China's Victory Day commemorations have strengthened the nation's resolve and confidence in building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts, President Xi Jinping has said.
\n
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while delivering an address at a recent meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
\n
He delivered the speech after hearing a report summarizing activities on commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, during the Party leadership meeting.
\n
As Japan officially surrendered on Sept 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender, China designated Sept 3 as its V-Day.
\n
This year it held a massive military parade on Sept 3 at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing as part of its commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory.
\n
In his speech, Xi emphasized that the commemorations were solemn, grand, inspiring and motivating, further promoting the great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, further boosting the confidence in advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation, and further demonstrating China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n
He pointed out that the leading group for the commemorative activities and the relevant institutions involved in the task force resolutely implemented the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, adhered to high standards and strict requirements, and fulfilled the political task assigned by the CPC Central Committee with a pragmatic and meticulous approach.
\n
Xi stressed the need to harness the positive energy generated by the commemorative activities, and use them as a vivid tool for patriotic education. He called for injecting the confidence, pride, enthusiasm and vitality they inspired into efforts to implement the CPC Central Committee's decisions and deployments and address various risks and challenges, and into mighty forces to promote reform, drive development and ensure stability.
\n
While emphasizing the importance of maintaining a correct historical perspective on the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as well as on World War II, he called for drawing wisdom and strength from the great victory in the whole nation's resistance against Japanese aggression led by the CPC.
\n
It is important to stand firm on the right side of history, and forge a brighter future by learning from history, he said.
\n
Xi urged the effective telling of the story of China's peaceful development, demonstrating to the world that China is a staunch defender of the postwar international order, and presenting China's image as a responsible major country committed to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n
It is important to thoroughly summarize the experiences and practices of organizing the commemorative activities, and to continuously enrich and improve the ceremonial system of a great Party and a great nation, he said.
\n
On Wednesday, Xi met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with representatives from various sectors involved in organizing the commemorative activities. He expressed gratitude and greetings to them, highly praised their hard work and outstanding achievements, and encouraged them to strive for new success.
\n
After the meeting, a symposium was held to summarize the commemorative activities.
\n
Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the leading group for the commemorative activities, attended the meeting and the symposium.
\n
caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China's Victory Day commemorations have strengthened the nation's resolve and confidence in building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts, President Xi Jinping has said.
\n
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while delivering an address at a recent meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
\n
He delivered the speech after hearing a report summarizing activities on commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, during the Party leadership meeting.
\n
As Japan officially surrendered on Sept 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender, China designated Sept 3 as its V-Day.
\n
This year it held a massive military parade on Sept 3 at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing as part of its commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory.
\n
In his speech, Xi emphasized that the commemorations were solemn, grand, inspiring and motivating, further promoting the great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, further boosting the confidence in advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation, and further demonstrating China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n
He pointed out that the leading group for the commemorative activities and the relevant institutions involved in the task force resolutely implemented the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, adhered to high standards and strict requirements, and fulfilled the political task assigned by the CPC Central Committee with a pragmatic and meticulous approach.
\n
Xi stressed the need to harness the positive energy generated by the commemorative activities, and use them as a vivid tool for patriotic education. He called for injecting the confidence, pride, enthusiasm and vitality they inspired into efforts to implement the CPC Central Committee's decisions and deployments and address various risks and challenges, and into mighty forces to promote reform, drive development and ensure stability.
\n
While emphasizing the importance of maintaining a correct historical perspective on the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as well as on World War II, he called for drawing wisdom and strength from the great victory in the whole nation's resistance against Japanese aggression led by the CPC.
\n
It is important to stand firm on the right side of history, and forge a brighter future by learning from history, he said.
\n
Xi urged the effective telling of the story of China's peaceful development, demonstrating to the world that China is a staunch defender of the postwar international order, and presenting China's image as a responsible major country committed to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n
It is important to thoroughly summarize the experiences and practices of organizing the commemorative activities, and to continuously enrich and improve the ceremonial system of a great Party and a great nation, he said.
\n
On Wednesday, Xi met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with representatives from various sectors involved in organizing the commemorative activities. He expressed gratitude and greetings to them, highly praised their hard work and outstanding achievements, and encouraged them to strive for new success.
\n
After the meeting, a symposium was held to summarize the commemorative activities.
\n
Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the leading group for the commemorative activities, attended the meeting and the symposium.
A woman wearing an outfit featuring local delicacies of Indonesia stands near the country's pavilion to attract visitors during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
\n
China is willing to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to uphold peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, in order to make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Vice-President Han Zheng said on Wednesday.
\n
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, which runs through Sunday in Nanning, the capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Han called for accelerating regional opening-up and cooperation, jointly building the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA 3.0), and ensuring the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest free trade agreement by population, GDP and trade volume.
\n
He also called for joint efforts to promote the integrated development of industrial and supply chains, expand cooperation in emerging industries, and work together to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
\n
More than 3,200 companies from 60 countries and regions are taking part in the expo this year, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.
\n
With a venue space covering about 160,000 square meters, the event has added new exhibition zones at its main venue, including an artificial intelligence pavilion, a pavilion of new quality productive forces and an exhibition area for the blue, or marine, economy.
\n
Fadillah Yusof, Malaysia's deputy prime minister and minister of energy transition and water transformation, noted that China and ASEAN have become each other's largest trading partners, saying this is a testament to their deep economic interdependence, a high level of mutual trust and a shared commitment.
\n
Against the backdrop of increasing global uncertainty, ASEAN and China should further diversify trade and investment strategies while jointly safeguarding peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region, Fadillah said.
\n
Similar views were shared by Mai Van Chinh, deputy prime minister of Vietnam, who said that amid mounting economic challenges, including the rise of trade barriers, it is essential to jointly build and strengthen mutual trust in cooperation.
\n
The Vietnamese deputy prime minister said that China and ASEAN members should further open markets to create more robust conditions for trade exchanges among countries, and deepen strategic alignment to enhance infrastructure connectivity between them.
\n
"At the same time, science and technology should be fostered as a new driver of cooperation, with particular emphasis on advancing cutting-edge fields such as AI," he added.
\n
China-ASEAN trade rose 9.7 percent year-on-year to 4.93 trillion yuan ($694 billion) in the first eight months of 2025, hitting a historic high for the period, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.
\n
As of the end of July, cumulative two-way investment exceeded $450 billion, statistics from the Ministry of Commerce showed.
\n
Meanwhile, Chinese companies have been active in contracting infrastructure projects in ASEAN economies, with a cumulative turnover of $480 billion by the end of July.
\n
China Communications Construction Co, a participant in the China-ASEAN Expo for the 22nd time, will accelerate the rollout of "new infrastructure" projects in ASEAN markets, advance cooperation across cities, and improve transportation and waterways through digital transformation.
\n
Unlike traditional infrastructure such as railways, roads and water conservancy, the concept of "new infrastructure" refers to facilities powered by information technologies such as 5G, AI, the industrial internet and the internet of things.
\n
Zhang Bingnan, general manager of the Beijing-based, centrally administered State-owned enterprise, said, "We will align precisely with the development needs of CAFTA 3.0, ensure the smooth operation of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, usher Cambodia into the high-speed era, and advance the coordinated 'port-railpark' development model of the Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park in Malaysia."
\n
Chinese AI enterprise iFlytek will sign a number of cooperation deals with companies and educational institutes in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar at the expo.
\n
Liu Qingfeng, chairman of iFlytek, said, "With the future implementation of CAFTA 3.0, our AI translation technology can better serve scenarios such as cross-border e-commerce, international conferences and digital content creation across the region, becoming a new form of infrastructure connecting China and ASEAN in the digital economy."
\n
Contact the writers at zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
A woman wearing an outfit featuring local delicacies of Indonesia stands near the country's pavilion to attract visitors during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
\n
China is willing to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to uphold peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, in order to make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Vice-President Han Zheng said on Wednesday.
\n
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, which runs through Sunday in Nanning, the capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Han called for accelerating regional opening-up and cooperation, jointly building the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA 3.0), and ensuring the high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest free trade agreement by population, GDP and trade volume.
\n
He also called for joint efforts to promote the integrated development of industrial and supply chains, expand cooperation in emerging industries, and work together to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
\n
More than 3,200 companies from 60 countries and regions are taking part in the expo this year, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.
\n
With a venue space covering about 160,000 square meters, the event has added new exhibition zones at its main venue, including an artificial intelligence pavilion, a pavilion of new quality productive forces and an exhibition area for the blue, or marine, economy.
\n
Fadillah Yusof, Malaysia's deputy prime minister and minister of energy transition and water transformation, noted that China and ASEAN have become each other's largest trading partners, saying this is a testament to their deep economic interdependence, a high level of mutual trust and a shared commitment.
\n
Against the backdrop of increasing global uncertainty, ASEAN and China should further diversify trade and investment strategies while jointly safeguarding peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region, Fadillah said.
\n
Similar views were shared by Mai Van Chinh, deputy prime minister of Vietnam, who said that amid mounting economic challenges, including the rise of trade barriers, it is essential to jointly build and strengthen mutual trust in cooperation.
\n
The Vietnamese deputy prime minister said that China and ASEAN members should further open markets to create more robust conditions for trade exchanges among countries, and deepen strategic alignment to enhance infrastructure connectivity between them.
\n
"At the same time, science and technology should be fostered as a new driver of cooperation, with particular emphasis on advancing cutting-edge fields such as AI," he added.
\n
China-ASEAN trade rose 9.7 percent year-on-year to 4.93 trillion yuan ($694 billion) in the first eight months of 2025, hitting a historic high for the period, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.
\n
As of the end of July, cumulative two-way investment exceeded $450 billion, statistics from the Ministry of Commerce showed.
\n
Meanwhile, Chinese companies have been active in contracting infrastructure projects in ASEAN economies, with a cumulative turnover of $480 billion by the end of July.
\n
China Communications Construction Co, a participant in the China-ASEAN Expo for the 22nd time, will accelerate the rollout of "new infrastructure" projects in ASEAN markets, advance cooperation across cities, and improve transportation and waterways through digital transformation.
\n
Unlike traditional infrastructure such as railways, roads and water conservancy, the concept of "new infrastructure" refers to facilities powered by information technologies such as 5G, AI, the industrial internet and the internet of things.
\n
Zhang Bingnan, general manager of the Beijing-based, centrally administered State-owned enterprise, said, "We will align precisely with the development needs of CAFTA 3.0, ensure the smooth operation of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, usher Cambodia into the high-speed era, and advance the coordinated 'port-railpark' development model of the Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park in Malaysia."
\n
Chinese AI enterprise iFlytek will sign a number of cooperation deals with companies and educational institutes in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar at the expo.
\n
Liu Qingfeng, chairman of iFlytek, said, "With the future implementation of CAFTA 3.0, our AI translation technology can better serve scenarios such as cross-border e-commerce, international conferences and digital content creation across the region, becoming a new form of infrastructure connecting China and ASEAN in the digital economy."
Hu Jie planes a wooden frame at a workshop in Beijing's Miyun district last year.
\n
Hu works with professional carpenters to build a wooden pavilion in Miyun last year.
\n
Hu paints a component of a wooden sculpture gift to a friend.
\n
Wu Xiaoyu, from Hefei, Anhui province, has been crafting her own furniture, gathering a big fan base online.
\n
Hu and his wife pose for a photo in the middle of building a wooden television cabinet at their apartment in Beijing.
\n
At the end of his workday at a consulting company, 34-year-old Hu Jie has a novel way of unwinding in his small apartment in Beijing's Chaoyang district — he makes furniture.
\n
One corner of the apartment is cluttered with drills, saws and wood oil, while half-finished planks are scattered across the floor.
\n
Hu's skills cover a wide spectrum, from making finely carved furniture and intricate decorative pieces to practical household items and art installations.
\n
His hobby began in 2023. Hu and his wife, an interior designer, were renting a compact 40-square-meter apartment, where clutter had piled up in one corner measuring barely 30 by 60 centimeters.
\n
Hu's wife wondered whether the space could accommodate both a fish tank stand and a temporary dining table. "Stores offered no such solution, so I figured I'd build something myself," Hu recalled.
\n
The result was a clever modular system featuring two wooden boxes stacked to form a cabinet that could hold the fish tank. These boxes could also be pulled out, placed side by side, and topped with a custom-fitted wooden tabletop to create a large dining table — a perfect solution for hosting friends in their small apartment. When not in use, the tabletop slides neatly under their sofa.
\n
"It was simple but multifunctional. And it felt amazing to see an idea turn into something real and useful," Hu said.
\n
That success led to further projects, and the couple's two cats inspired another Hu creation.
\n
One of the mischievous felines repeatedly crawled under their bed and disturbed their sleep, so Hu designed and built four low wooden boxes that slid under the bed frame, blocking the cat's access while providing extra storage. "That seamless fit is something money can't buy," he said with a grin.
\n
Hu is among a rising number of young people who are becoming engrossed with the Chinese custom of individuals making objects with their own hands.
\n
They're not craftsmen in the traditional sense, yet on social media they eagerly share photos of themselves using saws and sharpening tools, styling themselves as modern-day versions of the legendary carpenter Lu Ban.
\n
A tight budget and the pursuit of eco-friendly furniture are two major forces driving the handcrafting craze.
\n
On popular social media platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, a quick search for "DIY (do-it-yourself) furniture", "marine plywood", or "aluminum profiles" reveals a thriving subculture.
\n
Amateur artisans proudly showcase their creations, such as a plywood bookshelf, a walk-in closet framed with aluminum profiles, or a lighting harness fashioned from industrial-grade rails.
\n
With hashtags like "Anyone Can Do It", "Low-Cost DIY", and "Eco-Friendly Furniture" — these projects have attracted thousands of likes, comments and shares, while inspiring others to pick up tools and try it themselves.
\n
Building skills
\n
Wu Xiaoyu, from Hefei, Anhui province, has attracted more than 300,000 followers on social media platforms since she started sharing her craft projects about five years ago. Wu describes herself as being an ordinary office worker back then, ordering takeout most nights and watching videos about minimalism and sustainable living.
\n
Her first DIY inspiration came from an unlikely source: discarded milk tea bags. "It was such a nice material — thick, waterproof. I couldn't bear to throw it away," Wu recalled.
\n
Wu cleaned one bag and stitched it into a small pouch for storing cables. That small act of reuse led to more experiments, including turning empty beer bottles into vases, crafting storage bins from food packaging, and even making candles in repurposed glass jars.
\n
She then started sharing these small projects online. To her surprise, her tutorials struck a chord with viewers.
\n
"People would message me saying, 'I want to do this too, but I don't know how to start'. That's when I realized there's this quiet yearning in many of us to create with our hands," she said.
\n
Wu took her hobby up a notch after she bought her own apartment and faced a dilemma. The developer's decor felt cold and generic, and design companies' quotes for customization work were astronomical.
\n
"Either I had to accept a space that didn't reflect me, or tear it all out and start fresh," she said.
\n
"I wanted a home that felt like me, not something copied out of a catalog. So I decided to make it with my own hands."
\n
Wu began frequenting hardware stores and construction sites, peppering carpenters and experts with questions about tools and techniques. She signed up for woodworking workshops, learned to operate power tools and watched hours of online tutorials about joinery.
\n
Her first major project — a dining table — took her three months of trial and error to build.
\n
"I remember staring at the planks of wood and thinking, 'what am I doing?'" she said. "But once I assembled it and sat down to eat my first meal on it, it felt like a victory."
\n
However, not everything went smoothly. Early on, she mismeasured a set of cabinet doors, leaving a half-inch gap that annoyed her every time she saw it. "I kept it that way for a while to remind myself that precision is everything," Wu said.
\n
Then she discovered aluminum profiles — modular, lightweight metal beams often used in industrial furniture. They became her secret weapon. "It's like Lego for adults. You can create frames for tables, shelves, or cabinets and customize dimensions exactly," she said.
\n
With each project, her confidence grew.
\n
Now, her apartment looks like it was curated by a high-end interior design studio, characterized by sleek wooden furniture, clean lines, and warm, earthy tones that evoke calm.
\n
A handcrafted walnut cabinet sits perfectly flush with the wall, and a sturdy dining table anchors the open-plan living space. They are among countless details that were designed, cut and assembled by Wu herself.
\n
Test of patience
\n
Like Wu, Hu Jie also had no formal training.
\n
He studied business management at university, cycled through jobs in sales, auditing, finance and platform operations before landing in consulting.
\n
His closest brush with craftsmanship had been assembling Ikea furniture.
\n
Hu's early attempts at making furniture were not without challenges. Using a low-powered electric screwdriver given to him by a friend, Hu found assembling sturdier furniture to be laborious and time-consuming.
\n
"Every evening after work, I'd spend hours drilling and sanding. The noise worried me. I didn't want to disturb the neighbors, but I pushed on," he said.
\n
Dust, fatigue and the sheer effort often left him questioning if it was worth it.
\n
"But when the pieces finally came together, and I saw them in our home, the satisfaction outweighed the exhaustion," he said.
\n
Over time, Hu's skills evolved. Initially relying on online tutorials for guidance, he later enrolled in a woodworking class at a neighborhood workshop. There, he learned to use professional tools and experimented with various joinery techniques like mortise and tenon, a traditional Chinese method.
\n
"It's a craft of patience," he said, recalling hours spent sanding surfaces smooth with progressively finer grit sandpapers and finishing them with eco-friendly wood oils.
\n
Hu even joined a volunteer project in northeastern Beijing's Miyun district, helping build a wooden pavilion with a local woodworking studio, where he learned how to use professional tools. This experience enabled him to build a bathroom vanity, balcony storage and a living-room console out of wood panels.
\n
Learning from the pros
\n
With many enthusiasts seeking professional training, carpentry workshops have sprung up across a number of cities.
\n
In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Chen Dawei has become a mentor for many urbanites seeking to upgrade their skills.
\n
Chen said he believes his trainees are fulfilling a yearning to work with their hands and find moments of calm "amid the scent of pine and the scatter of wood chips".
\n
Nine years ago, Chen was in the agriculture industry in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. He cultivated sunflowers and corn, before venturing into poultry and pig farming.
\n
"Back then, you had to learn to do everything with your own hands — welding, building frames, repairing pens. If you didn't know how, you just had to grit your teeth and learn," he said.
\n
In 2015, he moved south to Hangzhou and started from scratch in woodworking. "It was just when the 'artisan spirit' trend was emerging. I discovered that working with wood felt more grounding than anything else I'd done," he said.
\n
Since 2022, Chen and his team have focused on teaching adults. They designed an intensive program, where within eight days, students progress from sawing lumber and sharpening tools to reading diagrams, and ultimately completing three items: a practice joint, a stool and a dovetail box.
\n
He vividly remembers a session in the sweltering July heat last summer. The studio had no air conditioning. Two of the three students were female teachers who stuck to traditional methods, chiseling mortises and sawing tenons entirely by hand. "Their clothes were soaked through, but no one complained," he said.
\n
His students come from all walks of life, including designers eager to bring ideas to life, new mothers searching for identity beyond child care, and people considering a career shift. Most are absolute beginners, but share a powerful sense of purpose, he has noticed.
\n
"Many say woodworking heals them," Chen said, adding he too once relied on honing his craft to make it through difficult times. "With every chip you carve away, some of your worries also peel away," he said.
\n
After the course ends, many of the participants tackle more complex projects. Some build home furniture, while others carve a simple spoon or a hairpin.
\n
But not everyone makes it through the course. A young woman from Beijing hoping to blend woodwork into her ceramic art, left on the fourth day due to exhaustion. "Woodworking demands physical strength and patience," Chen said.
\n
Meditative hobby
\n
Zhang Zhang, deputy dean of the School of Art Design and Media at East China University of Science and Technology, sees a deeper reason behind the surge of young professionals taking up woodworking.
\n
On one level, they are chasing the satisfaction of creating original pieces, using wood as a medium to convey personal ideas and aesthetics. On another, the very act of making an object allows them to infuse each piece with emotion, rendering it precious to them, she said.
\n
But beyond these motivations lies a process of self-healing, which has been confirmed by the medical field, Zhang said.
\n
Experts argue that this trend is not just aesthetic, but also cultural, psychological and social, reflecting how young urban adults seek purpose and balance through pursuing a craft.
\n
Wu from Anhui said she is only halfway through renovating her apartment, but will keep sharing her projects to inspire her followers, especially young women.
\n
"I want people to see that you don't have to be strong or have a fancy workshop. You just need patience, curiosity and courage," she said.
\n
For Hu, woodworking is no longer just about doing practical jobs in his home. It's a meditative hobby, a way to physically connect outside an otherwise digital and fast-paced existence.
\n
"When I'm not swamped with work, I love the slow, tactile process of creating something from raw materials. It's deeply rewarding," he said.
\n
He has balanced his consulting job with occasional woodworking projects and favors small, thoughtful creations, like handcrafted storage boxes made with traditional joinery, often gifted to friends with their names engraved on the wood.
\n
One memorable piece was a whimsical bookstand shaped like a house, complete with a miniature garden, a picket fence, and even a tiny lamp that illuminated the scene.
\n
"It took several evenings to make, but it felt like giving a piece of my heart as a gift," he said.
\n
yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Hu Jie planes a wooden frame at a workshop in Beijing's Miyun district last year.
\n
Hu works with professional carpenters to build a wooden pavilion in Miyun last year.
\n
Hu paints a component of a wooden sculpture gift to a friend.
\n
Wu Xiaoyu, from Hefei, Anhui province, has been crafting her own furniture, gathering a big fan base online.
\n
Hu and his wife pose for a photo in the middle of building a wooden television cabinet at their apartment in Beijing.
\n
At the end of his workday at a consulting company, 34-year-old Hu Jie has a novel way of unwinding in his small apartment in Beijing's Chaoyang district — he makes furniture.
\n
One corner of the apartment is cluttered with drills, saws and wood oil, while half-finished planks are scattered across the floor.
\n
Hu's skills cover a wide spectrum, from making finely carved furniture and intricate decorative pieces to practical household items and art installations.
\n
His hobby began in 2023. Hu and his wife, an interior designer, were renting a compact 40-square-meter apartment, where clutter had piled up in one corner measuring barely 30 by 60 centimeters.
\n
Hu's wife wondered whether the space could accommodate both a fish tank stand and a temporary dining table. "Stores offered no such solution, so I figured I'd build something myself," Hu recalled.
\n
The result was a clever modular system featuring two wooden boxes stacked to form a cabinet that could hold the fish tank. These boxes could also be pulled out, placed side by side, and topped with a custom-fitted wooden tabletop to create a large dining table — a perfect solution for hosting friends in their small apartment. When not in use, the tabletop slides neatly under their sofa.
\n
"It was simple but multifunctional. And it felt amazing to see an idea turn into something real and useful," Hu said.
\n
That success led to further projects, and the couple's two cats inspired another Hu creation.
\n
One of the mischievous felines repeatedly crawled under their bed and disturbed their sleep, so Hu designed and built four low wooden boxes that slid under the bed frame, blocking the cat's access while providing extra storage. "That seamless fit is something money can't buy," he said with a grin.
\n
Hu is among a rising number of young people who are becoming engrossed with the Chinese custom of individuals making objects with their own hands.
\n
They're not craftsmen in the traditional sense, yet on social media they eagerly share photos of themselves using saws and sharpening tools, styling themselves as modern-day versions of the legendary carpenter Lu Ban.
\n
A tight budget and the pursuit of eco-friendly furniture are two major forces driving the handcrafting craze.
\n
On popular social media platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, a quick search for "DIY (do-it-yourself) furniture", "marine plywood", or "aluminum profiles" reveals a thriving subculture.
\n
Amateur artisans proudly showcase their creations, such as a plywood bookshelf, a walk-in closet framed with aluminum profiles, or a lighting harness fashioned from industrial-grade rails.
\n
With hashtags like "Anyone Can Do It", "Low-Cost DIY", and "Eco-Friendly Furniture" — these projects have attracted thousands of likes, comments and shares, while inspiring others to pick up tools and try it themselves.
\n
Building skills
\n
Wu Xiaoyu, from Hefei, Anhui province, has attracted more than 300,000 followers on social media platforms since she started sharing her craft projects about five years ago. Wu describes herself as being an ordinary office worker back then, ordering takeout most nights and watching videos about minimalism and sustainable living.
\n
Her first DIY inspiration came from an unlikely source: discarded milk tea bags. "It was such a nice material — thick, waterproof. I couldn't bear to throw it away," Wu recalled.
\n
Wu cleaned one bag and stitched it into a small pouch for storing cables. That small act of reuse led to more experiments, including turning empty beer bottles into vases, crafting storage bins from food packaging, and even making candles in repurposed glass jars.
\n
She then started sharing these small projects online. To her surprise, her tutorials struck a chord with viewers.
\n
"People would message me saying, 'I want to do this too, but I don't know how to start'. That's when I realized there's this quiet yearning in many of us to create with our hands," she said.
\n
Wu took her hobby up a notch after she bought her own apartment and faced a dilemma. The developer's decor felt cold and generic, and design companies' quotes for customization work were astronomical.
\n
"Either I had to accept a space that didn't reflect me, or tear it all out and start fresh," she said.
\n
"I wanted a home that felt like me, not something copied out of a catalog. So I decided to make it with my own hands."
\n
Wu began frequenting hardware stores and construction sites, peppering carpenters and experts with questions about tools and techniques. She signed up for woodworking workshops, learned to operate power tools and watched hours of online tutorials about joinery.
\n
Her first major project — a dining table — took her three months of trial and error to build.
\n
"I remember staring at the planks of wood and thinking, 'what am I doing?'" she said. "But once I assembled it and sat down to eat my first meal on it, it felt like a victory."
\n
However, not everything went smoothly. Early on, she mismeasured a set of cabinet doors, leaving a half-inch gap that annoyed her every time she saw it. "I kept it that way for a while to remind myself that precision is everything," Wu said.
\n
Then she discovered aluminum profiles — modular, lightweight metal beams often used in industrial furniture. They became her secret weapon. "It's like Lego for adults. You can create frames for tables, shelves, or cabinets and customize dimensions exactly," she said.
\n
With each project, her confidence grew.
\n
Now, her apartment looks like it was curated by a high-end interior design studio, characterized by sleek wooden furniture, clean lines, and warm, earthy tones that evoke calm.
\n
A handcrafted walnut cabinet sits perfectly flush with the wall, and a sturdy dining table anchors the open-plan living space. They are among countless details that were designed, cut and assembled by Wu herself.
\n
Test of patience
\n
Like Wu, Hu Jie also had no formal training.
\n
He studied business management at university, cycled through jobs in sales, auditing, finance and platform operations before landing in consulting.
\n
His closest brush with craftsmanship had been assembling Ikea furniture.
\n
Hu's early attempts at making furniture were not without challenges. Using a low-powered electric screwdriver given to him by a friend, Hu found assembling sturdier furniture to be laborious and time-consuming.
\n
"Every evening after work, I'd spend hours drilling and sanding. The noise worried me. I didn't want to disturb the neighbors, but I pushed on," he said.
\n
Dust, fatigue and the sheer effort often left him questioning if it was worth it.
\n
"But when the pieces finally came together, and I saw them in our home, the satisfaction outweighed the exhaustion," he said.
\n
Over time, Hu's skills evolved. Initially relying on online tutorials for guidance, he later enrolled in a woodworking class at a neighborhood workshop. There, he learned to use professional tools and experimented with various joinery techniques like mortise and tenon, a traditional Chinese method.
\n
"It's a craft of patience," he said, recalling hours spent sanding surfaces smooth with progressively finer grit sandpapers and finishing them with eco-friendly wood oils.
\n
Hu even joined a volunteer project in northeastern Beijing's Miyun district, helping build a wooden pavilion with a local woodworking studio, where he learned how to use professional tools. This experience enabled him to build a bathroom vanity, balcony storage and a living-room console out of wood panels.
\n
Learning from the pros
\n
With many enthusiasts seeking professional training, carpentry workshops have sprung up across a number of cities.
\n
In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Chen Dawei has become a mentor for many urbanites seeking to upgrade their skills.
\n
Chen said he believes his trainees are fulfilling a yearning to work with their hands and find moments of calm "amid the scent of pine and the scatter of wood chips".
\n
Nine years ago, Chen was in the agriculture industry in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. He cultivated sunflowers and corn, before venturing into poultry and pig farming.
\n
"Back then, you had to learn to do everything with your own hands — welding, building frames, repairing pens. If you didn't know how, you just had to grit your teeth and learn," he said.
\n
In 2015, he moved south to Hangzhou and started from scratch in woodworking. "It was just when the 'artisan spirit' trend was emerging. I discovered that working with wood felt more grounding than anything else I'd done," he said.
\n
Since 2022, Chen and his team have focused on teaching adults. They designed an intensive program, where within eight days, students progress from sawing lumber and sharpening tools to reading diagrams, and ultimately completing three items: a practice joint, a stool and a dovetail box.
\n
He vividly remembers a session in the sweltering July heat last summer. The studio had no air conditioning. Two of the three students were female teachers who stuck to traditional methods, chiseling mortises and sawing tenons entirely by hand. "Their clothes were soaked through, but no one complained," he said.
\n
His students come from all walks of life, including designers eager to bring ideas to life, new mothers searching for identity beyond child care, and people considering a career shift. Most are absolute beginners, but share a powerful sense of purpose, he has noticed.
\n
"Many say woodworking heals them," Chen said, adding he too once relied on honing his craft to make it through difficult times. "With every chip you carve away, some of your worries also peel away," he said.
\n
After the course ends, many of the participants tackle more complex projects. Some build home furniture, while others carve a simple spoon or a hairpin.
\n
But not everyone makes it through the course. A young woman from Beijing hoping to blend woodwork into her ceramic art, left on the fourth day due to exhaustion. "Woodworking demands physical strength and patience," Chen said.
\n
Meditative hobby
\n
Zhang Zhang, deputy dean of the School of Art Design and Media at East China University of Science and Technology, sees a deeper reason behind the surge of young professionals taking up woodworking.
\n
On one level, they are chasing the satisfaction of creating original pieces, using wood as a medium to convey personal ideas and aesthetics. On another, the very act of making an object allows them to infuse each piece with emotion, rendering it precious to them, she said.
\n
But beyond these motivations lies a process of self-healing, which has been confirmed by the medical field, Zhang said.
\n
Experts argue that this trend is not just aesthetic, but also cultural, psychological and social, reflecting how young urban adults seek purpose and balance through pursuing a craft.
\n
Wu from Anhui said she is only halfway through renovating her apartment, but will keep sharing her projects to inspire her followers, especially young women.
\n
"I want people to see that you don't have to be strong or have a fancy workshop. You just need patience, curiosity and courage," she said.
\n
For Hu, woodworking is no longer just about doing practical jobs in his home. It's a meditative hobby, a way to physically connect outside an otherwise digital and fast-paced existence.
\n
"When I'm not swamped with work, I love the slow, tactile process of creating something from raw materials. It's deeply rewarding," he said.
\n
He has balanced his consulting job with occasional woodworking projects and favors small, thoughtful creations, like handcrafted storage boxes made with traditional joinery, often gifted to friends with their names engraved on the wood.
\n
One memorable piece was a whimsical bookstand shaped like a house, complete with a miniature garden, a picket fence, and even a tiny lamp that illuminated the scene.
\n
"It took several evenings to make, but it felt like giving a piece of my heart as a gift," he said.
Guests attending the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum enter the venue at the Beijing International Convention Center on Wednesday.
\n
China and the United States should enhance communication and engagement through "a new pattern or mechanism" to foster mutual understanding and prevent crises, Chinese and US experts said in Beijing on Wednesday.
\n
They made the remarks during a panel session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which started on Wednesday and runs through Friday. The topic of the discussion was "The Right Way for Major Countries to Get Along".
\n
Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, said that China-US relations are entering a new stage, which he described as "talks and understanding", after multiple rounds of US-imposed tariff measures and China's various countermeasures, as well as trade negotiations between the two countries held in Europe.
\n
"So far this relationship has been driven by trade and economic issues," Wu said.
\n
"Hopefully, we can achieve some progress first in trade and economic relations, and then expand this to diplomatic and even security relations, so that we can have a broader understanding about where this relationship is going and what progress we can make in each area," he said.
\n
Chad Sbragia, a research fellow at the US-based Institute for Defense Analyses, said that both China and the US are reaching a point where they have inevitable conflicts of interest, but also a mutual interest in averting crisis or conflict. He noted that this means both sides have to figure out this relationship in a "new way", which requires "new mechanisms".
\n
Sbragia, who is also a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense, warned that if a crisis or conflict were to occur between the two major powers, it would be catastrophic.
\n
"It's not good for either side, or catastrophic for both sides, in fact, catastrophic for the world," he said, adding that the fundamental aspect of "coexistence" between China and the US is the recognition that the stability of the relationship should be given priority as a strategic political goal between the two sides.
\n
During the panel session, Wu from Fudan University highlighted the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, which emphasizes sovereign equality.
\n
Wu noted that while sovereign equality is also stressed in the United Nations Charter, the US, as the leading country in the world for many years, has never treated other countries, including China, equally.
\n
He said that he believed that after China imposed several countermeasures against US tariffs in the first half of this year, the US realized that China is not an opponent that would yield.
\n
"Maybe this year, for the first time, the US realized China is at a somewhat equal position at the negotiating table," he said.
\n
"Instead of coercion, trade-off, compromise and understanding are necessary," he said, expressing the hope that the US would take sovereignty and equality more seriously.
\n
"China has to show the US that if you challenge my core interests, I will retaliate. If you want to restrain China's advancements in technology, I will work hard to keep making progress and breakthroughs in those areas," Wu added.
\n
If the US is going to contain China, China will make all the efforts to make sure the containment will fail, he said.
\n
Robert S. Ross, an associate at Harvard University's Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and a delegate to the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, told China Daily that China, the US and some other countries should seek common values and areas of interest.
\n
"It's in the common interest of all countries to promote international development and international order," he said. "There is no conflict of interest between the US, China and Europe in promoting the developing world and their development, their health, their economies."
\n
So they should all make greater contributions to a global order that promotes greater equality among all countries, Ross said.
\n
jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Guests attending the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum enter the venue at the Beijing International Convention Center on Wednesday.
\n
China and the United States should enhance communication and engagement through "a new pattern or mechanism" to foster mutual understanding and prevent crises, Chinese and US experts said in Beijing on Wednesday.
\n
They made the remarks during a panel session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which started on Wednesday and runs through Friday. The topic of the discussion was "The Right Way for Major Countries to Get Along".
\n
Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, said that China-US relations are entering a new stage, which he described as "talks and understanding", after multiple rounds of US-imposed tariff measures and China's various countermeasures, as well as trade negotiations between the two countries held in Europe.
\n
"So far this relationship has been driven by trade and economic issues," Wu said.
\n
"Hopefully, we can achieve some progress first in trade and economic relations, and then expand this to diplomatic and even security relations, so that we can have a broader understanding about where this relationship is going and what progress we can make in each area," he said.
\n
Chad Sbragia, a research fellow at the US-based Institute for Defense Analyses, said that both China and the US are reaching a point where they have inevitable conflicts of interest, but also a mutual interest in averting crisis or conflict. He noted that this means both sides have to figure out this relationship in a "new way", which requires "new mechanisms".
\n
Sbragia, who is also a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense, warned that if a crisis or conflict were to occur between the two major powers, it would be catastrophic.
\n
"It's not good for either side, or catastrophic for both sides, in fact, catastrophic for the world," he said, adding that the fundamental aspect of "coexistence" between China and the US is the recognition that the stability of the relationship should be given priority as a strategic political goal between the two sides.
\n
During the panel session, Wu from Fudan University highlighted the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, which emphasizes sovereign equality.
\n
Wu noted that while sovereign equality is also stressed in the United Nations Charter, the US, as the leading country in the world for many years, has never treated other countries, including China, equally.
\n
He said that he believed that after China imposed several countermeasures against US tariffs in the first half of this year, the US realized that China is not an opponent that would yield.
\n
"Maybe this year, for the first time, the US realized China is at a somewhat equal position at the negotiating table," he said.
\n
"Instead of coercion, trade-off, compromise and understanding are necessary," he said, expressing the hope that the US would take sovereignty and equality more seriously.
\n
"China has to show the US that if you challenge my core interests, I will retaliate. If you want to restrain China's advancements in technology, I will work hard to keep making progress and breakthroughs in those areas," Wu added.
\n
If the US is going to contain China, China will make all the efforts to make sure the containment will fail, he said.
\n
Robert S. Ross, an associate at Harvard University's Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and a delegate to the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, told China Daily that China, the US and some other countries should seek common values and areas of interest.
\n
"It's in the common interest of all countries to promote international development and international order," he said. "There is no conflict of interest between the US, China and Europe in promoting the developing world and their development, their health, their economies."
\n
So they should all make greater contributions to a global order that promotes greater equality among all countries, Ross said.
A few months ago, a man surnamed Shi, who is skilled in traditional Chinese medicine and worked as a livestreamer at a technology company, found himself embroiled in a lawsuit.
\n
The plaintiff was his former employer, a company which claimed Shi had breached a noncompete agreement after resigning, and sought 1.75 million yuan ($245,285) in damages.
\n
The Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court recently dismissed the case, ruling that the non-compete clause, or NCC, was not legally enforceable. Shi did not hold a managerial or technical position that gave him access to the company's trade secrets, the court said, adding that his livestreams on TCM did not involve confidentiality obligations.
\n
An NCC is a legal agreement that restricts an employee from competing with their employer after leaving the job. It typically prevents the disclosure of trade secrets or proprietary information.
\n
Such agreements are designed to protect a company's market position by barring employees from starting or joining a competing business for a defined period. They are common in sectors including technology, new energy, autonomous vehicles and pharmaceuticals.
\n
"But many employers were found to have misused the clause, indiscriminately requiring employees to sign agreements with exorbitant penalties," said Chen Yifang, chief judge of the First Civil Division with the Supreme People's Court.
\n
"The misuse or abuse of the NCC severely restricts workers' right to choose their employment and also hinders the flow of talent," she said.
\n
In response, the top court updated a judicial interpretation on labor disputes and issued it in August. The revision clarifies that an NCC is not valid if an employee does not have access to or knowledge of confidential matters.
\n
"This means workers outside the scope of non-compete restrictions are not legally bound by such a clause, even if they have signed it," Chen said. The updated interpretation took effect on Sept 1.
\n
Chen said the clarification stemmed from a sharp increase in NCC-related labor disputes in recent years.
\n
Data released by the Beijing No 1 Intermediate People's Court in July showed that from 2020 to June 2025, it concluded 432 lawsuits involving NCCs, accounting for 3.72 percent of all labor-related cases. That marked an increase of 104.73 percent compared with the period from 2014 to 2019.
\n
In 2024, a case filed by a restaurant against its former cold dish chef, surnamed Liu, drew widespread public attention.
\n
Liu signed an NCC with the restaurant that barred him from working in the catering business for two years after leaving. If he violated the agreement, he would face penalties ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 yuan.
\n
In May 2022, Liu left the restaurant and later worked as a chef preparing cold and side dishes at two hotels.
\n
In April 2023, the restaurant sued Liu in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, demanding 100,000 yuan in compensation.
\n
The restaurant argued that Liu violated the agreement, saying he specialized in seafood dishes — a niche area in the culinary industry — and had gained specific skills through training and long-term work.
\n
But Liu countered that he had only prepared basic cold dishes such as cucumbers and salads at the restaurant and never worked on seafood.
\n
The Nanjing court ruled in favor of Liu, saying that although he signed an NCC, he was a regular cold dish chef without access to trade secrets. The restaurant also failed to prove he had learned confidential cooking techniques during his employment.
\n
The court declared the NCC invalid and said the restaurant's actions harmed Liu's labor rights.
\n
In a 2023 paper, Yu Shuhong, a law professor at Wuhan University, analyzed 454 court rulings involving NCCs and found that more than 70 percent of the employees held lower-level positions, including salespersons, teachers at training institutions, security guards, cleaners and receptionists, according to Legal Daily.
\n
Shen Jianfeng, a professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics, told the paper that an NCC should serve as a "firewall" for trade secrets, not a "stumbling block" for talent mobility.
\n
"The core of the NCC is to prevent the leakage of business secrets, not to hinder job-hopping," Shen said, adding that the updated judicial interpretation was a timely correction and warning against misuse in practice.
\n
Chen, the top court judge, urged courts nationwide to strengthen efforts to resolve NCC disputes by balancing workers' employment freedom with fair market competition.
\n
"The free movement of workers optimizes the allocation of social resources, and it also promotes technological innovation and facilitates industrial upgrading," she said.
\n
caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
A few months ago, a man surnamed Shi, who is skilled in traditional Chinese medicine and worked as a livestreamer at a technology company, found himself embroiled in a lawsuit.
\n
The plaintiff was his former employer, a company which claimed Shi had breached a noncompete agreement after resigning, and sought 1.75 million yuan ($245,285) in damages.
\n
The Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court recently dismissed the case, ruling that the non-compete clause, or NCC, was not legally enforceable. Shi did not hold a managerial or technical position that gave him access to the company's trade secrets, the court said, adding that his livestreams on TCM did not involve confidentiality obligations.
\n
An NCC is a legal agreement that restricts an employee from competing with their employer after leaving the job. It typically prevents the disclosure of trade secrets or proprietary information.
\n
Such agreements are designed to protect a company's market position by barring employees from starting or joining a competing business for a defined period. They are common in sectors including technology, new energy, autonomous vehicles and pharmaceuticals.
\n
"But many employers were found to have misused the clause, indiscriminately requiring employees to sign agreements with exorbitant penalties," said Chen Yifang, chief judge of the First Civil Division with the Supreme People's Court.
\n
"The misuse or abuse of the NCC severely restricts workers' right to choose their employment and also hinders the flow of talent," she said.
\n
In response, the top court updated a judicial interpretation on labor disputes and issued it in August. The revision clarifies that an NCC is not valid if an employee does not have access to or knowledge of confidential matters.
\n
"This means workers outside the scope of non-compete restrictions are not legally bound by such a clause, even if they have signed it," Chen said. The updated interpretation took effect on Sept 1.
\n
Chen said the clarification stemmed from a sharp increase in NCC-related labor disputes in recent years.
\n
Data released by the Beijing No 1 Intermediate People's Court in July showed that from 2020 to June 2025, it concluded 432 lawsuits involving NCCs, accounting for 3.72 percent of all labor-related cases. That marked an increase of 104.73 percent compared with the period from 2014 to 2019.
\n
In 2024, a case filed by a restaurant against its former cold dish chef, surnamed Liu, drew widespread public attention.
\n
Liu signed an NCC with the restaurant that barred him from working in the catering business for two years after leaving. If he violated the agreement, he would face penalties ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 yuan.
\n
In May 2022, Liu left the restaurant and later worked as a chef preparing cold and side dishes at two hotels.
\n
In April 2023, the restaurant sued Liu in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, demanding 100,000 yuan in compensation.
\n
The restaurant argued that Liu violated the agreement, saying he specialized in seafood dishes — a niche area in the culinary industry — and had gained specific skills through training and long-term work.
\n
But Liu countered that he had only prepared basic cold dishes such as cucumbers and salads at the restaurant and never worked on seafood.
\n
The Nanjing court ruled in favor of Liu, saying that although he signed an NCC, he was a regular cold dish chef without access to trade secrets. The restaurant also failed to prove he had learned confidential cooking techniques during his employment.
\n
The court declared the NCC invalid and said the restaurant's actions harmed Liu's labor rights.
\n
In a 2023 paper, Yu Shuhong, a law professor at Wuhan University, analyzed 454 court rulings involving NCCs and found that more than 70 percent of the employees held lower-level positions, including salespersons, teachers at training institutions, security guards, cleaners and receptionists, according to Legal Daily.
\n
Shen Jianfeng, a professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics, told the paper that an NCC should serve as a "firewall" for trade secrets, not a "stumbling block" for talent mobility.
\n
"The core of the NCC is to prevent the leakage of business secrets, not to hinder job-hopping," Shen said, adding that the updated judicial interpretation was a timely correction and warning against misuse in practice.
\n
Chen, the top court judge, urged courts nationwide to strengthen efforts to resolve NCC disputes by balancing workers' employment freedom with fair market competition.
\n
"The free movement of workers optimizes the allocation of social resources, and it also promotes technological innovation and facilitates industrial upgrading," she said.
Twenty-eight Przewalski's horses are released into the wild at the Gansu Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Gansu province, on Tuesday morning, after a nearly 20-hour journey covering 1,030 kilometers. The batch of endangered horses was transported from the endangered animal protection center in Wuwei city, Gansu. With this release, the reserve's population of Przewalski's horses now totals 184.
\n",
+ "content": "
Twenty-eight Przewalski's horses are released into the wild at the Gansu Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Gansu province, on Tuesday morning, after a nearly 20-hour journey covering 1,030 kilometers. The batch of endangered horses was transported from the endangered animal protection center in Wuwei city, Gansu. With this release, the reserve's population of Przewalski's horses now totals 184.
Shandong Women's University has launched one of the nation's first undergraduate degree programs in infant development and health management, aiming to help young parents take better care of their toddlers.
\n
The university is one of two in China to gain approval from the Ministry of Education in April to open undergraduate programs in the field. The other is Shaanxi Xueqian Normal University.
\n
Government data shows that the country has about 30 million children under age 3, and more than 30 percent of families with children in that demographic are in need of child care.
\n
In 2021, the vocational education major catalog included child care service for the first time, and many vocational universities have since offered degrees in infant care service and management.
\n
Ji Yanhong, director of the infant development and health management program at Shandong Women's University's School of Education, said there is a structural shortage of professional child caregivers, with only 500,000 people nationwide holding certificates in child care service and fewer than 10 percent of them having bachelor's degrees or higher.
\n
"With the rapid development of the industry, there is increasing demand for high-end child caregivers," Ji said.
\n
The program enrolled 40 students in its inaugural class this year. The admission score within Shandong was 505, surpassing the entry scores for first-tier universities by more than 60 points. Of the 40 students, 38 are women, she said.
\n
Highlighting the importance of early childhood, Ji said the first three years of life are a period of exceptional brain development. A supportive environment can greatly enhance development, while negative influences may have long-term effects.
\n
"Our mission is to equip students with the knowledge of child growth patterns and the skills to promote healthy development," she said.
\n
The program integrates four core fields: medicine, psychology, education and management. Unlike conventional preschool education programs, it includes specialized courses such as infant disease prevention and nursing, emergency response and injury prevention, and responsive caregiving — content specifically tailored for infants through 3 years of age, Ji said.
\n
She outlined major advantages of the program, such as its interdisciplinary curriculum and strong industry-academia collaboration, ensuring students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The university is equipped with simulated training on campus, hands-on practice at its affiliated nursery, and off-campus internships at partner organizations, she said.
\n
Employment prospects for graduates appear to be broad. With the government promoting the construction of public child care facilities, particularly in populous counties and urban districts, there is a growing demand for professionals to work in child care service centers, community nurseries, early education institutions, and maternal and child health hospitals, Ji said.
\n
When asked why the program was established amid declining birthrates, Ji responded: "It is precisely because of the demographic challenge that the country introduced policies in 2019 to strengthen infant and toddler care services. There is a shortage of well-trained, multidisciplinary talent in this field."
\n
Dong Yuqi, 18, a freshman in the major, said: "I see the infant-to-age-3 period as the most critical window in human development. I want to use my knowledge to contribute to society and help build a stronger foundation for future generations."
\n
"This profession is not just about caring for children — it's about applying expertise in management, community service and even entrepreneurship," said Bu Lingyu, another student in the major.
\n
Contact the writers at zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Shandong Women's University has launched one of the nation's first undergraduate degree programs in infant development and health management, aiming to help young parents take better care of their toddlers.
\n
The university is one of two in China to gain approval from the Ministry of Education in April to open undergraduate programs in the field. The other is Shaanxi Xueqian Normal University.
\n
Government data shows that the country has about 30 million children under age 3, and more than 30 percent of families with children in that demographic are in need of child care.
\n
In 2021, the vocational education major catalog included child care service for the first time, and many vocational universities have since offered degrees in infant care service and management.
\n
Ji Yanhong, director of the infant development and health management program at Shandong Women's University's School of Education, said there is a structural shortage of professional child caregivers, with only 500,000 people nationwide holding certificates in child care service and fewer than 10 percent of them having bachelor's degrees or higher.
\n
"With the rapid development of the industry, there is increasing demand for high-end child caregivers," Ji said.
\n
The program enrolled 40 students in its inaugural class this year. The admission score within Shandong was 505, surpassing the entry scores for first-tier universities by more than 60 points. Of the 40 students, 38 are women, she said.
\n
Highlighting the importance of early childhood, Ji said the first three years of life are a period of exceptional brain development. A supportive environment can greatly enhance development, while negative influences may have long-term effects.
\n
"Our mission is to equip students with the knowledge of child growth patterns and the skills to promote healthy development," she said.
\n
The program integrates four core fields: medicine, psychology, education and management. Unlike conventional preschool education programs, it includes specialized courses such as infant disease prevention and nursing, emergency response and injury prevention, and responsive caregiving — content specifically tailored for infants through 3 years of age, Ji said.
\n
She outlined major advantages of the program, such as its interdisciplinary curriculum and strong industry-academia collaboration, ensuring students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The university is equipped with simulated training on campus, hands-on practice at its affiliated nursery, and off-campus internships at partner organizations, she said.
\n
Employment prospects for graduates appear to be broad. With the government promoting the construction of public child care facilities, particularly in populous counties and urban districts, there is a growing demand for professionals to work in child care service centers, community nurseries, early education institutions, and maternal and child health hospitals, Ji said.
\n
When asked why the program was established amid declining birthrates, Ji responded: "It is precisely because of the demographic challenge that the country introduced policies in 2019 to strengthen infant and toddler care services. There is a shortage of well-trained, multidisciplinary talent in this field."
\n
Dong Yuqi, 18, a freshman in the major, said: "I see the infant-to-age-3 period as the most critical window in human development. I want to use my knowledge to contribute to society and help build a stronger foundation for future generations."
\n
"This profession is not just about caring for children — it's about applying expertise in management, community service and even entrepreneurship," said Bu Lingyu, another student in the major.
A growing number of provinces in China have extended marriage leave to up to 30 days or are considering doing so as part of efforts to build a fertility-friendly society amid declining birth rates.
\n
In May, health authorities in Sichuan province proposed increasing the duration of marriage leave from five to 20 days for all newlyweds, with an additional five days granted to couples who voluntarily undergo premarital medical examinations.
\n
The proposal was included in a draft amendment to a local population and family planning regulation, which closed for public feedback on June 30. Authorities said in July that the final version would be published by the end of the year.
\n
For decades, the standard duration for marriage leave across China was three days. Some regions previously offered extended leave to those marrying at what was then considered a relatively older age, defined as men over 25 and women over 23.
\n
Amid a growing trend of completely avoiding or delaying marriages among younger generations, along with decreasing birth rates, many regions have eliminated incentives for late marriage and instead extended marriage leave for all couples to encourage marriage and childbirth.
\n
The longest marriage leave, lasting 30 days, is currently implemented in Shanxi province in North China and in Gansu province in the northwest.
\n
Authorities in Shandong province announced in January that they would provide up to 18 days of marriage leave. Since June, residents in Hubei province have been entitled to 15 days of marriage leave, which can be taken all at once or split up over time.
\n
A few provinces, including Guangdong, Hunan and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region have maintained the three-day marriage leave policy.
\n
Jiang Quanbao, a professor at the School of Labor Economics at the Capital University of Economics and Business, said the three-day leave is insufficient given China's high population mobility.
\n
He said extending marriage leave can make it more convenient for young people to travel, stimulate consumption, improve wellbeing and even boost willingness to have children.
\n
Wei Shaoling, a marriage and family lawyer at Beijing Jingsh Law Firm, told Xinhua News Agency that marriage leave policies are designed based on factors such as regional demographic structure, marriage and fertility trends, and the capacity of employers.
\n
She suggested that companies adopt flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to adjust their schedules around marriage leave to reduce the impact of their absence.
\n
Official data shows that more than 6.1 million couples registered for marriage in 2024, a decrease of 20.5 percent compared with 2023.
\n
wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
A growing number of provinces in China have extended marriage leave to up to 30 days or are considering doing so as part of efforts to build a fertility-friendly society amid declining birth rates.
\n
In May, health authorities in Sichuan province proposed increasing the duration of marriage leave from five to 20 days for all newlyweds, with an additional five days granted to couples who voluntarily undergo premarital medical examinations.
\n
The proposal was included in a draft amendment to a local population and family planning regulation, which closed for public feedback on June 30. Authorities said in July that the final version would be published by the end of the year.
\n
For decades, the standard duration for marriage leave across China was three days. Some regions previously offered extended leave to those marrying at what was then considered a relatively older age, defined as men over 25 and women over 23.
\n
Amid a growing trend of completely avoiding or delaying marriages among younger generations, along with decreasing birth rates, many regions have eliminated incentives for late marriage and instead extended marriage leave for all couples to encourage marriage and childbirth.
\n
The longest marriage leave, lasting 30 days, is currently implemented in Shanxi province in North China and in Gansu province in the northwest.
\n
Authorities in Shandong province announced in January that they would provide up to 18 days of marriage leave. Since June, residents in Hubei province have been entitled to 15 days of marriage leave, which can be taken all at once or split up over time.
\n
A few provinces, including Guangdong, Hunan and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region have maintained the three-day marriage leave policy.
\n
Jiang Quanbao, a professor at the School of Labor Economics at the Capital University of Economics and Business, said the three-day leave is insufficient given China's high population mobility.
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He said extending marriage leave can make it more convenient for young people to travel, stimulate consumption, improve wellbeing and even boost willingness to have children.
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Wei Shaoling, a marriage and family lawyer at Beijing Jingsh Law Firm, told Xinhua News Agency that marriage leave policies are designed based on factors such as regional demographic structure, marriage and fertility trends, and the capacity of employers.
\n
She suggested that companies adopt flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to adjust their schedules around marriage leave to reduce the impact of their absence.
\n
Official data shows that more than 6.1 million couples registered for marriage in 2024, a decrease of 20.5 percent compared with 2023.
Horticultural workers erect the giant floral basket named Blessing the Motherland at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday.
\n
Workers in Beijing have begun installing a giant flower basket and extensive floral decorations in Tian'anmen Square and along Chang'an Avenue as the capital prepares to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1.
\n
The giant centerpiece, themed Blessing the Motherland, will be placed in the middle of Tian'anmen Square. It features a 16-meter-high basket topped with flowers symbolizing peace and prosperity.
\n
For the first time, the city flower — the Chinese rose — will serve as the main flower of the floral arrangement, while a dynamic animal sculpture — a "glowing "pigeon — has been introduced as a new highlight, said Song Xuemin, a junior official at the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau.
\n
The surrounding green spaces cover 9,600 square meters, with 18 large flower balls on either side, according to the bureau. Along Chang'an Avenue, more than 7,000 square meters of ground-planted flowers are being laid out, continuing the commemorative style used for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\n
In addition, 10 groups of three-dimensional flower beds representing "national prosperity, national rejuvenation and people's happiness" will be set up along Chang'an Avenue. The installations aim to showcase achievements obtained during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) and to look forward to a bright future.
\n
Meanwhile, 67 new types of plants — 17 domestic and 50 newly imported — are being used for the first time, including chrysanthemums and lilies, Song said. The fresh mix of plants reflects both breeding innovation and a push to use more native flora.
\n
The capital is also encouraging public participation. High-quality flowers cultivated by residents will be selected and displayed along Chang'an Avenue, echoing the slogan "Everyone is taking action in the Garden City."
\n
"I feel proud to see the country so strong," said Li Meng, a 31-year-old visitor from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. "The basket reminds me to cherish our happy life."
\n
Li said she had come across the floral displays a day before she had to leave Beijing to head back home.
\n
"It's my first time seeing how these floral arrangements are put together," she said. "Seeing it with my own eyes is far better than simply hearing about it."
\n
Since 1984, Tian'anmen Square has hosted large-scale flower displays to mark National Day, with their size and symbolism evolving over the years. This year's installations extend beyond the square and avenue and include other areas in the city, such as Jianguomen, to create a festive atmosphere.
\n
Contact the writers at wangsongsong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Horticultural workers erect the giant floral basket named Blessing the Motherland at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday.
\n
Workers in Beijing have begun installing a giant flower basket and extensive floral decorations in Tian'anmen Square and along Chang'an Avenue as the capital prepares to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1.
\n
The giant centerpiece, themed Blessing the Motherland, will be placed in the middle of Tian'anmen Square. It features a 16-meter-high basket topped with flowers symbolizing peace and prosperity.
\n
For the first time, the city flower — the Chinese rose — will serve as the main flower of the floral arrangement, while a dynamic animal sculpture — a "glowing "pigeon — has been introduced as a new highlight, said Song Xuemin, a junior official at the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau.
\n
The surrounding green spaces cover 9,600 square meters, with 18 large flower balls on either side, according to the bureau. Along Chang'an Avenue, more than 7,000 square meters of ground-planted flowers are being laid out, continuing the commemorative style used for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
\n
In addition, 10 groups of three-dimensional flower beds representing "national prosperity, national rejuvenation and people's happiness" will be set up along Chang'an Avenue. The installations aim to showcase achievements obtained during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) and to look forward to a bright future.
\n
Meanwhile, 67 new types of plants — 17 domestic and 50 newly imported — are being used for the first time, including chrysanthemums and lilies, Song said. The fresh mix of plants reflects both breeding innovation and a push to use more native flora.
\n
The capital is also encouraging public participation. High-quality flowers cultivated by residents will be selected and displayed along Chang'an Avenue, echoing the slogan "Everyone is taking action in the Garden City."
\n
"I feel proud to see the country so strong," said Li Meng, a 31-year-old visitor from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. "The basket reminds me to cherish our happy life."
\n
Li said she had come across the floral displays a day before she had to leave Beijing to head back home.
\n
"It's my first time seeing how these floral arrangements are put together," she said. "Seeing it with my own eyes is far better than simply hearing about it."
\n
Since 1984, Tian'anmen Square has hosted large-scale flower displays to mark National Day, with their size and symbolism evolving over the years. This year's installations extend beyond the square and avenue and include other areas in the city, such as Jianguomen, to create a festive atmosphere.
\n
Contact the writers at wangsongsong@chinadaily.com.cn
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu leaves after delivering his policy address at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
\n
In his latest policy address on Wednesday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu vowed to further integrate the city into the nation's development, fast-track a major new township near Shenzhen, boost the economy and improve livelihoods.
\n
In his three-hour speech, Lee outlined a policy blueprint built on what he described as the "twin pillars": economic development and improved livelihoods.
\n
The annual blueprint began with a commitment to uphold the principles of "one country, two systems "and "patriots administering Hong Kong", safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and promote patriotic education.
\n
Lee pledged to ensure that the general election for the Legislative Council, scheduled for Dec 7, is conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner.
\n
To enhance governance, a new mechanism will be introduced to hold heads of government departments accountable. Lee also announced a new decision-making body to expedite development of the Northern Metropolis, a border area with Shenzhen, Guangdong province, that has been designated as a new economic and innovation hub, as well as a bridge for integration with the Chinese mainland.
\n
The policy address also focused on helping mainland firms raise capital and expand internationally.
\n
A key announcement was the creation of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, which will coordinate with the city's overseas economic and trade offices to serve mainland companies.
\n
"China's external direct investment exceeded 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion) last year, underscoring the growing global demand for 'Made in China' products," Lee said.
\n
He detailed plans to encourage mainland banks to set up regional headquarters in the city, enabling them to tap into Hong Kong's financial infrastructure to expand into markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
\n
The policy address also outlined support for national strategic projects ranging from aerospace exploration to regional integration.
\n
Lee announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre to support the nation's Chang'e 8 lunar mission, backed by an initial HK$100 million fund for university aerospace research.
\n
On accelerating the internationalization of the renminbi, the special administrative region will continue to promote offshore Chinese government bonds as collateral in clearing houses, study the use of the yuan for government spending in the SAR, and make it easier to trade the renminbi against other regional currencies.
\n
Regional integration under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area framework was also highlighted.
\n
Lee said the first phase of the Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Logistics Park will be completed by year-end. The facility, put into trial operation in 2021, allows mainland cargo to undergo security checks before direct transshipment via Hong Kong airport.
\n
Lee reaffirmed his commitment to education and culture, with initiatives including promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and developing the city into a premium arts trading hub.
\n
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, legislator and convener of the city's Executive Council, praised the policy address for its expanded scope, which integrates Hong Kong into the national development landscape while leveraging the city's advantages. She endorsed Lee's vision for addressing both urgent public needs and outlining a clear strategic future.
\n
The city's largest political party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said the proposed policies are practical and precise, and can advance the SAR's economic transformation while improving governance.
\n
lilei@chinadailyhk.com
\n",
+ "content": "
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu leaves after delivering his policy address at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
\n
In his latest policy address on Wednesday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu vowed to further integrate the city into the nation's development, fast-track a major new township near Shenzhen, boost the economy and improve livelihoods.
\n
In his three-hour speech, Lee outlined a policy blueprint built on what he described as the "twin pillars": economic development and improved livelihoods.
\n
The annual blueprint began with a commitment to uphold the principles of "one country, two systems "and "patriots administering Hong Kong", safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and promote patriotic education.
\n
Lee pledged to ensure that the general election for the Legislative Council, scheduled for Dec 7, is conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner.
\n
To enhance governance, a new mechanism will be introduced to hold heads of government departments accountable. Lee also announced a new decision-making body to expedite development of the Northern Metropolis, a border area with Shenzhen, Guangdong province, that has been designated as a new economic and innovation hub, as well as a bridge for integration with the Chinese mainland.
\n
The policy address also focused on helping mainland firms raise capital and expand internationally.
\n
A key announcement was the creation of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, which will coordinate with the city's overseas economic and trade offices to serve mainland companies.
\n
"China's external direct investment exceeded 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion) last year, underscoring the growing global demand for 'Made in China' products," Lee said.
\n
He detailed plans to encourage mainland banks to set up regional headquarters in the city, enabling them to tap into Hong Kong's financial infrastructure to expand into markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
\n
The policy address also outlined support for national strategic projects ranging from aerospace exploration to regional integration.
\n
Lee announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre to support the nation's Chang'e 8 lunar mission, backed by an initial HK$100 million fund for university aerospace research.
\n
On accelerating the internationalization of the renminbi, the special administrative region will continue to promote offshore Chinese government bonds as collateral in clearing houses, study the use of the yuan for government spending in the SAR, and make it easier to trade the renminbi against other regional currencies.
\n
Regional integration under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area framework was also highlighted.
\n
Lee said the first phase of the Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Logistics Park will be completed by year-end. The facility, put into trial operation in 2021, allows mainland cargo to undergo security checks before direct transshipment via Hong Kong airport.
\n
Lee reaffirmed his commitment to education and culture, with initiatives including promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand and developing the city into a premium arts trading hub.
\n
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, legislator and convener of the city's Executive Council, praised the policy address for its expanded scope, which integrates Hong Kong into the national development landscape while leveraging the city's advantages. She endorsed Lee's vision for addressing both urgent public needs and outlining a clear strategic future.
\n
The city's largest political party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said the proposed policies are practical and precise, and can advance the SAR's economic transformation while improving governance.
Visitors view the special exhibition on the making of the film Evil Unbound at the former site of the headquarters of the infamous Unit 731 of the Japanese army in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Wednesday. The exhibition highlights the production process of the film.
\n
The highly anticipated historical film Evil Unbound, which delves into atrocities committed by Japan's Unit 731 during World War II, premiered globally at 2 pm on Wednesday in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.
\n
During the war, Unit 731 established a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base in Harbin's Pingfang district and tested bacteria on humans, conducted cruel experiments and let victims die in extreme agony.
\n
Unit 731 was the earliest Japanese biological warfare special force, the largest in scale, and staffed by many professionals. It was equipped with advanced facilities, according to the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army.
\n
At least 3,000 people were used for experiments, and more than 300,000 people across China were killed by Japan's biological weapons, according to the hall.
\n
The film reveals the inhumane acts of the Japanese army from the perspective of ordinary people. It depicts how street vendor Wang Yongzhang and others were forcibly taken into Unit 731's "special prison", lured with false promises of freedom in exchange for cooperation in health checks and epidemic research, and instead subjected to extreme torture that included frostbite experiments, gas experiments and live dissections.
\n
"The real history is far more brutal than the film depicts," said Jin Chengmin, curator of the hall. "The crimes of Unit 731 are a dark part in human history, which had been kept top secret during the war and heavily concealed afterward. Many historical facts remain undisclosed so far. The film aims to raise awareness of the atrocities committed by Unit 731."
\n
Director Zhao Linshan led the creative team and spent 10 years visiting various sites, collecting historical materials and consulting over a million words of information, striving to ensure every detail has a historical reference.
\n
"By exposing their crimes, we aim to ensure this history becomes a shared memory for all nations and humanity," Zhao said. "We hope to convey historical responsibility and foster peace through artistic expression."
\n
Lead actor Jiang Wu said his performance was both artistic and deeply personal. "In the film, I not only portrayed a character, but every time I studied historical materials and immersed myself in the performance, I deeply felt the devastation that war has caused to human nature."
\n
The 125-minute film will officially be released across China on Thursday, marking the 94th anniversary of the Sept 18 Incident.
\n
Before its release, the film had already garnered significant interest. As of midnight Tuesday, data from Chinese movie ticketing platform Maoyan showed that more than 4.5 million people expressed interest in watching it, with presale box office earnings of 108 million yuan ($15.2 million) and 217,000 screenings scheduled for Thursday.
\n
Wang Haifeng, a senior engineer at Heilongjiang's forestry design and research institute, said she was profoundly moved after watching the film.
\n
"On Sept 3, I watched the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which was a soul-stirring moment of glory," she said. "Today, the atrocities of Unit 731 on screen pierce the eyes like a sharp blade, a profound pain that reaches deep into my heart.
\n
"We are both bearers of historical pain and guardians of future peace. We should draw strength from the pain and move forward steadfastly on the path of rejuvenation, safeguarding peace and creating a better future."
\n
On Wednesday morning, a special exhibition on the making of the film was held in front of the former headquarters of Unit 731.
\n
"The exhibition is not just a simple display of film props but a space for constructing historical memory," Jin said. "The recreated scenes used in the filming bring back the eerie atmosphere of the base at that time, allowing audiences to understand how the film restores history and to feel the truth of history through details."
\n
Two new books — Revealing the History of Unit 731 and Illustrated History of Unit 731's Biological Warfare — were also launched at the hall on Wednesday. The books are a systematic collection of evidence of Unit 731's crimes, covering cross-national evidence, oral history and multilingual archives, and represent the latest research findings.
\n
zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Visitors view the special exhibition on the making of the film Evil Unbound at the former site of the headquarters of the infamous Unit 731 of the Japanese army in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Wednesday. The exhibition highlights the production process of the film.
\n
The highly anticipated historical film Evil Unbound, which delves into atrocities committed by Japan's Unit 731 during World War II, premiered globally at 2 pm on Wednesday in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.
\n
During the war, Unit 731 established a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base in Harbin's Pingfang district and tested bacteria on humans, conducted cruel experiments and let victims die in extreme agony.
\n
Unit 731 was the earliest Japanese biological warfare special force, the largest in scale, and staffed by many professionals. It was equipped with advanced facilities, according to the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army.
\n
At least 3,000 people were used for experiments, and more than 300,000 people across China were killed by Japan's biological weapons, according to the hall.
\n
The film reveals the inhumane acts of the Japanese army from the perspective of ordinary people. It depicts how street vendor Wang Yongzhang and others were forcibly taken into Unit 731's "special prison", lured with false promises of freedom in exchange for cooperation in health checks and epidemic research, and instead subjected to extreme torture that included frostbite experiments, gas experiments and live dissections.
\n
"The real history is far more brutal than the film depicts," said Jin Chengmin, curator of the hall. "The crimes of Unit 731 are a dark part in human history, which had been kept top secret during the war and heavily concealed afterward. Many historical facts remain undisclosed so far. The film aims to raise awareness of the atrocities committed by Unit 731."
\n
Director Zhao Linshan led the creative team and spent 10 years visiting various sites, collecting historical materials and consulting over a million words of information, striving to ensure every detail has a historical reference.
\n
"By exposing their crimes, we aim to ensure this history becomes a shared memory for all nations and humanity," Zhao said. "We hope to convey historical responsibility and foster peace through artistic expression."
\n
Lead actor Jiang Wu said his performance was both artistic and deeply personal. "In the film, I not only portrayed a character, but every time I studied historical materials and immersed myself in the performance, I deeply felt the devastation that war has caused to human nature."
\n
The 125-minute film will officially be released across China on Thursday, marking the 94th anniversary of the Sept 18 Incident.
\n
Before its release, the film had already garnered significant interest. As of midnight Tuesday, data from Chinese movie ticketing platform Maoyan showed that more than 4.5 million people expressed interest in watching it, with presale box office earnings of 108 million yuan ($15.2 million) and 217,000 screenings scheduled for Thursday.
\n
Wang Haifeng, a senior engineer at Heilongjiang's forestry design and research institute, said she was profoundly moved after watching the film.
\n
"On Sept 3, I watched the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which was a soul-stirring moment of glory," she said. "Today, the atrocities of Unit 731 on screen pierce the eyes like a sharp blade, a profound pain that reaches deep into my heart.
\n
"We are both bearers of historical pain and guardians of future peace. We should draw strength from the pain and move forward steadfastly on the path of rejuvenation, safeguarding peace and creating a better future."
\n
On Wednesday morning, a special exhibition on the making of the film was held in front of the former headquarters of Unit 731.
\n
"The exhibition is not just a simple display of film props but a space for constructing historical memory," Jin said. "The recreated scenes used in the filming bring back the eerie atmosphere of the base at that time, allowing audiences to understand how the film restores history and to feel the truth of history through details."
\n
Two new books — Revealing the History of Unit 731 and Illustrated History of Unit 731's Biological Warfare — were also launched at the hall on Wednesday. The books are a systematic collection of evidence of Unit 731's crimes, covering cross-national evidence, oral history and multilingual archives, and represent the latest research findings.
A senior Chinese security official has accused certain countries of suppressing China's cyber technology industry and attempting to block its international cooperation in cyberspace, warning that such actions pose the greatest external risk to China's cybersecurity.
\n
Minister of State Security Chen Yixin made the remarks in a signed article published on Tuesday in a flagship magazine managed by the Cyberspace Administration of China.
\n
Chen criticized countries for forming alliances and monopolizing rules to curb China's international cooperation, accusing them of "exploiting their first-mover advantage to establish cyber hegemony". His article focused largely on the need to strengthen national cybersecurity protections.
\n
He emphasized the importance of guarding against containment and suppression, adding cyberspace has become "a new strategic high ground and battlefield for major powers under conditions of informatization".
\n
"We must firmly oppose certain countries using the internet as a tool to maintain hegemony, and improve mechanisms for countersanctions, anti-interference, and counter long-arm jurisdiction," Chen said.
\n
He said maintaining cybersecurity begins with understanding the nature and timing of risks. "The essence of cybersecurity lies in confrontation, and the essence of confrontation is the competition of capabilities on both offensive and defensive ends," he said.
\n
China is at a critical stage of transitioning from a major cyber nation to a strong cyber power, while the world is undergoing "profound changes unseen in a century", with artificial intelligence leading a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, Chen explained.
\n
"The international power structure, development patterns, security landscape, governance framework, and technological paradigms are all undergoing significant changes," he said.
\n
Chen highlighted the need to guard against the risks facing China's cybersecurity, including political infiltration, cyberattacks, espionage and spread of terrorism. Chen further explained how the internet was being used for terrorism, extremism, and separatism. He said extremist forces have long used online platforms — including encrypted communications and the dark web — to spread violent content and recruit followers.
\n
"With global geopolitical conflicts intensifying, some terrorist forces are taking advantage of chaos in turbulent regions to grow in strength, increasing the risk of imported violent terrorism to China," he said.
\n
Chen called for vigilance against cyberterrorism through stronger content regulation, technical prevention, and better detection and response systems to block the infiltration of violent and extremist ideologies.
\n
He said China is a victim of cyberattacks. "Certain countries, as the world's largest 'hacker empire', have fabricated the 'China cyberthreat theory' to tarnish our international image, while simultaneously using their extensive cyber arsenal to conduct systematic, platform-based attacks on our critical information infrastructure," Chen said.
\n
He accused these countries of engaging in intrusion, data theft, tampering and destruction, saying their actions seriously threatened China's sovereignty, security, development interests, and the information security of its citizens and institutions.
\n
"To respond, we must continue to strengthen the protection of critical information infrastructure, step up independent development of core technologies, enhance detection, tracing, and counteraction of cyberattacks, and improve risk management, layered defense, and emergency recovery," he said.
\n
He called for stronger monitoring and early warning systems to better anticipate risks and accelerate "all-weather, all-dimensional "protection.
\n
"Cybersecurity is a global challenge," he said. "China is a staunch defender of cybersecurity, advocating for a peaceful, secure, open, and cooperative cyberspace, and promoting the construction of a community with a shared future in cyberspace."
\n
jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
A senior Chinese security official has accused certain countries of suppressing China's cyber technology industry and attempting to block its international cooperation in cyberspace, warning that such actions pose the greatest external risk to China's cybersecurity.
\n
Minister of State Security Chen Yixin made the remarks in a signed article published on Tuesday in a flagship magazine managed by the Cyberspace Administration of China.
\n
Chen criticized countries for forming alliances and monopolizing rules to curb China's international cooperation, accusing them of "exploiting their first-mover advantage to establish cyber hegemony". His article focused largely on the need to strengthen national cybersecurity protections.
\n
He emphasized the importance of guarding against containment and suppression, adding cyberspace has become "a new strategic high ground and battlefield for major powers under conditions of informatization".
\n
"We must firmly oppose certain countries using the internet as a tool to maintain hegemony, and improve mechanisms for countersanctions, anti-interference, and counter long-arm jurisdiction," Chen said.
\n
He said maintaining cybersecurity begins with understanding the nature and timing of risks. "The essence of cybersecurity lies in confrontation, and the essence of confrontation is the competition of capabilities on both offensive and defensive ends," he said.
\n
China is at a critical stage of transitioning from a major cyber nation to a strong cyber power, while the world is undergoing "profound changes unseen in a century", with artificial intelligence leading a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, Chen explained.
\n
"The international power structure, development patterns, security landscape, governance framework, and technological paradigms are all undergoing significant changes," he said.
\n
Chen highlighted the need to guard against the risks facing China's cybersecurity, including political infiltration, cyberattacks, espionage and spread of terrorism. Chen further explained how the internet was being used for terrorism, extremism, and separatism. He said extremist forces have long used online platforms — including encrypted communications and the dark web — to spread violent content and recruit followers.
\n
"With global geopolitical conflicts intensifying, some terrorist forces are taking advantage of chaos in turbulent regions to grow in strength, increasing the risk of imported violent terrorism to China," he said.
\n
Chen called for vigilance against cyberterrorism through stronger content regulation, technical prevention, and better detection and response systems to block the infiltration of violent and extremist ideologies.
\n
He said China is a victim of cyberattacks. "Certain countries, as the world's largest 'hacker empire', have fabricated the 'China cyberthreat theory' to tarnish our international image, while simultaneously using their extensive cyber arsenal to conduct systematic, platform-based attacks on our critical information infrastructure," Chen said.
\n
He accused these countries of engaging in intrusion, data theft, tampering and destruction, saying their actions seriously threatened China's sovereignty, security, development interests, and the information security of its citizens and institutions.
\n
"To respond, we must continue to strengthen the protection of critical information infrastructure, step up independent development of core technologies, enhance detection, tracing, and counteraction of cyberattacks, and improve risk management, layered defense, and emergency recovery," he said.
\n
He called for stronger monitoring and early warning systems to better anticipate risks and accelerate "all-weather, all-dimensional "protection.
\n
"Cybersecurity is a global challenge," he said. "China is a staunch defender of cybersecurity, advocating for a peaceful, secure, open, and cooperative cyberspace, and promoting the construction of a community with a shared future in cyberspace."
Shanghai has announced ambitious targets to establish itself as a globally influential hub for high-end medical device development by 2027, including securing more than 500 new domestic registrations of Class III medical devices and over 100 approvals of medical device products in overseas markets.
\n
The goals are outlined in an action plan for promoting the full-chain development of the high-end medical device industry recently released by the Shanghai municipal government. The plan also sets a target of fostering two industry-leading enterprises, each with an output value exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.41 billion) by 2027.
\n
Class III medical devices are the highest-risk category under China's management system because they typically support or sustain human life. Examples include artificial heart valves, vascular stents and orthopedic implants.
\n
Manufacturing output of the city's high-end medical device sector reached 55.51 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for 27.6 percent of Shanghai's biopharmaceutical output, according to data from the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission.
\n
Experts said the new development goals will accelerate research, industrialization and clinical application of cutting-edge technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, surgical robots, next-generation proton knives and AI diagnostic systems in Shanghai and beyond.
\n
The action plan sets out 20 tasks spanning innovation, clinical empowerment, regulatory approval, hospital application, enterprise cultivation, industrial ecosystem and international development. It highlights eight key product categories: high-end medical imaging products, implantable devices, surgical systems, in vitro diagnostic products and artificial intelligence medical devices, among others.
\n
"Key product categories also include new innovative devices for the future," it said. "Efforts should be accelerated to develop future therapeutic products like micro-nano robots for precision diagnostics, future diagnostic products based on technologies such as quantum and nucleic acid mass spectrometry, and products like brain-inspired intelligence."
\n
The plan also seeks to strengthen innovation by advancing key materials and core production processes, reinforcing supply chain resilience and expanding AI applications.
\n
Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare, which specializes in medical imaging, radiotherapy equipment and life science instruments, is a prime example of the city's ambitions. Its products are present in nearly 90 countries and more than 15,000 institutions. The company aims to advance China's high-end medical equipment from local leadership to global coverage through a strategy of independent innovation combined with ecosystem co-building.
\n
Cai Tao, the company's chief investment officer, said a crystal material used in PET-CT machines — long monopolized by Europe and the United States and accounting for half the machine's cost — had been localized through collaboration with a domestic company.
\n
"We achieved breakthroughs in raw materials, technology and mass production, reaching international performance standards. This helped reduce the cost of domestic equipment and drive the upgrade of related domestic industries, including optoelectronics and precision machining," Cai said.
\n
The plan also stresses promoting the integration of medicine and engineering, and creating a mechanism to link industry, academia, research and healthcare.
\n
Shanghai's Ruijin Hospital has provided a model for this crossover, facilitating clinical implementation of 12 technologies since 2023, including a noninvasive blood glucose monitor and domestically developed surgical robots. The hospital's innovation center hosts 10 research institutes and labs.
\n
One breakthrough, a palm-based monitoring device that measures blood glucose levels, has completed pretrials and clinical trials with hundreds of diabetic patients and healthy individuals, said Chen Chang, director of the hospital's medical chip research institute.
\n
"In the future, this technology will be expanded to noninvasive detection of other biochemical indicators, potentially reshaping the chronic disease management model," Chen said.
\n
To support reforms and pilot programs, the action plan proposes enabling local production of imported Class II and III medical devices by foreign-invested businesses that already hold Chinese registration certificates, and exploring pilot use of devices marketed overseas but not yet registered domestically.
\n
The plan also makes it clear that Shanghai supports foreign enterprises in setting up regional headquarters, R&D centers and production bases in the city. It encourages them to conduct research and production of innovative products simultaneously with the global market or as a first launch in China.
Shanghai has announced ambitious targets to establish itself as a globally influential hub for high-end medical device development by 2027, including securing more than 500 new domestic registrations of Class III medical devices and over 100 approvals of medical device products in overseas markets.
\n
The goals are outlined in an action plan for promoting the full-chain development of the high-end medical device industry recently released by the Shanghai municipal government. The plan also sets a target of fostering two industry-leading enterprises, each with an output value exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.41 billion) by 2027.
\n
Class III medical devices are the highest-risk category under China's management system because they typically support or sustain human life. Examples include artificial heart valves, vascular stents and orthopedic implants.
\n
Manufacturing output of the city's high-end medical device sector reached 55.51 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for 27.6 percent of Shanghai's biopharmaceutical output, according to data from the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission.
\n
Experts said the new development goals will accelerate research, industrialization and clinical application of cutting-edge technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, surgical robots, next-generation proton knives and AI diagnostic systems in Shanghai and beyond.
\n
The action plan sets out 20 tasks spanning innovation, clinical empowerment, regulatory approval, hospital application, enterprise cultivation, industrial ecosystem and international development. It highlights eight key product categories: high-end medical imaging products, implantable devices, surgical systems, in vitro diagnostic products and artificial intelligence medical devices, among others.
\n
"Key product categories also include new innovative devices for the future," it said. "Efforts should be accelerated to develop future therapeutic products like micro-nano robots for precision diagnostics, future diagnostic products based on technologies such as quantum and nucleic acid mass spectrometry, and products like brain-inspired intelligence."
\n
The plan also seeks to strengthen innovation by advancing key materials and core production processes, reinforcing supply chain resilience and expanding AI applications.
\n
Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare, which specializes in medical imaging, radiotherapy equipment and life science instruments, is a prime example of the city's ambitions. Its products are present in nearly 90 countries and more than 15,000 institutions. The company aims to advance China's high-end medical equipment from local leadership to global coverage through a strategy of independent innovation combined with ecosystem co-building.
\n
Cai Tao, the company's chief investment officer, said a crystal material used in PET-CT machines — long monopolized by Europe and the United States and accounting for half the machine's cost — had been localized through collaboration with a domestic company.
\n
"We achieved breakthroughs in raw materials, technology and mass production, reaching international performance standards. This helped reduce the cost of domestic equipment and drive the upgrade of related domestic industries, including optoelectronics and precision machining," Cai said.
\n
The plan also stresses promoting the integration of medicine and engineering, and creating a mechanism to link industry, academia, research and healthcare.
\n
Shanghai's Ruijin Hospital has provided a model for this crossover, facilitating clinical implementation of 12 technologies since 2023, including a noninvasive blood glucose monitor and domestically developed surgical robots. The hospital's innovation center hosts 10 research institutes and labs.
\n
One breakthrough, a palm-based monitoring device that measures blood glucose levels, has completed pretrials and clinical trials with hundreds of diabetic patients and healthy individuals, said Chen Chang, director of the hospital's medical chip research institute.
\n
"In the future, this technology will be expanded to noninvasive detection of other biochemical indicators, potentially reshaping the chronic disease management model," Chen said.
\n
To support reforms and pilot programs, the action plan proposes enabling local production of imported Class II and III medical devices by foreign-invested businesses that already hold Chinese registration certificates, and exploring pilot use of devices marketed overseas but not yet registered domestically.
\n
The plan also makes it clear that Shanghai supports foreign enterprises in setting up regional headquarters, R&D centers and production bases in the city. It encourages them to conduct research and production of innovative products simultaneously with the global market or as a first launch in China.
Wang Jianhua works on a wax carving sculpture at his studio in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.
\n
Despite being left with a disability in his left leg due to polio at a young age, Wang Jianhua has never given up on himself.
\n
After years of research, the 57-year-old applied for a patent for raw materials of wax carving crafts and became well-known as the "leading craftsman of wax carving in Heilongjiang province".
\n
As chairman of the Association for People with Physical Disabilities in the Pingfang district of Harbin, Wang actively provides services to the disabled, such as disseminating knowledge about disabilities and organizing rich and colorful extracurricular activities.
\n
"When I was 7 months old, I was diagnosed with polio. The most vivid memories of my childhood are of my parents taking me to hospitals in different cities for treatment," he said. "However, my condition of being crippled hasn't changed. After 1990, when I had my last surgery, we gave up seeking treatment."
\n
In 1983, Wang began working as a front-line foundry worker in a local factory.
\n
From then on, he began to create some handicrafts with wax, which attracted attention from his colleagues, local media and the local disabled persons' federation.
\n
In his childhood, he spent much of his time at home due to his disability, he said. And he found great interest in arts such as paper cutting and drawing, which helped him "kill boring time".
\n
"At that time, we often experienced power outages and would light candles," he said. "I discovered that the wax drippings from the candles could be molded into shapes, so I tried making small sculptures, such as animals and flowers, from wax."
\n
The Pingfang district's disabled persons' federation provided a room for him to use as a studio, giving him a place to focus on honing his wax carving skills, he added.
\n
From then on, Wang began to delve into more challenging areas, constantly adjusting the flexibility and color of the wax.
\n
"At first, I used the dissolved candles as raw material, but the colors of the candles were rather monotonous, usually only white and red, so I bought various colored crayons and dissolved them in the candle solution," he said. "However, I found it increased the cost significantly, and the material of the candles was not very tough, making them prone to cracking."
\n
Later, Wang bought some industrial wax and tried various pigments, such as chemical dyes and the fuel used for dyeing fabrics.
\n
To improve toughness, he added materials like rosin and polyethylene to the solution.
\n
"Finally, I found the optimal ratio and color combination," he said. "In 2005, I applied for a patent for raw materials of wax carving crafts, providing the best raw materials for my wax sculpture creations."
\n
Over the past years, Wang has created hundreds of wax sculptures. He sent some of them to his friends as gifts and also sold some, he said. "I donated the revenue from the sales to departments or projects related to disabled groups."
\n
While mentioning his success in researching wax carving, Wang believes it is inseparable from the support of the district's disabled persons' federation.
\n
"Over the years, the federation provided my family with daily necessities and financial support," he said. "Because I am disabled, I pay special attention to the disabled community and made a silent promise to myself that once I had the ability, I would do something for other people like me."
\n
To inspire more disabled people to unleash their artistic potential, he invited them to join in his wax sculpture studio and recommended that they learn techniques such as wax sculpture, paper cutting, and ink painting.
\n
Further, Wang actively communicated and contacted enterprises, helping more than 20 disabled people get job opportunities.
\n
In 2019, Wang started his account on a social media platform, popularizing practical knowledge about disabilities via short videos, which have attracted over 100,000 followers so far.
\n
From 2021 to this year, Wang kept up with the rapid development of the internet and mobilized disabled people around him to learn new technologies such as online livestreaming sales and video editing.
\n
He held training courses on making short videos, attracting over 200 disabled participants.
\n
"In recent years, the social security policies for the disabled have been gradually improved, and the care system for them has been further enhanced, which has greatly promoted the development of work for those disadvantaged people in Pingfang," said Wei Chunying, chairman of the district's disabled persons' federation. "The work of Wang can help the disabled enhance their sense of happiness, enable them to better integrate into society, and also make them feel highly respected.
\n
"Therefore, within our capacity, we will provide as much support as possible for him," she added.
\n
zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Wang Jianhua works on a wax carving sculpture at his studio in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.
\n
Despite being left with a disability in his left leg due to polio at a young age, Wang Jianhua has never given up on himself.
\n
After years of research, the 57-year-old applied for a patent for raw materials of wax carving crafts and became well-known as the "leading craftsman of wax carving in Heilongjiang province".
\n
As chairman of the Association for People with Physical Disabilities in the Pingfang district of Harbin, Wang actively provides services to the disabled, such as disseminating knowledge about disabilities and organizing rich and colorful extracurricular activities.
\n
"When I was 7 months old, I was diagnosed with polio. The most vivid memories of my childhood are of my parents taking me to hospitals in different cities for treatment," he said. "However, my condition of being crippled hasn't changed. After 1990, when I had my last surgery, we gave up seeking treatment."
\n
In 1983, Wang began working as a front-line foundry worker in a local factory.
\n
From then on, he began to create some handicrafts with wax, which attracted attention from his colleagues, local media and the local disabled persons' federation.
\n
In his childhood, he spent much of his time at home due to his disability, he said. And he found great interest in arts such as paper cutting and drawing, which helped him "kill boring time".
\n
"At that time, we often experienced power outages and would light candles," he said. "I discovered that the wax drippings from the candles could be molded into shapes, so I tried making small sculptures, such as animals and flowers, from wax."
\n
The Pingfang district's disabled persons' federation provided a room for him to use as a studio, giving him a place to focus on honing his wax carving skills, he added.
\n
From then on, Wang began to delve into more challenging areas, constantly adjusting the flexibility and color of the wax.
\n
"At first, I used the dissolved candles as raw material, but the colors of the candles were rather monotonous, usually only white and red, so I bought various colored crayons and dissolved them in the candle solution," he said. "However, I found it increased the cost significantly, and the material of the candles was not very tough, making them prone to cracking."
\n
Later, Wang bought some industrial wax and tried various pigments, such as chemical dyes and the fuel used for dyeing fabrics.
\n
To improve toughness, he added materials like rosin and polyethylene to the solution.
\n
"Finally, I found the optimal ratio and color combination," he said. "In 2005, I applied for a patent for raw materials of wax carving crafts, providing the best raw materials for my wax sculpture creations."
\n
Over the past years, Wang has created hundreds of wax sculptures. He sent some of them to his friends as gifts and also sold some, he said. "I donated the revenue from the sales to departments or projects related to disabled groups."
\n
While mentioning his success in researching wax carving, Wang believes it is inseparable from the support of the district's disabled persons' federation.
\n
"Over the years, the federation provided my family with daily necessities and financial support," he said. "Because I am disabled, I pay special attention to the disabled community and made a silent promise to myself that once I had the ability, I would do something for other people like me."
\n
To inspire more disabled people to unleash their artistic potential, he invited them to join in his wax sculpture studio and recommended that they learn techniques such as wax sculpture, paper cutting, and ink painting.
\n
Further, Wang actively communicated and contacted enterprises, helping more than 20 disabled people get job opportunities.
\n
In 2019, Wang started his account on a social media platform, popularizing practical knowledge about disabilities via short videos, which have attracted over 100,000 followers so far.
\n
From 2021 to this year, Wang kept up with the rapid development of the internet and mobilized disabled people around him to learn new technologies such as online livestreaming sales and video editing.
\n
He held training courses on making short videos, attracting over 200 disabled participants.
\n
"In recent years, the social security policies for the disabled have been gradually improved, and the care system for them has been further enhanced, which has greatly promoted the development of work for those disadvantaged people in Pingfang," said Wei Chunying, chairman of the district's disabled persons' federation. "The work of Wang can help the disabled enhance their sense of happiness, enable them to better integrate into society, and also make them feel highly respected.
\n
"Therefore, within our capacity, we will provide as much support as possible for him," she added.
CHANGCHUN — With access to fast-developing breeding technology, Chinese biotech firms are keen on cultivating new strains of high-quality soybeans to cope with the country's strong market demand, according to sources following a recent national meeting.
\n
A collection of newly developed high-oil and high-yield soybean varieties were showcased at the meeting held in Northeast China's Jilin province on Sept 13. The meeting focused on national major scientific and technological achievements in agricultural biotechnology breeding.
\n
All the new strains displayed at the meeting in Jilin boast oil content above 22 percent and yields more than 8 percent higher than strains currently planted.
\n
With support from a national program aimed at encouraging agricultural biotechnology breeding, research institutes and seed enterprises have joined efforts in introducing state-of-the-art technology in soybean breeding — such as polygene polymerization and molecular marker selection. Beijing Dabeinong Biotechnology presented the company's new variety named Maiyu 511 at the meeting, which is proven to be suitable for spring planting in China's northern regions and which offers an oil content of 23.69 percent — exceeding the average oil content of imported soybeans.
\n
Shao Liangliang, a grain grower in Lishu county, Jilin, was among the farmers who tried the new strain this year. He planted the soybean seeds in a 3.6-hectare field — with the crop almost ready for harvest. "This new variety saved me nearly 100 yuan ($14) per hectare in growing costs," Shao said.
\n",
+ "content": "
CHANGCHUN — With access to fast-developing breeding technology, Chinese biotech firms are keen on cultivating new strains of high-quality soybeans to cope with the country's strong market demand, according to sources following a recent national meeting.
\n
A collection of newly developed high-oil and high-yield soybean varieties were showcased at the meeting held in Northeast China's Jilin province on Sept 13. The meeting focused on national major scientific and technological achievements in agricultural biotechnology breeding.
\n
All the new strains displayed at the meeting in Jilin boast oil content above 22 percent and yields more than 8 percent higher than strains currently planted.
\n
With support from a national program aimed at encouraging agricultural biotechnology breeding, research institutes and seed enterprises have joined efforts in introducing state-of-the-art technology in soybean breeding — such as polygene polymerization and molecular marker selection. Beijing Dabeinong Biotechnology presented the company's new variety named Maiyu 511 at the meeting, which is proven to be suitable for spring planting in China's northern regions and which offers an oil content of 23.69 percent — exceeding the average oil content of imported soybeans.
\n
Shao Liangliang, a grain grower in Lishu county, Jilin, was among the farmers who tried the new strain this year. He planted the soybean seeds in a 3.6-hectare field — with the crop almost ready for harvest. "This new variety saved me nearly 100 yuan ($14) per hectare in growing costs," Shao said.
From left: Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council. Greater China Regional Director of USSEC Zhang Xiaoping.
\n
Following China and the United States' recent agreement to further extend the pause on tariff increases, US soybean industry representatives expressed their eagerness to see the resumption of soybean trade with China to continue the two countries' soybean trade partnership.
\n
"Unfortunately, right now, our farmers and exporters are being disadvantaged," said Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council. He praised the cooperation between Chinese partners and US soybean farmers and exporters, which used to be a win-win deal, but said today's situation is a "lose-lose".
\n
China's share of US soybean exports fell to 44.6 percent last year, down from its peak of 62.4 percent in 2011, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture and China's General Administration of Customs.
\n
This year, the US has significantly increased tariffs on imports from many of its trading partners. In response, China has implemented measures to protect its interests, such as imposing higher tariffs on soybean imports from the US. Consequently, Chinese importers have turned to Brazilian soybean suppliers.
\n
Sutter said the current situation is very "disappointing" as US farmers are the "target" of this escalating trade tension.
\n
"When our farmers planted their soybeans in the springtime in April and May, they had every intention of being able to supply China. They believed that their No 1 customer would continue to be their No 1 customer.
\n
"But now, Chinese consumers are paying more, our farmers are selling for less," Sutter said.
\n
The USSEC, representing the entire US soy supply chain, has been working to attain market access for the use of US soy for human consumption, aquaculture and livestock feed in more than 80 countries worldwide. It has been working in China for 43 years, and in the past five to 10 years, USSEC has been making every effort to maintain the long-standing China-US soybean trade.
\n
Commenting on the potential recovery of the China-US trade deal, Sutter said: "I just can't imagine that we will never trade again. So I think it's important that we continue to do our work and build these relations, maintain them and build them for the future."
\n
Greater China Regional Director of USSEC Zhang Xiaoping emphasized the mutual benefits of China-US trade. "The complementarity of the two nations in the agricultural sector is too strong. The US has rich agricultural resources while China has a huge market."
\n
"Soybeans have been regarded as the most cost-effective protein ingredient in animal feed because of higher digestibility. Relying on its vast fertile land, US farmers can sustainably produce high-quality soybeans on a large scale to support the modernization of China's livestock, poultry, agriculture and food industries," Zhang said, adding that the high digestibility also means much lower waste, leading to positive effects on the environmentally friendly development of Chinese industries.
\n
A collaborative program between USSEC and its Henan provincial partners, focusing on a soybean innovation center, is advancing steadily with three main initiatives — innovative solution training, demonstration and promotion.
\n
Back in early 1990s, USSEC began to introduce practical solutions to help upgrade the Chinese industry. In recent years, USSEC introduced an In-Pond Raceway System with multiple benefits.
\n
Based on practices from US farms, USSEC created the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol, which pledges to issue a sustainability certificate on each individual shipment out of the US for free. "This can be interpreted as support for China's achievement in sustainable food security, as the effort can make soy-related foods more affordable," Zhang said.
\n
Normally, October is the main season for US soybeans being shipped to China. "We had pretty good shipments to China last year and we haven't really missed any shipping seasons yet. We are looking forward to being able to ship our soybeans to China very soon," Sutter said.
From left: Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council. Greater China Regional Director of USSEC Zhang Xiaoping.
\n
Following China and the United States' recent agreement to further extend the pause on tariff increases, US soybean industry representatives expressed their eagerness to see the resumption of soybean trade with China to continue the two countries' soybean trade partnership.
\n
"Unfortunately, right now, our farmers and exporters are being disadvantaged," said Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council. He praised the cooperation between Chinese partners and US soybean farmers and exporters, which used to be a win-win deal, but said today's situation is a "lose-lose".
\n
China's share of US soybean exports fell to 44.6 percent last year, down from its peak of 62.4 percent in 2011, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture and China's General Administration of Customs.
\n
This year, the US has significantly increased tariffs on imports from many of its trading partners. In response, China has implemented measures to protect its interests, such as imposing higher tariffs on soybean imports from the US. Consequently, Chinese importers have turned to Brazilian soybean suppliers.
\n
Sutter said the current situation is very "disappointing" as US farmers are the "target" of this escalating trade tension.
\n
"When our farmers planted their soybeans in the springtime in April and May, they had every intention of being able to supply China. They believed that their No 1 customer would continue to be their No 1 customer.
\n
"But now, Chinese consumers are paying more, our farmers are selling for less," Sutter said.
\n
The USSEC, representing the entire US soy supply chain, has been working to attain market access for the use of US soy for human consumption, aquaculture and livestock feed in more than 80 countries worldwide. It has been working in China for 43 years, and in the past five to 10 years, USSEC has been making every effort to maintain the long-standing China-US soybean trade.
\n
Commenting on the potential recovery of the China-US trade deal, Sutter said: "I just can't imagine that we will never trade again. So I think it's important that we continue to do our work and build these relations, maintain them and build them for the future."
\n
Greater China Regional Director of USSEC Zhang Xiaoping emphasized the mutual benefits of China-US trade. "The complementarity of the two nations in the agricultural sector is too strong. The US has rich agricultural resources while China has a huge market."
\n
"Soybeans have been regarded as the most cost-effective protein ingredient in animal feed because of higher digestibility. Relying on its vast fertile land, US farmers can sustainably produce high-quality soybeans on a large scale to support the modernization of China's livestock, poultry, agriculture and food industries," Zhang said, adding that the high digestibility also means much lower waste, leading to positive effects on the environmentally friendly development of Chinese industries.
\n
A collaborative program between USSEC and its Henan provincial partners, focusing on a soybean innovation center, is advancing steadily with three main initiatives — innovative solution training, demonstration and promotion.
\n
Back in early 1990s, USSEC began to introduce practical solutions to help upgrade the Chinese industry. In recent years, USSEC introduced an In-Pond Raceway System with multiple benefits.
\n
Based on practices from US farms, USSEC created the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol, which pledges to issue a sustainability certificate on each individual shipment out of the US for free. "This can be interpreted as support for China's achievement in sustainable food security, as the effort can make soy-related foods more affordable," Zhang said.
\n
Normally, October is the main season for US soybeans being shipped to China. "We had pretty good shipments to China last year and we haven't really missed any shipping seasons yet. We are looking forward to being able to ship our soybeans to China very soon," Sutter said.
Members of the foreign youth delegation learn sorting camellia seeds during their trip to Wuyishan in Fujian province.
\n
Participants of the tour experience the traditional way to thresh rice at Yuan Longping Rice Science Popularization Museum.
\n
A group of African youth, visiting China for the 24th Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, journeyed across continents to honor Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice", whose innovations have safeguarded food security in their home countries.
\n
They visited the newly opened Yuan Longping Rice Science Popularization Museum in Wuyishan, Fujian province, in August, where they learned about China's hybrid rice history, experienced rice harvesting, and even tried making rice-based handicrafts.
\n
While visiting the museum, Nomenjanahary Rochellinah Raicha, 20, from Madagascar, whose Chinese name is Li Yusha, held up a 20,000 Ariary bank note from her country, which prominently features an image of golden hybrid rice — a heartfelt tribute from the people of Madagascar to the Chinese scientists.
\n
Madagascar, being an agricultural nation, places great importance on rice. Over a decade ago, Yuan's team had ventured into the fields of Madagascar, teaching local farmers how to cultivate hybrid rice in a way that suited their environment.
\n
Chinese hybrid rice has taken root in over 20 African countries. In Madagascar alone, the area under hybrid rice cultivation exceeds 75,000 hectares, with an average yield of 7.5 metric tons per hectare — about triple the yield of local varieties, according to China's National Development and Reform Commission.
\n
"Rice is the major food in my country, and its picture is printed on our currency. I first learned about Yuan Longping in high school," Li said, adding that the opportunity to visit the fields in Wuyishan filled her with excitement, as it represented a deep connection between Madagascar and China.
\n
Seeing a photo of the country's bank note of rice displayed on the wall of the museum surprised her a lot. "I believe that Chinese hybrid rice will one day cover all of Madagascar's fields," she said.
\n
Having studied Chinese at the Confucius Institute at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar, she often watched Chinese dramas in her spare time. In 2024, she volunteered as a translator on the Peace Ark at Tamatave Port, which brought her a sense of achievement in fostering China-Madagascar friendship.
\n
Another youth, Yousef Ehab, 21, from Egypt, whose Chinese name is Zheng Lian, grew up near the pyramids, a place bustling with Chinese tourists, and Egyptian Chinese-speaking guides, which sparked his interest in China since childhood.
\n
As his family runs a rice import business in Egypt, he learned Yuan's story long ago. "The scientist not only solved China's food problems but also spread this technology worldwide, benefiting many developing countries, including those in Africa," he said.
\n
In Egypt, Chinese rice technology has been adopted, significantly improving local rice production efficiency and farmers' yields, Zheng said, expressing hopes for strengthening agricultural cooperation between China and Egypt.
\n
China's efforts in Africa extend beyond hybrid rice. The country has established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers across the continent, promoting over 300 technologies.
\n
Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
Members of the foreign youth delegation learn sorting camellia seeds during their trip to Wuyishan in Fujian province.
\n
Participants of the tour experience the traditional way to thresh rice at Yuan Longping Rice Science Popularization Museum.
\n
A group of African youth, visiting China for the 24th Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, journeyed across continents to honor Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice", whose innovations have safeguarded food security in their home countries.
\n
They visited the newly opened Yuan Longping Rice Science Popularization Museum in Wuyishan, Fujian province, in August, where they learned about China's hybrid rice history, experienced rice harvesting, and even tried making rice-based handicrafts.
\n
While visiting the museum, Nomenjanahary Rochellinah Raicha, 20, from Madagascar, whose Chinese name is Li Yusha, held up a 20,000 Ariary bank note from her country, which prominently features an image of golden hybrid rice — a heartfelt tribute from the people of Madagascar to the Chinese scientists.
\n
Madagascar, being an agricultural nation, places great importance on rice. Over a decade ago, Yuan's team had ventured into the fields of Madagascar, teaching local farmers how to cultivate hybrid rice in a way that suited their environment.
\n
Chinese hybrid rice has taken root in over 20 African countries. In Madagascar alone, the area under hybrid rice cultivation exceeds 75,000 hectares, with an average yield of 7.5 metric tons per hectare — about triple the yield of local varieties, according to China's National Development and Reform Commission.
\n
"Rice is the major food in my country, and its picture is printed on our currency. I first learned about Yuan Longping in high school," Li said, adding that the opportunity to visit the fields in Wuyishan filled her with excitement, as it represented a deep connection between Madagascar and China.
\n
Seeing a photo of the country's bank note of rice displayed on the wall of the museum surprised her a lot. "I believe that Chinese hybrid rice will one day cover all of Madagascar's fields," she said.
\n
Having studied Chinese at the Confucius Institute at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar, she often watched Chinese dramas in her spare time. In 2024, she volunteered as a translator on the Peace Ark at Tamatave Port, which brought her a sense of achievement in fostering China-Madagascar friendship.
\n
Another youth, Yousef Ehab, 21, from Egypt, whose Chinese name is Zheng Lian, grew up near the pyramids, a place bustling with Chinese tourists, and Egyptian Chinese-speaking guides, which sparked his interest in China since childhood.
\n
As his family runs a rice import business in Egypt, he learned Yuan's story long ago. "The scientist not only solved China's food problems but also spread this technology worldwide, benefiting many developing countries, including those in Africa," he said.
\n
In Egypt, Chinese rice technology has been adopted, significantly improving local rice production efficiency and farmers' yields, Zheng said, expressing hopes for strengthening agricultural cooperation between China and Egypt.
\n
China's efforts in Africa extend beyond hybrid rice. The country has established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers across the continent, promoting over 300 technologies.
The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a major conference on global security issues, opened on Wednesday in the Chinese capital.
\n
The participation of defense officials and representatives from more than 100 countries, regions and international organizations speaks volumes about the high attention the international community pays to security issues as regional tensions and military conflicts are posing an increasing threat to global peace.
\n
The theme for this year's forum, "Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development", is particularly pertinent to the security environment of the Asia-Pacific.
\n
In a recent development, the United States on Monday unveiled the deployment of its Typhon intermediate-range missile system in Japan, during Resolute Dragon, the annual military exercises of the US and Japan. The two-week drills starting on Thursday involve 20,000 Japanese and US troops, along with warships and missile batteries.
\n
The deployment of such an offensive missile system in Japan is a cause of concern for other regional countries, and is quite likely to trigger a new round of a regional arms race.
\n
In another development, Philippine vessels tried to ram into a China Coast Guard ship in the waters near Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Tuesday. China Coast Guard ships lawfully implemented control measures against the Philippine ships. Such provocations by the Philippines in the South China Sea have become increasingly frequent in recent months and have become a major destabilizing factor in the region.
\n
As far as the maritime disputes in the South China Sea are concerned, China has long maintained that they should be settled through talks. However, the Philippines is hellbent on acting as a frontline pawn of the US in its geopolitical games.
\n
All these destabilizing factors call for intensive exchanges, such as those at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum that are conducive to synergizing regional actions in the Asia-Pacific to prevent the region being turned into an arena for geopolitical struggle.
\n
China has proposed the Global Security Initiative, which advocates the concept of common security. The GSI calls for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and maintains that the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter must be abided by. The GSI particularly advocates peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation.
\n
The GSI also stresses that the legitimate and reasonable security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously and addressed properly, not persistently ignored or systemically challenged.
\n
China has also introduced its Global Governance Initiative, which is a meaningful response to the global governance deficit that underlies the security crises that have arisen. The GGI outlines five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking concrete actions.
\n
A lack of understanding and trust is always the source of disputes or even conflicts between countries. The more officials and experts from different countries exchange ideas and views on a wide range of issues concerning global security, governance and development, the more they will enhance common understanding.
\n
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum, jointly organized by the China Association for Military Sciences and the Chinese Institute for International Strategic Studies, is meant to provide a platform for defense officials and representatives from different countries and regions to compare notes on global security issues. The two initiatives provide apt lenses with which to focus their discussions.
\n
The forum features four plenary sessions and eight parallel panel discussions on topics such as building a fair and reasonable global security governance system, the trajectory of major-power relations, and the current state and future of arms control. Increased understanding will help dispel misgivings and help avoid the escalation of tensions and damage to the ties between countries.
\n
The forum also provides an opportunity for dignitaries, politicians and defense officials from other countries to gain a better understanding of why the military parade China staged this year was not a display of aggression and why China's increasingly modernized defense capabilities are conducive to world peace and a more just and fairer global order.
\n",
+ "content": "
The 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a major conference on global security issues, opened on Wednesday in the Chinese capital.
\n
The participation of defense officials and representatives from more than 100 countries, regions and international organizations speaks volumes about the high attention the international community pays to security issues as regional tensions and military conflicts are posing an increasing threat to global peace.
\n
The theme for this year's forum, "Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development", is particularly pertinent to the security environment of the Asia-Pacific.
\n
In a recent development, the United States on Monday unveiled the deployment of its Typhon intermediate-range missile system in Japan, during Resolute Dragon, the annual military exercises of the US and Japan. The two-week drills starting on Thursday involve 20,000 Japanese and US troops, along with warships and missile batteries.
\n
The deployment of such an offensive missile system in Japan is a cause of concern for other regional countries, and is quite likely to trigger a new round of a regional arms race.
\n
In another development, Philippine vessels tried to ram into a China Coast Guard ship in the waters near Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Tuesday. China Coast Guard ships lawfully implemented control measures against the Philippine ships. Such provocations by the Philippines in the South China Sea have become increasingly frequent in recent months and have become a major destabilizing factor in the region.
\n
As far as the maritime disputes in the South China Sea are concerned, China has long maintained that they should be settled through talks. However, the Philippines is hellbent on acting as a frontline pawn of the US in its geopolitical games.
\n
All these destabilizing factors call for intensive exchanges, such as those at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum that are conducive to synergizing regional actions in the Asia-Pacific to prevent the region being turned into an arena for geopolitical struggle.
\n
China has proposed the Global Security Initiative, which advocates the concept of common security. The GSI calls for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and maintains that the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter must be abided by. The GSI particularly advocates peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation.
\n
The GSI also stresses that the legitimate and reasonable security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously and addressed properly, not persistently ignored or systemically challenged.
\n
China has also introduced its Global Governance Initiative, which is a meaningful response to the global governance deficit that underlies the security crises that have arisen. The GGI outlines five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking concrete actions.
\n
A lack of understanding and trust is always the source of disputes or even conflicts between countries. The more officials and experts from different countries exchange ideas and views on a wide range of issues concerning global security, governance and development, the more they will enhance common understanding.
\n
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum, jointly organized by the China Association for Military Sciences and the Chinese Institute for International Strategic Studies, is meant to provide a platform for defense officials and representatives from different countries and regions to compare notes on global security issues. The two initiatives provide apt lenses with which to focus their discussions.
\n
The forum features four plenary sessions and eight parallel panel discussions on topics such as building a fair and reasonable global security governance system, the trajectory of major-power relations, and the current state and future of arms control. Increased understanding will help dispel misgivings and help avoid the escalation of tensions and damage to the ties between countries.
\n
The forum also provides an opportunity for dignitaries, politicians and defense officials from other countries to gain a better understanding of why the military parade China staged this year was not a display of aggression and why China's increasingly modernized defense capabilities are conducive to world peace and a more just and fairer global order.
Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Hyun's visit to China on Wednesday marks a timely step in efforts to help put China-ROK relations on the right track of stability, cooperation and mutual trust.
\n
It is Cho's first trip to China since taking office, and also the first foreign ministerial exchange since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung government. The timing is also important as it presents an opportunity for the two sides to deepen dialogue ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in the ROK, amid the changing regional dynamics.
\n
China and the ROK are close neighbors and strategic cooperative partners. China has long been the ROK's major trading partner, export market and source of imports, while the ROK remains one of China's most important trading and investment partners. Their complementary and intertwined industry and supply chains are not only the ballast of bilateral relations, but also a contributor to regional economic stability.
\n
Facing the rise of protectionism and unilateralism, it is all the more crucial that China and the ROK strengthen their communication and coordination, jointly safeguard free trade and oppose protectionism and ensure that their industry and supply chains remain stable and resilient. Both countries are beneficiaries of economic globalization, and both stand to gain nothing if disruptions or decoupling attempts are allowed to disturb their economic and trade cooperation. This is why Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasized that China-ROK relations should be guided by independence, autonomy and the fundamental interests of the two peoples and not allowed to be the target for constraints by any third party.
\n
High-level communication is essential to navigate this complex environment. In telephone conversations and recent exchanges, President Xi Jinping and ROK President Lee Jae-myung have reached an important consensus on advancing the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.
\n
Cho's visit reflects Seoul's pragmatic recognition of the value of stable ties with Beijing, and demonstrates the willingness of the ROK government to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations.
\n
Apart from their close economic ties, the goodwill between the peoples of China and the ROK provides a foundation for such efforts. Recent events have shown this. On Thursday last week, ROK Coast Guard officer Lee Jae-suk tragically lost his life while rescuing a Chinese fisherman. Equally heartwarming, four members of the China Coast Guard were awarded honorary citizenship by the Jeju authorities on Tuesday for rescuing one ROK fisherman and seven Indonesian fishermen in May. Such stories of mutual aid and selfless courage show that when lives are at stake, compassion and solidarity prevail, and illustrate that the friendship between the two peoples runs deep.
\n
Looking ahead, the two countries must seize the opportunities to build on these positive interactions. The upcoming APEC 2025 Korea will be a platform for China and the ROK, as well as other major economies, to coordinate positions on regional economic integration and contribute to the vitalization of the Asia-Pacific economy. To that end, both sides should also expand practical cooperation in emerging sectors, enhance their people-to-people exchanges, and guide public opinion in a positive direction, so that mutual understanding and trust take deeper root among the people.
\n
At a time of turbulence and transformation, China and the ROK shoulder a shared responsibility not only for their bilateral ties but also for regional peace and stability. As ROK officials have rightly acknowledged, China plays an indispensable role in safeguarding peace on the Korean Peninsula and in ensuring long-term regional prosperity.
\n
What the region needs is dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect — not bloc confrontation or external interference. Both sides must seize the moment, act in the spirit of strategic cooperative partnership, and work hand in hand to ensure that China-ROK ties continue to evolve on a steady course.
\n
History has shown that China and the ROK always face a comparatively stable external development environment when they focus on their common interests and resist attempts to let outside forces dictate the trajectory of their relations. Cho's visit offers a fresh chance to reaffirm this lesson.
\n",
+ "content": "
Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Hyun's visit to China on Wednesday marks a timely step in efforts to help put China-ROK relations on the right track of stability, cooperation and mutual trust.
\n
It is Cho's first trip to China since taking office, and also the first foreign ministerial exchange since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung government. The timing is also important as it presents an opportunity for the two sides to deepen dialogue ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in the ROK, amid the changing regional dynamics.
\n
China and the ROK are close neighbors and strategic cooperative partners. China has long been the ROK's major trading partner, export market and source of imports, while the ROK remains one of China's most important trading and investment partners. Their complementary and intertwined industry and supply chains are not only the ballast of bilateral relations, but also a contributor to regional economic stability.
\n
Facing the rise of protectionism and unilateralism, it is all the more crucial that China and the ROK strengthen their communication and coordination, jointly safeguard free trade and oppose protectionism and ensure that their industry and supply chains remain stable and resilient. Both countries are beneficiaries of economic globalization, and both stand to gain nothing if disruptions or decoupling attempts are allowed to disturb their economic and trade cooperation. This is why Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasized that China-ROK relations should be guided by independence, autonomy and the fundamental interests of the two peoples and not allowed to be the target for constraints by any third party.
\n
High-level communication is essential to navigate this complex environment. In telephone conversations and recent exchanges, President Xi Jinping and ROK President Lee Jae-myung have reached an important consensus on advancing the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.
\n
Cho's visit reflects Seoul's pragmatic recognition of the value of stable ties with Beijing, and demonstrates the willingness of the ROK government to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations.
\n
Apart from their close economic ties, the goodwill between the peoples of China and the ROK provides a foundation for such efforts. Recent events have shown this. On Thursday last week, ROK Coast Guard officer Lee Jae-suk tragically lost his life while rescuing a Chinese fisherman. Equally heartwarming, four members of the China Coast Guard were awarded honorary citizenship by the Jeju authorities on Tuesday for rescuing one ROK fisherman and seven Indonesian fishermen in May. Such stories of mutual aid and selfless courage show that when lives are at stake, compassion and solidarity prevail, and illustrate that the friendship between the two peoples runs deep.
\n
Looking ahead, the two countries must seize the opportunities to build on these positive interactions. The upcoming APEC 2025 Korea will be a platform for China and the ROK, as well as other major economies, to coordinate positions on regional economic integration and contribute to the vitalization of the Asia-Pacific economy. To that end, both sides should also expand practical cooperation in emerging sectors, enhance their people-to-people exchanges, and guide public opinion in a positive direction, so that mutual understanding and trust take deeper root among the people.
\n
At a time of turbulence and transformation, China and the ROK shoulder a shared responsibility not only for their bilateral ties but also for regional peace and stability. As ROK officials have rightly acknowledged, China plays an indispensable role in safeguarding peace on the Korean Peninsula and in ensuring long-term regional prosperity.
\n
What the region needs is dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect — not bloc confrontation or external interference. Both sides must seize the moment, act in the spirit of strategic cooperative partnership, and work hand in hand to ensure that China-ROK ties continue to evolve on a steady course.
\n
History has shown that China and the ROK always face a comparatively stable external development environment when they focus on their common interests and resist attempts to let outside forces dictate the trajectory of their relations. Cho's visit offers a fresh chance to reaffirm this lesson.
As Thursday marks the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China, let us recall how a city in Southwest China countered the invaders using an unassuming weapon — culture.
\n
On Sept 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang, Liaoning province, and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for the attack. Later that night, they bombed the barracks near Shenyang.
\n
During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), particularly between 1938 and 1944, Guilin, a regional hub in Southwest China, held its ground, not only by virtue of being a military stronghold but also as a beacon of cultural resistance. Millions of soldiers, civilians and cultural figures converged in Guilin, forging a unique cultural front and mobilizing national strength for survival and eventual victory.
\n
Before the war, Guilin was a small city of about 70,000 people. Yet, as Guangzhou and Wuhan fell to Japanese forces, Guilin's population surged to half a million in a short time, becoming a magnet for more than 1,000 prominent cultural figures, including Liu Yazi, Xia Yan, Mao Dun, Tian Han and Ouyang Yuqian, along with over 100 progressive cultural groups.
\n
In the face of the Japanese incursion, the cultural figures in Guilin resisted through their writing and cultural performances. At its peak, Guilin boasted more than 200 bookstores and publishing houses, producing over 200 magazines and an average of 20 new books and periodicals each day. These works reached readers across China, Hong Kong, Macao and Southeast Asia, ensuring that Chinese culture not only endured the war but also laid the foundation for postwar rejuvenation.
\n
In the autumn of 1938, as the war situation grew dire, the Communist Party of China Central Committee designated Guilin as a strategic fulcrum connecting Yan'an with overseas. Through cultural dissemination, the Party transformed intellectual activity into a source of strength for the resistance.
\n
Intellectuals, artists and workers from different regions and backgrounds rallied to the call of resistance, forging solidarity across divides. The 1944 Southwest Drama Exhibition epitomized this unity: 33 troupes from across southern China staged over 170 plays, turning the stage into a fortress and the theater into a battlefield.
\n
Importantly, Guilin's cultural role extended beyond China's borders. Despite relentless Japanese air raids, schools relocated to mountain caves, showcasing the people's indomitable spirit. The establishment of the Guilin branch of the Anti-Fascist League in 1939 attracted journalists and writers from France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union. Through their reports and works, they exposed Japanese atrocities and conveyed the heroism of the Chinese people to the world.
\n
Figures such as American writer Agnes Smedley, who delivered a speech broadcast globally from Guilin Radio Station in 1940, embodied this international solidarity.
\n
What made Guilin's cultural resistance remarkable was mass participation. Cultural workers never stopped inspiring ordinary people to resist Japanese aggression through street performances, songs and accessible literature. These efforts made culture a living, breathing force that strengthened national consciousness and mobilized collective will.
\n
The story of Guilin during those turbulent years is a vivid reminder that culture is not a luxury in times of crisis, but a weapon of resilience and unity. Under the leadership of the CPC, Guilin safeguarded the lifeblood of Chinese civilization, inspired faith in victory, and contributed to both national rejuvenation and international solidarity. Today, as China continues to draw strength from its cultural heritage, the experience of Guilin stands as a powerful testament to the enduring role of culture in the destiny of the nation.
\n",
+ "content": "
As Thursday marks the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident that marked the start of Japan's 14-year invasion of China, let us recall how a city in Southwest China countered the invaders using an unassuming weapon — culture.
\n
On Sept 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang, Liaoning province, and accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for the attack. Later that night, they bombed the barracks near Shenyang.
\n
During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), particularly between 1938 and 1944, Guilin, a regional hub in Southwest China, held its ground, not only by virtue of being a military stronghold but also as a beacon of cultural resistance. Millions of soldiers, civilians and cultural figures converged in Guilin, forging a unique cultural front and mobilizing national strength for survival and eventual victory.
\n
Before the war, Guilin was a small city of about 70,000 people. Yet, as Guangzhou and Wuhan fell to Japanese forces, Guilin's population surged to half a million in a short time, becoming a magnet for more than 1,000 prominent cultural figures, including Liu Yazi, Xia Yan, Mao Dun, Tian Han and Ouyang Yuqian, along with over 100 progressive cultural groups.
\n
In the face of the Japanese incursion, the cultural figures in Guilin resisted through their writing and cultural performances. At its peak, Guilin boasted more than 200 bookstores and publishing houses, producing over 200 magazines and an average of 20 new books and periodicals each day. These works reached readers across China, Hong Kong, Macao and Southeast Asia, ensuring that Chinese culture not only endured the war but also laid the foundation for postwar rejuvenation.
\n
In the autumn of 1938, as the war situation grew dire, the Communist Party of China Central Committee designated Guilin as a strategic fulcrum connecting Yan'an with overseas. Through cultural dissemination, the Party transformed intellectual activity into a source of strength for the resistance.
\n
Intellectuals, artists and workers from different regions and backgrounds rallied to the call of resistance, forging solidarity across divides. The 1944 Southwest Drama Exhibition epitomized this unity: 33 troupes from across southern China staged over 170 plays, turning the stage into a fortress and the theater into a battlefield.
\n
Importantly, Guilin's cultural role extended beyond China's borders. Despite relentless Japanese air raids, schools relocated to mountain caves, showcasing the people's indomitable spirit. The establishment of the Guilin branch of the Anti-Fascist League in 1939 attracted journalists and writers from France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union. Through their reports and works, they exposed Japanese atrocities and conveyed the heroism of the Chinese people to the world.
\n
Figures such as American writer Agnes Smedley, who delivered a speech broadcast globally from Guilin Radio Station in 1940, embodied this international solidarity.
\n
What made Guilin's cultural resistance remarkable was mass participation. Cultural workers never stopped inspiring ordinary people to resist Japanese aggression through street performances, songs and accessible literature. These efforts made culture a living, breathing force that strengthened national consciousness and mobilized collective will.
\n
The story of Guilin during those turbulent years is a vivid reminder that culture is not a luxury in times of crisis, but a weapon of resilience and unity. Under the leadership of the CPC, Guilin safeguarded the lifeblood of Chinese civilization, inspired faith in victory, and contributed to both national rejuvenation and international solidarity. Today, as China continues to draw strength from its cultural heritage, the experience of Guilin stands as a powerful testament to the enduring role of culture in the destiny of the nation.
Editor's note: How can China build a favorable environment for digital nomads, enabling them to contribute to social and economic development? Zhao Zhong, dean of the School of Labor and Human Resources at Renmin University of China, spoke to Zhejiang Daily on these issues. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n
As a new format of work, digital nomads have enlarged the scope of employment in the digital age. These talented workers are not bound by the place of work and can move freely while working. Flexibility at work allows individuals to align jobs with their personal interests and expertise. This way, they achieve self-fulfillment while balancing work and life, which is an essential dimension of "high-quality employment".
\n
Becoming a digital nomad requires creativity, ideas and internet skills, as well as a commitment to continuous learning to stay competitive. They usually provide diversified and customized products and services, which are particularly useful for industries where rich cultural exposure enhances the quality of the products.
\n
This unique pool of talent can have a positive spillover effect on regional development and rural vitalization. With relatively higher income levels and a strong demand for experiences, they boost local tourism, and the hospitality and sports sectors. Many digital nomads are drawn to counties and rural areas with rich cultural or ecological resources and a lower cost of living. Their ideas, capital and technology inject new vitality into local industries and businesses.
\n
Nonetheless, there are many challenges that need to be overcome. Ambiguities in work contracts often mean these workers don't enjoy full labor rights and social security. Many digital nomads shoulder the full burden of pension and medical insurance themselves, but are not eligible for unemployment and workplace injury insurance. Behind the freedom of remote working and potential for a high income lie demands for resilience, adaptability and strong professional skills. Frequent job changes, rapid technological shifts and income instability are the common risks that this form of employment faces.
\n
In some cases, digital nomads also face identity crises. Constantly moving from one place to another, they may find it difficult to establish lasting social connections, leading to feelings of alienation, loneliness and anxiety.
\n
A supportive ecosystem with legal and regulatory frameworks is required to protect the rights of flexible workers. Governments need to establish progressive labor and social security systems that are suited to flexible employment. There should be clearer standards for labor contracts, safeguards against "digital overwork" and portable social insurance schemes.
\n
The physical ecosystem should also be encouraging. To attract digital nomads, small cities, counties and villages should create livable and workable environments. They should improve the transportation, telecommunications and internet infrastructure to allow digital nomads to work with ease. More inclusive attitudes toward new industries and business models can foster integration with local economies, while also offering space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Integration of these nomads into local communities should be supported by improving housing, healthcare and education services, while encouraging mutual understanding between newcomers and earlier residents.
\n
Digital nomad communities can be a bridge between the online and offline worlds. Building more online communities can provide platforms for information sharing, skills training, cultural exchange and emotional support, helping alleviate isolation and fostering solidarity among people with similar interests and lifestyles. By improving governance frameworks and offering services such as project incubation, skills training and public support, digital nomads can grow in tandem with local communities, fueling both personal development and regional prosperity.
\n",
+ "content": "
Editor's note: How can China build a favorable environment for digital nomads, enabling them to contribute to social and economic development? Zhao Zhong, dean of the School of Labor and Human Resources at Renmin University of China, spoke to Zhejiang Daily on these issues. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n
As a new format of work, digital nomads have enlarged the scope of employment in the digital age. These talented workers are not bound by the place of work and can move freely while working. Flexibility at work allows individuals to align jobs with their personal interests and expertise. This way, they achieve self-fulfillment while balancing work and life, which is an essential dimension of "high-quality employment".
\n
Becoming a digital nomad requires creativity, ideas and internet skills, as well as a commitment to continuous learning to stay competitive. They usually provide diversified and customized products and services, which are particularly useful for industries where rich cultural exposure enhances the quality of the products.
\n
This unique pool of talent can have a positive spillover effect on regional development and rural vitalization. With relatively higher income levels and a strong demand for experiences, they boost local tourism, and the hospitality and sports sectors. Many digital nomads are drawn to counties and rural areas with rich cultural or ecological resources and a lower cost of living. Their ideas, capital and technology inject new vitality into local industries and businesses.
\n
Nonetheless, there are many challenges that need to be overcome. Ambiguities in work contracts often mean these workers don't enjoy full labor rights and social security. Many digital nomads shoulder the full burden of pension and medical insurance themselves, but are not eligible for unemployment and workplace injury insurance. Behind the freedom of remote working and potential for a high income lie demands for resilience, adaptability and strong professional skills. Frequent job changes, rapid technological shifts and income instability are the common risks that this form of employment faces.
\n
In some cases, digital nomads also face identity crises. Constantly moving from one place to another, they may find it difficult to establish lasting social connections, leading to feelings of alienation, loneliness and anxiety.
\n
A supportive ecosystem with legal and regulatory frameworks is required to protect the rights of flexible workers. Governments need to establish progressive labor and social security systems that are suited to flexible employment. There should be clearer standards for labor contracts, safeguards against "digital overwork" and portable social insurance schemes.
\n
The physical ecosystem should also be encouraging. To attract digital nomads, small cities, counties and villages should create livable and workable environments. They should improve the transportation, telecommunications and internet infrastructure to allow digital nomads to work with ease. More inclusive attitudes toward new industries and business models can foster integration with local economies, while also offering space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Integration of these nomads into local communities should be supported by improving housing, healthcare and education services, while encouraging mutual understanding between newcomers and earlier residents.
\n
Digital nomad communities can be a bridge between the online and offline worlds. Building more online communities can provide platforms for information sharing, skills training, cultural exchange and emotional support, helping alleviate isolation and fostering solidarity among people with similar interests and lifestyles. By improving governance frameworks and offering services such as project incubation, skills training and public support, digital nomads can grow in tandem with local communities, fueling both personal development and regional prosperity.
The Chinese people resisted the Japanese imperial forces for 14 long years, thwarting the latter's territorial expansion plan and aggressive takeover of the whole of China. Beginning with the Mukden Incident in 1931, followed by the Marco Polo Bridge Incident that ignited a full-scale Japanese invasion of China in 1937, the atrocities and heinous war crimes committed by the Imperial Japanese Army scarred the Chinese people, including my grandmother, who was just a child in Zhongshan, Guangdong province.
\n
With vivid memories of Mitsubishi bombers and fighter jets roaring overhead, unleashing death and destruction across her homeland, my grandmother's stories of survival echo one of the most painful periods in Chinese history.
\n
Born in Xiaolan, Zhongshan, my grandmother, who I fondly call popo in the local dialect, often shared stories of her life in China before she migrated to Trinidad in 1952. She taught me the importance of service to family and community, and to always honor and respect the sacrifices of generations past.
\n
Popo, who is just shy of 93, often recounts her memories of the Japanese soldiers who invaded Guangzhou in 1938. The occupation of Guangzhou and the surrounding Pearl River Delta area were key strategies used by the Japanese to create an effective blockade against the Chinese resistance forces. The seizure of southern China's major port and severing of the "Canton-Hankou Railway" impeded China's ability to receive foreign assistance — munitions and other supplies — further destabilizing Chinese defense and resistance efforts.
\n
When thousands of Japanese troops landed in Daya Bay in Guangdong, they met with relatively feeble resistance and underprepared Chinese forces which allowed them to sweep across Guangzhou and neighboring areas like Zhongshan and nearby villages.
\n
In those somber moments we often shared, popo recalled some of the most brutal acts of torture that she witnessed, her voice often trailing off in deep sorrow. She witnessed various types of water torture and other types of brutal violence being unleashed on the Chinese people in her community, narrating the chilling stories that left me, as a teenager, horrified. Men, women, children and even livestock in the villages perished at the hands of the Japanese soldiers armed with 15 inch bayonets at the end of their rifles — one of the hallmarks of Japanese weaponry then.
\n
Leaving behind her entire world and everything she cared for as a young girl, she fled to the mountains to escape the Japanese bombs falling from the skies. The loud whirring of Japanese bombers' engines and the thunderous air strikes in the distance raised fears that the threat of Japanese invasion was real, forcing mass evacuations across Guangzhou and surrounding areas. She witnessed her hometown being completely destroyed by the air raids.
\n
Displaced from their home with little or no food, water or other resources, my grandmother and thousands of other Chinese people endured famine-like conditions. She remembers collecting small branches to be used as firewood to keep a faint fire burning — small enough not to draw the Japanese army's attention.
\n
Those very mountains where my grandmother hid, the Wugui Mountain, were the crucible of the resistance against Japanese aggression in southern China. The mountains were home to guerrilla bases and civilians who plotted daring ambushes to sabotage the Japanese army's plans and potential attacks. With hearts and minds united under one cause, the guerrilla warfare tactics were a key facet of Guangdong's long resistance and fierce struggle against the Japanese forces.
\n
China today is remarkably different from the China of those times. The grand celebrations and military parade held in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War on Sept 3 stood in stark contrast to the emotional trauma and scars my grandmother and many people of her generation suffered.
\n
President Xi Jinping, in his speech, reiterated that China is committed to maintaining global stability and promoting peace. As a country that claimed 35 million casualties in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, the grand military parade was a symbolic reminder of the resilience and fighting spirit of the Chinese people, and a nation's resolute promise that it will never allow those tragedies to happen again.
\n
As a Chinese descendant, my grandmother's stories became my inheritance, and my duty to honor historical truth. I carry forward her voice in paying tribute to the enormous sacrifices made by the Chinese people, who endured untold suffering to prevent Japanese occupation. Such stories ensure we never forget the cost of war and the value of peace.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
+ "content": "\n\n
The Chinese people resisted the Japanese imperial forces for 14 long years, thwarting the latter's territorial expansion plan and aggressive takeover of the whole of China. Beginning with the Mukden Incident in 1931, followed by the Marco Polo Bridge Incident that ignited a full-scale Japanese invasion of China in 1937, the atrocities and heinous war crimes committed by the Imperial Japanese Army scarred the Chinese people, including my grandmother, who was just a child in Zhongshan, Guangdong province.
\n
With vivid memories of Mitsubishi bombers and fighter jets roaring overhead, unleashing death and destruction across her homeland, my grandmother's stories of survival echo one of the most painful periods in Chinese history.
\n
Born in Xiaolan, Zhongshan, my grandmother, who I fondly call popo in the local dialect, often shared stories of her life in China before she migrated to Trinidad in 1952. She taught me the importance of service to family and community, and to always honor and respect the sacrifices of generations past.
\n
Popo, who is just shy of 93, often recounts her memories of the Japanese soldiers who invaded Guangzhou in 1938. The occupation of Guangzhou and the surrounding Pearl River Delta area were key strategies used by the Japanese to create an effective blockade against the Chinese resistance forces. The seizure of southern China's major port and severing of the "Canton-Hankou Railway" impeded China's ability to receive foreign assistance — munitions and other supplies — further destabilizing Chinese defense and resistance efforts.
\n
When thousands of Japanese troops landed in Daya Bay in Guangdong, they met with relatively feeble resistance and underprepared Chinese forces which allowed them to sweep across Guangzhou and neighboring areas like Zhongshan and nearby villages.
\n
In those somber moments we often shared, popo recalled some of the most brutal acts of torture that she witnessed, her voice often trailing off in deep sorrow. She witnessed various types of water torture and other types of brutal violence being unleashed on the Chinese people in her community, narrating the chilling stories that left me, as a teenager, horrified. Men, women, children and even livestock in the villages perished at the hands of the Japanese soldiers armed with 15 inch bayonets at the end of their rifles — one of the hallmarks of Japanese weaponry then.
\n
Leaving behind her entire world and everything she cared for as a young girl, she fled to the mountains to escape the Japanese bombs falling from the skies. The loud whirring of Japanese bombers' engines and the thunderous air strikes in the distance raised fears that the threat of Japanese invasion was real, forcing mass evacuations across Guangzhou and surrounding areas. She witnessed her hometown being completely destroyed by the air raids.
\n
Displaced from their home with little or no food, water or other resources, my grandmother and thousands of other Chinese people endured famine-like conditions. She remembers collecting small branches to be used as firewood to keep a faint fire burning — small enough not to draw the Japanese army's attention.
\n
Those very mountains where my grandmother hid, the Wugui Mountain, were the crucible of the resistance against Japanese aggression in southern China. The mountains were home to guerrilla bases and civilians who plotted daring ambushes to sabotage the Japanese army's plans and potential attacks. With hearts and minds united under one cause, the guerrilla warfare tactics were a key facet of Guangdong's long resistance and fierce struggle against the Japanese forces.
\n
China today is remarkably different from the China of those times. The grand celebrations and military parade held in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War on Sept 3 stood in stark contrast to the emotional trauma and scars my grandmother and many people of her generation suffered.
\n
President Xi Jinping, in his speech, reiterated that China is committed to maintaining global stability and promoting peace. As a country that claimed 35 million casualties in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, the grand military parade was a symbolic reminder of the resilience and fighting spirit of the Chinese people, and a nation's resolute promise that it will never allow those tragedies to happen again.
\n
As a Chinese descendant, my grandmother's stories became my inheritance, and my duty to honor historical truth. I carry forward her voice in paying tribute to the enormous sacrifices made by the Chinese people, who endured untold suffering to prevent Japanese occupation. Such stories ensure we never forget the cost of war and the value of peace.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, has shocked the United States to its core. For days, every major US media outlet has been consumed by the assassination — and by the same three words: division, polarization, violence.
\n
However, Kirk's assassination is not an isolated tragedy. It is the latest addition to a grim pattern. Trump himself has survived two assassination attempts in the past year. In April, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence was set ablaze. In June, two Minnesota legislators were attacked at their home on the very same day, leaving former Democratic speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband dead.
\n
The numbers tell a chilling story. Reuters identified last year at least 300 cases of political violence across the US between the Jan 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the 2024 presidential election, marking the most significant and sustained surge in such violence since the 1970s. In the first half of 2025 alone, roughly 150 such incidents took place — double the number from the same period a year earlier. Violence is becoming routine, shaking public confidence in democracy itself. Members of Congress are canceling events, scaling back public appearances, with some even considering leaving politics altogether.
\n
Kirk's killing seems emblematic of a new political age of terror, in which disagreements calcify into hatred. After the killing of Kirk, Utah Governor Spencer Cox warned that, "When someone takes the life of a person because of their ideas or their ideals, then that very constitutional foundation is threatened."
\n
Political scientist Yascha Mounk uses the term "assassin's veto" to describe violence that silences debate by raising the cost of participation. Not surprisingly, the discussions and debates in the US have shifted from policies to identities, from disagreements over taxes or healthcare to existential battles in which opponents are no longer fellow citizens but enemies.
\n
It is tempting to compare the recent developments to the turbulence of the 1960s and 1970s, but there are crucial differences between the two periods. Back then, in the US South where racism was entrenched, mainstream leaders largely avoided violent rhetoric. Today, notes historian Kevin Boyle, "that's no longer the case". Violence has entered the mainstream. A University of Chicago survey found that 20 percent of US adults openly condone political violence, while 60 percent say it is justified if the other side strikes first.
\n
Perhaps most alarming is the profile of perpetrators. The perpetrators of violence are getting younger. The suspected assassin of Kirk, Tyler Robinson, is just 22. A Georgia polling station gunman was 23. Increasingly, Gen Z is at the center of political bloodshed. According to the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings, 34 percent of 68,510 US college students at 257 universities nationwide now support using violence to block certain campus speeches.
\n
The internet is the accelerant. Investigators note Robinson's immersion in extremist online spaces, where political propaganda merged with gaming culture. After Kirk's death, digital platforms instantly became battlefields of hate, revenge and mobilization. Social media's immediacy transforms local violence into a national crisis, and enables extremist networks to coordinate across borders.
\n
The images of Kirk's killing only compounds the danger. Broadcast with cinematic brutality, the assassination scene carried the spectacle of a Hollywood horror film. Its shock value may be unmatched since the assassination of former US president John F. Kennedy. Psychologists warn of the "contagion effect" — one act inspiring imitators, avengers and opportunists. Many fear that more blood will flow given today's political atmosphere when polarization is deep, distrust in institutions high, and violence viral.
\n
The erosion of trust may be the most corrosive outcome of Kirk's killing. Violence thrives when faith in institutions collapses. For years, both the left and the right have undermined confidence in elections, courts, law enforcement and the media. When people view politics as illegitimate and opponents as existential threats, violence will be rationalized.
\n
"We can't solve our problems if we can't talk to each other," warns Jonathan Reiner, a physician to many members of Congress. His question is simple but profound: In today's US, can people still talk without shouting — or shooting?
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, has shocked the United States to its core. For days, every major US media outlet has been consumed by the assassination — and by the same three words: division, polarization, violence.
\n
However, Kirk's assassination is not an isolated tragedy. It is the latest addition to a grim pattern. Trump himself has survived two assassination attempts in the past year. In April, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence was set ablaze. In June, two Minnesota legislators were attacked at their home on the very same day, leaving former Democratic speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband dead.
\n
The numbers tell a chilling story. Reuters identified last year at least 300 cases of political violence across the US between the Jan 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the 2024 presidential election, marking the most significant and sustained surge in such violence since the 1970s. In the first half of 2025 alone, roughly 150 such incidents took place — double the number from the same period a year earlier. Violence is becoming routine, shaking public confidence in democracy itself. Members of Congress are canceling events, scaling back public appearances, with some even considering leaving politics altogether.
\n
Kirk's killing seems emblematic of a new political age of terror, in which disagreements calcify into hatred. After the killing of Kirk, Utah Governor Spencer Cox warned that, "When someone takes the life of a person because of their ideas or their ideals, then that very constitutional foundation is threatened."
\n
Political scientist Yascha Mounk uses the term "assassin's veto" to describe violence that silences debate by raising the cost of participation. Not surprisingly, the discussions and debates in the US have shifted from policies to identities, from disagreements over taxes or healthcare to existential battles in which opponents are no longer fellow citizens but enemies.
\n
It is tempting to compare the recent developments to the turbulence of the 1960s and 1970s, but there are crucial differences between the two periods. Back then, in the US South where racism was entrenched, mainstream leaders largely avoided violent rhetoric. Today, notes historian Kevin Boyle, "that's no longer the case". Violence has entered the mainstream. A University of Chicago survey found that 20 percent of US adults openly condone political violence, while 60 percent say it is justified if the other side strikes first.
\n
Perhaps most alarming is the profile of perpetrators. The perpetrators of violence are getting younger. The suspected assassin of Kirk, Tyler Robinson, is just 22. A Georgia polling station gunman was 23. Increasingly, Gen Z is at the center of political bloodshed. According to the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings, 34 percent of 68,510 US college students at 257 universities nationwide now support using violence to block certain campus speeches.
\n
The internet is the accelerant. Investigators note Robinson's immersion in extremist online spaces, where political propaganda merged with gaming culture. After Kirk's death, digital platforms instantly became battlefields of hate, revenge and mobilization. Social media's immediacy transforms local violence into a national crisis, and enables extremist networks to coordinate across borders.
\n
The images of Kirk's killing only compounds the danger. Broadcast with cinematic brutality, the assassination scene carried the spectacle of a Hollywood horror film. Its shock value may be unmatched since the assassination of former US president John F. Kennedy. Psychologists warn of the "contagion effect" — one act inspiring imitators, avengers and opportunists. Many fear that more blood will flow given today's political atmosphere when polarization is deep, distrust in institutions high, and violence viral.
\n
The erosion of trust may be the most corrosive outcome of Kirk's killing. Violence thrives when faith in institutions collapses. For years, both the left and the right have undermined confidence in elections, courts, law enforcement and the media. When people view politics as illegitimate and opponents as existential threats, violence will be rationalized.
\n
"We can't solve our problems if we can't talk to each other," warns Jonathan Reiner, a physician to many members of Congress. His question is simple but profound: In today's US, can people still talk without shouting — or shooting?
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
The State Council, China's Cabinet, approved the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve on Sept 10 in what is being hailed as a strategic decision reflecting the country's role as a responsible maritime power, conservator of marine ecology and promoter of regional cooperation.
\n
The Huangyan Island nature reserve's main aim is to safeguard the coral reef ecosystems around Huangyan Island and help reinforce China's legitimate administrative presence in the region. In both environmental and geopolitical terms, the move will have constructive implications.
\n
Huangyan Island has been an inherent part of Chinese territory since ancient times, and China has exercised jurisdiction over the island and its surrounding waters for decades. Establishing a national-level nature reserve is therefore an act of governance, in accordance with domestic laws and regulations.
\n
The establishment of the reserve reaffirms China's sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters. By delineating boundaries and creating functional zones, China is exercising its sovereign rights over the island and its surrounding waters through peaceful and lawful means.
\n
Importantly, China's commitment to protect the marine environment around Huangyan Island is not a recent development. In fact, the establishment of the nature reserve is based on a solid foundation of long-term scientific research, eco-monitoring and proactive management.
\n
An apt example of how China protects the marine environment around the island is the "Investigation and Assessment Report on Marine Ecology and Environment Status of Huangyan Dao" by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Based on extensive surveys and data analyses, the report says Huangyan Island's marine environment is generally in a healthy condition, with good water quality, stable coral reef ecosystems and relatively high biodiversity.
\n
The report not only provided scientific validation for China's previous ecological protection efforts but also laid a solid foundation for more advanced conservation measures, reflecting China's commitment to scientific and transparent governance in sensitive maritime areas.
\n
The establishment of the Huangyan Island nature reserve also advances China's broader ecological policy. China has long viewed the ocean as an essential part of its ecological civilization, a vision anchored in sustainability and scientific management. The coral reefs around Huangyan Island play a vital role not only in preserving biodiversity but also in maintaining the health of fisheries, regulating climate, and protecting coastlines.
\n
Despite that, however, the marine ecosystems face serious threats from illegal fishing, pollution and climate-related stress.
\n
The new reserve is a key government measure toward implementing China's "sustainable blue economy", whose double-zone structure allows for both conservation and controlled scientific research, balancing ecological protection with the need for marine science and resource monitoring.
\n
The move strengthens China's efforts to strengthen marine biodiversity, promote low-carbon maritime industries, and enhance the health of marine ecosystems.
\n
On the global front, the initiative aligns with international frameworks such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Convention on Biological Diversity, while consolidating China's status as a responsible maritime power that fulfills its global commitments, while setting benchmarks for ocean governance.
\n
Also, the Huangyan Island nature reserve has the potential to become a regional cooperation platform. But since the South China Sea has, of late, been characterized by tension, there is a need to urge neighboring countries to shoulder joint responsibility and conduct joint studies to build ecological solidarity. By working together, the countries can turn the reserve into a model for regional collaboration in environmental monitoring, academic exchanges, capacity building, and sustainable resource management.
\n
China looks forward to constructive engagement with neighboring countries and international partners to protect the marine environment and promote sustainable development. China's cooperative spirit shows that it is committed to building a maritime community with a shared future.
\n
Besides, the decision to establish the nature reserve complements the ongoing efforts to advance the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and China's broader support for practical cooperation.
\n
Also, the establishment of the Huangyan Island nature reserve reflects China's strategic transition from being a large maritime nation to a strong maritime power. China's transition, however, is not defined by expansionism, but by its capability to institutionalize ocean governance and provide public goods to the South China Sea region.
\n
At a time when some external forces are continuing to make provocative moves in the South China Sea on the pretext of "freedom of navigation", China is offering an alternative path, a path based on law, conservation and cooperation. In this context, the marine nature reserve is more than a conservation initiative; it reflects China's forward-looking governance, strategic maturity, and use of peaceful means to deal with maritime affairs.
\n
In other words, the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve is a new milestone in China's maritime policy. It is a rational, legal, and forward-looking measure that integrates sovereign responsibility with ecological vision. More importantly, it reflects China's determination to protect the ocean for the benefit of humanity.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
+ "content": "\n
The State Council, China's Cabinet, approved the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve on Sept 10 in what is being hailed as a strategic decision reflecting the country's role as a responsible maritime power, conservator of marine ecology and promoter of regional cooperation.
\n
The Huangyan Island nature reserve's main aim is to safeguard the coral reef ecosystems around Huangyan Island and help reinforce China's legitimate administrative presence in the region. In both environmental and geopolitical terms, the move will have constructive implications.
\n
Huangyan Island has been an inherent part of Chinese territory since ancient times, and China has exercised jurisdiction over the island and its surrounding waters for decades. Establishing a national-level nature reserve is therefore an act of governance, in accordance with domestic laws and regulations.
\n
The establishment of the reserve reaffirms China's sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters. By delineating boundaries and creating functional zones, China is exercising its sovereign rights over the island and its surrounding waters through peaceful and lawful means.
\n
Importantly, China's commitment to protect the marine environment around Huangyan Island is not a recent development. In fact, the establishment of the nature reserve is based on a solid foundation of long-term scientific research, eco-monitoring and proactive management.
\n
An apt example of how China protects the marine environment around the island is the "Investigation and Assessment Report on Marine Ecology and Environment Status of Huangyan Dao" by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Based on extensive surveys and data analyses, the report says Huangyan Island's marine environment is generally in a healthy condition, with good water quality, stable coral reef ecosystems and relatively high biodiversity.
\n
The report not only provided scientific validation for China's previous ecological protection efforts but also laid a solid foundation for more advanced conservation measures, reflecting China's commitment to scientific and transparent governance in sensitive maritime areas.
\n
The establishment of the Huangyan Island nature reserve also advances China's broader ecological policy. China has long viewed the ocean as an essential part of its ecological civilization, a vision anchored in sustainability and scientific management. The coral reefs around Huangyan Island play a vital role not only in preserving biodiversity but also in maintaining the health of fisheries, regulating climate, and protecting coastlines.
\n
Despite that, however, the marine ecosystems face serious threats from illegal fishing, pollution and climate-related stress.
\n
The new reserve is a key government measure toward implementing China's "sustainable blue economy", whose double-zone structure allows for both conservation and controlled scientific research, balancing ecological protection with the need for marine science and resource monitoring.
\n
The move strengthens China's efforts to strengthen marine biodiversity, promote low-carbon maritime industries, and enhance the health of marine ecosystems.
\n
On the global front, the initiative aligns with international frameworks such as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Convention on Biological Diversity, while consolidating China's status as a responsible maritime power that fulfills its global commitments, while setting benchmarks for ocean governance.
\n
Also, the Huangyan Island nature reserve has the potential to become a regional cooperation platform. But since the South China Sea has, of late, been characterized by tension, there is a need to urge neighboring countries to shoulder joint responsibility and conduct joint studies to build ecological solidarity. By working together, the countries can turn the reserve into a model for regional collaboration in environmental monitoring, academic exchanges, capacity building, and sustainable resource management.
\n
China looks forward to constructive engagement with neighboring countries and international partners to protect the marine environment and promote sustainable development. China's cooperative spirit shows that it is committed to building a maritime community with a shared future.
\n
Besides, the decision to establish the nature reserve complements the ongoing efforts to advance the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and China's broader support for practical cooperation.
\n
Also, the establishment of the Huangyan Island nature reserve reflects China's strategic transition from being a large maritime nation to a strong maritime power. China's transition, however, is not defined by expansionism, but by its capability to institutionalize ocean governance and provide public goods to the South China Sea region.
\n
At a time when some external forces are continuing to make provocative moves in the South China Sea on the pretext of "freedom of navigation", China is offering an alternative path, a path based on law, conservation and cooperation. In this context, the marine nature reserve is more than a conservation initiative; it reflects China's forward-looking governance, strategic maturity, and use of peaceful means to deal with maritime affairs.
\n
In other words, the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve is a new milestone in China's maritime policy. It is a rational, legal, and forward-looking measure that integrates sovereign responsibility with ecological vision. More importantly, it reflects China's determination to protect the ocean for the benefit of humanity.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
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+ {
+ "title": "011WORLD/SPEECH - Address by Vice-President Han Zheng at the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit",
+ "description": "
Honorable Leaders,
\n
Distinguished Guests,
\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,
\n
Friends,
\n
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join so many friends, both old and new, for the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS). On behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to first express warm congratulations on the opening of the Expo and the Summit, and extend heartfelt welcome to all distinguished leaders and guests present today.
\n
China and ASEAN countries enjoy geographical proximity, cultural affinity and a long history of friendly exchanges. The vision of building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home put forth by President Xi Jinping in 2021 is a new blueprint that has charted the course for China-ASEAN cooperation. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two sides, the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen in recent years. China considers ASEAN a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and firmly supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. Continued efforts have been made to deepen strategic mutual trust with ASEAN countries, and to foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. China-ASEAN relations have become the most successful and dynamic model of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and a vivid example of the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n
Together we work to ensure a high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We have fully concluded the negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0, and continued to advance regional economic integration and economic and trade cooperation. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods approached $1 trillion, cementing our status as each other's largest trading partner for the fifth consecutive year, and two-way investment exceeded $450 billion in total.
\n
Together we keep expanding areas of cooperation. We have joined hands to build the digital economic partnership and actively advanced new energy cooperation in such areas as wind, hydro and solar power. A host of major signature projects such as railways, bridges and ports, and "small and beautiful" livelihood projects have been successfully implemented.
\n
Together we remain committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning. Vibrant activities under the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges are well underway, cross-border travel has been made easier, and a growing number of people-oriented and relatable activities are building bridges of mutual understanding and friendship, bringing our people closer together.
\n
\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,
\n
Friends,
\n
We live in a world where transformation unseen in a century is accelerating, humanity is facing challenges like never before, and the future of all countries are closely intertwined. Not long ago, China held the solemn commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This is not only a solemn tribute to a monumental legacy, but more importantly a resolute declaration on peaceful development. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to pursue harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation, and take a more proactive attitude and more practical steps to advance the building of the China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region.
\n
First, we need to further synergize development strategies and continue to build a closer community with a shared future. China will take the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026 as an opportunity, and work with ASEAN to better align development strategies and enhance policy communication, carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.
\n
Second, we need to speed up regional openness and cooperation and continue to elevate trade and investment cooperation. China will work with ASEAN to make China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 a success, continue the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, better link up our markets, and enhance hard connectivity of infrastructure and soft connectivity of rules. China will continue to expand import of competitive specialty products from ASEAN countries.
\n
Third, we need to promote the interconnected development of industrial and supply chains and continue to expand cooperation in emerging industries. China will work together with ASEAN countries to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains, further align industrial policies and step up cooperation on industrial parks, so as to build a more stable and smooth regional industrial and supply chain system based on comparative advantages. Following the trend of the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, we need to jointly tap into the cooperation potential in frontier areas like artificial intelligence and deepen cooperation in such fields as digital and green development.
\n
Fourth, we need to increase exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and continue to champion friendship and connection between the people. China will deepen cooperation with ASEAN in such areas as culture, tourism, youth and media, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and further facilitate mutual visits between our peoples to enhance understanding and affinity. We need to continue the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Growth Program and the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue. We need to deliver more projects that enjoy people's support, serve their needs and improve their livelihood, so that China-ASEAN friendship can take a deeper root in people's hearts.
\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,
\n
Friends,
\n
Today, China is striving to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. We will stay committed to providing the world with more opportunities through high-standard opening-up and boosting the common development of all countries through high-quality development. The CAEXPO and CABIS are a grand gathering for promoting friendship and exchanges between China and ASEAN, and also an important platform for advancing regional development and cooperation. I hope you will make good use of this platform to deepen exchanges and cooperation, share opportunities and create a better future.
\n
To conclude, I wish this year's CAEXPO and CABIS a full success.
\n",
+ "content": "
Honorable Leaders,
\n
Distinguished Guests,
\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,
\n
Friends,
\n
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join so many friends, both old and new, for the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS). On behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to first express warm congratulations on the opening of the Expo and the Summit, and extend heartfelt welcome to all distinguished leaders and guests present today.
\n
China and ASEAN countries enjoy geographical proximity, cultural affinity and a long history of friendly exchanges. The vision of building a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home put forth by President Xi Jinping in 2021 is a new blueprint that has charted the course for China-ASEAN cooperation. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two sides, the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen in recent years. China considers ASEAN a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and firmly supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. Continued efforts have been made to deepen strategic mutual trust with ASEAN countries, and to foster a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. China-ASEAN relations have become the most successful and dynamic model of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, and a vivid example of the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
\n
Together we work to ensure a high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We have fully concluded the negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement 3.0, and continued to advance regional economic integration and economic and trade cooperation. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods approached $1 trillion, cementing our status as each other's largest trading partner for the fifth consecutive year, and two-way investment exceeded $450 billion in total.
\n
Together we keep expanding areas of cooperation. We have joined hands to build the digital economic partnership and actively advanced new energy cooperation in such areas as wind, hydro and solar power. A host of major signature projects such as railways, bridges and ports, and "small and beautiful" livelihood projects have been successfully implemented.
\n
Together we remain committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning. Vibrant activities under the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges are well underway, cross-border travel has been made easier, and a growing number of people-oriented and relatable activities are building bridges of mutual understanding and friendship, bringing our people closer together.
\n
\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,
\n
Friends,
\n
We live in a world where transformation unseen in a century is accelerating, humanity is facing challenges like never before, and the future of all countries are closely intertwined. Not long ago, China held the solemn commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This is not only a solemn tribute to a monumental legacy, but more importantly a resolute declaration on peaceful development. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to pursue harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation, and take a more proactive attitude and more practical steps to advance the building of the China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region.
\n
First, we need to further synergize development strategies and continue to build a closer community with a shared future. China will take the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026 as an opportunity, and work with ASEAN to better align development strategies and enhance policy communication, carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.
\n
Second, we need to speed up regional openness and cooperation and continue to elevate trade and investment cooperation. China will work with ASEAN to make China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 a success, continue the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, better link up our markets, and enhance hard connectivity of infrastructure and soft connectivity of rules. China will continue to expand import of competitive specialty products from ASEAN countries.
\n
Third, we need to promote the interconnected development of industrial and supply chains and continue to expand cooperation in emerging industries. China will work together with ASEAN countries to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains, further align industrial policies and step up cooperation on industrial parks, so as to build a more stable and smooth regional industrial and supply chain system based on comparative advantages. Following the trend of the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, we need to jointly tap into the cooperation potential in frontier areas like artificial intelligence and deepen cooperation in such fields as digital and green development.
\n
Fourth, we need to increase exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and continue to champion friendship and connection between the people. China will deepen cooperation with ASEAN in such areas as culture, tourism, youth and media, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and further facilitate mutual visits between our peoples to enhance understanding and affinity. We need to continue the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Growth Program and the China-ASEAN Young Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue. We need to deliver more projects that enjoy people's support, serve their needs and improve their livelihood, so that China-ASEAN friendship can take a deeper root in people's hearts.
\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,
\n
Friends,
\n
Today, China is striving to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. We will stay committed to providing the world with more opportunities through high-standard opening-up and boosting the common development of all countries through high-quality development. The CAEXPO and CABIS are a grand gathering for promoting friendship and exchanges between China and ASEAN, and also an important platform for advancing regional development and cooperation. I hope you will make good use of this platform to deepen exchanges and cooperation, share opportunities and create a better future.
\n
To conclude, I wish this year's CAEXPO and CABIS a full success.
A convoy of Israeli tanks is deployed at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, as the military launches its ground assault on Gaza City, the territory's largest urban center.
\n
BRUSSELS — The European Union on Wednesday proposed curbing trade ties with Israel and sanctioning ministers in its strongest action over the conflict in Gaza, though reluctance from key member states risks blocking the adoption of the measures.
\n
The bloc's executive body, however, said it would take immediate action by freezing some 20 million euros ($23.7 million) in bilateral support for Israel.
\n
The move from the European Commission comes as pressure has mounted on the 27-nation EU to take action against Israel over its devastating, nearly two-year-long offensive in Gaza.
\n
"The horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. "There needs to be an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas."
\n
Under its new proposals, the EU is pressing for suspension of parts of a cooperation deal with Israel that allow for reduced tariffs on goods coming from the country.
\n
Officials say that would affect more than one-third of Israel's exports to the EU, worth around 6 billion euros ($7.11 billion), including key agricultural products such as dates and nuts.
\n
The commission also called for asset freezes and visa bans on farright Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, whose "extremist" rhetoric is blamed for fueling the violence.
\n
Those measures — initially floated by von der Leyen in a keynote speech last week — represent the firmest attempt by the EU chief to pressure Israel.
\n
"Today marks a critical turning point in holding Israel accountable," said Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Harris.
\n
However, opposition from key member states, especially Germany and Italy, means the measures will struggle to gain the backing of enough EU countries to pass.
\n
That reluctance has already stalled a softer proposal to cut funding to Israeli technology startups, much to the ire of a raft of EU countries demanding action.
\n
The European Commission, however, can decide on its own to freeze bilateral support.
\n
Israel has already urged the EU against pushing on with the proposals. "Pressure through sanctions will not work," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote in a letter to von der Leyen.
\n
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas insisted "the aim is not to punish Israel", but to try to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
\n
Saar on Wednesday warned the EU against taking action against Israel.
\n
"The recommendations of the college of Commissioners led by President von der Leyen are morally and politically distorted," Saar wrote on X. "Moves against Israel will harm Europe's own interests."
\n
The push for action within the EU comes as Israel has drawn fresh international condemnation by launching a major ground assault against Gaza City.
\n
The military said on Wednesday it was opening an additional route for 48 hours that Palestinians could use to leave the Gaza Strip's largest urban center.
\n
Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in the city. Many are reluctant to follow Israel's orders to move south because of the dangers along the way, dire conditions, lack of food in the southern area, and fear of permanent displacement.
\n
"Even if we want to leave Gaza City, is there any guarantee we would be able to come back? Will the war ever end?" Ahmed, a school teacher, said by phone. "That's why I prefer to die here, in Sabra, my neighborhood."
\n
At least 40 people were killed across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday in Israel's latest strikes, including 30 in Gaza City, local health authorities said. They also reported a drone attack on a children's hospital, which did not cause casualties but forced young patients and their families outside.
\n",
+ "content": "
A convoy of Israeli tanks is deployed at Israel's border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, as the military launches its ground assault on Gaza City, the territory's largest urban center.
\n
BRUSSELS — The European Union on Wednesday proposed curbing trade ties with Israel and sanctioning ministers in its strongest action over the conflict in Gaza, though reluctance from key member states risks blocking the adoption of the measures.
\n
The bloc's executive body, however, said it would take immediate action by freezing some 20 million euros ($23.7 million) in bilateral support for Israel.
\n
The move from the European Commission comes as pressure has mounted on the 27-nation EU to take action against Israel over its devastating, nearly two-year-long offensive in Gaza.
\n
"The horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis must stop," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. "There needs to be an immediate ceasefire, unrestrained access for all humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas."
\n
Under its new proposals, the EU is pressing for suspension of parts of a cooperation deal with Israel that allow for reduced tariffs on goods coming from the country.
\n
Officials say that would affect more than one-third of Israel's exports to the EU, worth around 6 billion euros ($7.11 billion), including key agricultural products such as dates and nuts.
\n
The commission also called for asset freezes and visa bans on farright Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, whose "extremist" rhetoric is blamed for fueling the violence.
\n
Those measures — initially floated by von der Leyen in a keynote speech last week — represent the firmest attempt by the EU chief to pressure Israel.
\n
"Today marks a critical turning point in holding Israel accountable," said Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Harris.
\n
However, opposition from key member states, especially Germany and Italy, means the measures will struggle to gain the backing of enough EU countries to pass.
\n
That reluctance has already stalled a softer proposal to cut funding to Israeli technology startups, much to the ire of a raft of EU countries demanding action.
\n
The European Commission, however, can decide on its own to freeze bilateral support.
\n
Israel has already urged the EU against pushing on with the proposals. "Pressure through sanctions will not work," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote in a letter to von der Leyen.
\n
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas insisted "the aim is not to punish Israel", but to try to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
\n
Saar on Wednesday warned the EU against taking action against Israel.
\n
"The recommendations of the college of Commissioners led by President von der Leyen are morally and politically distorted," Saar wrote on X. "Moves against Israel will harm Europe's own interests."
\n
The push for action within the EU comes as Israel has drawn fresh international condemnation by launching a major ground assault against Gaza City.
\n
The military said on Wednesday it was opening an additional route for 48 hours that Palestinians could use to leave the Gaza Strip's largest urban center.
\n
Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in the city. Many are reluctant to follow Israel's orders to move south because of the dangers along the way, dire conditions, lack of food in the southern area, and fear of permanent displacement.
\n
"Even if we want to leave Gaza City, is there any guarantee we would be able to come back? Will the war ever end?" Ahmed, a school teacher, said by phone. "That's why I prefer to die here, in Sabra, my neighborhood."
\n
At least 40 people were killed across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday in Israel's latest strikes, including 30 in Gaza City, local health authorities said. They also reported a drone attack on a children's hospital, which did not cause casualties but forced young patients and their families outside.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum (center) takes part in the Independence Day military parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City on Tuesday. She made history by becoming the first female leader to preside over the country's independence day celebrations in 215 years.
\n",
+ "content": "
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum (center) takes part in the Independence Day military parade at Zocalo Square in Mexico City on Tuesday. She made history by becoming the first female leader to preside over the country's independence day celebrations in 215 years.
China has risen to the 10th position in the global innovation ranking for 2025, up one spot from the previous year, marking its first entry into the top 10, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization on Thursday. The Global Innovation Index 2025 report said that China maintains its lead among middle-income economies globally and shows continued strength in research and development spending, high-tech exports and innovation outputs. For the third consecutive year, China hosts the highest number of top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters, with 24 clusters listed in the 2025 index. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first globally for the first time.
\n
UNITED STATES
\n
Kirk shooting suspect may face death penalty
\n
Utah prosecutors vowed on Tuesday to seek the death penalty for the accused assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and revealed new details of the case. The office of Utah County District Attorney Jeffrey Gray charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with seven criminal counts on Tuesday, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for disposing of evidence, and witness tampering for asking his roommate to delete incriminating texts. At a news conference, Gray said he had made the decision to seek the death penalty "independently, based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime".
\n",
+ "content": "
SWITZERLAND
\n
Chinese innovation ranking rises to top 10
\n
China has risen to the 10th position in the global innovation ranking for 2025, up one spot from the previous year, marking its first entry into the top 10, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization on Thursday. The Global Innovation Index 2025 report said that China maintains its lead among middle-income economies globally and shows continued strength in research and development spending, high-tech exports and innovation outputs. For the third consecutive year, China hosts the highest number of top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters, with 24 clusters listed in the 2025 index. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first globally for the first time.
\n
UNITED STATES
\n
Kirk shooting suspect may face death penalty
\n
Utah prosecutors vowed on Tuesday to seek the death penalty for the accused assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and revealed new details of the case. The office of Utah County District Attorney Jeffrey Gray charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with seven criminal counts on Tuesday, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for disposing of evidence, and witness tampering for asking his roommate to delete incriminating texts. At a news conference, Gray said he had made the decision to seek the death penalty "independently, based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime".
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Tuesday issued a rare rebuke of the US over the recent detention of South Korean workers in the state of Georgia, as the two allies remain in a deadlock in trade negotiations.
\n
"Recently, I have come to realize that the United States is no longer the same country that used to cooperate well with many allies and friendly countries," Cho said at a parliamentary session in Seoul, according to Yonhap News Agency.
\n
The remark came in response to questions about the Sept 4 immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia, where over 300 South Korean workers were detained. The crackdown has sparked shock and anger across South Korea, just weeks after President Lee Jaemyung met with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington.
\n
On Monday, South Korea's presidential office said the government is looking into potential human rights violations during the raid and subsequent detentions.
\n
Answering a question about the absence of a joint statement on tariff negotiations after Lee's August summit with Trump, Cho said it was because the statement, if documented as it was at the time, could have included "worrisome content" that might have had significant effects on South Korea's economy.
\n
Although the two countries agreed on July 30 to a framework deal reducing the US import duty rate to 15 percent, negotiations have since stalled.
\n
While Washington announced this week it would impose a 15 percent tariff on Japanese automobiles under a bilateral agreement, tariffs on South Korean auto imports remain at 25 percent — putting the country at a significant disadvantage compared with Japan.
\n
Resolving differences
\n
South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is in Washington until Thursday for talks aimed at finalizing a trade deal, with a key focus on resolving the differences over a $350 billion investment package pledged by Seoul.
\n
Washington is demanding a deal similar to the one with Japan, under which the US is reported to receive direct investment from South Korea on terms it has set and take 90 percent of the returns. Seoul, however, has been calling for "a win-win solution".
\n
Kim Tae-hwang, a professor of international trade at Myongji University in Seoul, said it would be impossible for South Korea to match Japan's terms and invest $350 billion in cash, noting Tokyo's foreign exchange reserves stand at $1.3 trillion — more than triple Seoul's $410 billion.
\n
"How much does the US invest through matching funds? Zero," Kim told China Daily. "Taking 90 percent of the investment is economically unacceptable."
\n
He said that support must be provided to ensure a smooth supply and demand of human resources for South Korea's investment and industrial cooperation with the US, as the US work visa system presents great structural challenges to South Korean professionals.
\n
Unlike South Korea's investment expansion in China, channeling capital into the US is more likely to erode domestic manufacturing jobs and production, Hur Jung, an economics professor at Sogang University in Seoul, warned at a forum on Tuesday.
\n
"When direct investment in China increased rapidly in 2000-10, manufacturing employment in South Korea decreased, but the proportion of manufacturing value-added (goods) actually increased," Hur was quoted by Maeil Business Newspaper as saying.
\n
In contrast, between 2015 and 2024, when foreign direct investment in the US surged, both domestic employment share and value-added contribution of manufacturing declined, Hur said.
\n
kelly@chinadailyapac.com
\n",
+ "content": "\n
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Tuesday issued a rare rebuke of the US over the recent detention of South Korean workers in the state of Georgia, as the two allies remain in a deadlock in trade negotiations.
\n
"Recently, I have come to realize that the United States is no longer the same country that used to cooperate well with many allies and friendly countries," Cho said at a parliamentary session in Seoul, according to Yonhap News Agency.
\n
The remark came in response to questions about the Sept 4 immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia, where over 300 South Korean workers were detained. The crackdown has sparked shock and anger across South Korea, just weeks after President Lee Jaemyung met with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington.
\n
On Monday, South Korea's presidential office said the government is looking into potential human rights violations during the raid and subsequent detentions.
\n
Answering a question about the absence of a joint statement on tariff negotiations after Lee's August summit with Trump, Cho said it was because the statement, if documented as it was at the time, could have included "worrisome content" that might have had significant effects on South Korea's economy.
\n
Although the two countries agreed on July 30 to a framework deal reducing the US import duty rate to 15 percent, negotiations have since stalled.
\n
While Washington announced this week it would impose a 15 percent tariff on Japanese automobiles under a bilateral agreement, tariffs on South Korean auto imports remain at 25 percent — putting the country at a significant disadvantage compared with Japan.
\n
Resolving differences
\n
South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is in Washington until Thursday for talks aimed at finalizing a trade deal, with a key focus on resolving the differences over a $350 billion investment package pledged by Seoul.
\n
Washington is demanding a deal similar to the one with Japan, under which the US is reported to receive direct investment from South Korea on terms it has set and take 90 percent of the returns. Seoul, however, has been calling for "a win-win solution".
\n
Kim Tae-hwang, a professor of international trade at Myongji University in Seoul, said it would be impossible for South Korea to match Japan's terms and invest $350 billion in cash, noting Tokyo's foreign exchange reserves stand at $1.3 trillion — more than triple Seoul's $410 billion.
\n
"How much does the US invest through matching funds? Zero," Kim told China Daily. "Taking 90 percent of the investment is economically unacceptable."
\n
He said that support must be provided to ensure a smooth supply and demand of human resources for South Korea's investment and industrial cooperation with the US, as the US work visa system presents great structural challenges to South Korean professionals.
\n
Unlike South Korea's investment expansion in China, channeling capital into the US is more likely to erode domestic manufacturing jobs and production, Hur Jung, an economics professor at Sogang University in Seoul, warned at a forum on Tuesday.
\n
"When direct investment in China increased rapidly in 2000-10, manufacturing employment in South Korea decreased, but the proportion of manufacturing value-added (goods) actually increased," Hur was quoted by Maeil Business Newspaper as saying.
\n
In contrast, between 2015 and 2024, when foreign direct investment in the US surged, both domestic employment share and value-added contribution of manufacturing declined, Hur said.
Participants in the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference share insights and learn about the latest policy developments and industry trends.
\n
The 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference showcased the latest achievements in the IP sphere and provided a high-level platform for cooperation and exchanges.
\n
Themed "IP in the Digital Age", the event, held in Beijing on Sept 11-12, covered a wide range of topical IP issues, with discussions spanning creation, protection, utilization, services and international cooperation.
\n
Shen Changyu, head of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, stressed a central message for the digital era: technologies and the IP system should empower each other, evolve together and integrate for development.
\n
China highly values the development of the digital economy and technological innovation. The growth of the digital economy cannot be separated from the support of key core technologies, and the digital age has spurred changes in the IP system, Shen said in his address to the conference.
\n
The CNIPA is adapting to the times by continuously improving the protection system in new fields and industries such as big data and artificial intelligence, while leveraging digital technologies to enhance the efficiency of IP governance, he added.
\n
The two-day event drew more than 8,000 participants from government agencies, academia, businesses and international organizations. It featured one main session and 12 breakout sessions, alongside an AI-driven interactive zone, a patent and trademark exhibition, and a geographical indications exhibition.
\n
At the thematic session of "IP Adapting to the Evolving AI Landscape", speakers examined ways to better align AI with the IP system.
\n
Li Jun, deputy director of the National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center, outlined three near-term priorities, specifically strengthening end-to-end innovation capacity with embedded public IP services, accelerating the industrial application of AI to allow IP to more effectively bridge science and market demand, and improving the rules framework for frontier technologies through sustained legislative exploration.
\n
"AI+IP is not only about the future of China's digital economy, it also speaks to our position in global tech competition," said Li Cheng, deputy manager at Intellectual Property Publishing House.
\n
In addition, a concurrent event of the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference took place at the Big Bell Temple AI Pilot Zone in the city's Haidian district on Sept 12. This marks the first time in the CNIPA's 14-year history that the event has been extended to street and township levels.
\n
Representatives from the government, academic institutions, enterprises and the legal sector gathered to share insights on IP transformation in the AI era, aiming to solve IP governance issues for the regional AI industry development.
\n
Interactive zone
\n
The AI-driven interactive zone was open to participants and showcased a range of applications. Baidu's Faxingbao legal assistant — built on Baidu's ERNIE model and a legal-domain knowledge graph — provided conversational answers to frequently asked legal questions and, after multi-round exchanges, could auto-generate draft legal opinions.
\n
Another highlight of the zone was iFLYTEK's Multilingual AI Transparent Screen, which uses a dual-sided transparent display to mirror content on both sides and supports real-time multilingual translation for on-site communication in airports, hotels and metro stations.
\n
Xiaomi's AI Glasses were also a major attraction, which integrate a camera, recording, open-ear audio and a voice assistant, enabling voice control and real-time cross-language transcription with bilingual on-lens captions.
\n
Beijing Chuanhuozhe Artificial Intelligence Technology displayed large unmanned aerial vehicles for pesticide spraying, emergency response and logistics, along with smaller models for light shows and autonomous indoor and tunnel inspections.
\n
Companies including Huawei, Tencent and Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber also presented updates on related patents and core technologies.
\n
GI showcase
\n
Beyond frontier technologies, the conference spotlighted geographical indications as a bridge between regional brands and markets.
\n
The GI program featured product road shows and project matchmaking. IP authorities from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and Jiangxi and Guizhou provinces, as well as the cities of Quzhou and Zhangzhou, partnered with the Guangdong Geographical Indication Association and the Zhanjiang Geographical Indication Association to stage a collective exhibition showcasing 151 GI products from 161 enterprises.
\n
The matchmaking program worked with six platforms — including Oriental Selection and Benlai — with 18 companies featured and 50 letters of intent signed on-site.
\n
A representative of Jingdezhen Chengdexuan Porcelain, one of Jiangxi province's representative GI enterprises, said that during earlier expansions into Germany, Japan and Malaysia, overseas consumers showed limited awareness of individual brands but strong recognition of the Jingdezhen name.
\n
With authorization to use the Jingdezhen porcelain GI, the company said it has found it easier to build trust in international markets, expand high-end clientele, strengthen brand support in trade and attract quality partners — enhancing its bargaining position while sharing the craftsmanship of China's "porcelain capital".
\n
According to Li Feng, director of the IP protection division at the Jiangxi Provincial Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office), Jingdezhen porcelain obtained GI status in 2005, and 34 enterprises have been approved to use it.
\n
"The system creates a legal 'moat' by clarifying origin; confers price premiums and market competitiveness; elevates cultural value and reputation; and, at a strategic level, opens broader market space for enterprises," Li said.
\n
In the tea sector, China Tea (Wuzhou) focusing on Liubao tea said the product, named after Liubao town and shaped by Guangxi's climate and geography, is associated in traditional Chinese medicine with dispelling "dampness".
\n
The company stressed rigorous processes and multiple checks — from raw material procurement through production and sales — to deliver Liubao tea's signature profile: a reddish-brown infusion, full-bodied taste, a mellow, matured character and a distinctive aroma, in line with GI specifications.
\n
As a Guangdong enterprise producing GI products, Enchai Tea said Yingde black tea benefits from the area's basin landform, giving a fresh, brisk taste, while mechanized, standardized production helps keep quality stable.
\n
Sarash Kuang, general manager of Enchai Tea, added that the company will focus on trademark protection and brand operations; work with regulators and third parties against counterfeiting and price irregularities; and uphold GI compliance by using raw materials from core production areas while advancing packaging norms, GI labeling and international market development.
\n
"GI products serve as a 'golden calling card' for regional economies and a driver of rural vitalization, helping cultivate local specialties, lift brand value, increase farmers' incomes and pass on cultural heritage: 'protect one product, drive one industry and benefit local people'," said Chen Jinsong, secretary-general of the Guangdong Geographical Indications Association.
\n
Chen noted that Guangdong counts 226 approved GI products, 150 valid GI trademarks and more than 2,700 authorized users of GI special labels.
\n
wangyuchen@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "\n
Participants in the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference share insights and learn about the latest policy developments and industry trends.
\n
The 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference showcased the latest achievements in the IP sphere and provided a high-level platform for cooperation and exchanges.
\n
Themed "IP in the Digital Age", the event, held in Beijing on Sept 11-12, covered a wide range of topical IP issues, with discussions spanning creation, protection, utilization, services and international cooperation.
\n
Shen Changyu, head of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, stressed a central message for the digital era: technologies and the IP system should empower each other, evolve together and integrate for development.
\n
China highly values the development of the digital economy and technological innovation. The growth of the digital economy cannot be separated from the support of key core technologies, and the digital age has spurred changes in the IP system, Shen said in his address to the conference.
\n
The CNIPA is adapting to the times by continuously improving the protection system in new fields and industries such as big data and artificial intelligence, while leveraging digital technologies to enhance the efficiency of IP governance, he added.
\n
The two-day event drew more than 8,000 participants from government agencies, academia, businesses and international organizations. It featured one main session and 12 breakout sessions, alongside an AI-driven interactive zone, a patent and trademark exhibition, and a geographical indications exhibition.
\n
At the thematic session of "IP Adapting to the Evolving AI Landscape", speakers examined ways to better align AI with the IP system.
\n
Li Jun, deputy director of the National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center, outlined three near-term priorities, specifically strengthening end-to-end innovation capacity with embedded public IP services, accelerating the industrial application of AI to allow IP to more effectively bridge science and market demand, and improving the rules framework for frontier technologies through sustained legislative exploration.
\n
"AI+IP is not only about the future of China's digital economy, it also speaks to our position in global tech competition," said Li Cheng, deputy manager at Intellectual Property Publishing House.
\n
In addition, a concurrent event of the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference took place at the Big Bell Temple AI Pilot Zone in the city's Haidian district on Sept 12. This marks the first time in the CNIPA's 14-year history that the event has been extended to street and township levels.
\n
Representatives from the government, academic institutions, enterprises and the legal sector gathered to share insights on IP transformation in the AI era, aiming to solve IP governance issues for the regional AI industry development.
\n
Interactive zone
\n
The AI-driven interactive zone was open to participants and showcased a range of applications. Baidu's Faxingbao legal assistant — built on Baidu's ERNIE model and a legal-domain knowledge graph — provided conversational answers to frequently asked legal questions and, after multi-round exchanges, could auto-generate draft legal opinions.
\n
Another highlight of the zone was iFLYTEK's Multilingual AI Transparent Screen, which uses a dual-sided transparent display to mirror content on both sides and supports real-time multilingual translation for on-site communication in airports, hotels and metro stations.
\n
Xiaomi's AI Glasses were also a major attraction, which integrate a camera, recording, open-ear audio and a voice assistant, enabling voice control and real-time cross-language transcription with bilingual on-lens captions.
\n
Beijing Chuanhuozhe Artificial Intelligence Technology displayed large unmanned aerial vehicles for pesticide spraying, emergency response and logistics, along with smaller models for light shows and autonomous indoor and tunnel inspections.
\n
Companies including Huawei, Tencent and Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber also presented updates on related patents and core technologies.
\n
GI showcase
\n
Beyond frontier technologies, the conference spotlighted geographical indications as a bridge between regional brands and markets.
\n
The GI program featured product road shows and project matchmaking. IP authorities from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and Jiangxi and Guizhou provinces, as well as the cities of Quzhou and Zhangzhou, partnered with the Guangdong Geographical Indication Association and the Zhanjiang Geographical Indication Association to stage a collective exhibition showcasing 151 GI products from 161 enterprises.
\n
The matchmaking program worked with six platforms — including Oriental Selection and Benlai — with 18 companies featured and 50 letters of intent signed on-site.
\n
A representative of Jingdezhen Chengdexuan Porcelain, one of Jiangxi province's representative GI enterprises, said that during earlier expansions into Germany, Japan and Malaysia, overseas consumers showed limited awareness of individual brands but strong recognition of the Jingdezhen name.
\n
With authorization to use the Jingdezhen porcelain GI, the company said it has found it easier to build trust in international markets, expand high-end clientele, strengthen brand support in trade and attract quality partners — enhancing its bargaining position while sharing the craftsmanship of China's "porcelain capital".
\n
According to Li Feng, director of the IP protection division at the Jiangxi Provincial Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office), Jingdezhen porcelain obtained GI status in 2005, and 34 enterprises have been approved to use it.
\n
"The system creates a legal 'moat' by clarifying origin; confers price premiums and market competitiveness; elevates cultural value and reputation; and, at a strategic level, opens broader market space for enterprises," Li said.
\n
In the tea sector, China Tea (Wuzhou) focusing on Liubao tea said the product, named after Liubao town and shaped by Guangxi's climate and geography, is associated in traditional Chinese medicine with dispelling "dampness".
\n
The company stressed rigorous processes and multiple checks — from raw material procurement through production and sales — to deliver Liubao tea's signature profile: a reddish-brown infusion, full-bodied taste, a mellow, matured character and a distinctive aroma, in line with GI specifications.
\n
As a Guangdong enterprise producing GI products, Enchai Tea said Yingde black tea benefits from the area's basin landform, giving a fresh, brisk taste, while mechanized, standardized production helps keep quality stable.
\n
Sarash Kuang, general manager of Enchai Tea, added that the company will focus on trademark protection and brand operations; work with regulators and third parties against counterfeiting and price irregularities; and uphold GI compliance by using raw materials from core production areas while advancing packaging norms, GI labeling and international market development.
\n
"GI products serve as a 'golden calling card' for regional economies and a driver of rural vitalization, helping cultivate local specialties, lift brand value, increase farmers' incomes and pass on cultural heritage: 'protect one product, drive one industry and benefit local people'," said Chen Jinsong, secretary-general of the Guangdong Geographical Indications Association.
\n
Chen noted that Guangdong counts 226 approved GI products, 150 valid GI trademarks and more than 2,700 authorized users of GI special labels.
At the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference, the focus on IP's role in driving high-quality economic growth provided a platform for companies to share practical experiences in developing effective IP strategies.
\n
Xiaomi Corporation, a prominent player in the global tech industry, for example, has long stressed that building a sustainable, IP-driven economic ecosystem demands collective efforts from all enterprises. To this end, Xiaomi has established a robust IP system that underpins its business expansion and technological innovation.
\n
Liu Zhen, vice-president of legal and international government affairs at Xiaomi, emphasized the company's long-term commitment to IP management.
\n
To support its comprehensive "Human x Car x Home" smart ecosystem strategy, Liu said that Xiaomi has integrated IP nodes into the research and development process, involving IP engineers from project initiation to conducting risk assessments and patent portfolio planning.
\n
This approach not only reduces infringement risks but also builds technical barriers through innovative designs, accelerating patent commercialization in core products such as smartphones, smart electric vehicles, and major home appliances to advance ecological synergy.
\n
In emerging sectors such as augmented and virtual reality and clean energy, Xiaomi adopts tailored IP strategies based on factors like technical maturity and R&D plans. Moreover, it balances "rapid tech iteration" and "early IP protection "through refined management.
\n
"We use Patent Cooperation Treaty applications to extend review cycles for patents, especially standard-essential patents, in slow-evolving fields, and adjust overseas patent portfolios according to local review timelines, ensuring IP protection keeps pace with tech advancements without hindering innovation speed," Liu said.
\n
In addressing international patent disputes, Xiaomi has developed a multidimensional response system, transitioning from "passive defense" to "proactive risk identification" with a comprehensive early warning system.
\n
When litigation arises, "we combine technical countermeasures, legal defenses, and business negotiations", Liu explained. This strategy was evident in its multiple successful patent dispute proceedings.
\n
Besides, Xiaomi places a strong emphasis on talent development. It has established specialized IP teams covering application, analysis, litigation, licensing and acquisition, supported by a talent gradient system that facilitates role rotation and career advancement. This ensures a closed-loop knowledge system from IP creation to litigation, strengthening the execution of its IP strategy.
\n
Notably, Xiaomi's robust IP framework and effective implementation are not overnight achievements, but rather rooted in its continuous investment in R&D. "Since its establishment in 2010, Xiaomi has continuously increased R&D investment in key technology areas," Liu noted.
\n
In 2024 alone, Xiaomi's R&D expenditure surpassed 24 billion yuan ($3.37 billion), with a compound annual growth rate of 27 percent over the past five years. "This has enabled us to build up solid technical capabilities across 12 technological fields and 99 sub-segments," he added.
\n
Xiaomi plans to invest over 200 billion yuan in R&D in the next five years. "We will continue to strengthen the protection of IP rights and innovation in these key business areas," Liu noted.
\n
Additionally, Xiaomi aims to enhance its influence in global IP rules, particularly in 5G SEPs, where it ranked eighth globally in effective patents in 2024, while continuing to invest heavily in next-generation mobile communication technologies.
\n
By advocating for win-win IP partnerships and technology accessibility, Xiaomi strives to contribute to a sustainable IP ecosystem that drives high-quality economic growth, according to the company.
At the 14th China Intellectual Property Annual Conference, the focus on IP's role in driving high-quality economic growth provided a platform for companies to share practical experiences in developing effective IP strategies.
\n
Xiaomi Corporation, a prominent player in the global tech industry, for example, has long stressed that building a sustainable, IP-driven economic ecosystem demands collective efforts from all enterprises. To this end, Xiaomi has established a robust IP system that underpins its business expansion and technological innovation.
\n
Liu Zhen, vice-president of legal and international government affairs at Xiaomi, emphasized the company's long-term commitment to IP management.
\n
To support its comprehensive "Human x Car x Home" smart ecosystem strategy, Liu said that Xiaomi has integrated IP nodes into the research and development process, involving IP engineers from project initiation to conducting risk assessments and patent portfolio planning.
\n
This approach not only reduces infringement risks but also builds technical barriers through innovative designs, accelerating patent commercialization in core products such as smartphones, smart electric vehicles, and major home appliances to advance ecological synergy.
\n
In emerging sectors such as augmented and virtual reality and clean energy, Xiaomi adopts tailored IP strategies based on factors like technical maturity and R&D plans. Moreover, it balances "rapid tech iteration" and "early IP protection "through refined management.
\n
"We use Patent Cooperation Treaty applications to extend review cycles for patents, especially standard-essential patents, in slow-evolving fields, and adjust overseas patent portfolios according to local review timelines, ensuring IP protection keeps pace with tech advancements without hindering innovation speed," Liu said.
\n
In addressing international patent disputes, Xiaomi has developed a multidimensional response system, transitioning from "passive defense" to "proactive risk identification" with a comprehensive early warning system.
\n
When litigation arises, "we combine technical countermeasures, legal defenses, and business negotiations", Liu explained. This strategy was evident in its multiple successful patent dispute proceedings.
\n
Besides, Xiaomi places a strong emphasis on talent development. It has established specialized IP teams covering application, analysis, litigation, licensing and acquisition, supported by a talent gradient system that facilitates role rotation and career advancement. This ensures a closed-loop knowledge system from IP creation to litigation, strengthening the execution of its IP strategy.
\n
Notably, Xiaomi's robust IP framework and effective implementation are not overnight achievements, but rather rooted in its continuous investment in R&D. "Since its establishment in 2010, Xiaomi has continuously increased R&D investment in key technology areas," Liu noted.
\n
In 2024 alone, Xiaomi's R&D expenditure surpassed 24 billion yuan ($3.37 billion), with a compound annual growth rate of 27 percent over the past five years. "This has enabled us to build up solid technical capabilities across 12 technological fields and 99 sub-segments," he added.
\n
Xiaomi plans to invest over 200 billion yuan in R&D in the next five years. "We will continue to strengthen the protection of IP rights and innovation in these key business areas," Liu noted.
\n
Additionally, Xiaomi aims to enhance its influence in global IP rules, particularly in 5G SEPs, where it ranked eighth globally in effective patents in 2024, while continuing to invest heavily in next-generation mobile communication technologies.
\n
By advocating for win-win IP partnerships and technology accessibility, Xiaomi strives to contribute to a sustainable IP ecosystem that drives high-quality economic growth, according to the company.
China successfully launches a new group of low Earth orbit satellites from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan in August.
\n
Hainan province is intensifying efforts to build a comprehensive aerospace industrial cluster at Wenchang international aerospace city, focusing on satellite launches, satellite manufacturing and data chain development, with an ambitious goal to generate 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in revenue from the facility by 2027.
\n
The move is part of China's broader efforts to accelerate the development of satellite communications technology. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently launched a guideline which outlines goals to achieve large-scale application of new models and formats such as direct smartphone-satellite connectivity by 2030, with satellite communication users exceeding 10 million.
\n
Cao Shuyu, mayor of Wenchang, said the city will accelerate the development of a full commercial aerospace chain. Major projects, including a space-themed park, are being planned to position Wenchang as the "Capital of Aerospace Tourism".
\n
As of Wednesday, the satellite super factory, a key supporting project of the aerospace city, was nearing completion. Construction has reached 90 percent of its planned progress and is expected to be delivered by the end of October. Once operational, the facility will provide significant momentum for Hainan's space sector and national space internet infrastructure development, experts said.
\n
At the construction site, the main structure of the factory is already visible. Machinery and engineering vehicles are operating efficiently, with workers diligently advancing the project according to schedule.
\n
In August, the Hainan provincial government issued a three-year plan (2025-27) to develop a modern industrial system with local characteristics and advantages. The plan highlights aerospace as a key sector, outlining measures to foster a full commercial aerospace industry chain and establish Wenchang as a major scientific innovation base for aerospace.
\n
To enhance launch capabilities, Hainan is upgrading its launch site for commercial aerospace and accelerating second-phase construction and supporting facilities. The second phase of the Hainan commercial aerospace launch site began construction in January of this year.
\n
Minsheng Securities said Launch Pads 1 and 2 at the Wenchang launch site will have a combined annual launch capacity of 32 liquid-propellant rocket missions, marking a significant improvement over traditional launch facilities. The analysis also suggests that 2025 and 2026 will be critical years for the debut and validation of new-generation reusable rockets, both from private and State-owned enterprises, potentially marking a true turning point for commercial rocket development.
\n
In satellite manufacturing, the action plan promotes the construction of satellite super factories such as the one in Wenchang. A survey by Orient Securities indicated that major private aerospace companies currently have an annual satellite production capacity of about 300 units, which is expected to expand to 500-600 units in the near future.
\n
In August, the MIIT released a guideline on optimizing market access to promote the development of the satellite communications industry.
\n
Liu Xingliang, a member of the Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy, which is part of the MIIT, said that the guideline has two standout features — setting clear development targets and top-level design up to 2030, and allowing private enterprises to lease satellite resources to develop value-added services, thereby promoting market openness and innovation.
\n
Contact the writers at masi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China successfully launches a new group of low Earth orbit satellites from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan in August.
\n
Hainan province is intensifying efforts to build a comprehensive aerospace industrial cluster at Wenchang international aerospace city, focusing on satellite launches, satellite manufacturing and data chain development, with an ambitious goal to generate 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in revenue from the facility by 2027.
\n
The move is part of China's broader efforts to accelerate the development of satellite communications technology. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently launched a guideline which outlines goals to achieve large-scale application of new models and formats such as direct smartphone-satellite connectivity by 2030, with satellite communication users exceeding 10 million.
\n
Cao Shuyu, mayor of Wenchang, said the city will accelerate the development of a full commercial aerospace chain. Major projects, including a space-themed park, are being planned to position Wenchang as the "Capital of Aerospace Tourism".
\n
As of Wednesday, the satellite super factory, a key supporting project of the aerospace city, was nearing completion. Construction has reached 90 percent of its planned progress and is expected to be delivered by the end of October. Once operational, the facility will provide significant momentum for Hainan's space sector and national space internet infrastructure development, experts said.
\n
At the construction site, the main structure of the factory is already visible. Machinery and engineering vehicles are operating efficiently, with workers diligently advancing the project according to schedule.
\n
In August, the Hainan provincial government issued a three-year plan (2025-27) to develop a modern industrial system with local characteristics and advantages. The plan highlights aerospace as a key sector, outlining measures to foster a full commercial aerospace industry chain and establish Wenchang as a major scientific innovation base for aerospace.
\n
To enhance launch capabilities, Hainan is upgrading its launch site for commercial aerospace and accelerating second-phase construction and supporting facilities. The second phase of the Hainan commercial aerospace launch site began construction in January of this year.
\n
Minsheng Securities said Launch Pads 1 and 2 at the Wenchang launch site will have a combined annual launch capacity of 32 liquid-propellant rocket missions, marking a significant improvement over traditional launch facilities. The analysis also suggests that 2025 and 2026 will be critical years for the debut and validation of new-generation reusable rockets, both from private and State-owned enterprises, potentially marking a true turning point for commercial rocket development.
\n
In satellite manufacturing, the action plan promotes the construction of satellite super factories such as the one in Wenchang. A survey by Orient Securities indicated that major private aerospace companies currently have an annual satellite production capacity of about 300 units, which is expected to expand to 500-600 units in the near future.
\n
In August, the MIIT released a guideline on optimizing market access to promote the development of the satellite communications industry.
\n
Liu Xingliang, a member of the Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy, which is part of the MIIT, said that the guideline has two standout features — setting clear development targets and top-level design up to 2030, and allowing private enterprises to lease satellite resources to develop value-added services, thereby promoting market openness and innovation.
A shunting staff member from Quwo Railway Station in Shanxi province guides a new recruit during a mentor-apprentice system to elevate new employees' safety awareness and hands-on competence. Prioritizing safety is the lifeline of railway operations, with the station tapping the "pass-it-on" role of veteran workers to hand practical skills down to new employees, allowing them to adapt swiftly to professionalism.
\n",
+ "content": "
A shunting staff member from Quwo Railway Station in Shanxi province guides a new recruit during a mentor-apprentice system to elevate new employees' safety awareness and hands-on competence. Prioritizing safety is the lifeline of railway operations, with the station tapping the "pass-it-on" role of veteran workers to hand practical skills down to new employees, allowing them to adapt swiftly to professionalism.
Global pharmaceutical leader Novartis will deepen its investment in China, buoyed by an accelerating innovation ecosystem and regulatory reforms in the country, two senior executives said.
\n
During a recent interview with China Daily, Shreeram Aradhye, president of development and chief medical officer, and Patrick Horber, president of its international unit, expressed strong confidence in the Chinese market and emphasized the company's commitment to local collaboration in research, development, and commercialization.
\n
"The world now sees China as not only a fast follower to other innovation, but also a source of new ideas and first-in-class molecules," Aradhye said.
\n
In the past year, the country accounted for around one-third of global biotech deals, he said.
\n
In particular, Aradhye noted "increasing progress" at all levels of the innovation supply chain in China — "whether it's finding molecules, whether it's doing the early work for defining their biology and then participation in clinical trials across a breadth of therapeutic areas".
\n
This positive sentiment aligns with recent policy and market trends.
\n
On Sept 11, China's National Medical Products Administration unveiled a new policy measure, cutting the maximal clinical trial review waiting period for key innovative medicines to 30 working days, from 60 working days previously.
\n
According to Morgan Stanley Research, annual revenue from drugs originating in China could jump to an estimated $34 billion by 2030 and $220 billion by 2040, and China is projected to account for 35 percent of approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration by 2040, up from only 5 percent currently.
\n
Chinese biotech companies are increasingly developing novel drugs in areas of high value, including treatments for cancer, diabetes and obesity. Global pharmaceutical companies may look for licensing partnerships in China to supplement their drug portfolios, the research facility said.
\n
Thanks to the speed and quality gains stemming from ecosystem advances and government efforts to accelerate clinical trial application approvals, Novartis' collaborations with local partners in China have become much more productive, Aradhye said.
\n
"Because of the innovation, (and) received priority review, just this year so far, we have had nine new approvals, either new products or new indications," the executive said, adding that more than 100 clinical trials are ongoing for Novartis in China.
\n
Horber, meanwhile, noted the company's long-term strategic focus on China.
\n
China, its second-biggest market after the United States, is not only an expanding market for the company's products, but also as a source of collaboration for new innovation, he said.
\n
To capitalize on this momentum, Novartis has intensified its local partnerships.
\n
For instance, the company has deepened its collaboration with Beijing Anzhen Hospital, including conducting workshops that explain siRNA technology, or small interfering RNA technology, and its role in reducing cardiovascular risk.
\n
It has also licensed innovations from Chinese biotech firms, like the siRNA technology from Shanghai-based Argo Biopharma.
\n
SiRNA technology is a method that uses short, double-stranded RNA molecules to silence harmful genes without changing DNA permanently, thereby helping to stop diseases from spreading or causing damage.
\n
"Looking into the future, we see here (in China) significant potential to further collaborate on the one hand with policymakers, and on the other, probably even more important, being an innovative pharmaceutical company, to really collaborate as well here with the biotech cluster, which you see is growing and creating innovation," Horber said.
\n
"If I look into our investments in China, the first thing is really to focus on our four core therapeutic areas, thus bringing innovation here to patients in China as a valued and trusted healthcare partner. And almost simultaneously, we're bringing innovation (from China) as well into other geographies, either Europe or the United States."
\n
During the first half of the year, Novartis registered $2.2 billion in revenue in China, a growth of 8 percent year-on-year.
\n
liuzhihua@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Global pharmaceutical leader Novartis will deepen its investment in China, buoyed by an accelerating innovation ecosystem and regulatory reforms in the country, two senior executives said.
\n
During a recent interview with China Daily, Shreeram Aradhye, president of development and chief medical officer, and Patrick Horber, president of its international unit, expressed strong confidence in the Chinese market and emphasized the company's commitment to local collaboration in research, development, and commercialization.
\n
"The world now sees China as not only a fast follower to other innovation, but also a source of new ideas and first-in-class molecules," Aradhye said.
\n
In the past year, the country accounted for around one-third of global biotech deals, he said.
\n
In particular, Aradhye noted "increasing progress" at all levels of the innovation supply chain in China — "whether it's finding molecules, whether it's doing the early work for defining their biology and then participation in clinical trials across a breadth of therapeutic areas".
\n
This positive sentiment aligns with recent policy and market trends.
\n
On Sept 11, China's National Medical Products Administration unveiled a new policy measure, cutting the maximal clinical trial review waiting period for key innovative medicines to 30 working days, from 60 working days previously.
\n
According to Morgan Stanley Research, annual revenue from drugs originating in China could jump to an estimated $34 billion by 2030 and $220 billion by 2040, and China is projected to account for 35 percent of approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration by 2040, up from only 5 percent currently.
\n
Chinese biotech companies are increasingly developing novel drugs in areas of high value, including treatments for cancer, diabetes and obesity. Global pharmaceutical companies may look for licensing partnerships in China to supplement their drug portfolios, the research facility said.
\n
Thanks to the speed and quality gains stemming from ecosystem advances and government efforts to accelerate clinical trial application approvals, Novartis' collaborations with local partners in China have become much more productive, Aradhye said.
\n
"Because of the innovation, (and) received priority review, just this year so far, we have had nine new approvals, either new products or new indications," the executive said, adding that more than 100 clinical trials are ongoing for Novartis in China.
\n
Horber, meanwhile, noted the company's long-term strategic focus on China.
\n
China, its second-biggest market after the United States, is not only an expanding market for the company's products, but also as a source of collaboration for new innovation, he said.
\n
To capitalize on this momentum, Novartis has intensified its local partnerships.
\n
For instance, the company has deepened its collaboration with Beijing Anzhen Hospital, including conducting workshops that explain siRNA technology, or small interfering RNA technology, and its role in reducing cardiovascular risk.
\n
It has also licensed innovations from Chinese biotech firms, like the siRNA technology from Shanghai-based Argo Biopharma.
\n
SiRNA technology is a method that uses short, double-stranded RNA molecules to silence harmful genes without changing DNA permanently, thereby helping to stop diseases from spreading or causing damage.
\n
"Looking into the future, we see here (in China) significant potential to further collaborate on the one hand with policymakers, and on the other, probably even more important, being an innovative pharmaceutical company, to really collaborate as well here with the biotech cluster, which you see is growing and creating innovation," Horber said.
\n
"If I look into our investments in China, the first thing is really to focus on our four core therapeutic areas, thus bringing innovation here to patients in China as a valued and trusted healthcare partner. And almost simultaneously, we're bringing innovation (from China) as well into other geographies, either Europe or the United States."
\n
During the first half of the year, Novartis registered $2.2 billion in revenue in China, a growth of 8 percent year-on-year.
China is doubling down on artificial intelligence as a pillar of industrial modernization, spurring AI startups like Fabarta to leverage data-driven technologies to help firms unlock the value of data and sharpen competitiveness.
\n
The State Council has unveiled its most detailed road map yet to deeply implement the "AI Plus "initiative. It calls for priority and stronger infrastructure to integrate AI across sectors from chemicals to finance.
\n
Gao Xuefeng, founder and CEO of Beijing-based AI company Fabarta, said: "While interest in AI is at a peak, most enterprises are failing to capitalize on their own information assets."
\n
He made the remarks on the sidelines of the China International Fair for Trade in Services that concluded in Beijing last week.
\n
"Enterprises feel unprecedented urgency to deploy AI or risk losing competitiveness, but fragmented data remain the biggest bottleneck," he said.
\n
To address such bottlenecks, the company has developed a cloud-edge-terminal architecture that helps firms make practical use of the vast data they already generate but rarely analyze.
\n
Gao said that it has already built more than 30 industrial AI applications for over 30 State-owned and leading companies in sectors including chemicals, manufacturing, energy and finance.
\n
One platform, developed with Sinochem, integrates knowledge engines and domain-specific models to improve document recognition accuracy to 99.2 percent and cut response times for digital operations manuals to under half a second, he added.
\n
The approach reflects Beijing's broader aim of shifting from consumer-facing applications of AI toward embedding it deeper in production, logistics and enterprise services.
\n
Industry experts argue that generative AI, or AIGC, can underpin "intelligent agents" that transform how industries operate, provided data bottlenecks can be resolved.
\n
Fabarta is promoting what it calls a three-step strategy: co-developing high-value use cases with industry leaders; replicating proven applications for smaller firms through cloud deployment; and eventually bringing lightweight personal AI agents to consumers.
\n
That strategy, according to Ge Shuang, co-founder and chief operating officer of Fabarta, is designed to "make AI accessible to companies of all sizes".
\n
Ge said: "Large State-owned firms want platforms that can handle multiple scenarios, such as predictive maintenance tools for factory workers.
\n
"But small and medium-sized enterprises often lack resources. For them, lightweight AI agents that replicate the capabilities of industry leaders can deliver fast, cost-effective results," she noted.
\n
To address that demand, Fabarta has rolled out three tiers of its "cloud-edge-terminal" service, tailored to different scales of enterprise operations. The company said the model has helped it triple revenue growth this year.
\n
Fabarta is expanding its reach abroad. Through a subsidiary, it has built cross-border AI agents that handle Customs clearance, tax refunds and compliance tasks.
\n
In partnership with ByteDance, it has developed multilingual processing tools that it says improve efficiency in handling Customs documents by 60 percent.
\n
The company is not limiting itself to enterprises. In July, it launched a personal AI assistant for writing, translation and data analysis. The product runs primarily on local devices but can tap cloud resources when necessary, a hybrid design that Gao said balances efficiency with privacy.
\n
"AI is not here to replace people, but to free them," Gao said. "Our goal is for every individual, every organization and every industry to have its own intelligent partner."
\n
Gao acknowledged that challenges still remain, but argued that a "data-centered" approach is the best path forward. "Models will continue to evolve, but without high-quality data and industry-specific knowledge, they remain generic," he said.
\n
For Fabarta, that means embedding itself into the full value chain of clients, from research and production to supply and after-sales service.
\n
chengyu@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Gao Xuefeng
\n
China is doubling down on artificial intelligence as a pillar of industrial modernization, spurring AI startups like Fabarta to leverage data-driven technologies to help firms unlock the value of data and sharpen competitiveness.
\n
The State Council has unveiled its most detailed road map yet to deeply implement the "AI Plus "initiative. It calls for priority and stronger infrastructure to integrate AI across sectors from chemicals to finance.
\n
Gao Xuefeng, founder and CEO of Beijing-based AI company Fabarta, said: "While interest in AI is at a peak, most enterprises are failing to capitalize on their own information assets."
\n
He made the remarks on the sidelines of the China International Fair for Trade in Services that concluded in Beijing last week.
\n
"Enterprises feel unprecedented urgency to deploy AI or risk losing competitiveness, but fragmented data remain the biggest bottleneck," he said.
\n
To address such bottlenecks, the company has developed a cloud-edge-terminal architecture that helps firms make practical use of the vast data they already generate but rarely analyze.
\n
Gao said that it has already built more than 30 industrial AI applications for over 30 State-owned and leading companies in sectors including chemicals, manufacturing, energy and finance.
\n
One platform, developed with Sinochem, integrates knowledge engines and domain-specific models to improve document recognition accuracy to 99.2 percent and cut response times for digital operations manuals to under half a second, he added.
\n
The approach reflects Beijing's broader aim of shifting from consumer-facing applications of AI toward embedding it deeper in production, logistics and enterprise services.
\n
Industry experts argue that generative AI, or AIGC, can underpin "intelligent agents" that transform how industries operate, provided data bottlenecks can be resolved.
\n
Fabarta is promoting what it calls a three-step strategy: co-developing high-value use cases with industry leaders; replicating proven applications for smaller firms through cloud deployment; and eventually bringing lightweight personal AI agents to consumers.
\n
That strategy, according to Ge Shuang, co-founder and chief operating officer of Fabarta, is designed to "make AI accessible to companies of all sizes".
\n
Ge said: "Large State-owned firms want platforms that can handle multiple scenarios, such as predictive maintenance tools for factory workers.
\n
"But small and medium-sized enterprises often lack resources. For them, lightweight AI agents that replicate the capabilities of industry leaders can deliver fast, cost-effective results," she noted.
\n
To address that demand, Fabarta has rolled out three tiers of its "cloud-edge-terminal" service, tailored to different scales of enterprise operations. The company said the model has helped it triple revenue growth this year.
\n
Fabarta is expanding its reach abroad. Through a subsidiary, it has built cross-border AI agents that handle Customs clearance, tax refunds and compliance tasks.
\n
In partnership with ByteDance, it has developed multilingual processing tools that it says improve efficiency in handling Customs documents by 60 percent.
\n
The company is not limiting itself to enterprises. In July, it launched a personal AI assistant for writing, translation and data analysis. The product runs primarily on local devices but can tap cloud resources when necessary, a hybrid design that Gao said balances efficiency with privacy.
\n
"AI is not here to replace people, but to free them," Gao said. "Our goal is for every individual, every organization and every industry to have its own intelligent partner."
\n
Gao acknowledged that challenges still remain, but argued that a "data-centered" approach is the best path forward. "Models will continue to evolve, but without high-quality data and industry-specific knowledge, they remain generic," he said.
\n
For Fabarta, that means embedding itself into the full value chain of clients, from research and production to supply and after-sales service.
The Agricultural Development Bank of China has issued loans of over 120 billion yuan ($16.9 billion) to the country's seed industry since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), according to the bank.
\n
The loans have provided policy-backed financial support to tackle bottlenecks in germplasm resources and advance the seed industry's sci-tech self-reliance, the bank said.
\n
It noted that since the beginning of the five-year period, local branches of the ADBC have assessed the financing needs of industrial parks, research institutes and leading seed companies in their respective regions, and have made full use of credit and investment instruments to ensure that financial support fully meets local needs.
\n
The ADBC also manages a modern seed industry development fund, which was established in 2013 and focuses on seed-breeding technological innovation, translating research outcomes into practice and building seed industry bases.
\n
By late June this year, the fund had invested about 3.7 billion yuan.
\n
The policy bank said it will continue to deepen cooperation with government departments, research institutes and enterprises to advance the development of China's seed industry.
\n
Established in 1994, the ADBC is the only agricultural policy bank in China under the direct leadership of the State Council.
\n",
+ "content": "
The Agricultural Development Bank of China has issued loans of over 120 billion yuan ($16.9 billion) to the country's seed industry since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), according to the bank.
\n
The loans have provided policy-backed financial support to tackle bottlenecks in germplasm resources and advance the seed industry's sci-tech self-reliance, the bank said.
\n
It noted that since the beginning of the five-year period, local branches of the ADBC have assessed the financing needs of industrial parks, research institutes and leading seed companies in their respective regions, and have made full use of credit and investment instruments to ensure that financial support fully meets local needs.
\n
The ADBC also manages a modern seed industry development fund, which was established in 2013 and focuses on seed-breeding technological innovation, translating research outcomes into practice and building seed industry bases.
\n
By late June this year, the fund had invested about 3.7 billion yuan.
\n
The policy bank said it will continue to deepen cooperation with government departments, research institutes and enterprises to advance the development of China's seed industry.
\n
Established in 1994, the ADBC is the only agricultural policy bank in China under the direct leadership of the State Council.
Chinese power operators have introduced new measures to better protect power facilities and help enterprises follow energy laws. In the prefecture-level city of Chuzhou in East China's Anhui province, local power workers joined the Chuzhou high-tech zone administrative committee in forming a legal-affairs task force, conducting "rule-of-law checks" on 22 companies installing new-energy generation facilities in Tianchang. In 19 other companies without new-energy installations, staff members of State Grid Tianchang offered an on-site micro class to brief workers on national energy security issues. During the visits, the employees also helped enterprises identify and rectify six safety hazards and provided power-optimization recommendations to lower electricity costs.
\n
Yuan strengthens against greenback
\n
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 14 pips to 7.1013 against the US dollar on Wednesday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System. In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day. The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day.
\n
Chinese mainland shares close higher
\n
Chinese mainland stocks closed higher on Wednesday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 0.37 percent to 3876.34 points. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 1.16 percent higher at 13215.46 points. The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, gained 1.95 percent to close at 3147.35 points.
\n",
+ "content": "
Local grid enhances power protection
\n
Chinese power operators have introduced new measures to better protect power facilities and help enterprises follow energy laws. In the prefecture-level city of Chuzhou in East China's Anhui province, local power workers joined the Chuzhou high-tech zone administrative committee in forming a legal-affairs task force, conducting "rule-of-law checks" on 22 companies installing new-energy generation facilities in Tianchang. In 19 other companies without new-energy installations, staff members of State Grid Tianchang offered an on-site micro class to brief workers on national energy security issues. During the visits, the employees also helped enterprises identify and rectify six safety hazards and provided power-optimization recommendations to lower electricity costs.
\n
Yuan strengthens against greenback
\n
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 14 pips to 7.1013 against the US dollar on Wednesday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System. In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day. The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day.
\n
Chinese mainland shares close higher
\n
Chinese mainland stocks closed higher on Wednesday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index up 0.37 percent to 3876.34 points. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 1.16 percent higher at 13215.46 points. The ChiNext Index, tracking China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, gained 1.95 percent to close at 3147.35 points.
China has rolled out a new policy package to further drive growth in services consumption.
\n
Services consumption for better life quality is thriving in the country, while emerging types of services consumption are demonstrating broad prospects for expansion, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.
\n
The new guideline, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments, listed 19 measures to drive further growth in services consumption, a key orientation for advancing the improvement of people's well-being and for the transformation and upgrading of consumption, it said.
\n
China plans to further expand the scope of its unilateral visa-free policies to more countries in an orderly manner while continuously refining visa policies for foreign nationals traveling to China, the guideline said.
\n
The country will also boost facilitation measures in communication, accommodation and payment options to attract more overseas visitors, extend five-year multiple-entry visas to more eligible foreign nationals, and draw more international students to study in the country, the guideline said.
\n
"Generally speaking, inbound consumption constitutes one of the largest deficits in trade in services, accounting for an average of 2 percent to 3 percent of GDP. The proportion of China's inbound consumption in its GDP is less than 0.5 percent, which also means there is still significant room for growth," said Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, during a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday.
\n
He added that in formulating these policy measures, the primary goal is to expand services consumption, with focused efforts to address the bottlenecks and challenges that constrain its development.
\n
In April, China unveiled a set of measures to further optimize the departure tax refund policy for eligible overseas visitors, leading to the continuous release of inbound consumption potential.
\n
In the first half of this year, the number of foreign nationals arriving at ports nationwide exceeded 19 million, up 30 percent year-on-year. Among these, 13.64 million people entered through visa-free policies, a growth of 54 percent year-on-year, according to the National Immigration Administration.
\n
As of August, China operated over 10,000 tax refund stores nationwide, three times the number recorded at the end of last year. The Ministry of Commerce noted that in the first eight months, the number of travelers who claimed departure tax refunds surged 248 percent year-on-year, while the value of tax-refundable sales jumped 98 percent year-on-year.
\n
"A growing number of traditional and popular domestic brands are joining the ranks of tax refund services in China, offering immediate tax refunds upon purchase for eligible international visitors, which have been highly favored by inbound visitors," Sheng said.
\n
In addition, the country will step up the international promotion of its cultural and tourism resources, tap into the strengths of traditional cultural resources like diverse cuisines, traditional Chinese medicine, and cultural relics, and encourage travel agencies and online travel platforms to launch more featured tour routes suitable for foreign visitors.
\n
In the Government Work Report delivered in March, boosting consumption was listed as a top priority among this year's major tasks.
\n
Meanwhile, the government will advance efforts to upgrade the quality and expand the supply of services consumption. The guideline also noted that China will accelerate the application of artificial intelligence in services consumption and other sectors, empowering services enterprises of all sizes.
\n
"We will further promote the integration of online and offline consumption, and encourage enterprises to create new consumption scenarios, enrich new consumption experiences and tap into new consumption demand," said Wu Yuetao, director of the department of income distribution and consumption at the National Development and Reform Commission.
\n
China will enhance quality across various services sectors. The development of integrated industry-education training bases and public training bases will be promoted to boost the supply of highly skilled services professionals.
\n
The country will also refine sound incentive and punishment mechanisms for trustworthiness in key sectors including child care, elderly care, household services and tourism, thereby offering consumers greater peace of mind, the guideline said.
\n
zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "\n
China has rolled out a new policy package to further drive growth in services consumption.
\n
Services consumption for better life quality is thriving in the country, while emerging types of services consumption are demonstrating broad prospects for expansion, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.
\n
The new guideline, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments, listed 19 measures to drive further growth in services consumption, a key orientation for advancing the improvement of people's well-being and for the transformation and upgrading of consumption, it said.
\n
China plans to further expand the scope of its unilateral visa-free policies to more countries in an orderly manner while continuously refining visa policies for foreign nationals traveling to China, the guideline said.
\n
The country will also boost facilitation measures in communication, accommodation and payment options to attract more overseas visitors, extend five-year multiple-entry visas to more eligible foreign nationals, and draw more international students to study in the country, the guideline said.
\n
"Generally speaking, inbound consumption constitutes one of the largest deficits in trade in services, accounting for an average of 2 percent to 3 percent of GDP. The proportion of China's inbound consumption in its GDP is less than 0.5 percent, which also means there is still significant room for growth," said Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, during a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday.
\n
He added that in formulating these policy measures, the primary goal is to expand services consumption, with focused efforts to address the bottlenecks and challenges that constrain its development.
\n
In April, China unveiled a set of measures to further optimize the departure tax refund policy for eligible overseas visitors, leading to the continuous release of inbound consumption potential.
\n
In the first half of this year, the number of foreign nationals arriving at ports nationwide exceeded 19 million, up 30 percent year-on-year. Among these, 13.64 million people entered through visa-free policies, a growth of 54 percent year-on-year, according to the National Immigration Administration.
\n
As of August, China operated over 10,000 tax refund stores nationwide, three times the number recorded at the end of last year. The Ministry of Commerce noted that in the first eight months, the number of travelers who claimed departure tax refunds surged 248 percent year-on-year, while the value of tax-refundable sales jumped 98 percent year-on-year.
\n
"A growing number of traditional and popular domestic brands are joining the ranks of tax refund services in China, offering immediate tax refunds upon purchase for eligible international visitors, which have been highly favored by inbound visitors," Sheng said.
\n
In addition, the country will step up the international promotion of its cultural and tourism resources, tap into the strengths of traditional cultural resources like diverse cuisines, traditional Chinese medicine, and cultural relics, and encourage travel agencies and online travel platforms to launch more featured tour routes suitable for foreign visitors.
\n
In the Government Work Report delivered in March, boosting consumption was listed as a top priority among this year's major tasks.
\n
Meanwhile, the government will advance efforts to upgrade the quality and expand the supply of services consumption. The guideline also noted that China will accelerate the application of artificial intelligence in services consumption and other sectors, empowering services enterprises of all sizes.
\n
"We will further promote the integration of online and offline consumption, and encourage enterprises to create new consumption scenarios, enrich new consumption experiences and tap into new consumption demand," said Wu Yuetao, director of the department of income distribution and consumption at the National Development and Reform Commission.
\n
China will enhance quality across various services sectors. The development of integrated industry-education training bases and public training bases will be promoted to boost the supply of highly skilled services professionals.
\n
The country will also refine sound incentive and punishment mechanisms for trustworthiness in key sectors including child care, elderly care, household services and tourism, thereby offering consumers greater peace of mind, the guideline said.
Foreign visitors gather at the 26th Sign China, an annual international trade fair for visual communication, advertising technology and digital signage, in Shanghai on Wednesday. The three-day event features potential buyers from over 100 economies and about 800 exhibitors from across the globe showcasing digital signage, lighting and production equipment.
Foreign visitors gather at the 26th Sign China, an annual international trade fair for visual communication, advertising technology and digital signage, in Shanghai on Wednesday. The three-day event features potential buyers from over 100 economies and about 800 exhibitors from across the globe showcasing digital signage, lighting and production equipment.
Executives from Hesai Group attend the company's listing ceremony at the Hong Kong bourse on Tuesday.
\n
The Hong Kong equity market has demonstrated notable resilience in recent quarters, with average daily turnover for the first eight months of 2025 surging to HK$248.3 billion ($32 billion), a 132 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
\n
Experts remain upbeat about the market's prospects and have forecast continued upward momentum, as more companies seek Hong Kong listings to enhance their global growth exposure.
\n
Data from Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing showed that market capitalization at the end of August jumped 47 percent year-on-year to HK$46.6 trillion. In the first eight months, 59 initial public offerings debuted in the city, raising HK$134.5 billion, a 579 percent increase over the same period last year.
\n
The robust performances have prompted investment banks to revise their outlook.
\n
Last week, multinational banking services provider Citi adjusted its year-end target for the benchmark Hang Seng Index by 7 percent — from 25,000 to 26,800 points — while projecting 27,500 for the end of June 2026 and 28,800 for December the same year.
\n
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp also upgraded its year-end target for the HSI to 27,010.
\n
Mofiz Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association, said the upward adjustments reflect expectations of a continuing economic recovery, improved corporate earnings and returning capital flows.
\n
China's attractiveness remains a key driver behind the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's buoyant market, as a significant amount of overseas capital, including funds from the Middle East and Europe, has flowed into the SAR for investment in Chinese mainland companies, he added.
\n
Several new IPOs in the city have drawn substantial capital from overseas cornerstone investors, particularly those from the Middle East.
\n
For example, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co, a Chinese mainland manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, which launched its IPO in May, secured investment from Kuwait Investment Authority, a sovereign wealth fund based in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait.
\n
Christopher Ma Pak-chi, partner in corporate and commercial practice at global law firm Simmons &Simmons, highlighted Hong Kong's role as a leading international financial center, describing it as "attractive" for many Middle Eastern institutions seeking to expand their presence in Asia.
\n
"Hong Kong's established and robust financial ecosystem, coupled with its strategic location as a gateway to the Chinese mainland as well as Southeast Asia, makes it an attractive destination," Ma said.
\n
Speaking at a seminar last week, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the city's comprehensive financing ecosystem, which supports enterprises at every stage of development.
\n
"Whether it is angel investment, venture capital, private equity, securities or bank loans, Hong Kong can connect global capital with enterprises, supporting their growth on all fronts and at all levels," Chan said.
\n
Hong Kong stocks surged on Wednesday, with the benchmark HSI adding nearly 470 points to close at 26,908.39.
\n
gabylin@chinadailyhk.com
\n",
+ "content": "
Executives from Hesai Group attend the company's listing ceremony at the Hong Kong bourse on Tuesday.
\n
The Hong Kong equity market has demonstrated notable resilience in recent quarters, with average daily turnover for the first eight months of 2025 surging to HK$248.3 billion ($32 billion), a 132 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
\n
Experts remain upbeat about the market's prospects and have forecast continued upward momentum, as more companies seek Hong Kong listings to enhance their global growth exposure.
\n
Data from Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing showed that market capitalization at the end of August jumped 47 percent year-on-year to HK$46.6 trillion. In the first eight months, 59 initial public offerings debuted in the city, raising HK$134.5 billion, a 579 percent increase over the same period last year.
\n
The robust performances have prompted investment banks to revise their outlook.
\n
Last week, multinational banking services provider Citi adjusted its year-end target for the benchmark Hang Seng Index by 7 percent — from 25,000 to 26,800 points — while projecting 27,500 for the end of June 2026 and 28,800 for December the same year.
\n
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp also upgraded its year-end target for the HSI to 27,010.
\n
Mofiz Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association, said the upward adjustments reflect expectations of a continuing economic recovery, improved corporate earnings and returning capital flows.
\n
China's attractiveness remains a key driver behind the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's buoyant market, as a significant amount of overseas capital, including funds from the Middle East and Europe, has flowed into the SAR for investment in Chinese mainland companies, he added.
\n
Several new IPOs in the city have drawn substantial capital from overseas cornerstone investors, particularly those from the Middle East.
\n
For example, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co, a Chinese mainland manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, which launched its IPO in May, secured investment from Kuwait Investment Authority, a sovereign wealth fund based in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait.
\n
Christopher Ma Pak-chi, partner in corporate and commercial practice at global law firm Simmons &Simmons, highlighted Hong Kong's role as a leading international financial center, describing it as "attractive" for many Middle Eastern institutions seeking to expand their presence in Asia.
\n
"Hong Kong's established and robust financial ecosystem, coupled with its strategic location as a gateway to the Chinese mainland as well as Southeast Asia, makes it an attractive destination," Ma said.
\n
Speaking at a seminar last week, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the city's comprehensive financing ecosystem, which supports enterprises at every stage of development.
\n
"Whether it is angel investment, venture capital, private equity, securities or bank loans, Hong Kong can connect global capital with enterprises, supporting their growth on all fronts and at all levels," Chan said.
\n
Hong Kong stocks surged on Wednesday, with the benchmark HSI adding nearly 470 points to close at 26,908.39.
Pearson Plc is doubling down on China as a growth market, striking a series of new agreements to expand digital education, vocational training and lifelong learning.
\n
The education specialist sees rising demand in the country for English proficiency combined with technical skills — from artificial intelligence to art and design — and has accordingly developed more micro courses and assessments to improve learner experiences.
\n
"China is a key market for Pearson, and we believe it has significant growth potential," said Sharon Hague, president of Pearson English Language Learning and CEO of Pearson UK.
\n
Pearson's pillar businesses include assessment and qualification, virtual learning, higher education, English language learning and enterprise learning and skills. For its interim results for this first half, Pearson saw sales up 2 percent while its enterprise learning and skill sector has increased 4 percent in sales during the period with vocational qualification sector delivering a solid performance.
\n
Hague joined the UK Trade and Investment delegation led by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle on a visit to China last week.
\n
Pearson was the only education company represented in the delegation, which sought to deepen commercial links between the two countries.
\n
While in China, Pearson announced three major initiatives. The first was a partnership with the China Education Association for International Exchange to enhance digital literacy and professional development of the teaching workforce, and to support students' acquisition of digital skills and innovation in learning models.
\n
At the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, Fujian province, Pearson signed an agreement with the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI) Center. The collaboration is designed to deepen collaboration in language learning and assessment, helping learners improve their skills and employability.
\n
The third initiative, a memorandum of understanding signed with the Beijing Human Resources Consulting Association and Beijing Normal University Technology Group, focuses on cross-cultural training to prepare Chinese learners and enterprises as they seek to go international.
\n
"Education and skills are the core pillars of deep global cooperation," Hague said. Rapid technological change and shifting demographics pose new challenges for preparing future-ready talent. Strengthening UK-China collaboration in trade and education is vital to meeting these challenges, she said.
\n
The country is currently pursuing digital transformation in education and encouraging lifelong learning and internationalization of talent.
\n
Hague said Pearson is working to integrate its vocational assessments and qualifications with language learning, enabling students to prove both linguistic and technical competence.
\n
"Skills that are currently in high demand include digital literacy, artificial intelligence, green skills, advanced manufacturing and technology," she said. "Those students who are able to combine their English language proficiency with skills in those areas will be really well placed for employment and to support the economy."
\n
Pearson is also tailoring programs to meet local industry needs. Its BTEC vocational qualifications unit has teamed up with Guangdong AIB Polytechnic to launch China's first international e-commerce BTEC certificate, designed for the country's fast-growing cross-border trade sector.
\n
Hague emphasized the rising importance of lifelong learning.
\n
"In today's rapidly evolving environment, it will be increasingly important for people to continue to upskill themselves throughout their lives and throughout their careers," she said. "The continued development of English language proficiency as well as technical and vocational skills will be really important as part of that ongoing lifelong learning."
\n
Speaking of the growing appetite for shorter and more flexible training formats, she said there'll be a growing demand for shorter courses, micro-credentials or flexible learning pathways that enable individuals to learn a skill and then demonstrate through a certification the level of which can verify grades of their skills.
\n
wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Sharon Hague
\n
Pearson Plc is doubling down on China as a growth market, striking a series of new agreements to expand digital education, vocational training and lifelong learning.
\n
The education specialist sees rising demand in the country for English proficiency combined with technical skills — from artificial intelligence to art and design — and has accordingly developed more micro courses and assessments to improve learner experiences.
\n
"China is a key market for Pearson, and we believe it has significant growth potential," said Sharon Hague, president of Pearson English Language Learning and CEO of Pearson UK.
\n
Pearson's pillar businesses include assessment and qualification, virtual learning, higher education, English language learning and enterprise learning and skills. For its interim results for this first half, Pearson saw sales up 2 percent while its enterprise learning and skill sector has increased 4 percent in sales during the period with vocational qualification sector delivering a solid performance.
\n
Hague joined the UK Trade and Investment delegation led by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle on a visit to China last week.
\n
Pearson was the only education company represented in the delegation, which sought to deepen commercial links between the two countries.
\n
While in China, Pearson announced three major initiatives. The first was a partnership with the China Education Association for International Exchange to enhance digital literacy and professional development of the teaching workforce, and to support students' acquisition of digital skills and innovation in learning models.
\n
At the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, Fujian province, Pearson signed an agreement with the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI) Center. The collaboration is designed to deepen collaboration in language learning and assessment, helping learners improve their skills and employability.
\n
The third initiative, a memorandum of understanding signed with the Beijing Human Resources Consulting Association and Beijing Normal University Technology Group, focuses on cross-cultural training to prepare Chinese learners and enterprises as they seek to go international.
\n
"Education and skills are the core pillars of deep global cooperation," Hague said. Rapid technological change and shifting demographics pose new challenges for preparing future-ready talent. Strengthening UK-China collaboration in trade and education is vital to meeting these challenges, she said.
\n
The country is currently pursuing digital transformation in education and encouraging lifelong learning and internationalization of talent.
\n
Hague said Pearson is working to integrate its vocational assessments and qualifications with language learning, enabling students to prove both linguistic and technical competence.
\n
"Skills that are currently in high demand include digital literacy, artificial intelligence, green skills, advanced manufacturing and technology," she said. "Those students who are able to combine their English language proficiency with skills in those areas will be really well placed for employment and to support the economy."
\n
Pearson is also tailoring programs to meet local industry needs. Its BTEC vocational qualifications unit has teamed up with Guangdong AIB Polytechnic to launch China's first international e-commerce BTEC certificate, designed for the country's fast-growing cross-border trade sector.
\n
Hague emphasized the rising importance of lifelong learning.
\n
"In today's rapidly evolving environment, it will be increasingly important for people to continue to upskill themselves throughout their lives and throughout their careers," she said. "The continued development of English language proficiency as well as technical and vocational skills will be really important as part of that ongoing lifelong learning."
\n
Speaking of the growing appetite for shorter and more flexible training formats, she said there'll be a growing demand for shorter courses, micro-credentials or flexible learning pathways that enable individuals to learn a skill and then demonstrate through a certification the level of which can verify grades of their skills.
China will become a global model for research and development innovation within the next five years, a senior executive of Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda said during a recent media interview in Shanghai.
\n
The country is soaring in life sciences, and three elements — engineering, speed and innovation — are coming together to create a remarkable ecosystem in this sector and drive its success, said Andrew Plump, president of R&D at Takeda.
\n
"Instead of happening overnight, such success took decades of thoughtful building, talent development, learning from outside China, and then piecing that together within the country to get where it is today," he said in the interview on Sept 10.
\n
Regarding engineering, he said that China has infrastructure capability in talent, which allows it to do things at a cost and quality that are unique across the globe. In terms of speed, China is moving at a speed that redefines the industry, with infrastructure set up in a way that allows projects to move fast in the country, he said.
\n
"And when we look at innovation and the objective measures of innovation, like primary author journals in top scientific journals, such as Science, Nature and Cell, we are seeing that China is already leading the world," Plump said.
\n
He also pointed out that China has an impressive integration of the three factors that are critical to really innovate the life sciences industry: great science, entrepreneurial management to translate great science, and an infrastructure that includes government support and regulatory framework to enable innovation.
\n
All the three have to add up, Plump said, adding that from his perspective, it just has been brilliant how those three have come together in China.
\n
"I'm absolutely confident that it will happen in China for all of us to see 'zero to one' innovation level that is equal to or better than anywhere else in the world, and it is just starting," he said, adding that he was also impressed by the combination of the country's academic excellence, the accessibility of patient samples and biology, and the determination to translate them into results.
\n
According to data from market consulting firm McKinsey & Company, China's share of projects in the global drug development pipeline rose to 26.7 percent last year, second only to the United States at 49.1 percent.
\n
Wang Lin, R&D head of global regions and head of R&D China and the Asia-Pacific region at Takeda, said that the boom in Chinese innovation in this sector just kicked off a decade ago following regulatory reforms and the joining of venture capital and funding for biotech, and that real innovation has already been coming out over the past two to three years.
\n
"Best-in-class innovations are emerging from China. In some collaborations that Takeda has with leading hospitals in Shanghai, we've already witnessed that potential first-in-class drug targets are coming out," said Wang.
\n
"Innovation from China is exponentially going increasingly faster. With this speed, we'll see more 'zero to one' groundbreaking breakthroughs come out in another three to five years," she said, adding that she appreciated the country's closed-cycle innovation system where the innovators work closely and efficiently with the doctors and hospitals.
\n
The company's TAK-861, potentially a first-in-class investigational oral medicine to treat a type of narcolepsy, a chronic sleeping disorder, was a recent example, Wang said. Takeda presented data from two global phase-III studies of TAK-861 at the 2025 World Sleep Congress held in Singapore earlier this month.
\n
"China not only joined the phase-III research, but also the phase-I study, including large-scale dose exploration studies. That contributed to the overall phase-I data package globally," she said.
\n
The continuous innovation momentum in China altered the company's strategy from "China catch-up" — bringing marketed portfolio elsewhere to Chinese patients — to "China for global", added Wang.
\n
zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Andrew Plump
\n
China will become a global model for research and development innovation within the next five years, a senior executive of Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda said during a recent media interview in Shanghai.
\n
The country is soaring in life sciences, and three elements — engineering, speed and innovation — are coming together to create a remarkable ecosystem in this sector and drive its success, said Andrew Plump, president of R&D at Takeda.
\n
"Instead of happening overnight, such success took decades of thoughtful building, talent development, learning from outside China, and then piecing that together within the country to get where it is today," he said in the interview on Sept 10.
\n
Regarding engineering, he said that China has infrastructure capability in talent, which allows it to do things at a cost and quality that are unique across the globe. In terms of speed, China is moving at a speed that redefines the industry, with infrastructure set up in a way that allows projects to move fast in the country, he said.
\n
"And when we look at innovation and the objective measures of innovation, like primary author journals in top scientific journals, such as Science, Nature and Cell, we are seeing that China is already leading the world," Plump said.
\n
He also pointed out that China has an impressive integration of the three factors that are critical to really innovate the life sciences industry: great science, entrepreneurial management to translate great science, and an infrastructure that includes government support and regulatory framework to enable innovation.
\n
All the three have to add up, Plump said, adding that from his perspective, it just has been brilliant how those three have come together in China.
\n
"I'm absolutely confident that it will happen in China for all of us to see 'zero to one' innovation level that is equal to or better than anywhere else in the world, and it is just starting," he said, adding that he was also impressed by the combination of the country's academic excellence, the accessibility of patient samples and biology, and the determination to translate them into results.
\n
According to data from market consulting firm McKinsey & Company, China's share of projects in the global drug development pipeline rose to 26.7 percent last year, second only to the United States at 49.1 percent.
\n
Wang Lin, R&D head of global regions and head of R&D China and the Asia-Pacific region at Takeda, said that the boom in Chinese innovation in this sector just kicked off a decade ago following regulatory reforms and the joining of venture capital and funding for biotech, and that real innovation has already been coming out over the past two to three years.
\n
"Best-in-class innovations are emerging from China. In some collaborations that Takeda has with leading hospitals in Shanghai, we've already witnessed that potential first-in-class drug targets are coming out," said Wang.
\n
"Innovation from China is exponentially going increasingly faster. With this speed, we'll see more 'zero to one' groundbreaking breakthroughs come out in another three to five years," she said, adding that she appreciated the country's closed-cycle innovation system where the innovators work closely and efficiently with the doctors and hospitals.
\n
The company's TAK-861, potentially a first-in-class investigational oral medicine to treat a type of narcolepsy, a chronic sleeping disorder, was a recent example, Wang said. Takeda presented data from two global phase-III studies of TAK-861 at the 2025 World Sleep Congress held in Singapore earlier this month.
\n
"China not only joined the phase-III research, but also the phase-I study, including large-scale dose exploration studies. That contributed to the overall phase-I data package globally," she said.
\n
The continuous innovation momentum in China altered the company's strategy from "China catch-up" — bringing marketed portfolio elsewhere to Chinese patients — to "China for global", added Wang.
Ferrywoman Gao Yun has the car's QR code scanned for Customs clearance at an inspection site at the Khorgos land port in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on June 11.
\n\n
Khorgos, located in the Ili Kazakh autonomous prefecture of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, carries a name that reflects its past and present. In Mongolian it means "the place where camel caravans pass", while in Kazakh it is understood as "the place where wealth accumulates".
\n
Laden camels once moved through this key node of the ancient Silk Road with silk, porcelain and tea, forming a living bridge of trade and cultural exchange between East and West. Today that overland spirit has been reimagined as the border city evolves into China's largest land port for automobile exports.
\n
A new kind of caravan now departs daily — lines of gleaming Chinese-made new energy vehicles bound for Central Asia.
\n
Local drivers call themselves ferrymen, and they pilot newly produced units across the border, park them at designated handover points inside Kazakhstan for inspection and acceptance, then board international coaches to return and repeat the cycle. This so-called ferryman self-driven delivery model has become a distinctive logistical innovation rising from the frontier.
\n
Compared with traditional multilevel car-carrier trailers, the ferryman approach is more flexible, quicker to organize and lower in cost, sharpening the price competitiveness of exported vehicles.
\n
Overseas importers have increasingly adopted the method. Last year, it helped companies save about 150 million yuan ($21.1 million) in logistics costs via Khorgos Port, while ferrymen collectively earned over 90 million yuan in income.
\n
Meanwhile, the expanding workforce has generated new local jobs and even attracted labor from inland provinces to seek opportunities in Khorgos.
\n
The mutual visa-free policies between China and Kazakhstan, coupled with streamlined coordination among Customs, immigration and other border authorities, have enabled a more convenient outbound clearance path.
\n
At daybreak, before the first shaft of light fully washes over the highway port, operations are already in motion.
\n
Gao Yun, a 45-year-old ferrywoman and one of a growing number of female drivers in the field, arrived early for another run. Vehicle checks, document verification and careful, low-risk driving: she executed each step with silent precision.
\n
"Don't underestimate these trips," Gao said. "Every car carries the quality and image of China's new energy sector. We cannot afford a single mistake."
\n
As China's NEV industry scales up, demand from Central Asian markets has risen, and Chinese electric and hybrid models have become a familiar sight on the urban streets of Kazakhstan.
\n
"NEVs are gaining more popularity overseas. Being part of that process feels especially meaningful," she added, pride evident in her voice.
\n
Data from the Khorgos border inspection station show that by June 13 this year, 56,000 China-made vehicles had exited via the ferryman model, a year-on-year increase of 21.6 percent.
\n
Yet automobiles are only one dimension, as Xinjiang is leveraging the geographic advantages of Khorgos to consolidate its role as a gateway channeling diversified Chinese goods into Central Asia's evolving consumer and industrial markets.
\n
At the Khorgos Yiwu International Trade Center, most clients arrive from neighboring Central Asian countries. Deputy General Manager Ma Tingting said repeat buyers frequently become close friends.
\n
"They often bring specialties from their countries — melons, felt hats or handicraft ornaments. I give small gifts in return and invite them to sit for tea. Business keeps growing through these exchanges, but compared with the orders we sign, the friendships are more precious," she said.
\n
Chen Yu, deputy director of the Institute of Eurasian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, noted that Xinjiang's unique position enables it to play a pivotal role in aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with mechanisms such as the Eurasian Economic Union.
\n
In 2024, over 16,000 China-Europe (and China-Central Asia) freight railway express trips passed through just the two Xinjiang ports of Alashankou and Khorgos, accounting for more than half of the national total. The intensity of traffic underscores how inland regions are transforming geography into structured openness, Chen said.
\n
Building on physical connectivity, Xinjiang has pursued institutional innovation to facilitate higher-level openness under the BRI-Eurasian Economic Union interface, Chen added. New models such as "highway port plus inland direct linkage "and mutual recognition that allows foreign vehicles to circulate through multiple ports have emerged, he noted.
\n
The China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, occupying only one ten-thousandth of the region's land area, now generates about 40 percent of Xinjiang's total foreign trade, said Chen. Policy experimentation at scale has become a catalyst for broader integration.
\n
Logistics advantages are also being converted into industrial competitiveness, marking a shift from "channel economy" to "industrial economy", said the expert.
\n
Chen hailed Xinjiang as a pioneer of the "freight train plus overseas warehouse" model that allows the region's dried fruits to reach Central Asian supermarket shelves within 48 hours while trimming logistics costs by 30 percent.
\n
In the first five months of this year, Xinjiang's total imports and exports with the five Central Asian countries exceeded 100 billion yuan, representing 39.4 percent of China's overall trade with the region.
\n
Exports of NEVs and large-scale equipment surged 102.4 percent year-on-year, while agricultural product exports rose 100.1 percent, reshaping a pattern once dominated by mineral commodities.
\n
Xinjiang's bond with Eurasian Economic Union members extends beyond commerce. It is rooted in cultural affinity and mutual benefit for livelihoods — an intangible competitive edge. Within the first three months of the establishment of the China Xinjiang-Central Asia Tourism Cooperation Alliance, three cross-border tourist routes were launched.
\n
"This emotional linkage translates directly into economic resilience, making cooperation more sustainable," Chen said, highlighting how people-to-people trust underpins long-term frameworks.
\n
Since 2023, Khorgos has unveiled platforms including the China Khorgos-Central Asia Joint Media Workstation, a China-Kazakhstan joint media workstation and an all-media exchange base.
\n
Branded as a media center for exchanges between Chinese and Central Asian outlets, the hub has attracted more than 40 media organizations from home and abroad.
\n
Supported by agricultural exhibitions and China-Kazakhstan trade fairs, it regularly hosts international media salons to foster dialogue.
\n
Yevgeny Kochetov, deputy minister of culture and information of Kazakhstan, said regular interactions and joint interviews are elevating people-to-people exchanges to new heights, reinforcing mutual trust and paving the way for expanded cooperation.
\n
In addition to media exchanges, Xinjiang is also playing an important role in people-to-people interaction between China and Central Asian countries, as a growing number of Central Asians are studying Chinese in the region.
\n
In a classroom at the Khorgos Yiwu International Trade Center, students of the Kazakh-Chinese International Language Institute sit in a circle, carefully following a Chinese teacher as they read aloud the words written on the blackboard.
\n
In April, as part of the first cohort to arrive in the Khorgos section of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, they began internships at enterprises such as the Yiwu International Trade Center while simultaneously receiving training under "Chinese plus cross-border e-commerce" and "Chinese plus international trade" curricula.
\n
This marks the entry of the dual-track "Chinese plus vocational skills" talent training model, jointly developed by Khorgos and the Kazakh side, into a practical phase of integrating industry with education.
\n
For 18-year-old Kazakh student Rufina Chepasova, new opportunities are tangible. She has been simultaneously studying Chinese and learning cross-border e-commerce livestreaming techniques.
\n
"Chinese teachers show me how to interact with viewers and enhance user experience," she said. Her phone stores numerous clips of Chinese presenters selling goods — videos she replays during breaks.
\n
"When I first arrived, I could only manage simple greetings; now I can confidently pitch products. I hope to make more Chinese friends and introduce more quality goods from Kazakhstan to China — and from China to Kazakhstan through Xinjiang," she said.
\n
renqi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Ferrywoman Gao Yun has the car's QR code scanned for Customs clearance at an inspection site at the Khorgos land port in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on June 11.
\n\n
Khorgos, located in the Ili Kazakh autonomous prefecture of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, carries a name that reflects its past and present. In Mongolian it means "the place where camel caravans pass", while in Kazakh it is understood as "the place where wealth accumulates".
\n
Laden camels once moved through this key node of the ancient Silk Road with silk, porcelain and tea, forming a living bridge of trade and cultural exchange between East and West. Today that overland spirit has been reimagined as the border city evolves into China's largest land port for automobile exports.
\n
A new kind of caravan now departs daily — lines of gleaming Chinese-made new energy vehicles bound for Central Asia.
\n
Local drivers call themselves ferrymen, and they pilot newly produced units across the border, park them at designated handover points inside Kazakhstan for inspection and acceptance, then board international coaches to return and repeat the cycle. This so-called ferryman self-driven delivery model has become a distinctive logistical innovation rising from the frontier.
\n
Compared with traditional multilevel car-carrier trailers, the ferryman approach is more flexible, quicker to organize and lower in cost, sharpening the price competitiveness of exported vehicles.
\n
Overseas importers have increasingly adopted the method. Last year, it helped companies save about 150 million yuan ($21.1 million) in logistics costs via Khorgos Port, while ferrymen collectively earned over 90 million yuan in income.
\n
Meanwhile, the expanding workforce has generated new local jobs and even attracted labor from inland provinces to seek opportunities in Khorgos.
\n
The mutual visa-free policies between China and Kazakhstan, coupled with streamlined coordination among Customs, immigration and other border authorities, have enabled a more convenient outbound clearance path.
\n
At daybreak, before the first shaft of light fully washes over the highway port, operations are already in motion.
\n
Gao Yun, a 45-year-old ferrywoman and one of a growing number of female drivers in the field, arrived early for another run. Vehicle checks, document verification and careful, low-risk driving: she executed each step with silent precision.
\n
"Don't underestimate these trips," Gao said. "Every car carries the quality and image of China's new energy sector. We cannot afford a single mistake."
\n
As China's NEV industry scales up, demand from Central Asian markets has risen, and Chinese electric and hybrid models have become a familiar sight on the urban streets of Kazakhstan.
\n
"NEVs are gaining more popularity overseas. Being part of that process feels especially meaningful," she added, pride evident in her voice.
\n
Data from the Khorgos border inspection station show that by June 13 this year, 56,000 China-made vehicles had exited via the ferryman model, a year-on-year increase of 21.6 percent.
\n
Yet automobiles are only one dimension, as Xinjiang is leveraging the geographic advantages of Khorgos to consolidate its role as a gateway channeling diversified Chinese goods into Central Asia's evolving consumer and industrial markets.
\n
At the Khorgos Yiwu International Trade Center, most clients arrive from neighboring Central Asian countries. Deputy General Manager Ma Tingting said repeat buyers frequently become close friends.
\n
"They often bring specialties from their countries — melons, felt hats or handicraft ornaments. I give small gifts in return and invite them to sit for tea. Business keeps growing through these exchanges, but compared with the orders we sign, the friendships are more precious," she said.
\n
Chen Yu, deputy director of the Institute of Eurasian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, noted that Xinjiang's unique position enables it to play a pivotal role in aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with mechanisms such as the Eurasian Economic Union.
\n
In 2024, over 16,000 China-Europe (and China-Central Asia) freight railway express trips passed through just the two Xinjiang ports of Alashankou and Khorgos, accounting for more than half of the national total. The intensity of traffic underscores how inland regions are transforming geography into structured openness, Chen said.
\n
Building on physical connectivity, Xinjiang has pursued institutional innovation to facilitate higher-level openness under the BRI-Eurasian Economic Union interface, Chen added. New models such as "highway port plus inland direct linkage "and mutual recognition that allows foreign vehicles to circulate through multiple ports have emerged, he noted.
\n
The China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, occupying only one ten-thousandth of the region's land area, now generates about 40 percent of Xinjiang's total foreign trade, said Chen. Policy experimentation at scale has become a catalyst for broader integration.
\n
Logistics advantages are also being converted into industrial competitiveness, marking a shift from "channel economy" to "industrial economy", said the expert.
\n
Chen hailed Xinjiang as a pioneer of the "freight train plus overseas warehouse" model that allows the region's dried fruits to reach Central Asian supermarket shelves within 48 hours while trimming logistics costs by 30 percent.
\n
In the first five months of this year, Xinjiang's total imports and exports with the five Central Asian countries exceeded 100 billion yuan, representing 39.4 percent of China's overall trade with the region.
\n
Exports of NEVs and large-scale equipment surged 102.4 percent year-on-year, while agricultural product exports rose 100.1 percent, reshaping a pattern once dominated by mineral commodities.
\n
Xinjiang's bond with Eurasian Economic Union members extends beyond commerce. It is rooted in cultural affinity and mutual benefit for livelihoods — an intangible competitive edge. Within the first three months of the establishment of the China Xinjiang-Central Asia Tourism Cooperation Alliance, three cross-border tourist routes were launched.
\n
"This emotional linkage translates directly into economic resilience, making cooperation more sustainable," Chen said, highlighting how people-to-people trust underpins long-term frameworks.
\n
Since 2023, Khorgos has unveiled platforms including the China Khorgos-Central Asia Joint Media Workstation, a China-Kazakhstan joint media workstation and an all-media exchange base.
\n
Branded as a media center for exchanges between Chinese and Central Asian outlets, the hub has attracted more than 40 media organizations from home and abroad.
\n
Supported by agricultural exhibitions and China-Kazakhstan trade fairs, it regularly hosts international media salons to foster dialogue.
\n
Yevgeny Kochetov, deputy minister of culture and information of Kazakhstan, said regular interactions and joint interviews are elevating people-to-people exchanges to new heights, reinforcing mutual trust and paving the way for expanded cooperation.
\n
In addition to media exchanges, Xinjiang is also playing an important role in people-to-people interaction between China and Central Asian countries, as a growing number of Central Asians are studying Chinese in the region.
\n
In a classroom at the Khorgos Yiwu International Trade Center, students of the Kazakh-Chinese International Language Institute sit in a circle, carefully following a Chinese teacher as they read aloud the words written on the blackboard.
\n
In April, as part of the first cohort to arrive in the Khorgos section of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, they began internships at enterprises such as the Yiwu International Trade Center while simultaneously receiving training under "Chinese plus cross-border e-commerce" and "Chinese plus international trade" curricula.
\n
This marks the entry of the dual-track "Chinese plus vocational skills" talent training model, jointly developed by Khorgos and the Kazakh side, into a practical phase of integrating industry with education.
\n
For 18-year-old Kazakh student Rufina Chepasova, new opportunities are tangible. She has been simultaneously studying Chinese and learning cross-border e-commerce livestreaming techniques.
\n
"Chinese teachers show me how to interact with viewers and enhance user experience," she said. Her phone stores numerous clips of Chinese presenters selling goods — videos she replays during breaks.
\n
"When I first arrived, I could only manage simple greetings; now I can confidently pitch products. I hope to make more Chinese friends and introduce more quality goods from Kazakhstan to China — and from China to Kazakhstan through Xinjiang," she said.
A China-Europe freight train passes through Khorgos Port heading for Kazakhstan on Dec 25.
\n
KHORGOS — A few kilometers away from the road port of Khorgos in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, alongside the Lianyungang-Khorgos Expressway, rows of vehicles can be seen neatly parked, awaiting export. Many of them will be driven out of the country by individual car drivers through a process known as "self-driving export".
\n
Khorgos was once a bustling passage used by traders traveling along the ancient Silk Road. While it lost its shine after caravans faded into history, the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, has revitalized the old port.
\n
In Khorgos, "self-driving export", more flexible and cost-effective, has significantly facilitated the development of related businesses and continuously improved Customs clearance efficiency since the agreement on mutual visa exemptions between China and Kazakhstan went into force.
\n
Compared with truck transportation for exports, delivering vehicles via individual car drivers is more cost-efficient and is increasingly popular among foreign car importers. Thousands of people, called "ferrymen", are engaged in this new way of car transportation in Khorgos, turning ordinary drivers into important trade links.
\n
Ferrymen drive new vehicles to the Customs supervision area at the Kazakh border, hand over the vehicles to foreign importers, and then take return buses. Thanks to the visa-free policy between China and Kazakhstan, the industry has created employment opportunities for over 7,000 people in the surrounding areas. Currently, Khorgos stands as the largest land port for automobile exports in China.
\n
"I am one of the first ferrymen in Khorgos," said Wen Jiang, who has been working as a part-time ferryman since 2023, adding that he makes more than a dozen round trips each month and earns seven to eight thousand yuan ($1,125).
\n
In the past, freight drivers had to carry a thick pile of paper documents and queue up at each service counter. Now, when vehicles reach the port, the drivers don't need to get out of their vehicles to cross the border thanks to the "one-stop" Customs clearance system.
\n
According to local officials, in response to the growing volume of automobile exports and the need for timely cross-border transport, Khorgos has introduced "a fast-track Customs clearance model "for self-driving vehicle exports.
\n
Through the international trade window, enterprises can submit information in advance and generate a QR code. At any time, once the vehicles arrive at the centralized Customs inspection yard, a quick scan at the smart checkpoint allows them to pass immediately.
\n
"Through scanning, the vehicle's information is automatically checked, which saves a great deal of waiting time," said Wang Rui, who became a ferryman last year. As of Sept 8, ferrymen had transported more than 100,000 vehicles through the road port this year, according to the entry-exit border inspection station of Khorgos.
\n
The remarkable improvement in the Customs clearance process at the road port of Khorgos also renders the working hours relatively flexible, Wang said while explaining why he chose to be a ferryman. "I used to work as a truck driver, but now I transport brand-new cars. The more cars you deliver, the more income you can get," he said.
\n
Many of the vehicles transported by the ferrymen are new energy vehicles. Wen told Xinhua News Agency that he had noticed an increasing number of Chinese NEV brands on Kazakhstan's roads, such as Li Auto and Changan Auto.
\n
Nurzhan, a resident of Almaty, owns a Li Auto L9. "At least five of my friends have bought this car. It performs just as well as those of other brands that are two or three times more costly."
\n
The demand from Central Asian consumers for Chinese automobiles, particularly NEVs, has been on the rise. Chinese automakers are not only enabling more people in other countries to enjoy cost effective and comfortable new energy vehicles through exports, but are also driving local industrial growth and creating jobs through investment and cooperation.
\n
At present, a growing number of Chinese car companies are investing in Central Asia, helping to upgrade China-Central Asia economic and trade cooperation and advance the integrated development of industrial and supply chains.
\n",
+ "content": "
A China-Europe freight train passes through Khorgos Port heading for Kazakhstan on Dec 25.
\n
KHORGOS — A few kilometers away from the road port of Khorgos in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, alongside the Lianyungang-Khorgos Expressway, rows of vehicles can be seen neatly parked, awaiting export. Many of them will be driven out of the country by individual car drivers through a process known as "self-driving export".
\n
Khorgos was once a bustling passage used by traders traveling along the ancient Silk Road. While it lost its shine after caravans faded into history, the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, has revitalized the old port.
\n
In Khorgos, "self-driving export", more flexible and cost-effective, has significantly facilitated the development of related businesses and continuously improved Customs clearance efficiency since the agreement on mutual visa exemptions between China and Kazakhstan went into force.
\n
Compared with truck transportation for exports, delivering vehicles via individual car drivers is more cost-efficient and is increasingly popular among foreign car importers. Thousands of people, called "ferrymen", are engaged in this new way of car transportation in Khorgos, turning ordinary drivers into important trade links.
\n
Ferrymen drive new vehicles to the Customs supervision area at the Kazakh border, hand over the vehicles to foreign importers, and then take return buses. Thanks to the visa-free policy between China and Kazakhstan, the industry has created employment opportunities for over 7,000 people in the surrounding areas. Currently, Khorgos stands as the largest land port for automobile exports in China.
\n
"I am one of the first ferrymen in Khorgos," said Wen Jiang, who has been working as a part-time ferryman since 2023, adding that he makes more than a dozen round trips each month and earns seven to eight thousand yuan ($1,125).
\n
In the past, freight drivers had to carry a thick pile of paper documents and queue up at each service counter. Now, when vehicles reach the port, the drivers don't need to get out of their vehicles to cross the border thanks to the "one-stop" Customs clearance system.
\n
According to local officials, in response to the growing volume of automobile exports and the need for timely cross-border transport, Khorgos has introduced "a fast-track Customs clearance model "for self-driving vehicle exports.
\n
Through the international trade window, enterprises can submit information in advance and generate a QR code. At any time, once the vehicles arrive at the centralized Customs inspection yard, a quick scan at the smart checkpoint allows them to pass immediately.
\n
"Through scanning, the vehicle's information is automatically checked, which saves a great deal of waiting time," said Wang Rui, who became a ferryman last year. As of Sept 8, ferrymen had transported more than 100,000 vehicles through the road port this year, according to the entry-exit border inspection station of Khorgos.
\n
The remarkable improvement in the Customs clearance process at the road port of Khorgos also renders the working hours relatively flexible, Wang said while explaining why he chose to be a ferryman. "I used to work as a truck driver, but now I transport brand-new cars. The more cars you deliver, the more income you can get," he said.
\n
Many of the vehicles transported by the ferrymen are new energy vehicles. Wen told Xinhua News Agency that he had noticed an increasing number of Chinese NEV brands on Kazakhstan's roads, such as Li Auto and Changan Auto.
\n
Nurzhan, a resident of Almaty, owns a Li Auto L9. "At least five of my friends have bought this car. It performs just as well as those of other brands that are two or three times more costly."
\n
The demand from Central Asian consumers for Chinese automobiles, particularly NEVs, has been on the rise. Chinese automakers are not only enabling more people in other countries to enjoy cost effective and comfortable new energy vehicles through exports, but are also driving local industrial growth and creating jobs through investment and cooperation.
\n
At present, a growing number of Chinese car companies are investing in Central Asia, helping to upgrade China-Central Asia economic and trade cooperation and advance the integrated development of industrial and supply chains.
Wang Mingming (right) receives a donation certificate from Wang Ning, president of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, at the exhibition opening in Beijing.
\n
At his ongoing exhibition at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, Wang Mingming reiterates classical Chinese artistry under his poetic strokes.
\n
One of Wang's works Morning Glows on Duixiu Shan.
\n
The artist donates A Doze of Spring, together with a calligraphic couplet, to the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
\n
Wang's work Lanting Yaji (Gathering of Intellectuals at Lanting Pavilion).
\n
Another of his works, entitled Fantasy.
\n
Classical Chinese gardens, whether the imperial ones found in Beijing or the private residential gardens in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, have become priority destinations for those who travel the country.
\n
The meticulous, graceful designs exhibit how the ancient Chinese attempted to recreate nature in miniature scale for daily life, using lush plants, hollowed rocks and pavilions, bridges and corridors of fine silhouettes in the pursuit of peace, harmony and perfection.
\n
An artist seeks to convey the same feeling when creating Chinese ink paintings. The style is half realistic, depicting landscapes and lives in the real world, and half imagined to underscore one's life ideals and yijing, or artistic conception.
\n
At acclaimed ink artist Wang Mingming's ongoing exhibition at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, he combines these two representative examples of classical Chinese artistry with his poetic strokes.
\n
The Spiritual Realms in Ink exhibition, running until Oct 8 in NCPA's west exhibition hall, displays nearly 100 paintings that Wang has created in recent years to celebrate the understated beauty and supernatural atmosphere of Chinese gardens, as well as the philosophical outlook on the relationship between humans and nature embodied in the rich details of garden design.
\n
Wang, born in 1952 in Beijing, was praised as a child prodigy, whose paintings won children's art prizes and were featured in news outlets and magazines.
\n
Because of his gift, Wang, in his early teens, was introduced to prominent art figures, such as Li Kuchan and Wu Zuoren, who mentored him in improving his techniques and taught him the importance of accumulating cultural knowledge to achieve high artistry.
\n
Wang became a professional artist at the Beijing Fine Art Academy in 1978 and worked there for decades, later undertaking the role of director of the institution for years. Retirement has allowed him more time to indulge himself in the carefree world of layered strokes and shaded colors.
\n
Works in the current show were primarily created after he retired from the art academy.
\n
Wang says that when he considered the exhibition's title, a phrase came to mind — "weidao jixu" — from Zhuangzi, a compilation of classic texts named after its author, a Taoist philosopher who lived during the fourth and third centuries BC.Weidao jixu means that the dao (Tao) gathers in emptiness.
\n
"It has meanings so profound, one needs to spend a long time to comprehend them," Wang says.
\n
There is a pursuit of "emptiness" in both the classic garden design and Chinese painting tradition through which one is to understand the richness and rules of the world. Thereafter, as Wang says, one "would ascend to a spiritual domain in which he can express himself through artistic creativity".
\n
To express such meditative silence in garden scenes, Wang says he uses more light, grayish colors over heavy hues. He also shuns dipping with dry, thick ink brushes. For example, when drawing mountains, he smudges the outlines to soften the hard profile of the rocks, creating a feeling of dense moisture. He believes this treatment will generate the effect of qiyun shengdong, or animation with spiritual resonance, which was first proposed by painter and art theorist Xie He of the Southern Dynasty (420-589).
\n
Morning Glows on Duixiu Shan, a painting on display, exemplifies an attempt at that state of artistry Xie mentioned. It shows the dawn over the Duixiushan (Mountain of Accumulated Elegance), an elevated, hollowed mountain; on top sits a pavilion, together forming a famous rockery site at the Palace Museum in Beijing. The cloud, complete with a smudge of faint pink, and the rocks' rosy touches, replicate the morning peace at the Palace Museum, meanwhile maintaining the majestic atmosphere of the former imperial palace.
\n
Wang Ning, president of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, says elegance and vitality have erupted under the strokes of Wang Mingming, which unfold season-changing scenes before his audiences.
\n
"He is inspired by and has reimagined nature to create a garden of his own, for the heart and soul, illustrating Eastern aesthetics in the depictions of the real and the unreal."
\n
Wu Hongliang, current director of the Beijing Fine Art Academy, says the exhibition, which his predecessor had been dedicated to organizing for a long time, presents the atmosphere of a yaji, traditionally a gathering of elegance attended by intellectuals in ancient times. "It reiterates the essential beauty of Chinese painting, not tending for a strong visual impact, which, in silence, evokes artistic conceptions and philosophical reflections."
Wang Mingming (right) receives a donation certificate from Wang Ning, president of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, at the exhibition opening in Beijing.
\n
At his ongoing exhibition at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, Wang Mingming reiterates classical Chinese artistry under his poetic strokes.
\n
One of Wang's works Morning Glows on Duixiu Shan.
\n
The artist donates A Doze of Spring, together with a calligraphic couplet, to the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
\n
Wang's work Lanting Yaji (Gathering of Intellectuals at Lanting Pavilion).
\n
Another of his works, entitled Fantasy.
\n
Classical Chinese gardens, whether the imperial ones found in Beijing or the private residential gardens in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, have become priority destinations for those who travel the country.
\n
The meticulous, graceful designs exhibit how the ancient Chinese attempted to recreate nature in miniature scale for daily life, using lush plants, hollowed rocks and pavilions, bridges and corridors of fine silhouettes in the pursuit of peace, harmony and perfection.
\n
An artist seeks to convey the same feeling when creating Chinese ink paintings. The style is half realistic, depicting landscapes and lives in the real world, and half imagined to underscore one's life ideals and yijing, or artistic conception.
\n
At acclaimed ink artist Wang Mingming's ongoing exhibition at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, he combines these two representative examples of classical Chinese artistry with his poetic strokes.
\n
The Spiritual Realms in Ink exhibition, running until Oct 8 in NCPA's west exhibition hall, displays nearly 100 paintings that Wang has created in recent years to celebrate the understated beauty and supernatural atmosphere of Chinese gardens, as well as the philosophical outlook on the relationship between humans and nature embodied in the rich details of garden design.
\n
Wang, born in 1952 in Beijing, was praised as a child prodigy, whose paintings won children's art prizes and were featured in news outlets and magazines.
\n
Because of his gift, Wang, in his early teens, was introduced to prominent art figures, such as Li Kuchan and Wu Zuoren, who mentored him in improving his techniques and taught him the importance of accumulating cultural knowledge to achieve high artistry.
\n
Wang became a professional artist at the Beijing Fine Art Academy in 1978 and worked there for decades, later undertaking the role of director of the institution for years. Retirement has allowed him more time to indulge himself in the carefree world of layered strokes and shaded colors.
\n
Works in the current show were primarily created after he retired from the art academy.
\n
Wang says that when he considered the exhibition's title, a phrase came to mind — "weidao jixu" — from Zhuangzi, a compilation of classic texts named after its author, a Taoist philosopher who lived during the fourth and third centuries BC.Weidao jixu means that the dao (Tao) gathers in emptiness.
\n
"It has meanings so profound, one needs to spend a long time to comprehend them," Wang says.
\n
There is a pursuit of "emptiness" in both the classic garden design and Chinese painting tradition through which one is to understand the richness and rules of the world. Thereafter, as Wang says, one "would ascend to a spiritual domain in which he can express himself through artistic creativity".
\n
To express such meditative silence in garden scenes, Wang says he uses more light, grayish colors over heavy hues. He also shuns dipping with dry, thick ink brushes. For example, when drawing mountains, he smudges the outlines to soften the hard profile of the rocks, creating a feeling of dense moisture. He believes this treatment will generate the effect of qiyun shengdong, or animation with spiritual resonance, which was first proposed by painter and art theorist Xie He of the Southern Dynasty (420-589).
\n
Morning Glows on Duixiu Shan, a painting on display, exemplifies an attempt at that state of artistry Xie mentioned. It shows the dawn over the Duixiushan (Mountain of Accumulated Elegance), an elevated, hollowed mountain; on top sits a pavilion, together forming a famous rockery site at the Palace Museum in Beijing. The cloud, complete with a smudge of faint pink, and the rocks' rosy touches, replicate the morning peace at the Palace Museum, meanwhile maintaining the majestic atmosphere of the former imperial palace.
\n
Wang Ning, president of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, says elegance and vitality have erupted under the strokes of Wang Mingming, which unfold season-changing scenes before his audiences.
\n
"He is inspired by and has reimagined nature to create a garden of his own, for the heart and soul, illustrating Eastern aesthetics in the depictions of the real and the unreal."
\n
Wu Hongliang, current director of the Beijing Fine Art Academy, says the exhibition, which his predecessor had been dedicated to organizing for a long time, presents the atmosphere of a yaji, traditionally a gathering of elegance attended by intellectuals in ancient times. "It reiterates the essential beauty of Chinese painting, not tending for a strong visual impact, which, in silence, evokes artistic conceptions and philosophical reflections."
Hungarian kung fu practitioners rehearse the Chaozhou Drum from China's Guangdong province on Sunday.
\n
BUDAPEST — The Chaozhou Drum, listed as an item of national intangible cultural heritage of China, has integrated elements of wushu (kung fu), resulting in the establishment of the Hungary-Chaozhou International Cultural Exchange and Communication Base on Sunday.
\n
Acting as a cultural bridge, kung fu brought together the Chao Xiang Drum Club from Chaozhou, Guangdong province, and the Chan Wu Federation in Hungary. Both institutions are committed to creating a new model of cultural and sports cooperation in Hungary and across Europe.
\n
"This marks not only a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Hungary, but is also a significant milestone for the joint development of kung fu and Chaozhou culture in Europe," said Mike Sandor, vice-president of the Chan Wu Federation, during the signing ceremony.
\n
"We will promote the wider influence of Chinese culture in Europe and inject new vitality into the friendship between the peoples of China and Hungary," Sandor added.
\n
Founded in 2003 as the European headquarters of the International Chan Wu Alliance, the Chan Wu Federation in Hungary includes 15 member organizations spanning wushu, tai chi, traditional Chinese medicine, tea culture, calligraphy, and lion and dragon dances.
\n
"We strive to synchronize the rhythms of Chaozhou Drum performances with kung fu techniques, aiming to showcase both Chinese culture and Hungarian customs. Through this effort, we seek to foster harmonious cultural exchanges that resonate with people from both nations," says Li Kangdi, chairman of the Chao Xiang Drum Club.
\n
Hungarian cultural enthusiast Julia Balo has long held an interest in Chinese traditions through language study, literature, and tai chi practice.
\n
"Chinese culture is different from European culture, so it is essential to understand each other. I have learned a lot from Chinese culture. My favorite book is Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which applies to everyday life," Balo says.
\n
"I began studying Chinese at the age of 50 and have practiced tai chi for over 10 years. Now, I am eager to try playing the drum," she adds.
\n",
+ "content": "\n
Hungarian kung fu practitioners rehearse the Chaozhou Drum from China's Guangdong province on Sunday.
\n
BUDAPEST — The Chaozhou Drum, listed as an item of national intangible cultural heritage of China, has integrated elements of wushu (kung fu), resulting in the establishment of the Hungary-Chaozhou International Cultural Exchange and Communication Base on Sunday.
\n
Acting as a cultural bridge, kung fu brought together the Chao Xiang Drum Club from Chaozhou, Guangdong province, and the Chan Wu Federation in Hungary. Both institutions are committed to creating a new model of cultural and sports cooperation in Hungary and across Europe.
\n
"This marks not only a new starting point for cultural exchanges between China and Hungary, but is also a significant milestone for the joint development of kung fu and Chaozhou culture in Europe," said Mike Sandor, vice-president of the Chan Wu Federation, during the signing ceremony.
\n
"We will promote the wider influence of Chinese culture in Europe and inject new vitality into the friendship between the peoples of China and Hungary," Sandor added.
\n
Founded in 2003 as the European headquarters of the International Chan Wu Alliance, the Chan Wu Federation in Hungary includes 15 member organizations spanning wushu, tai chi, traditional Chinese medicine, tea culture, calligraphy, and lion and dragon dances.
\n
"We strive to synchronize the rhythms of Chaozhou Drum performances with kung fu techniques, aiming to showcase both Chinese culture and Hungarian customs. Through this effort, we seek to foster harmonious cultural exchanges that resonate with people from both nations," says Li Kangdi, chairman of the Chao Xiang Drum Club.
\n
Hungarian cultural enthusiast Julia Balo has long held an interest in Chinese traditions through language study, literature, and tai chi practice.
\n
"Chinese culture is different from European culture, so it is essential to understand each other. I have learned a lot from Chinese culture. My favorite book is Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which applies to everyday life," Balo says.
\n
"I began studying Chinese at the age of 50 and have practiced tai chi for over 10 years. Now, I am eager to try playing the drum," she adds.
Left: A scene from the Sino-Russian coproduction Red Silk features three Chinese couriers and a former Czarist agent forming an unlikely alliance to resist a group of ruthless bandits. Right: A still shows characters discussing the complicated situation on the Trans-Siberian Express.
\n
The espionage film Red Silk held the premiere in Beijing, gathering cast and crew members including director Andrey Volgin (center) and actress Zheng Hanyi (far right).
\n
Actor Milos Bikovic and actress Zheng share behind-the-scenes stories during the Beijing promotional event for Red Silk.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
On the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, the horizon dissolves into an endless stretch of blue. More than a natural wonder, the world's largest and deepest freshwater lake has long symbolized the vastness of Russia itself. Against this striking backdrop, a heart-pounding action sequence unfolds in Red Silk, one of the most commercially successful Sino-Russian coproductions to date. A Chinese courier and a Soviet Red Army soldier race across the ice on a yacht, taking a perilous shortcut in pursuit of a speeding train.
\n
For actress Zheng Hanyi, who plays the Chinese messenger Wang Lin, filming the scene alongside Russian actor Gleb Kalyuzhnyy was unforgettable. The sheer scale of Lake Baikal, coupled with the icy wind, made every moment feel otherworldly.
\n
Seven months before its recent Chinese mainland release on Sept 6, the 146-minute movie premiered in Russia on Feb 20, raking in 689 million rubles ($8.24 million) at the local box office from 1.47 million moviegoers, placing it among the top 10 highest-grossing films in Russia this year.
\n
With this year marking the 76th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the film is one of the major projects within the framework of the China-Russia Years of Culture in 2024 and 2025, standing as a testament to the growing cinematic cooperation between the two countries.
\n
According to its producer, Vadim Byrkin, the creators researched the relationship between the two countries in the late 1920s, the period when the tale is set, and drew inspiration from several movies, including iconic director Zhang Yimou's espionage thriller Cliff Walkers. The production recruited an international crew of around 170 Russians and 300 Chinese, as well as hiring 1,200 extras for the large-scale scenes.
\n
The plot of Red Silk follows three Chinese couriers who board the Trans-Siberian Express in Shanghai on a mission to deliver secret documents to Moscow — papers that could alter the destiny of both nations.
\n
To ensure the documents' safety, a former Czarist agent and a young Red Army soldier are forced into an unlikely alliance. Their journey quickly turns into a deadly race for survival: they must fend off a band of ruthless train robbers and survive a poisonous gas leak, all while trying to uncover the mastermind behind the escalating conspiracy.
\n
Zheng's character, Wang, is one of the couriers, accompanied by Gao, the elderly leader, and Li Bo, who has carried a lifelong, unspoken love for her. Wang, however, begins to develop a bond with Kalyuzhnyy's soldier. For Zheng, a former stage musical performer, stepping into the role was both daunting and rewarding.
\n
Recalling that she was the only Chinese cast member on set for the filming of the Lake Baikal action scene, Zheng tells China Daily that she participated in a traditional ceremony to mark the start of the film's production. "The wind was so strong that day, we formed a circle, held hands, and smashed a plate together — one engraved with the movie's title Red Silk. Everyone was so tall and held onto me tightly, worried I might be blown away. It was a really fun experience," she says.
\n
"Interestingly, although I felt nervous throughout the entire shoot, all my anxiety vanished once we were on the lake. My focus shifted entirely to staying warm and keeping out the cold," Zheng adds.
\n
Andrey Volgin, the film's Russian director who's also known for Dance to Death, explains the meaning of the title: red symbolizes love and victory, while also representing the Silk Road — together forming a direct association with China. A key element in the film is that the character Wang wears a red silk scarf with hollowed-out patterns that are essential for decoding the secret documents.
\n
The shoot itself tested the endurance of the cast and crew. They faced a staggering temperature swing: from — 42 C on the frozen expanse of Lake Baikal to more than 40 C at Hengdian World Studios in East China's Zhejiang province.
\n
Actor Milos Bikovic, who plays a former Czarist agent, describes the intense heat during an eight-hour shoot in Hengdian, saying that all four of his shirts became completely soaked.
\n
However, the harsh conditions did little to dampen his spirits, which were only strengthened by witnessing the dedication of his Chinese colleagues. For instance, in a scene where messengers must jump off a cliff to escape a group of ruthless bandits, actor Huang Haonan — who plays the Chinese messenger Li — persevered through injuries to complete the stunt.
\n
Zheng, terrified of the same stunt, eventually overcame her fear with the encouragement of her colleagues. "The producer was silently praying at the foot of the mountain, while my co-star kept making jokes to calm me down," she says. "It was the support of the entire team that gave me the courage to complete the shot."
\n
Fu Ruoqing, chairman of the China Film Group Corporation, says that Red Silk stands as a testament to the deepening cultural exchanges and friendship between China and Russia. He also emphasizes the role of film in bringing new vitality to cross-cultural dialogue.
\n
Producer Byrkin echoes the sentiment — that China and Russia share similarities in history — a fact that people from both countries can be proud of and one that should be shared with the world. Following the film's success, he has been contacted by other Chinese companies to discuss future collaborations.
\n
That future is already taking shape. Building on the momentum of Red Silk, a sequel titled Black Silk is in development. The new story will shift to the early 1930s, a period of mounting turbulence and war.
\n
Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
Left: A scene from the Sino-Russian coproduction Red Silk features three Chinese couriers and a former Czarist agent forming an unlikely alliance to resist a group of ruthless bandits. Right: A still shows characters discussing the complicated situation on the Trans-Siberian Express.
\n
The espionage film Red Silk held the premiere in Beijing, gathering cast and crew members including director Andrey Volgin (center) and actress Zheng Hanyi (far right).
\n
Actor Milos Bikovic and actress Zheng share behind-the-scenes stories during the Beijing promotional event for Red Silk.
\n
Online Scan the code to watch the video.
\n
On the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, the horizon dissolves into an endless stretch of blue. More than a natural wonder, the world's largest and deepest freshwater lake has long symbolized the vastness of Russia itself. Against this striking backdrop, a heart-pounding action sequence unfolds in Red Silk, one of the most commercially successful Sino-Russian coproductions to date. A Chinese courier and a Soviet Red Army soldier race across the ice on a yacht, taking a perilous shortcut in pursuit of a speeding train.
\n
For actress Zheng Hanyi, who plays the Chinese messenger Wang Lin, filming the scene alongside Russian actor Gleb Kalyuzhnyy was unforgettable. The sheer scale of Lake Baikal, coupled with the icy wind, made every moment feel otherworldly.
\n
Seven months before its recent Chinese mainland release on Sept 6, the 146-minute movie premiered in Russia on Feb 20, raking in 689 million rubles ($8.24 million) at the local box office from 1.47 million moviegoers, placing it among the top 10 highest-grossing films in Russia this year.
\n
With this year marking the 76th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the film is one of the major projects within the framework of the China-Russia Years of Culture in 2024 and 2025, standing as a testament to the growing cinematic cooperation between the two countries.
\n
According to its producer, Vadim Byrkin, the creators researched the relationship between the two countries in the late 1920s, the period when the tale is set, and drew inspiration from several movies, including iconic director Zhang Yimou's espionage thriller Cliff Walkers. The production recruited an international crew of around 170 Russians and 300 Chinese, as well as hiring 1,200 extras for the large-scale scenes.
\n
The plot of Red Silk follows three Chinese couriers who board the Trans-Siberian Express in Shanghai on a mission to deliver secret documents to Moscow — papers that could alter the destiny of both nations.
\n
To ensure the documents' safety, a former Czarist agent and a young Red Army soldier are forced into an unlikely alliance. Their journey quickly turns into a deadly race for survival: they must fend off a band of ruthless train robbers and survive a poisonous gas leak, all while trying to uncover the mastermind behind the escalating conspiracy.
\n
Zheng's character, Wang, is one of the couriers, accompanied by Gao, the elderly leader, and Li Bo, who has carried a lifelong, unspoken love for her. Wang, however, begins to develop a bond with Kalyuzhnyy's soldier. For Zheng, a former stage musical performer, stepping into the role was both daunting and rewarding.
\n
Recalling that she was the only Chinese cast member on set for the filming of the Lake Baikal action scene, Zheng tells China Daily that she participated in a traditional ceremony to mark the start of the film's production. "The wind was so strong that day, we formed a circle, held hands, and smashed a plate together — one engraved with the movie's title Red Silk. Everyone was so tall and held onto me tightly, worried I might be blown away. It was a really fun experience," she says.
\n
"Interestingly, although I felt nervous throughout the entire shoot, all my anxiety vanished once we were on the lake. My focus shifted entirely to staying warm and keeping out the cold," Zheng adds.
\n
Andrey Volgin, the film's Russian director who's also known for Dance to Death, explains the meaning of the title: red symbolizes love and victory, while also representing the Silk Road — together forming a direct association with China. A key element in the film is that the character Wang wears a red silk scarf with hollowed-out patterns that are essential for decoding the secret documents.
\n
The shoot itself tested the endurance of the cast and crew. They faced a staggering temperature swing: from — 42 C on the frozen expanse of Lake Baikal to more than 40 C at Hengdian World Studios in East China's Zhejiang province.
\n
Actor Milos Bikovic, who plays a former Czarist agent, describes the intense heat during an eight-hour shoot in Hengdian, saying that all four of his shirts became completely soaked.
\n
However, the harsh conditions did little to dampen his spirits, which were only strengthened by witnessing the dedication of his Chinese colleagues. For instance, in a scene where messengers must jump off a cliff to escape a group of ruthless bandits, actor Huang Haonan — who plays the Chinese messenger Li — persevered through injuries to complete the stunt.
\n
Zheng, terrified of the same stunt, eventually overcame her fear with the encouragement of her colleagues. "The producer was silently praying at the foot of the mountain, while my co-star kept making jokes to calm me down," she says. "It was the support of the entire team that gave me the courage to complete the shot."
\n
Fu Ruoqing, chairman of the China Film Group Corporation, says that Red Silk stands as a testament to the deepening cultural exchanges and friendship between China and Russia. He also emphasizes the role of film in bringing new vitality to cross-cultural dialogue.
\n
Producer Byrkin echoes the sentiment — that China and Russia share similarities in history — a fact that people from both countries can be proud of and one that should be shared with the world. Following the film's success, he has been contacted by other Chinese companies to discuss future collaborations.
\n
That future is already taking shape. Building on the momentum of Red Silk, a sequel titled Black Silk is in development. The new story will shift to the early 1930s, a period of mounting turbulence and war.
Au Sai-kit with the Cheung Po Tsai junk boat in Hong Kong last month.
\n
HONG KONG — As the sun sets over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong's iconic skyline glows with golden light. Skyscrapers shimmer along the shore as a vibrant red Chinese wooden junk glides gracefully across the water, leaving an image etched in the memory of countless visitors.
\n
"Stepping onto this slow-moving junk amid Hong Kong's high-rises is like experiencing a harmonious blend of modern allure and traditional charm," says Gu Jianing, a tourist from Shanghai, watching as the Cheung Po Tsai, or the Aqua Luna I, cut through the waves.
\n
The junk, an iconic sight in Hong Kong, with its towering wooden frame and three vivid red sails gleaming in the sunlight of Victoria Harbour, has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols.
\n
Featured on postcards, vintage travel posters, T-shirts and ceramics, and even serving as the logo of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, it encapsulates the unique character of the city.
\n
Every day, it ferries visitors across the harbor multiple times, offering a tangible connection to Hong Kong's distinct charm and maritime heritage.
\n
The Aqua Luna junk boat is a painstakingly handcrafted creation by Au Sai-kit, the third-generation owner of Hong Kong's Kwong Ming Shipyard, and his father. Tucked away in A Kung Ngam, Shau Kei Wan in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island, the shipyard is a two-story tin-roofed building with a green sign reading "Kwong Ming Shipyard". Its dimly lit first floor, filled with wood and tools, leads to a small outdoor pier where the Aqua Luna, usually plying the waters of Victoria Harbour, was moored for routine maintenance on the day of the interview.
\n
Au opened a delicate wooden box for reporters and carefully unfurled a roll of parchment paper: the original blueprint for the Aqua Luna, marked with precise numbers and diagrams.
\n
The Aqua Luna was born in 2006, at a crucial juncture for the shipyard, which was then grappling with declining orders. "A client approached us through a contact, wanting a commercial junk — one so complex that few in the industry dared to take on the project," Au recalls. Even he and his father, both seasoned craftsmen, hesitated when they saw the design.
\n
With three tall masts and billowing sails, the Aqua Luna was unlike any commercial vessel they had ever built. Au explained that wooden junks are more stable in rough seas and stay cooler in summer compared to steel or fiberglass ships. However, crafting them requires extreme precision. "A 0.5-centimeter error could cause planks to misalign or, worse, lead to leaks," he says.
\n
"It was the largest commercial junk I'd ever built," Au notes. Motivated by the thought "better to try than close down", they spent nine months constructing it. What began as a last-ditch effort to save the shipyard has now become Au's source of pride. "Watching this iconic Chinese junk carry tourists from around the world to explore Hong Kong fills me with a deep sense of pride," he says.
\n
Hong Kong, surrounded by the sea, grew into a major Asian trading hub, and the bustling waters of Victoria Harbour once sustained a thriving shipbuilding industry.
\n
Kwong Ming Shipyard was established in the 1950s by Au's maternal grandfather and later taken over by his father, Au Wai. Au Sai-kit himself started learning the trade at 13, apprenticing through experience rather than formal lessons.
\n
"I once tried to cut corners on a complex step, only to have to start all over again," Au says. "Building ships is like life: you have to proceed step by step."
\n
The 1980s were the shipyard's heyday. "We had six to seven in-house staff and 30 to 40 hired workers to handle orders," he recalls. The shipyard built 50-60 percent of Hong Kong's commercial vessels, transporting tourists, residents and workers, including the shuttle boats for the renowned Jumbo Kingdom, one of the world's largest floating restaurants.
\n
But fortunes shifted. As lighter ships gained popularity, traditional handcrafted wooden junks, burdened by high material costs, slowly disappeared. The three-generation-old shipyard shifted its focus from building ships to repairing them and cleaning hulls.
\n
Now in his 60s, Au is among Hong Kong's younger master shipbuilders. Crafting a luxury junk, he says, is a labor of love, but "I'll keep going for as long as I can". In recent years, groups have visited the yard, and Au has shared stories of Chinese junk-making, hoping to kindle young people's interest in this traditional craft.
\n
Leading reporters to the shipyard's second floor — his home for 35 years — Au revealed his private "museum", filled with junk models, including a replica of the Aqua Luna I.
\n
"Chinese junks are the most beautiful," Au says, his face lighting up with hope. He dreams of seeing more of these iconic vessels sailing Victoria Harbour, showcasing Hong Kong's enduring craftsmanship to the world.
Au Sai-kit with the Cheung Po Tsai junk boat in Hong Kong last month.
\n
HONG KONG — As the sun sets over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong's iconic skyline glows with golden light. Skyscrapers shimmer along the shore as a vibrant red Chinese wooden junk glides gracefully across the water, leaving an image etched in the memory of countless visitors.
\n
"Stepping onto this slow-moving junk amid Hong Kong's high-rises is like experiencing a harmonious blend of modern allure and traditional charm," says Gu Jianing, a tourist from Shanghai, watching as the Cheung Po Tsai, or the Aqua Luna I, cut through the waves.
\n
The junk, an iconic sight in Hong Kong, with its towering wooden frame and three vivid red sails gleaming in the sunlight of Victoria Harbour, has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols.
\n
Featured on postcards, vintage travel posters, T-shirts and ceramics, and even serving as the logo of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, it encapsulates the unique character of the city.
\n
Every day, it ferries visitors across the harbor multiple times, offering a tangible connection to Hong Kong's distinct charm and maritime heritage.
\n
The Aqua Luna junk boat is a painstakingly handcrafted creation by Au Sai-kit, the third-generation owner of Hong Kong's Kwong Ming Shipyard, and his father. Tucked away in A Kung Ngam, Shau Kei Wan in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island, the shipyard is a two-story tin-roofed building with a green sign reading "Kwong Ming Shipyard". Its dimly lit first floor, filled with wood and tools, leads to a small outdoor pier where the Aqua Luna, usually plying the waters of Victoria Harbour, was moored for routine maintenance on the day of the interview.
\n
Au opened a delicate wooden box for reporters and carefully unfurled a roll of parchment paper: the original blueprint for the Aqua Luna, marked with precise numbers and diagrams.
\n
The Aqua Luna was born in 2006, at a crucial juncture for the shipyard, which was then grappling with declining orders. "A client approached us through a contact, wanting a commercial junk — one so complex that few in the industry dared to take on the project," Au recalls. Even he and his father, both seasoned craftsmen, hesitated when they saw the design.
\n
With three tall masts and billowing sails, the Aqua Luna was unlike any commercial vessel they had ever built. Au explained that wooden junks are more stable in rough seas and stay cooler in summer compared to steel or fiberglass ships. However, crafting them requires extreme precision. "A 0.5-centimeter error could cause planks to misalign or, worse, lead to leaks," he says.
\n
"It was the largest commercial junk I'd ever built," Au notes. Motivated by the thought "better to try than close down", they spent nine months constructing it. What began as a last-ditch effort to save the shipyard has now become Au's source of pride. "Watching this iconic Chinese junk carry tourists from around the world to explore Hong Kong fills me with a deep sense of pride," he says.
\n
Hong Kong, surrounded by the sea, grew into a major Asian trading hub, and the bustling waters of Victoria Harbour once sustained a thriving shipbuilding industry.
\n
Kwong Ming Shipyard was established in the 1950s by Au's maternal grandfather and later taken over by his father, Au Wai. Au Sai-kit himself started learning the trade at 13, apprenticing through experience rather than formal lessons.
\n
"I once tried to cut corners on a complex step, only to have to start all over again," Au says. "Building ships is like life: you have to proceed step by step."
\n
The 1980s were the shipyard's heyday. "We had six to seven in-house staff and 30 to 40 hired workers to handle orders," he recalls. The shipyard built 50-60 percent of Hong Kong's commercial vessels, transporting tourists, residents and workers, including the shuttle boats for the renowned Jumbo Kingdom, one of the world's largest floating restaurants.
\n
But fortunes shifted. As lighter ships gained popularity, traditional handcrafted wooden junks, burdened by high material costs, slowly disappeared. The three-generation-old shipyard shifted its focus from building ships to repairing them and cleaning hulls.
\n
Now in his 60s, Au is among Hong Kong's younger master shipbuilders. Crafting a luxury junk, he says, is a labor of love, but "I'll keep going for as long as I can". In recent years, groups have visited the yard, and Au has shared stories of Chinese junk-making, hoping to kindle young people's interest in this traditional craft.
\n
Leading reporters to the shipyard's second floor — his home for 35 years — Au revealed his private "museum", filled with junk models, including a replica of the Aqua Luna I.
\n
"Chinese junks are the most beautiful," Au says, his face lighting up with hope. He dreams of seeing more of these iconic vessels sailing Victoria Harbour, showcasing Hong Kong's enduring craftsmanship to the world.
Kylian Mbappe (left) celebrates scoring Real Madrid's first goal with teammate Arda Guler during a Champions League match against Olympique Marseille at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, on Tuesday.
\n\n
MADRID — Kylian Mbappe slammed home two penalties for Real Madrid as the record 15-time winner opened its Champions League campaign with a controversial 2-1 comeback win over Olympique Marseille on Tuesday.
\n
Timothy Weah opened the scoring for the French visitor, before Mbappe leveled from the spot and Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was sent off for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
\n
Roberto De Zerbi's enterprising Marseille was well-placed to push for a famous win at the Santiago Bernabeu until Facundo Medina was harshly penalized for a handball and Mbappe converted his second penalty.
\n
"For me it's a penalty, but I understand there are people who don't (think so), we're all lost with this rule," Mbappe, who reached 50 goals for the club, told Movistar.
\n
"They say it's a penalty, I shoot it and put it in, that's all."
\n
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was dealt an early blow in his first European game at the helm of the Spanish giant, when Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with a thigh injury, and his side had to scrap with 10 men after Carvajal's dismissal.
\n
"The two goals came from penalties and our performance deserved more than that. We should have won by more goals and (not doing that) made the game tougher for us," Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Movistar.
\n
"It was a good win to start with, but it got tricky."
\n
Alonso benched Vinicius Junior among several changes to the side that beat Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday to continue Madrid's 100 percent start in La Liga.
\n
It had a short preseason following the Club World Cup, giving Alonso more incentive to shuffle his pack, while the coach has also insisted he will keep as many players involved as possible.
\n
Jude Bellingham was named on the bench for the first time after undergoing shoulder surgery in July, but neither he, nor the returning Eduardo Camavinga, made it onto the pitch.
\n
Mbappe, who watched former side Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League last season after he left for Madrid, almost opened the scoring with a spectacular overhead effort which dropped just wide.
\n
Alexander-Arnold limped off after just three minutes, to be replaced by veteran Carvajal.
\n
Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid's youngest Champions League starter at 18 years and 33 days, hit the inside of the near post, as both teams sought to break the deadlock.
\n
Rulli made a fine save from a fierce Mbappe strike, before Weah opened the scoring. Mason Greenwood picked Arda Guler's pocket and fed the US international, who slammed past Courtois at the near post for his first Marseille goal.
\n
The Belgian goalkeeper denied Weah from distance, as the Juventus winger, on loan to the French outfit, impressed. Real Madrid equalized when Geoffrey Kondogbia clumsily bundled over Rodrygo Goes in the box.
\n
Mbappe, in fine form at the start of the season, dispatched the penalty past Rulli's outstretched arm.
\n
Swiftly to fifty
\n
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drilled just wide and then tested Courtois in the second half, as Marseille continued to give as good as it got.
\n
Madrid finished its second game in a row with 10 men after Carvajal squared off with Rulli and then pushed his head into the goalkeeper's.
\n
However, just as it did against Real Sociedad following Dean Huijsen's dismissal, Madrid finished with three points after Medina slid in to challenge Vinicius and the ball hit his arm. The referee awarded the penalty, which Mbappe gratefully dispatched, ensuring a fifth victory in five games across all competitions for Los Blancos.
\n
It brought up Mbappe's milestone 50th goal in 64 appearances, the quickest a Madrid player has hit that tally since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010.
\n
"He's in a good moment, both personally and in a footballing sense, and I'm happy to be working with him," said Alonso.
\n",
+ "content": "
Kylian Mbappe (left) celebrates scoring Real Madrid's first goal with teammate Arda Guler during a Champions League match against Olympique Marseille at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, on Tuesday.
\n\n
MADRID — Kylian Mbappe slammed home two penalties for Real Madrid as the record 15-time winner opened its Champions League campaign with a controversial 2-1 comeback win over Olympique Marseille on Tuesday.
\n
Timothy Weah opened the scoring for the French visitor, before Mbappe leveled from the spot and Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was sent off for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
\n
Roberto De Zerbi's enterprising Marseille was well-placed to push for a famous win at the Santiago Bernabeu until Facundo Medina was harshly penalized for a handball and Mbappe converted his second penalty.
\n
"For me it's a penalty, but I understand there are people who don't (think so), we're all lost with this rule," Mbappe, who reached 50 goals for the club, told Movistar.
\n
"They say it's a penalty, I shoot it and put it in, that's all."
\n
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was dealt an early blow in his first European game at the helm of the Spanish giant, when Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off with a thigh injury, and his side had to scrap with 10 men after Carvajal's dismissal.
\n
"The two goals came from penalties and our performance deserved more than that. We should have won by more goals and (not doing that) made the game tougher for us," Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Movistar.
\n
"It was a good win to start with, but it got tricky."
\n
Alonso benched Vinicius Junior among several changes to the side that beat Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday to continue Madrid's 100 percent start in La Liga.
\n
It had a short preseason following the Club World Cup, giving Alonso more incentive to shuffle his pack, while the coach has also insisted he will keep as many players involved as possible.
\n
Jude Bellingham was named on the bench for the first time after undergoing shoulder surgery in July, but neither he, nor the returning Eduardo Camavinga, made it onto the pitch.
\n
Mbappe, who watched former side Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League last season after he left for Madrid, almost opened the scoring with a spectacular overhead effort which dropped just wide.
\n
Alexander-Arnold limped off after just three minutes, to be replaced by veteran Carvajal.
\n
Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid's youngest Champions League starter at 18 years and 33 days, hit the inside of the near post, as both teams sought to break the deadlock.
\n
Rulli made a fine save from a fierce Mbappe strike, before Weah opened the scoring. Mason Greenwood picked Arda Guler's pocket and fed the US international, who slammed past Courtois at the near post for his first Marseille goal.
\n
The Belgian goalkeeper denied Weah from distance, as the Juventus winger, on loan to the French outfit, impressed. Real Madrid equalized when Geoffrey Kondogbia clumsily bundled over Rodrygo Goes in the box.
\n
Mbappe, in fine form at the start of the season, dispatched the penalty past Rulli's outstretched arm.
\n
Swiftly to fifty
\n
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drilled just wide and then tested Courtois in the second half, as Marseille continued to give as good as it got.
\n
Madrid finished its second game in a row with 10 men after Carvajal squared off with Rulli and then pushed his head into the goalkeeper's.
\n
However, just as it did against Real Sociedad following Dean Huijsen's dismissal, Madrid finished with three points after Medina slid in to challenge Vinicius and the ball hit his arm. The referee awarded the penalty, which Mbappe gratefully dispatched, ensuring a fifth victory in five games across all competitions for Los Blancos.
\n
It brought up Mbappe's milestone 50th goal in 64 appearances, the quickest a Madrid player has hit that tally since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010.
\n
"He's in a good moment, both personally and in a footballing sense, and I'm happy to be working with him," said Alonso.
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during a Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain, on Tuesday.
\n
BILBAO, Spain — Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard pounced in the final stages to secure a 2-0 victory for Arsenal at Athletic Bilbao in its Champions League opener on Tuesday.
\n
Last season's beaten semifinalist got off to a winning start in the Basque country, as it shaded a tight game at the San Mames Stadium in the first of eight group matches.
\n
Mikel Arteta's side, chasing a first major trophy since 2020 and its first ever Champions League title, ground out its victory with a typically sturdy defensive display and the late goals.
\n
Martinelli scored in the 72nd minute, 36 seconds after coming off the bench, before Trossard added a second after 87 minutes, each setting the other up.
\n
"We started to grow throughout the game. In the second half, we were more fluent, dominant, and the finishers made the impact for us to win the game," Arteta told reporters.
\n
" (The substitutes) are at least equally important, if not more important.
\n
"We have discussed that — the finishers are going to be more important this season, sometimes than the starters, and we can change the game then, when teams start to drop off."
\n
Athletic, back in the competition for the first time in 11 years, was on top in the early stages, buoyed by boisterous home support.
\n
Its coach Ernesto Valverde lined up with an entire team of players making their Champions League debut, including talisman striker Inaki Williams, but not his injured brother Nico Williams.
\n
Arsenal started with four Spaniards, including two Basque midfielders in Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, who used to play for Athletic's rival Real Sociedad.
\n
The Gunners, missing several regulars, including Bukayo Saka, began to turn the tide through the movement of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke's persistence on the right wing.
\n
Swedish striker Gyokeres had an effort saved by Unai Simon and then headed narrowly wide of the post after reaching a dangerous cross by Jurrien Timber.
\n
Alejandro Berenguer pulled a shot wide of the far post with Athletic's first real chance shortly before the break.
\n
Gyokeres, sporting a bandage after a clash of heads left him bleeding, nodded Declan Rice's freekick wide when well-placed.
\n
Williams was denied by David Raya, and Merino headed straight at Simon at the other end, as the match stepped up a gear.
\n
'Fully deserves it'
\n
Arteta, who hails from the Basque country, was praised as one of the best coaches in the world by his counterpart Valverde, and proved it with substitutions that changed the game decisively to ensure a happy return to home soil.
\n
The Spaniard brought on Martinelli for the ineffective Eberechi Eze, and immediately found the goal Arsenal was craving as the Gunners countered at pace.
\n
Martinelli ran on to Trossard's pass, took a fine touch to leave Andoni Gorosabel trailing in his wake and then fired under Simon.
\n
The Brazilian was again involved in the second goal, cutting the ball back for Trossard, who beat Simon with the help of a deflection.
\n
" (Martinelli) fully deserves it," said Arteta. "I adore Gabi, his attitude, his commitment, his positivity and what he's willing to do for the team.
\n
"We value all the qualities he has and what he brings to the team, and I'm so happy that today he decided the game for us in two actions.
\n
"These are the moments that are hopefully going to give him the confidence (he needs)."
\n
Arsenal reinforced heavily in the summer to increase its squad depth, particularly in attack, and it paid dividends at the San Mames.
\n
Arteta brought on two more new arrivals in Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie for their debuts late on with the points safe.
\n
"The result doesn't reflect what the match was like, because I thought we had a good game," said Williams.
\n
"We gave every drop of sweat, and there are seven games left — Athletic didn't come here to enjoy the competition, but to compete in it."
\n",
+ "content": "
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during a Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain, on Tuesday.
\n
BILBAO, Spain — Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard pounced in the final stages to secure a 2-0 victory for Arsenal at Athletic Bilbao in its Champions League opener on Tuesday.
\n
Last season's beaten semifinalist got off to a winning start in the Basque country, as it shaded a tight game at the San Mames Stadium in the first of eight group matches.
\n
Mikel Arteta's side, chasing a first major trophy since 2020 and its first ever Champions League title, ground out its victory with a typically sturdy defensive display and the late goals.
\n
Martinelli scored in the 72nd minute, 36 seconds after coming off the bench, before Trossard added a second after 87 minutes, each setting the other up.
\n
"We started to grow throughout the game. In the second half, we were more fluent, dominant, and the finishers made the impact for us to win the game," Arteta told reporters.
\n
" (The substitutes) are at least equally important, if not more important.
\n
"We have discussed that — the finishers are going to be more important this season, sometimes than the starters, and we can change the game then, when teams start to drop off."
\n
Athletic, back in the competition for the first time in 11 years, was on top in the early stages, buoyed by boisterous home support.
\n
Its coach Ernesto Valverde lined up with an entire team of players making their Champions League debut, including talisman striker Inaki Williams, but not his injured brother Nico Williams.
\n
Arsenal started with four Spaniards, including two Basque midfielders in Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, who used to play for Athletic's rival Real Sociedad.
\n
The Gunners, missing several regulars, including Bukayo Saka, began to turn the tide through the movement of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke's persistence on the right wing.
\n
Swedish striker Gyokeres had an effort saved by Unai Simon and then headed narrowly wide of the post after reaching a dangerous cross by Jurrien Timber.
\n
Alejandro Berenguer pulled a shot wide of the far post with Athletic's first real chance shortly before the break.
\n
Gyokeres, sporting a bandage after a clash of heads left him bleeding, nodded Declan Rice's freekick wide when well-placed.
\n
Williams was denied by David Raya, and Merino headed straight at Simon at the other end, as the match stepped up a gear.
\n
'Fully deserves it'
\n
Arteta, who hails from the Basque country, was praised as one of the best coaches in the world by his counterpart Valverde, and proved it with substitutions that changed the game decisively to ensure a happy return to home soil.
\n
The Spaniard brought on Martinelli for the ineffective Eberechi Eze, and immediately found the goal Arsenal was craving as the Gunners countered at pace.
\n
Martinelli ran on to Trossard's pass, took a fine touch to leave Andoni Gorosabel trailing in his wake and then fired under Simon.
\n
The Brazilian was again involved in the second goal, cutting the ball back for Trossard, who beat Simon with the help of a deflection.
\n
" (Martinelli) fully deserves it," said Arteta. "I adore Gabi, his attitude, his commitment, his positivity and what he's willing to do for the team.
\n
"We value all the qualities he has and what he brings to the team, and I'm so happy that today he decided the game for us in two actions.
\n
"These are the moments that are hopefully going to give him the confidence (he needs)."
\n
Arsenal reinforced heavily in the summer to increase its squad depth, particularly in attack, and it paid dividends at the San Mames.
\n
Arteta brought on two more new arrivals in Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie for their debuts late on with the points safe.
\n
"The result doesn't reflect what the match was like, because I thought we had a good game," said Williams.
\n
"We gave every drop of sweat, and there are seven games left — Athletic didn't come here to enjoy the competition, but to compete in it."
Dusan Vlahovic's brace helped rescue Juventus on Tuesday.
\n
TURIN, Italy — Juventus staged an incredible comeback on Tuesday, as it recovered from a two-goal deficit to clinch a 4-4 stoppage-time draw in a thrilling Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
\n
Lloyd Kelly saved a point for Juve in the final seconds of a wild game by heading home a pinpoint cross from Dusan Vlahovic to spark bedlam in the stands in Turin.
\n
While Kelly was the hero of the hour, it was substitute Vlahovic who was the key man, as the Serbia striker once again proved his doubters wrong with a brace, including the goal in the fourth minute of added time which got Juve back into the game.
\n
It was the third time so far this season that Vlahovic — who looked set to leave in the summer — has been decisive from the bench, with his goal tally in all competitions now up to four.
\n
"It's not been a very easy time for me, there were a lot of things said and a lot of articles written that, 99 percent of the time, weren't even close to the truth, and that's always going to get to you," Vlahovic told Sky.
\n
"But, I found strength from it, every day is the day in which you have to show something, have that hunger. That's how I am, I'm never really satisfied."
\n
Igor Tudor's team seemed down and out when Ramy Bensebaini rolled home from the penalty spot in the 86th minute to put Dortmund 4-2 ahead.
\n
But, just like at the weekend, when Juve struck late to beat fierce rivals Inter Milan, Kelly stepped up to earn Juve an unlikely draw.
\n
"If we continue to concede goals like we did tonight, we'll never see the end," said Tudor.
\n
"After the last few days, I think I need a little rest."
\n
Englishman Kelly's equalizer was the final act of a match that exploded into life in the second half, after a soporific opening period.
\n
Little had happened by the time Karim Adeyemi lashed in Dortmund's opening goal from Serhou Guirassy's quick pass, with Maximilian Beier grazing the outside of the post from an improbable angle seconds before the first major bit of action.
\n
But, Adeyemi's goal completely changed the game, with Guirassy somehow failing to score from six yards out moments later, after bundling his way in front of Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
\n
That woke Juve up, with Teun Koopmeiners blasting over following a neat exchange of passes with Lois Openda, and, in the 63rd minute, Kenan Yildiz leveled the scores with a brilliant curling strike reminiscent of Italian icon Alessandro Del Piero.
\n
The cheers from that goal had barely died down when, seconds later, Felix Nmecha was allowed too much space to smash Dortmund back into the lead from just outside the penalty area.
\n
Vlahovic put Juve level for the second time in the 68th minute, confidently stroking home from Yildiz's pass, before Yan Couto's powerful low drive squirmed through the slippery fingers of Di Gregorio in the 75th minute.
\n
And, when Guirassy's shot smashed into Kelly's arm as the defender slid to block, Bensebaini struck what looked likely to be the killer blow.
\n
But, Juve kept pushing and, inspired by Vlahovic, the Serie A team somehow scrambled a result out of nowhere.
\n",
+ "content": "
Dusan Vlahovic's brace helped rescue Juventus on Tuesday.
\n
TURIN, Italy — Juventus staged an incredible comeback on Tuesday, as it recovered from a two-goal deficit to clinch a 4-4 stoppage-time draw in a thrilling Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
\n
Lloyd Kelly saved a point for Juve in the final seconds of a wild game by heading home a pinpoint cross from Dusan Vlahovic to spark bedlam in the stands in Turin.
\n
While Kelly was the hero of the hour, it was substitute Vlahovic who was the key man, as the Serbia striker once again proved his doubters wrong with a brace, including the goal in the fourth minute of added time which got Juve back into the game.
\n
It was the third time so far this season that Vlahovic — who looked set to leave in the summer — has been decisive from the bench, with his goal tally in all competitions now up to four.
\n
"It's not been a very easy time for me, there were a lot of things said and a lot of articles written that, 99 percent of the time, weren't even close to the truth, and that's always going to get to you," Vlahovic told Sky.
\n
"But, I found strength from it, every day is the day in which you have to show something, have that hunger. That's how I am, I'm never really satisfied."
\n
Igor Tudor's team seemed down and out when Ramy Bensebaini rolled home from the penalty spot in the 86th minute to put Dortmund 4-2 ahead.
\n
But, just like at the weekend, when Juve struck late to beat fierce rivals Inter Milan, Kelly stepped up to earn Juve an unlikely draw.
\n
"If we continue to concede goals like we did tonight, we'll never see the end," said Tudor.
\n
"After the last few days, I think I need a little rest."
\n
Englishman Kelly's equalizer was the final act of a match that exploded into life in the second half, after a soporific opening period.
\n
Little had happened by the time Karim Adeyemi lashed in Dortmund's opening goal from Serhou Guirassy's quick pass, with Maximilian Beier grazing the outside of the post from an improbable angle seconds before the first major bit of action.
\n
But, Adeyemi's goal completely changed the game, with Guirassy somehow failing to score from six yards out moments later, after bundling his way in front of Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
\n
That woke Juve up, with Teun Koopmeiners blasting over following a neat exchange of passes with Lois Openda, and, in the 63rd minute, Kenan Yildiz leveled the scores with a brilliant curling strike reminiscent of Italian icon Alessandro Del Piero.
\n
The cheers from that goal had barely died down when, seconds later, Felix Nmecha was allowed too much space to smash Dortmund back into the lead from just outside the penalty area.
\n
Vlahovic put Juve level for the second time in the 68th minute, confidently stroking home from Yildiz's pass, before Yan Couto's powerful low drive squirmed through the slippery fingers of Di Gregorio in the 75th minute.
\n
And, when Guirassy's shot smashed into Kelly's arm as the defender slid to block, Bensebaini struck what looked likely to be the killer blow.
\n
But, Juve kept pushing and, inspired by Vlahovic, the Serie A team somehow scrambled a result out of nowhere.
Cooper Lutkenhaus of the United States competes in the men's 800m heats during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday.
\n
The 16-year-old middle-distance runner just didn't have it. Not on this night. His kick, the one that helped him shatter all sorts of 800-meter records in this breakout season, wasn't there.
\n
Maybe it was the magnitude of the stage for Cooper Lutkenhaus, who only recently turned pro, that was the reason he didn't advance out of the first round on Tuesday at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
\n
There were more than 35,000 fans packed inside Japan's National Stadium — and Lutkenhaus was lined up against some of the best runners from eight different countries.
\n
Disappointed to be going home so soon? Sure.
\n
Did it overshadow his season in the slightest? Not at all. Showing wisdom beyond his years, Lutkenhaus explained his early exit — a seventh-place showing in his opening heat — in terms any runner can understand.
\n
"It just wasn't there today," Lutkenhaus said.
\n
Talk of the track
\n
The sendoff was spectacular: A cheer squad leading the way through a high-school hallway packed with classmates and a marching band following close behind. That was the grand farewell Lutkenhaus received at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, before taking off for the worlds.
\n
His dream season, though, hit a speed bump Tuesday, when he was pushed into lane two — adding extra distance to the two-lap race — and couldn't climb his way into the mix. It was simply a learning experience.
\n
"Leaving the stadium with my head held high," Lutkenhaus said after the race. "I don't really have any regrets from that race. Occasionally, you're going to have bad races."
\n
Lutkenhaus became the talk of the track last month at the United States' national championships after finishing in 1 min, 42.27 sec, which broke the under-18 world record.
\n
Not only did he earn a trip to Tokyo — he's the youngest US runner to qualify for the worlds — but that blistering time paved the way to going pro and signing a deal with Nike.
\n
Through all of his newfound fame, he's still the same, levelheaded kid he's always been. The one whose favorite movie is Elf (he was born Dec 19, so he likes holiday movies), who plays video games (College Football 25 is his current choice), enjoys swimming at his buddy's pool, makes spontaneous food runs with friends and passionately roots for the Texas Longhorns.
\n
"It's just things that normal kids do," he said in a phone interview with reporters. "But there's just a '1:42' next to the name."
\n
The race that changed everything
\n
Lutkenhaus has watched replays of his breakout race at the US championships "a decent amount of times," he said with a laugh.
\n
He felt no pressure that day.
\n
That's why, the day before his big race, he went to Track Town Pizza in Eugene, Oregon, and had a few slices of the pie called the "5,000 meters." The toppings include Canadian bacon, salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, red onions and sausage.
\n
"Definitely not the best option for a pre-race meal," he said.
\n
Or maybe it was?
\n
He used a late surge to propel himself into second place, just behind winner Donavan Brazier. It was the fourth-fastest 800m time by an American runner of any age. Lutkenhaus' time also eclipsed the world under-18 mark of 1:43.37 set by Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia 14 years ago.
\n
"It's crazy. It's still crazy to think about now. It was crazy in the moment," Lutkenhaus said of his performance. "It's always going to be crazy to think about, even when I'm older."
\n
Family of athletes
\n
He comes from a family of athletes — his mom, Tricia, was an accomplished runner in high school. His dad, George, competed at the University of North Texas, before becoming a coach and stepping into the role of director of athletics at Cooper's high school.
\n
His older brother, Andrew, is a runner for Tulsa, while his oldest brother, George Jr, swam for Adams State in Colorado.
\n
Cooper was the kid who shone in all sports. He was a quarterback on the football field and the type of basketball player who would dive after every loose ball.
\n
Around eighth grade, with Lutkenhaus setting all sorts of records, the family sat down for a candid conversation. Perhaps it was time to focus on track.
\n
"We just said, 'there's something here that we don't want to screw up,'" his father recounted.
\n
The pro route
\n
Even after he won Nike outdoor nationals in 1:45.45 earlier this summer, turning pro wasn't really on the radar.
\n
Then, he clocked that time at the US championships.
\n
"We already had a plan set out before the 1:42," Lutkenhaus explained. "We're going to go to college. We're going to do this, and then the 1:42 kind of messed it up a little bit. It just changed a lot."
\n
For one big reason: "It's hard to put a 1:42 guy on a high school track," his father said. "In some ways, that's not fair to him and in other ways it's not fair to the other kids, either."
\n
And so, Cooper joined a stable of Nike athletes as one of the apparel company's youngest running ambassadors. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
\n
In Tokyo, going against a field of decorated international runners, Lutkenhaus just wanted to finish in the top three and advance. His time of 1:47.68 was 1.38 seconds behind the time of Maciej Wyderka of Poland, the winner of his heat.
\n
"You always feel like you could do more," Lutkenhaus said.
\n
School days
\n
As for school, he will keep attending classes in person at Northwest High, where he is a junior. But, if his track schedule becomes too hectic, he may switch to online learning. He could be in line to graduate early as well.
\n
He planned on doing homework in Tokyo when he wasn't running or training to "maybe take my mind off racing every day", he said.
\n
His favorite class is US history, which, of course, he's making plenty of in his own way these days.
\n
He's already tied for the 18th fastest 800m runner ever. What's more, he's 1.36 seconds off the world-record time of Kenyan great David Rudisha, who went 1:40.91 when he won gold at the 2012 London Games.
\n
This sudden stardom won't be going to Lutkenhaus' head, though.
\n
"My two oldest brothers definitely make sure I stay grounded," he cracked. "I just want to be somebody that can build the sport."
\n
Down the road, he hopes to study kinesiology in college. He'd also like to follow in his father's footsteps and become a coach.
\n
"I want to do that," Lutkenhaus said with a laugh, "when I'm older."
\n",
+ "content": "
Cooper Lutkenhaus of the United States competes in the men's 800m heats during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday.
\n
The 16-year-old middle-distance runner just didn't have it. Not on this night. His kick, the one that helped him shatter all sorts of 800-meter records in this breakout season, wasn't there.
\n
Maybe it was the magnitude of the stage for Cooper Lutkenhaus, who only recently turned pro, that was the reason he didn't advance out of the first round on Tuesday at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
\n
There were more than 35,000 fans packed inside Japan's National Stadium — and Lutkenhaus was lined up against some of the best runners from eight different countries.
\n
Disappointed to be going home so soon? Sure.
\n
Did it overshadow his season in the slightest? Not at all. Showing wisdom beyond his years, Lutkenhaus explained his early exit — a seventh-place showing in his opening heat — in terms any runner can understand.
\n
"It just wasn't there today," Lutkenhaus said.
\n
Talk of the track
\n
The sendoff was spectacular: A cheer squad leading the way through a high-school hallway packed with classmates and a marching band following close behind. That was the grand farewell Lutkenhaus received at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, before taking off for the worlds.
\n
His dream season, though, hit a speed bump Tuesday, when he was pushed into lane two — adding extra distance to the two-lap race — and couldn't climb his way into the mix. It was simply a learning experience.
\n
"Leaving the stadium with my head held high," Lutkenhaus said after the race. "I don't really have any regrets from that race. Occasionally, you're going to have bad races."
\n
Lutkenhaus became the talk of the track last month at the United States' national championships after finishing in 1 min, 42.27 sec, which broke the under-18 world record.
\n
Not only did he earn a trip to Tokyo — he's the youngest US runner to qualify for the worlds — but that blistering time paved the way to going pro and signing a deal with Nike.
\n
Through all of his newfound fame, he's still the same, levelheaded kid he's always been. The one whose favorite movie is Elf (he was born Dec 19, so he likes holiday movies), who plays video games (College Football 25 is his current choice), enjoys swimming at his buddy's pool, makes spontaneous food runs with friends and passionately roots for the Texas Longhorns.
\n
"It's just things that normal kids do," he said in a phone interview with reporters. "But there's just a '1:42' next to the name."
\n
The race that changed everything
\n
Lutkenhaus has watched replays of his breakout race at the US championships "a decent amount of times," he said with a laugh.
\n
He felt no pressure that day.
\n
That's why, the day before his big race, he went to Track Town Pizza in Eugene, Oregon, and had a few slices of the pie called the "5,000 meters." The toppings include Canadian bacon, salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, red onions and sausage.
\n
"Definitely not the best option for a pre-race meal," he said.
\n
Or maybe it was?
\n
He used a late surge to propel himself into second place, just behind winner Donavan Brazier. It was the fourth-fastest 800m time by an American runner of any age. Lutkenhaus' time also eclipsed the world under-18 mark of 1:43.37 set by Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia 14 years ago.
\n
"It's crazy. It's still crazy to think about now. It was crazy in the moment," Lutkenhaus said of his performance. "It's always going to be crazy to think about, even when I'm older."
\n
Family of athletes
\n
He comes from a family of athletes — his mom, Tricia, was an accomplished runner in high school. His dad, George, competed at the University of North Texas, before becoming a coach and stepping into the role of director of athletics at Cooper's high school.
\n
His older brother, Andrew, is a runner for Tulsa, while his oldest brother, George Jr, swam for Adams State in Colorado.
\n
Cooper was the kid who shone in all sports. He was a quarterback on the football field and the type of basketball player who would dive after every loose ball.
\n
Around eighth grade, with Lutkenhaus setting all sorts of records, the family sat down for a candid conversation. Perhaps it was time to focus on track.
\n
"We just said, 'there's something here that we don't want to screw up,'" his father recounted.
\n
The pro route
\n
Even after he won Nike outdoor nationals in 1:45.45 earlier this summer, turning pro wasn't really on the radar.
\n
Then, he clocked that time at the US championships.
\n
"We already had a plan set out before the 1:42," Lutkenhaus explained. "We're going to go to college. We're going to do this, and then the 1:42 kind of messed it up a little bit. It just changed a lot."
\n
For one big reason: "It's hard to put a 1:42 guy on a high school track," his father said. "In some ways, that's not fair to him and in other ways it's not fair to the other kids, either."
\n
And so, Cooper joined a stable of Nike athletes as one of the apparel company's youngest running ambassadors. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
\n
In Tokyo, going against a field of decorated international runners, Lutkenhaus just wanted to finish in the top three and advance. His time of 1:47.68 was 1.38 seconds behind the time of Maciej Wyderka of Poland, the winner of his heat.
\n
"You always feel like you could do more," Lutkenhaus said.
\n
School days
\n
As for school, he will keep attending classes in person at Northwest High, where he is a junior. But, if his track schedule becomes too hectic, he may switch to online learning. He could be in line to graduate early as well.
\n
He planned on doing homework in Tokyo when he wasn't running or training to "maybe take my mind off racing every day", he said.
\n
His favorite class is US history, which, of course, he's making plenty of in his own way these days.
\n
He's already tied for the 18th fastest 800m runner ever. What's more, he's 1.36 seconds off the world-record time of Kenyan great David Rudisha, who went 1:40.91 when he won gold at the 2012 London Games.
\n
This sudden stardom won't be going to Lutkenhaus' head, though.
\n
"My two oldest brothers definitely make sure I stay grounded," he cracked. "I just want to be somebody that can build the sport."
\n
Down the road, he hopes to study kinesiology in college. He'd also like to follow in his father's footsteps and become a coach.
\n
"I want to do that," Lutkenhaus said with a laugh, "when I'm older."
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon celebrates winning the women's 1,500m gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday.
\n
TOKYO — Faith Kipyegon underlined her credentials as the best middle-distance runner of all time in Tokyo on Tuesday, while also having more than succeeded in showing women athletes that having a child can be a springboard from which to relaunch their careers.
\n
Kipyegon's fourth world 1,500m title further cemented her grip on the event on the global stage, the 31-year-old having also won the last three Olympics.
\n
The Kenyan is fairly unusual on the elite circuit in being a mother, having given birth to her daughter Alyn in June 2018.
\n
"I know what women pass through after maternity leave. They think it's the end of their lives. I want to prove them wrong: this is the future, it's the start of your career," Kipyegon told reporters.
\n
"It was not easy, but I had people around me: my coach, my manager, my officials, my husband, who really believed in me."
\n
Kipyegon, who shed 19 kilograms on the road back to competition, added: "It's not an easy journey, it needs a lot of mental strength, you need to be strong and courageous in all you do.
\n
"I just took time. I took time to enjoy the bundle of my joy Alyn, just having fun with my daughter, because she was still young, and turn gradually toward the 2019 world championships.
\n
"I took a lot of time in training to reduce weight, do gym and exercise, to bring my body (through) in a healthy way."
\n
Since August 2020, Kipyegon has totally dominated the event.
\n
Over her preferred 1,500m, she has won 20 from 21, including the Paris and Tokyo Olympic finals. In that time, she has also competed in a slew of other events including the mile, 3,000m and 5,000m, winning most of them.
\n
Kipyegon added a third world title in Budapest in 2023 after first winning in 2017. She was pipped to world gold in Qatar in 2019 — her first major championships since she gave birth — by Sifan Hassan, who has since moved up to the marathon and is absent from Tokyo.
\n
Endurance and speed
\n
Married to London Olympic 800m bronze medalist Timothy Kitum, Kipyegon trains under the watchful eye of Patrick Sang, who also coaches marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge.
\n
Sang described Kipyegon as someone with an attitude to life and racing similar to that of Kipchoge.
\n
"She is one of those few balanced athletes with a capacity for endurance and also for speed," Sang told reporters.
\n
"I was really impressed. Some athletes are complaining, she never complains.
\n
"She does the work. She is a very focused athlete."
\n
Kipyegon first came to fame — barefoot — when winning the junior world cross-country championship in Punta Umbria, Spain, in 2011 at the age of 17, sprinting to a memorable gold in a photo finish.
\n
"It has been a journey," she acknowledged. "I was feeling comfortable running barefoot. I was still young, just coming from the village.
\n
"I had never used spikes," she reminisced. "I used what I am comfortable with. After Punta Umbria, I came back home and gradually learned to use the spikes, and now I am using spikes, I don't know how to run barefoot anymore!"
\n
Arguably 2023 was her annus mirabilis, her third world title coming on the back of three world records in the season.
\n
This year, she even had a tilt, albeit aided by pacemakers and technology, at becoming the first woman to break the four-minute barrier for the mile, clocking 4:06.42 in her bid in Paris.
\n
"I would say I didn't do what I wanted to do, but it sent a message that it is possible one day," Kipyegon said.
\n
"If it does not come my way, it will be someone one day. I believe there will be a woman running under four minutes in the next generation, or in our generation. That's why I keep going, keep training.
\n
"I have achieved a lot, all the medals, the Olympics and world championships, but I still have a drive, I still want to show that women are capable of doing what we have to do in this world, that we have got this and we need to do it."
\n",
+ "content": "
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon celebrates winning the women's 1,500m gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Tuesday.
\n
TOKYO — Faith Kipyegon underlined her credentials as the best middle-distance runner of all time in Tokyo on Tuesday, while also having more than succeeded in showing women athletes that having a child can be a springboard from which to relaunch their careers.
\n
Kipyegon's fourth world 1,500m title further cemented her grip on the event on the global stage, the 31-year-old having also won the last three Olympics.
\n
The Kenyan is fairly unusual on the elite circuit in being a mother, having given birth to her daughter Alyn in June 2018.
\n
"I know what women pass through after maternity leave. They think it's the end of their lives. I want to prove them wrong: this is the future, it's the start of your career," Kipyegon told reporters.
\n
"It was not easy, but I had people around me: my coach, my manager, my officials, my husband, who really believed in me."
\n
Kipyegon, who shed 19 kilograms on the road back to competition, added: "It's not an easy journey, it needs a lot of mental strength, you need to be strong and courageous in all you do.
\n
"I just took time. I took time to enjoy the bundle of my joy Alyn, just having fun with my daughter, because she was still young, and turn gradually toward the 2019 world championships.
\n
"I took a lot of time in training to reduce weight, do gym and exercise, to bring my body (through) in a healthy way."
\n
Since August 2020, Kipyegon has totally dominated the event.
\n
Over her preferred 1,500m, she has won 20 from 21, including the Paris and Tokyo Olympic finals. In that time, she has also competed in a slew of other events including the mile, 3,000m and 5,000m, winning most of them.
\n
Kipyegon added a third world title in Budapest in 2023 after first winning in 2017. She was pipped to world gold in Qatar in 2019 — her first major championships since she gave birth — by Sifan Hassan, who has since moved up to the marathon and is absent from Tokyo.
\n
Endurance and speed
\n
Married to London Olympic 800m bronze medalist Timothy Kitum, Kipyegon trains under the watchful eye of Patrick Sang, who also coaches marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge.
\n
Sang described Kipyegon as someone with an attitude to life and racing similar to that of Kipchoge.
\n
"She is one of those few balanced athletes with a capacity for endurance and also for speed," Sang told reporters.
\n
"I was really impressed. Some athletes are complaining, she never complains.
\n
"She does the work. She is a very focused athlete."
\n
Kipyegon first came to fame — barefoot — when winning the junior world cross-country championship in Punta Umbria, Spain, in 2011 at the age of 17, sprinting to a memorable gold in a photo finish.
\n
"It has been a journey," she acknowledged. "I was feeling comfortable running barefoot. I was still young, just coming from the village.
\n
"I had never used spikes," she reminisced. "I used what I am comfortable with. After Punta Umbria, I came back home and gradually learned to use the spikes, and now I am using spikes, I don't know how to run barefoot anymore!"
\n
Arguably 2023 was her annus mirabilis, her third world title coming on the back of three world records in the season.
\n
This year, she even had a tilt, albeit aided by pacemakers and technology, at becoming the first woman to break the four-minute barrier for the mile, clocking 4:06.42 in her bid in Paris.
\n
"I would say I didn't do what I wanted to do, but it sent a message that it is possible one day," Kipyegon said.
\n
"If it does not come my way, it will be someone one day. I believe there will be a woman running under four minutes in the next generation, or in our generation. That's why I keep going, keep training.
\n
"I have achieved a lot, all the medals, the Olympics and world championships, but I still have a drive, I still want to show that women are capable of doing what we have to do in this world, that we have got this and we need to do it."
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
\n
Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
\n
"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
\n
The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
\n
President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
\n
Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
\n
Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
\n
"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
\n
According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
\n
Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
\n
"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
\n
Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
\n
Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
\n
Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
\n
"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
\n
Contact the writers at masi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
\n
Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
\n
"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
\n
The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
\n
President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
\n
Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
\n
Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
\n
"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
\n
According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
\n
Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
\n
"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
\n
Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
\n
Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
\n
Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
\n
"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
A fan merchandise featuring images created by He Hehe from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, is displayed at TNT's concert in Shanghai on Aug 21.
\n
A fan of singer Zhang Yuan waves a self-decorated light stick at Zhang's concert in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 17.
\n
Left: The most treasured fan merchandise for Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, are the albums of the singers she has loved for years. Middle: Hand-painted aroma pieces created by Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Right: "Bird", the signature IP of singer Zhang Yuan, created by Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has grown into a fan favorite.
\n\n
As China's live performance market rebounds, concerts are booming nationwide, and official fan merchandise has emerged as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone for fans.
\n
Sales of official merchandise — including light sticks, hand lamps, T-shirts and other branded goods — have surged in both popularity and price over the past decade.
\n
The studio of Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has worked on products and designs with artists such as cellist Ouyang Nana and rock band YOUNG DAN.
\n
But one of his most renowned collaborations came in 2024 when Xu was commissioned to design official merchandise for singer Zhang Yuan, who ended his third nationwide concert tour, called White, in July.
\n
Known as "Bird", Zhang's signature IP, is a chubby cartoon bird with tiny eyes and a dazed, "silly-cute" expression. Inspired by the singer's nickname, it reflects his warm and playful personality. The IP has grown into a fan favorite, with plush toys, figurines and comics like Bird Diaries, and even themed pop-up stores.
\n
Xu said the design process began with research and observing Zhang's public persona, while also paying attention to online fan culture.
\n
"Zhang Yuan is known for being straightforward and approachable. We wanted to create something equally direct — simple enough that even a child could sketch it with a pencil, and easy to spread among fans," said Xu.
\n
Fans are also given a sewing manual and dimensions, and are encouraged to customize light sticks with beads, decorations, or to create ita bags packed with idol merchandise.
\n
"We know fans have incredible creativity. By giving them a template, we invite them into the process, and this philosophy — valuing fans' habits and preferences rather than competing across artists — guides our team's designs," said Xu.
\n
Beyond light sticks, Atelier Cons Pros has developed tote bags, phone stands and cushions designed for everyday use.
\n
China's pan-entertainment market grew from just over 299 billion yuan ($41.95 billion) in 2017 to 700.4 billion yuan in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7 percent, according to data published by Huajing Industry Research Institute in 2023.
\n
It is expected to reach more than 1.34 trillion yuan by 2026. Fans' single-purchases of items are mainly below 100 yuan, followed by the 100 to 500 yuan range, revealing a "small amount, high frequency" consumption pattern, the data showed.
\n
Fan-made with love
\n
Fan culture is also thriving in the bespoke and do-it-yourself areas, where craft and self-expression intersect.
\n
Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, began selling her wares in July 2024.
\n
"I started out selling handmade candles, essential oils and aroma stones at local markets, and gradually combined my love of calligraphy with hand-painted aroma pieces inspired by scenic spots like West Lake," she said.
\n
Chen shared her products on social media and attracted customers who wanted unique items to resell.
\n
The workshop soon ventured into celebrity merchandise. Chen created hand-painted aroma pieces featuring names, song lyrics, or iconic sayings of artists such as Taiwan's Mayday band, pop icon Jay Chou, Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and Taiwan pop singer Cyndi Wang.
\n
"Designs often incorporate the celebrity's fan colors and symbolic elements, making products personal and collectible," said Chen.
\n
One memorable order came from fans of Become a Farmer, a popular variety show featuring young participants experiencing rural life. Hand-painted pieces inspired by the show featuring heartwarming messages drew massive attention.
\n
"The post's popularity even led to connections with music festival organizers, who purchased items for their fan booths," Chen said.
\n
In recent years, the market has shifted from official merchandise toward creative, DIY-inspired pieces, reflecting the younger generation's values and aesthetics.
\n
"Fans and organizers value uniqueness and practicality. Being original ensures no duplicate items, while combining beauty and function keeps products desirable," said Chen.
\n
Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, views merchandise as a tangible connection to the artists who shaped her adolescence.
\n
While her contemporaries followed the latest pop trends, her fandom began in 2012, when she was captivated by the contestants in the 2007 edition of the singing competition Super Boy.
\n
"Every morning on my way to school, I would check for any merchandise of my idols. Even a small find would give me a spark of excitement in what was often a lonely world," Li said.
\n
Despite having little money, she cherished small items such as 4-yuan magazines, which are all carefully displayed in her home years later.
\n
"I was going through a difficult period and felt very alone. The music and youthful energy of the Super Boy contestants became my personal utopia — a source of comfort I couldn't find anywhere else," she recalled.
\n
As her fandom matured, Li began attending concerts, music festivals and variety show recordings, sometimes traveling south to see her idols live.
\n
Among her favorites are singers Wang Yuexin, Su Xing and Chen Chusheng. Her devotion extends beyond attending performances and she has created what she calls "support campaigns", including a retro-style tribute to Wang's albums Freak Out and Parachute.
\n
"I wanted more people to hear these songs, to understand the passion and effort he put into them. Seeing fans in a stadium sing along to songs that had once only lived in my headphones was a moment of pure exhilaration," she said.
\n
Among Li's most treasured items are physical copies of Freak Out and Su Xing's Jin Xing Shi. "I don't buy things just because others do. I follow my own feelings, and I'm more interested in collecting older albums that remind me of the era I grew up in," she said.
\n
She said these artists appeared in her life at just the right moment. "Through their music, I learned to embrace my own ideas, to reconcile with myself, and to pursue what I truly love," said Li.
\n
While Li's fandom is rooted in nostalgia, He Hehe, a content operator in her late 20s living in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, approaches celebrity merchandise differently.
\n
For her, merchandise is not just memorabilia — it is an emotional anchor and a form of self-expression.
\n
Her fandom began in 2018 while at university, when she became a fan of Chen Linong — a singer, actor and future member of Nine Percent — after watching the reality show Idol Producer. Her first purchase was a gift box with his endorsement, containing branded products and postcards.
\n
"I didn't really think about whether or not I needed it. It was something he endorsed; I just wanted to help the sales figures," she said. Her impulse was to support Chen Linong commercially, even if the items she purchased weren't practical, He said.
\n
After graduation, her focus shifted to the boy band Teens in Times. Unlike Chen Linong, whose products were mostly endorsements, TNT regularly released official items designed for fans — from photo cards to plush dolls.
\n
"The frequency of purchases depends on the artists. If it's useful, like beverages or daily items, or if official goods include things I like, I'll order them," said He.
\n
She spends 5,000 to 8,000 yuan annually on merchandise and "fan support", attending four to six offline events a year. Many official goods — photo books, postcards and plush key chains — are purchased simply for the thrill of unboxing.
\n
"The peak happiness is opening the package. Afterward, they often sit in a corner collecting dust. Sometimes I don't even use notebooks or stickers, because just seeing them is fulfilling," she said.
\n
Among her favorites are photo cards and cotton dolls.
\n
"Photo cards are simple, beautiful, and collectible; cotton dolls carry a strong sense of companionship. No fan can resist a three-inch photo card and a cotton doll," she added.
\n
She also has fan-made items like drawings and handmade goods, but considers official products more valuable.
\n
"Official merchandise is closely connected to the artist, sometimes even designed with their involvement. Fan-made items are just extensions. Even when people like my work, it's ultimately because of the artist," He said.
\n
One special piece bridges both worlds: a postcard she made for Chen Linong's birthday, later signed by him and mailed back to her. "It showed my effort wasn't meaningless. That card symbolizes how merchandise can carry memory, creativity, and even career direction," she said.
\n
For He, merchandise is more than consumption; it's a way to escape daily pressures, a reward after long workdays, and a source of joy that fuels creativity. Piles of unopened items and cherished collectibles in her room testify to her devotion.
\n
"To outsiders, they may look like simple goods, but to me, each piece tells a story of passion, community, and the enduring pull of star-chasing. If my daytime job gives me material rewards, then this gives me spiritual fuel," said He.
\n
Evolving market
\n
The Chinese fan market is evolving, according to statistics. The generations born after 1995 and 2000, now prioritize atmosphere, participation and social interaction over mere collecting. Fans are willing to pay more for the latest or limited-edition items, sharing them online to inspire others to follow.
\n
In 2024, the national "fan economy" exceeded 1.23 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent, and the figure is expected to reach almost 1.43 trillion yuan in 2025, data from industry research company ChinaIRN showed.
\n
The "idol economy" accounts for 420 billion yuan, 34 percent of the total, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2 percent.
\n
"Today's consumption is less about practical use and more about meaning," said Shen Yifei, an associate professor of sociology at Fudan University.
\n
"For many young fans, especially Gen Z, buying merchandise is a way to express affection for an idol, to mark their identity within a community, and to enjoy the symbolic value that goes far beyond the object itself," she said.
\n
For young fans, buying merchandise and engaging in support activities is not merely about consumption — it fulfills important emotional needs, Shen said. Light sticks, posters and other items help them feel seen and part of a group, turning their expressions of support into a way of building an emotional connection with their idols.
\n
In 2023, among China's Gen Z fan base, 72.2 percent purchased singles and albums or paid to attend concerts and movies, according to statistics released by iiMedia Research in 2024. A total of 51.1 percent participated in support-related consumption in preparing fan merchandise for important idol events.
\n
"Many young fans describe their support as 'powering love' — giving back the joy and strength that idols provide," Shen said. "Beyond emotional expression, these practices nurture real skills, from banner design and video editing to event organizing, allowing fans to grow and find achievement within their communities."
\n
However, Shen warned that when these needs are overly capitalized on and pushed toward competition or overspending, the original meaning of "love and connection "risks being lost.
\n
"This is why families, schools and society should recognize and guide fan support in a healthy direction, encouraging emotional expression, personal growth and rational consumption," she said.
\n
Contact the writer at sunnyu923@163.com
\n",
+ "content": "
A fan merchandise featuring images created by He Hehe from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, is displayed at TNT's concert in Shanghai on Aug 21.
\n
A fan of singer Zhang Yuan waves a self-decorated light stick at Zhang's concert in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 17.
\n
Left: The most treasured fan merchandise for Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, are the albums of the singers she has loved for years. Middle: Hand-painted aroma pieces created by Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Right: "Bird", the signature IP of singer Zhang Yuan, created by Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has grown into a fan favorite.
\n\n
As China's live performance market rebounds, concerts are booming nationwide, and official fan merchandise has emerged as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone for fans.
\n
Sales of official merchandise — including light sticks, hand lamps, T-shirts and other branded goods — have surged in both popularity and price over the past decade.
\n
The studio of Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has worked on products and designs with artists such as cellist Ouyang Nana and rock band YOUNG DAN.
\n
But one of his most renowned collaborations came in 2024 when Xu was commissioned to design official merchandise for singer Zhang Yuan, who ended his third nationwide concert tour, called White, in July.
\n
Known as "Bird", Zhang's signature IP, is a chubby cartoon bird with tiny eyes and a dazed, "silly-cute" expression. Inspired by the singer's nickname, it reflects his warm and playful personality. The IP has grown into a fan favorite, with plush toys, figurines and comics like Bird Diaries, and even themed pop-up stores.
\n
Xu said the design process began with research and observing Zhang's public persona, while also paying attention to online fan culture.
\n
"Zhang Yuan is known for being straightforward and approachable. We wanted to create something equally direct — simple enough that even a child could sketch it with a pencil, and easy to spread among fans," said Xu.
\n
Fans are also given a sewing manual and dimensions, and are encouraged to customize light sticks with beads, decorations, or to create ita bags packed with idol merchandise.
\n
"We know fans have incredible creativity. By giving them a template, we invite them into the process, and this philosophy — valuing fans' habits and preferences rather than competing across artists — guides our team's designs," said Xu.
\n
Beyond light sticks, Atelier Cons Pros has developed tote bags, phone stands and cushions designed for everyday use.
\n
China's pan-entertainment market grew from just over 299 billion yuan ($41.95 billion) in 2017 to 700.4 billion yuan in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7 percent, according to data published by Huajing Industry Research Institute in 2023.
\n
It is expected to reach more than 1.34 trillion yuan by 2026. Fans' single-purchases of items are mainly below 100 yuan, followed by the 100 to 500 yuan range, revealing a "small amount, high frequency" consumption pattern, the data showed.
\n
Fan-made with love
\n
Fan culture is also thriving in the bespoke and do-it-yourself areas, where craft and self-expression intersect.
\n
Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, began selling her wares in July 2024.
\n
"I started out selling handmade candles, essential oils and aroma stones at local markets, and gradually combined my love of calligraphy with hand-painted aroma pieces inspired by scenic spots like West Lake," she said.
\n
Chen shared her products on social media and attracted customers who wanted unique items to resell.
\n
The workshop soon ventured into celebrity merchandise. Chen created hand-painted aroma pieces featuring names, song lyrics, or iconic sayings of artists such as Taiwan's Mayday band, pop icon Jay Chou, Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and Taiwan pop singer Cyndi Wang.
\n
"Designs often incorporate the celebrity's fan colors and symbolic elements, making products personal and collectible," said Chen.
\n
One memorable order came from fans of Become a Farmer, a popular variety show featuring young participants experiencing rural life. Hand-painted pieces inspired by the show featuring heartwarming messages drew massive attention.
\n
"The post's popularity even led to connections with music festival organizers, who purchased items for their fan booths," Chen said.
\n
In recent years, the market has shifted from official merchandise toward creative, DIY-inspired pieces, reflecting the younger generation's values and aesthetics.
\n
"Fans and organizers value uniqueness and practicality. Being original ensures no duplicate items, while combining beauty and function keeps products desirable," said Chen.
\n
Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, views merchandise as a tangible connection to the artists who shaped her adolescence.
\n
While her contemporaries followed the latest pop trends, her fandom began in 2012, when she was captivated by the contestants in the 2007 edition of the singing competition Super Boy.
\n
"Every morning on my way to school, I would check for any merchandise of my idols. Even a small find would give me a spark of excitement in what was often a lonely world," Li said.
\n
Despite having little money, she cherished small items such as 4-yuan magazines, which are all carefully displayed in her home years later.
\n
"I was going through a difficult period and felt very alone. The music and youthful energy of the Super Boy contestants became my personal utopia — a source of comfort I couldn't find anywhere else," she recalled.
\n
As her fandom matured, Li began attending concerts, music festivals and variety show recordings, sometimes traveling south to see her idols live.
\n
Among her favorites are singers Wang Yuexin, Su Xing and Chen Chusheng. Her devotion extends beyond attending performances and she has created what she calls "support campaigns", including a retro-style tribute to Wang's albums Freak Out and Parachute.
\n
"I wanted more people to hear these songs, to understand the passion and effort he put into them. Seeing fans in a stadium sing along to songs that had once only lived in my headphones was a moment of pure exhilaration," she said.
\n
Among Li's most treasured items are physical copies of Freak Out and Su Xing's Jin Xing Shi. "I don't buy things just because others do. I follow my own feelings, and I'm more interested in collecting older albums that remind me of the era I grew up in," she said.
\n
She said these artists appeared in her life at just the right moment. "Through their music, I learned to embrace my own ideas, to reconcile with myself, and to pursue what I truly love," said Li.
\n
While Li's fandom is rooted in nostalgia, He Hehe, a content operator in her late 20s living in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, approaches celebrity merchandise differently.
\n
For her, merchandise is not just memorabilia — it is an emotional anchor and a form of self-expression.
\n
Her fandom began in 2018 while at university, when she became a fan of Chen Linong — a singer, actor and future member of Nine Percent — after watching the reality show Idol Producer. Her first purchase was a gift box with his endorsement, containing branded products and postcards.
\n
"I didn't really think about whether or not I needed it. It was something he endorsed; I just wanted to help the sales figures," she said. Her impulse was to support Chen Linong commercially, even if the items she purchased weren't practical, He said.
\n
After graduation, her focus shifted to the boy band Teens in Times. Unlike Chen Linong, whose products were mostly endorsements, TNT regularly released official items designed for fans — from photo cards to plush dolls.
\n
"The frequency of purchases depends on the artists. If it's useful, like beverages or daily items, or if official goods include things I like, I'll order them," said He.
\n
She spends 5,000 to 8,000 yuan annually on merchandise and "fan support", attending four to six offline events a year. Many official goods — photo books, postcards and plush key chains — are purchased simply for the thrill of unboxing.
\n
"The peak happiness is opening the package. Afterward, they often sit in a corner collecting dust. Sometimes I don't even use notebooks or stickers, because just seeing them is fulfilling," she said.
\n
Among her favorites are photo cards and cotton dolls.
\n
"Photo cards are simple, beautiful, and collectible; cotton dolls carry a strong sense of companionship. No fan can resist a three-inch photo card and a cotton doll," she added.
\n
She also has fan-made items like drawings and handmade goods, but considers official products more valuable.
\n
"Official merchandise is closely connected to the artist, sometimes even designed with their involvement. Fan-made items are just extensions. Even when people like my work, it's ultimately because of the artist," He said.
\n
One special piece bridges both worlds: a postcard she made for Chen Linong's birthday, later signed by him and mailed back to her. "It showed my effort wasn't meaningless. That card symbolizes how merchandise can carry memory, creativity, and even career direction," she said.
\n
For He, merchandise is more than consumption; it's a way to escape daily pressures, a reward after long workdays, and a source of joy that fuels creativity. Piles of unopened items and cherished collectibles in her room testify to her devotion.
\n
"To outsiders, they may look like simple goods, but to me, each piece tells a story of passion, community, and the enduring pull of star-chasing. If my daytime job gives me material rewards, then this gives me spiritual fuel," said He.
\n
Evolving market
\n
The Chinese fan market is evolving, according to statistics. The generations born after 1995 and 2000, now prioritize atmosphere, participation and social interaction over mere collecting. Fans are willing to pay more for the latest or limited-edition items, sharing them online to inspire others to follow.
\n
In 2024, the national "fan economy" exceeded 1.23 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent, and the figure is expected to reach almost 1.43 trillion yuan in 2025, data from industry research company ChinaIRN showed.
\n
The "idol economy" accounts for 420 billion yuan, 34 percent of the total, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2 percent.
\n
"Today's consumption is less about practical use and more about meaning," said Shen Yifei, an associate professor of sociology at Fudan University.
\n
"For many young fans, especially Gen Z, buying merchandise is a way to express affection for an idol, to mark their identity within a community, and to enjoy the symbolic value that goes far beyond the object itself," she said.
\n
For young fans, buying merchandise and engaging in support activities is not merely about consumption — it fulfills important emotional needs, Shen said. Light sticks, posters and other items help them feel seen and part of a group, turning their expressions of support into a way of building an emotional connection with their idols.
\n
In 2023, among China's Gen Z fan base, 72.2 percent purchased singles and albums or paid to attend concerts and movies, according to statistics released by iiMedia Research in 2024. A total of 51.1 percent participated in support-related consumption in preparing fan merchandise for important idol events.
\n
"Many young fans describe their support as 'powering love' — giving back the joy and strength that idols provide," Shen said. "Beyond emotional expression, these practices nurture real skills, from banner design and video editing to event organizing, allowing fans to grow and find achievement within their communities."
\n
However, Shen warned that when these needs are overly capitalized on and pushed toward competition or overspending, the original meaning of "love and connection "risks being lost.
\n
"This is why families, schools and society should recognize and guide fan support in a healthy direction, encouraging emotional expression, personal growth and rational consumption," she said.
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
\n
huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
\n",
+ "content": "
Fu Cong
\n
Qu Yingpu
\n
Li Junhua
\n
Jeffrey Sachs
\n
Kishore Mahbubani
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway
\n
Dima Al-Khatib
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
On Sept 1, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization wrapped up its largest summit ever in the bustling Chinese port city of Tianjin, which impressed the world with its energy, modernity and flawless organization of the event, showing what it takes to host a truly global gathering.
\n
But the deeper question is: Can Tianjin inspire the SCO to also achieve its bold economic ambitions?
\n
As the SCO approaches its 25th anniversary next year, its trajectory is clear. In just a quarter of a century, it has transformed from a regional initiative into a force of global relevance. The transformation has been driven by the 10 member states, which are committed to building a new kind of partnership rooted in the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual respect and equality.
\n
Today, the "SCO community" spans 27 countries — 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners — covering a quarter of Earth's land that is home to nearly half of the world's population.
\n
Economically, the SCO speaks with gravitas: its member states account for about 24 percent of global GDP, growing at an average of 5.5 percent a year. Two guiding principles underpin this progress.
\n
First, the SCO has never projected itself as being against any country or bloc. It is not an alliance, not based on ideology, and not confrontational. From the start, it has worked with, not against, other international organizations, especially the United Nations.
\n
Second, every decision in the SCO is made by consensus. The process may not always be fast, but it ensures fairness and inclusion — and it creates unity. As Confucius said, the noble find harmony in differences, the petty quarrel even in agreement.
\n
The adoption of the SCO Development Strategy up to 2035 at the Tianjin summit was a landmark move, and sent out a clear message: the SCO does not aspire to become a military alliance or a supranational economic union. Instead, it will chart its own course. Still, critics argue that after 24 years, the SCO's trade and economic results are modest. Their point seems valid, and should prompt the SCO to promote innovation and achieve breakthrough solutions.
\n
And breakthroughs are desperately needed in these times. Eurasia, the SCO's heartland, is now a region for massive economic initiatives. So the SCO cannot remain on the sidelines and, instead, should use practical, effective tools to promote economic cooperation.
\n
The SCO already has numerous cooperation mechanisms at the level of ministers or heads of different government departments, more than half of which are devoted to trade and commerce. Yet policies and programs alone are not enough. There is a need for more agreements like the 2014 "intergovernmental agreement on creating favorable conditions for international road transport", which mapped six transcontinental routes from China's Lianyungang to Russia's Kaliningrad. A bold vision yet to be fully realized.
\n
Beyond governments, SCO institutions such as the Business Council and Interbank Consortium are working to foster business ties and attract more capital. The intent is commendable, but the impact so far remains limited. What could make the difference? Real, mutually beneficial, on-the-ground projects.
\n
The SCO's Economic Development Strategy up to 2030 highlights initiatives like the green economic region platform, and a unified SCO tourism brand. Negotiations are on to streamline trade procedures, too. Turning these ideas into reality must begin now.
\n
Equally crucial is finance. For nearly two decades, the idea of an "SCO Development Bank" was being debated. Tianjin changed that. Leaders made the political decision to move forward with its creation. Negotiations on how the bank will function are next. In a world of fragmented economies and exclusive "club" trade groups, the SCO needs its own financial engine, and it needs it soon. At the same time, lessons learned from BRICS and other multilateral organizations need to be taken into account to avoid familiar pitfalls.
\n
Yet the SCO has quietly built one of the largest regional cooperation systems in the world. Since its motto is win-win progress, countries of different sizes and systems can not only coexist but also thrive together in the SCO.
\n
The message from Tianjin is clear: The conditions for an economic breakthrough are ready and the political will is there. If will turns into action, the SCO will have a long, distinguished and influential future.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
+ "content": "\n
On Sept 1, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization wrapped up its largest summit ever in the bustling Chinese port city of Tianjin, which impressed the world with its energy, modernity and flawless organization of the event, showing what it takes to host a truly global gathering.
\n
But the deeper question is: Can Tianjin inspire the SCO to also achieve its bold economic ambitions?
\n
As the SCO approaches its 25th anniversary next year, its trajectory is clear. In just a quarter of a century, it has transformed from a regional initiative into a force of global relevance. The transformation has been driven by the 10 member states, which are committed to building a new kind of partnership rooted in the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual respect and equality.
\n
Today, the "SCO community" spans 27 countries — 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners — covering a quarter of Earth's land that is home to nearly half of the world's population.
\n
Economically, the SCO speaks with gravitas: its member states account for about 24 percent of global GDP, growing at an average of 5.5 percent a year. Two guiding principles underpin this progress.
\n
First, the SCO has never projected itself as being against any country or bloc. It is not an alliance, not based on ideology, and not confrontational. From the start, it has worked with, not against, other international organizations, especially the United Nations.
\n
Second, every decision in the SCO is made by consensus. The process may not always be fast, but it ensures fairness and inclusion — and it creates unity. As Confucius said, the noble find harmony in differences, the petty quarrel even in agreement.
\n
The adoption of the SCO Development Strategy up to 2035 at the Tianjin summit was a landmark move, and sent out a clear message: the SCO does not aspire to become a military alliance or a supranational economic union. Instead, it will chart its own course. Still, critics argue that after 24 years, the SCO's trade and economic results are modest. Their point seems valid, and should prompt the SCO to promote innovation and achieve breakthrough solutions.
\n
And breakthroughs are desperately needed in these times. Eurasia, the SCO's heartland, is now a region for massive economic initiatives. So the SCO cannot remain on the sidelines and, instead, should use practical, effective tools to promote economic cooperation.
\n
The SCO already has numerous cooperation mechanisms at the level of ministers or heads of different government departments, more than half of which are devoted to trade and commerce. Yet policies and programs alone are not enough. There is a need for more agreements like the 2014 "intergovernmental agreement on creating favorable conditions for international road transport", which mapped six transcontinental routes from China's Lianyungang to Russia's Kaliningrad. A bold vision yet to be fully realized.
\n
Beyond governments, SCO institutions such as the Business Council and Interbank Consortium are working to foster business ties and attract more capital. The intent is commendable, but the impact so far remains limited. What could make the difference? Real, mutually beneficial, on-the-ground projects.
\n
The SCO's Economic Development Strategy up to 2030 highlights initiatives like the green economic region platform, and a unified SCO tourism brand. Negotiations are on to streamline trade procedures, too. Turning these ideas into reality must begin now.
\n
Equally crucial is finance. For nearly two decades, the idea of an "SCO Development Bank" was being debated. Tianjin changed that. Leaders made the political decision to move forward with its creation. Negotiations on how the bank will function are next. In a world of fragmented economies and exclusive "club" trade groups, the SCO needs its own financial engine, and it needs it soon. At the same time, lessons learned from BRICS and other multilateral organizations need to be taken into account to avoid familiar pitfalls.
\n
Yet the SCO has quietly built one of the largest regional cooperation systems in the world. Since its motto is win-win progress, countries of different sizes and systems can not only coexist but also thrive together in the SCO.
\n
The message from Tianjin is clear: The conditions for an economic breakthrough are ready and the political will is there. If will turns into action, the SCO will have a long, distinguished and influential future.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
Around the world, efforts to protect critical marine ecosystems increasingly highlight the need to balance ecological preservation with economic development.
\n
As the importance of ocean health has come to be viewed as a key factor of resilience to climate change, and for promoting global trade and ensuring food security, Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, in partnership with China, has initiated a new era of cooperation in line with the blue economy.
\n
The oceans, covering 71 percent of Earth's surface, are also home to 90 percent of its biodiversity. They provide more than half of Earth's oxygen, support more than 3 billion people, help transport more than 80 percent of global traded goods, and carry 98 percent of global internet traffic through submarine cables. Apart from their tremendous ecological value, the oceans are also indispensable drivers of labor, innovation and economic growth. Yet they are facing unprecedented pressure due to climate change, overuse, pollution and habitat destruction.
\n
The OECD's report, "The Ocean Economy to 2050", provides a detailed overview of the global value and future path of this crucial sector. Within the context of an integrated global economy, the ocean economy is estimated to be the fifth-largest, contributing 3-4 percent to the world's GDP while sustaining 133 million full-time equivalent jobs.
\n
Based on the 1995-2020 time frame, gross value addition from this sector is estimated to have doubled in nominal terms, from $1.3 trillion to $2.6 trillion. Importantly, more than three-quarters of this increase can be attributed to the Asia-Pacific alone, with 56 percent of it coming from East Asia.
\n
Currently, the industries that most typify this sector are dual in nature: marine and coastal tourism, and offshore extraction of oil and gas, which, although creating massive economic output, employ relatively few people. Sectors like offshore renewable energy and green shipping, too, are evolving from a smaller base.
\n
For Indonesia, such figures represent both challenges and possibilities. For its vast potential of blue economy, Jakarta has carefully sought alliances based on sustainable development. In particular, an event in November 2024, at which Indonesian Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding on deepening blue economy cooperation in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
\n
Reflecting the two sides' shared goal of sustainably developing the seas and oceans, the MoU contains a vast range of strategic sectors: renewable energy sources derived from the seas, such as tidal, solar and wind energy; sustainable aquaculture and fishing; maritime destinations as a form of tourism; downstream seafood and marine biopharmaceutical processing; and ship and dock facilities and port development.
\n
The collaboration highlights Indonesia's vision of developing a sustainable and productive blue economy by tapping into China's technological capabilities and green development goals, and is aligned with global efforts, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve "life below water".
\n
The two countries are collectively better placed to address major environmental issues as well as realize their economic development goals. As a classic case of bilateral cooperation, the collaboration has the overarching vision of improving global maritime governance by simultaneously pursuing and achieving economic development and preserving the marine ecosystem. The OECD report highlights the fact that past growth patterns cannot be perpetuated ad infinitum.
\n
The impacts of climate change are worsening, with the rise in sea levels, ocean acidity, changes in fish stocks, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events already becoming a heavy burden on people in coastal areas. The report also said that multifactor productivity has decreased in more than half of the ocean-related industries, indicating that the promise of digitalization and automation has not yet been fulfilled. Without collective efforts, the ocean economy could see a sharp slowdown and even decline in the next decades.
\n
Indonesia's geographical location is of strategic importance. With 70 percent of its landmass being maritime areas, the economic, cultural and social future of the country is tied to the health of the oceans. Based on the OECD's expertise and the success of Indonesia's blue economy program with China, four strategic objectives come into focus.
\n
First, there is a need to strengthen ocean governance by using science-based marine spatial planning, expanding protected marine sites, and reducing subsidies that encourage overfishing.
\n
Second, collective efforts are required to promote technological innovation and digitalization across all ocean sectors, including smart fishing fleets, automated port logistics and offshore renewable energy facilities.
\n
Third, the areas and capability of research in oceans have to be widened and strengthened through increased mapping of seabed, strengthening monitoring networks, and increasing access to marine data.
\n
And fourth, the integration of developing countries into global ocean value chains should be expedited, and overarching principles of conservation and sustainable use of ocean established.
\n
The China-Indonesia collaboration is a pragmatic way of achieving these priority goals.
\n
The stakes in the China-Indonesia collaboration are high, but so are the rewards. The oceans are more than commercial shipping lanes and sources of seafood; they are a dynamic and thriving system supporting diverse communities, cultures and economies.
\n
The choices the world makes in the next few years will determine whether the ocean economy of 2050 remains a driver of shared prosperity or becomes a tragic case of lost potential. As such, by choosing a path informed by scientific understanding, China and Indonesia can lead a revolution that would ensure the oceans continue to provide sustenance for human beings.
\n
By taking decisive actions, the two countries can create a model for an inclusive and productive ocean economy, as well as strike an environmental balance. Indonesia and China, by coordinating their efforts, are best placed to make the blue economy a model of resilience and cooperation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the oceans.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
+ "content": "\n
Around the world, efforts to protect critical marine ecosystems increasingly highlight the need to balance ecological preservation with economic development.
\n
As the importance of ocean health has come to be viewed as a key factor of resilience to climate change, and for promoting global trade and ensuring food security, Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, in partnership with China, has initiated a new era of cooperation in line with the blue economy.
\n
The oceans, covering 71 percent of Earth's surface, are also home to 90 percent of its biodiversity. They provide more than half of Earth's oxygen, support more than 3 billion people, help transport more than 80 percent of global traded goods, and carry 98 percent of global internet traffic through submarine cables. Apart from their tremendous ecological value, the oceans are also indispensable drivers of labor, innovation and economic growth. Yet they are facing unprecedented pressure due to climate change, overuse, pollution and habitat destruction.
\n
The OECD's report, "The Ocean Economy to 2050", provides a detailed overview of the global value and future path of this crucial sector. Within the context of an integrated global economy, the ocean economy is estimated to be the fifth-largest, contributing 3-4 percent to the world's GDP while sustaining 133 million full-time equivalent jobs.
\n
Based on the 1995-2020 time frame, gross value addition from this sector is estimated to have doubled in nominal terms, from $1.3 trillion to $2.6 trillion. Importantly, more than three-quarters of this increase can be attributed to the Asia-Pacific alone, with 56 percent of it coming from East Asia.
\n
Currently, the industries that most typify this sector are dual in nature: marine and coastal tourism, and offshore extraction of oil and gas, which, although creating massive economic output, employ relatively few people. Sectors like offshore renewable energy and green shipping, too, are evolving from a smaller base.
\n
For Indonesia, such figures represent both challenges and possibilities. For its vast potential of blue economy, Jakarta has carefully sought alliances based on sustainable development. In particular, an event in November 2024, at which Indonesian Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding on deepening blue economy cooperation in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
\n
Reflecting the two sides' shared goal of sustainably developing the seas and oceans, the MoU contains a vast range of strategic sectors: renewable energy sources derived from the seas, such as tidal, solar and wind energy; sustainable aquaculture and fishing; maritime destinations as a form of tourism; downstream seafood and marine biopharmaceutical processing; and ship and dock facilities and port development.
\n
The collaboration highlights Indonesia's vision of developing a sustainable and productive blue economy by tapping into China's technological capabilities and green development goals, and is aligned with global efforts, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve "life below water".
\n
The two countries are collectively better placed to address major environmental issues as well as realize their economic development goals. As a classic case of bilateral cooperation, the collaboration has the overarching vision of improving global maritime governance by simultaneously pursuing and achieving economic development and preserving the marine ecosystem. The OECD report highlights the fact that past growth patterns cannot be perpetuated ad infinitum.
\n
The impacts of climate change are worsening, with the rise in sea levels, ocean acidity, changes in fish stocks, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events already becoming a heavy burden on people in coastal areas. The report also said that multifactor productivity has decreased in more than half of the ocean-related industries, indicating that the promise of digitalization and automation has not yet been fulfilled. Without collective efforts, the ocean economy could see a sharp slowdown and even decline in the next decades.
\n
Indonesia's geographical location is of strategic importance. With 70 percent of its landmass being maritime areas, the economic, cultural and social future of the country is tied to the health of the oceans. Based on the OECD's expertise and the success of Indonesia's blue economy program with China, four strategic objectives come into focus.
\n
First, there is a need to strengthen ocean governance by using science-based marine spatial planning, expanding protected marine sites, and reducing subsidies that encourage overfishing.
\n
Second, collective efforts are required to promote technological innovation and digitalization across all ocean sectors, including smart fishing fleets, automated port logistics and offshore renewable energy facilities.
\n
Third, the areas and capability of research in oceans have to be widened and strengthened through increased mapping of seabed, strengthening monitoring networks, and increasing access to marine data.
\n
And fourth, the integration of developing countries into global ocean value chains should be expedited, and overarching principles of conservation and sustainable use of ocean established.
\n
The China-Indonesia collaboration is a pragmatic way of achieving these priority goals.
\n
The stakes in the China-Indonesia collaboration are high, but so are the rewards. The oceans are more than commercial shipping lanes and sources of seafood; they are a dynamic and thriving system supporting diverse communities, cultures and economies.
\n
The choices the world makes in the next few years will determine whether the ocean economy of 2050 remains a driver of shared prosperity or becomes a tragic case of lost potential. As such, by choosing a path informed by scientific understanding, China and Indonesia can lead a revolution that would ensure the oceans continue to provide sustenance for human beings.
\n
By taking decisive actions, the two countries can create a model for an inclusive and productive ocean economy, as well as strike an environmental balance. Indonesia and China, by coordinating their efforts, are best placed to make the blue economy a model of resilience and cooperation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the oceans.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, held in Tianjin on Aug 31 and Sept 1. The GGI is China's strategic response to the current international political and security situation, and will contribute Chinese wisdom to resolving international governance issues.
\n
All countries, rich and poor, big and small, are victims of traditional and non-traditional security threats including cross-border crimes, cyberattacks, terrorism, trade protectionism, climate change, environmental degradation and pandemics. The GGI is designed to help tackle these issues.
\n
While implementing the GGI, first and foremost, it is imperative to adhere to the postwar world order based on international laws and the UN Charter. Since the global status of countries is not static, the world order, which reflects these changes, cannot be rigid either, more so because the Global South is rising in terms of both economic strength and overall influence.
\n
With the peaceful rise of China and other emerging economies, and the intensification of major-power competition, the United States-led G7, too, has begun to advocate a so-called "rules-based international order".
\n
But what are these "rules"? Who defines and formulates them? Apparently, the G7-proposed "rules-based world order" is often designed to break free from the constraints of international law and the UN Charter in the interest of the "rich countries' club".
\n
There should be only one world order that is based on international law and the UN Charter.
\n
Second, North-South cooperation must be vigorously promoted, and both developed and developing countries should deepen cooperation, so as to improve global governance. But in the process of deepening cooperation, all parties should abide by the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". The word "common" means that all countries should jointly share the responsibilities, while the word "differentiated" means that different countries should bear the responsibilities according to the level of their economic development. Therefore, developed countries, instead of shying away from their responsibilities, should leverage their advantages in capital and technology to assist developing countries.
\n
Third, there is a need to always uphold multilateralism. Global issues pose a challenge to almost all countries and could even imperil the well-being of people across the world. Hence, all countries should uphold multilateralism while addressing these issues.
\n
In essence, multilateralism helps us handle international affairs with openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation, on the basis of mutual benefit and the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence". Multilateralism emphasizes that all countries are equal, irrespective of their size, economic status and military power, while embodying the democratization of international relations as the core concept of the existing international system.
\n
And fourth, academics need to offer effective intellectual support for implementing the GGI. Global governance is both a theoretical and practical issue. For policymakers, down-to-earth ideas or solutions are more important than empty theoretical analysis and conceptual research.
\n
Besides, research on global governance can be divided into many sub-areas including global artificial intelligence governance, global climate governance, global development governance, global digital governance, global economic governance, global environmental governance, global financial governance, global health governance, global internet governance, global intellectual property governance, global maritime governance, global security governance, global space governance, global trade governance, global tax governance, and global human rights governance.
\n
Discussions on global governance in the general sense should promote shared development and win-win cooperation, with the aim of resolving complex global issues. We need to keep trying to resolve the complex challenges, especially because the GGI will now help us do so and make the world a better place to live.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
\n",
+ "content": "\n
President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, held in Tianjin on Aug 31 and Sept 1. The GGI is China's strategic response to the current international political and security situation, and will contribute Chinese wisdom to resolving international governance issues.
\n
All countries, rich and poor, big and small, are victims of traditional and non-traditional security threats including cross-border crimes, cyberattacks, terrorism, trade protectionism, climate change, environmental degradation and pandemics. The GGI is designed to help tackle these issues.
\n
While implementing the GGI, first and foremost, it is imperative to adhere to the postwar world order based on international laws and the UN Charter. Since the global status of countries is not static, the world order, which reflects these changes, cannot be rigid either, more so because the Global South is rising in terms of both economic strength and overall influence.
\n
With the peaceful rise of China and other emerging economies, and the intensification of major-power competition, the United States-led G7, too, has begun to advocate a so-called "rules-based international order".
\n
But what are these "rules"? Who defines and formulates them? Apparently, the G7-proposed "rules-based world order" is often designed to break free from the constraints of international law and the UN Charter in the interest of the "rich countries' club".
\n
There should be only one world order that is based on international law and the UN Charter.
\n
Second, North-South cooperation must be vigorously promoted, and both developed and developing countries should deepen cooperation, so as to improve global governance. But in the process of deepening cooperation, all parties should abide by the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". The word "common" means that all countries should jointly share the responsibilities, while the word "differentiated" means that different countries should bear the responsibilities according to the level of their economic development. Therefore, developed countries, instead of shying away from their responsibilities, should leverage their advantages in capital and technology to assist developing countries.
\n
Third, there is a need to always uphold multilateralism. Global issues pose a challenge to almost all countries and could even imperil the well-being of people across the world. Hence, all countries should uphold multilateralism while addressing these issues.
\n
In essence, multilateralism helps us handle international affairs with openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation, on the basis of mutual benefit and the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence". Multilateralism emphasizes that all countries are equal, irrespective of their size, economic status and military power, while embodying the democratization of international relations as the core concept of the existing international system.
\n
And fourth, academics need to offer effective intellectual support for implementing the GGI. Global governance is both a theoretical and practical issue. For policymakers, down-to-earth ideas or solutions are more important than empty theoretical analysis and conceptual research.
\n
Besides, research on global governance can be divided into many sub-areas including global artificial intelligence governance, global climate governance, global development governance, global digital governance, global economic governance, global environmental governance, global financial governance, global health governance, global internet governance, global intellectual property governance, global maritime governance, global security governance, global space governance, global trade governance, global tax governance, and global human rights governance.
\n
Discussions on global governance in the general sense should promote shared development and win-win cooperation, with the aim of resolving complex global issues. We need to keep trying to resolve the complex challenges, especially because the GGI will now help us do so and make the world a better place to live.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
\n
Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
\n
"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
\n
The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
\n
President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
\n
Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
\n
Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
\n
"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
\n
According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
\n
Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
\n
"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
\n
Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
\n
Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
\n
Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
\n
"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
\n
Contact the writers at masi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
\n
Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
\n
"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
\n
The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
\n
President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
\n
Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
\n
Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
\n
"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
\n
According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
\n
Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
\n
"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
\n
Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
\n
Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
\n
Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
\n
"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
A fan merchandise featuring images created by He Hehe from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, is displayed at TNT's concert in Shanghai on Aug 21.
\n
A fan of singer Zhang Yuan waves a self-decorated light stick at Zhang's concert in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 17.
\n
Left: The most treasured fan merchandise for Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, are the albums of the singers she has loved for years. Middle: Hand-painted aroma pieces created by Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Right: "Bird", the signature IP of singer Zhang Yuan, created by Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has grown into a fan favorite.
\n\n
As China's live performance market rebounds, concerts are booming nationwide, and official fan merchandise has emerged as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone for fans.
\n
Sales of official merchandise — including light sticks, hand lamps, T-shirts and other branded goods — have surged in both popularity and price over the past decade.
\n
The studio of Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has worked on products and designs with artists such as cellist Ouyang Nana and rock band YOUNG DAN.
\n
But one of his most renowned collaborations came in 2024 when Xu was commissioned to design official merchandise for singer Zhang Yuan, who ended his third nationwide concert tour, called White, in July.
\n
Known as "Bird", Zhang's signature IP, is a chubby cartoon bird with tiny eyes and a dazed, "silly-cute" expression. Inspired by the singer's nickname, it reflects his warm and playful personality. The IP has grown into a fan favorite, with plush toys, figurines and comics like Bird Diaries, and even themed pop-up stores.
\n
Xu said the design process began with research and observing Zhang's public persona, while also paying attention to online fan culture.
\n
"Zhang Yuan is known for being straightforward and approachable. We wanted to create something equally direct — simple enough that even a child could sketch it with a pencil, and easy to spread among fans," said Xu.
\n
Fans are also given a sewing manual and dimensions, and are encouraged to customize light sticks with beads, decorations, or to create ita bags packed with idol merchandise.
\n
"We know fans have incredible creativity. By giving them a template, we invite them into the process, and this philosophy — valuing fans' habits and preferences rather than competing across artists — guides our team's designs," said Xu.
\n
Beyond light sticks, Atelier Cons Pros has developed tote bags, phone stands and cushions designed for everyday use.
\n
China's pan-entertainment market grew from just over 299 billion yuan ($41.95 billion) in 2017 to 700.4 billion yuan in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7 percent, according to data published by Huajing Industry Research Institute in 2023.
\n
It is expected to reach more than 1.34 trillion yuan by 2026. Fans' single-purchases of items are mainly below 100 yuan, followed by the 100 to 500 yuan range, revealing a "small amount, high frequency" consumption pattern, the data showed.
\n
Fan-made with love
\n
Fan culture is also thriving in the bespoke and do-it-yourself areas, where craft and self-expression intersect.
\n
Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, began selling her wares in July 2024.
\n
"I started out selling handmade candles, essential oils and aroma stones at local markets, and gradually combined my love of calligraphy with hand-painted aroma pieces inspired by scenic spots like West Lake," she said.
\n
Chen shared her products on social media and attracted customers who wanted unique items to resell.
\n
The workshop soon ventured into celebrity merchandise. Chen created hand-painted aroma pieces featuring names, song lyrics, or iconic sayings of artists such as Taiwan's Mayday band, pop icon Jay Chou, Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and Taiwan pop singer Cyndi Wang.
\n
"Designs often incorporate the celebrity's fan colors and symbolic elements, making products personal and collectible," said Chen.
\n
One memorable order came from fans of Become a Farmer, a popular variety show featuring young participants experiencing rural life. Hand-painted pieces inspired by the show featuring heartwarming messages drew massive attention.
\n
"The post's popularity even led to connections with music festival organizers, who purchased items for their fan booths," Chen said.
\n
In recent years, the market has shifted from official merchandise toward creative, DIY-inspired pieces, reflecting the younger generation's values and aesthetics.
\n
"Fans and organizers value uniqueness and practicality. Being original ensures no duplicate items, while combining beauty and function keeps products desirable," said Chen.
\n
Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, views merchandise as a tangible connection to the artists who shaped her adolescence.
\n
While her contemporaries followed the latest pop trends, her fandom began in 2012, when she was captivated by the contestants in the 2007 edition of the singing competition Super Boy.
\n
"Every morning on my way to school, I would check for any merchandise of my idols. Even a small find would give me a spark of excitement in what was often a lonely world," Li said.
\n
Despite having little money, she cherished small items such as 4-yuan magazines, which are all carefully displayed in her home years later.
\n
"I was going through a difficult period and felt very alone. The music and youthful energy of the Super Boy contestants became my personal utopia — a source of comfort I couldn't find anywhere else," she recalled.
\n
As her fandom matured, Li began attending concerts, music festivals and variety show recordings, sometimes traveling south to see her idols live.
\n
Among her favorites are singers Wang Yuexin, Su Xing and Chen Chusheng. Her devotion extends beyond attending performances and she has created what she calls "support campaigns", including a retro-style tribute to Wang's albums Freak Out and Parachute.
\n
"I wanted more people to hear these songs, to understand the passion and effort he put into them. Seeing fans in a stadium sing along to songs that had once only lived in my headphones was a moment of pure exhilaration," she said.
\n
Among Li's most treasured items are physical copies of Freak Out and Su Xing's Jin Xing Shi. "I don't buy things just because others do. I follow my own feelings, and I'm more interested in collecting older albums that remind me of the era I grew up in," she said.
\n
She said these artists appeared in her life at just the right moment. "Through their music, I learned to embrace my own ideas, to reconcile with myself, and to pursue what I truly love," said Li.
\n
While Li's fandom is rooted in nostalgia, He Hehe, a content operator in her late 20s living in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, approaches celebrity merchandise differently.
\n
For her, merchandise is not just memorabilia — it is an emotional anchor and a form of self-expression.
\n
Her fandom began in 2018 while at university, when she became a fan of Chen Linong — a singer, actor and future member of Nine Percent — after watching the reality show Idol Producer. Her first purchase was a gift box with his endorsement, containing branded products and postcards.
\n
"I didn't really think about whether or not I needed it. It was something he endorsed; I just wanted to help the sales figures," she said. Her impulse was to support Chen Linong commercially, even if the items she purchased weren't practical, He said.
\n
After graduation, her focus shifted to the boy band Teens in Times. Unlike Chen Linong, whose products were mostly endorsements, TNT regularly released official items designed for fans — from photo cards to plush dolls.
\n
"The frequency of purchases depends on the artists. If it's useful, like beverages or daily items, or if official goods include things I like, I'll order them," said He.
\n
She spends 5,000 to 8,000 yuan annually on merchandise and "fan support", attending four to six offline events a year. Many official goods — photo books, postcards and plush key chains — are purchased simply for the thrill of unboxing.
\n
"The peak happiness is opening the package. Afterward, they often sit in a corner collecting dust. Sometimes I don't even use notebooks or stickers, because just seeing them is fulfilling," she said.
\n
Among her favorites are photo cards and cotton dolls.
\n
"Photo cards are simple, beautiful, and collectible; cotton dolls carry a strong sense of companionship. No fan can resist a three-inch photo card and a cotton doll," she added.
\n
She also has fan-made items like drawings and handmade goods, but considers official products more valuable.
\n
"Official merchandise is closely connected to the artist, sometimes even designed with their involvement. Fan-made items are just extensions. Even when people like my work, it's ultimately because of the artist," He said.
\n
One special piece bridges both worlds: a postcard she made for Chen Linong's birthday, later signed by him and mailed back to her. "It showed my effort wasn't meaningless. That card symbolizes how merchandise can carry memory, creativity, and even career direction," she said.
\n
For He, merchandise is more than consumption; it's a way to escape daily pressures, a reward after long workdays, and a source of joy that fuels creativity. Piles of unopened items and cherished collectibles in her room testify to her devotion.
\n
"To outsiders, they may look like simple goods, but to me, each piece tells a story of passion, community, and the enduring pull of star-chasing. If my daytime job gives me material rewards, then this gives me spiritual fuel," said He.
\n
Evolving market
\n
The Chinese fan market is evolving, according to statistics. The generations born after 1995 and 2000, now prioritize atmosphere, participation and social interaction over mere collecting. Fans are willing to pay more for the latest or limited-edition items, sharing them online to inspire others to follow.
\n
In 2024, the national "fan economy" exceeded 1.23 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent, and the figure is expected to reach almost 1.43 trillion yuan in 2025, data from industry research company ChinaIRN showed.
\n
The "idol economy" accounts for 420 billion yuan, 34 percent of the total, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2 percent.
\n
"Today's consumption is less about practical use and more about meaning," said Shen Yifei, an associate professor of sociology at Fudan University.
\n
"For many young fans, especially Gen Z, buying merchandise is a way to express affection for an idol, to mark their identity within a community, and to enjoy the symbolic value that goes far beyond the object itself," she said.
\n
For young fans, buying merchandise and engaging in support activities is not merely about consumption — it fulfills important emotional needs, Shen said. Light sticks, posters and other items help them feel seen and part of a group, turning their expressions of support into a way of building an emotional connection with their idols.
\n
In 2023, among China's Gen Z fan base, 72.2 percent purchased singles and albums or paid to attend concerts and movies, according to statistics released by iiMedia Research in 2024. A total of 51.1 percent participated in support-related consumption in preparing fan merchandise for important idol events.
\n
"Many young fans describe their support as 'powering love' — giving back the joy and strength that idols provide," Shen said. "Beyond emotional expression, these practices nurture real skills, from banner design and video editing to event organizing, allowing fans to grow and find achievement within their communities."
\n
However, Shen warned that when these needs are overly capitalized on and pushed toward competition or overspending, the original meaning of "love and connection "risks being lost.
\n
"This is why families, schools and society should recognize and guide fan support in a healthy direction, encouraging emotional expression, personal growth and rational consumption," she said.
\n
Contact the writer at sunnyu923@163.com
\n",
+ "content": "
A fan merchandise featuring images created by He Hehe from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, is displayed at TNT's concert in Shanghai on Aug 21.
\n
A fan of singer Zhang Yuan waves a self-decorated light stick at Zhang's concert in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 17.
\n
Left: The most treasured fan merchandise for Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, are the albums of the singers she has loved for years. Middle: Hand-painted aroma pieces created by Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Right: "Bird", the signature IP of singer Zhang Yuan, created by Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has grown into a fan favorite.
\n\n
As China's live performance market rebounds, concerts are booming nationwide, and official fan merchandise has emerged as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone for fans.
\n
Sales of official merchandise — including light sticks, hand lamps, T-shirts and other branded goods — have surged in both popularity and price over the past decade.
\n
The studio of Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has worked on products and designs with artists such as cellist Ouyang Nana and rock band YOUNG DAN.
\n
But one of his most renowned collaborations came in 2024 when Xu was commissioned to design official merchandise for singer Zhang Yuan, who ended his third nationwide concert tour, called White, in July.
\n
Known as "Bird", Zhang's signature IP, is a chubby cartoon bird with tiny eyes and a dazed, "silly-cute" expression. Inspired by the singer's nickname, it reflects his warm and playful personality. The IP has grown into a fan favorite, with plush toys, figurines and comics like Bird Diaries, and even themed pop-up stores.
\n
Xu said the design process began with research and observing Zhang's public persona, while also paying attention to online fan culture.
\n
"Zhang Yuan is known for being straightforward and approachable. We wanted to create something equally direct — simple enough that even a child could sketch it with a pencil, and easy to spread among fans," said Xu.
\n
Fans are also given a sewing manual and dimensions, and are encouraged to customize light sticks with beads, decorations, or to create ita bags packed with idol merchandise.
\n
"We know fans have incredible creativity. By giving them a template, we invite them into the process, and this philosophy — valuing fans' habits and preferences rather than competing across artists — guides our team's designs," said Xu.
\n
Beyond light sticks, Atelier Cons Pros has developed tote bags, phone stands and cushions designed for everyday use.
\n
China's pan-entertainment market grew from just over 299 billion yuan ($41.95 billion) in 2017 to 700.4 billion yuan in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7 percent, according to data published by Huajing Industry Research Institute in 2023.
\n
It is expected to reach more than 1.34 trillion yuan by 2026. Fans' single-purchases of items are mainly below 100 yuan, followed by the 100 to 500 yuan range, revealing a "small amount, high frequency" consumption pattern, the data showed.
\n
Fan-made with love
\n
Fan culture is also thriving in the bespoke and do-it-yourself areas, where craft and self-expression intersect.
\n
Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, began selling her wares in July 2024.
\n
"I started out selling handmade candles, essential oils and aroma stones at local markets, and gradually combined my love of calligraphy with hand-painted aroma pieces inspired by scenic spots like West Lake," she said.
\n
Chen shared her products on social media and attracted customers who wanted unique items to resell.
\n
The workshop soon ventured into celebrity merchandise. Chen created hand-painted aroma pieces featuring names, song lyrics, or iconic sayings of artists such as Taiwan's Mayday band, pop icon Jay Chou, Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and Taiwan pop singer Cyndi Wang.
\n
"Designs often incorporate the celebrity's fan colors and symbolic elements, making products personal and collectible," said Chen.
\n
One memorable order came from fans of Become a Farmer, a popular variety show featuring young participants experiencing rural life. Hand-painted pieces inspired by the show featuring heartwarming messages drew massive attention.
\n
"The post's popularity even led to connections with music festival organizers, who purchased items for their fan booths," Chen said.
\n
In recent years, the market has shifted from official merchandise toward creative, DIY-inspired pieces, reflecting the younger generation's values and aesthetics.
\n
"Fans and organizers value uniqueness and practicality. Being original ensures no duplicate items, while combining beauty and function keeps products desirable," said Chen.
\n
Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, views merchandise as a tangible connection to the artists who shaped her adolescence.
\n
While her contemporaries followed the latest pop trends, her fandom began in 2012, when she was captivated by the contestants in the 2007 edition of the singing competition Super Boy.
\n
"Every morning on my way to school, I would check for any merchandise of my idols. Even a small find would give me a spark of excitement in what was often a lonely world," Li said.
\n
Despite having little money, she cherished small items such as 4-yuan magazines, which are all carefully displayed in her home years later.
\n
"I was going through a difficult period and felt very alone. The music and youthful energy of the Super Boy contestants became my personal utopia — a source of comfort I couldn't find anywhere else," she recalled.
\n
As her fandom matured, Li began attending concerts, music festivals and variety show recordings, sometimes traveling south to see her idols live.
\n
Among her favorites are singers Wang Yuexin, Su Xing and Chen Chusheng. Her devotion extends beyond attending performances and she has created what she calls "support campaigns", including a retro-style tribute to Wang's albums Freak Out and Parachute.
\n
"I wanted more people to hear these songs, to understand the passion and effort he put into them. Seeing fans in a stadium sing along to songs that had once only lived in my headphones was a moment of pure exhilaration," she said.
\n
Among Li's most treasured items are physical copies of Freak Out and Su Xing's Jin Xing Shi. "I don't buy things just because others do. I follow my own feelings, and I'm more interested in collecting older albums that remind me of the era I grew up in," she said.
\n
She said these artists appeared in her life at just the right moment. "Through their music, I learned to embrace my own ideas, to reconcile with myself, and to pursue what I truly love," said Li.
\n
While Li's fandom is rooted in nostalgia, He Hehe, a content operator in her late 20s living in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, approaches celebrity merchandise differently.
\n
For her, merchandise is not just memorabilia — it is an emotional anchor and a form of self-expression.
\n
Her fandom began in 2018 while at university, when she became a fan of Chen Linong — a singer, actor and future member of Nine Percent — after watching the reality show Idol Producer. Her first purchase was a gift box with his endorsement, containing branded products and postcards.
\n
"I didn't really think about whether or not I needed it. It was something he endorsed; I just wanted to help the sales figures," she said. Her impulse was to support Chen Linong commercially, even if the items she purchased weren't practical, He said.
\n
After graduation, her focus shifted to the boy band Teens in Times. Unlike Chen Linong, whose products were mostly endorsements, TNT regularly released official items designed for fans — from photo cards to plush dolls.
\n
"The frequency of purchases depends on the artists. If it's useful, like beverages or daily items, or if official goods include things I like, I'll order them," said He.
\n
She spends 5,000 to 8,000 yuan annually on merchandise and "fan support", attending four to six offline events a year. Many official goods — photo books, postcards and plush key chains — are purchased simply for the thrill of unboxing.
\n
"The peak happiness is opening the package. Afterward, they often sit in a corner collecting dust. Sometimes I don't even use notebooks or stickers, because just seeing them is fulfilling," she said.
\n
Among her favorites are photo cards and cotton dolls.
\n
"Photo cards are simple, beautiful, and collectible; cotton dolls carry a strong sense of companionship. No fan can resist a three-inch photo card and a cotton doll," she added.
\n
She also has fan-made items like drawings and handmade goods, but considers official products more valuable.
\n
"Official merchandise is closely connected to the artist, sometimes even designed with their involvement. Fan-made items are just extensions. Even when people like my work, it's ultimately because of the artist," He said.
\n
One special piece bridges both worlds: a postcard she made for Chen Linong's birthday, later signed by him and mailed back to her. "It showed my effort wasn't meaningless. That card symbolizes how merchandise can carry memory, creativity, and even career direction," she said.
\n
For He, merchandise is more than consumption; it's a way to escape daily pressures, a reward after long workdays, and a source of joy that fuels creativity. Piles of unopened items and cherished collectibles in her room testify to her devotion.
\n
"To outsiders, they may look like simple goods, but to me, each piece tells a story of passion, community, and the enduring pull of star-chasing. If my daytime job gives me material rewards, then this gives me spiritual fuel," said He.
\n
Evolving market
\n
The Chinese fan market is evolving, according to statistics. The generations born after 1995 and 2000, now prioritize atmosphere, participation and social interaction over mere collecting. Fans are willing to pay more for the latest or limited-edition items, sharing them online to inspire others to follow.
\n
In 2024, the national "fan economy" exceeded 1.23 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent, and the figure is expected to reach almost 1.43 trillion yuan in 2025, data from industry research company ChinaIRN showed.
\n
The "idol economy" accounts for 420 billion yuan, 34 percent of the total, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2 percent.
\n
"Today's consumption is less about practical use and more about meaning," said Shen Yifei, an associate professor of sociology at Fudan University.
\n
"For many young fans, especially Gen Z, buying merchandise is a way to express affection for an idol, to mark their identity within a community, and to enjoy the symbolic value that goes far beyond the object itself," she said.
\n
For young fans, buying merchandise and engaging in support activities is not merely about consumption — it fulfills important emotional needs, Shen said. Light sticks, posters and other items help them feel seen and part of a group, turning their expressions of support into a way of building an emotional connection with their idols.
\n
In 2023, among China's Gen Z fan base, 72.2 percent purchased singles and albums or paid to attend concerts and movies, according to statistics released by iiMedia Research in 2024. A total of 51.1 percent participated in support-related consumption in preparing fan merchandise for important idol events.
\n
"Many young fans describe their support as 'powering love' — giving back the joy and strength that idols provide," Shen said. "Beyond emotional expression, these practices nurture real skills, from banner design and video editing to event organizing, allowing fans to grow and find achievement within their communities."
\n
However, Shen warned that when these needs are overly capitalized on and pushed toward competition or overspending, the original meaning of "love and connection "risks being lost.
\n
"This is why families, schools and society should recognize and guide fan support in a healthy direction, encouraging emotional expression, personal growth and rational consumption," she said.
Farmers operate multiple harvesters on a rice field at Sihong county in Suqian, Jiangsu province, on Monday. China's grain production touched a new high during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), surpassing 700 million metric tons for the first time last year, Han Jun, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. See story, page 3
\n",
+ "content": "
Farmers operate multiple harvesters on a rice field at Sihong county in Suqian, Jiangsu province, on Monday. China's grain production touched a new high during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), surpassing 700 million metric tons for the first time last year, Han Jun, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. See story, page 3
During peak lunch hour at a busy restaurant in Chengdu, Sichuan province, four chefs work in perfect unison, deftly churning out multiple dishes as flames leap from the woks. However, their expertise and execution are not only of interest to the customers waiting for the food, but also to over 50,000 viewers watching them live at work on Douyin, China's short-video platform.
\n
Luoxiaoyang Home-Style Cuisine, which opened its doors in June, has attracted more than 1.7 million followers on Douyin by livestreaming what goes on in its kitchen.
\n
Responding to increasing public concern about food safety, a number of restaurants nationwide have begun livestreaming their kitchen operations — a strategy aimed at both winning diners' trust and boosting visibility through online engagement. The cameras are pointed at the counters where food is prepared, capturing everything from raw ingredients to freshly prepared meals. This move toward greater transparency has garnered considerable praise and positive engagement from online viewers.
\n
The growing interest in "transparent kitchen" livestreams follows a heated online debate sparked by celebrity entrepreneur Luo Yonghao. Last week, Luo criticized domestic restaurant chain Xibei on China's popular social media platform Sina Weibo, alleging that many dishes were premade. His post went viral, prompting public discussion about food safety and kitchen transparency.
\n
Now kitchen livestreams are becoming popular, with viewers on social media platforms posting comments like: "This is how Chinese cooking should be done", and "This is what we call true wok hei (the distinct smoky flavor of stir-fried dishes)". The livestreams also appear to be influencing consumer habits.
\n
For example, Han Wen, a university student in Beijing, said the recent online debate has made him more cautious when ordering food online.
\n
"I only recently started noticing the 'transparent kitchen' feature on apps," he said. "I now look to see if the kitchen is neat and clean before placing an order."
\n
Kitchen livestreams are not exactly new. In March, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a guideline strengthening food safety supervision, urging platforms and merchants to implement "internet plus transparent kitchen "initiatives and enhance oversight on delivery-only restaurants through public monitoring.
\n
Sun Juanjuan, an associate professor at Hebei Agricultural University and researcher at the Center for Coordination and Innovation of Food Safety Governance, said, "Food safety regulators have actively promoted the 'transparent kitchens' policy in recent years."
\n
"It includes both physical transparency — visible kitchen areas — and digital monitoring via livestreams. As customers have begun focusing on how the food is being prepared, restaurants have shifted focus from price wars to hygiene standards," Sun said.
\n
In recent years, several regions have introduced rules requiring online food delivery businesses to livestream their kitchen operations.
\n
In Zhejiang province, takeaway merchants have been legally obligated to display real-time videos of food being prepared on delivery apps since March 2022.
\n
Shanghai introduced similar regulations in February 2024, encouraging restaurants to adopt "internet plus transparent kitchen" practices and upload footage to their third-party platforms for public oversight, while Changzhou in Jiangsu province followed suit a month later.
\n
To create an immersive viewing experience, some chefs are strapping action cameras to their chests, livestreaming the cooking process from a first-person perspective.
\n
"If customers want to see the kitchen, then we'll just show it," said a chef at Xiaochao Dangjia, a restaurant in Wuhan, Hubei province. The restaurant recently joined the kitchen livestreaming club, as the owners believe that this helps build consumers' trust.
\n
However, some industry insiders worry that the livestreams could become mere "performances".
\n
Zhong Kai, a food safety expert from the China Food Information Center, said the actual impact of livestreaming on food safety supervision might be more about deterrence than regulation.
\n
"Issues such as pesticide residues or cross-contamination are hard to catch via livestreams. Most food safety incidents that have been exposed have been due to snapshots of chefs not wearing masks or hats, or catching glimpses of rats in kitchens," he said.
\n
However, Sun, from Hebei Agricultural University, said: "Implementing 'transparent kitchen' measures in the mass catering sector has always been a regulatory challenge. Now, with public enthusiasm and demand, it can help accelerate implementation across various regions."
During peak lunch hour at a busy restaurant in Chengdu, Sichuan province, four chefs work in perfect unison, deftly churning out multiple dishes as flames leap from the woks. However, their expertise and execution are not only of interest to the customers waiting for the food, but also to over 50,000 viewers watching them live at work on Douyin, China's short-video platform.
\n
Luoxiaoyang Home-Style Cuisine, which opened its doors in June, has attracted more than 1.7 million followers on Douyin by livestreaming what goes on in its kitchen.
\n
Responding to increasing public concern about food safety, a number of restaurants nationwide have begun livestreaming their kitchen operations — a strategy aimed at both winning diners' trust and boosting visibility through online engagement. The cameras are pointed at the counters where food is prepared, capturing everything from raw ingredients to freshly prepared meals. This move toward greater transparency has garnered considerable praise and positive engagement from online viewers.
\n
The growing interest in "transparent kitchen" livestreams follows a heated online debate sparked by celebrity entrepreneur Luo Yonghao. Last week, Luo criticized domestic restaurant chain Xibei on China's popular social media platform Sina Weibo, alleging that many dishes were premade. His post went viral, prompting public discussion about food safety and kitchen transparency.
\n
Now kitchen livestreams are becoming popular, with viewers on social media platforms posting comments like: "This is how Chinese cooking should be done", and "This is what we call true wok hei (the distinct smoky flavor of stir-fried dishes)". The livestreams also appear to be influencing consumer habits.
\n
For example, Han Wen, a university student in Beijing, said the recent online debate has made him more cautious when ordering food online.
\n
"I only recently started noticing the 'transparent kitchen' feature on apps," he said. "I now look to see if the kitchen is neat and clean before placing an order."
\n
Kitchen livestreams are not exactly new. In March, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a guideline strengthening food safety supervision, urging platforms and merchants to implement "internet plus transparent kitchen "initiatives and enhance oversight on delivery-only restaurants through public monitoring.
\n
Sun Juanjuan, an associate professor at Hebei Agricultural University and researcher at the Center for Coordination and Innovation of Food Safety Governance, said, "Food safety regulators have actively promoted the 'transparent kitchens' policy in recent years."
\n
"It includes both physical transparency — visible kitchen areas — and digital monitoring via livestreams. As customers have begun focusing on how the food is being prepared, restaurants have shifted focus from price wars to hygiene standards," Sun said.
\n
In recent years, several regions have introduced rules requiring online food delivery businesses to livestream their kitchen operations.
\n
In Zhejiang province, takeaway merchants have been legally obligated to display real-time videos of food being prepared on delivery apps since March 2022.
\n
Shanghai introduced similar regulations in February 2024, encouraging restaurants to adopt "internet plus transparent kitchen" practices and upload footage to their third-party platforms for public oversight, while Changzhou in Jiangsu province followed suit a month later.
\n
To create an immersive viewing experience, some chefs are strapping action cameras to their chests, livestreaming the cooking process from a first-person perspective.
\n
"If customers want to see the kitchen, then we'll just show it," said a chef at Xiaochao Dangjia, a restaurant in Wuhan, Hubei province. The restaurant recently joined the kitchen livestreaming club, as the owners believe that this helps build consumers' trust.
\n
However, some industry insiders worry that the livestreams could become mere "performances".
\n
Zhong Kai, a food safety expert from the China Food Information Center, said the actual impact of livestreaming on food safety supervision might be more about deterrence than regulation.
\n
"Issues such as pesticide residues or cross-contamination are hard to catch via livestreams. Most food safety incidents that have been exposed have been due to snapshots of chefs not wearing masks or hats, or catching glimpses of rats in kitchens," he said.
\n
However, Sun, from Hebei Agricultural University, said: "Implementing 'transparent kitchen' measures in the mass catering sector has always been a regulatory challenge. Now, with public enthusiasm and demand, it can help accelerate implementation across various regions."
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
\n
huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
\n",
+ "content": "
Fu Cong
\n
Qu Yingpu
\n
Li Junhua
\n
Jeffrey Sachs
\n
Kishore Mahbubani
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway
\n
Dima Al-Khatib
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
The National Religious Affairs Administration has issued a new code of conduct regulating the online behavior of religious clergy in China, in an effort to maintain order in the digital religious sphere.
\n
The code contains 18 articles detailing prohibited online activities for clergy. These include self-promotion, involvement in foreign religious infiltration, spreading extremist ideologies, promoting cults or pseudo-religions, and profiting from religious activities.
\n
Under the rules, clergy may preach or conduct religious education online only through licensed websites, apps, and forums established by recognized religious groups, institutions and temples. To disseminate information or use instant messaging in an official capacity, clergy must submit their clergy certificates to internet service providers for verification.
\n
The code urges clergy to cultivate positive online habits, resist harmful online culture, and avoid using religious content for self-promotion or seeking attention.
\n
In recent years, many clergy have opened personal accounts on social media platforms. Some Buddhist monks gained millions of followers on platforms such as Douyin by sharing videos of their daily lives and promoting Buddhist culture.
\n
The code also bars clergy from engaging with foreign entities online or participating in foreign religious activities. It bans the promotion of pseudo-religions and superstitious activities such as fortune-telling. Online commercialization, including marketing products and livestreaming sales, is also prohibited.
\n
Clergy who violate the regulations will be ordered to make corrections within a specified time, as directed by religious affairs authorities. Noncompliance will bring penalties under existing laws and administrative regulations. In severe cases, authorities may recommend suspending religious activities or revoking clergy status.
\n
According to recent reports of online fraud involving people impersonating monks, in Leshan, Sichuan province, two people posed as monks from Baoguo Temple by purchasing robes and prayer beads, then solicited money from online followers by offering blessings via livestreaming.
\n
The new code builds on the 2022 guidelines issued by the National Religious Affairs Administration and other departments requiring licenses for the online dissemination of religious information.
\n
The move comes as Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, is under investigation by multiple authorities over allegations of embezzling temple funds and engaging in affairs with several women. The Shaolin Temple has nurtured several online monks, such as Shi Yandian and Shi Yangao, who have amassed millions of followers. However, their videos have been removed from their personal accounts without any reason mentioned.
\n
lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
The National Religious Affairs Administration has issued a new code of conduct regulating the online behavior of religious clergy in China, in an effort to maintain order in the digital religious sphere.
\n
The code contains 18 articles detailing prohibited online activities for clergy. These include self-promotion, involvement in foreign religious infiltration, spreading extremist ideologies, promoting cults or pseudo-religions, and profiting from religious activities.
\n
Under the rules, clergy may preach or conduct religious education online only through licensed websites, apps, and forums established by recognized religious groups, institutions and temples. To disseminate information or use instant messaging in an official capacity, clergy must submit their clergy certificates to internet service providers for verification.
\n
The code urges clergy to cultivate positive online habits, resist harmful online culture, and avoid using religious content for self-promotion or seeking attention.
\n
In recent years, many clergy have opened personal accounts on social media platforms. Some Buddhist monks gained millions of followers on platforms such as Douyin by sharing videos of their daily lives and promoting Buddhist culture.
\n
The code also bars clergy from engaging with foreign entities online or participating in foreign religious activities. It bans the promotion of pseudo-religions and superstitious activities such as fortune-telling. Online commercialization, including marketing products and livestreaming sales, is also prohibited.
\n
Clergy who violate the regulations will be ordered to make corrections within a specified time, as directed by religious affairs authorities. Noncompliance will bring penalties under existing laws and administrative regulations. In severe cases, authorities may recommend suspending religious activities or revoking clergy status.
\n
According to recent reports of online fraud involving people impersonating monks, in Leshan, Sichuan province, two people posed as monks from Baoguo Temple by purchasing robes and prayer beads, then solicited money from online followers by offering blessings via livestreaming.
\n
The new code builds on the 2022 guidelines issued by the National Religious Affairs Administration and other departments requiring licenses for the online dissemination of religious information.
\n
The move comes as Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, is under investigation by multiple authorities over allegations of embezzling temple funds and engaging in affairs with several women. The Shaolin Temple has nurtured several online monks, such as Shi Yandian and Shi Yangao, who have amassed millions of followers. However, their videos have been removed from their personal accounts without any reason mentioned.
A Latin American blogger experiences the traditional Chinese medicine therapy of ear seeds, which affixes small beads to the ear with adhesive at the Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan province, on Monday.
\n",
+ "content": "
A Latin American blogger experiences the traditional Chinese medicine therapy of ear seeds, which affixes small beads to the ear with adhesive at the Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan province, on Monday.
A 52-year-old woman died on Sunday after being exposed to discarded hydrofluoric acid in Hangzhou, local authorities said.
\n
A statement from the Xianlin subdistrict said the woman, identified only by her surname Tu, came into contact with the chemical at a vacant lot on Sept 9. She was taken to a hospital but died on Sunday despite emergency treatment, the statement said.
\n
Police have begun an investigation, and the environment department has decontaminated the site, the statement added.
\n
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and the case has raised public concerns about the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
\n
On Tuesday afternoon, a range of hydrofluoric acid products in various strengths could be found on multiple domestic e-commerce platforms. Listings showed containers ranging from 500 milliliters to 25 kilograms. Product descriptions commonly suggested uses such as cleaning glass and tiles or removing oxides.
\n
Sellers typically warned that the solution is corrosive and advised users to wear gloves and protective goggles. They recommended rinsing with water and seeking medical attention in case of contact with the skin.
\n
Hydrofluoric acid, the aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, is a clear, volatile liquid with a pungent odor. Wang Xisheng, a professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Guizhou University, said the acid has many industrial and commercial uses. It is widely used in sectors such as industrial manufacturing, electronics, printing, metal casting and glass etching.
\n
Known in some circles as "bone-dissolving water", hydrofluoric acid can cause both local burns and severe systemic poisoning, according to him.
\n
"Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive substance. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as an acid mist, and direct contact can cause severe damage to subcutaneous tissue, bone, and even internal organs. Ingesting about 1.5 grams of hydrofluoric acid can cause immediate death," Wang said.
\n
He added that laboratory work should be carried out by trained personnel and that equipment should be checked regularly for leaks. Wastewater must be handed over to qualified treatment facilities, and casual dumping is strictly prohibited.
\n
Hydrofluoric acid was included in the 2015 catalog of hazardous chemicals issued by the State Administration of Work Safety, which was later integrated into the Ministry of Emergency Management. It is regarded as dangerous to people, facilities and the environment. National standards require hydrofluoric acid manufacturers to maintain protective distances of 100 to 300 meters from residential areas, schools and hospitals, depending on wind speed and production scale.
\n
A 2022 paper, Research Advances on the Treatment of Hydrofluoric Acid Burns, published in the Chinese Journal of Burns and Wounds, described hydrofluoric acid burns as a clinical emergency. The paper warned that even burns covering a small area can be fatal within hours and urged immediate on-site treatment: remove contaminants, irrigate the area, and transport the patient to a hospital without delay.
\n
Wang advised that anyone whose skin has been exposed should immediately and thoroughly rinse the affected area under running water for an extended period.
\n
As the paper points out, rinsing can remove surface residues, but it cannot remove hydrofluoric acid that has already penetrated the skin, so prompt medical treatment is essential.
A 52-year-old woman died on Sunday after being exposed to discarded hydrofluoric acid in Hangzhou, local authorities said.
\n
A statement from the Xianlin subdistrict said the woman, identified only by her surname Tu, came into contact with the chemical at a vacant lot on Sept 9. She was taken to a hospital but died on Sunday despite emergency treatment, the statement said.
\n
Police have begun an investigation, and the environment department has decontaminated the site, the statement added.
\n
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and the case has raised public concerns about the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
\n
On Tuesday afternoon, a range of hydrofluoric acid products in various strengths could be found on multiple domestic e-commerce platforms. Listings showed containers ranging from 500 milliliters to 25 kilograms. Product descriptions commonly suggested uses such as cleaning glass and tiles or removing oxides.
\n
Sellers typically warned that the solution is corrosive and advised users to wear gloves and protective goggles. They recommended rinsing with water and seeking medical attention in case of contact with the skin.
\n
Hydrofluoric acid, the aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, is a clear, volatile liquid with a pungent odor. Wang Xisheng, a professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Guizhou University, said the acid has many industrial and commercial uses. It is widely used in sectors such as industrial manufacturing, electronics, printing, metal casting and glass etching.
\n
Known in some circles as "bone-dissolving water", hydrofluoric acid can cause both local burns and severe systemic poisoning, according to him.
\n
"Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive substance. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as an acid mist, and direct contact can cause severe damage to subcutaneous tissue, bone, and even internal organs. Ingesting about 1.5 grams of hydrofluoric acid can cause immediate death," Wang said.
\n
He added that laboratory work should be carried out by trained personnel and that equipment should be checked regularly for leaks. Wastewater must be handed over to qualified treatment facilities, and casual dumping is strictly prohibited.
\n
Hydrofluoric acid was included in the 2015 catalog of hazardous chemicals issued by the State Administration of Work Safety, which was later integrated into the Ministry of Emergency Management. It is regarded as dangerous to people, facilities and the environment. National standards require hydrofluoric acid manufacturers to maintain protective distances of 100 to 300 meters from residential areas, schools and hospitals, depending on wind speed and production scale.
\n
A 2022 paper, Research Advances on the Treatment of Hydrofluoric Acid Burns, published in the Chinese Journal of Burns and Wounds, described hydrofluoric acid burns as a clinical emergency. The paper warned that even burns covering a small area can be fatal within hours and urged immediate on-site treatment: remove contaminants, irrigate the area, and transport the patient to a hospital without delay.
\n
Wang advised that anyone whose skin has been exposed should immediately and thoroughly rinse the affected area under running water for an extended period.
\n
As the paper points out, rinsing can remove surface residues, but it cannot remove hydrofluoric acid that has already penetrated the skin, so prompt medical treatment is essential.
Over a thousand fishing boats sail in a continuous line under the Tongwamen Bridge in Shipu Fishing Port, Xiangshan county, Zhejiang province, heading towards the East China Sea at noon on Tuesday. With the four-and-a-half-month summer fishing moratorium coming to an end, fishing vessels have resumed their activities in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.
\n",
+ "content": "
Over a thousand fishing boats sail in a continuous line under the Tongwamen Bridge in Shipu Fishing Port, Xiangshan county, Zhejiang province, heading towards the East China Sea at noon on Tuesday. With the four-and-a-half-month summer fishing moratorium coming to an end, fishing vessels have resumed their activities in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.
The first national platform dedicated to cultivating high-skilled talent in the bath leisure and health management sector has officially launched in Shenyang, Liaoning province, marking a significant step in the city's efforts to maintain its position as the "Bath Leisure Capital of China".
\n
On Sept 4, the Shenyang Municipal Commerce Bureau, the Shenyang Bath Industry Association and Shenyang Polytechnic College held a ceremony to sign a strategic cooperation agreement for talent cultivation in the bath industry and to inaugurate the School of Bath Leisure and Health Management Industry.
\n
The school will leverage the educational resources of Shenyang Polytechnic College to provide talent cultivation, skills training, research innovation and industry services. It aims to supply high-quality, professional and versatile personnel to the bath industry in Shenyang and across the country.
\n
"In recent years, Shenyang's bath industry has flourished, with complete upstream and downstream industrial chains under the impetus of a series of favorable policies," said Zhu Ling, director of the commerce bureau, at the ceremony. "So far, Shenyang has 1,354 bathing businesses, with 49 enterprises over 5,000 square meters and the largest bathing enterprise covering an area of 100,000 square meters."
\n
However, Zhu said the shortage of professional and younger talent has become a growing problem. She described the cooperation agreement and the school's opening as a crucial step in building a "solid bridge connecting the education chain and the employment chain".
\n
"We will jointly explore new talent cultivation models such as order-based training and work-study alternation, which not only precisely meet the employment needs of enterprises for more high0quality, professional talent, but also further assist the industry in moving toward standardization, normalization and branding, further enhancing Shenyang's brand influence as the 'Bath Leisure Capital,'" she said.
\n
Since 2023, Shenyang's tourism market has boomed, with many visitors enjoying the city's bath culture, said Tang Lizhong, executive president of the Shenyang Bath Industry Association.
\n
The association was established on Aug 27, 2024, with one of its goals being to improve service capacity. Tang said solving the talent shortage is central to that aim. On Dec 30, Shenyang was awarded the title "Bath Leisure Capital of China" by the Asia International Bath SPA and Wellness Alliance.
\n
Against this backdrop, the association and Shenyang Polytechnic College proposed establishing the industrial school.
\n
"The school has two enrollment programs," Tang said. "One is open to out-of-school individuals aged 18 and above who want to learn specific skills in a short time, including foot massage, ear picking, scraping, cupping and traditional Chinese medicine therapy. After completing the training and passing the assessment, trainees can quickly find job opportunities."
\n
The other program targets students who have completed high school or vocational school, focusing on management of the bath leisure and health industry. The three-year program includes two years of theoretical study at the school and a year-long internship at enterprises. Graduates can obtain a junior college degree.
\n
The school will also implement a "dual-teacher system", in which school teachers and industry experts jointly compile textbooks and teach classes.
\n
Tang expressed optimism about graduates' job prospects.
\n
In terms of income, Tang said grassroots employees earn about 4,000 to 5,000 yuan ($562 to $702) per month, managers can make around 10,000 yuan or more, and store managers could obtain annual salaries of more than 400,000 yuan. The school will focus on cultivating management-level talent.
\n
Although some are concerned that the industry may lack appeal to younger people, Tang said the key lies in guidance and raising awareness.
\n
"The association is striving to promote social respect and recognition for these occupations," he said. "At the same time, the industry itself is constantly evolving, giving rise to more integrated venues that combine leisure, entertainment and accommodation, which better meet the consumption habits of contemporary people."
\n
Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
The first national platform dedicated to cultivating high-skilled talent in the bath leisure and health management sector has officially launched in Shenyang, Liaoning province, marking a significant step in the city's efforts to maintain its position as the "Bath Leisure Capital of China".
\n
On Sept 4, the Shenyang Municipal Commerce Bureau, the Shenyang Bath Industry Association and Shenyang Polytechnic College held a ceremony to sign a strategic cooperation agreement for talent cultivation in the bath industry and to inaugurate the School of Bath Leisure and Health Management Industry.
\n
The school will leverage the educational resources of Shenyang Polytechnic College to provide talent cultivation, skills training, research innovation and industry services. It aims to supply high-quality, professional and versatile personnel to the bath industry in Shenyang and across the country.
\n
"In recent years, Shenyang's bath industry has flourished, with complete upstream and downstream industrial chains under the impetus of a series of favorable policies," said Zhu Ling, director of the commerce bureau, at the ceremony. "So far, Shenyang has 1,354 bathing businesses, with 49 enterprises over 5,000 square meters and the largest bathing enterprise covering an area of 100,000 square meters."
\n
However, Zhu said the shortage of professional and younger talent has become a growing problem. She described the cooperation agreement and the school's opening as a crucial step in building a "solid bridge connecting the education chain and the employment chain".
\n
"We will jointly explore new talent cultivation models such as order-based training and work-study alternation, which not only precisely meet the employment needs of enterprises for more high0quality, professional talent, but also further assist the industry in moving toward standardization, normalization and branding, further enhancing Shenyang's brand influence as the 'Bath Leisure Capital,'" she said.
\n
Since 2023, Shenyang's tourism market has boomed, with many visitors enjoying the city's bath culture, said Tang Lizhong, executive president of the Shenyang Bath Industry Association.
\n
The association was established on Aug 27, 2024, with one of its goals being to improve service capacity. Tang said solving the talent shortage is central to that aim. On Dec 30, Shenyang was awarded the title "Bath Leisure Capital of China" by the Asia International Bath SPA and Wellness Alliance.
\n
Against this backdrop, the association and Shenyang Polytechnic College proposed establishing the industrial school.
\n
"The school has two enrollment programs," Tang said. "One is open to out-of-school individuals aged 18 and above who want to learn specific skills in a short time, including foot massage, ear picking, scraping, cupping and traditional Chinese medicine therapy. After completing the training and passing the assessment, trainees can quickly find job opportunities."
\n
The other program targets students who have completed high school or vocational school, focusing on management of the bath leisure and health industry. The three-year program includes two years of theoretical study at the school and a year-long internship at enterprises. Graduates can obtain a junior college degree.
\n
The school will also implement a "dual-teacher system", in which school teachers and industry experts jointly compile textbooks and teach classes.
\n
Tang expressed optimism about graduates' job prospects.
\n
In terms of income, Tang said grassroots employees earn about 4,000 to 5,000 yuan ($562 to $702) per month, managers can make around 10,000 yuan or more, and store managers could obtain annual salaries of more than 400,000 yuan. The school will focus on cultivating management-level talent.
\n
Although some are concerned that the industry may lack appeal to younger people, Tang said the key lies in guidance and raising awareness.
\n
"The association is striving to promote social respect and recognition for these occupations," he said. "At the same time, the industry itself is constantly evolving, giving rise to more integrated venues that combine leisure, entertainment and accommodation, which better meet the consumption habits of contemporary people."
\n
Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
China is forging a distinctively people-centered path in human rights development, steadily enhancing protections as it advances modernization, scholars said on Tuesday at an academic seminar in Jinan, Shandong province.
\n
The event, titled "Chinese Modernization and Human Rights Protection", brought together about 100 scholars to discuss theoretical innovations and practical experiences in human rights within the context of China's modernization.
\n
"Chinese modernization has constructed a new value system for human rights civilization, forming a people-centered human rights theory paradigm with Chinese characteristics," said Lu Guangjin, vice-president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies and a law professor at Jilin University.
\n
This approach "has pioneered a development-based model of human rights that strengthens the synergy between progress and rights," he said, adding that Chinese modernization opens new horizons for global human rights development and enriches the diversity of human rights civilization.
\n
Across sectors, the principle of putting people first has been central to China's human rights efforts, scholars said, citing practical examples.
\n
One case is agricultural modernization in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
\n
"The agricultural modernization drive of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps has yielded remarkable achievements, reinforcing rights to survival and development through tangible practice," said Zhang Yonghe, executive dean of the Human Rights Institute at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law. "This development has allowed the fruits of progress to be shared more widely and fairly among the local population."
\n
Scholars at the seminar agreed that China's human rights practice under modernization not only benefits its own people but also offers innovative solutions to global human rights governance.
\n
Chinese modernization promotes concepts such as advancing human rights through development, win-win cooperation, and building a community with a shared future for humankind, contributing Chinese perspectives and approaches to global human rights governance, said Luo Yanhua, a professor at the School of International Studies at Peking University.
\n
Participants also agreed that Chinese modernization has opened new paths for human rights progress, both in theory and practice. They called for developing stronger theories, improving the independent knowledge system on human rights, and sharing more insights with the global community.
\n
"Amid growing global challenges, the scope of human rights continues to expand and its content continues to deepen," said Baimachilin, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress and president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies. "Major efforts should be given to cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as digital human rights, AI ethics, climate change and environmental rights, rights protection during public health crises, and biotechnology and human rights."
\n
The event was hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and organized by the Center for Human Rights Studies of Shandong University and the university's law school.
China is forging a distinctively people-centered path in human rights development, steadily enhancing protections as it advances modernization, scholars said on Tuesday at an academic seminar in Jinan, Shandong province.
\n
The event, titled "Chinese Modernization and Human Rights Protection", brought together about 100 scholars to discuss theoretical innovations and practical experiences in human rights within the context of China's modernization.
\n
"Chinese modernization has constructed a new value system for human rights civilization, forming a people-centered human rights theory paradigm with Chinese characteristics," said Lu Guangjin, vice-president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies and a law professor at Jilin University.
\n
This approach "has pioneered a development-based model of human rights that strengthens the synergy between progress and rights," he said, adding that Chinese modernization opens new horizons for global human rights development and enriches the diversity of human rights civilization.
\n
Across sectors, the principle of putting people first has been central to China's human rights efforts, scholars said, citing practical examples.
\n
One case is agricultural modernization in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
\n
"The agricultural modernization drive of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps has yielded remarkable achievements, reinforcing rights to survival and development through tangible practice," said Zhang Yonghe, executive dean of the Human Rights Institute at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law. "This development has allowed the fruits of progress to be shared more widely and fairly among the local population."
\n
Scholars at the seminar agreed that China's human rights practice under modernization not only benefits its own people but also offers innovative solutions to global human rights governance.
\n
Chinese modernization promotes concepts such as advancing human rights through development, win-win cooperation, and building a community with a shared future for humankind, contributing Chinese perspectives and approaches to global human rights governance, said Luo Yanhua, a professor at the School of International Studies at Peking University.
\n
Participants also agreed that Chinese modernization has opened new paths for human rights progress, both in theory and practice. They called for developing stronger theories, improving the independent knowledge system on human rights, and sharing more insights with the global community.
\n
"Amid growing global challenges, the scope of human rights continues to expand and its content continues to deepen," said Baimachilin, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress and president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies. "Major efforts should be given to cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as digital human rights, AI ethics, climate change and environmental rights, rights protection during public health crises, and biotechnology and human rights."
\n
The event was hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and organized by the Center for Human Rights Studies of Shandong University and the university's law school.
China looks forward to sharing experiences in building an ecological civilization and gathering global wisdom for ecological governance at the upcoming 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves to be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, an official said on Tuesday.
\n
Speaking at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office, He Hongping, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the congress will be a crucial platform for international exchange, and will deepen scientific partnerships to tackle fragmented ecological governance through systematic thinking.
\n
"We'll promote new models of green development with interdisciplinary research and enhance the smart management of protected areas using digital technology," he said.
\n
The UNESCO congress is scheduled for Sept 22 to 25. The gathering is expected to draw delegates from over 150 countries and regions, he said, adding that this marks the first time the decennial event will be held in Asia.
\n
The congress aims to discuss and adopt the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, setting the direction and goals for the next decade, according to He.
\n
The event will also see the release of the Hangzhou Declaration, underscoring China's commitment to working with the international community to tackle ecological challenges and build a shared future for all life on Earth.
\n
China joined the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1973 and currently leads Asia with 34 UNESCO-designated world biosphere reserves.
\n
"The nation's efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are supported by significant technological innovations," He said.
\n
China has developed intelligent species identification technologies that combine image, sound and video recognition. These technologies, combined with satellite remote sensing, drones and mobile smart terminals, have been applied in biosphere reserves such as the Wuyi Mountain in Fujian province, offering crucial support for smart management and ecological restoration.
\n
lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China looks forward to sharing experiences in building an ecological civilization and gathering global wisdom for ecological governance at the upcoming 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves to be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, an official said on Tuesday.
\n
Speaking at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office, He Hongping, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the congress will be a crucial platform for international exchange, and will deepen scientific partnerships to tackle fragmented ecological governance through systematic thinking.
\n
"We'll promote new models of green development with interdisciplinary research and enhance the smart management of protected areas using digital technology," he said.
\n
The UNESCO congress is scheduled for Sept 22 to 25. The gathering is expected to draw delegates from over 150 countries and regions, he said, adding that this marks the first time the decennial event will be held in Asia.
\n
The congress aims to discuss and adopt the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, setting the direction and goals for the next decade, according to He.
\n
The event will also see the release of the Hangzhou Declaration, underscoring China's commitment to working with the international community to tackle ecological challenges and build a shared future for all life on Earth.
\n
China joined the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1973 and currently leads Asia with 34 UNESCO-designated world biosphere reserves.
\n
"The nation's efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are supported by significant technological innovations," He said.
\n
China has developed intelligent species identification technologies that combine image, sound and video recognition. These technologies, combined with satellite remote sensing, drones and mobile smart terminals, have been applied in biosphere reserves such as the Wuyi Mountain in Fujian province, offering crucial support for smart management and ecological restoration.
The Philippines should immediately stop infringement and provocations surrounding China's Huangyan Island, and must not challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said Chinese officials.
\n
On Tuesday, the Philippines sent more than 10 government ships to illegally intrude into the territorial waters around Huangyan Island in the South China Sea from multiple directions despite repeated dissuasion and warnings from Chinese vessels, according to Gan Yu, spokesman for the China Coast Guard.
\n
The Philippine side willfully carried out the intrusion as during the process, a Philippine vessel with the hull number of 3014 ignored repeated warnings and made dangerous maneuvers and intentionally rammed Chinese ships, endangering the safety of Chinese ships and personnel, he stated.
\n
In response to the illegal intrusion, CCG ships took necessary control measures including verbal warnings, route blocking and the use of water cannons.
\n
The Chinese side's countermeasures were in accordance with the law, and were professional, reasonable and legitimate, Gan said, emphasizing that the full responsibility for the collision rests entirely with the Philippine side.
\n
Huangyan Island is an inherent territory of China. The Philippines' acts have seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and severely violated relevant provisions of Chinese law and international law, according to the spokesman.
\n
"We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing acts. The CCG will continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters around Huangyan Island in accordance with the law, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Gan said.
\n
Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon that the Philippine intrusion has not only seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and interests but also severely undermined maritime peace and stability.
\n
It is reasonable and lawful for China to use necessary measures to safeguard its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he said, adding that facts have once again proved that the Philippines' deliberate infringement and provocation are the root cause of the tense situation.
\n
A naval affairs observer who wished to be identified only as Cui said that the fact that Chinese vessels successfully thwarted the Philippine side's orchestrated endeavor of sending ships to intrude into waters surrounding Huangyan Island from multiple directions shows that China now knows well all the possible methods of infringement and provocation the Philippines may use and is ready to effectively handle them.
\n
"The Philippines should drop its wishful thinking that some external forces could 'save' it from trouble or support it to challenge China. We will let it know that all its efforts to compromise our rights and interests will collide with an iron wall," he said.
The Philippines should immediately stop infringement and provocations surrounding China's Huangyan Island, and must not challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said Chinese officials.
\n
On Tuesday, the Philippines sent more than 10 government ships to illegally intrude into the territorial waters around Huangyan Island in the South China Sea from multiple directions despite repeated dissuasion and warnings from Chinese vessels, according to Gan Yu, spokesman for the China Coast Guard.
\n
The Philippine side willfully carried out the intrusion as during the process, a Philippine vessel with the hull number of 3014 ignored repeated warnings and made dangerous maneuvers and intentionally rammed Chinese ships, endangering the safety of Chinese ships and personnel, he stated.
\n
In response to the illegal intrusion, CCG ships took necessary control measures including verbal warnings, route blocking and the use of water cannons.
\n
The Chinese side's countermeasures were in accordance with the law, and were professional, reasonable and legitimate, Gan said, emphasizing that the full responsibility for the collision rests entirely with the Philippine side.
\n
Huangyan Island is an inherent territory of China. The Philippines' acts have seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and severely violated relevant provisions of Chinese law and international law, according to the spokesman.
\n
"We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing acts. The CCG will continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters around Huangyan Island in accordance with the law, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Gan said.
\n
Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon that the Philippine intrusion has not only seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and interests but also severely undermined maritime peace and stability.
\n
It is reasonable and lawful for China to use necessary measures to safeguard its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he said, adding that facts have once again proved that the Philippines' deliberate infringement and provocation are the root cause of the tense situation.
\n
A naval affairs observer who wished to be identified only as Cui said that the fact that Chinese vessels successfully thwarted the Philippine side's orchestrated endeavor of sending ships to intrude into waters surrounding Huangyan Island from multiple directions shows that China now knows well all the possible methods of infringement and provocation the Philippines may use and is ready to effectively handle them.
\n
"The Philippines should drop its wishful thinking that some external forces could 'save' it from trouble or support it to challenge China. We will let it know that all its efforts to compromise our rights and interests will collide with an iron wall," he said.
Chinese wingsuit flying athlete Zhang Shupeng hits the target during the "flying through targets" competition at the 11th World Wingsuit League Wingsuit Flying World Championship at the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, on Tuesday. Sixteen participants from nine countries are competing for the title of "King of Wingsuit" amid the stunning peaks and ravines.
\n",
+ "content": "
Chinese wingsuit flying athlete Zhang Shupeng hits the target during the "flying through targets" competition at the 11th World Wingsuit League Wingsuit Flying World Championship at the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, on Tuesday. Sixteen participants from nine countries are competing for the title of "King of Wingsuit" amid the stunning peaks and ravines.
The launch of the world's longest "direct" flight connecting Shanghai with Argentina's capital Buenos Aires by China Eastern Air Holding marks an important step in Chinese aviation companies' globalization and provides the latest proof of the global operating capability of China's civil aviation, experts said on Tuesday.
\n
Scheduled to be launched on Dec 4, the 20,000-kilometer route between China's economic hub and Buenos Aires, with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand, will connect the eastern and western hemispheres and shorten travel time between the two cities to 25 hours, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.
\n
"The launch of the Argentina route is an important part of the globalization strategy of Chinese airlines," said Zheng Hongfeng, founder and CEO of aviation data and solutions provider VariFlight.
\n
According to Zheng, the current record holder for the world's longest "direct" flight is Air China's service between Beijing and Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain.
\n
"The ability to operate ultra-long routes is regarded as one of the most important criteria in measuring global hub operators. The operation of long-haul routes demonstrates the nation's international operating capacity in civil aviation," said Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and a columnist at China's civil aviation website carnoc.com.
\n
"The availability of regular flights linking major South American capitals with Beijing and Shanghai signifies the further expansion of China's international route network into the most distant South American market," Lin added.
\n
"The greatest value of the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight is that China Eastern has found its own position in participating in the development of the multilateral global aviation network, and only in this way can Chinese aviation companies grow stronger amid fierce global competition," Zheng said.
\n
"As of 2024, nearly 4 billion of the world's 8.1 billion people live in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia — less than one quarter of the global land area — reflecting a highly uneven population distribution," said Zheng.
\n
According to him, China's aviation industry must look beyond the saturated domestic market and bilateral international routes to seek growth in the multilateral market.
\n
"With this flight, we can not only reach Argentina, but also expand to more destinations in South America," Zheng noted.
\n
Interim reports indicate that opening the international routes has been a key driver in revenue improvement for China's three major carriers in the first half of the year.
\n
As a result of its international expansion and cost control measures, China Eastern posted the smallest net loss among the three carriers. The airline opened 14 new international and regional routes in the first six months, becoming the Chinese carrier with the most international destinations.
\n
Due to the extreme distance and current aircraft performance limits, the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight will include a stopover in New Zealand. Compared with the conventional northward route that requires transfers in Europe or North America, this new southward route will reduce total travel time from up to 30 hours to about 25 hours. Passengers will also benefit from visa-free transit in Auckland and a smaller time difference upon arrival, China Eastern said.
\n
"While offering smoother travel, ultra-long routes pose significant challenges, including local marketing in South America, maintenance and resource support, transoceanic operations, and long duty shifts for crew members. Stable operation will be the key," Lin said.
\n
Shanghai and Buenos Aires are located on opposite ends of the Earth, making the new route the world's first commercial flight connecting two antipodal cities, and the longest direct flight globally.
\n
After the launch on Dec 4, the route will operate regularly every Monday and Thursday, said the carrier.
\n
The Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route is regarded as a key initiative in building an "Air Silk Road "between the Asia-Pacific and South America, according to Wang Zhiqing, chairman of China Eastern Air Holding.
\n
"China Eastern plans to expand cooperation to develop more South American routes via New Zealand, contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Wang at an agreement signing ceremony between China Eastern and Auckland Airport in Shanghai on June 18.
The launch of the world's longest "direct" flight connecting Shanghai with Argentina's capital Buenos Aires by China Eastern Air Holding marks an important step in Chinese aviation companies' globalization and provides the latest proof of the global operating capability of China's civil aviation, experts said on Tuesday.
\n
Scheduled to be launched on Dec 4, the 20,000-kilometer route between China's economic hub and Buenos Aires, with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand, will connect the eastern and western hemispheres and shorten travel time between the two cities to 25 hours, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.
\n
"The launch of the Argentina route is an important part of the globalization strategy of Chinese airlines," said Zheng Hongfeng, founder and CEO of aviation data and solutions provider VariFlight.
\n
According to Zheng, the current record holder for the world's longest "direct" flight is Air China's service between Beijing and Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain.
\n
"The ability to operate ultra-long routes is regarded as one of the most important criteria in measuring global hub operators. The operation of long-haul routes demonstrates the nation's international operating capacity in civil aviation," said Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and a columnist at China's civil aviation website carnoc.com.
\n
"The availability of regular flights linking major South American capitals with Beijing and Shanghai signifies the further expansion of China's international route network into the most distant South American market," Lin added.
\n
"The greatest value of the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight is that China Eastern has found its own position in participating in the development of the multilateral global aviation network, and only in this way can Chinese aviation companies grow stronger amid fierce global competition," Zheng said.
\n
"As of 2024, nearly 4 billion of the world's 8.1 billion people live in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia — less than one quarter of the global land area — reflecting a highly uneven population distribution," said Zheng.
\n
According to him, China's aviation industry must look beyond the saturated domestic market and bilateral international routes to seek growth in the multilateral market.
\n
"With this flight, we can not only reach Argentina, but also expand to more destinations in South America," Zheng noted.
\n
Interim reports indicate that opening the international routes has been a key driver in revenue improvement for China's three major carriers in the first half of the year.
\n
As a result of its international expansion and cost control measures, China Eastern posted the smallest net loss among the three carriers. The airline opened 14 new international and regional routes in the first six months, becoming the Chinese carrier with the most international destinations.
\n
Due to the extreme distance and current aircraft performance limits, the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight will include a stopover in New Zealand. Compared with the conventional northward route that requires transfers in Europe or North America, this new southward route will reduce total travel time from up to 30 hours to about 25 hours. Passengers will also benefit from visa-free transit in Auckland and a smaller time difference upon arrival, China Eastern said.
\n
"While offering smoother travel, ultra-long routes pose significant challenges, including local marketing in South America, maintenance and resource support, transoceanic operations, and long duty shifts for crew members. Stable operation will be the key," Lin said.
\n
Shanghai and Buenos Aires are located on opposite ends of the Earth, making the new route the world's first commercial flight connecting two antipodal cities, and the longest direct flight globally.
\n
After the launch on Dec 4, the route will operate regularly every Monday and Thursday, said the carrier.
\n
The Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route is regarded as a key initiative in building an "Air Silk Road "between the Asia-Pacific and South America, according to Wang Zhiqing, chairman of China Eastern Air Holding.
\n
"China Eastern plans to expand cooperation to develop more South American routes via New Zealand, contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Wang at an agreement signing ceremony between China Eastern and Auckland Airport in Shanghai on June 18.
Students experience cultural relics restoration at the Site Museum of Beiting City, Silk Road, in Jimsar county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Sept 9.
\n
Since July 2019, the Xiamen aid Xinjiang command has helped establish a "friendly world cultural heritage site" relationship between Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian province, and the Beiting ancient city ruins in Jimsar county, Changji Hui autonomous prefecture of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
\n
Through festival exchanges, mechanism building and regional collaboration, the partnership has formed a cultural bridge and strengthened cultural awareness of the Chinese national community.
\n
The Beiting ruins, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as part of the Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor, date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and have long been a focus of archaeological studies on frontier areas. From the Tang to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the site served as a political, military and cultural center on the ancient Silk Road at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It remains the largest and best-preserved ancient city in the area.
\n
"Changji is currently supported by Fujian and Shanxi provinces," said Li Jingxiu, deputy director of Changji's publicity department and deputy director of the comprehensive publicity department of the Fujian aid Xinjiang command. "Fujian has been aiding Xinjiang for 26 years, covering almost all the counties and cities in the prefecture."
\n
Xiamen is the counterpart city providing aid to Jimsar. To share and complement tourism resources and better protect Jimsar's historical and cultural heritage, the two regions are working to build a long-term cooperation mechanism that leverages each other's advantages.
\n
In August 2024, the Gulangyu cultural tourism development center in Xiamen and the Jimsar county cultural and tourism bureau signed a cooperation framework agreement. The agreement confirmed mutual recognition and exemption of tickets to one site for those who visit the Gulangyu scenic area or the Beiting ancient city ruins, as well as collaboration on cultural and creative products.
\n
During this year's Spring Festival, Beiting's cultural and creative products were showcased at the Gulangyu New Year Festival, allowing Fujian residents to experience the charm of Silk Road culture.
\n
"We have deeply explored the cultural heritage of Beiting and integrated modern creative concepts to develop our brand cultural IP with more than 60 types of tourism, and cultural and creative products," said Hu Yongkui, an aid cadre from Xiamen in charge of cultural and creative products at the Site Museum of Beiting City, Silk Road. "The cultural and creative products inspired by Jimsar's specialty white-skinned garlic have also become popular with tourists in Xiamen."
\n
In the field of cultural heritage protection, the two regions have established a mechanism for personnel exchange and learning. They have conducted collaborative research on topics such as relic protection technology and heritage activation, while turning academic achievements into practical protection efforts.
\n
In May, the Xiamen Gulangyu management committee, the academy of Beiting studies, and the Xinjiang Tianchi Lake management committee signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Fukang city, marking a new phase of cross-regional cultural heritage protection and high-quality tourism development. Under the agreement, the three institutions will deepen cooperation in three areas: cultural heritage protection, cultural and tourism integration, and publicity and promotion.
\n
In August, Gulangyu, Beiting and Uzbekistan's Samarkand signed a world heritage site friendship cooperation agreement, forming a "cultural heritage triangle" spanning East Asia and Central Asia for the first time.
\n
"The cooperation activates dialogue among ancient Silk Road civilizations using tangible heritage as a carrier, responds to the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and showcases the vitality of Chinese culture through diverse carriers," said Chen Zhixiong, commander of the ninth batch of the Xiamen aid Xinjiang command and deputy Party secretary of Jimsar.
\n
Wu Yiqun, dean of the School of History at Xinjiang University, said China attaches great importance to the protection and development of cultural heritage.
\n
"The cultural exchange between the Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road on land has always continued, which is highly consistent with the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity," Wu said. "The signing of the world heritage site friendship cooperation agreement further expands Beiting's circle of friends both internationally and domestically."
\n
Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "\n
Students experience cultural relics restoration at the Site Museum of Beiting City, Silk Road, in Jimsar county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Sept 9.
\n
Since July 2019, the Xiamen aid Xinjiang command has helped establish a "friendly world cultural heritage site" relationship between Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian province, and the Beiting ancient city ruins in Jimsar county, Changji Hui autonomous prefecture of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
\n
Through festival exchanges, mechanism building and regional collaboration, the partnership has formed a cultural bridge and strengthened cultural awareness of the Chinese national community.
\n
The Beiting ruins, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as part of the Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor, date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and have long been a focus of archaeological studies on frontier areas. From the Tang to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the site served as a political, military and cultural center on the ancient Silk Road at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It remains the largest and best-preserved ancient city in the area.
\n
"Changji is currently supported by Fujian and Shanxi provinces," said Li Jingxiu, deputy director of Changji's publicity department and deputy director of the comprehensive publicity department of the Fujian aid Xinjiang command. "Fujian has been aiding Xinjiang for 26 years, covering almost all the counties and cities in the prefecture."
\n
Xiamen is the counterpart city providing aid to Jimsar. To share and complement tourism resources and better protect Jimsar's historical and cultural heritage, the two regions are working to build a long-term cooperation mechanism that leverages each other's advantages.
\n
In August 2024, the Gulangyu cultural tourism development center in Xiamen and the Jimsar county cultural and tourism bureau signed a cooperation framework agreement. The agreement confirmed mutual recognition and exemption of tickets to one site for those who visit the Gulangyu scenic area or the Beiting ancient city ruins, as well as collaboration on cultural and creative products.
\n
During this year's Spring Festival, Beiting's cultural and creative products were showcased at the Gulangyu New Year Festival, allowing Fujian residents to experience the charm of Silk Road culture.
\n
"We have deeply explored the cultural heritage of Beiting and integrated modern creative concepts to develop our brand cultural IP with more than 60 types of tourism, and cultural and creative products," said Hu Yongkui, an aid cadre from Xiamen in charge of cultural and creative products at the Site Museum of Beiting City, Silk Road. "The cultural and creative products inspired by Jimsar's specialty white-skinned garlic have also become popular with tourists in Xiamen."
\n
In the field of cultural heritage protection, the two regions have established a mechanism for personnel exchange and learning. They have conducted collaborative research on topics such as relic protection technology and heritage activation, while turning academic achievements into practical protection efforts.
\n
In May, the Xiamen Gulangyu management committee, the academy of Beiting studies, and the Xinjiang Tianchi Lake management committee signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Fukang city, marking a new phase of cross-regional cultural heritage protection and high-quality tourism development. Under the agreement, the three institutions will deepen cooperation in three areas: cultural heritage protection, cultural and tourism integration, and publicity and promotion.
\n
In August, Gulangyu, Beiting and Uzbekistan's Samarkand signed a world heritage site friendship cooperation agreement, forming a "cultural heritage triangle" spanning East Asia and Central Asia for the first time.
\n
"The cooperation activates dialogue among ancient Silk Road civilizations using tangible heritage as a carrier, responds to the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and showcases the vitality of Chinese culture through diverse carriers," said Chen Zhixiong, commander of the ninth batch of the Xiamen aid Xinjiang command and deputy Party secretary of Jimsar.
\n
Wu Yiqun, dean of the School of History at Xinjiang University, said China attaches great importance to the protection and development of cultural heritage.
\n
"The cultural exchange between the Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road on land has always continued, which is highly consistent with the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity," Wu said. "The signing of the world heritage site friendship cooperation agreement further expands Beiting's circle of friends both internationally and domestically."
\n
Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
China has phased out 628,000 metric tons of ozone-depleting substances, accounting for half of the total reduction by developing countries as of last year, and is expected to phase out another 90,000 tons this year, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
\n
The information was disclosed at an event in Beijing to mark World Ozone Day, which falls on Sept 16 every year, and the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer — which gave rise to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the institutions around it.
\n
China has achieved the reductions through a combination of economic, technological, legal and administrative measures aimed at eliminating ozone-depleting substances while guiding industries toward green and low-carbon transformation, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Environment Yu Huiwen said at the event.
\n
In one of the country's latest efforts, the State Council, China's Cabinet, approved a 2025-30 national plan for implementing the Montreal Protocol in April, Yu said. The plan provides a comprehensive action guide for strengthening the control of ozone-depleting substances and powerful heat-trapping gases known as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs, while ensuring compliance with national targets, he said.
\n
Ozone-depleting substances are widely used in foam-blowing agents and refrigerants. HFCs are often used as replacements because they do not damage the ozone layer, though they are potent greenhouse gases.
\n
Yu said the National Leading Group for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, established in 1991, has organized a series of meetings to systematically deploy major initiatives and enhance departmental cooperation. Production, sale and use of ozone-depleting substances have been regular targets for law enforcement, and special inspections have been carried out in key industries, he said. A one-on-one support mechanism has also been created to help key regions strengthen compliance and enforcement capabilities, he said.
\n
Tina Birmpili, chief officer of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, praised China's contribution to ozone protection.
\n
"China's engagement in the Montreal Protocol and in the Multilateral Fund is critical for its success, as your industry is shaping markets at a global level," she said.
\n
She added that China's industrial policy and technology strategy, aligned with the protocol, play a significant role in driving technology changes worldwide, including in developing nations classified under Article 5 of the protocol. These countries have relatively low annual consumption of controlled substances.
\n
Birmpili said technology transfer under the multilateral fund has enabled companies in Article 5 countries to better compete internationally and expand production at scale.
\n
"The people of China should be proud that they have been part of a journey that started in 1985 and where we can see the human fingertips in re-establishing balance in nature and averting the collapse of the ozone layer," she said. "I would like to thank you for your commitment and engagement, and I look forward to collaborating with you in the future."
\n
houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
+ "content": "
China has phased out 628,000 metric tons of ozone-depleting substances, accounting for half of the total reduction by developing countries as of last year, and is expected to phase out another 90,000 tons this year, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
\n
The information was disclosed at an event in Beijing to mark World Ozone Day, which falls on Sept 16 every year, and the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer — which gave rise to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the institutions around it.
\n
China has achieved the reductions through a combination of economic, technological, legal and administrative measures aimed at eliminating ozone-depleting substances while guiding industries toward green and low-carbon transformation, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Environment Yu Huiwen said at the event.
\n
In one of the country's latest efforts, the State Council, China's Cabinet, approved a 2025-30 national plan for implementing the Montreal Protocol in April, Yu said. The plan provides a comprehensive action guide for strengthening the control of ozone-depleting substances and powerful heat-trapping gases known as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs, while ensuring compliance with national targets, he said.
\n
Ozone-depleting substances are widely used in foam-blowing agents and refrigerants. HFCs are often used as replacements because they do not damage the ozone layer, though they are potent greenhouse gases.
\n
Yu said the National Leading Group for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, established in 1991, has organized a series of meetings to systematically deploy major initiatives and enhance departmental cooperation. Production, sale and use of ozone-depleting substances have been regular targets for law enforcement, and special inspections have been carried out in key industries, he said. A one-on-one support mechanism has also been created to help key regions strengthen compliance and enforcement capabilities, he said.
\n
Tina Birmpili, chief officer of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, praised China's contribution to ozone protection.
\n
"China's engagement in the Montreal Protocol and in the Multilateral Fund is critical for its success, as your industry is shaping markets at a global level," she said.
\n
She added that China's industrial policy and technology strategy, aligned with the protocol, play a significant role in driving technology changes worldwide, including in developing nations classified under Article 5 of the protocol. These countries have relatively low annual consumption of controlled substances.
\n
Birmpili said technology transfer under the multilateral fund has enabled companies in Article 5 countries to better compete internationally and expand production at scale.
\n
"The people of China should be proud that they have been part of a journey that started in 1985 and where we can see the human fingertips in re-establishing balance in nature and averting the collapse of the ozone layer," she said. "I would like to thank you for your commitment and engagement, and I look forward to collaborating with you in the future."
The latest round of China-US economic and trade talks held in Madrid concluded with new results, sending a clear signal that both sides prefer engagement over confrontation.
\n
Through candid, in-depth and constructive communication, the two sides reached a basic framework consensus on resolving issues related to TikTok through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation, according to Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce.
\n
The two sides discussed their respective concerns relating to TikTok and reached a basic agreement regarding its future operations in the US market. That is a major result of the deliberations, and marks a step forward in resolving the issue, which is of concern to the 170 million users of the app in the US.
\n
The Chinese side emphasized its consistent position that the handling of the TikTok issue and other economic matters must follow the principles of fairness, nondiscrimination and respect for market rules. While on its part, the US acknowledged the need for practical solutions that avoid escalation and serve the interests of both countries.
\n
The outcomes of the Madrid talks are the result of continuous engagement under the guidance of the heads of state. By exploring ways to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, the series of meetings have not only put flesh on the bones of that consensus but also demonstrated that cooperation is the correct choice for China and the US.
\n
The progress achieved in their four rounds of economic and trade talks — in Geneva, London, Stockholm and Madrid — once again shows that dialogue and consultation, based on mutual respect and equality, remain the right way for the world's two largest economies to manage their differences. Recalibrating the direction of China-US relations requires the two sides to make joint efforts to steer clear of disturbances, and make good use of their established consultation mechanisms.
\n
China's approach to managing disputes is consistent. While firmly safeguarding the country's legitimate rights and interests, Beijing has always advocated handling disagreements through negotiations on the basis of equality and mutual respect. As Vice-Premier He Lifeng noted, China's determination to defend its development rights remains unwavering, and any negotiations must serve the shared interests of both peoples. The Madrid talks clearly showed that when both parties engage constructively, tangible results can be achieved.
\n
It is equally important that attempts to politicize trade issues should not be allowed to disrupt the exchanges between the two sides. China has voiced its opposition to the US pressing third parties to impose so-called "secondary tariffs" on China over its normal economic activities with other trading partners. Such practices not only go against international trade rules and harm global supply chains, but also risk creating unnecessary frictions. The Madrid talks highlighted the necessity of resisting these disruptive measures and focusing instead on mutually beneficial collaboration.
\n
The constructive atmosphere in Madrid also sends a message to the international community. At a time when the global economy faces downward pressure and uncertainty, coordination between China and the US carries weight far beyond bilateral ties. Stability in the economic relationship between the two giants is essential for global confidence. The progress on TikTok demonstrates that even complex issues can be addressed when both sides commit to dialogue and practical problem-solving.
\n
Looking forward, it is crucial for Beijing and Washington to continue to implement the consensus of the leaders of the two countries and to maintain open channels of communication. The US side should honor its commitments and remove unnecessary negative measures in order to create a favorable environment for cooperation and dialogue.
\n
In the process, the two sides should expand exchanges in relevant fields including foreign affairs, economy and trade, and law enforcement, so as to build greater consensus, further expand their common interests, and deliver more benefits to their people and the world.
\n
The outcomes of the Madrid talks, along with those of the two sides' previous economic and trade talks, show that when China and the US work together, they can achieve positive results.
\n
At this critical juncture, the US should meet China halfway to shoulder their responsibilities as major countries, fulfill their commitments and continue to steer the course of relations toward mutual benefit and win-win results.
\n
The Madrid talks mark another step in that direction. By keeping the larger picture in mind, China and the US can work together to put their economic and trade relations on a stable track. The new outcomes of their talks should serve as a reminder that cooperation, not confrontation, defines the right direction for bilateral economic ties.
\n",
+ "content": "
The latest round of China-US economic and trade talks held in Madrid concluded with new results, sending a clear signal that both sides prefer engagement over confrontation.
\n
Through candid, in-depth and constructive communication, the two sides reached a basic framework consensus on resolving issues related to TikTok through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation, according to Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce.
\n
The two sides discussed their respective concerns relating to TikTok and reached a basic agreement regarding its future operations in the US market. That is a major result of the deliberations, and marks a step forward in resolving the issue, which is of concern to the 170 million users of the app in the US.
\n
The Chinese side emphasized its consistent position that the handling of the TikTok issue and other economic matters must follow the principles of fairness, nondiscrimination and respect for market rules. While on its part, the US acknowledged the need for practical solutions that avoid escalation and serve the interests of both countries.
\n
The outcomes of the Madrid talks are the result of continuous engagement under the guidance of the heads of state. By exploring ways to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, the series of meetings have not only put flesh on the bones of that consensus but also demonstrated that cooperation is the correct choice for China and the US.
\n
The progress achieved in their four rounds of economic and trade talks — in Geneva, London, Stockholm and Madrid — once again shows that dialogue and consultation, based on mutual respect and equality, remain the right way for the world's two largest economies to manage their differences. Recalibrating the direction of China-US relations requires the two sides to make joint efforts to steer clear of disturbances, and make good use of their established consultation mechanisms.
\n
China's approach to managing disputes is consistent. While firmly safeguarding the country's legitimate rights and interests, Beijing has always advocated handling disagreements through negotiations on the basis of equality and mutual respect. As Vice-Premier He Lifeng noted, China's determination to defend its development rights remains unwavering, and any negotiations must serve the shared interests of both peoples. The Madrid talks clearly showed that when both parties engage constructively, tangible results can be achieved.
\n
It is equally important that attempts to politicize trade issues should not be allowed to disrupt the exchanges between the two sides. China has voiced its opposition to the US pressing third parties to impose so-called "secondary tariffs" on China over its normal economic activities with other trading partners. Such practices not only go against international trade rules and harm global supply chains, but also risk creating unnecessary frictions. The Madrid talks highlighted the necessity of resisting these disruptive measures and focusing instead on mutually beneficial collaboration.
\n
The constructive atmosphere in Madrid also sends a message to the international community. At a time when the global economy faces downward pressure and uncertainty, coordination between China and the US carries weight far beyond bilateral ties. Stability in the economic relationship between the two giants is essential for global confidence. The progress on TikTok demonstrates that even complex issues can be addressed when both sides commit to dialogue and practical problem-solving.
\n
Looking forward, it is crucial for Beijing and Washington to continue to implement the consensus of the leaders of the two countries and to maintain open channels of communication. The US side should honor its commitments and remove unnecessary negative measures in order to create a favorable environment for cooperation and dialogue.
\n
In the process, the two sides should expand exchanges in relevant fields including foreign affairs, economy and trade, and law enforcement, so as to build greater consensus, further expand their common interests, and deliver more benefits to their people and the world.
\n
The outcomes of the Madrid talks, along with those of the two sides' previous economic and trade talks, show that when China and the US work together, they can achieve positive results.
\n
At this critical juncture, the US should meet China halfway to shoulder their responsibilities as major countries, fulfill their commitments and continue to steer the course of relations toward mutual benefit and win-win results.
\n
The Madrid talks mark another step in that direction. By keeping the larger picture in mind, China and the US can work together to put their economic and trade relations on a stable track. The new outcomes of their talks should serve as a reminder that cooperation, not confrontation, defines the right direction for bilateral economic ties.
Marking a move to bolster trade with China, the Australian government unveiled a plan to enhance domestic exporters' access to the Chinese market on Monday. As trade barriers between the two countries continue to be eased, this measure will help promote bilateral economic cooperation.
\n
The Accessing New Markets Initiative, a two-year plan backed by A$50 million ($33.32 million), encourages farmers, fishers, miners and winemakers to explore the Chinese market, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.
\n
That move once again underscores the pragmatic approach the Australian government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken toward China. Since taking office in 2022, Albanese has opted to improve ties with China, which has been met with a reciprocal response from Beijing. The steadying of bilateral ties since then has brought tangible benefits to both sides. That should prompt the Albanese government to see China more objectively.
\n
However, that pragmatism seems to have its limit.
\n
The latest evidence of that came about two weeks before Canberra unveiled the pro-trade initiative when Australia concluded its largest 15-day joint military exercises with the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea, a de facto move to embolden the Philippines to continue its provocative actions targeting China.
\n
Australia should confront the stark contradiction between its economic interests and its security alignment, as the latter only escalates regional tensions and undermines stability. While benefiting from trade with China, Australia continues to try and sustain the AUKUS arrangement, a US-led mechanism targeting China, and lend support to the Philippines in the South China Sea. Such behavior exposes Australia's implicit calculations to butter both sides of its bread at the same time.
\n
Although China attaches importance to economic and trade relations with Australia, it will under no circumstances tolerate such infringements on its core interests.
\n
China poses no threat to Australia. Canberra must recognize that it is an external party to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea and that its ill-advised security policy serves neither regional peace nor Australia's own strategic credibility. Its two-faced policy toward China is not sustainable in the long run.
\n
The Australian government is urged to develop a rational perception of China as not only Australia's largest trading partner but also a responsible major country committed to promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
\n
Deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries would further unleash the potential of the two sides' economic complementarity and generate shared growth, while strengthening strategic coordination on regional and international affairs would serve their common interests and those of the region.
\n
China has never demanded Australia to choose a side but urges it to uphold its strategic autonomy in handling international relations.
\n
As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Australian free trade agreement, the two countries should maintain close cooperation, continue high-quality implementation of the agreement and jointly conduct a review to identify areas for further improvement or expansion.
\n
To create the necessary conditions to materialize mutually beneficial cooperation in not only economy and trade but also other fields, the Albanese government knows what to do.
\n",
+ "content": "
Marking a move to bolster trade with China, the Australian government unveiled a plan to enhance domestic exporters' access to the Chinese market on Monday. As trade barriers between the two countries continue to be eased, this measure will help promote bilateral economic cooperation.
\n
The Accessing New Markets Initiative, a two-year plan backed by A$50 million ($33.32 million), encourages farmers, fishers, miners and winemakers to explore the Chinese market, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.
\n
That move once again underscores the pragmatic approach the Australian government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken toward China. Since taking office in 2022, Albanese has opted to improve ties with China, which has been met with a reciprocal response from Beijing. The steadying of bilateral ties since then has brought tangible benefits to both sides. That should prompt the Albanese government to see China more objectively.
\n
However, that pragmatism seems to have its limit.
\n
The latest evidence of that came about two weeks before Canberra unveiled the pro-trade initiative when Australia concluded its largest 15-day joint military exercises with the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea, a de facto move to embolden the Philippines to continue its provocative actions targeting China.
\n
Australia should confront the stark contradiction between its economic interests and its security alignment, as the latter only escalates regional tensions and undermines stability. While benefiting from trade with China, Australia continues to try and sustain the AUKUS arrangement, a US-led mechanism targeting China, and lend support to the Philippines in the South China Sea. Such behavior exposes Australia's implicit calculations to butter both sides of its bread at the same time.
\n
Although China attaches importance to economic and trade relations with Australia, it will under no circumstances tolerate such infringements on its core interests.
\n
China poses no threat to Australia. Canberra must recognize that it is an external party to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea and that its ill-advised security policy serves neither regional peace nor Australia's own strategic credibility. Its two-faced policy toward China is not sustainable in the long run.
\n
The Australian government is urged to develop a rational perception of China as not only Australia's largest trading partner but also a responsible major country committed to promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
\n
Deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries would further unleash the potential of the two sides' economic complementarity and generate shared growth, while strengthening strategic coordination on regional and international affairs would serve their common interests and those of the region.
\n
China has never demanded Australia to choose a side but urges it to uphold its strategic autonomy in handling international relations.
\n
As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Australian free trade agreement, the two countries should maintain close cooperation, continue high-quality implementation of the agreement and jointly conduct a review to identify areas for further improvement or expansion.
\n
To create the necessary conditions to materialize mutually beneficial cooperation in not only economy and trade but also other fields, the Albanese government knows what to do.
Apple Music 官方音乐迁移工具可以将你在 Spotify、Tidal、SoundCloud 等平台的音乐歌单迁移至 Apple Music，目前已全球可用，可以在 iPhone、iPad 以及网页上使用，甚至还支持安卓版本的 Apple Music，但明确不包括中国大陆、缅甸和俄罗斯。@Appinn
BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- China has urged the United States to abandon its generalized and excessive use of the national security concept, and to collaborate with all parties in maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
At a regular press conference, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks when asked to comment on the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on imported steel, aluminium and their derivative products from 25 percent to 50 percent.
He said that such U.S. moves not only harm others and itself, but also will severely disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
The United States should abandon the zero-sum mentality, address respective concerns through equal dialogue, and jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, He said.
Source: Xinhua
",
- "content": "
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.
A resident uses an umbrella to block the sun during the first high-temperature day of the year in Beijing, June 5, 2025. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued an orange heat alert at 6 p.m. on June 4. (China News Service/Chen Fangting)
A resident uses an umbrella to block the sun during the first high-temperature day of the year in Beijing, June 5, 2025. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued an orange heat alert at 6 p.m. on June 4. (China News Service/Chen Fangting)
People take sun protection measures during the first high-temperature day of the year in Beijing, June 5, 2025. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued an orange heat alert at 6 p.m. on June 4. (China News Service/Chen Fangting)
People take sun protection measures during the first high-temperature day of the year in Beijing, June 5, 2025. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued an orange heat alert at 6 p.m. on June 4. (China News Service/Chen Fangting)
A citizen shops for watermelons to cool off during the first high-temperature day of the year in Beijing, June 5, 2025. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued an orange heat alert at 6 p.m. on June 4. (China News Service/Chen Fangting)
A boy is pictured with a sheep at a sheep market before the upcoming Eid al-Adha on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on June 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
A rescuer moves relief supplies at Baicao Village of Eryuan County in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 5, 2025.
A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Eryuan County at 4:31 a.m. Thursday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The epicenter was monitored at 26.26 degrees north latitude and 100.03 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, said a report issued by the CENC.
The quake was strongly felt in Eryuan County, Dali City and Heqing County, waking some residents. Local authorities in Eryuan County have promptly initiated an emergency response, with townships assessing the impact. (Photo by Luo Xincai/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River on the border between north China's Shanxi Province and northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)
Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025.
The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. (Xinhua/Xie E)
A conference officer collects ballots during a UN General Assembly meeting to elect members of the UN Economic and Social Council at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025.
Eighteen states, including China, were elected on Wednesday into the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the coordinating body for the economic and social work of UN agencies and funds, for a three-year term. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows a black-necked crane at Qinghai Longbao National Nature Reserve, Yushu City of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province.
With lush water and pastures, Qinghai Longbao National Nature Reserve is a key station and breeding ground for migratory birds.
According to monitoring data of May this year, 37 species of birds including bar-headed geese and black necked cranes inhabited here. (Photo by Du Xiaowei/Xinhua)
Dong Yuhan (C) and Wu Mengjie (R) of China celebrate after winning the pool 3 match between China and Belgium at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, June 4, 2025.
Host China kicked off its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Beijing leg in style with a straight-set victory over Belgium on Wednesday, winning 25-18, 27-25, 25-13 at the National Indoor Stadium. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows primary school students painting during an environmental protection-themed event in Xinghua City, east China's Jiangsu Province.
Various events are held to raise people's awareness of environmental protection in China ahead of World Environment Day, which falls on June 5. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua)
Lee Jae-myung takes the oath of office in the National Assembly building in Seoul, South Korea, June 4, 2025.
Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as South Korea's new president on Wednesday after formally beginning his single five-year term earlier in the day. (Xinhua)
Zheng Qinwen reacts during the women's singles quarterfinal between Zheng Qinwen of China and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 3, 2025.
China's tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen lost to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the French Open women's singles quarterfinals here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A Palestinian woman mourns a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on June 4, 2025.
At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua
",
- "content": "
A boy is pictured with a sheep at a sheep market before the upcoming Eid al-Adha on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on June 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
A rescuer moves relief supplies at Baicao Village of Eryuan County in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 5, 2025.
A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Eryuan County at 4:31 a.m. Thursday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
The epicenter was monitored at 26.26 degrees north latitude and 100.03 degrees east longitude. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, said a report issued by the CENC.
The quake was strongly felt in Eryuan County, Dali City and Heqing County, waking some residents. Local authorities in Eryuan County have promptly initiated an emergency response, with townships assessing the impact. (Photo by Luo Xincai/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River on the border between north China's Shanxi Province and northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)
Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025.
The United States on Wednesday vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. (Xinhua/Xie E)
A conference officer collects ballots during a UN General Assembly meeting to elect members of the UN Economic and Social Council at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 4, 2025.
Eighteen states, including China, were elected on Wednesday into the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the coordinating body for the economic and social work of UN agencies and funds, for a three-year term. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows a black-necked crane at Qinghai Longbao National Nature Reserve, Yushu City of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province.
With lush water and pastures, Qinghai Longbao National Nature Reserve is a key station and breeding ground for migratory birds.
According to monitoring data of May this year, 37 species of birds including bar-headed geese and black necked cranes inhabited here. (Photo by Du Xiaowei/Xinhua)
Dong Yuhan (C) and Wu Mengjie (R) of China celebrate after winning the pool 3 match between China and Belgium at the Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, June 4, 2025.
Host China kicked off its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Beijing leg in style with a straight-set victory over Belgium on Wednesday, winning 25-18, 27-25, 25-13 at the National Indoor Stadium. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows primary school students painting during an environmental protection-themed event in Xinghua City, east China's Jiangsu Province.
Various events are held to raise people's awareness of environmental protection in China ahead of World Environment Day, which falls on June 5. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua)
Lee Jae-myung takes the oath of office in the National Assembly building in Seoul, South Korea, June 4, 2025.
Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as South Korea's new president on Wednesday after formally beginning his single five-year term earlier in the day. (Xinhua)
Zheng Qinwen reacts during the women's singles quarterfinal between Zheng Qinwen of China and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 3, 2025.
China's tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen lost to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the French Open women's singles quarterfinals here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
A Palestinian woman mourns a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike, at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, on June 4, 2025.
At least 54,510 people have been killed and 124,901 wounded in Gaza during the Israeli military campaign, according to health authorities in the territory. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)
BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France and visit Spain upon invitation from June 7 to 13, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Thursday.
BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Building on a positive start in the first quarter of 2025, China's economy is continuing to make steady progress, said Ding Lin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission.
Speaking on the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, Ding noted that despite a complex external environment, China's economy has remained resilient. Notably, key indicators like industrial production, the service sector, domestic demand and exports have shown robust growth.
Ding emphasized China's innovative dynamism, citing 10-percent growth in the high-tech manufacturing sector in April, nearly 4 percentage points higher than the country's overall industrial growth rate.
Ding also highlighted the accelerated development of industries such as drones, new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence and humanoid robots.
\"In general, as pro-growth measures are swiftly implemented, their effects will continue to emerge, further promoting the country's high-quality economic development,\" Ding added.
China's GDP grew by 5.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.
Source: Xinhua
",
- "content": "
BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Building on a positive start in the first quarter of 2025, China's economy is continuing to make steady progress, said Ding Lin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission.
Speaking on the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, Ding noted that despite a complex external environment, China's economy has remained resilient. Notably, key indicators like industrial production, the service sector, domestic demand and exports have shown robust growth.
Ding emphasized China's innovative dynamism, citing 10-percent growth in the high-tech manufacturing sector in April, nearly 4 percentage points higher than the country's overall industrial growth rate.
Ding also highlighted the accelerated development of industries such as drones, new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence and humanoid robots.
\"In general, as pro-growth measures are swiftly implemented, their effects will continue to emerge, further promoting the country's high-quality economic development,\" Ding added.
China's GDP grew by 5.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.
观察性研究能虽然能发现“某些现象经常结伴出现”，但这并不意味着一个导致另一个。这里的关系可以有很多种情况，可以是 A 引起 B 或 B 引起 A；又或者 A 和 B 都是由 C 引起的等情况。就像在小区门口蹲点，发现“拎垃圾袋的人更容易穿拖鞋”，真正的原因是“家里垃圾满 / 要去倒垃圾”，而不是垃圾袋让人换了鞋。
2011 年，加州大学圣地哥分校的教授 Jonathan D.Leavitt 和 Nicholas J.S.Christenfeld 查阅前人研究发现，阅读一个预知其结果的故事可能类似于感知流畅，所感知的对象能被轻松处理，而这一体验与审美愉悦和积极情绪相关联[1]。同时，图式差异理论也表明，可预测性的提高可能会导致情绪反应的增强[2]。
[1]Reber, R., Schwarz, N., & Winkielman, P. (2004). Processing fluency and aesthetic pleasure: Is beauty in the perceiver’s processing experience? Personality and Social Psychology Review, 8, 364–382. [2]MacDowell, K., & Mandler, G. (1989). Constructions of emotion: Discrepancy, arousal, and mood. Motivation and Emotion, 13, 105–124 [3]Leavitt, J. D., & Christenfeld, N. J. (2011). Story spoilers don't spoil stories. Psychological science, 22(9), 1152–1154. [4]翟岩. (2020). 网络化时代社会权力结构的变迁与重构. 福建师范大学学报(哲学社会科学版), (03), 111-116. [5]Levine, W. H., Betzner, M., & Autry, K. S. (2016). The Effect of Spoilers on the Enjoyment of Short Stories. Discourse Processes, 53(7), 513–531. [6]Guevarra, D.A., Moser, J.S., Wager, T.D. ,& Kross, E.(2020) . Placebos without deception reduce self-report and neural measures of emotional distress. Nat Commun ,11, 3785. [7]严建援, 李扬, 冯淼 & 李凯. (2020). 网络口碑中的剧透效应——来自电影市场的证据. 南开管理评论, 23 (04), 37-48.
2011 年，加州大学圣地哥分校的教授 Jonathan D.Leavitt 和 Nicholas J.S.Christenfeld 查阅前人研究发现，阅读一个预知其结果的故事可能类似于感知流畅，所感知的对象能被轻松处理，而这一体验与审美愉悦和积极情绪相关联[1]。同时，图式差异理论也表明，可预测性的提高可能会导致情绪反应的增强[2]。
[1]Reber, R., Schwarz, N., & Winkielman, P. (2004). Processing fluency and aesthetic pleasure: Is beauty in the perceiver’s processing experience? Personality and Social Psychology Review, 8, 364–382. [2]MacDowell, K., & Mandler, G. (1989). Constructions of emotion: Discrepancy, arousal, and mood. Motivation and Emotion, 13, 105–124 [3]Leavitt, J. D., & Christenfeld, N. J. (2011). Story spoilers don't spoil stories. Psychological science, 22(9), 1152–1154. [4]翟岩. (2020). 网络化时代社会权力结构的变迁与重构. 福建师范大学学报(哲学社会科学版), (03), 111-116. [5]Levine, W. H., Betzner, M., & Autry, K. S. (2016). The Effect of Spoilers on the Enjoyment of Short Stories. Discourse Processes, 53(7), 513–531. [6]Guevarra, D.A., Moser, J.S., Wager, T.D. ,& Kross, E.(2020) . Placebos without deception reduce self-report and neural measures of emotional distress. Nat Commun ,11, 3785. [7]严建援, 李扬, 冯淼 & 李凯. (2020). 网络口碑中的剧透效应——来自电影市场的证据. 南开管理评论, 23 (04), 37-48.
[1]MacLeod, C. M. (2020). Zeigarnik and von Restorff: The memory effects and the stories behind them. Memory & Cognition, 48(6), 1073–1088. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13421-020-01033-5 [2]Zeigarnik, B. (1938). On finished and unfinished tasks. In W. D. Ellis(Ed.), A source book of Gestalt psychology. (300–314). Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Company. https://doi.org/10.1037/11496-025 [3]Marrow, A. J. (1969). The practical theorist: The life and work of Kurt Lewin. New York : Basic Books . [4]Oyama, Y., Manalo, E., & Nakatani, Y. (2018). The Hemingway effect: How failing to finish a task can have a positive effect on motivation. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 30, 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2018.01.001 [5]Masicampo, E. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (2011). Consider it done! Plan making can eliminate the cognitive effects of unfulfilled goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(4), 667–683. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0024192 [6]McGraw, K. O., & Fiala, J. (1982). Undermining the Zeigarnik effect: Another hidden cost of reward. Journal of Personality, 50(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1982.tb00745.x
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
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Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
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"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
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The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
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President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
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Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
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Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
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"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
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According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
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Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
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Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
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"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
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Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
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Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
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Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
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"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
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Contact the writers at masi@chinadaily.com.cn
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- "content": "
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
\n
Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
\n
"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
\n
The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
\n
President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
\n
Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
\n
Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
\n
"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
\n
According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
\n
Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
\n
"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
\n
Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
\n
Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
\n
Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
\n
"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
A fan merchandise featuring images created by He Hehe from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, is displayed at TNT's concert in Shanghai on Aug 21.
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A fan of singer Zhang Yuan waves a self-decorated light stick at Zhang's concert in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 17.
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Left: The most treasured fan merchandise for Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, are the albums of the singers she has loved for years. Middle: Hand-painted aroma pieces created by Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Right: "Bird", the signature IP of singer Zhang Yuan, created by Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has grown into a fan favorite.
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As China's live performance market rebounds, concerts are booming nationwide, and official fan merchandise has emerged as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone for fans.
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Sales of official merchandise — including light sticks, hand lamps, T-shirts and other branded goods — have surged in both popularity and price over the past decade.
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The studio of Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has worked on products and designs with artists such as cellist Ouyang Nana and rock band YOUNG DAN.
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But one of his most renowned collaborations came in 2024 when Xu was commissioned to design official merchandise for singer Zhang Yuan, who ended his third nationwide concert tour, called White, in July.
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Known as "Bird", Zhang's signature IP, is a chubby cartoon bird with tiny eyes and a dazed, "silly-cute" expression. Inspired by the singer's nickname, it reflects his warm and playful personality. The IP has grown into a fan favorite, with plush toys, figurines and comics like Bird Diaries, and even themed pop-up stores.
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Xu said the design process began with research and observing Zhang's public persona, while also paying attention to online fan culture.
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"Zhang Yuan is known for being straightforward and approachable. We wanted to create something equally direct — simple enough that even a child could sketch it with a pencil, and easy to spread among fans," said Xu.
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Fans are also given a sewing manual and dimensions, and are encouraged to customize light sticks with beads, decorations, or to create ita bags packed with idol merchandise.
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"We know fans have incredible creativity. By giving them a template, we invite them into the process, and this philosophy — valuing fans' habits and preferences rather than competing across artists — guides our team's designs," said Xu.
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Beyond light sticks, Atelier Cons Pros has developed tote bags, phone stands and cushions designed for everyday use.
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China's pan-entertainment market grew from just over 299 billion yuan ($41.95 billion) in 2017 to 700.4 billion yuan in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7 percent, according to data published by Huajing Industry Research Institute in 2023.
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It is expected to reach more than 1.34 trillion yuan by 2026. Fans' single-purchases of items are mainly below 100 yuan, followed by the 100 to 500 yuan range, revealing a "small amount, high frequency" consumption pattern, the data showed.
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Fan-made with love
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Fan culture is also thriving in the bespoke and do-it-yourself areas, where craft and self-expression intersect.
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Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, began selling her wares in July 2024.
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"I started out selling handmade candles, essential oils and aroma stones at local markets, and gradually combined my love of calligraphy with hand-painted aroma pieces inspired by scenic spots like West Lake," she said.
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Chen shared her products on social media and attracted customers who wanted unique items to resell.
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The workshop soon ventured into celebrity merchandise. Chen created hand-painted aroma pieces featuring names, song lyrics, or iconic sayings of artists such as Taiwan's Mayday band, pop icon Jay Chou, Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and Taiwan pop singer Cyndi Wang.
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"Designs often incorporate the celebrity's fan colors and symbolic elements, making products personal and collectible," said Chen.
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One memorable order came from fans of Become a Farmer, a popular variety show featuring young participants experiencing rural life. Hand-painted pieces inspired by the show featuring heartwarming messages drew massive attention.
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"The post's popularity even led to connections with music festival organizers, who purchased items for their fan booths," Chen said.
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In recent years, the market has shifted from official merchandise toward creative, DIY-inspired pieces, reflecting the younger generation's values and aesthetics.
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"Fans and organizers value uniqueness and practicality. Being original ensures no duplicate items, while combining beauty and function keeps products desirable," said Chen.
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Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, views merchandise as a tangible connection to the artists who shaped her adolescence.
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While her contemporaries followed the latest pop trends, her fandom began in 2012, when she was captivated by the contestants in the 2007 edition of the singing competition Super Boy.
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"Every morning on my way to school, I would check for any merchandise of my idols. Even a small find would give me a spark of excitement in what was often a lonely world," Li said.
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Despite having little money, she cherished small items such as 4-yuan magazines, which are all carefully displayed in her home years later.
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"I was going through a difficult period and felt very alone. The music and youthful energy of the Super Boy contestants became my personal utopia — a source of comfort I couldn't find anywhere else," she recalled.
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As her fandom matured, Li began attending concerts, music festivals and variety show recordings, sometimes traveling south to see her idols live.
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Among her favorites are singers Wang Yuexin, Su Xing and Chen Chusheng. Her devotion extends beyond attending performances and she has created what she calls "support campaigns", including a retro-style tribute to Wang's albums Freak Out and Parachute.
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"I wanted more people to hear these songs, to understand the passion and effort he put into them. Seeing fans in a stadium sing along to songs that had once only lived in my headphones was a moment of pure exhilaration," she said.
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Among Li's most treasured items are physical copies of Freak Out and Su Xing's Jin Xing Shi. "I don't buy things just because others do. I follow my own feelings, and I'm more interested in collecting older albums that remind me of the era I grew up in," she said.
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She said these artists appeared in her life at just the right moment. "Through their music, I learned to embrace my own ideas, to reconcile with myself, and to pursue what I truly love," said Li.
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While Li's fandom is rooted in nostalgia, He Hehe, a content operator in her late 20s living in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, approaches celebrity merchandise differently.
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For her, merchandise is not just memorabilia — it is an emotional anchor and a form of self-expression.
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Her fandom began in 2018 while at university, when she became a fan of Chen Linong — a singer, actor and future member of Nine Percent — after watching the reality show Idol Producer. Her first purchase was a gift box with his endorsement, containing branded products and postcards.
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"I didn't really think about whether or not I needed it. It was something he endorsed; I just wanted to help the sales figures," she said. Her impulse was to support Chen Linong commercially, even if the items she purchased weren't practical, He said.
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After graduation, her focus shifted to the boy band Teens in Times. Unlike Chen Linong, whose products were mostly endorsements, TNT regularly released official items designed for fans — from photo cards to plush dolls.
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"The frequency of purchases depends on the artists. If it's useful, like beverages or daily items, or if official goods include things I like, I'll order them," said He.
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She spends 5,000 to 8,000 yuan annually on merchandise and "fan support", attending four to six offline events a year. Many official goods — photo books, postcards and plush key chains — are purchased simply for the thrill of unboxing.
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"The peak happiness is opening the package. Afterward, they often sit in a corner collecting dust. Sometimes I don't even use notebooks or stickers, because just seeing them is fulfilling," she said.
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Among her favorites are photo cards and cotton dolls.
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"Photo cards are simple, beautiful, and collectible; cotton dolls carry a strong sense of companionship. No fan can resist a three-inch photo card and a cotton doll," she added.
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She also has fan-made items like drawings and handmade goods, but considers official products more valuable.
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"Official merchandise is closely connected to the artist, sometimes even designed with their involvement. Fan-made items are just extensions. Even when people like my work, it's ultimately because of the artist," He said.
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One special piece bridges both worlds: a postcard she made for Chen Linong's birthday, later signed by him and mailed back to her. "It showed my effort wasn't meaningless. That card symbolizes how merchandise can carry memory, creativity, and even career direction," she said.
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For He, merchandise is more than consumption; it's a way to escape daily pressures, a reward after long workdays, and a source of joy that fuels creativity. Piles of unopened items and cherished collectibles in her room testify to her devotion.
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"To outsiders, they may look like simple goods, but to me, each piece tells a story of passion, community, and the enduring pull of star-chasing. If my daytime job gives me material rewards, then this gives me spiritual fuel," said He.
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Evolving market
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The Chinese fan market is evolving, according to statistics. The generations born after 1995 and 2000, now prioritize atmosphere, participation and social interaction over mere collecting. Fans are willing to pay more for the latest or limited-edition items, sharing them online to inspire others to follow.
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In 2024, the national "fan economy" exceeded 1.23 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent, and the figure is expected to reach almost 1.43 trillion yuan in 2025, data from industry research company ChinaIRN showed.
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The "idol economy" accounts for 420 billion yuan, 34 percent of the total, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2 percent.
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"Today's consumption is less about practical use and more about meaning," said Shen Yifei, an associate professor of sociology at Fudan University.
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"For many young fans, especially Gen Z, buying merchandise is a way to express affection for an idol, to mark their identity within a community, and to enjoy the symbolic value that goes far beyond the object itself," she said.
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For young fans, buying merchandise and engaging in support activities is not merely about consumption — it fulfills important emotional needs, Shen said. Light sticks, posters and other items help them feel seen and part of a group, turning their expressions of support into a way of building an emotional connection with their idols.
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In 2023, among China's Gen Z fan base, 72.2 percent purchased singles and albums or paid to attend concerts and movies, according to statistics released by iiMedia Research in 2024. A total of 51.1 percent participated in support-related consumption in preparing fan merchandise for important idol events.
\n
"Many young fans describe their support as 'powering love' — giving back the joy and strength that idols provide," Shen said. "Beyond emotional expression, these practices nurture real skills, from banner design and video editing to event organizing, allowing fans to grow and find achievement within their communities."
\n
However, Shen warned that when these needs are overly capitalized on and pushed toward competition or overspending, the original meaning of "love and connection "risks being lost.
\n
"This is why families, schools and society should recognize and guide fan support in a healthy direction, encouraging emotional expression, personal growth and rational consumption," she said.
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
\n
huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
\n",
- "content": "
Fu Cong
\n
Qu Yingpu
\n
Li Junhua
\n
Jeffrey Sachs
\n
Kishore Mahbubani
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway
\n
Dima Al-Khatib
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
On Sept 1, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization wrapped up its largest summit ever in the bustling Chinese port city of Tianjin, which impressed the world with its energy, modernity and flawless organization of the event, showing what it takes to host a truly global gathering.
\n
But the deeper question is: Can Tianjin inspire the SCO to also achieve its bold economic ambitions?
\n
As the SCO approaches its 25th anniversary next year, its trajectory is clear. In just a quarter of a century, it has transformed from a regional initiative into a force of global relevance. The transformation has been driven by the 10 member states, which are committed to building a new kind of partnership rooted in the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual respect and equality.
\n
Today, the "SCO community" spans 27 countries — 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners — covering a quarter of Earth's land that is home to nearly half of the world's population.
\n
Economically, the SCO speaks with gravitas: its member states account for about 24 percent of global GDP, growing at an average of 5.5 percent a year. Two guiding principles underpin this progress.
\n
First, the SCO has never projected itself as being against any country or bloc. It is not an alliance, not based on ideology, and not confrontational. From the start, it has worked with, not against, other international organizations, especially the United Nations.
\n
Second, every decision in the SCO is made by consensus. The process may not always be fast, but it ensures fairness and inclusion — and it creates unity. As Confucius said, the noble find harmony in differences, the petty quarrel even in agreement.
\n
The adoption of the SCO Development Strategy up to 2035 at the Tianjin summit was a landmark move, and sent out a clear message: the SCO does not aspire to become a military alliance or a supranational economic union. Instead, it will chart its own course. Still, critics argue that after 24 years, the SCO's trade and economic results are modest. Their point seems valid, and should prompt the SCO to promote innovation and achieve breakthrough solutions.
\n
And breakthroughs are desperately needed in these times. Eurasia, the SCO's heartland, is now a region for massive economic initiatives. So the SCO cannot remain on the sidelines and, instead, should use practical, effective tools to promote economic cooperation.
\n
The SCO already has numerous cooperation mechanisms at the level of ministers or heads of different government departments, more than half of which are devoted to trade and commerce. Yet policies and programs alone are not enough. There is a need for more agreements like the 2014 "intergovernmental agreement on creating favorable conditions for international road transport", which mapped six transcontinental routes from China's Lianyungang to Russia's Kaliningrad. A bold vision yet to be fully realized.
\n
Beyond governments, SCO institutions such as the Business Council and Interbank Consortium are working to foster business ties and attract more capital. The intent is commendable, but the impact so far remains limited. What could make the difference? Real, mutually beneficial, on-the-ground projects.
\n
The SCO's Economic Development Strategy up to 2030 highlights initiatives like the green economic region platform, and a unified SCO tourism brand. Negotiations are on to streamline trade procedures, too. Turning these ideas into reality must begin now.
\n
Equally crucial is finance. For nearly two decades, the idea of an "SCO Development Bank" was being debated. Tianjin changed that. Leaders made the political decision to move forward with its creation. Negotiations on how the bank will function are next. In a world of fragmented economies and exclusive "club" trade groups, the SCO needs its own financial engine, and it needs it soon. At the same time, lessons learned from BRICS and other multilateral organizations need to be taken into account to avoid familiar pitfalls.
\n
Yet the SCO has quietly built one of the largest regional cooperation systems in the world. Since its motto is win-win progress, countries of different sizes and systems can not only coexist but also thrive together in the SCO.
\n
The message from Tianjin is clear: The conditions for an economic breakthrough are ready and the political will is there. If will turns into action, the SCO will have a long, distinguished and influential future.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
@@ -9883,28 +11159,6 @@
"hash": "658a574d1db99da8ec0dc087c2a87a91",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "009VIEWS - Sailing together for a sustainable ocean economy",
- "description": "\n
Around the world, efforts to protect critical marine ecosystems increasingly highlight the need to balance ecological preservation with economic development.
\n
As the importance of ocean health has come to be viewed as a key factor of resilience to climate change, and for promoting global trade and ensuring food security, Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, in partnership with China, has initiated a new era of cooperation in line with the blue economy.
\n
The oceans, covering 71 percent of Earth's surface, are also home to 90 percent of its biodiversity. They provide more than half of Earth's oxygen, support more than 3 billion people, help transport more than 80 percent of global traded goods, and carry 98 percent of global internet traffic through submarine cables. Apart from their tremendous ecological value, the oceans are also indispensable drivers of labor, innovation and economic growth. Yet they are facing unprecedented pressure due to climate change, overuse, pollution and habitat destruction.
\n
The OECD's report, "The Ocean Economy to 2050", provides a detailed overview of the global value and future path of this crucial sector. Within the context of an integrated global economy, the ocean economy is estimated to be the fifth-largest, contributing 3-4 percent to the world's GDP while sustaining 133 million full-time equivalent jobs.
\n
Based on the 1995-2020 time frame, gross value addition from this sector is estimated to have doubled in nominal terms, from $1.3 trillion to $2.6 trillion. Importantly, more than three-quarters of this increase can be attributed to the Asia-Pacific alone, with 56 percent of it coming from East Asia.
\n
Currently, the industries that most typify this sector are dual in nature: marine and coastal tourism, and offshore extraction of oil and gas, which, although creating massive economic output, employ relatively few people. Sectors like offshore renewable energy and green shipping, too, are evolving from a smaller base.
\n
For Indonesia, such figures represent both challenges and possibilities. For its vast potential of blue economy, Jakarta has carefully sought alliances based on sustainable development. In particular, an event in November 2024, at which Indonesian Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding on deepening blue economy cooperation in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
\n
Reflecting the two sides' shared goal of sustainably developing the seas and oceans, the MoU contains a vast range of strategic sectors: renewable energy sources derived from the seas, such as tidal, solar and wind energy; sustainable aquaculture and fishing; maritime destinations as a form of tourism; downstream seafood and marine biopharmaceutical processing; and ship and dock facilities and port development.
\n
The collaboration highlights Indonesia's vision of developing a sustainable and productive blue economy by tapping into China's technological capabilities and green development goals, and is aligned with global efforts, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve "life below water".
\n
The two countries are collectively better placed to address major environmental issues as well as realize their economic development goals. As a classic case of bilateral cooperation, the collaboration has the overarching vision of improving global maritime governance by simultaneously pursuing and achieving economic development and preserving the marine ecosystem. The OECD report highlights the fact that past growth patterns cannot be perpetuated ad infinitum.
\n
The impacts of climate change are worsening, with the rise in sea levels, ocean acidity, changes in fish stocks, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events already becoming a heavy burden on people in coastal areas. The report also said that multifactor productivity has decreased in more than half of the ocean-related industries, indicating that the promise of digitalization and automation has not yet been fulfilled. Without collective efforts, the ocean economy could see a sharp slowdown and even decline in the next decades.
\n
Indonesia's geographical location is of strategic importance. With 70 percent of its landmass being maritime areas, the economic, cultural and social future of the country is tied to the health of the oceans. Based on the OECD's expertise and the success of Indonesia's blue economy program with China, four strategic objectives come into focus.
\n
First, there is a need to strengthen ocean governance by using science-based marine spatial planning, expanding protected marine sites, and reducing subsidies that encourage overfishing.
\n
Second, collective efforts are required to promote technological innovation and digitalization across all ocean sectors, including smart fishing fleets, automated port logistics and offshore renewable energy facilities.
\n
Third, the areas and capability of research in oceans have to be widened and strengthened through increased mapping of seabed, strengthening monitoring networks, and increasing access to marine data.
\n
And fourth, the integration of developing countries into global ocean value chains should be expedited, and overarching principles of conservation and sustainable use of ocean established.
\n
The China-Indonesia collaboration is a pragmatic way of achieving these priority goals.
\n
The stakes in the China-Indonesia collaboration are high, but so are the rewards. The oceans are more than commercial shipping lanes and sources of seafood; they are a dynamic and thriving system supporting diverse communities, cultures and economies.
\n
The choices the world makes in the next few years will determine whether the ocean economy of 2050 remains a driver of shared prosperity or becomes a tragic case of lost potential. As such, by choosing a path informed by scientific understanding, China and Indonesia can lead a revolution that would ensure the oceans continue to provide sustenance for human beings.
\n
By taking decisive actions, the two countries can create a model for an inclusive and productive ocean economy, as well as strike an environmental balance. Indonesia and China, by coordinating their efforts, are best placed to make the blue economy a model of resilience and cooperation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the oceans.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
- "content": "\n
Around the world, efforts to protect critical marine ecosystems increasingly highlight the need to balance ecological preservation with economic development.
\n
As the importance of ocean health has come to be viewed as a key factor of resilience to climate change, and for promoting global trade and ensuring food security, Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, in partnership with China, has initiated a new era of cooperation in line with the blue economy.
\n
The oceans, covering 71 percent of Earth's surface, are also home to 90 percent of its biodiversity. They provide more than half of Earth's oxygen, support more than 3 billion people, help transport more than 80 percent of global traded goods, and carry 98 percent of global internet traffic through submarine cables. Apart from their tremendous ecological value, the oceans are also indispensable drivers of labor, innovation and economic growth. Yet they are facing unprecedented pressure due to climate change, overuse, pollution and habitat destruction.
\n
The OECD's report, "The Ocean Economy to 2050", provides a detailed overview of the global value and future path of this crucial sector. Within the context of an integrated global economy, the ocean economy is estimated to be the fifth-largest, contributing 3-4 percent to the world's GDP while sustaining 133 million full-time equivalent jobs.
\n
Based on the 1995-2020 time frame, gross value addition from this sector is estimated to have doubled in nominal terms, from $1.3 trillion to $2.6 trillion. Importantly, more than three-quarters of this increase can be attributed to the Asia-Pacific alone, with 56 percent of it coming from East Asia.
\n
Currently, the industries that most typify this sector are dual in nature: marine and coastal tourism, and offshore extraction of oil and gas, which, although creating massive economic output, employ relatively few people. Sectors like offshore renewable energy and green shipping, too, are evolving from a smaller base.
\n
For Indonesia, such figures represent both challenges and possibilities. For its vast potential of blue economy, Jakarta has carefully sought alliances based on sustainable development. In particular, an event in November 2024, at which Indonesian Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding on deepening blue economy cooperation in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
\n
Reflecting the two sides' shared goal of sustainably developing the seas and oceans, the MoU contains a vast range of strategic sectors: renewable energy sources derived from the seas, such as tidal, solar and wind energy; sustainable aquaculture and fishing; maritime destinations as a form of tourism; downstream seafood and marine biopharmaceutical processing; and ship and dock facilities and port development.
\n
The collaboration highlights Indonesia's vision of developing a sustainable and productive blue economy by tapping into China's technological capabilities and green development goals, and is aligned with global efforts, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve "life below water".
\n
The two countries are collectively better placed to address major environmental issues as well as realize their economic development goals. As a classic case of bilateral cooperation, the collaboration has the overarching vision of improving global maritime governance by simultaneously pursuing and achieving economic development and preserving the marine ecosystem. The OECD report highlights the fact that past growth patterns cannot be perpetuated ad infinitum.
\n
The impacts of climate change are worsening, with the rise in sea levels, ocean acidity, changes in fish stocks, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events already becoming a heavy burden on people in coastal areas. The report also said that multifactor productivity has decreased in more than half of the ocean-related industries, indicating that the promise of digitalization and automation has not yet been fulfilled. Without collective efforts, the ocean economy could see a sharp slowdown and even decline in the next decades.
\n
Indonesia's geographical location is of strategic importance. With 70 percent of its landmass being maritime areas, the economic, cultural and social future of the country is tied to the health of the oceans. Based on the OECD's expertise and the success of Indonesia's blue economy program with China, four strategic objectives come into focus.
\n
First, there is a need to strengthen ocean governance by using science-based marine spatial planning, expanding protected marine sites, and reducing subsidies that encourage overfishing.
\n
Second, collective efforts are required to promote technological innovation and digitalization across all ocean sectors, including smart fishing fleets, automated port logistics and offshore renewable energy facilities.
\n
Third, the areas and capability of research in oceans have to be widened and strengthened through increased mapping of seabed, strengthening monitoring networks, and increasing access to marine data.
\n
And fourth, the integration of developing countries into global ocean value chains should be expedited, and overarching principles of conservation and sustainable use of ocean established.
\n
The China-Indonesia collaboration is a pragmatic way of achieving these priority goals.
\n
The stakes in the China-Indonesia collaboration are high, but so are the rewards. The oceans are more than commercial shipping lanes and sources of seafood; they are a dynamic and thriving system supporting diverse communities, cultures and economies.
\n
The choices the world makes in the next few years will determine whether the ocean economy of 2050 remains a driver of shared prosperity or becomes a tragic case of lost potential. As such, by choosing a path informed by scientific understanding, China and Indonesia can lead a revolution that would ensure the oceans continue to provide sustenance for human beings.
\n
By taking decisive actions, the two countries can create a model for an inclusive and productive ocean economy, as well as strike an environmental balance. Indonesia and China, by coordinating their efforts, are best placed to make the blue economy a model of resilience and cooperation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the oceans.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, held in Tianjin on Aug 31 and Sept 1. The GGI is China's strategic response to the current international political and security situation, and will contribute Chinese wisdom to resolving international governance issues.
\n
All countries, rich and poor, big and small, are victims of traditional and non-traditional security threats including cross-border crimes, cyberattacks, terrorism, trade protectionism, climate change, environmental degradation and pandemics. The GGI is designed to help tackle these issues.
\n
While implementing the GGI, first and foremost, it is imperative to adhere to the postwar world order based on international laws and the UN Charter. Since the global status of countries is not static, the world order, which reflects these changes, cannot be rigid either, more so because the Global South is rising in terms of both economic strength and overall influence.
\n
With the peaceful rise of China and other emerging economies, and the intensification of major-power competition, the United States-led G7, too, has begun to advocate a so-called "rules-based international order".
\n
But what are these "rules"? Who defines and formulates them? Apparently, the G7-proposed "rules-based world order" is often designed to break free from the constraints of international law and the UN Charter in the interest of the "rich countries' club".
\n
There should be only one world order that is based on international law and the UN Charter.
\n
Second, North-South cooperation must be vigorously promoted, and both developed and developing countries should deepen cooperation, so as to improve global governance. But in the process of deepening cooperation, all parties should abide by the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". The word "common" means that all countries should jointly share the responsibilities, while the word "differentiated" means that different countries should bear the responsibilities according to the level of their economic development. Therefore, developed countries, instead of shying away from their responsibilities, should leverage their advantages in capital and technology to assist developing countries.
\n
Third, there is a need to always uphold multilateralism. Global issues pose a challenge to almost all countries and could even imperil the well-being of people across the world. Hence, all countries should uphold multilateralism while addressing these issues.
\n
In essence, multilateralism helps us handle international affairs with openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation, on the basis of mutual benefit and the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence". Multilateralism emphasizes that all countries are equal, irrespective of their size, economic status and military power, while embodying the democratization of international relations as the core concept of the existing international system.
\n
And fourth, academics need to offer effective intellectual support for implementing the GGI. Global governance is both a theoretical and practical issue. For policymakers, down-to-earth ideas or solutions are more important than empty theoretical analysis and conceptual research.
\n
Besides, research on global governance can be divided into many sub-areas including global artificial intelligence governance, global climate governance, global development governance, global digital governance, global economic governance, global environmental governance, global financial governance, global health governance, global internet governance, global intellectual property governance, global maritime governance, global security governance, global space governance, global trade governance, global tax governance, and global human rights governance.
\n
Discussions on global governance in the general sense should promote shared development and win-win cooperation, with the aim of resolving complex global issues. We need to keep trying to resolve the complex challenges, especially because the GGI will now help us do so and make the world a better place to live.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
\n
Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
\n
"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
\n
The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
\n
President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
\n
Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
\n
Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
\n
"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
\n
According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
\n
Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
\n
"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
\n
Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
\n
Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
\n
Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
\n
"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
\n
Contact the writers at masi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with BRICS member states in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, while prioritizing partnerships in areas such as electric vehicles and solar and hydrogen power, the country's top industry regulator said on Tuesday.
\n
Li Lecheng, China's minister of industry and information technology, said BRICS countries and other developing nations should fully leverage their unique advantages in markets, resources and industrial capacity, given the intensifying global competition in the field of technology and profound shifts in the industrial landscape.
\n
"BRICS now accounts for nearly half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global GDP. The grouping plays a big role as a major factory, vast market and large-scale cooperative platform driving inclusive economic globalization," Li said.
\n
The senior official made the remarks at the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution 2025, which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Tuesday.
\n
President Xi Jinping had proposed the building of a BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen during the 12th BRICS Summit in November 2020.
\n
Concrete progress has been made over the past five years. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the innovation center has advanced cooperation on policy coordination, personnel training and project development. It has helped enterprises from other BRICS countries to enter the Chinese market and vice versa, securing 107 industrial projects with a total investment of 50.6 billion yuan ($7.1 billion).
\n
Last year, China also established a center for promoting AI development and cooperation within BRICS.The next step will involve building an innovation platform to share mature large language models and high-quality datasets, thereby reducing technological barriers, Li said.
\n
"We must keep pace with technological trends, build governance consensus, strengthen policy and regulatory coordination, and promote the interoperability of digital infrastructure," the minister added.
\n
According to Li, China will also encourage companies involved in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power and hydrogen energy to strengthen international cooperation. The goal is to jointly develop "accessible, affordable and effective "technologies and products to help BRICS nations build renewable energy systems.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Alekxey Vladimirovich Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of industry and trade, said: "Today, the forum is much more than just an industrial dialogue mechanism among the BRICS countries. Instead, it is a community of leading global experts and professionals, which contributes to technological leadership of the BRICS countries and shapes global industrial development."
\n
Gruzdev said the BRICS countries now account for almost 48 percent of Russia's foreign trade.
\n
"We share and support the fundamental principles of the BRICS partnership on new industrial revolution in achieving sustainable and inclusive industrialization," he said, highlighting biotechnology as an area with huge potential for cooperation among BRICS countries.
\n
Faisol Riza, Indonesia's vice-minister of industry, said manufacturing accounts for more than 16.9 percent of Indonesia's GDP. However, there are challenges such as disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties. Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member earlier this year.
\n
Therefore, accelerating the green and digital transformation has become essential, which is why the forum in Xiamen is important, Riza added.
\n
Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, said there are tremendous opportunities for shared digital transformation among BRICS countries. According to Yang, China Mobile has partnered with industrial enterprises in Indonesia and other BRICS nations to establish joint AI laboratories. These facilities are designed to address local market needs through the development of AI algorithms, industry-specific models and tailored solutions. In countries such as Brazil and Egypt, the company is also supporting the construction of multiple smart factories.
\n
"We will deepen cooperation with BRICS counterparts in promoting international alignment of AI and 6G standards, and building interconnected infrastructure to strengthen the digital backbone of BRICS countries," Yang added.
A fan merchandise featuring images created by He Hehe from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, is displayed at TNT's concert in Shanghai on Aug 21.
\n
A fan of singer Zhang Yuan waves a self-decorated light stick at Zhang's concert in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 17.
\n
Left: The most treasured fan merchandise for Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, are the albums of the singers she has loved for years. Middle: Hand-painted aroma pieces created by Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Right: "Bird", the signature IP of singer Zhang Yuan, created by Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has grown into a fan favorite.
\n\n
As China's live performance market rebounds, concerts are booming nationwide, and official fan merchandise has emerged as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone for fans.
\n
Sales of official merchandise — including light sticks, hand lamps, T-shirts and other branded goods — have surged in both popularity and price over the past decade.
\n
The studio of Xu Ning, founder of Atelier Cons Pros, has worked on products and designs with artists such as cellist Ouyang Nana and rock band YOUNG DAN.
\n
But one of his most renowned collaborations came in 2024 when Xu was commissioned to design official merchandise for singer Zhang Yuan, who ended his third nationwide concert tour, called White, in July.
\n
Known as "Bird", Zhang's signature IP, is a chubby cartoon bird with tiny eyes and a dazed, "silly-cute" expression. Inspired by the singer's nickname, it reflects his warm and playful personality. The IP has grown into a fan favorite, with plush toys, figurines and comics like Bird Diaries, and even themed pop-up stores.
\n
Xu said the design process began with research and observing Zhang's public persona, while also paying attention to online fan culture.
\n
"Zhang Yuan is known for being straightforward and approachable. We wanted to create something equally direct — simple enough that even a child could sketch it with a pencil, and easy to spread among fans," said Xu.
\n
Fans are also given a sewing manual and dimensions, and are encouraged to customize light sticks with beads, decorations, or to create ita bags packed with idol merchandise.
\n
"We know fans have incredible creativity. By giving them a template, we invite them into the process, and this philosophy — valuing fans' habits and preferences rather than competing across artists — guides our team's designs," said Xu.
\n
Beyond light sticks, Atelier Cons Pros has developed tote bags, phone stands and cushions designed for everyday use.
\n
China's pan-entertainment market grew from just over 299 billion yuan ($41.95 billion) in 2017 to 700.4 billion yuan in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7 percent, according to data published by Huajing Industry Research Institute in 2023.
\n
It is expected to reach more than 1.34 trillion yuan by 2026. Fans' single-purchases of items are mainly below 100 yuan, followed by the 100 to 500 yuan range, revealing a "small amount, high frequency" consumption pattern, the data showed.
\n
Fan-made with love
\n
Fan culture is also thriving in the bespoke and do-it-yourself areas, where craft and self-expression intersect.
\n
Chen Xiaojia, founder of Chunzhi handmade aromas in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, began selling her wares in July 2024.
\n
"I started out selling handmade candles, essential oils and aroma stones at local markets, and gradually combined my love of calligraphy with hand-painted aroma pieces inspired by scenic spots like West Lake," she said.
\n
Chen shared her products on social media and attracted customers who wanted unique items to resell.
\n
The workshop soon ventured into celebrity merchandise. Chen created hand-painted aroma pieces featuring names, song lyrics, or iconic sayings of artists such as Taiwan's Mayday band, pop icon Jay Chou, Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and Taiwan pop singer Cyndi Wang.
\n
"Designs often incorporate the celebrity's fan colors and symbolic elements, making products personal and collectible," said Chen.
\n
One memorable order came from fans of Become a Farmer, a popular variety show featuring young participants experiencing rural life. Hand-painted pieces inspired by the show featuring heartwarming messages drew massive attention.
\n
"The post's popularity even led to connections with music festival organizers, who purchased items for their fan booths," Chen said.
\n
In recent years, the market has shifted from official merchandise toward creative, DIY-inspired pieces, reflecting the younger generation's values and aesthetics.
\n
"Fans and organizers value uniqueness and practicality. Being original ensures no duplicate items, while combining beauty and function keeps products desirable," said Chen.
\n
Li Luyao, a 25-year-old video editor in Beijing, views merchandise as a tangible connection to the artists who shaped her adolescence.
\n
While her contemporaries followed the latest pop trends, her fandom began in 2012, when she was captivated by the contestants in the 2007 edition of the singing competition Super Boy.
\n
"Every morning on my way to school, I would check for any merchandise of my idols. Even a small find would give me a spark of excitement in what was often a lonely world," Li said.
\n
Despite having little money, she cherished small items such as 4-yuan magazines, which are all carefully displayed in her home years later.
\n
"I was going through a difficult period and felt very alone. The music and youthful energy of the Super Boy contestants became my personal utopia — a source of comfort I couldn't find anywhere else," she recalled.
\n
As her fandom matured, Li began attending concerts, music festivals and variety show recordings, sometimes traveling south to see her idols live.
\n
Among her favorites are singers Wang Yuexin, Su Xing and Chen Chusheng. Her devotion extends beyond attending performances and she has created what she calls "support campaigns", including a retro-style tribute to Wang's albums Freak Out and Parachute.
\n
"I wanted more people to hear these songs, to understand the passion and effort he put into them. Seeing fans in a stadium sing along to songs that had once only lived in my headphones was a moment of pure exhilaration," she said.
\n
Among Li's most treasured items are physical copies of Freak Out and Su Xing's Jin Xing Shi. "I don't buy things just because others do. I follow my own feelings, and I'm more interested in collecting older albums that remind me of the era I grew up in," she said.
\n
She said these artists appeared in her life at just the right moment. "Through their music, I learned to embrace my own ideas, to reconcile with myself, and to pursue what I truly love," said Li.
\n
While Li's fandom is rooted in nostalgia, He Hehe, a content operator in her late 20s living in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, approaches celebrity merchandise differently.
\n
For her, merchandise is not just memorabilia — it is an emotional anchor and a form of self-expression.
\n
Her fandom began in 2018 while at university, when she became a fan of Chen Linong — a singer, actor and future member of Nine Percent — after watching the reality show Idol Producer. Her first purchase was a gift box with his endorsement, containing branded products and postcards.
\n
"I didn't really think about whether or not I needed it. It was something he endorsed; I just wanted to help the sales figures," she said. Her impulse was to support Chen Linong commercially, even if the items she purchased weren't practical, He said.
\n
After graduation, her focus shifted to the boy band Teens in Times. Unlike Chen Linong, whose products were mostly endorsements, TNT regularly released official items designed for fans — from photo cards to plush dolls.
\n
"The frequency of purchases depends on the artists. If it's useful, like beverages or daily items, or if official goods include things I like, I'll order them," said He.
\n
She spends 5,000 to 8,000 yuan annually on merchandise and "fan support", attending four to six offline events a year. Many official goods — photo books, postcards and plush key chains — are purchased simply for the thrill of unboxing.
\n
"The peak happiness is opening the package. Afterward, they often sit in a corner collecting dust. Sometimes I don't even use notebooks or stickers, because just seeing them is fulfilling," she said.
\n
Among her favorites are photo cards and cotton dolls.
\n
"Photo cards are simple, beautiful, and collectible; cotton dolls carry a strong sense of companionship. No fan can resist a three-inch photo card and a cotton doll," she added.
\n
She also has fan-made items like drawings and handmade goods, but considers official products more valuable.
\n
"Official merchandise is closely connected to the artist, sometimes even designed with their involvement. Fan-made items are just extensions. Even when people like my work, it's ultimately because of the artist," He said.
\n
One special piece bridges both worlds: a postcard she made for Chen Linong's birthday, later signed by him and mailed back to her. "It showed my effort wasn't meaningless. That card symbolizes how merchandise can carry memory, creativity, and even career direction," she said.
\n
For He, merchandise is more than consumption; it's a way to escape daily pressures, a reward after long workdays, and a source of joy that fuels creativity. Piles of unopened items and cherished collectibles in her room testify to her devotion.
\n
"To outsiders, they may look like simple goods, but to me, each piece tells a story of passion, community, and the enduring pull of star-chasing. If my daytime job gives me material rewards, then this gives me spiritual fuel," said He.
\n
Evolving market
\n
The Chinese fan market is evolving, according to statistics. The generations born after 1995 and 2000, now prioritize atmosphere, participation and social interaction over mere collecting. Fans are willing to pay more for the latest or limited-edition items, sharing them online to inspire others to follow.
\n
In 2024, the national "fan economy" exceeded 1.23 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent, and the figure is expected to reach almost 1.43 trillion yuan in 2025, data from industry research company ChinaIRN showed.
\n
The "idol economy" accounts for 420 billion yuan, 34 percent of the total, with an average annual growth rate of 12.2 percent.
\n
"Today's consumption is less about practical use and more about meaning," said Shen Yifei, an associate professor of sociology at Fudan University.
\n
"For many young fans, especially Gen Z, buying merchandise is a way to express affection for an idol, to mark their identity within a community, and to enjoy the symbolic value that goes far beyond the object itself," she said.
\n
For young fans, buying merchandise and engaging in support activities is not merely about consumption — it fulfills important emotional needs, Shen said. Light sticks, posters and other items help them feel seen and part of a group, turning their expressions of support into a way of building an emotional connection with their idols.
\n
In 2023, among China's Gen Z fan base, 72.2 percent purchased singles and albums or paid to attend concerts and movies, according to statistics released by iiMedia Research in 2024. A total of 51.1 percent participated in support-related consumption in preparing fan merchandise for important idol events.
\n
"Many young fans describe their support as 'powering love' — giving back the joy and strength that idols provide," Shen said. "Beyond emotional expression, these practices nurture real skills, from banner design and video editing to event organizing, allowing fans to grow and find achievement within their communities."
\n
However, Shen warned that when these needs are overly capitalized on and pushed toward competition or overspending, the original meaning of "love and connection "risks being lost.
\n
"This is why families, schools and society should recognize and guide fan support in a healthy direction, encouraging emotional expression, personal growth and rational consumption," she said.
Farmers operate multiple harvesters on a rice field at Sihong county in Suqian, Jiangsu province, on Monday. China's grain production touched a new high during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), surpassing 700 million metric tons for the first time last year, Han Jun, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. See story, page 3
Farmers operate multiple harvesters on a rice field at Sihong county in Suqian, Jiangsu province, on Monday. China's grain production touched a new high during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), surpassing 700 million metric tons for the first time last year, Han Jun, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. See story, page 3
During peak lunch hour at a busy restaurant in Chengdu, Sichuan province, four chefs work in perfect unison, deftly churning out multiple dishes as flames leap from the woks. However, their expertise and execution are not only of interest to the customers waiting for the food, but also to over 50,000 viewers watching them live at work on Douyin, China's short-video platform.
\n
Luoxiaoyang Home-Style Cuisine, which opened its doors in June, has attracted more than 1.7 million followers on Douyin by livestreaming what goes on in its kitchen.
\n
Responding to increasing public concern about food safety, a number of restaurants nationwide have begun livestreaming their kitchen operations — a strategy aimed at both winning diners' trust and boosting visibility through online engagement. The cameras are pointed at the counters where food is prepared, capturing everything from raw ingredients to freshly prepared meals. This move toward greater transparency has garnered considerable praise and positive engagement from online viewers.
\n
The growing interest in "transparent kitchen" livestreams follows a heated online debate sparked by celebrity entrepreneur Luo Yonghao. Last week, Luo criticized domestic restaurant chain Xibei on China's popular social media platform Sina Weibo, alleging that many dishes were premade. His post went viral, prompting public discussion about food safety and kitchen transparency.
\n
Now kitchen livestreams are becoming popular, with viewers on social media platforms posting comments like: "This is how Chinese cooking should be done", and "This is what we call true wok hei (the distinct smoky flavor of stir-fried dishes)". The livestreams also appear to be influencing consumer habits.
\n
For example, Han Wen, a university student in Beijing, said the recent online debate has made him more cautious when ordering food online.
\n
"I only recently started noticing the 'transparent kitchen' feature on apps," he said. "I now look to see if the kitchen is neat and clean before placing an order."
\n
Kitchen livestreams are not exactly new. In March, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a guideline strengthening food safety supervision, urging platforms and merchants to implement "internet plus transparent kitchen "initiatives and enhance oversight on delivery-only restaurants through public monitoring.
\n
Sun Juanjuan, an associate professor at Hebei Agricultural University and researcher at the Center for Coordination and Innovation of Food Safety Governance, said, "Food safety regulators have actively promoted the 'transparent kitchens' policy in recent years."
\n
"It includes both physical transparency — visible kitchen areas — and digital monitoring via livestreams. As customers have begun focusing on how the food is being prepared, restaurants have shifted focus from price wars to hygiene standards," Sun said.
\n
In recent years, several regions have introduced rules requiring online food delivery businesses to livestream their kitchen operations.
\n
In Zhejiang province, takeaway merchants have been legally obligated to display real-time videos of food being prepared on delivery apps since March 2022.
\n
Shanghai introduced similar regulations in February 2024, encouraging restaurants to adopt "internet plus transparent kitchen" practices and upload footage to their third-party platforms for public oversight, while Changzhou in Jiangsu province followed suit a month later.
\n
To create an immersive viewing experience, some chefs are strapping action cameras to their chests, livestreaming the cooking process from a first-person perspective.
\n
"If customers want to see the kitchen, then we'll just show it," said a chef at Xiaochao Dangjia, a restaurant in Wuhan, Hubei province. The restaurant recently joined the kitchen livestreaming club, as the owners believe that this helps build consumers' trust.
\n
However, some industry insiders worry that the livestreams could become mere "performances".
\n
Zhong Kai, a food safety expert from the China Food Information Center, said the actual impact of livestreaming on food safety supervision might be more about deterrence than regulation.
\n
"Issues such as pesticide residues or cross-contamination are hard to catch via livestreams. Most food safety incidents that have been exposed have been due to snapshots of chefs not wearing masks or hats, or catching glimpses of rats in kitchens," he said.
\n
However, Sun, from Hebei Agricultural University, said: "Implementing 'transparent kitchen' measures in the mass catering sector has always been a regulatory challenge. Now, with public enthusiasm and demand, it can help accelerate implementation across various regions."
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
\n
huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
\n",
- "content": "
Fu Cong
\n
Qu Yingpu
\n
Li Junhua
\n
Jeffrey Sachs
\n
Kishore Mahbubani
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway
\n
Dima Al-Khatib
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight on Monday at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body's 80th anniversary, with China's top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.
\n
At the Vision China event, held under the theme "Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance," China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN's achievements in advancing world peace, development and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.
\n
"What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism, and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges," he said.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative, put forward by Xi on Sept 1 at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, has "immediately captured the world's attention, and has been warmly received by the international community", Fu said.
\n
He cited UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' endorsement of the initiative's multilateral focus and defense of an international order grounded in law.
\n
The initiative is founded on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real results.
\n
"Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system," Fu said, adding that the core concepts "echo the very purposes and principles of the UN Charter".
\n
The initiative also demonstrates China's firm support for the UN's central role in international affairs, Fu told the gathering, which was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
\n
Speaking at the forum, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said the Global Governance Initiative is the latest in a series of proposals by Xi aimed at supporting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, alongside global initiatives on development, security and civilization.
\n
He said the principles of the Global Governance Initiative "offer Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening global governance at a time when unilateralism and power politics are undermining the UN and other multilateral institutions".
\n
As the UN enters its ninth decade, speakers at the forum underscored the significance of China's new initiative and called for ramped-up efforts on cooperation.
\n
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said the Global Governance Initiative offers a timely framework to reinforce international cooperation at a moment when global institutions face mounting pressure from conflict, inequality and climate threats.
\n
Li said China has long been a key supporter of the United Nations in addressing the "global governance deficit".
\n
In his speech, United States economist Jeffrey Sachs called for renewed global cooperation and lauded China's Global Governance Initiative as key to revitalizing the UN's mission.
\n
"We need to get back to cooperation of the major powers," said Sachs, who is also president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
\n
"There is nothing fundamental that divides the interests of the United States, China and Russia. … The ideology is over the top in (the US) — the Russophobia, the Sinophobia, it's just crazy," he said.
\n
Sachs urged China to play a larger role, proposing that the UN open a major campus in Beijing or Shanghai to focus on climate and energy solutions.
\n
"China is the only country in the world that can guide the path to zero carbon energy," he said, highlighting the nation's capacity to scale renewable technologies at levels the world urgently needs.
\n
Speaking via video, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN Kishore Mahbubani endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, calling it a "timely effort" ahead of the UN's 80th anniversary to strengthen the organization. "Let's not try to create a new institution. Let's build on the one that we have," he said.
\n
Mahbubani added that Asian countries could play a larger role in shaping global solutions, saying they are "very pragmatic and not ideological" in their approaches. He urged dialogue among civilizations to build "a better, safer and more peaceful world".
\n
Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Louisiana, said the UN's birth in 1945 represented a promise that nations would sit as equals and pursue peace through dialogue.
\n
Calloway, who is the granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the famed Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer US pilots who fought side-by-side with the Chinese during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), added that sustaining the UN's promise requires long-term vision and cooperation over rivalry — a message that she said remains as urgent now as in 1945.
\n
Speaking at the Vision China forum, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the Global Governance Initiative represents another "promising" strategy from China in support of the countries of the Global South.
\n
The event, sponsored by the Bank of China, drew more than 200 participants, including diplomats from Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Qatar and Russia, along with representatives from the fields of politics, business, academia, research and media.
\n
The discussion on global governance and cooperation continued well after the forum concluded.
\n
Albadawe Abdalla, former head of the Chinese department at the University of Khartoum, said the world needs peace now — that only with peace can there be stability, and only with stability can there be development and effective governance of issues, whether large or small.
\n
"Just look at how China has sent many medical teams and peacekeeping teams to Africa. I believe China has made great contributions in recent years to global governance and to peace and stability in Africa," Abdalla said.
\n
For Zlatko Lagumdzija, a Bosnian diplomat and politician who serves as Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, China's new initiative is showing the way ahead.
\n
The Global Governance Initiative "gives us a clear road map and clear steps that we must take, and a call for action", Lagumdzija said.
The National Religious Affairs Administration has issued a new code of conduct regulating the online behavior of religious clergy in China, in an effort to maintain order in the digital religious sphere.
\n
The code contains 18 articles detailing prohibited online activities for clergy. These include self-promotion, involvement in foreign religious infiltration, spreading extremist ideologies, promoting cults or pseudo-religions, and profiting from religious activities.
\n
Under the rules, clergy may preach or conduct religious education online only through licensed websites, apps, and forums established by recognized religious groups, institutions and temples. To disseminate information or use instant messaging in an official capacity, clergy must submit their clergy certificates to internet service providers for verification.
\n
The code urges clergy to cultivate positive online habits, resist harmful online culture, and avoid using religious content for self-promotion or seeking attention.
\n
In recent years, many clergy have opened personal accounts on social media platforms. Some Buddhist monks gained millions of followers on platforms such as Douyin by sharing videos of their daily lives and promoting Buddhist culture.
\n
The code also bars clergy from engaging with foreign entities online or participating in foreign religious activities. It bans the promotion of pseudo-religions and superstitious activities such as fortune-telling. Online commercialization, including marketing products and livestreaming sales, is also prohibited.
\n
Clergy who violate the regulations will be ordered to make corrections within a specified time, as directed by religious affairs authorities. Noncompliance will bring penalties under existing laws and administrative regulations. In severe cases, authorities may recommend suspending religious activities or revoking clergy status.
\n
According to recent reports of online fraud involving people impersonating monks, in Leshan, Sichuan province, two people posed as monks from Baoguo Temple by purchasing robes and prayer beads, then solicited money from online followers by offering blessings via livestreaming.
\n
The new code builds on the 2022 guidelines issued by the National Religious Affairs Administration and other departments requiring licenses for the online dissemination of religious information.
\n
The move comes as Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, is under investigation by multiple authorities over allegations of embezzling temple funds and engaging in affairs with several women. The Shaolin Temple has nurtured several online monks, such as Shi Yandian and Shi Yangao, who have amassed millions of followers. However, their videos have been removed from their personal accounts without any reason mentioned.
A Latin American blogger experiences the traditional Chinese medicine therapy of ear seeds, which affixes small beads to the ear with adhesive at the Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan province, on Monday.
\n",
- "content": "
A Latin American blogger experiences the traditional Chinese medicine therapy of ear seeds, which affixes small beads to the ear with adhesive at the Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan province, on Monday.
A 52-year-old woman died on Sunday after being exposed to discarded hydrofluoric acid in Hangzhou, local authorities said.
\n
A statement from the Xianlin subdistrict said the woman, identified only by her surname Tu, came into contact with the chemical at a vacant lot on Sept 9. She was taken to a hospital but died on Sunday despite emergency treatment, the statement said.
\n
Police have begun an investigation, and the environment department has decontaminated the site, the statement added.
\n
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and the case has raised public concerns about the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
\n
On Tuesday afternoon, a range of hydrofluoric acid products in various strengths could be found on multiple domestic e-commerce platforms. Listings showed containers ranging from 500 milliliters to 25 kilograms. Product descriptions commonly suggested uses such as cleaning glass and tiles or removing oxides.
\n
Sellers typically warned that the solution is corrosive and advised users to wear gloves and protective goggles. They recommended rinsing with water and seeking medical attention in case of contact with the skin.
\n
Hydrofluoric acid, the aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, is a clear, volatile liquid with a pungent odor. Wang Xisheng, a professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Guizhou University, said the acid has many industrial and commercial uses. It is widely used in sectors such as industrial manufacturing, electronics, printing, metal casting and glass etching.
\n
Known in some circles as "bone-dissolving water", hydrofluoric acid can cause both local burns and severe systemic poisoning, according to him.
\n
"Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive substance. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as an acid mist, and direct contact can cause severe damage to subcutaneous tissue, bone, and even internal organs. Ingesting about 1.5 grams of hydrofluoric acid can cause immediate death," Wang said.
\n
He added that laboratory work should be carried out by trained personnel and that equipment should be checked regularly for leaks. Wastewater must be handed over to qualified treatment facilities, and casual dumping is strictly prohibited.
\n
Hydrofluoric acid was included in the 2015 catalog of hazardous chemicals issued by the State Administration of Work Safety, which was later integrated into the Ministry of Emergency Management. It is regarded as dangerous to people, facilities and the environment. National standards require hydrofluoric acid manufacturers to maintain protective distances of 100 to 300 meters from residential areas, schools and hospitals, depending on wind speed and production scale.
\n
A 2022 paper, Research Advances on the Treatment of Hydrofluoric Acid Burns, published in the Chinese Journal of Burns and Wounds, described hydrofluoric acid burns as a clinical emergency. The paper warned that even burns covering a small area can be fatal within hours and urged immediate on-site treatment: remove contaminants, irrigate the area, and transport the patient to a hospital without delay.
\n
Wang advised that anyone whose skin has been exposed should immediately and thoroughly rinse the affected area under running water for an extended period.
\n
As the paper points out, rinsing can remove surface residues, but it cannot remove hydrofluoric acid that has already penetrated the skin, so prompt medical treatment is essential.
Over a thousand fishing boats sail in a continuous line under the Tongwamen Bridge in Shipu Fishing Port, Xiangshan county, Zhejiang province, heading towards the East China Sea at noon on Tuesday. With the four-and-a-half-month summer fishing moratorium coming to an end, fishing vessels have resumed their activities in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.
\n",
- "content": "
Over a thousand fishing boats sail in a continuous line under the Tongwamen Bridge in Shipu Fishing Port, Xiangshan county, Zhejiang province, heading towards the East China Sea at noon on Tuesday. With the four-and-a-half-month summer fishing moratorium coming to an end, fishing vessels have resumed their activities in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.
The first national platform dedicated to cultivating high-skilled talent in the bath leisure and health management sector has officially launched in Shenyang, Liaoning province, marking a significant step in the city's efforts to maintain its position as the "Bath Leisure Capital of China".
\n
On Sept 4, the Shenyang Municipal Commerce Bureau, the Shenyang Bath Industry Association and Shenyang Polytechnic College held a ceremony to sign a strategic cooperation agreement for talent cultivation in the bath industry and to inaugurate the School of Bath Leisure and Health Management Industry.
\n
The school will leverage the educational resources of Shenyang Polytechnic College to provide talent cultivation, skills training, research innovation and industry services. It aims to supply high-quality, professional and versatile personnel to the bath industry in Shenyang and across the country.
\n
"In recent years, Shenyang's bath industry has flourished, with complete upstream and downstream industrial chains under the impetus of a series of favorable policies," said Zhu Ling, director of the commerce bureau, at the ceremony. "So far, Shenyang has 1,354 bathing businesses, with 49 enterprises over 5,000 square meters and the largest bathing enterprise covering an area of 100,000 square meters."
\n
However, Zhu said the shortage of professional and younger talent has become a growing problem. She described the cooperation agreement and the school's opening as a crucial step in building a "solid bridge connecting the education chain and the employment chain".
\n
"We will jointly explore new talent cultivation models such as order-based training and work-study alternation, which not only precisely meet the employment needs of enterprises for more high0quality, professional talent, but also further assist the industry in moving toward standardization, normalization and branding, further enhancing Shenyang's brand influence as the 'Bath Leisure Capital,'" she said.
\n
Since 2023, Shenyang's tourism market has boomed, with many visitors enjoying the city's bath culture, said Tang Lizhong, executive president of the Shenyang Bath Industry Association.
\n
The association was established on Aug 27, 2024, with one of its goals being to improve service capacity. Tang said solving the talent shortage is central to that aim. On Dec 30, Shenyang was awarded the title "Bath Leisure Capital of China" by the Asia International Bath SPA and Wellness Alliance.
\n
Against this backdrop, the association and Shenyang Polytechnic College proposed establishing the industrial school.
\n
"The school has two enrollment programs," Tang said. "One is open to out-of-school individuals aged 18 and above who want to learn specific skills in a short time, including foot massage, ear picking, scraping, cupping and traditional Chinese medicine therapy. After completing the training and passing the assessment, trainees can quickly find job opportunities."
\n
The other program targets students who have completed high school or vocational school, focusing on management of the bath leisure and health industry. The three-year program includes two years of theoretical study at the school and a year-long internship at enterprises. Graduates can obtain a junior college degree.
\n
The school will also implement a "dual-teacher system", in which school teachers and industry experts jointly compile textbooks and teach classes.
\n
Tang expressed optimism about graduates' job prospects.
\n
In terms of income, Tang said grassroots employees earn about 4,000 to 5,000 yuan ($562 to $702) per month, managers can make around 10,000 yuan or more, and store managers could obtain annual salaries of more than 400,000 yuan. The school will focus on cultivating management-level talent.
\n
Although some are concerned that the industry may lack appeal to younger people, Tang said the key lies in guidance and raising awareness.
\n
"The association is striving to promote social respect and recognition for these occupations," he said. "At the same time, the industry itself is constantly evolving, giving rise to more integrated venues that combine leisure, entertainment and accommodation, which better meet the consumption habits of contemporary people."
\n
Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -10147,28 +11291,6 @@
"hash": "7eb957343f91c115e4b48a6e311eb041",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "004CHINA - Forum lauds China's human rights model",
- "description": "
China is forging a distinctively people-centered path in human rights development, steadily enhancing protections as it advances modernization, scholars said on Tuesday at an academic seminar in Jinan, Shandong province.
\n
The event, titled "Chinese Modernization and Human Rights Protection", brought together about 100 scholars to discuss theoretical innovations and practical experiences in human rights within the context of China's modernization.
\n
"Chinese modernization has constructed a new value system for human rights civilization, forming a people-centered human rights theory paradigm with Chinese characteristics," said Lu Guangjin, vice-president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies and a law professor at Jilin University.
\n
This approach "has pioneered a development-based model of human rights that strengthens the synergy between progress and rights," he said, adding that Chinese modernization opens new horizons for global human rights development and enriches the diversity of human rights civilization.
\n
Across sectors, the principle of putting people first has been central to China's human rights efforts, scholars said, citing practical examples.
\n
One case is agricultural modernization in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
\n
"The agricultural modernization drive of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps has yielded remarkable achievements, reinforcing rights to survival and development through tangible practice," said Zhang Yonghe, executive dean of the Human Rights Institute at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law. "This development has allowed the fruits of progress to be shared more widely and fairly among the local population."
\n
Scholars at the seminar agreed that China's human rights practice under modernization not only benefits its own people but also offers innovative solutions to global human rights governance.
\n
Chinese modernization promotes concepts such as advancing human rights through development, win-win cooperation, and building a community with a shared future for humankind, contributing Chinese perspectives and approaches to global human rights governance, said Luo Yanhua, a professor at the School of International Studies at Peking University.
\n
Participants also agreed that Chinese modernization has opened new paths for human rights progress, both in theory and practice. They called for developing stronger theories, improving the independent knowledge system on human rights, and sharing more insights with the global community.
\n
"Amid growing global challenges, the scope of human rights continues to expand and its content continues to deepen," said Baimachilin, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress and president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies. "Major efforts should be given to cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as digital human rights, AI ethics, climate change and environmental rights, rights protection during public health crises, and biotechnology and human rights."
\n
The event was hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and organized by the Center for Human Rights Studies of Shandong University and the university's law school.
\n
zhaoruixue@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China is forging a distinctively people-centered path in human rights development, steadily enhancing protections as it advances modernization, scholars said on Tuesday at an academic seminar in Jinan, Shandong province.
\n
The event, titled "Chinese Modernization and Human Rights Protection", brought together about 100 scholars to discuss theoretical innovations and practical experiences in human rights within the context of China's modernization.
\n
"Chinese modernization has constructed a new value system for human rights civilization, forming a people-centered human rights theory paradigm with Chinese characteristics," said Lu Guangjin, vice-president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies and a law professor at Jilin University.
\n
This approach "has pioneered a development-based model of human rights that strengthens the synergy between progress and rights," he said, adding that Chinese modernization opens new horizons for global human rights development and enriches the diversity of human rights civilization.
\n
Across sectors, the principle of putting people first has been central to China's human rights efforts, scholars said, citing practical examples.
\n
One case is agricultural modernization in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
\n
"The agricultural modernization drive of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps has yielded remarkable achievements, reinforcing rights to survival and development through tangible practice," said Zhang Yonghe, executive dean of the Human Rights Institute at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law. "This development has allowed the fruits of progress to be shared more widely and fairly among the local population."
\n
Scholars at the seminar agreed that China's human rights practice under modernization not only benefits its own people but also offers innovative solutions to global human rights governance.
\n
Chinese modernization promotes concepts such as advancing human rights through development, win-win cooperation, and building a community with a shared future for humankind, contributing Chinese perspectives and approaches to global human rights governance, said Luo Yanhua, a professor at the School of International Studies at Peking University.
\n
Participants also agreed that Chinese modernization has opened new paths for human rights progress, both in theory and practice. They called for developing stronger theories, improving the independent knowledge system on human rights, and sharing more insights with the global community.
\n
"Amid growing global challenges, the scope of human rights continues to expand and its content continues to deepen," said Baimachilin, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress and president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies. "Major efforts should be given to cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as digital human rights, AI ethics, climate change and environmental rights, rights protection during public health crises, and biotechnology and human rights."
\n
The event was hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and organized by the Center for Human Rights Studies of Shandong University and the university's law school.
China looks forward to sharing experiences in building an ecological civilization and gathering global wisdom for ecological governance at the upcoming 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves to be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, an official said on Tuesday.
\n
Speaking at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office, He Hongping, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the congress will be a crucial platform for international exchange, and will deepen scientific partnerships to tackle fragmented ecological governance through systematic thinking.
\n
"We'll promote new models of green development with interdisciplinary research and enhance the smart management of protected areas using digital technology," he said.
\n
The UNESCO congress is scheduled for Sept 22 to 25. The gathering is expected to draw delegates from over 150 countries and regions, he said, adding that this marks the first time the decennial event will be held in Asia.
\n
The congress aims to discuss and adopt the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, setting the direction and goals for the next decade, according to He.
\n
The event will also see the release of the Hangzhou Declaration, underscoring China's commitment to working with the international community to tackle ecological challenges and build a shared future for all life on Earth.
\n
China joined the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1973 and currently leads Asia with 34 UNESCO-designated world biosphere reserves.
\n
"The nation's efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are supported by significant technological innovations," He said.
\n
China has developed intelligent species identification technologies that combine image, sound and video recognition. These technologies, combined with satellite remote sensing, drones and mobile smart terminals, have been applied in biosphere reserves such as the Wuyi Mountain in Fujian province, offering crucial support for smart management and ecological restoration.
\n
lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -10191,28 +11313,6 @@
"hash": "27d41a9bd7b3d54a3ef4a5eed5c3e738",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "005CHINA - China warns Philippines to stop intruding in its waters",
- "description": "
The Philippines should immediately stop infringement and provocations surrounding China's Huangyan Island, and must not challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said Chinese officials.
\n
On Tuesday, the Philippines sent more than 10 government ships to illegally intrude into the territorial waters around Huangyan Island in the South China Sea from multiple directions despite repeated dissuasion and warnings from Chinese vessels, according to Gan Yu, spokesman for the China Coast Guard.
\n
The Philippine side willfully carried out the intrusion as during the process, a Philippine vessel with the hull number of 3014 ignored repeated warnings and made dangerous maneuvers and intentionally rammed Chinese ships, endangering the safety of Chinese ships and personnel, he stated.
\n
In response to the illegal intrusion, CCG ships took necessary control measures including verbal warnings, route blocking and the use of water cannons.
\n
The Chinese side's countermeasures were in accordance with the law, and were professional, reasonable and legitimate, Gan said, emphasizing that the full responsibility for the collision rests entirely with the Philippine side.
\n
Huangyan Island is an inherent territory of China. The Philippines' acts have seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and severely violated relevant provisions of Chinese law and international law, according to the spokesman.
\n
"We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing acts. The CCG will continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters around Huangyan Island in accordance with the law, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Gan said.
\n
Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon that the Philippine intrusion has not only seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and interests but also severely undermined maritime peace and stability.
\n
It is reasonable and lawful for China to use necessary measures to safeguard its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he said, adding that facts have once again proved that the Philippines' deliberate infringement and provocation are the root cause of the tense situation.
\n
A naval affairs observer who wished to be identified only as Cui said that the fact that Chinese vessels successfully thwarted the Philippine side's orchestrated endeavor of sending ships to intrude into waters surrounding Huangyan Island from multiple directions shows that China now knows well all the possible methods of infringement and provocation the Philippines may use and is ready to effectively handle them.
\n
"The Philippines should drop its wishful thinking that some external forces could 'save' it from trouble or support it to challenge China. We will let it know that all its efforts to compromise our rights and interests will collide with an iron wall," he said.
\n
zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
The Philippines should immediately stop infringement and provocations surrounding China's Huangyan Island, and must not challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, said Chinese officials.
\n
On Tuesday, the Philippines sent more than 10 government ships to illegally intrude into the territorial waters around Huangyan Island in the South China Sea from multiple directions despite repeated dissuasion and warnings from Chinese vessels, according to Gan Yu, spokesman for the China Coast Guard.
\n
The Philippine side willfully carried out the intrusion as during the process, a Philippine vessel with the hull number of 3014 ignored repeated warnings and made dangerous maneuvers and intentionally rammed Chinese ships, endangering the safety of Chinese ships and personnel, he stated.
\n
In response to the illegal intrusion, CCG ships took necessary control measures including verbal warnings, route blocking and the use of water cannons.
\n
The Chinese side's countermeasures were in accordance with the law, and were professional, reasonable and legitimate, Gan said, emphasizing that the full responsibility for the collision rests entirely with the Philippine side.
\n
Huangyan Island is an inherent territory of China. The Philippines' acts have seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and severely violated relevant provisions of Chinese law and international law, according to the spokesman.
\n
"We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing acts. The CCG will continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters around Huangyan Island in accordance with the law, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Gan said.
\n
Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon that the Philippine intrusion has not only seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and interests but also severely undermined maritime peace and stability.
\n
It is reasonable and lawful for China to use necessary measures to safeguard its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he said, adding that facts have once again proved that the Philippines' deliberate infringement and provocation are the root cause of the tense situation.
\n
A naval affairs observer who wished to be identified only as Cui said that the fact that Chinese vessels successfully thwarted the Philippine side's orchestrated endeavor of sending ships to intrude into waters surrounding Huangyan Island from multiple directions shows that China now knows well all the possible methods of infringement and provocation the Philippines may use and is ready to effectively handle them.
\n
"The Philippines should drop its wishful thinking that some external forces could 'save' it from trouble or support it to challenge China. We will let it know that all its efforts to compromise our rights and interests will collide with an iron wall," he said.
Chinese wingsuit flying athlete Zhang Shupeng hits the target during the "flying through targets" competition at the 11th World Wingsuit League Wingsuit Flying World Championship at the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, on Tuesday. Sixteen participants from nine countries are competing for the title of "King of Wingsuit" amid the stunning peaks and ravines.
The launch of the world's longest "direct" flight connecting Shanghai with Argentina's capital Buenos Aires by China Eastern Air Holding marks an important step in Chinese aviation companies' globalization and provides the latest proof of the global operating capability of China's civil aviation, experts said on Tuesday.
\n
Scheduled to be launched on Dec 4, the 20,000-kilometer route between China's economic hub and Buenos Aires, with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand, will connect the eastern and western hemispheres and shorten travel time between the two cities to 25 hours, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.
\n
"The launch of the Argentina route is an important part of the globalization strategy of Chinese airlines," said Zheng Hongfeng, founder and CEO of aviation data and solutions provider VariFlight.
\n
According to Zheng, the current record holder for the world's longest "direct" flight is Air China's service between Beijing and Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain.
\n
"The ability to operate ultra-long routes is regarded as one of the most important criteria in measuring global hub operators. The operation of long-haul routes demonstrates the nation's international operating capacity in civil aviation," said Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and a columnist at China's civil aviation website carnoc.com.
\n
"The availability of regular flights linking major South American capitals with Beijing and Shanghai signifies the further expansion of China's international route network into the most distant South American market," Lin added.
\n
"The greatest value of the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight is that China Eastern has found its own position in participating in the development of the multilateral global aviation network, and only in this way can Chinese aviation companies grow stronger amid fierce global competition," Zheng said.
\n
"As of 2024, nearly 4 billion of the world's 8.1 billion people live in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia — less than one quarter of the global land area — reflecting a highly uneven population distribution," said Zheng.
\n
According to him, China's aviation industry must look beyond the saturated domestic market and bilateral international routes to seek growth in the multilateral market.
\n
"With this flight, we can not only reach Argentina, but also expand to more destinations in South America," Zheng noted.
\n
Interim reports indicate that opening the international routes has been a key driver in revenue improvement for China's three major carriers in the first half of the year.
\n
As a result of its international expansion and cost control measures, China Eastern posted the smallest net loss among the three carriers. The airline opened 14 new international and regional routes in the first six months, becoming the Chinese carrier with the most international destinations.
\n
Due to the extreme distance and current aircraft performance limits, the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight will include a stopover in New Zealand. Compared with the conventional northward route that requires transfers in Europe or North America, this new southward route will reduce total travel time from up to 30 hours to about 25 hours. Passengers will also benefit from visa-free transit in Auckland and a smaller time difference upon arrival, China Eastern said.
\n
"While offering smoother travel, ultra-long routes pose significant challenges, including local marketing in South America, maintenance and resource support, transoceanic operations, and long duty shifts for crew members. Stable operation will be the key," Lin said.
\n
Shanghai and Buenos Aires are located on opposite ends of the Earth, making the new route the world's first commercial flight connecting two antipodal cities, and the longest direct flight globally.
\n
After the launch on Dec 4, the route will operate regularly every Monday and Thursday, said the carrier.
\n
The Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route is regarded as a key initiative in building an "Air Silk Road "between the Asia-Pacific and South America, according to Wang Zhiqing, chairman of China Eastern Air Holding.
\n
"China Eastern plans to expand cooperation to develop more South American routes via New Zealand, contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Wang at an agreement signing ceremony between China Eastern and Auckland Airport in Shanghai on June 18.
The launch of the world's longest "direct" flight connecting Shanghai with Argentina's capital Buenos Aires by China Eastern Air Holding marks an important step in Chinese aviation companies' globalization and provides the latest proof of the global operating capability of China's civil aviation, experts said on Tuesday.
\n
Scheduled to be launched on Dec 4, the 20,000-kilometer route between China's economic hub and Buenos Aires, with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand, will connect the eastern and western hemispheres and shorten travel time between the two cities to 25 hours, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.
\n
"The launch of the Argentina route is an important part of the globalization strategy of Chinese airlines," said Zheng Hongfeng, founder and CEO of aviation data and solutions provider VariFlight.
\n
According to Zheng, the current record holder for the world's longest "direct" flight is Air China's service between Beijing and Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain.
\n
"The ability to operate ultra-long routes is regarded as one of the most important criteria in measuring global hub operators. The operation of long-haul routes demonstrates the nation's international operating capacity in civil aviation," said Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and a columnist at China's civil aviation website carnoc.com.
\n
"The availability of regular flights linking major South American capitals with Beijing and Shanghai signifies the further expansion of China's international route network into the most distant South American market," Lin added.
\n
"The greatest value of the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight is that China Eastern has found its own position in participating in the development of the multilateral global aviation network, and only in this way can Chinese aviation companies grow stronger amid fierce global competition," Zheng said.
\n
"As of 2024, nearly 4 billion of the world's 8.1 billion people live in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia — less than one quarter of the global land area — reflecting a highly uneven population distribution," said Zheng.
\n
According to him, China's aviation industry must look beyond the saturated domestic market and bilateral international routes to seek growth in the multilateral market.
\n
"With this flight, we can not only reach Argentina, but also expand to more destinations in South America," Zheng noted.
\n
Interim reports indicate that opening the international routes has been a key driver in revenue improvement for China's three major carriers in the first half of the year.
\n
As a result of its international expansion and cost control measures, China Eastern posted the smallest net loss among the three carriers. The airline opened 14 new international and regional routes in the first six months, becoming the Chinese carrier with the most international destinations.
\n
Due to the extreme distance and current aircraft performance limits, the Shanghai-Buenos Aires flight will include a stopover in New Zealand. Compared with the conventional northward route that requires transfers in Europe or North America, this new southward route will reduce total travel time from up to 30 hours to about 25 hours. Passengers will also benefit from visa-free transit in Auckland and a smaller time difference upon arrival, China Eastern said.
\n
"While offering smoother travel, ultra-long routes pose significant challenges, including local marketing in South America, maintenance and resource support, transoceanic operations, and long duty shifts for crew members. Stable operation will be the key," Lin said.
\n
Shanghai and Buenos Aires are located on opposite ends of the Earth, making the new route the world's first commercial flight connecting two antipodal cities, and the longest direct flight globally.
\n
After the launch on Dec 4, the route will operate regularly every Monday and Thursday, said the carrier.
\n
The Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route is regarded as a key initiative in building an "Air Silk Road "between the Asia-Pacific and South America, according to Wang Zhiqing, chairman of China Eastern Air Holding.
\n
"China Eastern plans to expand cooperation to develop more South American routes via New Zealand, contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Wang at an agreement signing ceremony between China Eastern and Auckland Airport in Shanghai on June 18.
Students experience cultural relics restoration at the Site Museum of Beiting City, Silk Road, in Jimsar county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Sept 9.
\n
Since July 2019, the Xiamen aid Xinjiang command has helped establish a "friendly world cultural heritage site" relationship between Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian province, and the Beiting ancient city ruins in Jimsar county, Changji Hui autonomous prefecture of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
\n
Through festival exchanges, mechanism building and regional collaboration, the partnership has formed a cultural bridge and strengthened cultural awareness of the Chinese national community.
\n
The Beiting ruins, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site as part of the Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor, date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and have long been a focus of archaeological studies on frontier areas. From the Tang to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the site served as a political, military and cultural center on the ancient Silk Road at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It remains the largest and best-preserved ancient city in the area.
\n
"Changji is currently supported by Fujian and Shanxi provinces," said Li Jingxiu, deputy director of Changji's publicity department and deputy director of the comprehensive publicity department of the Fujian aid Xinjiang command. "Fujian has been aiding Xinjiang for 26 years, covering almost all the counties and cities in the prefecture."
\n
Xiamen is the counterpart city providing aid to Jimsar. To share and complement tourism resources and better protect Jimsar's historical and cultural heritage, the two regions are working to build a long-term cooperation mechanism that leverages each other's advantages.
\n
In August 2024, the Gulangyu cultural tourism development center in Xiamen and the Jimsar county cultural and tourism bureau signed a cooperation framework agreement. The agreement confirmed mutual recognition and exemption of tickets to one site for those who visit the Gulangyu scenic area or the Beiting ancient city ruins, as well as collaboration on cultural and creative products.
\n
During this year's Spring Festival, Beiting's cultural and creative products were showcased at the Gulangyu New Year Festival, allowing Fujian residents to experience the charm of Silk Road culture.
\n
"We have deeply explored the cultural heritage of Beiting and integrated modern creative concepts to develop our brand cultural IP with more than 60 types of tourism, and cultural and creative products," said Hu Yongkui, an aid cadre from Xiamen in charge of cultural and creative products at the Site Museum of Beiting City, Silk Road. "The cultural and creative products inspired by Jimsar's specialty white-skinned garlic have also become popular with tourists in Xiamen."
\n
In the field of cultural heritage protection, the two regions have established a mechanism for personnel exchange and learning. They have conducted collaborative research on topics such as relic protection technology and heritage activation, while turning academic achievements into practical protection efforts.
\n
In May, the Xiamen Gulangyu management committee, the academy of Beiting studies, and the Xinjiang Tianchi Lake management committee signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Fukang city, marking a new phase of cross-regional cultural heritage protection and high-quality tourism development. Under the agreement, the three institutions will deepen cooperation in three areas: cultural heritage protection, cultural and tourism integration, and publicity and promotion.
\n
In August, Gulangyu, Beiting and Uzbekistan's Samarkand signed a world heritage site friendship cooperation agreement, forming a "cultural heritage triangle" spanning East Asia and Central Asia for the first time.
\n
"The cooperation activates dialogue among ancient Silk Road civilizations using tangible heritage as a carrier, responds to the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and showcases the vitality of Chinese culture through diverse carriers," said Chen Zhixiong, commander of the ninth batch of the Xiamen aid Xinjiang command and deputy Party secretary of Jimsar.
\n
Wu Yiqun, dean of the School of History at Xinjiang University, said China attaches great importance to the protection and development of cultural heritage.
\n
"The cultural exchange between the Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road on land has always continued, which is highly consistent with the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity," Wu said. "The signing of the world heritage site friendship cooperation agreement further expands Beiting's circle of friends both internationally and domestically."
\n
Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn
China has phased out 628,000 metric tons of ozone-depleting substances, accounting for half of the total reduction by developing countries as of last year, and is expected to phase out another 90,000 tons this year, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
\n
The information was disclosed at an event in Beijing to mark World Ozone Day, which falls on Sept 16 every year, and the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer — which gave rise to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the institutions around it.
\n
China has achieved the reductions through a combination of economic, technological, legal and administrative measures aimed at eliminating ozone-depleting substances while guiding industries toward green and low-carbon transformation, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Environment Yu Huiwen said at the event.
\n
In one of the country's latest efforts, the State Council, China's Cabinet, approved a 2025-30 national plan for implementing the Montreal Protocol in April, Yu said. The plan provides a comprehensive action guide for strengthening the control of ozone-depleting substances and powerful heat-trapping gases known as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs, while ensuring compliance with national targets, he said.
\n
Ozone-depleting substances are widely used in foam-blowing agents and refrigerants. HFCs are often used as replacements because they do not damage the ozone layer, though they are potent greenhouse gases.
\n
Yu said the National Leading Group for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, established in 1991, has organized a series of meetings to systematically deploy major initiatives and enhance departmental cooperation. Production, sale and use of ozone-depleting substances have been regular targets for law enforcement, and special inspections have been carried out in key industries, he said. A one-on-one support mechanism has also been created to help key regions strengthen compliance and enforcement capabilities, he said.
\n
Tina Birmpili, chief officer of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, praised China's contribution to ozone protection.
\n
"China's engagement in the Montreal Protocol and in the Multilateral Fund is critical for its success, as your industry is shaping markets at a global level," she said.
\n
She added that China's industrial policy and technology strategy, aligned with the protocol, play a significant role in driving technology changes worldwide, including in developing nations classified under Article 5 of the protocol. These countries have relatively low annual consumption of controlled substances.
\n
Birmpili said technology transfer under the multilateral fund has enabled companies in Article 5 countries to better compete internationally and expand production at scale.
\n
"The people of China should be proud that they have been part of a journey that started in 1985 and where we can see the human fingertips in re-establishing balance in nature and averting the collapse of the ozone layer," she said. "I would like to thank you for your commitment and engagement, and I look forward to collaborating with you in the future."
\n
houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China has phased out 628,000 metric tons of ozone-depleting substances, accounting for half of the total reduction by developing countries as of last year, and is expected to phase out another 90,000 tons this year, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.
\n
The information was disclosed at an event in Beijing to mark World Ozone Day, which falls on Sept 16 every year, and the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer — which gave rise to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the institutions around it.
\n
China has achieved the reductions through a combination of economic, technological, legal and administrative measures aimed at eliminating ozone-depleting substances while guiding industries toward green and low-carbon transformation, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Environment Yu Huiwen said at the event.
\n
In one of the country's latest efforts, the State Council, China's Cabinet, approved a 2025-30 national plan for implementing the Montreal Protocol in April, Yu said. The plan provides a comprehensive action guide for strengthening the control of ozone-depleting substances and powerful heat-trapping gases known as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs, while ensuring compliance with national targets, he said.
\n
Ozone-depleting substances are widely used in foam-blowing agents and refrigerants. HFCs are often used as replacements because they do not damage the ozone layer, though they are potent greenhouse gases.
\n
Yu said the National Leading Group for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, established in 1991, has organized a series of meetings to systematically deploy major initiatives and enhance departmental cooperation. Production, sale and use of ozone-depleting substances have been regular targets for law enforcement, and special inspections have been carried out in key industries, he said. A one-on-one support mechanism has also been created to help key regions strengthen compliance and enforcement capabilities, he said.
\n
Tina Birmpili, chief officer of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, praised China's contribution to ozone protection.
\n
"China's engagement in the Montreal Protocol and in the Multilateral Fund is critical for its success, as your industry is shaping markets at a global level," she said.
\n
She added that China's industrial policy and technology strategy, aligned with the protocol, play a significant role in driving technology changes worldwide, including in developing nations classified under Article 5 of the protocol. These countries have relatively low annual consumption of controlled substances.
\n
Birmpili said technology transfer under the multilateral fund has enabled companies in Article 5 countries to better compete internationally and expand production at scale.
\n
"The people of China should be proud that they have been part of a journey that started in 1985 and where we can see the human fingertips in re-establishing balance in nature and averting the collapse of the ozone layer," she said. "I would like to thank you for your commitment and engagement, and I look forward to collaborating with you in the future."
The latest round of China-US economic and trade talks held in Madrid concluded with new results, sending a clear signal that both sides prefer engagement over confrontation.
\n
Through candid, in-depth and constructive communication, the two sides reached a basic framework consensus on resolving issues related to TikTok through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation, according to Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce.
\n
The two sides discussed their respective concerns relating to TikTok and reached a basic agreement regarding its future operations in the US market. That is a major result of the deliberations, and marks a step forward in resolving the issue, which is of concern to the 170 million users of the app in the US.
\n
The Chinese side emphasized its consistent position that the handling of the TikTok issue and other economic matters must follow the principles of fairness, nondiscrimination and respect for market rules. While on its part, the US acknowledged the need for practical solutions that avoid escalation and serve the interests of both countries.
\n
The outcomes of the Madrid talks are the result of continuous engagement under the guidance of the heads of state. By exploring ways to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, the series of meetings have not only put flesh on the bones of that consensus but also demonstrated that cooperation is the correct choice for China and the US.
\n
The progress achieved in their four rounds of economic and trade talks — in Geneva, London, Stockholm and Madrid — once again shows that dialogue and consultation, based on mutual respect and equality, remain the right way for the world's two largest economies to manage their differences. Recalibrating the direction of China-US relations requires the two sides to make joint efforts to steer clear of disturbances, and make good use of their established consultation mechanisms.
\n
China's approach to managing disputes is consistent. While firmly safeguarding the country's legitimate rights and interests, Beijing has always advocated handling disagreements through negotiations on the basis of equality and mutual respect. As Vice-Premier He Lifeng noted, China's determination to defend its development rights remains unwavering, and any negotiations must serve the shared interests of both peoples. The Madrid talks clearly showed that when both parties engage constructively, tangible results can be achieved.
\n
It is equally important that attempts to politicize trade issues should not be allowed to disrupt the exchanges between the two sides. China has voiced its opposition to the US pressing third parties to impose so-called "secondary tariffs" on China over its normal economic activities with other trading partners. Such practices not only go against international trade rules and harm global supply chains, but also risk creating unnecessary frictions. The Madrid talks highlighted the necessity of resisting these disruptive measures and focusing instead on mutually beneficial collaboration.
\n
The constructive atmosphere in Madrid also sends a message to the international community. At a time when the global economy faces downward pressure and uncertainty, coordination between China and the US carries weight far beyond bilateral ties. Stability in the economic relationship between the two giants is essential for global confidence. The progress on TikTok demonstrates that even complex issues can be addressed when both sides commit to dialogue and practical problem-solving.
\n
Looking forward, it is crucial for Beijing and Washington to continue to implement the consensus of the leaders of the two countries and to maintain open channels of communication. The US side should honor its commitments and remove unnecessary negative measures in order to create a favorable environment for cooperation and dialogue.
\n
In the process, the two sides should expand exchanges in relevant fields including foreign affairs, economy and trade, and law enforcement, so as to build greater consensus, further expand their common interests, and deliver more benefits to their people and the world.
\n
The outcomes of the Madrid talks, along with those of the two sides' previous economic and trade talks, show that when China and the US work together, they can achieve positive results.
\n
At this critical juncture, the US should meet China halfway to shoulder their responsibilities as major countries, fulfill their commitments and continue to steer the course of relations toward mutual benefit and win-win results.
\n
The Madrid talks mark another step in that direction. By keeping the larger picture in mind, China and the US can work together to put their economic and trade relations on a stable track. The new outcomes of their talks should serve as a reminder that cooperation, not confrontation, defines the right direction for bilateral economic ties.
Marking a move to bolster trade with China, the Australian government unveiled a plan to enhance domestic exporters' access to the Chinese market on Monday. As trade barriers between the two countries continue to be eased, this measure will help promote bilateral economic cooperation.
\n
The Accessing New Markets Initiative, a two-year plan backed by A$50 million ($33.32 million), encourages farmers, fishers, miners and winemakers to explore the Chinese market, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.
\n
That move once again underscores the pragmatic approach the Australian government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken toward China. Since taking office in 2022, Albanese has opted to improve ties with China, which has been met with a reciprocal response from Beijing. The steadying of bilateral ties since then has brought tangible benefits to both sides. That should prompt the Albanese government to see China more objectively.
\n
However, that pragmatism seems to have its limit.
\n
The latest evidence of that came about two weeks before Canberra unveiled the pro-trade initiative when Australia concluded its largest 15-day joint military exercises with the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea, a de facto move to embolden the Philippines to continue its provocative actions targeting China.
\n
Australia should confront the stark contradiction between its economic interests and its security alignment, as the latter only escalates regional tensions and undermines stability. While benefiting from trade with China, Australia continues to try and sustain the AUKUS arrangement, a US-led mechanism targeting China, and lend support to the Philippines in the South China Sea. Such behavior exposes Australia's implicit calculations to butter both sides of its bread at the same time.
\n
Although China attaches importance to economic and trade relations with Australia, it will under no circumstances tolerate such infringements on its core interests.
\n
China poses no threat to Australia. Canberra must recognize that it is an external party to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea and that its ill-advised security policy serves neither regional peace nor Australia's own strategic credibility. Its two-faced policy toward China is not sustainable in the long run.
\n
The Australian government is urged to develop a rational perception of China as not only Australia's largest trading partner but also a responsible major country committed to promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
\n
Deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries would further unleash the potential of the two sides' economic complementarity and generate shared growth, while strengthening strategic coordination on regional and international affairs would serve their common interests and those of the region.
\n
China has never demanded Australia to choose a side but urges it to uphold its strategic autonomy in handling international relations.
\n
As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Australian free trade agreement, the two countries should maintain close cooperation, continue high-quality implementation of the agreement and jointly conduct a review to identify areas for further improvement or expansion.
\n
To create the necessary conditions to materialize mutually beneficial cooperation in not only economy and trade but also other fields, the Albanese government knows what to do.
\n",
- "content": "
Marking a move to bolster trade with China, the Australian government unveiled a plan to enhance domestic exporters' access to the Chinese market on Monday. As trade barriers between the two countries continue to be eased, this measure will help promote bilateral economic cooperation.
\n
The Accessing New Markets Initiative, a two-year plan backed by A$50 million ($33.32 million), encourages farmers, fishers, miners and winemakers to explore the Chinese market, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.
\n
That move once again underscores the pragmatic approach the Australian government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken toward China. Since taking office in 2022, Albanese has opted to improve ties with China, which has been met with a reciprocal response from Beijing. The steadying of bilateral ties since then has brought tangible benefits to both sides. That should prompt the Albanese government to see China more objectively.
\n
However, that pragmatism seems to have its limit.
\n
The latest evidence of that came about two weeks before Canberra unveiled the pro-trade initiative when Australia concluded its largest 15-day joint military exercises with the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea, a de facto move to embolden the Philippines to continue its provocative actions targeting China.
\n
Australia should confront the stark contradiction between its economic interests and its security alignment, as the latter only escalates regional tensions and undermines stability. While benefiting from trade with China, Australia continues to try and sustain the AUKUS arrangement, a US-led mechanism targeting China, and lend support to the Philippines in the South China Sea. Such behavior exposes Australia's implicit calculations to butter both sides of its bread at the same time.
\n
Although China attaches importance to economic and trade relations with Australia, it will under no circumstances tolerate such infringements on its core interests.
\n
China poses no threat to Australia. Canberra must recognize that it is an external party to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea and that its ill-advised security policy serves neither regional peace nor Australia's own strategic credibility. Its two-faced policy toward China is not sustainable in the long run.
\n
The Australian government is urged to develop a rational perception of China as not only Australia's largest trading partner but also a responsible major country committed to promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
\n
Deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries would further unleash the potential of the two sides' economic complementarity and generate shared growth, while strengthening strategic coordination on regional and international affairs would serve their common interests and those of the region.
\n
China has never demanded Australia to choose a side but urges it to uphold its strategic autonomy in handling international relations.
\n
As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Australian free trade agreement, the two countries should maintain close cooperation, continue high-quality implementation of the agreement and jointly conduct a review to identify areas for further improvement or expansion.
\n
To create the necessary conditions to materialize mutually beneficial cooperation in not only economy and trade but also other fields, the Albanese government knows what to do.
On Monday, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced further antitrust proceedings against Nvidia on finding it had failed to comply with the conditions imposed on its 2020 acquisition of Mellanox and engaged in practices restricting market competition in GPUs and high-performance network equipment.
\n
This followed the Ministry of Commerce's announcement on Saturday that it is carrying out an antidumping investigation into certain analog integrated circuit chips imported from the US, including commodity interface IC chips and gate driver IC chips with process technologies of 40-nanometer and above.
\n
These measures demonstrate China's resolve to protect its core and lawful development interests, uphold market law, and safeguard the legitimate rights of its domestic industries. They also affirm the country's commitment to providing a fair, nondiscriminatory business environment under the rule of law for all foreign enterprises, including those from the United States.
\n
The latest antidumping investigation by the Ministry of Commerce was launched in response to an application by a domestic semiconductor industry association and is in line with China's Anti-Dumping Regulations. Preliminary evidence shows that from 2022 to 2024, US exports of the targeted products to China increased by 37 percent while prices fell by 52 percent, causing severe harm to the Chinese industry. The Ministry of Commerce has stressed that the investigation is lawful, fair and transparent, and that the rights of all parties concerned will be respected.
\n
The antidumping investigation and the antitrust probe should leave no party in any doubt that China will never waver in defending its core, legal development interests. The country has the right and the determination to protect its legitimate industries against unfair practices. Protecting the normal operation of key sectors such as semiconductors is not only vital for China's development, but also for the stability of global supply chains.
\n
At the same time, China remains firmly committed to deepening reform, expanding opening-up, and improving the rule-of-law environment for all enterprises. Multinational companies, including those from the US, will continue to enjoy opportunities in China so long as they operate in compliance with the country's laws and respect market rules.
\n
China's actions are rule-based and not targeted at any specific entity from any particular country or region. They should be understood as lawful measures to ensure fair competition and safeguard the functioning of the market economy. This position is also consistent with China's long-standing call for frictions to be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
\n
At a time when the global economy remains fragile, cooperation rather than confrontation is the only right choice. China and the US, as the world's two largest economies, should steer bilateral economic ties in a stable direction, prudently manage their disputes and focus on areas of cooperation that bring tangible benefits to both peoples.
\n
As the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stressed, the US should stop stretching the concept of national security and imposing exports control and discriminatory measures against Chinese enterprises, violating normal international trade and World Trade Organization rules. US policymakers should realize that politicizing economic and trade issues risks harming not only bilateral economic ties but also the global economy.
\n
What the world needs is confidence, predictability and stability. Major economies providing a fair, transparent and nondiscriminatory environment committed to resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of equality and mutual respect can contribute exactly that.
\n
The antidumping investigation and antitrust probe of the Chinese authorities are thus not signals of confrontation, but demonstrations of China's dual resolve: to defend its core development rights under law, and to remain a dependable partner in building a rules-based, open and cooperative global economy.
\n",
- "content": "
On Monday, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced further antitrust proceedings against Nvidia on finding it had failed to comply with the conditions imposed on its 2020 acquisition of Mellanox and engaged in practices restricting market competition in GPUs and high-performance network equipment.
\n
This followed the Ministry of Commerce's announcement on Saturday that it is carrying out an antidumping investigation into certain analog integrated circuit chips imported from the US, including commodity interface IC chips and gate driver IC chips with process technologies of 40-nanometer and above.
\n
These measures demonstrate China's resolve to protect its core and lawful development interests, uphold market law, and safeguard the legitimate rights of its domestic industries. They also affirm the country's commitment to providing a fair, nondiscriminatory business environment under the rule of law for all foreign enterprises, including those from the United States.
\n
The latest antidumping investigation by the Ministry of Commerce was launched in response to an application by a domestic semiconductor industry association and is in line with China's Anti-Dumping Regulations. Preliminary evidence shows that from 2022 to 2024, US exports of the targeted products to China increased by 37 percent while prices fell by 52 percent, causing severe harm to the Chinese industry. The Ministry of Commerce has stressed that the investigation is lawful, fair and transparent, and that the rights of all parties concerned will be respected.
\n
The antidumping investigation and the antitrust probe should leave no party in any doubt that China will never waver in defending its core, legal development interests. The country has the right and the determination to protect its legitimate industries against unfair practices. Protecting the normal operation of key sectors such as semiconductors is not only vital for China's development, but also for the stability of global supply chains.
\n
At the same time, China remains firmly committed to deepening reform, expanding opening-up, and improving the rule-of-law environment for all enterprises. Multinational companies, including those from the US, will continue to enjoy opportunities in China so long as they operate in compliance with the country's laws and respect market rules.
\n
China's actions are rule-based and not targeted at any specific entity from any particular country or region. They should be understood as lawful measures to ensure fair competition and safeguard the functioning of the market economy. This position is also consistent with China's long-standing call for frictions to be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
\n
At a time when the global economy remains fragile, cooperation rather than confrontation is the only right choice. China and the US, as the world's two largest economies, should steer bilateral economic ties in a stable direction, prudently manage their disputes and focus on areas of cooperation that bring tangible benefits to both peoples.
\n
As the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stressed, the US should stop stretching the concept of national security and imposing exports control and discriminatory measures against Chinese enterprises, violating normal international trade and World Trade Organization rules. US policymakers should realize that politicizing economic and trade issues risks harming not only bilateral economic ties but also the global economy.
\n
What the world needs is confidence, predictability and stability. Major economies providing a fair, transparent and nondiscriminatory environment committed to resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of equality and mutual respect can contribute exactly that.
\n
The antidumping investigation and antitrust probe of the Chinese authorities are thus not signals of confrontation, but demonstrations of China's dual resolve: to defend its core development rights under law, and to remain a dependable partner in building a rules-based, open and cooperative global economy.
Editor's note: Clearing the bottlenecks in domestic circulation and effectively responding to external impacts will be critical for promoting high-quality development during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. Hai Wen, former vice-president of Peking University, spoke to the Securities Times on these issues. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n
The pressure on consumption is not due to a lack of macro-level policy support but weak investment sentiment, particularly among private enterprises. That, in turn, has constrained job creation, undermined income expectations and dampened consumption, which depends not only on current income but also on expectations of future earnings.
\n
The key to increasing demand lies in employment, which in turn requires the growth and vitality of private enterprises. Private businesses contribute over 80 percent of urban employment, especially in the service sector where they provide flexible and diverse job opportunities. Only when private enterprises are willing and able to invest with confidence can employment and incomes stabilize.
\n
Although macro policies have been accommodative, fixed-asset investment by the private sector has remained subdued. The main reason is the aforementioned sentiment among private entrepreneurs as well as the disruptive practices such as arbitrary fines by certain local governments in some places, and the underdevelopment of a level playing field for private and State-owned enterprises in terms of market access and competition.
\n
To address the challenge of insufficient demand during the next five years, policymakers must place greater emphasis on supporting the private economy. It is important to foster a rule-of-law business environment, in which the functional boundaries between State-owned and private enterprises are clarified. In sectors where the two compete, private enterprises must be treated as equals.
\n
China is at a critical juncture as it shifts from old growth drivers to new ones. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, are improving productivity but also pose the risk of displacing low- and mid-skilled jobs. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, it will be vital to align the employment-first policy with industrial upgrading.
\n
The government should avoid impractical industrial planning that risks creating bubbles. And stronger efforts should be made to provide reskilling and retraining programs to help workers adapt to the changing labor market.
\n
During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China should further leverage the role of private enterprises in advancing high-level opening-up, particularly by supporting their overseas expansion. In recent years, Chinese private enterprises have accelerated the "going global" strategy and achieved marked growth in overseas operations. Amid external uncertainties, Chinese private enterprises must give greater weight to the diversification of their international markets. For instance, they could engage more deeply with countries and emerging markets involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
\n
Thanks to their market-driven flexibility, many private enterprises have already performed well in adjusting strategies and diversifying their markets. Going forward, Chinese enterprises must be more mindful of balancing their own development with the interests of host countries. This includes creating local jobs, contributing to tax revenues, sharing technology and managerial expertise and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Only by building such win-win communities can Chinese enterprises establish long-term roots abroad and ensure sustainable global growth.
\n",
@@ -10411,28 +11423,6 @@
"hash": "218f11fe6c591dcba3cdccb3a0dcaee3",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "009CHINA - Is SCO poised for an economic breakthrough?",
- "description": "\n
On Sept 1, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization wrapped up its largest summit ever in the bustling Chinese port city of Tianjin, which impressed the world with its energy, modernity and flawless organization of the event, showing what it takes to host a truly global gathering.
\n
But the deeper question is: Can Tianjin inspire the SCO to also achieve its bold economic ambitions?
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As the SCO approaches its 25th anniversary next year, its trajectory is clear. In just a quarter of a century, it has transformed from a regional initiative into a force of global relevance. The transformation has been driven by the 10 member states, which are committed to building a new kind of partnership rooted in the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual respect and equality.
\n
Today, the "SCO community" spans 27 countries — 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners — covering a quarter of Earth's land that is home to nearly half of the world's population.
\n
Economically, the SCO speaks with gravitas: its member states account for about 24 percent of global GDP, growing at an average of 5.5 percent a year. Two guiding principles underpin this progress.
\n
First, the SCO has never projected itself as being against any country or bloc. It is not an alliance, not based on ideology, and not confrontational. From the start, it has worked with, not against, other international organizations, especially the United Nations.
\n
Second, every decision in the SCO is made by consensus. The process may not always be fast, but it ensures fairness and inclusion — and it creates unity. As Confucius said, the noble find harmony in differences, the petty quarrel even in agreement.
\n
The adoption of the SCO Development Strategy up to 2035 at the Tianjin summit was a landmark move, and sent out a clear message: the SCO does not aspire to become a military alliance or a supranational economic union. Instead, it will chart its own course. Still, critics argue that after 24 years, the SCO's trade and economic results are modest. Their point seems valid, and should prompt the SCO to promote innovation and achieve breakthrough solutions.
\n
And breakthroughs are desperately needed in these times. Eurasia, the SCO's heartland, is now a region for massive economic initiatives. So the SCO cannot remain on the sidelines and, instead, should use practical, effective tools to promote economic cooperation.
\n
The SCO already has numerous cooperation mechanisms at the level of ministers or heads of different government departments, more than half of which are devoted to trade and commerce. Yet policies and programs alone are not enough. There is a need for more agreements like the 2014 "intergovernmental agreement on creating favorable conditions for international road transport", which mapped six transcontinental routes from China's Lianyungang to Russia's Kaliningrad. A bold vision yet to be fully realized.
\n
Beyond governments, SCO institutions such as the Business Council and Interbank Consortium are working to foster business ties and attract more capital. The intent is commendable, but the impact so far remains limited. What could make the difference? Real, mutually beneficial, on-the-ground projects.
\n
The SCO's Economic Development Strategy up to 2030 highlights initiatives like the green economic region platform, and a unified SCO tourism brand. Negotiations are on to streamline trade procedures, too. Turning these ideas into reality must begin now.
\n
Equally crucial is finance. For nearly two decades, the idea of an "SCO Development Bank" was being debated. Tianjin changed that. Leaders made the political decision to move forward with its creation. Negotiations on how the bank will function are next. In a world of fragmented economies and exclusive "club" trade groups, the SCO needs its own financial engine, and it needs it soon. At the same time, lessons learned from BRICS and other multilateral organizations need to be taken into account to avoid familiar pitfalls.
\n
Yet the SCO has quietly built one of the largest regional cooperation systems in the world. Since its motto is win-win progress, countries of different sizes and systems can not only coexist but also thrive together in the SCO.
\n
The message from Tianjin is clear: The conditions for an economic breakthrough are ready and the political will is there. If will turns into action, the SCO will have a long, distinguished and influential future.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
- "content": "\n
On Sept 1, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization wrapped up its largest summit ever in the bustling Chinese port city of Tianjin, which impressed the world with its energy, modernity and flawless organization of the event, showing what it takes to host a truly global gathering.
\n
But the deeper question is: Can Tianjin inspire the SCO to also achieve its bold economic ambitions?
\n
As the SCO approaches its 25th anniversary next year, its trajectory is clear. In just a quarter of a century, it has transformed from a regional initiative into a force of global relevance. The transformation has been driven by the 10 member states, which are committed to building a new kind of partnership rooted in the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual respect and equality.
\n
Today, the "SCO community" spans 27 countries — 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners — covering a quarter of Earth's land that is home to nearly half of the world's population.
\n
Economically, the SCO speaks with gravitas: its member states account for about 24 percent of global GDP, growing at an average of 5.5 percent a year. Two guiding principles underpin this progress.
\n
First, the SCO has never projected itself as being against any country or bloc. It is not an alliance, not based on ideology, and not confrontational. From the start, it has worked with, not against, other international organizations, especially the United Nations.
\n
Second, every decision in the SCO is made by consensus. The process may not always be fast, but it ensures fairness and inclusion — and it creates unity. As Confucius said, the noble find harmony in differences, the petty quarrel even in agreement.
\n
The adoption of the SCO Development Strategy up to 2035 at the Tianjin summit was a landmark move, and sent out a clear message: the SCO does not aspire to become a military alliance or a supranational economic union. Instead, it will chart its own course. Still, critics argue that after 24 years, the SCO's trade and economic results are modest. Their point seems valid, and should prompt the SCO to promote innovation and achieve breakthrough solutions.
\n
And breakthroughs are desperately needed in these times. Eurasia, the SCO's heartland, is now a region for massive economic initiatives. So the SCO cannot remain on the sidelines and, instead, should use practical, effective tools to promote economic cooperation.
\n
The SCO already has numerous cooperation mechanisms at the level of ministers or heads of different government departments, more than half of which are devoted to trade and commerce. Yet policies and programs alone are not enough. There is a need for more agreements like the 2014 "intergovernmental agreement on creating favorable conditions for international road transport", which mapped six transcontinental routes from China's Lianyungang to Russia's Kaliningrad. A bold vision yet to be fully realized.
\n
Beyond governments, SCO institutions such as the Business Council and Interbank Consortium are working to foster business ties and attract more capital. The intent is commendable, but the impact so far remains limited. What could make the difference? Real, mutually beneficial, on-the-ground projects.
\n
The SCO's Economic Development Strategy up to 2030 highlights initiatives like the green economic region platform, and a unified SCO tourism brand. Negotiations are on to streamline trade procedures, too. Turning these ideas into reality must begin now.
\n
Equally crucial is finance. For nearly two decades, the idea of an "SCO Development Bank" was being debated. Tianjin changed that. Leaders made the political decision to move forward with its creation. Negotiations on how the bank will function are next. In a world of fragmented economies and exclusive "club" trade groups, the SCO needs its own financial engine, and it needs it soon. At the same time, lessons learned from BRICS and other multilateral organizations need to be taken into account to avoid familiar pitfalls.
\n
Yet the SCO has quietly built one of the largest regional cooperation systems in the world. Since its motto is win-win progress, countries of different sizes and systems can not only coexist but also thrive together in the SCO.
\n
The message from Tianjin is clear: The conditions for an economic breakthrough are ready and the political will is there. If will turns into action, the SCO will have a long, distinguished and influential future.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
Around the world, efforts to protect critical marine ecosystems increasingly highlight the need to balance ecological preservation with economic development.
\n
As the importance of ocean health has come to be viewed as a key factor of resilience to climate change, and for promoting global trade and ensuring food security, Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, in partnership with China, has initiated a new era of cooperation in line with the blue economy.
\n
The oceans, covering 71 percent of Earth's surface, are also home to 90 percent of its biodiversity. They provide more than half of Earth's oxygen, support more than 3 billion people, help transport more than 80 percent of global traded goods, and carry 98 percent of global internet traffic through submarine cables. Apart from their tremendous ecological value, the oceans are also indispensable drivers of labor, innovation and economic growth. Yet they are facing unprecedented pressure due to climate change, overuse, pollution and habitat destruction.
\n
The OECD's report, "The Ocean Economy to 2050", provides a detailed overview of the global value and future path of this crucial sector. Within the context of an integrated global economy, the ocean economy is estimated to be the fifth-largest, contributing 3-4 percent to the world's GDP while sustaining 133 million full-time equivalent jobs.
\n
Based on the 1995-2020 time frame, gross value addition from this sector is estimated to have doubled in nominal terms, from $1.3 trillion to $2.6 trillion. Importantly, more than three-quarters of this increase can be attributed to the Asia-Pacific alone, with 56 percent of it coming from East Asia.
\n
Currently, the industries that most typify this sector are dual in nature: marine and coastal tourism, and offshore extraction of oil and gas, which, although creating massive economic output, employ relatively few people. Sectors like offshore renewable energy and green shipping, too, are evolving from a smaller base.
\n
For Indonesia, such figures represent both challenges and possibilities. For its vast potential of blue economy, Jakarta has carefully sought alliances based on sustainable development. In particular, an event in November 2024, at which Indonesian Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding on deepening blue economy cooperation in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
\n
Reflecting the two sides' shared goal of sustainably developing the seas and oceans, the MoU contains a vast range of strategic sectors: renewable energy sources derived from the seas, such as tidal, solar and wind energy; sustainable aquaculture and fishing; maritime destinations as a form of tourism; downstream seafood and marine biopharmaceutical processing; and ship and dock facilities and port development.
\n
The collaboration highlights Indonesia's vision of developing a sustainable and productive blue economy by tapping into China's technological capabilities and green development goals, and is aligned with global efforts, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve "life below water".
\n
The two countries are collectively better placed to address major environmental issues as well as realize their economic development goals. As a classic case of bilateral cooperation, the collaboration has the overarching vision of improving global maritime governance by simultaneously pursuing and achieving economic development and preserving the marine ecosystem. The OECD report highlights the fact that past growth patterns cannot be perpetuated ad infinitum.
\n
The impacts of climate change are worsening, with the rise in sea levels, ocean acidity, changes in fish stocks, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events already becoming a heavy burden on people in coastal areas. The report also said that multifactor productivity has decreased in more than half of the ocean-related industries, indicating that the promise of digitalization and automation has not yet been fulfilled. Without collective efforts, the ocean economy could see a sharp slowdown and even decline in the next decades.
\n
Indonesia's geographical location is of strategic importance. With 70 percent of its landmass being maritime areas, the economic, cultural and social future of the country is tied to the health of the oceans. Based on the OECD's expertise and the success of Indonesia's blue economy program with China, four strategic objectives come into focus.
\n
First, there is a need to strengthen ocean governance by using science-based marine spatial planning, expanding protected marine sites, and reducing subsidies that encourage overfishing.
\n
Second, collective efforts are required to promote technological innovation and digitalization across all ocean sectors, including smart fishing fleets, automated port logistics and offshore renewable energy facilities.
\n
Third, the areas and capability of research in oceans have to be widened and strengthened through increased mapping of seabed, strengthening monitoring networks, and increasing access to marine data.
\n
And fourth, the integration of developing countries into global ocean value chains should be expedited, and overarching principles of conservation and sustainable use of ocean established.
\n
The China-Indonesia collaboration is a pragmatic way of achieving these priority goals.
\n
The stakes in the China-Indonesia collaboration are high, but so are the rewards. The oceans are more than commercial shipping lanes and sources of seafood; they are a dynamic and thriving system supporting diverse communities, cultures and economies.
\n
The choices the world makes in the next few years will determine whether the ocean economy of 2050 remains a driver of shared prosperity or becomes a tragic case of lost potential. As such, by choosing a path informed by scientific understanding, China and Indonesia can lead a revolution that would ensure the oceans continue to provide sustenance for human beings.
\n
By taking decisive actions, the two countries can create a model for an inclusive and productive ocean economy, as well as strike an environmental balance. Indonesia and China, by coordinating their efforts, are best placed to make the blue economy a model of resilience and cooperation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the oceans.
\n
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n",
@@ -10455,28 +11445,6 @@
"hash": "7cca7639928e92405ea9dbc6cfeb0b90",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "009CHINA - GGI will help make world a better place",
- "description": "\n
President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, held in Tianjin on Aug 31 and Sept 1. The GGI is China's strategic response to the current international political and security situation, and will contribute Chinese wisdom to resolving international governance issues.
\n
All countries, rich and poor, big and small, are victims of traditional and non-traditional security threats including cross-border crimes, cyberattacks, terrorism, trade protectionism, climate change, environmental degradation and pandemics. The GGI is designed to help tackle these issues.
\n
While implementing the GGI, first and foremost, it is imperative to adhere to the postwar world order based on international laws and the UN Charter. Since the global status of countries is not static, the world order, which reflects these changes, cannot be rigid either, more so because the Global South is rising in terms of both economic strength and overall influence.
\n
With the peaceful rise of China and other emerging economies, and the intensification of major-power competition, the United States-led G7, too, has begun to advocate a so-called "rules-based international order".
\n
But what are these "rules"? Who defines and formulates them? Apparently, the G7-proposed "rules-based world order" is often designed to break free from the constraints of international law and the UN Charter in the interest of the "rich countries' club".
\n
There should be only one world order that is based on international law and the UN Charter.
\n
Second, North-South cooperation must be vigorously promoted, and both developed and developing countries should deepen cooperation, so as to improve global governance. But in the process of deepening cooperation, all parties should abide by the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". The word "common" means that all countries should jointly share the responsibilities, while the word "differentiated" means that different countries should bear the responsibilities according to the level of their economic development. Therefore, developed countries, instead of shying away from their responsibilities, should leverage their advantages in capital and technology to assist developing countries.
\n
Third, there is a need to always uphold multilateralism. Global issues pose a challenge to almost all countries and could even imperil the well-being of people across the world. Hence, all countries should uphold multilateralism while addressing these issues.
\n
In essence, multilateralism helps us handle international affairs with openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation, on the basis of mutual benefit and the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence". Multilateralism emphasizes that all countries are equal, irrespective of their size, economic status and military power, while embodying the democratization of international relations as the core concept of the existing international system.
\n
And fourth, academics need to offer effective intellectual support for implementing the GGI. Global governance is both a theoretical and practical issue. For policymakers, down-to-earth ideas or solutions are more important than empty theoretical analysis and conceptual research.
\n
Besides, research on global governance can be divided into many sub-areas including global artificial intelligence governance, global climate governance, global development governance, global digital governance, global economic governance, global environmental governance, global financial governance, global health governance, global internet governance, global intellectual property governance, global maritime governance, global security governance, global space governance, global trade governance, global tax governance, and global human rights governance.
\n
Discussions on global governance in the general sense should promote shared development and win-win cooperation, with the aim of resolving complex global issues. We need to keep trying to resolve the complex challenges, especially because the GGI will now help us do so and make the world a better place to live.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
\n",
- "content": "\n
President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, held in Tianjin on Aug 31 and Sept 1. The GGI is China's strategic response to the current international political and security situation, and will contribute Chinese wisdom to resolving international governance issues.
\n
All countries, rich and poor, big and small, are victims of traditional and non-traditional security threats including cross-border crimes, cyberattacks, terrorism, trade protectionism, climate change, environmental degradation and pandemics. The GGI is designed to help tackle these issues.
\n
While implementing the GGI, first and foremost, it is imperative to adhere to the postwar world order based on international laws and the UN Charter. Since the global status of countries is not static, the world order, which reflects these changes, cannot be rigid either, more so because the Global South is rising in terms of both economic strength and overall influence.
\n
With the peaceful rise of China and other emerging economies, and the intensification of major-power competition, the United States-led G7, too, has begun to advocate a so-called "rules-based international order".
\n
But what are these "rules"? Who defines and formulates them? Apparently, the G7-proposed "rules-based world order" is often designed to break free from the constraints of international law and the UN Charter in the interest of the "rich countries' club".
\n
There should be only one world order that is based on international law and the UN Charter.
\n
Second, North-South cooperation must be vigorously promoted, and both developed and developing countries should deepen cooperation, so as to improve global governance. But in the process of deepening cooperation, all parties should abide by the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". The word "common" means that all countries should jointly share the responsibilities, while the word "differentiated" means that different countries should bear the responsibilities according to the level of their economic development. Therefore, developed countries, instead of shying away from their responsibilities, should leverage their advantages in capital and technology to assist developing countries.
\n
Third, there is a need to always uphold multilateralism. Global issues pose a challenge to almost all countries and could even imperil the well-being of people across the world. Hence, all countries should uphold multilateralism while addressing these issues.
\n
In essence, multilateralism helps us handle international affairs with openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation, on the basis of mutual benefit and the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence". Multilateralism emphasizes that all countries are equal, irrespective of their size, economic status and military power, while embodying the democratization of international relations as the core concept of the existing international system.
\n
And fourth, academics need to offer effective intellectual support for implementing the GGI. Global governance is both a theoretical and practical issue. For policymakers, down-to-earth ideas or solutions are more important than empty theoretical analysis and conceptual research.
\n
Besides, research on global governance can be divided into many sub-areas including global artificial intelligence governance, global climate governance, global development governance, global digital governance, global economic governance, global environmental governance, global financial governance, global health governance, global internet governance, global intellectual property governance, global maritime governance, global security governance, global space governance, global trade governance, global tax governance, and global human rights governance.
\n
Discussions on global governance in the general sense should promote shared development and win-win cooperation, with the aim of resolving complex global issues. We need to keep trying to resolve the complex challenges, especially because the GGI will now help us do so and make the world a better place to live.
\n
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
Youssef Al-Dobeay (2nd from right), assistant secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, speaks at a news conference during the emergency summit in Doha on Monday.
\n
Israel launched an intensive ground offensive into Gaza City on Tuesday as it gained "unwavering support" from the United States to crush Hamas, defying calls from an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Monday, which strongly condemned recent Israeli attacks on Qatar-hosted Hamas officials heading for Gaza ceasefire talks.
\n
"Gaza is burning," Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday, adding the military was striking "with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure".
\n
"We have launched a significant operation in Gaza," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed later at a court in Tel Aviv.
\n
Local media reported Israeli tanks had entered Gaza City following massive airstrikes, and residents said Israeli bombardment had increased dramatically over the past two days. Naval vessels have joined in the operation, leaving more civilians dead and injured.
\n
On Tuesday, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, citing a pattern of genocidal conduct by Israeli officials and civilians.
\n
In its report, the commission urged Israel and all states to fulfill their legal obligations under international law "to end the genocide and punish those responsible for it".
\n
"The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza," said Navi Pillay, chair of the commission.
\n
She added it "is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention", including killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of the Palestinians.
\n
In a post on X, Israel's Foreign Ministry rejected the report and called for the immediate abolition of this commission of inquiry.
\n
Ahmad Ghouri, an associate professor at the School of Law, Politics and Sociology at the University of Sussex in Britain, told China Daily that the report is "a significant legal and moral finding, and it places pressure on governments and institutions worldwide to respond".
\n
The new Israeli aggression came one day after the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held a joint emergency summit in Doha, which brought together nearly 60 countries and sought to take firm action after Israel's attack last week.
\n
Reviewing relations
\n
The final communique urged "all states to take all possible legal and effective measures to prevent Israel from continuing its actions against the Palestinian people", including "reviewing diplomatic and economic relations with it, and initiating legal proceedings against it".
\n
It also urged member states to "coordinate efforts aimed at suspending Israel's membership in the United Nations".
\n
The leaders reiterated support for Palestinian statehood based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, welcomed an upcoming UN conference on the implementation of the two-state solution in New York, and praised Qatar's role in mediation, humanitarian aid and fostering Arab and Islamic unity.
\n
The host country's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said the summit sends a clear message in the face of Israel's "state terrorism".
\n
"Whoever works diligently and systematically to assassinate the party with whom he is negotiating, intends to thwart the negotiations," the emir said, adding that Netanyahu is dreaming of making the Arab region "an Israeli sphere of influence".
\n
Talking of Israeli strikes against Doha, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, "Tomorrow, it could be the turn of any Arab or Islamic capital." Iran fought back Israeli and US aggression for 12 days in June before securing a ceasefire.
\n
The Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, also met on the sidelines of the summit, urging the US to use its "leverage and influence" to rein in Israel, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said.
\n
Consultations were underway among the bloc's military bodies to build up "Gulf deterrent capabilities", with a meeting of the group's Unified Military Command set to take place soon in Doha, said Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman.
\n
The Israeli attack on Doha strained ties between Washington and key allies in the Gulf, raising concerns over US security guarantees in a region housing major US assets, including a major military base in Qatar.
\n
However, during a joint news conference with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed Israel's new offensive on Gaza City and the goal of eradicating Hamas.
\n
"You can count on our unwavering support," he told Netanyahu.
\n
On his way to Doha from Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Rubio said the US and Qatar are on the verge of finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, without elaborating.
\n
He also called on Qatar to continue its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire, saying there was "a very short window of time in which a deal could happen".
",
@@ -10499,28 +11467,6 @@
"hash": "5ea19060f86a2e9c9ed2c1efc930363c",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "010WORLD - Australian groups showcase confidence at Beijing fair",
- "description": "
A visitor poses for a picture at Australia's pavilion during this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing on Sept 10.
\n
Major Australian enterprises and professional organizations have reaffirmed the importance of the Chinese market, with the service trade sector's role in bilateral economic ties and development lauded at a global industry fair in Beijing.
\n
Australia was the guest country of honor at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, or CIFTIS, held in Beijing from Sept 10 to 14, with leading Australian brands and groups among the country's delegation to the event.
\n
Dale Pinto, president and chairman of the board for professional accounting body CPA Australia, said CIFTIS is recognized as "China's leading exhibition in its sector and stands among the most significant and wide-ranging trade events globally".
\n
This year's fair "fostered an open, collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, creating valuable business opportunities for both international exhibitors and visitors", Pinto said.
\n
The event "continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening trade ties between China and Australia through targeted business matchmaking and promotional initiatives, deepening mutual understanding and forging stronger connections between our communities", he said.
\n
CIFTIS offers CPA Australia "a powerful platform for direct engagement, fostering cooperation and advancing sustainable development, particularly within the accounting and financial services sectors", he added.
\n
The event enables it to connect with local associations, businesses and professionals, cultivating valuable partnerships through a range of key activities, he said. "Our strategy is closely aligned with China's priorities, particularly in digital transformation, talent development and internationalization."
\n
Major growth areas for Australia-China partnerships include significant expansion in service exports and opportunities in knowledge-intensive services, amid challenges such as macroeconomic fluctuations, geopolitical tensions and other global uncertainties, Pinto said.
\n
On Sept 10, the overseas session of CIFTIS was unveiled in Melbourne, underscoring Australia's important role as the guest country of honor at this year's fair.
\n
At the event, Xie Zhibin, deputy general manager of the Bank of China Sydney Branch, said: "Australia's services sector is not only one of the pillars of the national economy but also the fastest-growing segment.
\n
"The sector covers finance, transportation, healthcare, education, tourism, professional services and information technology. It has a profound impact on local employment while offering broad opportunities for international cooperation," he said.
\n
As a global partner of CIFTIS, the bank has served as a bridge to help enterprises from both countries explore new opportunities for cooperation, with the Sydney branch forming long-term and stable partnerships across key industries, Xie said.
\n
Tourism ties
\n
Nick Henderson, regional general manager for China at Tourism Australia, the government agency responsible for attracting international visitors to leisure and business events, told China Daily, "Through tourism, we have very strong people-to-people connections with China, and during the five days of the event, our focus has been very much on further reinforcing our deep tourism ties.
\n
"In the past, we have found that having a tourism presence here has been extremely valuable to the work that we do in promoting Australia as a world-class destination for Chinese travelers," Henderson said, adding that the Chinese market "is of vital importance to the future of Australian tourism".
\n
Tom King, managing director of Australian wine label Penfolds, which is under the Treasury Wine Estates group, said China "plays a very important role" in Treasury Wine Estates and Penfolds' global strategy, with the market "serving as an important growth engine but also as one of our key sourcing regions".
\n
Penfolds' presence at CIFTIS underscores its "commitment and confidence in China as a long-term growth opportunity", with the fair serving as a "vital platform for promoting trade, investment and global cooperation", offering "a direct channel to connect with customers, partners, and other key industry and government stakeholders", he said.
\n
"CIFTIS also enables us to gain valuable insights into China's evolving market trends and preferences."
\n
This year's CIFTIS saw Treasury Wine Estates formalize a memorandum of understanding with Adelaide University, "which will create new opportunities for the younger generation of winemakers and wine sector professionals", King said, adding that the move involves a China-Australia winemaker immersion program.
\n
"We remain excited by the continued opportunities for our business in China and look forward to future growth and development alongside our local partners," he said.
A visitor poses for a picture at Australia's pavilion during this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing on Sept 10.
\n
Major Australian enterprises and professional organizations have reaffirmed the importance of the Chinese market, with the service trade sector's role in bilateral economic ties and development lauded at a global industry fair in Beijing.
\n
Australia was the guest country of honor at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, or CIFTIS, held in Beijing from Sept 10 to 14, with leading Australian brands and groups among the country's delegation to the event.
\n
Dale Pinto, president and chairman of the board for professional accounting body CPA Australia, said CIFTIS is recognized as "China's leading exhibition in its sector and stands among the most significant and wide-ranging trade events globally".
\n
This year's fair "fostered an open, collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, creating valuable business opportunities for both international exhibitors and visitors", Pinto said.
\n
The event "continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening trade ties between China and Australia through targeted business matchmaking and promotional initiatives, deepening mutual understanding and forging stronger connections between our communities", he said.
\n
CIFTIS offers CPA Australia "a powerful platform for direct engagement, fostering cooperation and advancing sustainable development, particularly within the accounting and financial services sectors", he added.
\n
The event enables it to connect with local associations, businesses and professionals, cultivating valuable partnerships through a range of key activities, he said. "Our strategy is closely aligned with China's priorities, particularly in digital transformation, talent development and internationalization."
\n
Major growth areas for Australia-China partnerships include significant expansion in service exports and opportunities in knowledge-intensive services, amid challenges such as macroeconomic fluctuations, geopolitical tensions and other global uncertainties, Pinto said.
\n
On Sept 10, the overseas session of CIFTIS was unveiled in Melbourne, underscoring Australia's important role as the guest country of honor at this year's fair.
\n
At the event, Xie Zhibin, deputy general manager of the Bank of China Sydney Branch, said: "Australia's services sector is not only one of the pillars of the national economy but also the fastest-growing segment.
\n
"The sector covers finance, transportation, healthcare, education, tourism, professional services and information technology. It has a profound impact on local employment while offering broad opportunities for international cooperation," he said.
\n
As a global partner of CIFTIS, the bank has served as a bridge to help enterprises from both countries explore new opportunities for cooperation, with the Sydney branch forming long-term and stable partnerships across key industries, Xie said.
\n
Tourism ties
\n
Nick Henderson, regional general manager for China at Tourism Australia, the government agency responsible for attracting international visitors to leisure and business events, told China Daily, "Through tourism, we have very strong people-to-people connections with China, and during the five days of the event, our focus has been very much on further reinforcing our deep tourism ties.
\n
"In the past, we have found that having a tourism presence here has been extremely valuable to the work that we do in promoting Australia as a world-class destination for Chinese travelers," Henderson said, adding that the Chinese market "is of vital importance to the future of Australian tourism".
\n
Tom King, managing director of Australian wine label Penfolds, which is under the Treasury Wine Estates group, said China "plays a very important role" in Treasury Wine Estates and Penfolds' global strategy, with the market "serving as an important growth engine but also as one of our key sourcing regions".
\n
Penfolds' presence at CIFTIS underscores its "commitment and confidence in China as a long-term growth opportunity", with the fair serving as a "vital platform for promoting trade, investment and global cooperation", offering "a direct channel to connect with customers, partners, and other key industry and government stakeholders", he said.
\n
"CIFTIS also enables us to gain valuable insights into China's evolving market trends and preferences."
\n
This year's CIFTIS saw Treasury Wine Estates formalize a memorandum of understanding with Adelaide University, "which will create new opportunities for the younger generation of winemakers and wine sector professionals", King said, adding that the move involves a China-Australia winemaker immersion program.
\n
"We remain excited by the continued opportunities for our business in China and look forward to future growth and development alongside our local partners," he said.
African countries are ramping up efforts to mobilize domestic funding to fill a looming shortfall in health financing following the rapid withdrawal of foreign aid from the United States.
\n
This comes amid warnings from experts that the funding crisis risks reversing decades of progress and harming women and children who are more vulnerable.
\n
Modeled estimates on cuts to the US Agency for International Development suggest that the reduction in financial support could result in 14 million deaths globally by 2030, including 4.5 million children under 5.
\n
Rajat Khosla, executive director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health — the world's largest alliance dedicated to the health of women, children and adolescents — cautioned that maternal mortality could rise by 25 percent, under-5 mortality by 23 percent and stillbirths by 13 percent over the next 15 years.
\n
"This translates to a tidal wave of human loss, 510,000 additional maternal deaths, 500,000 deaths from loss of family planning services, 7.9 million child deaths and 1.8 million stillbirths," Khosla said.
\n
Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa's health minister, said US aid cuts threaten to draw back decades of gains.
\n
"These cuts disproportionately harm those who are least responsible for fiscal shortfalls," he said at a recent webinar, urging governments to increase national health budgets and protect allocations for women, children and adolescents.
\n
Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, linked the crisis to Africa's fragmented health financing, weak financial management and the failure to prioritize health in national budgets.
\n
"Low- and middle-income countries are grappling with competing priorities. We need a change of mindset, a policy shift and strong political will, or risk plunging into a global financial crisis of unprecedented scale," Kaseya warned.
\n
To address the challenge, the Africa CDC has prioritized implementation of the Lusaka Agenda, an African Union-endorsed collective blueprint for the continent's health sovereignty and sustainable investment in health.
\n
As part of the plan, the Africa CDC is deploying 10 public finance management specialists in priority countries to strengthen domestic health financing and improve budget execution.
\n
Africa's health crisis is compounded by projections that Official Development Assistance — the internationally recognized form of government aid for promoting development and welfare in poorer countries — will decline by $31 billion this year because of a combination of budget cuts and slowing GDP growth.
\n
Cushioning methods
\n
Amid the grim outlook, African countries are already resorting to their own kitty to plug into the shortfalls of the aid cuts.
\n
South Africa has reallocated more than $43 million to cushion donor withdrawals, while Nigeria mobilized $200 million in its 2025 budget after US aid cuts.
\n
"The current situation demands bold, coordinated action," Minister Motsoaledi said. "We must act with urgency, clarity and conviction."
\n
South African health leaders have also echoed the call for greater domestic resource mobilization.
\n
Helen Rees, executive director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute in Johannesburg, said many countries were unprepared for the sudden freeze in funding.
\n
"We have to use our own budget mechanisms and think innovatively about funding health programs," Rees said, pointing to options such as sugar and tobacco taxes, blended finance, and stronger collaboration with BRICS countries.
David Brenneman, director of collections and exhibitions at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, United States, talks about Jackson Pollock's painting Number 1A, 1948 on display at the museum in 2011.
\n
NEW YORK — Scientists have identified the origins of the blue color in one of Jackson Pollock's paintings with a little help from chemistry, confirming for the first time that the pioneering United States painter — widely regarded as a leading figure in the abstract expressionist movement — used a vibrant, synthetic pigment known as manganese blue.
\n
Number 1A, 1948 showcases Pollock's classic style: paint has been dripped and splattered across the canvas, creating a vivid, multicolored work. Pollock even gave the piece a personal touch, adding his handprints near the top.
\n
The painting, currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, is almost 2.7 meters wide. Scientists had previously characterized the reds and yellows splattered across the canvas, but the source of the rich turquoise blue proved elusive.
\n
In a new study, researchers took scrapings of the blue paint and used lasers to scatter light and measure how the paint's molecules vibrated. That gave them a unique chemical fingerprint for the color, which they pinpointed as manganese blue.
\n
The analysis, published on Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first confirmed evidence of Pollock using this specific blue.
\n
"It's really interesting to understand where some striking color comes from on a molecular level," said study co-author Edward Solomon at Stanford University.
\n
The pigment manganese blue was once used by artists, as well as to color the cement for swimming pools. It was phased out by the 1990s because of environmental concerns.
\n
Previous research had suggested the turquoise from the painting could indeed be this color, but the new study confirms it using samples from the canvas, said Rutgers University's Gene Hall, who has studied Pollock's paintings and was not involved with the discovery.
\n
"I'm pretty convinced that it could be manganese blue," Hall said.
\n",
- "content": "
David Brenneman, director of collections and exhibitions at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, United States, talks about Jackson Pollock's painting Number 1A, 1948 on display at the museum in 2011.
\n
NEW YORK — Scientists have identified the origins of the blue color in one of Jackson Pollock's paintings with a little help from chemistry, confirming for the first time that the pioneering United States painter — widely regarded as a leading figure in the abstract expressionist movement — used a vibrant, synthetic pigment known as manganese blue.
\n
Number 1A, 1948 showcases Pollock's classic style: paint has been dripped and splattered across the canvas, creating a vivid, multicolored work. Pollock even gave the piece a personal touch, adding his handprints near the top.
\n
The painting, currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, is almost 2.7 meters wide. Scientists had previously characterized the reds and yellows splattered across the canvas, but the source of the rich turquoise blue proved elusive.
\n
In a new study, researchers took scrapings of the blue paint and used lasers to scatter light and measure how the paint's molecules vibrated. That gave them a unique chemical fingerprint for the color, which they pinpointed as manganese blue.
\n
The analysis, published on Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first confirmed evidence of Pollock using this specific blue.
\n
"It's really interesting to understand where some striking color comes from on a molecular level," said study co-author Edward Solomon at Stanford University.
\n
The pigment manganese blue was once used by artists, as well as to color the cement for swimming pools. It was phased out by the 1990s because of environmental concerns.
\n
Previous research had suggested the turquoise from the painting could indeed be this color, but the new study confirms it using samples from the canvas, said Rutgers University's Gene Hall, who has studied Pollock's paintings and was not involved with the discovery.
\n
"I'm pretty convinced that it could be manganese blue," Hall said.
Police officers carry out security searches outside the Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, on Monday, ahead of the state visit of US President Donald Trump.
\n
United States President Donald Trump was due to arrive in the United Kingdom on Tuesday for an unprecedented second state visit, with police saying they have prepared for "every eventuality" in their security operation.
\n
The president and first lady Melania Trump are being hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, the historic royal residence, about 40 kilometers west of London.
\n
On Wednesday, the president will be treated to the customary display of full royal pageantry, including a carriage procession and state banquet. On Thursday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Trump at Chequers, his countryside retreat in Buckinghamshire, northwest of London.
\n
Police in the UK say they are "content" with their security plans and are prepared to respond to a potential "very high threat level".
\n
"This is a significant policing and security operation, as would be expected for a state visit of the president of the United States," Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt of the Thames Valley Police told reporters on Monday.
\n
"We have planned a very comprehensive policing and security operation that has taken into consideration just about every eventuality," he added.
\n
Having originally planned to stay in the UK until Friday, Trump's trip has since been shortened, due to the president's schedule, and his visit will now end on Thursday.
\n
It is the first time Trump has met with Charles since he became king, but a second state visit is unusual as second-term US presidents are typically offered only tea or lunch with the monarch. Trump made his first full state visit to the UK in 2019, when he met Queen Elizabeth II.
\n
This UK visit comes two months after Trump made a private trip to Scotland, where he met Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, and opened a new luxury golf course. Locals had complained about heavy policing that cost taxpayers' money during his trip to Scotland.
\n
Key issues
\n
Trade, Ukraine and Gaza are likely to top Thursday's agenda for talks when Trump meets Starmer. They may also discuss the recent dismissal of Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to Washington, over his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
\n
A spokesperson for Starmer told reporters on Monday that the prime minister "sees this state visit squarely through the lens of delivering for working people", citing US investment pledged over the weekend to create 1,800 jobs in Britain and a civil nuclear partnership that could lower energy prices.
\n
Senior US officials said on Monday that US and UK plan to unveil more than $10 billion in economic deals during the visit.
\n
The package is expected to include a three-pillar trade arrangement: a new partnership to bolster both countries' tech sectors, expanded cooperation on civil nuclear power, and deeper collaboration on defense technologies, according to a briefing with reporters.
\n
On Tuesday, Google announced plans to invest $6.8 billion in the UK over the next two years for infrastructure and scientific research, including a new data center near London.
\n
Also waiting for Trump in London is opposition.
\n
A network of more than 50 trade unions, charities, and advocacy groups plans to assemble on Wednesday in central London, before marching to Parliament Square.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday branded US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the "lord of death and war" over his tough rhetoric on Latin American cartels and vowed to defend against Washington's "aggression". Referring to the US naval buildup in the Caribbean and the recent deadly attack on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, Maduro told reporters that Caracas would "fully" exercise its "legitimate right to defend itself". Tensions between longtime foes the United States and Venezuela reached new heights in recent weeks after President Donald Trump dispatched eight warships to waters near Venezuela to pressure Maduro. The United States recently doubled its bounty for Maduro's capture to $50 million. Maduro accuses the United States of attempting to orchestrate regime change in his country.
\n
HAITI
\n
Over 50 killed in gang attacks: Rights group
\n
Over 50 people were killed in a series of Haitian gang attacks last week, a local human rights NGO reported Monday, in the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation's latest gruesome mass killing. The attacks took place on Sept 11 and 12 in areas north of the capital Port-au-Prince, the National Human Rights Defense Network said in a report sent to AFP. "As of Sept 14, 2025, several victims had still not been found, while corpses still lay in the bushes, devoured by dogs," it said. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, has been gripped by soaring violence with swaths of the country and the vast majority of the capital Port-au-Prince under the control of armed gangs.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday branded US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the "lord of death and war" over his tough rhetoric on Latin American cartels and vowed to defend against Washington's "aggression". Referring to the US naval buildup in the Caribbean and the recent deadly attack on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, Maduro told reporters that Caracas would "fully" exercise its "legitimate right to defend itself". Tensions between longtime foes the United States and Venezuela reached new heights in recent weeks after President Donald Trump dispatched eight warships to waters near Venezuela to pressure Maduro. The United States recently doubled its bounty for Maduro's capture to $50 million. Maduro accuses the United States of attempting to orchestrate regime change in his country.
\n
HAITI
\n
Over 50 killed in gang attacks: Rights group
\n
Over 50 people were killed in a series of Haitian gang attacks last week, a local human rights NGO reported Monday, in the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation's latest gruesome mass killing. The attacks took place on Sept 11 and 12 in areas north of the capital Port-au-Prince, the National Human Rights Defense Network said in a report sent to AFP. "As of Sept 14, 2025, several victims had still not been found, while corpses still lay in the bushes, devoured by dogs," it said. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, has been gripped by soaring violence with swaths of the country and the vast majority of the capital Port-au-Prince under the control of armed gangs.
A member of Bolivia's anti-narcotics police guards drugs seized in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on Monday. The anti-narcotics force seized almost half a metric ton of cocaine that was being transported in a tanker truck during an operation carried out in the eastern region of Santa Cruz, Bolivia's largest region.
WASHINGTON — The US Senate on Monday narrowly cleared President Donald Trump's choice for a key role at the Federal Reserve, as the clock ticks down to the central bank's next policy meeting.
\n
The decision came just as a US federal appeals court also ruled on Monday night that Fed Governor Lisa Cook can remain in her position while challenging her ouster from the bank — after Trump sought to fire her.
\n
Both developments set the stage for the two-day gathering of the bank's rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, due to begin early on Tuesday.
\n
All eyes will be on the outcome of this gathering amid concerns over political pressure faced by the independent central bank.
\n
Late on Monday, the Republican-majority Senate voted 48-47 to confirm Stephen Miran, who chairs the White House Council of Economic Advisers, or CEA, allowing him to join the Fed's board of governors and the committee, which sets interest rates steering the world's biggest economy.
\n
The committee's 12 voting members include seven members of the Fed's board of governors.
\n
With the latest ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Cook is also due to participate in the gathering.
\n
Miran's swift confirmation and Cook's lawsuit come as Trump intensified pressure on the central bank to slash interest rates this year, often citing benign inflation figures in doing so.
\n
Strong concerns
\n
But critics worry the president's moves threaten the Fed's separation from politics.
\n
Miran fills a vacancy on the Fed's board after another governor, Adriana Kugler, resigned before her term expired. He is expected to serve out the remainder of her term, lasting just over four months.
\n
But Democratic lawmakers have raised strong concerns over his White House ties.
\n
Their main worries include Miran's plan to take leave of absence from the CEA rather than resign, a decision he attributed to his short tenure.
\n
Miran has, however, indicated willingness to step down if confirmed for a longer stint at the Fed.
\n
He holds a PhD in economics from Harvard University and served as a senior adviser in the Treasury Department during Trump's first presidency.
\n
He later joined the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, where he wrote commentaries on issues including calls for Fed reform.
\n
For now, the central bank is widely expected to lower its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, to a range between 4.0 percent and 4.25 percent — as policymakers try to shore up the economy amid a weakening labor market.
\n
Trump on Monday reiterated his call for a rate cut, writing on his Truth Social platform that Fed Chair Jerome Powell "must cut interest rates, now, and bigger than he had in mind".
\n
For now, Powell and other Fed policymakers have signaled the Fed is more concerned about weaker hiring, a key reason investors expect the central bank to reduce its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point on Wednesday to about 4.1 percent.
\n
Still, stubbornly high inflation may force them to proceed slowly and limit how many reductions they make. The central bank will also release its quarterly economic projections on Wednesday, and economists project they will show that policymakers expect one or two additional cuts this year, plus several more next year.
\n",
- "content": "
WASHINGTON — The US Senate on Monday narrowly cleared President Donald Trump's choice for a key role at the Federal Reserve, as the clock ticks down to the central bank's next policy meeting.
\n
The decision came just as a US federal appeals court also ruled on Monday night that Fed Governor Lisa Cook can remain in her position while challenging her ouster from the bank — after Trump sought to fire her.
\n
Both developments set the stage for the two-day gathering of the bank's rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, due to begin early on Tuesday.
\n
All eyes will be on the outcome of this gathering amid concerns over political pressure faced by the independent central bank.
\n
Late on Monday, the Republican-majority Senate voted 48-47 to confirm Stephen Miran, who chairs the White House Council of Economic Advisers, or CEA, allowing him to join the Fed's board of governors and the committee, which sets interest rates steering the world's biggest economy.
\n
The committee's 12 voting members include seven members of the Fed's board of governors.
\n
With the latest ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Cook is also due to participate in the gathering.
\n
Miran's swift confirmation and Cook's lawsuit come as Trump intensified pressure on the central bank to slash interest rates this year, often citing benign inflation figures in doing so.
\n
Strong concerns
\n
But critics worry the president's moves threaten the Fed's separation from politics.
\n
Miran fills a vacancy on the Fed's board after another governor, Adriana Kugler, resigned before her term expired. He is expected to serve out the remainder of her term, lasting just over four months.
\n
But Democratic lawmakers have raised strong concerns over his White House ties.
\n
Their main worries include Miran's plan to take leave of absence from the CEA rather than resign, a decision he attributed to his short tenure.
\n
Miran has, however, indicated willingness to step down if confirmed for a longer stint at the Fed.
\n
He holds a PhD in economics from Harvard University and served as a senior adviser in the Treasury Department during Trump's first presidency.
\n
He later joined the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, where he wrote commentaries on issues including calls for Fed reform.
\n
For now, the central bank is widely expected to lower its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, to a range between 4.0 percent and 4.25 percent — as policymakers try to shore up the economy amid a weakening labor market.
\n
Trump on Monday reiterated his call for a rate cut, writing on his Truth Social platform that Fed Chair Jerome Powell "must cut interest rates, now, and bigger than he had in mind".
\n
For now, Powell and other Fed policymakers have signaled the Fed is more concerned about weaker hiring, a key reason investors expect the central bank to reduce its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point on Wednesday to about 4.1 percent.
\n
Still, stubbornly high inflation may force them to proceed slowly and limit how many reductions they make. The central bank will also release its quarterly economic projections on Wednesday, and economists project they will show that policymakers expect one or two additional cuts this year, plus several more next year.
Beijing has urged Washington and Tokyo to respect other countries' security concerns and correct their wrongdoings by withdrawing the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system deployed by the United States in Japan.
\n
"The US and Japan, disregarding China's grave concerns, have insisted on deploying the Typhon MRC missile system in Japan under the pretext of joint exercises. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes it," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing on Tuesday.
\n
On Monday, the US Army showcased the system in Japan for the first time, following the commencement of military exercises between the two countries last week, which will last two weeks.
\n
The weapon is capable of firing the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk cruise missiles with ranges exceeding 240 kilometers and 2,500 km, respectively, according to media reports.
\n
Beijing has expressed its grave concerns and firm opposition since Washington revealed the plan last month.
\n
It was not the first time the US had deployed Typhon in Asian countries. In April last year, the US deployed this missile system in the Philippines, using a joint exercise as an excuse. However, the two sides later agreed to keep it in the country after the military drills ended in September.
\n
"The deployment of Typhon in Asian countries undermines the legitimate security interests of other countries, increases the risk of both an arms race and military conflicts in the region and poses a substantive threat to regional strategic security," Lin said.
\n
He urged the US and Japan to respect the security concerns of other countries and contribute to regional peace and stability through concrete actions. The spokesman noted that owing to its history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community.
\n
"We urge Japan to take a hard look at its history of aggression, follow the path of peaceful development, and act prudently in military and security areas," Lin said.
\n
mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -10675,28 +11555,6 @@
"hash": "5aba03690eba3c01aa67317b2f25fcd1",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "011WORLD - Electric railway to ease commuting for Chileans",
- "description": "
Local residents enter a train made in China that was parked in Renca, the capital region of Santiago, Chile, on Aug 25, when Chile's State Railway Company sealed an agreement with a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corp to build the Santiago-Batuco electric railway.
\n
For Norell Morales, a 40-year-old resident of Santiago, Chile, who runs an e-commerce business, the city's transport system is both a lifeline and a daily battle.
\n
Deliveries often take her across the country's capital, and during rush hour, she braces herself for almost intolerable overcrowding. "The buses are packed, and so is the metro. There are times it takes me four hours to deliver something or pick it up," she said.
\n
The capital is known for its vibrant culture, stunning mountain backdrops and sometimes horrific commutes into the city center. Traffic is heavy and public transportation is often packed. The metro and buses work well enough in the relatively small geography of the city center, but life on the periphery is a different story. Long commutes are a routine for anyone who relies on intercity buses that funnel into the capital along highways.
\n
"Although the urban bus system has expanded within the city limits, many people have to continue beyond and therefore use intercity buses," said Renzo Burotto, a researcher at the University of Chile's Institute of International Studies in Santiago.
\n
Some improvements may be at hand. Last month, Chile's State Railway Company sealed a $470-million agreement with Constructora Gran Andes SpA, a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corp, or CRCC, to build the Santiago-Batuco electric railway.
\n
The contract, signed in Renca on Aug 25, sets in motion the process of building a 26-kilometer line running through eight stations between Quinta Normal and Batuco. Once completed, this electric railway line will slash travel times in and out of the city core from about 90 minutes by bus to just 24 minutes by train. Some 35 million passengers will be able to make the trip every year.
\n
"This is very good news for the entire northern sector of the capital," said Transport Minister Juan Carlos Munoz after signing the contract for the new railway, noting the service will connect with other metro lines, making travel more efficient.
\n
The system will rely on 10 electric trains, each accommodating up to 800 passengers, every six minutes at rush hour and every eight minutes off-peak. Built in China, the trains will be equipped with Wi-Fi and meet high safety standards.
\n
For people like Burotto, the project reflects both strategic foresight and practical necessity. The delivery timeline of making it a full service by 2030 demonstrates Chile's reliance on a partner with proven expertise.
\n
"China is a pioneer in high-tech, high-speed trains at very competitive prices," he said. "I believe it's a very positive development to turn to China … to cover a crucial sector of the transportation infrastructure that will be used daily by the population living north of Santiago but working in the city."
\n
The Santiago-Batuco line will not only improve transport efficiency but also reshape daily life for residents in Santiago's northern outskirts, many of whom depend on the city center for work and study.
\n
Burotto also pointed to the project's environmental and social significance. Marketed as a step toward green sustainability, the line is expected to benefit more than a million people while contributing to Chile's climate goals. Having experienced China's high-speed trains firsthand, he sees the technology as reliable, affordable, and capable of delivering tangible improvements to commuters.
\n
"I rode high-speed Chinese trains in China, and I can confirm this technology will greatly benefit us in terms of price and quality, as well as the daily commute of hundreds of thousands of workers," he said.
\n
The Santiago-Batuco project is part of a broader railway revival.
\n
Chinese firms have become central players in this agenda. In March, construction began on the Alameda-Melipilla Rail Depot Project, co-built by China Railway Seventh Group. With a $90 million investment, the 17.83-hectare facility will be Chile State Railway Company's largest and most advanced workshop.
\n",
- "content": "
Local residents enter a train made in China that was parked in Renca, the capital region of Santiago, Chile, on Aug 25, when Chile's State Railway Company sealed an agreement with a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corp to build the Santiago-Batuco electric railway.
\n
For Norell Morales, a 40-year-old resident of Santiago, Chile, who runs an e-commerce business, the city's transport system is both a lifeline and a daily battle.
\n
Deliveries often take her across the country's capital, and during rush hour, she braces herself for almost intolerable overcrowding. "The buses are packed, and so is the metro. There are times it takes me four hours to deliver something or pick it up," she said.
\n
The capital is known for its vibrant culture, stunning mountain backdrops and sometimes horrific commutes into the city center. Traffic is heavy and public transportation is often packed. The metro and buses work well enough in the relatively small geography of the city center, but life on the periphery is a different story. Long commutes are a routine for anyone who relies on intercity buses that funnel into the capital along highways.
\n
"Although the urban bus system has expanded within the city limits, many people have to continue beyond and therefore use intercity buses," said Renzo Burotto, a researcher at the University of Chile's Institute of International Studies in Santiago.
\n
Some improvements may be at hand. Last month, Chile's State Railway Company sealed a $470-million agreement with Constructora Gran Andes SpA, a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corp, or CRCC, to build the Santiago-Batuco electric railway.
\n
The contract, signed in Renca on Aug 25, sets in motion the process of building a 26-kilometer line running through eight stations between Quinta Normal and Batuco. Once completed, this electric railway line will slash travel times in and out of the city core from about 90 minutes by bus to just 24 minutes by train. Some 35 million passengers will be able to make the trip every year.
\n
"This is very good news for the entire northern sector of the capital," said Transport Minister Juan Carlos Munoz after signing the contract for the new railway, noting the service will connect with other metro lines, making travel more efficient.
\n
The system will rely on 10 electric trains, each accommodating up to 800 passengers, every six minutes at rush hour and every eight minutes off-peak. Built in China, the trains will be equipped with Wi-Fi and meet high safety standards.
\n
For people like Burotto, the project reflects both strategic foresight and practical necessity. The delivery timeline of making it a full service by 2030 demonstrates Chile's reliance on a partner with proven expertise.
\n
"China is a pioneer in high-tech, high-speed trains at very competitive prices," he said. "I believe it's a very positive development to turn to China … to cover a crucial sector of the transportation infrastructure that will be used daily by the population living north of Santiago but working in the city."
\n
The Santiago-Batuco line will not only improve transport efficiency but also reshape daily life for residents in Santiago's northern outskirts, many of whom depend on the city center for work and study.
\n
Burotto also pointed to the project's environmental and social significance. Marketed as a step toward green sustainability, the line is expected to benefit more than a million people while contributing to Chile's climate goals. Having experienced China's high-speed trains firsthand, he sees the technology as reliable, affordable, and capable of delivering tangible improvements to commuters.
\n
"I rode high-speed Chinese trains in China, and I can confirm this technology will greatly benefit us in terms of price and quality, as well as the daily commute of hundreds of thousands of workers," he said.
\n
The Santiago-Batuco project is part of a broader railway revival.
\n
Chinese firms have become central players in this agenda. In March, construction began on the Alameda-Melipilla Rail Depot Project, co-built by China Railway Seventh Group. With a $90 million investment, the 17.83-hectare facility will be Chile State Railway Company's largest and most advanced workshop.
A young boy shakes hands with a humanoid robot during the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing on Sept 14, the closing day of the five-day event.
\n
The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services wrapped up in Beijing on Sunday. During the event, more than 900 agreements were signed across sectors such as construction, information technology and finance, highlighting China's determination to advance high-quality development through high-level opening-up.
\n
Themed "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services", the fair was attended by nearly 2,000 companies in offline exhibitions in Shougang Park and close to 5,600 companies online, with a cumulative attendance of over 280,000 visits.
\n
As a comprehensive fair centering on trade in services, CIFTIS, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing government, has been witnessing the opening-up, innovation and development of the service industry and service trade in China.
\n
During the event, 85 countries and international organizations set up exhibitions. Australia, as the guest of honor country, set up a large-scale pavilion to showcase its service trade development. Koala-themed displays, models of iconic urban landscapes and immersive interactive experiences made the pavilion a popular spot.
\n
Australia is committed to tapping into the Chinese market and CIFTIS serves as an excellent platform, said Dominic Trindade, general manager at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, according to a Beijing Daily report.
\n
Covering topics such as e-commerce development in the digital era, new trends in service trade, enhancement of digital trade, mutual learning in tourism and green economy, more than 260 high-profile guests — including heads of international organizations, ministers from China and abroad, executives of Fortune 500 companies and Chinese and foreign academicians — conducted in-depth exchanges.
\n
More than 480 Fortune 500 companies and industry giants participated in the offline exhibitions, accounting for over a quarter of all exhibitors. Both the number and proportion of those leading enterprises surpassed those of the previous edition.
\n
A series of innovative achievements were unveiled at the 2025 CIFTIS. In total, 113 entities — including Fortune 500 companies, unicorn enterprises, national-level "little giant" enterprises, which refer to innovative specialized small enterprises recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and industry associations — released 198 achievements in fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare and low-carbon development.
\n
These included the global debut of new products like precision medicine solutions, ultrahigh-definition audiovisual technologies, photonic quantum computers and bionic cell sensors.
\n
Attending CIFTIS for the fifth time, UK biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca set up a booth of 120 sq m to showcase its presence in China. AstraZeneca has witnessed China's firm strides in high-level opening-up and the strong growth momentum of China's pharmaceutical industry, saying that it will continue to deepen its presence in the country with unwavering commitment.
\n
New achievements in AI education were another highlight. The education committees of Haidian, Dongcheng, Chaoyang, Pinggu and Tongzhou districts in Beijing jointly signed an agreement on the application and implementation of AI general education courses for Beijing's primary and secondary school students with a technology company called Feixiang Xingqiu. The initiative aims to foster students' competencies through cutting-edge courses.
\n
In the exhibition area, a "smart tower crane" independently developed by a Beijing-based technology enterprise drew a large number of visitors. This technology enables engineers to remotely operate tower cranes via AI, which has significantly enhanced operational safety. After applying AI to multiple tasks in the construction industry, such as design and construction, the computing workload of a project with a cost of 1 billion yuan ($141 million) can be reduced from three months to two weeks.
\n
During the CIFTIS 2025, more than 100 enterprises launched over 190 products and achievements, demonstrating a diverse range of new products, technologies and application scenarios from the perspective of digitalized and innovation-driven development.
\n
"This year's CIFTIS has provided an effective platform for exchange and cooperation as well as positive market development opportunities for all participants. It has also made contributions to promoting the highquality development of the service trade and building up a higher-level open world economy," said Zhu Guangyao, an official with the department of trade in services and commercial services of the Ministry of Commerce. Zhu added that the ministry and the Beijing government will continue to work closely with diverse departments and regions to build CIFTIS into a service trade event with global influence.
\n
In the first half of 2025, the added value of China's service industry accounted for 59.1 percent of the country's GDP. In the first seven months, the amount of foreign investment actually utilized in China's service sector reached 336.25 billion yuan.
",
@@ -10719,28 +11577,6 @@
"hash": "ff7f2e6ac2655ef8a937336ad7ada45a",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "012ADVERTORIAL - Beijing's digital services offer a vision of future",
- "description": "
Visitors explore the Beijing Solution exhibition at the 2025 CIFTIS in Beijing on Sept 13.
\n
The just-concluded 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services marked the debut of the Beijing Solution exhibition, which offered a comprehensive blueprint for megacities aiming to achieve refined governance through digital innovation.
\n
Covering more than 2,000 square meters, the exhibition showcased technology-empowered solutions spanning government services, education, healthcare, justice and transportation.
\n
"These solutions are not unique to Beijing but are validated models addressing common challenges," said Zhao Xiangwei, head of the informatization and software services division at the Beijing Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.
\n
Zhao also highlighted the bureau's efforts to collaborate with countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to address local public service needs through the implementation of the Beijing solutions.
\n
"Our goal is to share Beijing's digital service capabilities with both the nation and the global community," Zhao added.
\n
Central to the construction of a digital city are two core elements: an intelligent computing infrastructure and a government cloud platform. The former enhances computing efficiency, while the latter transforms "dormant data resources" from various government agencies into accessible and usable assets.
\n
A notable innovation revealed was China's first administrative reconsideration large model, now operational across Beijing's municipal and 17 district-level justice bureaus. This model covers the entire process from case filing to closure, with features such as element extraction, summary generation and document drafting.
\n
In urban governance, Beijing showcased digital solutions in education, healthcare, transportation and law enforcement. A highlight was the Beidou gas leakage detection solution, which integrates the Beidou Navigation Satellite System with mid-infrared laser detection technology for potential risk areas, achieving a precision level of one part per billion.
\n
Coinciding with the exhibition, the Beijing Day investment promotion conference announced 140 cooperation projects valued at nearly 140 billion yuan ($19.7 billion), focusing on such areas as next-generation information technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
\n
Additionally, Beijing introduced 20 "artificial intelligence +" application scenarios to assist the transformation and implementation of sci-tech achievements.
\n
These scenarios presented Beijing's cooperation opportunities and achievements in its "two zones" — a comprehensive development zone for the service sector's opening-up and a pilot free trade zone — and policies designed to benefit enterprises, revealing business opportunities and practical measures for global collaboration.
\n
During the conference, districts including Chaoyang, Haidian, Shijingshan and Tongzhou conducted thematic promotions on commerce, green financial reform, the sci-tech innovation ecosystem of Zhongguancun Science City, unicorn enterprise cultivation and the integrated development of the digital economy.
\n
These promotions emphasized regional industrial strengths and aided connections between capital and industry.
\n
Furthermore, eight government-guided fund management institutions, banks, venture capital companies and investment promotion agencies from various districts and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area engaged in targeted matchmaking with enterprises seeking investment cooperation.
\n
Through project roadshows and one-on-one negotiations, the conference opened up capital channels for interested investors and businesses.
\n
The Beijing Investment Reception, serving as a platform to showcase Beijing's business environment and connect investment resources, was also held during CIFTIS 2025.
\n
It presented the city's development advantages and strategic industrial layout, highlighting corporate needs and offering investment consulting services to help enterprises assess Beijing's investment and growth potential.
\n
haonan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Visitors explore the Beijing Solution exhibition at the 2025 CIFTIS in Beijing on Sept 13.
\n
The just-concluded 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services marked the debut of the Beijing Solution exhibition, which offered a comprehensive blueprint for megacities aiming to achieve refined governance through digital innovation.
\n
Covering more than 2,000 square meters, the exhibition showcased technology-empowered solutions spanning government services, education, healthcare, justice and transportation.
\n
"These solutions are not unique to Beijing but are validated models addressing common challenges," said Zhao Xiangwei, head of the informatization and software services division at the Beijing Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.
\n
Zhao also highlighted the bureau's efforts to collaborate with countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to address local public service needs through the implementation of the Beijing solutions.
\n
"Our goal is to share Beijing's digital service capabilities with both the nation and the global community," Zhao added.
\n
Central to the construction of a digital city are two core elements: an intelligent computing infrastructure and a government cloud platform. The former enhances computing efficiency, while the latter transforms "dormant data resources" from various government agencies into accessible and usable assets.
\n
A notable innovation revealed was China's first administrative reconsideration large model, now operational across Beijing's municipal and 17 district-level justice bureaus. This model covers the entire process from case filing to closure, with features such as element extraction, summary generation and document drafting.
\n
In urban governance, Beijing showcased digital solutions in education, healthcare, transportation and law enforcement. A highlight was the Beidou gas leakage detection solution, which integrates the Beidou Navigation Satellite System with mid-infrared laser detection technology for potential risk areas, achieving a precision level of one part per billion.
\n
Coinciding with the exhibition, the Beijing Day investment promotion conference announced 140 cooperation projects valued at nearly 140 billion yuan ($19.7 billion), focusing on such areas as next-generation information technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
\n
Additionally, Beijing introduced 20 "artificial intelligence +" application scenarios to assist the transformation and implementation of sci-tech achievements.
\n
These scenarios presented Beijing's cooperation opportunities and achievements in its "two zones" — a comprehensive development zone for the service sector's opening-up and a pilot free trade zone — and policies designed to benefit enterprises, revealing business opportunities and practical measures for global collaboration.
\n
During the conference, districts including Chaoyang, Haidian, Shijingshan and Tongzhou conducted thematic promotions on commerce, green financial reform, the sci-tech innovation ecosystem of Zhongguancun Science City, unicorn enterprise cultivation and the integrated development of the digital economy.
\n
These promotions emphasized regional industrial strengths and aided connections between capital and industry.
\n
Furthermore, eight government-guided fund management institutions, banks, venture capital companies and investment promotion agencies from various districts and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area engaged in targeted matchmaking with enterprises seeking investment cooperation.
\n
Through project roadshows and one-on-one negotiations, the conference opened up capital channels for interested investors and businesses.
\n
The Beijing Investment Reception, serving as a platform to showcase Beijing's business environment and connect investment resources, was also held during CIFTIS 2025.
\n
It presented the city's development advantages and strategic industrial layout, highlighting corporate needs and offering investment consulting services to help enterprises assess Beijing's investment and growth potential.
Two women in traditional dress livestream from the Changping booth at the 2025 CIFTIS in Beijing on Sept 11.
\n
From park-style tours and robot interactions to archaeological site visits and local delicacies, Beijing's innovative cultural and tourism activities captured people's attention at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, which concluded on Sunday.
\n
At this year's CIFTIS, Beijing's popular tourist destinations, in such districts as Shijingshan, Changping, Fangshan and Huairou, set up exhibition areas in the culture and tourism services zone, presenting new experiences for visitors to the national capital.
\n
Featuring mountains, rivers, gardens and temples, Shijingshan district presented a distinctive cultural experience space, providing visitors with a park-style tour. The route featured miniature landscapes of places such as the Yongding River ecological corridor, Shougang Park, Fahai Temple and the Moshikou historical and cultural block.
\n
During the 2025 CIFTIS, the district debuted the autumn and winter edition of its cultural and tourism annual pass, which is Beijing's first region-specific cultural annual pass. It offers more than 110 benefits, including dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment, giving holders convenient and discounted access to a wide range of attractions in Shijingshan.
\n
Additionally, Fangshan district integrated the history of the Liulihe site with new quality productive forces, blending 700,000 years of human civilization with a vision for the future.
\n
Adopting eco-friendly and reusable materials in its booth, the district established four sections. These included an immersive archaeological experience tracing Beijing's origins, a tree-shaped installation featuring guesthouses and an interactive giant screen, which allows visitors to collaboratively create a "digital Fangshan".
\n
In the exhibition areas for Changping and Huairou, unique cultural elements and innovative technology stood out.
\n
Changping district presented a series of cultural products, including the "Phoenix Crown" magnet from the National Museum of China. Based on historical artifacts, the magnet ignited a buying frenzy.
\n
Alongside traditional culture, as a hub for technological innovation in Beijing, Changping also showcased technological innovation. For instance, the bionic robot Xiao Nuo, developed by Noetix Robotics, features 32 precise actuators in its head. This technology enables the robot to control its eyebrows, eyelids and mouth, displaying hundreds of micro-expressions and showcasing advanced bionic interaction.
\n
Revolving around themes such as future technology, ecology, film production and lifestyle consumption, Huairou district offered visitors a variety of immersive experiences.
\n
During the event, Huairou showcased a slew of cutting-edge artificial intelligence innovations. The mini battle robot arena, one of the highlights, drew crowds with robot fights featuring intense clashes and tactical combat, creating a show that blended advanced technology with immersive experiences.
\n
The district introduced various AI applications, such as the Xuanhuang diagnostic system combining AI with healthcare, and a chess robot equipped with advanced algorithms and adaptive learning capabilities, enabling dynamic human-machine chess matches.
\n
In addition to high-tech exhibits, the marketplace in Huairou's exhibition area attracted visitors with local snacks, cultural products and interactive experiences. According to organizers, more than 20 premium consumer events were held during CIFTIS 2025.
\n
From Sept 5 to Oct 17, a total of 3 million yuan ($421,612) worth of hospitality vouchers are available, covering accommodation and dining services.
\n
Since the beginning of 2025, Beijing has introduced a series of policies to implement the central government's directive to boost consumption. Innovative measures have reshaped Beijing's consumer landscape, better meeting the needs of residents and tourists for diverse, high-quality and accessible consumer products.
Li Chenggang (center), China's international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce, seen at a news conference on Monday in Madrid, Spain.
\n
China and the United States have translated their latest round of trade talks into new outcomes, signaling their willingness to carry out dialogue on an equal footing and find common ground despite persistent differences, analysts said.
\n
Noting that the meeting in Madrid, Spain marked the fourth high-level engagement between the two nations in four months, analysts said these negotiations help chip away at the prolonged trade and technology tensions between the world's two largest economies, delivering benefits not only within their own borders, but also for the global community at large.
\n
After two days of "candid, in-depth and constructive" talks that ended on Monday, China and the US reached "a basic framework consensus" on resolving issues related to social media platform TikTok through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation.
\n
The engagement in Madrid took place just days ahead of a critical deadline requiring TikTok's divestment from its Chinese parent company ByteDance to comply with US national security laws.
\n
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly extended the deadline, aiming to keep the popular app — which he believes helps bolster his popularity among young voters — up and running in the US.
\n
Though the details of the consensus still remain under wraps, Beijing made it clear that it will never seek to reach any agreement at the expense of principles, interests of companies, or international fairness and justice.
\n
The two sides will discuss the details of relevant outcome documents, and complete their respective domestic approval procedures.
\n
"Through our discussion over TikTok, the two sides further understand the importance of a stable and sound China-US trade and economic relationship," Li Chenggang, China's international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce, said at a news conference on Monday.
\n
"The US side has also expressed its willingness to move together with China toward the same goal when it comes to reducing barriers in investment and promoting relevant cooperation on the trade and economic fronts," said Li, who is also vice-minister of commerce.
\n
However, days before the Madrid talks, the US Department of Commerce had added multiple Chinese entities in the semiconductor, biotech, aerospace, and commercial and trade logistics sectors to its export control list.
\n
The White House also demanded that G7 and NATO countries impose tariffs of 50 to 100 percent on China due to the country's purchase of Russian oil.
\n
"The US side cannot, on the one hand, ask China to address US concerns, and on the other hand, continuously suppress Chinese enterprises," Li said.
\n
Vice-Premier He Lifeng on Monday also urged the US to work with China and lift the relevant restrictions on China as soon as possible.
\n
He called on the US to take concrete actions to jointly safeguard the hard-won achievements of the talks, and continuously create a favorable atmosphere for the stability of Sino-US economic and trade relations.
\n
The fundamental reason why Beijing and Washington are able to sit down at the negotiation table several times is that the essence of their economic and trade relationship is one of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, said Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
\n
The US should move beyond its containment strategy and end its suppression of foreign companies. Only a truly open, fair and nondiscriminatory business environment can unlock greater synergies in China-US economic cooperation, Cui said.
\n
Chen Wenling, former chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said, "Beneath the political rhetoric of 'decoupling' and 'de-risking', the deep-rooted economic interdependence between China and the US makes it difficult to forcibly unwind the world's two largest economies."
\n
The road ahead remains long, and disagreements on certain issues still persist. But the ability of China and the US to engage in equal and constructive dialogue is essential for the stability and development of their bilateral relationship, which has profound implications for the global economy, Chen said.
\n
wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Li Chenggang (center), China's international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce, seen at a news conference on Monday in Madrid, Spain.
\n
China and the United States have translated their latest round of trade talks into new outcomes, signaling their willingness to carry out dialogue on an equal footing and find common ground despite persistent differences, analysts said.
\n
Noting that the meeting in Madrid, Spain marked the fourth high-level engagement between the two nations in four months, analysts said these negotiations help chip away at the prolonged trade and technology tensions between the world's two largest economies, delivering benefits not only within their own borders, but also for the global community at large.
\n
After two days of "candid, in-depth and constructive" talks that ended on Monday, China and the US reached "a basic framework consensus" on resolving issues related to social media platform TikTok through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation.
\n
The engagement in Madrid took place just days ahead of a critical deadline requiring TikTok's divestment from its Chinese parent company ByteDance to comply with US national security laws.
\n
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly extended the deadline, aiming to keep the popular app — which he believes helps bolster his popularity among young voters — up and running in the US.
\n
Though the details of the consensus still remain under wraps, Beijing made it clear that it will never seek to reach any agreement at the expense of principles, interests of companies, or international fairness and justice.
\n
The two sides will discuss the details of relevant outcome documents, and complete their respective domestic approval procedures.
\n
"Through our discussion over TikTok, the two sides further understand the importance of a stable and sound China-US trade and economic relationship," Li Chenggang, China's international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce, said at a news conference on Monday.
\n
"The US side has also expressed its willingness to move together with China toward the same goal when it comes to reducing barriers in investment and promoting relevant cooperation on the trade and economic fronts," said Li, who is also vice-minister of commerce.
\n
However, days before the Madrid talks, the US Department of Commerce had added multiple Chinese entities in the semiconductor, biotech, aerospace, and commercial and trade logistics sectors to its export control list.
\n
The White House also demanded that G7 and NATO countries impose tariffs of 50 to 100 percent on China due to the country's purchase of Russian oil.
\n
"The US side cannot, on the one hand, ask China to address US concerns, and on the other hand, continuously suppress Chinese enterprises," Li said.
\n
Vice-Premier He Lifeng on Monday also urged the US to work with China and lift the relevant restrictions on China as soon as possible.
\n
He called on the US to take concrete actions to jointly safeguard the hard-won achievements of the talks, and continuously create a favorable atmosphere for the stability of Sino-US economic and trade relations.
\n
The fundamental reason why Beijing and Washington are able to sit down at the negotiation table several times is that the essence of their economic and trade relationship is one of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, said Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
\n
The US should move beyond its containment strategy and end its suppression of foreign companies. Only a truly open, fair and nondiscriminatory business environment can unlock greater synergies in China-US economic cooperation, Cui said.
\n
Chen Wenling, former chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said, "Beneath the political rhetoric of 'decoupling' and 'de-risking', the deep-rooted economic interdependence between China and the US makes it difficult to forcibly unwind the world's two largest economies."
\n
The road ahead remains long, and disagreements on certain issues still persist. But the ability of China and the US to engage in equal and constructive dialogue is essential for the stability and development of their bilateral relationship, which has profound implications for the global economy, Chen said.
China's fast-growing digital economy and creative user base are reinforcing the confidence of global firms, and online graphic design firm Canva is intensifying its latest artificial intelligence-powered innovations in the market, a senior executive of the Sydney-based company said.
\n
At this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing, Canva teamed up with Australian tech firm Sencity to set up an interactive AI-powered photo and design experience zone, attracting visitors to see firsthand how AI can simplify design processes and boost creative efficiency.
\n
"The country has a rapidly growing digital user base with a strong passion for self-expression and creation, while placing great emphasis on user experience," said Wang Kexin, general manager of Canva China.
\n
Since its entry into China in 2018, the company has witnessed fast adoption backed by the market's huge user base, she added. "The Chinese market is full of vitality and creativity, and it has always been one of the markets we value most."
\n
Chinese users have generated more than 600 million designs so far, with 10 new works created every second on its platform.
\n
"Our operational experience in China may offer many insights for our headquarters in Australia due to its enormous user base and application scenarios. When the headquarters designs new products, a significant part takes into account experiences from the Chinese market," Wang said.
\n
On the corporate side, the executive said that the company has observed demand rising strongly from sectors such as smart manufacturing, retail, technology, education and hospitality.
\n
"Over the past four years, Canva's enterprise customer base in China has expanded by 800 percent. China is one of Canva's most important markets. We aim to combine leading AI technologies with the real needs of Chinese users to make our models more attuned to the Chinese language and cultural context," she added.
\n
The company plans to further invest in the local market, mainly in three areas — optimizing AI experiences in Chinese, expanding localized content and templates and strengthening its open community ecosystem that connects creators, developers and enterprises, Wang noted.
Germany-headquartered technology giant Merck has set its sights on becoming the "best partner of choice" in the pharmaceutical industry, leveraging its global commercialization capabilities to support Chinese medical innovation on the world stage, a senior executive said.
\n
China's pharmaceutical sector has witnessed remarkable innovation over the past decade. The trend of strong growth in overseas licensing deals for Chinese innovative therapies will continue from this year into next, allowing more Chinese innovations to reach global markets, the executive said in an interview in Shanghai.
\n
"The healthcare industry has experienced unprecedented transformations in recent years, driven by breakthroughs in novel treatment methods, such as mRNA, cell therapy, gene therapy and antibody-drug conjugates," said Hong Chow, executive vice-president and head of China and international of Merck Healthcare, during a recent interview.
\n
"Also, besides the rising productivity of established biotech companies, we are excited to see vibrant startups founded by young Chinese scientists, showcasing significant diversity in therapies, technologies, research stages, and disease areas. We are eager to collaborate with more local innovators to integrate Chinese innovation into the global value chain," she said.
\n
An official from the National Healthcare Security Administration said that Chinese pharmaceutical companies completed over 90 overseas licensing deals in 2024, totaling $50 billion. In the first half of this year, the Chinese innovative drug sector secured more than 50 global partnerships, amounting to over $48.4 billion.
\n
Scott Gottlieb, former United States Food and Drug Administration chief, said at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in January that over half of the molecules involved in applications for new drug research approved in the US last year originated from China.
\n
However, differences in culture, commercial models, and regulatory and market access mechanisms pose challenges for Chinese enterprises venturing abroad. Chow emphasized that foreign pharmaceutical companies can assist local firms in rapidly accumulating overseas clinical development and commercialization experience, enhancing their international reputation and brand influence.
\n
With a commercial presence in 65 countries, Merck boasts a deep understanding of complex healthcare systems across different regions, and possesses efficient experience in engaging with regulatory bodies, along with cultural adaptability.
\n
"Expanding globally involves a complex process," Chow explained. "Each country has its own unique system, pricing, and reimbursement, and healthcare framework. For instance, the European market comprises 32 distinct national markets, each with different development paces requiring different access and go-to-market strategies."
\n
Conducting clinical research in various countries and regions also presents complexities, she said. For example, clinical trials without patient informed consent will hinder approvals in the US and the European Union. German drug reimbursement regulations mandate that at least 5 percent of participants must be from Germany in any clinical trial.
\n
Chow emphasized that high-quality Chinese innovations are highly sought after by multinational companies. With over 90 years of operations in the China market, Merck is actively evaluating external collaboration projects, striving to leverage its own R&D expertise while monitoring external developments to uncover opportunities in Chinese R&D innovation.
\n
"The company has set a target that 50 percent of its innovations will come from external sources, applying the same evaluation criteria to both internal and external innovations," she said.
\n
While selecting partners, Merck tailors its focus based on different market perspectives. For instance, some products developed in China for global markets are evaluated for their global competitive edge, preferably being either first-in-class or best-in-class. Some others, valuable to emerging markets like the Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, are assessed for their affordability and competitive pricing compared with offerings by multinational giants and addressing unmet needs, she said.
\n
Since 2023, Merck has partnered with three Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises to codevelop, produce and commercialize innovative drugs. One example is Pimicotinib, a small molecule inhibitor discovered by Shanghai-based Abbisko Therapeutics Co Ltd, which shows potential as a best-in-class treatment for tenosynovial giant cell tumor worldwide.
\n
"Its best-in-class potential led to our collaboration with Abbisko in 2023 to advance its commercial development," said Chow, adding that Merck's application for marketing authorization has been accepted in China, following granting of priority review. "In parallel, we are working to file a new drug application to the US FDA, with additional filings planned in other markets."
\n
zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Germany-headquartered technology giant Merck has set its sights on becoming the "best partner of choice" in the pharmaceutical industry, leveraging its global commercialization capabilities to support Chinese medical innovation on the world stage, a senior executive said.
\n
China's pharmaceutical sector has witnessed remarkable innovation over the past decade. The trend of strong growth in overseas licensing deals for Chinese innovative therapies will continue from this year into next, allowing more Chinese innovations to reach global markets, the executive said in an interview in Shanghai.
\n
"The healthcare industry has experienced unprecedented transformations in recent years, driven by breakthroughs in novel treatment methods, such as mRNA, cell therapy, gene therapy and antibody-drug conjugates," said Hong Chow, executive vice-president and head of China and international of Merck Healthcare, during a recent interview.
\n
"Also, besides the rising productivity of established biotech companies, we are excited to see vibrant startups founded by young Chinese scientists, showcasing significant diversity in therapies, technologies, research stages, and disease areas. We are eager to collaborate with more local innovators to integrate Chinese innovation into the global value chain," she said.
\n
An official from the National Healthcare Security Administration said that Chinese pharmaceutical companies completed over 90 overseas licensing deals in 2024, totaling $50 billion. In the first half of this year, the Chinese innovative drug sector secured more than 50 global partnerships, amounting to over $48.4 billion.
\n
Scott Gottlieb, former United States Food and Drug Administration chief, said at the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in January that over half of the molecules involved in applications for new drug research approved in the US last year originated from China.
\n
However, differences in culture, commercial models, and regulatory and market access mechanisms pose challenges for Chinese enterprises venturing abroad. Chow emphasized that foreign pharmaceutical companies can assist local firms in rapidly accumulating overseas clinical development and commercialization experience, enhancing their international reputation and brand influence.
\n
With a commercial presence in 65 countries, Merck boasts a deep understanding of complex healthcare systems across different regions, and possesses efficient experience in engaging with regulatory bodies, along with cultural adaptability.
\n
"Expanding globally involves a complex process," Chow explained. "Each country has its own unique system, pricing, and reimbursement, and healthcare framework. For instance, the European market comprises 32 distinct national markets, each with different development paces requiring different access and go-to-market strategies."
\n
Conducting clinical research in various countries and regions also presents complexities, she said. For example, clinical trials without patient informed consent will hinder approvals in the US and the European Union. German drug reimbursement regulations mandate that at least 5 percent of participants must be from Germany in any clinical trial.
\n
Chow emphasized that high-quality Chinese innovations are highly sought after by multinational companies. With over 90 years of operations in the China market, Merck is actively evaluating external collaboration projects, striving to leverage its own R&D expertise while monitoring external developments to uncover opportunities in Chinese R&D innovation.
\n
"The company has set a target that 50 percent of its innovations will come from external sources, applying the same evaluation criteria to both internal and external innovations," she said.
\n
While selecting partners, Merck tailors its focus based on different market perspectives. For instance, some products developed in China for global markets are evaluated for their global competitive edge, preferably being either first-in-class or best-in-class. Some others, valuable to emerging markets like the Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, are assessed for their affordability and competitive pricing compared with offerings by multinational giants and addressing unmet needs, she said.
\n
Since 2023, Merck has partnered with three Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises to codevelop, produce and commercialize innovative drugs. One example is Pimicotinib, a small molecule inhibitor discovered by Shanghai-based Abbisko Therapeutics Co Ltd, which shows potential as a best-in-class treatment for tenosynovial giant cell tumor worldwide.
\n
"Its best-in-class potential led to our collaboration with Abbisko in 2023 to advance its commercial development," said Chow, adding that Merck's application for marketing authorization has been accepted in China, following granting of priority review. "In parallel, we are working to file a new drug application to the US FDA, with additional filings planned in other markets."
Staff members from State Grid Suqian Power Supply Co interact with youngsters from a community in Americana, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The Chinese builders, there to help set up local power facilities, aim to bolster Sino-Brazilian friendship through such interactions.
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 29 pips to 7.1027 against the US dollar on Tuesday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System. In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day.
\n
Special drive to fix rail safety hazards
\n
Chinese railway operators have taken timely measures to prevent hidden safety hazards on railway lines. China Railway Taiyuan Group has launched a thorough campaign to find and fix such hazards. Its Hudong Rolling Stock Depot has set up a special task-force to design 19 inspection priorities grouped into seven categories — including equipment quality, operating safety, fire and explosion prevention — so that every link in the responsibility chain is targeted. So far, 17 hazards have been uncovered, with 13 having been rectified and the remaining four having entered its hazard-tracking database for closed-loop management. The move aims to completely safeguard rail safety.
The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 29 pips to 7.1027 against the US dollar on Tuesday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System. In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day.
\n
Special drive to fix rail safety hazards
\n
Chinese railway operators have taken timely measures to prevent hidden safety hazards on railway lines. China Railway Taiyuan Group has launched a thorough campaign to find and fix such hazards. Its Hudong Rolling Stock Depot has set up a special task-force to design 19 inspection priorities grouped into seven categories — including equipment quality, operating safety, fire and explosion prevention — so that every link in the responsibility chain is targeted. So far, 17 hazards have been uncovered, with 13 having been rectified and the remaining four having entered its hazard-tracking database for closed-loop management. The move aims to completely safeguard rail safety.
Chinese sportswear producers are making a push in Southeast Asia by gaining more momentum through localization.
\n
Anta Sports Products Ltd is expected to reach 1,000 stores for its athletic wear products across Southeast Asia within three years, fueled by its multibrand strength, heavy localization and an upscaled supply chain, said Will Wang, vice-president of Anta Group and president of Anta Southeast Asia Region.
\n
In the first half, Anta brand's retail sales in the region nearly doubled.
\n
"Southeast Asia is critical to our global growth plan," said Wang. "True globalization means achieving localization in every market while staying true to the brand's DNA."
\n
With a large and growing population, high-speed economic growth and rising purchasing power, the sportswear sector in Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing markets in the world, with the highest CAGR between 2025 and 2029 forecast at 8.8 percent in Malaysia, 4.9 percent in Singapore and 5.2 percent in Indonesia, said Euromonitor International.
\n
Chinese sportswear brands value the region as a solid growth driver. In January, 361 Degrees opened its first overseas directly operated store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since last year, Xtep had plans to focus on Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, while cross-border e-commerce is being actively developed.
\n
Anta currently runs nearly 60 stores under six brands in Singapore alone. Its Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore oversees operations for multiple brands — including Anta, Fila and Descente — and employs more than 400 local staff members, with nearly 80 percent hired from the domestic labor pool.
\n
Across the region, Anta now has about 3,000 employees, 96 percent of whom are locals. "The country general manager has to come from the local market," Wang said. "Otherwise, you can't truly deliver on localization."
\n
Wang said the company categorizes brands and products by market performance. "If one category does well in a market, we'll add another. We don't just flood new markets with every brand at once — that would be waste of resources," he said.
\n
For example, Descente is prioritized in Malaysia, where golf is popular. Wilson has tapped into Vietnam's emerging pickleball craze. In the Philippines, basketball enthusiasm drives Anta's sales, where the brand has committed to sponsoring local tournaments at every level — from high school to national championships. That strategy has yielded quick wins.
\n
In Vietnam for example, Wilson generated $1 million in sales within two months of launch, said Wang.
\n
In 2019, Anta acquired Finnish sporting goods conglomerate Amer Sports — owner of Wilson Sporting Goods — for an estimated $5.2 billion.
\n
The company is also investing in Southeast Asian manufacturing as part of its global supply chain expansion. Nearly half the products sold in the region are now made in the region. But for the group, the longer-term goal is clear: elevate the company from a domestic leader into a truly global sportswear group. Expansion is also underway in the Middle East and North Africa and in North America.
\n
wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -10895,28 +11665,6 @@
"hash": "5617bca3373844ee40836931c704c9fd",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "014BUSINESS - Rosy future seen for biz ties with ASEAN",
- "description": "\n
An employee prepares a robotic arm for display before the opening of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Monday.
\n
Implementation of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA 3.0) in the near future and the evolving role of the China-ASEAN Expo will create favorable conditions for businesses across the region, said government officials and business leaders on Tuesday.
\n
Speaking ahead of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, running from Wednesday to Sunday, they said the initiatives will boost trade in goods and services, spur digital innovation and foster sustainable growth between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
\n
With China and ASEAN advancing their respective domestic ratification procedures to push for the formal signing of CAFTA 3.0 by the end of this year, Pov Somnang, special assistant to the ASEAN Secretary-General, said economic ties between China and ASEAN are set to not only expand in scale but also advance in quality.
\n
Pov said this upgraded free trade deal will cut tariffs on goods, broaden market access for trade in services and align rules on intellectual property, environmental standards and digital trade, therefore fostering a more stable and open environment for businesses on both sides.
\n
ASEAN and China should capitalize on emerging opportunities such as artificial intelligence, place greater emphasis on industrial realities and market demand, actively remove barriers to cooperation, and continuously reinforce the resilience and stability of regional industrial and supply chains, he added.
\n
As cooperation between ASEAN and China in AI and the digital economy has shown multiple breakthroughs and vast potential, a new 10,000-square-meter AI pavilion is established for the first time in the history of the China-ASEAN Expo, featuring the participation of nearly 200 technology companies, including Huawei, Alibaba Cloud and iFlytek.
\n
Amid shared challenges, including slowing global economic growth and unilateral tariff measures adopted by the United States, Lyu Daliang, director of the General Administration of Customs' department of statistics and analysis, said it is necessary for China and ASEAN to further broaden areas of cooperation, advance the deep integration of regional industrial and supply chains, and promote economic integration.
\n
China's cooperation with ASEAN in the manufacturing sector has grown increasingly close, driving rapid growth in imports and exports of related products, said Lyu.
\n
In the first eight months of this year, manufactured products accounted for more than 90 percent of China's trade with ASEAN, data from the GAC showed.
\n
Meanwhile, China's exports of machine tools and auto parts to ASEAN rose 56.1 percent and 22 percent year-on-year, while imports of computer components and printed circuits from ASEAN grew 47.4 percent and 22.2 percent, respectively.
\n
Rick Zhang, senior vice-president at DHL Express China, said that China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation holds great potential. The integration of digital trade, cross-border e-commerce and digital payment systems will serve as a major growth driver for regional cooperation.
\n
At the same time, collaboration in renewable energy, electric vehicles and sustainable infrastructure offers substantial opportunities, while the rise of the middle-income groups in both China and ASEAN is creating a powerful internal consumer market, said Zhang.
\n
Eager to gain more market share in the coming years, the German logistics service provider will leverage digital platforms, extensive networks and green solutions to enhance logistics efficiency and boost seamless, sustainable trade between China and ASEAN markets.
\n
Denis Depoux, global managing director of market consultancy Roland Berger, said that CAFTA 3.0 reflects a new paradigm of globalization, characterized by greater regionalization, more bilateral and multilateral trade and investment agreements, and the growing influence of the Global South.
\n
Within the region, CAFTA 3.0 will create a predictable, rules-based environment for the next decade.
\n
"For Chinese companies, this trade agreement secures access to some critical markets and resources, bolstering China's economic security and global competitiveness," said Depoux. "For ASEAN economies, it facilitates technology transfer, job creation in high-value sectors and inclusive development."
\n
For the world, it signals to global businesses that China and ASEAN are committed to further integration and openness with predictability, making it a more attractive destination for global capital, he added.
\n
Contact the writers at zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "\n
An employee prepares a robotic arm for display before the opening of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Monday.
\n
Implementation of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA 3.0) in the near future and the evolving role of the China-ASEAN Expo will create favorable conditions for businesses across the region, said government officials and business leaders on Tuesday.
\n
Speaking ahead of the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, running from Wednesday to Sunday, they said the initiatives will boost trade in goods and services, spur digital innovation and foster sustainable growth between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
\n
With China and ASEAN advancing their respective domestic ratification procedures to push for the formal signing of CAFTA 3.0 by the end of this year, Pov Somnang, special assistant to the ASEAN Secretary-General, said economic ties between China and ASEAN are set to not only expand in scale but also advance in quality.
\n
Pov said this upgraded free trade deal will cut tariffs on goods, broaden market access for trade in services and align rules on intellectual property, environmental standards and digital trade, therefore fostering a more stable and open environment for businesses on both sides.
\n
ASEAN and China should capitalize on emerging opportunities such as artificial intelligence, place greater emphasis on industrial realities and market demand, actively remove barriers to cooperation, and continuously reinforce the resilience and stability of regional industrial and supply chains, he added.
\n
As cooperation between ASEAN and China in AI and the digital economy has shown multiple breakthroughs and vast potential, a new 10,000-square-meter AI pavilion is established for the first time in the history of the China-ASEAN Expo, featuring the participation of nearly 200 technology companies, including Huawei, Alibaba Cloud and iFlytek.
\n
Amid shared challenges, including slowing global economic growth and unilateral tariff measures adopted by the United States, Lyu Daliang, director of the General Administration of Customs' department of statistics and analysis, said it is necessary for China and ASEAN to further broaden areas of cooperation, advance the deep integration of regional industrial and supply chains, and promote economic integration.
\n
China's cooperation with ASEAN in the manufacturing sector has grown increasingly close, driving rapid growth in imports and exports of related products, said Lyu.
\n
In the first eight months of this year, manufactured products accounted for more than 90 percent of China's trade with ASEAN, data from the GAC showed.
\n
Meanwhile, China's exports of machine tools and auto parts to ASEAN rose 56.1 percent and 22 percent year-on-year, while imports of computer components and printed circuits from ASEAN grew 47.4 percent and 22.2 percent, respectively.
\n
Rick Zhang, senior vice-president at DHL Express China, said that China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation holds great potential. The integration of digital trade, cross-border e-commerce and digital payment systems will serve as a major growth driver for regional cooperation.
\n
At the same time, collaboration in renewable energy, electric vehicles and sustainable infrastructure offers substantial opportunities, while the rise of the middle-income groups in both China and ASEAN is creating a powerful internal consumer market, said Zhang.
\n
Eager to gain more market share in the coming years, the German logistics service provider will leverage digital platforms, extensive networks and green solutions to enhance logistics efficiency and boost seamless, sustainable trade between China and ASEAN markets.
\n
Denis Depoux, global managing director of market consultancy Roland Berger, said that CAFTA 3.0 reflects a new paradigm of globalization, characterized by greater regionalization, more bilateral and multilateral trade and investment agreements, and the growing influence of the Global South.
\n
Within the region, CAFTA 3.0 will create a predictable, rules-based environment for the next decade.
\n
"For Chinese companies, this trade agreement secures access to some critical markets and resources, bolstering China's economic security and global competitiveness," said Depoux. "For ASEAN economies, it facilitates technology transfer, job creation in high-value sectors and inclusive development."
\n
For the world, it signals to global businesses that China and ASEAN are committed to further integration and openness with predictability, making it a more attractive destination for global capital, he added.
An aerial view of Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong. The number of regional headquarters operated by overseas parent companies in the special administrative region rose over 5 percent annually to 1,410 in 2024.
\n
While Hong Kong's core strengths remain intact, the special administrative region's growing prowess as a global finance and business hub is emerging amid the backdrop of worldwide supply-chain reconfiguration, global capital reallocation and international talent mobility. This is expected to provide positive impetus to the building of a "headquarters economy" in the SAR.
\n
In Hong Kong, the number of regional headquarters operated by overseas parent companies rose over 5 percent annually to 1,410 in 2024. Invest Hong Kong — the SAR's foreign direct investment promotion agency — has assisted over 1,300 overseas and mainland companies to set up or expand their businesses in the city from January 2023 to the first half of this year. This is expected to have attracted FDI of more than HK$160 billion ($20.56 billion) and created over 19,000 jobs within the first year of operation or expansion.
\n
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) will soon announce its fifth batch of a dozen strategic enterprises coming to Hong Kong, with many of them being global pharmaceutical powerhouses.
\n
Looking ahead, OASES will also seek to attract culture and creative enterprises to enhance the local sector and solidify the city's position as the East-meets-West center for international cultural exchanges, Chan said.
\n
The office has already attracted 84 strategic enterprises from high-tech sectors, with projected investments totaling around HK$50 billion and 20,000 job opportunities to be generated in the next couple of years. These strategic enterprises come from the four major sectors of artificial intelligence and big data, life science and health technology, financial technology, as well as new energy and advanced manufacturing.
\n
"Hong Kong is at a crossroads when it comes to fostering a headquarters economy, where strategic initiatives such as tax incentives and facilitating measures are pivotal," PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) South Private Clients and Family Office Tax Leader Agnes Wong said.
\n
"By offering a regional headquarters tax incentive and establishing a one-stop service platform, we can significantly enhance Hong Kong's appeal to global markets, drive sustained economic development and reinforce Hong Kong's role as a dynamic super-connector between the Chinese mainland and the world," Wong said.
\n
PwC recommended the SAR introduce a regional headquarters tax incentive for enterprises to engage in high value-added supply chain services and intellectual property trading. This is in line with the government's recent efforts to promote the SAR as a multinational supply chain management and offshore trade hub.
\n
It also suggested the SAR accelerate enhancements to existing tax concessions for the maritime sector, and introduce a new tax concession for commodity trading.
\n
Deloitte China Hong Kong Government and Public Services Industry Leader Gary Wu said, "As mainland enterprises expand their global footprint, Hong Kong has a strategic opportunity to serve as a professional bridge between the mainland and the world by enhancing financing channels, promotional platforms and talent mobility."
\n
Hong Kong vaulted five places from ninth last year to secure fourth spot globally in the World Talent Ranking 2025, published by the International Institute for Management Development in September, marking the city's highest-ever ranking and leading spot in Asia.
\n
For the first time, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster topped the World Intellectual Property Organization's annual Global Innovation Index, announced in September, moving ahead of the Tokyo-Yokohama cluster in Japan.
\n
The administration should launch a credit risk-sharing fund to lower financing costs for mainland enterprises expanding overseas, setting up a dedicated office to deliver one-stop policy consultation and financing connection services to mainland companies, and introducing dedicated business visas to facilitate cross-border business activities, Deloitte China said.
\n
"To sustain growth and competitiveness, Hong Kong must continue to diversify its economic relationships, seeking new trade partners and expanding global linkages to maintain its position as a leading international business and finance hub," ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office said in its latest economic research report on Hong Kong.
China has eased the access for foreign capital into the country's housing market, a move experts said is aimed at stabilizing the residential property sector, opening up the country's capital account further and attracting more foreign investment.
\n
The State Administration of Foreign Exchange, China's forex regulator, announced on Monday that it has shortened the negative list on the use of capital-account foreign exchange income and its renminbi equivalent after conversion, scrapping a restriction that prohibited the purchase of non-self-use residential property.
\n
Previously, the list barred capital-account foreign exchange income and its renminbi proceeds — such as the capital and foreign debts of non-real estate enterprises — from being used for buying non-self-use residential housing.
\n
The measure was introduced when China's property market was overheated, alongside a series of regulatory steps to cool the sector. In 2016, the administration said in a notice that such funds are not allowed to construct or purchase non-self-use real estate, except for real estate enterprises.
\n
Li Bin, deputy head and spokesperson of SAFE, said: "In recent years, the domestic real estate market has undergone changes, and relevant macroeconomic adjustment measures have been optimized and adjusted. Based on this, it is necessary to optimize related foreign exchange management measures to adapt to the new situation and new requirements, and to help promote the sound development of the real estate market."
\n
Yan Yuejin, deputy head of the Shanghai-based E-House China R&D Institute, said that the change "means restrictions on foreign capital investing in China's property market have been relaxed, providing greater convenience for overseas capital".
\n
"For first-tier and new first-tier cities, the impact will be the greatest, driving demand for luxury housing projects, including large apartment units and commercial villas," Yan said.
\n
The adjustment was included in a notice on deepening reform of foreign exchange management for cross-border investment and financing, released by SAFE on Monday.
\n
The notice facilitated the payment of overseas individuals' purchases of onshore housing, expanding from a policy implemented as a pilot program in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to one now applicable nationwide.
\n
It allows overseas individuals, once they meet local homebuying eligibility requirements, to settle and pay related foreign exchange funds at banks with purchase contracts before obtaining registration documents from housing authorities, and to submit the documents afterward.
\n
Yan said that this measure — which meets the reasonable housing needs of overseas individuals working and living in China — will facilitate talent mobility and regional integration, and increase potential homebuyers, especially in high-end housing projects.
\n
Another notable move initiated by the notice is the hiking of the foreign debt quota for innovation-driven enterprises.
\n
The cross-border financing quota for high — and new-tech firms, "little giants", and tech-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises, has been increased to $10 million nationwide. Eligible companies selected under an innovation credit system can now access up to $20 million.
\n
"Little giant" companies refer to specialized and sophisticated SMEs that produce novel and unique goods and services.
\n
"Raising the foreign debt quota will enable high-tech, private SMEs to further overcome net asset limitations and secure more funding for research and development and business expansion," said Liu Chunsheng, an associate professor at Central University of Finance and Economics.
\n
"This will help offset any negative impact from US investment restrictions, and, in a broader sense, accelerate the commercialization of scientific advancements and strengthen China's position in the global industrial chain," Liu said.
\n
Monday's notice also streamlined procedures regarding foreign direct investment to attract more foreign capital.
\n
The notice cancels the basic information registration for preliminary expenses under FDI, removes the registration requirement for reinvestment by FDI enterprises in the domestic market and now allows foreign exchange profits under FDI to be reinvested in China.
\n
In addition, non-enterprise research institutions will be more actively facilitated in attracting and utilizing foreign investment, according to the notice.
\n
zhoulanxv@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China has eased the access for foreign capital into the country's housing market, a move experts said is aimed at stabilizing the residential property sector, opening up the country's capital account further and attracting more foreign investment.
\n
The State Administration of Foreign Exchange, China's forex regulator, announced on Monday that it has shortened the negative list on the use of capital-account foreign exchange income and its renminbi equivalent after conversion, scrapping a restriction that prohibited the purchase of non-self-use residential property.
\n
Previously, the list barred capital-account foreign exchange income and its renminbi proceeds — such as the capital and foreign debts of non-real estate enterprises — from being used for buying non-self-use residential housing.
\n
The measure was introduced when China's property market was overheated, alongside a series of regulatory steps to cool the sector. In 2016, the administration said in a notice that such funds are not allowed to construct or purchase non-self-use real estate, except for real estate enterprises.
\n
Li Bin, deputy head and spokesperson of SAFE, said: "In recent years, the domestic real estate market has undergone changes, and relevant macroeconomic adjustment measures have been optimized and adjusted. Based on this, it is necessary to optimize related foreign exchange management measures to adapt to the new situation and new requirements, and to help promote the sound development of the real estate market."
\n
Yan Yuejin, deputy head of the Shanghai-based E-House China R&D Institute, said that the change "means restrictions on foreign capital investing in China's property market have been relaxed, providing greater convenience for overseas capital".
\n
"For first-tier and new first-tier cities, the impact will be the greatest, driving demand for luxury housing projects, including large apartment units and commercial villas," Yan said.
\n
The adjustment was included in a notice on deepening reform of foreign exchange management for cross-border investment and financing, released by SAFE on Monday.
\n
The notice facilitated the payment of overseas individuals' purchases of onshore housing, expanding from a policy implemented as a pilot program in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to one now applicable nationwide.
\n
It allows overseas individuals, once they meet local homebuying eligibility requirements, to settle and pay related foreign exchange funds at banks with purchase contracts before obtaining registration documents from housing authorities, and to submit the documents afterward.
\n
Yan said that this measure — which meets the reasonable housing needs of overseas individuals working and living in China — will facilitate talent mobility and regional integration, and increase potential homebuyers, especially in high-end housing projects.
\n
Another notable move initiated by the notice is the hiking of the foreign debt quota for innovation-driven enterprises.
\n
The cross-border financing quota for high — and new-tech firms, "little giants", and tech-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises, has been increased to $10 million nationwide. Eligible companies selected under an innovation credit system can now access up to $20 million.
\n
"Little giant" companies refer to specialized and sophisticated SMEs that produce novel and unique goods and services.
\n
"Raising the foreign debt quota will enable high-tech, private SMEs to further overcome net asset limitations and secure more funding for research and development and business expansion," said Liu Chunsheng, an associate professor at Central University of Finance and Economics.
\n
"This will help offset any negative impact from US investment restrictions, and, in a broader sense, accelerate the commercialization of scientific advancements and strengthen China's position in the global industrial chain," Liu said.
\n
Monday's notice also streamlined procedures regarding foreign direct investment to attract more foreign capital.
\n
The notice cancels the basic information registration for preliminary expenses under FDI, removes the registration requirement for reinvestment by FDI enterprises in the domestic market and now allows foreign exchange profits under FDI to be reinvested in China.
\n
In addition, non-enterprise research institutions will be more actively facilitated in attracting and utilizing foreign investment, according to the notice.
Chinese sportswear companies are riding on the wave of humanoid robotics nationwide for innovation and market edge.
\n
Li-Ning said it started product trials on Sept 11 using Tien Kung humanoid robots to test its running shoes at its research center in Beijing.
\n
The trial follows a strategic cooperation agreement signed in July between Li-Ning and the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics, or X-Humanoid, under which the two sides launched a joint lab to explore applications of humanoid robots in sports science.
\n
Tien Kung is a celebrated robot series developed by X-Humanoid. The robot claimed victory in the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon in the capital's E-Town in April as well as the sprint at the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games in August.
\n
During the trial, a Tien Kung robot collected metrics such as the shock absorption and rebound performance of running shoes.
\n
"We found that humanoid robots are now capable of running in a human-like way. This encouraged us to apply them to product development," said Yang Fan, senior director of Li-Ning Sports Science Research Center.
\n
Sensors on the robot deliver precise biomechanical information on hip, knee and ankle joints — data difficult to obtain through traditional testing methods that rely on repeated trials by humans.
\n
Traditional prototype testing requires recruiting four to eight professional athletes for several days of capturing data, followed by two to three weeks of data processing. In contrast, humanoid robots can provide consistent, quantifiable results and, under ideal conditions, generate output on the same day, Yang added.
\n
With the data collected, the partners plan to build a professional database of running shoes, offering performance ratings on cushioning, rebound and other indicators to support both research and development and consumer recommendations.
\n
Beyond laboratory applications, the robots are expected to be used for in-store gait analysis, personalized training advice and livestream demonstrations of product features.
\n
The Li-Ning case is part of a broader trend in China's sports industry, where Chinese sports brands are increasingly turning to humanoid robotics for innovation.
\n
In June, Anta Group joined forces with Unitree Robotics and Hong Kong Polytechnic University to establish a joint research base.
\n
The collaboration focuses on data collection and analysis for humanoid robotics, smart applications for sportswear production, and systematic R&D of athletic equipment tailored for robotic use, according to the sportswear company.
\n
Other brands such as Xtep have also showcased humanoid robots wearing their running shoes at public events.
\n
In August, 361 Degrees announced a strategic partnership with Standard Robots to set up a research lab with plans to develop robot wearables and introduce robots into retail operations.
\n
This wave of initiatives aligns with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's 2023 guidelines, which call for broader application scenarios for humanoid robotics. It also reflects the accelerating momentum behind the commercialization of humanoid robots in China.
Visitors experience an immersive VR project at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing on Thursday.
\n
A photography enthusiast takes pictures of the night view of Shougang Park in Beijing on Thursday.
\n\n\n
BEIJING — In Shougang Park, which was formerly an ironworks site in western Beijing, new technologies from AI to cloud computing and green innovation were on display amid the rusting blast furnaces and steel relics.
\n
The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, featuring digital innovation and intelligent technologies, was held in the park from Wednesday to Sunday, gathering nearly 2,000 enterprises, including Global Fortune 500 companies and leading industrial enterprises, in search of new business opportunities in China.
\n
Global exhibitors and executives are optimistic about the growth and future of China's international services trade, hailing the country's consistent policies to open up its services sector as a catalyst for global trade and shared growth.
\n
Robust growth
\n
For Philips, a Dutch medical technology leader with a four-decade presence in China, the fair reflects robust momentum in the country's healthcare sector. Returning to CIFTIS for the fifth consecutive year, Philips unveiled its latest magnetic resonance system, a breakthrough that shortens medical scanning times and boosts efficiency.
\n
"The growing awareness of healthcare and the leap in medical technologies have fueled the sector's growth in China," said Yang Donglan, vice-president of Philips Greater China. "Every year at CIFTIS, we feel China's business environment becoming more open and inclusive, giving us the confidence to deepen our roots here."
\n
Tourism company TUI China shares that optimism. The Germany-based firm sees inbound travel gaining fresh momentum.
\n
Technology has been a boost to tourism, said TUI China CEO Guido Brettschneider, adding that modern technologies — ranging from translation tools that enable tour guides to communicate in multiple languages to mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay for overseas visitors — have reduced barriers and enhanced traveler satisfaction.
\n
The numbers bear this out. From January to July, China's total services trade reached 4.58 trillion yuan ($642.7 billion), up 8.2 percent year-on-year. Tourism, a pillar of this growth, totaled 1.26 trillion yuan, surging 10.4 percent, according to a report from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in early September.
\n
The growth is attracting more foreign partners. Australia, this year's guest country of honor at CIFTIS, sent its largest-ever delegation of nearly 60 organizations and companies.
\n
On the event's opening day, Australia signed 15 agreements with Chinese partners in sectors including education, healthcare, finance and culture.
\n
"China remains a market of tremendous potential in the service sector," said Dominic Trindade, commercial minister at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. "Australia is committed to the Chinese market and our service providers are ready to develop new partnerships here."
\n
Tech power
\n
At the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China booth, a humanoid robot greeted visitors, offering a glimpse into the future of banking.
\n
Already deployed in several branches, the artificial intelligence assistant can answer questions and explain banking services — an emblem of this year's CIFTIS theme: "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services".
\n
Digital innovation is becoming the backbone of China's services sector economy. In the first seven months, knowledge-intensive services — including AI, digital finance and professional consulting — rose 6.8 percent to 1.78 trillion yuan, said the commerce ministry report.
\n
For Zaha Hadid Architects, a British architecture and design firm, the tech boom is transforming the construction services industry.
\n
Digital tools are adopted throughout the construction process, from design to fabrication, enabling factories to precisely execute the design, which enhances accuracy and quality control, said Satoshi Ohashi, director of Zaha Hadid Architects.
\n
China has built an incredible manufacturing base, and now it has grown and developed into an innovation powerhouse, said Ohashi. "I think that's the power and potential of the Chinese economy."
\n
The view is echoed by Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, who noted that China's technological advancements are helping foreign firms raise efficiency and sharpen competitiveness.
\n
By shifting from traditional industries to high-value-added sectors, China is enhancing its capacity to deliver high-quality and innovative services to its international partners, said Dale Pinto, president and chair of the board of CPA Australia. "This transition is opening new avenues for global cooperation of mutual benefit."
\n
Policy openness
\n
The rapid expansion of China's services sector comes amid its consistent commitment to opening up and win-win cooperation.
\n
Amid a notable rise in unilateralism and protectionism, China has steadily advanced institutional opening-up in trade in services, which has provided strong momentum for its own development and created greater room for global economic growth, said Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang during a keynote speech at the event.
\n
Ding reiterated China's commitment to working with all countries and parties to strengthen opening-up and cooperation in services trade.
\n
This commitment is tangible for foreign firms like Philips.
\n
A more open and inclusive business environment in China offers more pragmatic opportunities for the company's development, encouraging it to further strengthen its operations here, said VP Yang.
\n
Global scholars have hailed China's opening-up as a strong driver for an open world economy and inclusive growth.
\n
China's efforts to advance high-standard opening-up bring opportunities for shared development and prosperity to countries of the Global South, while improving the global governance system, said Mutinda Mutisya, a senior lecturer at the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies of the University of Nairobi.
\n
Steps taken by Chinese policymakers have created a platform for equal participation by its partners, including emerging economies, said Tolonbek Abdyrov, a professor of economics and vice-rector of the International Higher School of Medicine in Kyrgyzstan, adding that China's advocacy for equal rights to development for all countries sends a clear and positive message.
\n
CIFTIS and China's commitment to openness provide a much-needed boost to global trade, strained by tariff hikes, said Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, a Manila-based think tank. "CIFTIS will help sustain and improve the momentum of global trade and growth."
\n",
- "content": "
Visitors experience an immersive VR project at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing on Thursday.
\n
A photography enthusiast takes pictures of the night view of Shougang Park in Beijing on Thursday.
\n\n\n
BEIJING — In Shougang Park, which was formerly an ironworks site in western Beijing, new technologies from AI to cloud computing and green innovation were on display amid the rusting blast furnaces and steel relics.
\n
The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, featuring digital innovation and intelligent technologies, was held in the park from Wednesday to Sunday, gathering nearly 2,000 enterprises, including Global Fortune 500 companies and leading industrial enterprises, in search of new business opportunities in China.
\n
Global exhibitors and executives are optimistic about the growth and future of China's international services trade, hailing the country's consistent policies to open up its services sector as a catalyst for global trade and shared growth.
\n
Robust growth
\n
For Philips, a Dutch medical technology leader with a four-decade presence in China, the fair reflects robust momentum in the country's healthcare sector. Returning to CIFTIS for the fifth consecutive year, Philips unveiled its latest magnetic resonance system, a breakthrough that shortens medical scanning times and boosts efficiency.
\n
"The growing awareness of healthcare and the leap in medical technologies have fueled the sector's growth in China," said Yang Donglan, vice-president of Philips Greater China. "Every year at CIFTIS, we feel China's business environment becoming more open and inclusive, giving us the confidence to deepen our roots here."
\n
Tourism company TUI China shares that optimism. The Germany-based firm sees inbound travel gaining fresh momentum.
\n
Technology has been a boost to tourism, said TUI China CEO Guido Brettschneider, adding that modern technologies — ranging from translation tools that enable tour guides to communicate in multiple languages to mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay for overseas visitors — have reduced barriers and enhanced traveler satisfaction.
\n
The numbers bear this out. From January to July, China's total services trade reached 4.58 trillion yuan ($642.7 billion), up 8.2 percent year-on-year. Tourism, a pillar of this growth, totaled 1.26 trillion yuan, surging 10.4 percent, according to a report from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in early September.
\n
The growth is attracting more foreign partners. Australia, this year's guest country of honor at CIFTIS, sent its largest-ever delegation of nearly 60 organizations and companies.
\n
On the event's opening day, Australia signed 15 agreements with Chinese partners in sectors including education, healthcare, finance and culture.
\n
"China remains a market of tremendous potential in the service sector," said Dominic Trindade, commercial minister at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. "Australia is committed to the Chinese market and our service providers are ready to develop new partnerships here."
\n
Tech power
\n
At the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China booth, a humanoid robot greeted visitors, offering a glimpse into the future of banking.
\n
Already deployed in several branches, the artificial intelligence assistant can answer questions and explain banking services — an emblem of this year's CIFTIS theme: "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services".
\n
Digital innovation is becoming the backbone of China's services sector economy. In the first seven months, knowledge-intensive services — including AI, digital finance and professional consulting — rose 6.8 percent to 1.78 trillion yuan, said the commerce ministry report.
\n
For Zaha Hadid Architects, a British architecture and design firm, the tech boom is transforming the construction services industry.
\n
Digital tools are adopted throughout the construction process, from design to fabrication, enabling factories to precisely execute the design, which enhances accuracy and quality control, said Satoshi Ohashi, director of Zaha Hadid Architects.
\n
China has built an incredible manufacturing base, and now it has grown and developed into an innovation powerhouse, said Ohashi. "I think that's the power and potential of the Chinese economy."
\n
The view is echoed by Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, who noted that China's technological advancements are helping foreign firms raise efficiency and sharpen competitiveness.
\n
By shifting from traditional industries to high-value-added sectors, China is enhancing its capacity to deliver high-quality and innovative services to its international partners, said Dale Pinto, president and chair of the board of CPA Australia. "This transition is opening new avenues for global cooperation of mutual benefit."
\n
Policy openness
\n
The rapid expansion of China's services sector comes amid its consistent commitment to opening up and win-win cooperation.
\n
Amid a notable rise in unilateralism and protectionism, China has steadily advanced institutional opening-up in trade in services, which has provided strong momentum for its own development and created greater room for global economic growth, said Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang during a keynote speech at the event.
\n
Ding reiterated China's commitment to working with all countries and parties to strengthen opening-up and cooperation in services trade.
\n
This commitment is tangible for foreign firms like Philips.
\n
A more open and inclusive business environment in China offers more pragmatic opportunities for the company's development, encouraging it to further strengthen its operations here, said VP Yang.
\n
Global scholars have hailed China's opening-up as a strong driver for an open world economy and inclusive growth.
\n
China's efforts to advance high-standard opening-up bring opportunities for shared development and prosperity to countries of the Global South, while improving the global governance system, said Mutinda Mutisya, a senior lecturer at the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies of the University of Nairobi.
\n
Steps taken by Chinese policymakers have created a platform for equal participation by its partners, including emerging economies, said Tolonbek Abdyrov, a professor of economics and vice-rector of the International Higher School of Medicine in Kyrgyzstan, adding that China's advocacy for equal rights to development for all countries sends a clear and positive message.
\n
CIFTIS and China's commitment to openness provide a much-needed boost to global trade, strained by tariff hikes, said Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, a Manila-based think tank. "CIFTIS will help sustain and improve the momentum of global trade and growth."
An Iranian booth at the 2025 CIFTIS at Shougang Park in Beijing on Sept 10.
\n
BEIJING — The services sector is becoming an increasingly crucial engine for China's economic growth and has substantial potential, driven by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, said foreign representatives at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, held in Beijing from Wednesday to Sunday.
\n
The fair featured high-level forums where government officials, industry leaders and international experts exchanged insights on the development of the services trade.
\n
Services represent a great opportunity for growth in China as the scale of the domestic sector is still relatively small compared to other countries, Marshall Mills, senior resident representative in China of the International Monetary Fund, said on Thursday during the Forum on Development of Trade in Services.
\n
Mills said total factor productivity growth in China's services sector has been accelerating, particularly in fields like financial services and commerce, playing a vital role in the country's continued economic development.
\n
Tu Xinquan, dean of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, said that while China's services sector now accounts for over 50 percent of GDP, it remains below the 70 to 80 percent levels typical of developed economies.
\n
"As the services sector expands, trade in services becomes a natural progression. Trade serves as a means to promote services sector growth, while industry expansion drives trade demand. Thus, industrial development and trade development mutually reinforce each other," Tu said, adding that expanded trade in services can boost domestic supply and stimulate consumption, which is a key growth driver for China.
\n
Recent years have witnessed rapid growth in China's services trade, fueled by the country's sustained opening-up policies. A Ministry of Commerce report released on Thursday revealed that China's total services trade volume surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in 2024, ranking second globally.
\n
"China's trade in services has entered a stage of high-quality development," Chinese Vice-Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping said, adding that the country's services trade has maintained an average annual growth rate of 6.7 percent since 2012, 1.7 times that of its goods trade.
\n
Digital transformation is accelerating this trend. Long Guoqiang, deputy head of the Development Research Center of the State Council, said that digitalization has transformed many services that were previously difficult to trade across borders into tradeable activities, accelerating the development of services trade across both traditional and emerging sectors.
\n
In particular, the rapid development of AI is poised to open a new chapter for services trade, and this is an area where China maintains competitive advantages, Long said.
\n
At CIFTIS, exhibitors showcased AI-powered solutions across multiple sectors, demonstrating technology's transformative impact on education, tourism, healthcare and sports. Chinese-made humanoid robots at the event exhibited capabilities like delivering food, preparing coffee, playing football and even taking part in boxing matches.
\n
China's rapidly developing AI sector is empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in global competition, Sheng said, adding that the proportion of knowledge-intensive service sector exports in China's overall export of services has increased rapidly in recent years.
\n
Looking ahead, China will continue to expand its high-level opening-up, which will include the promotion of pilot programs in the fields of telecommunication and medicine, while steadily advancing opening-up in the education and culture sectors, Sheng said.
\n
"We will deepen our integration into the world market, enhance industrial synergy with other countries, and inject greater momentum into global economic prosperity through opening-up and cooperation in the services trade," he said.
\n",
@@ -11027,28 +11731,6 @@
"hash": "07b948b0dcc665d2593698efd3395c13",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "019SPORTS - F1 revving up for changes",
- "description": "
Red Bull's Max Verstappen leads into the first corner just ahead of the two McLarens piloted by Lando Norris (left) and Oscar Piastri during the Formula One Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Monza, Italy, on Sept 7.
\n
McLaren's Lando Norris during practice at the Italian Grand Prix.
\n
As the director for single-seater racing series at the FIA, Nikolas Tombazis is overseeing the transition to the new rules.
\n
Next year, Formula One will see one of its biggest changes in a generation.
\n
Sweeping new regulations will change how cars look, sound and run. The goal is to make them more "agile, competitive, safer and more sustainable," governing body FIA said. Some teams all but abandoned their 2025 car designs early this year in search of the biggest boost they could get in 2026.
\n
Reporters spoke with Nikolas Tombazis, who is overseeing the transition to the new rules as the director for single-seater racing series at the FIA, to explain how the changes will affect the action on track, and what could still change.
\n
'Bigger gaps' possible
\n
Teams are guarding their development data, but what has become public suggests the slowest cars could be way off the pace.
\n
Tire manufacturer Pirelli has confirmed that the estimated lap times it has received from teams vary by as much as four seconds, a relative eternity in F1. Tombazis acknowledges that new engine manufacturers may need extra development time to catch up on "15 years of know-how "from the likes of Mercedes.
\n
F1 has a rule which could, in theory, rule cars out if their qualifying times aren't within 107 percent of the fastest car. So could cars be deemed too slow to race?
\n
"I think 107 percent is pretty unlikely, in my view," Tombazis said. "Next year we have a wider level of uncertainty in performances, it's absolutely true. We have newcomers. We have new regulations. Two of those things combined can mean that there could be bigger gaps in some places."
\n
The difference to 2025 could be stark. Despite McLaren's dominance so far this season, six different teams have finished on the podium, and less than a second has separated the entire field in some qualifying sessions.
\n
Solving a 'scare story'
\n
F1's strict testing rules mean these cars aren't on track, they're only in simulations made by the teams. Sometimes that can throw up alarming results, Tombazis said.
\n
"When there's a scare story of 'OK, I drove the car and it did XYZ,' in 99 percent of the cases (of) that XYZ that maybe has worried the driver or a team, we then sit down and resolve it," he said.
\n
One key area where rules could still adapt is how much work the drivers have to do. The new rules' emphasis on electric power means judging when and how to deploy that power could be a key skill. It's not yet clear how much of that will be automated.
\n
Tombazis said the "extra work" of managing a car is already a key skill and forms a big part of the team radio chat that is so popular with fans, but "what we don't want to do is to create a situation where it goes to the other extreme, where the driving becomes like a chess game where it's just a matter of energy management and energy deployment."
\n
Avoiding 'eternal misery'
\n
The new rules keep the turbo hybrid engine design first introduced in 2014, but with more emphasis on electrical power. Many in F1 expect Mercedes, the engines of which have powered teams to nine constructors' title since 2014, will be the manufacturer to beat.
\n
Struggling manufacturers can get exemptions allowing them to spend above the cost cap to develop upgrades for engines that are deemed too uncompetitive or unreliable. The FIA will check every six races to see who is eligible for the boost.
\n
The cost cap "is essential for the financial sustainability of the sport, so I would obviously defend that to death," Tombazis said.
\n
"But, on the other hand, it creates a problem that, if you are behind in performance in a significant manner, and you cannot outspend to recover the performance, you may be condemned to eternal misery by being eternally behind."
\n
It won't be an instant fix. Tombazis emphasized. It just gives the manufacturer a chance to research a solution.
\n
"We're not adding any artificial performance to any car or artificial ballast on any car, or anything like that," he said. "This is absolutely not something that will ever happen in Formula One."
\n
Racing in the rain
\n
Full wet tires might be the least useful item in the whole F1 paddock. When it's wet enough to use them, the tails of spray coming from the cars usually mean visibility is too poor to race.
\n
That's partly because of the aerodynamic floors on the current cars. So the next generation could potentially mean more wet racing.
\n
"I would be lying if I said that we had complete confidence about how the cars will perform in the rain in terms of spray and visibility," Tombazis said, adding the FIA wants to stop a repeat of the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, when no green-flag racing was possible.
\n
"When spectators pay a lot of money to spend the whole weekend sitting in attendance to watch a race, and then, eventually they have to go home (after very limited racing), that is absolutely terrible," he said. "There's a number of projects which are being evaluated in order to minimize the chance of that ever happening again, and I think there are some promising trends."
Red Bull's Max Verstappen leads into the first corner just ahead of the two McLarens piloted by Lando Norris (left) and Oscar Piastri during the Formula One Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Monza, Italy, on Sept 7.
\n
McLaren's Lando Norris during practice at the Italian Grand Prix.
\n
As the director for single-seater racing series at the FIA, Nikolas Tombazis is overseeing the transition to the new rules.
\n
Next year, Formula One will see one of its biggest changes in a generation.
\n
Sweeping new regulations will change how cars look, sound and run. The goal is to make them more "agile, competitive, safer and more sustainable," governing body FIA said. Some teams all but abandoned their 2025 car designs early this year in search of the biggest boost they could get in 2026.
\n
Reporters spoke with Nikolas Tombazis, who is overseeing the transition to the new rules as the director for single-seater racing series at the FIA, to explain how the changes will affect the action on track, and what could still change.
\n
'Bigger gaps' possible
\n
Teams are guarding their development data, but what has become public suggests the slowest cars could be way off the pace.
\n
Tire manufacturer Pirelli has confirmed that the estimated lap times it has received from teams vary by as much as four seconds, a relative eternity in F1. Tombazis acknowledges that new engine manufacturers may need extra development time to catch up on "15 years of know-how "from the likes of Mercedes.
\n
F1 has a rule which could, in theory, rule cars out if their qualifying times aren't within 107 percent of the fastest car. So could cars be deemed too slow to race?
\n
"I think 107 percent is pretty unlikely, in my view," Tombazis said. "Next year we have a wider level of uncertainty in performances, it's absolutely true. We have newcomers. We have new regulations. Two of those things combined can mean that there could be bigger gaps in some places."
\n
The difference to 2025 could be stark. Despite McLaren's dominance so far this season, six different teams have finished on the podium, and less than a second has separated the entire field in some qualifying sessions.
\n
Solving a 'scare story'
\n
F1's strict testing rules mean these cars aren't on track, they're only in simulations made by the teams. Sometimes that can throw up alarming results, Tombazis said.
\n
"When there's a scare story of 'OK, I drove the car and it did XYZ,' in 99 percent of the cases (of) that XYZ that maybe has worried the driver or a team, we then sit down and resolve it," he said.
\n
One key area where rules could still adapt is how much work the drivers have to do. The new rules' emphasis on electric power means judging when and how to deploy that power could be a key skill. It's not yet clear how much of that will be automated.
\n
Tombazis said the "extra work" of managing a car is already a key skill and forms a big part of the team radio chat that is so popular with fans, but "what we don't want to do is to create a situation where it goes to the other extreme, where the driving becomes like a chess game where it's just a matter of energy management and energy deployment."
\n
Avoiding 'eternal misery'
\n
The new rules keep the turbo hybrid engine design first introduced in 2014, but with more emphasis on electrical power. Many in F1 expect Mercedes, the engines of which have powered teams to nine constructors' title since 2014, will be the manufacturer to beat.
\n
Struggling manufacturers can get exemptions allowing them to spend above the cost cap to develop upgrades for engines that are deemed too uncompetitive or unreliable. The FIA will check every six races to see who is eligible for the boost.
\n
The cost cap "is essential for the financial sustainability of the sport, so I would obviously defend that to death," Tombazis said.
\n
"But, on the other hand, it creates a problem that, if you are behind in performance in a significant manner, and you cannot outspend to recover the performance, you may be condemned to eternal misery by being eternally behind."
\n
It won't be an instant fix. Tombazis emphasized. It just gives the manufacturer a chance to research a solution.
\n
"We're not adding any artificial performance to any car or artificial ballast on any car, or anything like that," he said. "This is absolutely not something that will ever happen in Formula One."
\n
Racing in the rain
\n
Full wet tires might be the least useful item in the whole F1 paddock. When it's wet enough to use them, the tails of spray coming from the cars usually mean visibility is too poor to race.
\n
That's partly because of the aerodynamic floors on the current cars. So the next generation could potentially mean more wet racing.
\n
"I would be lying if I said that we had complete confidence about how the cars will perform in the rain in terms of spray and visibility," Tombazis said, adding the FIA wants to stop a repeat of the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, when no green-flag racing was possible.
\n
"When spectators pay a lot of money to spend the whole weekend sitting in attendance to watch a race, and then, eventually they have to go home (after very limited racing), that is absolutely terrible," he said. "There's a number of projects which are being evaluated in order to minimize the chance of that ever happening again, and I think there are some promising trends."
PSG players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Munich, Germany on May 31.
\n
For Paris Saint-Germain, there is the sense that the new season gets up and running for real this week, as it begins its defense of its Champions League title amid doubts about how much longer its squad can handle being pushed to the limit by a crowded calendar.
\n
PSG hosts Atalanta on Wednesday for its first game in Europe, just three-and-a-half months after its stunning 5-0 destruction of Inter Milan in last season's final in Munich.
\n
Luis Enrique's team will also entertain Bayern, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the league phase, with trips to Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Athletic Bilbao and Lisbon to face Sporting on the horizon.
\n
Those are tough games, although PSG's poor start in last season's Champions League has shown that it might not need to be at its very best immediately.
\n
The French champion lost three of eight league phase games last time around, but still won Europe's elite club competition for the first time, following a dazzling run of form from the turn of the year.
\n
The concern now, however, is that last season's exertions could catch up with the club and seriously jeopardize its chances of retaining the trophy.
\n
The Parisians played 65 games during 2024-25, in a season spanning 11 months. That included 17 matches in the Champions League and seven in the Club World Cup, where their marathon campaign concluded with a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in mid-July.
\n
Three weeks later, they were back for preseason training, and a week after that, they started the new campaign against Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup.
\n
Fast-forward a month, and PSG — which won the Super Cup on penalties — has won its first four games in Ligue 1, but it looks like the recent efforts are beginning to catch up with it.
\n
Ballon d'Or favorite Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are out for several weeks with muscle injuries sustained while on national duty with France, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lee Kang-in and Lucas Beraldo came off hurt in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Lens.
\n
"It happens to everyone. It is a bit of a difficult time for us, because we have a lot of players injured," said Enrique, with his own arm in a sling after fracturing a collarbone in a cycling accident.
\n
"I am calm about it, and I hope we will manage to overcome it."
\n
It is not solely luck that PSG avoided serious injuries last season, owing much to the coach's management of the squad.
\n
Hakimi's heavy workload
\n
Nineteen PSG players played more than 1,000 minutes in 2024-25, the same number as Real Madrid and Barcelona for example.
\n
But, the Club World Cup, often played in searing heat and involving numerous long journeys across the United States, has to have taken a toll.
\n
PSG used 19 players in that competition, while Chelsea fielded 27 — the French side looked rinsed in the final and was torn apart.
\n
If it does go to the latter stages of the Champions League again, PSG is looking at playing at least 55 games this season, including the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December.
\n
And, then, there is a World Cup coming at the end of the season, where a large bulk of PSG's players will be present.
\n
The year is set to be even more intense for Achraf Hakimi, who played more minutes than anyone else for PSG last season — he will also feature heavily for Morocco, as it hosts the Africa Cup of Nations in December and January.
\n
Hakimi has no natural understudy at right-back at PSG, which surprisingly opted not to add significant depth to its squad in the transfer window, signing only one new centerback in Illia Zabarnyi, while Lucas Chevalier replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
\n
"Injuries to high-profile players are only one visible part of the workload crisis facing professional football, and are not surprising," said global players' union FIFPro last week.
\n
"The impact is not felt just by the players, but increasingly also by clubs, national teams, fans and national competitions."
\n
Yet, despite the concerns, there is huge excitement at PSG as it prepares to put its title on the line in Europe.
\n
"It is a special moment. We know how difficult this competition is, but we are relaxed about it, and we are hoping to put in a good performance in our first game," said Enrique.
\n",
@@ -11071,28 +11753,6 @@
"hash": "f71ab3834ae9b359457a453d658a94a5",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "020SPORTS - Mondo raises the bar once more",
- "description": "
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis set a new world record of 6.30m as he sensationally defended his world pole vault title in Tokyo on Monday. The Swede went clear on his third attempt, posting his 14th world record in a discipline in which he is utterly dominant.
\n\n\n\n
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis traded handshakes and hugs with the pole vaulters he'd just beaten to capture his third world championships title in Tokyo.
\n
He took a leisurely walk toward the stands to talk to his parents, his brother and his fiancee.
\n
Then, like any great performer in a jam-packed stadium, he turned around, walked back onstage and delivered the encore the people had been waiting for.
\n
It was another world record — the 14th time he's set it — by clearing the bar at 6.30 meters.
\n
Duplantis cleared it on his third and final attempt. It came more than half an hour after the racing on Day 3 of the World Athletics Championships wrapped up for the evening. But nobody in the crowd of 53,000 would dare walk out on Mondo. And Mondo made a point of wringing every drop of drama out of an experience few in that crowd will soon forget.
\n
"To be able to enjoy this world record with them and give them that is super special," Duplantis said. "Especially considering the last time I was in this stadium, we didn't have any spectators. It was spooky and eerie and super weird, and not very fun, honestly."
\n
The night of his last performance at Japan National Stadium was during the COVID-delayed Olympics, held a year late in 2021, and without any fans. Duplantis settled for "only" the gold medal that time and missed the world record. The difference, he suspects, was the energy missing during those silent Games.
\n
This time, there was noise and fun — the people clapping in rhythm every time Duplantis lined up — and like any great artist, Mondo knew how to play to the crowd.
\n
After clearing 6.10, he imitated Japanese baseball Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki's pre-bat sleeve-tugging routine.
\n
"My brother was in the crowd and he plays baseball, so I was trying to fire him up," Duplantis said. "And the Japanese people, if they understood it, it was just something fun."
\n
The Louisiana-born phenom who competes for his mother's native Sweden collected $70,000 for the win — his 49th straight, dating back to September 2022 — along with the $100,000 bonus that goes to record breakers at world championships.
\n
The money isn't the main motivation for a champion who has won every major title — worlds and Olympics — since the Tokyo Games.
\n
"It's doing what I know I'm capable of," Duplantis said. "Motivation-wise, it's not that much of a problem. I know the level I can compete at, and I kind of demand that of myself."
\n
It's hard to blame the crowd for expecting it, too. Duplantis started breaking records on Feb 8, 2020, and has broken them on three continents and in nine countries. This latest feat puts the height at an even 6.30.
\n
"Six-three sounds really nice, really clean, a new barrier for our sport," he said. "It sounds better than 6.29, for sure."
\n
But maybe not as good as 6.31.
\n
"I believe in him," said his dad, Greg, in an interview from the stadium. "I believed he was going to make it on the last one. You've got to believe."
\n
Duplantis has, in fact, wondered if 6.5 might be in his future.
\n
At this rate, it would take another few years. The good news is, he's 25 and, for comparison, the great Sergey Bubka, who won six straight world titles through the 1980s and '90s, was 31 when he broke the record for the 17th and final time.
\n
Bubka's final record was 6.14, and, after France's Renaud Lavillenie topped that one time, Duplantis took over. He has improved the record by one centimeter every time, giving him maximum opportunities to pocket bonuses like the one he'll receive from World Athletics for this one.
\n
"What Mondo has in spades is what every pole vaulter is trying to achieve," said Sam Kendricks, the fourth-place finisher who is the last man not named Duplantis to win a world title (in 2019). "He's got a jump, he's got the jets. He's got a family that really supports him, and then he's got a field of guys that's really pushing him up there."
\n
Medals for China
\n
China also celebrated its first medals of the Tokyo worlds, as Zhao Jie and Zhang Jiale claimed silver and bronze, respectively, in the women's hammer throw.
\n
Canada's Olympic and world champion Camryn Rogers dominated with a winning mark of 80.51 meters. Zhao, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, threw a personal best of 77.60 to secure silver, while Zhang, 18, impressed on her world championships debut with 77.10 for bronze.
\n
"My goal was simply to stand on the podium," Zhao said. "From Olympic bronze to world silver, the change in medal color shows my growth. I hope in 2027, at the Beijing world championships, I can achieve another breakthrough together with my younger teammate Zhang Jiale."
\n
Swiss cheers for Kambundji
\n
Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland held off the world record-holder and reigning Olympic champion to win a surprise gold in the 100m hurdles.
\n
After crossing the finish line, Kambundji stared up at the scoreboard waiting to see where her name would wind up. When she saw she was in first place, her eyes widened and she covered her mouth in shock.
\n
Kambundji finished in a personal-best 12.24 seconds to hold off world record-holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria by 0.05 seconds. American Grace Stark took bronze while Masai Russell, who won gold at the Paris Olympics last summer, was fourth.
\n
"You could see on my face how happy I was when I realized I won," Kambundji said.
\n
Beamish uses head to win steeplechase
\n
The most heartbreaking scene on Monday was steeplechaser Soufiane El Bakkali kneeling with his head on the track and his teammate trying to console him.
\n
The two-time world and Olympic champion was outraced to the line by New Zealand's Geordie Beamish and finished second by 0.07 seconds.
\n
"Congratulations for a good race today, but, for me, I'm coming here for a different reason," El Bakkali said.
\n
Despite his heartbreak, El Bakkali took a traditional steeplechase dip in the water pit with Beamish.
\n
Beamish celebrated a gold medal some 48 hours after another memorable scene. He tripped during qualifying and an oncoming runner stepped on his face. But Beamish got up and made the final.
\n
"It might have been a blessing in disguise," Beamish said. "That gave me a lot of confidence, just being able to get back up off the ground and still qualify pretty easily. It gave me confidence that my shape was better than I thought."
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis set a new world record of 6.30m as he sensationally defended his world pole vault title in Tokyo on Monday. The Swede went clear on his third attempt, posting his 14th world record in a discipline in which he is utterly dominant.
\n\n\n\n
Armand "Mondo" Duplantis traded handshakes and hugs with the pole vaulters he'd just beaten to capture his third world championships title in Tokyo.
\n
He took a leisurely walk toward the stands to talk to his parents, his brother and his fiancee.
\n
Then, like any great performer in a jam-packed stadium, he turned around, walked back onstage and delivered the encore the people had been waiting for.
\n
It was another world record — the 14th time he's set it — by clearing the bar at 6.30 meters.
\n
Duplantis cleared it on his third and final attempt. It came more than half an hour after the racing on Day 3 of the World Athletics Championships wrapped up for the evening. But nobody in the crowd of 53,000 would dare walk out on Mondo. And Mondo made a point of wringing every drop of drama out of an experience few in that crowd will soon forget.
\n
"To be able to enjoy this world record with them and give them that is super special," Duplantis said. "Especially considering the last time I was in this stadium, we didn't have any spectators. It was spooky and eerie and super weird, and not very fun, honestly."
\n
The night of his last performance at Japan National Stadium was during the COVID-delayed Olympics, held a year late in 2021, and without any fans. Duplantis settled for "only" the gold medal that time and missed the world record. The difference, he suspects, was the energy missing during those silent Games.
\n
This time, there was noise and fun — the people clapping in rhythm every time Duplantis lined up — and like any great artist, Mondo knew how to play to the crowd.
\n
After clearing 6.10, he imitated Japanese baseball Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki's pre-bat sleeve-tugging routine.
\n
"My brother was in the crowd and he plays baseball, so I was trying to fire him up," Duplantis said. "And the Japanese people, if they understood it, it was just something fun."
\n
The Louisiana-born phenom who competes for his mother's native Sweden collected $70,000 for the win — his 49th straight, dating back to September 2022 — along with the $100,000 bonus that goes to record breakers at world championships.
\n
The money isn't the main motivation for a champion who has won every major title — worlds and Olympics — since the Tokyo Games.
\n
"It's doing what I know I'm capable of," Duplantis said. "Motivation-wise, it's not that much of a problem. I know the level I can compete at, and I kind of demand that of myself."
\n
It's hard to blame the crowd for expecting it, too. Duplantis started breaking records on Feb 8, 2020, and has broken them on three continents and in nine countries. This latest feat puts the height at an even 6.30.
\n
"Six-three sounds really nice, really clean, a new barrier for our sport," he said. "It sounds better than 6.29, for sure."
\n
But maybe not as good as 6.31.
\n
"I believe in him," said his dad, Greg, in an interview from the stadium. "I believed he was going to make it on the last one. You've got to believe."
\n
Duplantis has, in fact, wondered if 6.5 might be in his future.
\n
At this rate, it would take another few years. The good news is, he's 25 and, for comparison, the great Sergey Bubka, who won six straight world titles through the 1980s and '90s, was 31 when he broke the record for the 17th and final time.
\n
Bubka's final record was 6.14, and, after France's Renaud Lavillenie topped that one time, Duplantis took over. He has improved the record by one centimeter every time, giving him maximum opportunities to pocket bonuses like the one he'll receive from World Athletics for this one.
\n
"What Mondo has in spades is what every pole vaulter is trying to achieve," said Sam Kendricks, the fourth-place finisher who is the last man not named Duplantis to win a world title (in 2019). "He's got a jump, he's got the jets. He's got a family that really supports him, and then he's got a field of guys that's really pushing him up there."
\n
Medals for China
\n
China also celebrated its first medals of the Tokyo worlds, as Zhao Jie and Zhang Jiale claimed silver and bronze, respectively, in the women's hammer throw.
\n
Canada's Olympic and world champion Camryn Rogers dominated with a winning mark of 80.51 meters. Zhao, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, threw a personal best of 77.60 to secure silver, while Zhang, 18, impressed on her world championships debut with 77.10 for bronze.
\n
"My goal was simply to stand on the podium," Zhao said. "From Olympic bronze to world silver, the change in medal color shows my growth. I hope in 2027, at the Beijing world championships, I can achieve another breakthrough together with my younger teammate Zhang Jiale."
\n
Swiss cheers for Kambundji
\n
Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland held off the world record-holder and reigning Olympic champion to win a surprise gold in the 100m hurdles.
\n
After crossing the finish line, Kambundji stared up at the scoreboard waiting to see where her name would wind up. When she saw she was in first place, her eyes widened and she covered her mouth in shock.
\n
Kambundji finished in a personal-best 12.24 seconds to hold off world record-holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria by 0.05 seconds. American Grace Stark took bronze while Masai Russell, who won gold at the Paris Olympics last summer, was fourth.
\n
"You could see on my face how happy I was when I realized I won," Kambundji said.
\n
Beamish uses head to win steeplechase
\n
The most heartbreaking scene on Monday was steeplechaser Soufiane El Bakkali kneeling with his head on the track and his teammate trying to console him.
\n
The two-time world and Olympic champion was outraced to the line by New Zealand's Geordie Beamish and finished second by 0.07 seconds.
\n
"Congratulations for a good race today, but, for me, I'm coming here for a different reason," El Bakkali said.
\n
Despite his heartbreak, El Bakkali took a traditional steeplechase dip in the water pit with Beamish.
\n
Beamish celebrated a gold medal some 48 hours after another memorable scene. He tripped during qualifying and an oncoming runner stepped on his face. But Beamish got up and made the final.
\n
"It might have been a blessing in disguise," Beamish said. "That gave me a lot of confidence, just being able to get back up off the ground and still qualify pretty easily. It gave me confidence that my shape was better than I thought."
Britain's Tyri Donovan lays on the track after diving across the finish line during a men's 400m hurdles heat in Tokyo on Monday.
\n
TOKYO — Tyri Donovan is a casual singer-songwriter in his spare time, and the British hurdler is hitting the right notes on his international debut at the World Athletics Championships.
\n
The Windsor native, who has a university degree in literature and has also studied Mandarin and Japanese translation, is appearing in Tokyo after a breakthrough year aged 26.
\n
He continued his late-blooming success in his first appearance at the championships, qualifying for the 400m hurdles semifinals on Monday in a personal-best time of 48.26sec.
\n
Donovan finished second in his heat after a last-gasp dive for the line, and said he is ready to bring that same energy to Wednesday's semifinal.
\n
"That's what the sport's about, being gutsy, trying to be brave, and that's what I've been working on this summer," he said.
\n
"I'm new to the squad, and everyone's been so welcoming and kind, and it really settled me in to get into that environment and perform."
\n
Donovan's career was interrupted by a serious injury and he is making the most of his time with the British team.
\n
He said he wanted to "take everything in my stride, no pun intended", as he soaks up the experience in Tokyo.
\n
Japan has a special place in his heart, having studied the country's language and taken translation classes.
\n
"Everything from coming out here to represent my country, being in what I believe is the most beautiful country in the world and being able to be part of the culture, and experience it firsthand is incredible," he said.
\n
"That's what the sport can do for you."
\n
Donovan has been playing guitar and writing songs since he was a child, and has performed at open mic nights.
\n
It is a pastime more than a serious career move.
\n
"I have no published work, so I'm a little bit embarrassed to put that out in public, but it's a detachment from the sport," he said.
\n
"I've always been enthused by languages and songwriting," he said.
\n
"It's somewhere where I can get away from the sport if the lows come by."
China's economy showed signs of stabilization in August, with key indicators pointing to continued growth momentum, official data released on Monday showed, suggesting resilience in the face of persistent external pressures and domestic challenges.
\n
However, economists warned that the recovery remains fragile, hampered by lackluster domestic demand, the ongoing property sector correction, and the impact of the United States' tariff policies on exports. They called for further moves to consolidate the recovery trend.
\n
As China still retains plenty of policy space and tools, the economists expect to see additional policy stimulus in the fourth quarter — including forceful fiscal spending and further policy rate cuts — to stabilize growth and employment and help meet the country's full-year growth target of around 5 percent.
\n
Figures released on Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the Chinese economy maintained its overall stability but showed signs of softening, with industrial output up 5.2 percent year-on-year in August, down from 5.7 percent growth in July.
\n
Retail sales, a key measurement of consumer spending, grew 3.4 percent year-on-year in August, compared with a 3.7 percent rise in July, the NBS said.
\n
Jeremy Zook, lead analyst for China at Fitch Ratings, said industrial production growth remained above 5 percent year-on-year as resilient exports continue to provide support for industrial activity, while tepid consumer confidence continued to weigh on the pace of retail sales growth.
\n
Although the latest data point to a softening of economic activity in China, Zook noted that the nation's economy has been broadly resilient in the face of rising external challenges from US tariffs.
\n
On the back of China's strong economic performance in the first half of the year, Fitch Ratings recently revised upward its full-year growth forecast for China to 4.7 percent from 4.2 percent earlier, which is closer to the country's growth target of around 5 percent.
\n
Still, Zook cautioned that insufficient domestic demand, the ongoing property sector correction, and deflationary risks stemming from industrial overcapacity remain key challenges for the economy.
\n
Looking to the remainder of the year, Zook said there is still space for the government to ramp up policy support. "Fiscal policy is already quite expansionary this year, and we expect the government to focus on implementing the budget plans rather than leaning on more stimulus. ...On monetary policy, we currently forecast a modest easing through 20 basis points of rate cuts."
\n
Liu Qiao, dean of Peking University's Guanghua School of Management, agreed, saying that "the Chinese government still has a lot of policy space to stimulate the economy". He underlined the importance of further fostering a friendly business environment to motivate entrepreneurial spirit among smaller companies to fuel innovation-driven growth.
\n
Liu said he is confident that China will achieve this year's GDP growth target of around 5 percent, with fiscal transfers to low-income households and fertility subsidies to support growth in the coming months.
\n
With rising investment in research and development and stronger innovation momentum, Liu said China is well-positioned to maintain solid growth over the coming years as the country's total factor productivity growth — a measurement of how efficiently an economy uses inputs to produce output — is likely to recover to about 2 percent in the next five to 10 years.
\n
Despite the pressures and headwinds ahead, Fu Linghui, spokesman for and chief economist at the NBS, said that China's economy — bolstered by a solid foundation, strong resilience and vast potential — retains multiple favorable conditions supporting high-quality development.
\n
"China's economy will likely continue to maintain a trajectory of stability and improvement, supported by accelerated cultivation of new growth drivers, strengthening market vitality, and effective macroeconomic policies," he said at a news conference in Beijing on Monday.
\n
The NBS data also showed that China's equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing reported strong performance in terms of industrial output in August, expanding 8.1 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively.
\n
Looking ahead, Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said China's economy is expected to gain further momentum in the fourth quarter, supported by stronger consumption-boosting initiatives, signs of stabilization in the property market, and a rebound in consumer inflation. "China has the conditions and capabilities to achieve its annual growth target."
\n
Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said China is likely to roll out new incremental policy measures in the fourth quarter to stabilize economic momentum and increase jobs.
\n
Contact the writers at ouyangshijia@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China's economy showed signs of stabilization in August, with key indicators pointing to continued growth momentum, official data released on Monday showed, suggesting resilience in the face of persistent external pressures and domestic challenges.
\n
However, economists warned that the recovery remains fragile, hampered by lackluster domestic demand, the ongoing property sector correction, and the impact of the United States' tariff policies on exports. They called for further moves to consolidate the recovery trend.
\n
As China still retains plenty of policy space and tools, the economists expect to see additional policy stimulus in the fourth quarter — including forceful fiscal spending and further policy rate cuts — to stabilize growth and employment and help meet the country's full-year growth target of around 5 percent.
\n
Figures released on Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the Chinese economy maintained its overall stability but showed signs of softening, with industrial output up 5.2 percent year-on-year in August, down from 5.7 percent growth in July.
\n
Retail sales, a key measurement of consumer spending, grew 3.4 percent year-on-year in August, compared with a 3.7 percent rise in July, the NBS said.
\n
Jeremy Zook, lead analyst for China at Fitch Ratings, said industrial production growth remained above 5 percent year-on-year as resilient exports continue to provide support for industrial activity, while tepid consumer confidence continued to weigh on the pace of retail sales growth.
\n
Although the latest data point to a softening of economic activity in China, Zook noted that the nation's economy has been broadly resilient in the face of rising external challenges from US tariffs.
\n
On the back of China's strong economic performance in the first half of the year, Fitch Ratings recently revised upward its full-year growth forecast for China to 4.7 percent from 4.2 percent earlier, which is closer to the country's growth target of around 5 percent.
\n
Still, Zook cautioned that insufficient domestic demand, the ongoing property sector correction, and deflationary risks stemming from industrial overcapacity remain key challenges for the economy.
\n
Looking to the remainder of the year, Zook said there is still space for the government to ramp up policy support. "Fiscal policy is already quite expansionary this year, and we expect the government to focus on implementing the budget plans rather than leaning on more stimulus. ...On monetary policy, we currently forecast a modest easing through 20 basis points of rate cuts."
\n
Liu Qiao, dean of Peking University's Guanghua School of Management, agreed, saying that "the Chinese government still has a lot of policy space to stimulate the economy". He underlined the importance of further fostering a friendly business environment to motivate entrepreneurial spirit among smaller companies to fuel innovation-driven growth.
\n
Liu said he is confident that China will achieve this year's GDP growth target of around 5 percent, with fiscal transfers to low-income households and fertility subsidies to support growth in the coming months.
\n
With rising investment in research and development and stronger innovation momentum, Liu said China is well-positioned to maintain solid growth over the coming years as the country's total factor productivity growth — a measurement of how efficiently an economy uses inputs to produce output — is likely to recover to about 2 percent in the next five to 10 years.
\n
Despite the pressures and headwinds ahead, Fu Linghui, spokesman for and chief economist at the NBS, said that China's economy — bolstered by a solid foundation, strong resilience and vast potential — retains multiple favorable conditions supporting high-quality development.
\n
"China's economy will likely continue to maintain a trajectory of stability and improvement, supported by accelerated cultivation of new growth drivers, strengthening market vitality, and effective macroeconomic policies," he said at a news conference in Beijing on Monday.
\n
The NBS data also showed that China's equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing reported strong performance in terms of industrial output in August, expanding 8.1 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively.
\n
Looking ahead, Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said China's economy is expected to gain further momentum in the fourth quarter, supported by stronger consumption-boosting initiatives, signs of stabilization in the property market, and a rebound in consumer inflation. "China has the conditions and capabilities to achieve its annual growth target."
\n
Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said China is likely to roll out new incremental policy measures in the fourth quarter to stabilize economic momentum and increase jobs.
\n
Contact the writers at ouyangshijia@chinadaily.com.cn
Archaeologists work at the site of a rock inscription discovered at an altitude of about 4,300 meters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, beside a lake in Madoi county, Qinghai province. China's National Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Monday that the engraved stone is the only known one from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) still preserved at its original site and located at the highest altitude during the historic period.
\n
Archaeologists work at the site of a rock inscription discovered at an altitude of about 4,300 meters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, beside a lake in Madoi county, Qinghai province. China's National Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Monday that the engraved stone is the only known one from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) still preserved at its original site and located at the highest altitude during the historic period.
\n
After months of lively debate about its nature, an inscribed rock carving near a lake in Madoi county, Qinghai province, has been identified by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as being from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).
\n
The 37-character inscription was found in 2020 on a rock along a lakeside slope, about 4,300 meters above sea level. It is of typical Qinera zhuanshu, or seal script writing style. The characters are spread across an area of 0.16 square meters, 19 centimeters above the ground.
\n
Tong Tao, an archaeologist with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, arrived at the site in 2023 and realized its extraordinary significance.
\n
Except for some unclear characters, he recognized that the surviving words indicated that the carving was a historical recording that was absent from previously known documentation.
\n
The characters documented that Qinshihuang, the first emperor of China, had sent a high official named Yi on a mission to lead alchemists picking medicinal herbs on Kunlun Mountain.
\n
It is the only known surviving Qin-era rock carving that remains at its original site and could provide a key reference on the location of Kunlun, a monumental sacred mountain in ancient Chinese culture that is hailed as the "ancestor of all mountains".
\n
For example, in Erya, one of the oldest Chinese dictionaries, dating back to the third century BC, it is said that "the river comes from Kunlun", which corresponds to the location of the rock carving, which is close to the source of the Yellow River.
\n
Nevertheless, after Tong, the archaeologist, wrote an article to release the earlier findings in Guangming Daily newspaper in June, the inscription ignited a lasting debate in the media. While some scholars supported its identification as being from the Qin Dynasty, others doubted its credibility and saw it as a modern fabrication due to its well-preserved condition.
\n
Deng Chao, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration's department of historic monuments, said at a news conference on Monday in Beijing that "laboratory analyses indicate that the inscribed rock consists of quartz sandstone, characterized by high abrasion resistance and strong weathering durability".
\n
"Through high-definition examination, distinct tool markings on the inscribed characters were identified, indicating their creation using blunt-tipped engraving instruments, which matches with craftsmanship practices of the historical period," Deng added.
\n
For the analysis, the administration organized expert panels involving archaeologists, historians, cultural relic conservators and calligraphy researchers, as well as experts in other fields, to conduct two rounds of field research and evaluation of the area surrounding the site.
\n
Li Li, deputy director of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, added that mineralogical composition studies and metallic element analysis conclusively ruled out the possibility of fabrication involving contemporary alloys or modern carving implements.
\n
"The mineral types and contents inside the carved grooves and on the surface of the carved stone are basically consistent," she said. "This indicates that both the interior of the grooves and the rock surrounding the inscriptions have undergone long-term weathering."
\n
Li Ling, a veteran archaeologist and paleographer at Peking University who conducted detailed, comparative studies of the rock carving in Madoi and other confirmed Qin inscriptions, said, "Most expert panel members agreed with the conclusion that these characters are of the Qin era, though this writing in the wilderness has some variation compared with those already documented."
\n
Different chiseling methods were used on the carving, showing that its creator or creators did not deliberately pursue a uniform format and were more casual in dealing with different conditions of the rock base.
\n
Dating evidence also emerged from the special style of the characters.
\n
For example, the character lun from Kunlun has a rare pattern that was known to exist only during the Qin Dynasty. This pattern is identical to one that appeared in a Qin documentation written on bamboo slip, an ancient writing material, that was unearthed in Hunan province in 2002, Li Ling said.
\n
Recent evaluations have also clarified some of Tong's initial interpretations. Tong once deciphered two unclear characters as "twenty-six", indicating that the medicine-picking was done in "the 26th year of Qinshihuang's reign (including his rule as a vassal state king before he united China to become emperor)", or 221 BC, the year Qinshihuang died.
\n
However, the expert panel finally concluded that it was "thirty-seven", or 210 BC.
\n
"More questions still remain to be answered," said Li Ling.
\n
Wang Jinxian, director of the Qinghai Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, said that comprehensive archaeological research has also been conducted across a vast tract of land surrounding the rock carving. Within a 150-kilometer radius, 75 unmovable cultural relics from throughout ancient history were discovered.
\n
"Archaeological research showed that this lakeside region had been an area of frequent human activities dating back to the Paleolithic period," he said, responding to some public doubt about why Qinshihuang's mission left carvings on this "desolate land".
\n
Realizing its key value in historical, artistic and scientific studies, the local government immediately launched a comprehensive protection program for the rock carving. Protection and monitoring facilities were set up, and nearby traffic routes were adjusted accordingly.
\n
Deng vowed that the site will also be given special attention during the ongoing process of applying for the site's inclusion on China's ninth list of national key protected cultural heritage sites.
\n
wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn
\n
<figcaption>Archaeologists work at the site of a rock inscription discovered at an altitude of about 4,300 meters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, beside a lake in Madoi county, Qinghai province. China's National Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Monday that the engraved stone is the only known one from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) still preserved at its original site and located at the highest altitude during the historic period.</figcaption></figure>
An electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi is displayed at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing in July.
\n
Two drones carrying seafood and flowers land at the HanShang Low-Altitude Airfield in Wuhan, Hubei province, in June, marking the logistics center's official launch.
\n
An eVTOL aircraft developed by EHang conducts a demonstration flight in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in April.
\n
A tourist enjoys desert scenes while flying in a glider in Dunhuang, Gansu province, in August.
\n
An eVTOL aircraft conducts a demonstration flight in Hefei, Anhui province, in July.
\n\n
Booking an "air taxi" for intercity commuting and sightseeing tours, and drones making food and parcel deliveries are no longer scenarios from the future. They are already gradually becoming part of everyday life for people in China.
\n
The nation's low-altitude sector — regarded as a strategic emerging industry — is poised to see robust growth in the coming years, fueled by commercial applications across a wide range of fields, such as passenger transportation, tourism, agriculture and logistics, coupled with supportive measures from authorities, experts said.
\n
Sharper focus on developing the low-altitude economy will alleviate urban traffic congestion and foster new economic growth drivers, as the sector realizes immense development potential, they added.
\n
However, more efforts should be made to improve rules and regulatory policies regarding the safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles and other low-altitude flight activities, the experts said. Construction of ground infrastructure, including takeoff and landing sites and maintenance centers, should also be accelerated.
\n
The market scale of China's low-altitude economy will reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($209.9 billion) in 2025 and rise to 3.5 trillion yuan in 2035, according to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The low-altitude economy encompasses civil piloted and unpiloted aviation activities within an airspace extending up to 3,000 meters, and includes aircraft manufacturing, low-altitude flight operations and integrated services.
\n
Chinese manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are stepping up efforts to bolster the development of this economy and expand their application in various fields, such as aerial tourism, geological surveying and mapping, agriculture, public security, aerial logistics and even disaster relief.
\n
Great opportunities
\n
Urban air mobility technology company EHang Holdings is accelerating efforts to drive the commercial use of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in aerial sightseeing, tourism and logistics.
\n
Referred to as air taxis, eVTOL aircraft do not require traditional airports or runways. Similar to helicopters, they take off vertically and transition into fixed-wing flight mode in the air, and offer a promising air traffic and sightseeing experience while traversing congested big cities.
\n
EHang has been granted one of the first air operator certificates for civil human-carrying pilotless aerial vehicles by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The certification marks a significant step toward the commercialization and mass adoption of low-altitude human-carrying flight services.
\n
Consumers will be able to purchase flight tickets for low-altitude tourism and urban sightseeing, and enjoy a range of commercial human-carrying flight services at sites in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and Hefei, Anhui province.
\n
Hu Huazhi, founder, chairman and CEO of EHang, said the low-altitude economy and related sectors present a significant market opportunity for urban air mobility development, and serve as a new engine for future growth in China.
\n
He added that the company hopes to introduce safe and reliable pilotless eVTOL aircraft and offer autonomous and eco-friendly air mobility services.
\n
In June, EHang received a purchase order for 50 units of its EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft from Guizhou Scenic Tourism Development Co. The aircraft will be deployed in scenic areas in Guizhou province to offer low-altitude aerial tourism and sightseeing services, while low-altitude tourism opportunities will also be explored.
\n
In August, the company announced that its VT20, a logistics eVTOL, had successfully completed an intercity cargo delivery roundtrip between Zhuhai and Guangzhou in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
\n
The groundbreaking flight covered 83 kilometers and lasted approximately 55 minutes. This significantly enhances logistics efficiency between the two cities, both in Guangdong province, saving up to 40 minutes compared with road transportation, and over an hour during traffic congestion periods, the company said.
\n
According to a report by market research company CCID Consulting, China's eVTOL industry will maintain rapid growth in the next few years, with the market size hitting 9.5 billion yuan in 2026, driven by the speedy issuance of airworthiness certifications by authorities.
\n
Global market consultancy Roland Berger estimated that there will be up to 3,000 air taxis in operation worldwide by 2025, and this figure will increase exponentially to 100,000 by 2050.
\n
Yu Zhanfu, a partner at Roland Berger, said that compared with traditional helicopters, eVTOL aircraft are smaller, lighter, and require less space for takeoffs and landings. They also have lower operating costs, which will give a big boost to their popularity.
\n
New growth engine
\n
The low-altitude economy, which plays a key role in nurturing new quality productive forces and serves as a new growth engine, was written into the government work report for the first time last year.
\n
About 30 provincial-level regions across the nation have included bolstering the development of the low-altitude economy into local government work reports and rolled out relevant policies.
\n
Hefei in Anhui province and Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province have implemented favorable policies, such as providing subsidies and incentives, to facilitate the development of the low-altitude economy and build up related industrial clusters to gain a competitive edge in the emerging industry.
\n
China aims to establish a new development model for the general aviation industry characterized by high-end, intelligent and green features by 2030, and form a trillion-yuan general aviation equipment market, according to an action plan issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other government departments.
\n
By 2027, new-generation general aviation equipment with unmanned, electric and intelligent features will realize commercial application in urban air transportation, logistics distribution, and emergency rescue work, the plan said.
\n
DJI, the world's largest commercial drone manufacturer by market share, has invested heavily in industrial drones that can be used in sectors such as agriculture, electricity, petroleum pipeline inspections, mapping and transportation, creating great economic and social value.
\n
The emergence of industrial drones has reshaped people's lives and production models, as well as promoted the development of diverse industries, said Zhang Xiaonan, director of senior corporate strategy and a spokeswoman for DJI.
\n
Though such drones are still in the initial stage of development, their applications will be more extensive in the future as related technologies advance, Zhang added.
\n
The company has also made forays into the delivery and logistics sector by unveiling its cargo drones. The drones have transported daily supplies, photovoltaic panels, building materials and emergency supplies to mountainous regions and rural areas, helping improve transportation efficiency and relieve labor shortages.
\n
"We are bullish on the prospects for aerial transport and hope to effectively solve the challenges arising from complex terrain and last-mile transportation for the industry," Zhang said.
\n
In addition, DJI used drones to carry out three-dimensional digitalization of national cultural heritage, making contributions to the preservation, restoration and research of cultural heritage and historical relics. Its drones have also been used for public safety, firefighting and emergency rescue.
\n
The Shenzhen-based company expects to further promote the use of drones in all walks of life, Zhang said.
\n
Agricultural applications
\n
The Chinese government has issued a number of policies to promote the use of modern agricultural machinery, boosting the application of drones in agriculture.
\n
Farming drones have been widely used for spraying pesticides, sprinkling fertilizers and sowing seeds to help farmers improve efficiency and reduce costs, said Justin Gong, co-founder of XAG Co, one of China's largest agricultural drone manufacturers.
\n
"Our ultimate goal is to create a smart agriculture ecosystem in which all the repetitive, tedious and dangerous jobs are assigned to drones and robots, allowing farmers to focus on decision-making with the aid of big data and artificial intelligence," Gong said.
\n
The company has trained many young people who returned to the countryside and became drone pilots instead of directly selling the devices to farmers, he said, adding that digital technologies help accelerate the industrialization of the country's agricultural sector.
\n
DJI has also devoted a great deal of attention to agricultural drones to help farmers improve the efficiency of sowing seeds and spraying fertilizers and pesticides, and increase the use of intelligent agricultural equipment.
\n
As of October 2024, DJI's agricultural drones had been sold in more than 100 countries and regions, with accumulated sales reaching 400,000 units worldwide.
\n
"With the expansion of application scenarios and innovation of service models, the scope of the low-altitude economy is becoming increasingly broad, ranging from agriculture and aerial photography to urban air mobility, logistics and delivery," said Yang Jincai, director of the Shenzhen Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Association.
\n
In China, the sector is still in its initial development stage, and there is a lack of effective supervision and emergency response mechanisms regarding low-altitude flight activities, presenting difficulties for urban low-altitude airspace management, he said.
\n
Yang called for greater efforts to improve the design and planning of low-altitude airspace to make full use of airspace resources and meet the needs of various aviation activities, while strengthening supervision and management of flight activities.
\n
Yang Ling, general manager of the intelligent equipment industry research center of CCID Consulting, said that as low-altitude flight activities continue to increase, more capital will be put into the construction of low-altitude infrastructure. "China's low-altitude economy is expected to maintain rapid growth," he said.
\n
He said China's technological advancements and expertise in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries and rail transit provide strong technical support for the research and development of drones.
\n
Deliveries expanding
\n
Delivery drones have become increasingly widespread in recent years. Chinese e-commerce giant JD has used drones to reach consumers in hard-to-reach remote areas.
\n
The drones take off from regional delivery stations, follow a predetermined route to villages or rural areas, land at designated drop-off points and give orders directly to customers, significantly shortening delivery time and reducing logistics costs.
\n
Food delivery platform Meituan has made great strides in drone usage. The company announced in April that its self-developed fourth-generation drone has passed a CAAC review, and obtained the country's first operating certificate for low-altitude logistics nationwide.
\n
The license allows Meituan's drones to begin regular commercial drone delivery services across the nation. The company has opened 64 drone delivery routes in major cities and completed over 600,000 orders.
\n
The service offers customers a wide selection of products and spans a variety of locations, ranging from offices, residential areas and libraries to tourist spots.
\n
In the global delivery drones market, the Asia-Pacific region will witness the highest growth while China has been the largest market, according to a report from market research company Mordor Intelligence.
\n
Increasing support from authorities responsible for commercial drone operations is propelling the growth of drone delivery operations in the region, the report added.
\n
Courier and logistics company SF Holding has rolled out a variety of drones for delivery services, with a maximum payload of 25 kilograms and a flying distance of 100 km.
\n
Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, said: "The low-altitude economy has entered a golden period of development, with its applications continuously expanding in areas such as logistics and tourism, which will drive the coordinated development of related industrial chains."
\n
"The low-altitude economy industrial chains encompass low-altitude aircraft manufacturing, operational services, airspace management, airworthiness certification, quality supervision, and safety management," he said.
\n
Zhu emphasized the significance of strengthening the development and utilization of low-altitude airspace resources and accelerating the establishment of supporting infrastructure.
\n
It is of vital importance to improve airspace management policies, reinforce policy support and guidance, encourage enterprises to increase investment in R&D and technological innovation and strengthen the formulation of regulatory policies, Zhu added.
\n
Yang Sumei, an associate professor at Guangzhou Maritime University, said the low-altitude economy serves as an important driving force for cultivating new quality productive forces and has huge market potential.
\n
More efforts should be made to establish applicable rules and standards to better regulate the fast-developing sector and to advance the construction of low-altitude infrastructure and intelligent management and operating platforms, Yang said.
\n
fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
An electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi is displayed at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing in July.
\n
Two drones carrying seafood and flowers land at the HanShang Low-Altitude Airfield in Wuhan, Hubei province, in June, marking the logistics center's official launch.
\n
An eVTOL aircraft developed by EHang conducts a demonstration flight in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in April.
\n
A tourist enjoys desert scenes while flying in a glider in Dunhuang, Gansu province, in August.
\n
An eVTOL aircraft conducts a demonstration flight in Hefei, Anhui province, in July.
\n\n
Booking an "air taxi" for intercity commuting and sightseeing tours, and drones making food and parcel deliveries are no longer scenarios from the future. They are already gradually becoming part of everyday life for people in China.
\n
The nation's low-altitude sector — regarded as a strategic emerging industry — is poised to see robust growth in the coming years, fueled by commercial applications across a wide range of fields, such as passenger transportation, tourism, agriculture and logistics, coupled with supportive measures from authorities, experts said.
\n
Sharper focus on developing the low-altitude economy will alleviate urban traffic congestion and foster new economic growth drivers, as the sector realizes immense development potential, they added.
\n
However, more efforts should be made to improve rules and regulatory policies regarding the safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles and other low-altitude flight activities, the experts said. Construction of ground infrastructure, including takeoff and landing sites and maintenance centers, should also be accelerated.
\n
The market scale of China's low-altitude economy will reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($209.9 billion) in 2025 and rise to 3.5 trillion yuan in 2035, according to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The low-altitude economy encompasses civil piloted and unpiloted aviation activities within an airspace extending up to 3,000 meters, and includes aircraft manufacturing, low-altitude flight operations and integrated services.
\n
Chinese manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are stepping up efforts to bolster the development of this economy and expand their application in various fields, such as aerial tourism, geological surveying and mapping, agriculture, public security, aerial logistics and even disaster relief.
\n
Great opportunities
\n
Urban air mobility technology company EHang Holdings is accelerating efforts to drive the commercial use of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in aerial sightseeing, tourism and logistics.
\n
Referred to as air taxis, eVTOL aircraft do not require traditional airports or runways. Similar to helicopters, they take off vertically and transition into fixed-wing flight mode in the air, and offer a promising air traffic and sightseeing experience while traversing congested big cities.
\n
EHang has been granted one of the first air operator certificates for civil human-carrying pilotless aerial vehicles by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The certification marks a significant step toward the commercialization and mass adoption of low-altitude human-carrying flight services.
\n
Consumers will be able to purchase flight tickets for low-altitude tourism and urban sightseeing, and enjoy a range of commercial human-carrying flight services at sites in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and Hefei, Anhui province.
\n
Hu Huazhi, founder, chairman and CEO of EHang, said the low-altitude economy and related sectors present a significant market opportunity for urban air mobility development, and serve as a new engine for future growth in China.
\n
He added that the company hopes to introduce safe and reliable pilotless eVTOL aircraft and offer autonomous and eco-friendly air mobility services.
\n
In June, EHang received a purchase order for 50 units of its EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft from Guizhou Scenic Tourism Development Co. The aircraft will be deployed in scenic areas in Guizhou province to offer low-altitude aerial tourism and sightseeing services, while low-altitude tourism opportunities will also be explored.
\n
In August, the company announced that its VT20, a logistics eVTOL, had successfully completed an intercity cargo delivery roundtrip between Zhuhai and Guangzhou in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
\n
The groundbreaking flight covered 83 kilometers and lasted approximately 55 minutes. This significantly enhances logistics efficiency between the two cities, both in Guangdong province, saving up to 40 minutes compared with road transportation, and over an hour during traffic congestion periods, the company said.
\n
According to a report by market research company CCID Consulting, China's eVTOL industry will maintain rapid growth in the next few years, with the market size hitting 9.5 billion yuan in 2026, driven by the speedy issuance of airworthiness certifications by authorities.
\n
Global market consultancy Roland Berger estimated that there will be up to 3,000 air taxis in operation worldwide by 2025, and this figure will increase exponentially to 100,000 by 2050.
\n
Yu Zhanfu, a partner at Roland Berger, said that compared with traditional helicopters, eVTOL aircraft are smaller, lighter, and require less space for takeoffs and landings. They also have lower operating costs, which will give a big boost to their popularity.
\n
New growth engine
\n
The low-altitude economy, which plays a key role in nurturing new quality productive forces and serves as a new growth engine, was written into the government work report for the first time last year.
\n
About 30 provincial-level regions across the nation have included bolstering the development of the low-altitude economy into local government work reports and rolled out relevant policies.
\n
Hefei in Anhui province and Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province have implemented favorable policies, such as providing subsidies and incentives, to facilitate the development of the low-altitude economy and build up related industrial clusters to gain a competitive edge in the emerging industry.
\n
China aims to establish a new development model for the general aviation industry characterized by high-end, intelligent and green features by 2030, and form a trillion-yuan general aviation equipment market, according to an action plan issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other government departments.
\n
By 2027, new-generation general aviation equipment with unmanned, electric and intelligent features will realize commercial application in urban air transportation, logistics distribution, and emergency rescue work, the plan said.
\n
DJI, the world's largest commercial drone manufacturer by market share, has invested heavily in industrial drones that can be used in sectors such as agriculture, electricity, petroleum pipeline inspections, mapping and transportation, creating great economic and social value.
\n
The emergence of industrial drones has reshaped people's lives and production models, as well as promoted the development of diverse industries, said Zhang Xiaonan, director of senior corporate strategy and a spokeswoman for DJI.
\n
Though such drones are still in the initial stage of development, their applications will be more extensive in the future as related technologies advance, Zhang added.
\n
The company has also made forays into the delivery and logistics sector by unveiling its cargo drones. The drones have transported daily supplies, photovoltaic panels, building materials and emergency supplies to mountainous regions and rural areas, helping improve transportation efficiency and relieve labor shortages.
\n
"We are bullish on the prospects for aerial transport and hope to effectively solve the challenges arising from complex terrain and last-mile transportation for the industry," Zhang said.
\n
In addition, DJI used drones to carry out three-dimensional digitalization of national cultural heritage, making contributions to the preservation, restoration and research of cultural heritage and historical relics. Its drones have also been used for public safety, firefighting and emergency rescue.
\n
The Shenzhen-based company expects to further promote the use of drones in all walks of life, Zhang said.
\n
Agricultural applications
\n
The Chinese government has issued a number of policies to promote the use of modern agricultural machinery, boosting the application of drones in agriculture.
\n
Farming drones have been widely used for spraying pesticides, sprinkling fertilizers and sowing seeds to help farmers improve efficiency and reduce costs, said Justin Gong, co-founder of XAG Co, one of China's largest agricultural drone manufacturers.
\n
"Our ultimate goal is to create a smart agriculture ecosystem in which all the repetitive, tedious and dangerous jobs are assigned to drones and robots, allowing farmers to focus on decision-making with the aid of big data and artificial intelligence," Gong said.
\n
The company has trained many young people who returned to the countryside and became drone pilots instead of directly selling the devices to farmers, he said, adding that digital technologies help accelerate the industrialization of the country's agricultural sector.
\n
DJI has also devoted a great deal of attention to agricultural drones to help farmers improve the efficiency of sowing seeds and spraying fertilizers and pesticides, and increase the use of intelligent agricultural equipment.
\n
As of October 2024, DJI's agricultural drones had been sold in more than 100 countries and regions, with accumulated sales reaching 400,000 units worldwide.
\n
"With the expansion of application scenarios and innovation of service models, the scope of the low-altitude economy is becoming increasingly broad, ranging from agriculture and aerial photography to urban air mobility, logistics and delivery," said Yang Jincai, director of the Shenzhen Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Association.
\n
In China, the sector is still in its initial development stage, and there is a lack of effective supervision and emergency response mechanisms regarding low-altitude flight activities, presenting difficulties for urban low-altitude airspace management, he said.
\n
Yang called for greater efforts to improve the design and planning of low-altitude airspace to make full use of airspace resources and meet the needs of various aviation activities, while strengthening supervision and management of flight activities.
\n
Yang Ling, general manager of the intelligent equipment industry research center of CCID Consulting, said that as low-altitude flight activities continue to increase, more capital will be put into the construction of low-altitude infrastructure. "China's low-altitude economy is expected to maintain rapid growth," he said.
\n
He said China's technological advancements and expertise in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries and rail transit provide strong technical support for the research and development of drones.
\n
Deliveries expanding
\n
Delivery drones have become increasingly widespread in recent years. Chinese e-commerce giant JD has used drones to reach consumers in hard-to-reach remote areas.
\n
The drones take off from regional delivery stations, follow a predetermined route to villages or rural areas, land at designated drop-off points and give orders directly to customers, significantly shortening delivery time and reducing logistics costs.
\n
Food delivery platform Meituan has made great strides in drone usage. The company announced in April that its self-developed fourth-generation drone has passed a CAAC review, and obtained the country's first operating certificate for low-altitude logistics nationwide.
\n
The license allows Meituan's drones to begin regular commercial drone delivery services across the nation. The company has opened 64 drone delivery routes in major cities and completed over 600,000 orders.
\n
The service offers customers a wide selection of products and spans a variety of locations, ranging from offices, residential areas and libraries to tourist spots.
\n
In the global delivery drones market, the Asia-Pacific region will witness the highest growth while China has been the largest market, according to a report from market research company Mordor Intelligence.
\n
Increasing support from authorities responsible for commercial drone operations is propelling the growth of drone delivery operations in the region, the report added.
\n
Courier and logistics company SF Holding has rolled out a variety of drones for delivery services, with a maximum payload of 25 kilograms and a flying distance of 100 km.
\n
Zhu Keli, founding director of the China Institute of New Economy, said: "The low-altitude economy has entered a golden period of development, with its applications continuously expanding in areas such as logistics and tourism, which will drive the coordinated development of related industrial chains."
\n
"The low-altitude economy industrial chains encompass low-altitude aircraft manufacturing, operational services, airspace management, airworthiness certification, quality supervision, and safety management," he said.
\n
Zhu emphasized the significance of strengthening the development and utilization of low-altitude airspace resources and accelerating the establishment of supporting infrastructure.
\n
It is of vital importance to improve airspace management policies, reinforce policy support and guidance, encourage enterprises to increase investment in R&D and technological innovation and strengthen the formulation of regulatory policies, Zhu added.
\n
Yang Sumei, an associate professor at Guangzhou Maritime University, said the low-altitude economy serves as an important driving force for cultivating new quality productive forces and has huge market potential.
\n
More efforts should be made to establish applicable rules and standards to better regulate the fast-developing sector and to advance the construction of low-altitude infrastructure and intelligent management and operating platforms, Yang said.
China and the United States have reached a basic framework consensus on properly resolving TikTok-related issues, reducing investment barriers, and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation after two days of talks in Madrid, Spain.
\n
However, Beijing has made it clear that it will not pursue any deal that compromises China's core principles, the interests of Chinese companies, or international fairness and justice.
\n
Top negotiators from Beijing and Washington, led respectively by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, conducted "candid, in-depth and constructive" communication on economic and trade issues of common concern starting on Sunday.
\n
Vice-Premier He said that China hopes the US will work together with it to quickly remove the relevant restrictive measures against China, take concrete actions to jointly safeguard the hard-won achievements of the trade talks, and create a good atmosphere for the stable and sustained development of Sino-US economic and trade relations.
\n
Addressing a news briefing on Monday, Li Chenggang, China's international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce, said the two sides "reached a preliminary framework consensus on properly resolving TikTok-related issues through cooperation, scaling back investment barriers, and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation."
\n
Li, who is also vice-minister of commerce, emphasized that China will "under no circumstances seek any agreement at the expense of its principled stance, the interests of its enterprises, or international fairness and justice". The Chinese government fully respects the will of enterprises and supports them in conducting equal business negotiations on the basis of market principles, he added.
\n
Wang Jingtao, deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said the Chinese government will review and approve matters related to TikTok's technology exports, the licensing of its usage rights, and other issues in accordance with the law.
\n
"China hopes that the US will, pursuant to the consensus reached between the two sides, provide a nondiscriminatory economic and trade environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the US, including TikTok," he said.
\n
Wang Wen, dean of Renmin University of China's Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, said," Any successful negotiation requires mutual effort and, fundamentally, mutual respect."
\n
He pointed out that the US pursues a contradictory strategy. "The world is watching. So are the markets. Washington can choose the path of respectful engagement and shared gains with Beijing, or it can continue down the dead end of unilateral pressure and bear the consequences," Wang Wen added.
\n
Chen Wenling, former chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said that by choosing to talk regularly and in detail, Beijing and Washington are sending a clear signal that they understand that a total breakdown in economic ties is a risk neither can afford.
Two teams compete in the 2025 Chongqing City Football League opening match at the Datianwan Stadium in Yuzhong district, Chongqing, on Saturday.
\n
Chongqing's Datianwan Stadium became the center of excitement on Saturday night as it hosted the opening match of the Chongqing City Football League, also known as Yu Chao. This is the upgraded version of the city's amateur super league, launched in 2016.
\n
The stadium and its surroundings were turned into a vibrant carnival with food stands, cultural exhibits and live music performances.
\n
The opening match saw Chongqing's Yuzhong team face off against Jiulongpo and clinch a 3-2 victory.
\n
"We had never explored this area before, but tonight our family enjoyed a delightful meal of iron pot spicy fish outside the stadium. I think it has sparked widespread enthusiasm for sports and stimulated local consumption," said Sun Pinpin, 34, who attended the match with her husband and 10-year-old son.
\n
The league is regarded as the largest city soccer competition in China, featuring 41 teams from Chongqing's 38 districts and counties, as well as from the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing High-tech Industrial Development Zone and Chongqing Wansheng Economic and Technological Development Zone. In total, 178 matches are scheduled this season.
\n
The occasion also marked a significant moment for Datianwan Stadium, which had not seen such vibrancy since it last hosted a Chinese Jia-A League game 22 years ago. Built in 1956, the stadium was the first premier venue established after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Saturday's opener drew 21,680 fans.
\n
With the season scheduled to run until March or April next year, given the number of teams and matches, the CQFL is the most extensive city soccer league nationwide, said Zhang Jie, a technical official of the league.
\n
Chongqing, a megacity of 32 million on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, has a rich soccer heritage. Local communities began organizing matches in the 1950s, and by the 1970s had set up a league with a promotion and relegation system. The structure helped develop amateur teams with national influence.
\n
"The primary goal of organizing the league is to enhance public fitness and offer a platform for ordinary people to showcase their skills and express themselves through soccer," Zhang said.
\n
During the opening match, Yuzhong's Li Feiya scored the league's first goal. A full-time teacher, Li embodies the league's spirit of community involvement, balancing classroom duties with soccer training.
\n
The event energized the local community and boosted tourism and hospitality. Du Xueyong, deputy director of the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau, said the league is expected to generate more than 100 million yuan ($14.04 million) in consumption across dining, accommodation and transportation. Tourism revenue in host areas is projected to increase by over 20 percent.
\n
In May, the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League in Jiangsu province captured national attention, inspiring more provinces to organize their own amateur "super leagues".Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces launched theirs in July and August. Hunan province kicked off its league six days before Chongqing while Sichuan province is scheduled to kick start its own on Sept 20.
\n
These leagues are driving deeper integration of sports and consumer activities. Meituan Travel reported that during the opening match of the Hunan Super League, bookings for flights and train tickets to Changsha rose 35 percent year-on-year, while five-star hotel reservations increased by 62 percent.
\n
Given the national men's soccer team's struggles for nearly two decades, many see grassroots competitions as a more genuine and promising path for the future of Chinese soccer.
\n
Contact the writers at dengrui@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Two teams compete in the 2025 Chongqing City Football League opening match at the Datianwan Stadium in Yuzhong district, Chongqing, on Saturday.
\n
Chongqing's Datianwan Stadium became the center of excitement on Saturday night as it hosted the opening match of the Chongqing City Football League, also known as Yu Chao. This is the upgraded version of the city's amateur super league, launched in 2016.
\n
The stadium and its surroundings were turned into a vibrant carnival with food stands, cultural exhibits and live music performances.
\n
The opening match saw Chongqing's Yuzhong team face off against Jiulongpo and clinch a 3-2 victory.
\n
"We had never explored this area before, but tonight our family enjoyed a delightful meal of iron pot spicy fish outside the stadium. I think it has sparked widespread enthusiasm for sports and stimulated local consumption," said Sun Pinpin, 34, who attended the match with her husband and 10-year-old son.
\n
The league is regarded as the largest city soccer competition in China, featuring 41 teams from Chongqing's 38 districts and counties, as well as from the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing High-tech Industrial Development Zone and Chongqing Wansheng Economic and Technological Development Zone. In total, 178 matches are scheduled this season.
\n
The occasion also marked a significant moment for Datianwan Stadium, which had not seen such vibrancy since it last hosted a Chinese Jia-A League game 22 years ago. Built in 1956, the stadium was the first premier venue established after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Saturday's opener drew 21,680 fans.
\n
With the season scheduled to run until March or April next year, given the number of teams and matches, the CQFL is the most extensive city soccer league nationwide, said Zhang Jie, a technical official of the league.
\n
Chongqing, a megacity of 32 million on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, has a rich soccer heritage. Local communities began organizing matches in the 1950s, and by the 1970s had set up a league with a promotion and relegation system. The structure helped develop amateur teams with national influence.
\n
"The primary goal of organizing the league is to enhance public fitness and offer a platform for ordinary people to showcase their skills and express themselves through soccer," Zhang said.
\n
During the opening match, Yuzhong's Li Feiya scored the league's first goal. A full-time teacher, Li embodies the league's spirit of community involvement, balancing classroom duties with soccer training.
\n
The event energized the local community and boosted tourism and hospitality. Du Xueyong, deputy director of the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau, said the league is expected to generate more than 100 million yuan ($14.04 million) in consumption across dining, accommodation and transportation. Tourism revenue in host areas is projected to increase by over 20 percent.
\n
In May, the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League in Jiangsu province captured national attention, inspiring more provinces to organize their own amateur "super leagues".Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces launched theirs in July and August. Hunan province kicked off its league six days before Chongqing while Sichuan province is scheduled to kick start its own on Sept 20.
\n
These leagues are driving deeper integration of sports and consumer activities. Meituan Travel reported that during the opening match of the Hunan Super League, bookings for flights and train tickets to Changsha rose 35 percent year-on-year, while five-star hotel reservations increased by 62 percent.
\n
Given the national men's soccer team's struggles for nearly two decades, many see grassroots competitions as a more genuine and promising path for the future of Chinese soccer.
Staff members of the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom celebrate the 100-day milestone of Wo Wo, the first Pacific walrus calf in China to be successfully hand-reared, in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Monday. Born on June 8, Wo Wo was initially rejected by its mother due to a lack of imprinting behavior. A conservation team at the ocean-themed park intervened and provided care, helping Wo Wo grow from 56 kilograms at birth to over 100 kg at present.
China's prestigious Peking University has announced a major overhaul of its undergraduate evaluation system, which will eliminate grade point average ranking for all new undergraduates starting from the 2025 academic year.
\n
The reform is designed to move beyond the "score-centric" model and encourage students to engage in broader intellectual exploration and develop their individual strengths.
\n
Starting with the class of 2025, students' academic capabilities will no longer be summarized or ranked using a single GPA figure. In scenarios such as getting awards and scholarships, or applications for exchange programs, GPA scores will no longer be used. Instead, full transcripts will become the primary basis for evaluating academic performance, according to a recent notice issued by the university.
\n
Moreover, from the 2025 cohort onward, students will be permitted to select one course to be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. They can get the credit of the course as long as they get 60 points out of 100, thereby allowing students to explore interdisciplinary or more challenging content.
\n
Additionally, PKU will remove all guidance limits on the percentage of high grades in courses, allowing instructors to evaluate students based on their actual performance.
\n
For current third- and second-year students, departments may continue to use the original evaluation system.
\n
PKU's initiative is part of a broader trend in Chinese higher education geared toward re-evaluating assessment systems. Fudan University in Shanghai was one of the first domestic institutions to adopt a grade-based system, implementing an A to F scale as early as the 1980s.
\n
In 2015, Tsinghua University in Beijing switched from a 100-point system to a grade-based system. In September 2024, two of Tsinghua's schools announced that grades from the first semester of freshman year would not be included in overall grade calculations.
\n
The concept of GPA originated as an academic quantification tool from the West. It was widely introduced to China in the late 1990s. Initially, it played a fairly positive role.
\n
A landmark moment came around 2010 when domestic universities widely linked GPA evaluation to the postgraduate recommendation system, and students with high GPA scores could pursue postgraduate studies without attending enrollment tests. This meant that the GPA had become a central focus of academic life, leading to intense internal competition around it.
\n
Chen Ruping, vice-president of the China National Academy of Educational Sciences, told The Beijing News that abolishing the GPA system and exploring grade-based systems can, to some extent, liberate students from ineffective competition such as repetitive drilling for scores, allowing them to devote more energy to actual learning.
\n
Under the traditional GPA system, the cost of trial and error was high — a low score in one course could significantly impact a student's overall ranking throughout their university career, he said.
\n
This often led students to prefer courses known for lenient grading. The P/NP system provides a trial window, guiding students to boldly attempt rigorous courses based on their interests and research strengths, he said.
\n
A 20-year-old medical student at PKU surnamed Dong told China Daily that GPA functions like a currency — it's essential in specific markets such as further education or initial job applications. One must possess enough of this currency to gain entry. But beyond that, what truly counts is what one can achieve with actual abilities, he said.
\n
"My advice is to ensure your GPA is not a drawback — aim for the top 20 to 30 percent — so it doesn't close doors of opportunity. On that basis, boldly explore beyond the classroom. GPA is important, but it shouldn't be the sole pursuit in university."
\n
However, Dong is not entirely in favor of abolishing the GPA system.
\n
A grade-based system may reduce score-based competition, but it doesn't fundamentally change the fact that evaluation still revolves around grades, he said.
\n
"If we are to reform, we should do it thoroughly by incorporating more elements that reflect comprehensive student qualities, such as social, organizational, and interpersonal abilities."
\n
In contrast, a 20-year-old female student from a Beijing university, surnamed Zhuo, voiced strong support for reform.
\n
She emphasized the importance of GPA in evaluations for awards, scholarships, and further education opportunities such as postgraduate recommendations or overseas study.
\n
"The pressure to get high GPA is immense, both mentally and physically," she said. To achieve higher grades, students often go beyond the requirement to impress the teachers, she said.
\n
"However, many of us now barely pay attention in class and rely entirely on last-minute review for exams. What real learning does that achieve? Personally, although I scored well in many courses, I can hardly recall any knowledge now."
\n
zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
China's prestigious Peking University has announced a major overhaul of its undergraduate evaluation system, which will eliminate grade point average ranking for all new undergraduates starting from the 2025 academic year.
\n
The reform is designed to move beyond the "score-centric" model and encourage students to engage in broader intellectual exploration and develop their individual strengths.
\n
Starting with the class of 2025, students' academic capabilities will no longer be summarized or ranked using a single GPA figure. In scenarios such as getting awards and scholarships, or applications for exchange programs, GPA scores will no longer be used. Instead, full transcripts will become the primary basis for evaluating academic performance, according to a recent notice issued by the university.
\n
Moreover, from the 2025 cohort onward, students will be permitted to select one course to be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. They can get the credit of the course as long as they get 60 points out of 100, thereby allowing students to explore interdisciplinary or more challenging content.
\n
Additionally, PKU will remove all guidance limits on the percentage of high grades in courses, allowing instructors to evaluate students based on their actual performance.
\n
For current third- and second-year students, departments may continue to use the original evaluation system.
\n
PKU's initiative is part of a broader trend in Chinese higher education geared toward re-evaluating assessment systems. Fudan University in Shanghai was one of the first domestic institutions to adopt a grade-based system, implementing an A to F scale as early as the 1980s.
\n
In 2015, Tsinghua University in Beijing switched from a 100-point system to a grade-based system. In September 2024, two of Tsinghua's schools announced that grades from the first semester of freshman year would not be included in overall grade calculations.
\n
The concept of GPA originated as an academic quantification tool from the West. It was widely introduced to China in the late 1990s. Initially, it played a fairly positive role.
\n
A landmark moment came around 2010 when domestic universities widely linked GPA evaluation to the postgraduate recommendation system, and students with high GPA scores could pursue postgraduate studies without attending enrollment tests. This meant that the GPA had become a central focus of academic life, leading to intense internal competition around it.
\n
Chen Ruping, vice-president of the China National Academy of Educational Sciences, told The Beijing News that abolishing the GPA system and exploring grade-based systems can, to some extent, liberate students from ineffective competition such as repetitive drilling for scores, allowing them to devote more energy to actual learning.
\n
Under the traditional GPA system, the cost of trial and error was high — a low score in one course could significantly impact a student's overall ranking throughout their university career, he said.
\n
This often led students to prefer courses known for lenient grading. The P/NP system provides a trial window, guiding students to boldly attempt rigorous courses based on their interests and research strengths, he said.
\n
A 20-year-old medical student at PKU surnamed Dong told China Daily that GPA functions like a currency — it's essential in specific markets such as further education or initial job applications. One must possess enough of this currency to gain entry. But beyond that, what truly counts is what one can achieve with actual abilities, he said.
\n
"My advice is to ensure your GPA is not a drawback — aim for the top 20 to 30 percent — so it doesn't close doors of opportunity. On that basis, boldly explore beyond the classroom. GPA is important, but it shouldn't be the sole pursuit in university."
\n
However, Dong is not entirely in favor of abolishing the GPA system.
\n
A grade-based system may reduce score-based competition, but it doesn't fundamentally change the fact that evaluation still revolves around grades, he said.
\n
"If we are to reform, we should do it thoroughly by incorporating more elements that reflect comprehensive student qualities, such as social, organizational, and interpersonal abilities."
\n
In contrast, a 20-year-old female student from a Beijing university, surnamed Zhuo, voiced strong support for reform.
\n
She emphasized the importance of GPA in evaluations for awards, scholarships, and further education opportunities such as postgraduate recommendations or overseas study.
\n
"The pressure to get high GPA is immense, both mentally and physically," she said. To achieve higher grades, students often go beyond the requirement to impress the teachers, she said.
\n
"However, many of us now barely pay attention in class and rely entirely on last-minute review for exams. What real learning does that achieve? Personally, although I scored well in many courses, I can hardly recall any knowledge now."
Several Chinese universities, including the Nanjing Agricultural University, have adjusted their policies for recommending outstanding undergraduates for postgraduate programs without entrance exams, moving away from the strict practice of disqualifying students with even a single failed course record.
\n
According to the 2026 postgraduate enrollment plan released by the Nanjing Agricultural University, students with no more than one failed compulsory course — which should have been retaken with a passing grade — are now eligible for recommendation for postgraduate studies without entrance exams.
\n
Previously, students who failed any course were not eligible for such recommendations.
\n
Similar changes have been adopted by other institutions, including the Xi'an Jiaotong University, Hunan University of Technology and Business' School of Intelligent Engineering and Intelligent Manufacturing, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
\n
The updated policies reflect a more flexible approach to evaluating students' overall capabilities rather than relying solely on flawless academic transcripts.
\n
The relaxation does not mean lower overall standards. For instance, NAU's College of Engineering still requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and certain thresholds in English proficiency tests. The shift aims to identify students with comprehensive strengths rather than only perfect scores.
\n
The move is part of broader reforms in China's education evaluation system, which seek to move beyond a narrow focus on test results, diplomas and publications, experts said. Greater emphasis is being placed on students' overall development, innovative potential and practical abilities, they said.
\n
Cai Zhenhua, an associate professor at the School of Public Administration of Xiangtan University, said the policy shift helps address the overemphasis on GPA and test scores, which has led to excessive competition and neglect of holistic growth.
\n
Students often invest disproportionate time in improving grades and rankings, overlooking crucial elements such as moral education, mental and physical health, and practical skills, Cai said.
\n
This adjustment marks a significant step in reducing irrational academic competition and promoting an education system that values long-term potential and comprehensive quality over short-term academic performance, he said.
\n
The traditional "no-failure "requirement had its historical rationale, as grades provided a clear quantitative measure, Cai said.
\n
"However, as society evolves, a singular focus on academic performance is inadequate," he said. "We must acknowledge the complexity and diversity of talent development."
\n
It is likely that more universities will adopt similar policies, Cai added. "Failing one course should not define a student's entire academic career. Instead, we need systems that encourage exploration, allow for setbacks, and ultimately foster well-rounded talents."
Following a simmering controversy over pre-made dishes in China, popular restaurant chain Xibei has issued a public apology and pledged changes in response to mounting online criticism from consumers.
\n
In an open letter released on Monday, Xibei acknowledged that its production methods had "fallen short of customer expectations" and promised to revamp its operations. The company said that by Oct 1, all of its nearly 400 outlets nationwide would complete a series of upgrades, shifting more central kitchen processes back to on-site preparation.
\n
The nine measures announced include moving children's beef patties and rice dishes to be freshly cooked in stores, using freshly cut fish for children's meals, and ensuring lamb skewers and pork ribs are prepared on site. Xibei also pledged to replace soybean oil with non-GMO varieties and shorten product shelf life by working with suppliers.
\n
"We welcome customers to continue offering suggestions, and we will keep improving," the letter said. Founder Jia Guolong added that the chain would strive to operate "with full transparency", calling the recent uproar the greatest challenge in its history.
\n
The apology followed days of heated online debate triggered by celebrity entrepreneur Luo Yonghao, who last week criticized Xibei on Sina Weibo after a meal, saying most dishes were pre-made and overpriced. Luo urged authorities to require restaurants to disclose when pre-made dishes are used. His post went viral, sparking nationwide discussion.
\n
On Sunday, major official media outlets, including the Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily and China Media Group, published reports explaining what constitutes premade dishes and addressing widespread consumer concerns. The attention underscored how the issue had grown from a brand dispute into a broader public debate over food safety and transparency.
\n
Despite Xibei's apology, Luo continued to press for answers on Monday, questioning the company's promises and pointing to issues such as product quality. Over the weekend, leaked screenshots showed Jia admitting to mishandling the situation, pledging greater transparency, but also referring to Luo as part of a "cyber underworld". Late on Sunday, Luo denounced the label as slander and proposed a live debate on a major platform to clarify the matter.
\n
The episode has reignited discussions on pre-made dishes, transparency and consumer rights, highlighting the challenges facing China's fast-growing pre-made food sector and the importance of regulation, disclosure and public trust in shaping its future.
\n
Regulatory notices encourage restaurants to clearly indicate when such dishes are used. According to a 2024 notice by the State Administration for Market Regulation, premade dishes are prepackaged foods made from one or more agricultural ingredients, processed industrially — such as marinating, frying or steaming — and meant to be consumed after heating or cooking. Fresh vegetables, lightly processed ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and central kitchen-prepared dishes delivered to chain outlets are not considered pre-made.
\n
The notice calls for stronger supervision, including verifying raw materials, regulating additives, improving licensing and promoting clear labeling. Officials noted that preservatives are unnecessary due to cold storage and sterilization.
\n
Tan Guijun, director of the Nutrition Department at Tianjin First Central Hospital, told Xinhua that while fresh ingredients retain nutrients more fully, pre-made dishes can still meet caloric and nutritional needs if handled according to safety standards. Consumers and industry insiders say the controversy underscores the importance of balancing efficiency with transparency, regulation and innovation to ensure the sector's healthy development.
Following a simmering controversy over pre-made dishes in China, popular restaurant chain Xibei has issued a public apology and pledged changes in response to mounting online criticism from consumers.
\n
In an open letter released on Monday, Xibei acknowledged that its production methods had "fallen short of customer expectations" and promised to revamp its operations. The company said that by Oct 1, all of its nearly 400 outlets nationwide would complete a series of upgrades, shifting more central kitchen processes back to on-site preparation.
\n
The nine measures announced include moving children's beef patties and rice dishes to be freshly cooked in stores, using freshly cut fish for children's meals, and ensuring lamb skewers and pork ribs are prepared on site. Xibei also pledged to replace soybean oil with non-GMO varieties and shorten product shelf life by working with suppliers.
\n
"We welcome customers to continue offering suggestions, and we will keep improving," the letter said. Founder Jia Guolong added that the chain would strive to operate "with full transparency", calling the recent uproar the greatest challenge in its history.
\n
The apology followed days of heated online debate triggered by celebrity entrepreneur Luo Yonghao, who last week criticized Xibei on Sina Weibo after a meal, saying most dishes were pre-made and overpriced. Luo urged authorities to require restaurants to disclose when pre-made dishes are used. His post went viral, sparking nationwide discussion.
\n
On Sunday, major official media outlets, including the Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily and China Media Group, published reports explaining what constitutes premade dishes and addressing widespread consumer concerns. The attention underscored how the issue had grown from a brand dispute into a broader public debate over food safety and transparency.
\n
Despite Xibei's apology, Luo continued to press for answers on Monday, questioning the company's promises and pointing to issues such as product quality. Over the weekend, leaked screenshots showed Jia admitting to mishandling the situation, pledging greater transparency, but also referring to Luo as part of a "cyber underworld". Late on Sunday, Luo denounced the label as slander and proposed a live debate on a major platform to clarify the matter.
\n
The episode has reignited discussions on pre-made dishes, transparency and consumer rights, highlighting the challenges facing China's fast-growing pre-made food sector and the importance of regulation, disclosure and public trust in shaping its future.
\n
Regulatory notices encourage restaurants to clearly indicate when such dishes are used. According to a 2024 notice by the State Administration for Market Regulation, premade dishes are prepackaged foods made from one or more agricultural ingredients, processed industrially — such as marinating, frying or steaming — and meant to be consumed after heating or cooking. Fresh vegetables, lightly processed ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and central kitchen-prepared dishes delivered to chain outlets are not considered pre-made.
\n
The notice calls for stronger supervision, including verifying raw materials, regulating additives, improving licensing and promoting clear labeling. Officials noted that preservatives are unnecessary due to cold storage and sterilization.
\n
Tan Guijun, director of the Nutrition Department at Tianjin First Central Hospital, told Xinhua that while fresh ingredients retain nutrients more fully, pre-made dishes can still meet caloric and nutritional needs if handled according to safety standards. Consumers and industry insiders say the controversy underscores the importance of balancing efficiency with transparency, regulation and innovation to ensure the sector's healthy development.
Officials of the central authorities and the Macao Special Administrative Region government hailed on Monday the outcome of the city's legislative elections as having "thoroughly implemented "the principle of "patriots administering Macao" and being in line with the expectations of all sectors.
\n
They expect the 26 new lawmakers preliminarily elected on Sunday to uphold the spirit of patriotism and love for Macao and work closely with the executive branch to accelerate the city's growth and contribute to national development.
\n
Voting in the elections for the Macao SAR's eighth Legislative Assembly got underway at 9 am on Sunday and ended at 9 pm to return 14 directly elected lawmakers and 12 others in sector-based indirect elections to the 33-seat assembly. The remaining seven seats will be appointed by the SAR's chief executive within 15 days of the final results being confirmed.
\n
According to the SAR's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election, initial figures showed that 175,272 ballots had been cast in the direct elections — the highest on record. The turnout reached 53.35 percent — a notable increase from the 42.38 percent recorded in the previous election in 2021.
\n
Indirect elections were held in five sectors — industrial, commercial and financial, labor, professionals, social services and education, and culture and sport. A total of 6,645 eligible voters cast their ballots for their own sectors, with a turnout of 88.12 percent.
\n
Under the SAR's electoral system, voters in the direct elections cast their ballots for teams of multiple candidates. The ballots a team receives are allocated proportionally to candidates listed in the group. The first candidate on the list takes all the votes received, while the second gets half of them, and the third is allocated a quarter. Each candidate is ranked according to the number of ballots received and the top 14 win seats. The same ballot-counting method will be used for the indirect elections.
\n
Local political party New Hope emerged as a significant victor in the polls with 43,361 votes. It secured another four-year tenure for its two incumbent lawmakers, Jose Pereira Coutinho and Che Saiwang, and won a third seat for Chan Hao-weng.
\n
The Macau United Citizens Association finished second with 29,459 votes, winning three seats for Song Pek-kei, Lei Leong-wong and Chan Lai-kei.
\n
A representative of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said the elections drew broad social participation, high enthusiasm among voters, and a significant voter turnout, reflecting a healthy, positive and vibrant atmosphere in Macao's high-quality democracy.
\n
The newly elected legislators have garnered widespread acclaim across Macao for their comprehensive qualities, the representative said.
\n
The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR said the polls truly reflect Macao's people-centered governance, reaching a new height in the city's democratic progress.
\n
It added that as the nation marches towards great rejuvenation at an unstoppable pace, Macao is now in its best period of growth.
\n
The Liaison Office believes the newly elected legislators will dutifully support the Macao SAR government in its governance, and hasten the city's development, particularly in advancing a moderately diversified economy.
\n
Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai said the entire election process took place in an orderly manner, with polling stations operating smoothly and voters actively exercising their civil rights.
\n
He said the polls — the first to be held since a revamp of Macao's Legislative Assembly Election Law last year — have rigorously upheld the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people administering Macao", and a high degree of autonomy.
\n
The Macao leader said he expects to see closer communication and active collaboration between his administration and the new Legislative Assembly in collectively advancing Macao's economic and social development.
\n
The new legislators vowed to reciprocate voters' support with concrete action, reaffirming their work priorities and key objectives for the assembly's new term in areas like the economy, public welfare and youth development.
\n
It will be a second four-year term as a lawmaker for Lei of the Macau United Citizens Association. He reaffirmed his team's commitment to fulfilling their policy platforms, such as prioritizing local employment, linking pension adjustments to the city's minimum subsistence index, and refining the accountability system for officials.
\n
Lee Koi-ian, who represents the Macau-Guangdong Union, is a newcomer to the legislature. He pledged to help the SAR government strengthen policies to support small- and medium-sized enterprises, and revitalize community economic development.
\n
Lee said it's important to step up cooperation between the Macao SAR and Guangdong province by attracting more high-quality Guangdong enterprises to set up branches in the city. He believes this will not only advance Macao's moderately diversified economy, but also create more job opportunities for youth.
People watch a performance by humanoid robots and robot dogs at an international cybersecurity products and services expo in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Monday. The event is part of the 2025 China Cybersecurity Week.
\n",
- "content": "
People watch a performance by humanoid robots and robot dogs at an international cybersecurity products and services expo in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Monday. The event is part of the 2025 China Cybersecurity Week.
Researchers from the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, make adjustments on the remote operation system, one of the subsystems of the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology, also known as Kuafu, in Hefei, Anhui province, on Monday. The system has passed expert tests and inspection, marking the successful development of the world's first remote operation system test platform for fusion reactors.
Space Pioneer, a Beijing-based private company, has conducted a major test of its new TL 3 carrier rocket, setting a domestic record for the biggest engine thrust by any Chinese privately developed rocket.
\n
During a first-stage ignition test at an offshore platform in Haiyang in Shandong province on Monday, nine TH-12 liquid oxygen-kerosene engines burned for 30 seconds, creating a combined thrust of about 840 metric tons, the company said.
\n
The test was aimed at verifying the overall design and sub-system compatibility of the TL 3's first core stage. It set a new record for engine thrust generated by a privately developed Chinese rocket, according to Space Pioneer. The company said it also marked the country's first sea-based engine ignition test.
\n
The previous record was held by LandSpace, another Beijing-based private enterprise. Its nine TQ-12A liquid oxygen-methane engines created a thrust of 769 tons during an ignition test in June at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
\n
Designers said the TL 3 will stand 72 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters. With a liftoff weight of nearly 600 tons and thrust of 840 tons, it will be able to send satellites weighing 17 tons to a sun-synchronous orbit at 500 kilometers or spacecraft weighing 22 tons to low-Earth orbit.
\n
They said the TL 3 will be comparable to SpaceX's Falcon 9 in carrying capacity and capable of deploying as many as 36 satellites in a single flight.
\n
"Research and development of the TL 3 started in March 2023.Today's test checked the rocket's actual flight status and testified to its operational reliability. Its success means we have passed the major technical test before launch," Kang Yonglai, founder and chairman of Space Pioneer, told China Daily in an exclusive interview.
\n
"The TL 3 is fit for deploying satellites into mid- and high-altitude orbits or sending large amounts of cargo to China's Tiangong space station. We plan to make the model's maiden flight before the end of this year at its own service tower at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center," Kang said.
\n
Space Pioneer has built a manufacturing complex in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, designed to produce as many as 30 TL 3 rockets, Kang said.
\n
The company has emerged as a leader in China's private space sector. In April 2023, it became the first private Chinese firm to reach orbit with a liquid-fuel rocket, the TL 2, launched from the Jiuquan center. That mission marked the first time any privately developed liquid-propellant rocket in the world succeeded in its first orbital attempt.
\n
Before the TL 2, all liquid-propellant rockets developed by private enterprises — including SpaceX and Virgin Orbit of the United States and LandSpace of China — had failed in their first attempts.
\n
zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
Space Pioneer, a Beijing-based private company, has conducted a major test of its new TL 3 carrier rocket, setting a domestic record for the biggest engine thrust by any Chinese privately developed rocket.
\n
During a first-stage ignition test at an offshore platform in Haiyang in Shandong province on Monday, nine TH-12 liquid oxygen-kerosene engines burned for 30 seconds, creating a combined thrust of about 840 metric tons, the company said.
\n
The test was aimed at verifying the overall design and sub-system compatibility of the TL 3's first core stage. It set a new record for engine thrust generated by a privately developed Chinese rocket, according to Space Pioneer. The company said it also marked the country's first sea-based engine ignition test.
\n
The previous record was held by LandSpace, another Beijing-based private enterprise. Its nine TQ-12A liquid oxygen-methane engines created a thrust of 769 tons during an ignition test in June at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
\n
Designers said the TL 3 will stand 72 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters. With a liftoff weight of nearly 600 tons and thrust of 840 tons, it will be able to send satellites weighing 17 tons to a sun-synchronous orbit at 500 kilometers or spacecraft weighing 22 tons to low-Earth orbit.
\n
They said the TL 3 will be comparable to SpaceX's Falcon 9 in carrying capacity and capable of deploying as many as 36 satellites in a single flight.
\n
"Research and development of the TL 3 started in March 2023.Today's test checked the rocket's actual flight status and testified to its operational reliability. Its success means we have passed the major technical test before launch," Kang Yonglai, founder and chairman of Space Pioneer, told China Daily in an exclusive interview.
\n
"The TL 3 is fit for deploying satellites into mid- and high-altitude orbits or sending large amounts of cargo to China's Tiangong space station. We plan to make the model's maiden flight before the end of this year at its own service tower at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center," Kang said.
\n
Space Pioneer has built a manufacturing complex in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, designed to produce as many as 30 TL 3 rockets, Kang said.
\n
The company has emerged as a leader in China's private space sector. In April 2023, it became the first private Chinese firm to reach orbit with a liquid-fuel rocket, the TL 2, launched from the Jiuquan center. That mission marked the first time any privately developed liquid-propellant rocket in the world succeeded in its first orbital attempt.
\n
Before the TL 2, all liquid-propellant rockets developed by private enterprises — including SpaceX and Virgin Orbit of the United States and LandSpace of China — had failed in their first attempts.
A Chinese worker plants vegetables on the improved coral sand land in the Maldives.
\n
Workers from China Communications Construction Company's Guangzhou Dredging have found a way to grow fresh bok choy on barren coral sand, a sweet and tender delicacy in the Maldives, where fresh vegetables are a luxury.
\n
"The bok choy, or Chinese flowering cabbage, is so tender and sweet. It's absolutely delicious!" a worker said in the company canteen.
\n
Fresh vegetables are a luxury in the archipelago that is better known as a tourist destination. It has just 69 square kilometers of arable land with severe soil salinization. This results in 90 percent of its food supplies being imported.
\n
"Agricultural planting conditions in the Maldives are extremely harsh," said Li Yaohua, manager of the technical team for the Maldives project department of CCCC Guangzhou Water Transportation Engineering Design and Research Institute.
\n
Li's team took on the challenge of growing high-yield, high-quality vegetables on coral sand at the beginning of the year. Imported vegetables are not only expensive but also difficult to keep fresh, posing food safety risks and increasing project expenses.
\n
According to Li, imported bok choy costs 212 yuan ($29.86) per kilogram, lettuce 113 yuan per kg and cilantro 134 yuan per kg. The prices of common leafy vegetables can be more than 10 times what they cost in China.
\n
After months of intensive research, Li's team found a solution to the harsh conditions of high temperatures, high humidity, poor soil quality and a scarcity of fresh water. By using kitchen waste to improve the coral sand, they successfully grew lush, green, high-yield bok choy.
\n
"Through technical measures, we effectively lowered the soil's pH value, increased electrical conductivity and nitrogen concentration, and reshaped the crop growth environment," Li said. "We successfully transformed the barren coral sand — where not a blade of grass grew in the past — into 'fertile soil' suitable for vegetable cultivation."
\n
The bok choy can grow vigorously and takes only 20 days to mature on average. The self-developed bok choy can yield more than 700 kg per 666.67 square meters in a single-season trial planting.
\n
Li's team has also planted pumpkins, chives, potatoes and tomatoes. The team said the experiments do not damage the local ecology and environment because the planting is done on land already rendered unsuitable for plant growth.
\n
Except for the cost of buying seeds, irrigation water and fertilizers come from daily life waste, including air-conditioning condensate and kitchen waste.
\n
"Through the coral sand soil improvement experiments, we have not only found a solution to the practical dining problem of Chinese overseas workers, but also explored a new technical path suitable for the agricultural development of tropical atolls," Li said.
\n
Shen Youbin, manager of CCCC Guangzhou Dredging's project in the Maldives, said the experiment has provided a new approach to solving the dilemma of scarce agricultural resources in the country.
\n
Li's team will continue to optimize the planting technology to provide Chinese solutions for agricultural development in the Maldives and other similar countries, allowing more Chinese overseas workers and local residents to enjoy "vegetable freedom".
\n
zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
@@ -11423,28 +11929,6 @@
"hash": "29d2262bdfa4ee88545de97b9205fe8e",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "005CHINA - Scientists use moonquakes to map safe lunar landing sites in future",
- "description": "
The moon is not a dead desert, as its surface and interior remain active, according to new research from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.
\n
Scientists at the university, through satellite image analysis, discovered that dozens of new landslides have formed on the moon since 2009. The main driving force behind the landslides is not asteroid impacts, but rather quakes originating from the moon's interior — what scientists call endogenic moonquakes.
\n
The research team, led by Xiao Zhiyong of the School of Atmospheric Sciences, in collaboration with Zhang Wuming, a professor at the School of Geospatial Engineering and Science, published their findings in the journal National Science Review.
\n
The study represents a significant advancement in lunar thermal evolution research and provides crucial references for site selection and safety protection in future human lunar landings and base construction.
\n
"To identify new landslides on the moon, we employed the method of satellite image comparison; and using data with a resolution of less than 1 meter per pixel, we compared earlier and later image data covering the same areas, and found that a large number of new landslides have formed on the moon since 2009," Zhang said.
\n
The team selected 74 observation areas on both the near and far sides of the moon that are prone to landslides. These include steep crater walls of young impact craters, wrinkle ridges formed by fault activities, and irregular lunar mare patches where recent volcanic activity may exist.
\n
By aligning the image data and calculating albedo changes, the researchers identified the locations and morphologies of the landslides. To avoid misjudgment, they controlled the lighting conditions of the images and used the lunar digital elevation model to measure slope gradients.
\n
Unlike large-scale landslides on Earth, the new lunar landslides are small and shallow, with most measuring less than 1 kilometer in length, less than 100 meters in width and less than 1 meter deep at their thickest point.
\n
"In terms of scale, the volume of material displaced by each landslide is less than 100,000 cubic meters, and they are mainly concentrated on slopes with an incline of 24 to 42 degrees," Zhang said.
\n
The small and shallow nature of the landslides means they pose a relatively low overall risk to future lunar exploration. However, Zhang said protective measures are still needed if lunar landing equipment is built near slopes adjacent to landslide sites.
\n
Xiao's team also discovered newly formed impact craters, the largest with a diameter exceeding 70 meters, while analyzing the geological conditions of the landslides. Fewer than 30 percent of the new landslides may have been triggered by impacts, and the starting positions generally lacked exposed rocks.
\n
"Therefore, scientists infer that these landslides are mainly caused by vibrations from endogenic moonquakes, confirming that there are still energy activities inside the moon," Xiao said.
\n
The landslides driven by endogenic moonquakes are mainly concentrated in the eastern region of the Mare Imbrium basin, where shallow moonquakes were also recorded during past Apollo missions, Xiao said.
\n
"This implies that the eastern Mare Imbrium basin may be the current seismically active area of the moon," he said. "If a long-term lunar base is to be established in the future, we should avoid such seismically active areas and choose more stable locations."
\n
Previously, it was difficult for humans to directly detect seismic zones inside the moon. The study shows that the distribution of lunar landslides can serve as a guide to help researchers indirectly locate active subsurface seismic areas, providing direction for the deployment of lunar seismometers and further study of the moon's internal structure, he said.
\n
zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn
\n",
- "content": "
The moon is not a dead desert, as its surface and interior remain active, according to new research from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.
\n
Scientists at the university, through satellite image analysis, discovered that dozens of new landslides have formed on the moon since 2009. The main driving force behind the landslides is not asteroid impacts, but rather quakes originating from the moon's interior — what scientists call endogenic moonquakes.
\n
The research team, led by Xiao Zhiyong of the School of Atmospheric Sciences, in collaboration with Zhang Wuming, a professor at the School of Geospatial Engineering and Science, published their findings in the journal National Science Review.
\n
The study represents a significant advancement in lunar thermal evolution research and provides crucial references for site selection and safety protection in future human lunar landings and base construction.
\n
"To identify new landslides on the moon, we employed the method of satellite image comparison; and using data with a resolution of less than 1 meter per pixel, we compared earlier and later image data covering the same areas, and found that a large number of new landslides have formed on the moon since 2009," Zhang said.
\n
The team selected 74 observation areas on both the near and far sides of the moon that are prone to landslides. These include steep crater walls of young impact craters, wrinkle ridges formed by fault activities, and irregular lunar mare patches where recent volcanic activity may exist.
\n
By aligning the image data and calculating albedo changes, the researchers identified the locations and morphologies of the landslides. To avoid misjudgment, they controlled the lighting conditions of the images and used the lunar digital elevation model to measure slope gradients.
\n
Unlike large-scale landslides on Earth, the new lunar landslides are small and shallow, with most measuring less than 1 kilometer in length, less than 100 meters in width and less than 1 meter deep at their thickest point.
\n
"In terms of scale, the volume of material displaced by each landslide is less than 100,000 cubic meters, and they are mainly concentrated on slopes with an incline of 24 to 42 degrees," Zhang said.
\n
The small and shallow nature of the landslides means they pose a relatively low overall risk to future lunar exploration. However, Zhang said protective measures are still needed if lunar landing equipment is built near slopes adjacent to landslide sites.
\n
Xiao's team also discovered newly formed impact craters, the largest with a diameter exceeding 70 meters, while analyzing the geological conditions of the landslides. Fewer than 30 percent of the new landslides may have been triggered by impacts, and the starting positions generally lacked exposed rocks.
\n
"Therefore, scientists infer that these landslides are mainly caused by vibrations from endogenic moonquakes, confirming that there are still energy activities inside the moon," Xiao said.
\n
The landslides driven by endogenic moonquakes are mainly concentrated in the eastern region of the Mare Imbrium basin, where shallow moonquakes were also recorded during past Apollo missions, Xiao said.
\n
"This implies that the eastern Mare Imbrium basin may be the current seismically active area of the moon," he said. "If a long-term lunar base is to be established in the future, we should avoid such seismically active areas and choose more stable locations."
\n
Previously, it was difficult for humans to directly detect seismic zones inside the moon. The study shows that the distribution of lunar landslides can serve as a guide to help researchers indirectly locate active subsurface seismic areas, providing direction for the deployment of lunar seismometers and further study of the moon's internal structure, he said.
A healthy ocean is essential to the world. But the marine biodiversity in many areas is under severe stress. Marine nature reserves have proven to be an effective approach to safeguard the marine environment, resources and biodiversity. That explains why China decided last week to establish Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve in the South China Sea.
\n
Despite this being a necessary move, and a legitimate one, as the area covered falls within the country's sovereign waters, the Philippine Foreign Ministry said it "strongly protests" against it. The United States also pointed an accusing finger at China on Friday, claiming the decision is yet "another coercive attempt" to assert itself in the waters.
\n
The US State Department claimed that the US is ready to "stand with" the Philippines in rejecting China's move regarding Huangyan Island. This will inevitably escalate regional tensions and likely compromise any efforts aimed at resolving the tensions between the Philippines and China through dialogue and consultation.
\n
To establish the nature reserve, which is aimed at protecting the ecological environment of the island, and ensuring its ecological diversity, continuity and sustainability, is within China's sovereign rights. China's sovereignty over the island and its surrounding waters is indisputable. Neither the Philippines nor the US has legitimacy to make such irresponsible remarks about the move.
\n
Setting up the nature reserve is in line with China's domestic laws and international law, and fully shows that China, as a responsible major country, is resolved to actively protect the ecological environment.
\n
China undoubtedly bears both the right and the duty to ensure that the island's marine environment remains healthy and sustainable. Huangyan Island's coral reefs, fish stocks and overall ecological environment are under increasing threat due to the Philippine government turning a blind eye to the rampant illegal fishing activities of its nationals. That makes improving management and strengthening supervision and law enforcement an urgent task.
\n
The attempts by the Philippines to continuously challenge China's sovereignty over Huangyan Island constitute a betrayal of its own history. None of the international treaties that define the borders of the Philippines includes Huangyan Island. Moreover, the Philippine Constitution, published in 1935, clearly excludes Huangyan Island from the country's territorial boundaries.
\n
The scope of Philippine territory is defined by several international treaties, and has never included Huangyan Island. China does not accept the Philippines' groundless accusations and so-called protests. The Philippines is urged to stop violating China's sovereignty, making provocations and spreading disinformation, as well as creating factors that could complicate the situation at sea.
\n
The great lengths Manila, backed by its patron, has chosen to go to in a bid to politicize the legal and necessary move of China expose which party is trying to make waves in the otherwise tranquil waters, and which party is attempting to turn the common home of the region into an arena for geopolitical games for external parties.
\n
Regional countries can see clearly that the provocative "freedom of navigation" operations of the US and the joint military exercises the Philippines conducts in the South China Sea with external parties, including the US, are anything but to safeguard a "free and open" sea as they are purported to be.
\n
In the latest trouble-making move, the Philippines, Japan and the US conducted joint maritime exercises in the Philippines' so-called exclusive economic zone from Thursday to Saturday.
\n
The sooner the Philippine government stops making every move based on a dangerous gambling mentality or a geopolitical game plan written by the US to contain China, the better it will serve its own national interests. It is Manila's strategic misjudgment that constitutes the practical threat to the country's security.
\n
China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with law. In the process, the country is committed to working with regional countries, including the Philippines, to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. The establishment of the nature reserve should be regarded as being an integral part of those efforts.
\n
If Manila really cares about the marine biosystem in the waters as it claims, it should realize the establishment of the nature reserve aligns with the collective regional interests, including its own.
",
@@ -11467,28 +11951,6 @@
"hash": "56d63735794a57d12176943f11248e0e",
"highlights": []
},
- {
- "title": "008COMMENT - Engulfing Middle East in war serves no party",
- "description": "
The emergency Arab-Islamic summit convened in Doha on Monday, in response to Israel's strike on what it claimed were Hamas targets in Qatar, once again highlighted the urgency of addressing the Palestinian question at its root. The draft resolution circulated at the summit warns that Israel's escalating actions not only threaten regional stability but also risk derailing the fragile progress of normalization of relations between Israel and some Arab states.
\n
The Gaza crisis should not be allowed to escalate further. It makes no sense to tolerate the vicious cycle of violence. History has shown repeatedly that the Palestinian question cannot be solved by military means. Resorting to force only compounds suffering and pushes peace further out of reach.
\n
China has long maintained a consistent and principled stance, insisting that the only viable way to resolve the Palestinian question is the implementation of the "two-state solution". Reconciliation can be achieved and the dream of peaceful coexistence of the Israelis and Palestinians can be realized on that foundation.
\n
The Doha summit also sent a message to the wider international community. Countries with special influence on Israel should fulfill their responsibility to help resolve the crisis at an early date. Certain major powers, instead of placing narrow geopolitical interests ahead of the lives of civilians in Gaza, should recognize that peace in the Middle East is not a bargaining chip in great-power competition. Attempts to use the crisis to cement leverage or divide the region will only prolong the conflict and further destabilize the world.
\n
Almost simultaneously with the Doha summit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. In his remarks, the Israeli leader did not rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders in the Middle East, and stressed "the resilience and strength of the American-Israeli alliance ... is as durable and strong as the stones of the Western Wall".
\n
Delivered as Arab and Islamic nations urged restraint, that message underlines that despite its expressed discontent with Israel's strike in Qatar and purported longing for peace, Washington's strong backing of Tel Aviv remains unchanged — or at the very least reflects the readiness of the US and Israel to continue scratching each other's back in the region. Such double standards deepen mistrust and complicate international efforts to halt the bloodshed. If Washington is unwilling to put human lives above political calculations, the Gaza crisis risks being further prolonged.
\n
Israel's military prowess and national strength should not be hijacked by the personal political games of individual leaders. The true well-being of the Israeli people does not rest on forcing their neighbors to their knees. It rests on regional reconciliation based on mutual trust and sharing the benefits of peace. Expanding the Gaza crisis into a wider regional conflict serves no party's interests, including Israel's own.
\n
China's commitment to peace has been consistent. At the United Nations General Assembly last week, China voted in favor of the New York Declaration, reaffirming the collective responsibility to advance stability in the Middle East. China has repeatedly called for an international peace conference to place the "two-state solution" back at the center of the agenda. From hosting dialogues to engaging actively with Arab, Islamic, and other partners, China has worked tirelessly to promote dialogue and bridge differences.
\n
The Gaza crisis is a test of the international community's resolve to uphold fairness, justice and humanity. The UN remains the most authoritative platform for upholding international law and advancing the consensus of the international community. Any effort to marginalize the UN undermines collective security and diminishes the chances of a lasting solution.
\n
China firmly believes peace and justice will prevail. The international community must act with urgency, responsibility and sincerity for a ceasefire in Gaza.
\n
The future of the Middle East should not be defined by endless wars but by common development and peaceful coexistence. It is time for all parties to shoulder their responsibilities. The choice is clear: continue down the path of retaliation, or embrace reconciliation through the "two-state solution". Every civilian life lost should spur stronger determination to end the violence.
The emergency Arab-Islamic summit convened in Doha on Monday, in response to Israel's strike on what it claimed were Hamas targets in Qatar, once again highlighted the urgency of addressing the Palestinian question at its root. The draft resolution circulated at the summit warns that Israel's escalating actions not only threaten regional stability but also risk derailing the fragile progress of normalization of relations between Israel and some Arab states.
\n
The Gaza crisis should not be allowed to escalate further. It makes no sense to tolerate the vicious cycle of violence. History has shown repeatedly that the Palestinian question cannot be solved by military means. Resorting to force only compounds suffering and pushes peace further out of reach.
\n
China has long maintained a consistent and principled stance, insisting that the only viable way to resolve the Palestinian question is the implementation of the "two-state solution". Reconciliation can be achieved and the dream of peaceful coexistence of the Israelis and Palestinians can be realized on that foundation.
\n
The Doha summit also sent a message to the wider international community. Countries with special influence on Israel should fulfill their responsibility to help resolve the crisis at an early date. Certain major powers, instead of placing narrow geopolitical interests ahead of the lives of civilians in Gaza, should recognize that peace in the Middle East is not a bargaining chip in great-power competition. Attempts to use the crisis to cement leverage or divide the region will only prolong the conflict and further destabilize the world.
\n
Almost simultaneously with the Doha summit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel. In his remarks, the Israeli leader did not rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders in the Middle East, and stressed "the resilience and strength of the American-Israeli alliance ... is as durable and strong as the stones of the Western Wall".
\n
Delivered as Arab and Islamic nations urged restraint, that message underlines that despite its expressed discontent with Israel's strike in Qatar and purported longing for peace, Washington's strong backing of Tel Aviv remains unchanged — or at the very least reflects the readiness of the US and Israel to continue scratching each other's back in the region. Such double standards deepen mistrust and complicate international efforts to halt the bloodshed. If Washington is unwilling to put human lives above political calculations, the Gaza crisis risks being further prolonged.
\n
Israel's military prowess and national strength should not be hijacked by the personal political games of individual leaders. The true well-being of the Israeli people does not rest on forcing their neighbors to their knees. It rests on regional reconciliation based on mutual trust and sharing the benefits of peace. Expanding the Gaza crisis into a wider regional conflict serves no party's interests, including Israel's own.
\n
China's commitment to peace has been consistent. At the United Nations General Assembly last week, China voted in favor of the New York Declaration, reaffirming the collective responsibility to advance stability in the Middle East. China has repeatedly called for an international peace conference to place the "two-state solution" back at the center of the agenda. From hosting dialogues to engaging actively with Arab, Islamic, and other partners, China has worked tirelessly to promote dialogue and bridge differences.
\n
The Gaza crisis is a test of the international community's resolve to uphold fairness, justice and humanity. The UN remains the most authoritative platform for upholding international law and advancing the consensus of the international community. Any effort to marginalize the UN undermines collective security and diminishes the chances of a lasting solution.
\n
China firmly believes peace and justice will prevail. The international community must act with urgency, responsibility and sincerity for a ceasefire in Gaza.
\n
The future of the Middle East should not be defined by endless wars but by common development and peaceful coexistence. It is time for all parties to shoulder their responsibilities. The choice is clear: continue down the path of retaliation, or embrace reconciliation through the "two-state solution". Every civilian life lost should spur stronger determination to end the violence.
Instances of pre-prepared meals being passed off as freshly cooked have shaken consumer trust, illustrating the urgent need for strict supervision.
\n
A recent dispute between an entrepreneur, who is also an influencer, and Xibei, a restaurant chain, has stirred public debate, drawing attention to the issue of pre-prepared meals in China's catering industry.
\n
Xibei's apology on Monday was a sort of acknowledgment that its production processes fell short of consumer expectations. The chain, headquartered in Beijing, pledged to revise ingredient sourcing and improve quality across its menu. While these measures are welcome, they underscore a larger concern: the rules governing pre-prepared meals have long been a murky area, leaving consumers unsure about what they are eating and how safe it is.
\n
Pre-prepared meals, as defined by the State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments in 2024, are dishes made from one or more edible agricultural products, to which no food preservative is added, though they undergo industrial preprocessing such as marinating, stir-frying or steaming. These meals must be heated or cooked before consumption and comply with storage, transportation and labeling requirements.
\n
As the Xibei episode shows, compliance with these rules is inconsistent. The need for rigorous supervision of the pre-prepared food sector — such as following clear standards and ensuring transparent labeling — has never been more urgent than now as preprepared dishes become increasingly common on food delivery platforms and in bricks-and-mortar restaurants, helping businesses cut costs.
\n
The amendment to the Food Safety Law adopted on Friday strengthens oversight, clarifies responsibilities and sets out industry standards.
\n
To come into effect on Dec 1, it requires the food safety authorities to ensure that the pre-prepared meal producers implement robust food safety management systems, control the quality of raw ingredients, follow proper processing techniques and rigorously monitor storage and transportation conditions. Strict licensing, professional inspections and closed-loop supervision must be implemented to prevent lapses that could endanger public health or mislead consumers.
\n
Transparency is essential. Consumers have a right to know whether their meals are freshly prepared or pre-prepared. Clear labeling in restaurants and on delivery platforms, combined with accessible channels for inquiries and complaints, will empower consumers to make informed decisions. Innovative tools, such as apps or websites providing real-time information on meal preparation, can further enhance transparency and build public confidence.
\n
A restaurant group that consistently communicates honestly about its practices earns public trust, while concealment can inflict lasting damage on a brand's reputation.
\n
The Xibei incident is proof that it takes far more than cost reduction to win market competition, and any restaurant considered to be putting profits before the well-being of its customers will pay for its shortsightedness. Companies that invest in quality, uphold safety, and maintain transparent operations are more likely to succeed in the long term. It is hoped that businesses in the sector will draw lessons from this case.
\n
Consumers are not inherently opposed to pre-prepared meals — but they expect the practice to be disclosed, ingredients to be safe, and hygiene standards to have been met. The real challenge lies in ensuring honesty, safety and accountability throughout the supply chains.
\n
The Xibei incident should serve as a wake-up call. By enforcing clear standards, promoting transparency and taking swift corrective action against violations, market regulators can protect consumers' right to safe, informed and reliable dining experiences.
\n
When governance, corporate responsibility and consumer awareness align, pre-prepared meals can offer both convenience and safety, contributing to the long-term growth of the catering industry. Strengthened supervision, coupled with the commitment of companies to credibility and transparency, will help safeguard public trust.
\n",
- "content": "
Instances of pre-prepared meals being passed off as freshly cooked have shaken consumer trust, illustrating the urgent need for strict supervision.
\n
A recent dispute between an entrepreneur, who is also an influencer, and Xibei, a restaurant chain, has stirred public debate, drawing attention to the issue of pre-prepared meals in China's catering industry.
\n
Xibei's apology on Monday was a sort of acknowledgment that its production processes fell short of consumer expectations. The chain, headquartered in Beijing, pledged to revise ingredient sourcing and improve quality across its menu. While these measures are welcome, they underscore a larger concern: the rules governing pre-prepared meals have long been a murky area, leaving consumers unsure about what they are eating and how safe it is.
\n
Pre-prepared meals, as defined by the State Administration for Market Regulation and other departments in 2024, are dishes made from one or more edible agricultural products, to which no food preservative is added, though they undergo industrial preprocessing such as marinating, stir-frying or steaming. These meals must be heated or cooked before consumption and comply with storage, transportation and labeling requirements.
\n
As the Xibei episode shows, compliance with these rules is inconsistent. The need for rigorous supervision of the pre-prepared food sector — such as following clear standards and ensuring transparent labeling — has never been more urgent than now as preprepared dishes become increasingly common on food delivery platforms and in bricks-and-mortar restaurants, helping businesses cut costs.
\n
The amendment to the Food Safety Law adopted on Friday strengthens oversight, clarifies responsibilities and sets out industry standards.
\n
To come into effect on Dec 1, it requires the food safety authorities to ensure that the pre-prepared meal producers implement robust food safety management systems, control the quality of raw ingredients, follow proper processing techniques and rigorously monitor storage and transportation conditions. Strict licensing, professional inspections and closed-loop supervision must be implemented to prevent lapses that could endanger public health or mislead consumers.
\n
Transparency is essential. Consumers have a right to know whether their meals are freshly prepared or pre-prepared. Clear labeling in restaurants and on delivery platforms, combined with accessible channels for inquiries and complaints, will empower consumers to make informed decisions. Innovative tools, such as apps or websites providing real-time information on meal preparation, can further enhance transparency and build public confidence.
\n
A restaurant group that consistently communicates honestly about its practices earns public trust, while concealment can inflict lasting damage on a brand's reputation.
\n
The Xibei incident is proof that it takes far more than cost reduction to win market competition, and any restaurant considered to be putting profits before the well-being of its customers will pay for its shortsightedness. Companies that invest in quality, uphold safety, and maintain transparent operations are more likely to succeed in the long term. It is hoped that businesses in the sector will draw lessons from this case.
\n
Consumers are not inherently opposed to pre-prepared meals — but they expect the practice to be disclosed, ingredients to be safe, and hygiene standards to have been met. The real challenge lies in ensuring honesty, safety and accountability throughout the supply chains.
\n
The Xibei incident should serve as a wake-up call. By enforcing clear standards, promoting transparency and taking swift corrective action against violations, market regulators can protect consumers' right to safe, informed and reliable dining experiences.
\n
When governance, corporate responsibility and consumer awareness align, pre-prepared meals can offer both convenience and safety, contributing to the long-term growth of the catering industry. Strengthened supervision, coupled with the commitment of companies to credibility and transparency, will help safeguard public trust.
Editor's note: Wang Jinnan, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and honorary director of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, spoke to Minsheng Weekly about the Beautiful China Initiative, a national development blueprint that has laid out specific targets for China's green and high-quality growth. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
\n
The past five-year plans have paved the way for continuous improvements in the environmental quality of the country. The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period will be crucial for advancing the goal of building a beautiful China. This requires the active participation of the whole of society.
\n
Only when the public at large develops a strong awareness of ecological and environmental issues can effective environmental protection truly take shape.
\n
Against this backdrop, planning for environmental protection should focus on three areas.
\n
First, scientific research should be deepened to ensure that the planning is based on scientific principles. There should be a thorough review and evaluation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), with a careful assessment of how domestic and international developments affect the environment. The objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan should be aligned with the long-term goal of building a beautiful China by 2035. This would ensure problem-oriented, goal-oriented and results-oriented planning.
\n
Second, departmental coordination should be strengthened to make the planning more feasible. Environmental protection has expanded from traditional pollution control and ecological conservation to cover low-carbon development, pollution prevention, ecological safety, climate change response and ecological security. Interdepartmental cooperation must be enhanced to ensure holistic and coordinated planning that is both practical and implementable.
\n
Third, public participation should be broadened. Consultations should be conducted with research institutions, universities, enterprises, industry associations and grassroots organizations, while also soliciting inputs from social groups and media outlets. By leveraging online consultations, surveys and other channels, policymakers can better understand public concerns and expectations, which would ensure that the 15th Five-Year Plan reflects collective wisdom and shared aspirations.
\n
Looking ahead, ecological improvements must move from quantitative to qualitative changes. The aim is to achieve new institutional and practical innovations in green development, ecological restoration, environmental governance and eco-civilization reform.
\n
The hallmark of a beautiful China is the overall improvement of environmental quality. The major environmental challenges, such as water, soil and air pollution, should be resolved effectively during the next five years. Indicators of air, water and soil quality should meet high standards in most parts of the country, while flagship species in protected areas should prosper.
\n
Green and low-carbon development must be treated as the key solution to environmental challenges. During the 15th Five-Year Plan, China aims to foster green production and lifestyles, peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve a significant reduction in carbon intensity.
\n
The modernization of environmental governance systems and capabilities is a critical pillar of the Beautiful China Initiative. To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen self-reliance in green and low-carbon technologies. During the 15th Five-Year Plan, breakthroughs in theoretical approaches, core technologies and equipment are expected, alongside the development of qualified talent teams.
![](\"http://img2.jintiankansha.me/get?src=http://mmbiz.qpic.cn/mmbiz_gif/laADTC8BCK6M7Nv6wvsPyLPCsN7uraAJxdXiby5XB2BE6S0ulr9Fs213uZ85nlxAalcgRcLFiaSVdOVlrtCZRibIw/640?wx_fmt=gif\")
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![\"图片\"](\"http://img2.jintiankansha.me/get?src=http://mmbiz.qpic.cn/mmbiz_png/laADTC8BCK6o0DTLAcjHUob1LlCbkiaCGeUicmbUPjIKiciad7l2ytYjz3bGBzNyAUu0aicCb4oWXbicQBJA96lk9Tug/640?wx_fmt=png&tp=wxpic&wxfrom=5&wx_lazy=1\")
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![\"如果你有一台小主机，这可能是最好的](\"https://www.appinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screen-20250917160236@2x.avif\" "\\"如果你有一台小主机，这可能是最好的")
![\"如果你有一台小主机，这可能是最好的](\"https://www.appinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screen-20250917160530@2x.avif\" "\\"如果你有一台小主机，这可能是最好的")
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+ "content": "![\"Apple](\"https://www.appinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Copy-of-appinn-homework-2025-09-16T165814.493.jpg\" "\\"Apple")
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![\"Eden](\"https://do-cdn.appinn.com/static3/images/2025/09/Copy-of-appinn-homework-2025-09-13T172008.475.jpg\" "\\"Eden")
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