BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China has urged the United States to abandon its generalized and excessive use of the national security concept, and to collaborate with all parties in maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
At a regular press conference, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks when asked to comment on the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on imported steel, aluminium and their derivative products from 25 percent to 50 percent.
He said that such U.S. moves not only harm others and itself, but also will severely disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
The United States should abandon the zero-sum mentality, address respective concerns through equal dialogue, and jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, He said.
The flame lighting ceremony for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games takes place in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Thursday. The "source flame" was ignited last month from combustible ice extracted from over 1,500 meters under the surface of the South China Sea. See story, page 5
\n",
- "content": "
The flame lighting ceremony for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games takes place in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Thursday. The "source flame" was ignited last month from combustible ice extracted from over 1,500 meters under the surface of the South China Sea. See story, page 5
China's top court has reiterated the need to severely punish those responsible for the destruction of arable land, making a judicial commitment to protect farmland, ensure food security and safeguard the nation's well-being.
\n
Disclosing four notable land-related cases on Thursday, the Supreme People's Court underscored the importance of cultivated land, urging courts at all levels to crack down on illegal occupation of farmland and unlawful mining.
\n
"Arable land is the lifeblood of food production and serves as the cornerstone of China's sustainable development," the top court said. "We must continuously enforce the strictest protection measures for arable land and intensify efforts to penalize illegal activities that harm land resources."
\n
In one case, two people in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, were sentenced to prison and fined for illegally occupying farmland and dumping about 200,000 cubic meters of construction waste under the pretext of developing a smart agriculture industrial project between December 2020 and October 2021.
\n
The land related to the case included about 10 hectares of arable land. The pair's actions caused severe damage to the topsoil, leaving it largely unsuitable for crop cultivation, according to the Xuanwu District People's Court in Nanjing.
\n
The court sentenced one offender, surnamed Zhu, to four years in prison and fined him 1 million yuan ($140,340). The other, surnamed Su, received a prison term of two years and three months, as well as a fine of 200,000 yuan.
\n
"Such criminal acts of illegally occupying agricultural land under the guise of legality are highly deceptive and covert, often persisting for a long time and causing great harm to society," the top court said.
\n
It said the penalties reflected the judiciary's firm resolve to protect farmland and ensure food security, while serving as a strong deterrent against similar violations.
\n
In another case, an offender surnamed Yu from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region was sentenced to three years and two months in prison and fined 50,000 yuan for illegal mining.
\n
From the beginning of 2021 to March 2023, Yu illegally excavated more than 10,000 cubic meters of peat soil for profit and filled the pits with other materials, damaging over 2 hectares of permanent basic farmland, the local court said.
\n
"Peat soil is an important mineral resource in China with both strategic significance and economic value," the top court said. "Driven by profit, some people have illegally excavated and sold the soil, which not only damages land resources and grain production, but also seriously threatens ecological security and the sustainable development of agriculture."
\n
The court said Yu's conviction for illegal mining served as an effective warning against similar activities and demonstrated the judiciary's strong stance on upholding the protection of black soil resources.
\n
China has in recent years improved the handling of civil disputes involving farmland contracting, transfer and management. Legislative efforts have also advanced with the enactment of the Black Soil Protection Law and revisions to the Food Security Law.
\n
caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -11841,28 +11775,6 @@
"hash": "6c57885459af8110df9e63a688f129a7",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "005CHINA - 'Fire and water' facilitate torch lighting for National Games",
- "description": "\n
A grand torch-lighting ceremony for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games was held on Thursday in Guangzhou's Nansha district, Guangdong province — a key milestone as China's largest comprehensive sports event enters its final preparation stage.
\n
The source flame was created using flammable ice collected from the Haima cold seep in the South China Sea at a depth of 1,522 meters, marking the first time in world history that the catalyst of a "source flame" had been directly obtained from the ocean floor.
\n
"The successful torch-lighting demonstrates a breakthrough in in-situ collection technology for deep-sea flammable ice, enabling the extraction of a 'source flame' from more than 1,500 meters underwater," said Chen Zongheng, an official with the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey.
\n
Chen said scientific researchers aboard a research vessel located cold seep vents and remotely operated a device to collect gas hydrates from the seabed. Through pressure reduction, the hydrates released gas, which was dried and sent to a combustion chamber specially designed for the collection of the primordial flame.
\n
After synthesizing flammable ice, also known as methane hydrate, the team used a pressure reduction device to obtain decomposed gas and relied on electricity from a solar photovoltaic power system to achieve deep-sea ignition, Chen said.
\n
The achievement brought to life the spectacular vision of "fire and water coexisting in harmony", symbolizing the integration of clean energy sources such as flammable ice and solar power with advanced deep-sea exploration technologies and equipment.
\n
It also underscored Guangdong's strategy of "prospering and growing stronger through the ocean", showcasing the technological strength and innovative confidence of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to the world.
\n
The ceremony took place at the scientific research pier of the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.
\n
Senior officials from central, provincial and city governments attended the event, including Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Party chief of Guangdong province; Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport; Zhou Changkui, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons' Federation; Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu; and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai.
\n
The flame will travel to Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions for torch relays in November.
\n
The 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games are expected to bring together more than 6,000 athletes from the Chinese mainland and about 3,000 athletes from Hong Kong and Macao.
\n
Guangzhou will host the opening ceremony for the 15th National Games at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center. Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, will host the closing ceremony. Competitions will take place from Nov 9 to 21.
\n
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will run from Dec 8 to 15. The opening ceremonies for both will also be held in Guangzhou, and the closing ceremonies in Shenzhen.
\n
This year marks the first time the National Games will be jointly held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
A grand torch-lighting ceremony for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games was held on Thursday in Guangzhou's Nansha district, Guangdong province — a key milestone as China's largest comprehensive sports event enters its final preparation stage.
\n
The source flame was created using flammable ice collected from the Haima cold seep in the South China Sea at a depth of 1,522 meters, marking the first time in world history that the catalyst of a "source flame" had been directly obtained from the ocean floor.
\n
"The successful torch-lighting demonstrates a breakthrough in in-situ collection technology for deep-sea flammable ice, enabling the extraction of a 'source flame' from more than 1,500 meters underwater," said Chen Zongheng, an official with the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey.
\n
Chen said scientific researchers aboard a research vessel located cold seep vents and remotely operated a device to collect gas hydrates from the seabed. Through pressure reduction, the hydrates released gas, which was dried and sent to a combustion chamber specially designed for the collection of the primordial flame.
\n
After synthesizing flammable ice, also known as methane hydrate, the team used a pressure reduction device to obtain decomposed gas and relied on electricity from a solar photovoltaic power system to achieve deep-sea ignition, Chen said.
\n
The achievement brought to life the spectacular vision of "fire and water coexisting in harmony", symbolizing the integration of clean energy sources such as flammable ice and solar power with advanced deep-sea exploration technologies and equipment.
\n
It also underscored Guangdong's strategy of "prospering and growing stronger through the ocean", showcasing the technological strength and innovative confidence of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to the world.
\n
The ceremony took place at the scientific research pier of the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.
\n
Senior officials from central, provincial and city governments attended the event, including Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Party chief of Guangdong province; Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport; Zhou Changkui, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons' Federation; Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu; and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai.
\n
The flame will travel to Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions for torch relays in November.
\n
The 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games are expected to bring together more than 6,000 athletes from the Chinese mainland and about 3,000 athletes from Hong Kong and Macao.
\n
Guangzhou will host the opening ceremony for the 15th National Games at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center. Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, will host the closing ceremony. Competitions will take place from Nov 9 to 21.
\n
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will run from Dec 8 to 15. The opening ceremonies for both will also be held in Guangzhou, and the closing ceremonies in Shenzhen.
\n
This year marks the first time the National Games will be jointly held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
Tourists flocked to China's rural destinations during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, bringing fresh income to villagers close to home.
\n
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which opened to traffic on Sept 28, became a major draw in Guizhou province. Huge crowds descended on nearby hamlets to find the best vantage points of what is billed as the world's tallest bridge.
\n
Keli village in Huajiang township, Guanling county, sits at one of the prime viewing spots. On Oct 1 alone, vehicle entries exceeded 10,000.
\n
"Over the holiday, the village saw nearly 70,000 vehicle visits and hosted almost 200,000 visits," said Xu Daihui, deputy Party secretary of the township. "Most visitors come to see the bridge, and they eat in Huajiang and stay in Huajiang."
\n
Villagers set up about 50 temporary stalls selling snacks, drinks and traditional dishes. Xu said she learned that one villager selling a local rice-noodle specialty earned about 500 yuan ($70) per day.
\n
All 24 lodging businesses in the town were fully booked for the holiday, forcing some visitors to seek rooms in more distant areas.
\n
Tourists have not only boosted local incomes but also raised the profile of regional agricultural specialties. Several viewing platforms around the town offer different perspectives of the bridge and host stalls selling local produce, including the regionally famed yellow cattle.
\n
Huajiang village, directly below the bridge, also experienced heavy traffic. Some village elders joked that the number of cars over just a few days surpassed anything they had seen in the past decade.
\n
Local authorities coordinated shuttle services to ferry visitors into the village and hastily built a temporary parking lot with space for 200 vehicles.
\n
"At first the guesthouse ran with three staff members, but during this period we had to hire eight to keep up," said Lin Guoquan, who runs a guesthouse in the village. His property offers a view of the bridge from its bedrooms.
\n
Lin said the guesthouse's more than 40 rooms were full every day. With demand so high, he even set up tents and opened family homes to accommodate nearly 100 guests per day.
\n
Locals welcomed the chance to earn money without leaving home.
\n
Beyond Guizhou, rural destinations in Hubei province also saw increased visitor numbers. In Zigui county, tourists traveled to Shiya village to admire morning mountain mist and tiered tea terraces, and to take part in tea-picking and processing at highland gardens.
\n
"We have built homestays, pavilions and walking paths, and used our tea brand to develop tea-tourism experiences," said Li Wentong, general manager of Zigui County Shanshan Agricultural Development.
\n
The local tourism department said guesthouses in the village were nearly full during the first four days of the holiday.
\n
Li said that his company has assisted over 1,000 households in joining the tea-related industry.
The announcement of a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, under a plan brokered by the US president, marks an important moment in the long-standing conflict in Gaza.
\n
The latest development comes as a relief to those worried about the plight of the people in the Gaza Strip and the future of the besieged Palestinian enclave after two years of war. Yet, while it has been hailed by some as a breakthrough, in light of what has befallen previous agreements, it is best viewed with cautious optimism and a critical eye toward its broader implications.
\n
The US leader's declaration on Truth Social, celebrating the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, which "means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line as the first step toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace", highlights the complex dynamics at play.
\n
For Hamas, whose military capabilities have been weakened, and the people of Gaza who have been suffering indescribable hardships, as well as the Israeli people, who after two years of continuous military conflict, have demonstrated growing opposition to the military campaign, the plan is a potential path toward ending the conflict.
\n
But while the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the provision of humanitarian aid are indeed positive steps, the underlying issues that have fueled the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement of the potential ceasefire deal as "a great day for Israel" reflects only one side of the narrative. For the Palestinian people, the true measure of the plan will be tangible improvements in their daily lives and the restoration of their rights.
\n
The entry of 400 aid trucks into Gaza daily on an initial basis is a necessary measure to address the severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Yet, this must be preliminary to sustained efforts to rebuild Gaza and support its people, rather than just temporary relief.
\n
The broader geopolitical context should not be ignored. In recent months, a new wave of international support for the formal recognition of a Palestinian state has gained momentum, leaving Israel increasingly isolated in the world arena. And the conflict has drawn in regional powers, reshaping alliances and tensions across the Middle East. While a ceasefire has the potential to stabilize the region temporarily, it is essential to recognize that true peace will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the recognition of the Palestinian statehood and rights.
\n
Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. There should be an international consensus on the need for a just resolution to the long-standing grievances of the Palestinian people. It is China's consistent stance that an immediate ceasefire should be the preliminary step toward a two-state solution, which is the fundamental basis for a comprehensive and lasting peace.
\n
Since the conflict broke out, many countries, including China, have actively worked to facilitate peace in Gaza. Taken together, these efforts have coalesced into an insistent message: the fighting must stop, the humanitarian disaster must end, and Gaza cannot wait any longer for peace.
\n
But it is demonstrably true that the latest peace plan will not work without the US enforcing Israel's compliance. It is also demonstrably true that Washington has blocked United Nations Security Council resolutions demanding an immediate halt to hostilities, the reopening of humanitarian corridors, and the resumption of political negotiations multiple times in the past two years.
\n
The final ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestine remains in the works. As the Israeli Cabinet previously approved a plan to occupy Gaza, Israel might be reluctant to withdraw from Gaza, which raises doubts about whether the second phase can proceed even if the first phase is completed.
\n
Israel and Palestine have reached ceasefires before, such as the one in January this year, but they failed to move into the second phase, leading to renewed conflict. The plan proposed by the US, while appearing fair, is actually more in favor of Israel, helping Israel achieve certain objectives that could not be accomplished through military means.
\n
Under such circumstances, if the ceasefire conditions are too harsh or disadvantageous for Hamas, the group may refuse to comply with the requirements of the second phase. Hence, whether peace can truly come to Gaza remains to be seen. The international community must remain vigilant and committed to supporting a fair and just resolution that upholds the security, rights and dignity of all people in the region.
\n",
- "content": "
The announcement of a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, under a plan brokered by the US president, marks an important moment in the long-standing conflict in Gaza.
\n
The latest development comes as a relief to those worried about the plight of the people in the Gaza Strip and the future of the besieged Palestinian enclave after two years of war. Yet, while it has been hailed by some as a breakthrough, in light of what has befallen previous agreements, it is best viewed with cautious optimism and a critical eye toward its broader implications.
\n
The US leader's declaration on Truth Social, celebrating the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, which "means that all of the hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line as the first step toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace", highlights the complex dynamics at play.
\n
For Hamas, whose military capabilities have been weakened, and the people of Gaza who have been suffering indescribable hardships, as well as the Israeli people, who after two years of continuous military conflict, have demonstrated growing opposition to the military campaign, the plan is a potential path toward ending the conflict.
\n
But while the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the provision of humanitarian aid are indeed positive steps, the underlying issues that have fueled the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades remain unresolved. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement of the potential ceasefire deal as "a great day for Israel" reflects only one side of the narrative. For the Palestinian people, the true measure of the plan will be tangible improvements in their daily lives and the restoration of their rights.
\n
The entry of 400 aid trucks into Gaza daily on an initial basis is a necessary measure to address the severe humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. Yet, this must be preliminary to sustained efforts to rebuild Gaza and support its people, rather than just temporary relief.
\n
The broader geopolitical context should not be ignored. In recent months, a new wave of international support for the formal recognition of a Palestinian state has gained momentum, leaving Israel increasingly isolated in the world arena. And the conflict has drawn in regional powers, reshaping alliances and tensions across the Middle East. While a ceasefire has the potential to stabilize the region temporarily, it is essential to recognize that true peace will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the recognition of the Palestinian statehood and rights.
\n
Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. There should be an international consensus on the need for a just resolution to the long-standing grievances of the Palestinian people. It is China's consistent stance that an immediate ceasefire should be the preliminary step toward a two-state solution, which is the fundamental basis for a comprehensive and lasting peace.
\n
Since the conflict broke out, many countries, including China, have actively worked to facilitate peace in Gaza. Taken together, these efforts have coalesced into an insistent message: the fighting must stop, the humanitarian disaster must end, and Gaza cannot wait any longer for peace.
\n
But it is demonstrably true that the latest peace plan will not work without the US enforcing Israel's compliance. It is also demonstrably true that Washington has blocked United Nations Security Council resolutions demanding an immediate halt to hostilities, the reopening of humanitarian corridors, and the resumption of political negotiations multiple times in the past two years.
\n
The final ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestine remains in the works. As the Israeli Cabinet previously approved a plan to occupy Gaza, Israel might be reluctant to withdraw from Gaza, which raises doubts about whether the second phase can proceed even if the first phase is completed.
\n
Israel and Palestine have reached ceasefires before, such as the one in January this year, but they failed to move into the second phase, leading to renewed conflict. The plan proposed by the US, while appearing fair, is actually more in favor of Israel, helping Israel achieve certain objectives that could not be accomplished through military means.
\n
Under such circumstances, if the ceasefire conditions are too harsh or disadvantageous for Hamas, the group may refuse to comply with the requirements of the second phase. Hence, whether peace can truly come to Gaza remains to be seen. The international community must remain vigilant and committed to supporting a fair and just resolution that upholds the security, rights and dignity of all people in the region.
Editor's note: During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from Oct 1 to 8, China's robust tourism and consumer spending demonstrated substantial economic vitality and domestic demand potential. China Daily spoke to Liu Ying, a researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China, on what this means for the economy. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n
According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, the country recorded 888 million domestic trips, an increase of 123 million from the seven-day National Day holiday last year, and total domestic tourism revenue reached 809 billion yuan ($113.58 billion), up by 108.19 billion yuan compared to the 2024 holiday period. The average daily sales revenue of consumption-related industries increased 4.5 percent year-on-year.
\n
These numbers demonstrate China's substantial economic vitality and the potential of domestic demand. In the first half of 2025, domestic demand contributed around 70 percent to China's economic growth. This indicates consumption has surpassed investment and exports to become the most significant driver of economic growth. This shift has been particularly evident in recent years, especially during holiday periods.
\n
The trend reflects a significant transformation in China's economic growth model as the country shifts from an export-oriented and investment-driven approach to one fueled by domestic consumption. This new pattern relies on the service sector to be its main driving force rather than the primary and secondary sectors.
\n
Consumer spending shows vibrant trends, with sales of green organic food surging 27.9 percent year-on-year, while sales of smart home appliances increased 14.3 percent and guochao (or China-chic) clothing rose 14.1 percent.
\n
The trends of green, smart and guochao consumption have become notably prominent, as evidenced by the double-digit growth in these sectors. The idea that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" is reflected in this trend. Alongside comprehensive improvements in the environment, including air and water quality, tourism resources and supply systems have also been enhanced. All these aim to fulfill people's aspirations for better lives and the goal of high-quality GDP growth.
\n
Moving toward greener and smarter development, pursuing high-quality growth and advancing new quality productive forces contribute to Chinese modernization. These features are evident in holiday tourism and various consumption sectors. Chinese modernization seeks a balance between material and spiritual advancement. Material advancement is evident in the consumption sector, while spiritual enrichment is reflected in the diversification of consumer spending to encompass travel, music, films, etc. The current landscape, characterized by vibrant consumption models, continuous innovation and an upward trend in consumption tiers, illustrates spiraling growth. This evolution highlights how consumption-driven growth is becoming a highly competitive force for the Chinese economy on the global stage.
\n
A defining feature of Chinese modernization is the country's large population, which serves as both a supply-side advantage and a significant consumption strength. The holiday spending showcases the advantages of the country's vast market, reflecting a rapidly growing consumption potential as well as a strong consumer confidence, especially in domestic brands. The emergence of guochao brands, alongside green and smart consumption, marks China's progress toward high-income status and serves as a crucial indicator of economic restructuring and upgrading — a healthy developmental trend highlighting international competitiveness.
\n
Strong domestic demand can continually drive China's growth, and make it a stabilizer of the world economy.
\n",
@@ -11929,28 +11819,6 @@
"hash": "f6c586aca09b9b101aab05ac4f5e3acb",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "010WORLD - Toy business is not a game",
- "description": "
Visitors discover a range of exclusive Jellycat characters at its Shanghai pop-up cafe in September.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
When United States President Donald Trump said in April that children in the country will maybe have "two dolls instead of 30 dolls" and "the two dolls will cost a couple bucks more than they would normally", several Western media outlets interpreted the remarks as an admission: his tariffs on China could lead to a toy shortage and costlier products for the US and Europe alike.
\n
China has long been the world's largest toy producer and exporter, and a tariff war with such a manufacturing powerhouse has undoubtedly also hit European toymakers, many of whom have production facilities in, as well as a substantial sales revenue from, China.
\n
European companies that outsource manufacturing to China and export to the US bear the brunt of the knock-on effects, facing declining demand from US buyers. Even those toymakers that do not sell directly to the US may end up shouldering part of the losses borne by Chinese manufacturers as they struggle with fewer orders.
\n
However, companies found that shifting factories away from China is not child's play.
\n
John Baulch, publisher and managing director of the United Kingdom trade publication Toy World Magazine, identified three key advantages that give China an edge over alternative locations for European toymakers: capacity, infrastructure and expertise — a combination that, currently, "no other country in the world has got".
\n
"China has an established network of factories, a huge choice of factories," he said. "So the capacity there is huge. Then you look at the logistics infrastructure within those countries. Other countries will have factories, but do they have road connections from the factories to the ports? Do the ports have capacity? Are they on the shipping route with the same volume of ships that China has?"
\n
Liang Mei, president of the China Toy and Juvenile Products Association, a nonprofit trade association with more than 5,000 registered members, added that the toy industry in China is highly clustered, with major hubs in southern Guangdong and eastern Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces boasting complete industrial chains that offer everything needed for production in one place.
\n
What China has built is an "all-around infrastructure" that allows it to produce large volumes of goods within the required turnaround time for Europe, Baulch said, a result of a long-term effort, one that other hubs are catching up with, but are still a "long, long way behind".
\n
A trusted destination
\n
This decades-long development has also endowed the country with expertise, making it a "trusted manufacturing destination", Baulch said. "You can rely on the quality, the pricing, the turnaround time, everything that you need to rely on. You can also rely on the fact that if an issue arises, China has the knowledge to sort it out."
\n
Peter Handstein, founder and CEO of Hape Toys, a German toy company, echoed this sentiment, saying that the supply chain in China is "unbeatable".
\n
"This did not happen overnight. I am not only a witness. I am a part of it," he said.
\n
Hape Toys has manufactured the majority of its toys in China for the past three decades, since its production facility in Zhejiang's Ningbo opened in 1995. Its office in China, which employs more than 1,000 people, now oversees all core operations, from toy design and material sourcing to manufacturing, product inspection and distribution.
\n
Artificial intelligence and robotics are further powering factories, Handstein said, enabling tasks such as quality checking.
\n
Some have been hyping up the idea that soaring labor costs in China are eroding its competitiveness, while Handstein described the increase as an "achievement" because paying labor 10 times more means the wealth of a worker in China has increased 10 times.
\n
Low cost was the catalyst for the rise of the manufacturing giant, but what has kept China in the game is its reliability and quality, Baulch said.
\n
"People forget that, in the last 20 years, China has made tremendous strides at improving the quality… When you send your toys there, the vast majority of the time, you are going to get exactly what you ordered and paid for."
\n
Producing in high-quality plants in China is indeed not cheap, but the sector is capable of meeting some very specific needs, said Juan Martinez, founder of Art Fabula, a Swedish toy brand whose toy prototypes are made in China. He makes a type of sofubi toy, a style of vinyl collectible toy, and the product must also comply with all European Union legal standards.
\n
The one-man company had attempted to relocate part of the manufacturing operation elsewhere, away from China, but the effort proved to be a costly "disaster" that nearly destroyed the small business.
\n
"Everything was wrong … I lost all hope when I received broken toys in the mail, along with the metal molds!" Martinez said.
\n
Economic setback
\n
For Martinez and many other small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, that underpin the European toy industry, tariffs pose a serious setback, as the US administration imposed new or increased tariffs on imports from multiple countries, including the EU, as well as Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, which are emerging manufacturing hubs.
\n
According to the EU's executive body, the European Commission, 99 percent of EU toy manufacturing companies are SMEs, which account for 61 percent of employment in the EU's toy industry, providing more than 50,000 jobs.
\n
It is believed that the US uses tariffs as a tactic to revive US manufacturing, while Radhika Desai, a professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba in Canada, said the industry decline and outsourcing are more of a result of deliberate policy choices that the US had been aware of, and even happy about.
\n
"Capital has been given the freedom to do whatever it likes," she said. "Instead of sourcing goods that they want to sell to the American people from American companies that have higher labor costs, they have decided to source them from elsewhere …Instead of increasing productivity in other ways, which would allow capitalists to pay good American-level wages, they have preferred to have things produced by cheaper labor … That is what has caused the deindustrialization of the US. There have not been any countries cheating them."
\n
Crucially, toys are usually aimed at children; therefore, both Baulch and Handstein highlighted that the goods are often only subject to minimal taxes.
\n
Even during Trump's first term, when China was the main target of his tariff policies, toys were spared.
\n
"What we're hoping is that politicians can come to an agreement, so we can get back to doing what we do best, which is selling toys and making kids happy," Baulch said.
\n
Contact the writer at zhengwanyin@mail.chinadailyuk.com
\n",
- "content": "
Visitors discover a range of exclusive Jellycat characters at its Shanghai pop-up cafe in September.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
From Pop Mart's Labubu to LEGO's minifigures, the toys go beyond children and appeal to the kidult community, who believe they are never too old to play.
\n
When United States President Donald Trump said in April that children in the country will maybe have "two dolls instead of 30 dolls" and "the two dolls will cost a couple bucks more than they would normally", several Western media outlets interpreted the remarks as an admission: his tariffs on China could lead to a toy shortage and costlier products for the US and Europe alike.
\n
China has long been the world's largest toy producer and exporter, and a tariff war with such a manufacturing powerhouse has undoubtedly also hit European toymakers, many of whom have production facilities in, as well as a substantial sales revenue from, China.
\n
European companies that outsource manufacturing to China and export to the US bear the brunt of the knock-on effects, facing declining demand from US buyers. Even those toymakers that do not sell directly to the US may end up shouldering part of the losses borne by Chinese manufacturers as they struggle with fewer orders.
\n
However, companies found that shifting factories away from China is not child's play.
\n
John Baulch, publisher and managing director of the United Kingdom trade publication Toy World Magazine, identified three key advantages that give China an edge over alternative locations for European toymakers: capacity, infrastructure and expertise — a combination that, currently, "no other country in the world has got".
\n
"China has an established network of factories, a huge choice of factories," he said. "So the capacity there is huge. Then you look at the logistics infrastructure within those countries. Other countries will have factories, but do they have road connections from the factories to the ports? Do the ports have capacity? Are they on the shipping route with the same volume of ships that China has?"
\n
Liang Mei, president of the China Toy and Juvenile Products Association, a nonprofit trade association with more than 5,000 registered members, added that the toy industry in China is highly clustered, with major hubs in southern Guangdong and eastern Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces boasting complete industrial chains that offer everything needed for production in one place.
\n
What China has built is an "all-around infrastructure" that allows it to produce large volumes of goods within the required turnaround time for Europe, Baulch said, a result of a long-term effort, one that other hubs are catching up with, but are still a "long, long way behind".
\n
A trusted destination
\n
This decades-long development has also endowed the country with expertise, making it a "trusted manufacturing destination", Baulch said. "You can rely on the quality, the pricing, the turnaround time, everything that you need to rely on. You can also rely on the fact that if an issue arises, China has the knowledge to sort it out."
\n
Peter Handstein, founder and CEO of Hape Toys, a German toy company, echoed this sentiment, saying that the supply chain in China is "unbeatable".
\n
"This did not happen overnight. I am not only a witness. I am a part of it," he said.
\n
Hape Toys has manufactured the majority of its toys in China for the past three decades, since its production facility in Zhejiang's Ningbo opened in 1995. Its office in China, which employs more than 1,000 people, now oversees all core operations, from toy design and material sourcing to manufacturing, product inspection and distribution.
\n
Artificial intelligence and robotics are further powering factories, Handstein said, enabling tasks such as quality checking.
\n
Some have been hyping up the idea that soaring labor costs in China are eroding its competitiveness, while Handstein described the increase as an "achievement" because paying labor 10 times more means the wealth of a worker in China has increased 10 times.
\n
Low cost was the catalyst for the rise of the manufacturing giant, but what has kept China in the game is its reliability and quality, Baulch said.
\n
"People forget that, in the last 20 years, China has made tremendous strides at improving the quality… When you send your toys there, the vast majority of the time, you are going to get exactly what you ordered and paid for."
\n
Producing in high-quality plants in China is indeed not cheap, but the sector is capable of meeting some very specific needs, said Juan Martinez, founder of Art Fabula, a Swedish toy brand whose toy prototypes are made in China. He makes a type of sofubi toy, a style of vinyl collectible toy, and the product must also comply with all European Union legal standards.
\n
The one-man company had attempted to relocate part of the manufacturing operation elsewhere, away from China, but the effort proved to be a costly "disaster" that nearly destroyed the small business.
\n
"Everything was wrong … I lost all hope when I received broken toys in the mail, along with the metal molds!" Martinez said.
\n
Economic setback
\n
For Martinez and many other small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, that underpin the European toy industry, tariffs pose a serious setback, as the US administration imposed new or increased tariffs on imports from multiple countries, including the EU, as well as Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, which are emerging manufacturing hubs.
\n
According to the EU's executive body, the European Commission, 99 percent of EU toy manufacturing companies are SMEs, which account for 61 percent of employment in the EU's toy industry, providing more than 50,000 jobs.
\n
It is believed that the US uses tariffs as a tactic to revive US manufacturing, while Radhika Desai, a professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba in Canada, said the industry decline and outsourcing are more of a result of deliberate policy choices that the US had been aware of, and even happy about.
\n
"Capital has been given the freedom to do whatever it likes," she said. "Instead of sourcing goods that they want to sell to the American people from American companies that have higher labor costs, they have decided to source them from elsewhere …Instead of increasing productivity in other ways, which would allow capitalists to pay good American-level wages, they have preferred to have things produced by cheaper labor … That is what has caused the deindustrialization of the US. There have not been any countries cheating them."
\n
Crucially, toys are usually aimed at children; therefore, both Baulch and Handstein highlighted that the goods are often only subject to minimal taxes.
\n
Even during Trump's first term, when China was the main target of his tariff policies, toys were spared.
\n
"What we're hoping is that politicians can come to an agreement, so we can get back to doing what we do best, which is selling toys and making kids happy," Baulch said.
\n
Contact the writer at zhengwanyin@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Amid global climate challenges, Canada and China are exploring pragmatic cooperation in energy, clean technology and the green transition, a move that analysts say could create new opportunities for trade and investment.
\n
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent call for a "clear engagement strategy" with China reflects Ottawa's recognition that a rigid stance toward Beijing will not serve its interests, said Jeff Mahon, former deputy director of the China division at Global Affairs Canada.
\n
"This demonstrates that Canada's top leadership understands the importance of having healthy trade and diplomatic relations with China and is seeking to develop a more balanced approach that engages with China as it is," Mahon said.
\n
Carney outlined this approach during a speech on Sept 22 at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, where he said Canada should "work with China in areas like energy, basic manufacturing and climate", underscoring that cooperation is essential for global progress.
\n
His remarks came a day after he met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the United Nations — the first meeting between the two leaders in years.
\n
Li said bilateral relations have advanced in a pragmatic and constructive way in recent months and urged Canada to "establish the right perception of China" while respecting each other's core interests.
\n
He called for deeper cooperation in areas such as energy, green development and tourism, saying China stands ready to work with Canada to uphold free trade and address global challenges.
\n
Mahon said the Carney government "recognizes that the world is a complicated place and that a 'black-and-white' approach toward China will not meet Canadian interests".Instead, he said, Ottawa will pursue a nuanced approach.
\n
The government is seeking areas of practical cooperation — the "low-hanging fruit" — such as energy exports that would support Chinese energy security needs, he said.
\n
When the United States announced last month that it would begin imposing tariffs on goods such as pharmaceuticals and heavy trucks, Canada followed by launching public consultations on whether to impose similar duties on Chinese electric vehicles.
\n
Mahon said that the move reflects Canada's cautious approach — balancing alignment with its key ally while keeping open the possibility of cooperation with China. It also underscores, he added, an opportunity for Canada to strengthen its EV supply chain.
\n
The government may seek to encourage Chinese investment into the supply chain rather than allow tariff-free access of finished vehicles, he said.
\n
Advancing cooperation
\n
Climate change remains an area where cooperation can move forward. At the United Nations Climate Summit on Sept 24, China announced plans to cut economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels by 2035 and to raise the share of non-fossil fuels to above 30 percent.
\n
This commitment to global climate goals "creates enormous opportunities for Canada and China to partner across sectors in the spirit of shared interests, complementary capabilities and mutual benefit", Mahon said.
\n
"Expanding trade in liquefied natural gas will also help China replace coal-fired systems with much cleaner burning fuels as it continues its historic energy transition."
\n
Chinese investment could also play a role, Mahon said. "World-leading Chinese technical knowledge and know-how in clean tech could serve as a premise for welcoming Chinese investment into Canada."
\n
Jiang Wenran, founding director of The China Institute at the University of Alberta in Canada, said Carney's recent remarks on the need for a "clear engagement strategy" with China mark a pragmatic turn in Canada's foreign policy.
\n
"It moves away from a blanket adversarial approach toward a 'tiered' one where cooperation is pursued in areas of mutual interest while managing disagreements in other domains," Jiang said.
\n
Cooperation on climate change could serve as a stabilizing force in bilateral ties, he said.
A monk navigates the flooded compound of Wat Kai Tia temple in Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province, using a large foam sheet as a makeshift raft. The temple has been inundated by floodwaters flowing from the North for more than a month, forcing monks to rely on foam sheets for essential tasks such as collecting alms and receiving donations. The crisis is expected to intensify as the influence of Typhoon Matmo is forecast to bring additional heavy rainfall.
\n",
- "content": "
A monk navigates the flooded compound of Wat Kai Tia temple in Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province, using a large foam sheet as a makeshift raft. The temple has been inundated by floodwaters flowing from the North for more than a month, forcing monks to rely on foam sheets for essential tasks such as collecting alms and receiving donations. The crisis is expected to intensify as the influence of Typhoon Matmo is forecast to bring additional heavy rainfall.
With increasingly fierce market competition, Chinese apparel enterprises are considering how to excel in a tough environment.
\n
Today, the era of high growth for the nation's clothing industry has passed, with market demand shrinking and growth momentum significantly weakened. According to Blue Shark — an online market observer — in the first half, out of 48 A-share listed clothing companies, 31 experienced a year-on-year decline in revenue and 31 experienced year-on-year bottom line declines.
\n
The Blue Shark survey said that in terms of revenue, the clothing industry has shown an obvious Matthew effect — in which enterprise scale becomes a key factor determining strong performance — leading to increasingly pronounced market differentiation.
\n
There are only three companies with January-June revenue of over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion), and their overall performance has been stable of late. Sportswear brand Anta Group leads the industry with a top line of 38.54 billion yuan, followed by Li-Ning at 14.82 billion yuan and HLA Group with 11.57 billion yuan.
\n
In terms of revenue growth, the three groups grew at a pace of 14.3 percent, 3.3 percent and 1.7 percent year-on-year, respectively.
\n
There are nine companies with an interim revenue scale of over 2 billion yuan but below 10 billion yuan, among which five companies — Youngor, EEKA Fashion, PeaceBird, Lancy and Saint Angelo — have experienced top line declines, with Youngor experiencing the most severe drop of 10.4 percent.
\n
There were 36 firms with first-half revenue of less than 2 billion yuan, accounting for 75 percent of the total surveyed. Among them, 26 companies experienced top line declines, with Metersbonwe experiencing the largest fall of 45.23 percent.
\n
There were 10 companies seeing revenue growth, with Harson Group experiencing the largest jump of 67.03 percent, Blue Shark's statistics showed.
\n
Although the industry is undergoing adjustments, there are also some whose performance is still impressive, such as sportswear firms which have become a growth point for the clothing sub-industry. Sector players such as Anta, Li-Ning and Xtep occupy three of the top five spots in terms of revenue. Among them, Anta's revenue exceeds the sum of all other sportswear brands, with smaller players such as outdoor activewear names Toread and Mobi Garden showing downward trends for both revenue and net profit.
\n
Meanwhile, clothing enterprises are no longer distinguishing between their original main business and new business segments, and are rushing into high-growth areas, presenting an even more crowded and competitive landscape. Furthermore, industry experts noted that enterprises are not only facing competition from existing brands, but also newly emerging players.
\n
"Consumption weakness offers rising opportunities for new brands, as consumers pursue cost performance, which means high quality at a fair price. This is accelerating market competition," said Blue Shark's report.
\n
Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said: "Under the current economic conditions, apparel companies may turn to overseas markets so as to spread risk and increase their brands' international influence. Also, they may strengthen consumers' emotional connections through cultural narratives to build long-term brand loyalty.
\n
"Apparel enterprises may include lifestyle categories into their businesses to encourage refined demand."
\n
In the first half, Anta invested nearly 1 billion yuan in research and development, up 8 percent on a yearly basis, while Li-Ning's R&D investment over the same period surged 8.7 percent.
China Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd, the world's largest glass engineering service provider, has successfully launched an 800-metric-ton-per-day ultra-clear rolled photovoltaic (PV) glass production line in Tarsus, Turkiye, marking the deployment of innovative Chinese technology to help advance Turkiye's green energy transition.
\n
The facility is so far the largest of its kind in Europe and West Asia, as well as Turkiye's largest and most technologically advanced PV glass production line. Ultra-clear PV glass, a vital encapsulation material for PV modules, features high solar transmittance and low absorption rates, and can maximize photoelectric conversion efficiency.
\n
The project was constructed under a general contract by CTIEC, and its owner is Turkiye's Sisecam, one of the world's top three manufacturers of glassware. With a 200-million-euro ($232.3 million) investment, this initiative will assist Sisecam to meet the rising demand for glass in the solar energy industry and enhance export potentials.
\n
Constructed entirely using Chinese standards, technologies and equipment, the production line will be able to produce 130,000 square meters of high-quality PV glass daily once operational, said CTIEC.
\n
"The high-quality glass will be crucial for PV module manufacturing, meeting local market demands in Turkiye while extending their reach across the European market, significantly enhancing the supply capacity of the PV industry in the region," said Xu Bin, Party secretary and chairman of CTIEC.
\n
Can Yucel, Sisecam CEO, said the ignition of the energy glass line within the Tarsus production complex, which includes flat glass, coated glass, energy glass and sand preparation facilities, is not merely the start of production. It represents a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
\n
"With its capacity, advanced technology and strategic location, this line marks the beginning of a new era in Sisecam's global energy glass journey," said Yucel, adding that the facility is scheduled to begin production on Wednesday.
\n
To ensure the project's smooth execution, CTIEC provided a full life-cycle engineering service model, offering a one-stop solution from project planning, engineering design, equipment manufacturing, to installation guidance and operational maintenance.
\n
A comprehensive application of high-end glass equipment and intelligent systems, all with independent intellectual property rights — such as rolling machines, annealing furnaces, cold-end equipment, automated guided vehicle systems and deep processing equipment — has not only facilitated the international expansion of some upstream and downstream enterprises in the domestic industry chain, but also shifted the focus of the cooperation between the two sides, from hardware export to standards and concepts export, according to CTIEC.
\n
"The high-capacity furnaces enable lower energy consumption, while automated transport vehicles and semi-automatic packaging systems maximize digitalization and operational efficiency. Our products are expected to serve a wide market from Turkiye to Europe and the United States, and will stand out with features that enhance energy efficiency," said Yucel.
\n
Former officials with Turkiye's energy authority said that without Chinese technologies, their transition toward renewable energy would take longer. The country's demand for renewable energy, especially solar power, has surged in recent years. According to Turkiye's national energy plan released in 2022, the share of renewable energy in electricity generation is set to rise to 65 percent by 2035.
\n
"The successful implementation of this project not only meets Turkiye's industrial upgrade and energy transition needs, but also showcases China's technological prowess and standard-setting influence in the green energy sector," said Xu.
\n
zhowenting@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd, the world's largest glass engineering service provider, has successfully launched an 800-metric-ton-per-day ultra-clear rolled photovoltaic (PV) glass production line in Tarsus, Turkiye, marking the deployment of innovative Chinese technology to help advance Turkiye's green energy transition.
\n
The facility is so far the largest of its kind in Europe and West Asia, as well as Turkiye's largest and most technologically advanced PV glass production line. Ultra-clear PV glass, a vital encapsulation material for PV modules, features high solar transmittance and low absorption rates, and can maximize photoelectric conversion efficiency.
\n
The project was constructed under a general contract by CTIEC, and its owner is Turkiye's Sisecam, one of the world's top three manufacturers of glassware. With a 200-million-euro ($232.3 million) investment, this initiative will assist Sisecam to meet the rising demand for glass in the solar energy industry and enhance export potentials.
\n
Constructed entirely using Chinese standards, technologies and equipment, the production line will be able to produce 130,000 square meters of high-quality PV glass daily once operational, said CTIEC.
\n
"The high-quality glass will be crucial for PV module manufacturing, meeting local market demands in Turkiye while extending their reach across the European market, significantly enhancing the supply capacity of the PV industry in the region," said Xu Bin, Party secretary and chairman of CTIEC.
\n
Can Yucel, Sisecam CEO, said the ignition of the energy glass line within the Tarsus production complex, which includes flat glass, coated glass, energy glass and sand preparation facilities, is not merely the start of production. It represents a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
\n
"With its capacity, advanced technology and strategic location, this line marks the beginning of a new era in Sisecam's global energy glass journey," said Yucel, adding that the facility is scheduled to begin production on Wednesday.
\n
To ensure the project's smooth execution, CTIEC provided a full life-cycle engineering service model, offering a one-stop solution from project planning, engineering design, equipment manufacturing, to installation guidance and operational maintenance.
\n
A comprehensive application of high-end glass equipment and intelligent systems, all with independent intellectual property rights — such as rolling machines, annealing furnaces, cold-end equipment, automated guided vehicle systems and deep processing equipment — has not only facilitated the international expansion of some upstream and downstream enterprises in the domestic industry chain, but also shifted the focus of the cooperation between the two sides, from hardware export to standards and concepts export, according to CTIEC.
\n
"The high-capacity furnaces enable lower energy consumption, while automated transport vehicles and semi-automatic packaging systems maximize digitalization and operational efficiency. Our products are expected to serve a wide market from Turkiye to Europe and the United States, and will stand out with features that enhance energy efficiency," said Yucel.
\n
Former officials with Turkiye's energy authority said that without Chinese technologies, their transition toward renewable energy would take longer. The country's demand for renewable energy, especially solar power, has surged in recent years. According to Turkiye's national energy plan released in 2022, the share of renewable energy in electricity generation is set to rise to 65 percent by 2035.
\n
"The successful implementation of this project not only meets Turkiye's industrial upgrade and energy transition needs, but also showcases China's technological prowess and standard-setting influence in the green energy sector," said Xu.
An employee works at a blanket production facility in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, on Thursday, the first day after the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.
",
@@ -12061,28 +11885,6 @@
"hash": "cb2ed7f32ade7878a1e9582a31a88e2e",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "015BUSINESS - German firms collaborate with local Chinese partners to stay competitive",
- "description": "
A view of the high-end intelligent home appliance electronic control panel production line of Diehl Controls in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Oct 1.
\n
JINAN — In an automated facility in Shanghai's Chongming district, empty trays glide along a conveyor belt, receiving a layer of soil, a scatter of seeds and a fine mist of water before being neatly stacked by a robotic arm.
\n
This high-speed, intelligent rice seedling production line, a joint project by German industrial automation company Festo Group and its Chinese partner Hangzhou Fengzhu Agricultural Technology Co Ltd, represents a new frontier where industrial technology is applied to the soil of Chinese agriculture.
\n
"The combination of agriculture and industry creates a new quality productive force that will greatly push forward automation in Chinese farming," said Wu Jianping, general manager of Hangzhou Fengzhu.
\n
By incorporating Festo's sensors, controllers and digital monitoring, the smart production line has shortened the seedling process to just 48 hours indoors, boosting the efficiency of seedling supply by more than 10 times.
\n
Since entering the Chinese market in 1985, Festo has established its largest global production center in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. Today, the site has evolved into a comprehensive hub for manufacturing, research and development, and logistics.
\n
"China's robust demand for hydrogen, semiconductors and robotics is complemented by new quality productive forces, creating vast applications for artificial intelligence and green technologies," said Chen Feng, head of the global production center.
\n
China is Festo's second-largest market. The company is now actively weaving AI into its own operations in Jinan, applying AI to production planning, supply chains and automated assembly lines, often with solutions from local Chinese firms.
\n
This shift is taking place against the backdrop of a national strategy. China's recent "AI Plus" action plan, calling for the technology's integration across the economy and for global cooperation, is seen by many German executives as a positive signal that opens new opportunities for multinationals operating in China.
\n
"We are committed to increasing our investment," Chen said, citing China's clear advantages in talent, innovation, application and local supply chains. He added that Festo is crafting a 2030 roadmap to better integrate German and Chinese strengths, accelerating the deployment of AI and automation in more sectors.
\n
Eric Angue, vice-president of product development for Festo's Greater China region, noted that as more local customers emerge, some of them even become leading companies in the industry. "Festo cooperates with these brands and joins their supply chains."
\n
The trend is not limited to Festo alone. A recent survey by the German Chamber of Commerce in China found that more than half of German companies believe their Chinese competitors will become innovation leaders within five years, with about half planning to collaborate with local partners to stay competitive.
\n
One such company is the century-old Diehl Group. Its controls division, Diehl Controls, a key supplier of control systems in the global home appliance industry, set up in 2022 a new subsidiary in Qingdao, Shandong province, a major hub for advanced manufacturing in the home appliance industry.
\n
Qingdao's semiconductor and integrated circuit, smart screen and other industries are developing rapidly, and the city's smart home appliance industry is highly concentrated and delivery is convenient, said Dirk Fricke, a member of the corporate division board at Diehl Controls.
\n
Official figures highlight China's strength in AI. A report from the China Internet Network Information Center reveals that China's AI sector surpassed 700 billion yuan ($98.19 billion) in scale in 2024, maintaining over 20 percent annual growth. China has remained the world's largest market for industrial robots for 12 straight years.
\n
"China has become the most active country in the development of AI technology, with new products and technology iterations coming out all the time," Fricke said, adding that the company plans to expand its R&D team of smart home appliance controllers in China in the hope of making China the global R&D center in this field.
\n",
- "content": "
A view of the high-end intelligent home appliance electronic control panel production line of Diehl Controls in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Oct 1.
\n
JINAN — In an automated facility in Shanghai's Chongming district, empty trays glide along a conveyor belt, receiving a layer of soil, a scatter of seeds and a fine mist of water before being neatly stacked by a robotic arm.
\n
This high-speed, intelligent rice seedling production line, a joint project by German industrial automation company Festo Group and its Chinese partner Hangzhou Fengzhu Agricultural Technology Co Ltd, represents a new frontier where industrial technology is applied to the soil of Chinese agriculture.
\n
"The combination of agriculture and industry creates a new quality productive force that will greatly push forward automation in Chinese farming," said Wu Jianping, general manager of Hangzhou Fengzhu.
\n
By incorporating Festo's sensors, controllers and digital monitoring, the smart production line has shortened the seedling process to just 48 hours indoors, boosting the efficiency of seedling supply by more than 10 times.
\n
Since entering the Chinese market in 1985, Festo has established its largest global production center in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. Today, the site has evolved into a comprehensive hub for manufacturing, research and development, and logistics.
\n
"China's robust demand for hydrogen, semiconductors and robotics is complemented by new quality productive forces, creating vast applications for artificial intelligence and green technologies," said Chen Feng, head of the global production center.
\n
China is Festo's second-largest market. The company is now actively weaving AI into its own operations in Jinan, applying AI to production planning, supply chains and automated assembly lines, often with solutions from local Chinese firms.
\n
This shift is taking place against the backdrop of a national strategy. China's recent "AI Plus" action plan, calling for the technology's integration across the economy and for global cooperation, is seen by many German executives as a positive signal that opens new opportunities for multinationals operating in China.
\n
"We are committed to increasing our investment," Chen said, citing China's clear advantages in talent, innovation, application and local supply chains. He added that Festo is crafting a 2030 roadmap to better integrate German and Chinese strengths, accelerating the deployment of AI and automation in more sectors.
\n
Eric Angue, vice-president of product development for Festo's Greater China region, noted that as more local customers emerge, some of them even become leading companies in the industry. "Festo cooperates with these brands and joins their supply chains."
\n
The trend is not limited to Festo alone. A recent survey by the German Chamber of Commerce in China found that more than half of German companies believe their Chinese competitors will become innovation leaders within five years, with about half planning to collaborate with local partners to stay competitive.
\n
One such company is the century-old Diehl Group. Its controls division, Diehl Controls, a key supplier of control systems in the global home appliance industry, set up in 2022 a new subsidiary in Qingdao, Shandong province, a major hub for advanced manufacturing in the home appliance industry.
\n
Qingdao's semiconductor and integrated circuit, smart screen and other industries are developing rapidly, and the city's smart home appliance industry is highly concentrated and delivery is convenient, said Dirk Fricke, a member of the corporate division board at Diehl Controls.
\n
Official figures highlight China's strength in AI. A report from the China Internet Network Information Center reveals that China's AI sector surpassed 700 billion yuan ($98.19 billion) in scale in 2024, maintaining over 20 percent annual growth. China has remained the world's largest market for industrial robots for 12 straight years.
\n
"China has become the most active country in the development of AI technology, with new products and technology iterations coming out all the time," Fricke said, adding that the company plans to expand its R&D team of smart home appliance controllers in China in the hope of making China the global R&D center in this field.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts during an English Premier League match against Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Oct 4.
\n
LONDON — Ruben Amorim has been given three years to prove himself at Manchester United, after co-owner Jim Ratcliffe insisted he will not make a knee-jerk decision about the under-fire manager's future.
\n
Amorim has endured constant speculation that he faces the sack throughout this season, as United lurches from one crisis to another.
\n
The former Sporting Lisbon boss, who was hired by Ratcliffe in November 2024, admitted earlier this term that he had considered quitting during United's darkest moments.
\n
Amorim's side finished 15th in the Premier League last season — its lowest final top-flight position since 1973-74 — and squandered a chance to qualify for the Champions League when it lost the Europa League final to fellow league struggler Tottenham.
\n
United has fared little better this season. Currently sitting 10th in the table, it lost three of its first seven league games and suffered a shock League Cup elimination at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby Town.
\n
Amorim has yet to record successive Premier League wins since replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag, with a trip to defending champion Liverpool straight after the international break.
\n
Despite the talk that Amorim, whose side beat newly promoted Sunderland in its last game, remains in danger of being axed, Ratcliffe said that the 40-year-old would be given time to turn things around.
\n
"He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That's where I would be," Ratcliffe told The Times newspaper's The Business podcast.
\n
"The press, sometimes I don't understand. They want overnight success.
\n
"They think it's a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it's all going to be rosy tomorrow.
\n
"You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."
\n
'No free lunches'
\n
Ratcliffe has owned just under a 30 percent stake in United since February 2024, when he took control of soccer operations at the 20-time English champion.
\n
That left the Glazer family, who has endured numerous fan protests since taking over in 2005, still in overall charge at Old Trafford.
\n
United hasn't won the English title since 2013, while its last European trophy was the 2017 Europa League.
\n
Asked what would happen if the Glazers told him to sack Amorim, Ratcliffe said: "That's not going to happen."
\n
The INEOS chief said the Glazers were happy for him to take charge, adding: "That probably sums it up. We're local and they're on the other side of the pond.
\n
"That's a long way away to try and manage a football club as big — as complex — as Manchester United. We're here with feet on the ground.
\n
"They get a bad rap, but they are really nice people, and they are really passionate about the club.
\n
"They come to the board meetings. We sit down and we talk about things."
\n
Ratcliffe has also come in for criticism after controversial cuts designed to drive down costs at United saw around 450 jobs axed and the removal of perks like subsidized staff lunches.
\n
"The costs were just too high. There are some fantastic people at Manchester United, but there was also a level of mediocrity and it had become bloated," he said.
\n
"I got a lot of flak for the free lunches, but nobody has ever given me a free lunch.
\n
"The biggest correlation, like it or not, between results and any external factor is profitability.
\n
"The more cash you have got, the better squad you can build. The better your squad, the better your football should be."
\n
Amorim's squad was boosted by more than 200 million pounds worth of new summer signings.
\n
"A lot of what we have done in the first year," Ratcliffe said, "is to spend an awful lot of time putting the club on a sustainable, healthy footing."
\n
Record revenues
\n
Despite United's stock falling on the pitch, off it the club recently posted record revenues of 666.5 million pounds ($892.1 million) for the year to June 2025, albeit with a 33 million pounds loss.
\n
"If you look at our results for last year we have the highest revenues ever. Profitability, the second highest. We're not seeing all the benefits of the restructuring that we've done in this set of results, and we were not in the Champions League.
\n
"Those numbers will get better. Manchester United will become the most profitable football club in the world, in my view, and from that will stem, I hope, a long-term, sustainable, high-level of football."
\n
Ratcliffe also said he wants to revive the club's Academy that once churned out the likes of multiple title winners David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.
\n
"The academy has really slipped at Manchester United," Ratcliffe said. "You don't solve the academy problem overnight. It takes time. We have just recruited a new academy director.
\n
"There's absolutely no question that we've made errors as we've gone along," he admitted, adding: "Nobody's perfect."
\n",
@@ -12105,28 +11907,6 @@
"hash": "eb879528a82df5a48c2a6ac0d7d8d51d",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "001FRONT - Investors more optimistic about Chinese market",
- "description": "
Improving fundamentals and relatively attractive valuations are likely to spur further gains in China's stock market, which could maintain an edge over United States equities in the coming year, analysts at leading investment banks said.
\n
Timothy Moe, chief Asia-Pacific regional equity strategist and co-head of macro research in Asia at Goldman Sachs, said that over the next one year, Chinese equities may continue to outperform US counterparts after posting stronger gains so far this year.
\n
"We're hopeful that will continue," Moe said in a recent interview in Beijing. "Simple arithmetic would say that earnings growth of Chinese companies could have the potential to return mid-teens, possibly more, while the United States (return) is probably going to be high single digit. Both are good, but I think China might be able to do a bit better."
\n
According to Moe, the US stock market had been trading at about 23 times earnings as of mid-September, with expected earnings growth of around 7 percent next year.
\n
In contrast, the earnings growth of Chinese equities is expected to accelerate to the low- to mid-teens, while valuations remain at mid-cycle levels, offering room for further expansion, he said.
\n
The Chinese stock market has been among the best performers in Asia this year. The MSCI China Index — which captures large- and mid-cap representation across onshore and offshore Chinese equities — had risen roughly 39 percent so far this year as of Wednesday in US dollar terms.
\n
During the same period, the MSCI USA Index went up by about 14 percent, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose by around 27 percent, according to market tracker Wind Info.
\n
According to Kinger Lau, chief China equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, policy efforts to address excessive competition in key sectors and rebalance supply and demand, also known as the initiative to curb rat-race competition, has been key in improving profitability prospects of Chinese companies.
\n
Lau said that if such efforts continue, a roughly 2 percentage point boost can be expected in the earnings growth of Chinese listed companies in the next couple of years, with the prices of cement, steel and lithium batteries showing signs of recovery.
\n
However, he said that policy impact may diverge across sectors and enterprises of different sizes. "The divergence between leading enterprises and smaller firms is something we need to pay attention to."
\n
Laura Wang, Morgan Stanley's chief China equity strategist, said that she expects earnings of Chinese listed companies to grow 7.6 percent in 2025 and accelerate to 11.1 percent by 2027, based on the bank's baseline scenario that factors in the potential effectiveness of policies to curb ratrace competition.
\n
Electric vehicle batteries, steel and cement, and airlines may be among the biggest beneficiaries, Wang said in a podcast during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. The onshore A-share market was closed during the holiday.
\n
Most analysts expect the A-share market to reopen on an upbeat note, as the recovery in domestic tourism indicated improving consumer sentiment. James Wang, head of China strategy at UBS Investment Bank Research, said the Swiss bank remains positive on Chinese equities, as valuation remains attractive when compared with global peers, while the ongoing US interest rate cut cycle and a weaker US dollar are supportive for emerging markets, including Chinese equities.
Improving fundamentals and relatively attractive valuations are likely to spur further gains in China's stock market, which could maintain an edge over United States equities in the coming year, analysts at leading investment banks said.
\n
Timothy Moe, chief Asia-Pacific regional equity strategist and co-head of macro research in Asia at Goldman Sachs, said that over the next one year, Chinese equities may continue to outperform US counterparts after posting stronger gains so far this year.
\n
"We're hopeful that will continue," Moe said in a recent interview in Beijing. "Simple arithmetic would say that earnings growth of Chinese companies could have the potential to return mid-teens, possibly more, while the United States (return) is probably going to be high single digit. Both are good, but I think China might be able to do a bit better."
\n
According to Moe, the US stock market had been trading at about 23 times earnings as of mid-September, with expected earnings growth of around 7 percent next year.
\n
In contrast, the earnings growth of Chinese equities is expected to accelerate to the low- to mid-teens, while valuations remain at mid-cycle levels, offering room for further expansion, he said.
\n
The Chinese stock market has been among the best performers in Asia this year. The MSCI China Index — which captures large- and mid-cap representation across onshore and offshore Chinese equities — had risen roughly 39 percent so far this year as of Wednesday in US dollar terms.
\n
During the same period, the MSCI USA Index went up by about 14 percent, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose by around 27 percent, according to market tracker Wind Info.
\n
According to Kinger Lau, chief China equity strategist at Goldman Sachs, policy efforts to address excessive competition in key sectors and rebalance supply and demand, also known as the initiative to curb rat-race competition, has been key in improving profitability prospects of Chinese companies.
\n
Lau said that if such efforts continue, a roughly 2 percentage point boost can be expected in the earnings growth of Chinese listed companies in the next couple of years, with the prices of cement, steel and lithium batteries showing signs of recovery.
\n
However, he said that policy impact may diverge across sectors and enterprises of different sizes. "The divergence between leading enterprises and smaller firms is something we need to pay attention to."
\n
Laura Wang, Morgan Stanley's chief China equity strategist, said that she expects earnings of Chinese listed companies to grow 7.6 percent in 2025 and accelerate to 11.1 percent by 2027, based on the bank's baseline scenario that factors in the potential effectiveness of policies to curb ratrace competition.
\n
Electric vehicle batteries, steel and cement, and airlines may be among the biggest beneficiaries, Wang said in a podcast during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. The onshore A-share market was closed during the holiday.
\n
Most analysts expect the A-share market to reopen on an upbeat note, as the recovery in domestic tourism indicated improving consumer sentiment. James Wang, head of China strategy at UBS Investment Bank Research, said the Swiss bank remains positive on Chinese equities, as valuation remains attractive when compared with global peers, while the ongoing US interest rate cut cycle and a weaker US dollar are supportive for emerging markets, including Chinese equities.
Tea farmers pick "Cold Dew Tea" in a high-altitude tea garden in Zhaoping county, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Wednesday. That day marked "Cold Dew", the 17th of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese calendar. The "Cold Dew Tea", favored by tea enthusiasts, is known for its rich aroma due to the significant temperature difference between day and night, which increases the content of tea polyphenols and catechins
A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday warned Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te that all plots to divide the motherland will be met with firm countermeasures and that "Taiwan independence" is doomed to fail.
\n
Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the tide of national reunification is unstoppable.
\n
"Lai and the 'Taiwan independence' forces are no more than ants shaking a tree, and they will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history," Chen said.
\n
Chen made the remarks in response to an interview in which Lai promoted a "new two-state theory", claiming that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait "are not subordinate to each other".
\n
During an appearance on a United States radio program, The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, Lai accused the Chinese mainland's military exercises of undermining peace and stability in the so-called "Indo-Pacific region". He also called for more defense spending for Taiwan and urged the "democratic camp" to take coordinated "deterrent actions" against the mainland.
\n
Chen criticized Lai for "inverting right and wrong" and "peddling separatist fallacies", saying he was deliberately hyping up the so-called "mainland threat" while "inciting armed independence" and "seeking independence by relying on foreign powers". Such actions, Chen said, deceive both the people in Taiwan and the international community.
\n
"Lai Ching-te is a destroyer of cross-Strait peace and a creator of crisis in the Strait," Chen said. "Since taking office more than a year ago, he has ignored mainstream public opinion on the island, stubbornly clung to separatist positions, and repeatedly spread fallacies about 'Taiwan independence' while escalating hostility and confrontation across the Strait."
\n
Chen accused Lai of "recklessly preparing for war" and "pushing Taiwan toward grave danger". He said Lai's actions, including "fawning over foreign powers and selling out Taiwan's interests", have severely harmed the rights and welfare of the Taiwan people and businesses, and have jeopardized the island's economic lifeline and future development.
\n
"Taiwan is part of China, and both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China," Chen said. "This is an indisputable historical and legal fact, and it cannot be changed."
\n
He stressed that while the mainland cherishes peace, it will never tolerate separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" or stand idly by while such forces "sell out and ruin Taiwan".
\n
"We have the firm will, strong resolve and powerful capability to crush all separatist acts and foreign interference, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and protect the safety and welfare of our Taiwan compatriots," Chen said.
\n
He warned Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities that the trend toward reunification cannot be stopped.
\n
"Seeking independence through reliance on foreign powers is bound to fail, and seeking independence by force will only hasten destruction," Chen said. "Those who betray the Chinese nation will be condemned by history, and any attempt to split the country will be resolutely crushed. Reunification will surely prevail, and 'Taiwan independence' will perish."
\n
lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday warned Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te that all plots to divide the motherland will be met with firm countermeasures and that "Taiwan independence" is doomed to fail.
\n
Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the tide of national reunification is unstoppable.
\n
"Lai and the 'Taiwan independence' forces are no more than ants shaking a tree, and they will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history," Chen said.
\n
Chen made the remarks in response to an interview in which Lai promoted a "new two-state theory", claiming that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait "are not subordinate to each other".
\n
During an appearance on a United States radio program, The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, Lai accused the Chinese mainland's military exercises of undermining peace and stability in the so-called "Indo-Pacific region". He also called for more defense spending for Taiwan and urged the "democratic camp" to take coordinated "deterrent actions" against the mainland.
\n
Chen criticized Lai for "inverting right and wrong" and "peddling separatist fallacies", saying he was deliberately hyping up the so-called "mainland threat" while "inciting armed independence" and "seeking independence by relying on foreign powers". Such actions, Chen said, deceive both the people in Taiwan and the international community.
\n
"Lai Ching-te is a destroyer of cross-Strait peace and a creator of crisis in the Strait," Chen said. "Since taking office more than a year ago, he has ignored mainstream public opinion on the island, stubbornly clung to separatist positions, and repeatedly spread fallacies about 'Taiwan independence' while escalating hostility and confrontation across the Strait."
\n
Chen accused Lai of "recklessly preparing for war" and "pushing Taiwan toward grave danger". He said Lai's actions, including "fawning over foreign powers and selling out Taiwan's interests", have severely harmed the rights and welfare of the Taiwan people and businesses, and have jeopardized the island's economic lifeline and future development.
\n
"Taiwan is part of China, and both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China," Chen said. "This is an indisputable historical and legal fact, and it cannot be changed."
\n
He stressed that while the mainland cherishes peace, it will never tolerate separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" or stand idly by while such forces "sell out and ruin Taiwan".
\n
"We have the firm will, strong resolve and powerful capability to crush all separatist acts and foreign interference, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and protect the safety and welfare of our Taiwan compatriots," Chen said.
\n
He warned Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities that the trend toward reunification cannot be stopped.
\n
"Seeking independence through reliance on foreign powers is bound to fail, and seeking independence by force will only hasten destruction," Chen said. "Those who betray the Chinese nation will be condemned by history, and any attempt to split the country will be resolutely crushed. Reunification will surely prevail, and 'Taiwan independence' will perish."
TAIPEI — A travel boom among Taiwan residents heading to the Chinese mainland was in full swing during the October holidays, despite the island's authorities refusing to lift restrictions on group tours.
\n
This month, Taiwan residents enjoyed two closely spaced short holidays, prompting many to extend their breaks and head out on trips.
\n
At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, long lines formed at check-in counters as travelers carrying large suitcases prepared to board flights. The airport estimated that passenger travel between Oct 3 and Saturday would reach 1.51 million.
\n
The mainland remains one of the most popular destinations for Taiwan residents. Statistics from the island's transport department showed that in the first half of this year, more than 1.5 million Taiwan residents traveled to the mainland, underscoring the strong demand despite the so-called "level-orange alert" for Taiwan travelers to the mainland and the continued ban on group tours to the mainland imposed by the island's authorities.
\n
From exploring traditional culture in Beijing's museums to admiring the peaks and rivers of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province, from tasting street food in the bustling night markets of Chengdu in Sichuan province to experiencing the futuristic skyline of Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Taiwan visitors have been seizing the chance to discover the mainland's diverse attractions during the holidays.
\n
A resident of New Taipei City, surnamed Wu, and his wife were excitedly discussing their travel plans at Taoyuan airport before departing for the cities of Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and Dunhuang, Gansu province.
\n
Wu said their choice of Xi'an was partly inspired by the hit animated film Chang'an.
\n
"The film vividly portrayed the beauty of ancient Xi'an, and we wanted to see it with our own eyes," he said.
\n
At the same airport, a Taipei resident, surnamed Xu, and her two friends were about to embark on a five-day trip to Shanghai, Suzhou in Jiangsu province and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. Having visited Xiamen and Fuzhou in Fujian province last year, she said she was impressed by the convenience of traveling on the mainland.
\n
With the help of her mainland friends, she downloaded mobile apps such as WeChat and Alipay to pay for transportation, meals and other expenses.
\n
"Just a few clicks on the phone, and everything is done. It's very easy," she said.
\n
The mainland has introduced multiple measures to make visits more convenient for Taiwan compatriots. Taiwan residents holding mainland travel permits can enter the mainland without additional endorsements. Additionally, Taiwan phone numbers and bank cards can be linked to mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.
\n
As experiences improve, Taiwan residents are setting their sights on more diverse destinations. Travel industry insiders have noted that while Fujian and major coastal cities used to dominate itineraries, an increasing number of Taiwan tourists are now venturing further inland for in-depth experiences.
\n",
@@ -12193,28 +11951,6 @@
"hash": "92c7a5d31a76dbe8116be5c65fffbb79",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "006CHINA - From a large landfill to a digital innovation valley",
- "description": "
SHENZHEN — At the foot of Yinhu Mountain in Luohu district, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, a vast green canopy covers 116,900 square meters of worksite where excavators and bulldozers operate at full capacity. Recently, workers were busy covering leveled areas with anti-seepage film to prevent rainwater from trickling in.
\n
This is the former Yulong landfill, once Shenzhen's largest dumping ground, now undergoing the nation's largest full-excavation relocation project, according to Rao Yiming, Party chief of Qingshuihe subdistrict.
\n
Established in 1983 and closed in 1997, the landfill was sealed in 2005, accumulating 2.55 million cubic meters of waste. For two decades, it remained dormant, a testament to the city's rapid development and a growing concern for residents.
\n
Located near the city center, the massive waste pile had long been an urban eyesore, plaguing nearby communities with odor, leachate, groundwater pollution and geological risks.
\n
As Shenzhen grapples with scarce land resources in its urban core, addressing historical environmental issues while creating new development space has become critical.
\n
In 2024, Luohu designated the site's rehabilitation as its "top project", investing 2.17 billion yuan ($305.6 million) in what has become one of China's most challenging environmental remediation efforts.
\n
"The restoration process is a high-tech battle," said Ye Bin, deputy director of Luohu's urban management bureau. "We've implemented the largest 'canopy' system in China to control odor and dust, while using rapid aerobic pretreatment technology to accelerate waste stabilization."
\n
At the site equipped with sound barriers, trucks transport different categories of waste to screening facilities, environmental parks and recycling enterprises. The project handles 6,000 cubic meters of excavation daily, with a screening capacity of 5,000 metric tons.
\n
Ye explained that waste mainly includes construction debris, household garbage, building waste, sludge and contaminated soil. After testing, qualified materials are transported for reuse or proper disposal.
\n
The restoration isn't the final goal but a new beginning. Even as remediation continues, planning has already started for the area's future development.
\n
Rao revealed that the restored site will release approximately 300,000 square meters of land for industries, positioned as a "digital innovation valley". It will focus on artificial intelligence, health technologies, and the digital economy, aligned with Shenzhen's strategic emerging industries.
\n
"Yulong's transformation demonstrates Shenzhen's shift from expansion-dependent development to unlocking potential within existing resources," said Xie Zhikui, vice-president of Shenzhen's Party school. "This contiguous industrial space supports Luohu's upgrade and Shenzhen's development strategy."
\n",
- "content": "
SHENZHEN — At the foot of Yinhu Mountain in Luohu district, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, a vast green canopy covers 116,900 square meters of worksite where excavators and bulldozers operate at full capacity. Recently, workers were busy covering leveled areas with anti-seepage film to prevent rainwater from trickling in.
\n
This is the former Yulong landfill, once Shenzhen's largest dumping ground, now undergoing the nation's largest full-excavation relocation project, according to Rao Yiming, Party chief of Qingshuihe subdistrict.
\n
Established in 1983 and closed in 1997, the landfill was sealed in 2005, accumulating 2.55 million cubic meters of waste. For two decades, it remained dormant, a testament to the city's rapid development and a growing concern for residents.
\n
Located near the city center, the massive waste pile had long been an urban eyesore, plaguing nearby communities with odor, leachate, groundwater pollution and geological risks.
\n
As Shenzhen grapples with scarce land resources in its urban core, addressing historical environmental issues while creating new development space has become critical.
\n
In 2024, Luohu designated the site's rehabilitation as its "top project", investing 2.17 billion yuan ($305.6 million) in what has become one of China's most challenging environmental remediation efforts.
\n
"The restoration process is a high-tech battle," said Ye Bin, deputy director of Luohu's urban management bureau. "We've implemented the largest 'canopy' system in China to control odor and dust, while using rapid aerobic pretreatment technology to accelerate waste stabilization."
\n
At the site equipped with sound barriers, trucks transport different categories of waste to screening facilities, environmental parks and recycling enterprises. The project handles 6,000 cubic meters of excavation daily, with a screening capacity of 5,000 metric tons.
\n
Ye explained that waste mainly includes construction debris, household garbage, building waste, sludge and contaminated soil. After testing, qualified materials are transported for reuse or proper disposal.
\n
The restoration isn't the final goal but a new beginning. Even as remediation continues, planning has already started for the area's future development.
\n
Rao revealed that the restored site will release approximately 300,000 square meters of land for industries, positioned as a "digital innovation valley". It will focus on artificial intelligence, health technologies, and the digital economy, aligned with Shenzhen's strategic emerging industries.
\n
"Yulong's transformation demonstrates Shenzhen's shift from expansion-dependent development to unlocking potential within existing resources," said Xie Zhikui, vice-president of Shenzhen's Party school. "This contiguous industrial space supports Luohu's upgrade and Shenzhen's development strategy."
According to official data, the European Union imported €3.5 billion ($4.06 billion) worth of steel from China in 2024, the third-largest quantity after steel worth €3.9 billion from India and €3.6 billion from the Republic of Korea. The EU's import of iron and steel products — such as screws, bolts, structural fittings and tubes — from China reached €12.5 billion in 2024. However, compared with 2019, the growth in supplies was notably lower than from some other suppliers, such as Turkiye, whose exports to the EU jumped 82.4 percent.
\n
This is why, as the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU stressed in a statement on Tuesday, "China's steel exports to the EU account for only a modest share of its total global exports". As any rational economist will note, China is just participating in the natural international division of labor shaped by market principles, supplying steel and steel articles in line with its production capacity.
\n
From this perspective, the European Commission's newly released proposal on Tuesday, designed to "protect the EU steel sector from the unfair impacts of global overcapacity", should not be considered, as some media outlets hype it up, a move "targeting China". Indeed, China and the EU have long been major trade partners who enjoy mutual trust.
\n
However, the proposal still suggests a turn toward protectionism. By seeking to cap tariff-free steel imports at 18.3 million metric tons a year, or 47 percent lower than the 2024 quota, and raise the out-of-quota duty from 25 to 50 percent, the European Commission is trying to distort the market rather than strengthen it.
\n
China's role as the world's manufacturing factory allows it to produce components such as screws, bolts, structural fittings and pipes at lower cost. Blocking such imports under the banner of protecting local industry disrupts not just trade flows but also the efficiency of the global supply chain.
\n
If the proposal is approved, European consumers might have to shell out more for virtually every industrial product, from household appliances to cars, because it's so difficult today to find an industrial product that doesn't use screws.
\n
The ripple effects of such protectionism should not be underestimated because the EU has long championed open and rules-based trade. A shift toward protectionism would undermine global confidence and convince other market players that the EU is moving closer to the US model of restrictive trade policies — from imposing high tariffs to reshoring industries. If the EU, home to three G7 members, follows the same path, other economies will feel compelled to respond in kind. A protectionist spiral among major economies is a scenario the world can ill afford at a time when global growth needs stability and cooperation.
\n
Equally noteworthy are the words of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said that "Global overcapacity is damaging our industry." The phrase closely echoes US rhetoric about overcapacity in sectors such as steel and clean energy. If both the US and Europe embrace similar protectionist narratives, the outlook for the global economy becomes even more worrisome.
\n
Fortunately, the European Commission's plan remains a proposal rather than a final policy, which must pass through the EU's legislative process before taking effect.
\n
Rather than resorting to protectionist measures, the EU should engage in constructive dialogue with major suppliers such as China to address specific concerns about market distortions, while continuing to uphold the open-market principles that have served Europe well for decades.
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