Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
XICHANG, Feb. 22 — China sent a new satellite into space on Saturday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
The satellite Zhongxing-10R was launched at 8:11 p.m. (Beijing Time) by a Long March-3B carrier rocket, and entered the preset orbit successfully.
The launch marks the 560th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed railway under construction in N China
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s new visa-free policy for ASEAN tour groups boosts tourism, cultural bonds
KUNMING, Feb. 22 — On Friday, a group of 15 tourists from Thailand and Laos wrapped up their four-day trip to southwest China’s Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, boarding the China-Laos Railway for their return journey.
It is the first tour group from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to travel to the prefecture since China introduced its new visa relaxation policy. Since Feb. 10, tour groups from ASEAN countries have been allowed to visit Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination in Yunnan Province, without a visa for up to six days.
China and ASEAN have long been key tourist markets for each other. Official data showed that in 2024, Xishuangbanna received 319,500 overseas visitors, a year-on-year increase of 264.67 percent. Laos, Thailand and Myanmar were the top contributors.
This visa exemption policy marks the start of a new chapter in cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN, said Qi Xiaobo from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, adding that it signals China’s dedication to strengthening ties with the regional bloc.
GROWING TOURISM INDUSTRY
“Still want more,” Somnham Sithone, a Lao tourist in the group, said after visiting Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park. He also experienced a 7D movie featuring the Mekong River. “It is a perfect blend of nature and technology. I hope to explore more places in China.”
Guided by a local travel agency, the tour group was immersed in natural scenery, sampled local cuisine and experienced Dai ethnic culture, including a traditional Dai dance and a water blessing ceremony.
“Even though they are the first group with visa-free access, coordination between the border inspection bureau, public security bureau and travel agency has been smooth and efficient,” said Yu Hanla, the group’s tour guide.
According to Jiang Jie, deputy director of the culture and tourism bureau of Xishuangbanna, the prefecture has launched 18 tourist routes, offering the opportunity to explore the area’s heritage and experience its culture.
“We are designing more diverse routes tailored to ASEAN tourists, including tropical rainforest adventures and ethnic cultural activities,” said Liu Jun, general manager of a local travel agency.
The influx of tourists is also a boon for hospitality, travel agencies and other sectors, and promotes the development of infrastructure, Qi said. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing services for international visitors, such as multilingual guides and signage, and financial services.
Yu, who has nearly 10 years of experience as a tour guide and speaks both Thai and Lao in addition to her native tongue, returned to her hometown of Xishuangbanna from Beijing after the launch of the China-Laos Railway. “It is fulfilling to work in my hometown, and it provides a good income,” she said.
DEEPENING CULTURAL TIES
Cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN are expanding beyond tourism. As Chinese culture gains influence across the region, an increasing number of people from ASEAN countries are eager to learn the Chinese language.
Fluent in Mandarin, Le Anh Lien, a 24-year-old from Vietnam, introduces Vietnamese specialties to customers in a cross-border food shop at Tianbao Port in Malipo County. Her language proficiency helped her secure her first job in Yunnan.
According to a report from VietnamWorks, a job platform in Vietnam, students proficient in Chinese have an almost 100 percent chance of securing employment after graduation.
The number of Lao students learning Chinese is also on the rise, with many pursuing vocational training in fields like logistics, e-commerce, tourism management and sports, said Zhou Bo, head of a vocational school in Mengla County in Xishuangbanna, adding that the school expects to welcome more than 500 new Lao students on Sunday.
Data shows that the number of exchange students between China and ASEAN countries has surpassed 175,000, and collaborative projects between schools continue to grow, expanding the talent pool for both sides.
“People-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN are entering a new stage, with deeper cooperation in tourism, culture and other fields,” said Jia Chaozhishan with the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s independently-developed and fully electric-powered AS700D civil manned airship has completed its first scientific flight test in central China’s Hubei. The lithium battery-powered airship has a designed max speed of 80km/h and can reach an altitude of up to 3,100 meters, with a capacity to carry up to 10 people. After the AS700D enters the market, it can be widely used in various scenarios such as low-altitude tourism, aerial advertising, urban security, aviation exploration and emergency rescue.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
Chinese astronomers have identified a runaway star that was ejected from the M15 globular cluster, providing strong evidence for the existence of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs), a long-missing link in our understanding of black hole evolution.
The discovery was led by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ National Astronomical Observatories (NAOC) in collaboration with multiple institutions, and was published as a cover story in the National Science Review journal.
Black holes with masses between those of stellar-mass black holes, which are formed from the collapse of massive stars, and those of supermassive black holes, which reside at the centers of large galaxies, are known as IMBHs, said Huang Yang, an associate professor at NAOC and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences who co-led the study.
IMBHs are often considered a crucial missing link in our understanding of the evolution of seed black holes into supermassive black holes. To date, only a few controversial candidates have been found, leaving the existence of IMBHs an open question in astrophysics.
The high-velocity runaway star, J0731+3717, was ejected from M15 approximately 20 million years ago at a staggering speed of nearly 550 kilometers per second, according to the study.
An analysis of data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft and China’s Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST), as well as data from other large-scale spectroscopic surveys, has also revealed that the star has a near-identical chemical composition and age to M15, said Liu Jifeng, director of NAOC and co-lead author of the study.
Prior observations hinted that M15’s center might host an IMBH weighing 1,700 to 3,200 solar masses. However, uncertainties persisted as the gravitational signals observed could also stem from dense clusters of neutron stars.
The extreme velocity of J0731+3717 resolves this debate.
“Such a high-speed ejection requires a tight binary star to pass within 1 astronomical unit of an IMBH,” Huang said. “The black hole’s tidal forces would rip the binary apart, capturing one star and hurling the other outward.”
This phenomenon, known as the Hills mechanism, confines thousands of solar masses within a region just a few astronomical units wide, ruling out alternative explanations such as the presence of clustered compact stars.
“With the continuous accumulation of data from Gaia and large-scale spectroscopic surveys such as those of LAMOST, we expect to discover several more stars like J0731+3717 in the near future, which will greatly advance our understanding of the elusive IMBHs,” said Zhang Huawei, director of the Department of Astronomy at Peking University’s School of Physics and co-lead author of the study.
Source: GlobalData
New energy vehicle market poised for growth driven by technological innovations, says GlobalData
Posted in Automotive
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of this change. The new energy vehicle (NEV) market is dynamic in nature and is poised for growth as economic conditions improve and technological innovations continue to emerge, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData, the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) market in Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region experienced a period of stagnation in 2024; however, a robust rebound is projected for 2025.
Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The positive outlook is supported by declining interest rates and the introduction of more competitive vehicle offerings. In particular, government policies in China, including the purchase tax exemption extension until 2027 for NEVs, are expected to invigorate the market, with BEVs poised to play a dominant role in both the short and long term.”
Moreover, recent upgrades to emission regulations, which impose stricter standards, will serve as significant catalysts for the adoption of NEVs. For example, India plans to implement the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) phase 3 regulations in 2027 and phase 4 in 2032. These stringent fleet carbon dioxide (CO2) limitations will compel original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to either enhance their internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains or increase the sales of EVs within the passenger vehicle sector.
Additionally, significant policy changes, particularly in China, are influencing the market dynamics. The purchase tax exemption and the introduction of a dual-invoice system for swappable battery vehicles are expected to enhance the appeal of EVs.
Palit adds: “Government incentives, such as tax rebates and subsidies, play a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of EVs, as seen in the success stories of Norway and Denmark. In the US, the ongoing dilemma about policy change might create tricky and unfavorable conditions for domestic automakers and establish market dominance for Tesla.”
Technological advancements are pivotal in driving the market forward. Toyota‘s launch of the world’s first hydrogen hybrid vehicle and CATL’s unveiling of the “Freevoy” supercharging hybrid battery exemplify the industry’s commitment to innovation. These developments, along with the standardization of hybrid technology by automakers like Toyota and Honda, are making new energy vehicles more accessible and appealing to consumers. The expansion of charging infrastructure and government incentives further supports the growth, addressing range anxiety, and increasing overall awareness of the benefits of NEVs among consumers.
Palit concludes: “The future of hybrids and EVs looks bright, driven by a combination of favorable economic conditions, strategic policy changes, and breakthrough technological advancements. As the market share for ICEs declines, the rise of new energy vehicles is a testament to the industry’s adaptability to sustainable transportation solutions. Ongoing innovations in technology and infrastructure promise a greener and more efficient automotive landscape.”
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
People pose for photos in front of the poster of the Chinese animated feature “Ne Zha 2” at IMAX Sydney in Sydney, Australia, Feb. 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Chinese animated movie “Ne Zha 2” has seen its box office revenue worldwide, including presales, surpass 13 billion yuan (about $1.8 billion), according to ticketing platforms.
The blockbuster has made headlines with a list of spectacular records. It established itself as China’s all-time top-grossing film as early as Feb. 6, just nine days after its release during the Chinese New Year.
Following the tale of Nezha, an iconic boy god from Chinese mythology, the animation later became the first film to gross $1 billion in a single market. It then entered the global box office top 10 and secured the throne as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time globally.
The Chinese milestone film has opened in overseas markets, including Australia, New Zealand and North America.
With rich storytelling and jaw-dropping visuals, it has drawn many Nezha fans in China to revisit cinemas and contribute more to the still-rising box office receipts. According to the movie’s official Weibo account, its release on Chinese big screens has been extended until March 30.
Despite the conclusion of the Spring Festival holiday and the winter vacation, a prime moviegoing season, insiders have anticipated the domestic box office to culminate at around 15 billion yuan.
Largely driven by the glittering Nezha phenomenon and a strong film market performance during the holiday, China’s domestic box office revenue of 2025 has exceeded 21 billion yuan as of Saturday, roughly half of that for the whole year of 2024, according to ticketing platform Maoyan.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
In an exhibition hall of the National Museum of Classic Books, located within Beijing’s National Library of China, real-time puzzle game players use guidebooks while checking passages in ancient classic books, and searching for clues to solve the game.
Feng Wanwen, a player of the immersive, interactive puzzle-solving game Ancient Book Restorer — Hundred Cities Book, scanned a QR code on the guidebook to receive missions to find the hidden “truth” on the game’s WeChat mini-program. The game is won by completing puzzles with clues hidden in exhibits, such as oracle bones, bamboo and wooden slips, stone inscriptions and rare ancient books.
The museum launched the exhibition in September 2024 as part of celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the National Museum of Classic Books founded by the national library.
Entry to both the exhibition and interactive gaming is free.
Hiding the first clues, a version of Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas) published in 1180 during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) is the book’s earliest edition found to date. Players need to have a specific understanding of the distance between mountains, and then find the answer to the first puzzle using a specially designed “ruler”. The “ruler” is made of paper with the mountains’ information printed on it. Players will find the answer once it’s folded.
Feng says she enjoyed the process of using the “ruler”.
“Players must understand the text of Shan Hai Jing and fold the ruler the right way to get the answer,” she says.
Among the 83 exhibits, more than 20 provide clues to the game. As the game’s storyline goes on, the players need to read, understand, and analyze the text of ancient books and use ancient maps.
Dai Ying, the founder of Puzzle Master, a puzzle game design team, says the principle of the game is to encourage players to read the text of the ancient books on display and use that knowledge to complete the puzzle.
“The game produces a real connection between the players and the exhibits. They become ‘cocreators’ of the exhibition’s innovation, helping transition the educational functions of the museum,” says Dai.
Players can reserve the game on the museum’s WeChat account and choose the single-role or three-role versions. They will act as ancient classic book protectors trying to find answers to puzzles with a good understanding of the hidden clues and achieve their goal of protecting the ancient books.
In the single-role version, the mission is to investigate a mysterious situation in the exhibition hall at midnight — the ancient book Shan Hai Jing turns its own pages.
If players choose the three-role version, a three-person group is necessary. Each player follows different parts of the storyline and completes different puzzles. Cooperation and competition will happen. Because a saboteur is hidden in the group, betrayals and cheating will shock the players. If the saboteur wins the game in the three-role version, players will have to face the “consequences” of failing to protect the ancient books.
After the single-role version was launched in November 2024 and the three-role version on Jan 23, the game has quickly become popular among puzzle enthusiasts and traditional culture fans. By late January, about 1,000 players participated in the game. Chen Weiwei, from the exhibition department of the National Library of China, reveals that the reservation quotas regularly sold out in one minute.
Feng tried many times to make a reservation and finally played the game with a friend three weeks after its launch. The two young women walked around the exhibition hall, talked about the storyline in low voices, and browsed the pages of the ancient books that provided clues. They spent more than an hour completing the game. The answer to the final puzzle revealed a deeply touching motto that encourages the inheriting of ancient classics.
The game is a subprogram of the originally designed IP Shanhaishe, a virtual community for the protection and restoration of ancient books, which was named after the classic Shan Hai Jing and initiated by the museum in 2019.
“We developed the Shanhaishe IP and created a series of puzzle-based activities, hoping to introduce similar activities alongside major exhibitions in the future,” says Gu Heng, director of the exhibition department at the National Library of China.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
He’s arrogant. He’s rebellious. He’s becoming the most powerful being in creation, and he’s about to wreak havoc on heaven.
Based on the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West, the opera production, The Monkey King, will have its world premiere at the San Francisco Opera House on Nov 14.
As a major production for the 2025-2026 season of the San Francisco Opera, the opera will run for eight performances, bringing the legendary story of the Monkey King to global audiences.
Monkey King is a beloved figure and has inspired countless interpretations.
A monkey born from stone, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) is determined to find immortality for his tribe. Many scoff at his aspirations, but he is set on proving them wrong with his signature cunning and charm. He wins every battle against legendary warriors, but the respect he longs for is always eluding him. What will it take for the gods to recognize him as an equal?
The Monkey King is a heroic-themed opera created by composer Huang Ruo, who was born in China and now lives in New York, with a libretto by Chinese-American playwright David Henry Hwang. The opera, co-commissioned by the San Francisco Opera, is based on the opening chapters of Journey to the West.
Armstrong Music Arts Management Ltd, an international classical music agency and production management company, has been invited to lead the global operation of the opera. The creation of the opera not only marks a spectacular appearance of Chinese culture on the international stage but also builds a new bridge for cultural exchange between China and the world.
In 2016, the San Francisco Opera premiered the opera Dream of the Red Chamber. Armstrong Music Arts Management Ltd served as the global adviser and Chinese co-producer for Dream of the Red Chamber and co-produced the work with Beijing Poly Theatre Management Ltd in 2017. The opera was performed six times at the Poly Theatre in Beijing, Meixi Lake Grand Theatre in Changsha, Hunan province, and Qintai Grand Theatre in Wuhan, Hubei province. After the success of Dream of the Red Chamber, San Francisco Opera’s general director Matthew Shilvock commissioned the creation of The Monkey King.
Asked why he decided to create this opera, composer Huang explained that during a Halloween celebration in the pandemic, he saw his child dressed as a Western superhero. This made him think about the abundance of Western superheroes in the United States, while Asia lacked similar heroes for children to dress up for Halloween. This inspired him to create The Monkey King.
The opera, lasting about two and a half hours, will be performed in both Chinese and English. It combines elements of puppetry, dance, Peking Opera, and other Chinese art forms to tell the story of how a monkey born from a stone becomes the king of the monkey tribe and challenges the Dragon Palace and the gods of the heavens.
The cast is star-studded, with each lead performer excelling in their respective artistic fields, bringing immense vitality to this opera that merges Eastern and Western cultures. Tenor Wang Kang will portray the Monkey King; tenor Konu Kim will play the Jade Emperor; and soprano Zhang Meigui will portray Guanyin. The cast includes several Asian actors who also performed in Dream of the Red Chamber.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A new helicopter passenger route between Nantong, Jiangsu Province, and Shanghai was launched on February 20, cutting travel time from two hours by ground to just 40 minutes. Operating twice daily at peak times, the 123-kilometer route offers commuters both speed and aerial views of the Yangtze River’s urban landscapes. This launch is part of China’s expanding low-altitude economy, a sector expected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan (over $200 billion) this year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who is also Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, held a video call Friday with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on bilateral important economic issues.
The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the implementation of consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone talks, and on important issues between China and the United States in the economic field.
Both sides recognized the significance of bilateral economic and trade relations, and agreed to maintain communication on issues of respective concern.
The Chinese side also expressed serious concerns over recent U.S. additional tariffs and other restrictive measures against China.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called on the Group of 20 (G20) countries to work together to build a just world of common development.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his speech on the second day of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, the largest city and economic hub of South Africa.
In his speech, Wang noted that China stands ready to work with all parties to implement South Africa’s G20 presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” open a new chapter of G20 cooperation, and join hands to build a just world of common development.
The foreign minister presented China’s suggestions for the future objectives of G20 cooperation. “First, we need to strengthen the foundation of G20 cooperation through solidarity,” Wang said. “We should seek common ground while shelving differences, refrain from division and confrontation, and oppose bloc confrontation.”
He underlined that major countries should play an exemplary role, promote the reform of the global economic governance system, and increase the representation and voice of the Global South. Therefore, the G20 countries should work together to build an open world economy and jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism so as to advance universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
According to Wang, the second suggestion is to empower the G20 on the basis of equality, calling on the G20 countries to pursue extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, treat each other as partners rather than rivals, and see each other’s development as opportunities rather than challenges.
“China supports South Africa in setting up the task force on artificial intelligence and in hosting the global summit on artificial intelligence in Africa,” he said.
“Third, we need to open up new prospects for the G20 through sustainable development,” Wang said, noting that the G20 countries should continue to prioritize development on the G20 agenda and translate the spirit of multilateralism into concrete actions for sustainable development.
He said that China, which supports cooperation in priority areas such as disaster reduction, debt sustainability, just energy transition, and critical minerals, is ready to explore ways to reduce financing costs for developing countries and help them reduce their debt burden in accordance with the principle of “joint action and fair burden.”
Wang further noted that Africa is experiencing a new awakening, during which the G20 should mobilize more development resources, support the synergy of global development actions, cooperate with Africa in such areas as industrialization, infrastructure, and green minerals, and accelerate the path to modernization.
China, while working with its African partners to comprehensively advance 10 partnership actions for modernization, is also ready to collaborate with all parties to empower Africa’s development and achieve common prosperity and progress through G20 cooperation, he added.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday met with his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf, with both sides pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. Wang is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
During the meeting, Wang noted that Algeria is a major African country with significant influence and made special contributions to China’s restoration of its lawful seat in the United Nations. The two countries, with profound traditional friendship and fruitful practical cooperation, have established an all-round cooperation pattern.
The foreign minister said that China attaches great importance to its relations with Algeria and supports Algeria in accelerating its development and revitalization to play a more important role in international and regional affairs.
He added that China is ready to work with Algeria to consolidate political mutual trust, continue to support each other in safeguarding their respective core interests, deepen cooperation in various fields, jointly uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world.
For his part, Attaf noted that Algeria and China share similar historical experiences and common values and the friendship between the two countries has left many precious historical memories.
Algeria, which firmly supported China in restoring its lawful seat in the United Nations, opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and appreciates China’s steadfast support for Algeria in times of need, he said.
Attaf recalled Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s successful visit to China in 2023, during which Tebboune reached important consensus with Chinese President Xi Jinping, injecting new impetus into the development of bilateral relations.
He further highlighted that the two countries’ practical cooperation has achieved numerous highlights and entered a fast-track phase. The Algeria-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission meeting was successfully held and China has become Algeria’s largest trading partner.
Noting that Algeria welcomes increased investment from China, Attaf said Algeria is willing to work with China to implement eight major initiatives for practical cooperation between the two countries and deepen cooperation across various fields, particularly in emerging industries, to deliver tangible benefits to both peoples.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Aerial photo taken on Feb. 21, 2025 shows a view of the second phase of the Kribi Deep Seaport in Kribi, southern Cameroon. [Photo/Xinhua]
China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) on Friday handed over the second phase of the Kribi Deep Seaport to authorities in southern Cameroon.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Patrice Melom, general manager of the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK), said the completion of the second phase will significantly improve the efficiency of the port.
“PAK has grown. In the first phase, we had only 615 meters. Now, we have grown to 715 meters. That will permit us to handle more traffic on our port,” Melom said while commending CHEC for “good collaboration and flexibility” during the construction.
Chen Ze, general manager of CHEC Central Africa Division, said the handover ceremony marked a major milestone that will enable the Kribi Deep Seaport to play a crucial role in driving regional economic development.
“The completion of its second phase is an important step toward meeting the growing demands of trade and enhancing the port’s handling capacity. Today’s handover is not an endpoint but rather a new beginning. Moving forward, we will continue to support the government in optimizing port facilities and enhancing service quality to provide customers with more efficient and convenient logistics solutions,” Chen said.
In 2018, CHEC completed the port’s first phase, which stimulated the country’s economy. The construction of the port’s second phase started in 2019.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
This photo taken on Feb. 20, 2025 shows a view outside the venue for the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed China-South Africa relations with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola on Friday, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated South Africa on successfully hosting the meeting. By assuming the G20 presidency, South Africa represents Africa in making a strong voice on the global stage, which demonstrates the historic shifts in international political and economic landscapes and holds great significance, Wang noted.
As multilateralism faces growing threats amid the rise of unilateral bullying and protectionism, the foreign ministers’ meeting under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability” has reflected the common aspirations of most countries, especially those from the Global South, Wang said, also conveying China’s firm support for South Africa in fulfilling the G20 presidency.
Noting that South Africa is a major African country with substantial influence and immense development potential, Wang said that China is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with South Africa, accelerate respective development and revitalization, and join hands to raise the voice and representation of countries from the Global South, especially African countries, in international agenda.
Lamola, for his part, thanked China for supporting South Africa’s G20 presidency. In the face of a volatile international situation, South Africa remains committed to strengthening close coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard the common interests of the Global South countries, Lamola said.
Lamola expressed delight over the fruitful outcomes of mutually beneficial cooperation between South Africa and China, looking forward to deepening practical cooperation in various areas such as economy and trade, infrastructure, energy, and emerging industries.
He welcomed China to increase investment in South Africa to facilitate its efforts in accelerating industrialization and achieving diversified development.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with his Angolan counterpart Tete Antonio on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed China-Angola relations with his Angolan counterpart Tete Antonio on Friday, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Angola fought side by side in the struggle against imperialism and colonialism and then joined hands in the pursuit of development and revitalization.
Noting that the friendly cooperation between the two countries facilitated Angola’s national reconstruction and economic recovery, bringing tangible benefits to the Angolan people, Wang said the two sides should cherish the time-honored friendship and enhance mutual understanding and trust.
Wang congratulated Angola on assuming the rotating presidency of the African Union, saying that China has never sought selfish gains in Africa or interfered in African country’s internal affairs and China has firmly supported African integration and is committed to maintaining sound relations with African countries, Wang said.
Comprehensive cooperation between China and Africa has not only helped accelerate Africa’s development but also encouraged more attention and input from the international community to the continent. China will remain Africa’s most sincere and reliable partner in its future development journey, Wang noted.
For his part, Antonio noted that Angolan President Joao Lourenco paid a state visit to China last year and held a successful meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, promoting new achievements in bilateral practical cooperation and bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. He thanked China for supporting Angola’s economic and social development and Chinese enterprises for their contributions to Angola’s national construction.
Antonio said that Angola is willing to expand cooperation with China in various fields such as economy and trade, investment, finance, and energy, and stand firmly with China on issues concerning the latter’s core interests.
Angola stands ready to take the presidency of the African Union as an opportunity to strengthen communication and coordination with China, deepen Africa-China cooperation, and enhance African solidarity, said Antonio.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
An investigation report on a fatal road accident that occurred in east China’s Shandong Province in 2024 has been published. The approval of the report by the provincial government was released on Friday.
Eleven people were confirmed dead and 13 others injured after a bus ran into a crowd at the gate of a middle school in Dongping County, Tai’an City on Sept. 3, 2024.
According to the report, the accident was caused by the driver not driving the vehicle in accordance with operating regulations, and a large crowd gathering at the scene.
The report suggested that five people including the driver should be investigated for criminal responsibility, and other 27 people including those of the school and the transport department in Dongping County should be given Party and administrative disciplinary penalties and organizational punishment.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
A growing number of jobseekers are extending their career boundaries to more cutting-edge areas thanks to the development of digital economy, and embracing flexible jobs breaking the stereotyped notion of labeling them as low-income or with lower working skills. The new trend makes experts to call for the working rights protection of these flexibly employed and secure the sustainable and healthy development of the thriving job sector.
Lin Qin, 28, is among the nation’s growing population of seeking or taking new types of flexible jobs, with these jobs incubated by information technology and digital economy development.
Li, who offers online consultancy services on AI technology to some small-sized companies after quitting his job as a cloud-computing engineer in August, said that it’s no longer a shame taking flexible jobs.
“I get more free time to arrange my working plans, and the income is no less than my previous job, roughly 20,000 yuan ($2,800) per month,” he said.
A recent report by the recruitment portal Zhaopin and Jinan University in the southern province of Guangdong shows that the proportion of job hunters for new types of flexible jobs bounced back to a high point of 36.4 percent last year at Zhaopin’s platform, with the number seeing a continuous drop from 2019 to 2021 due to people’s concerns of the economy amid the COVID-19 epidemic.
The report classifies the current new types of flexible jobs into two categories: one is location-based, with registered flexible workers taking online orders but serving in a specific real-world location, such as ride-hailing drivers and food delivery workers; while the other is cloud-based, with all services fulfilled online by workers ranging from online lecturer to livestreamer and online salesperson.
The report observed that cloud-based flexible jobs are more lucrative to young people, females and those with higher education backgrounds.
According to the report, youths aged between 21 and 25 take the largest proportion of jobseekers competing for cloud-based flexible job openings at Zhaopin’s platform, which is about 45.2 percent.
Female job hunters show higher preference, accounting for 56.1 percent of the total seeking flexible jobs. The number is 12.2 percentage points higher than males, as cloud-based flexible jobs have lower requirements of physical strength but better ability of communicating and teamwork, the report said.
Tian Xiaomin, 31, working as an accountant at a pressing house in Shanghai, is a part-time online lecturer of English language. She said that the job earns her extra income of 3,000 to 5,000 yuan per month with the payment fluctuating based on her class hours.
“I’ve taken the part-time flexible job since 2023 out of my interest. It’s very common to see a ‘slashie’ nowadays who won’t confine to one single job but take flexible work in spare time. One of my friends is a fitness trainer at weekends while a financial analyst at workdays,” she said.
Feng Shuaizhang, dean of the Institute for Economic and Social Research of Jinan University, said that the recovering economy and flourishing digital economy, platform economy and sharing economy have created more flexible job opportunities.
More jobseekers recognize the benefits of working as new types of flexible workers, which offer them personal fulfillment and quality life.
Li Qiang, vice-president of Zhaopin, noticed that flexible job openings are not limited to labor-intensive ones, but require higher working skills or professionalism of workers with the combination of digital technology and traditional industries.
“For example, the development of AI technology gives birth to some new flexible jobs requiring people to have AI knowledge or digital skills,” he said, adding that employers have also digitalized their recruitment channels with big data or AI tools to help them match flexible workers with the job openings.
However, Feng, the dean, called for more sound working rights protection to people taking new types of flexible jobs by perfecting the law or regulations on labor relations, using smart tools like algorithm and big data to balance the benefits between employers and flexible workers.
He also suggested improving flexible workers’ awareness of getting social security and enhancing the working skills training or services to the flexibly employed.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
Chinese scientists’ recent commentary published in Nature challenged a previous study published in the scientific journal that suggested Atlantic meteorological droughts threaten the water resource security of the Tibetan Plateau.
The academic commentary by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which was published in the journal on Thursday, argued that Atlantic meteorological droughts do not pose a threat to the water resource security of the Asian Water Tower.
The Tibetan Plateau provides a robust safeguard for water resource demand in the surrounding Himalayan region. Amid global warming, the Tibetan Plateau is undergoing significant changes, and how it will evolve in the future is a critical scientific issue concerning the sustainable development of the Himalayan region, said Zhao Yutong from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of the CAS, who was also a co-corresponding author of the article.
A study conducted in 2023 by a joint research team of scientists from China, the United States and Switzerland, published in Nature, claimed that meteorological droughts in the North Atlantic, where evaporation exceeds precipitation, triggered a significant decline in terrestrial water storage on the Tibetan Plateau between 2003 and 2016.
Based on this, the study further predicted that this trend of decline would intensify in the future, posing severe challenges to water resource security.
“The two key pieces of evidence supporting the aforementioned conclusions are untenable,” Zhao said.
The authors of the original study used a water vapor tracking model and suggested that the North Atlantic transports substantial water vapor to the Tibetan Plateau via mid-latitude westerlies, contributing significantly to annual precipitation on the plateau.
“Observations from water vapor stable isotopes identify that the Indian Ocean monsoon is the primary source of water vapor instead of the North Atlantic, which contradicts the findings of the 2023 research,” Zhao said.
When water vapor moves from the Atlantic Ocean to the plateau, precipitation, diffusion and other processes occur, leading to deposition along its path, potentially accounting for a significant portion of the total. The original research overlooked this important process, thus exaggerating the contribution of the Atlantic, she said.
“To better understand the water resource security of the Asian Water Tower, it’s necessary to expand the coverage of the water vapor observation network across the plateau and conduct detailed monitoring,” Zhao said.
Source: China State Council Information Office
The expanded pro-consumption policy, which comprises measures such as subsidies for digital products and home appliances, is driving significant sales growth and deeper market engagement for international brands doing business in China, which is benefiting both retailers and consumers, market insiders and experts said.
The “two new” policy — focusing on large-scale equipment renewal and consumer product trade-ins — has been broadened to further stimulate demand for high-end and energy-efficient products. In January, a series of new measures were introduced to expand the scope of the consumer goods trade-in program.
Leading global brands are actively leveraging these measures to strengthen their market presence.
Home appliance maker Dyson has participated in trade-in subsidy programs across multiple cities.
In Shanghai, more than 60 Dyson products were included in the city’s green smart home appliances subsidy program, offering consumers additional discounts across both online and offline channels, including WeChat mini-programs, JD, Tmall and Douyin.
The company increased its investment in in-store activities, media promotions and strategic channel marketing, contributing to strong sales growth, according to Dyson China. The company reported particularly high demand for its air purifier models during the period.
A manager at Dyson’s Shanghai IAPM Mall store said that the subsidies significantly boosted consumers’ enthusiasm, particularly during major shopping events such as the National Day Golden Week in October and Singles’ Day in November.
“The government subsidy program in Shanghai has greatly encouraged consumer spending,” said the manager surnamed Chen.
“To meet rising demand, we expanded our staff capacity. We’re pleased that Dyson will continue to participate in the program this year, benefiting both consumers and businesses.”
China’s leading home appliance retailer Suning has also reported a significant boost in sales thanks to the policy, reflecting the strong performance of international brands benefiting from these initiatives.
Since the launch of the national subsidy program in 2024, Suning has recorded major sales growth across multiple categories.
Sales of Samsung refrigerators increased by 73 percent year-on-year, while sales of Samsung garment care machines surged by 116 percent, according to Suning.
Siemens range hoods saw a 192 percent sales increase, and A.O. Smith gas-fired boilers recorded 96 percent year-on-year growth.
Min Qi, general manager at Suning’s store platform business division, said: “The measures have accelerated the release of consumption potential. International home appliance brands have actively participated in the subsidy program, providing consumers with a wider range of products and more diverse shopping experiences.”
With the measures being increasingly favorable to energy-efficient and smart products, consumers are showing greater interest in high-end, intelligent digital devices and home appliances, Suning said.
Since the policy’s implementation last year, Suning has recorded over 150 percent year-on-year growth in home appliance trade-ins.
International brands have responded by increasing their investment in product offerings and consumer experiences. For example, Samsung met with Suning in January to refine store layouts, plan new product launches and optimize terminal construction for 2025.
In February, Suning and BSH Home Appliances — a home appliance manufacturer whose brands include Bosch and Siemens — set a cooperation target of 4.5 billion yuan ($620 million) for this year, focusing on expanding trade-in programs and enhancing joint product launches.
Source: China State Council Information Office
The China-Laos-Thailand Railway, with construction ongoing for the Thai section, has significantly enhanced regional connectivity and economic growth, despite several social and environmental challenges, according to a recent report.
Led by scholars from China, Laos and Thailand, the report released in Bangkok earlier this week was based on research on the social and economic impact of the completed portion of the high-speed network that will connect Thailand with China through Laos.
Currently, the railway has the section connecting the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming with the Laotian capital of Vientiane fully operational. Thailand expects to complete its portion of the network linking the country to China by 2030.
In Thailand, construction of the first phase linking Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is about 36 percent complete. On Feb 4, the Thai Cabinet approved the second phase of the project that will extend to Nong Khai, which borders Laos.
The second phase also includes the construction of a logistics hub in the northeastern Nong Khai province, which will facilitate freight movement between Thailand’s 1-meter gauge railway and the 1.435-meter standard gauge used in the China-Laos Railway, offering a one-stop service for cargo transfer, Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said at a recent news conference.
“The railway has improved trade efficiency and logistics, reinforcing China’s role as a global infrastructure leader,” said Tian Qian, director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asia Studies at Yunnan Minzu University.
As a main contributor to the research’s section on the influence in China, Tian said the railway has also fostered cross-cultural exchanges and social mobility, facilitating better access to education and healthcare.
Crucial economic link
In Laos, the railway has emerged as a crucial economic and transportation link, enhancing tourism and boosting local businesses in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha regions, according to Lumngeune Souliyavong, a researcher from the National University of Laos.
“The influx of visitors has stimulated the hospitality, transportation, and trade sectors, creating new employment opportunities,” he added.
In Thailand, anticipation is growing over the railway’s potential to drive urban expansion, economic connectivity and real estate growth in key cities, said Thanapauge Chamaratana, associate professor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University who led the research in Thailand.
“Land prices near future railway stations have already surged, reflecting increased investment interest. The project is expected to solidify Thailand’s role as a logistics hub in Southeast Asia,” he said.
However, the report also raises challenging issues such as noise and a shortage of skilled labor in railway operations.
While the China-Laos-Thailand Railway is reshaping regional connectivity, trade and urban development, the report emphasized the need for sustainable and inclusive policies to ensure that the project benefits all stakeholders.
It is suggested that addressing challenges such as community displacement, economic inequalities, and environmental concerns will be critical in the next phases of development.
As the project progressed, researchers have called for continued collaboration among governments, the private sector and local communities to optimize the long-term benefits of this ambitious infrastructure initiative.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday to discuss bilateral ties on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, recalled the successful meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan, Russia last year, which set the general direction for the improvement and development of bilateral relations. During the meeting, the two sides agreed that China and India, as two ancient civilizations and neighboring countries, should trust and support each other and help each other succeed.
Exchanges at all levels between the two countries have resumed in an orderly manner, while the special representatives on the boundary question have reached consensus on properly handling specific differences, said Wang.
He noted that restoring mutual trust and achieving win-win cooperation align with the common expectations of the two peoples. Both sides should fundamentally adhere to the consensus reached by their leaders and ensure that bilateral relations remain on the right track.
China is ready to work with India to plan commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, injecting new impetus into the development of bilateral relations, Wang added.
Jaishankar, for his part, said that the Kazan meeting between Modi and Xi has provided crucial guidance for the improvement of India-China bilateral relations, leading to the gradual resumption of bilateral exchanges in various fields and yielding remarkable results.
Noting that the establishment of mutual trust between India and China serves the interests of both sides, Jaishankar said India cherishes the hard-won achievements in improving bilateral relations and stands ready to work with China to speed up the resumption of cooperation mechanism, enhance people-to-people exchanges, facilitate cross-border travel, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas.
As both India and China are members of the G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS, it is particularly important for the two countries to strengthen their coordination. India is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in this regard, Jaishankar added.
Source: China State Council Information Office
A group of 200 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in fraud returned to China under the escort of Chinese police on Feb. 20, 2024 after being repatriated from Myawaddy in Myanmar. [Photo/Xinhua]
Many more fraud suspects are expected to be repatriated to China in batches after the repatriation of the first group of 200 Chinese suspects on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.
Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the law enforcement operation jointly conducted by China, Myanmar and Thailand.
According to reports, the 200 fraud suspects returned to China under the escort of Chinese police on Thursday after being repatriated from Myawaddy in Myanmar. The suspects were first sent to Thailand’s Mae Sot, which shares a border with Myawaddy, before being flown back to China on several chartered flights.
Recently, in response to a flurry of vicious cases of online gambling and scams along the border between Thailand and Myanmar, China, Thailand and Myanmar have jointly launched an operation to combat these crimes, said Guo, noting that several scam sites have been eradicated and a large group of suspects arrested.
“We appreciate the strong steps taken by Thailand and Myanmar to dismantle the scam gangs and protect the life and property of citizens from China and other countries,” the spokesperson said.
Guo said online gambling and telecom fraud did no one good and would eventually be punished by law.
“From the rescue of Chinese citizens from scam centers to the swift and sharp joint operation with Thailand and Myanmar, China has always been firmly resolved in working together with other countries to combat cross-border online gambling and scams, and protecting the life and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens,” Guo said.
He added that the Chinese Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions overseas will continue to provide consular protection and assistance and do everything in their power to keep Chinese citizens safe.
Source: China State Council Information Office
A file photo shows the exterior view of the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. [Photo/Xinhua]
China firmly supports the free trade system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core and will continue to support the reform of the international body, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, the largest city and economic hub of South Africa.
During the meeting, Wang noted that China, as a founding member of the United Nations (UN) and a steadfast defender of the current international order, pursues genuine multilateralism and firmly supports both the international system with the UN at its core and the free trade system with the WTO at its core.
He pointed out that while unilateralism and protectionism are prevalent today, the trend of economic globalization is irreversible. Therefore, all parties should work together to promote trade liberalization and facilitation while accelerating global economic recovery.
China will continue to support the director-general in advancing WTO reform, listening to the voices of countries in the Global South, and keeping pace with the progressive trends of the times, Wang said.
“China adheres to its position as a developing country, but it never shirks its international responsibilities,” he said. “We will continue to fulfill our due obligations and demonstrate our responsibility as a major country.”
Okonjo-Iweala, for her part, noted that amid the chaos in the world, China has moved in the right direction, achieved the UN poverty reduction target ahead of schedule, advanced industrialization rapidly and made remarkable achievements in education. China’s success has set a model for other developing countries to follow, she said.
The WTO highly appreciates China’s commitment to resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation within multilateral mechanisms in a mature and rational manner. It also hopes to continue receiving strong support from China in promoting WTO reform, she added.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Migrants wait at the Chaparral checkpoint in Tijuana, Mexico, Jan. 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Caleb Vitello, was removed from his post, due to the Trump administration’s frustration with the slower-than-expected pace of deportations of illegal immigrants, U.S. media reported Friday.
The administration is “shaking up the leadership” at ICE and is soon expected to announce a new acting director, according to The Wall Street Journal. Vitello will remain at ICE and head the office responsible for arrests and deportations.
His removal follows the ouster of two other top deportation officials at ICE earlier this month, the report noted.
About two weeks ago, senior officials had expressed frustration with ICE in tense calls for not meeting its goals, CNN reported earlier. “They’re treading water. They’re way behind,” a Trump administration official told CNN.
The calls included White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, border czar Tom Homan, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, along with various federal agencies involved in the enforcement effort, the report said.
President Donald Trump had pledged to remove 1 million illegal immigrants a year, which would require over 2,700 deportations per day.
In the first two weeks of the Trump administration, federal immigration authorities arrested more than 8,000 people, according to the White House, averaging fewer than 600 arrests per day. Not everyone who was arrested would be deported.
Source: China State Council Information Office
U.S. President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon his return to the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was nearing a deal requiring Kiev to hand over 50% of its rare earth minerals as the payoff of U.S. aid during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
“We’re signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about a deal for Ukraine’s minerals.
In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “Ukrainian and U.S. teams are working on a draft agreement between our governments. This agreement can add value to our relations — what matters most is getting the details right to ensure it truly works.”
“I look forward to just results,” the Ukrainian leader said.
Trump, whose administration bypassed Ukraine to hold direct talks with the Russian side in pursuit of ending the three-year conflict, has craved Ukraine’s rare earth deposits, which are crucial raw materials for certain high-tech products.
He has also criticized the former Joe Biden administration for providing too much aid to Ukraine but getting nothing in return.
Speaking on Wednesday of the Trump administration’s initial proposal demanding a share of Ukrainian minerals without committing to providing a security guarantee for Ukraine, Zelensky said: “That’s not a serious conversation. I can’t sell our state.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Livestock market in China’s Guizhou
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
The world’s first autonomous container ship, “Zhifei” has accumulated more than 48,000 nautical miles of navigation off the coast of east China, during which it made over 1 million independent decisions, according to the ship’s developer.
The 300-TEU container ship, delivered in 2022, has been put into service at the port of Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province. It carried out 353 voyages last year, transporting a total of 80,800 TEUs of cargo. Its maximum single-journey distance covered 89 nautical miles.
Sailing at a speed of 12 knots, the ship is equipped with advanced assisted driving, remote control, and fully autonomous navigation systems, according to Navigation Brilliance (Qingdao) Technology Co., Ltd., a national high-tech enterprise for intelligent shipping.
Zhu Shenchao, deputy general manager of the company, said that through high-precision positioning with BeiDou and 5G communication technology, “Zhifei” had achieved full-process autonomous navigation from berth to berth.
Compared to traditional ships, Zhu said, “Zhifei” had 30 percent less crew members, decreased the risk of human error by 80 percent, and saved approximately 200,000 yuan (about 27,468 U.S. dollars) in comprehensive operating costs each month.
In collaboration with the China Waterborne Transport Research Institute under the Ministry of Transport, the company has received approval from the Shandong Maritime Safety Administration to participate in the construction of the country’s first intelligent ship offshore testing area, covering a water area of 220 square nautical miles.
In the test area, the autonomous vessel has completed over 3,000 collision avoidance simulation tests under complex meteorological conditions. Its error rate was 0.02 percent.
Rising labor cost is a challenge for the traditional shipping industry. According to industry insiders, labor costs now accounts for approximately one-third of the operating costs for bulk carriers of 10,000 tonnes or larger.
“Intelligent shipping is not merely about replacing human roles, but about making shipping safer and more efficient. This is the essential path for China to transform from a major shipping nation to a strong maritime power,” said Jiang Haiying, chairman of Navigation Brilliance.
The company plans to focus on the high-end intelligent vessel market such as liquefied natural gas carriers, and aims to assist in the updating traditional ships through modular technology output.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Shanghai Disney Resort launched its Shanghai Disney Dream Vocational Campus on Friday, a virtual college program that offers immersive learning and training opportunities at partner universities.
From right to left: Andrew Bolstein, senior vice president of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort, Mickey Mouse and Professor Liu Xiaomin, Party secretary of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism, unveil the first Shanghai Disney Dream Vocational Campus in Shanghai, Feb. 21, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]
The program will leverage Shanghai Disney Resort’s operational expertise to provide hands-on learning experiences. This initiative represents a significant step in the resort’s ongoing commitment to high-quality talent development, aiming to create employment opportunities for graduates while supporting the evolving demands of the tourism industry.
The Shanghai Institute of Tourism will pioneer the program in March, accepting internal applications from current students. Enrollment will be open to undergraduates pursuing degrees in tourism management and junior college students specializing in tourism, advertising and marketing, hotel management, catering and exhibition planning.
“Shanghai Disney Resort is committed to nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals by equipping students with practical skills, real-world industry knowledge and employment opportunities early in their careers,” said Andrew Bolstein, senior vice president of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort.
“Through the Shanghai Disney Dream Vocational Campus program, we are excited to expand our efforts in cultivating young talent by collaborating with local institutions like the Shanghai Institute of Tourism to provide hands-on learning experiences and industry insights,” Bolstein added. “These initiatives will help students excel in China’s tourism sector and advance its service quality.”
Shanghai Disney Resort hosted an announcement ceremony on Friday morning with leaders, faculty and students from the Shanghai Institute of Tourism and representatives from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Education, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the Administrative Commission of Shanghai International Resort, and Shanghai Shendi Group. The resort has become a major training ground for the local tourism sector, offering development programs that have produced thousands of industry professionals.
The new initiative will bring together Disney’s operational expertise with university resources to create career pathways for young people. Students will benefit from a jointly developed curriculum, practical training and internships at Shanghai Disney Resort. This alignment of talent supply and demand will strengthen tourism education by incorporating Disney’s industry experience while creating lasting career opportunities for students.
“The Vocational Campus is an important bridge between industry expertise and academic learning,” said Professor Kang Nian, president of the Shanghai Institute of Tourism. “The establishment of this campus reflects the deep cooperation between our school and Shanghai Disney Resort. It represents a new form of diversified education and industry-education integration. The vocational campus aims to cultivate highly skilled service and management talent for the tourism, leisure and vacation sector by enhancing mechanisms that incorporate professional values with technical education and integrate work experience with academics to provide practical solutions for industry-education integration.”
The initiative builds on Disney’s existing partnerships with over 150 Chinese colleges and universities. The resort launched its Talent Class program at 14 institutions in 2016, combining industry-specific coursework with internship experiences. Nearly 50% of these interns have transitioned into full-time positions at the resort. Moreover, the resort’s annual Disney Imaginations Shanghai Design Competition, established in 2018, cultivates creative talent among students across diverse academic disciplines, expanding their career prospects in culture and tourism.
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched an innovation challenge activity to accelerate the application of innovative technologies and products in the computing power network sector.
The campaign aims to encourage breakthroughs in key technologies and products in six areas of computing power networks, including computing, storage, networking, and application, according to the ministry.
The focus will include intelligent computing power management and acceleration, the deep integration between computing capacity and industry, the research of novel cooling systems and carbon emission sensing optimization, as well as the development of intelligent monitoring, and operation and maintenance robots.
The ministry will allocate resources to support competitive enterprises, and promote the demonstration and application of relevant technologies.
China’s intelligent computing power is set to expand rapidly in the coming years, driven by surging demand for large models and generative AI, according to a report by market research firm International Data Corporation and Chinese IT firm Inspur Information.