People's Daily - November 15, 2025

Xi Jinping Meets with Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 14th (Reporters Feng Xinran (冯歆然) and Shao Yibo (邵艺博)) On the morning of November 14th, President Xi Jinping (习近平) met with the King of Thailand, Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功), who was in China for a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (北京人民大会堂).

Xi Jinping (习近平) stated that King Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) chose China as the first major country for his state visit, becoming the first Thai King to visit China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. This fully demonstrates the high importance attached to China-Thailand relations and the profound friendship of "**中泰一家亲**" (zhōng tài yī jiā qīn - "China and Thailand are one family," expressing the close relationship between the two countries). Xi Jinping (习近平) expressed his condolences on the recent passing of Queen Mother Sirikit (诗丽吉王太后), pointing out that the Thai royal family has a deep connection with China and has made important contributions to promoting China-Thailand friendship, for which China expresses its deep appreciation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and the "Golden 50 Years of China-Thailand Friendship." Over the past half-century since the establishment of diplomatic relations, facing the changing international landscape, China and Thailand have always stood side by side, helping each other, and are truly good relatives, good friends, and good partners. Standing at a new historical starting point, I am willing to work with King Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) to lead the construction of a China-Thailand community with a shared future to achieve greater progress in the next 50 years and jointly write a new chapter in China-Thailand friendship.

Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out that the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (中共) reviewed and approved the "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal, which will focus on promoting high-quality development and expanding high-level opening up. Thailand is also at a critical stage of national development and revitalization. China is willing to strengthen strategic alignment with Thailand, steadily advance cooperation on major projects such as the China-Thailand Railway, expand imports of high-quality Thai agricultural products, and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and aerospace, so that the people of both countries can obtain more tangible benefits from China-Thailand cooperation. It is necessary to promote cultural integration between the two countries, promote people-to-people exchanges, and bring the people of the two countries closer. China is willing to actively support the Thai royal family's public welfare projects, strengthen exchanges on poverty reduction experience, and help Thailand improve people's livelihoods.

Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) said that he is very happy to be making a state visit to China. After many years of returning to China, China has undergone tremendous changes, showing a new face of a modern and beautiful China, and congratulates China on its major achievements in economic and social development. Thailand and China are close and friendly, with close people-to-people exchanges and extensive and in-depth mutually beneficial cooperation. Thailand-China cooperation is cooperation between brothers. Thailand is willing to actively learn from China's development experience, expand cooperation with China in various fields, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and make Thailand-China friendship more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

Before the meeting, Xi Jinping (习近平) and his wife Peng Liyuan (彭丽媛) held a welcome ceremony for Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) and Queen Suthida (素提达) at the East Gate Square of the Great Hall of the People (人民大会堂东门外广场).

When Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) arrived, the honor guard lined up to salute. Xi Jinping (习近平) and Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) ascended the reviewing stand, the military band played the Chinese national anthem and the Thai royal anthem, and 21 salute shots were fired at Tiananmen Square (天安门广场). Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功), accompanied by Xi Jinping (习近平), reviewed the guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (中国人民解放军仪仗队) and watched the march-past.

In the evening, Xi Jinping (习近平) and Peng Liyuan (彭丽媛) held a welcome banquet for Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) and his wife.

Wang Yi (王毅) participated in the above activities.

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Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Advancing Towards Greater Depth (Striving Forward, Decisively Winning the "14th Five-Year Plan")

By: 本报记者 李心萍

General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized: "We must take comprehensively deepening reform as the fundamental driving force for advancing Chinese-style modernization," and "We must adhere to further comprehensively deepening reform, focus on using reform methods to solve development problems, and increase momentum and vitality for development."

During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, based on the overall completion of the reform goals and tasks proposed by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee as scheduled, the "Decision" of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee clarified the overall goals and main tasks of further comprehensively deepening reform, and China's reform cause has erected a new milestone.

In Cangnan County (苍南县), Zhejiang (浙江) Province, a reform practice of "private capital entering nuclear power" is being promoted in depth. "From the first phase to the second phase of Sanao Nuclear Power (三澳核电), the proportion of private capital has increased from 2% to 10%, and the door for private capital to participate in nuclear power construction is opening wider and wider," said Shan Simeng (单思盟), director of the board office of CGN Cangnan Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (中广核苍南核电有限公司).

How was the breakthrough from 2% to 10% achieved? A project promotion meeting finalized the intention of private capital investment. With a total investment of over 40 billion yuan and an overall investment return cycle of over 60 years, CGN clearly explained the investment plan and expected returns of the second phase of the Sanao Nuclear Power project at the targeted project promotion meeting. On the spot, more than half of the companies clarified their investment intentions.

Who would give up the extra share from 2% to 10%? A round of equity negotiations ensured the channel for "private capital entering nuclear power." In the end, Zhejiang (浙江) provincial state-owned assets took the lead in giving up 4% of the shares, and state-owned assets at the city and county levels each gave up 2% of the shares, freeing up space for private enterprises to participate in the shares.

What does the breakthrough from 2% to 10% bring? "This is a win-win process," said Shan Simeng (单思盟). For nuclear power companies, the participation of private enterprises in investment is conducive to alleviating the financial pressure of the project and better controlling the project investment costs.

In August last year, the proportion of private capital in the five newly approved nuclear power projects in China reached about 10%, and it is expected to leverage more than 24 billion yuan of private investment. This year, the maximum shareholding ratio of private capital in nuclear power projects has been increased to 20%.

The breakthrough of "private capital entering nuclear power" is becoming a trend, reflecting the powerful steps of further comprehensively deepening reform.

Twisting into "one rope," the intensity of reform is constantly increasing.

Walking into the Hunan Provincial Public Resources Trading Center (湖南省公共资源交易中心), the staff lightly clicked the mouse, and after a few minutes, the system generated a bid verification report. "This operation truly allows bidding to operate in the sun and eliminates human interference," said Nie Zhiqiang (聂志强), chairman of Hunan Chenbo Construction Co., Ltd. (湖南省辰波建设有限公司).

Implementing the new national standard for the management of bid evaluation experts, formulating new guidelines for the procurement of central enterprises, and clarifying new benchmarks for fair competition, data shows that from January to July this year, the number of projects won by private enterprises in the engineering construction field accounted for 76%.

Looking at reform from bidding, we adhere to and implement the "two unswervinglys."

The three-year action of state-owned enterprise reform has come to a high-quality conclusion, the deepening and upgrading action of state-owned enterprise reform is being promoted in an orderly manner, and the Law on Promoting the Private Economy has been promulgated and implemented. With the help of reform, the public and non-public sectors of the economy are developing together and complementing each other. Since the "14th Five-Year Plan," the net increase in the number of enterprises in China has been 19.999 million, the net increase in the number of individual industrial and commercial households has been 33.946 million, and the total assets of central enterprises have increased from less than 70 trillion yuan to more than 90 trillion yuan.

Focusing on "one game of chess," the depth of reform is constantly breaking through.

The "Cross-Grid Operating Area Normalized Power Trading Mechanism Plan" was released, and the State Grid (国家电网) and China Southern Power Grid (南方电网), the two major power grids, joined hands, and power resources flowed freely in the national market.

Looking at reform from the power market, the construction of a unified national market is constantly advancing in depth.

Iteratively releasing 5 versions of the negative list for market access, reducing the number of list items from 151 to 106, implementing the "Regulations on Fair Competition Review," strengthening anti-monopoly law enforcement, and comprehensively rectifying "involution-style" competition... A series of reforms break through shackles and barriers, benefiting both the present and the long-term.

Staring at "one map," the temperature of reform is constantly increasing.

"It only took 10 days from discharge to reimbursement to arrival, and the full reimbursement was more than 800 yuan." Han Mengmeng (韩孟孟), a driver on a freight platform, was unfortunately injured while moving goods, and the "new occupational injury" insurance covered him.

"New occupational injury" is an occupational injury guarantee specifically for people in new forms of employment. It has been piloted since July 2022, and 10 new pilot provinces have been added since July this year. At present, the cumulative number of people insured in the pilot areas exceeds 22 million.

Implementing a gradual delay in the statutory retirement age, fully implementing the personal pension system, and continuously increasing and improving the supply of maternal and child health care, children's medical care, and inclusive childcare services... Reform is linked to the hearts of the people, promoting social fairness and justice and enhancing people's well-being.

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee clarified the principles that must be followed for economic and social development during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, one of which is "adhering to comprehensively deepening reform."

"We must thoroughly study, publicize, and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, scientifically plan the goals, tasks, and measures for the next 5 years, and promote high-quality development with comprehensively deepening reform and opening up," General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out profoundly.

Adhering to promoting high-quality development as the theme and taking reform and innovation as the fundamental driving force, China's economy will continue to show strong vitality and resilience.

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Li Qiang Presides Over State Council Executive Meeting

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 14th (北京) – Premier of the State Council Li Qiang (李强) presided over an executive meeting of the State Council on November 14th (国务院), studying the in-depth implementation of the "Two Priorities" construction, deploying policy measures to enhance the adaptability of consumer goods supply and demand to further promote consumption, listening to the report on implementing the spirit of the National Education Conference and accelerating the construction of a strong education nation, discussing the "Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China (Revised Draft)," and deliberating and approving the "Funeral Management Regulations (Revised Draft)."

The meeting pointed out that the "Two Priorities" construction should be planned and promoted in the overall context of the "15th Five-Year Plan," firmly grasping the strategic, forward-looking, and overall requirements, strengthening departmental coordination, paying attention to the combination of software and hardware, and promoting the in-depth implementation of major national strategies and the steady improvement of security capabilities in key areas. It is necessary to optimize project review, pay more attention to the input of innovative elements and investment in intangible assets, and promote the development of new quality productive forces. It is necessary to improve the project coordination and promotion mechanism, strictly manage project quality and safety, and simultaneously do a good job in asset management and subsequent operation and maintenance. It is necessary to reasonably arrange the rhythm of project construction and fund allocation, strengthen the matching of projects and funds, actively leverage ultra-long-term loans, policy-based finance and other funds, guide more private capital to participate, and amplify the effect of the "Two Priorities" construction.

The meeting pointed out that enhancing the adaptability of supply and demand is an effective measure to further release consumption potential and smooth economic circulation. It is necessary to lead industrial upgrading with consumption upgrading, better meet diverse needs with high-quality supply, and achieve a higher level of dynamic balance between supply and demand. It is necessary to accelerate the innovative application of new technologies and new models, strengthen the integration and empowerment of artificial intelligence, focus on key industries and key areas to develop new products and value-added services, and continuously expand new consumption increments. It is necessary to actively support enterprises to expand the supply of characteristic and high-quality consumer goods, accelerate the updating and upgrading of safety, performance, green and other standards, and improve the certification system. It is necessary to accurately match the needs of different groups of people around segmented markets, develop a number of flexible manufacturing factories, and promote efficient production to respond to consumers' personalized needs. It is necessary to cultivate new consumption scenarios and new business forms, enrich consumer financial products and services, and create a good consumption environment.

The meeting pointed out that over the past year, all regions and departments have conscientiously implemented the spirit of the National Education Conference and vigorously promoted the implementation of various tasks, and the construction of a strong education nation has taken solid steps. It is necessary to continue to forge ahead, persevere, establish and improve a coordination mechanism for the integrated advancement of education, science and technology, and talent, and cultivate more innovative talents urgently needed by the country around scientific and technological innovation, industrial development, and national strategic needs. It is necessary to focus on solving outstanding problems of concern to the masses in the field of education, adapt to changes in the school-age population, coordinate the promotion of fairness, improve quality, and optimize the layout, and continuously increase the supply of high-quality educational resources.

The meeting discussed and in principle approved the "Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China (Revised Draft)" (中华人民共和国商标法（修订草案）) and decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) for deliberation. The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to strengthen trademark management and protection in accordance with the law and give full play to the role of trademarks in promoting economic and social development.

The meeting deliberated and approved the "Funeral Management Regulations (Revised Draft)."

The meeting also studied other matters.

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Ding Xuexiang Attends Opening Ceremony of 2025 World Chinese Language Conference and Delivers Keynote Speech

Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing (北京) on the 14th and delivered a keynote speech.

Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥) pointed out that President Xi Jinping (习近平) attaches great importance to international Chinese education, emphasizing the need to adhere to upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, strengthening connection and integration, and building consensus among all parties, and striving to build a bridge of language communication, a bridge of mutual understanding and trust, and a bridge of mutual learning between civilizations. In recent years, with the joint efforts of Chinese and foreign parties, international Chinese education has achieved fruitful results, the global Chinese education system has become more complete, the social application value of Chinese has become more prominent, the effectiveness of cultural exchanges has become more evident, and Chinese learning has continued to approach ordinary people in various countries, and has been widely welcomed by the international community.

Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥) said that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has outlined a grand blueprint for China's economic and social development in the next five years. China will unswervingly promote high-quality development and expand high-level opening up to the outside world, which will provide more opportunities for the development of all countries in the world, and the international community's demand for learning Chinese and understanding China will continue to grow. As the mother tongue country, China will, as always, support and serve all countries in carrying out Chinese education well, and jointly promote new progress and new achievements in language and cultural exchanges and cooperation. He put forward four suggestions: First, adhere to innovation leadership, adapt to the trend of educational development in the digital intelligence era, build smart campuses and smart classrooms, strengthen the joint construction and sharing of Chinese digital resources, and make Chinese learning more convenient and efficient. Second, adhere to serving development, continue to promote the integrated development of international Chinese education and vocational education and professional education, actively expand Chinese application scenarios, and improve the practical application ability and level of Chinese. Third, adhere to friendly exchanges, encourage Chinese and foreign primary and secondary schools to form language partner schools, run the "Chinese Bridge" series of Chinese competitions well, provide convenience for Chinese learners to study in China, and enhance mutual understanding between Chinese and foreign peoples. Fourth, adhere to openness and inclusiveness, jointly implement the Global Civilization Initiative, strengthen the two-way exchange between Chinese and the languages of other countries in the world, support countries in carrying out Sinology and Chinese studies, and promote the inclusive coexistence and mutual learning of different civilizations.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥) visited the theme exhibition of the World Chinese Language Conference.

The 2025 World Chinese Language Conference is themed "Innovation Leadership, Digital Intelligence Empowerment - Making Chinese Zero Distance." About 2,000 people, including Chinese and foreign government officials, experts and scholars, heads of universities, and representatives of international organizations, attended the opening ceremony.

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What New Measures Are in Place to Improve the Quality of Rural Roads? (Policy Q&A: Addressing Concerns)

By: 本报记者 韩 鑫

Reader Concerns

In recent years, the rural roads near our homes have become increasingly smooth and wide. Can this good road condition be maintained in the future? Will there be further upgrades and improvements?

The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal states: "Accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, and solidly promote the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside," and "Accelerate the efforts to address the shortcomings in modern living conditions in rural areas and create high-quality living spaces in the countryside." When roads are open, all industries prosper. Continuously promoting high-quality development of rural roads and accelerating the integration of urban and rural transportation are strong guarantees for consolidating and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation and promoting the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside.

In recent years, China has continuously promoted the construction of "Four Goods Rural Roads" (四好农村路), which has strongly supported the modernization of agriculture and rural areas. As of the end of 2024, the total mileage of rural roads in China exceeded 4.64 million kilometers, achieving hardened roads in approximately 30,000 townships and over 500,000 administrative villages. In the first three quarters of this year, the country completed the new construction and renovation of 75,000 kilometers of rural roads, with fixed asset investment in rural roads reaching 275.34 billion yuan.

"The current and upcoming period is a critical period for promoting the high-quality development of 'Four Goods Rural Roads.' The development of rural roads is gradually entering a new stage where incremental, precise, and orderly construction is equally emphasized with stock renewal, quality improvement, and efficiency enhancement," said a relevant official from the Ministry of Transport (交通运输部).

From an incremental perspective, according to the deployment of the "Medium and Long-Term Development Outline for Rural Roads" (农村公路中长期发展纲要), more than 300,000 kilometers of rural roads will be newly built by 2035, and the total mileage will stabilize at around 5 million kilometers. The overall incremental construction is slowing down, requiring rural road construction to be precise and orderly to better adapt to village layouts and population migration needs.

From a stock perspective, the number of new construction tasks is gradually decreasing, and the proportion of maintenance, management, and operation is relatively increasing. Taking maintenance as an example, approximately 184,000 kilometers of rural roads nationwide are in poor technical condition, and 1.7944 million kilometers of rural roads have been in use for more than 15 years. Entering a concentrated maintenance period, there is a lot of room for stock renewal, renovation, and upgrading.

Where is the focus of the new round of renovation and upgrading?

Optimize and improve the highway network. To improve the increment, for areas where rural roads undertake the function of backbone road networks, combine with the actual situation and construct according to the construction standards of tertiary highways and above, and open up fast external channels for towns and major economic nodes; optimize the stock, accelerate the implementation of old highway renovation, widening of narrow rural roads, and construction of passing bays.

Effectively strengthen safety guarantees. Focus on promoting the renovation of dangerous and old bridges on rural roads, accelerate the implementation of rural road safety life protection projects, and carry out safety renovation of accident-prone and frequently occurring at-grade intersections. Strengthen operational safety, increase the protection of rural road property rights and road rights, and the control of vehicle overloading.

Comprehensively strengthen maintenance quality. On the one hand, accelerate the resumption of work on suspended and delayed projects and the start of new construction and renovation projects where conditions permit, and implement road maintenance and renewal tasks by category; on the other hand, increase investment in maintenance funds, with the annual maintenance project ratio of rural roads being no less than 5% and the maintenance rate reaching 100%.

Solidly improve transportation quality. Focusing on passenger transport, accelerate the process of urban-rural passenger transport becoming public transportation, strengthen charging and battery swap service guarantees for rural roads, and promote the integration of transportation and tourism with "fast entry and slow travel"; focusing on freight transport, improve the rural passenger-freight-mail integrated development service system, encourage various regions to explore new models such as adding convenient channels between highway service areas and rural roads, and promote the deep integration of logistics and industry.

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October National Economy Overall Stable, Progressing Steadily

This newspaper's Beijing (北京) dispatch on November 14th (Reporters Liu Zhiqiang (刘志强) and Wang Yunshan (王云杉)) - The National Bureau of Statistics (国家统计局) released data on the 14th showing that in October, production and supply were generally stable, employment was generally stable, prices improved somewhat, new drivers of growth were cultivated and strengthened, and the national economy maintained an overall stable and 稳中有进 (wěn zhōng yǒu jìn - "stability with progress," maintaining stability while striving for progress) development trend.

Industrial production continued to grow. In October, the added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size nationwide increased by 4.9% year-on-year. The added value of the equipment manufacturing industry increased by 8.0% year-on-year, and the added value of the high-tech manufacturing industry increased by 7.2% year-on-year.

The service industry grew steadily. In October, the national service industry production index increased by 4.6% year-on-year. By industry, the production indices of information transmission, software and information technology services, leasing and business services, and the financial industry increased by 13.0%, 8.2%, and 5.6% year-on-year, respectively. From January to October, the national service industry production index increased by 5.7% year-on-year.

The scale of market sales expanded. In October, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 4629.1 billion yuan, an increase of 2.9% year-on-year. From January to October, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 41216.9 billion yuan, an increase of 4.3% year-on-year. (Related reports on page 4).

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Shenzhou-21 manned spacecraft return capsule successfully landed

This newspaper reported from Beijing on November 14th (Reporter Liu Shiyao (刘诗瑶) and Zhu Yingqi (朱瑛琪)) According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office (中国载人航天工程办公室): At 16:40 Beijing (北京) time on November 14th, the return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 (神舟二十一号) manned spacecraft successfully landed at the Dongfeng Landing Site (东风着陆场). After the return capsule door was opened, medical monitoring and security personnel confirmed on-site that the Shenzhou-20 (神舟二十号) crew astronauts Chen Dong (陈冬), Chen Zhongrui (陈中瑞), and Wang Jie (王杰) were in good physical condition.

The three astronauts of the Shenzhou-20 (神舟二十号) crew stayed in orbit for 204 days, breaking the record for the longest single crew stay in orbit by Chinese astronauts. During this time, they completed four extravehicular activities and multiple cargo entry and exit tasks. With the close cooperation of ground researchers, they completed a large number of space science experiments.

At 17:21, all Shenzhou-20 (神舟二十号) astronauts safely and smoothly exited the capsule. Thus far, the Shenzhou-20 (神舟二十号) astronaut crew's space journey has successfully concluded. Chen Dong (陈冬) has become the first Chinese astronaut to stay in orbit for more than 400 days, and is also currently the Chinese astronaut with the most extravehicular missions.

On the same day, the Shenzhou-20 (神舟二十号) astronaut crew safely arrived in Beijing (北京) by plane.

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Li Qiang Meets with Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 14th (Reporter) - On the morning of November 14th, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang (李强) met with the King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功), who was in China for a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (北京人民大会堂).

Li Qiang (李强) stated that China and Thailand are good relatives, good friends, and good partners. This morning, President Xi Jinping (习近平) held a meeting with His Majesty the King, reaching important consensus on further deepening China-Thailand relations. "中泰一家亲" (zhōng tài yī jiā qīn - "China and Thailand are one family," expressing the close and friendly relationship between China and Thailand), China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Thailand, consolidate good-neighborly friendship, firmly support each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the construction of a China-Thailand community with a shared future to achieve more results, so as to better benefit the people of both countries.

Li Qiang (李强) pointed out that China and Thailand have strong economic complementarity. China is willing to continue to expand the scale of bilateral trade and two-way investment with Thailand, and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green economy, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. China and Thailand are geographically close and have close cultural ties. The two sides should deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism and other fields, and consolidate the friendly foundation between the two peoples.

Maha Vajiralongkorn (哇集拉隆功) said that Thailand and China have a profound traditional friendship, rich cooperation results in various fields, and broad prospects. Thailand highly appreciates the great achievements China has made in economic and social development in recent years, and is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and work together on the road of common development.

Wu Zhenglong (吴政隆) attended the meeting.

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Measures on Use of National Emblem Patterns for Foreign Affairs Revised and Promulgated

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 14th (Xinhua) - Premier of the State Council Li Qiang (李强) recently signed a State Council decree, announcing the revised "Measures for the Use of the National Emblem Pattern in Foreign Affairs" (《对外使用国徽图案的办法》) (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"), which will come into effect from the date of promulgation.

The "Measures" aim to implement the revised "National Emblem Law of the People's Republic of China" (《中华人民共和国国徽法》), correctly use the national emblem pattern in foreign affairs activities, and safeguard the dignity of the national emblem and the image of the country. The "Measures" consist of 14 articles, and the main revisions are as follows:

First, it stipulates that these measures apply to the use of the national emblem pattern in foreign affairs activities and by national embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic representative offices stationed abroad.

Second, it improves the circumstances under which relevant state institutions, personnel, and major foreign affairs activities use the national emblem pattern in foreign affairs.

Third, it standardizes the circumstances under which relevant seals, certificates, documents, and the clothing of national sports and skills competition representative teams use the national emblem pattern in foreign affairs.

Fourth, it clarifies that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) is specifically responsible for guiding the relevant work on the use of the national emblem pattern in foreign affairs.

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Measures for the Use of the National Emblem for External Purposes

Decree of the State Council of the People's Republic of China

No. 821

The "Measures for the Use of the National Emblem Pattern in Foreign Affairs," revised and adopted at the 70th Executive Meeting of the State Council (国务院) on October 17, 2025, are hereby promulgated and shall come into effect as of the date of promulgation.

Premier Li Qiang (李强)

November 9, 2025

Article 1 These Measures are formulated in accordance with the "National Emblem Law of the People's Republic of China" (hereinafter referred to as the National Emblem Law) in order to correctly use the national emblem pattern of the People's Republic of China in foreign affairs activities.

Article 2 These Measures apply to the use of the national emblem pattern in foreign affairs activities and by national embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions stationed abroad.

Article 3 Diplomatic documents and envelopes and stationery used externally printed for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会常务委员会), the State Council (国务院), the Central Military Commission (中央军事委员会), the National Supervisory Commission (国家监察委员会), the Supreme People's Court (最高人民法院), and the Supreme People's Procuratorate (最高人民检察院) shall bear the national emblem pattern.

Diplomatic documents used by personnel stipulated in Article 8, Paragraph 2 of the National Emblem Law and envelopes, stationery, invitations, greeting cards, gift cards, etc. used externally in their official capacity shall bear the national emblem pattern.

Article 4 Diplomatic documents and envelopes and stationery used externally by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) and national embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions stationed abroad shall bear the national emblem pattern.

Diplomatic documents used by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, special envoys of the state and government, and heads of national embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions stationed abroad, and envelopes, stationery, invitations, greeting cards, gift cards, etc. used externally in their official capacity shall bear the national emblem pattern.

Diplomatic documents used by the Vice Ministers and Assistant Ministers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and envelopes and stationery used externally in their official capacity may bear the national emblem pattern as needed.

Article 5 Diplomatic documents and envelopes and stationery used externally by the Ministry of National Defense (国防部), diplomatic documents used by the Minister of National Defense and envelopes, stationery, invitations, greeting cards, gift cards, etc. used externally in their official capacity, and invitations to receptions for the Army Day held externally in the name of the Ministry of National Defense may bear the national emblem pattern as needed.

Article 6 Diplomatic documents and envelopes and stationery used externally by relevant agencies of the Central People's Government stationed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特别行政区) and relevant agencies of the Central People's Government stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区), and diplomatic documents used by the principal leaders of the aforementioned agencies and envelopes, stationery, invitations, greeting cards, gift cards, etc. used externally in their official capacity may bear the national emblem pattern as needed.

Article 7 Invitations to National Day receptions held externally in the name of the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government may bear the national emblem pattern as needed.

Article 8 The following agencies may have their seals engraved with the national emblem pattern for external use:

(1) Internal departments of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会常务委员会), the National Supervisory Commission (国家监察委员会), the Supreme People's Court (最高人民法院), and the Supreme People's Procuratorate (最高人民检察院) responsible for foreign affairs;

(2) Relevant internal departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部), the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特别行政区), and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区);

(3) Internal departments of relevant ministries and commissions of the State Council (国务院) responsible for foreign affairs;

(4) Foreign Affairs Offices of the people's governments of various provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government;

(5) Foreign Affairs Offices of the people's governments of cities under separate state planning, special economic zones, and coastal open cities;

(6) State organs handling passports, visas, and other entry and exit documents.

Article 9 The following certificates, documents, etc. shall bear the national emblem pattern or a seal bearing the national emblem pattern:

(1) Passports of the People's Republic of China and other documents with the nature of passports;

(2) Visas, stay permits, residence permits, and permanent residence identity documents of the People's Republic of China;

(3) Certificates of joining, withdrawing from, and restoring nationality of the People's Republic of China;

(4) Relevant documents of diplomatic couriers and consular couriers of the People's Republic of China, and seals for diplomatic pouches and consular pouches;

(5) Consular authentication certificates and additional certification certificates issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) and the foreign affairs offices of local people's governments entrusted by it, as well as the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特别行政区) and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特别行政区);

(6) Notarization certificates, consular authentication certificates, marriage registration certificates, temporary ship nationality certificates, etc. issued by national embassies and consulates stationed abroad;

(7) Relevant documents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) to personnel of foreign diplomatic and consular missions in China, headquarters or representative offices of intergovernmental international organizations established in China, and foreign news agencies in China;

(8) Relevant documents issued by the foreign affairs offices of the people's governments of various provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government to personnel of foreign consulates in China and foreign news agencies stationed locally.

Article 10 Treaties and agreements concluded in the name of the People's Republic of China, the Government of the People's Republic of China, or departments of the Government of the People's Republic of China may be sealed with sealing wax bearing the national emblem pattern; the instruments of ratification, approval, acceptance, and accession of the aforementioned treaties and agreements, as well as the covers of treaty folders, shall bear the national emblem pattern.

Article 11 When national sports and skills competition delegations and teams participate in international sports competitions and skills competitions, they may use the national emblem pattern on the clothing of their personnel in accordance with relevant regulations.

Article 12 Boundary markers and boundary monuments marking national boundaries, marker monuments marking the azimuth of territorial sea baselines, and other markers used to display national sovereignty may use the national emblem pattern.

Article 13 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) is specifically responsible for guiding the relevant work on the use of the national emblem pattern in foreign affairs.

Article 14 These Measures shall come into effect as of the date of promulgation.

(Xinhua News Agency, Beijing (北京), November 14)

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Deeply Study and Comprehend General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Discourses on Strengthening the Party Ideologically and Theoretically; Consciously Be a Firm Believer and Resolute Implementer of the Party's Innovative Theories

This newspaper reported from Beijing on November 14th (Reporter He Zhaoyu (何昭宇)) The Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC (National Academy of Governance) held the opening ceremony of the second batch of refresher courses for the autumn semester of 2025 on the 14th. Chen Xi (陈希), President of the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC (National Academy of Governance), attended and delivered a speech, emphasizing the need to take Xi Jinping (习近平)’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as guidance, thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平)’s important expositions on strengthening the Party through ideological education and theoretical strengthening, and continue to use the Party’s innovative theories to unify thought, unify will, and unify action, so as to consolidate the ideological foundation and gather the strength for economic and social development, and to unremittingly strive to comprehensively promote the building of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization.

Chen Xi (陈希) pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平)’s important expositions profoundly answered a series of major theoretical and practical questions about the Party’s ideological construction, elevated our Party’s understanding of the laws of ideological construction to a new height, and provided scientific guidance for the Party to become stronger and more powerful in revolutionary forging. Leading cadres should, from the height of firmly supporting the "Two Establishments" and resolutely achieving the "Two Safeguards," conscientiously study and comprehend the great significance, scientific connotation, and practical requirements of adhering to strengthening the Party through ideological education and theoretical strengthening in the new era, consciously become firm believers and practitioners of the Party’s innovative theories, and transform the Party’s innovative theories into a powerful driving force for guiding practice and promoting work.

The students of China Pudong Cadre College (中国浦东干部学院), Jinggangshan Cadre College (井冈山干部学院), and Yan'an Cadre College (延安干部学院) participated in the opening ceremony synchronously through the video conference system.

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Leveraging Proactive Fiscal Policy to Drive New Progress in Chinese-Style Modernization (Authoritative Interview: Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the 20th CPC Central Committee's Fourth Plenary Session)

By: 本报记者 曲哲涵

General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized that finance is the foundation and an important pillar of national governance. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党) comprehensively outlined the blueprint for China's (中国) economic and social development during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period and put forward clear requirements for leveraging the role of proactive fiscal policy. How can we fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the plenary session's deployment with a reform-oriented mindset and innovative spirit? Our reporter interviewed Lan Fo'an (蓝佛安), Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Finance (财政部).

Implementing a Proactive Fiscal Policy in Response to Changing Times and Situations, and Continuously Deepening the Understanding of the Regularities of Fiscal Macro-Control

Reporter: What are the main achievements of China's (中国) fiscal policy in recent years? What are our regular understandings of implementing a proactive fiscal policy?

Lan Fo'an: Since the new era, the Party Central Committee (党中央) with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core has assessed the situation and continuously implemented a proactive fiscal policy, adjusting and improving it in a timely manner according to changes in the situation. In recent years, facing the complex and volatile international situation and the arduous and heavy domestic reform, development, and stability tasks, we have further strengthened counter-cyclical adjustments, coordinated the implementation of existing and incremental policies, and promptly introduced a package of debt resolution plans and other measures to promote the continuous recovery and improvement of the economy, and powerfully serve the construction of Chinese-style modernization.

Looking back at the "14th Five-Year Plan," the proactive fiscal policy has achieved remarkable results. Fiscal policy has further enhanced its adaptability to economic scenarios, moving from proactive to more proactive, becoming more strategic and tactically precise, and becoming an important force supporting the stable and healthy development of the economy. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the national general public budget expenditure is expected to exceed 136 trillion yuan, an increase of 24% compared with the "13th Five-Year Plan" period, concentrating financial resources to accomplish many major tasks. The national fiscal orientation towards people's livelihood has become more distinct, with more than 70% of national fiscal expenditure used for people's livelihood, with nearly 100 trillion yuan invested in people's livelihood over five years. The ability of finance to cope with risks and challenges has been further strengthened, and the foundation for safe development has become more solid. The achievement of these results is a vivid practice of the Party's innovative theories in the fiscal field in the new era, deepening our understanding of the regularities of proactive fiscal policy.

First, we focus on coordinating the advancement of counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments. We strengthen counter-cyclical management to promote economic operation within a reasonable range, and we strengthen cross-cyclical adjustments to focus on solving structural and deep-seated economic problems and enhance medium- and long-term development potential.

Second, we focus on the complementary nature of supply-side and demand-side management. We make good use of policies such as taxation, government procurement, and special funds to support the construction of a modern industrial system and lead new demand with innovation-driven, high-quality supply. At the same time, we organically combine the promotion of residents' consumption with the expansion of effective investment to promote the formation of a high-level dynamic balance in which demand drives supply and supply creates demand.

Third, we focus on innovating regulatory tools with a reform-oriented approach. We creatively use ultra-long-term special treasury bonds, fiscal subsidies, and other means to continuously enrich the fiscal policy toolbox. We organically connect the advancement of fiscal and tax system reform with the strengthening of fiscal macro-control to provide a more powerful institutional mechanism guarantee for smoothing macro-control transmission and improving policy effectiveness.

Fourth, we focus on strengthening policy coordination and forming synergy. We adhere to the use of systematic concepts to design and implement fiscal policies, strengthen alignment with national development plans and major strategies, strengthen coordination with financial, industrial, and other policies, improve policy integration, and amplify the combined multiplier effect.

Fifth, we focus on running expectation management through the entire process of policy formulation and implementation. On the basis of maintaining the continuity and stability of macro policies, we proactively recognize, respond to, and seek changes, introduce "expected" or even "unexpected" policies and measures based on the overall situation, improve policy transparency and predictability, and boost market confidence.

Implementing a More Powerful and Effective Proactive Fiscal Policy During the "15th Five-Year Plan" Period

Reporter: The plenary session proposed that the role of a proactive fiscal policy should be brought into play during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period. What are the considerations of the fiscal authorities?

Lan Fo'an: The "15th Five-Year Plan" period is a critical period for laying the foundation and fully exerting efforts to basically realize socialist modernization. China's (中国) development environment faces profound and complex changes. From an international perspective, the external environment is turbulent, major power games are more complex and fierce, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, and the momentum of world economic growth is insufficient. From a domestic perspective, the supporting conditions and basic trends for long-term improvement have not changed, while significant changes have taken place in industrial structure, business models, population structure, wealth distribution, etc., and risks in some areas have not yet been cleared. These have a profound impact on fiscal operations, macro-control, and fiscal and tax reform, and we must effectively respond to changes in the situation, capture and create opportunities from crises and difficulties, and effectively improve the effectiveness of fiscal policy, the ability of fiscal macro-control, and the level of fiscal scientific management to better promote high-quality development.

We will closely focus on the major goals, major strategies, and major measures proposed by the plenary session, strengthen fiscal funding guarantees and fiscal policy support, and provide a strong guarantee for achieving decisive progress in basically realizing socialist modernization.

First, the intensity must be sufficient. We will adhere to a proactive orientation, strengthen counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments, reasonably determine the deficit rate and debt scale according to changes in the situation, combine the use of budget, taxation, government bonds, transfer payments, and other tools, make good use of policy space, maintain expenditure intensity, and form a continuous support for economic and social development.

Second, the focus must be precise. Closely focusing on key areas and key links of high-quality development, we will optimize the allocation of fiscal resources, increase support for modern industrial systems, science and technology, education, social security, agriculture and rural areas, ecological and environmental protection, etc., spend valuable fiscal funds on the **刀刃上** (dāo rèn shàng - "on the blade," use money where it is most needed) and use them effectively, and continuously improve the quality of economic development.

Third, policies must be coordinated. We will adhere to the use of systematic concepts to design and plan fiscal policies, strengthen coordination with monetary, industrial, regional, and other policies, improve the coordination of the entire process of policy formulation and implementation, ensure that efforts are made in the same direction and resonate at the same frequency, and form a joint force to promote high-quality development.

Firmly Grasping the Strategic Base Point of Expanding Domestic Demand and Supporting the Construction of a Strong Domestic Market

Reporter: The plenary session made arrangements for building a strong domestic market, which is an important measure for building a new development pattern. In which aspects will finance exert its efforts?

Lan Fo'an: Building a strong domestic market is the key to leveraging China's (中国) economic advantages and is also a key task to be promoted during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period. Finance will adhere to the strategic base point of expanding domestic demand, exert efforts in three aspects, promote the dynamic balance of supply and demand, smooth the virtuous cycle of the economy, and accelerate the construction of a new development pattern.

First, we will support vigorously boosting consumption. We must both focus on releasing current consumption potential, coordinate the use of fiscal subsidies, loan interest subsidies, and other policy tools, expand commodity and service consumption, cultivate and expand new consumption growth points, and create new consumption scenarios; and focus on enhancing long-term consumption capacity, actively leverage the regulatory role of taxation, social security, transfer payments, etc., increase the intensity of "investing in people," increase residents' income through multiple channels, and better combine benefiting people's livelihood with promoting consumption.

Second, we will focus on expanding effective investment. We will coordinate the use of special bonds, ultra-long-term special treasury bonds, and other funds, optimize the direction of government investment, increase efforts around laying the foundation, benefiting the long term, making up for shortcomings, and adjusting the structure, invest more in projects with strategic significance and conducive to improving total factor productivity, improve the effectiveness of government investment, and resolutely prevent inefficient and ineffective investment. We will encourage and attract private capital to participate in the construction of major projects, focus on driving social investment with government investment, and fully stimulate the vitality of private investment.

Third, we will accelerate the construction of a unified large market. We will improve the fiscal and tax system that is conducive to market unification, eliminate local protection and market segmentation by standardizing tax incentives and fiscal subsidy policies, strengthening government procurement management, etc., prevent "**内卷式**" (nèi juǎn shì - "involution," a situation where increased effort leads to diminishing returns), competition, and create a fair and just market environment.

Promoting Fiscal Reform and Management and Accelerating the Construction of a High-Level Socialist Market Economic System

Reporter: The plenary session made arrangements for accelerating the construction of a high-level socialist market economic system. In which aspects will finance focus on playing its functional role?

Lan Fo'an: Accelerating the construction of a high-level socialist market economic system requires the formation of an economic order that is both "flexible" and "well-managed." We must use the "degree" of fiscal macro-control to ensure the "effectiveness" of the market mechanism, and then allow micro-entities to have "vitality." We must do something, focusing fiscal funds on the public domain and tilting towards aspects with strong externalities and high social benefits to compensate for market failures. We must not do something, minimizing the government's direct allocation of resources and direct intervention in microeconomic activities, and fully leveraging the decisive role of the market in resource allocation.

During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, we will adhere to reform empowerment and management potential, and achieve four "more focuses":

First, we will pay more attention to optimizing resource allocation, improving the level of fiscal scientific management, strengthening the coordination of fiscal resources and budgets, deepening zero-based budgeting reform, breaking the solidified pattern of expenditure, optimizing the structure of fiscal expenditure, and improving the efficiency of fund use.

Second, we will pay more attention to coordinating efficiency and fairness, actively leveraging the role of taxation in promoting high-quality development, social equity, market unification, etc., improving the local tax and direct tax system, and maintaining a reasonable level of macro tax burden.

Third, we will pay more attention to mobilizing the "two initiatives" of the central and local governments, optimizing the fiscal relationship between the central and local governments, appropriately strengthening the central government's authority and increasing the proportion of central fiscal expenditure, improving the fiscal transfer payment system, and increasing local autonomous financial resources.

Fourth, we will pay more attention to coordinating development and security, focusing on accelerating the construction of a long-term government debt management mechanism adapted to high-quality development, resolving debt in development and developing in debt resolution, and enhancing fiscal sustainability.

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How a "Flying Power Plant" Generates Electricity

By: 本报记者 丁怡婷

Long, giant "kites" can also generate electricity! Recently, the world's largest 5,000-square-meter high-altitude wind power wind-catching umbrella was unfurled at the Alxa Left Banner (阿拉善左旗) test site in Inner Mongolia (内蒙古), completing all scheduled test content and successfully achieving aerial umbrella retraction. This marks a solid step forward for China's high-altitude wind power generation technology in engineering applications.

High-altitude wind power generation is a new energy technology that uses aerial components to capture high-altitude wind energy above 300 meters and convert it into "wind energy-electrical energy." This process is similar to flying a kite: the umbrella set provides initial lift through helium balloons. After rising to a certain height, the wind-catching umbrella is opened, and the wind energy is captured by the reciprocating motion of the wind-catching umbrella in the air. This will generate a huge pulling force on the main cable, which in turn drives the generator set to generate electricity.

"Flying power station," how is the power generation efficiency?

Cao Lun (曹仑), the general commander of the high-altitude wind energy national key research and development plan test project site, introduced that the planned "power station" has a single unit rated power of 5 megawatts. After rising from 500 meters to 3,000 meters, it returns to its initial position. A single power generation cycle is about 20 minutes, and the power generation during one ascent is about 500 kilowatt-hours. According to calculations, the annual power generation under normal conditions can reach 10 million kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to saving about 3,000 tons of standard coal.

In order to capture high-altitude wind energy, there are mainly two technical routes at home and abroad: air-based and land-based. The key difference lies in the location of the generator. The air-based route places the generator set on an aerial vehicle to generate electricity at high altitude; the land-based route chooses to fix the heavy generator on the ground and capture wind energy through wing umbrellas, airships, or other aerial components, thereby pulling the ground generator to generate electricity. The umbrella-ladder land-based high-altitude wind power generation system tested this time consists of three parts: "aerial components + traction cable + ground components."

"Flying power station" power generation seems simple in principle, but because it needs to overcome the influence of wind shear, turbulence, extreme weather, etc., the reliability of equipment and the requirements for operation and maintenance are very high. For example, the 5,000-square-meter wind-catching umbrella has a large unfolded area, which can cover about 12 standard basketball courts, making it extremely difficult to open. The rope speed of the operating ground winch is as high as 50 to 60 kilometers per hour.

With onshore wind power and offshore wind power, why develop high-altitude wind power?

"High-altitude wind energy has the advantages of high wind energy density, stable wind direction, and wide distribution. Its theoretical reserves can reach more than 100 times the total global electricity consumption. Calculations show that compared with general onshore wind power, it can save 90% of land and steel consumption, and reduce the cost of electricity by about 30%." Huo Shaolei (霍少磊), a senior technical expert at China Energy Engineering Group Northeast Electric Power Design Institute (中国能建中电工程), introduced.

"High-altitude wind energy is still an undeveloped new energy 'no man's land.' With the reduction of equipment costs and the gradual maturity of technology, the development prospects are worth looking forward to. Next, we will also conduct multi-umbrella flying tests, and plan to enter the power generation test phase by the end of next year." Huo Shaolei (霍少磊) told reporters that China currently has a series of independent intellectual property rights in the field of umbrella-ladder land-based high-altitude wind energy utilization, which can realize independent control of the entire industrial chain technology and equipment.

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Value-Added of China's Major Non-Ferrous Metal Industries Up 7.8% YoY in First Three Quarters

Beijing, November 14th (Reported by Liu Wenxin (刘温馨)) - The reporter learned from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (中国有色金属工业协会) that in the first three quarters, the added value of nonferrous metal industry above designated size increased by 7.8% year-on-year, 1.6 percentage points higher than the growth rate of the national industrial added value above designated size. The output of 10 common nonferrous metals was 61.249 million tons, an increase of 3.0% year-on-year.

Investment grew steadily. In the first three quarters, fixed asset investment in the nonferrous metals industry increased by 10.1% compared with the same period last year, of which cumulative fixed asset investment in the mining and dressing industry increased by 49.3%; private fixed asset investment increased by 7.9% year-on-year.

The total value of foreign trade continued to grow. In the first three quarters, the total import and export trade of nonferrous metals was 305.66 billion US dollars, an increase of 13.4% year-on-year. Among them, the import value was 244.94 billion US dollars, an increase of 11.9% year-on-year; the export value was 60.72 billion US dollars, an increase of 19.8% year-on-year.

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Injecting More Stability and Certainty into Global Climate Governance

By: 本报记者 时元皓

The sturdy and beautiful tables and chairs are made from recycled waste circuit boards, lithium batteries, and other materials; the natural rice husk water cups are environmentally friendly and durable; the low-carbon agricultural products such as tea and coffee produced in the deep mountains of Yunnan (云南) are green and healthy... The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is being held in Belém (贝伦), Brazil. The "China Corner," located in a prominent position in the venue, showcases China's wisdom and actions in green and low-carbon development everywhere.

In recent days, side events on topics such as ecological civilization and the practice of a beautiful China, South-South cooperation in addressing climate change, and China's energy transition and new energy development have been held at the "China Corner." International figures participating in the activities and interviewed by this newspaper's reporter stated that China's achievements in energy transition and carbon emission management are worth learning from, and that China's active practice of multilateralism and promotion of South-South cooperation on climate change inject more stability and certainty into global climate governance.

"We cannot make any progress in the climate field without China"

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. According to the requirements of the Paris Agreement, countries should submit a new round of more ambitious nationally determined contribution goals this year. The Chinese delegation introduced that China has submitted its 2035 nationally determined contribution goals to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, historically expanding to the entire economic scope, including all greenhouse gases, and proposing for the first time an absolute reduction target for greenhouse gases. China also proposed ambitious renewable energy development goals, namely, to reach more than 6 times the total installed capacity of wind power and solar power in 2020 by 2035, striving to reach 3.6 billion kilowatts.

"China's 2035 nationally determined contribution goals propose for the first time an absolute reduction target for greenhouse gases, and more industries are being included in the economic transition process. China has also introduced a series of supporting policies, reflecting China's determination to promote the emission reduction process," said Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund. He added that China's technological innovation has greatly reduced the cost of clean energy technologies, playing an important role in promoting energy transition.

"China has made great achievements in the field of renewable energy, and we must strengthen cooperation with China." Former French Prime Minister and COP21 President Laurent Fabius told this newspaper's reporter that China is one of the world's largest economies, "We cannot make any progress in the climate field without China."

"China is actively promoting actions to address climate change and making practical efforts in updating its nationally determined contribution goals, etc." COP30 CEO Ana Toni said that China also provides valuable support to other countries, and Brazil benefits from the introduction of renewable energy, new energy vehicles, and other technologies from China, "These technologies are crucial to other countries."

Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, said that since the signing of the Paris Agreement, the clean energy revolution is advancing at an unprecedented rate, which is inseparable from China's important support. China has made important contributions to promoting energy transition and achieving economic development, and many efforts have become global public goods.

"China's carbon market is developing steadily, and its scale continues to expand." Valerie Hickey, Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy at the World Bank, said in an interview with this newspaper's reporter that China's carbon market is developing gradually and improving step by step, including both mandatory and voluntary carbon markets, and its experience is very valuable.

"China has advanced technology and rich experience in promoting green development"

At the High-Level Forum on South-South Cooperation in Addressing Climate Change, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment launched the "Clean Cookstoves" flagship project for South-South cooperation in addressing climate change. The project will provide adaptive clean cookstoves and technical support to countries in the Global South to reduce carbon emissions and pollutant emissions in the cooking sector. "African Light Belt," "Early Warning," "Clean Cookstoves"... A series of flagship projects have witnessed China's vivid practice of deepening South-South cooperation on climate change.

"In an era full of uncertainty, countries with the ability stand up and support the development of other countries—China is practicing this." Noora Hamladji, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said that China, through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, helps many countries implement climate change-related projects through equipment donations, capacity building, personnel training, and other methods.

During the event, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the environmental authorities of Antigua and Barbuda signed the first batch of photovoltaic material assistance acceptance certificates. Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Environment Division of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Social Services of Antigua and Barbuda, said that the original intention of promoting photovoltaic modules was to enable low-income families to use low-cost electricity, "to allow more low-income families to afford washing machines and electric fans, and to allow more children to study with the accompaniment of lights." She said that China's technical support has made distributed photovoltaic products more popular locally, which has not only promoted energy transition but also developed the local economy.

Aver Osorio is a COP30 observer from Colombia. He stayed at the "China Corner" for a long time, listening carefully to the speeches of the participants. "China has advanced technology and rich experience in promoting green development, and the related cooperation has benefited many developing countries." Osorio said that China's actions not only help promote green and low-carbon lifestyles but also create more development opportunities for the local area, making people's lives better and better.

"China provides solar street lights, environmental monitoring equipment, etc. for the Vientiane Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone, benefiting local residents." Khampasong Khambounheuang, an official from the Department of Environment of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that the project not only deepens Laos-China cooperation but also injects momentum into addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development, "This is a vivid practice of South-South cooperation in addressing climate change."

"China's advocacy of multilateralism is crucial"

Climate change is a severe challenge facing all mankind, and the international community needs to work together to address it. "Multilateralism" is one of the most frequently heard keywords at the COP30 venue. At the "China Corner" event, representatives from different countries and regions praised China for practicing true multilateralism with practical actions at many thematic side events, injecting positive energy into the multilateral process of global climate governance.

"China has always adhered to its commitments and played a leading role in related fields, and will continue to contribute to addressing climate challenges in the future." Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said that by cooperating with other countries to address climate issues and investing in climate resilience building, China is demonstrating leadership.

Ana Toni said that delegations from Brazil, China, and other countries recently held many multilateral meetings involving low-carbon agriculture, renewable energy, and other fields. The cooperation practices and consensus reached between China and many countries show that the realization of climate-related goals lies in uniting the efforts of all countries, "**在当前形势下** (zài dāng qián xíng shì xià - "under the current situation," emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation given the present circumstances) we need to unite and deepen cooperation even more."

"China's advocacy of multilateralism is crucial." Fabius said that climate change knows no borders, and cooperation among countries is the key to addressing the challenges of climate change and the core meaning of addressing many global issues.

"Both Brazil and China uphold multilateralism and pay attention to listening to all voices." Lucia Noales, a scholar engaged in climate change research at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, told this newspaper's reporter that when facing global issues such as climate change, it is necessary to listen to all opinions. China is working with countries to strive for the common goal concerning the fate of the earth, demonstrating the image of a responsible and responsible major country.

"China is a trustworthy partner in areas such as promoting the greening of infrastructure." Andrew Muma, Chief Economist of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development of Malawi, said that China has provided a lot of support to Malawi in climate-adaptive infrastructure construction. Some African countries have a high degree of climate change vulnerability, and China is moving forward with these countries, helping them enhance their ability to respond to climate change, and making positive contributions to enhancing the common well-being of mankind.

(Reported from Belém (贝伦), Brazil, by this newspaper on November 14)

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Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Lodges Stern Representations with Japan Regarding Erroneous Words and Deeds of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Concerning China

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 14th. On November 13th, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong (孙卫东), upon instruction, summoned the Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi (金杉憲治), to lodge a stern representation regarding the erroneous words and actions of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) concerning China.

Sun Weidong (孙卫东) stated that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) recently made blatant and provocative remarks regarding Taiwan during a Diet session, implying possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait issue, the nature and impact of which are extremely egregious. Despite China's repeated stern representations, Japan has shown no sign of repentance and refuses to retract its erroneous statements. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this, and lodges a stern representation and strong protest with Japan.

Sun Weidong (孙卫东) pointed out that Takaichi's (高市早苗) remarks on Taiwan are extremely wrong and dangerous, grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, seriously violating international law and the basic norms of international relations, severely undermining the post-war international order, seriously violating the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, severely undermining the political foundation of China-Japan relations, and seriously hurting the feelings of the Chinese people. The 1.4 billion Chinese people will never agree to this!

Sun Weidong (孙卫东) emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests and is an inviolable red line and bottom line. Taiwan is China's sacred territory, and the Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affair. How to resolve the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no external interference. 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, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. Eighty years ago, the heroic Chinese people, after 14 years of bloody battles, defeated the Japanese aggressors. Eighty years later, today, anyone who dares to interfere in China's great cause of reunification in any form, China will surely meet them with a head-on blow! China once again urges Japan to deeply reflect on its historical crimes, immediately reflect on its mistakes and correct them, retract its egregious statements, and not go further and further down the wrong path, otherwise Japan must bear all the consequences.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Continues to Criticize Sanae Takaichi's Erroneous Remarks

On November 13th and 14th, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian (林剑), continuously criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's (高市早苗) erroneous remarks regarding Taiwan. Lin Jian (林剑) stated that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) recently made blatant and provocative remarks regarding Taiwan in the Diet, implying the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. After China expressed its solemn representations and strong protests, she remained obstinate and refused to retract her statements. China sternly warns Japan that it must deeply reflect on its historical crimes, immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs and making provocative and transgressive remarks, and not play with fire on the Taiwan issue, for those who play with fire will 玩火者必自焚 (wán huǒ zhě bì zì fén - "those who play with fire will burn themselves," those who cause trouble will suffer the consequences).

At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 13th, a reporter asked: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) recently made remarks about the possibility of China's mainland using force against Taiwan constituting a "survival-threatening crisis" for Japan. According to reports, Takaichi (高市早苗) insisted in her Diet response that the remarks were in line with the Japanese government's views and that she had no intention of withdrawing or canceling them. What is China's comment on this?

Lin Jian (林剑) stated that the aforementioned erroneous words and deeds of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) seriously violate the one-China principle, seriously violate the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and the basic norms of international relations, grossly interfere in China's internal affairs, challenge China's core interests, and infringe upon China's sovereignty. China firmly opposes and absolutely does not tolerate this. Japan must immediately correct its actions, retract its egregious remarks, or else it must bear all the consequences.

Lin Jian (林剑) said that 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, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. Japan once carried out colonial rule over Taiwan, committing countless crimes. Japanese militarism has historically used the so-called "survival crisis" as an excuse to launch external aggression on many occasions, including brazenly creating the September 18th Incident under the pretext of "exercising the right of self-defense," provoking the war of aggression against China, and bringing profound disasters to the people of Asia, including China, and even the world. Today, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) is once again mentioning the so-called "survival-threatening crisis." What exactly are her intentions? Does she want to repeat the mistakes of militarism? Does she want to once again become an enemy of the Chinese people and the Asian people? Is she attempting to subvert the post-war international order?

Lin Jian (林剑) stated that Taiwan is China's Taiwan. How to resolve the Taiwan issue and achieve national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any external forces. Japanese politicians' attempts to intervene in the Taiwan Strait affairs are not only a gross trampling on international justice and a blatant challenge to the post-war international order, but also a serious disruption to Sino-Japanese relations. If Japan dares to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait situation, it will constitute an act of aggression, and China will definitely meet it with a head-on blow! We will resolutely exercise the right of self-defense conferred by the Charter of the United Nations and international law, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 14th, a reporter asked: According to reports, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) recently avoided making a clear statement when asked in the Diet whether she would adhere to the "three non-nuclear principles." According to another report, regarding whether Japan should introduce nuclear-powered submarines, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno (木原稔) responded that he did not rule out any options. Defense Minister Kihara Minoru (小泉進次郎) stated that the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines should be seriously considered. In addition, there are reports that the Liberal Democratic Party (自民党) and the Japan Innovation Party (维新会) discussed amending Article 9 of the Constitution and creating emergency clauses on the 13th. What is China's comment on Japan's recent series of military and security moves?

Lin Jian (林剑) stated that China is seriously concerned about Japan's recent military and security moves. Japan proclaims itself a "peaceful nation" and promotes the establishment of a world without nuclear weapons, but the Takaichi (高市) administration's statement on the "three non-nuclear principles" is ambiguous and vague, implying the possibility of abandoning them. Japanese senior officials have even claimed that they do not rule out the introduction of nuclear submarines. These all fully expose a major negative shift in Japan's policy, sending a dangerous signal to the international community.

Lin Jian (林剑) said that during World War II, Japanese militarism launched a war of aggression, committing serious crimes against humanity and bringing profound disasters to the region and the world. In recent years, Japan has significantly adjusted its security policy, increased its defense budget year by year, relaxed restrictions on arms exports, and sought to develop offensive weapons, going further and further down the wrong path of strengthening its military. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) recently made blatant and provocative remarks regarding Taiwan, implying the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. This series of actions by Japan cannot but cause strong doubts and concerns among Asian neighbors and the international community: Has Japan really drawn a line with militarism? Does the Japanese government sincerely adhere to the principles of exclusive defense and the "three non-nuclear principles"? Will Japan continue to adhere to its commitment to peaceful development?

"We urge Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, adhere to the path of peaceful development, stop looking for excuses to expand its military, and take practical actions to gain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community," said Lin Jian (林剑).

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Taiwan Affairs Office: Japan and its ruling authorities are not qualified to make irresponsible remarks, let alone attempt to obstruct China's great cause of reunification.

This newspaper reported from Beijing on November 14th (Reporter Zhang Shuo (张烁)) Chen Binhua (陈斌华), spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (国务院台办), stated on the 14th that Taiwan is China's sacred territory, and the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair. Resolving the Taiwan issue and achieving the complete reunification of the motherland is a necessary requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the common aspiration of over 1.4 billion Chinese people. As for what method to adopt, it is entirely a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no interference from any external forces. Japan and its ruling authorities are simply not qualified to make unwarranted remarks, let alone make threatening statements and attempt to obstruct the great cause of China's reunification.

A reporter asked: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) recently stated that if mainland China uses force against Taiwan, it may constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. After China made solemn representations, she still falsely claimed that her remarks reflected the views of the Japanese government and had no intention of withdrawing or canceling them. What is your comment on this? Chen Binhua (陈斌华) made the above statement in response to the question.

He pointed out that Japan bears historical guilt to the Chinese people on the Taiwan issue. After the Sino-Japanese War, Japan forcibly occupied Taiwan and carried out half a century of colonial rule. During the period of Japanese occupation, the people of Taiwan suffered deeply, hundreds of thousands of compatriots were killed, and the people were reduced to "slaves without a country," with no political rights, freedom of belief, or cultural freedom. The mineral resources and people's livelihood materials of the island were frantically plundered. The crimes committed by the Japanese invaders in Taiwan are 罄竹难书 (qìng zhú nán shū - "exhaust bamboo write not," too numerous to record), and it is the darkest page in Taiwan's history. The entire Chinese military and civilians, including Taiwanese compatriots, fought bloody battles, defeated the Japanese militarist aggressors, won the great victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan, and restored Taiwan. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance and the restoration of Taiwan, instead of reflecting on the history of crimes and learning from the painful lessons, the Japanese side, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) instead threw out blatant remarks involving Taiwan with a vile attitude, attempting to intervene in the situation in the Taiwan Strait, deny the achievements of the victory of the War of Resistance, and challenge the post-war international order. The Chinese government and the Chinese people will never agree, never tolerate, and never condone this. If the Japanese side does not immediately correct its mistakes and retract its vile remarks, it must bear all the consequences arising therefrom. If it dares to intervene in the Taiwan issue by force, we will surely meet it head-on and resolutely crush it.

Chen Binhua (陈斌华) emphasized that the Taiwan issue concerns China's core interests and the national feelings of all Chinese people. We have the firm will, firm determination, and strong ability to crush all "Taiwan independence" separatist acts and external interference, and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. No matter how external forces make trouble, the historical trend that China will eventually be unified and must be unified is unstoppable. It is hoped that the vast number of Taiwanese compatriots will fully recognize the danger and harm of relevant acts, and work with us to safeguard the common home of the Chinese nation and safeguard the fundamental interests and safety and well-being of the Chinese nation.

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Vice Premier Liu Guozhong Visits Sierra Leone

Xinhua News Agency, Freetown, November 14th (Reporter Gao Jianfei (高剑飞)) From November 12th to 14th, Liu Guozhong (刘国中), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, visited Sierra Leone at the invitation of the government. During the visit, Liu Guozhong (刘国中) met with Sierra Leonean Vice President Jalloh (贾洛), and the two sides exchanged in-depth views on China-Sierra Leone relations and pragmatic cooperation.

Liu Guozhong (刘国中) asked Jalloh (贾洛) to convey President Xi Jinping's (习近平) cordial greetings to President Bio (比奥). He stated that President Xi Jinping (习近平) met with President Bio (比奥) twice last year, pointing out the direction for the development of China-Sierra Leone relations. China is willing to work with Sierra Leone to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate friendly mutual trust, and strengthen mutual support. The two sides should jointly make good use of the zero-tariff policy announced by President Xi Jinping (习近平) to promote the improvement of quality and efficiency in various fields, especially agricultural and fishery cooperation. This year marks the tenth anniversary of China's successful assistance to Africa in combating the Ebola epidemic. The two countries should continue to carry out cooperation in the field of medical and health care to better benefit the people. As developing countries, China and Sierra Leone should closely coordinate and cooperate in international affairs, actively implement global governance initiatives, and jointly defend international fairness and justice.

Jalloh (贾洛) conveyed President Bio's (比奥) sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping (习近平) and warmly welcomed the delegation's visit. He stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and China, political mutual trust has continued to deepen, and bilateral cooperation has achieved remarkable results. Sierra Leone appreciates China's selfless assistance during the Ebola epidemic, will firmly adhere to the One China principle, deepen cooperation with China in jointly building the "Belt and Road," and promote the continuous achievement of new results from the ten partnership programs of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

During the visit, Liu Guozhong (刘国中) also attended the China-Sierra Leone joint event commemorating the tenth anniversary of the successful fight against Ebola, the unveiling ceremony of the Sierra Leonean fishing wharf, and the China-Sierra Leone agricultural cooperation photo exhibition with Jalloh (贾洛).

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Building a More Prosperous, Secure, and Green Earth (International Forum)

By: 阿尔多·雷贝洛

China's green transition provides a practical model for global energy transformation and explores a feasible path for developing countries to balance environmental protection and economic growth.

The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is being held in Belém (贝伦), in the Brazilian Amazon (巴西亚马孙河流域), providing an important platform for Southern countries to showcase their achievements in green transition and jointly promote green development cooperation.

In addressing climate change and promoting green transition, China has become one of the most influential countries in the world. China has formulated and implemented long-term emission reduction plans, vigorously promoted the transformation of its energy structure, and actively developed new energy industries, which has not only significantly increased the proportion of clean energy in overall energy consumption, but also provided useful experience for global sustainable development.

China has built the world's largest wind power and photovoltaic installed capacity, promoted electric and hybrid vehicles on a large scale, and implemented large-scale land greening and desertification prevention and control projects to restore ecosystems and protect water sources and forests. This series of measures not only effectively reduces carbon emissions, but also creates new green industrial chains, innovation capabilities and employment opportunities. China's green transition provides a practical model for global energy transformation and explores a feasible path for developing countries to balance environmental protection and economic growth.

Brazil (巴西), which is also committed to green development, has also made long-term efforts in ecological civilization construction. Brazil is one of the countries with the richest ecological resources in the world, with the world's largest tropical rainforest, a huge freshwater reserve and the most potential biodiversity treasure house. Brazil is also one of the countries with the cleanest energy structure in the world. In 2024, approximately 88.2% of Brazil's electricity came from renewable energy, of which hydropower accounted for more than half, and wind and solar power generation also grew rapidly. The vast Amazon River (亚马孙河流域) basin not only has the world's largest rainforest, but also a huge natural energy factory, providing a solid foundation for Brazil to achieve green and low-carbon development.

Faced with the global climate change challenge, Brazil and China have achieved common progress through cooperation. For a long time, the two countries have adhered to equality and mutual benefit, and joint development, forming a natural partnership in addressing climate change, promoting green transition and promoting global sustainable development, and carrying out extensive cooperation in green finance, renewable energy, forest protection and other fields.

Both Brazil and China advocate that environmental protection and the right to development are not contradictory, but should complement each other. Both Brazil and China believe that economic growth and ecological protection can completely promote each other. In the Amazon region, a large number of people still face problems such as poverty, backward education, and insufficient infrastructure. The significance of green transition lies not only in protecting forests and rivers, but also in improving the quality of life of local people. Only by allowing the results of sustainable development to truly benefit the people can climate action win broader support and lasting momentum.

All countries in the world have the legitimate right to pursue prosperity and progress, and also shoulder the common responsibility of protecting the Earth. In Belém (贝伦), Brazil and China will prove through their respective efforts that a development model supported by technological innovation and based on fair cooperation can enable human society to share the future on a more prosperous, safe and green planet.

(The author is the former Speaker of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies)

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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam Meets with Li Shulei

This newspaper reported from Hanoi on November 14th (Reporter Yang Ye (杨晔)): On November 13th, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (越共) To Lam (苏林) met in Hanoi with Li Shulei (李书磊), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the Central Propaganda Department (中宣部), who was leading a CPC delegation to visit Vietnam.

Li Shulei (李书磊) conveyed the cordial greetings of General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) to To Lam (苏林). He said that General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) successfully visited Vietnam in April this year and jointly with General Secretary To Lam (苏林) outlined a new chapter in the construction of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Recently, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) and General Secretary To Lam (苏林) sent congratulatory letters to the 20th China-Vietnam Theoretical Seminar, pointing out the direction for deepening the exchange of experience in governance. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Vietnamese side to implement the important consensus of the two parties' General Secretaries, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties, deepen cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, news and publication, culture and tourism, youth and other fields, and promote the construction of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future to go deeper and more solid.

To Lam (苏林) asked Li Shulei (李书磊) to convey his sincere greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平), warmly congratulated the successful convening of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, highly praised China's economic and social development achievements, supported the four major global initiatives proposed by China, and said that the Vietnamese side always regards developing relations with China as a strategic choice and a top priority. Vietnam is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, consolidate the public opinion foundation of Vietnam-China friendship, and work together in the process of modernization.

During his visit to Vietnam, Li Shulei (李书磊) also met with Nguyen Xuan Thang (阮春胜), member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (越共) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and held talks with Trinh Van Quyet (郑文决), Secretary of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam (越共) Central Committee and Head of the Central Propaganda and Training Commission. He widely and deeply promoted the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and attended the 20th China-Vietnam Theoretical Seminar with the theme of "Socialist Road and Practice in the 21st Century" with Nguyen Xuan Thang (阮春胜) and delivered a keynote report.

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Global South Modernization Forum to be Held in Beijing

This newspaper reported from Beijing on November 14th (Reporter Xu Lingyuan (徐令缘)) The Global South Modernization Forum will be held in Beijing (北京) on November 21st. This forum is co-sponsored by the State Council Information Office (国务院新闻办公室), the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National Academy of Governance) (中央党校（国家行政学院）), the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (中国社会科学院), and Peking University (北京大学). With the theme of "Working Together Towards Modernization: Common Vision and Development Path," the forum will invite experts and scholars from home and abroad to conduct discussions and exchanges on major theoretical and practical issues in the modernization construction of Global South countries, aiming to promote better cooperation among Global South countries and continuously deepen and solidify the building of a human community with a shared future.

The forum will set up a main forum and 4 parallel forums, with main topics including China's poverty alleviation and the poverty reduction cause of the Global South, ecological environmental protection in the modernization process, traditional culture and modern life, and the Global South in a century of changes. It is expected that about 160 experts and scholars from social science research institutions, high-end think tanks, and universities at home and abroad will attend the forum. The forum will also hold supporting activities such as award selection, academic visits, think tank exchanges, and cooperative research.

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Photo Report

On November 14th, at the Damaiyu Port Area Wharf in Taizhou (台州), Zhejiang (浙江), more than 1,300 new energy vehicles began to be loaded onto a ship and will be exported to Vladivostok (符拉迪沃斯托克) in Russia (俄罗斯) aboard the "Golden Forest" vessel.

Photo by Sun Jinbiao (孙金标) (People's Vision)

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The 4th Sino-German High-Level Financial Dialogue to be held in Beijing

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 14th. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced on the 14th: After consultation between China and Germany, the fourth China-Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue will be held in Beijing (北京) on November 17th. He Lifeng (何立峰), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Premier of the State Council, and the Chinese lead of the China-Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue, will co-chair the dialogue with German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance, Lars Klingbeil (拉尔斯·克林拜尔), the German lead of the dialogue.

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The National Economy Continues a Steady and Progressive Development Trend (Authoritative Release)

By: 本报记者 刘志强 王云杉

"In October, production and demand grew steadily, employment and prices were generally stable, the transformation and upgrading trend continued, and the national economy continued its stable and progressive development." On November 14, at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office, Fu Linghui (付凌晖), spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics, chief economist, and director of the Department of Comprehensive Statistics of the National Economy, introduced the performance of the national economy in October 2025.

Overall View of Operations:

Production and Supply Continue to Grow, Market Sales Continue to Expand

At the meeting, Fu Linghui (付凌晖) introduced the main characteristics of economic operation in October.

Production and supply continue to grow. The agricultural production situation is good, the autumn grain area is steadily increasing, the yield per unit continues to increase, a bumper harvest of grain for the whole year is in sight, and the autumn and winter sowing is progressing smoothly overall. Industrial production is generally stable. In October, the added value of industries above designated size increased by 4.9% year-on-year.

Market sales continue to expand. The special action to boost consumption continues to be effective, the holiday economy has a significant driving effect, and retail sales of goods and services continue to grow. In October, the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 2.9% year-on-year, and sales of goods related to consumer goods trade-in maintained rapid growth.

The employment situation is generally stable. The national urban surveyed unemployment rate in October was 5.1%, a decrease for two consecutive months.

Prices have shown positive changes. The consumer price index has changed from a decline to an increase, and the decline in the ex-factory price of industrial producers has narrowed continuously. The effect of regulating market competition order has become apparent. In October, the prices of lithium-ion battery manufacturing and photovoltaic equipment and component manufacturing industries increased by 0.2% and 0.6% respectively month-on-month.

The transformation and upgrading trend continues. In October, the added value of high-tech manufacturing industries above designated size increased by 7.2% year-on-year, continuing to be faster than the growth of industries above designated size; from the perspective of exports, in the first 10 months, the export value of high-tech products increased by 7.3%.

Dialectical View of Changes:

Investment Structure is Optimizing, Potential is Still Huge

In the first three quarters, fixed asset investment decreased by 0.5% year-on-year, and decreased by 1.7% from January to October; in October, exports decreased by 1.1% year-on-year. How should we view these changes in economic operation?

"In the first 10 months, excluding price factors, fixed asset investment maintained a slight increase, and the physical workload of investment still increased." Regarding the investment situation, Fu Linghui (付凌晖) made an analysis:

The slowdown in investment growth is the result of the combined effect of many factors. From the perspective of investment entities, the external environment is complex and severe, domestic market competition is fierce, investment returns have declined, and market operating entities tend to be cautious in investment decisions. From a structural perspective, the adjustment of the real estate industry has a relatively obvious pulling effect on investment growth.

The growth rate of investment is slowing down, but the investment structure is optimizing, which is reflected in the continuous growth of manufacturing investment. From January to October, manufacturing investment increased by 2.7% year-on-year, faster than the overall investment, accounting for 25.6% of the total investment, an increase of 1.1 percentage points compared with the same period last year.

China's investment potential and space are still huge. From the perspective of industrial development, consolidating the foundation of the real economy and accelerating the cultivation and expansion of new quality productive forces require continuous increase in investment. From the perspective of regional development, promoting coordinated urban-rural and regional development, promoting urban renewal and renovation, and comprehensively revitalizing the countryside also require continuous increase in investment. From the perspective of people's livelihood security, investment in people's livelihood "shortcomings" such as education, medical care, housing, and basic public services still needs to be strengthened.

Looking Ahead to the Whole Year:

Achieving the Expected Annual Goals Has Many Favorable Conditions

Currently, we are entering the sprint stage to achieve the annual economic and social development goals. Judging from the data for the first 10 months, can the expected goals be achieved smoothly?

"Although economic operation still faces many risks and challenges, the supporting conditions and basic trends for China's long-term economic improvement have not changed, and there are many favorable conditions for achieving the expected annual goals," said Fu Linghui (付凌晖).

The economic operation is generally stable. Since the beginning of this year, China's economy has grown rapidly, employment and prices have been generally stable, and the balance of payments has been basically balanced, laying a solid foundation for achieving the annual goals.

Demand potential continues to be released. Market sales are steadily expanding, and tourism, cultural and sports activities, and online consumption continue to be active. In the next stage, strengthening the domestic cycle and promoting the domestic and international dual cycles will continue to exert efforts, which will help expand market space and further expand market demand.

New quality productive forces are being cultivated and strengthened. The manufacturing of intelligent products is growing well. In the first 10 months, the added value of intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing and intelligent vehicle-mounted equipment manufacturing increased by 54.7% and 25.5% year-on-year, respectively. The production of green materials has maintained rapid growth. In the first 10 months, the output of bio-based chemical fibers, carbon fibers and composite materials increased by 18.9% and 12.8% respectively.

Macro policies continue to be effective. Since the beginning of this year, more proactive and effective macro policies have been implemented at an accelerated pace, the "two major" and "two new" policies have been effective, and the construction of a unified national market has been advanced in depth, driving demand expansion and production increase, promoting economic circulation, and playing an important role in stabilizing the economy.

"In general, China's economic foundation is stable, it has many advantages, strong resilience, and great potential. There are many favorable factors supporting economic improvement, and it is expected to continue to maintain a stable and progressive development trend," Fu Linghui (付凌晖) believes.

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Strive to Fulfill Annual Goals and Tasks (Quick Commentary)

By: 刘志强

With the alternating seasons of spring and autumn, and the passing of cold and heat, we are about to conclude the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan." At this moment, it is especially necessary for all regions and departments to accurately implement the decision-making arrangements of the Party Central Committee and strive to complete the annual target tasks.

On the one hand, we must strengthen our confidence and maintain our focus. Since the beginning of this year, the economic operation has withstood pressure and made steady progress, laying a solid foundation for completing the annual target. The implementation and effectiveness of policies such as "two new (两新)" (new infrastructure and new urbanization), "two major (两重)" (major projects and major reforms), and boosting consumption have also demonstrated the effectiveness of macro-governance.

On the other hand, we must be proactive and redouble our efforts. At present, there are many unstable and uncertain factors in the external environment, and the pressure of domestic structural adjustment is relatively high, posing considerable challenges to the stable operation of the economy. With just over a month left until the end of the year, we must thoroughly implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee (党的二十届四中全会), do as much as we can, and jointly promote the quantitative increase and qualitative improvement of the Chinese economy.

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The Li River is More Beautiful, and Life is Even Better (There's a River in Front of My House)

By: 讲述人：广西桂林市阳朔县兴坪镇渔业居委会居民 黄高连

Guilin's (桂林) scenery is the best in the world, and my family has lived along the Li River (漓江) for generations, making a living by fishing. When I was about ten years old, my family responded to the call to settle ashore, and since then we have had a fixed house. From fishing to operating tourist boats and bamboo rafts... I am 67 years old this year, and I have spent most of my life dealing with the Li River (漓江).

The water of the Li River (漓江) is good, but in the past, the living standards of the people were not high, and they did not understand the importance of environmental protection. Domestic sewage was discharged directly into the Li River (漓江), and net cage fish farming, blasting fish, and electric fishing were common occurrences.

In recent years, Guilin City (桂林市), Guangxi (广西) has vigorously promoted the comprehensive整治工程 of the Li River (漓江), with full-basin protection and full-coverage treatment, and the quality of the Li River (漓江) scenic area has been comprehensively improved. The Li River Scenic Area Management Committee (漓江风景名胜区管理委员会) built a beautiful riverside path in our village. Sewage treatment pipes were laid under the path, which not only facilitated the lives of the villagers, but also improved the environment. Now many people walk and take pictures on this path, which has become a scene in our village.

I am an old party member and used to be a village cadre. I often pay attention to whether anyone is polluting the Li River (漓江). Two years ago, a B&B was being renovated and a lot of construction waste was piled up on the riverbank, so I went to remind them. The next day, they drove the garbage away. Nowadays, the town and village organize party members, cadres, and volunteers to carry out cleaning activities every year.

The government has also established a working mechanism for ecological assessment and rewards and subsidies, taking a portion of tourism revenue as ecological compensation to give back to the people along the river. This year, each person in the village can receive 1,200 yuan, and everyone is very happy.

Being able to receive dividends is still inseparable from the environmental protection of the Li River (漓江). The annual fishing ban is a "**硬规矩**" (yìng guī ju - "strict rule," a rule that must be followed), and my old partners have voluntarily collected their fishing nets to allow the fish in the Li River (漓江) to reproduce well, and the effect is very significant. For example, *Spinibarbus denticulatus*, which has high requirements for water quality, was rarely seen in the past, but has become more common in recent years.

From repairing river embankments to building ecological trails to sewage treatment, our area has taken on a new look. In 2024, the village received 1.1 million tourists, increasing the village's collective income by 2.6 million yuan. The occupancy rate of B&Bs and the number of tourists received by farmhouses have increased significantly, achieving a double increase in villagers' tourism business income and collective income.

The Li River (漓江) is our common wealth. If the Li River (漓江) is well protected, our rice bowls can be held more firmly.

(Reported by Zhu Jiaqi (祝佳祺), reporter of this newspaper)

[Reporter's Note]

At Huang Gaolian's (黄高连) home, you can see the green Li River (漓江) and picturesque green hills when you open the window. The interview was during the off-season for tourism, but the ferries were still busy. Many villagers along the Li River (漓江) have made a living from tourism by working as tour guides, operating tourist boats, running B&Bs, and opening restaurants.

From restoring ecology, promoting environmental protection, building ecological dams to patrolling and enforcing the law... Today's beautiful scenery and harmonious living environment along the coast come from the joint efforts and protection of various departments and villagers. Strict protection and dedicated guardianship are turning green waters and green mountains into gold and silver mountains.

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Provincial government vehicles are allocated to the grassroots level in this way (Practicing thrift and opposing waste)

By: 本报记者 申智林

"After a trip to the countryside to provide technical guidance on pollution prevention and control for livestock and poultry farmers, apply for a public vehicle." Near the end of the workday, Huang Anquan, a staff member of Chuanxing Township (船形乡) in Yanling County (炎陵县), Zhuzhou City (株洲市), Hunan Province (湖南省), drafted a report.

Although there is a policy of package reimbursement for grassroots official duties, vehicles are still a necessity. Chuanxing Township (船形乡) has a large administrative area, and vehicles are frequently needed for trips to the countryside. The only public vehicle in the township, which has traveled more than 160,000 kilometers, can only meet some of the necessary official travel needs of the entire township, even with full support.

"The township's old public vehicle has not yet returned from its mission." After receiving the report, He Xiaoli, the full-time deputy director of the township's Party Building and Administration Office, compared it with the vehicle dispatch list and regretfully informed Huang Anquan. Then, she changed the subject, "But there is another vehicle to provide you with support."

This surprised Huang Anquan somewhat—the township's newly added vehicle was a used public vehicle "淘" (táo - "淘," to dredge/search for) from the Hunan Provincial Public Property Warehouse (湖南省公物仓) in July of last year, filling the previously vacant vehicle quota in the township.

Why "淘"?

In recent years, Hunan Province (湖南省) has strictly controlled the expenditure of "Three Public Expenses" (三公经费) (sān gōng jīng fèi - "three public expenses," referring to expenses for official overseas trips, official vehicles, and official hospitality), and many places have not updated public vehicles or have only updated a very small portion. The phenomenon of old and high-mileage grassroots official vehicles operating under high loads has gradually become prominent.

"Most of the 68 vehicles on the Yanling County (炎陵县) public vehicle platform are old vehicles that have traveled more than 300,000 kilometers," Zhang Hongwu, director of the Yanling County (炎陵县) Government Affairs Service Center, counted. "To update and add new vehicles, a new car costs more than 100,000 yuan, which is a considerable burden on the county-level finance; the '淘' (táo - "淘," to dredge/search for) used public vehicles only require asset transfer and registration, and hardly add any new financial expenditure, so of course it is more cost-effective."

Where to "淘"?

A pickup truck that had only traveled 39,000 kilometers in 15 years—in July of last year, Hunan Province (湖南省) conducted a survey and cleanup of official vehicles in various departments and units directly under the province and found that the official vehicles originally purchased by a public institution were being used inefficiently. "After coordination, the unit voluntarily handed it over," said He Fang, director of the State-owned Assets Division of the Hunan Provincial Government Affairs Administration.

Since 2019, Hunan Province (湖南省) has gradually established a province-wide official vehicle management network. Using "big data + supervision," the idle and busy status and mileage of managed public vehicles are clear at a glance. The temporary overstaffing of official vehicles caused by institutional reforms, departmental mergers, and adjustments is also fully grasped. Ultimately, surplus vehicles enter the public property warehouse.

Relying on the public property warehouse system, Hunan Province (湖南省) has broken the restrictions that state-owned assets such as public vehicles are divided into different regions and levels, making it difficult to allocate them without barriers, and has realized the entire process of asset warehousing, allocation, and withdrawal online, thereby meeting the policy requirements that "provincial public vehicles" can be "淘" (táo - "淘," to dredge/search for) by counties and districts.

Who comes to "淘"?

Zhang Fang, director of the Anhua County (安化县) Government Affairs Service Center in Yiyang City (益阳市), recently picked up four used public vehicles for the county.

"In addition to collecting vehicle needs proactively reported by grassroots units, we use big data comparison to accurately grasp the service life, mileage data, and other indicators of existing official vehicles in various counties and districts. For some areas where public vehicles have been updated for a long time, the finances are relatively tight, and the existing vehicles are operating significantly overloaded, we will also proactively notify them and encourage them to come to the public property warehouse to '淘' (táo - "淘," to dredge/search for) vehicles," He Fang introduced.

In July of last year, Yanling County (炎陵县) "淘" (táo - "淘," to dredge/search for) six vehicles from the provincial public property warehouse in one go, and almost all of them were distributed to remote townships. This public vehicle that filled the vacancy in Chuanxing Township (船形乡) has been used for more than 200 days in the countryside in one year.

Data shows that in recent years, the Hunan Provincial Government Affairs Administration has allocated more than 190 vehicles to more urgently needed vehicle units through the province-wide public property warehouse, helping to conserve and efficiently utilize official vehicle resources.

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Photo Report

The special exhibition "For a Common Cause: From the Spanish Battlefield to the Chinese Anti-Japanese Battlefield" is on display at the Museum of the History of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党历史展览馆) from August to December. The exhibition takes the Spanish people's resistance against the German and Italian fascist aggression as its entry point, and the "common cause" of national independence and people's liberation as its main theme. It is the first time that the situations of the two battlefields of Spain and China are displayed in the same space, reflecting the great spirit of the people of the world fighting against fascism together. The exhibition is divided into four parts, exhibiting more than 260 pictures, more than 150 cultural relics and historical images.

The picture shows staff explaining to the audience at the special exhibition on November 14.

Xinhua News Agency (新华社) reporter Yin Gang (殷刚) photo

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The tired trope of badmouthing Hong Kong should stop!

By: 江忆初

For some time, individual Western countries have released various Hong Kong-related reports, falsely claiming that Hong Kong's prosperity has faded, disparaging Hong Kong's business environment, and smearing the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Hong Kong National Security Ordinance. However, the facts have severely slapped the faces of these Western countries with ulterior motives. Since the beginning of this year, Hong Kong has repeatedly reached new heights and continued to achieve excellent results in various international competitiveness rankings, leading the world in many fields, fully demonstrating its strong development momentum, and shattering conspiracies and lies with its strong strength and outstanding achievements.

Its status as an international financial center is solid. The Swiss Lausanne International Institute for Management Development released the "2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook," and Hong Kong's competitiveness ranking rose two places to third in the world. Among them, tax policies and commercial regulations both won the global crown, and the ranking of business efficiency jumped from seventh to second in the world. The 38th Global Financial Centers Index jointly released by the British Z/Yen Group and the China (Shenzhen) Comprehensive Development Research Institute showed that Hong Kong's overall score continued to rank third in the world and first in the Asia-Pacific region, and the gap with New York and London further narrowed, confirming Hong Kong's leading position and huge advantages as an international financial center. The Canadian Fraser Institute released the "World Economic Freedom 2025 Annual Report," and Hong Kong continued to be rated as the world's freest economy. Among the five major assessment items, the "International Trade Freedom" indicator continued to rank first, and the "Sound Money" and "Regulation" indicators both ranked third in the world.

Innovation and technology capabilities are among the global forefront. Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international innovation and technology center and has taken solid steps on the road to innovation. The World Intellectual Property Organization released the "2025 Global Innovation Index Report" in Hong Kong, and the "Shenzhen (深圳) - Hong Kong (香港) - Guangzhou (广州)" innovation cluster ranked first in the world for the first time. Hong Kong's innovation index rose three places to 15th among 139 economies in the world. In 2025, the total amount of scientific research funding in Hong Kong universities reached HK$18 billion, of which basic research funding accounted for 55%, higher than the global average level of universities.

The advantages of being a gathering place for international high-end talents are prominent. The Swiss Lausanne International Institute for Management Development released the "2025 World Talent Ranking," and Hong Kong jumped from ninth in the world in 2024 to fourth, the highest ranking in history, ranking first in Asia. The net talent inflow rate reached 18%, of which talents in the technology field accounted for more than 60%. Hong Kong's various talent programs have become important channels for attracting global high-end talents. Since 2022, various talent programs have received a cumulative total of more than 540,000 applications, of which 360,000 have been approved, and more than 240,000 have arrived in Hong Kong. The "Global Top Talent Program" is Hong Kong's flagship program to attract global top talents, attracting a number of internationally influential scientists and senior executives of internationally renowned technology companies, including 3 Nobel Prize winners and 5 academicians. Stanford University in the United States released the "2025 Global Top 2% Scientists" list, and 13 Hong Kong scholars were among the top ten in their respective disciplines worldwide. Five Hong Kong universities continued to be among the world's top 100 in the 2026 World University Rankings announced by the British Times Higher Education (THE), and the University of Hong Kong (香港大学) ranked first in Asia.

Behind the various rankings and data is the international community's high recognition and firm confidence in Hong Kong. Today's Hong Kong is still a fertile ground for global companies to invest and do business and a treasure land for international talents to live and work, attracting global resources to continuously converge, and its development prospects are bright. This vigorous vitality is rooted in the solid institutional foundation laid by "one country, two systems," benefits from the unique advantages of relying on the motherland and connecting with the world, and is also inseparable from the full support of the central government and the good governance of the Special Administrative Region government.

Institutional guarantees consolidate the foundation, and national security escorts prosperity. "One country, two systems" is like a Dinghai Shenzhen (定海神针) (dìng hǎi shén zhēn - "sea-pacifying needle," a metaphor for a pillar of strength or a stabilizing force), which is the best institutional arrangement to maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability. The central government cares about Hong Kong and has introduced a large number of measures to benefit Hong Kong. The country's "14th Five-Year Plan," the construction of the Guangdong (广东)-Hong Kong (香港)-Macao (澳门) Greater Bay Area, and the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" and other major strategies and initiatives have been implemented in depth, bringing huge opportunities and injecting continuous impetus into Hong Kong's development. The promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the entry into force of the Hong Kong National Security Ordinance have built a barrier for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security and escort Hong Kong's stable development and the well-being of its citizens.

Connecting inside and outside strengthens momentum, and building a platform gathers strength to promote win-win cooperation. Hong Kong is a "super connector" and "super value-added person" connecting the mainland and the world. As a long-established international financial, shipping, and trade center, Hong Kong's freedom and openness are the best in the world, its business environment is world-class, and its legal system is mature and complete. The International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong officially opened, becoming the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, which will help Hong Kong build a "mediation capital." Organizations such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank have set up offices in Hong Kong, demonstrating Hong Kong's global attractiveness and influence, making this hot land an important platform for cooperation and win-win results.

Active governance draws a blueprint, and the people's hearts are united to create a new situation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is responsible and enterprising, and optimizes public services, deepens economic reforms, and promotes economic and social development through a number of governance measures. Not long ago, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee (李家超) delivered his fourth policy address, putting forward a series of policies and measures around the two main axes of economy and people's livelihood. A public opinion survey published by the Sing Tao Daily (星岛日报) showed that most Hong Kong citizens believe that the current government listens to public opinion, is active and promising, dares to take responsibility, has team spirit, and has high adaptability, and the satisfaction of the Chief Executive and the Special Administrative Region government has increased year by year.

Let him turbid waves rise into the air, I will flow to the sea from Hong Kong. The Western slander and lies attempt to cover Hong Kong with a veil of dust, but they do not know that she was born in the waves and grew up in the long wind. No conspiracy or dark waves can stop this pearl of the Orient from blooming its new era glory. Hong Kong is like a vibrant hub, tightly connecting the development potential of the vast hinterland of the motherland with one hand, and pulling up the infinite opportunities of the world market with the other. Accelerating its integration into the overall national development will surely continue to brave the wind and waves in the global development wave and create a new situation of moving from governance to prosperity.

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Song Tao meets with Zhang Ronggong and his delegation.

This newspaper reported from Shanghai on November 14th (Reporter Jiang Hongbing (姜泓冰)) Song Tao (宋涛), Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with a delegation led by Chang Jung-kung (张荣恭), Vice Chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, in Shanghai on the 14th.

Song Tao (宋涛) stated that General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) congratulatory message to Ms. Cheng Li-wen (郑丽文) on her election as Chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang has pointed out the direction for the future development of relations between the two parties and across the Taiwan Strait. We are willing to work with the Chinese Kuomintang on the common political basis of adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence," resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism, resolutely thwart provocations and plots by Japan and any other external forces to intervene in Taiwan Strait affairs and interfere in China's internal affairs, strengthen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, safeguard the common home and fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, advance the great cause of national reunification, and work together to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Chang Jung-kung (张荣恭) stated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are descendants of the Yanhuang Emperors and belong to the Chinese nation, sharing common blood ties, culture, and historical origins, and are both upright Chinese people. The affairs of both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be resolved by the two sides themselves. It is hoped that the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China will strengthen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation on the existing common political basis of adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence," promote peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, seek the greatest well-being for the people on both sides of the Strait, and open up a more magnificent future for national rejuvenation.

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What New Measures Are in Store to Improve the Quality of Rural Roads? (Policy Q&A: Addressing Concerns)

By: 本报记者 韩 鑫

Reader Concerns:
In recent years, the rural roads near our homes have become increasingly smooth and wide. Will the good road conditions be maintained in the future? Will there be further upgrades and improvements?

The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal states: "Accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, and steadily promote the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside," and "Accelerate the efforts to address the shortcomings in modern living conditions in rural areas and create high-quality living spaces in the countryside." When roads are open, all industries prosper. Continuously promoting the high-quality development of rural roads and accelerating the integration of urban and rural transportation are strong guarantees for consolidating and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation and promoting the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside.

In recent years, China has continued to promote the construction of "Four Goods Rural Roads" (四好农村路), which has strongly supported the modernization of agriculture and rural areas. By the end of 2024, the total mileage of rural roads in China exceeded 4.64 million kilometers, achieving hardened roads in approximately 30,000 townships and more than 500,000 administrative villages. In the first three quarters of this year, the country completed the new construction and renovation of 75,000 kilometers of rural roads, with fixed asset investment in rural roads reaching 275.34 billion yuan.

"The current and coming period is a critical period for promoting the high-quality development of 'Four Goods Rural Roads.' The development of rural roads is gradually entering a new stage where incremental, precise, and orderly construction is equally important as stock renewal, quality improvement, and efficiency enhancement," said a relevant person in charge of the Ministry of Transport (交通运输部).

From the perspective of increment, according to the deployment of the "Medium and Long-Term Development Outline for Rural Roads," more than 300,000 kilometers of rural roads will be newly built by 2035, and the total mileage will stabilize at around 5 million kilometers. The overall pace of incremental construction is slowing down, requiring that rural road construction must be precise and orderly to better adapt to village layout and population migration needs.

From the perspective of stock, the number of new construction tasks is gradually decreasing, and the proportion of maintenance, management, and operation is relatively increasing. Taking maintenance as an example, about 184,000 kilometers of rural roads nationwide are in poor technical condition, and 1.794 million kilometers of rural roads have been in use for more than 15 years. Entering a concentrated maintenance period, there is a lot of room for stock renewal, renovation, and upgrading.

Where is the focus of the new round of renovation and upgrading?

Optimize and improve the highway network. To improve the increment, for areas where rural roads undertake the function of backbone road networks, combine with the actual situation and build external fast channels connecting townships and major economic nodes according to the construction standards of tertiary or higher-level highways; to optimize the stock, accelerate the implementation of old highway renovation, widening of narrow rural roads, and construction of passing bays.

Effectively strengthen safety guarantees. Focus on promoting the renovation of dangerous and old bridges on rural roads, accelerate the implementation of rural road safety life protection projects, and carry out safety renovation of accident-prone and frequently occurring at-grade intersections. Strengthen operational safety, increase the protection of rural road property rights and road rights, and strengthen the management of vehicle overloading.

Comprehensively strengthen maintenance quality. On the one hand, accelerate the resumption of work on suspended and delayed projects that meet the conditions and the start of new construction and renovation projects, and implement road maintenance and renewal tasks by category; on the other hand, increase investment in maintenance funds, with the annual maintenance project ratio of rural roads being no less than 5% and the maintenance rate reaching 100%.

Solidly improve transportation quality. Focusing on passenger transport, accelerate the process of urban and rural passenger transport becoming public transportation, strengthen the charging and battery swapping service guarantee for rural roads, and promote the integration of transportation and tourism with "fast entry and slow travel"; focusing on freight transport, improve the rural passenger-cargo-mail integrated development service system, encourage various regions to explore new models such as adding convenient channels between highway service areas and rural roads, and promote the deep integration of logistics and industry.

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First Edition Editors: Yang Xu, Zhang Shuaizhen, Zhang Yujie; Second Edition Editors: Yin Xinyu, Lü Li, Guo Xueyan; Third Edition Editors: Han Xiaoming, Jiang Bo, Li Anqi; Fourth Edition Editors: Bai Zhiyu, Liu Nian, Yang Shuobi

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Vibrant Greater Bay Area: Full of Tech (National Games in Focus)

The main torch presented in the form of electric light, water, and mist is "burning fiercely," security robots intelligently patrol, digital humans provide real-time explanations of events, and athletes receive high-precision technical diagnoses... The 15th National Games, which is in full swing, has become a "showcase" for technological innovation in the Greater Bay Area.

This National Games focuses on integrating the latest technological products and innovative technologies into the entire chain and process of hosting the Games. More than 130 high-tech products cover four major areas: "Technological Brilliance Opening, Smart Venues, Event Support, and Technological Assistance for the Disabled," presenting a strong technological style.

Smart Venues Empower Wonderful Events

Not long ago, some of the men's football U18 group matches of the 15th National Games were held at the Bao'an Sports Center (宝安体育中心) in Shenzhen (深圳市), Guangdong Province (广东省). Players competed fiercely on the green field, and the cheers of the audience were louder than ever. Behind the excitement is the "smart brain" that precisely dispatches the entire venue to ensure the smooth operation of the event.

Walking into the smart command center of the Bao'an Sports Center (宝安体育中心), key information such as the operating status and energy consumption data of 9,873 devices jumps in real time on the huge data visualization screen. "This is a visualization command system specially built for the National Games," said Wang Jun (王俊), Minister of the Venue Operation Department of the Bao'an District Public Culture and Sports Service Center (深圳市宝安区公共文化体育服务中心场馆运营部部长). The venue has built a highly simulated digital twin operation center to realize unified scheduling, real-time monitoring, and intelligent early warning of key elements such as equipment, energy, and security throughout the venue.

Among the 75 competition venues in the Guangdong (广东) competition area of the 15th National Games, more than 90% have been upgraded and transformed from existing venues. Cutting-edge technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), big data, and cloud computing are deeply embedded in the construction of smart venues, which not only rejuvenates the old venues, but also ensures more efficient and smooth operation of various events.

Focusing on smart National Games, Guangdong Mobile (广东移动) continues to promote 5G-A upgrades for key venues, deploys 3CC (three-carrier aggregation) technology on a large scale, and fully meets the needs of event live broadcasts and high-definition sharing by audiences; at the same time, focusing on cross-border event projects, it pilots the application of "cluster communication" technology that can roam in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao (粤港澳), realizing real-time intercom in three places with one terminal, and efficiently coordinating competition organization, security, medical care, transportation and other teams.

In the Kai Tak Sports Park (启德体育园) in Hong Kong (香港), 4 "National Games AI Volunteers" are providing guidance services to the audience. This smart device, developed by the Hong Kong Digital Policy Office (香港数字政策办公室) specifically for the National Games, has the ability to communicate in Mandarin, English and Cantonese, and can update National Games information in real time. Since the start of the Games, they have handled more than a thousand inquiries and have become a powerful assistant to venue services.

According to Pan Yongquan (潘永权), Director of the Macao (澳门) Competition Area Preparatory Office, all venues in Macao (澳门) have fully updated the scoring system and instant communication system, accurately realizing the synchronous display and timely broadcast of the competition field, venue large screen, news center, etc., to further optimize the viewing experience.

On the arena, the AI live broadcast camera automatically tracks trajectories, captures highlights, and counts data, becoming a precise assistant to the referee; in the gymnasium, the "Sky Eye Network" composed of AI cameras can predict the risk of crowd gathering 15 minutes in advance and automatically formulate emergency evacuation plans... The application of new technologies has changed the operation and maintenance model of traditional sports venues, and promoted event support from relying on experience to data-driven precision, visualization, and intelligent management.

Technology Helps Cities to be Safe and Smooth

During the 15th National Games, the outer walls of nearly a hundred urban volunteer service stations in Guangzhou (广州) were brushed with a layer of micro-nano passive cooling coating. This technology from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Fok Ying Tung Research Institute (香港科技大学霍英东研究院) can cool the wall surface by relying on the material itself, and it is expected to greatly reduce conventional refrigeration electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

The autonomous driving that shined during the torch relay is also effectively ensuring the operation of the city. Ms. Wang (王女士), a resident of Tianhe District (天河区), Guangzhou (广州), took her granddaughter to watch the game and took a Didi (滴滴) autonomous driving vehicle on the way, and truly felt the charm of the technology National Games. "The steering wheel turns by itself, the whole process is stable, and obstacle avoidance, turning, and lane changing are very smooth." After getting off the car, Ms. Wang (王女士) praised.

As a Guangzhou (广州) urban partner, Didi Autonomous Driving (滴滴自动驾驶) provides autonomous driving travel services around key places such as sports venues and media centers in Guangzhou (广州) during the 15th National Games and the Special Olympics. "The vehicle is equipped with a self-developed software and hardware system, which can achieve multi-layer safety redundancy and provide passengers with multiple safety guarantees," said the relevant person in charge of Didi Autonomous Driving (滴滴自动驾驶).

During the National Games, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (香港入境处) set up a total of 16 exclusive self-service channels at designated immigration control points. Relevant personnel can pass through customs by swiping their faces, and it only takes about 7 seconds to complete immigration inspection procedures. The relevant person in charge of the Hong Kong Immigration Department (香港入境处) said that they will summarize this experience, evaluate the feasibility of implementing facial recognition technology, and study the introduction of more immigration measures to facilitate travelers.

Macao (澳门), which is also hosting the National Games and the International Grand Prix, is also operating in an orderly manner. "Technology empowers the traffic command system, and smart traffic police are online at all times to ensure that abnormal road conditions can be resolved under the on-site guidance of traffic police as soon as possible," said the relevant person in charge of the Traffic Department of the Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特区) Public Security Police Bureau.

Promotion of Achievements Benefits Industry and People's Livelihood

The 5G-A humanoid robot torchbearer "Kuafu" (夸父) completed the 100-meter relay task; 3 humanoid robots held mallets and accurately struck the "Bronze Gouyi" (青铜句鑃)... When people were still amazed by the "unique skills" shown by humanoid robots on the stage, they have entered factories and workshops and people's lives, and are accelerating their "employment" in real scenarios.

Leju Robot (乐聚机器人) has delivered its 100th full-size humanoid robot to BAIC Off-road Vehicle (北汽越野车), and has also won orders from many well-known car companies; Ubtech (优必选) is targeting handling, sorting, and intelligent picking links, and related products have entered Geely Automobile (吉利汽车), BYD (比亚迪), SF Express (顺丰) and other factory training; Zhongqing Robot (众擎机器人) plans to land in handling, logistics and other scenarios in the next two years, and will deliver 3,000 robots next year.

Show technology during the competition and leave industry after the competition. The various innovative technologies displayed at the 15th National Games originate from the strong technological industry support of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区). One high-tech achievement after another is accelerated to land and apply through practical testing, and continues to serve urban construction and industrial development in close connection with daily new needs and collision and fission.

Intelligent bionic hands use brain-computer combination and other technologies to help people with limb disabilities regain "as easy as an arm"; AI visual impairment glasses integrate edge computing and other technologies to help visually impaired people perceive the environment and plan routes in real time... "We will incorporate these assistive technology products into the construction standards of barrier-free cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区) to let the concept of 'National Games for All' take root," said Chen Xuejun (陈学军), Deputy Secretary-General of the Special Olympics Organizing Committee and Chairman of the Guangdong Disabled Persons' Federation (广东省残联理事长). When technology has temperature and innovation is grounded, it can truly become a force for promoting social progress.

The intelligent security system tailored for the 15th National Games can be applied to airports, railway stations, large commercial complexes and other scenarios with a little modification; the health monitoring technology developed for athletes can be quickly transformed into consumer-grade health products to serve a wider range of people; the digital twin platform that accurately replicates the venues will also become a valuable legacy indispensable for smart city operation. "'Hosting events, revitalizing industries, and benefiting people's livelihood' are the core goals of this technology empowerment of the National Games," said Wu Shiwen (吴世文), Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology (广东省科技厅副厅长). More than 130 technological products have comprehensively constructed a complete closed loop of "demand-driven - technology research and development - scenario verification - industrial transformation."

(He Linping (贺林平), Fu Zimei (富子梅), Li Xia (李霞), Li Gang (李刚), Wang Xing (王星), Liu Senjun (刘森君))

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"Hoping our efforts will add color to the event."

By: 本报记者 李 霞 富子梅

During the 15th National Games, Hong Kong formed a volunteer team of over 16,000 people, including over 1,000 youth volunteers aged 15 to 17; Macao also formed a volunteer team of over 3,500 people. Approximately 20,000 Hong Kong and Macao volunteers, with great enthusiasm, were active inside and outside the venues, becoming an important support for the operation of the Games.

At the entrance of the Kai Tak Sports Park (啟德體藝館) in Hong Kong, volunteer Chen Hongquan (陈宏权) was busy guiding athletes into the venue, behaving in a standard and polite manner. Chen Hongquan (陈宏权) works for a listed company in Hong Kong and volunteered for the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. He told reporters: "In order to better serve the Games, I participated in many online and offline training sessions, hoping to let athletes from all over the world feel the enthusiasm and professionalism of Hong Kong volunteers."

At the volleyball venue of the East Asian Games Dome (東亞運動會體育館) in Macao, volunteer Zhou Tingting (周婷婷) was leading the audience in viewing interactions and enlivening the atmosphere of the venue. She said that although she had participated in many volunteer services before, the volunteer service work of the 15th National Games still made her feel excited, "The audience in the women's volleyball venue is very enthusiastic and cooperative, which makes me feel very accomplished."

Lu Yukai (卢毓凯), 25, is the team leader of the event volunteer group for the men's handball competition at the Kai Tak Sports Park (啟德體育園) in Hong Kong. He shuttles through various areas of the venue, communicating work details with other volunteers from time to time. "Volunteer service requires teamwork and collaboration. I hope our efforts can add color to the Games," said Lu Yukai (卢毓凯).

The Hong Kong competition area volunteer program conducted open recruitment from July to November last year, with approximately 32,000 people submitting applications, of which approximately 2,000 were young people aged 15 to 17. According to Li Bojun (黎伯均), Project Director of the Hong Kong Volunteers Association (香港志愿者協會), the collaborating organization of the 15th National Games Hong Kong competition area volunteer program, over 200 social groups, institutions, government departments, etc., actively responded during this volunteer recruitment process, which has also become the largest volunteer activity in Hong Kong's history.

Li Bojun (黎伯均) said that the Hong Kong volunteer team covers people aged 15 to 85, including experienced elders with a heart for their country, as well as students and working youth who are in their prime and full of vigor, which fully reflects the concept of "National Games for All" (全民全運).

At the Main Media Center in the Macao competition area, volunteers from the University of Macau (澳門大學) are very busy. Some print competition schedules, some arrange interview matters for reporters, and some introduce Macao's unique culture to reporters from all over the world. "This work is trivial and hard, but I enjoy it," said volunteer Li Yunshan (李韵珊).

The Macao competition area attaches great importance to volunteer service work and has publicly recruited volunteers twice. Among the volunteers selected this time, there are college students, sports workers, as well as experienced social workers who are active in the community, and enthusiastic elders. They are an indispensable force in the organization of the Games.

It is worth mentioning that the youth volunteers in the Hong Kong competition area are also the youngest volunteer team in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao competition area. Different from the adult volunteers, their volunteer service can be summarized as a "learning + exercise" model. In the early stage of the Games, they mainly follow other groups of volunteers to visit and learn, and then they are divided into different groups to carry out volunteer services together with adult volunteers.

Ke Lan (柯岚), Deputy Director of the Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games and Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government (澳門特區政府社會文化司司長), said that volunteers not only provide various services, but also promote the knowledge of the National Games and create an atmosphere for the National Games in their contact with audiences, tourists, and residents, which expands the influence of the Games.

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Hoping Chinese Track Cycling Will Go Faster (National Games and Me)

By: 鲍珊菊

The sound of the bell rings, and the atmosphere of the competition is tense. At the Hong Kong Velodrome (香港单车馆), I once again stepped onto the National Games (全运会) arena, very happy, and the result was also ideal. In the women's team sprint and 250-meter time trial events in track cycling, I successfully defended my titles as desired.

This is my third National Games (全运会) journey. I clearly remember that I only got sixth place when I participated in the National Games (全运会) for the first time. At that time, I thought that I must win a National Games (全运会) gold medal after practicing for so many years. It is with this kind of striving spirit that my competition results have steadily improved. I not only reached the top twice in the 14th National Games (十四运会), but also entered the Tokyo Olympics and won the gold medal in the women's team sprint.

In track cycling, I am considered a veteran. Although I have more experience, it is difficult to say that I am calm. Now, many excellent young athletes have emerged in this project, many of whom were born after 2005 and are particularly motivated. In the National Games (全运会) arena, "dark horses" often appear, so I feel a lot of pressure during the preparation process.

The competition was indeed very fierce. The young players had no burden and performed very well. As the defending champion, my performance in the team competition on the first day was not good. After the game, I suffered from insomnia for a while. In the 250-meter time trial, the coach kept encouraging me, which rekindled my fighting spirit. Therefore, this individual gold medal belongs to the Henan Team (河南队) collective.

The echelon of the Chinese women's track cycling sprint group is relatively complete. In the early stages of my career, I took Gong Jinjie (宫金杰), Zhong Tianshi (钟天使) and other seniors as role models, and I was not afraid of hardship or fatigue when encountering difficulties and injuries. Now, various places are constantly sending excellent talents to help the project complete the transition between the old and the new, and many of them are more outstanding than I was back then. Luo Shuyan (骆书艳), a 19-year-old in our team, has only been practicing this project for about 4 years, but she has already shown great talent. In the team sprint, she led my two older sisters, Guo Yufang (郭裕芳) and I, to win the championship. I look forward to more excellent young players emerging in the National Games (全运会) and making Chinese track cycling sprint faster.

(The author is a cycling athlete of the Henan Delegation (河南代表团) to the 15th National Games, interviewed and compiled by Wang Liang (王亮), reporter of this newspaper)

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Can you tell the difference between these cycling events? (Quick Guide to the National Games)

On November 14th, the 15th National Games track cycling event concluded with 3 gold medals awarded at the Hong Kong Velodrome (香港单车馆). In this National Games, the cycling events are generally divided into road cycling, track cycling, and mountain biking, which have very different requirements for athletes' technical abilities and competition venues.

Road cycling races have the longest distances, often exceeding one hundred kilometers. Riders need to cope with challenges such as physical fitness, slopes, and weather. Among them, wind resistance is particularly critical, so the tactical arrangement of "wind breaking" is an important factor affecting performance. Common events include criterium, individual time trial, and road race.

Track cycling takes place on a specially built oval-shaped bowl-shaped track, pursuing extreme sprints and testing explosive power. The track for the event is steep, conducted indoors, and the pace of the competition is tight, making it highly watchable. Common events include sprint and team sprint.

Mountain biking takes place on rugged natural or artificial cross-country tracks, with the main challenge being to cope with complex terrains such as steep slopes, rocks, sharp turns, and mud. The most popular event is cross-country, which is racing on a designated number of laps, testing the technical stability of the riders.

(Reported by Wang Liang (王亮), this newspaper)

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Follow the 15th National Games and Check In

By: 本报记者 曾华锋

"Mom, look, that's the 'Little Waist'!" During the 15th National Games, on a cruise ship touring the Pearl River at night in Guangzhou (广州市), Guangdong (广东), Hebei (河北) tourist Zhu Ziyun (朱紫云) held up her phone, excitedly video chatting with her family. The cruise ship moved slowly forward, "brushing shoulders" with the towering Canton Tower (广州塔). The "Pearl River's Shell," the Liede Bridge (猎德大桥), approached from afar, and hundreds of tourists on board were immersed in a world of light and shadow.

Zhu Ziyun (朱紫云) enjoys traveling. This time, she took advantage of her annual leave to come on a 15th National Games trip. On November 9th, she went to the Shenzhen Pingshan Sports Center (深圳坪山体育中心) to watch rhythmic gymnastics. "This is a very watchable event. The athletes dance gracefully, giving me a strong visual impact." After watching the competition, Zhu Ziyun (朱紫云) cycled along Shennan Avenue (深南大道), stopped at Window of the World (世界之窗), watched the tide at Shenzhen Bay (深圳湾), and then went straight to Guangzhou (广州).

At the Dashatou Wharf (大沙头游船码头) in Guangzhou (广州), the "Guangfu Night Market" gathers Lingnan handicrafts, intangible cultural heritage delicacies, and exquisite cultural creations, overflowing with the vibrant atmosphere of a thousand-year-old commercial capital. In the National Games licensed merchandise retail stores and Guangfu souvenir shops, tourists purchase the 15th National Games mascots "Xiyangyang" and "Lerongrong," as well as distinctive badges, refrigerator magnets, and other cultural and creative products.

"You can also come and paint." In Yongqingfang (永庆坊), Liwan District (荔湾区), Guangzhou (广州), the operator of a Guangcai (广彩) intangible cultural heritage store picked up a paintbrush and a plate, warmly greeting tourists. Zhang Xin (张欣), who came to Guangzhou (广州) from Beijing (北京) with her daughter, took the paintbrush and painted on the plate with great interest. "I did some research beforehand and knew that this is Guangzhou's (广州) first intangible cultural heritage block, with multiple intangible cultural heritage projects." Zhang Xin (张欣) said that they would then head to Zhuhai (珠海) to watch the National Games tennis competition.

The Shantou (汕头) competition area of ​​this National Games hosted surfing and other events, fully demonstrating Shantou's (汕头) achievements in integrating marine resource advantages with cultural, sports, and tourism development. The holding of the event also stimulated the creative enthusiasm of literary and art workers. Chen Xiaoyan (陈小燕), the representative inheritor of Chaozhou (潮阳) paper-cutting, a national-level intangible cultural heritage project, specially created the paper-cut "Flowers Bloom Under the Basket" for the National Games, which was praised by the audience.

In addition to watching the games, tourists are also keen to check in at famous attractions in various places and taste Lingnan cuisine. The event traffic has been transformed into a tourism increment in the Greater Bay Area. The person in charge of a travel agency in Guangdong Province (广东省) introduced that the number of tourist groups from other provinces to Guangdong (广东) has increased significantly recently, with itineraries mostly lasting 4 to 7 days.

"My parents have never been to Hong Kong (香港) or Macau (澳门), so this time we signed up for a 7-day tour of Guangdong (粤), Hong Kong (港), and Macau (澳)." Li Shiming (李世明), a tourist from Kunming (昆明), Yunnan (云南), said, "We also bought tickets for the National Games fencing competition in Hong Kong (香港) and the table tennis competition in Macau (澳门). We are watching all the way and enjoying the National Games time."

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Editor in Charge for This Edition: Lin Lin, Gao Ji, Cheng Huan

Layout Design: Wang Zheping (汪哲平)

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Technology changes life, innovation wins the future.

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Strengthening Science Popularization, Building the Foundation for Development

By: 赵婷婷

General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out: "Scientific and technological innovation and scientific popularization are the two wings for achieving innovative development. We must place scientific popularization in a position of equal importance to scientific and technological innovation. Without a universal improvement in the scientific literacy of the entire population, it will be difficult to establish a vast, high-quality innovation army and to achieve the rapid transformation of scientific and technological achievements."

This September marks the first National Science Popularization Month since the implementation of the newly revised "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Promotion of Science and Technology." The China Association for Science and Technology (中国科学技术协会), together with 34 member units of the National Science Literacy Program Implementation Working Office, organized a series of activities under the theme of "Science and Technology Changes Life, Innovation Wins the Future" to build a large-scale, broadly collaborative, and high-quality science popularization service system. Various regions and departments organized more than 500,000 activities, with more than 200,000 science popularization entities actively participating and more than 3 million science and technology workers providing science popularization services.

Highlighting value leadership and playing the melody of the times. Various regions and departments, using science popularization practices as a carrier, deeply publicized and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) series of important discourses on scientific and technological innovation and science popularization, held science and technology achievement exhibitions and special report meetings, and carried out a series of thematic activities such as the Scientists' Spirit Blooming in Campus Action, Chinese Scientists in the War of Resistance Against Japan, the Scientists' Spirit Shining in Hong Kong (香江), and ideological and political lessons in science and technology museums, to promote the spirit of scientists and the spirit of science, and help accelerate the construction of a strong country in science and technology.

Tracking the forefront of science and technology and showcasing the charm of science and technology. A large number of universities, research institutes, key laboratories, and major scientific facilities are open to the public. More than 1,000 university Spark Science and Technology Museums are open to the public. 46 central enterprise science associations, 96 enterprise science association federations, and 225 national-level science and technology park science associations carried out more than 4,000 open activities. Various science and technology venues and more than 100 national societies carried out differentiated and inclusive frontier science popularization, extensively carrying out frontier science popularization for groups such as leading cadres, entrepreneurs, young science and technology workers, and university students, stimulating the whole society's attention and enthusiasm for science and technology.

Creating high-quality demonstrations and leading the trend of science popularization. Various regions and departments actively publicized and promoted excellent science popularization works, science and technology cases, science popularization experts, and science popularization positions, and focused on launching new science popularization brands and new models to drive innovation and improvement in science popularization work. The main venue activities of the National Science Popularization Month brought together more than 100 rich and colorful exhibitions and activities, and launched a series of "first set, first batch, first edition" science popularization innovation exhibits for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, driving the innovative development of science popularization work. "Science Popularization China" (科普中国), in conjunction with all parties, created the "Light of Science Popularization - First 30-Day Large-scale Online Exhibition" and "2025 Science Popularization China in Action," reaching more than 1.6 billion people, panoramically showcasing the scientific and technological innovation and science popularization achievements of various regions.

Demonstrating a people-centered approach and highlighting science popularization for the benefit of the people. Science popularization is deeply integrated with science fiction, culture, art, tourism, sports, and other fields. Science nights, science popularization markets, science popularization situational dramas, and "science popularization + intangible cultural heritage" activities are wonderful and diverse. Cloud live broadcasts, cloud museum visits, and short videos are widely used to enrich the spiritual and cultural life of the masses with diverse services. Various regions rely on party-mass service centers and new era civilization practice centers to create activities such as "science popularization classrooms at the doorstep," "mobile science popularization hundreds of counties and thousands of vehicles traveling thousands of miles," and "high-quality science and culture entering the border areas," going deep into grassroots and border areas to create a scientific, rational, civilized, and harmonious social atmosphere.

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What We See Through Science Popularization Month (Quick Commentary)

By: 陈世涵

From "Science Popularization Day" to "Science Popularization Month," it is a two-way commitment between the public's enthusiasm for scientific exploration and the country's emphasis on citizens' scientific literacy. What can we see through the first National Science Popularization Month?

Time expansion ignites enthusiasm for science popularization. More than 500,000 key activities are spread across the country, and more than 500 million people participated in the "Light of Science Popularization" activities... With activities throughout the month and themes every week, Science Popularization Month has turned a "one-day appointment" into "continuous companionship," providing a stage for more cutting-edge technologies to be displayed, and continuously cultivating a social atmosphere of loving and learning science.

The form is upgraded to cultivate an innovative culture. Offline, through digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, VR, and AR, hardcore technology is given a fun appearance to better showcase the beauty of science and technology; online, science popularization live broadcasts, sitcoms, and science talk shows are in full bloom, accurately covering more people. Diversified and interesting forms of communication have planted valuable seeds of exploring the frontier and pursuing innovation in the hearts of countless people, laying the foundation for cultivating high-quality innovative talents who can adapt to future social development.

Diverse subjects promote the spirit of scientists. When hundreds of academicians walk into the western region, when front-line scientific researchers tell stories of tackling key problems, when scientific research institutes open laboratories to display the scientific research process... Story-based and scenario-based science popularization methods shorten the distance between scientific researchers and the public, making the spirit of scientists and the spirit of science tangible and accessible.

The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal states: "Strengthen the popularization of science and technology, cultivate an innovative culture, and promote the spirit of scientists." We look forward to taking Science Popularization Month as a starting point to promote the resonance of science popularization and technological innovation, making the wings of science popularization more powerful, and letting the light of science illuminate the great power's journey.

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Editors for this section: Zhi Chunli, Chen Yuanyuan, Chen Shihan

Layout Design: Shen Yiling (沈亦伶)

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One Ticket, Multi-Day Trip: Boosting In-Depth Tourism (Perspective)

By: 本报记者

In recent years, the "one ticket, multiple days" system has been implemented in several scenic spots. With the purchase of one ticket, tourists can enter and exit the scenic area multiple times within a specified period, allowing for in-depth exploration.

"One ticket, multiple days" not only provides tourists with an in-depth experience but also drives comprehensive consumption in the scenic area and surrounding areas, including food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.

In addition to ticket reform, various regions also need to deeply explore local high-quality cultural resources and provide more distinctive cultural and tourism products with thematic, participatory, and engaging elements.

For a long time, most scenic spots in China have implemented a single-day ticket validity system, and tourists' itineraries are mostly concentrated on "one-day tours." In recent years, many tourist attractions have improved ticketing rules and implemented "one ticket, multiple days," meaning that after purchasing a ticket, tourists can visit the scenic spot multiple times within a specified period, meeting the needs of tourists for "overnight tours" and "in-depth tours."

What are the effects of various scenic spots' exploration of "one ticket, multiple days"? What role has it played in driving all-for-one tourism? The reporter visited multiple locations to find out—

From "Special Forces-style" Tourism to "Immersive" Roaming

"On the first day, we went to Dipo Pond (陡坡塘) to enjoy the waterfall scenery during the day and watch the immersive live-action drama 'Journey to the West Revisited' (《再回西游》) in the evening; on the second day, we took a sightseeing bus to the central scenic spot to experience the magnificence of Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树大瀑布); and finally, we went to Tianxing Bridge (天星桥) to see the uniqueness and beauty of the natural bonsai... Unlocking so many ways to play with just one ticket is well worth the trip!" Wang Yong (王勇), a tourist from Guangdong (广东), told reporters that this was the first time his family had visited Huangguoshu Scenic Area (黄果树景区) in Anshun (安顺), Guizhou (贵州), and his family praised the three-day, two-night trip.

Since February 2024, Anshun Tourism Group Co., Ltd. (安顺旅游集团有限公司) has implemented a "multi-day validity system for one ticket," extending the validity period of tickets for Huangguoshu Scenic Area, Dragon Palace Scenic Area (龙宫景区), Tianlong Tunbao Scenic Area (天龙屯堡景区), Getu River Scenic Area (格凸河景区), and other attractions to 10 days. "Within 10 days, you can enter and exit the scenic area an unlimited number of times, and the ticket price remains the same. Tourists can arrange their itineraries and explore the attractions they are interested in more flexibly and conveniently," said Shen Chen (沈忱), Deputy Manager of the Marketing Center of Anshun Tourism Group.

"In the past, when traveling, because tickets had time limits, we often had to check in like 'Special Forces'," Wang Yong admitted. Now that one ticket can be used for multiple days, even if there are temporary delays due to bad weather, the trip can be rescheduled in time, which significantly increases flexibility.

For some large-scale and content-rich scenic spots, it is difficult for tourists to deeply understand the scenic spot's heritage and value in one day. In recent years, the "one ticket, multiple days" system has been implemented in multiple scenic spots. Since September 2023, Lushan (庐山) in Jiangxi (江西) has implemented a "one ticket, multiple times, multiple days use system," allowing tourists to visit Lushan Central Scenic Area and the surrounding mountain scenic spots such as San Die Spring (三叠泉) and Bailudong Academy (白鹿洞书院) an unlimited number of times within 7 days from the date of entry. In March 2025, the General Office of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区文化和旅游厅) issued the "Implementation Plan for the 'One Ticket, Three-Day Use System' for National A-Level Tourist Attractions in Guangxi." According to the plan, in 127 national A-level tourist attractions in Guangxi (广西), tourists can enter the same scenic spot multiple times within 3 days after purchasing a ticket. In Huangshan Scenic Area (黄山风景区) in Anhui (安徽), "one ticket, multiple days" has been implemented for many years. Qian Jin (钱进), Deputy General Manager of the Landscape Development Branch of Huangshan Tourism Development Co., Ltd. (黄山旅游发展股份有限公司), introduced that Huangshan Scenic Area launched the "Second Entry to the Mountain" policy in 2000, allowing tourists to enter the scenic area a second time within 3 days after ticket inspection. In 2025, the "Second Entry to the Mountain" was upgraded to "Multiple Entries to the Mountain," allowing tourists to enter and exit Huangshan Scenic Area multiple times within 3 days after purchasing a ticket, making it more convenient to choose different tour routes and times.

In Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (周庄古镇) in Suzhou (苏州), Jiangsu (江苏), "one ticket" can even last a "lifetime." The person in charge of the Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Scenic Area Ticketing Center introduced that in April 2025, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town launched the "One-Time Ticket Purchase, Lifetime Free" policy, allowing tourists to enjoy lifetime unlimited entry rights after purchasing a full-price ticket and registering with their valid ID card. "Zhouzhuang has a crisscrossing water system and dense streets and alleys, and single-day tours often leave tourists in the dilemma of 'crowding to see popular attractions and not having time to visit niche streets and alleys.' Through the 'Lifetime Tour' event, the ancient town tour can be more leisurely and comfortable," said the person in charge of Jiangsu Water Town Zhouzhuang Tourism Co., Ltd. (江苏水乡周庄旅游股份有限公司).

From "Single-Point" Check-in to "All-Area" Consumption

When "one ticket, multiple days" replaces the traditional "ticket valid only on the day," what changes occur in the scenic spot's revenue?

Since the implementation of the "One Ticket, Three-Day Use System" for National A-Level Tourist Attractions in Guangxi, the scenic spots participating in the event have received more than 20 million tourists, and the average stay time of tourists in some scenic spots has increased from 4 hours to 10 hours; in Huangshan Scenic Area, "multiple entries to the mountain" has helped promote the coordinated development of the mountain top and the mountain foot, achieving a "win-win" situation for tourists, scenic spots, and surrounding businesses. Liu Minkun (刘民坤), a professor at the School of Business Administration of Guangxi University (广西大学), said: "If we calculate the 'long-term account,' we will find that 'one ticket, multiple days' not only provides tourists with an in-depth experience but also drives comprehensive consumption in the scenic area and surrounding areas, including food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment, promoting the development of the local cultural and tourism industry."

From "single-point" check-in to "all-area" consumption, "one ticket, multiple days" also helps Anshun continue to enrich the supply of cultural and tourism products, truly transforming "traffic" into "retention." "We focus on the three major elements of 'resources, tourists, and services' to accelerate the construction of scenic city integration," said the person in charge of the Anshun Municipal Government (安顺市政府). The city has successively launched tourism routes and preferential policies such as the "Classic Double 5A" two-day, one-night boutique tour and the "Civilization Exploration" four-day, three-night family tour, taking Huangguoshu Scenic Area and Dragon Palace Scenic Area as the center to radiate and drive the surrounding areas, gradually forming the effect of "scenic area leading the whole area." According to statistics, in the first half of 2025, Anshun received more than 30 million domestic tourists, an increase of 12.2% year-on-year.

In the view of the person in charge of Jiangsu Water Town Zhouzhuang Tourism Co., Ltd., "one ticket, multiple days" not only optimizes the operation of the scenic spot but also drives the upgrading of Zhouzhuang and its surrounding tourism ecology by extending the stay time of tourists: on the one hand, it effectively alleviates the uneven distribution of passenger flow between holidays and weekdays, reducing the management pressure of the scenic spot; on the other hand, it also activates the non-ticket revenue of the scenic spot, realizing the multiple effects of "scenic spot benefiting, all-area development, and residents' income increase."

From "Relying on Tickets" to "Multi-Value" Co-creation

If "one ticket, multiple days" wants to truly achieve "multiple gains in one fell swoop," it is not enough to rely on ticket concessions alone; it also needs to achieve the synchronous upgrading of software and hardware inside and outside the scenic spot.

In fact, "one ticket, multiple days" also tests the carrying capacity of the scenic spot. Shen Chen introduced that in order to ensure that tourists "travel with peace of mind and enjoy their tours," Anshun's scenic spots start with details, on the one hand, upgrading public facilities and building a smart tourism system; on the other hand, strengthening law enforcement management and strengthening traffic guidance, so that a convenient and comfortable experience accompanies tourists throughout the scenic tour. "In addition, the improvement of transportation connections and the improvement of accommodation quality are also important factors affecting whether 'one ticket, multiple days' can achieve the expected results," Shen Chen said.

"One ticket, multiple days" also needs to pay attention to "what to play," which is also the key point that determines whether tourists are willing to take in-depth tours and repeated tours. In Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, the local government has taken measures such as enhancing cultural experiences and enriching business formats to promote the transformation of "one ticket, multiple days" from "ticket concessions" to "value co-creation." Since 2024, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town and China Oriental Performing Arts Group (中国东方演艺集团) have jointly created the multi-dimensional space drama "Only This Zhouzhuang" (《只此周庄》), leading the audience to travel through time and space to feel the prosperity and poetry of the thousand-year-old ancient town. In addition, in order to enrich the characteristic night tour experience projects, the ancient town also uses traditional buildings such as Zhang Hall (张厅) and Shen Hall (沈厅) as carriers to launch the "Double Bridge Theater · Double Hall Opera" (双桥剧场·双厅有戏) project, deeply integrating cultural stories with architectural space.

In the process of promoting "one ticket, multiple days," some scenic spots inevitably encounter transformation pains. "The local government can provide policy support, financial incentives, and traffic import for scenic spots through supporting subsidies and expanding publicity to help scenic spots solve temporary difficulties," introduced Gong Benhai (龚本海), Dean of Guangxi Tourism Planning and Design Institute (广西旅游规划设计院). Guangxi has also launched a "step-by-step subsidy for attracting traffic" policy for scenic spots while implementing the "One Ticket, Three-Day Use System," providing subsidies to scenic spots that achieve growth targets in indicators such as the number of tourists received and total tourism revenue, which to a certain extent stimulates the internal motivation of scenic spots to participate in ticket discount activities. "In Guangxi, in addition to state-owned A-level tourist attractions that implement government-set or government-guided prices, there are also 45 A-level tourist attractions that voluntarily implement 'one ticket, multiple days,' indicating that the policy itself is also attractive to scenic spots," said Gong Benhai.

"Breaking through traditional path dependence and activating the entire tourism industry chain is the only way for the tourism industry to move towards high-quality development," said Liu Minkun. "In addition to ticket reform, various regions also need to deeply explore local high-quality cultural resources and provide more distinctive cultural and tourism products with thematic, participatory, and engaging elements."

(Comprehensive reports by reporters Yao Xueqing (姚雪青), Xu Jing (徐靖), Su Bin (苏滨), Zhu Jiaqi (祝佳祺), and Wang Ke (王珂) from this newspaper)

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Savoring Three Teas, Appreciating the Flavors of Four Seasons (Traveling with Taste Buds)

By: 本报记者 窦瀚洋

"Let's go! Let's spend the weekend in Nanxun." Zong Han (宗涵), a citizen of Hangzhou (杭州), Zhejiang (浙江), was deeply impressed by Nanxun Ancient Town (南浔古镇) in Huzhou (湖州). "Nanxun is very close to Hangzhou (杭州), with convenient transportation. It also has intangible cultural heritage such as Shanlian writing brushes (善琏湖笔). A short trip to the ancient town is especially suitable."

A trip to Nanxun is also a journey of taste. Nanxun has a dense network of rivers, a leisurely waterside scenery, and enjoys the reputation of "the land of silk and fish." The unique natural conditions not only nurture abundant products, but also give rise to a distinctive food culture. In the "China in Intangible Cultural Heritage" exhibition hall located in Digang Ancient Village (荻港古村) in Nanxun, the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage Chen Family Cuisine (陈家菜) opens up a three-dimensional gourmet picture for tourists. In the misty rain of Jiangnan (江南), Nanxun, nestled by the sound of the Grand Canal (大运河), integrates the gifts of the four seasons into the daily dining table, showing the understanding and love of the people in the water towns for life.

"Three Courses Tea" is Nanxun's unique way of treating guests.

The first course of tea is "Feng Xiao Tea (风枵茶)." The so-called "Feng Xiao (风枵)" refers to thin pot crust slices made of glutinous rice. When boiling hot water rushes towards "Feng Xiao (风枵)," the pot crust slices, as thin as cicada wings, unfold in the cup. The moment the sugar falls in, the sweetness envelops the original flavor of the glutinous rice.

The second course of tea, "Smoked Bean Tea (熏豆茶)," uses dried edamame, plus dried carrots, tangerine peel, etc. At the moment when boiling water is poured, the aroma of tea and the rhyme of beans refresh the heart and spleen.

The third course of tea is clear tea. In the rise and fall of the tea leaves, appreciate the lingering sweetness and indifference. Three courses of tea, "sweet, salty, and light," are just like the three flavors of life.

After tasting the charm of the three courses of tea, you may want to walk into the noodle shops on the street and feel the charm of Nanxun noodles.

Nanxun noodles pay attention to the toppings. Among the many topping combinations, crispy pork and fried fish are the most classic. The noodles are as thin as silk, but they are still firm and chewy, and are wrapped in a rich gravy. The crispy pork has an attractive color. After cooking, it melts in your mouth, rich but not greasy; the fried fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fresh aroma. Combined with ingredients such as gravy, vegetarian shreds, and pickled mustard greens, each bite has rich layers.

In addition to noodles, Xun Hoof (浔蹄) is also a classic Nanxun delicacy. The pork knuckle is simmered slowly in a crock pot, and the sauce-colored skin has an amber luster, with every wrinkle wrapped in the taste of time. When the chopsticks gently pierce the soft and glutinous meat skin, the salty and fresh juice bursts between the teeth. This unforgettable mellow taste has now become an indispensable delicacy on the table.

Strolling in Nanxun, the freshness of fish soup rice, the refreshing spiciness of spicy oil wontons, the mellowness of braised mutton, the glutinous fragrance of Gusu cakes (姑嫂饼)... every bite of the seasonal dishes tells the story of the ancient town's flavor.

Today, with the advancement of the construction of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt (大运河文化带) and the development of the Grand Canal Ancient Town Cluster (大运河古镇集群), the ink fragrance of the writing brushes in Shanlian Ancient Town (善琏古镇) and the fishing boats singing in the evening in Digang Ancient Village (荻港古村) complement each other. Spaces such as intangible cultural heritage exhibition halls and historical and cultural blocks three-dimensionally present the architectural texture and cultural roots of the ancient town. Nanxun's colorful scenery attracts visitors from all directions. Tourists are moving from "one-day tours" to "in-depth tours." In the rhythm of the "slow life" in the water town, they taste three courses of tea, enjoy the flavors of the four seasons, and feel the cultural heritage and development vitality of the ancient town.

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Noon: From Rice-Pounding Pestle to Midday (Cultural Relics Speak · Chinese Characters in Cultural Relics)

By: 马萧林

In daily life, we frequently use words like "上午" (shàngwǔ - morning) and "午后" (wǔhòu - afternoon). The character "午" (wǔ) in these words is explained in the *Modern Chinese Dictionary* as "the seventh of the Earthly Branches" and "midday," representing 12 o'clock in the daytime.

As early as the Shang Dynasty oracle bone inscriptions, "午" (wǔ) appeared. Its shape is very similar to the ancient rice-pounding tool "杵" (chǔ - pestle). Therefore, some scholars believe that "午" (wǔ) is the original form of "杵" (chǔ).

Currently, the earliest known grain processing tools are stone grinding discs and stone grinding rods. However, this set of tools also has shortcomings in use, such as small capacity for grains and easy spillage of grains during operation. With the development of agriculture and the increase in population, the amount of grain processing has become larger and larger. Relying solely on stone grinding discs and stone grinding rods can no longer meet the demand. People have invented new tools in practice—杵 (chǔ - pestle) and 臼 (jiù - mortar). The operation method is to put the grain into the mortar and pound it with the pestle to remove the husk or grind the rice into flour.

There are many legends about the invention date of pestles and mortars in documents. However, to truly demonstrate the history of pestles and mortars, it is necessary to rely on unearthed cultural relics from archaeological excavations.

For example, the wooden pestle unearthed from the Hemudu Site (河姆渡遗址) in Yuyao, Zhejiang Province (浙江余姚), is the earliest wooden pestle artifact unearthed in China. Its pestle head is thick, the cross-section is circular, and the pestle body is basically well preserved. The excavation of this wooden pestle shows that people had already invented the pestle in the Neolithic Age.

More stone pestles from the same era as wooden pestles have been preserved. Stone pestles have been found at the Baozitou Site (豹子头遗址) in Nanning, Guangxi (广西南宁), the Qujialing Site (屈家岭遗址) in Jingmen, Hubei (湖北荆门), and the Chenzhuang Site (陈庄遗址) in Zhengzhou, Henan (河南郑州). Because stone pestles are harder and less prone to wear, they are more efficient than wooden pestles, so they gradually replaced wooden pestles.

During the Yangshao Culture (仰韶文化) period (especially in the later period), pestles and mortars and stone grinding discs and stone grinding rods were used together in the Central Plains area. The stone pestle and mortar collected by the Henan Museum (河南博物院) were unearthed from the Huizuizi Site (灰嘴遗址) in Yanshi, Luoyang, Henan (河南洛阳偃师). Both the stone pestle and the stone mortar are made of bluestone. Among them, the stone pestle is cylindrical and smoothly ground throughout; the stone mortar is an irregular semi-oval shape, and the concave nest is oval. The excavation of this set of stone pestles and mortars provides valuable physical data for studying the development of productivity and the living conditions of people during the Yangshao Culture (仰韶文化) period.

How did the meaning of "午" (wǔ) evolve from "rice-pounding pestle" to "midday"? Some scholars believe that the character "午" (wǔ) was later borrowed as the seventh of the Earthly Branches, representing May. Xu Shen (许慎) pointed out in *Shuowen Jiezi* (《说文解字》) that "午" (wǔ) has the meaning of disobedience, saying that the yin qi emerges from this time, that is, it disobeys the yang qi and begins a new round of yin growth and yang decline. From this level of meaning, the concept of "midday" is derived.

(The author is the former director and researcher of the Henan Museum (河南博物院). This report was compiled by Zhang Wenhao (张文豪), a reporter from this newspaper.)

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Editor in charge of this edition: Meng Yang, Cao Yiqing, Liang Zeyu

Layout Design Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)

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Artifact restoration: Research is integral throughout the process (Light of Inheritance)

By: 查 群

Starting from Taiyuan (太原), heading north, Foguang Temple (佛光寺) and N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) in Wutai County (五台县), Xinzhou (忻州), Shanxi (山西) Province are must-visit places for tourists. The main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) is the earliest existing Tang Dynasty (唐代) wooden structure in China, 75 years earlier than Foguang Temple (佛光寺).

In 1953, when N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) was discovered, it was severely damaged and in urgent need of repair. In 1954, Qi Yingtao (祁英涛), the first generation of ancient building protection experts in New China, produced the "Survey Report of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) in Lijiazhuang (李家庄), Wutai County (五台县), Shanxi Province (山西省)" and the "Preliminary Draft of the Restoration Plan for the Main Hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì)", but the restoration project was delayed. In 1966, the Xingtai Earthquake (邢台大地震) severely impacted N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì). In 1972, the restoration of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) was put on the agenda again, and Qi Yingtao (祁英涛) was ordered to re-compile the maintenance plan for N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì). A more comprehensive renovation and restoration began in 1974 and was completed in August 1975. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the completion of the restoration of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì).

The main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) is a classic case of "research-based restoration." The 20-year span from the 1954 draft restoration plan for the main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) to the 1974 implementation plan shows that cultural relic restoration is a process of continuous cognitive development. Whether it is the research and analysis of specific parts or the collision of protection concepts between "restoring the Tang system" and "maintaining the status quo," it reflects the serious and rigorous attitude of the older generation of cultural relic protection workers.

For the sake of prudence, Qi Yingtao (祁英涛) sent the drafted "Survey Report of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) in Lijiazhuang (李家庄), Wutai County (五台县), Shanxi Province (山西省)" and the "Preliminary Draft of the Restoration Plan for the Main Hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì)" to experts such as Liu Dunzhen (刘敦桢), Liang Sicheng (梁思成), Lin Huiyin (林徽因), Liu Zhiping (刘致平), Zhao Zhengzhi (赵正之), Lu Sheng (卢绳), Long Qingzhong (龙庆忠), and Mo Zongjiang (莫宗江) for comments. Mr. Liu Zhiping (刘致平) mentioned in his reply: "Do not easily change the status quo unless you are very sure." Mr. Liu Dunzhen (刘敦桢) also mentioned: "Do more research before making a final decision." The predecessors' rigorous and prudent attitude towards ancient building restoration is very clear.

The 1954 "Preliminary Draft of the Restoration Plan for the Main Hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì)" followed the idea of "status quo repair." The 1974 implementation plan adopted the method of "dismantling and rebuilding," which may be related to the changes that the building had undergone in the past 20 years, especially the great damage caused by the Xingtai Earthquake (邢台大地震) in 1966. When determining the maintenance plan, some experts proposed suggestions against dismantling and repairing, or semi-dismantling and repairing.

The 1974 maintenance project particularly emphasized two points. First, ensure that the style and scale of the main structure must not be changed, such as the width, depth, column height, side feet, rise, and height of each bay in the plan, which must be strictly in accordance with the original. Second, various components should be retained as much as possible, and new components should not be replaced. Turning through the records at the time, we can see the following statement: "We believe that if the main components of a Tang Dynasty (唐代) wooden building are replaced with new materials, it will become a full-size model, and it is difficult to call it a Tang Dynasty (唐代) building." Thus, it can be seen that in the early practice of cultural relic maintenance projects, whether it was "status quo repair" or "dismantling and rebuilding," the preservation of the original shape and components of cultural relic buildings was emphasized from the beginning.

The predecessors found in the on-site survey in 1953 that the eaves of the main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) had been altered later, and there were obvious saw marks on the eaves rafters, which was speculated to be due to the decay of the eaves rafters, which were altered during historical maintenance. Both the 1954 and 1974 plans analyzed this phenomenon. The 1974 maintenance project cleared the original platform of the building, and then inferred the length of the eaves from the relationship between the platform and the eaves. The three verified each other, from the initial estimation of the eaves length of 230-240 cm to the clear length of 234 cm in the implementation of the project. The size of the eaves was repeatedly considered in literature research, comparative research of contemporary buildings, detailed on-site surveys, and archaeological discoveries, and finally obtained a more accurate length.

Dwarf pillars are round short pillars on the flat beams at the top of the roof frame. The 1954 restoration draft believed that in Sui and Tang (隋唐) artifacts and murals, most of them only used large forks and not dwarf pillars, but the use of this pillar in the main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) was "a component necessary for the structure." In the 1974 maintenance, after the roof load was removed, a group of dwarf pillar components automatically detached, and there was no mortise and tenon connection between the dwarf pillar and the large fork. The results of mechanical calculations and on-site simulation experiments showed that without dwarf pillars, the large forks were safe, so the group of dwarf pillar components was removed, "restoring the original appearance of the Tang Dynasty (唐代) building." After removing the group of dwarf pillar components, considering the reliability of the structure, a steel tie rod was added to the upper skin of the flat beam at the bottom of the large fork to reduce the outward thrust of the large fork. According to today's protection principles, the traces of historical reinforcement should perhaps be preserved, but the restoration method 50 years ago was also the result of collective discussion.

The most controversial part of the restoration of the main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) was the choice of the "chiwei" style in the tile decoration. The 1954 restoration draft proposed that the ridge beast of this hall should still use chiwei as reasonable. The 1974 implementation proposed that "the specific image should refer to the chiwei style of the capital of the Bohai State (渤海国) unearthed in recent years," and it was implemented according to this plan.

Many experts have different opinions on the chiwei style of the main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì). Some experts proposed that "if the tile work problem is to be restored to its original state, it would be good, but there is not much certainty"; some proposed that the Bohai style of the High Tang (盛唐渤海) cannot be used as a basis, and the chiwei of Todai-ji Temple (唐招提寺) in Japan should be referred to; others proposed making models, doing more research, and striving for perfection 尽善尽美 (jìn shàn jìn měi - "exhaust good exhaust beauty," to reach the acme of perfection). The ridge decoration of cultural relic buildings has the function of protecting the roof frame, but the style has strong characteristics of the times, and it is still a controversial part of the restoration project.

The maintenance of other components of the main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) followed the principle of preserving the original components as much as possible, and adopted iron plate, iron hacksaw, iron hoop and other ironwork connections, steel pipe column splicing, and epoxy resin grouting repair and reinforcement methods, so that most of the components could be preserved. However, whether the material properties and stability of epoxy resin as a bonding material match the original wooden components still needs to be tested by time.

It can be seen from the maintenance process of the main hall of N禪寺 (Nánchán Sì) that research work runs through the entire process, from tracing research, surveying and mapping research to engineering empirical research. Experts put forward detailed guiding opinions and suggestions, participated in the whole process of project implementation, re-studied unforeseen parts, and supplemented and improved feasible measures. These all reflect the characteristics of "research-based restoration" and are still worth learning from today.

(Author's unit: Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage (中国文化遗产研究院))

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He devoted his life to the love of Chinese porcelain.

By: 王光尧

Mr. Geng Baochang (耿宝昌) was a master of ceramic research. He excelled at ceramic appraisal. His representative work, "Appraisal of Ming and Qing Porcelain (明清瓷器鉴定)," is required reading for ceramic researchers both in China and abroad, especially those studying Ming and Qing porcelain. On November 10th of this year, Mr. Geng, at the age of 103, passed away. This is a significant loss for ceramic research in China and the world. For more than 30 years, I have worked with Mr. Geng. The memories of studying with him are unforgettable.

In 1922, Geng Baochang (耿宝昌) was born in Beijing (北京). He grew up and his values were formed during a historical period when people with lofty ideals were striving to become stronger and to achieve national independence and a prosperous and strong country. Young people were determined to serve the country and chose paths such as education, science and technology, and industry to strengthen the country. Mr. Geng's founding of Zhenhua Zhai (振华斋) after studying at Dunhua Zhai (敦华斋) was also the same. Once, I asked Mr. Geng why he named it "Zhenhua Zhai (振华斋)." He looked at me in surprise and said, "To revitalize China (振兴中华)!" I suddenly realized that Mr. Geng's patriotism was not just lip service.

He often said that porcelain was invented by the Chinese, and we must study it well and thoroughly, so that the world knows the contribution that the Chinese have brought to the world through porcelain. He opposed following foreigners blindly, even to the point of negating the value and significance of Chinese porcelain. He used his knowledge of cultural relics to serve the country, carry out the appraisal of first-class cultural relics, and devote himself to the collection of cultural relics and the repatriation of overseas cultural relics. In 1986, he donated more than 20 pieces of porcelain and bronzes from his collection to the Palace Museum (故宫博物院) free of charge. Mr. Geng said, "The Palace Museum (故宫) is my second home."

Since entering the Palace Museum (故宫) in 1956, Mr. Geng worked here for nearly 70 years. He believes that the Palace Museum (故宫博物院) has a high status in the academic world not only because it has the Forbidden City (紫禁城) and many cultural relics, but also because it has first-class scholars and first-class research results such as Ma Heng (马衡), Tang Lan (唐兰), Luo Fuyi (罗福颐), Gu Tiefu (顾铁符), and Shan Shiyuan (单士元). "People who engage in research in the Palace Museum (故宫) must not only be competent themselves, but also do a good job in passing on their knowledge and experience."

Mr. Geng's scholarship emphasizes diligence in observation, speech, and practice, acquiring true knowledge through hands-on experience. In 2010, at the age of 88, he went to Nanjing (南京) to participate in the International Academic Symposium on Ming Hongwu Porcelain. A friend told me that when other scholars were giving speeches, Mr. Geng was taking notes carefully. Because he couldn't use a computer, he could only use a pen and paper to write down other people's speeches word by word, which was very difficult.

Mr. Geng often said that a place that you have never been to is unfamiliar, and only by seeing it with your own eyes and experiencing it personally can you gain something. Learning should not only focus on porcelain, but should be broad, treating knowledge of different categories as a reference and nourishment for porcelain research. He was one of the first scholars to compare Chinese porcelain with Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and European porcelain in his writings. Mr. Geng often said: "Breadth is the foundation of precision. The way of learning is like a folding fan - **万流归宗** (wàn liú guī zōng - "ten thousand streams flow into one source," all different things eventually lead to the same conclusion), only then can one become a true scholar. Don't be complacent about gaining something on a small path." He also believes that there is no such thing as learning without a teacher in the world. First, you must have a good teacher. A master leading you through the door is the most important foundation for doing scholarship. Second, you must keep up with the trend of academic development and understand the direction and focus of academic development.

Mr. Geng's office and mine were both in the first courtyard of the East Wing of the South Three Offices of the Palace Museum (故宫南三所东所第一进院). For more than 30 years, Mr. Geng would call out to me after entering the courtyard, and I would bring a water bottle to his room to drink tea, chat, and ask for advice. Once, when viewing Southern Song Guan ware porcelain, he said that the body of Guan ware porcelain and Longquan ware porcelain are different, and the sound of a light tap is different; the sound of Ru ware and Ge ware porcelain also have their own characteristics. Regarding the difference in the body, we also had some insights on the archaeological site, such as the different formulas and sintering degrees of the body, which caused different burr marks on the porcelain fragments. And the difference in the sound of Ru ware, Guan ware, Ge ware, and Longquan ware porcelain when tapped lightly was something I only understood after Mr. Geng taught me. Mr. Geng also taught me to distinguish Yongle porcelain from Xuande porcelain. Putting Yongle and Xuande porcelain together, you must be able to distinguish their glazes by touch even with your eyes closed. After handling hundreds of thousands of pieces of porcelain, Mr. Geng was already very familiar with the glaze characteristics of porcelain from different eras.

Mr. Geng devoted his life to the protection of cultural relics. He went to the Hutian Kiln Site (湖田窑址) many times to investigate, and finally planned the protection scope of the Hutian Kiln (湖田窑). It was on his suggestion that the Jingdezhen Ming and Qing Imperial Kiln Site (景德镇明清御窑遗址) became a national key cultural relics protection unit. In 2015, Mr. Geng, together with Mr. Xie Chensheng (谢辰生) and Professor Su Bai (宿白), jointly wrote to the central government, calling for increased protection of the Imperial Kiln Site (御窑遗址) and suggesting that it be declared a World Cultural Heritage Site, thus opening up comprehensive research on the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Site (景德镇御窑遗址).

The last time I saw Mr. Geng was on October 5th of this year at Mr. Geng's residence on Qianmen East Street (前门东大街). At that time, I accompanied Wang Xudong (王旭东), the director of the Palace Museum (故宫博物院), and his party to Mr. Geng's home. Director Wang (王院长) expressed condolences to Mr. Geng on behalf of the leaders of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the Mid-Autumn Festival and the centenary of the Palace Museum (故宫博物院). That day, after the director left, I returned to the room to visit Mr. Geng, and he held my hand and would not let go. Unexpectedly, this trip turned out to be a final farewell.

How I wish I could hear Mr. Geng calling my name every day when he entered the courtyard again, how I wish I could share the joy of new archaeological discoveries with Mr. Geng again, discuss the new progress in the protection of the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Site (景德镇御窑遗址), how I wish we could wait together for the successful application of the Jingdezhen handmade porcelain industry heritage for World Cultural Heritage, how I wish we could jointly welcome the moment when the cultural relics of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are reunited...

Although Mr. Geng has passed away, his articles and spirit will live forever!

(Author's unit: Palace Museum (故宫博物院))

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"There are cultural relics at my doorstep"

By: 李庆军

In late autumn in Quanzhou (泉州), Fujian (福建), the mountainous areas already have a slight chill. In the fields of Zhongshan Village (钟山村), Luoxi Town (罗溪镇), Luojiang District (洛江区), expert Wu Yijuan (吴艺娟) is leading a team to organize the identification of newly discovered cultural relics. She gently brushes away the loose soil from the porcelain shard in her hand with a soft brush, looks up at Chen Feifei (陈菲菲), a member of the survey team squatting next to her, and says, "Look at this glaze, bluish-white, with a fine and firm texture, typical of the Southern Song Dynasty imitation Longquan (龙泉) kiln style."

Since the launch of the Fourth National Cultural Relics Survey (第四次全国文物普查) (hereinafter referred to as "the Fourth Survey"), such scenes have frequently played out in the mountains, ancient villages, streamsides, and seashores of Quanzhou (泉州). The survey team members are using their footsteps to measure 11,000 square kilometers of land and their sweat to awaken the sleeping civilization. Those cultural relics sealed by the dust of time are being reconnected to the past and present through their hands.

It is hard to forget Kang Guiqing's (康桂清) "official road bridge search." On the stream in Wujiang Village (吾江村), Shiguzhen Town (石鼓镇), Yongchun County (永春县), a stone-built flat-beam bridge lies quietly. It is called Lingdou Bridge (岭兜桥), which was first built in the second year of the Ming Hongwu (明洪武) period (1369), and the existing one was rebuilt during the Guangxu (光绪) period of the Qing Dynasty (清朝). However, due to severe damage, even the locals have almost forgotten its existence. Kang Guiqing (康桂清), a member of the Yongchun County (永春县) "Fourth Survey" team, had long noticed the records of this bridge in the *Yongchun Zhou Zhi* (《永春州志》) and *Yongchun County Zhi* (《永春县志》): "An important point on the official road, connecting Dehua (德化) to the south and Youxi (尤溪) to the north." This road was once a "golden line" for the export of porcelain and tea, and there is a folk saying that "porters pass by the hundreds, and the fragrance of tea spreads for thousands of miles." Kang Guiqing (康桂清) consulted the Qing Dynasty's (清代) *Yongchun Official Road Map* (《永春官道图》) and found that the position of "Lingdou Bridge (岭兜桥)" was clearly marked in the map. To verify this, he conducted on-site visits along the ancient road, and the elderly people in the village gathered around and said, "So the bridge we walk on every day has such a long history!" Now, Lingdou Bridge (岭兜桥) has been included in the national cultural relics database. "The cultural relics survey allows us to re-recognize the cultural relics around us," said Kang Guiqing (康桂清). "Many ancient bridges and ancient roads were once regarded as ordinary old buildings, but now, through the survey, their historical value has been re-excavated, and they have become golden name cards of rural culture."

It is hard to forget the "mud and fire code" of the Zhongshan (钟山) Song Dynasty (宋代) kiln. In September 2024, the Quanzhou (泉州) "Fourth Survey" expert group received a report from villagers: "There is a tile kiln cave in the back mountain, and we saw broken porcelain shards when we were young." The expert group immediately joined the Luojiang District (洛江区) cultural relics department to conduct an on-site investigation. The kiln site is located on the hillside of Dazhe Mountain (大蔗山), at an altitude of about 300 meters, and the slope has been reclaimed into terraced farmland. The kiln was built according to the terrain, in a long strip shape, and the remaining kiln head part is missing. Judging from the thickness of the cultural accumulation layer (about 1 meter), the ceramic fragments it contains, and the scattered saggars and pad cakes, this is an ancient Long Kiln (龙窑) site. After multiple demonstrations and confirmations, this is the first Song Dynasty (宋代) kiln site discovered in Luojiang District (洛江区), tentatively named "Zhongshan Song Kiln (钟山宋窑)." The discovery of this kiln site not only fills the gap in the Song Dynasty (宋代) kiln sites in Luojiang District (洛江区), but also further proves Quanzhou's (泉州) role as a world maritime trade center in Song (宋) and Yuan (元) China. He Zhenliang (何振良), the leader of the Quanzhou (泉州) "Fourth Survey" expert group, said: "The 'Fourth Survey' is not simply about finding things, but about building archives for civilization. When we hold a piece of Song Dynasty (宋代) porcelain shard from the soil, we are talking to the craftsmen of 800 years ago - the temperature when they pulled the blanks and the techniques when they glazed them are hidden in these fragments."

Even more unforgettable is the sense of accomplishment of the Quanzhou (泉州) cultural relics workers. Are the days of cultural relics survey hard? Of course, they are. Chen Yalin (陈雅琳) is the leader of the first group of the Nan'an (南安) survey team. This year, after surveying the Shizishan (狮子山) site in Fengzhou (丰州), she accidentally slipped while going down the mountain along the sandy and gravel road and hit a rock hard. "I was sweating with pain at the time, but there were still 5 points in the system that had not been entered." She later recalled that she drove back to the unit that day, enduring the severe pain, and entered the data into the system, and did not go to the hospital for emergency treatment until 10 pm that night. The diagnosis result was a fracture of the sacrococcygeal vertebra, but she returned to work after only 10 days of rest. Lu Peifeng (卢培峰) of the Nan'an (南安) survey team, wearing a medical waist support belt, led 6 survey teams deep into the mountains and forests, setting a Fujian (福建) record for discovering 14 newly discovered cultural relics in mountainous areas in a single day. Huang Weiqiang (黄伟强), a veteran who transferred from the military, held a machete to clear the way, led the team through thorny thickets, operated a drone to complete a 10-square-kilometer aerial photography mission, opened up about 30 kilometers of deep mountain survey routes, and helped the team unlock many hidden monuments...

But they also say it's sweet. When Chen Yalin (陈雅琳) entered a newly discovered cultural relic in the system, the prompt "Registration Successful" popped up on the screen, and she smiled at the computer; when the introduction sign of Lingdou Bridge (岭兜桥) was hung up, the children in the village ran around the bridge, shouting "There are cultural relics at my door," Kang Guiqing's (康桂清) eyes were wet. From the cold of early spring to the slight chill of late autumn, the "Fourth Survey" people in Quanzhou (泉州) went from village to village to complete the review of 3,811 "Third Survey" (三普) cultural relics and newly discovered 1,220 cultural relics. Behind these numbers are 1,458 person-times of business training, the perseverance of 56 survey teams, and even more so, the "cultural diary" written by cultural relics workers with love.

When we tell our children that there is an ancient bridge from the Qing Dynasty (清代) next to the old banyan tree at the entrance of the village; when we let tourists know that there was a Southern Song Dynasty (南宋) kiln site in the fishing village by the sea; when we write the newly discovered cultural relics stories into textbooks - this is the significance of the cultural relics survey: to pass on the torch of civilization and to keep the spiritual home forever.

(Author's unit: Quanzhou (泉州) Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics)

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Ningbo's 8,000-Year Prosperity Rooted in the Sea (Freshly Updated)

By: 赵 锡

At the Ningbo China Port Museum (宁波中国港口博物馆) and the National Underwater Cultural Heritage Protection Ningbo Base (国家水下文化遗产保护宁波基地) in Ningbo (宁波), Zhejiang (浙江), an archaeological review spanning 70 years is slowly unfolding. The special exhibition, "From Ancient Fishing Village to International Port City: The Marine Gene in Ningbo Archaeology" ("从远古渔村到国际港城：宁波考古里的海洋基因”特展), uses "Exploring the Sea, Expanding the Sea, and Prospering the Sea" ("探海、拓海、兴海") as its main theme, stringing together eight thousand years of marine civilization memory. Through three thematic units and hundreds of cultural relics and documents, the exhibition comprehensively showcases the marine civilization from prehistoric times to the present, highlighting Ningbo's historical position as an important birthplace of Chinese marine culture, a hub port on the Maritime Silk Road, and a vital coastal defense town, interpreting the Ningbo people's spirit of striving for strength and pioneering progress towards the sea.

For more than half a century, systematic investigations and excavations of prehistoric civilization sites such as Jingtoushan (井头山), Hemudu (河姆渡), and Tianluoshan (田螺山) have clearly presented the early practices of Ningbo ancestors in understanding and utilizing the ocean. In the display case, a 35-centimeter-long dugout canoe model comes from the Tianluoshan (田螺山) site in Yuyao (余姚). It is exquisitely carved from a whole section of round wood, with a pointed head, square tail, and oval cabin design, reproducing the shipbuilding wisdom of the Hemudu Culture (河姆渡文化) period ancestors. The wooden oars and fish bones accompanying the model prove that Ningbo ancestors had already sailed out to sea by boat about 7,000 years ago, living by the sea.

In the center of the exhibition hall, the pattern of the Warring States period "Feathered People Racing Boats" copper钺 is particularly eye-catching. This cultural relic, unearthed in Yunlong (云龙), Yinzhou (鄞州) in 1976, has 4 Yue people wearing feathered crowns engraved on the front, holding oars and racing vigorously on a narrow and light boat, vividly restoring the ancient Yue customs of "using boats as cars and oars as horses" ("以舟为车、以楫为马"). As a symbol of power and military affairs, the copper钺 incorporates nautical scenes into ritual objects, suggesting that the port settlements in Ningbo during the Warring States period had begun to take shape, and marine activities had become an important driving force for social development.

The Yue kiln celadon lotus leaf-shaped cup and saucer with bracket from the Tang Dynasty (唐代越窑青釉荷叶形带托瓷盏) (see Figure ①) was unearthed from the Tang Dynasty wharf site on Heyi Road (和义路) in Ningbo. The tea cup is in the shape of a five-lobed lotus flower, and the matching saucer is like a curled lotus leaf. It is covered with a warm celadon glaze, with a jade-like color, perfectly demonstrating the peak craftsmanship of the Yue kiln "thousand peaks of emerald green" ("千峰翠色") in the Tang Dynasty. Archaeological discoveries show that the Heyi Road (和义路) area was once an important distribution center for the export of Yue kiln celadon, and this tea cup may have been a foreign trade commodity ready to be loaded onto a ship for export.

The Goryeo celadon long-necked bottle from the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋的高丽青瓷长颈瓶) (see Figure ②) is a "transoceanic envoy" in the exhibition hall. This cultural relic, unearthed from the Weixing Road (巍星路) cellar in Yuyao (余姚) in 2018, is 35.8 cm high and presents a jade-like, lustrous blue-green color throughout. It is a representative of the peak technology of Goryeo celadon in the 12th century, and also a witness to the fact that Qingyuan (慶元) (Ningbo (宁波)) Port was an important hub on the Maritime Silk Road during the Song and Yuan Dynasties. At that time, Goryeo craftsmen learned the Yue kiln porcelain making techniques and integrated them into local cultural connotations, creating a unique celadon system and selling it to China. Its discovery broke the perception of the one-way output of the Maritime Silk Road, and demonstrated the two-way exchange of culture and technology between Ningbo and the Korean Peninsula.

Thousands of miles of mountains and seas, tides surging for eight thousand years. Whether it is the daily life of fireworks or the archaeological discoveries over the years, one can smell the unique "sea flavor" of Ningbo and find the ubiquitous "sea figure" of Ningbo. The exhibition sorts out Ningbo's cultural genes deeply rooted in the ocean, systematically presents the "marine discovery pedigree" of Ningbo archaeology for 70 years, and clearly outlines the magnificent history of Ningbo's prosperity from the sea for eight thousand years. From "excavation site" to "public vision," the exhibition builds a bridge of communication connecting the past and the present, academia and the public.

(Author's unit: Ningbo China Port Museum (宁波中国港口博物馆))

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Ming Dynasty Origins, Evolving with the Times

By: 汪青梅

Guizhou (贵州) was once a crucial military strategic location densely populated with guard posts and fortresses. With the advancement and implementation of the Ming Dynasty's "Transferring Troops from the North to the South" policy and subsequent strategies, a large number of people from the Central Plains and the Liangjiang (两江) area migrated to Guizhou (贵州). Over hundreds of years, the cultures of the Central Plains and Jiangnan (江南) merged with the local culture, forming the Tunbao (屯堡) culture. The Tunbao (屯堡) people of Anshun (安顺), Qianzhong (黔中), maintain distinctive traditional costumes mainly worn by women (see photo, taken by Yang Shuang (杨爽)), which has become an important symbol of the Tunbao (屯堡) culture.

The traditional costumes of Anshun (安顺) Tunbao (屯堡) women cover the entire outfit from hairstyle and headdress to shoes. A folk rhyme says, "There is a hood on the head, two dangles by the ears, two sweeps on the waist, and two upturns on the feet." The "large-sleeved robe" is highly recognizable. The robes are mostly sky blue, blue, or green, with a right-fastening front. The collar, cuffs, and edges of the robe are trimmed with intricate and beautiful colored silk threads, embroidered with various traditional patterns of flowers, birds, insects, and fish. Matching it are the "three-strand hairstyle" headdress, the "silk-threaded waist tie," and the pointed-toe embroidered shoes.

For the "three-strand hairstyle," the hair is combed into strands and wrapped with a white or blue headscarf. The "silk-threaded waist tie" is the essence, a long black silk-woven belt wrapped around the waist, with long tassels hanging down the back, swaying in the wind when walking, adding a touch of elegance. Tunbao (屯堡) women are diligent in farming and wear phoenix-head shoes that are convenient for field work. Not all Tunbao (屯堡) women dress like this; this attire is mainly seen in eastern and southern Anshun (安顺), which should be closely related to the different origins and periods of immigration.

In the past, the hairstyles and clothing of women in many regions or ethnic groups were not easily influenced by the outside world due to limited social activities, thus becoming carriers and inheritors of traditional costumes. Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing roughly follows this pattern. However, Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing is not 一成不变 (yī chéng bù biàn - "remaining unchanged," always staying the same; immutable). Immigrants from Anhui (安徽), especially Fengyang (凤阳), integrated the attire they brought from their hometown with local ethnic costume elements. Compared with the handmade costumes of the Dong (侗) and Miao (苗) ethnic groups, at least half a century ago, Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing was made by tailors on an assembly line, and women directly bought ready-made clothes to wear when going to market.

Today's Tunbao (屯堡) costumes have a historical connection with Ming Dynasty costumes, such as the Tunbao (屯堡) people still habitually calling the "silk-threaded waist tie" by that name. The *Sancai Tuhui* (《三才图会》), compiled by Wang Qi (王圻) and Wang Siyi (王思义) of the Ming Dynasty, records that there was an object called "waist tie" among the daily utensils of the Ming Dynasty. The materials, craftsmanship, and orthodox status of the "silk-threaded waist tie" in Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing have been passed down from generation to generation without change.

Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing does not distinguish between everyday wear and formal wear. As a natural inheritance, this costume once faded from people's sight. In 1986, the Tunbao (屯堡) Dixi (地戏) performance abroad attracted outside attention, and then a research boom in Tunbao (屯堡) culture arose. Tunbao (屯堡) people began to re-examine their own costumes. Because Tunbao (屯堡) costumes have more cultural performance functions in addition to daily wear, it has stimulated people's enthusiasm for wearing Tunbao (屯堡) costumes.

Entering the 21st century, Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing has undergone new changes. The colors are richer and tend to be brighter, and patterns, tassels, and other decorative elements have been added to long shirts and aprons. Children's styles have also been added. The new generation of young people has also innovated Tunbao (屯堡) costumes. Ling Yu (凌雨), a post-90s from Jiuxi Village (九溪村) in Xixiu District (西秀区), Anshun City (安顺市), has integrated Tunbao (屯堡) women's costume elements with the Chinese cheongsam to design new "Tunbao (屯堡) cheongsam" products.

Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing is a vivid imprint left by Ming Dynasty history on the common costume culture of a specific regional group in Guizhou (贵州), and it is also a symbolic symbol that condenses the more than 600-year process of Anshun (安顺) regional history and culture. The true value of the inheritance of Tunbao (屯堡) women's clothing may lie in the fact that, more than 600 years later, Tunbao (屯堡) women still love these costumes and what remains unchanged is their confidence, adherence, and innovation in their group culture.

(The author is the Deputy Secretary-General of the Guizhou (贵州) Tunbao (屯堡) Research Association, interviewed and compiled by Chen Junyi (陈隽逸), a reporter from this newspaper)

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This edition's editor: Ren Shanshan

This edition's email: ysbjs@peopledaily.cn
Layout design: Shen Yiling (沈亦伶)

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