said Wichai Kinchong Choi, a business development expert at Kasikorn Bank in Bangkok. "What's more important is to strengthen the country's own risk resistance capacity amid the future global challenges through building a robust economy."
\n
A cautiously optimistic attitude should be held as the US has not yet revealed its additional conditions, Wichai said. According to the agreement, for example, Thailand must fully open its domestic agricultural product market and exempt agricultural products imported from the US from tariffs.
\n
"The move will pose risks to Thailand's domestic fruit market," he said.
\n
In the long term, he said, Thailand should further expand into new markets to diversify risk and enhance its production processes to reduce costs while further strengthening its partnership with ASEAN countries and major trade partners such as China.
\n
"As the global trade will deepen, Thailand should urge its major sectors to accelerate reform by leveraging innovation and technology," Wichai said. "We need to adapt and enhance our own competition by investing more in industries such as clean energy, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles that contribute to the kingdom's industrial upgrading and sustainable development."
\n
After the announcement of the reduced tariff rate, Kasikorn Research Center in Bangkok released a report estimating that the Thai economy is expected to grow by 1.5 percent this year, an improvement from the prior projection of 1.4 percent.
\n
Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office at the Thai Finance Ministry, said in a recent interview with the Bangkok Post that the ministry plans to implement stimulus measures to spur domestic spending and investment to support the economy.
\n
Stimulus measures
\n
Measures may include accelerating the disbursement of public investment budgets for infrastructure projects, introducing tax policies to encourage consumption, and supporting the tourism and service sectors.
\n
In addition, the government has established a Competitiveness Enhancement Fund with a budget of 10 billion baht ($308 million), targeting vulnerable industries or those requiring urgent adaptation, which can also aid local businesses in adapting to changing trade conditions.
\n
Apart from solving the internal problems, experts said Thailand should join hands with Southeast Asian countries to open up further and improve market facilitation, as well as improve trade rules and regulations for deepening cooperation with more partners, including China.
\n
Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation, said Thailand has so far joined several regional agreements, such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, which are crucial for it to strengthen cooperation with more partners.
\n
He urged the Thai government to upgrade regulations and agreements with other trade partners and enlarge existing cooperation frameworks, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
\n
"Apart from that, we also need to access the larger market, such as BRICS Plus, which will provide Thailand with access to a larger market, facilitating trade and investment opportunities," Piti said. "Being part of BRICS can elevate Thailand's political status on the global stage, providing it with a platform to voice its interests and contribute to global economic and political discussions."
\n
The tariff policy initiated by the US can be a good chance for Thailand to reshape its industry and economy, said Suthiphand Chirathivat, a professor emeritus of economics and former director of the ASEAN Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
\n
"Moreover, the trade war will very likely bring ASEAN and China even closer," Suthiphand said.
",
@@ -8897,28 +8677,6 @@
"hash": "f32f92a3a468f4bebed2242c49936b77",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "011WORLD - Aid package unveiled for Brazilian exporters hit by levies",
- "description": "
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (second from right) and other government officials pose for a group photo during a signing ceremony to enact the Sovereign Brazil Plan, an aid program to support companies affected by the US tariffs, at the Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on Wednesday.
\n
BRASILIA — Brazil's government unveiled on Wednesday a long-awaited aid package for companies hurt by steep US tariffs, centered on credit lines for exporters and government purchases of products that face greater hurdles in finding alternative markets.
\n
US President Donald Trump hiked duties on several goods from Brazil to 50 percent from 10 percent earlier this month. Although some sectors were exempted from the steeper levies, the move is still set to hurt industries such as coffee, beef, seafood, textiles, footwear and fruit.
\n
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had already signaled his administration would not immediately retaliate against the tariff hike, instead prioritizing support for the most affected sectors.
\n
"We will insist on negotiating …but our sovereignty is untouchable," Lula told an event in Brasilia, saying he was open to talks on topics such as ethanol trade.
\n
"We are not announcing reciprocity measures. We don't want, at first, to do anything that could justify worsening our relations," the leader added.
\n
The centerpiece of the aid plan is a 30 billion-real ($5.55 billion) credit line via the existing Export Guarantee Fund, which is managed by state development bank BNDES, according to a statement.
\n
The government will also make additional contributions totaling 4.5 billion reais to strengthen some funds supporting aid for smaller companies, it added.
\n
The measures are part of an executive order signed by Lula, which takes effect immediately but must be approved by Congress within four months to remain in force.
\n
'Palliative but necessary'
\n
Ricardo Alban, the chairman of the Brazilian industry confederation, said he hopes "this plan is behind us as quickly as possible".He described it as "palliative, but necessary".
\n
"Nothing justifies us being on the lowest of tariffs to going to the highest of tariffs," Alban said.
\n
Brazil was among the nations hardest hit by Trump's tariffs.
\n
Washington exempted key goods such as aircraft, orange juice, oil and pulp from the higher rate, but products like coffee and beef, of which Brazil is a major US supplier, are now subject to the full rate, which took effect last week.
\n
Trump imposed the levies on US imports from Brazil largely in response to a Brazilian legal case he has accused of being a "witch hunt "against former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election after his supporters overran government buildings.
\n
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the case, said that he would continue to do his job and that Brazil's top court would not submit itself to foreign coercion and that it would guard the country's constitution.
\n
Brazil's new aid program also eases the tax burden on exporters to help them remain competitive in the US, a measure in place through the end of next year that the government estimated would cost 5 billion reais in foregone revenue.
\n
The plan extends the timeframe for using tax credits under the "drawback" regime, which reimburses import taxes on inputs used in the production of exported goods.
\n",
- "content": "
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (second from right) and other government officials pose for a group photo during a signing ceremony to enact the Sovereign Brazil Plan, an aid program to support companies affected by the US tariffs, at the Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on Wednesday.
\n
BRASILIA — Brazil's government unveiled on Wednesday a long-awaited aid package for companies hurt by steep US tariffs, centered on credit lines for exporters and government purchases of products that face greater hurdles in finding alternative markets.
\n
US President Donald Trump hiked duties on several goods from Brazil to 50 percent from 10 percent earlier this month. Although some sectors were exempted from the steeper levies, the move is still set to hurt industries such as coffee, beef, seafood, textiles, footwear and fruit.
\n
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had already signaled his administration would not immediately retaliate against the tariff hike, instead prioritizing support for the most affected sectors.
\n
"We will insist on negotiating …but our sovereignty is untouchable," Lula told an event in Brasilia, saying he was open to talks on topics such as ethanol trade.
\n
"We are not announcing reciprocity measures. We don't want, at first, to do anything that could justify worsening our relations," the leader added.
\n
The centerpiece of the aid plan is a 30 billion-real ($5.55 billion) credit line via the existing Export Guarantee Fund, which is managed by state development bank BNDES, according to a statement.
\n
The government will also make additional contributions totaling 4.5 billion reais to strengthen some funds supporting aid for smaller companies, it added.
\n
The measures are part of an executive order signed by Lula, which takes effect immediately but must be approved by Congress within four months to remain in force.
\n
'Palliative but necessary'
\n
Ricardo Alban, the chairman of the Brazilian industry confederation, said he hopes "this plan is behind us as quickly as possible".He described it as "palliative, but necessary".
\n
"Nothing justifies us being on the lowest of tariffs to going to the highest of tariffs," Alban said.
\n
Brazil was among the nations hardest hit by Trump's tariffs.
\n
Washington exempted key goods such as aircraft, orange juice, oil and pulp from the higher rate, but products like coffee and beef, of which Brazil is a major US supplier, are now subject to the full rate, which took effect last week.
\n
Trump imposed the levies on US imports from Brazil largely in response to a Brazilian legal case he has accused of being a "witch hunt "against former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election after his supporters overran government buildings.
\n
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the case, said that he would continue to do his job and that Brazil's top court would not submit itself to foreign coercion and that it would guard the country's constitution.
\n
Brazil's new aid program also eases the tax burden on exporters to help them remain competitive in the US, a measure in place through the end of next year that the government estimated would cost 5 billion reais in foregone revenue.
\n
The plan extends the timeframe for using tax credits under the "drawback" regime, which reimburses import taxes on inputs used in the production of exported goods.
Visitors interact with an intelligent robot imitating Confucius at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug 8.
\n
Since robots are a crucial driving force in developing new quality productive forces and shaping an intelligent lifestyle, Beijing has been leveraging its technological and talent strengths to accelerate the development of common technologies, expand application scenarios, build industry exchange platforms, and continuously enhance the supply of essential resources in this field.
\n
As a result, the city's robotics industry ranks among the top in China, Beijing Mayor Yin Yong said at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Robot Conference.
\n
The event, held from Aug 8 to 12, was jointly hosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town.
\n
It featured an exhibition area of approximately 50,000 square meters, comprising three main halls focused on innovation, application, and technology.
\n
Over 200 domestic and international robotics companies showcased more than 1,500 exhibits, with over 100 new products making their debut. Among the participants were 50 humanoid robot companies, the highest number among similar exhibitions worldwide.
\n
In the exhibition area of the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, different models of heterogeneous robots carried out cross-scenario collaborative operations through the coordination of Huisi Kaiwu, the world's first general embodied intelligence platform.
\n
Experts noted that this breaks the traditional barrier of "one machine for one post", marking an evolution from individual intelligence to group intelligence.
\n
Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation in the United States, witnessed remarkable changes at this year's conference, one of the most noticeable being the significant increase in international participants. He added that since its inception, the conference has now grown into a truly global event.
\n
Today, the robotics industry is on the verge of large-scale industrialization. The guiding opinions on the innovative development of humanoid robots, released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, state that by 2027, the humanoid robot industry is expected to achieve larger-scale growth, with related products deeply integrated into the real economy and becoming an important engine for economic growth.
\n
In response, Beijing aims to build an internationally influential hub for robotics innovation. It will collaborate with Tianjin and Hebei to strategically position key components, promoting the gradual development of high-level, large-scale production capabilities for humanoid robots.
\n
It also plans to establish the first national-level testing and verification platform for humanoid robots, continuously enhance the brand influence of major events such as the World Robot Conference and the World Humanoid Robot Games, and take the lead in setting up specialized robot service institutions to become a global benchmark city for human-robot collaboration.
\n
As for the World Humanoid Robot Games, Beijing is hosting the event at the National Speed Skating Oval, known as the "Ice Ribbon". A total of 280 teams from 16 countries, featuring over 500 humanoid robots, will compete in 487 events, including running, basketball, dance, martial arts, and industrial material handling.
\n
The "Panda Eye" training base — the world's first professional venue for humanoid robot football — was recently officially unveiled. Guo Yonghao, executive deputy director of the Games' organizing committee, said its semi-transparent design allows precise control of temperature, humidity, and cleanliness.
\n
The base can create a laboratory-level stable competitive environment for robots while allowing natural sunlight, moonlight, and starlight to shine through, he added.
\n
Located on the southwestern side of the "Ice Ribbon", the ROBOLAND camp is expected to become a future hub for the humanoid robot industry. It is designed to promote domestic and international industrial cooperation and exchange, supporting the sustainable development of the robotics sector.
",
@@ -8941,28 +8699,6 @@
"hash": "2e988ea2eafc2b801b772bf4b16f3222",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "013BUSINESS - Australia eyes big influx of Chinese travelers",
- "description": "
China is expected to regain its position as the top source country for Australia's inbound tourism in the near future, a senior executive at Tourism Australia said.
\n
The number of Chinese travelers arriving in Australia was nearly 950,000 between June 2024 and May 2025, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent, making China the fastest-growing international source market for Australia's inbound tourism, Phillipa Harrison, managing director of Tourism Australia, said in an exclusive interview.
\n
China is currently Australia's second-largest market for inbound tourist arrivals, she said.
\n
"The only market that has more visitors is New Zealand, our very close neighbor. So, China is a big market with huge potential, and we are confident to see it continuing to grow over the next period of time," Harrison said.
\n
China was the top provider of inbound foreign tourists for Australia in 2018 and 2019, with around 1.4 million travelers arriving annually. However, it decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. "Inbound travel from China hasn't returned to its full strength yet."
\n
The Australian tourism authority said it has noticed a trend among Chinese tourists recently — instead of simply sightseeing in the cities, they are now traveling all over the country.
\n
"Chinese travelers are now going outside of the cities. They hire cars and go into much more regional areas. That's the case even for first-time visitors," Harrison said.
\n
For example, Australia's Tasmania State reported that in 2023, the number of Chinese tourists increased by 38 percent compared to the previous year. The export volumes of local cherries and salmon have risen significantly driven by the influx of tourists.
\n
In the Northern Territory, Uluru reported that the number of Chinese tourists has continued to surge, with an expected reach of 30,000 visitors this year. A significant proportion of these tourists are families, even multi-generation ones, who prefer activities like camel rides and helicopter overviews.
\n
Data from online travel agency Trip.com showed that Australia was the top long-haul outbound destination for Chinese travelers during this year's Chinese New Year holiday, with self-driving orders increasing by nearly 22 percent month-on-month.
\n
With the number of travelers in their 20s increasing, the Australian tourism authority said younger individuals seek more adventure-based programs.
\n
"They go out to the mountains, go diving and go hiking, among other activities, which also makes their stay in the country slightly longer than before," Harrison said.
\n
Several travel agencies said that thrilling experiences, such as skydiving, helicopter tours at the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest zip-lining have become popular choices for Chinese tourists visiting Australia.
\n
Chen Ying, a product booking manager at travel portal Ly.com, said that Chinese tourists show a strong interest in skydiving as well as other "once-in-a-lifetime opportunities", and that there has been a notable increase in bookings for hiking, hot air ballooning and nature experiences as well.
\n
zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China is expected to regain its position as the top source country for Australia's inbound tourism in the near future, a senior executive at Tourism Australia said.
\n
The number of Chinese travelers arriving in Australia was nearly 950,000 between June 2024 and May 2025, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent, making China the fastest-growing international source market for Australia's inbound tourism, Phillipa Harrison, managing director of Tourism Australia, said in an exclusive interview.
\n
China is currently Australia's second-largest market for inbound tourist arrivals, she said.
\n
"The only market that has more visitors is New Zealand, our very close neighbor. So, China is a big market with huge potential, and we are confident to see it continuing to grow over the next period of time," Harrison said.
\n
China was the top provider of inbound foreign tourists for Australia in 2018 and 2019, with around 1.4 million travelers arriving annually. However, it decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. "Inbound travel from China hasn't returned to its full strength yet."
\n
The Australian tourism authority said it has noticed a trend among Chinese tourists recently — instead of simply sightseeing in the cities, they are now traveling all over the country.
\n
"Chinese travelers are now going outside of the cities. They hire cars and go into much more regional areas. That's the case even for first-time visitors," Harrison said.
\n
For example, Australia's Tasmania State reported that in 2023, the number of Chinese tourists increased by 38 percent compared to the previous year. The export volumes of local cherries and salmon have risen significantly driven by the influx of tourists.
\n
In the Northern Territory, Uluru reported that the number of Chinese tourists has continued to surge, with an expected reach of 30,000 visitors this year. A significant proportion of these tourists are families, even multi-generation ones, who prefer activities like camel rides and helicopter overviews.
\n
Data from online travel agency Trip.com showed that Australia was the top long-haul outbound destination for Chinese travelers during this year's Chinese New Year holiday, with self-driving orders increasing by nearly 22 percent month-on-month.
\n
With the number of travelers in their 20s increasing, the Australian tourism authority said younger individuals seek more adventure-based programs.
\n
"They go out to the mountains, go diving and go hiking, among other activities, which also makes their stay in the country slightly longer than before," Harrison said.
\n
Several travel agencies said that thrilling experiences, such as skydiving, helicopter tours at the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest zip-lining have become popular choices for Chinese tourists visiting Australia.
\n
Chen Ying, a product booking manager at travel portal Ly.com, said that Chinese tourists show a strong interest in skydiving as well as other "once-in-a-lifetime opportunities", and that there has been a notable increase in bookings for hiking, hot air ballooning and nature experiences as well.
The US government's reported practice of secretly placing location tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips showcases that it is using all kinds of tactics to implement its export control measures, experts said.
\n
Such moves severely disrupt normal business cooperation and undermine trust in US technologies and products, they added.
\n
The comments came after Reuters quoted anonymous sources as saying that US authorities have secretly placed location tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips they see as being at high risk of unauthorized diversion to China.
\n
Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Zhongguancun Modern Information Consumer Application Industry Technology Alliance, a telecom industry association, said such behavior only fuels Chinese companies' distrust toward US companies such as Nvidia.
\n
Reuters reported that five people actively involved in the AI server supply chain claim they are aware of the use of the trackers in shipments of servers from manufacturers such as Dell and Supermicro, which include chips from Nvidia and AMD.
\n
Xiang said users, not only companies in China, but also clients across the world, may abandon US products over fears of potential risks.
\n
In addition, in late July, the Cyberspace Administration of China summoned Nvidia over alleged security risks concerning its H20 AI chips sold to China.
\n
"The demand for H20 chips was lower than expected, according to the latest feedback of our customers," said a regional manager of a major Chinese information technology distributor, on condition of anonymity.
\n
The manager said that for chips like the H20, demand depends heavily on large corporations, which are reluctant to buy the products from Nvidia.
\n
An engineer at a Chinese internet company, also on condition of anonymity, said: "Cybersecurity is of crucial importance to us. We cannot tolerate any potential risks. Even if H20 chips are available now, we are not that eager to buy."
\n
Last year, the Cyber Security Association of China urged a comprehensive review of products from US tech company Intel, citing recurring cybersecurity vulnerabilities and high failure rates, so as to safeguard the country's national security and protect the rights of Chinese consumers.
\n
On July 26, 2023, the Wuhan Municipal Emergency Management Bureau published a statement that 360 Security Group detected a cyberattack from overseas organizations on its earthquake monitoring center. Some front-end station collection points of seismic reporting data had been implanted with back-door programs.
\n
Lu Chuanying, a professor at the School of Political Science and International Relations at Tongji University, said: "Digital space is a virtual domain where information travels at light speed, defying the conventional boundaries of time and space that govern human society. In doing so, it neutralizes the role of geography in shaping the digital geopolitical landscape.
\n
"China-US relations in the digital sphere have undergone a profound transformation over the years — evolving from initial technological collaboration to strategic decoupling, and escalating from random disputes to systemic geopolitical maneuvering."
\n
The Financial Times reported on Monday that Nvidia has agreed to pay the US government 15 percent of its revenue from H20 chip sales in China as part of a deal to secure export licenses to Beijing.
\n
In response to the report, Nvidia said in a statement to China Daily, "We follow rules the US government sets for our participation in worldwide markets."
\n
Charlie Dai, vice-president and principal analyst at market research company Forrester, said the 15 percent fee agreement starkly underscores how trade tensions drive up market access costs.
Robots boxing in a ring at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug 8.
\n
Visitors watch robots play soccer at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug 8.
\n
BEIJING — Robots that are not only able to run, dance and play soccer, but also sort parts on an assembly line, try their luck at a game of mahjong and even tickle the ivory were once fantasies confined to science fiction novels, but are now a reality that was unfolded at the recent World Robot Conference in Beijing.
\n
The WRC 2025 showcased rapidly advancing embodied intelligence technology, with humanoid robots as the highlight, demonstrating significant progress achieved globally and particularly in China, while the event also served to illuminate a wide range of future commercial application scenarios.
\n
Themed "Making Robots Smarter, Making Embodied Agents More Intelligent," the five-day conference that finished earlier this week featured forums, exhibitions, competitions and networking events — with over 200 robotics companies from around the world showcasing their latest innovations.
\n
Exhibitors at the WRC showed off their latest humanoid robots along with other varieties such as wheeled robots, collaborative robots and quadruped or hexapod robotic dogs, as well as newly developed embodied intelligence models.
\n
Unitree Robotics, based in East China's Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, brought its latest humanoid R1 and quadrupedal A2 automatons to the conference. A crowd favorite was a boxing match by two of the latest upgraded GI robots. The mechanical boxers punched and defended like real human fighters, while getting up to continue even after being knocked down.
\n
Marketing manager at Unitree, Liu Jinda, said the sparring demonstration wasn't just for show. "During boxing, multiple joints need to coordinate with extremely fast reaction times. When subjected to external forces, the robots must quickly regain stability and balance. This practice provides valuable experience for developers to improve robotic performance."
\n
In the exhibition area of Galaxea AI, visitors only needed to say "Please make the bed," and the company's new R1 Lite robot responded by completing the task in a randomly disordered bedroom all by itself.
\n
Galaxea AI chief scientist Zhao Hang said the key to embodied intelligence robots lies in their "brain" — represented by the sophistication of their algorithms. R1 Lite's Vision-Language-Action model uses a single end-to-end architecture to achieve precise control from visual perception to its sophisticated joints, enabling it to perform highly complex, long-sequence tasks like making a bed.
\n
At a conference forum, Ni Guangnan, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, emphasized that combining robots with AI requires elevating robotic intelligence through "brain-eye-action "coordinated systems — enabling automatons to see, understand and act in the real world.
\n
Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing said that while current robotic hardware is generally sufficient, their AI capabilities still fall far short of industry needs, and developing sufficient embodied intelligence models will be the most critical task for the industry in the future.
\n
China's innovations in embodied intelligence are powered by the robust development of its robotics industry. According to data released at the conference, the country's robotics industry generated nearly 240 billion yuan ($33.4 billion) in revenue in 2024.
\n
In the first half, industrial robot production in China reached 370,000 units while service robot output hit 8.82 million units, representing year-on-year growth of 35.6 percent and 25.5 percent, respectively. China has also been the world's largest industrial robot application market for 12 consecutive years, with its share of the world's newly installed robots increasing from 51 percent in 2023 to 54 percent in 2024.
\n
Rev Lebaredian, vice-president of Omniverse and simulation technology at Nvidia, said in a speech at a forum that China boasts the world's largest pool of top-tier graduates in computer science and AI, while holding a distinct advantage in physical-world tech development. This enables the country to produce robots that are both cost-effective and highly efficient — a capability unmatched by other countries.
\n
Moreover, China possesses not only manufacturing prowess, but also the unique ability to deploy robots at scale and iterate rapidly. By deploying robots in real-world applications and collecting operational data, Chinese developers can continuously optimize robotic systems. This closed-loop improvement capability has become an essential requirement for robotics advancement, and China already enjoys this competitive edge, Lebaredian said.
\n
The embodied intelligence sector, notably, is attracting not only AI innovators, but also traditional industrial robotics companies. At WRC 2025, established players like Siasun and Dobot, once focused on robotic arms and autonomous forklifts, deployed humanoid robots at their most visible displays. With decades of industrial application experience, they are injecting new momentum into the application of embodied intelligence technologies.
\n
At the opening ceremony of the conference, the Chinese Institute of Electronics unveiled 10 most promising application scenarios for humanoid robots, such as automotive manufacturing, petrochemical production inspection, emergency response operations, home services and agricultural tasks.
\n
The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center showcased the multi-agent and multitasking collaborative capabilities of embodied intelligent robots in industrial scenarios. Some of the robots are responsible for power inspection and others sort parts on assembly lines, while robotic arms in the inspection area automatically identify defective light bulbs.
\n
Several that showcased products at the expo have achieved initial commercialization in the medical and eldercare sectors. For example, a six-legged robotic dog developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University will provide assistance to vision impaired individuals such as serving as seeing-eye dogs at the upcoming 15th National Games in November, jointly hosted by Guangdong province, Macao and Hong Kong.
\n
Longwood Valley MedTech, meanwhile, introduced its latest orthopedic surgical robot — which enables more precise, minimally invasive and safer surgical procedures, reducing surgery time from around three hours to just 30 minutes. It also minimizes blood loss, accelerates patient recovery, lowers the risk of postoperative complications and cuts medical costs.
\n
Beijing AI-robotics Technology exhibited various wearable exoskeleton robots that can not only help paraplegic individuals stand and walk, but also assist the elderly with stair climbing.
\n
Shuai Mei, the company's founder, said these robots detect both the user's walking intent and terrain conditions, and then use AI algorithms to adapt to the ground and gait in real time, thereby providing appropriate assistance. The company has sold around 1,000 units of its medical and eldercare products, which are now in use in over 300 hospitals nationwide.
\n
Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, said at the conference that China is intensifying its efforts in this cutting-edge and future-oriented industry to spur new consumption, cultivate emerging industries, create jobs, promote economic growth and improve people's lives.
\n",
- "content": "
Robots boxing in a ring at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug 8.
\n
Visitors watch robots play soccer at the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug 8.
\n
BEIJING — Robots that are not only able to run, dance and play soccer, but also sort parts on an assembly line, try their luck at a game of mahjong and even tickle the ivory were once fantasies confined to science fiction novels, but are now a reality that was unfolded at the recent World Robot Conference in Beijing.
\n
The WRC 2025 showcased rapidly advancing embodied intelligence technology, with humanoid robots as the highlight, demonstrating significant progress achieved globally and particularly in China, while the event also served to illuminate a wide range of future commercial application scenarios.
\n
Themed "Making Robots Smarter, Making Embodied Agents More Intelligent," the five-day conference that finished earlier this week featured forums, exhibitions, competitions and networking events — with over 200 robotics companies from around the world showcasing their latest innovations.
\n
Exhibitors at the WRC showed off their latest humanoid robots along with other varieties such as wheeled robots, collaborative robots and quadruped or hexapod robotic dogs, as well as newly developed embodied intelligence models.
\n
Unitree Robotics, based in East China's Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, brought its latest humanoid R1 and quadrupedal A2 automatons to the conference. A crowd favorite was a boxing match by two of the latest upgraded GI robots. The mechanical boxers punched and defended like real human fighters, while getting up to continue even after being knocked down.
\n
Marketing manager at Unitree, Liu Jinda, said the sparring demonstration wasn't just for show. "During boxing, multiple joints need to coordinate with extremely fast reaction times. When subjected to external forces, the robots must quickly regain stability and balance. This practice provides valuable experience for developers to improve robotic performance."
\n
In the exhibition area of Galaxea AI, visitors only needed to say "Please make the bed," and the company's new R1 Lite robot responded by completing the task in a randomly disordered bedroom all by itself.
\n
Galaxea AI chief scientist Zhao Hang said the key to embodied intelligence robots lies in their "brain" — represented by the sophistication of their algorithms. R1 Lite's Vision-Language-Action model uses a single end-to-end architecture to achieve precise control from visual perception to its sophisticated joints, enabling it to perform highly complex, long-sequence tasks like making a bed.
\n
At a conference forum, Ni Guangnan, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, emphasized that combining robots with AI requires elevating robotic intelligence through "brain-eye-action "coordinated systems — enabling automatons to see, understand and act in the real world.
\n
Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing said that while current robotic hardware is generally sufficient, their AI capabilities still fall far short of industry needs, and developing sufficient embodied intelligence models will be the most critical task for the industry in the future.
\n
China's innovations in embodied intelligence are powered by the robust development of its robotics industry. According to data released at the conference, the country's robotics industry generated nearly 240 billion yuan ($33.4 billion) in revenue in 2024.
\n
In the first half, industrial robot production in China reached 370,000 units while service robot output hit 8.82 million units, representing year-on-year growth of 35.6 percent and 25.5 percent, respectively. China has also been the world's largest industrial robot application market for 12 consecutive years, with its share of the world's newly installed robots increasing from 51 percent in 2023 to 54 percent in 2024.
\n
Rev Lebaredian, vice-president of Omniverse and simulation technology at Nvidia, said in a speech at a forum that China boasts the world's largest pool of top-tier graduates in computer science and AI, while holding a distinct advantage in physical-world tech development. This enables the country to produce robots that are both cost-effective and highly efficient — a capability unmatched by other countries.
\n
Moreover, China possesses not only manufacturing prowess, but also the unique ability to deploy robots at scale and iterate rapidly. By deploying robots in real-world applications and collecting operational data, Chinese developers can continuously optimize robotic systems. This closed-loop improvement capability has become an essential requirement for robotics advancement, and China already enjoys this competitive edge, Lebaredian said.
\n
The embodied intelligence sector, notably, is attracting not only AI innovators, but also traditional industrial robotics companies. At WRC 2025, established players like Siasun and Dobot, once focused on robotic arms and autonomous forklifts, deployed humanoid robots at their most visible displays. With decades of industrial application experience, they are injecting new momentum into the application of embodied intelligence technologies.
\n
At the opening ceremony of the conference, the Chinese Institute of Electronics unveiled 10 most promising application scenarios for humanoid robots, such as automotive manufacturing, petrochemical production inspection, emergency response operations, home services and agricultural tasks.
\n
The Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center showcased the multi-agent and multitasking collaborative capabilities of embodied intelligent robots in industrial scenarios. Some of the robots are responsible for power inspection and others sort parts on assembly lines, while robotic arms in the inspection area automatically identify defective light bulbs.
\n
Several that showcased products at the expo have achieved initial commercialization in the medical and eldercare sectors. For example, a six-legged robotic dog developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University will provide assistance to vision impaired individuals such as serving as seeing-eye dogs at the upcoming 15th National Games in November, jointly hosted by Guangdong province, Macao and Hong Kong.
\n
Longwood Valley MedTech, meanwhile, introduced its latest orthopedic surgical robot — which enables more precise, minimally invasive and safer surgical procedures, reducing surgery time from around three hours to just 30 minutes. It also minimizes blood loss, accelerates patient recovery, lowers the risk of postoperative complications and cuts medical costs.
\n
Beijing AI-robotics Technology exhibited various wearable exoskeleton robots that can not only help paraplegic individuals stand and walk, but also assist the elderly with stair climbing.
\n
Shuai Mei, the company's founder, said these robots detect both the user's walking intent and terrain conditions, and then use AI algorithms to adapt to the ground and gait in real time, thereby providing appropriate assistance. The company has sold around 1,000 units of its medical and eldercare products, which are now in use in over 300 hospitals nationwide.
\n
Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, said at the conference that China is intensifying its efforts in this cutting-edge and future-oriented industry to spur new consumption, cultivate emerging industries, create jobs, promote economic growth and improve people's lives.
Ling Cage, a popular sci-fi animated series, fictionalizes a postapocalyptic world where humans rely on cutting-edge technology to battle catastrophe.
\n
Marc, the protagonist of the franchise.
\n
A scene from the second season featuring Bai Yuekui, a powerful female character, wielding a weapon inspired by Chinese martial arts.
\n
An artistic rendering of a futuristic world.
\n
When Dong Xiangbo was in primary school, his father once caught him skipping homework to watch Dinosaur Corps Koseidon, a popular Japanese sci-fi series. The punishment was swift: a spanking that left the boy in tears. Yet, even as his father scolded him, Dong kept sneaking glances at the TV, where a superhero battled aliens.
\n
Decades later, that childhood moment feels almost prophetic. Today, the 38-year-old director is at the helm of Ling Cage, one of China's most ambitious sci-fi animated series.
\n
The latest, its second season, marks a return to the futuristic world after a six-year hiatus. Since its release, it has racked up over 320 million online views and earned a stellar 8.9 out of 10 on the popular review site Douban.
\n
Set in a postapocalyptic world, Ling Cage envisions humanity on the brink of extinction after a catastrophic geological disaster. The survivors take refuge in a floating fortress governed by draconian laws: emotional bonds are banned, reproduction is strictly controlled to ensure genetic superiority, and the weak are exiled.
\n
Marc, the series' protagonist, was once a commander tasked with retrieving vital supplies like food and medicine from the dangerous surface, overrun by monstrous predators. But after losing his beloved in a scheme engineered by the fortress ruler's son — once his friend and mentor — Marc transforms into one of the very creatures he hunted.
\n
The new season picks up where the first left off, introducing a seemingly utopian village, a stark contrast to the fortress. At first idyllic, with residents enjoying peaceful lives, the settlement is soon revealed to harbor sinister experiments and moral compromises. Marc, still clinging to his human consciousness, embarks on a new adventure to face even greater challenges.
\n
The second season, enhanced by advanced technologies like motion capture, features over 10,000 different shots.
\n
For producer Ruan Rui, also the founder of animation studio YHKT Entertainment, the village's design draws from ancient Chinese philosophy — particularly the belief that human perseverance can overcome even the harshest environments. While sci-fi has long thrived in the West, Ruan says he and his fellow creators have worked hard to develop sci-fi stories rooted in Chinese culture that reflect distinctly Chinese ideas.
\n
Such instances range from characters using martial arts to fight monsters to engaging in typical Chinese pastimes like playing mahjong, eating hotpot, and gathering elderly villagers for square dancing as a form of exercise.
\n
When the idea for the franchise emerged around 2015 or 2016, global tensions also shaped its themes. "We originally wanted to explore how people from different countries could unite and work together to confront a global crisis," Ruan explains.
\n
Director Dong, also the cofounder of Wuhan-based YHKT Entertainment, says it took them four years to produce the second season. It aims to delve deeper into thought-provoking sci-fi themes — such as the limits of human potential and whether social systems trap us in patterns that are hard to escape.
\n
A self-taught animator, Dong traces his passion back to a chance encounter in an internet cafe where he saw a middle-aged man creating animations on a computer. Fascinated, Dong bought nearly every animation book he could find and taught himself when he was in college.
\n
Fueled by his interest in sci-fi — from classics by British novelist Arthur C. Clarke to works by Asia's first Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin, as well as Hollywood blockbusters like Canadian director Denis Villeneuve's Arrival (2016) — Dong says he aims to blend universal sci-fi themes with Chinese cultural elements, even weaving acupuncture into the story.
\n
Now leading his team in writing the script for the third season, Dong says he visited several research institutions, including the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, consulting experts on incorporating cutting-edge ideas such as brain-computer interfaces to make the new season even more compelling.
\n
"We hope that, through more high-quality scifi animated projects like the Ling Cage franchise, Chinese animators can elevate the global recognition of domestic animation and earn a place alongside top players in countries like the United States and Japan," says Dong.
From left: Ukrainian dragon boaters celebrate victory in the eight-seat 500m final; France's Eloan Hitz in action during the men's freestyle parkour competition; Nursultan Duisenkulov from Kazakhstan (left) battles with Denmark's Lucas Andersen during the men's ju-jitsu 77kg fighting final.
\n
Switzerland's Kim Sprenger returns the ball during the women's fistball final between Brazil and Switzerland at Tianfu Park in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Wednesday.
\n
Wang Xuanxuan of China on the attack against Germany during the group stage of the ultimate flying disc competition.
\n
Clockwise from above: Floorball, wushu, lacrosse and beach handball are among the many niche sports at the Chengdu World Games that have enjoyed greater exposure on the global stage. Many sports have put their hands up for Olympic inclusion, and lacrosse will be part of the program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
\n
Diversity shines at the 2025 World Games, as regional, niche sports have found new fans, fresh talent and a high-profile stage in Chengdu.
\n
The world's largest international multisport gala to feature mainly non-Olympic events has shed new light on disciplines once on the periphery of the global sporting mainstream, bringing more exposure to trending urban exercises and some of the "newcomers" on the LA28 Olympic program.
\n
Flag football, a non-contact variant of American football, in which defenders stop plays by pulling a flag attached to their opponent's waist, turned heads in Chengdu on Thursday with an eight-nation women's tournament grabbing international attention ahead of its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.
\n
New Olympic sports such as lacrosse and squash have also made a strong impression. Five of the 12-athlete Chinese women's lacrosse squad hail from Chengdu University, drawing quite an enthusiastic fan following from the local community.
\n
After watching her sport contested against blue-glass walls employing low-cost, recyclable materials, World Squash Federation president Zena Wooldridge was left intrigued. "The venue is superb, with high-quality courts. Players are going home with wonderful memories of Chengdu," she said.
\n
Some sports with Chinese origin are also making their presence felt among the global audience. Modern dragon boat racing, now featuring lightweight craft and mixed-gender crews, drew strong competition.
\n
Despite China's strong heritage in the sport, Indonesia topped the podium, claiming three titles, while Ukraine and Thailand also struck gold, underscoring the sport's widening global reach.
\n
Martial arts reinforced its Olympic ambitions. "The level is incredibly close now — it's no longer one dominant force, but many flourishing together," noted International Wushu Federation secretary-general Zhang Yuping. With its inclusion in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, wushu's international promotion marked a major milestone, while the Chengdu showcase certainly has given it a further push.
\n
The trend extends to water sports, where Chinese wake surfer Zhuang Tiancai's silver-medal finish in the men's skim final on Aug 10 highlighted the trending outdoor sport's booming popularity. His Guangdong surfing club, founded in 2022, now has more than 100 members.
\n
"Three years ago, there were hardly any surfing clubs in Guangdong," Zhuang said. "Now there are more than a dozen. My partners and I are planning to open another branch."
\n
Official figures show China now has more than 300 water-surfing clubs with hundreds of thousands of participants.
\n
International World Games Association president Jose Perurena Lopez stressed the Games' role as a gateway: "We represent sports recognized by the IOC, but not yet in the Olympics. Some may graduate to the Olympics program."
\n
"The mentality of younger people has changed. In my time, all the focus was on the Olympic disciplines; now, the new generation embraces diverse sports," he said.
\n",
- "content": "
From left: Ukrainian dragon boaters celebrate victory in the eight-seat 500m final; France's Eloan Hitz in action during the men's freestyle parkour competition; Nursultan Duisenkulov from Kazakhstan (left) battles with Denmark's Lucas Andersen during the men's ju-jitsu 77kg fighting final.
\n
Switzerland's Kim Sprenger returns the ball during the women's fistball final between Brazil and Switzerland at Tianfu Park in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Wednesday.
\n
Wang Xuanxuan of China on the attack against Germany during the group stage of the ultimate flying disc competition.
\n
Clockwise from above: Floorball, wushu, lacrosse and beach handball are among the many niche sports at the Chengdu World Games that have enjoyed greater exposure on the global stage. Many sports have put their hands up for Olympic inclusion, and lacrosse will be part of the program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
\n
Diversity shines at the 2025 World Games, as regional, niche sports have found new fans, fresh talent and a high-profile stage in Chengdu.
\n
The world's largest international multisport gala to feature mainly non-Olympic events has shed new light on disciplines once on the periphery of the global sporting mainstream, bringing more exposure to trending urban exercises and some of the "newcomers" on the LA28 Olympic program.
\n
Flag football, a non-contact variant of American football, in which defenders stop plays by pulling a flag attached to their opponent's waist, turned heads in Chengdu on Thursday with an eight-nation women's tournament grabbing international attention ahead of its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.
\n
New Olympic sports such as lacrosse and squash have also made a strong impression. Five of the 12-athlete Chinese women's lacrosse squad hail from Chengdu University, drawing quite an enthusiastic fan following from the local community.
\n
After watching her sport contested against blue-glass walls employing low-cost, recyclable materials, World Squash Federation president Zena Wooldridge was left intrigued. "The venue is superb, with high-quality courts. Players are going home with wonderful memories of Chengdu," she said.
\n
Some sports with Chinese origin are also making their presence felt among the global audience. Modern dragon boat racing, now featuring lightweight craft and mixed-gender crews, drew strong competition.
\n
Despite China's strong heritage in the sport, Indonesia topped the podium, claiming three titles, while Ukraine and Thailand also struck gold, underscoring the sport's widening global reach.
\n
Martial arts reinforced its Olympic ambitions. "The level is incredibly close now — it's no longer one dominant force, but many flourishing together," noted International Wushu Federation secretary-general Zhang Yuping. With its inclusion in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, wushu's international promotion marked a major milestone, while the Chengdu showcase certainly has given it a further push.
\n
The trend extends to water sports, where Chinese wake surfer Zhuang Tiancai's silver-medal finish in the men's skim final on Aug 10 highlighted the trending outdoor sport's booming popularity. His Guangdong surfing club, founded in 2022, now has more than 100 members.
\n
"Three years ago, there were hardly any surfing clubs in Guangdong," Zhuang said. "Now there are more than a dozen. My partners and I are planning to open another branch."
\n
Official figures show China now has more than 300 water-surfing clubs with hundreds of thousands of participants.
\n
International World Games Association president Jose Perurena Lopez stressed the Games' role as a gateway: "We represent sports recognized by the IOC, but not yet in the Olympics. Some may graduate to the Olympics program."
\n
"The mentality of younger people has changed. In my time, all the focus was on the Olympic disciplines; now, the new generation embraces diverse sports," he said.
The signs of a bull run are slowly but steadily emerging in China's A-share market, underpinned by ongoing structural reforms and sustained long-term capital inflows. Experts said the developing rally is expected to gain further traction on the back of policy support and a gradually improving external environment.
\n
Their remarks came on Wednesday as the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose for an eighth straight session, climbing 0.48 percent to close at 3,683.46 — its highest level since December 2021.
\n
The Shenzhen Component Index gained 1.76 percent, while the tech-heavy ChiNext surged 3.62 percent. The total turnover on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges topped 2.1 trillion yuan ($292.69 billion) — a 13.5 percent increase from the previous day.
\n
Investor enthusiasm is surging on both the institutional and retail fronts. July witnessed a record monthly number of new mutual fund launches, reflecting rising interest among households in equity assets as returns from traditional savings and wealth management products continue to decline. Total assets under management in public mutual funds have now exceeded 34 trillion yuan.
\n
Insurance companies are also ramping up their presence in the A-share market. The number of public disclosures triggered by insurers' equity holdings surpassing the 5 percent threshold has already exceeded last year's total. Analysts said insurers are increasingly focusing on companies from the emerging industries and advanced manufacturing sectors, supporting China's shift toward high-quality development.
\n
Yang Delong, chief economist at First Seafront Fund, said that insurance companies have played an increasingly stabilizing role in the A-share market by boosting their equity allocations. He noted that insurers have recently focused more of their research on companies engaged in new quality productive forces, a move that supports China's broader push to upgrade its real economy and enhance long-term investment value.
\n
Retail investor participation is also rising. Nearly 14.6 million individual trading accounts were opened in the first seven months of 2025, a 37 percent year-on-year increase, according to data provider Wind Info.
\n
Furthermore, foreign investors have been steadily increasing their exposure to Chinese equities, including A-shares and Hong Kong-listed stocks. Net foreign inflows totaled $2.7 billion in July, more than double the level in June, according to a recent report by Morgan Stanley.
\n
Analysts said the macro environment is becoming increasingly favorable for Chinese equities. Expectations of a weaker US dollar and potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve are improving the outlook for emerging markets. The narrowing interest rate differential between China and the United States could further accelerate foreign capital inflows.
\n
Hong Hao, chief investment officer at Lotus Asset Management, said the upward momentum of Chinese stocks will sustain for a long time if the US dollar's weakness proves to be a multiyear trend. Also, the Chinese market has been increasingly resilient in the face of negative tariff headlines.
\n
Given the current favorable liquidity conditions in the Chinese market and the fear-of-missing-out sentiment, any corrections in the A-share market are likely to be quickly absorbed by buyers, he added.
\n
Zhu Liang, chief investment officer at AllianceBernstein China, said that despite strong gains in recent weeks — with the Shanghai Composite Index up nearly 7 percent and the Shenzhen Component Index up more than 10 percent since July — valuations in the A-share market remain attractive.
\n
Sounding a word of caution, some experts said that risk appetite in the A-share market may be suppressed by factors such as changes in tariff talks between China and the US, as well as domestic challenges facing the Chinese economy.
\n
He Kang, chief strategy analyst at Huatai Securities, said that there are still challenges regarding China's economic recovery, as efforts by policymakers to create a fairer competition environment may take time to show effect, and this may affect the profitability outlook of A-share companies.
Competitors from the Netherlands carry their robots onto the field for adjustments and training at Beijing's National Speed Skating Oval on Tuesday, ahead of the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games. The event is being held from Thursday to Sunday, with over 500 humanoid robots competing in 26 events and 538 competitions.
\n",
- "content": "
Competitors from the Netherlands carry their robots onto the field for adjustments and training at Beijing's National Speed Skating Oval on Tuesday, ahead of the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games. The event is being held from Thursday to Sunday, with over 500 humanoid robots competing in 26 events and 538 competitions.
A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday criticized the Lai Ching-te administration in Taiwan for prioritizing political self-interest over public welfare, following recent polls showing Lai's approval ratings were the lowest they've been since he took office last year.
\n
The surveys, including one from Formosa Publishing and other "pro-independence" institutions in Taiwan, indicated a significant drop in satisfaction with Lai's performance, with dissatisfaction and distrust both exceeding 50 percent.
\n
This decline in approval comes as Taiwan society expresses dissatisfaction over the United States' recent announcement of a 20 percent tariff on most of Taiwan's exports. This rate is higher than the 15 percent export tariff imposed on Japan and South Korea, which are major competitors to Taiwan, posing a substantial challenge for Taiwan businesses.
\n
In response, the Lai administration of the island stated that the tariff rates are still negotiable and mentioned the possibility of increasing investments in the US by an additional $400 billion, sparking criticism in Taiwan.
\n
At the same time, the US reportedly planned to impose a 100 per-cent tariff on semiconductor imports while announcing that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the island's pillar industry, will invest $300 billion in the US to build the world's largest wafer factory in Arizona.
\n
Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, accused the Democratic Progressive Party-led administration of having "no bottom line" in selling out Taiwan and being obedient in its response to US demands. She noted that the proposed $400 billion investment equates to half of Taiwan's annual GDP.
\n
Zhu said that the DPP's willingness to hand over TSMC and allow the US to extract value from Taiwan's advantageous industries demonstrated a lack of commitment and capability to safeguard Taiwan's economic development and the welfare of its people.
\n
She said that Taiwan could have mitigated rising external risks and uncertainties by strengthening economic cooperation with the mainland. Instead, she accused the DPP of harboring a misguided desire for "independence" through reliance on external forces, ultimately harming Taiwan's development interests.
\n
Meanwhile, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, criticized the Lai administration for its inadequate response to the southern Taiwan floods last month, noting that many residents remain without proper resettlement, leading to widespread public discontent.
\n
Hsiao accused the ineffective Lai administration of focusing on political ideology to divide the island facing the severe impact of the tariff increase on Taiwan's industries and people's livelihoods.
\n
"This kind of government is an 'internal hostile force' for the Taiwan people, and people should reject the DPP and Lai," he said.
\n
Zou Zhiqiang, deputy secretary-general of the US-based Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification, said the recent rejection of Lai's planned "transit" through New York by the US indicated the country was unwilling to damage Sino-US relations over Taiwan, disproving the DPP's claim of a "rock-solid" relationship with the US.
\n
Zou said that Taiwan is not a core interest for the US and is seen merely as a pawn that could be discarded at any moment.
With the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau experiencing an increasingly warmer and wetter climate, soil carbon storage is expected to rise, according to a recent study. However, this increase is fragile and can be easily undermined by extreme events tied to global warming and human activities.
\n
"The total carbon sink of the ecosystem on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau now accounts for around 15 percent of the nation's," said Wang Tao, corresponding author of the study published in academic journal Nature Communications. Wang, a researcher at the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the significance of understanding the plateau's carbon storage potential to support China's dual carbon goals — peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
\n
The study revealed that the soil carbon pool on the plateau constitutes over 90 percent of its total ecosystem carbon pool, serving as the cornerstone that supports the plateau's ecological security barrier function.
\n
The research team conducted a systematic grid-based soil sampling campaign across the plateau, using multi-source observational data, including 4,170 soil profiles and long-term controlled incubation experiments, to develop an observation-constrained soil carbon cycle model. This model projects climate change impacts on the plateau's soil carbon stocks.
\n
"Previous studies often relied on field infrared warming experiments to simulate the impacts of climate warming on changes in soil carbon stocks, but these approaches have inherent limitations," Wang said.
\n
He noted that such experiments are costly and typically control only temperature as a single variable, neglecting interactions among multiple climate factors. In addition, regional sensitivity to warming varies significantly across the plateau, resulting in high uncertainty when extrapolating results to broader scales, Wang said.
\n
To address the challenges, the study analyzed 0-to-1-meter depth soil samples which were extracted from 2019 to 2022 — a layer storing over half of the plateau's total soil carbon — from diverse regions. By integrating experimental data into the model, the team revealed the plateau-wide response mechanism of soil carbon stocks to warming.
\n
The study found that as the climate gets warmer and wetter, it is expected to positively influence vegetation growth and enhance soil carbon accumulation. However, more than half the newly accumulated carbon will be in active or non-protected forms, making it highly sensitive to extreme global-warming events and grazing disturbances.
\n
"The permafrost regions of the plateau constitute one of its largest terrestrial carbon pools. However, accelerating permafrost thaw under climate change can trigger abrupt thermokarst collapse, rapidly releasing previously sequestered carbon. This vulnerability is particularly prominent in soils with non-protected forms," Wang said, warning that such releases could offset over half the carbon gains from climate mitigation efforts.
\n
The study also synthesized 296 field grazing experiments from across the plateau, finding that if previous overgrazing management practices continue, grazing-induced carbon losses will almost entirely offset climate-driven carbon gains. Wang stressed the importance of effective grazing management, suggesting rotational grazing systems or restoring traditional nomadic practices to enable grassland regeneration.
\n
limenghan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
With the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau experiencing an increasingly warmer and wetter climate, soil carbon storage is expected to rise, according to a recent study. However, this increase is fragile and can be easily undermined by extreme events tied to global warming and human activities.
\n
"The total carbon sink of the ecosystem on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau now accounts for around 15 percent of the nation's," said Wang Tao, corresponding author of the study published in academic journal Nature Communications. Wang, a researcher at the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the significance of understanding the plateau's carbon storage potential to support China's dual carbon goals — peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
\n
The study revealed that the soil carbon pool on the plateau constitutes over 90 percent of its total ecosystem carbon pool, serving as the cornerstone that supports the plateau's ecological security barrier function.
\n
The research team conducted a systematic grid-based soil sampling campaign across the plateau, using multi-source observational data, including 4,170 soil profiles and long-term controlled incubation experiments, to develop an observation-constrained soil carbon cycle model. This model projects climate change impacts on the plateau's soil carbon stocks.
\n
"Previous studies often relied on field infrared warming experiments to simulate the impacts of climate warming on changes in soil carbon stocks, but these approaches have inherent limitations," Wang said.
\n
He noted that such experiments are costly and typically control only temperature as a single variable, neglecting interactions among multiple climate factors. In addition, regional sensitivity to warming varies significantly across the plateau, resulting in high uncertainty when extrapolating results to broader scales, Wang said.
\n
To address the challenges, the study analyzed 0-to-1-meter depth soil samples which were extracted from 2019 to 2022 — a layer storing over half of the plateau's total soil carbon — from diverse regions. By integrating experimental data into the model, the team revealed the plateau-wide response mechanism of soil carbon stocks to warming.
\n
The study found that as the climate gets warmer and wetter, it is expected to positively influence vegetation growth and enhance soil carbon accumulation. However, more than half the newly accumulated carbon will be in active or non-protected forms, making it highly sensitive to extreme global-warming events and grazing disturbances.
\n
"The permafrost regions of the plateau constitute one of its largest terrestrial carbon pools. However, accelerating permafrost thaw under climate change can trigger abrupt thermokarst collapse, rapidly releasing previously sequestered carbon. This vulnerability is particularly prominent in soils with non-protected forms," Wang said, warning that such releases could offset over half the carbon gains from climate mitigation efforts.
\n
The study also synthesized 296 field grazing experiments from across the plateau, finding that if previous overgrazing management practices continue, grazing-induced carbon losses will almost entirely offset climate-driven carbon gains. Wang stressed the importance of effective grazing management, suggesting rotational grazing systems or restoring traditional nomadic practices to enable grassland regeneration.
\n
limenghan@chinadaily.com.cn
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{
"title": "008COMMENT - US annual human rights circus show exposes its hypocrisy and political bias",
"description": "
The US Department of State released its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on Tuesday, about three months later than usual. However, the additional time has not been spent improving the content to align with facts, but instead on reducing it to about one-third the length of last year's reports.
\n
The tremendous amount of reediting work that has been done is to ensure that the reports conform with the US administration's policies, even though the State Department has described it as an effort to make the reports more "streamlined", "more readable" and adhering more closely to what's required to be in them by law.
\n
For instance, the agency removed whole categories of violations not "explicitly required by statute", including gender-based violence and environmental justice. The deleted material includes issues widely regarded as fundamental rights under international law, such as the right to a fair public trial, as National Public Radio observed in a report.
\n
According to a State Department memo the US media obtained about the editing of the reports, editors were ordered to remove references to diversity, equity, and inclusion, sexual violence against children and violation of privacy.
\n
Even though the US administration insists it remains committed to defending human rights, the "minimalist rewrite", as some US lawmakers put it, fundamentally serves the US' domestic politics, and might not comply with domestic law, which requires a "full and complete" accounting of internationally recognized human rights.
\n
The United States has compiled these reports on every country in the world since the 1970s. The reports, which are invariably patchwork based on carefully selected "reported facts", constitute grave interference in other countries' internal affairs, and the practice is widely criticized by the international community.
\n
That Congress still relies on these assessments to shape decisions on foreign aid and weapons sales clearly demonstrates the reports' politicized nature. Human rights protection is only an excuse for the US to justify its interventionist foreign policies as well as weaponized sanctions that have no legitimate basis in international law.
\n
The irony is that human rights are essentially a privilege enjoyed only by a few in the US. Racial discrimination, inequality, and forced repatriations and deportations are just the tip of the iceberg.
\n
In February, the US president signed an executive order pulling the country out of the United Nations Human Rights Council again, unwarrantedly citing "political bias", particularly against Israel, and the agency's alleged "failure" to adequately address human rights abuses globally as due cause.
\n
But the reality is it is the US that applies "political bias" on human rights issues, and it is the US that is actually, overtly or covertly, behind many human rights abuses and humanitarian crises around the world, such as the one unfolding in Gaza.
\n
The US baselessly criticizes China over so-called human rights issues related to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in the reports. If the US administration truly cares about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the hell on earth in Gaza? Why does it turn a blind eye to the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people? These are questions the Chinese ambassador to the UN raised recently at a UN gathering, toward which his US counterpart was as mute as a fish.
\n
The US withdrew from the United Nations human rights body in 2018 — on similar grounds, in disregard of the fact that its cutting off funding to the agency will seriously affect many of its critical humanitarian aid projects in the least developed countries.
\n
No wonder the extent to which the US government can manipulate the concept of "human rights" to suit its own policy changes has even made many ardent supporters of the US' weaponization of human rights dumbstruck. Many so-called bedrock principles of human rights, such as those related to gender, the environment, race and judicial justice, that have been taken for granted by generations of human rights advocates as the foundation of the US beacon, have bitten the dust.
\n
As such, the reports are naturally devoid of credibility. Instead of showing the US as being principled, they only serve to expose its hypocrisy and double standards on the issue. Using human rights as a political tool undermines humanity's core values and basic principles. It also poses serious risks, such as its potential to escalate conflicts and jeopardize cooperation on pressing global issues. Exercising political bias on human rights, the US only exacerbates the global turbulence with its latest annual human rights circus show.
The four-day 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games — the world's first comprehensive event featuring humanoid robots as the main participants — starts in Beijing on Thursday under the slogan "racing towards a shared intelligent future". More than 500 humanoids from 16 countries will compete in 538 events, which include not only track and field events, gymnastics and soccer, but also individual and group dances and scenario-based activities featuring material handling and sorting, as well as cleaning service skills. The Games, which showcase the highest level of human technological prowess in robotics, aim to help accelerate the integration of humanoid robots into human life.
\n
The event takes place just two days after the conclusion of the 2025 World Robot Conference in the Chinese capital, which already showcased the extraordinary advancements in robotics achieved in China and other countries. The hosting of such high-profile robot-related events underscores the country's position as a global front-runner in robotics.
\n
China has been the world's largest industrial robot application market for 12 consecutive years — with its share of the world's newly installed robots increasing from 51 percent in 2023 to 54 percent in 2024. In the first half of this year, industrial robot production in China reached 370,000 units while service robot output hit 8.82 million units, representing a year-on-year increase of 35.6 percent and 25.5 percent, respectively.
\n
The remarkable progress China has made in the sector can be attributed to many factors such as supportive government policies and its robust manufacturing infrastructure and complete supply chains that provide a strong foundation for the rapid production and deployment of robots. Moreover, China boasts the world's largest pool of graduates in computer science and artificial intelligence, and its large domestic market enables developers to conduct extensive real-world testing and iteration, resulting in the continuous improvement of robotic technologies and economies of scale in this transformative industry.
\n
There is great potential for robots to integrate into various sectors and revolutionize how we live and work, from healthcare and elderly care to industrial applications, to farming and disaster relief. For example, Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics has solved a world-class problem in robotics — the grasping of flexible objects. Based on the technology, tasks such as hair cutting, massages, serving tea, and close-contact interactions such as feeding become possible. Once this technology is widely applied, the massive service robot market worth trillions of yuan is essentially unlocked.
\n
Yet as nations look toward a future shaped by robotic innovation, they also face many challenges in robotics development. For example, the lack of standardized regulations complicates international collaboration and market access, and there are worries about automation threatening jobs in labor-intensive sectors. Additionally, ethical concerns arise with AI integration, especially regarding privacy and surveillance. All this requires international collaboration, so that nations can work jointly to harness the transformative technologies and make sure that the deployment of robots aligns with shared values and benefits the whole of humanity.
\n
The leading position that China holds in robotics presents an opportunity for the country to spearhead global efforts aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues the world is facing, such as aging populations and labor shortages. By positioning robots as cooperative partners, China can demonstrate how technology can enhance human capabilities and improve people's quality of life. The country's experience in deploying robots at scale and iterating rapidly through real-world applications provides valuable insights that can benefit other nations.
\n
The future of robotics is bright, with the potential to reshape industries and improve lives worldwide. As China continues to lead in this sector, the spirit of collaboration and shared progress must guide the way forward. By working together, nations can unlock the full potential of robotics, creating a future where technology serves as a force for good, driving economic growth and fostering a more connected world.
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