People's Daily - July 19, 2025

Steadily Improving, Chinese Economy Shows Strong Resilience (Mid-Year Economic Observation)

By: 本报记者 刘志强 李心萍 邱超奕

The more challenges arise, the more a country's economic quality is tested, and the more its ability to respond to changes is tested.

Unilateralism is clearly on the rise, protectionism is making a comeback, seriously damaging international economic and trade order and impacting global economic development... The final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan" has seen drastic changes in the external environment.

"No matter how the external environment changes, China will remain confident, maintain its focus, and concentrate on managing its own affairs well."

The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core adheres to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, coordinating domestic economic work and international economic and trade struggles, uniting and leading the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to forge ahead, take the initiative, and make every effort to consolidate the fundamentals of economic development and social stability.

On July 15th, China's economic mid-year report was released: In the first half of this year, production and demand grew steadily, employment and prices were generally stable, and the gross domestic product increased by 5.3% year-on-year, higher than the same period last year and the level of the whole year last year, ranking among the top among major economies in the world...

This hard-won and high-quality development report lays a solid foundation for achieving the annual development goals. Some foreign media exclaimed that China's economy "performed better than expected."

From this, we see the strong foundation and resilience of the world's second-largest economy, read the certainty and stability of China's economy, and also enhance our confidence and determination to win the decisive battle for the "14th Five-Year Plan."

Stable and Progressive Operating Trend

In the early morning, in the Yiwu International Trade City (义乌国际商贸城) in Zhejiang (浙江), as the rolling shutters of the shops are just opened, merchants from all over the world pour in, and a busy day begins.

"After the release of the Joint Statement of the Sino-US Geneva Economic and Trade Talks, many Yiwu (义乌) enterprises entered the 'rush to deliver goods mode', and some customers even took the initiative to increase prices," said Huang Changchao (黄昌潮), chairman of Zhejiang Changchao Stationery Co., Ltd. (浙江昌潮文具有限公司).

"We must seize opportunities when they come and withstand challenges when they arise." Even when he was previously troubled by tariff issues, Huang Changchao (黄昌潮) was equally confident, "The world is so big, the market is so broad, as long as we focus on making good products, we don't have to worry about not having sales channels."

On the one hand, while stabilizing traditional overseas markets, he is accelerating the layout of emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, "and is planning to hold events in Thailand (泰国) in a while to promote independent brands"; on the other hand, he is targeting the domestic market and, with the help of government departments, expanding customized cultural and tourism product business... With multiple preparations, Huang Changchao (黄昌潮) is calm and composed, "This year, the company's orders have continued to maintain a good momentum, and domestic sales have accounted for 30%."

Microscopic glimpses, macroscopic microcosm.

Looking at Yiwu (义乌) from one enterprise, in the first five months, the city's total export value of goods reached 289.31 billion yuan, an increase of 23.7% year-on-year.

Looking at the whole country from Yiwu (义乌), in the first half of the year, China's import and export scale stood firm at the 20 trillion yuan mark, hitting a record high for the same period in history, maintaining year-on-year growth for seven consecutive quarters, and the number of foreign trade enterprises with import and export performance exceeded 600,000.

Stable and diversified markets, high-quality and hard-core products, and enterprises adapting and seeking innovation support China's strong foreign trade performance.

Moving forward despite wind and rain, "stable and progressive" has become the keyword for China's economic achievements in the first half of the year.

Looking at the supply side, "stable" means the foundation of the real economy is solid, and "progressive" means the accelerated development of new quality productive forces.

The industrial "joints" continue to upgrade. Three-point contact ball bearings help launch vehicles explore the sky; feed cabin bearings help the "China Sky Eye" (中国天眼) explore the universe... Through intensive cultivation, the strength of domestic bearings is getting stronger. In the first five months, the total industrial output value of 159 major enterprises in the bearing industry increased by 11.16% year-on-year.

Humanoid robots are accelerating their "evolution." YuShu Technology (宇树科技) robots show off their "Kung Fu mode," Ubtech (优必选) Walker S1 robots enter automobile factories in "organized units" to "work"... Many institutions predict that 2025 will become China's "year of mass production" for humanoid robots.

Traditional industries are accelerating their transformation, emerging industries are booming, and future industries are being laid out ahead of schedule. Relying on a complete industrial system, a modern industrial system is accelerating its construction.

The foundation of the real economy has been further consolidated. In the first half of the year, the added value of industries above the designated size increased by 6.4% year-on-year, an acceleration of 0.6 percentage points compared with the whole year last year.

New industrial momentum has been further accumulated. In the first half of the year, the added value of high-tech manufacturing industries above the designated size increased by 9.5% year-on-year, contributing 23.3% to the growth of all industries above the designated size.

Looking at the demand side, "stable" means the potential of domestic demand is being steadily released, and "progressive" means the consumption structure is continuously optimized.

"Su Chao" (苏超) is on fire, and consumption vitality is stronger.

Launching a combination of "ticket stub economy + cultural and tourism market," with discounts on eating, accommodation, transportation, and tourism throughout the city with tickets... On July 5th, seizing the opportunity of the home game, Nanjing (南京), Jiangsu (江苏) vigorously "attracted customers" and "promoted consumption." On that day, the game attracted more than 60,000 spectators, and the city received 791,000 tourists, with a total cultural and tourism consumption of 980 million yuan.

The Chinese market, with a population of more than 1.4 billion, is huge. Since the beginning of this year, driven by policies to expand domestic demand and promote consumption, the popularity of "trendy toy economy," "first release economy," "China tourism," and "China shopping" has increased, and the consumer market has become active and performed remarkably.

The total retail sales of consumer goods reached 24.55 trillion yuan, an increase of 5.0% year-on-year; the retail sales of services increased by 5.3% year-on-year, and the proportion continued to increase... In the first half of the year, domestic demand contributed 68.8% to the growth of gross domestic product, of which final consumption expenditure contributed 52%, and domestic demand, especially consumption, became the main driving force for growth.

**千磨万击还坚劲** (qiān mó wàn jī hái jiān jìng - "subject to all kinds of setbacks, still firm and strong," meaning to remain steadfast despite repeated setbacks and difficulties).

As of June 10th, the cumulative number of China-Europe freight trains exceeded 110,000, sending goods worth more than 450 billion US dollars; as of July 9th, the number of express delivery packages this year has exceeded 100 billion, 35 days earlier than last year; in the first half of the year, the production and sales of automobiles both exceeded 15 million for the first time, achieving high growth on a high base...

In the daily hard work and in the accumulation of incremental increases, the Chinese economy has withstood the pressure, met the challenges, and maintained a stable and progressive development trend, while also injecting more certainty into the world economy.

Macro Policies are Powerful and Effective

In the workshop of Guangdong Changhong Electronics Co., Ltd. (广东长虹电子有限公司), more than 20 production lines are operating efficiently, producing more than 30,000 color TVs per day. This year, the enterprise located in Zhongshan City (中山市), Guangdong (广东) has won more than 2 million orders in overseas markets, and its domestic sales performance has also exceeded expectations.

"The outstanding performance cannot be achieved without policy support." Wang Xiaoping (王小平), deputy general manager, explained in detail: the replacement of old consumer goods with new ones has activated demand, and new TVs have a wider sales channel; the additional deduction of research and development expenses has resulted in tax and fee reductions of more than 20 million yuan; employment policies such as stable job retention and one-time job expansion subsidies have been continuously implemented, and more than 170 new employees have been recruited in the first half of the year... "The market is warming up, and the policies are strong. Orders for the third quarter have been fully scheduled, and the company is preparing to continue to expand production capacity."

Macro policies are an important means to promote high-quality economic development. Since the beginning of this year, macro policies have been more proactive and effective, escorting China's economy to move forward steadily.

In particular, in the face of the increasing impact of external shocks, the meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee (中共中央政治局) held on April 25th proposed "focusing on stabilizing employment, stabilizing enterprises, stabilizing the market, and stabilizing expectations," and deployed a package of policies and measures to play an important role in promoting the sustained recovery and improvement of the economy.

Stabilize employment and help key groups secure their jobs.

On the one hand, stabilize jobs and reduce burdens. The central government has arranged 66.74 billion yuan of employment subsidy funds, and on the basis of accelerating the implementation of existing policies such as employment subsidies, it has increased the proportion of unemployment insurance refunds for relevant enterprises to stabilize jobs.

On the other hand, expand jobs and tap potential. Expand job opportunities in key areas, key industries, urban and rural grassroots areas, and small and medium-sized enterprises, and focus on carrying out subsidized training on a large scale for key groups.

In the first half of the year, the average surveyed unemployment rate in urban areas nationwide was 5.2%, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the first quarter, and the employment situation remained generally stable.

Stabilize enterprises and help business entities gain a firm foothold.

In Zhangjiagang City (张家港市), Jiangsu (江苏), in the Qianlima Socks Industry (千里马袜业) factory area, fully automatic sock knitting machines are ticking, and the operating rate remains above 80%.

"Previously, affected by the external environment, product exports were once hindered." Yan Haiming (严海铭), general manager of the company, told reporters that at the critical moment, government departments helped the company to obtain domestic sales product certification as soon as possible, and recommended it to large supermarkets and e-commerce platforms. "Now the company has 'multiple blossoms' online and offline, and domestic sales have increased by 50% year-on-year."

From accelerating the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade, to ensuring the payment of small and medium-sized enterprise funds, to a package of financial support measures all implemented within one month... One practical and hard measure after another has helped enterprises overcome difficulties. In the second quarter, China's SME Development Index was 89.1, higher than the same period in 2023 and 2024.

Stabilize the market and create space for the majority of enterprises.

In Changde City (常德市), Hunan (湖南), an electrical appliance store is crowded with people. "This year, the replacement of old appliances with new ones has been expanded, and mobile phones, smart watches, etc. have been included in the subsidy range. The number of customers entering the store has increased significantly, and the sales of various products have increased by more than 30%," said Cai Jinwen (蔡进文), the store manager.

Expanding investment, promoting consumption, and helping upgrade, this year, the "two major" and "two new" policies have been implemented in an orderly manner. At present, the list of 800 billion yuan of "two major" construction projects has been fully issued; the replacement of old consumer goods with new ones has driven sales exceeding the total for the whole year last year, and the central funds for the third and fourth quarters will be issued one after another.

Stabilize expectations and boost the enthusiasm and confidence of the whole society.

"It is the right time and there is much to be done. I am full of confidence in the development prospects of China's private economy." Zhang Bo (张波), chairman of Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group Co., Ltd. (山东魏桥创业集团有限公司), listed investment projects: it will invest more than 5 billion yuan to transform traditional production lines such as textiles and aluminum electricity, and invest 6 billion yuan to lay out new fields such as transportation lightweighting and new energy vehicles. "In the second half of the year, we will continue to increase investment and expand production, and the total investment for the whole year is expected to increase by more than 10% year-on-year."

To do a good job in economic work, it is very important to stabilize expectations. The synergistic efforts of existing policies and incremental policies have boosted confidence and improved expectations. In June, China's manufacturing PMI was 49.7%, rising for two consecutive months, and the new order index rebounded to above 50% again.

**纷繁世事多元应，击鼓催征稳驭舟** (fēn fán shì shì duō yuán yìng, jī gǔ cuī zhēng wěn yù zhōu - "Respond to complex situations in a diversified way, beat the drums to urge progress and steer the boat steadily," meaning to handle complex situations with flexible strategies and maintain stability while moving forward).

Intensifying the implementation of more proactive and effective macro policies, making early efforts to promote the early implementation and effectiveness of established policies, and introducing new incremental policies in a timely manner according to the needs of the situation, we, with a rich policy "toolbox" in hand, will certainly respond to the uncertainties of the external environment with powerful and effective policies.

The Trend of Progress is Stable and Improving

The first half of the year was full of resilience and remarkable, what about the trend in the second half of the year?

"The general trend and practice of high-quality development over the years have gathered consensus, accumulated new momentum, promoted economic rebalancing, and improved the sustainable development capacity of the economy. Although there are still uncertainties in the external environment and the pressure of internal structural adjustment is relatively large, judging comprehensively, there is support for China's economy to maintain stable growth in the second half of the year," said Sheng Laiyun (盛来运), deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics (国家统计局).

——Expand domestic demand and release the potential of a super-large-scale market.

17.5 meters, the largest diameter of underwater shield tunnels under construction in the world. On June 22nd, the "Shanhe" (山河号) shield machine smoothly crossed the south bank levee of the Yellow River (黄河) and completed the tunneling task of the Yellow River section. After the Huanggang Road (黄岗路) tunnel across the Yellow River, with a total investment of 7.409 billion yuan, is opened, it will connect the main urban area of Jinan (济南), Shandong (山东) with the starting area, helping to further optimize the urban spatial structure.

Tunnels, bridges, roads, underground pipe networks, public service facilities... China's new urbanization has huge potential. According to estimates, every 1 percentage point increase in China's urbanization rate can add more than 200 billion yuan of consumption demand and drive 1 trillion yuan of new investment demand every year.

"Expanding domestic demand is a strategic move to promote the steady and long-term development of the economy." Yu Ze (于泽), deputy dean of the School of Economics of Renmin University of China (中国人民大学经济学院), believes that in the second half of the year, it is necessary to deeply implement special actions to boost consumption, increase diversified supply in response to the increasing consumption demand of residents, expand investment in new quality productive forces, emerging service industries, and other fields, and fully release the potential of domestic demand.

——Plan innovation and shape new advantages in economic development.

Guodun Miyo (国盾密邮), quantum security conference tablet all-in-one machine, quantum communication is quietly entering people's lives; "Benyuan Wukong" (本源悟空) has completed more than 500,000 quantum computing tasks... At present, more and more cutting-edge quantum technologies are accelerating their "launch" and moving from "scientific research concepts" to "industrial applications."

China has the world's largest R&D personnel team, ranks first in the world in the number of global top 100 science and technology innovation clusters, and has more than 460,000 high-tech enterprises. "With the transformation and upgrading of industries, the empowerment of technology to the real economy, and the improvement of relevant supporting policies, the driving role of new momentum will become more obvious," said Wei Qijia (魏琪嘉), director of the Industrial Economy Research Office of the Information Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委信息中心).

——Promote reform and build a unified domestic market.

From the first phase to the second phase, the proportion of private capital participation has increased from 2% to 10%. At present, the CGN San'ao Nuclear Power Project (中广核三澳核电项目) is under construction. "The company has been seeking opportunities to invest in nuclear power projects for many years. Now the access threshold is constantly being relaxed, bringing more policy dividends to private enterprises," said Li Zhengzhou (李郑周), director of Jiuli Group Co., Ltd. (久立集团股份有限公司).

The "Guidelines for Building a Unified National Market (Trial)" was released, targeting "policy measures that hinder fair competition"; the "Market Access Negative List (2025 Edition)" was released, reducing the number of list items to 106; the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Promoting the Private Economy" came into effect on May 20th, providing a solid legal guarantee for the development of private enterprises; relevant departments and industry associations worked together to comprehensively rectify "involution-style" competition... Breaking barriers, dredging blockages, and strengthening guarantees, reform is advancing in depth, and a high-level socialist market economic system is accelerating its construction. As of the end of May, there were 185 million private economic organizations in the country, accounting for 96.76% of the total number of business entities, an increase of 2.3% year-on-year.

"We will resolutely implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, focus on deep-seated contradictions and problems, clench our teeth and make every effort to overcome difficulties, and ensure that the reform measures deployed by the 20th Third Plenary Session of the Party are implemented and effective," said Li Chunlin (李春临), deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委).

——Expand opening up and broaden the "circle of friends" for win-win cooperation.

In January, Standard Chartered Securities (渣打证券)'s first branch was approved to operate in Shanghai (上海); in February, Standard Chartered Bank (渣打银行) completed the first climate adaptation trade financing for Jinko Solar (晶科能源); in March, Standard Chartered Bank (渣打银行) and CITIC Group (中信集团) signed a strategic cooperation memorandum... Since the beginning of this year, Standard Chartered (渣打) has been operating frequently in China. "China's continuous expansion of opening up has created huge opportunities for foreign banks to enter the market, expand their business, and innovate their products," said Lu Jing (鲁静), President and Vice Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited (渣打银行（中国）有限公司).

Expanding pilot projects for opening up in telecommunications, medical care, education, and other fields, promoting the orderly opening up of the biopharmaceutical field, encouraging foreign investment in equity investment in China, and continuing to build the "Invest in China" brand... Since the beginning of this year, China has been opening its doors wider and wider.

"Promoting reform and development through opening up is an important magic weapon for China's development to continuously achieve new achievements." Wang Wentao (王文涛), Minister of Commerce (商务部), said that it is necessary to continue to serve the construction of a new development pattern with high-level opening up, and to win the initiative in economic development and international competition with the initiative of opening up.

Expanding domestic demand, planning innovation, promoting reform, and expanding opening up, China's economic development prospects are good. Recently, many foreign institutions, including Citibank (花旗银行), UBS Group (瑞银集团), Goldman Sachs Group (高盛集团), and JPMorgan Chase (摩根大通), have raised their forecasts for China's economic growth rate in 2025, believing that China's economic development momentum is continuing to strengthen, and the positive trend is expected to continue in the second half of the year.

**无平不陂，无往不复** (wú píng bù bēi, wú wǎng bù fù - "Nothing is level without slopes, nothing goes without returning," meaning that things are not always smooth and that there are ups and downs in life).
Today, global development is at a crucial crossroads, and the world economy and international economic and trade cooperation are facing new difficulties and challenges.

"In the face of a complex external environment, we must strengthen our confidence, unswervingly manage our own affairs well, unswervingly expand high-level opening up, focus on stabilizing employment, stabilizing enterprises, stabilizing the market, and stabilizing expectations, and use the certainty of high-quality development to cope with various uncertainties."

As the "14th Five-Year Plan" is drawing to a close and the "15th Five-Year Plan" is being planned and prepared, let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, concentrate on high-quality development, maintain a good momentum of economic and social development, and propel the Chinese economic ship to brave the wind and rain and forge ahead.

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Test the results of learning and education with concrete achievements (Persevering in implementing the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation)

By: 本报记者

In Huajia Wobao Village (华家窝堡村), Zhangqiang Town (张强镇), Kangping County (康平县), Shenyang City (沈阳市), Liaoning Province (辽宁省), workers are laying tap water pipes. Due to the remote geographical location and imperfect water supply facilities, villagers used to have difficulty accessing water. "The water flow is too small, and water can only be drawn during a few periods of the day..." During research visits, cadres from the Kangping County Water Resources Bureau (康平县水利局) heard the villagers' opinions and communicated with the town government to study the crux of the problem and jointly discuss solutions.

After multiple rounds of deliberation, the rural centralized water supply project in Zhangqiang Town (张强镇) was officially launched, focusing on the centralized renovation of water supply facilities in eight villages. "The cadres came many times and asked very detailed questions. Seeing that we can use tap water more conveniently, we are happy from the bottom of our hearts!" said villager Li Shuli (李书丽).

Since the launch of in-depth study and education on implementing the Central Eight-Point Regulation (中央八项规定) spirit, various regions have been promoting learning, investigation, and rectification in an integrated manner. The vast number of party members and cadres have actively changed their work styles, transforming the results of study and education into practical actions to promote high-quality development and serve the people. From fields to factory workshops, from streets and alleys to business districts and buildings, a pragmatic style is coming to the fore.

This summer, many farmlands and forest farms in Guizhou Province (贵州省) welcomed a group of young scientific and technological personnel. The Guizhou Provincial Working Committee of Organs Directly Under the Provincial Government (贵州省直机关工委) has focused on strengthening the work style of young cadres, adhering to "strengthening the soul with theory, honing skills through practice, and consolidating the foundation with systems," implementing educational guidance actions for young cadres to improve three courses, embark on a new Long March, and demonstrate a new style, forming scientific and technological assistance groups, grassroots research groups, etc., going deep into the fields and parks, solving practical problems on the front lines of development, and honing a strong work style. More than 400 young scientific and technological personnel from the Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (省农科院) went deep into the front lines of production to carry out technical training and solve technical problems.

"Now the elevator is both convenient and safe, this matter has been handled very practically!" said Ma Qiulan (马秋兰), a resident of Xinggu Street (兴谷街道), Pinggu District (平谷区), Beijing (北京市), expressing the voice of the people. Today, all 26 old elevators in Xinggu Street (兴谷街道) have been updated.

Since the launch of study and education, Pinggu District (平谷区) has been promoting learning, investigation, and rectification in an integrated manner, taking "solving the urgent difficulties and anxieties of the masses" as an important starting point. In response to problems such as "opaque processes and weak fund supervision" in the renovation of old residential areas, rectification measures have been formulated, and "practicing thrift and opposing waste" has been implemented throughout the entire project process, focusing on making efforts and achieving practical results in standardizing processes, shortening construction periods, and controlling costs, allowing urban renewal to accelerate.

Walking into the project site of a technology company in Anju District (安居区), Suining City (遂宁市), Sichuan Province (四川省), two modern factory buildings stand tall. "Thanks to the cadres selected and dispatched by Anju District (安居区), the approval time was shortened by one month, allowing us to purchase equipment and debug production in advance, and realize benefit transformation as soon as possible. Improving efficiency is a real support for enterprises," said Lin Sheng (林盛), the project leader.

Since the launch of study and education, Anju District (安居区) has selected and dispatched cadres to work on the front lines of project construction and investment promotion, responding to needs and solving problems in a timely manner. After the enterprise reported construction needs to He Hongfu (何洪福), a cadre serving the enterprise, He Hongfu (何洪福) took the lead in handling planning, land use, and other approval procedures on behalf of the enterprise, helping the enterprise save time.

"We are confident in R&D. But in terms of achievement transformation and market expansion, we still have to rely on you to connect us," Yu Ruifu (俞瑞富), the head of an enterprise, said to the cadres of the Chuzhou Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology (市工信局) at a supply and demand docking meeting of the industrial chain in Chuzhou City (滁州市), Anhui Province (安徽省). His company has been deeply involved in the field of industrial intelligent equipment and software, but its communication with local enterprises is not close, and its orders are not stable.

Since the launch of study and education, Chuzhou City (滁州市) has carried out activities to visit enterprises and enter villages, focusing on the eight major industrial chains and characteristic advantageous agricultural industries, delivering policies that benefit enterprises and farmers and warm care to the masses; asking about the current development status of enterprises and the expectations and demands of farmers, guiding party members and cadres at all levels in the city to truly go down, truly listen to opinions, truly respond to concerns, and truly solve problems, making them tangible and accessible to the masses. At this docking meeting, Yu Ruifu (俞瑞富) had face-to-face exchanges with upstream and downstream partners in the industrial chain, discovered business synergies with many enterprises, and reached cooperation intentions on the spot.

In response to the problems of single channels for government-enterprise communication and lagging information transmission, Chengdu City (成都市), Sichuan Province (四川省), has built a three-dimensional online and offline network to achieve "zero distance" government-enterprise communication; collecting common problems of enterprises, taking the initiative to solve problems, and solving them centrally... Chengdu (成都) is striving to transform the results of study and education into practical results of taking responsibility and promoting high-quality development, deeply carrying out the work of "entering thousands of enterprises, solving problems, optimizing the environment, and promoting development," and coming up with real and practical measures to help enterprises overcome difficulties.

Chengdu (成都) has established enterprise problem ledgers by category, with leading departments "blowing the whistle" to gather and guaranteeing departments "reporting" to respond, forming a joint force to solve problems. Focusing on the common needs of "expanding the market, reducing costs, optimizing scenarios, and building platforms" in four aspects, as well as typical problems such as government services and rights protection, 70 policy measures have been promoted to transform common problems into policies and measures that benefit and assist enterprises.

In Huijin International Business Community (汇金国际商务社区), Changqing Street (长庆街道), Gongshu District (拱墅区), Hangzhou City (杭州市), Zhejiang Province (浙江省), the "Enterprise Assistance Team" (助企帮帮团) led by party members is active in the buildings. Through visits, they dynamically grasp the needs of enterprises and the expectations of employees. This year, they have provided more than 500 services such as enterprise training and cultural construction, and have handled more than 90 matters such as the approval and use of building advertising spaces and the comprehensive improvement of surrounding traffic.

Since the launch of study and education, Gongshu District (拱墅区) has closely combined with the large number of business communities, focusing on key areas such as enterprise services and building governance, promoting party members and cadres to "run buildings and enter enterprises" to carry out services, and doing practical things and solving problems for enterprises with a solid work style.

Jinan City (济南市), Shandong Province (山东省), deepened the "show identity, establish image, make contributions, and help development" activity in study and education, organizing and guiding party organizations and party members and cadres at all levels to base themselves on their posts, strive for excellence, and transform their work style into practical results for serving the people and promoting development. The Municipal Development and Reform Commission (市发展改革委) formed 16 project service teams with party members as the main body, took the initiative to go deep into the front lines, accurately connected with services, and promoted the solution of 62 problems in enterprise development and project construction. "Implementing the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation (中央八项规定) and focusing on work style construction is an inevitable requirement for close contact with the masses. As a young cadre, I will hone a strong work style in grassroots practice and solve the urgent difficulties and anxieties of the masses with heart, emotion, and effort," said Han Lin (韩琳), Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Daminghu Street (大明湖街道), Lixia District (历下区), Jinan City (济南市).

Gong Youwei (龚有为) runs a restaurant in Jinjia Community (金甲社区), Xi'an Street (西安街道), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). In recent years, many new restaurants and homestays have been added in the surrounding area, and the amount of drainage has surged. The rain and sewage pipe network is relatively old. During the rainy season, sewage overflows and rainwater backflows frequently, so he has to prepare several sandbags at the door to prevent flooding.

Since the launch of study and education, Lijiang City (丽江市) has carried out special actions to focus on solving outstanding problems such as domestic sewage, catering fumes, and noise. Streets, communities, and departments such as housing and construction have closely cooperated, solicited opinions from the masses, and the upgrading and renovation project of the sewage pipe network has been smoothly promoted. "After the rain and sewage pipe network was updated, the road surface is dry and the air is fresh," said Gong Youwei (龚有为).

(Reporters Shen Tongrui (沈童睿), Wu Chuqi (吴储岐), Ma Yuefeng (马跃峰), Han Junjie (韩俊杰), Liu Jiahua (刘佳华), Wang Yongzhan (王永战), Tian Xianjin (田先进), Wang Mingfeng (王明峰), Dou Hao (窦皓), Zhang Chi (张驰) of this newspaper)

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National Committee of the CPPCC Holds Symposium on Analysis of Macroeconomic Situation in the First Half of 2025

This newspaper reported from Beijing on July 18th (Reporter Yi Shuran (易舒冉)) The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) (全国政协) held a symposium in Beijing (北京) on the analysis of the macroeconomic situation in the first half of 2025. Wang Huning (王沪宁), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee (中共中央政治局常委) and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended and delivered a speech. He stated that since the beginning of this year, facing a complex and volatile international environment with increasing instability and uncertainty, the CPC Central Committee (中共中央) with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core has strengthened its overall leadership over economic work, adhered to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully implemented the new development concept, unswervingly focused on managing our own affairs well, unswervingly expanded high-level opening up to the outside world, and focused on stabilizing employment, stabilizing enterprises, stabilizing the market, and stabilizing expectations, promoting the economy to withstand pressure and overcome difficulties, achieving overall stable economic operation and improvement, continuously boosting social confidence, and maintaining overall social stability. It is necessary to deeply study and implement Xi Jinping's (习近平) economic thought, profoundly understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments" (两个确立), resolutely achieve the "Two Safeguards" (两个维护), and consciously unify thoughts and actions with the CPC Central Committee's (中共中央) analysis and judgment of the economic situation and its decision-making and deployment of economic work, in order to broadly gather people's hearts, build consensus, gather wisdom, and gather strength for comprehensively promoting Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development.

Wang Huning (王沪宁) stated that the CPPCC (人民政协) should conduct in-depth research, in-depth consultation, and actively offer suggestions focusing on the key tasks of economic work deployed by the CPC Central Committee (中共中央). It is necessary to study and use the first volume of "Selected Works of Xi Jinping on Economic Work" (《习近平经济文选》), deepen the systematic research and academic interpretation of Xi Jinping's (习近平) economic thought, and transform the effectiveness of learning into practical work of fulfilling duties and responsibilities at a high level. While tracking and studying new trends in economic operation, it is also necessary to deeply analyze and study the strategic and forward-looking issues of medium- and long-term economic and social development, continuously deepen research focusing on planning the economic and social development goals and tasks for the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, developing new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, expanding domestic demand in all directions, and steadily promoting common prosperity, put forward policy recommendations, and help promote the implementation of relevant decisions and deployments. It is necessary to widely publicize the major achievements of China's (中国) economic development during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, guide all sectors of society to view the economic situation and development trends comprehensively, dialectically, and with a long-term perspective, and sing the praises of the bright prospects of the Chinese (中国) economy.

CPPCC (全国政协) National Committee members Miao Wei (苗圩), Ma Jiantang (马建堂), Yin Yanlin (尹艳林), Zhou Hanmin (周汉民), Li Guohong (李国红), Wang Junjin (王均金), Huang Qunhui (黄群慧), Sun Li (孙黎), Jiang Wanrong (姜万荣), Liu Yongfu (刘永富), Cai Jianchun (蔡建春), Wang Junshou (王俊寿), and Fang Guanghua (方光华) spoke, focusing on stabilizing and revitalizing the capital market, promoting technological innovation of private enterprises, stabilizing the fundamentals of foreign trade, establishing advantages in artificial intelligence development, releasing the potential of service consumption, promoting the development of rural characteristic industries, implementing urban renewal actions, and helping to build a unified national market, and offered suggestions. Everyone believes that since the beginning of this year, China's (中国) new economic drivers have grown stronger, high-quality development has been steadily advanced, and the overall economic operation has been stable and improving, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality. It is necessary to deeply study and thoroughly understand Xi Jinping's (习近平) economic thought, respond to external uncertainties with the certainty of high-quality development, and promote sustained, stable, and healthy economic development.

Wang Yong (王勇), Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee (全国政协副主席), presided over the meeting. Hu Chunhua (胡春华), Su Hui (苏辉), Gao Yunlong (高云龙), Mu Hong (穆虹), Wang Dongfeng (王东峰), Wang Guangqian (王光谦), and Zhu Yongxin (朱永新), Vice Chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee (全国政协副主席), attended the meeting. Responsible comrades from the National Bureau of Statistics (国家统计局) and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (全国工商联) introduced relevant information. Responsible comrades from relevant departments and units attended the meeting to listen to opinions and suggestions and interact with CPPCC (政协) members.

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Han Zheng Meets with Delegation Attending "Sustainable Markets Initiative" China Forum

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, July 18th (Xinhua) – Vice President Han Zheng (韩正) met with the delegation attending the "Sustainable Markets Initiative" China Forum in Beijing (北京) on the 17th.

Han Zheng (韩正) stated that the "Sustainable Markets Initiative" actively promotes the international business community's participation in the global green and low-carbon transition, which is of great significance. In 2022, with the joint support and promotion of President Xi Jinping (习近平) and King Charles III, the China Council of the "Sustainable Markets Initiative" was established, conforming to the global trend of green and low-carbon development and meeting the aspirations of the Chinese (中国) and British people to strengthen cooperation. Global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity conservation require a joint response from all of humanity. China (中国) has always adhered to the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and firmly implemented the national strategy to address climate change, making important contributions to global sustainable development. He congratulated the "Sustainable Markets Initiative" China Forum on its complete success.

The foreign representatives stated that King Charles III sent a congratulatory letter to the forum, and the business community will continue to deepen practical cooperation and make positive contributions to promoting global sustainable development.

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Turning key minor matters into convenient services for the people.

By: 本报记者  潘俊强  王  洲

Implementing garbage sorting is related to the living environment of the broad masses of the people, and to the economical use of resources. It is an important reflection of the level of social civilization.

In recent years, Beijing (北京), the capital city with a population of over 20 million, has been constantly promoting garbage sorting, turning a key small matter into a convenient and beneficial one for the people.

Strengthening scientific management——

"In the past, the garbage disposal environment was poor. Citizens would hold their noses to throw away garbage, so who would be in the mood to sort it?" said Li Yanfu (李彦富), director of the Solid Waste Division of the Beijing Municipal Commission of City Management (北京市城市管理委员会).

Beijing (北京) has launched a special campaign to address the "overflowing, dirty, and unsanitary" problems of garbage bins and stations, and has made great efforts to renovate kitchen waste treatment facilities. Recently, many garbage stations in Beijing (北京) have welcomed "smart bins." When residents approach, the bin lid opens automatically. After throwing away the garbage, the lid closes automatically and starts deodorization. "The whole process is contactless, convenient and hygienic," said Wang Hualin (王华林), a resident of Yongjing Siji Community in Pingguoyuan Street, Shijingshan District (石景山区苹果园街道雍景四季小区).

Forming a long-term mechanism——

In 2020, the new version of the "Beijing Municipal Regulations on the Management of Domestic Waste" (北京市生活垃圾管理条例) was officially implemented, providing a system guarantee for the long-term mechanism of garbage sorting.

To make the long-term mechanism effective, the key lies in implementation. The Beijing Municipal Commission of City Management (北京市城市管理委员会) organizes a full coverage inspection of all 6,732 collection and transportation nodes and treatment facilities every month; the 12345 hotline arranges dedicated personnel to sort out garbage sorting related situations, and once problems are verified, it urges the responsible units to rectify them.

"The municipal level has established a dispatch mechanism for the command headquarters for promoting domestic waste sorting, tightening and solidifying responsibilities to achieve long-term governance," said Nan Bin (南斌), Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of City Management (北京市城市管理委员会).

Promoting habit formation——

Scanning the QR code, the intelligent recycling bin opens, and recyclable items such as plastic bottles are put in. The weight and corresponding amount are then displayed... Every few days, Wang Min (王敏), who lives in Guangming Street, Shunyi District (顺义区光明街道), goes to the newly placed intelligent recycling bin in her community to "withdraw money." "Takeaway meal boxes used to be worth 60 cents per kilogram, but no one collected them in the past. Now they have become 'treasure'. Sorting and disposal has become a normal part of residents' lives," said Li Mang (李芒), Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Guangming Street (光明街道党工委书记).

In May of this year, relevant departments in Beijing (北京) randomly interviewed more than 3,200 urban and rural residents to investigate their awareness and current situation of garbage sorting. "The participation rate in garbage sorting reached 98.3%, an increase of 25.3 percentage points compared to five years ago. The city's average daily recovery volume of recyclables has increased from more than 3,000 tons to more than 7,450 tons," said Li Yanfu (李彦富).

Since the beginning of this year, Beijing (北京) has taken garbage sorting as an important part of the "Civilized Homeland Action," cultivating it with persistent determination to further promote the formation of civilized habits among citizens.

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From Advocating Ideas to National Action

By: 本报记者  田  泓

"As you approach, the disposal opening automatically opens, and there's a sink right next to it." Liu Yuemei (刘月梅), a resident of the Leshan Sixth and Seventh Village (乐山六七村) residential area in Shanghai's Xuhui District (徐汇区), repeatedly praised the newly implemented intelligent garbage sorting room for its convenience.

At the Xuhui District Urban Operation and Management Center (徐汇区城运中心), the garbage classification comprehensive supervision platform acts like an "intelligent housekeeper," monitoring disposal and processing in real time. Sensors installed on the intelligent garbage sorting rooms send alerts to the inspection system mini-program and the administrator's mobile phone once they detect that the garbage is full.

"Garbage classification is the new fashion." From advocating the concept to nationwide action, Shanghai (上海), this megacity, has achieved a leap from quantity to quality in garbage disposal.

Data from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Greenery and Public Sanitation (上海市绿化和市容管理局) shows that in the first half of this year, Shanghai's domestic waste showed a clear trend of "three increases and one decrease." The daily separated volume of recyclables was 7,947 tons, the daily separated volume of hazardous waste was 1.9 tons, the daily separated volume of wet waste was 8,811 tons, and the daily volume of dry waste transported was 17,387 tons. Compared with before the implementation of the "Shanghai Municipal Domestic Waste Management Regulations" (上海市生活垃圾管理条例) on July 1, 2019, the daily separated volume of recyclables and hazardous waste increased by 1.96 times and 13.4 times respectively, the daily separated volume of wet waste increased by 60.8%, and the daily volume of dry waste transported decreased by 15%. The 43.6% utilization rate of domestic waste recycling ranks among the highest in the country.

Will the sorted garbage be mixed and treated?

Empowering the entire management process with intelligence. Pilot promotion of modern disposal facilities, automatic monitoring by Internet of Things sensors, and AI camera capture, etc., allow garbage classification to move towards "intelligent control." This year, Shanghai (上海) will build at least 25 smart collection and transportation routes to make garbage disposal more convenient; intelligent quality monitoring will be implemented for wet waste transportation and disposal to promote more effective garbage classification.

Can the separated garbage be recycled for value?

Promoting full waste reduction through resource utilization. Shanghai (上海) has built 15 waste incineration facilities, which can "eat" 28,000 tons of garbage every day and convert it into clean electricity. By the end of this year, the capacity for resource utilization of wet waste will be increased to 11,000 tons/day, and the total capacity for resource utilization of domestic waste incineration and centralized wet waste facilities will reach 39,000 tons/day.

In addition to garbage classification, how can production and life be made greener?

Guiding the entire chain towards low-carbon through greening. Walking through the streets and alleys, the "Hu Shang Recycling" (沪尚回收) logo can be seen everywhere. 15,000 service points, 198 transfer stations, and 14 distribution centers form a convenient network. From about 3,000 green restaurants practicing the "Clean Plate Campaign" to e-commerce companies reducing express packaging by more than 96%, the concept of low-carbon is integrated into all aspects of urban life.

"Shanghai (上海) has formed a systematic and refined system for the resource utilization of garbage classification, thanks to legal and institutional guarantees, closed-loop control throughout the entire process, and a high degree of public awareness," said Du Huanzheng (杜欢政), Director and Professor of the Institute of Ecological Civilization and Circular Economy at Tongji University (同济大学).

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Photo Story

On July 18, the main trestle of the Zhangjiang Bay (漳江湾) Sea-Crossing Extra-Large Bridge, a key control project of the newly built Zhangzhou-Shantou High-Speed Railway, was completed, laying the foundation for subsequent offshore construction on various working surfaces. The Zhangzhou-Shantou High-Speed Railway connects to the Fuzhou-Xiamen High-Speed Railway in the north and the Shantou-Shanwei High-Speed Railway in the south. It is an important part of the coastal passage of the national "Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal" high-speed railway network. After the Zhangzhou-Shantou High-Speed Railway is fully completed and opened to traffic, it will further improve the regional road network structure and help the high-quality development of the eastern coastal areas. The picture shows the main trestle of the Zhangjiang Bay (漳江湾) Sea-Crossing Extra-Large Bridge.

Xinhua News Agency reporter Wei Peiquan (魏培全) photo

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Trade-in programs boost sales by 2.9 trillion yuan

According to the Ministry of Commerce (商务部) on July 18, as of the first half of the year, trade-ins have driven sales of 2.9 trillion yuan, with approximately 400 million people enjoying subsidy benefits.

China's service consumption has entered a stage of rapid growth. From 2020 to 2024, China's residents' service consumption expenditure has increased by an average of 9.6% annually.

During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China's position as the world's second-largest consumer market has become more stable. Consumption's average annual contribution rate to economic growth has reached about 60%, and its role as the main engine continues to be prominent. (Related reports can be found on the second page.)

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532.9 Billion Yuan Invested in Water Conservancy Construction in the First Half of the Year

This newspaper's Beijing (北京) dispatch on July 18th (Reporter Wang Hao (王浩)) - This reporter learned on July 18th from the Ministry of Water Resources (水利部): In the first half of this year, the nation completed 532.9 billion yuan in water conservancy construction investment, implemented 34,400 various types of water conservancy projects, and newly commenced 18,800 water conservancy projects. Among them, 14 major water conservancy projects were newly started, including the Yellow River (黄河) main stream Qinghai (青海) section treatment and the Zhangwei New River (漳卫新河) treatment. Water conservancy construction absorbed 1.422 million jobs.

In the next step, the Ministry of Water Resources (水利部) will focus on the construction of the national water network and the "two major" water conservancy tasks to precisely exert efforts, guide local areas to go all out to grasp projects, raise funds, stabilize scale, and benefit people's livelihoods, accelerate the construction progress of major projects under construction, and strive to expand effective water conservancy investment.

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The Scale of the Super-Large Market is Even Greater (Authoritative Release: High-Quality Completion of the "14th Five-Year Plan")

By: 本报记者 王 珂

The State Council Information Office held a series of thematic press conferences on "High-Quality Completion of the '14th Five-Year Plan'" on July 18 to introduce the relevant situation of high-quality business development during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period.

The scale of the consumer market has steadily expanded.

From 2020 to 2024, the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by an average of 5.5% annually.

The total retail sales of consumer goods increased from 39.1 trillion yuan in 2020 to 48.3 trillion yuan in 2024, with an average annual increase of 5.5%. It is expected to exceed 50 trillion yuan this year. Online retail sales have ranked first in the world for 12 consecutive years. Automobile sales rank first in the world, and sales in subdivided fields of household appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines rank first in the world. "The scale of the super-large market is larger, and the status of the world's second-largest consumer market is more stable." Wang Wentao (王文涛), Minister of Commerce, introduced that multiple measures have been taken to promote consumption, promote the steady expansion of the consumer market, continuously optimize the structure, and continuously release potential.

In terms of commodity consumption, the number of new energy vehicles in 2024 increased by 5.4 times compared with 2020, and the penetration rate of new energy vehicles exceeded 50% in the first half of this year. As of the first half of the year, "trade-in" of consumer goods has driven sales of 2.9 trillion yuan, and about 400 million people have enjoyed subsidy benefits. In terms of service consumption, from 2020 to 2024, residents' service consumption expenditure increased by an average of 9.6% annually, faster than commodity consumption.

"Since the '14th Five-Year Plan', the Ministry of Commerce has taken the modern supply chain as the traction and the high-quality development of the wholesale and retail industry as the main line to promote the construction of a modern business and trade circulation system and achieve positive results." Sheng Qiuping (盛秋平), Vice Minister of Commerce, introduced that in 2024, the added value of China's wholesale and retail industry was 13.8 trillion yuan, second only to the manufacturing industry in scale, an increase of 40% compared with the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan", absorbing 135 million jobs. In the first half of this year, the added value of the wholesale and retail industry increased by 5.9% year-on-year, maintaining a rapid growth momentum. In rural areas, the construction of the county commercial system has been deepened, and the "Thousands of Markets and Ten Thousand Stores" renovation and upgrading project has been carried out, with a cumulative renovation of 155,000 commercial outlets of various types in counties and villages. More than 95% of administrative villages can enjoy direct express delivery. In cities, 35 national demonstration pedestrian streets and business districts and 5,510 15-minute convenient living circles have been built, serving more than 125 million residents. The circulation network is more complete. Modern business and trade circulation system pilots have been carried out in 40 cities. Cold chain logistics has developed rapidly. At present, the total cold storage capacity in the country is 253 million cubic meters, and the number of refrigerated trucks is 495,000, an increase of 42.9% and 80% respectively compared with the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan".

Domestic and foreign markets are linked and mutually promoted. On the one hand, more high-quality goods and services have entered China. By cultivating international consumer center cities and building import trade promotion and innovation demonstration zones, especially by continuously holding the China International Import Expo (进博会) and the China International Consumer Products Expo (消博会), China has cumulatively imported 7.4 trillion yuan of consumer goods from 2021 to 2024. China's large market has made a huge contribution to global development. On the other hand, the scope of unilateral visa-free countries has been expanded, and guests from all parties travel to China for tourism and shopping. In 2024, the total expenditure of inbound tourists was 94.2 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 77.8%. The traffic of "China Tourism" has been transformed into the increment of "China Shopping".

Wang Wentao (王文涛) said that looking forward to the "15th Five-Year Plan", the Ministry of Commerce will, on the basis of summarizing the experience during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, transform the policies that are effective for the Chinese market and popular among the people into regular and long-term policies. At the same time, it will introduce targeted measures in accordance with the times and trends to further stimulate the development momentum of commodity consumption, release the potential of service consumption, amplify the driving effect of new consumption, comprehensively expand domestic demand, and strengthen the domestic cycle.

The expected target for actual use of foreign capital was achieved ahead of schedule.

During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, a cumulative total of 229,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were established, an increase of 25,000 compared with the "13th Five-Year Plan" period.

"During the '14th Five-Year Plan' period, the expected target for actual use of foreign capital has been achieved ahead of schedule. As of the end of June this year, China's cumulative actual use of foreign capital during the '14th Five-Year Plan' period reached 708.73 billion US dollars, completing the 700 billion US dollar investment target proposed in the business development plan six months ahead of schedule." Ling Ji (凌激), Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy Representative for International Trade Negotiations, introduced that a cumulative total of 229,000 new foreign-invested enterprises have been established, an increase of 25,000 compared with the "13th Five-Year Plan" period. Foreign-invested enterprises contributed 1/3 of the country's imports and exports, 1/4 of the industrial added value, and 1/7 of the tax revenue, creating more than 30 million jobs. At the same time, the quality of foreign capital utilization has been greatly improved. In 2024, the proportion of foreign investment in high-tech industries reached 34.6%, an increase of 6 percentage points compared with 2020. Many multinational companies have established regional headquarters and global R&D centers in China.

In order to create a good environment for foreign investment, the Ministry of Commerce has fully implemented the pre-establishment national treatment plus negative list management system for foreign investment. The restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing industry have been lifted nationwide, and pilot projects for opening up cloud computing, biotechnology, and wholly foreign-owned hospitals have been carried out in some regions. The "24 Foreign Investment Articles" and the action plan for stabilizing foreign investment have been issued and implemented, and the implementation of various measures is in line with expectations. More than 500 laws, regulations and documents have been formulated, revised and abolished cumulatively. Local governments have established foreign investment special teams at all levels to continuously deepen regular communication and exchanges with foreign-invested enterprises and foreign chambers of commerce in China.

"Invest in China" has become a bright business card. The Ministry of Commerce has cumulatively held more than 60 key "Invest in China" activities at home and abroad. The "China International Fair for Investment & Trade (投洽会)" on September 8 every year has become a landmark exhibition for "Invest in China". "Many multinational companies said that China is an 'ideal, safe, and promising' destination for multinational investment, and is an 'oasis of certainty and a hot spot for investment'." Ling Ji (凌激) said.

The scale of trade in goods has remained the world's largest for eight consecutive years.

In the first half of the year, the proportion of trade in goods with countries jointly building the "Belt and Road" reached 51.8%.

China's status as a major trading country has been consolidated. The scale of trade in goods has crossed the two thresholds of 5 trillion US dollars and 6 trillion US dollars successively, an increase of 32.4% in 2024 compared with 2020, ranking first in the world for eight consecutive years. The main body of foreign trade has been diversified and strengthened. In 2024, the number of foreign trade enterprises with import and export performance has been nearly 700,000, and the proportion of exports of private enterprises has increased from 56% at the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan" to 64.8% last year. The potential of new foreign trade formats has been continuously released. In 2024, cross-border e-commerce imports and exports will be 2.7 trillion yuan, an increase of 67% compared with 2020. The scale of trade in services has exceeded 1 trillion US dollars, ranking second in the world. The negative list management for cross-border trade in services has been implemented for the first time. In 2024, the amount of knowledge-intensive trade in services will increase by 38% compared with 2020.

The resilience and resistance to shocks of foreign trade have been significantly improved. The optimization and upgrading of trade in goods, the "gold content" and "new content" have continued to rise. In 2024, the proportion of exports of high-tech products in trade in goods reached 18.2%. China has actively optimized the layout of the international market, and trade partners have become more diversified. It is the main trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions, and the main export destination of nearly 80 countries and regions. ASEAN has maintained its position as China's largest trading partner for five consecutive years, and the trade volume in the first half of this year increased by 9.6% year-on-year.

In terms of jointly building the "Belt and Road", Li Chenggang (李成钢), Deputy Minister of Commerce and Deputy Representative for International Trade Negotiations, introduced that China's trade in goods with co-construction countries increased from 2.7 trillion US dollars in 2021 to 3.1 trillion US dollars in 2024, with an average annual increase of 4.7%, and the proportion of total trade increased from 45.3% to 51.8% in the first half of this year. The construction of projects has been steadily promoted, and some landmark projects and "small but beautiful" livelihood projects have been promoted in a coordinated manner. From 2021 to the first half of 2025, the cumulative turnover of contracted projects in co-construction countries will be nearly 600 billion US dollars. Emerging fields have been steadily expanded, and memorandums of investment cooperation in digital, green, and blue fields have been signed with more than 50 co-construction countries, and the number of "Silk Road E-commerce" partner countries has increased to 36.

"During the '14th Five-Year Plan' period, foreign trade has grown against the trend in the face of 'high winds and rough waves', and the construction of a strong trading country has achieved positive results." Wang Wentao (王文涛) said, "During the '15th Five-Year Plan' period, we will promote high-quality trade development with greater efforts, strengthen innovation momentum, strengthen international cooperation, enhance trade resilience, and strive to build an international trade pattern of open cooperation, common development, and mutual benefit and win-win results.

Reporter's Notes

Quality Consumption is Booming, Supply is Full of New Ideas

Move your fingers to enjoy the convenience of online shopping; walk into the mall to integrate leisure and shopping; go out for tourism, and immersive cultural tourism brings new experiences... In recent years, new types of consumption have flourished, and new formats, new scenarios, and new models are rich and diverse, broadening consumer choices and stimulating consumer vitality.

Quality consumption is booming. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the consumption structure has accelerated its transformation. People have a stronger demand for quality consumption, and the trend from "whether there is" to "whether it is good" is obvious. Increasing effective and high-quality supply has become the key to expanding and tapping the potential of the consumer market.

Supply is full of new ideas. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, traditional formats "innovate in the old", and some places "move" museums and aquariums into shopping malls; many time-honored brands innovate and develop, new Chinese-style clothing frequently "go out of the circle", and cultural and creative products, local specialty products and other domestic "trendy products" sell well at home and abroad. New trends and new fashions such as quality e-commerce, first-release economy, and "artificial intelligence + consumption" attract a large number of young consumer groups and become new growth points in the market.

Looking forward to the "15th Five-Year Plan", the basic fundamentals of China's long-term economic improvement have not changed, and the characteristics of the consumer market with great potential, strong resilience, and sufficient vitality have not changed. With the continuous advancement of various policies, the supply of high-quality products will be more abundant, and the potential of consumption will be better released. While better meeting the needs of people's better life, consumption, the main engine of economic growth, will continue to be strengthened.

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Industrial Economy Develops Stably, Newly, and Optimally (Authoritative Release)

By: 本报记者 王 政 刘温馨

The added value of industrial enterprises above a designated size increased by 6.5% and 6.3% year-on-year in the first and second quarters, respectively; the added value of high-tech manufacturing above a designated size increased by 9.5% year-on-year, contributing 23.3% to the growth of all industrial enterprises above a designated size; the implementation of large-scale equipment renewal and technological transformation and upgrading projects in the manufacturing industry resulted in a 7.5% year-on-year increase in manufacturing investment... On July 18, the State Council Information Office (国务院新闻办) held a press conference where Xie Shaofeng (谢少锋), Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部), and others introduced the operating conditions of the industrial economy in the first half of the year.

Steady Progress

The Added Value of Manufacturing Accounts for 25.7% of GDP

"In the first half of the year, the added value of industrial enterprises above a designated size increased by 6.4% year-on-year, demonstrating strong resilience on the basis of a good start in the first quarter. The added value of manufacturing accounted for 25.7% of GDP, remaining basically stable," said Xie Shaofeng (谢少锋). Since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部) has thoroughly implemented policies and measures to stabilize employment and the economy, as well as the "two major" and "two new" initiatives, giving full play to the advantages of China's industrial economy, which has a strong foundation, resilience, and active innovation, to achieve the stable operation of the industrial economy.

Key industries have played a significant supporting role, with faster growth in industries such as electrical machinery, automobiles, electronics, general equipment, chemicals, and non-ferrous metals, further increasing their contribution to the growth of industrial enterprises above a designated size. The equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing industries have seen both quantitative and qualitative improvements, with their added value accounting for 35.5% and 16.4% of the added value of industrial enterprises above a designated size, respectively. The profit growth of industries such as electronics, electrical machinery, and general equipment has exceeded 10%.

Operating entities have further developed and grown. In the first five months, the number of industrial enterprises above a designated size reached 520,000, an increase of 8,000 compared to the end of last year. The profits of manufacturing enterprises above a designated size increased by 5.4% year-on-year. To date, China has cumulatively cultivated over 140,000 specialized and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (中小企业) and 14,600 specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises (专精特新“小巨人”企业).

"At the same time, we also see that maintaining the stable operation and high-quality development of the industrial economy still faces many challenges. External uncertainties need to be strengthened, and structural contradictions in the industrial structure need to be properly resolved," said Xie Shaofeng (谢少锋). The next step is to continue to focus on consolidating the foundation, improving quality, cultivating momentum, and optimizing the environment.

Moving Towards Innovation

Industrial Robot Production Increased by 35.6% Year-on-Year

China's independently developed large amphibious firefighting aircraft AG600 has been granted a Type Certificate and Production Certificate by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (中国民航局); mobile operating robots have achieved integrated control of "hands, feet, and eyes," with over a thousand units applied in manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, semiconductors, and medicine; the production of industrial robots and service robots increased by 35.6% and 25.5% year-on-year, respectively... In the first half of the year, the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation accelerated, and the results of innovative applications accelerated their implementation.

The scale of transformation of scientific and technological achievements has become even larger. In the first half of the year, the transaction value of national technology contracts increased by 14.2% year-on-year, and the added value of industries such as spacecraft and carrier rocket manufacturing and intelligent vehicle equipment manufacturing both grew by double digits.

The enabling role of artificial intelligence has continued to strengthen. China's incubated and open-source shared artificial intelligence large models are accelerating their penetration into various industries and fields. The first pure electric unmanned mining truck without a cab has been put into operation in China's coal mines, and large models are accelerating their implementation in industries such as electronics, raw materials, and consumer goods, providing assistance for creating new business formats and models.

The construction of industrial innovation platforms has been continuously promoted. As of the end of June, 33 national-level manufacturing innovation centers have been built, and 241 pilot platforms in key areas have been included in the key cultivation library.

"At present, China's pilot platform construction mainly focuses on six key areas that are urgently needed for national strategies and industrial development, including raw materials, equipment manufacturing, consumer goods, information technology, emerging and future industries, and common needs. We are accelerating the creation of a manufacturing pilot service network to promote the interconnection of pilot resources," Xie Shaofeng (谢少锋) introduced. The next step for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部) is to take enhancing pilot capabilities to empower the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation as the goal, highlight the regional characteristics and supporting role of pilot platforms, guide pilot platforms to enhance service capabilities, accelerate the engineering breakthroughs and industrial applications of scientific and technological achievements, and strive to cultivate more than 5 national-level manufacturing pilot platforms by the end of 2025.

Moving Towards Excellence

Building More Than 18,500 "5G + Industrial Internet" Projects

As of the first half of the year, the penetration rate of digital R&D tools in light industrial enterprises above a designated size reached 86.2%; 5G integrated applications have been integrated into 86 of the 97 major categories of the national economy, and more than 18,500 "5G + Industrial Internet" projects have been built... Xie Cun (谢存), Director of the Information and Communication Development Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部信息通信发展司司长), introduced that in the first half of the year, the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries has been steadily advancing, accelerating the realization of high-quality development.

Digital transformation is accelerating, with 26 cities identified in the second batch of pilot cities for new technological transformation in manufacturing, new support for 35 cities to implement digital transformation pilots for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the issuance of digital transformation implementation plans for key industries such as power equipment, light industry, petrochemicals, steel, non-ferrous metals, and building materials.

Positive progress has been made in industry governance, with complete vehicle enterprises actively committing to shortening payment terms, the profitability of enterprises in the steel and cement industries has improved, and the overall technical level of the photovoltaic industry has steadily improved.

Significant progress has been made in the green and low-carbon development of industry, accelerating the cultivation of new drivers for green development. Currently, the output value of national-level green factories accounts for more than 20% of the total output value of manufacturing, and the energy consumption per unit of added value of industrial enterprises above a designated size continues to decline.

"Green development is the underlying color of high-quality manufacturing development, and traditional industries are the focus of manufacturing transformation and upgrading," said Tao Qing (陶青), spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部新闻发言人) and Director of the Operation Monitoring and Coordination Bureau (运行监测协调局局长). Next, we will focus on the four key industries of steel, non-ferrous metals, petrochemicals, and building materials, and work from four aspects: raw materials, energy use, technology, and products, to deeply tap the potential for green and low-carbon development of traditional industries and promote the "expansion of green and efficiency increase" of traditional industries.

Layout of this edition: Wang Zheping (汪哲平)

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Building a Good "Middle Station" to Accelerate the Transformation of Achievements (Editor's Notes)

By: 祁嘉润

In the first half of the year, the scale of China's (我国) scientific and technological achievements transformation has become even larger. As an "intermediate station" connecting technological innovation and market application, the development and construction of pilot-scale platforms have attracted much attention.

With measures and results. More than 20 provinces have introduced more than 40 special policies, more than 2,000 pilot-scale platforms have been included in the reserve pool, and 241 have been included in the key cultivation pool... Issuing policies, establishing standards, and promoting implementation, in the first half of the year, the construction of pilot-scale capabilities has accelerated, injecting strong impetus into the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation.

With direction and goals. Focusing on six key areas urgently needed for national strategy and industrial development, accelerating the creation of a manufacturing pilot-scale service network, and striving to cultivate more than 5 national-level manufacturing pilot-scale platforms before the end of the year... With optimized layout, upgraded services, and improved energy efficiency, the construction of pilot-scale platforms is progressing steadily and rapidly.

Industrial pilot-scale capability, to a certain extent, determines industrial technological innovation. As relevant policies are implemented and take effect, and local exploration experience continues to accumulate, pilot-scale platforms will help accelerate the transformation of achievements.

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Lishui Airport in Zhejiang Province Opens to Air Traffic

On July 18th, flight CA1873, departing from Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场), landed at Lishui Airport (丽水机场). On the same day, Lishui Airport (丽水机场), located in southern Zhejiang Province (浙江省), officially opened to air traffic and simultaneously launched routes to Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场). Lishui Airport (丽水机场) is positioned as a domestic branch airport, designed in this phase with an annual passenger throughput of 1 million passengers and a cargo and mail throughput of 4,000 tons, with a runway length of 2,800 meters and a terminal building area of 12,000 square meters.

Dou Hao (窦皓) and Zhang Yongtao (章勇涛) provided photographic coverage.

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Encourage Foreign-Invested Enterprises to Reinvest in China

This newspaper reported from Beijing on July 18th (Reporter Liu Zhiqiang (刘志强)) Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委) and seven other departments jointly issued the "Notice on Several Measures for Implementing Encouragement of Domestic Reinvestment by Foreign-Invested Enterprises," deepening the reform of the foreign investment promotion system and mechanism, and attracting and utilizing foreign investment with greater efforts.

The main contents of the notice include:

Strengthening project service guarantees. It is clarified that various localities should establish a domestic reinvestment project bank for foreign-invested enterprises based on actual conditions and do a good job in project service guarantees. Eligible domestic reinvestment projects of foreign-invested enterprises can be included in the list of major and key foreign investment projects and enjoy corresponding support policies.

Optimizing the allocation of land elements. Support foreign-invested enterprises to flexibly adopt methods such as long-term leasing of industrial land, lease before transfer, and flexible term transfer when reinvesting in China to reduce initial land costs. The specific methods shall be implemented in accordance with the existing encouragement and support policies.

Optimizing and simplifying relevant handling procedures. For wholly foreign-owned enterprises newly established in China by foreign-invested enterprises, when applying for industry access permits already obtained by their parent companies, the competent industry authorities may, in accordance with the law, optimize and simplify the handling procedures and shorten the processing time for those that meet the basic conditions.

Implementing and implementing support policies. Implement and implement relevant tax support policies in accordance with the law to encourage overseas investors to reinvest in China and promote the formation of more effective investment. Foreign-invested enterprises enjoy relevant support policies for imported equipment for encouraged projects invested by reinvested enterprises in China.

Facilitating the use of foreign exchange funds. Foreign exchange funds generated from legal foreign exchange profits of foreign-invested enterprises and domestic reinvestment by overseas investors using legally obtained domestic foreign exchange profits can be transferred domestically in accordance with regulations.

Increasing financial support and innovation. Optimize management processes and include foreign-related shareholder loans and "Panda Bonds" required for domestic reinvestment of eligible foreign-invested enterprises into the "green channel" management. Encourage various financial institutions to innovate products and services under the premise of legal compliance and controllable risks, and provide financial services and support for domestic reinvestment of foreign-invested enterprises.

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China deeply participates in and actively leads global human rights governance.

By: 本报记者  刘仲华

The 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council recently concluded in Geneva, Switzerland. During the session, the Chinese delegation actively elaborated on China's human rights philosophy and propositions with Chinese characteristics, and comprehensively promoted the spirit of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国两会) and China's human rights development achievements through various forms such as national statements, joint statements, initiative proposals, and hosting exhibitions. It participated in international human rights cooperation with a more proactive and promising attitude, and contributed Chinese solutions to improving global human rights governance.

Telling the China Story—

Embarking on a path of human rights development that conforms to the trend of the times and suits its own national conditions

China adheres to combining the universality principle of human rights with China's specific realities, promoting the leapfrog development of China's human rights cause, and embarking on a path of human rights development that conforms to the trend of the times and suits its own national conditions.

On June 24, Li Xiaomei (李笑梅), Deputy Head of the Chinese Delegation to the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, delivered a joint statement on "Beijing+30" on behalf of nearly 90 countries including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Belgium, South Africa, and Japan at the annual seminar on women's rights of the Council, calling on all countries to work together to implement the *Beijing Declaration* and the *Platform for Action* to promote the development of women and girls worldwide. The joint statement pointed out that 30 years ago, the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing (北京) adopted the *Beijing Declaration* and the *Platform for Action*. Last year, the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution by consensus to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the *Beijing Declaration* and the *Platform for Action*, and this year the Global Women's Summit will be held again in Beijing (北京). Li Xiaomei (李笑梅) said in the joint statement: "We should take this as an opportunity, guided by the action framework of the 12 key areas of action of the *Platform for Action*, to revitalize the spirit of the *Beijing Declaration* and open up broad avenues for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls."

On June 18, the Chinese representative stated during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association that the revision and improvement of the Hong Kong (香港) electoral system by the National People's Congress of China (全国人民代表大会) reflects the central government's historical responsibility to adhere to and improve the "one country, two systems" system and maintain Hong Kong's (香港) long-term prosperity and stability. After the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (香港国安法) and the improvement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特区) electoral system, Hong Kong (香港) has achieved a historic transformation from chaos to governance and is moving towards a new stage of governance and prosperity. Hong Kong (香港) society has bid farewell to the turbulent situation, and the various rights of Hong Kong (香港) residents have been better exercised.

Reflecting Responsibility—

Promoting constructive dialogue and cooperation among all parties on human rights issues

The Human Rights Council is the core platform of the United Nations for discussing human rights issues. China insists on being people-centered, attaches great importance to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, issued a series of initiatives at the United Nations Human Rights Council, deeply participated in and led the discussion of various topics at this session of the Human Rights Council, promoted constructive dialogue and cooperation among all parties on human rights issues, and made global human rights governance develop in a more fair, just, reasonable, and inclusive direction, reflecting the responsibility of a major country.

On June 16, the opening day of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the theme exhibition "Accessibility for All: Building an Inclusive Future" jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of China to Geneva (中国常驻日内瓦代表团) and the United Nations Office at Geneva (联合国日内瓦办事处) opened at the Palais des Nations in Geneva (日内瓦万国宫). Chen Xu (陈旭), head of the Chinese delegation and representative of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva (中国常驻联合国日内瓦办事处) and other international organizations in Switzerland, said in his speech at the opening ceremony that the construction of an accessible environment is a symbol of the progress of human civilization and an important guarantee for promoting the equal, full, and convenient participation and integration of all people into social life, sharing the fruits of economic and social development, and fully realizing various human rights. China is committed to building an accessible environment so that the fruits of development benefit all people, including people with disabilities and the elderly. This fully interprets the Chinese Communist Party's people-centered governance philosophy and is also a vivid practice of promoting Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development. This exhibition is an important measure to implement China's initiative on accessibility resolutions in the Human Rights Council and an important action for China to deeply participate in and lead global human rights governance.

On July 4, Chen Xu (陈旭) delivered a joint statement on "Artificial Intelligence to Promote Accessibility Construction" on behalf of more than 70 countries at the annual seminar on technical assistance, calling for strengthening technical assistance and capacity building in the field of artificial intelligence to promote accessibility, and promoting countries to share the development results of artificial intelligence. The joint statement put forward three propositions: First, adhere to people-oriented principles and ensure that the development of artificial intelligence technology fully respects, promotes, and protects human rights; second, adhere to universal benefit and inclusiveness, so that the development results of artificial intelligence benefit all types of groups, and promote the realization of equal opportunities and inclusive and universal development; third, adhere to cooperation and win-win results, increase financial and technical support to developing countries, and jointly improve global artificial intelligence governance through international cooperation.

On July 8, the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the resolution on "The Contribution of Development to the Enjoyment of All Human Rights" initiated by China. This is the first time since China proposed the resolution in 2017 that it has been adopted by consensus without a vote. When introducing the resolution, Chen Xu (陈旭) said that the resolution reaffirms the important contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights, and emphasizes the positive significance of people-centered high-quality development for meeting the people's growing needs for a better life and promoting the realization of all human rights. It is hoped that the resolution can build consensus and promote countries to work with China to keep the future of mankind in mind and the well-being of all countries in mind, revitalize true multilateralism, achieve high-quality development, and promote and protect all human rights.

Maintaining Fairness and Justice—

Contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to reforming and improving global human rights governance

At this session, the Chinese delegation insisted on standing on the side of international fairness and justice, fully exposing the hypocrisy of some countries in pursuing double standards on human rights issues and using human rights as an excuse to contain developing countries.

On June 17, Chen Xu (陈旭) spoke on behalf of the "Group of Friends of Dialogue and Cooperation to Promote Human Rights," calling on international human rights mechanisms to follow the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-politicization, and non-selectivity, and maintain their own image and credibility. The joint statement emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all path to human rights development in the world, and no country should impose its own model on others. June 10 this year is the first United Nations "International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations." All parties should practice true multilateralism, respect the diversity of world civilizations, protect human rights with security, promote human rights with development, and advance human rights with cooperation, and promote the healthy development of the international human rights cause. The joint statement received widespread support from developing countries, and many countries actively responded in their statements.

On June 23, the Chinese representative attended the theme side event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the *United Nations Charter* hosted by the "Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations" and made a guest speech on the topic of international peace, emphasizing that the "Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations" is an advocate for supporting multilateralism, maintaining fairness and justice, and opposing unilateral sanctions. China is willing to work with members of the group and the international community to continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (互相尊重主权和领土完整、互不侵犯、互不干涉内政、平等互利、和平共处) of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence, firmly safeguard the role of the United Nations, and make positive contributions to maintaining world peace, promoting common development, and realizing the enjoyment of human rights for all, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind (人类命运共同体).

On issues involving El Salvador, Gambia, Bolivia, Fiji, Iran, Madagascar, and Iraq, the Chinese representative actively spoke out for developing countries, calling for respect for the efforts of all countries to independently solve domestic problems and to stop external interference. China also exposed and criticized some countries for abusing unilateral sanctions, engaging in power politics and coercive diplomacy, politicizing, instrumentalizing, and weaponizing human rights issues, and using human rights issues to suppress and interfere with developing countries. China calls on the international community to comprehensively, fairly, and objectively view the human rights situation in developing countries, support relevant countries in exploring development paths that suit their own national conditions, and independently determine their future destiny.

Currently, the international situation is turbulent and unstable, and the human rights governance deficit is expanding. Against this background, China deeply participates in the discussion of various topics at the United Nations Human Rights Council with a responsible attitude, comprehensively promotes China's human rights development achievements, contributes Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to reforming and improving global human rights governance, adheres to fairness and justice, openness and inclusiveness, and cooperation and win-win results, builds broad international consensus, and wins universal praise from the international community.

(Reported from Geneva (日内瓦) by this newspaper)

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Shared Openness: China's Limitless Opportunities (Harmonious Voice)

China is breaking through and exploring the path with high-level opening up to the outside world, telling the world: there is no need to close oneself off to resist risks, and countries can fully realize leapfrog development by integrating into the world.

The 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo, themed "Connecting the World, Creating the Future," is being held in Beijing (北京). The Expo has built a grand stage for win-win cooperation between Chinese and foreign business circles. More than 650 Chinese and foreign companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions are focusing on the word "chain," "finding friends, partners, application scenarios, and solutions" at the Expo, and sharing the unlimited opportunities of an open China.

"The Chinese supply chain is a miracle." The words of Huang Renxun (黄仁勋), President and CEO of NVIDIA, in his speech at the opening ceremony of this year's Expo, revealed the important role that an open China plays in the global supply chain. Some international media have commented that the Expo demonstrates China's image as a "defender of global free trade." In today's world, unilateralism and protectionism are becoming increasingly rampant. As the world's second-largest economy, China is unswervingly expanding its high-level opening up to the outside world and resolutely contributing positive energy to maintaining an open world economic system through its own opening up. This choice is the basic experience of China's step-by-step development and the inevitable logic of historical progress.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair (托尼·布莱尔) once said that China's changes stem from opening up to the outside world, which may be the most memorable transformation story in human history. From the first shot in Shekou (蛇口), Shenzhen (深圳), to the "goose array" of free trade pilot zones flying together today, China has adhered to promoting reform and development through opening up, creating a miracle of human social development. Today, despite profound and complex changes in the international situation, China's determination and confidence in opening up and development have never wavered. The negative list for foreign investment access is constantly being compressed, the total number of items in the *Catalogue of Industries Encouraging Foreign Investment* has reached 1,474, 20 policy measures to stabilize foreign investment have been introduced, the Hainan (海南) Free Trade Port is about to achieve customs closure operations, and 77 pilot measures in the Shanghai (上海) Free Trade Pilot Zone have been replicated and promoted... China is implementing a more proactive opening-up strategy, building a new system for a higher-level open economy, and forming a new pattern of opening up to the outside world in a wider range, broader field, and deeper level.

The continuously implemented opening-up measures are constantly being transformed into development vitality. In the first half of this year, against the backdrop of a complex external environment, China's import and export of goods trade increased by 2.9% year-on-year, and the scale of foreign trade was stable and increased, and the quality was improved; from 2021 to May this year, foreign direct investment in China totaled 4.7 trillion yuan, exceeding the total amount during the "13th Five-Year Plan" period, and the confidence in continuing to cultivate the Chinese market is even stronger.

An open China is continuously empowering global development. China's contribution to world economic growth has remained at around 30%, ranking first in the world in goods trade. China firmly adheres to the open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win results, is the main trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions, has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, implements zero tariffs on 100% of tariff items for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, and the number of countries with unilateral visa-free and transit visa-free policies has been expanded to 47 and 55 respectively. The road to working together with various countries for development is becoming wider and wider.

China's firm and unswerving expansion of high-level opening up to the outside world is of global significance not only in sharing development opportunities, but also in adding confidence to all parties to face the challenges of the times and jointly follow the path of open development. Unilateralism and protectionism are rampant, and some people in the international community have doubts: Can the road to opening up continue to be viable? To answer the questions of the times, China's open practice is more convincing because of its development scale and vitality. China has completed the development process that Western developed countries have gone through in hundreds of years in a few decades, showing the world in a perceptible and knowable way that on the road to development, opening up has never been an option, but a necessity. Faced with the severe challenges brought about by protectionism, China is breaking through and exploring the path with high-level opening up to the outside world, telling the world: there is no need to close oneself off to resist risks, and countries can fully realize leapfrog development by integrating into the world.

Opening up is the fulcrum for forging economic resilience and the key to breaking development bottlenecks. China will work with all parties to jointly follow the path of open development, continuously gather vitality for global development, and add momentum to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

(This series of comments ends here)

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"A journey of intellectual and spiritual learning"

By: 本报记者  任  彦

"From over 50 members at the beginning of its founding to a total membership of over 100 million today, the Communist Party of China (中国共产党) has become the largest political party in the world." Sid'Ahmed Mohamed (西德·穆罕默德), president of the Mauritanian Justice Party, said in an exclusive interview with this reporter in Beijing (北京) recently. "The Communist Party of China (中国共产党) has achieved unparalleled political and organizational achievements in the world. The secret lies not only in the deep relationship between the Party and the masses, but also in the ability of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党) to formulate long-term strategic plans, be brave in self-revolution, and win the trust of the people. The Communist Party of China (中国共产党) has pioneered a unique practice of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party and improving the effectiveness of governing the country."

Recently, Mohamed (穆罕默德) led a delegation of cadres from the Mauritanian Justice Party to visit Beijing (北京), Chongqing (重庆), Shanghai (上海), and other places. They visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党历史展览馆), the Hongyan Revolutionary Memorial Hall (红岩革命纪念馆), the Chongqing Modern Agricultural High-Tech Park (重庆现代农业高科技园区), the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (中共一大纪念馆), and the Party-Masses Service Center for New Forms of Business and Employment Groups in Wanyou Gravity, Wanli Street, Putuo District, Shanghai (上海普陀区万里街道万有引力新业态新就业群体党群服务中心), among other places.

"This is a journey of ideological and spiritual learning that has brought us profound insights," Mohamed (穆罕默德) said with deep feeling. "We have learned firsthand how the great Communist Party of China (中国共产党) was founded on firm principles of struggle, and how it maintains its true colors, adheres to its original aspirations, and keeps pace with the times."

"During the visit, we paid particular attention to and highly appreciated the in-depth study and education of the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation (中央八项规定) being carried out by the Communist Party of China (中国共产党)," Mohamed (穆罕默德) said. The Communist Party of China (中国共产党) attaches importance to planning and execution, focuses on self-examination, actively conducts self-criticism, and is committed to eradicating corruption. Comprehensively and strictly governing the Party enables the Communist Party of China (中国共产党) to maintain cohesion and combat effectiveness in the face of challenges. "We believe that a fundamental reason why the Communist Party of China (中国共产党) has not declined after a century is its courage in self-revolution," Mohamed (穆罕默德) said.

"During this visit, we were invited to observe the awarding ceremony of the '50 Years of Glory in the Party' commemorative medal held by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (中共中央对外联络部). This event was very meaningful. It was a tribute to the decades of struggle of the veteran Party members, and also a praise for loyalty, discipline, and dedication," Mohamed (穆罕默德) said.

"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and China, and the relations between the two countries have been continuously and deeply developed since the establishment of diplomatic relations," Mohamed (穆罕默德) said. Last September, President Xi Jinping (习近平) met with Mauritanian President Ghazwani (加兹瓦尼) in Beijing (北京), and the two heads of state jointly announced the upgrading of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, which is an important milestone in the history of the development of bilateral relations. At present, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, the two sides are carrying out extensive cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, education, fisheries, mining, energy, culture, and other fields.

"The inter-party relations between the Mauritanian Justice Party and the Communist Party of China (中国共产党) are an important part of the strategic partnership between the two countries," Mohamed (穆罕默德) said. Under the leadership of President Ghazwani (加兹瓦尼) and President Xi Jinping (习近平), the two parties maintain regular mutual visits and multi-field cooperation, the level of cooperation continues to improve, and the exchange and mutual learning of ideas and experiences continue to deepen. Mohamed (穆罕默德) said: "This visit has enhanced the understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries, and also allowed us to deeply understand China's commendable development experience. We firmly believe that the prospects for cooperation between the two parties will be broader, and we are willing to continue to work hard for this to better benefit the friendly people of the two countries."

Mohamed (穆罕默德) highly praised the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. "The three major global initiatives provide a solution for building a more just and reasonable international order. The current world is facing multiple challenges, and the three major global initiatives point out the direction and path towards a community of human destiny and the realization of a multipolar future," Mohamed (穆罕默德) said.

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Building a Greener Agricultural Industry Chain (Visiting the China International Supply Chain Expo)

By: 本报记者  黄发红  李欣怡  李应齐

Entering the Supply Chain Expo, the green agriculture chain exhibition area focuses on the entire industry chain from "field to table," covering green agricultural materials, smart agriculture, planting and breeding and agricultural product processing, geographical indication products, and modern agricultural services. COFCO, Yili (伊利), Cargill, Chia Tai Group (正大集团), and a number of other Fortune 500 industry leaders launched, exhibited, and showcased their new products and technologies.

"The durian is so fresh!" Many visitors exclaimed in front of the Chia Tai Group (正大集团) booth from Thailand. "It only takes 4 hours to fly from Thailand to China." Yang Fan, Director of Marketing Activities for Chia Tai Group (正大集团) in China, said that Chia Tai Group (正大集团) brought featured products such as durian, tea wine, and chicken. "In order to better meet the needs of Chinese consumers, we strive to control the quality from the source of the farm and use a variety of transportation methods to transport Thai durian to the Chinese market, especially by taking the China-Laos Railway 'Lancang-Mekong Express' 'Durian Special Train,' achieving the optimal balance of efficiency and cost."

This year is the third time that Chia Tai Group (正大集团) has participated in the Supply Chain Expo. Xue Zengyi, Senior Vice Chairman of the Agri-Food Business China Region of the Group, said that participating in the Supply Chain Expo can not only attract more upstream and downstream companies in the industry chain to participate in the company's business, but also learn the latest supply chain management technologies and concepts from industry partners.

In recent years, China has accelerated the construction of a green agricultural industry chain, the supply of green agricultural products has become more abundant, and the market size of green agriculture has exceeded 500 billion yuan. From smart fields to tables, the green agriculture chain exhibition area showcased the innovative integration of the agricultural supply chain in a variety of forms, and the booths were filled with business partners negotiating and consulting. In front of some green food booths, visitors also lined up in long queues.

On the table at the booth of Louis Dreyfus Company (路易达孚集团) of the Netherlands, there were "seed" cards for soybeans, sugar, edible oil, etc. By scanning the QR code on the card, visitors can visually see the origin, production process, and "journey" into the Chinese market, whether it is soybeans and juice from South America or coffee and rice from Southeast Asia.

Louis Dreyfus Company (路易达孚) participated in the Supply Chain Expo for the first time with the theme of "Building a Safe and Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chain." In the exhibition area, a technology-filled "seed tree" dynamically presented Louis Dreyfus Company's (路易达孚) diversified business portfolio. Chen Jiayuan, CEO of Louis Dreyfus Company (路易达孚) North Asia, said: "The Supply Chain Expo provides companies with an opportunity to showcase their supply chain innovation achievements, and also helps us to deeply understand the latest technologies and changes in different links of the industry chain."

"Currently, China is accelerating the development of specialty crop industries and actively expanding agricultural product imports, which brings new opportunities for the business development of Louis Dreyfus Company (路易达孚)." Chen Jiayuan said. In June of this year, Louis Dreyfus Company (路易达孚) invested in the construction of a new Food Technology Industrial Center in Qingdao (青岛). The industrial center will become an important industrial base for Louis Dreyfus Company (路易达孚), helping the company to better connect with the East China region and even the Northeast Asia market.

Looking to the future, foreign companies participating in the exhibition are full of confidence in further expanding their business in China. "The Chinese market has unlimited potential." Yang Fan said that with China's visa-free policy for Thailand, personnel exchanges are more convenient, and many Thai colleagues have come to China for inspection and exchange. Chen Jiayuan said: "China's long-term economic resilience, innovative ecosystem and huge market potential provide companies with continuous investment opportunities, and also strengthen our confidence in growing together with the Chinese market."

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Wang Guangqian Attends Reception Marking 60th Anniversary of China-Mauritania Diplomatic Relations

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, July 18th (Xinhua) – On July 18th, Wang Guangqian (王光谦), Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国政协), attended a reception in Beijing celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mauritania. He emphasized that China is willing to work with Mauritania to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue the traditional friendship, deepen mutual trust and cooperation, better benefit the people of both countries, and open up a new future for the development of the China-Mauritania strategic partnership.

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Japan's New Defense White Paper Conceals Dangerous Intentions (Zhong Sheng)

The Japanese side's actions of distorting facts and misleading public opinion are not only a blatant interference in China's internal affairs, but also a serious undermining of the post-war international order, which will bring major challenges to peace and tranquility in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan recently released the 2025 edition of the "Defense White Paper," once again hyping up the "China threat," calling China the "greatest strategic challenge ever," falsely accusing China of "unilaterally changing the status quo by force," and making unwarranted accusations on the Taiwan issue. The Japanese side's actions of distorting facts and misleading public opinion are not only a blatant interference in China's internal affairs, but also a serious undermining of the post-war international order, which will bring major challenges to peace and tranquility in the Asia-Pacific region. This once again exposes Japan's true intention of seeking excuses for loosening its military constraints by hyping up threats from its neighbors and creating tensions.

As a former militarist country and aggressor, Japan should deeply reflect on its history of aggression and firmly follow the path of peaceful development. However, the reality is deeply worrying. Domestically, some forces in Japan are immersed in their own fabricated narrative of "war victims," long denying aggression, beautifying war, and attempting to overturn the history of aggression. Externally, Japan continues to hype up threats from its neighbors, and uses this as a reason to significantly increase its defense budget, constantly relax restrictions on arms exports, piece together military "small circles" to engage in camp confrontation, and even occasionally raise the noise of revising the "three non-nuclear principles," making its pace of strengthening its military and expanding its arms increasingly obvious. These actions, which seriously violate Japan's "Peace Constitution" and the principle of "exclusively defense-oriented," have aroused high vigilance and deep concern from Asian neighbors and the international community.

In the 2025 edition of the "Defense White Paper," which is full of Cold War thinking, the Japanese side holds wrong perceptions of China, hypes up China's military activities, and clamors for Japan to "work together to deal with" allies and like-minded countries. China adheres to the path of peaceful development, pursues a defensive national defense policy, and its relevant national defense construction and military activities are legitimate and reasonable, and its military cooperation with other countries complies with international law and international practice. China's actions to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and maritime rights are not related to "militarization," and will not pose a threat to regional security. If Japan is really opposed to unilaterally changing the status quo, it should seriously reflect on its own militarist history of aggression, clearly reiterate its commitment to abide by the post-war international order, and adhere to the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan.

In the White Paper, the Japanese side made irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan issue, groundlessly accusing "China's military activities around Taiwan are intensifying," but did not mention a word about Japan's frequent crossing of the line on the Taiwan issue and its blatant violation of the one-China principle. From the joint statement of the Japan-U.S. (日美) leaders' meeting in February, which included "supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations," to the Japanese government's written reply in March, claiming that the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement (《中日联合声明》) "is not legally binding," to the Ministry of Justice of Japan allowing Taiwanese people with household registration in Japan to register their place of origin as "Taiwan" from May... A series of egregious actions by the Japanese side have seriously eroded the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations and the basic trust between the two countries, exposing its dangerous attempt to strengthen its military and expand its arms and seek geopolitical self-interest by using the Taiwan issue.

The Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, is purely China's internal affair, is the core of China's core interests, and does not allow any external interference. Japan once carried out colonial rule over Taiwan for half a century, committed countless crimes, and bears serious historical guilt to the Chinese people, and should especially be cautious in its words and deeds. The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a basic norm of international relations, and it is also the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. The Japanese government is facing multiple pressures such as economic downturn and public dissatisfaction, and the cabinet's approval rating continues to decline. Some Japanese politicians attempt to seek political self-interest by manipulating Taiwan-related issues and take the initiative in domestic political games. This approach will not succeed.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and also the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. The return of Taiwan to China in 1945 was an important part of the victory of World War II and the post-war international order. China solemnly urges the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its historical guilt, stop seeking excuses for strengthening its military and expanding its arms by hyping up "regional tensions" and manipulating China-related issues, earnestly abide by the principles of the four political documents between China and Japan and the solemn commitments made on the Taiwan issue, and promote the healthy and stable development of Sino-Japanese relations.

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Mauritian President Gokool Meets with Qin Boyong

Xinhua News Agency, Port Louis, July 18th. Mauritian President Prithvirajsing Roopun (戈库尔) met with Qin Boyong (秦博勇), Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国政协), in Port Louis (路易港) on the 17th.

Qin Boyong (秦博勇) conveyed President Xi Jinping's (习近平) cordial greetings to President Roopun (戈库尔), stating that China and Mauritius have a traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have adhered to mutual respect and common development, setting a model of equal treatment and mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between developing countries. China is willing to continue to support Mauritius and promote new achievements in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Qin Boyong (秦博勇) introduced China's economic development and Chinese-style modernization.

Roopun (戈库尔) asked Qin Boyong (秦博勇) to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping (习近平) and the Chinese people, saying that the friendship between Mauritius and China has a long history, and the cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations has been fruitful. He thanked China for its long-term strong support. Mauritius regards China as a priority partner, firmly adheres to the One China principle, and is willing to continuously deepen cooperation with China in the fields of economy, trade, culture, tourism, and climate change to benefit the people of both countries.

Qin Boyong (秦博勇) led a delegation from the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国政协) to visit Mauritius at the invitation of the Mauritian government. During the visit, she also met with Sooroojdev Phokeer (奇夫拉), Speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritius (毛国民议会议长).

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Chinese Communist Party Delegation Visits Laos

Vientiane, July 18th, Xinhua News Agency (Reporter Zhao Xu (赵旭), Ma Huaizhao (马淮钊)) From July 16th to 18th, at the invitation of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Chen Zhou (陈洲), Deputy Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, led a CPC delegation to visit Laos. During the visit, he met with Thongloun Sisoulith (通伦), General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, and Bonleua Phanthaluang (本勒), Acting Minister of the International Department of the Lao Party Central Committee, and held talks and exchanges with heads of Lao party and government departments.

The two sides exchanged views on the relations between the two parties and two countries of China and Laos, as well as issues of common concern, and unanimously stated that they should follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen inter-party exchanges, expand pragmatic cooperation, and promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future to achieve steady and long-term development, and make positive contributions to maintaining regional peace and development.

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Private Entrepreneurs' Situation and Policy Symposium Held in Beijing

This newspaper reported from Beijing on July 18th (Reporter Li Changyu (李昌禹)) The symposium on the situation and policies for individuals in the private sector was held in Beijing from the 17th to the 18th. Li Ganjie (李干杰), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended and delivered a speech.

Li Ganjie (李干杰) stated that carrying out publicity and education on the situation and policies for individuals in the private sector, and listening to their opinions and suggestions, are important measures to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping's (习近平) economic thought and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech at the symposium on private enterprises. This is conducive to guiding individuals in the private sector to unify their thoughts and actions with the Party Central Committee's scientific judgment and decision-making arrangements on the domestic and international situation. Building on the steady progress and improvement of the national economy in the first half of the year, they should strengthen their confidence, go all out, and make new contributions to economic development in the second half of the year with new achievements in the private economy.

Li Ganjie (李干杰) expressed his hope that individuals in the private sector will deeply understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments" and resolutely achieve the "Two Safeguards," and deeply practice General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) exhortation to "have the ambition to serve the country, focus on development, operate legally and ethically, and promote common prosperity after becoming rich first." It is necessary to grasp the general trend from the perspective of the "Two Overall Situations," and effectively enhance the determination and confidence in development; cultivate a deep sense of national sentiment, and always think, stand, and work together with the Party Central Committee; stimulate the spirit of innovation, and take the lead in developing new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions; strengthen the rule of law thinking, and strive to build law-abiding, honest, and clean private enterprises; enhance the sense of responsibility, and actively play a demonstrative role in stabilizing employment and promoting common prosperity, and firmly be builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics and promoters of Chinese-style modernization.

Approximately 80 individuals in the private sector from across the country attended the meeting. The main responsible comrades of the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委) and the Ministry of Commerce (商务部) made special reports, and responsible comrades from relevant departments participated.

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Further improve the service system for high-quality development and contribute greater public security strength to accelerating the construction of a new development pattern.

This newspaper's Shanghai (上海) dispatch, July 18th (Reporter Zhang Tianpei (张天培)) - The National Public Security Bureau Chiefs Symposium was held in Shanghai (上海) from the 17th to the 18th. Wang Xiaohong (王小洪), Secretary of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (中共中央) and Minister of the Ministry of Public Security (公安部), attended and delivered a speech. He emphasized the need to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important expositions on high-quality development and public security work in the new era, adhere to the absolute leadership of the Party, adhere to a people-centered approach, adhere to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, better coordinate development and security, fully and accurately implement the new development concept, further improve the public security organs' service system for high-quality development, continuously enhance the overall effectiveness of serving high-quality development on the track of the rule of law, continuously consolidate the security foundation for high-quality development, and contribute greater public security strength to accelerating the construction of a new development pattern.

Wang Xiaohong (王小洪) demanded enhancing the sense of responsibility and urgency in work, focusing on overall coordination, proactive action, system integration, precision and refinement, pragmatism and efficiency, and focusing on serving innovative development, coordinated development, green development, open development, and shared development, to help stabilize employment, stabilize enterprises, stabilize the market, and stabilize expectations. Further standardize law enforcement involving enterprises, normalize the rectification of prominent problems in law enforcement involving enterprises, and improve the supervision and management mechanism. Further improve the governance system for safeguarding political security, maintaining social stability, and public safety, fully implement the public security organs' new quality combat effectiveness enhancement project, and ensure high-quality development with a high level of security.

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Symposium on Studying Volume I of "Xi Jinping's Selected Works on Ecological Civilization" Held in Beijing

This newspaper reported from Beijing on July 18th (Reporter Ge Liangliang (葛亮亮)) that recently, the first volume of "Xi Jinping's Ecological Civilization Anthology" (《习近平生态文明文选》) was published and distributed. On July 18th, the theoretical publicity symposium "Studying the First Volume of 'Xi Jinping's Ecological Civilization Anthology'" jointly organized by the People's Daily (人民日报社) and Renmin University of China (中国人民大学), was held in Beijing (北京). Chen Jianwen (陈建文), Editor-in-Chief of the People's Daily (人民日报社), Fang Jiangshan (方江山), Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Lin Shangli (林尚立), President of Renmin University of China (中国人民大学), Yu Huiwen (于会文), member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (生态环境部), and Mairdan Mugaev (麦尔丹·木盖提), member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (农业农村部), attended the symposium.

Xi Jinping's (习近平) thought on ecological civilization is an important component of Xi Jinping's (习近平) thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, elevating our Party's understanding of the laws of ecological civilization construction to a new height and providing fundamental guidance for comprehensively promoting modernization with harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature through the construction of a beautiful China. This symposium aims to strengthen the research, publicity, and interpretation of Xi Jinping's (习近平) thought on ecological civilization, deepen the research on the core essence, spiritual substance, rich connotation, and practical requirements of Xi Jinping's (习近平) thought on ecological civilization, fully demonstrate the power of truth and practical strength of Xi Jinping's (习近平) thought on ecological civilization, promote Xi Jinping's (习近平) thought on ecological civilization to be more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and enhance the political consciousness, ideological consciousness, and action consciousness of implementing Xi Jinping's (习近平) thought on ecological civilization. Li Yunqing (李云卿), Yin Weilun (尹伟伦), Du Zhixiong (杜志雄), Hu Jun (胡军), Ye Ziwei (叶紫薇) and others delivered speeches on the theme of the conference.

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Bringing Theater to Xinjiang Promotes Exchange

On July 17th, actors from the Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Troupe of Taizhou (泰州), Jiangsu (江苏) performed famous Peking Opera excerpts for the people of Zhaosu (昭苏), Yili (伊犁), Xinjiang (新疆).

The actors showcased the charm of opera art with their superb skills, sowing the seeds of excellent traditional culture at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains (天山). This performance is a concrete practice of Jiangsu Province's Front Command for counterpart assistance to Yili Prefecture (伊犁州), Xinjiang (新疆), promoting cultural exchange between the two regions by bringing opera to Xinjiang (新疆), and further strengthening the sense of community of the Chinese nation with culture as a bond.

Lei Sheng (雷声), reporter of this newspaper.

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"Major Revolutionary Historical Drama 'Bathed in Blood and Glory' Premieres"

This newspaper's Fuzhou (福州) July 18th dispatch (Reporter Liu Xiaoyu (刘晓宇)): The 40-episode major revolutionary historical drama "Glorious Bloodshed" ("浴血荣光") recently premiered on CCTV's (中央广播电视总台) comprehensive channel.

The drama takes the "Party's military-building line" as its narrative thread, artistically recreating the great explorations of the people's army led by the Chinese Communist Party (中国共产党) in its early days. It showcases the historical process from the Nanchang Uprising (南昌起义), which fired the first shot of armed resistance against the Kuomintang reactionaries, unveiling the prelude to the Chinese Communist Party's independent leadership of armed struggle and the creation of a revolutionary army, to the Zunyi Conference (遵义会议) achieving a great turning point.

According to reports, the drama not only showcases the 星火燎原 (xīng huǒ liáo yuán - "a single spark can start a prairie fire," a small beginning can have a great effect) of the Autumn Harvest Uprising (秋收起义), the institutional innovation of the Sanwan Reorganization (三湾改编), and the revolutionary feat of the Jinggangshan (井冈山) meeting, but also interprets the great significance of the Gutian Conference (古田会议) establishing the principle of "building the Party ideologically and the army politically," and portrays the glorious images of old proletarian revolutionaries such as Mao Zedong (毛泽东). The television drama was jointly produced by the Fujian Provincial Party Committee Propaganda Department (福建省委宣传部), the Fujian Provincial Radio and Television Bureau (福建省广播电视局), and others.

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Wei Tao elected Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

(People's Daily, Nanning, July 18th) (Reporter Deng Jiansheng (邓建胜)) The Fourth Session of the Fourteenth People's Congress of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region elected Wei Tao (韦韬) (Zhuang ethnicity) as Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

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National College Students' Summer Social Practice Volunteer Service Activity "Promoting Mandarin to Assist Rural Revitalization" Launched

Beijing, July 18th (Reported by Wu Yue (吴月)) – The reporter learned from the Ministry of Education (教育部): Recently, the launching ceremony of the 2025 "Promote Mandarin to Help Rural Revitalization" National College Student Summer Social Practice Volunteer Service Activity was held at Jiangsu Normal University (江苏师范大学). 2,000 teams and more than 21,000 teachers and student volunteers from 948 universities participated through online and offline methods. The activity attracted enthusiastic registration from teachers and students from 1,680 universities, and finally 2,000 teams including Peking University (北京大学) and Xinjiang University (新疆大学) were selected, with practice areas covering more than 900 counties and districts.

It is reported that the "Promote Mandarin" (推广普及国家通用语言文字) series of college student social practice volunteer service activities are co-sponsored by the Department of Language and Literacy Application Management of the Ministry of Education (教育部语言文字应用管理司) and the Youth Development Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League (共青团中央青年发展部), aiming to increase the promotion of the national common language and script and promote the consolidation of the sense of community of the Chinese nation. Since 2018, more than 6,600 teams and 70,000 college teachers and students have participated.

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Steadily Improving, China's Economy Shows Strong Resilience (Mid-Year Economic Observation)

By: 本报记者 刘志强 李心萍 邱超奕

The more challenges arise, the more a country's economic strength is tested, and the more its ability to respond to changes is tested.

Unilateralism is clearly on the rise, protectionism is making a comeback, seriously damaging international economic and trade order and impacting global economic development... The external environment has changed dramatically in the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan."

"No matter how the external environment changes, China will remain confident, maintain its focus, and concentrate on managing its own affairs well."

The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core adheres to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, coordinates domestic economic work and international economic and trade struggles, and unites and leads the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to forge ahead, take the initiative, and make every effort to consolidate the fundamentals of economic development and social stability.

On July 15, China's economic semi-annual report was released: In the first half of this year, production and demand grew steadily, employment and prices were generally stable, and the gross domestic product increased by 5.3% year-on-year, higher than the same period last year and the level of the whole year last year, ranking among the top among major economies in the world...

This hard-won and high-quality development report lays a solid foundation for achieving the annual development goals. Some foreign media lamented that China's economy "performed better than expected."

From this, we see the strong foundation and resilience of the world's second-largest economy, read the certainty and stability of China's economy, and also enhance our confidence and determination to win the decisive victory in the "14th Five-Year Plan."

Stable and Progressive Operating Trend

In the early morning, the Yiwu International Trade City (义乌国际商贸城) in Zhejiang (浙江) Province, as the roller shutters of the shops were just opened, merchants from all over the world poured in, and a busy day began.

"After the release of the Joint Statement of the Sino-US Geneva Economic and Trade Talks, many Yiwu (义乌) enterprises entered the 'rush to deliver goods mode,' and some customers even took the initiative to increase prices," said Huang Changchao (黄昌潮), chairman of Zhejiang Changchao Stationery Co., Ltd. (浙江昌潮文具有限公司).

"We must seize opportunities when they come, and be able to withstand challenges when they come." Even when he was worried about tariff issues before, Huang Changchao (黄昌潮) was still full of confidence, "The world is so big, the market is so broad, if you focus on making good products, you don't have to worry about not having sales."

On the one hand, while stabilizing traditional overseas markets, he accelerated the layout of emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, "and is planning to go to Thailand (泰国) to hold events in a while to promote independent brands"; on the other hand, he aimed at the domestic market and, with the help of government departments, expanded the customized business of cultural and tourism products... With multiple preparations, Huang Changchao (黄昌潮) was calm and composed, "This year, the company's orders have continued to maintain a good momentum, and domestic sales have accounted for 30%."

A microcosm of the micro-scene, a macro-summary.

Looking at Yiwu (义乌) from one enterprise, in the first five months, the city's total export value of goods reached 289.31 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 23.7%.

Looking at the whole country from Yiwu (义乌) again, in the first half of the year, China's import and export scale stabilized at the 20 trillion yuan level, hitting a record high for the same period in history, maintaining year-on-year growth for seven consecutive quarters, and the number of foreign trade enterprises with import and export performance exceeded 600,000.

Stable and diversified markets, high-quality and hard-core products, and enterprises' adaptability and innovation support China's strong foreign trade performance.

Moving forward despite wind and rain, "stable and progressive" has become a key word in China's economic achievements in the first half of the year.

Looking at the supply side, "stable" lies in the solid foundation of the real economy, and "progressive" lies in the accelerated development of new quality productive forces.

The industrial "joints" continue to be upgraded. Three-point contact ball bearings help launch vehicles explore the sky; feed cabin bearings help the "China Sky Eye" (中国天眼) explore the universe... With intensive cultivation, the strength of domestic bearings is stronger. In the first five months, the total industrial output value of 159 major enterprises in the bearing industry increased by 11.16% year-on-year.

Humanoid robots are accelerating their "evolution." YuShu Technology's (宇树科技) robots showed off the "Kung Fu mode," and UBTECH's (优必选) Walker S1 robots entered automobile factories in "organized" units to "work"... Many institutions predict that 2025 will become the "first year of mass production" of humanoid robots in China.

Traditional industries are accelerating their transformation, emerging industries are booming, and future industries are being laid out in advance. Relying on a complete industrial system, a modern industrial system is accelerating its construction.

The foundation of the real economy has been further consolidated. In the first half of the year, the added value of industries above the designated size increased by 6.4% year-on-year, an acceleration of 0.6 percentage points compared with the whole year last year.

New industrial momentum has been further accumulated. In the first half of the year, the added value of high-tech manufacturing industries above the designated size increased by 9.5% year-on-year, contributing 23.3% to the growth of all industries above the designated size.

Looking at the demand side, "stable" lies in the steady release of domestic demand potential, and "progressive" lies in the continuous optimization of the consumption structure.

The "Super League" is on fire, and consumption vitality is stronger.

Launching a combination of "ticket stub economy + cultural and tourism market," with discounts on eating, accommodation, transportation, and tourism throughout the city with tickets... On July 5, Jiangsu Nanjing (江苏南京) seized the opportunity of home games to vigorously "attract passenger flow" and "promote consumption." On that day, the number of spectators at the competition site exceeded 60,000, the city received 791,000 tourists, and the total cultural and tourism consumption reached 980 million yuan.

The Chinese market, with a population of more than 1.4 billion, is huge. Since the beginning of this year, driven by policies to expand domestic demand and promote consumption, the popularity of "trendy play economy," "first release economy," "China tourism," and "China shopping" has increased, and the consumer market has become active and its performance is remarkable.

The total retail sales of consumer goods reached 24.55 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.0%; the retail sales of services increased by 5.3% year-on-year, and the proportion continued to increase... In the first half of the year, domestic demand contributed 68.8% to the growth of gross domestic product, of which final consumption expenditure contributed 52%, and domestic demand, especially consumption, became the main driving force for growth.

千磨万击还坚劲 (qiān mó wàn jī hái jiān jìng - "subject to all kinds of setbacks, still firm and strong," no matter how many setbacks one encounters, one remains firm and indomitable).

As of June 10, the cumulative number of China-Europe freight trains exceeded 110,000, sending goods worth more than 450 billion US dollars; as of July 9, the number of express delivery businesses this year has exceeded 100 billion pieces, 35 days earlier than last year; in the first half of the year, the production and sales of automobiles both exceeded 15 million vehicles for the first time, achieving high growth on a high base...

In the day-to-day hard work and in the accumulation of bit-by-bit increases, the Chinese economy has withstood the pressure, overcome difficulties, and maintained a stable and progressive, stable and improving development trend, and has also injected more certainty into the world economy.

Effective and Powerful Macro Policies

In the workshop of Guangdong Changhong Electronics Co., Ltd. (广东长虹电子有限公司), more than 20 production lines are operating efficiently, producing more than 30,000 color TVs per day. This year, the enterprise located in Zhongshan City (中山市), Guangdong (广东) Province, has won more than 2 million orders in overseas markets, and its domestic sales performance has also exceeded expectations.

"The outstanding performance cannot be separated from the support of policies." Wang Xiaoping (王小平), deputy general manager, explained in detail: the replacement of old consumer goods with new ones has activated demand, and new TVs have a wider sales channel; the additional deduction of research and development expenses has enjoyed tax and fee reductions of more than 20 million yuan; employment policies such as stable job retention and one-time job expansion subsidies have been uninterrupted, and more than 170 new employees have been recruited in the first half of the year... "The market is heating up and the policies are strong. Orders for the third quarter have been fully scheduled, and the company is preparing to continue to expand production capacity."

Macro policies are an important means to promote high-quality economic development. Since the beginning of this year, macro policies have been more active and promising, escorting the Chinese economy to move forward smoothly.

In particular, in the face of the increasing impact of external shocks and other situations, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee (中共中央政治局) meeting held on April 25 proposed to "focus on stabilizing employment, stabilizing enterprises, stabilizing the market, and stabilizing expectations," and deployed a package of policies and measures to play an important role in promoting the sustained recovery and improvement of the economy.

Stabilize employment and help key groups secure their jobs.

On the one hand, stabilize jobs and reduce burdens. The central government has arranged 66.74 billion yuan of employment subsidy funds, and on the basis of accelerating the implementation of existing policies such as employment subsidies, it has increased the proportion of unemployment insurance stable job retention refunds for relevant enterprises.

On the one hand, expand jobs and tap potential. Expand and increase job opportunities in key areas, key industries, urban and rural grass-roots levels, and small and micro enterprises, and focus on carrying out subsidized training on a large scale for key groups.

In the first half of the year, the average surveyed unemployment rate in urban areas nationwide was 5.2%, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the first quarter, and the employment situation remained generally stable.

Stabilize enterprises and help business entities gain a firm foothold.

In Zhangjiagang City (张家港市), Jiangsu (江苏) Province, in the Qianlima Socks Industry (千里马袜业) factory area, fully automatic sock knitting machines are ticking, and the start-up rate is maintained at more than 80%.

"Previously, affected by the external environment, the export of products was once blocked." Yan Haiming (严海铭), general manager of the company, told reporters that at the critical moment, government departments helped enterprises to apply for domestic sales product certification as soon as possible, and recommended them to large supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, "Now the company's online and offline 'multiple points are blooming', and domestic sales have increased by 50% year-on-year."

From accelerating the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade, to ensuring the payment of funds to small and medium-sized enterprises, to a package of financial support measures that were all implemented within 1 month... One practical and hard measure after another has helped enterprises overcome difficulties. In the second quarter, China's SME Development Index was 89.1, higher than the same period in 2023 and 2024.

Stabilize the market and create space for the majority of enterprises.

In Changde City (常德市), Hunan (湖南) Province, an electrical appliance store is crowded with people. "This year, the replacement of old products with new ones has been intensified and expanded, and mobile phones, smart watches, etc. have been included in the subsidy range. The number of customers entering the store has increased significantly, and the sales of various products have increased by more than 30%," said Cai Jinwen (蔡进文), the store manager.

Expanding investment, promoting consumption, and helping upgrade, since the beginning of this year, the "two major" and "two new" policies have been implemented in an orderly manner. At present, the list of 800 billion yuan "two major" construction projects has been fully issued; the replacement of old consumer goods with new ones has driven sales exceeding the total for the whole year last year, and the central funds for the third and fourth quarters will be issued one after another.

Stabilize expectations and boost the enthusiasm and confidence of the whole society.

"It is the right time and there is a lot to be done. I am full of confidence in the development prospects of China's private economy." Zhang Bo (张波), chairman of Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group Co., Ltd. (山东魏桥创业集团有限公司), listed investment projects: he will invest more than 5 billion yuan to transform traditional production lines such as textiles and aluminum electricity, and invest 6 billion yuan to lay out new fields such as transportation lightweighting and new energy vehicles, "In the second half of the year, we will continue to increase investment and expand production, and the total investment for the whole year is expected to increase by more than 10% year-on-year."

To do a good job in economic work, it is very important to stabilize expectations. The coordinated efforts of existing policies and incremental policies have boosted confidence and improved expectations. In June, China's manufacturing PMI was 49.7%, rising for two consecutive months, and the new order index rose back above 50% again.

纷繁世事多元应，击鼓催征稳驭舟 (fēn fán shì shì duō yuán yìng, jī gǔ cuī zhēng wěn yù zhōu - "Respond to complex situations in a diverse way, beat the drums to urge advancement and steer the boat steadily," to respond flexibly to complex situations, urging progress while maintaining stability).

Accelerating the implementation of more active and promising macro policies, making early efforts to promote the early implementation and effectiveness of established policies, and introducing new incremental policies in a timely manner according to the needs of the situation, we, who hold a rich policy "toolbox," will surely respond to the uncertainty of the external environment with effective and powerful policies.

The Trend of Progress is Stable and Improving

The first half of the year was full of resilience and remarkable, what about the trend in the second half of the year?

"The general trend and practice of high-quality development over the years have condensed consensus, accumulated new momentum, promoted economic rebalancing, and improved the sustainability of economic development. Although the external environment is still uncertain and the pressure of internal structural adjustment is relatively high, judging comprehensively, there is support for China's economy to maintain stable growth in the second half of the year," said Sheng Laiyun (盛来运), deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics (国家统计局).

——Expand domestic demand and release the potential of a super-large market.

17.5 meters, the largest diameter of underwater shield tunnels under construction in the world. On June 22, the "Shanhe" (山河号) shield machine smoothly crossed the south bank levee of the Yellow River (黄河), completing the Yellow River (黄河) section excavation task. After the Huanggang Road (黄岗路) tunnel under the Yellow River (黄河), with a total investment of 7.409 billion yuan, is opened, it will connect the main urban area of Jinan (济南), Shandong (山东) and the starting area, helping to further optimize the urban spatial structure.

Tunnels, bridges, roads, underground pipe networks, public service facilities... China's new urbanization has huge potential. According to estimates, every 1 percentage point increase in China's urbanization rate can add more than 200 billion yuan of consumption demand every year, which can drive 1 trillion yuan of new investment demand.

"Expanding domestic demand is a strategic move to promote the steady and long-term development of the economy." Yu Ze (于泽), deputy dean of the School of Economics of Renmin University of China (中国人民大学经济学院), believes that in the second half of the year, it is necessary to deeply implement special actions to boost consumption, conform to the increasing diversified supply of residents' consumption demand, expand investment in new quality productive forces, emerging service industries, etc., and fully release the potential of domestic demand.

——Plan innovation and shape new advantages in economic development.

Guodun Miyo (国盾密邮), quantum secure conference tablet all-in-one machine, quantum communication has quietly entered people's lives; "Origin Wukong" (本源悟空) has completed more than 500,000 quantum computing tasks... At present, more and more cutting-edge quantum technologies are accelerating "on the shelves," from "scientific research concepts" to "industrial applications."

China has the world's largest R&D personnel team, the number of global top 100 science and technology innovation clusters ranks first in the world, and there are more than 460,000 high-tech enterprises. "With the transformation and upgrading of industries, the empowerment of technology to the real economy, and the improvement of relevant supporting policies, the driving role of new momentum will be more obvious," said Wei Qijia (魏琪嘉), director of the Industrial Economy Research Office of the Information Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委信息中心).

——Promote reform and build a unified domestic market.

From the first phase to the second phase, the proportion of private capital participation has increased from 2% to 10%. At present, the CGN San'ao Nuclear Power Project (中广核三澳核电项目) is under construction. "Enterprises have been seeking opportunities to invest in nuclear power projects for many years. Now the entry threshold is constantly being relaxed, bringing more policy dividends to private enterprises," said Li Zhengzhou (李郑周), director of Jiuli Group Co., Ltd. (久立集团股份有限公司).

The "National Unified Market Construction Guidelines (Trial Implementation)" was released, targeting "policy measures that hinder fair competition"; the "Market Access Negative List (2025 Edition)" was released, reducing the number of list items to 106; the "Private Economy Promotion Law of the People's Republic of China" (中华人民共和国民营经济促进法) came into effect on May 20, providing a solid legal guarantee for the development of private enterprises; relevant departments and industry associations worked together to comprehensively rectify "involution-style" competition... Breaking barriers, dredging blockages, and strengthening guarantees, reforms are advancing in depth, and a high-level socialist market economic system is accelerating its construction. As of the end of May, there were 185 million private economic organizations in the country, accounting for 96.76% of the total number of business entities, a year-on-year increase of 2.3%.

"We will resolutely implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, focus on deep-seated contradictions and problems, bite the bullet and make every effort to overcome difficulties, and ensure that the various reform measures deployed by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee are implemented and effective," said Li Chunlin (李春临), deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委).

——Expand opening up and broaden the "circle of friends" for win-win cooperation.

In January, Standard Chartered Securities' (渣打证券) first branch was approved to operate in Shanghai (上海); in February, Standard Chartered Bank (渣打银行) completed the first climate adaptation trade financing for Jinko Solar (晶科能源); in March, Standard Chartered Bank (渣打银行) and CITIC Group (中信集团) signed a strategic cooperation memorandum... Since the beginning of this year, Standard Chartered (渣打) has frequently operated in China. "China's continued expansion of opening up has created huge opportunities for foreign banks' market access, business expansion and product innovation," said Lu Jing (鲁静), President and Vice Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited (渣打银行（中国）有限公司).

Expanding pilot programs for opening up in telecommunications, medical care, education and other fields, promoting the orderly opening up of the biomedicine field, encouraging foreign investment in equity investment in China, and continuing to build the "Invest in China" brand... Since the beginning of this year, China has been opening its doors wider and wider.

"Promoting reform and development through opening up is an important magic weapon for China's development to continuously achieve new achievements." Wang Wentao (王文涛), Minister of Commerce (商务部), said that it is necessary to continue to serve the construction of a new development pattern with high-level opening up, and win the initiative in economic development and international competition with the initiative of opening up to the outside world.

Expanding domestic demand, planning innovation, promoting reform, and expanding opening up, China's economic development prospects are good. Recently, many foreign institutions, including Citibank (花旗银行), UBS Group (瑞银集团), Goldman Sachs Group (高盛集团), and JPMorgan Chase (摩根大通), have raised their forecasts for China's economic growth rate in 2025, believing that China's economic development momentum is continuing to strengthen, and the good trend is expected to continue in the second half of the year.

无平不陂，无往不复 (wú píng bù bēi, wú wǎng bù fù - "There is no plain without a slope, and nothing goes without returning," nothing is constant; ups and downs are inevitable).
Today, global development is at a crucial crossroads, and the world economy and international economic and trade cooperation face new difficulties and challenges.

"In the face of a complex external environment, we must strengthen our confidence, unswervingly manage our own affairs well, unswervingly expand high-level opening up, focus on stabilizing employment, stabilizing enterprises, stabilizing the market, and stabilizing expectations, and use the certainty of high-quality development to cope with various uncertainties."

As the "14th Five-Year Plan" is about to conclude and the "15th Five-Year Plan" is being planned and prepared, let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, concentrate on high-quality development, maintain a good momentum of economic and social development, and propel the Chinese economic ship to brave the wind and rain and forge ahead.

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Last year, China's online literature works exported overseas exceeded 750,000.

This newspaper reported from Beijing on July 18th (Reporter Shi Fang (施芳) and Chen Yuanyuan (陈圆圆)) The 8th China "Online Literature +" Conference concluded in Beijing (北京) on the 18th. The theme of this conference was "Gathering Innovative Forces Online, Reflecting the Myriad Aspects of Literature." During the conference, there were a main forum and four sub-forums on creative commentary, technological empowerment, copyright protection, and youth, as well as sharing salons, IP Night, creative field trips, and other activities. Nearly 60 writers, more than 100 enterprise representatives, and representatives from industry authorities in various regions discussed the development of the online literature industry.

At the main forum, the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association released the "2024 China Online Literature Development Report." According to the report, in 2024, the revenue scale of China's online literature market reached 49.55 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 29.37%; the number of online literature IP adaptations was 83,250, a year-on-year increase of 14.55%; the revenue scale of the online literature industry in overseas markets was 4.815 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.68%, and the total number of works going overseas (including original overseas works on online literature platforms) was approximately 750,900 (types), a year-on-year increase of 7.92%. In addition, as of the end of 2024, the cumulative scale of online literature works reached 42.1 million, a year-on-year increase of 11.19%; the scale of online literature users reached 638 million, a year-on-year increase of 16%, reaching a historical high. Online literature is entering a new stage centered on user and consumption transformation.

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Typhoon Wipha, the 6th of the year, has formed.

This newspaper reported from Beijing on July 18th (Reporter Li Hongmei (李红梅)) At dawn on July 18th, the tropical depression east of the Philippines strengthened into this year's 6th typhoon, "Wipha (韦帕)." At 17:00 on the 18th, the center of "Wipha (韦帕)" (tropical storm level) was located on the ocean surface approximately 540 kilometers north-northeast of Manila (马尼拉), Philippines, with a maximum wind force of level 8 near the center. The Central Meteorological Observatory (中央气象台) predicts that "Wipha (韦帕)" will move in a west-northwesterly direction at a speed of 20-25 kilometers per hour, move into the northern part of the South China Sea (南海) on the morning of the 19th, and gradually approach the coastal areas from Shenzhen (深圳), Guangdong (广东) to Wenchang (文昌), Hainan (海南). The intensity will gradually increase, and it is expected to make landfall on the aforementioned coast from the afternoon to the night of the 20th, reaching typhoon level or strong typhoon level at the time of landfall. "Wipha (韦帕)" will bring wind and rain to the southern coastal areas of China. At 17:00 on the 18th, the China Meteorological Administration (中国气象局) activated a Level IV emergency response for major meteorological disasters (heavy rain, typhoon). At 18:00 on the 18th, the Central Meteorological Observatory (中央气象台) continued to issue a yellow typhoon warning.

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First Edition Editors: Xu Nuo, Zhang Shuaizhen, Luan Xinyi; Second Edition Editors: Yin Xinyu, Qi Jiarun, Guo Xueyan; Third Edition Editors: Wu Gang, Zhou Zhou, Chen Xirui; Fourth Edition Editors: Yuan Zhenxi, Liu Jingwen, Chen Zhen

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Ye Chenghuan, the Anti-Japanese Tiger General: Fearless Sacrifice to Kill the Enemy (Remembering History, Cherishing the Memory of Martyrs - Anti-Japanese Heroes)

By: 新华社记者 刘金辉

In Tumen Village (土门村), Guojiahe Township (郭家河乡), Xinxian County (新县), Henan (河南) Province, there is a courtyard composed of five tile-roofed houses, which attracts many tourists every year to visit and learn. This is the former residence of Ye Chenghuan (叶成焕), an anti-Japanese hero. The exhibition boards inside the tile-roofed house record Ye Chenghuan's (叶成焕) short but glorious life.

Ye Chenghuan (叶成焕) was born in 1914, joined the revolution in 1929, and joined the Communist Party of China (中国共产党) in the same year. In the Hubei-Henan-Anhui (鄂豫皖) Soviet area, he served as instructor, political commissar of battalion, political commissar of regiment, commander of division, and political commissar of division. He led his troops to repeatedly establish military exploits and was a heroic general of the Fourth Front Army of the Red Army (红四方面军).

After the outbreak of the National Anti-Japanese War, he served as the head of the 772nd Regiment of the 386th Brigade of the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army (八路军第129师386旅772团). From February to March 1938, he led his troops to participate in the battles of Changshengkou (长生口), Shentouling (神头岭), and Xiangtangpu (响堂铺), effectively striking and containing the Japanese army, and making important contributions to the establishment of the Jin-Southeast Anti-Japanese Base Area (晋东南抗日根据地).

On the morning of April 16, 1938, the battle of Changle Village (长乐村) in Wuxiang County (武乡), Shanxi (山西) Province, began. Ye Chenghuan (叶成焕) led the 772nd Regiment together with fraternal troops to intercept the retreating Japanese army into several sections, compressing them into a narrow river valley. The battle lasted until evening, and the Eighth Route Army (八路军) annihilated more than 2,200 enemies.

At this time, more than a thousand enemies came to aid from Liaoxian County (辽县). In view of the fact that it was no longer certain to completely annihilate the enemy, the superior decided to use a part of the force to confuse and contain the enemy, and the main force immediately withdrew from the battle. After receiving the order, Ye Chenghuan (叶成焕) directed his troops to clean up the battlefield, load the spoils, and prepare to evacuate; at the same time, he ran up a high slope to observe the situation of the enemy's reinforcements, completely putting his own safety 置之度外 (zhì zhī dù wài - "put aside," to disregard one's own safety or interests). Suddenly, a bullet hit his head. In the early morning of the 18th, Ye Chenghuan (叶成焕) died heroically at the young age of 24.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Ye Chenghuan's (叶成焕) remains were moved to the Jin-Ji-Lu-Yu Martyrs Cemetery (晋冀鲁豫烈士陵园) in Handan (邯郸), Hebei (河北) Province.

In Ye Chenghuan's (叶成焕) hometown, the Hubei-Henan-Anhui (鄂豫皖) Soviet Area Capital Martyrs Cemetery has a cenotaph for him, making it convenient for the people of his hometown to come and pay their respects. In the Martyrs Memorial Hall of the Martyrs Cemetery, his heroic deeds inspire countless visitors.

"Ye Chenghuan (叶成焕) was so young when he sacrificed himself. Our current happy life was exchanged for the blood of the martyrs. We should cherish it even more," said Hu Jie (胡洁), a citizen of Xinyang (信阳), Henan (河南) Province, who drove to Xinxian County (新县) with her children to receive red education.

Today, some of Ye Chenghuan's (叶成焕) descendants still live in Tumen Village (土门村), guarding the former residence and telling the heroic deeds of Ye Chenghuan (叶成焕).

"I have been listening to my grandfather tell stories about my great-grandfather since I was a child. I want to learn from his spirit, not be afraid of sacrifice, be a pioneer, and guard every inch of the motherland's land," said Ye Wenwen (叶文文), Ye Chenghuan's (叶成焕) great-grandnephew, who is already a soldier.

(Xinhua News Agency, Zhengzhou (郑州), July 15)

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"Digital Brain" Optimizes Process Flow (Promoting High-Quality Development of the Private Economy)

By: 本报记者  门杰伟

Dozens of tall medicine storage tanks are neatly arranged, and dense transfer pipelines extend to the automated production line, with operating data presented in real time on a large screen. In the huge workshop, however, workers are rarely seen.

The digital transformation has given Tonghua Zhengyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (通化正源药业), hereinafter referred to as "Tonghua Zhengyuan Pharmaceutical," a completely new look. "Relying on the 'digital brain,' only 20 people are needed to extract 20 tons of Chinese medicinal raw materials every day, doubling efficiency," said Song Yongqing (宋永清), the company's general manager. "After 'intelligent transformation and digital transition,' the transfer rate of effective components of Chinese medicine and the utilization rate of raw materials have been greatly improved."

Traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing enterprises often face the test of product standardization. Implementing intelligent transformation and digital transition is the solution, but it involves large investments and high risks. "At first, we were not sure. Whether it was worth it and how to do it were full of unknowns," Song Yongqing (宋永清) admitted frankly.

A series of policy supports have allowed enterprises to feel at ease and move forward. "The reward and subsidy funds from the national and provincial levels alone amount to 30 million yuan," Song Yongqing (宋永清) enumerated various benefits: the new system increased electricity consumption, and government departments provided electricity fee reduction benefits; the project construction investment was large, and the tax authorities provided upfront services to guide enterprises in applying for VAT credit refunds; Tonghua Zhengyuan Pharmaceutical's (通化正源药业) digital production line was also recognized as a Jilin Province (吉林省) digital workshop, and received another 1.7488 million yuan in rewards and subsidies...

Transformation and upgrading have rejuvenated the company. "In the past, relying on manual operation inevitably led to errors. Now, frontline operators have become 'supervisors' of the digital and intelligent system, and both accuracy and efficiency have been improved," said Song Yongqing (宋永清).

"No matter how good the machine is, can it compare to our old masters?" Old worker Fu Yuhu (付玉虎) personally witnessed the performance of the digital and intelligent system: the production process is visualized, and the process flow is optimized, transforming complex Chinese medicine production into clear data and information. With just a light touch of a button, temperature, heat, and other factors can be precisely controlled. Seeing this, Lao Fu (老付) was finally convinced.

Today, Tonghua Zhengyuan Pharmaceutical (通化正源药业) has achieved full-chain digital and intelligent transformation, with the digital control rate of key processes reaching 95%, per capita production efficiency increasing by 23%, and energy utilization rate increasing by 25%. "Currently, we have the capacity to produce 500 million bags of granules, 2 billion tablets, and 2 billion capsules annually, and we expect revenue to reach 10 million yuan this year," Song Yongqing (宋永清) said.

Having tasted the sweetness of digital and intelligent transformation and upgrading, Tonghua Zhengyuan Pharmaceutical (通化正源药业) continues to invest in "intelligent transformation and digital transition," accelerating the upgrading of "intelligence."

"We have built intelligent edible fungus cabins, converting the extracted Chinese medicine residue into 'fertilizer' for ecological edible fungi, and then developed products such as ginseng tremella soup, which will soon be launched on the market," said Wu Guihua (吴桂华), head of the Tonghua Zhengyuan Pharmaceutical (通化正源药业) intelligent ecological edible fungus cultivation project. By exploring new paths of "various businesses + digital and intelligent transformation," the company is constantly opening up new tracks for value-added in the Chinese medicine industry chain.

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Using the power of the rule of law to promote the high-quality development of the circular economy

Fuzhou, July 18th (People's Daily reporter Peng Bo (彭波)) From July 16th to 18th, Wang Dongming (王东明), Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, led an enforcement inspection team for the Circular Economy Promotion Law to conduct inspections in Fujian (福建). He emphasized the need to thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's (习近平) ecological civilization thought and the Party Central Committee's decisions and deployments, profoundly grasp the new situation and new tasks facing China's circular economy development, base oneself on the functions and responsibilities of the National People's Congress, use the power of the rule of law to promote the high-quality development of the circular economy, and contribute to comprehensively strengthening the construction of a beautiful China and promoting Chinese-style modernization with harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Wang Dongming (王东明) affirmed Fujian's (福建) achievements in implementing the Circular Economy Promotion Law. He pointed out that this enforcement inspection should promote the accelerated green transformation of economic and social development, accelerate the construction of a waste recycling system, further improve the legal system, policy system, and incentive and restraint mechanisms for promoting circular economy development, and provide strong legal guarantees for circular economy development.

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Test the results of learning and education with concrete achievements (Persevering in implementing the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation)

By: 本报记者

In Huajiawobao Village (华家窝堡村), Zhangqiang Town (张强镇), Kangping County (康平县), Shenyang City (沈阳市), Liaoning Province (辽宁省), workers are laying tap water pipes. Due to the remote geographical location and imperfect water supply facilities, villagers used to have difficulty accessing water. "The water flow is too small, and water can only be drawn during a few periods of the day..." During research visits, cadres from the Kangping County Water Resources Bureau (康平县水利局) heard the villagers' opinions and communicated with the town government to study the crux of the problem and jointly discuss solutions.

After multiple rounds of deliberation, the rural centralized water supply project in Zhangqiang Town (张强镇) was officially launched, focusing on the centralized renovation of water supply facilities in eight villages. "The cadres came many times and asked very detailed questions. Seeing that we can use tap water more conveniently, we are happy from the bottom of our hearts!" said villager Li Shuli (李书丽).

Since the launch of the study and education campaign to thoroughly implement the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation, various localities have been promoting learning, investigation, and rectification in an integrated manner. The vast number of party members and cadres have actively changed their work styles, transforming the results of the study and education into practical actions to promote high-quality development and serve the people. From fields to factory workshops, from streets and alleys to business districts and buildings, a pragmatic style is coming to the fore.

This summer, many farmlands and forest farms in Guizhou Province (贵州省) welcomed a group of young scientific and technological personnel. The Guizhou Provincial Directly Affiliated Organs Work Committee (贵州省直机关工委) has focused on strengthening the work style of young cadres, adhering to the principles of "strengthening the soul with theory, honing abilities through practice, and consolidating the foundation with systems." It has implemented an educational guidance campaign for young cadres to improve their three skills, embark on a new Long March, and demonstrate a new style. It has also organized science and technology assistance groups and grassroots research groups to delve into fields and parks, solve practical problems on the front lines of development, and hone a strong work style. More than 400 young scientific and technological personnel from the Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (省农科院) have gone deep into the front lines of production to conduct technical training and solve technical problems.

"Now the elevator is both convenient and safe. This matter has been handled very practically!" said Ma Qiulan (马秋兰), a resident of Xinggu Street (兴谷街道), Pinggu District (平谷区), Beijing (北京市), expressing the sentiments of the people. Today, all 26 old elevators in Xinggu Street (兴谷街道) have been completely renovated.

Since the launch of the study and education campaign, Pinggu District (平谷区) has been promoting learning, investigation, and rectification in an integrated manner, taking "solving the urgent difficulties and anxieties of the masses" as an important starting point. In response to problems such as "opaque processes and weak fund supervision" in the renovation of old residential areas, it has formulated rectification measures, implemented "practicing thrift and opposing waste" throughout the entire project, and strived to achieve practical results in standardizing processes, shortening construction periods, and controlling costs, allowing urban renewal to accelerate.

Walking into the project site of a technology company in Anju District (安居区), Suining City (遂宁市), Sichuan Province (四川省), two modern factory buildings rise from the ground. "Thanks to the cadres selected and dispatched by Anju District (安居区), the approval time was shortened by a month, allowing us to purchase equipment and debug production in advance, and realize the transformation of benefits as soon as possible. Improving efficiency is a real support for enterprises," said Lin Sheng (林盛), the project leader.

Since the launch of the study and education campaign, Anju District (安居区) has selected and dispatched cadres to work on the front lines of project construction and investment promotion, responding to needs and solving problems in a timely manner. After the enterprise reported its construction needs to He Hongfu (何洪福), the cadre stationed in the enterprise, He Hongfu (何洪福) took the lead in handling the planning and land use approval procedures on behalf of the enterprise, helping the enterprise to save time.

"We are confident in R&D. But in terms of transforming成果转化 and expanding the market, we still have to rely on you to connect us," said Yu Ruifu (俞瑞富), the head of an enterprise, to the cadres of the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology at a supply and demand matchmaking meeting for the industrial chain in Chuzhou City (滁州市), Anhui Province (安徽省). His company is deeply involved in the field of industrial intelligent equipment and software, but its communication with local enterprises is not close, and its orders are not stable.

Since the launch of the study and education campaign, Chuzhou City (滁州市) has carried out activities to visit enterprises and enter villages, focusing on the eight major industrial chains and characteristic advantageous agricultural industries, delivering policies that benefit enterprises and farmers and warm care to the masses; asking about the current development of enterprises and the expectations and demands of farmers, guiding party members and cadres at all levels in the city to truly go down, truly listen to opinions, truly respond to concerns, and truly solve problems, so that the masses can feel and reach them. At this matchmaking meeting, Yu Ruifu (俞瑞富) had face-to-face exchanges with upstream and downstream partners in the industrial chain, discovered business synergies with many enterprises, and reached cooperation intentions on the spot.

In response to the problems of a single channel for communication between government and enterprises and lagging information transmission, Chengdu City (成都市), Sichuan Province (四川省) has built a three-dimensional online and offline network to achieve "zero distance" communication between government and enterprises; collected common problems of enterprises, proactively solved problems, and concentrated on solutions... Chengdu City (成都市) strives to transform the results of the study and education campaign into practical results in taking responsibility and promoting high-quality development, deeply carrying out the work of "entering thousands of enterprises, solving difficult problems, optimizing the environment, and promoting development," and taking real measures to help enterprises overcome difficulties.

Chengdu (成都) has established enterprise problem ledgers by category, with the leading department "blowing the whistle" to gather and the guaranteeing department "reporting" to respond, forming a joint force to solve problems. Focusing on the common needs of "expanding the market, reducing costs, optimizing scenarios, and building platforms" and typical problems such as government services and rights protection, it has promoted the transformation of common problems into 70 policy measures to benefit and assist enterprises.

In Huijin International Business Community (汇金国际商务社区), Changqing Street (长庆街道), Gongshu District (拱墅区), Hangzhou City (杭州市), Zhejiang Province (浙江省), the "Enterprise Assistance Team" (助企帮帮团) led by party members is active in the buildings. Through visits, they dynamically grasp the needs of enterprises and the expectations of employees. This year, they have provided more than 500 services such as enterprise training and cultural construction, and handled more than 90 matters such as the approval and use of building advertising spaces and the comprehensive improvement of surrounding traffic.

Since the launch of the study and education campaign, Gongshu District (拱墅区) has closely combined with the large number of business communities, focusing on key areas such as enterprise services and building governance, and promoted party members and cadres to "run buildings and enter enterprises" to carry out services, and to do practical things and solve difficult problems for enterprises with a solid work style.

In Jinan City (济南市), Shandong Province (山东省), the study and education campaign has deepened the "show identity, establish image, make contributions, and help development" activities, organizing and guiding party organizations and party members and cadres at all levels to base themselves on their positions, strive for excellence, and transform their work style into practical results in serving the people and promoting development. The Municipal Development and Reform Commission (市发展改革委) has formed 16 project service teams with party members as the main body, taking the initiative to go deep into the front line, accurately connect with services, and promote the solution of 62 problems in enterprise development and project construction. "Implementing the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation and focusing on work style construction is an inevitable requirement for maintaining close ties with the masses. As a young cadre, I will hone a strong work style in grassroots practice and wholeheartedly solve the urgent difficulties and anxieties of the masses," said Han Lin (韩琳), Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Daminghu Street (大明湖街道), Lixia District (历下区), Jinan City (济南市).

Gong Youwei (龚有为) runs a restaurant in Jinjia Community (金甲社区), Xi'an Street (西安街道), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). In recent years, many new restaurants and homestays have been added in the surrounding area, and the amount of drainage has increased sharply. The rain and sewage pipe network is relatively old. During the rainy season, sewage overflows and rainwater backflows frequently, so he has to prepare several sandbags at the door to prevent flooding.

Since the launch of the study and education campaign, Lijiang City (丽江市) has launched a special action to focus on solving outstanding problems such as domestic sewage, catering fumes, and noise. The street and community have worked closely with housing and construction departments and other units to solicit opinions from the masses, and the upgrading and renovation project of the sewage pipe network has been successfully promoted. "After the rain and sewage pipe network was updated, the road surface is dry and the air is fresh," said Gong Youwei (龚有为).

(Reporters Shen Tongrui (沈童睿), Wu Chuqi (吴储岐), Ma Yuefeng (马跃峰), Han Junjie (韩俊杰), Liu Jiahua (刘佳华), Wang Yongzhan (王永战), Tian Xianjin (田先进), Wang Mingfeng (王明峰), Dou Hao (窦皓), Zhang Chi (张驰) of this newspaper)

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The World's Largest Clean Energy Corridor Sets New Record for Power Generation in the Same Period

This newspaper reported from Beijing on July 18th (Reporter Wang Hao (王浩)) It was learned from China Three Gorges Corporation (中国长江三峡集团有限公司) that in the first half of this year, the comprehensive benefits of the world's largest clean energy corridor, composed of six power stations: Wudongde (乌东德), Baihetan (白鹤滩), Xiluodu (溪洛渡), Xiangjiaba (向家坝), Three Gorges (三峡), and Gezhouba (葛洲坝), were fully realized.

In ensuring energy security, the Three Gorges Corporation (三峡集团) precisely scheduled, operated with excellence, and maintained with care. The comprehensive water consumption rate of the six cascade power stations on the main stream of the Yangtze River reached a record low for the same period in history, effectively leveraging the water head benefits of the cascade reservoirs.

In the first half of the year, the cumulative power generation of the six cascade power stations reached 126.66 billion kilowatt-hours, an increase of 6 billion kilowatt-hours year-on-year, setting a new record for the same period in history, equivalent to saving 38.2 million tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 100 million tons. The daily power generation of the cascade power stations exceeded 1 billion kilowatt-hours for 21 consecutive days, with a maximum output exceeding 59 million kilowatts.

In the first half of this year, rainfall and water inflow in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were relatively low. Facing the tight situation of agricultural irrigation water supply in the middle and lower reaches, the six cascade reservoirs continued to increase water replenishment. During this round of dry season, a total of 25.186 billion cubic meters of water was replenished to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, of which the Three Gorges Reservoir (三峡水库) carried out three special irrigation water replenishment schedules.

The cascade power stations actively cooperated with the shipping department to carry out shipping scheduling, steadily raising the water depth of the Yangtze River channel and effectively improving navigation conditions. Since the Xiangjiaba ship lift (向家坝升船机) has been operating 24 hours a day, the average daily number of runs and the number of ships passing through have continued to increase. In the first half of the year, 1,870 ships passed through, with a cargo volume of 851,000 tons, completing 76.02% of the annual target. The throughput of the Three Gorges Hub (三峡枢纽) reached 83.077 million tons, an increase of 10.4% year-on-year, continuing to help the Yangtze River "golden waterway" play its golden benefits.

In helping the Yangtze River's major protection efforts, in the first half of this year, the cascade power stations orderly carried out 15 ecological regulation tests of 4 types, such as layered water intake from the stacked beam gate, continued to exert the ecological benefits of the reservoir, and created good conditions for promoting fish spawning.

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China Life Insurance Life Ali Branch Opens: Tibet's Ali Prefecture Welcomes Its First Municipal-Level Life Insurance Institution

The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region. On July 17, China Life Insurance Company Limited (中国人寿保险股份有限公司) (hereinafter referred to as "China Life Insurance") Ali Branch officially opened. The establishment of the Ali Branch is not only a concrete action of China Life Insurance to serve the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" and practice inclusive finance, but also a vivid practice of China Life Insurance in responding to the requirement of "improving the financial service system in border areas" and practicing the political and people-oriented nature of financial work.

Building "Plateau Characteristic Insurance Services"

Helping to Improve Tibet's Financial Service Network

As a leading life insurance company in China, China Life Insurance actively responds to the national call and continues to extend its service network. From Hainan (海南), with its coconut breeze and sea charm, to the fertile Northeast region, China Life Insurance has approximately 18,000 branches across the country, delivering insurance protection to the people.

Tibet (西藏) is an important national security barrier and ecological security barrier, and has an important strategic position in the overall national development. Prior to the opening of the Ali Branch, China Life Insurance had established branches in Lhasa (拉萨), Shigatse (日喀则), and other 5 prefecture-level cities, providing a total of over 86 billion yuan of risk protection for the people of Tibet.

Ngari Prefecture (阿里地区) is known as the "Roof of the Roof of the World." The average altitude is high, geological activity is frequent, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, snow disasters, mudslides, and landslides occur frequently. At the same time, medical facilities and technology in some remote townships are relatively weak, and the cost of residents seeking medical treatment in other places is high. With multiple factors superimposed, the people have a greater need for risk protection.

The Ali Branch, which opened this time, will rely on the "technology + service" advantages of China Life Insurance's head office to create "plateau characteristic insurance services," focusing on launching health insurance and accident insurance protection plans suitable for high-altitude areas to solve the pain points of local farmers and herdsmen who "have expensive medical treatment and weak risk resistance capabilities." In addition, with the establishment of the branch, China Life Insurance will also participate in the development of local tourism industry insurance, characteristic agriculture and animal husbandry insurance, and other projects, using financial power to help build the "tourism + ecology + agriculture and animal husbandry" characteristic industrial system in the Ali region.

The establishment of the China Life Insurance Ali Branch is an important measure for China Life Insurance to promote high-quality development. It will provide strong support for the development of Tibet's financial industry, help improve Tibet's financial service network, and further enhance the ability of financial services to serve the real economy.

Improve the Digital Tool System Online

Improve the Applicability of Services Offline

In order to improve the accessibility and satisfaction of financial services and better serve the people's livelihood in the Ali region, China Life Insurance has explored an exclusive model to solve the problem of inconvenient services caused by the vast area and sparse population of the Ali region and the scattered residence of herdsmen through "online + offline" methods.

Establish a complete digital tool system online, and build diversified reporting and claims channels through digital technology, such as the Life Insurance APP, the Tibet Guoshou WeChat official account, and Guoshou e-store sales personnel agency claims, to open up the "last mile" of service. Focus on improving the applicability of services offline. In order to enable more local people to better understand financial benefit policies, China Life Insurance has formed a service team composed of Tibetan employees in the Ali region, selected from the front line of business, including insurance "experts" who have served farmers and herdsmen in the Lhasa Branch for more than 15 years, and members from the "Qingke Field Propaganda Team" in Gongbujiangda County (工布江达县), Nyingchi City (林芝市). In the future, the service team will use forms such as the "Horseback Propaganda Team" and "Tent Insurance Class" to explain the functions of insurance protection services in the local language, so that "Guoshou Good Service" can truly integrate into the lives of the people on the plateau.

In the future, the Ali Branch will focus on promoting three tasks: First, actively integrate into the overall development of the Ali region and give full play to the "stabilizer" and "propeller" role of insurance; second, promote the financial culture with Chinese characteristics and consolidate the foundation of the Guoshou brand; and third, focus on the cultivation of local talent backbones to consolidate the support for sustainable development. China Life Insurance gives full play to the advantages of local talents who are "down-to-earth and deeply rooted," systematically builds a training platform, improves the growth channel, and activates the endogenous driving force for development with professional qualities, enterprising spirit, and pragmatic style, injecting strong momentum into the long-term development of the Ali Branch.

As a large state-owned financial enterprise, China Life Insurance always regards serving the national strategy and integrating into local development as the top priority, and regards Tibet as an important part of the group's national strategic layout. In the future, China Life Insurance will further give play to the advantages of regional coordination, so that Guoshou services can more accurately meet the needs of the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet, and inject stronger financial impetus into the construction of a new socialist modern Tibet.

Data source: China Life Insurance Company Limited (中国人寿保险股份有限公司)

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Editors of this page: Liu Nian, Lu Tao, Shang Rongzheng

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China's Navigation Technology Sails Towards the Deep Blue (Glimpse at the Frontier)

By: 李世新

On July 1st, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) chaired the sixth meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, emphasizing the need to "promote high-quality development of the marine economy." The meeting pointed out, "We must improve the independent innovation capability of marine science and technology, strengthen strategic marine science and technology forces, and cultivate and develop leading marine science and technology enterprises and specialized, refined, and new small and medium-sized enterprises."

Currently, China's total marine economy continues to climb, and China's international maritime transport volume accounts for nearly 1/3 of the world's total. Navigational science and technology have made breakthrough progress in special ship construction, automated terminals, intelligent shipping, and deep-sea exploration, supporting China's maritime industry to achieve tremendous leaps. Let us approach the application scenarios of navigational science and technology and feel the technological momentum of riding the waves.

--Editor

Large Cruise Ships: A Major Instrument for a Maritime Power

Developed navigational science and technology is an important symbol of a strong shipping nation. From theoretical model innovation and navigational equipment development to infrastructure construction, in recent years, China's navigational science and technology innovation has achieved systematic leaps, and the results have covered ship design, power systems, port management, navigation and communication, and safety assurance.

Looking back at the history of navigation, innovation has run through it. In the late Neolithic Age, "hollowing out wood to make boats and sharpening wood to make oars," Zheng He (郑和) of the Ming Dynasty achieved transoceanic voyages with "star tracking," and the technical capabilities of ocean-going meteorological navigation have continued to improve... Driving technological innovation with navigational needs and achieving breakthroughs in multiple areas, the new quality productivity of shipping powerfully supports the high-quality development of China's maritime industry.

[Expert's View]

Large cruise ships are known as the "pearl on the crown" of the shipbuilding industry. Their construction is a highly systematic and integrated mega-system project, directly testing a country's comprehensive scientific and technological level and manufacturing capabilities. In the past, the construction of large cruise ships was almost monopolized by foreign ship enterprises until China's first domestically produced large cruise ship, "Adora Magic City (爱达·魔都号)," was born, changing this situation.

How difficult is it to摘取“明珠” (zhāi qǔ “míng zhū” - "pluck the pearl," to achieve a significant accomplishment after overcoming great difficulties)? Taking one of the key technologies as an example, as one of the key and difficult points in the design and construction process of large cruise ships, weight and center of gravity control is related to the safety, comfort, and stability of cruise ship navigation. To this end, the R&D team independently built the first 5G cruise ship intelligent thin plate production line in China, using laser cutting, robot welding, and other methods to successfully solve the technical problems of thin plate cutting and welding deformation, so that the weight and center of gravity data are within a controllable range.

This is just one aspect of the technological breakthroughs in cruise ship construction. The "Adora Magic City (爱达·魔都号)" alone had as many as 150,000 pages and nearly 2.1 tons of design drawings and construction documents provided by foreign parties. Through the introduction, digestion, and independent innovation, the project team went through 8 years of scientific research and 5 years of design and construction, and finally achieved a breakthrough of zero for domestic large cruise ships. As of March 10 this year, "Adora Magic City (爱达·魔都号)" has completed 100 commercial voyages. The scientific research experience and innovative technologies accumulated during its construction have been applied to the construction of the second domestic large cruise ship. Today, the second domestic large cruise ship has completed its float-out in the dock and is scheduled to be delivered next year. Compared with "Adora Magic City (爱达·魔都号)," this large cruise ship has a larger gross tonnage and is longer.

At present, China has made major breakthroughs in the construction of large cruise ships and has reached the innovative high ground of "major instruments" for maritime powers. However, on the whole, it is still in its initial stage, with a low localization rate, and there are still gaps between it and developed countries in terms of key technologies and core equipment research and development. In the future, global cruise ship construction will develop in the direction of green and intelligent, and the application of unmanned driving technology on cruise ships is just around the corner.

Intelligent Navigation: Maritime Autonomous Driving

In the digital age, on the vast rivers and seas, the intelligent picture of future shipping is slowly unfolding—

Looking at the sea, China's first intelligent navigation container ship, "Zhi Fei (智飞)" is integrated with assisted driving and autonomous navigation, and can stably complete transportation tasks; looking at the port, remote-controlled bridge cranes automatically load and unload, and unmanned trucks shuttle back and forth, greatly improving loading and unloading efficiency while reducing labor costs; looking at the waterway, new ship-bridge collision prevention devices and intelligent prevention and control systems are exerting their power, significantly reducing the risk of collisions between ships and bridges...

With the deep integration of new-generation information technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data with the shipping industry, intelligent shipping scenarios have been applied in maritime safety and emergency management, ocean-going meteorological navigation, ship design and manufacturing, passenger and cargo transportation, and ship remote monitoring and management. Overall, China's intelligent shipping is moving rapidly from single-point innovation to system integration, and is constantly expanding and becoming more perfect.

[Expert's View]

In the vast sea, how do we achieve precise navigation without getting lost? This is inseparable from ship intelligent navigation and control technology, which is not only the core technology for the development of intelligent shipping, but also the focus of international maritime technology competition today.

During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the project team of the National Key R&D Program "Key Technologies for Ship Intelligent Navigation and Control Based on Ship-Shore Collaboration" achieved a complete set of technological breakthroughs and a "corner overtaking" through a number of studies.

This is an integrated technology that integrates software and hardware. Looking at the bottom layer, a test and evaluation system for ship intelligent navigation technology is established; looking at the software, a comprehensive intelligent navigation system integrating advanced assisted driving, remote control driving, autonomous navigation, and automatic berthing and departure is developed; looking at the hardware, the intelligent navigation container ship "Zhi Fei (智飞)" was independently designed and built.

The intelligent navigation perception accuracy of this set of technologies reaches 99.2%, and the scientific and technological achievements of the project have reached the international leading level, realizing the parallel running of China's intelligent navigation sea ship design, construction, and commercial operation with leading countries. At present, the project results have been applied to 22 ships of Shandong Port Shipping Group, Shandong Maritime Safety Administration, and others.

With the accelerated advancement of a new round of global technological revolution and industrial transformation, intelligence has become the core direction of the transformation of the shipping industry. In the future, the shipping industry will move towards "super automation" and "intelligence." With the accelerated implementation of 5G-A and 6G networks, intelligent shipping will achieve more efficient and stable communication connections. The development of intelligent ships will become the focus of competition among shipbuilding industries in various countries.

Zero-Carbon Terminal: Green Electricity Self-Production and Self-Sufficiency

Green shipping puts higher demands on the development of navigational science and technology, and requires continuous innovation and transformation in energy structure transformation, new energy ship technology, and green infrastructure upgrades.

In terms of green ship technology, focus on developing alternative fuel ship technologies such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), methanol, and ammonia; in terms of ship energy efficiency technology, focus on developing ship energy efficiency optimization technology; in terms of carbon capture and storage technology, establish a ship carbon capture and storage technology system to provide support for the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry; in terms of green port technology, focus on developing green port construction technology, and by 2030, the main ports in the country will basically achieve greening.

[Expert's View]

What is a zero-carbon terminal? The energy system is "self-generated and self-used, with surplus electricity connected to the grid," all equipment is electrically driven, and energy consumption all comes from green energy, realizing "zero emissions" of carbon dioxide on both the energy production and consumption sides.

The port industry has a large volume of loading and unloading production operations. As a huge electricity consumption site, how can the terminal achieve zero carbon emissions?

In December 2021, the world's first zero-carbon terminal smart green energy system was connected to the grid for power generation in Tianjin Port (天津港). The C section of the Beijiang Port Area (北疆港区) of Tianjin Port became the world's first zero-carbon terminal that uses 100% electric energy, 100% of the electric energy is green electric energy such as wind power and photovoltaic, and 100% of the green electric energy is self-produced and self-sufficient.

Compared with the traditional terminal's dependence on fossil energy, in Tianjin Port's (天津港) container operations, loading and unloading equipment, horizontal transportation equipment, production auxiliary equipment, etc. are all electrically driven. Through the power generation of multiple wind turbines and the photovoltaic power station with the largest single installed capacity in the country's ports, energy consumption all comes from the self-developed "wind-solar-storage-load integration" system, thereby realizing zero carbon emissions throughout the terminal operation. Not only that, the terminal also adopts advanced energy monitoring technology to conduct real-time statistical analysis of various energy consumption of the terminal to ensure 100% self-production and self-sufficiency of green electricity. At present, the port area has achieved full coverage of shore power for container and dry bulk cargo berths.

Shandong Port Qingdao Port (山东港口青岛港) has built the first fully qualified port hydrogen refueling station in China, introducing hydrogen energy into the application scenarios of automated terminals and putting into operation the first hydrogen-electric tugboat in the country; Shanghai International Port Group (上港集团) has basically completed the oil-to-electricity and oil-to-gas conversion of port machinery and equipment... A batch of near-zero carbon ports are accelerating construction. In the future, ports will have higher self-supply capacity and realize energy self-circulation.

(The author is the Executive Vice Chairman of the Chinese Institute of Navigation. This report was compiled by Han Xin (韩鑫), a reporter from this newspaper.)

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Why Do Strategic Scientists Care About These Difficult Problems?

By: 本报记者 喻思南

Strengthening prospective research and judgment in science and technology to lead original scientific research, the 27th Annual Meeting of the China Association for Science and Technology (中国科协) recently released major scientific questions, engineering technology problems, and industrial technology problems for 2025.

This is the eighth year that the China Association for Science and Technology (中国科协) has organized the collection and release of problems and challenges. Different from previous sessions, this year's selection method for major problems and challenges has changed from collecting problems from various societies and voting to nomination and recommendation by scientists. All problems and challenges are proposed after careful consideration by strategic scientists and selected by a voting academic committee composed of strategic scientists.

What are the characteristics of these 30 problems and challenges that strategic scientists are concerned about? Why are these science and technology tracks locked in?

The frontier is the basic "background color" of problems and challenges. Among the top ten frontier scientific questions, the "New Theory and Protection System of Artificial Intelligence Security Based on Cryptographic Perspective" proposed by Wang Xiaoyun (王小云), Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院) and "Yang Zhenning Lecture" Professor of the Institute for Advanced Study, Tsinghua University (清华大学), has attracted much attention.

Currently, global artificial intelligence has entered a period of rapid development and in-depth application, and the resulting security issues are becoming increasingly prominent. Wang Xiaoyun (王小云) introduced that artificial intelligence security protection based on cryptography is expected to promote the leap of artificial intelligence security from empirical defense to mathematically verifiable security paradigm, which is an important research direction that has emerged in recent years.

How does cryptography play a role? Taking building a security and privacy protection barrier for artificial intelligence systems as an example, Wang Xiaoyun (王小云) introduced that with the development of technology, the pictures generated by artificial intelligence are becoming more and more realistic, so that people cannot distinguish whether they are generated by machines, and are easily used in scenarios such as telecommunications fraud. Cryptography can design theoretically verifiable watermark schemes to identify true and false images that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. At the same time, the zero-knowledge proof technology in cryptography can be used to prove the source of the edited image without accessing the original image, protecting the data privacy of the original image.

Wang Xiaoyun (王小云) said that applying cryptography to artificial intelligence is at the forefront of science, and scientific research exploration at home and abroad is advancing, and there are still many major issues worthy of in-depth study. "I recommend this issue, hoping to let more artificial intelligence experts and cryptography experts notice this development trend, and work together to produce a number of breakthrough research results."

Through the problems and challenges, we can see that the trend of interdisciplinary integration is becoming increasingly significant. Among the top ten engineering technology problems, "Intelligent and Simplified Network Technology System for Communication and Intelligent Integration" is one of them.

Zhang Ping (张平), Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (中国工程院) and Professor of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (北京邮电大学), said that in the past, the development of the communication field faced a basic problem, that is, the wider the bandwidth and the faster the network speed, the more resources were consumed. Just like building roads, the more lanes and the wider the road, the more land is occupied. The evolutionary direction of artificial intelligence natural interaction provides a new engine for communication systems to reduce resource consumption and computing power waste.

"Establishing a New Drug Research and Development System Based on Clinical and Multi-Omics Big Data" is a collision between data science and biomedicine. From target discovery to drug launch, the traditional model usually takes more than 10 years. Using a data-driven new drug research and development system is expected to break through the technical bottlenecks of traditional drug research and development and shorten this process to 3 to 7 years. At the same time, it will also help form a technology system with independent intellectual property rights and improve the scientific and technological level of precision medicine and new drug research and development in China.

Serving national strategic needs is an important starting point for problems and challenges. Carbon capture and storage technology is the technical support for the low-carbon utilization of fossil fuels. Among the top ten engineering technology problems, "New Generation of Low-Energy and Low-Cost Carbon Capture and Storage Technology" hopes to promote related technologies to the power generation industry and other industrial flue gas carbon capture fields, reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industries, and provide feasible technical approaches and advanced technical equipment for achieving low-carbon emissions of fossil energy.

"Focusing on frontier scientific questions, engineering technology problems, and industrial technology problems, and continuously carrying out prospective, targeted, and reserve research discussions, is to widely gather consensus in the scientific and technological community, grasp the trend of scientific and technological innovation, and accurately locate China's position in the frontier key tracks," said Xiao Chaoqiong (肖朝琼), Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Department of the China Association for Science and Technology (中国科协). The China Association for Science and Technology (中国科协) will continue to pay attention to the released problems and challenges, guide the vast number of scientific and technological workers to focus on major national needs, carry out original and leading research, and continuously consolidate the scientific and technological support for high-quality development.

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China's Primordial Gravitational Wave Detection Experiment Achieves First Light Observation

This newspaper reports from Beijing (Reporter Wu Yuehui (吴月辉)) It was learned from the Institute of High Energy Physics (中国科学院高能物理研究所) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院) that the first phase of the Ali Cosmic Polarization Telescope (阿里原初引力波探测实验一期) (AliCPT-1) experiment, led by the institute, has been completed and achieved its first light observation, successfully acquiring clear images of the moon and Jupiter's radiation in the 150 GHz band, marking a crucial step for China in the field of primordial gravitational wave detection experiments.

Primordial gravitational wave detection is recognized as a major frontier in basic science and is a key experiment for testing theories of the origin of the universe. The primordial gravitational wave detection experiment includes a number of key technologies, playing a significant role in promoting China's primordial gravitational wave science, cryogenic superconducting detector development, cosmic microwave background radiation data analysis, and site science. Primordial gravitational wave detection experiments have stringent requirements for site conditions. Currently, there are three major primordial gravitational wave detection experiment bases in the world, the other two being located at the South Pole and the Atacama Desert in Chile.

The first phase of the Ali experiment is China's first primordial gravitational wave detection experiment, proposed by the team of Researcher Zhang Xinmin (张新民) of the Institute of High Energy Physics (中国科学院高能物理研究所) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院) in 2014 and launched at the end of 2016. With the support of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (国家自然科学基金委员会), and the Ministry of Science and Technology (科技部), the Ali experiment has gradually developed into an international cooperation project "mainly led by us." It is led by the Institute of High Energy Physics (中国科学院高能物理研究所) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院), in conjunction with 16 domestic and foreign research institutions such as the National Astronomical Observatories of China (中国科学院国家天文台) and Stanford University (美国斯坦福大学), and is being carried out on a ridge at an altitude of 5,250 meters in the Ali (阿里) region of Tibet (西藏阿里地区).

After more than 8 years of research, development, and construction, the team overcame difficulties such as high-altitude hypoxia and the deterioration of the international cooperation environment, and completed the installation and commissioning of the telescope this year. They successfully achieved remote control and data transmission of the Ali-Beijing telescope and successfully verified the core design indicators such as end-to-end functionality and angular resolution.

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Achieving Nanoscale Resolution: How This Microscope Achieves Ultra-High Definition (Exploring the Frontlines)

By: 本报记者  姚雪青

During the summer vacation, a space on the first floor of the Analysis and Testing Center of Soochow University (苏州大学) in Suzhou (苏州), Jiangsu (江苏) is still under construction. "This will be a standard laboratory." Yao Zhigang (姚志刚), director of the center, spread out the design drawings. The nearly 70-square-meter space is planned to be designed as a "black box" that can shield magnetic field interference, and excavate 1.2 meters downwards to form an independent foundation for vibration isolation. An important device will be welcomed here: China's first commercial 200 kV field emission transmission electron microscope.

A transmission electron microscope is a high-resolution microscopic analysis instrument. The point resolution of this microscope reaches 0.25 nanometers, and the lattice resolution reaches 0.14 nanometers, which can clearly see the internal structure of sub-nanometer materials, reaching the world's advanced level. Although the laboratory is still under construction, the testing experiments have been scheduled for 3 years later, including microscopic structure research in the fields of nanomaterials, semiconductor industry, and life sciences, with a fully packed schedule.

Why is this microscope so "high-definition"?

This starts with the imaging principle of optical microscopes: the light source of optical microscopes is visible light, while the light source of electron microscopes is electron beams. When the electron beam in the microscope penetrates the sample after being accelerated by high voltage, it carries information about the internal structure of the sample. "After these information are magnified by the magnification system, they can be magnified millions of times, thereby helping users observe sub-nanometer images," said Tang Aiquan (唐爱权), general manager of the instrument manufacturer, Suzhou Bozhong Instrument Technology Co., Ltd. (苏州博众仪器科技有限公司).

The secret of "high-definition" lies in two key factors: wavelength and aberration. "The shorter the wavelength, the higher the resolution." Liang Jing (梁晶), technical director of Bozhong Instrument, said that when a high-voltage accelerates the electron beam, it will generate very high energy, which greatly shortens the wavelength. This technology is already very mature and is not a difficult problem. Compared with the wavelength of hundreds of nanometers of visible light in optical microscopes, the wavelength of electron beams under 200 kV voltage is only 2.5 picometers (1 nanometer equals 1000 picometers).

The real test is to solve the aberration. Aberration is the error between the image seen and the actual image. To reduce the error, it is necessary not only to ensure that the structure of the electromagnetic lens meets many requirements, but also to achieve continuous and stable high voltage for accelerating the electron beam. These are all difficult points in technological breakthroughs.

"The high-end transmission electron microscope industry has long been monopolized by foreign instrument companies, and core components are subject to foreign technology blockade. We have spent 5 years tackling key problems to achieve independent control and domestic substitution," said Tang Aiquan (唐爱权). In terms of precision machining, we linked upstream and downstream enterprises to select the best ferromagnetic materials and upgrade processes such as heat treatment. At the same time, we independently developed fixtures and tools to achieve integrated innovation of processing equipment and testing equipment, ensuring that thousands of parts meet the accuracy requirements. In terms of high-voltage stability, through more than 20 revisions to the circuit design and hundreds of optimizations and iterations, we have achieved a stable output of 200 kV voltage.

Transmission electron microscopes are widely used in nanometer-scale research and observation, and are necessary supporting research equipment in the fields of materials science, life science, and semiconductors. "We plan to conduct performance verification work for about a year first, and then carry out scientific research," Yao Zhigang (姚志刚) introduced. In order to support the domestic "first set," this equipment will be open to scientific research teams inside and outside the university for free after installation. This can not only verify the performance, but also support scientific research development, and also promote the market application of high-end analytical instruments, achieving multiple benefits in one fell swoop.

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Superconducting Qubit Coherence Time Reaches New Record of 1 Millisecond

According to Xinhua News Agency, Helsinki (赫尔辛基) (Reporters Zhu Haochen (朱昊晨) and Xu Qian (徐谦)), Aalto University in Finland announced on the 8th that its researchers have extended the longest coherence time of superconducting qubits to 1 millisecond, setting a new record in the field of quantum science.

According to a press release issued by the university, the previous record for the longest known qubit coherence time was close to 0.6 milliseconds, while the Aalto University team measured the longest coherence time of 1 millisecond, with a median of 0.5 milliseconds. The research results have been published in the British journal "Nature Communications."

Qubit coherence time is an important indicator of qubit stability, determining how long a qubit can maintain its quantum state. Researchers pointed out that the longer the coherence time, the more operations a quantum computer can perform, and the higher the calculation accuracy and the smaller the error. Longer coherence times can also improve the performance of current "noisy" quantum computing devices and reduce the resources required for quantum error correction, taking a key step towards achieving noise-free, fault-tolerant quantum computing.

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This edition's editors: Zhi Chunli, Cao Xuemeng, Dong Yingxue

Layout design: Zhang Fangman (张芳曼)

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Skills embody the Way; dedication safeguards with the heart.

Either exploring or excavating, or carving or repairing, through their labor, cultural relics can be "cured and prolonged," and shine with new brilliance, and cultural relics can be rediscovered - this is a group of people, cultural relics restorers.

Recently, the 2nd National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition was held. As the highest-level, most project-rich, and most influential vocational skills competition in the cultural relics industry, it competes in unique skills, inherits techniques, and protects craftsmanship. This edition approaches this group of "cultural relics doctors" and tells their stories.

——Editor

The Race Against Time Never Ends

Yang Xuemei (杨雪梅)

Bronze chariots and horses, lotus square cranes, Han Xiu (韩休) tomb murals, "Five Oxen Pictures"... Which of these cultural treasures that we can hardly forget when we pass by, representing an era, does not have a unique restoration story behind it? After generations of restorers have continued to inherit, go all out, and use ingenious craftsmanship, wonderful histories, pages of millennia-old paintings, and vivid scenes have emerged from the depths of history, piecing together fragmented narratives in a coherent manner.

In the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum (秦始皇帝陵博物院) in Shaanxi (陕西), the restoration team used the craftsmanship of "ten years to sharpen a sword" to compare, locate, and bond the terracotta warrior fragments one by one, allowing the "imperial guards" who had been sleeping for thousands of years to regain their majesty. I once interviewed archaeologist Wang Yarong (王亚蓉), listening to her tell the tedious details of skillfully reweaving Chinese brocade. I once observed the painting doctors in the Forbidden City (故宫), watching how they half-revealed and half-spliced the hundreds of patches exposed behind the painting core. In the Imperial Kiln Museum (御窑博物馆) in Jingdezhen (景德镇), we witnessed the tons of porcelain fragments that were broken and buried in the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties due to minor flaws being restored into fine products... No one has more opportunities to talk to the ancients than restorers. They have never been stumped by those "scarred" cultural relics - whether they are bamboo slips burned into charcoal or deformed and damaged bronzes. In their eyes, every defect is a mystery to be solved, and every gaze is an interpretation of a letter left by predecessors to today, a key to entering a certain period of history...

How fortunate we are to not only have top-notch master craftsmen, but also an increasingly broad base. The National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition is a platform for masters from all walks of life to exchange skills, and it is also a broad stage for reviewing the industry's talent echelon and promoting "the student surpassing the teacher." Data shows that the 293 contestants have an average age of 40.5 years, the youngest contestant is only 19 years old, and the proportion of those with a bachelor's degree or above is as high as 53.58%, vividly interpreting "every line can be outstanding" and skills can serve the country.

Ancient Chinese craftsmen adhered to the harmonious creation concept of "heavenly time, earth's energy, beautiful materials, and ingenious craftsmanship," creating objects with unique oriental characteristics. Only with a sense of awe can every restoration trace become an overlapping civilization code. If restoring objects in the past mainly focused on whether they could be restored to their original state, then the current protection and restoration of cultural relics pays more attention to the overall protection based on the value of the cultural relics.

It can be seen that the comprehensive intervention of modern technology has accelerated the process of discarding, innovating, and innovating cultural relic protection technology. The protection and restoration of cultural relics is moving from experience to science. On the basis of traditional restoration, more and more restorations can be simulated and corrected by computers, but it is undeniable that in some extremely important cultural relic restoration links, it is still necessary to rely on experienced restorers to complete. Ancient methods are used well, and they are most effective. Similarly, is the spirit of "choosing one thing and living a lifetime" and the pursuit of excellence not the most respected character in a rapidly developing society?

The race between cultural relics restorers and time never ends, and the spark of civilization will illuminate the long river of years.

If You Really Like It, You Won't Feel Bitter

Zhou Feiya (周飞亚)

Among the contestants in the masonry cultural relic restoration project with an average age of nearly 50 years, Yi Wenlong (伊文龙), 24, is particularly eye-catching.

Although his face is still childish, his hand movements are smooth and flowing, and his proficiency is no less than that of an experienced master. Looking at his work again, hey! The wall "stands" straight, the wall is smooth and delicate, the brick joints are neat and tidy, and the petal-shaped special-shaped brick edges stretch out round and beautiful arcs...

The proctors, volunteers, and observers who passed by couldn't help but take a second look.

"I was born into a craftsman's family, and I started playing with masonry when I was a child. I officially entered the industry at the age of 18." Yi Wenlong is quite proud when he mentions his craftsmanship.

From the time he could remember, Yi Wenlong often followed his elders to experience it, and developed a strong interest in masonry. After seeing it a lot, those processes and techniques slowly entered his heart, and he tried to get started, learning in a decent manner.

The most impressive thing was that year, a courtyard in Tanzhe Temple (潭柘寺) in Beijing (北京) was being renovated. Seeing the workers building walls, the curious Yi Wenlong couldn't help but imitate. The work was done well, and the master praised him, but the next sentence "warned" him: "Don't touch this at a young age, it's a crime!"

Yi Wenlong has heard such words countless times since he was a child.

Everyone knows that masonry is a hard job. Among the various cultural relic restoration techniques, masonry has the most "dirty work" and "hard work." Yi Wenlong has a deep understanding.

The construction site is often dusty, and you will be covered in dust after walking around. Sometimes the construction site is in the wild, and you can only live in tents. Strong winds often blow off the tent roof, and if it catches up with heavy rain, the tent may accumulate water, and even wash away your shoes. The most uncomfortable thing is the dog days of summer. When you go to the roof to get tiles, the roof temperature can reach 50 degrees Celsius, and you feel your feet burning even when you wear shoes.

When he was in college, Yi Wenlong would go to the construction site to "practice" every summer vacation, and he would always bring his close classmates to work together, hoping that they could also develop an interest in masonry. Unfortunately, none of his friends were able to persevere. Only Yi Wenlong didn't think it was bitter.

"My father attaches great importance to the inheritance of craftsmanship. I have heard many masters say that they will not let their children do this job in the future. But my father has never said such a thing. He just said that if you want to do it, you have to do it well!"

He has renovated old Beijing (北京) courtyards, built antique buildings in Guangdong (广东) Film and Television City, and also renovated the Great Wall (长城) and the Ming Tombs (十三陵)... In a few years of entering the industry, Yi Wenlong has grown rapidly in practice, and has come all the way to the highest platform of the National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition, becoming the youngest player in the masonry restorer project and the only post-00s.

For this "big exam," he put in a lot of effort. The masonry competition does not allow the use of power tools. This is a test, but also a reminder to the contestants: after tool innovation, old craftsmanship cannot be lost. Yi Wenlong not only practiced diligently, but also made a "brick saw" himself, imitating the saw of woodworking. When he participated in the preliminary competition in Beijing (北京), the chief referee Li Yongwang (李永旺) discovered this weapon, praised it, and specially recommended it to Li Yongge (李永革), a national-level official ancient building technology inheritor and director of the Ancient Building Restoration Center of the Palace Museum (故宫博物院古建修缮中心), preparing to vigorously promote it.

It was also this episode that led to the master-disciple relationship between Li Yongwang (李永旺) and Yi Wenlong (伊文龙).

"In the final, I 'added drama' to myself." Yi Wenlong (伊文龙) said with a smile. The competition requires the contestants to build a section of Chitou wall. "The competition gave 16 hours, and the time was very tight." In order to achieve good results, he also took the initiative to increase the difficulty and do the work more carefully. With this energy, the young man won the national championship in the project.

After experiencing so many construction sites in recent years, Yi Wenlong (伊文龙) found that there are very few young people like him. "In a construction site with more than 200 people, it is rare to see people in their 30s, and most of them are in their 40s or 50s." How can we better inherit the skills? In addition to trying to improve working conditions and increase treatment, it is also necessary to improve the social status of craftsmen and stimulate a sense of honor. Therefore, being able to stand on the stage of a national-level competition to show his style, he felt that he had "a great responsibility."

He is looking forward to seeing more and more young fellow travelers.

Only Persistence Can Reach the Distance

Song Haoxin (宋豪新)

In July, Luzhou (泸州), Sichuan (四川), was hot and humid. The Daoxiangyuan of Southwest Medical University (西南医科大学) was the competition site for the metal cultural relic restorer project of the 2nd National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition. Workbenches were arranged in order, and the entire venue was particularly quiet, with only the slight sounds of watering cans, brushes, and other tools.

In front of the case, Ren Junfeng (任俊锋), a restorer from the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeology (四川省文物考古研究院), carefully stared at a bronze fang from the Han Dynasty (汉代) that was completely rusted and severely mineralized, and carefully observed it. After thinking for a while, Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) picked up the tool and began to treat the surface of the cultural relic.

"The rust on bronzes does not need to be completely removed. Harmless rust such as copper oxide and cuprous oxide has a certain protective effect on bronzes, while harmful rust such as cuprous chloride will accelerate corrosion. If it is not cleaned up, it will spread like 'cancer cells'." With years of experience, Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) accurately analyzed and judged the nature of the rust on the damaged cultural relic in his hand.

Cleaning up diseases, shaping, splicing, welding... Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) handled the tools with ease, and the procedures were fast and orderly.

"Time is up!" The contestants left the venue in order, and the jury entered a tense evaluation process.

"I am quite familiar with this kind of object, and the restoration difficulty is moderate. The key is that the time is too tight, but this is the competition." After placing the restored Han Dynasty (汉代) bronze fang, Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) walked out of the venue and breathed a long sigh of relief.

He has been engaged in cultural relic restoration for 15 years and has participated in the restoration of thousands of cultural relics. From the "Sanxingdui Bronze Mask" that appeared on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala to the bronze kneeling figure with a twisted head that is loved by the audience, these cultural relics that have been damaged in the long river of history have been restored to their original charm under the skillful hands of Ren Junfeng (任俊锋). "Every restoration is a process of creating miracles; every restoration trace is a letter written to the ancients."

In 2010, Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) studied under Yang Xiaowu (杨晓邬), a famous bronze restorer, and officially started his cultural relic restoration career. In 2013, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in Lushan (芦山), Sichuan (四川). He risked aftershocks to assist in rescuing and counting the cultural relics in the Ya'an (雅安) collection, avoiding secondary damage to the cultural relics. In 2020, the archaeological excavation of the Sanxingdui (三星堆) sacrificial pits was restarted. The fragments of artifacts and the roots of decayed ivory were carefully extracted and unearthed, and they all needed to be effectively protected as soon as possible. Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) deeply participated in the exploration and application of the "polymer bandage consolidation protection bottom-up turning technology," making a key contribution to the successful extraction of nearly 700 sections of ivory.

In May of this year, the Sichuan (四川) Provincial Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition was held. In the 4-day competition, Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) demonstrated solid adaptability and superb technical accuracy, and entered the national finals with the first place in the metal cultural relic restorer project.

"This large mobile outdoor trolley and toolbox are my 'treasures' for restoring cultural relics. Although it is a competition, what is more important than the ranking is to give every cultural relic that I handle the respect it deserves." In the competition, Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) completed the restoration plan, actual restoration, and file record of the Han Dynasty (汉代) bronze fang in 15 hours, and won the championship with his superb skills honed over the years.

"This is a heavy honor, and it is also an affirmation of my 15-year career." Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) said that he is still an apprentice, and he must maintain his original intention as always, continue to accumulate experience, enhance his hands-on ability, and learn new knowledge. "It's never a bad thing to know more. When you encounter problems, there are more ways to solve them."

The skills of cultural relic restorers are passed down from the older generation. In recent years, the country has paid more and more attention to the training of cultural relic protection talents, which has also made this profession more respected. Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) also hopes that more young people can join this field. "Only love can resist the long years, and only persistence can reach the distance." Ren Junfeng (任俊锋) said.

"Finding Soil in Soil," a Different Kind of Romance

Wen Bai (闻白)

At 5:00 on July 4th, the archaeological exploration competition site in Huangshiba (黄氏坝), Hejiang County (合江县), Luzhou (泸州), Sichuan (四川), welcomed this group of "diggers" who ridiculed themselves as "finding soil in soil." At 6:20, the competition began. Early in the morning, the sun was shining brightly, and when the contestants took out the first shovel of soil with the Luoyang shovel, they were already sweating profusely.

As the only outdoor competition project in the National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition, this hot and humid state continued until the end of the competition. Li Lei (李蕾), who stood out from 45 contestants and won the first place, said that this is the norm in field archeology. "Being in the field all year round, the most difficult thing is summer." The 39-year-old has 18 years of field archeology experience.

Huangshiba (黄氏坝) is an important part of the Sichuan (川) and Chongqing (渝) Song (宋) and Yuan (元) mountain city system. The site still retains historical relics such as city walls. "The biggest difficulty is definitely the unfamiliarity with the stratum situation. Archeological work must first understand the stratum relationship. Luzhou (泸州) is mainly clay, which is sticky, hard, and humid. Specific techniques are needed to carry out effective excavation. It is impossible to rely on brute force alone."

The specific situation of the underground relics is unknown to everyone. Different types of relics may be encountered, but archeologists can only infer the distribution of relics in the exploration area through 3 boreholes, so the location and method of borehole placement are crucial. "During the exploration process, we first need to identify the soil layers that are brought up, judge whether they contain relics, and judge what kind of cultural layer it is based on these inclusions," said Li Lei (李蕾).

At the competition site, the contestants spent most of their time recording and organizing data. "We usually need to fill out various forms, record the collected relics, especially write work diaries. After the formal archeological exploration is completed, we usually need to submit a complete exploration report. The competition is equivalent to submitting a small exploration report," said Li Lei (李蕾).

Exploration, recording, identification, measurement, and drawing, Li Lei (李蕾) completed independently in a short time. In the excavation stage of the exploration area, due to the need to transport soil, the workload was large, and the competition equipped each contestant with two migrant workers. "Communication and cooperation with them is particularly important. I will take the initiative to demonstrate to ensure that they fully understand the task requirements before starting work," said Li Lei (李蕾).

In the exploration area, the contestants first had to clean the surface to determine whether the previous layer had been excavated, and at the same time, combined with the plane of the next layer, to determine the progress and location of the excavation. Relics will be expressed through different soil qualities and soil colors, which require the contestants to carefully identify. Although everyone's skills are not very different, the differences in experience can still be seen in the details. Li Lei (李蕾) was busiest with sorting out the collected items. Li Lei (李蕾) said with emotion: "We found a large amount of charcoal at the bottom of the second layer, and collected it all, filling a large bag. This is an important unearthed object for dating. Smaller animal bones will be ignored. I asked the masters to crush the soil blocks and check carefully to ensure that all important relics were completely collected and recorded."

In his archeological diary, the schematic diagram of the site, the schematic diagram of the exploration area, the plan of each layer, and the different relics are all clearly and completely marked. But archeology is the "art of regret," 无论使用什么工具，一旦碰到文物就可能造成损坏 (wú lùn shǐ yòng shén me gōng jù, yī dàn pèng dào wén wù jiù kě néng zào chéng sǔn huài - "no matter what tools are used, once cultural relics are touched, damage may be caused," highlighting the delicate nature of archeological work and the potential for unintentional harm). There were several porcelains in the exploration area. The first porcelain seemed complete when it was scraped out, but it was actually a fragment, but it could still be restored. Li Lei (李蕾) thought there were no other cultural relics, so he let the master continue to dig down. Unexpectedly, he encountered cultural relics three times in a row. "I truthfully mentioned these problems in the excavation process in the record." Perhaps it was this attitude of trying to remain objective that won the praise of the judges.

Li Lei (李蕾) performed well in the Hebei (河北) provincial selection competition and won the first place. This is related to his long-term work in the field. He followed Lei Jianhong (雷建红) of the Hebei Provincial Institute of Archeology (河北省考古所) and has been doing settlement archeology at the Nanyang (南阳) site in Xiong'an New Area (雄安新区). The Nanyang (南阳) site is the largest site in Xiong'an New Area (雄安新区) with the richest cultural connotation. Inscriptions such as "West Palace" (西宫), "Left Expedition" (左征), and "Right Expedition Yin" (右征尹) were previously found on bronzes. Experts believe that there should be more important city sites found here.
"Sometimes when we look up a place in historical documents, the information is very clear, but the actual archaeological results are not always satisfactory. But sometimes we accidentally discover some important things, bringing surprises. This is the most interesting part of archaeology." "Finding earth in earth," is full of a different kind of romance in Li Lei's (李蕾) eyes, "I have always insisted on doing what I like, and have not failed my passion."

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Voices from the Scene

Why are the competition events of the National Cultural Relics Industry Vocational Skills Competition set up in this way? What are the considerations in the selection of cultural relics? What changes in the cultural relics industry are reflected in the competition? What impact will it have on the industry? This edition features selected answers from on-site experts and chief referees to answer readers' questions.

Why Use Real Cultural Relics

Sun Zhibin (孙智彬) (Secretary-General of the Sichuan Provincial Archaeological Society (四川省考古学会))

In this competition, real cultural relics were used for the restoration of metal, ceramics, and paper calligraphy and painting. Why use real cultural relics? Because the shapes, structures, production methods, and raw materials of cultural relics from different eras are different. If substitutes are used, it may mislead the contestants, cause misjudgments, and affect their restoration ideas. Of course, the selection of cultural relics has also been fully considered and prepared in advance, including the consistency of difficulty and the required restoration time.

For archaeological exploration, we also chose real sites. As you may have noticed, there are no sheds at the sites, and the contestants are sweating profusely in the scorching heat. In fact, this is the daily routine of archaeological exploration. 99% of our site construction sites do not have sheds. Archaeological exploration workers do the hardest work. They are on the front lines in the field for a long time, enduring the elements and the sun and wind every day. It can be said that the competition is a comprehensive test of physical strength, perseverance, and technical ability.

In recent years, the cultural relics industry has become increasingly attractive to young people. This is a good thing. But I want to "pour cold water" on them—archaeological excavation and cultural relic restoration require long-term efforts to reach a certain level. Practitioners must have enough passion to persevere.

Today, our country has a large number of archaeological excavation projects underway every year, and a large number of unearthed cultural relics need to be restored. The competition has had a very good incentive effect on the entire industry. The cultural relics industry not only needs top talents to play a leading role, but also needs a large foundation and backbone.

How to Balance Old Crafts and New Technologies

Wei Quan (韦荃) (Former Dean of the Sichuan Museum (四川博物院))

From this competition, it can be seen that the knowledge structure of practitioners is undergoing major changes. The traditional master-apprentice inheritance system still exists, but a large number of highly educated talents have entered our cultural relic protection and restoration team.

Old crafts and new technologies each have their own advantages. How to balance their application in restoration and maximize their respective advantages is worth studying and considering. In my opinion, the application of high-end technology to cultural relic protection deepens our understanding of cultural relics, accurately diagnoses the diseases and causes of cultural relics, and points out why we should repair them in this way, making our restoration more confident.

Restoration not only needs to solve the "survival problem" of cultural relics, but also needs to answer its value question: How do you understand this cultural relic? How do you determine its value? To what extent do you use tools to restore it? Therefore, this competition looks like a test of craftsmanship, but it is actually more of a test of concepts and comprehensive qualities.

For the contestants, this is not only a competition, but also an exchange that can improve together. For practitioners who did not participate in the competition, it can also play a leading and demonstrative role. Through such a competition, we can show the overall spiritual outlook of our country's cultural relic protection team, and let the public have a new understanding of the field of cultural relic protection, knowing what cultural relic restoration is doing and why we do it.

Why Advocate "Choose One Thing, End a Lifetime"

Zhang Lifang (张立方) (Academic Committee Member of the ICOMOS China (中国古迹遗址协会))

The inheritance of cultural heritage is not only the inheritance of objects and skills, but also the inheritance of craftsmanship. As one of the chief referees of this competition's practical operation competition, I observed that, compared with previous years, there were more young contestants participating this year. For example, wooden cultural relic restoration has the highest average age of contestants among all projects, but the youngest contestant also appeared in woodworking, only 19 years old, and is a female contestant. I think this is a very good sign.

Why advocate 择一事，终一生 (zé yī shì, zhōng yī shēng - "choose one thing, end a lifetime," to dedicate one's life to a single pursuit)? Because the cultural relics industry needs to constantly learn new things and constantly improve its own qualities. In particular, ancient architectural heritage faces very complex situations, involving multi-disciplinary cooperation. For example, for the same broken brick, under what circumstances can it be replaced, and under what circumstances should it be retained? Because some things, even if they look bad on the surface and have serious diseases, this state itself is very valuable. Some ancient buildings, if repaired according to the original craftsmanship, may not meet the current seismic or fire protection requirements, so what should be done? In the restoration process, we need to have a clear judgment on the value of cultural relics.

The cultural relics industry needs to be able to sit on the cold bench. If it is only for making a living, this may not be a good profession, but I believe it will definitely bring more spiritual enjoyment.

(The above is an interview and compilation by our reporters Zhou Feiya (周飞亚) and Song Haoxin (宋豪新))

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This edition's editor: Wang Jin

This edition's email: ysbjs@peopledaily.cn

　　Layout design: Zhao Siru (赵偲汝)

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Running in the Countryside

By: 鲁 敏

This is a different kind of run than exercising or competing in the city: it's a free run in the rural fields.

Completely different from the popular city marathons like full and half marathons, there's no need to抢票 (qiǎng piào - "snatch tickets," scramble for tickets) in advance at inflated prices, no hierarchy of pacers and target values, no cheering crowds on the sidelines. It's just a "small-scale affair" in the village mountain roads, with hundreds of old and young villagers running together, plump housewives, teenage children, white-haired old men, sisters in cartoon costumes, laughing in groups of three or five. If you're feeling energetic, the whole course is only 10 kilometers, enough for you to vary your pace and sprint; if you just want to stroll around, you can stop after running 3 kilometers. Anything goes, because this is a village run. I and a few friends are mixed in with them.

The time is deep spring in Jiangnan, and the village is an ancient village in Songyang (松阳), Zhejiang (浙江), located in a mountain basin known as "Five Dragons Playing with a Pearl" (五龙戏珠). On the left side of the path is the mountain, covered with layers of green like clothing. From time to time, clusters of colorful wildflowers emerge from the dense bushes, swaying in the clear morning light. On the right side are fields, irregular patches planted with various wheat, rice, fruit seedlings. The ridges are winding, surrounded by fences. Plump chickens forage for food, white geese stride, and obedient domestic dogs stand by the roadside, watching us run past in a long line with slight surprise and hospitality. Looking further into the distance, behind the fields are intermittently connected old houses, iron-colored roofs, green bricks and gray tiles, and the lanterns, couplets, and door gods from the Spring Festival are still neatly arranged on the dark brown lintels and window frames. And behind several rows of staggered thousand-year-old village residences are continuous green hills, still leisurely and calmly extending from light green to dark green to dark blue, directly to the horizon, turning into a milky white that seems like mist or clouds, disappearing into the boundless vastness.

It seems that this kind of running uses not the feet, but the eyes. The tired eyes, barely alive in the steel jungle flashing screens, suddenly plunge into such a countryside, a joyful jolt, and then blink busily, unable to attend to everything, satisfyingly shifting scenes with each step, turning corners and climbing slopes, suddenly becoming open and clear, with lush vegetation and ancient green moss. And everything we see before us is trembling slightly with our sight, as if also thoughtfully accompanying everyone in the run. Because of this intimate response, we runners gain a hundredfold of power, becoming sometimes large, sometimes small, adapting to the shape of things. We are not only running on this Shanyin (山阴) path, but also running on the tender buds sprouting on the ancient tea mountain, running in the rustling bamboo leaves in the depths of the dense forest, running in the calls of large birds flying by.

This actually makes me a little sad. In the secretion of endorphins and dopamine, in the green euphoria, I suddenly think of my village and my childhood. Time reverses, space transforms, shadows lengthen and shorten, the pendulum swings slowly, the years decrease circle by circle, 40 circles less, and I return to around ten years old, running back and forth countless times in my countryside.

I gulp down a large bowl of hot sweet potato and corn porridge, hurriedly take a shortcut, taking the path covered with rapeseed flowers, running to school to catch the early reading, the high-rolled trouser legs are still soaked by the dew, the corn-grain-sized yellow petals are cool but fragrant on the calves... On a clear winter morning, the road surface is frozen solid, and there is an echo like stomping when stepping on it. The thick fog is like entering layers of curtains. In a panic, I start to speed up, exaggeratingly panting, until I run onto the main road and meet another boy wrapped in cotton, la la la, the two of us break through the thicker fog together... Under the big sun with cicadas chirping, with the mark of the bamboo mat left by the nap on my cheek, I trot impatiently all the way in the dust, my toes curled up by the hot soil on the ground, the calico shirt puffed into a half-ball by the wind as I run, and at the end of the road, I can faintly hear the familiar screams and noisy water sounds from the small river pond... There is only one bicycle, and two children learn together. One "catches crabs," and the other runs behind. Then the other rides the crossbar, and the other runs behind. Both are at a wobbly level, but both are reluctant to let go, pedaling faster and faster, and the poor little one chasing behind has to speed up, panting and following closely, shouting loudly to complain that the other is riding more... At the turn of summer and autumn, thunder suddenly roars and dark clouds roll. Oh no, the entire drying ground is still piled with corn cobs and newly harvested peanuts and soybeans waiting to be threshed. If it rains, it will be terrible! Everyone, the adults in the fields, the children spinning tops in the neighbor's house, the dozing old people, even the people squatting in the outhouse, and the neighbors whose homes have nothing to dry, all immediately bounce up on the spot, throw off their slippers, and run barefoot at the fastest speed, accurately rushing to their respective target tools, some gathering with shovels, some pulling rain tarps, some looking for edge stones, this family helping that family after finishing their own, adults pulling the long sides, children collecting the edges and corners, and the disheveled, panting people finally working together to outrun the speed of the falling raindrops... At the first open-air movie of the slack season, impatiently urging the family to stir-fry broad beans, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, the older brother is responsible for carrying the bench, the older sister is in charge of the flashlight, and the younger children carry the hot cloth bag full of fried goods, smelling the tempting burnt aroma all the way. The closer to the screening ground, the more urgent the time becomes, everyone speeds up, and the younger children need to run harder, but they must not hold back, in case they can't grab a good seat, their little hearts pounding happily and nervously...

Various similar "running," near "running," also called "running" memories are awakened in overlapping echoes. I don't know if this can be called running? At that time, there was no such concept at all, only the urgency and randomness of lifting your feet and walking, out of practical needs anytime and anywhere, only thinking about the not-so-distant end point, and a certain thing or expectation at the end point, eager to meet, solve, and satisfy. When did this action become and be named "running," and become a somewhat solemn and so-called "popularizing" mass sport? It's as if people didn't know how to run or didn't understand how to run before. Of course, after becoming a sport, it doesn't need a reason to run, and it doesn't care about the result of running. It stands alone in the name of fitness or competition, and has a lot of attention and research, as if it is indeed not easy to run or not good to run, such as how to swing the upper and lower arms, how many degrees to lean the body forward, whether the soles of the feet or the toes are more scientific, the correlation between cadence, stride length, heart rate and calories, how to protect the knees and meniscus, what kind of ground and slope changes are best, various special shock-absorbing ultra-light running shoes, how to choose running clothes with different functional focuses in different seasons, how to quickly replenish water and high-quality energy, more powerful and precise sports watches for data tracking, deep noise-canceling running headphones that can't be shaken off, the most suitable music and rhythm for runners, and so on. Not to mention, if you fall into the "pit" of marathons or trail running, it's not just physical endurance and muscle training, but also endless upgrades and refreshes of equipment and data-driven methods... There are more and more runners in my circle of friends, growing geometrically. I have a friend, we used to have at least three to five common topics when we met. About half a year ago, she "ran" and didn't have time to meet me. Several times were combined into one meeting, and I found that various topics were also merged into running, only talking about running-related peripheral topics, for example, just talking about running shoes, you can talk for half an hour. Especially after her marathon time broke 4 and a half hours, she has listed a plan to check in all the major city marathons in China (中国), and her running friends have advanced to check in and participate in famous events on all continents of the world - running across the earth, running to the world, how interesting, how modern.

But at this moment, in this mini village run in this small mountain village, I suddenly think with a bit of retrospection and a bit of rebellion: the original face of "running" seems to be the countryside, it can have a childhood meaning of definition. Running is just the original instinct of this body, a bit like singing and dancing, opening your throat and shouting, twisting your waist and hips and dancing. Running didn't have any reason at first, right? It's just that there's no time, you're eager to see a friend, you want to avoid a heavy rain, you crave a little gadget, you're anxious, you're flustered, walking is too late, you have to take three steps and two steps, two steps and jump, isn't that running? As for how to swing your hands, how to stride your legs, what shoes to wear, what speed to run, who cares, who cares, just run. Just thinking about it like this, a strange and pure joy suddenly涌上 (yǒng shàng - "well up," to surge, to well up) in my heart, I can hardly feel the weight of my hands and feet, running vaguely and childishly, I feel like I ran back to my 12 years old, ran to the village I haven't returned to for a long time, ran back to yesterday's me, ran back to "running" itself.

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The Weight is Still Good (Jin Tai Musings)

By: 于文岗

There's a common saying: "The weight of a steelyard never breaks." Look, in the old houses of ancient towns, the dark, clunky iron lump, simple in shape and almost clumsy, feels heavy in the hand. This object is solid, unbreakable and resistant to falls. A steelyard can be passed down through generations. Even if the beam breaks, the weight remains intact.

The reason the weight of a steelyard doesn't break is because of its solid material. Steelyard weights are mostly cast from copper and iron. If you replaced it with an egg, wouldn't it break easily? The key to the weight's durability is its simple construction. Although there are different shapes, it's generally just an iron lump. Some items aren't like that, such as clocks and watches, which have hundreds of parts, each interlocked with the others, gears meshing with gears, very complex. Precisely because of this complexity, they are more prone to breaking.

From the simple steelyard weight, I think of modern people's lives. Initially, a direct-flush toilet tank had just a metal rod, a nylon string, and a rubber stopper, very simple, and easy to repair when broken. Now look at today's toilets: siphon-jet, super-vortex, jet-flush siphon, super-vortex siphon, becoming increasingly fancy. The toilet lids are also very complex. A repairman in my neighborhood told me that a neighbor bought a toilet for more than 10,000 yuan, and it cost more than 4,000 yuan to repair it once. And then there are car doors; manual operation was originally effortless, but later it was changed to automatic. There have been reports of them failing to open at critical moments, leading to tragedy. Various household appliances are also becoming increasingly complex, with the variety of switches alone being dizzying. But there's one thing you can't avoid: the more complex it is, the more likely it is to break, and when it breaks, you have to replace the circuit board or motherboard. In the end, the merchants make money, and society wastes resources.

Lao Tzu (老子) said, "Less is more, more is confusing." Modern people often like to adorn themselves with various labels and titles, entangled in layers of nested programs, and wrapped up in over-designed products. It seems very "cool," but in reality, it loses the resilience to adapt. And those fancy things often become the weakest points that break first.

At this time, one thinks of "the weight of a steelyard never breaks." This common saying contains the principle of "the great way is simple" (大道至简 - dà dào zhì jiǎn - "the great path to utmost simplicity," profound truths are often expressed in simple terms). The "simplicity" of "utmost simplicity" means going straight to the point, directly reaching the goal, never playing "twists and turns," never engaging in half-hearted efforts, and never engaging in formalism. Like the "steelyard weight," it only seeks constant weight, and does not add unnecessary features in shape, color, pattern, or additional functions and auxiliary effects. By analogy, car doors should use the simplest and most convenient method to ensure opening and closing. If you have to automate and make them intelligent, please retain the manual function to avoid failure in an emergency. Toilets should focus on the core function of "flushing," and not make things more and more complicated outside of "flushing." In short, it is about anchoring the fundamental goal and seeking the simplest and most durable "bridges and boats."

Stripping away redundancy is the only way to return to the essence. If we broaden our horizons further, we will find that: genuine emotions are born from simple companionship; profound truths are hidden in straightforward words; authentic pursuits come from trust in simplicity; a scientific life is a natural choice; and the best way to solve problems is often the simplest method. The simplest construction is often the most resilient and stable; the most unadorned existence is often the closest to eternity. Just like the plain steamed buns made by a mother, without sugar or sauce, without fillings, they have more wheat fragrance and are healthier than any delicate pastry. On the other hand, over-planned gatherings that ignore "easy connection between people," deliberately pursued appearances, and florid writing reveal an empty inner meaning at some point.

"The weight of a steelyard never breaks" is valuable in practice. Automation, intelligence, technological innovation, and inventions can be pursued, and necessary refinement and complexity can be sought, but unnecessary things should not be made complicated. Especially when deeply trapped in a complex environment, one should think about whether, once these complex ornaments are removed, we can stand firm like that steelyard weight, without extra mechanisms, without ornate decorations, relying only on the most authentic and solid texture? Can we, relying solely on pure weight and density, shoulder the heavy responsibility of weighing all things?

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Tumbleweed

By: 林筱聆

There are many plants in the world called "grass," and they are mostly green and weak, swaying and falling in the wind. Except for the *Gastrodia elata*.

Every year in March and April, in the Gonglongping Forest Farm in Qixingguan District (七星关区), Bijie City (毕节市), Guizhou Province (贵州省), under the patches of pine and fir forests, on the soft black humus soil, you can occasionally see one or another reddish-brown plant stem popping up. They are short and stout, smooth all over, like a reddish-brown iron rod, full of strength. Upon closer inspection, the iron rod has indistinct segments. When the wind blows, the small flowers and grasses nearby are already bending forward and backward, but it stands firmly and steadily—the large underground tuber becomes its ballast. After a while, the reddish-brown iron rod grows taller, no longer so thick, and arrowheads grow at the top. The dense small bumps on the arrowheads are like small fists clenched together, gathering even greater strength. It continues to grow upward, reaching sixty or seventy centimeters or even higher. Those small bumps gradually spread apart, blooming into bright red flowers. The stems holding the flower spikes look like red arrows on the ground, ready to shoot into the sky at any time. Therefore, it has another name—Chijian.

By July and August, the fruits of the *Gastrodia elata* are ripe and will automatically split open, scattering the seeds into the nearby soil. The following spring, a new round of life for the *Gastrodia elata* begins underground. After six or seven months, a year, or two or three years, it eventually grows into a ginger-yellow tuber. The tuber is oval, with a light pink eagle-beak-like bud on top and a sunken "navel" at the bottom. The tuber is edible and medicinal. The *Compendium of Materia Medica* calls it "Tianma" (天麻), "which can calm the wind and鎮八方之邪氣也 (zhèn bā fāng zhī xié qì yě - "suppress evil energy from all directions," dispels wind and dampness, alleviates spasms), and long-term use benefits qi and strength."

Compared to "Chijian" and "Tianma," I prefer the name "Dingfengcao" (定风草). The word "定" (dìng - "stabilize, calm") fully conveys the resilience and persistence of a plant. The life of the *Gastrodia elata* experiences two completely separate worlds, above and below ground. When the life above ground bursts upward and grows vigorously, the life below ground is gradually withering. And when the life above ground ends, more underground life is brewing and stirring. As long as the *Armillaria mellea* fungus is present, it can survive and grow freely. It is not impatient or impetuous. When the temperature is too low or too high, it stops to think; when the temperature is right, it continues to deepen vertically and extend horizontally. Mildness reveals a stubbornness, and restraint reveals a bit of unrestrained enthusiasm. This is the *Gastrodia elata* of Qixingguan (七星关). Their lives are short, but their vitality is a powerful force that cannot be underestimated. This is very similar to the people of Qixingguan (七星关) who have lived on this land for thousands of years.

Perhaps they are like the historical figures who came out of Qixingguan (七星关). They draw nourishment from this land and bear various kinds of rich fruits in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture. They are Fu Bao (傅宝), the first high-ranking official to emerge from the Wumeng Mountains (乌蒙大山); Zhang Jian (张谏), the first Jinshi (进士) in Guizhou (贵州) during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) who, after completing the tax collection in Fujian (福建), suggested that the court exempt the people of Minzhong (闽中) from taxes, which was adopted; Shexiang (奢香夫人), the female politician of the early Ming Dynasty (明初) who actively organized the opening of the Longchang Nine Stations (龙场九驿), quelled the Jingbian Rebellion (靖边乱), and promoted ethnic unity... They are the shining stars in the historical sky of Qixingguan (七星关).

Perhaps they are the Red Army soldiers who joined the revolutionary ranks after the Jiming Three Provinces Meeting (鸡鸣三省会议). They knew that the road ahead was difficult and fraught with obstacles, but they resolutely picked up their guns, shouldered the responsibility of saving the country, and joined the revolutionary torrent. They crossed the Wujiang River (乌江), fought fiercely at Caiziao (菜籽坳), cleverly seized Piaoerjing (瓢儿井), forcibly crossed the Yachi River (鸭池河), stained General Mountain (将军山) with blood, and revolved around the Wumeng Mountains (乌蒙山)... They sang heroic and tragic songs of blood and tears in the hail of bullets.

Perhaps they are the canal builders who carved out the Heavenly Canal on the cliffs in the 1950s and 1960s. They marched towards the cliffs, made their homes in the caves, and stayed there for several or even decades. One end of the rope was fixed to the top of the cliff, and the other end was tied around their waists, suspending their entire bodies in the air. They used their hands as steel drills to chisel into the stone walls, and their feet as chisels to insert into the cracks. They hammered and axed, nailing their own lives and even the fate of their entire families to the steep cliffs. Xu Rong (徐荣), who participated in the Korean War, served as an engineer and scout, led the villagers of Lianwan Village (镰刀湾村) to build the Satellite Heavenly Canal, and died in an explosion on the way; Xu Tianzhen (许天珍), the "Desperate Saburo" who fell from a cliff more than 200 meters high in order to chisel a wooden stick on the cliff as a foothold, and whose first question after waking up from a coma of more than ten days was "How is our big canal doing?", led the villagers to build the 18-kilometer-long Gaoliu Heavenly Canal... They used the "Ten Heavenly Canals" on the cliffs to write ten long poems.

Or perhaps they are just ordinary individuals among the nearly 2 million people in Qixingguan (七星关). They are scattered like seeds all over the country, taking root wherever they land, and then growing vigorously in their own way. They are the main force in urban construction, they are the responsible ones for rural prosperity, they silently dedicate themselves and shine in ordinary positions, and they use their boiling blood to engrave their extraordinary footprints on the journey of the country's prosperity.

When the autumn wind rises slightly in late autumn, Qixingguan (七星关) is coated with a layer of ripe brightness. Golden corn cobs hang on the doors of rural houses, layer upon layer. Piles of yellow or white corn kernels on the ground in front of the door, one pile after another. Slender, curly peppers are everywhere, growing on trees, drying on the ground, and hanging on walls, spreading into a lively scene. Life is so beautiful, and the days are so fiery. In the distant forest farm, oval heads are pondering deeply underground, becoming the purest backdrop for this worldly bustle.

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Photo story

Oil painting "Serene River Wharf," by the artist Pan Honghai (潘鸿海).

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Yidou Ba (Duoweizhai) in Huili

By: 李美桦

In my memory, the Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) of the ancient city of Huili (会理) is the most delicious.

The first time I ate Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) was one autumn morning. My father, who was a village teacher, went to Huili (会理) to study, giving me the opportunity to leave the remote village and go to the county town with him for the first time. There was a small Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) shop on the street, with a solid stove and small pots neatly arranged. With the sizzling sound, the sweet aroma hooked the appetites of passersby.

My father stopped and bought me a Yindou Ba (熨斗粑). The hot Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) was golden brown, soft, and fluffy. Before I even opened my mouth, my mouth was already watering. Seeing me eating so rashly, my father reminded me to eat slowly. He bent down and pointed to the small pot on the stove, saying, "It would be even more delicious if you added an egg!" I swallowed the Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) in my hand in a few bites and tugged at my father's clothes, not wanting to leave. My father saw what I was thinking and said, "Next time we come to town, bring a few eggs and ask the uncle in the shop to make one for you!"

At that time, I wondered how such a delicious Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) was made. Was the egg cooked before being added, or was it fried and then added? Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) took root in my mind like that.

I often ate Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) after I started working in Huili (会理). In the morning, on the way to work, I would buy a Yindou Ba (熨斗粑), eat it while walking, saving time and money. A large tin stove held "coal flowers" picked out from the burnt coal, and on top were neatly arranged small copper pots. The flames slowly simmered from the "coal flowers" licked the bottom of the pot, and a tempting aroma overflowed from the sizzling sound. The freshly baked Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) had a golden-yellow cake body, a lingering aroma, and when you chewed it in your mouth, it was soft, chewy, sweet, but not greasy.

The traditional Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) is made by soaking rice and grinding it into a浆 (jiāng - "thick liquid"), fermenting it, adding eggs and brown sugar, stirring well, and then using a spoon to scoop it into small copper pots and slowly baking it on charcoal fire. The charcoal fire is bright red, the heat is steaming, and when the cake in the pot takes shape, use a thin skewer to turn it over, brushing oil while baking until it is golden brown.

I remember seven or eight years ago, a young couple sold Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) at the Jiudong Bridge (九洞桥) head. The young man held a spoon, scooping rice浆 (jiāng - "thick liquid") into the small copper pot, brushing oil on the edge of the copper pot; the woman's long skewer flew, turning the Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) in the pot, while greeting the passing guests. The dim streetlights, the dark brown copper pots, the bright red flames, the busy figures, and the expectant faces around the stall became a unique scene in the morning light.

"Sister, give me two!" "Okay, coming right up!" the woman said with a smile, her eyes fixed on the steaming Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) in the copper pot. With a flip and a poke of the skewer, the Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) was put into a food bag, the heat was just right.

Of course, in Huili (会理), Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) is not only available at street stalls, but also on hotel breakfast tables. This snack has also made its way onto the tables of hotel banquets.

Not long ago, a classmate from Shanghai (上海) who was far away returned to Huili (会理) and dragged me to eat Yindou Ba (熨斗粑) the next day. The young couple's stall had moved to Xiaobeimen (小北门), and their business was still booming every day. Taking the hot Yindou Ba (熨斗粑), the classmate took a light bite and nodded happily: "It's still the same taste as before!" The classmate told me that when he is away from home, he always thinks about Huili's (会理) Chicken Shredded Erkuai (鸡火丝饵块), Crispy Buns (抓酥包子), Yindou Ba (熨斗粑), Xidoufen (稀豆粉), Jizong Dumplings (鸡枞饺)... Indeed, every unique delicacy is a vivid scene of everyday life, and also a wisp of homesickness.

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Wild Carrot Flowers and Dandelions (Selected Poetry Submissions)

By: 李镇东

Mountain winds turn over the June fields.

Wild carrot flowers stir by the ditch.

I crouch down to recognize this stubborn white.

Not dandelions,

but similarly lifting the days towards a longer light.

That figure carrying a load breaks through the twilight.

The snakeskin bag is bulging, like gourds waiting to be picked.

The carrying pole bends and springs back.

Her back is as straight as new bamboo,

passing through the dirt road where cicada songs are gradually rising,

leaving deep marks

on the winding slope.

In the luggage,

dandelions once flew out,

carrying the residual warmth of the grain-drying ground

and the longing for the other side of the mountain.

When the shadow behind grows longer and longer,

all the bent waists

slowly straighten up—

Look! That heavy walking

is turning dusk into dawn.

Grains of seeds carrying soil

are in the footprints,

waiting for the longest daylight.

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Safe and sound until late in the clear weather.

By: 刘夏阳

When people reach 70, the question of how many years they have left often pops into their minds. Confucius (孔子) and Mencius (孟子) lived to 73 and 84 respectively, which, given the constant warfare, harsh living conditions, and low level of medical care at the time, made them both long-lived. Hence, the saying "Seventy-three, eighty-four, the King of Hell doesn't invite, you go yourself" became popular. But does this age barrier, which even the two sages couldn't overcome, still exist today? The answer is, of course, not that simple.

From the current situation, people in their 70s are quite common, those in their 80s are relatively fewer, those over 90 can be said to be rare and precious, and there are even some who live past 100. Seventy is no longer a rarity.

Individually, from ancient times to the present, who doesn't want to live longer? But how much of longevity is due to one's own factors and efforts? This can't help but make one ponder.

As early as more than 2,000 years ago, the "Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" (黄帝内经) described the way to longevity, namely, "Follow the yin and yang, harmonize with the art of numbers, regulate diet and drink, have regular daily life, and do not work recklessly, so that the body and spirit can be together." It emphasizes emotional regulation, regular work and rest, attention to diet and moderation, choosing health maintenance methods and techniques suitable for oneself, following nature, and maintaining the body's essence, qi, and spirit.

The development and popularization of modern traditional Chinese and Western medicine have played an increasingly significant role in treating diseases and maintaining human health. In modern society, new concepts of longevity and health maintenance methods are even more worthy of people's exploration.

You see, now, many young people are paying attention to the number of steps displayed by various sports apps every day. We, who are over 70, although we all care about our health, ultimately cannot resist the gradual weakening and degeneration of our bodies. However, although weakening and degeneration are inevitable, they can be alleviated through our own efforts, such as maintaining a good attitude and interpersonal relationships.

Su Shi (苏轼) said in "Record of the Ink Marvel Pavilion" (墨妙亭记): "Although we know it is so, the gentleman's way of nourishing the body is to use all means to prolong life and delay death; his way of governing the country is to do all he can to preserve what exists and save what is perishing, until it is beyond help. This is called knowing destiny." People should follow this principle of "knowing destiny."

Life has its own laws, and decline is inevitable. We can follow nature, cherish life, and care for life, so that it can exert more energy.

Like the sun, although it is in the western mountains, its afterglow still has residual heat, and there are sunny days in the evening. Li Shangyin (李商隐) wrote in his poem "Late Clearing" (晚晴): "Heaven pities the secluded grass, and the world values the late clearing. It adds to the height of the tall pavilion, and slightly illuminates the small window." What we "slightly illuminate" should be the prosperity of the motherland and the happiness and well-being of the people.

Even if our hair is all white, if we maintain the same mentality as young people, and never stop living and struggling, wouldn't that be "the world values the late clearing," truly peaceful and free?

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Editor in Charge for This Section: Zhou Shuyi

This edition's email: dadi@peopledaily.cn

　　We welcome submissions from our readers. Submissions must be original and unpublished, and not submitted to multiple publications (**一稿多投** (yī gǎo duō tóu - "one manuscript multiple submissions," submitting the same article to multiple publications)).

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