Summary: The Central Economic Work Conference, attended by Xi Jinping and other top leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, reviewed the economic work of 2025, analyzed the current economic situation, and planned for 2026. The conference emphasized prioritizing domestic demand, innovation, reform, and high-quality development, while also addressing risks in key areas such as the real estate market and local government debt. It underscored the need to balance domestic economic work with international economic and trade struggles. The meeting stressed adherence to "dual carbon" goals and promoting a comprehensive green transformation. It also called for expanding opening up and promoting win-win cooperation in multiple fields.
Summary: The Central Economic Work Conference, attended by Xi Jinping, comprehensively summarized 2025's economic work, analyzed the current economic situation, and systematically planned the 2026 economic work to ensure a good start to the "15th Five-Year Plan." The meeting affirmed China's economic resilience and potential despite external pressure and internal difficulties, highlighting the importance of both policy support and reform. It emphasized the need to balance development and security, and to actively shape the international environment. It stresses the importance of strengthening Party leadership to achieve economic goals and preventing undesirable decision-making practices. The article does not mention any specific aspect of the U.S. or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: This article emphasizes China's commitment to "green development" as a key aspect of Chinese-style modernization, highlighting the integration of ecological considerations into all facets of economic and social progress. Sun Jinlong of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment stressed the importance of balancing carbon reduction, pollution control, and economic growth while adhering to principles of national coordination and risk prevention in achieving carbon peaking. The article discusses advancements in renewable energy, such as hydrogen power and wind energy, and the expansion of the national carbon emissions trading market to include industries like steel and aluminum. It also covers efforts to promote energy conservation, improve pollution control, and develop a green manufacturing system, as well as the building of national parks, and the continuing Three-North Shelterbelt Program (三北防护林工程). Finally, the article alludes to the importance of avoiding conflict with ecological protection "red lines" when planning projects.
Summary: This article discusses the publication of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series" project, highlighting its role in preserving Chinese folk literature. It also includes a report on elderly and child care, suggesting a model of shared caregiving. No specific political figures, events, or mentions of the United States are found within this summary of the provided information.
Summary: The Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 10th to 11th, where Xi Jinping delivered an important speech summarizing the economic work of 2025, analyzing the current economic situation, and deploying the economic work for 2026. Attendees, including Party Secretaries of Hunan and Shanxi provinces, Shen Xiaoming and Tang Dengjie, respectively, emphasized the importance of "two establishes" and Xi's leadership in overcoming challenges. Officials like Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an and Governor of the People's Bank of China Pan Gongsheng outlined plans to implement proactive fiscal and prudent monetary policies for the coming year. Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng emphasized the city's role in national strategic tasks and high-level opening up. The conference set the direction for the "15th Five-Year Plan," focusing on high-quality development and addressing both internal and external challenges.
Summary: This article discusses the progress of the second phase of the "Introducing the Yangtze River to the Huai River" (引江济淮) project in Anhui province, which aims to improve water supply and reduce reliance on groundwater for over 30 million people in 28 counties. The project involves constructing water diversion lines, water plants, and pumping stations to provide a more reliable and higher quality water source. The first phase of the project has been completed, connecting the Yangtze and Huai rivers to enable inter-basin water transfer, and the second phase is focused on improving urban and rural water supply. The article also notes the importance of balancing government oversight with market mechanisms in water management to ensure sustainable and effective water resource utilization. The "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan" (十五五规划) proposes accelerating the construction of a modern water network to enhance flood and drought disaster prevention, water resource allocation, and urban and rural water supply security.
Summary: At the year's end, Chinese businesses are reportedly ramping up production across various sectors, including agricultural machinery assembly for spring planting, shipbuilding, and garment manufacturing for overseas sales. These entities are striving to fulfill orders and achieve their annual targets. The article suggests a push to stimulate economic activity as the year concludes. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in conjunction with several provinces and cities, launched the "Taste Special Products, Seek the Flavor of the New Year" consumption promotion event. This initiative aims to boost agricultural product consumption during the upcoming New Year and Spring Festival holidays by implementing measures outlined in the "Implementation Plan for Promoting Agricultural Product Consumption." The campaign will focus on branding local specialties, organizing themed events, enhancing agro-tourism integration, promoting healthy eating, and facilitating consumption-based poverty alleviation. The goal is to better meet the holiday consumption needs of urban and rural residents by expanding consumption spaces and matching supply with demand. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: According to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China's auto production and sales experienced substantial growth from January to November. Total production reached 31.231 million vehicles (up 11.9% year-on-year) and sales reached 31.127 million vehicles (up 11.4% year-on-year). Specifically for November, production hit a record high of 3.532 million vehicles. New energy vehicle production and sales also saw significant increases, with exports reaching a historical high of 6.343 million vehicles.
Summary: The AVIC-designed "Jiutian" drone, a domestically innovated large general-purpose UAV platform, successfully completed its maiden flight in Pucheng, Shaanxi. The drone boasts a 16-ton maximum takeoff weight, 6-ton payload capacity, and 7,000 km range, positioning its performance among the top of its class. It is designed for heavy cargo transport, emergency rescue, resource surveying, and other applications. This successful flight signifies a new breakthrough in China's large drone technology, expected to stimulate the low-altitude economy.
Summary: A Chinese company is utilizing digital technologies, including building information modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), in the construction of the Jeddah Central Development Project in Saudi Arabia, a key component of Saudi Arabia's "2030 Vision". The digital tools facilitate design optimization, clash detection, precise positioning of underground utilities, and efficient troubleshooting, which has also promoted water conservation to overcome the region's geographical challenges. The project is integrating these technologies into a smart city platform for dynamic management and resource coordination, serving as a model for future urban development. According to Saudi representatives, this success offers new opportunities for Chinese-Saudi innovative cooperation. This collaboration also has strong implications for China's Belt and Road Initiative in Saudi Arabia.
Summary: According to a Pakistani analyst, China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes high-quality development, focusing on emerging industries like AI and aerospace, and is built upon increased R&D spending. The analyst highlights China's commitment to expanding openness, promoting trade innovation, and facilitating foreign investment, including measures like shortening the foreign investment negative list. He emphasizes China's role in multilateral initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and global development initiatives. The analyst also notes the alignment between China's development priorities and Pakistan's own development goals. The analyst does not discuss the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Wang Yi met with Brunei's Foreign Minister Erywan in Beijing, stating China's willingness to deepen cooperation with Brunei under the guidance of agreements between the two countries' leaders. Wang emphasized strengthening strategic communication, mutually beneficial cooperation, and multilateral collaboration to advance the China-Brunei community with a shared future. He also noted the upcoming 5th anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, indicating China's desire to further enhance cooperation with ASEAN. Erywan affirmed Brunei's commitment to the One China Policy and support for China's reunification, characterizing China as a crucial force for regional stability.
Summary: The inaugural China Eastern Airlines flight MU745 marked the opening of the first direct air route between China and Argentina, connecting Shanghai, Auckland, and Buenos Aires. The route, which is the longest single-leg flight globally, has already transported over 1,000 passengers in its first week. The new route is expected to boost trade between China, New Zealand, and Argentina, leveraging China Eastern's fifth freedom rights. Chinese Ambassador to Argentina Wang Wei stated the route would strengthen ties between the three countries.
Summary: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced that Politburo Member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan from December 12th to 16th. The visit follows invitations from the foreign ministers of these respective nations. The purpose of the visit was not specified in the announcement.
Summary: According to the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, China aided Tanzania's Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark project, preventing its delisting by UNESCO. The project, launched in 2023, is a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering cooperation in geology. Bilateral trade is expected to reach $10 billion in 2025, with Chinese companies involved in infrastructure projects. China is also promoting Tanzanian agricultural exports, and implementing "Ten Partnership Plans" under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The ambassador highlighted cultural exchanges and educational cooperation, noting Tanzania as a key country for China-Africa cooperation.
Summary: Politburo member and Vice Premier He Lifeng met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Beijing. He Lifeng stated China's economic resilience and its commitment to healthy development, while also expressing hope for the IMF's continued support for multilateralism and deeper cooperation with China. Georgieva praised China's contributions to the global economy and expressed a willingness to strengthen cooperation, thanking China for supporting the establishment of the IMF's Shanghai center. The meeting included discussions on the current international economic and financial situation.
Summary: Huang Xiaowei, Vice-President of the All-China Women's Federation, attended an international conference in Turkmenistan where she promoted Xi Jinping's concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Women's Summit. Huang highlighted China's achievements in promoting women's development within its modernization efforts, emphasizing China's commitment to multilateralism and providing opportunities for global women's causes. She stressed China's willingness to share development opportunities and called for multilateral cooperation to implement the consensus reached at the Global Women's Summit. During the conference, Huang met with officials from Turkmenistan, Sao Tome and Principe, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and the UN Office at Geneva. The article did not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: At a UN Environment Assembly side event in Nairobi, China promoted its vision for global environmental governance and released a think tank report on eco-friendly modernization. The event, guided by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, saw Vice Minister Guo Fang and Ambassador Guo Haiyan in attendance, along with UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen (represented by Dechen Tsering), and representatives from countries including the U.S. and the UK. Andersen noted China's progress in air quality, pollution control, and energy transition, emphasizing the need for global cooperation. Participants recognized China's ecological civilization efforts as a model for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Summary: Several regions in China are implementing extended and flexible hours for government services to better accommodate citizens and businesses, addressing difficulties such as limited weekday availability. Inspired by a guideline published by the State Council, government service centers in Inner Mongolia, Anhui, and Gansu are offering services during evenings, weekends, and holidays. These initiatives include online appointment systems, AI-powered guidance, and "tidal windows" to manage peak hours, improving efficiency and convenience. Local governments are also implementing mechanisms to protect the rights and provide incentives for staff to ensure the long-term sustainablity of these programs. Experts suggest further integration of digital technologies to enhance the effectiveness of these services.
Summary: According to the article, Chengdu is implementing urban renewal projects, exemplified by improvements to the Xiushuiyuan residential complex in Jinjiang District. Key to the project was fixing the roofs of buildings to prevent water leakage, a major concern for residents like Li An. The project used double-layered waterproof membrane and addressed details like drainage pipe junctions. Residents were involved in the supervision of the work, including inspections of water tightness. The project also included replacing window awnings, chosen by residents through a voting process.
Summary: This article emphasizes the importance of addressing residents' concerns in old residential area renovation projects. It highlights how seemingly small improvements, like waterproofing, can significantly improve residents' lives. Successful renovation requires local officials to respond to public demands, create practical plans, and ensure residents are satisfied with the changes. The piece underscores that such projects are crucial for improving people's well-being, and that only by listening to the population can improvements be successfully implemented.
Summary: The article emphasizes that green development is a crucial aspect of China's modernization, highlighting the need to balance economic progress with ecological protection. Sun Jinlong of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment emphasized the strategic importance of achieving carbon neutrality, advocating for a planned approach to carbon peaking. The article details initiatives such as developing new energy systems, expanding the national carbon market, and promoting energy-saving renovations. It also discusses efforts to establish green production and lifestyle practices, including ecological zoning and promoting green manufacturing. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: The State Council has announced personnel changes, appointing Zhang Wentong as Vice Minister of Natural Resources, Zu Leiming as Vice Minister of Water Resources, Chen Min as Vice Minister of Emergency Management, and Li Xiaosong as Deputy Director of the National Disease Prevention and Control Administration. Zu Leiming was previously the Director of the Yellow River Conservancy Commission. Lu Jiang was removed from her position as Deputy Director of the National Disease Prevention and Control Administration. There is no indication from the article that the United States or U.S.-China relations were discussed.
Summary: The 2025 National Smart Healthcare Security Competition recently concluded in Shanghai, attracting 802 teams since its launch in August. The competition, encompassing 11 fields including pharmaceutical R&D, healthcare, and finance, aimed to leverage healthcare security data across various sectors. After multiple rounds, 178 teams from across China were awarded prizes. The event, reported by Jiang Hongbing of this newspaper, highlights China's push to integrate data-driven solutions within its healthcare security system. The article does not allude to the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Beijing has launched 105 initiatives to streamline administrative processes, focusing on its "four centers" strategic positioning. These initiatives aim to reduce processing times, required materials, and physical visits by significant percentages. The reforms cover various aspects of business and personal life, from urban renewal to cultural consumption and international services. The improvements are intended to enhance the city's governance, cultural vibrancy, international appeal, and technological innovation. A closed-loop management system has been created to ensure oversight of the "efficient handling of affairs" across all processes.
Summary: Hong Kong's Mental Health Advisory Committee announced the "Watch & Accompany" bereavement support program, offering free mental health services to families bereaved by the Tai Po Hong Fuk Court fire. The program, coordinated with multiple NGOs and the Social Welfare Department, provides grief counseling and mental health services, referring families to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists as needed. The Judiciary and Legal Aid Department will expedite legal proceedings and provide legal assistance to those affected by the fire, focusing on injury claims, property loss recovery, and employee compensation. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations in the article.
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Summary: A recent commentary highlights the need to improve the adaptation of supply and demand to further promote consumption, as indicated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It emphasizes shifting consumer demand from basic needs to quality, advocating for high-quality supply to meet diverse needs and for upgrading industries to lead consumption upgrades. The commentary suggests addressing structural mismatches between supply and demand in areas such as elderly products and promoting new consumption models. It also stresses the importance of embracing openness and integrating international standards to enhance consumption, mentioning the China International Import Expo and the overseas expansion of Chinese brands.
Summary: This article emphasizes the importance of leveraging the agency and initiative of the people in China's poverty alleviation efforts. It highlights examples such as the Halong people who escaped poverty by starting ramen restaurants across China and abroad, and the people of Xihai Gu who, with government assistance, transformed from farmers into skilled agriculturalists. The piece asserts that poverty alleviation requires not only financial support but also inspiring self-reliance and fostering skills development among impoverished communities. By respecting the people's pioneering spirit and combining top-down support with bottom-up innovation, China can achieve continued success in poverty reduction. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: An article written by the Party Secretary and Chairman of China Green Development Investment Group Co., Ltd. discusses the company's role in achieving China's "dual carbon" goals and promoting a green transition, particularly during the pivotal "15th Five-Year Plan" period. The author emphasizes the need to integrate technological and industrial innovation, address challenges in realizing the value of ecological products, and extend green practices from production to daily life. The company has been working on projects such as renewable energy and low-carbon communities, aiming to contribute to the building of a "Beautiful China." The author makes no specific remarks about the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: China has launched a national drug price registry to aid domestic pharmaceutical companies in international markets, as the absence of a reliable pricing system has constrained their global expansion. The new system aims to provide a transparent platform for companies to establish credible pricing, especially since current domestic prices, often influenced by national medical insurance, fail to reflect market value. This initiative is seen as crucial for Chinese firms competing with the United States and other developed markets where drug price controls are prevalent. The system will also support domestic R&D investment by providing a way for Chinese drug companies to expand and increase profits abroad. Local governments are providing additional policy support to encourage biomedical innovation.
Summary: This article emphasizes the importance of intellectual property (IP) protections for fostering innovation, particularly in the context of China's shift from an IP importer to an IP creator. It highlights China surpassing 5 million domestic valid invention patents, making it the first country to achieve this milestone. The piece argues that strengthened IP protections are conducive to developing new productive forces. The article contains no discussion of the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: The article discusses the increasing problem of "蹭穿" (wearing clothes briefly and then returning them) in Chinese e-commerce, leading merchants to implement increasingly elaborate anti-return measures like oversized tags and security devices. These measures negatively impact all consumers and increase costs. The author argues that relying solely on merchants to solve the problem is insufficient. Instead, e-commerce platforms should implement stricter credit systems and legal penalties for abusive return practices to build a healthy, trust-based consumer environment. The article does not discuss the United States or U.S.-China relations.
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Summary: The newly opened Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, the world's highest and longest span mountain bridge, has become a major tourist attraction, boosting local tourism and connecting previously disparate scenic spots. The bridge, part of a larger transportation project to facilitate economic development in western Guizhou, is equipped with a sophisticated health monitoring system using fiber optic sensors to ensure its structural integrity, and has led to increased employment and new pathways for local goods to reach markets like the Greater Bay Area. The bridge is being touted as an example of integrating tourism and transportation infrastructure. The project also includes plans for tourist services.
Summary: China's first national onshore shale oil demonstration zone in Xinjiang's Jimsar has completed its construction goals ahead of schedule, reaching an annual output of 1.7 million tons of crude oil. The Jimsar demonstration zone, established in 2020 in the Junggar Basin, has over 1 billion tons of resources. This milestone signifies a breakthrough in addressing challenges related to onshore shale oil extraction, providing replicable techniques and management experience. The achievement is strategically significant for optimizing China's energy structure and safeguarding national energy security.
Summary: The Ministry of Transport has identified over 860 scenarios across six transportation sectors, creating a comprehensive "AI + Transportation" landscape. To foster innovation, the Ministry has established the Transportation Large Model Innovation and Industry Alliance to cultivate an industrial ecosystem. The inaugural AI competition, themed "Intelligent Transportation, Wise Future," encouraged teams to develop practical intelligent agents addressing real-world business needs across the transportation sector. The competition showcased a focus on practical application and business-driven development, covering all aspects of transportation from technical innovation to governance.
Summary: In the first 11 months of this year, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region's import and export value reached 4.3 trillion yuan. Exports from the area reached 1.32 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.9%, marking eight consecutive months of growth and a record high for the period. High-end equipment exports from the region increased by 28.6%, with significant growth in railway transportation equipment exports to Kazakhstan, Guinea, and India. New foreign trade models are accelerating, with notable increases in exports of electronic components, electrical control devices, and medical instruments via market procurement trade. Exports from comprehensive bonded zones also grew, driven by high-tech products.
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Summary: The article commemorates the 88th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre by recounting the experiences of survivor Xia Shuqin, who witnessed the murder of her family by Japanese soldiers at the age of eight. It highlights the assistance provided by international figures like John Magee and John Rabe, who documented the atrocities and sheltered refugees. The article also mentions the fight against Japanese right-wing denial of the massacre, including Magee's testimony and the donation of his original film to the Memorial Hall. It references Iris Chang's book, *The Rape of Nanking*, and Xia Shuqin's successful defamation lawsuit against Japanese deniers.
Summary: The article features quotes from individuals involved in preserving and studying the history of the Nanjing Massacre. Zhou Feng, curator of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, emphasizes the importance of remembering history to safeguard peace and respect life. Shen Ao, director of the film "Nanjing Photo Studio," aims to convey the historical reality and resilience of ordinary people during the massacre. Yang Yali, a doctoral student at Nankai University, discusses her research on the "Nanjing Safety Zone" and the heroic actions of Nanjing citizens. Yu Ningpeng, a high school student and donor of historical materials, encourages his peers to learn from history and contribute to a stronger nation.
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Summary: Please provide the article you would like me to summarize. I need the text of the article to provide an accurate and relevant summary for professional analysts of Chinese politics.
Summary: The China Federation of Literary and Art Circles is leading a project to systematically collect, protect, and promote Chinese folk literature through the publication of the "China Folk Literature Series." This large-scale project, implemented by the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association, aims to safeguard folk literature and encourage societal participation in its preservation and development. The project has published over 100 volumes as of September 2024, with a goal of publishing thousands of volumes covering various genres and regions. The initiative includes building digital archives and databases to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of these cultural treasures, and integrate them into the Chinese cultural identity. The project emphasizes the importance of folk literature in enhancing national cohesion and telling Chinese stories.
Summary: The article discusses the importance of preserving and promoting Chinese folk literature, which the author considers a vital part of the nation's cultural identity and a source of inspiration for contemporary art. The author highlights the multi-generational effort to collect and protect folk literature, culminating in the "Chinese Folk Literature Series Publication Project." They emphasize the need to balance innovation with the preservation of original forms and to avoid over-commercialization of cultural resources. The author also calls for creating platforms for young people to engage with traditional culture and for establishing professional expertise in its systematic protection. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations in the article.
Summary: The "Chinese Folk Literature Series" publication project, initiated in 2017, aims to create a national collection and preserve oral cultural heritage. Over 12,000 experts have contributed to collecting, researching, and publishing folk literature, resulting in 116 published volumes out of 619 planned. This project seeks to integrate folk literature into modern life and cultural industries, seeing them as valuable cultural IP resources, to further develop cultural industries with Chinese characteristics. The project is intended to promote cultural confidence and strengthen national cohesion. According to Xi Jinping, the project is dedicated to discovering the ideological concepts, humanistic spirit, and moral norms of outstanding Chinese traditional culture, integrating artistic creativity with Chinese cultural values, and integrating the Chinese aesthetic spirit with contemporary aesthetic pursuits to activate the vitality of Chinese culture.
Summary: Please provide the article you would like me to summarize. I need the text of the article to provide an accurate and concise summary for professional analysts of Chinese politics.
Summary: This article discusses the importance of developing cultural endeavors and industries, adhering to the spirit of the 20th Fourth Plenary Session of the Party Central Committee and Xi Jinping's cultural thought. It emphasizes creating outstanding works that reflect the current era, preserving and developing traditional Chinese culture, enhancing public cultural services, and accelerating the development of cultural industries and tourism. The article stresses the need to strengthen China's cultural soft power as essential for national rejuvenation and meeting the people's growing cultural needs. It calls for deepening cultural exchanges and cooperation to promote Chinese culture globally. The U.S. is not mentioned in this article.
Summary: The Central Economic Work Conference held in Beijing December 10-11 emphasized the importance of both "bold reforms" and "detailed craftsmanship" to enhance high-quality development. The meeting stressed a strategic approach to reform, advocating both macro-level planning and micro-level execution to overcome obstacles. It highlighted the need for decisive action on major issues, while also emphasizing meticulous implementation to ensure policies are effective. Cadres should be able to deploy both approaches to solve problems, and to ensure the success of reforms. The article did not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: This article emphasizes the importance of leveraging information technology to enhance China's international communication effectiveness and global influence. It argues for building a comprehensive communication system supported by technology and centered on cultural content. The author stresses the need for innovative digital expressions to increase the appeal of Chinese culture, advocating for the use of AI, VR, and AR to create engaging digital products. Furthermore, the piece promotes expanding exchange spaces to foster a co-creation and sharing model of civilization communication. The aim is to shift international audiences from passive recipients to active participants in the Chinese narrative, ultimately enhancing China's global image.
Summary: According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza is at a high epidemic level in China, with a slowing upward trend in positive detection rates. CDC researchers Peng Zhibin and Wang Dayan emphasized that current pathogens are known and that vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure, especially for children, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions. They highlighted the importance of annual vaccination due to viral mutations and waning immunity. The experts also advised that schools and other key institutions should monitor health and maintain ventilation. The article does not discuss or allude to the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: This article reports on the heroic actions of Li Jiating, a student from Tongxin County, Ningxia, who rescued a four-year-old boy from a frozen lake. Li Jiating, without revealing her actions, used a long tube to reach the boy after the ice broke, ultimately being pulled back to safety by people on the shore before firefighters rescued the boy. Her bravery has been widely praised, but local firefighters cautioned against untrained individuals, especially minors, attempting such rescues. The article does not mention any officials or the United States.
Summary: The "2025 Social Governance and Collaborative Innovation Urban High-Quality Development Conference and the 5th Town Mayor Forum" convened in Shenzhen, Guangdong, to discuss strategies for high-efficiency governance in modern cities. Experts emphasized the need for integrated urban operation, shifting from single-functionality to human-centered scenarios, and moving beyond a construction-heavy approach to prioritize nuanced management. Poly Property launched its "All-field Scenery-City Service" model, aiming for synergistic city and scenic area functions. The conference also saw the establishment of strategic partnerships and a joint laboratory to promote smart governance technologies.
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Summary: The article discusses the emerging "one old, one young" (老幼共托) integrated service model in China, which combines elderly care and childcare facilities to address the challenges faced by families caring for both young children and elderly parents. Several pilot programs are underway in Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Jining, offering services like daycare, elderly care, and intergenerational activities. Challenges include a lack of specialized personnel, heavy financial burdens, and the need for better coordination between government departments. Some facilities have started offering extended childcare and elderly care services to alleviate these financial burdens.
Summary: The article advocates for an "intergenerational co-care" model that combines elderly care and childcare services in shared spaces, addressing demographic challenges and alleviating family care burdens. This model aims to optimize resource utilization, foster intergenerational connections, and promote community building by integrating the elderly and young children. Success depends on careful spatial design, tailored service offerings, and government support to overcome funding and logistical challenges. Ultimately, the piece promotes a vision of a harmonious, age-friendly society.
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Summary: Southeast Asia and South Asia are experiencing severe flooding due to heavy rainfall and cyclones, resulting in significant casualties and property damage in countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The extreme weather is attributed to a combination of factors, including La Niña, the Indian Ocean Dipole, and tropical cyclones. Human activities such as deforestation and urbanization have exacerbated the impact. China is providing humanitarian assistance to affected countries, including emergency aid to Sri Lanka and donations via its consulate and companies in Thailand and Indonesia.
Summary: Ahead of the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Day, the Museum of Evidence of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army released a 38-minute video testimony by former Unit 731 member Nishijima Tsuruo. Nishijima, a member of the meteorological unit, revealed that Unit 731 used weather data to conduct live bacteria-spreading and frostbite experiments on "Maruta" (活人). The experiments involved low-altitude aerial dispersal of bacteria and forced exposure to extreme cold. The testimony corroborates previous research and reports, highlighting the systematic and inhumane nature of Unit 731's crimes. The video was recorded by a Japanese scholar in 1997 and donated to the museum in 2019.
Summary: Japan is facing increasing international criticism for its slow progress in transitioning away from fossil fuels, as highlighted by the "Fossil of the Day" award at the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém. Despite its image as an environmentally conscious nation, Japan's revised emissions reduction targets are considered insufficient, and its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation remains high. Critics argue Japan prioritizes technological solutions that prolong the life of fossil fuels over a fundamental shift to renewable energy. The slow development of renewable energy and continued financing of overseas fossil fuel projects further exacerbate Japan's lagging energy transition. This approach risks undermining global climate governance and could particularly affect the energy transition in developing nations.
Summary: The World Health Organization reported a global increase in influenza activity since October, with the majority of detected viruses being influenza A. The subtype H3N2 is increasing in proportion across multiple countries and regions. Genetic sequencing shows an increase in the K clade of H3N2 since August, indicating viral evolution. Current epidemiological data does not suggest an increase in the severity of illness caused by this variant.
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Summary: The international version of the dance drama "Deep Memory," which commemorates the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, was performed in Paris, featuring foreign dancers as key historical figures like John Rabe and Minnie Vautrin. The drama aims to remind the world of the Nanjing Massacre and the importance of remembering history to prevent future tragedies, referencing historical documents including "The Rape of Nanking," written by Iris Chang, an American author. The performance received a standing ovation and aimed to resonate with international audiences, emphasizing the universal desire for peace and the shared responsibility of safeguarding it. The foreign actors involved expressed a deeper understanding of the historical event, especially the role of the United States citizens in the massacre.
Summary: A collection of anti-fascist poems translated by Zhao Zhenjiang has been published in Taiwan to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The collection features poets such as Neruda, Guillén, Vallejo, Alberti, and Hernández, who wrote about the Spanish Civil War and its themes of anti-fascism and internationalism. Rafael Alberti's visit to China in 1957 deeply impacted him and inspired his collection "China is Smiling". The article emphasizes the importance of remembering history and remaining vigilant against regional conflicts. It does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: The article discusses the Palais des Nations in Geneva, highlighting its history from its conception after World War I as the headquarters for the League of Nations to its current role as the United Nations Office at Geneva. It emphasizes the building's role as a venue for international meetings and its collection of art, much of which reflects themes of peace and remembrance of war. The author reflects on the significance of these artworks, particularly in the context of historical events like the Second Sino-Japanese War, and the importance of international cooperation for preventing future conflicts. The author also notes the building hosts important meetings for organizations like the UN Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization. The article makes no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: This article provides contact information for the *People's Daily* global forum, specifically an email address for submissions and feedback. It also notes Cai Huawei as the designer of the page layout. No details about Chinese politics, officials, or U.S.-China relations are present.
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Summary: The article discusses the post-World War II trials of Japanese war criminals by Allied powers, including China, the U.S., Britain, and Australia, detailing atrocities such as the "hell ships" and the Bataan Death March. It highlights the trials conducted by the U.S. military tribunals in Shanghai, Yokohama, Manila, Guam and Kwajalein, focusing on the prosecution of those responsible for the abuse and killing of Doolittle Raiders. The article also addresses the Chinese trials of Japanese war criminals, emphasizing the thorough legal process and the war criminals' confessions. In conclusion, the article warns about the dangers of historical revisionism by Japanese right-wing forces and the importance of upholding the post-WWII international order.
Summary: To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the "Nanjing Massacre Archives" being included in the "Memory of the World Register," new books documenting the Nanjing Massacre have been published. These books include revised and annotated editions of "The Diaries of John Rabe" and "The Diary of Minnie Vautrin," detailing the experiences of Westerners in Nanjing during the massacre, as well as a revised biography of Vautrin, "Nanjing Eternal Life: The Biography of Minnie Vautrin." Furthermore, the "World War II Memory: Nanjing Massacre" series has been published in foreign languages, focusing on evidence and verdicts from the Tokyo and Nanjing trials. A Japanese translation of oral histories from Nanjing Massacre survivors has been released, alongside the publication of the diary of a Japanese soldier, aiming to promote historical reflection and a shared human future.
Summary: This article discusses the lack of comprehensive documentation and research surrounding Su Shi's (苏轼) early life and upbringing in his birthplace of Meishan (眉山). It argues that understanding Su Shi's formative years in Meishan is crucial for a complete understanding of his thought and work. The author attributes the scarcity of information to limited historical records, lack of early attention to the "Three Sus" (苏家父子), and Meishan's geographical remoteness. The article highlights the Meishan Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference's (眉山市政协) effort to address this gap with the publication of a book titled "My Home is on the Shu River: Su Shi in Meishan" (《吾家蜀江上：苏轼在眉山》). The author hopes that this book, while a work of literary interpretation rather than strict academic research, can be a foundation for future studies of Su Shi's early life.
Summary: The book "Let There Be Light" explores the mental health challenges faced by Chinese youth across different socioeconomic strata, using case studies from Beijing, a coastal city, and a rural county. Author Liang Hong highlights how factors like emotionally distant families and intense academic competition contribute to these issues, impacting both the children and their parents. The book emphasizes the importance of professional support, familial resilience, and the children's own inner strength in overcoming these challenges. It urges readers to reflect on educational approaches and family dynamics, advocating for a more compassionate and supportive environment for children's growth. The book does not discuss the United States or U.S.-China relations.
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Summary: The preface to "Computational Power Ecology: A New Engine for High-Quality Development in China" introduces computational power as a transformative force reshaping society and industrial logic. It emphasizes that computational power is not a naturally balanced ecosystem but relies on various factors such as energy, policy, investment, and talent. The book aims to analyze how computational power integrates into social operations, shapes industrial logic, and participates in public decision-making. It focuses on the broader societal transformation brought about by computational power, particularly considering accessibility, efficiency, and security, rather than on specific technical implementations or products. The book aims to provide a wider audience with an understanding of the "computing society."
Summary: This brief notice, likely a standard attribution for the People's Daily's "Reading" section, offers no substantive content for analysis. It simply provides the email address for submissions and credits the layout design to Shen Yiling. As such, there is nothing to summarize regarding Chinese politics, official statements, or US-China relations.
To do a good job in next year's economic work, it is necessary to take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide, thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, fully and accurately implement the new development concept, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, focus on promoting high-quality development, adhere to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, better coordinate domestic economic work and international economic and trade struggles, better coordinate development and security, implement more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies, enhance the foresight, pertinence, and coordination of policies, continuously expand domestic demand, optimize supply, improve the quality of increments, revitalize the stock, develop new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, promote the construction of a unified national market in depth, continuously prevent and resolve risks in key areas, focus on stabilizing employment, stabilizing enterprises, stabilizing the market, and stabilizing expectations, promote the effective improvement of the quality and the reasonable growth of the quantity of the economy, maintain social harmony and stability, and achieve a good start for the "15th Five-Year Plan."
Beijing (北京), December 11 (Reporter from this newspaper) - The Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing (北京) from December 10 to 11. Xi Jinping (习近平), General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered an important speech. Li Qiang (李强), Zhao Leji (赵乐际), Wang Huning (王沪宁), Cai Qi (蔡奇), Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥), and Li Xi (李希), members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping (习近平) summarized the economic work of 2025, analyzed the current economic situation, and deployed the economic work of 2026 in his important speech. Li Qiang (李强) made a concluding speech, putting forward requirements for implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech and doing a good job in next year's economic work.
The meeting pointed out that this year has been a very extraordinary year. The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core has united and led the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to overcome difficulties and work hard, unswervingly implement the new development concept, promote high-quality development, coordinate the overall domestic and international situations, and implement more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies. The main goals of economic and social development will be successfully completed. China's economy has moved forward against pressure and developed towards new and better directions. The construction of a modern industrial system has been continuously promoted, new steps have been taken in reform and opening up, positive progress has been made in resolving risks in key areas, and people's livelihood has been more effectively guaranteed. Over the past five years, we have effectively responded to various shocks and challenges, promoted new major achievements in the cause of the Party and the country, the "14th Five-Year Plan" is about to come to a successful conclusion, and a good start has been made in the new journey towards the second centenary goal.
The meeting believes that through practice, we have gained new understanding and experience in doing economic work under the new situation: we must fully tap the economic potential, we must adhere to both policy support and reform and innovation, we must achieve both "flexible release" and "effective management," we must adhere to the close combination of investment in things and investment in people, and we must respond to external challenges by practicing internal skills.
The meeting pointed out that there are still many old problems and new challenges in China's economic development, the impact of changes in the external environment has deepened, the contradiction between strong domestic supply and weak demand is prominent, and there are many risks and hidden dangers in key areas. Most of these are problems in development and transformation, which can be solved through efforts. The supporting conditions and basic trend of China's long-term economic improvement have not changed. We must strengthen our confidence, make good use of our advantages, respond to challenges, and continuously consolidate and expand the momentum of economic stability and improvement.
The meeting emphasized that to do a good job in next year's economic work, it is necessary to take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide, thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, fully and accurately implement the new development concept, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, focus on promoting high-quality development, adhere to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, better coordinate domestic economic work and international economic and trade struggles, better coordinate development and security, implement more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies, enhance the foresight, pertinence, and coordination of policies, continuously expand domestic demand, optimize supply, improve the quality of increments, revitalize the stock, develop new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, promote the construction of a unified national market in depth, continuously prevent and resolve risks in key areas, focus on stabilizing employment, stabilizing enterprises, stabilizing the market, and stabilizing expectations, promote the effective improvement of the quality and the reasonable growth of the quantity of the economy, maintain social harmony and stability, and achieve a good start for the "15th Five-Year Plan."
The meeting pointed out that in terms of policy orientation for next year's economic work, we must adhere to seeking progress while maintaining stability, improving quality and efficiency, giving play to the integrated effect of existing and incremental policies, increasing the intensity of counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments, and improving the effectiveness of macroeconomic governance. We must continue to implement a more proactive fiscal policy. Maintain the necessary fiscal deficit, total debt scale, and total expenditure, strengthen scientific fiscal management, optimize the fiscal expenditure structure, and standardize tax incentives and fiscal subsidy policies. Attach importance to solving the financial difficulties of local governments and ensure the bottom line of "three guarantees" at the grassroots level. Enforce strict financial discipline and adhere to the principle of government agencies living frugally. We must continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy. Taking the promotion of stable economic growth and reasonable price recovery as an important consideration for monetary policy, flexibly and efficiently use various policy tools such as RRR cuts and interest rate cuts, maintain ample liquidity, smooth the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, and guide financial institutions to increase support for key areas such as expanding domestic demand, technological innovation, and small and micro enterprises. Maintain the basic stability of the RMB exchange rate at a reasonable and balanced level. We must enhance the consistency and effectiveness of macroeconomic policy orientation. Incorporate various economic and non-economic policies, existing and incremental policies into the consistency assessment of macroeconomic policy orientation. Improve the expectation management mechanism and boost social confidence.
The meeting determined that next year's economic work should focus on the following key tasks.
First, adhere to domestic demand as the mainstay and build a strong domestic market. Deepen the implementation of special actions to boost consumption and formulate and implement plans to increase the income of urban and rural residents. Expand the supply of high-quality goods and services. Optimize the implementation of the "two new" policies. Clean up unreasonable restrictions in the field of consumption and release the potential of service consumption. Promote investment to stop falling and stabilize, appropriately increase the scale of investment within the central budget, optimize the implementation of "two major" projects, optimize the use and management of special bonds of local governments, continue to play the role of new policy-based financial instruments, and effectively stimulate the vitality of private investment. Promote urban renewal with high quality.
Second, adhere to innovation-driven development and accelerate the cultivation and expansion of new driving forces. Formulate a plan to promote the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent. Build international science and technology innovation centers in Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) (北京（京津冀）), Shanghai (Yangtze River Delta) (上海（长三角）), and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区). Strengthen the leading role of enterprises in innovation and improve the intellectual property protection system in emerging fields. Formulate an action plan to expand and improve the quality of the service industry. Implement a new round of high-quality development actions for key industrial chains. Deepen and expand "Artificial Intelligence +", and improve artificial intelligence governance. Innovate science and technology financial services.
Third, adhere to reform and tackle key problems, and enhance the driving force and vitality of high-quality development. Formulate regulations for the construction of a unified national market and thoroughly rectify "involutionary" competition. Formulate and implement a plan to further deepen the reform of state-owned assets and state-owned enterprises, and improve the supporting laws, regulations, and policies of the Private Economy Promotion Law. Accelerate the clearing of overdue payments to enterprises. Promote the win-win development of platform enterprises, platform operators, and laborers. Expand the pilot of market-oriented reform of factors of production. Improve the local tax system. Deepen the reduction and quality improvement of small and medium-sized financial institutions, and continue to deepen the comprehensive reform of investment and financing in the capital market.
Fourth, adhere to opening up to the outside world and promote multi-field cooperation and win-win results. Steadily promote institutional opening up, orderly expand the autonomous opening up of the service sector, optimize the layout and scope of free trade pilot zones, and steadily promote the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port (海南自由贸易港). Promote the integrated development of trade and investment, and the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade. Encourage and support service exports, and actively develop digital trade and green trade. Deepen the reform of the foreign investment promotion system and mechanism. Improve the overseas comprehensive service system. Promote the high-quality development of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative. Promote the negotiation and signing of more regional and bilateral trade and investment agreements.
Fifth, adhere to coordinated development and promote urban-rural integration and regional linkage. Coordinate the promotion of urbanization construction with county towns as an important carrier and the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas, and promote the high-quality development of the county economy. Strictly abide by the red line of arable land, grasp grain production without relaxation, and promote the prices of grain and other important agricultural products to remain at a reasonable level. Continue to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, incorporate regular assistance into the overall implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, and firmly guard the bottom line of preventing large-scale return to poverty. Support major economic provinces to take the lead. Strengthen the coordinated linkage of key urban agglomerations and deepen cross-administrative regional cooperation. Strengthen the overall planning of major bays and promote the high-quality development of the marine economy.
Sixth, adhere to the "dual carbon" leadership and promote comprehensive green transformation. Deeply promote energy conservation and carbon reduction transformation in key industries. Formulate a planning outline for the construction of a strong energy country, accelerate the construction of a new energy system, and expand the application of green electricity. Strengthen the construction of a national carbon emission trading market. Implement a comprehensive solid waste management action, deeply fight the battles to defend blue skies, clear waters, and pure land, and strengthen the management of new pollutants. Steadily promote the "Three North" (三北) Shelterbelt Project battle, and implement the integration and optimization of nature reserves. Strengthen the construction of a meteorological monitoring, forecasting, and early warning system, accelerate the completion of infrastructure shortcomings in flood prevention, drainage, and disaster resistance in northern regions, and improve the ability to respond to extreme weather.
Seventh, adhere to putting people's livelihood first and strive to do more practical things for the people. Implement actions to stabilize employment, expand capacity, and improve quality, stabilize the employment of key groups such as college graduates and migrant workers, and encourage and support flexible employment personnel and new employment form personnel to participate in employee insurance. Promote the adjustment of the layout and structure of educational resources, increase the supply of ordinary high school places and the enrollment of high-quality university undergraduates. Optimize drug centralized procurement and deepen the reform of medical insurance payment methods. Implement a rehabilitation and nursing capacity expansion and improvement project, promote a long-term care insurance system, and strengthen care and assistance for vulnerable groups. Advocate a positive view of marriage and childbearing, and strive to stabilize the scale of new births. Solidly do a good job in safety production, disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, food and drug safety, and other work.
Eighth, adhere to guarding the bottom line and actively and steadily resolving risks in key areas. Focus on stabilizing the real estate market, controlling increments, destocking, and optimizing supply according to local conditions, and encourage the acquisition of existing commercial housing for key uses such as affordable housing. Deepen the reform of the housing provident fund system and orderly promote the construction of "good houses." Accelerate the construction of a new model for real estate development. Actively and orderly resolve local government debt risks, urge local governments to actively resolve debts, and prohibit the illegal addition of hidden debts. Optimize debt restructuring and replacement methods, and take multiple measures to resolve the operational debt risks of local government financing platforms.
The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to consciously unify thoughts and actions with the Party Central Committee's scientific judgment on the situation, grasp the general trend of China's development, and strengthen confidence in future development. It is necessary to fully implement the overall requirements and policy orientation of next year's economic work, adhere to a positive and pragmatic goal orientation, focus on solving existing difficulties and problems, make greater breakthroughs in the effective improvement of quality, and enhance the sense of gain for residents and enterprises; enhance the synergistic effect of reform and policies, and promote the continuous improvement of economic operation and market expectations. It is necessary to grasp the key focus of next year's economic work in the overall situation, focus on strengthening the domestic cycle and expand new space for domestic demand growth; focus on developing new quality productive forces and promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation; focus on stimulating the driving force and vitality of high-quality development and unswervingly deepen reform and expand opening up; focus on continuously improving people's well-being and increase efforts to guarantee and improve people's livelihood; focus on guarding the bottom line of safety and steadily do a good job in resolving risks in key areas.
The meeting emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen the Party's overall leadership over economic work and form a unified will and strong synergy. It is necessary to adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and all regions and departments should combine their actual conditions and adapt to local conditions to fully implement the Party Central Committee's ideas, tasks, and policies on next year's economic work. It is necessary to establish and practice a correct view of performance, adhere to achieving performance for the people and achieving performance through hard work, consciously act in accordance with the laws, and improve the differentiated assessment and evaluation system. It is necessary to prepare national and local "15th Five-Year Plan" and special plans in accordance with the "Suggestions" of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to promote high-quality and sustainable development. It is necessary to create a good political environment, talent environment, business environment, and public opinion environment, strengthen policy publicity and interpretation, and fully stimulate positive social energy.
The meeting required that we should do a good job in ensuring the supply of important livelihood commodities at the end of the year and the beginning of the year, care about the production and life of people in need, and resolutely prevent and curb the occurrence of major and particularly serious accidents.
The meeting called on the entire Party and the entire society to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, unite as one, forge ahead, strive to achieve the goals and tasks of economic and social development next year, and ensure a good start and a good start for the "15th Five-Year Plan."
Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Chairmen of the Central Military Commission, relevant leading comrades of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, State Councilors, President of the Supreme People's Court, Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, relevant leading comrades of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and members of the Central Military Commission attended the meeting.
The main responsible comrades of the Party and government of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, cities under separate state planning, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (新疆生产建设兵团), the relevant departments of the Central and State organs, relevant people's organizations, some financial institutions and enterprises under central management, and the main responsible comrades of the departments of the Central Military Commission attended the meeting.
Return to TopAt the important historical juncture when the "14th Five-Year Plan" is about to conclude successfully and the "15th Five-Year Plan" is about to begin, the Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing (北京) from December 10th to 11th. This was a very important meeting convened by the Party Central Committee after the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and it is of great and far-reaching significance for us to strengthen our confidence, strive for progress, and achieve a good start to the "15th Five-Year Plan."
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attended the meeting and delivered an important speech, comprehensively summarizing the economic work of 2025, deeply analyzing the current economic situation, and systematically deploying the economic work of 2026, providing scientific guidance for ensuring a good start and a good step for the "15th Five-Year Plan."
2025 was an extraordinary year, of great significance in the process of Chinese-style modernization. Under the complex situation of increasing external pressure and many internal difficulties, China's economy moved forward against pressure, developed towards new and better directions, maintained an overall stable and steady-progressing development trend, demonstrated strong resilience and vitality, and the main goals of economic and social development will be successfully completed. In the past five years, we have effectively responded to various shocks and challenges, promoted new major achievements in the cause of the Party and the country, significantly enhanced China's hard power in economy, science and technology, and national defense, as well as soft power in culture, system, and diplomacy, and taken new solid steps in Chinese-style modernization, achieving a good start to the new journey towards the second centenary goal. This is the result of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core uniting and leading the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to overcome difficulties and work hard, fully demonstrating the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments."
The meeting pointed out that the supporting conditions and basic trends of China's long-term economic improvement have not changed. This is a major judgment made by the Party Central Committee in coordinating the overall domestic and international situations and scientifically analyzing China's development situation, which strengthens our confidence and determination to boost our energy, meet challenges, and forge ahead. We must fully tap economic potential, adhere to both policy support and reform and innovation, ensure both "vitalization" and "good management," adhere to the close combination of investment in things and investment in people, and respond to external challenges by practicing internal skills. The "five musts" summarized and refined by the meeting are a profound summary of China's development practice, reflecting the deepening of our Party's understanding of the laws of economic work under the new situation, and are of great guiding significance for us to continuously consolidate and expand the momentum of economic stability and improvement, and win strategic initiative in fierce international competition.
Achieving socialist modernization is a historical process of step-by-step advancement and continuous development and progress. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China determined that socialist modernization will be basically realized by 2035, which requires unremitting efforts and continuous struggle from the "14th Five-Year Plan" to the "16th Five-Year Plan." The "14th Five-Year Plan" period has laid a solid foundation, and the "15th Five-Year Plan" period should consolidate the foundation and make comprehensive efforts to ensure that decisive progress is made in basically realizing socialist modernization. A good start is half the battle, and next year is the first year of the "15th Five-Year Plan," so doing a good job in economic work is of great significance.
The meeting accurately grasped the important position of 2026 in the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, clarified the overall requirements and policy orientation of next year's economic work, emphasized adhering to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, better coordinating domestic economic work and international economic and trade struggles, better coordinating development and security, and implementing more proactive and promising macro policies, releasing a clear signal of responding to various uncertainties with the certainty of high-quality development; it deployed the key tasks of "eight persistences" for next year's economic work, grasping the key points and outlining the overall situation, reflecting the combination of adhering to goal orientation and problem orientation. We must conscientiously study and comprehend and implement the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference, fully and accurately implement the new development concept, make good use of the advantages of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, the advantages of a super-large-scale market, the advantages of a complete industrial system, and the advantages of abundant human resources, increase the intensity of counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments, promote the effective improvement of economic quality and the rational growth of quantity, and unite and strive to overcome difficulties for the realization of a good start to the "15th Five-Year Plan."
The centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee is the fundamental guarantee for doing a good job in economic work. The more complex the situation, the more necessary it is to strengthen the Party's leadership and form a unified will and strong synergy. To do a good job in next year's economic work, all regions and departments must enhance their overall perspective and execution, unify their thoughts and actions with the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, unify them with the Party Central Committee's scientific judgment on the economic situation and its decisions and deployments for next year's economic work, and implement them in light of reality and in accordance with local conditions. We must establish and practice a correct view of political achievements, adhere to creating political achievements for the people and creating political achievements through hard work, consciously act in accordance with the laws, and promote high-quality and sustainable development. We must improve the decision-making ability of local party committees, have correct ideas, good work style, excellent abilities, and strong party spirit, and resolutely prevent and correct the "three pats" phenomenon of **拍脑袋决策** (pāi nǎo dài jué cè - "pat head decision," making decisions impulsively), **拍胸脯表态** (pāi xiōng pú biǎo tài - "pat chest statement," making promises rashly), and **拍屁股走人** (pāi pì gǔ zǒu rén - "pat butt leave," leaving a mess behind). We must further create a good political environment, talent environment, business environment, and public opinion environment to create a good environment and atmosphere for doing a good job in economic work and promoting high-quality development.
The blueprint has been drawn, and hard work creates the future. Let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, fully implement Xi Jinping (习近平)'s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, unite as one, forge ahead, strive to achieve the goals and tasks of economic and social development next year, ensure a good start and a good step for the "15th Five-Year Plan," and continue to write a new chapter of the "two miracles" on the new journey, and create a new situation in the construction of Chinese-style modernization.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 寇江泽 董丝雨 蒋雪鸿
Green development is a distinctive feature of Chinese-style modernization.
Xi Jinping (习近平) General Secretary pointed out: "The heavier the development tasks, the more importance should be attached to ecological and environmental protection, and the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development should be promoted."
The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China proposed to accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development and build a beautiful China. The Central Economic Work Conference included "adhering to the 'dual carbon' leadership and promoting comprehensive green transformation" as a key task for next year's economic work.
On the banks of the Grand Canal in Tongzhou (通州), Beijing (北京), the Urban Green Heart Forest Park has clear water and beautiful banks, and the former chemical plant has become an ecological green space; in the Ziya (子牙) Economic and Technological Development Zone in Tianjin (天津), the dismantling line for used power batteries turns waste into wealth, and renewable resources are recycled within the park...
Facing the "15th Five-Year Plan," all regions, departments, and industries will integrate the concept of green development into all aspects of the entire process of economic and social development, coordinate pollution control, ecological protection, and climate change response, promote the transformation of industrial structure, production methods, and lifestyles, and jointly promote high-quality development and high-level protection.
Actively and steadily promote and achieve carbon peaking.
The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes to take carbon peaking and carbon neutrality as the traction, coordinate carbon reduction, pollution reduction, green expansion, and growth, build a solid ecological security barrier, and enhance the driving force for green development.
Sun Jinlong (孙金龙), Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (生态环境部), said that achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality is an inherent requirement for implementing the new development concept, building a new development pattern, and promoting high-quality development. It is a major strategic decision made by the Party Central Committee to coordinate the two overall situations at home and abroad. "We must adhere to the principles of national coordination, conservation priority, dual-wheel drive, smooth domestic and foreign circulation, and risk prevention, implement carbon peaking actions in a planned and step-by-step manner, and firmly grasp the pace and intensity of achieving carbon peaking."
Accelerate the construction of a new energy system.
Insert the hydrogen refueling gun into the hydrogen storage tank interface. After about 10 minutes, the hydrogen-powered bus completes hydrogen refueling and slowly drives to the bus station. This is the site of the State Grid Hydrogen-Electricity Coupling DC Microgrid Demonstration Project in Cixi (慈溪), Ningbo (宁波), Zhejiang (浙江), where "green electricity" and "green hydrogen" achieve two-way conversion.
Ye Xiaming (叶夏明), a senior engineer at State Grid Ningbo (宁波) Power Supply Company, introduced that since the first phase of the project was put into operation, it has cumulatively consumed more than 8.6 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy and produced nearly 1.2 million standard cubic meters of "green hydrogen." "After the second phase of the project is fully put into operation, it can meet the hydrogen refueling of 10 hydrogen-powered buses and the charging of 50 electric vehicles every day."
The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes "building a strong energy country," which is not only a new requirement for the energy field in building a strong country, but also a need to enhance energy security capabilities and win strategic initiative. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China (中国) built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system. For every 3 kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed by the whole society, 1 kilowatt-hour is green electricity, and the energy structure is cleaner and lower-carbon.
Facing new situations and new requirements, during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, China (中国) will continue to increase the proportion of new energy supply, strengthen the clean and efficient utilization of fossil energy, promote the safe, reliable, and orderly replacement of fossil energy, focus on building a new power system, and build a strong energy country. By the end of the "15th Five-Year Plan," most of China's (中国) new electricity demand will be met by new clean energy power generation, and more "wind," "sunshine," and "water flow" will be transformed into green energy for development.
Steadily promote the construction of a national carbon market.
In March of this year, the national carbon emission trading market expanded for the first time, including the steel, cement, and aluminum smelting industries, covering more than 60% of the country's total carbon dioxide emissions. Since 2023, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (生态环境部), together with relevant departments, has successively introduced methodologies for afforestation carbon sinks, offshore wind power, etc., and the support fields for the national voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market have gradually expanded.
The carbon market fully stimulates the endogenous power of carbon reduction, powerfully promotes the formation of a low-carbon development awareness in the whole society that "carbon emissions have costs and carbon reduction has benefits," and the high-tech, high-efficiency, and high-quality characteristics of the industry continue to emerge. It is necessary to deeply promote the construction of a national carbon market and orderly expand the industry coverage of the carbon emission trading market. At the same time, actively develop a voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market and accelerate the development of methodologies in key areas such as ecosystem carbon sinks, renewable energy, and methane emission reduction.
In-depth implementation of energy conservation and carbon reduction transformation.
In Jiangsu (江苏), at the Nanjing (南京) Iron and Steel Group's Smart Operation Center, on the far right of the large screen, the "Smart Energy Management Platform" clearly records the entire process of various energy media from generation and storage to consumption and recycling on "one network." Wang Suyang (王苏扬), general manager of Nangang (南钢) Jinheng (金恒) Technology, introduced that the platform integrates industrial Internet, artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies to realize remote operation, precise scheduling, and full-process control of water, electricity, wind, gas, etc. The energy-saving benefits in 2024 exceeded 80 million yuan, and the comprehensive energy consumption per ton of steel decreased by 4.7%.
Energy conservation and carbon reduction are important measures to actively and steadily promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, comprehensively promote the construction of a beautiful China, and promote the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. In 2024, China's (中国) coal consumption accounted for 53.2%, a decrease of more than 15 percentage points compared to 2012. It is necessary to consistently adhere to the principle of conservation priority, improve the regulation of total energy consumption and intensity, focus on controlling fossil energy consumption, strengthen carbon emission intensity management, and implement special actions for energy conservation and carbon reduction in different fields and industries.
Accelerate the formation of green production and lifestyles.
Green development is an all-round and revolutionary transformation of production methods, lifestyles, ways of thinking, and values. All regions and departments unswervingly follow the path of ecological priority and green development, accelerate the formation of green production and lifestyles, and enhance the driving force for green development.
In-depth promotion of ecological environment zoning management and control.
"The area of the ecological protection red line in Jindao Gorge (金刀峡) Town exceeds 20 square kilometers. If the project is located here, it will conflict with the ecological protection red line," said a relevant person in charge of the Beibei (北碚) District Ecological Environment Bureau in Chongqing (重庆). It turned out that a breeding industry development project was originally located in Jindao Gorge (金刀峡) Town. Before the project's environmental impact assessment was submitted for approval, the Beibei (北碚) District Ecological Environment Bureau found that the project did not meet the requirements of ecological environment zoning management and control, and part of the construction area overlapped with the ecological protection red line. It immediately assisted the company in optimizing the project construction plan.
Since the "14th Five-Year Plan," China (中国) has built an ecological environment zoning management and control system of "two levels, three categories, and one list," and has delineated more than 40,000 management and control units of three types: "priority protection, key management and control, and general management and control," providing a green benchmark for optimizing productivity layout and industrial structure adjustment from the source. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, it is necessary to further improve the ecological environment zoning management and control plan, dynamically connect with economic and social development plans and territorial space plans; strengthen the application of results, and guide key industries and enterprises to scientifically layout and orderly transfer to areas with large environmental capacity and good market guarantee conditions.
Continuously improve the green manufacturing system.
In the metalworking workshop of Jiangxi (江西) Ganzhou (赣州) Nonferrous Metallurgical Machinery Co., Ltd., intelligent CNC machine tools are operating efficiently. On the electronic screen monitored in the background, the process information of equipment operation is constantly refreshed, and a picture of intelligent manufacturing jumps into view. Li Jianshe (李建设), deputy general manager of the company, introduced: "The company is a traditional mining equipment production enterprise. In recent years, it has invested more than 4 million yuan annually for digital transformation, reducing the processes in product processing, improving material utilization, and improving production efficiency."
China (中国) has cumulatively cultivated 6,430 national green factories, and the output value of green factories accounts for more than 20%. The proportion of the "three new" economies in GDP exceeds 18%. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation, it is necessary to continuously promote the green and low-carbon transformation of key areas such as industry, urban and rural construction, transportation, and energy, continuously strengthen the application of green technologies in the field of production and manufacturing, guide and support enterprises to reduce carbon, reduce pollution, and increase green, enhance the driving force for industrial green transformation, and strive to promote the green development of industries.
Green lifestyles are gradually becoming fashionable.
In front of the intelligent recycling bin in the Dushi Huafu (都市华府) community of Taifeng (泰丰) Street, Qianjiang (潜江) City, Hubei (湖北) Province, resident Bao Fangxia (鲍芳霞) uses her mobile phone to scan the code to start the garbage classification applet and puts express boxes and beverage bottles into the bin. Then, she came to the garbage classification fixed-time drop-off point next to her and, under the guidance of the guide, put kitchen waste and other garbage into the corresponding bins.
"I wasn't used to it at first, but now my whole family is very conscious," Bao Fangxia (鲍芳霞) said with a smile. Since April this year, community residents can sell recyclables themselves by making an appointment for cleaning staff to come to their homes or by directly dropping them off. They can also earn points through garbage classification and redeem prizes.
The coverage rate of garbage classification in residential communities in prefecture-level and above cities across the country exceeds 90%, and 27 provinces have introduced carbon inclusive policies; in the activity of replacing old consumer goods with new ones, more than 60% of consumers choose to purchase new energy vehicles, and the sales of first-class energy efficiency appliances account for as high as 90%... Currently, green and low-carbon lifestyles are accelerating. Experts said that we must plan development from the height of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, focus on building a green, low-carbon, and circular economic system, effectively reduce the resource and environmental costs of development, and continuously enhance the potential and stamina of development.
In-depth promotion of pollution prevention and control and ecosystem optimization.
A good ecological environment is the fairest public product and the most inclusive people's livelihood benefit.
Facing the "15th Five-Year Plan," all regions and departments will continue to deepen pollution prevention and control and ecosystem optimization, coordinate the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts, build a solid ecological security barrier, and continuously meet the people's growing needs for a beautiful ecological environment.
Fight the battle against pollution prevention and control at a higher standard.
In Yangshuo (阳朔) County, Guilin (桂林), Guangxi (广西), the Li River (漓江) is like a jade belt, and the laughter of tourists echoes. "Now, when explaining to guests, I don't have to shout at the top of my voice. The electric transformation of bamboo rafts has significantly improved the comfort of tourists," said Mo Jianbin (莫剑斌), a bamboo raft worker. In the past, fuel bamboo rafts not only had loud noise and polluted the air, but also had the risk of fuel leakage. Today, the annoying sputtering sound and exhaust gas have become a thing of the past, better protecting the clear water of the Li River (漓江).
China (中国) has continued to deepen the battle to defend blue skies, clear waters, and pure land, and the quality of the ecological environment has continued to improve, strongly supporting high-quality development. It is necessary to adhere to environmental protection for the people, fully implement precise, scientific, and law-based pollution control, pay more attention to source governance, strengthen the synergy of pollution reduction and carbon reduction, the synergy of multi-pollutant control, and the synergy of regional governance, and promote new breakthroughs in pollution prevention and control in key areas, key fields, and key indicators.
Accelerate the construction of a natural protected area system.
In the Yellow River (黄河) source park of the Sanjiangyuan (三江源) National Park, there are dense lakes. Ecological ranger Ban Cheng (班成), a herdsman from Maduo (玛多) County, Guoluo (果洛) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai (青海) Province, patrols on horseback every day. "Now the grass is growing taller, the lake area is larger, and wild animals are more common than before. Protecting the source of the Yellow River (黄河) is to protect our home and leave ecological wealth for future generations."
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China (中国) has accelerated the construction of a natural protected area system with national parks as the main body, and the stability and service functions of ecosystems have been continuously improved. The National Park Law will come into effect on January 1, 2026, marking a new stage in the construction of a natural protected area system with national parks as the main body entering the stage of legalization and standardization. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, China (中国) will continue to adhere to the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts, and coordinate the promotion of major projects for the protection and restoration of important ecosystems. Strictly abide by the ecological protection red line, orderly establish new national parks, and strengthen biodiversity protection.
In-depth promotion of large-scale national land greening actions.
In Etok (鄂托克) Banner, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古) Autonomous Region, in the comprehensive management project area of desertified land in the northern section of the windbreak and sand barrier on the Maowusu (毛乌素) Desert, ditching machines have opened up planting strips, and sand control workers have quickly followed up to plant sand willow seedlings in the soil. Tian Yanjun (田彦军), director of the Forestry and Grassland Workstation of Etok (鄂托克) Banner, introduced that since the "14th Five-Year Plan," Etok (鄂托克) Banner has completed more than 12 million mu of forestry and grassland ecological construction, and the governance rate of the Maowusu (毛乌素) Desert has reached more than 80%.
Since the launch of the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Project (三北防护林工程) battle more than two years ago, a total of 415 projects have been implemented, completing the construction task of 190 million mu, and achieving important phased results. Relevant officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (国家林草局) stated that they will continue to make sustained efforts in scientific protection, systematic management, strict quality control, consolidation of results, and industrial synergy, and continuously improve the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystems in the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Project (三北防护林工程) area, and build a solid green Great Wall in northern Xinjiang (北疆).
At present, China's (中国) economic and social development has entered a stage of high-quality development that accelerates greening and low-carbonization. The "15th Five-Year Plan" period is particularly critical for accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. China (中国) will achieve its carbon peaking goal, and green development faces both historical opportunities and a series of prominent problems and challenges. We must unswervingly follow the path of ecological priority and green development.
Anchor the goal and continue to struggle. Firmly establish and practice the concept that **绿水青山就是金山银山** (lǜ shuǐ qīng shān jiù shì jīn shān yín shān - "clear waters and green mountains are as good as mountains of gold and silver," the idea that environmental protection and economic development are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing), we will surely embark on a path of ecological priority, conservation and intensive use, green and low-carbon high-quality development, and accelerate the construction of a beautiful China (中国) where man and nature coexist in harmony.
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Safeguarding the Enduring Home of Folk Literature
Eighth Edition
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Thirteenth Edition
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 刘志强 罗珊珊 谷业凯
From December 10th to 11th, the Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing (北京). General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attended the meeting and delivered an important speech, summarizing the economic work of 2025, analyzing the current economic situation, and deploying the economic work for 2026.
During the meeting, some of the participants were interviewed by reporters from this newspaper. They expressed that General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech at the meeting was far-sighted, profound in thought, and rich in content, pointing out a clear direction and providing fundamental guidance for doing a good job in next year's economic work, and they will conscientiously study and understand it and implement it effectively.
This year has been a very extraordinary year. Over the past year, China's economy has moved forward against pressure and developed towards new and better directions, and the main goals of economic and social development will be successfully completed. Over the past five years, we have effectively responded to various shocks and challenges, promoted new major achievements in the cause of the Party and the country, the "14th Five-Year Plan" is about to come to a successful conclusion, and a good start has been made in the new journey towards the second centenary goal.
The achievements have not come easily and should be cherished all the more.
"In the past year, we have calmly responded to external containment and suppression, and won the initiative in expanding domestic demand, the battle to overcome new quality productive forces, the battle to defend the bottom line of risk prevention, and the sustained battle to guarantee and improve people's livelihoods. Practice has proven that the 'Two Establishes' are the greatest certainty, the greatest confidence, and the greatest guarantee for overcoming all difficulties and obstacles and responding to all uncertainties," said Shen Xiaoming (沈晓明), Secretary of the Hunan Provincial Party Committee (湖南省委).
"General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) is far-sighted and strategically decisive, leading us to accomplish many major events that will be recorded in history. The giant ship of the Chinese economy is not afraid of wind and rain, forging ahead and showing strong resilience and vitality," said Tang Dengjie (唐登杰), Secretary of the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee (山西省委). The historical achievements in the development of the cause of the Party and the country are fundamentally due to General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) leadership and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
Next year is the first year of the "15th Five-Year Plan," and it is very important to do a good job in economic work. "We must adhere to seeking progress while maintaining stability and improving quality and efficiency," "We must continue to implement a more proactive fiscal policy," "We must continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy," the meeting clarified how to do next year's economic work.
"Next year's fiscal policy is consistent with the policy orientation of 2025, and is a major decision-making deployment to respond to external shocks and internal risks and challenges," said Lan Fo'an (蓝佛安), Minister of Finance (财政部). To implement a more proactive fiscal policy, it is necessary to maintain the strength of the policy, maintain the continuity of the policy, adhere to the close combination of investing in things and investing in people, adhere to the combination of benefiting people's livelihoods and promoting consumption, and adhere to the coordination of fiscal and monetary policies. "The finance department will benchmark itself against the spirit of the meeting, prepare next year's budget, and grasp the implementation of policies to ensure that the Party Central Committee's policies and guidelines are effectively implemented."
"This meeting has formulated scientific and clear guidelines for achieving a good start to the '15th Five-Year Plan' and doing a good job in next year's economic work," said Pan Gongsheng (潘功胜), Governor of the People's Bank of China (中国人民银行). The People's Bank of China will conscientiously implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech, continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy, grasp the strength, rhythm, and timing of policy implementation, and create a good monetary and financial environment for stable economic growth and stable operation of the financial market. At the same time, we will prevent and resolve financial risks in key areas, deepen financial reform and high-level opening up to the outside world, and safeguard national financial security.
To do a good job in next year's economic work, all localities are required to grasp the key points, highlight the priorities, and strive to promote high-quality development.
"Shanghai (上海) will implement the major strategic tasks assigned by the central government and better play a leading and exemplary role in promoting Chinese-style modernization," Gong Zheng (龚正), Mayor of Shanghai (上海市), told reporters that next year Shanghai (上海) will take the construction of "five centers" as an important mission and strive to achieve "five focuses": focusing on promoting the effective release of domestic demand potential and promoting the improvement and expansion of consumption; focusing on cultivating and developing new quality productive forces and accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system; focusing on promoting high-level reform and opening up and enhancing the driving force and vitality of high-quality development; focusing on building a modern people's city and making every effort to do a good job in projects that benefit the people and practical things for people's livelihoods; and focusing on coordinating development and security, and ensuring high-quality development with high-level security.
Tang Dengjie (唐登杰) said that Shanxi (山西) will closely focus on the strategic positioning of Shanxi (山西) by the Party Central Committee, firmly shoulder the major missions and tasks such as building a national comprehensive supporting reform pilot zone for resource-based economic transformation, firmly and orderly promote transformation and development, develop new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, and promote the effective improvement of the quality and the reasonable growth of the quantity of the economy.
Shen Xiaoming (沈晓明) said that Hunan (湖南) will fully implement the spirit of the meeting, firmly establish and practice the correct view of political achievements, fully and accurately implement the new development concept, take high-quality development as the fundamental requirement for determining work goals, formulating policies and measures, and planning and promoting work, and implement all the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee in Hunan (湖南) in a down-to-earth manner.
The major policies and guidelines for next year's economic work have been set, the tasks are arduous, and the significance is significant. The participants said that they must unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) as the core, consciously unify their thoughts and actions with the Party Central Committee's scientific judgment of the situation, strengthen their confidence, make good use of their advantages, respond to challenges, and continuously consolidate and expand the momentum of steady economic improvement, so as to ensure a good start to the "15th Five-Year Plan."
(Reporters Yang Qiaochu (杨翘楚) and Gong Han (巩晗) participated in the writing)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 王 浩
Accelerate the construction of a modern water network to enhance the capabilities of flood and drought disaster prevention, unified allocation of water resources, and urban-rural water supply security.
——Excerpt from the "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal
On the Jianghuai Plain, the first phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River draws water from the Yangtze River, crosses the watershed, and joins hands with the Huai River. The second phase of the project is being advanced simultaneously, unblocking the "capillaries" and connecting the water network to thousands of households in northern Anhui.
"The surface water plant is ready for trial operation, and the county will soon be able to drink the long-awaited diverted water," said Chen Min (陈敏), a member of the Party Group and director of the Water Resources Management Office of the Linquan County Water Resources Bureau (临泉县水利局) in Fuyang City (阜阳市), Anhui Province (安徽省). Previously, the county relied on groundwater, and during peak water consumption periods, the water pressure was insufficient and the water volume was unstable. The county built a water plant and laid pipelines to connect to the second phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River, ensuring water supply for a million people.
Not far away, Taihe County (太和县) in Fuyang City (阜阳市) is also preparing its "water tank" to welcome the diverted water. "The county has built supporting projects and improved the management mechanism to achieve the same source, same network, same quality, and same service for urban and rural drinking water, ensuring that the diverted water from the Yangtze River to the Huai River flows steadily into every household," said Yue Chao (岳超), general manager of Taihe Water Supply Group Co., Ltd. (太和供水集团有限公司).
Long canals stretch, pumping stations pressurize, and water is sent north. As an important part of the second phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River, the Taihe Jieshou Linquan (太和界首临泉) centralized water supply project is expected to be basically completed by the end of this year. Taihe (太和), Jieshou (界首), and Linquan (临泉) will bid farewell to groundwater and drink water from the Yangtze River to the Huai River.
Northern Anhui Province (皖北地区) has a natural shortage of surface water, with "half a spoonful of alkali in a pot of boiling water," and the per capita water resources are only 1/4 of the national average. Looking underground, the long-term reliance on groundwater for water supply has led to the formation of groundwater funnel areas in northern Anhui, affecting ecological security and the safety of drinking water for the people.
"At the end of 2022, the first phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River was put into trial operation, opening up the two major water systems of the Yangtze River and the Huai River and realizing the cross-basin allocation of water resources. At the same time, the second phase of the project was started. The second phase of the project consists of water transmission trunk lines and backbone water supply projects. On the basis of the first phase of the project, it focuses on urban and rural water supply, combined with irrigation water replenishment. After the completion of the project, the increasingly dense water network will have 'capillaries,' and more than 30 million people in 28 counties (cities, districts) in northern Anhui will be able to drink diverted water," said Feng Zhigang (冯治刚), the project leader of China Water Huaihe Planning and Design Research Co., Ltd. (中水淮河规划设计研究有限公司).
With the successive completion and operation of projects, the benefits of the second phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River are constantly emerging.
"In the past, there was a lot of alkali in the water. Since using the diverted water, the water quality is clear and we can drink it with confidence," said Wang Zhenzhen (王珍珍), a resident of Shuangmiao Community (双庙社区) in Woyang Town (涡南镇), Guoyang County (涡阳县), Bozhou City (亳州市), Anhui Province (安徽省).
The diverted water from the Yangtze River to the Huai River travels north to the Xifei River (西淝河), more than 30 kilometers away from the Woyang County (涡阳县) water plant. In October 2023, the Woyang Water Plant (涡阳水厂) diversion gate project of the second phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River commenced.
"The sooner it is completed, the sooner the people can drink the diverted water," said Huang Ju (黄举), the general contractor project manager of the Woyang Water Plant (涡阳水厂) diversion gate project of China Water Huaihe Planning and Design Research Co., Ltd. (中水淮河规划设计研究有限公司), feeling a great responsibility. Facing the goal of "completing the water supply to the booster pumping station within 65 days," the construction period was broken down to the day, and the responsibility was assigned to each person.
During the peak period of concrete pouring, a cold wave was encountered. Using "local methods" and new equipment, "warm sheds + steam curing" were used to put "warm clothes" on the construction site. The delivery time of water pumps and electrical equipment was tight, so point-to-point communication with the manufacturers was conducted. The construction sequence was optimized by building the auxiliary plant first and then the main plant. With a series of "combined punches," the Woyang Water Plant (涡阳水厂) diversion gate project was put into operation 5 days ahead of schedule.
Bozhou City (亳州市) seized the opportunity of the construction of the first and second phases of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River, taking the county as a whole to coordinate the layout of water sources, water plants, water supply pipelines, and booster pumping stations. At present, the city has built 12 surface water plants and newly built 286 kilometers of water transmission pipelines.
The Huai River North Diversion Expansion Project (淮水北调扩大延伸工程), the Hefei Water Source Project (合肥水源工程), and other projects are progressing smoothly. The Dongfei River (东淝河) double-line ship lock has been completed and opened to navigation, and the Shushan (蜀山) double-line ship lock has completed the handover and acceptance... During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the construction of the second phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River has been put on the "fast track." Zhao Huixiang (赵会香), chief engineer of the Anhui Provincial Department of Water Resources (安徽省水利厅), introduced that as of the end of October 2025, the cumulative investment in the second phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River has reached 11.457 billion yuan. The task of replacing water sources in the 28 counties (cities, districts) involved in the project will be completed by the end of this year.
During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the second phase of the water diversion project from the Yangtze River to the Huai River will continue to open up "micro-circulation." It is planned that by 2028, the water transmission trunk line projects such as the Shaying River Line (沙颍河线) and the Wo River Line (涡河线), as well as the backbone water supply projects such as the Hefei Water Source (合肥水源), will be fully completed. 38 new and rebuilt pumping stations, 15 water intakes, and 188.3 kilometers of water transmission pipelines will be built, and all construction tasks of the second phase of the project will be completed, providing a solid water security guarantee for regional economic and social development.
This issue is coordinated by: Jiang Xuejie (蒋雪婕)
Reporter's Notes
Gurgling Clear Water, Long-Lasting Benefits for the People
People's livelihood is paramount, and water management is essential. The East-Middle Route Project of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (南水北调东中线工程) benefits 195 million people, and the Yinda Jiemin Project (引大济岷工程) will ensure the water security of the Chengdu Plain (成都平原) after its completion... Between the major rivers, the water network is becoming increasingly dense, and it is estimated that the national water network coverage rate will reach 80.3% by the end of this year.
For the stable operation of the water network, it is necessary to coordinate the large and the small. To truly benefit the people, water conservancy projects must not only focus on large-scale backbone projects but also build pumping stations, canal systems, and other "capillaries." Backbone projects connect the "main arteries" of cross-regional and cross-basin allocation of water resources, while small-scale water conservancy focuses on the "micro-circulation" at the doorstep of the people. At present, while the national water network is accelerating its construction, provincial, municipal, and county-level water networks are being promoted simultaneously, and multi-level water networks are interconnected, enhancing the regulation and supply capacity of water resources. Next, we should continue to optimize the structure and direction of water conservancy investment and put more effort into networking, supplementing the network, and strengthening the chain to ensure that a clear stream of water flows to thousands of households and fields.
For the stable operation of the water network, it is necessary to coordinate the active government and the effective market. Water is a public product, and water conservancy facilities have strong public welfare attributes. From daily maintenance and personnel teams to water allocation and water use management, the government cannot be absent and must manage what should be managed well and in place. At the same time, the hand of the government should not overstep its bounds. It is necessary to give full play to market mechanisms such as prices and competition, encourage and guide social capital to participate in water conservancy construction and management, and cultivate a standardized water rights trading market to ensure that water conservancy projects are managed by someone, have money to manage, and are managed better.
Consolidate the base, make up for shortcomings, and forge strengths. By working persistently to build a modern water network, the gurgling clear water will surely benefit the people for a long time.
Return to TopAgricultural machinery is being assembled at an accelerated pace to ensure spring plowing and preparation for next year's farming season, multiple ships are being built simultaneously, and clothing products are being rushed for export overseas... As the year draws to a close, various business entities are going full throttle to catch up on orders and strive to achieve their annual goals.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing (北京) on December 11th (Reporter Yu Jingxian (郁静娴)). On the 11th, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (农业农村部), together with Beijing (北京), Tianjin (天津), Hebei (河北), Heilongjiang (黑龙江), Hubei (湖北), Chongqing (重庆), Guangzhou (广州) of Guangdong (广东), Nanjing (南京) of Jiangsu (江苏), Chengdu (成都) of Sichuan (四川) and other places, jointly launched the "Taste Special Products, Seek the Flavor of the New Year" consumption promotion activity at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center (全国农业展览馆). According to the deployment and arrangement of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (农业农村部), various regions will further implement the "Implementation Plan for Promoting the Consumption of Agricultural Products," seize the peak consumption season of the New Year's Day and Spring Festival "Two Festivals" in 2026, plan and introduce pragmatic measures to promote consumption, promote the precise matching of supply and demand, innovate consumption scenarios, expand consumption space, vigorously and effectively expand the consumption of agricultural products, and better meet the holiday consumption needs of urban and rural residents.
This consumption promotion activity will focus on five aspects:
Release a batch of "local specialty" brand New Year's goods catalogs, support fresh food supermarkets, live broadcast e-commerce, etc. to set up "local specialty" brand New Year's goods special zones, guide enterprises to strengthen festival product innovation, and launch a batch of nutritious and healthy agricultural and sideline products full of the flavor of the New Year.
Organize a batch of festival-themed consumption activities, carry out activities such as "local specialties" entering communities, scenic spots, and blocks, support wholesale markets and farmers' markets to hold New Year's goods fairs, and jointly hold online New Year's goods festivals with mainstream e-commerce platforms.
Enhance a batch of agricultural, cultural, and tourism integrated consumption activities, combining traditional New Year customs, intangible cultural heritage, and "village-level" mass cultural and sports activities, display and sell characteristic agricultural products, promote high-quality rural leisure tourism (winter) scenic spots and routes, gather diverse business formats such as agricultural experience, processing observation, folk culture, and homestay rural charm, and create a batch of immersive and experiential festival consumption scenarios to attract consumers to taste authentic specialties and feel the traditional flavor of the New Year.
Launch a batch of nutritious and healthy consumption activities, deeply promote the popular science publicity of "healthy diet and reasonable diet," focus on common dietary problems during the festival, popularize the concept of healthy consumption, and guide residents to adjust their dietary structure.
Carry out a batch of consumption assistance and docking activities, make good use of the East-West cooperation, the central unit's fixed-point assistance, social assistance and other mechanisms, and guide consumers to purchase agricultural and sideline products from poverty-stricken areas.
Return to TopThis is a report from Beijing (北京) on December 11th by our newspaper (reporter Wang Zheng (王政)): On the 11th, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (中国汽车工业协会) released data: From January to November this year, automobile production and sales reached 31.231 million and 31.127 million units respectively, an increase of 11.9% and 11.4% year-on-year.
In November, automobile production and sales reached 3.532 million and 3.429 million units respectively, an increase of 5.1% and 3.2% month-on-month, and an increase of 2.8% and 3.4% year-on-year. The monthly output exceeded 3.5 million units for the first time, reaching a record high.
New energy vehicles continued to grow rapidly. From January to November, the production and sales of new energy vehicles reached 14.907 million and 14.78 million units respectively, an increase of 31.4% and 31.2% year-on-year.
Exports reached a record high. From January to November, automobile exports reached 6.343 million units, an increase of 18.7% year-on-year. Among them, exports of new energy vehicles reached 2.315 million units, an increase of 100%.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing on December 11th (Reporter Qiu Chaoyi (邱超奕)): This reporter learned from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (航空工业集团): On the 11th, the "Jiutian" (九天) drone, designed by the First Aircraft Design and Research Institute of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (航空工业第一飞机设计研究院), completed its maiden flight in Pucheng (蒲城), Shaanxi (陕西).
As a large general-purpose drone platform independently innovated by China, the "Jiutian" (九天) has a length of 16.35 meters, a wingspan of 25 meters, a maximum take-off weight of 16 tons, a payload capacity of 6 tons, a flight time of 12 hours, and a transfer range of 7,000 kilometers. It has the advantages of large payload, high ceiling, wide speed range, and short take-off and landing, and its performance indicators are among the best in similar products.
Through modular mission payload replacement, the "Jiutian" (九天) drone can not only undertake heavy material transportation and precise logistics delivery tasks in remote mountainous areas and islands, but also quickly restore communication and deliver disaster relief equipment in emergency rescue, and can also provide geographic surveying and mapping, mineral exploration and other services, covering multiple fields such as cultural relic surveying, maritime patrol and law enforcement, and forest fire fighting.
The success of this maiden flight means that China has made new breakthroughs in large-scale drone technology, and its large-scale application will inject new impetus into the development of the low-altitude economy.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 管克江
What role can digital technology play in infrastructure projects? Recently, a reporter from this newspaper visited the Jeddah Central Development Infrastructure Project (hereinafter referred to as the "Jeddah Central Development Project") in Saudi Arabia, which is being undertaken by a Chinese enterprise. Here, lifting equipment stands tall, and construction operations are in full swing. In the future, it will be built into a smart new urban area integrating museums, opera houses, stadiums, aquariums, high-end hotels, and apartments. Chinese digital technology has played a significant role in the construction process.
Full-process digital simulation—
Optimize design schemes and improve construction efficiency
The Jeddah Central Development Project is an important project of Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030," undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd. and implemented by CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering Co., Ltd. Upon completion, the project will create a coastal new area with a total area of 5.7 million square meters and a 9.5-kilometer-long coastline.
Zou Jingdong, the project manager, was not in a hurry to take the reporter to the site. Instead, he first asked the reporter to wear a virtual reality headset in the exhibition hall. Zou Jingdong introduced: "This is our 'weapon' for construction. We are responsible for constructing a 1507-meter integrated service corridor, a 324-kilometer pipeline network system, 18 kilometers of municipal roads, and 6 service buildings. We also need to coordinate with landmarks and supporting projects constructed by other contractors. By establishing and continuously improving the building information model to achieve a 1:1 modeling of all elements, we can discover and avoid engineering collisions in advance, reduce rework, and provide owners with site development and planning simulation support."
In the next few hours, project department managers took turns introducing the synergy between the building information model and various applications—an experience that was completely different from the reporter's previous interviews with engineering projects. The reporter couldn't help but wonder: "Isn't civil engineering general contracting just operating excavators to excavate on site, lay pipelines, and backfill for restoration?"
Zou Jingdong explained: "These construction links certainly exist, but the procedures are completely different. Nowadays, before construction starts on site, all construction processes have been simulated on the computer through relevant applications to form digital information, thereby optimizing the construction plan in advance."
"Our model realizes full life cycle applications: from design and construction to operation and maintenance, each stage is completed in detail and forward drawing in the model in advance. Ultimately, it will be used as the core base of the digital twin for smart city construction," added Huang Zixiong, the project design manager.
Zou Jingdong also shared a typical case: In the project construction, the installation of integrated service corridor pipelines on key routes has extremely high requirements for accuracy and safety. In order to verify the feasibility of construction and ensure the quality of construction, the owner required the provision of a three-dimensional animation simulation of the installation process. Zou Jingdong said: "Our engineers completed the animation production within a few days. Through simulation, we identified and solved the spatial conflicts and process connection problems in the original plan in advance, which greatly improved installation efficiency and safety factor." In the end, the pipeline was successfully installed at one time, winning the owner's recognition.
Augmented reality equipment—
Accurately locate pipelines and quickly troubleshoot faults
The project also introduced a batch of augmented reality equipment. This equipment, combined with mobile phone or tablet terminal applications, relies on satellite positioning and cloud platforms to realize the uploading and display of building information models of large-scale infrastructure, as well as on-site accurate positioning, calculation, and measurement functions.
At the construction site, simply point the tablet camera at any area, and the screen can instantly overlay and display the location of facilities such as inspection wells and pipelines, and distinguish them by different colors and shapes. The positioning accuracy can reach ±5 mm. The system supports rapid switching between real scenes and building information models, providing support for accurate pipeline positioning, co-trench excavation, construction process optimization, and efficient acceptance.
Huang Zixiong introduced that the application prospects of this equipment are very broad. Since the geographical location and other information of the project have been completely recorded in the building information model, once there is a problem with the underground pipeline after the project is put into use, the augmented reality equipment combined with the smart city platform monitoring system can quickly display the location of the fault. Maintenance personnel are like having "X-ray vision," which greatly improves troubleshooting and maintenance efficiency.
Chen Hui, the project leader, said that the integrated application of virtual reality, augmented reality, and building information models is a concrete manifestation of intelligent construction. At the current stage, the project has independently built a smart construction site and portal platform, and deeply integrated the building information model with more than 10 subsystems such as progress simulation, environmental monitoring, safety and quality inspection, and visitor management to achieve "data visible on one screen, problems controllable, and responsibilities traceable," accumulating experience for the construction of a smart city platform. He said: "In the future, the project will integrate big data and artificial intelligence to realize dynamic management and resource coordination of the smart city platform, so that the city can perceive, think, and evolve."
Fayez Subai (فايز السبيعي), the project owner representative of Jeddah Central Development Company, said that the Chinese project team has significantly improved management collaboration efficiency and intelligence level through building information models and related applications, combined with big data and Internet of Things technology, providing a model for Jeddah's urban management. "The successful application of the Chinese plan is expected to be promoted to other cities in Saudi Arabia, providing new opportunities for Sino-Saudi innovative cooperation." Yang Zhiyuan, general manager of China Harbour's Middle East Regional Management Center, said that green and intelligent are important directions for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification transformation. Chinese enterprises actively participate in high-level cooperation and challenge high-difficulty projects, which will add stronger impetus to the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" between China and Saudi Arabia.
Intelligent integrated water and fertilizer system—
Improve soil structure and efficiently cultivate seedlings
The garden landscape is an important part of the Jeddah Central Development Project. The new urban area plans to plant 93 kinds of seedlings such as phoenix trees and small-leaved banyan trees, with a total number of more than 500,000. To this end, the project department specially built a nursery outside Jeddah.
Walking into the nursery, phoenix trees and *Fraxinus angustifolia* trees are surrounded by moist water mist, and the leaves are greener. This is the intelligent sprinkler system and wet curtain device equipped in the nursery. Through this system, the high temperature of 50 degrees Celsius outside can be effectively reduced to below 28 degrees Celsius, while achieving a dynamic balance of soil moisture and air humidity, providing an ideal environment for plant growth.
Local climate and geological conditions are not conducive to large-scale greening. Shen Changzhou, the project's chief engineer, introduced that the salt content and suspended matter content of Jeddah's local water sources exceed the standard by as much as 17 times. If used directly for irrigation, it will corrode the roots of seedlings and threaten the survival of green plants. The team has developed an intelligent integrated water and fertilizer system after more than 10 demonstrations and more than 20 kinds of fertilizer compatibility tests: the water supply pipeline is connected to raw water, and the pumping station and water treatment device are equivalent to the "heart" of the system, responsible for converting raw water into fresh water; the intelligent irrigation pipeline network is like a "blood vessel," accurately transporting water and fertilizer to each seedling; the system in the control room is the "brain," coordinating and directing the entire irrigation and fertilization process.
The team also preset 256 sets of programs for the system, and formulated irrigation plans according to different seasons and seedling types. The team designed three fertilizer channels and configured flow meters to monitor the amount of fertilizer applied in each area in real time, thereby preventing nutrient imbalance and soil structure damage. Shen Changzhou introduced: "We have not only doubled the cultivation efficiency, but also effectively avoided the caking problem caused by soil salinization, ensuring that all of the first batch of more than 2,000 experimental seedlings survived." At present, the nursery has successfully cultivated more than 30,000 seedlings, with a survival rate of up to 95%.
This intelligent integrated water and fertilizer system was jointly developed by the project team and domestic professional manufacturers. Shen Changzhou said that the relevant core technologies have been patented and are expected to provide a reference for greening in arid and saline-alkali areas in the Middle East. The practice of the nursery has also laid the foundation for the large-scale greening planting that the project is about to carry out.
Ahmed (أحمد), a Saudi urban planning expert, said that the Jeddah Central Development Project is committed to building a smart city. "The participation of Chinese enterprises provides digital support for the project's development, and the cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China in the field of urban infrastructure and digital construction has broad prospects." Yang Zhiyuan, general manager of China Harbour's Middle East Regional Management Center, said that green and intelligent are important directions for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification transformation. Chinese enterprises actively participate in high-level cooperation and challenge high-difficulty projects, which will add stronger impetus to the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" between China and Saudi Arabia.
Return to TopBy: 沙基尔·拉迈
In the next five years, it is believed that China's high-quality development will achieve new breakthroughs, continuously advancing Chinese-style modernization. An open, efficient, and vibrant China will bring more certain opportunities and development hopes to the world.
Scientifically formulating and successively implementing five-year plans is an important experience in the governance of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党), and also an important political advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In Pakistan (巴基斯坦), scholars who pay attention to and study China's development generally believe that the five-year plan is one of China's most unique, pragmatic, and forward-looking governance practices.
Since 1953, China has formulated and implemented 14 five-year plans (plans). The Communist Party of China (中国共产党) has always based its plans on the national conditions of each historical stage, formulating sound, feasible, and sustainable development blueprints, which have powerfully promoted China's economic and social development, comprehensive national strength, and improvement of people's lives. Today's world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the future faces a more complex international environment. Global issues such as the intensification of climate change, frequent food security problems, and the rise of trade protectionism are becoming increasingly prominent, and human development faces a series of new challenges, increasing uncertainty.
The Communist Party of China (中国共产党) fully recognizes the international and domestic challenges, plans its own new development, and promotes the continuous advancement of Chinese-style modernization. The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal recently reviewed and approved shows that China during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period will adhere to promoting high-quality development as the theme. In the future, China's development will pay more attention to improving quality, and emerging industries such as new energy, new materials, aerospace, low-altitude economy, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology will become new drivers of China's economy. Transformation is not easy, but China is determined to achieve its goals, and the world also believes that China can achieve its goals.
China has laid a solid foundation for transformational development. In recent years, China has significantly increased its investment in scientific research. In 2024, the total R&D expenditure of the whole society increased by nearly 50% compared with the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan," with an increase of 1.2 trillion yuan; the intensity of R&D investment increased to 2.69%. China is vigorously developing clean energy such as solar and wind energy, as well as key areas such as new energy vehicles. I have come to China many times to participate in conferences and exchanges, and scholars and officials from other countries unanimously believe that China has made sufficient preparations for the transformation of economic development and has entered the world's leading ranks in many fields of science and technology. The continuous formation of new quality productive forces will promote China's next stage of rapid and stable development.
China's development practice stems from its own strategic choices and also conforms to the objective laws of the global economy, and its development process will inevitably profoundly affect the world. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, China will actively expand its independent opening-up, promote the innovative development of trade, expand the space for two-way investment cooperation, and continue to create more new development opportunities for the world. I am very concerned about China's measures to attract foreign investment, including shortening the negative list for foreign investment access, improving the service guarantee system for foreign investment, fully implementing national treatment, and promoting the efficient, convenient, and safe cross-border flow of data. The full island customs closure operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port (海南自由贸易港) is imminent and will enter a new stage of opening up and development.
China has always been an advocate and practitioner of multilateralism. President Xi Jinping (习近平) put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, providing pragmatic and feasible Chinese solutions for mankind to cope with common challenges. Since its proposal in 2013, the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative has been implemented in more than 150 countries, driving nearly one trillion US dollars of investment. Under China's promotion, international cooperation projects in the fields of green development, scientific and technological exchanges, and talent training have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, and high-quality development practices are moving from China to the world.
Pakistan (巴基斯坦) has always regarded China as its most trusted friend, and the two countries have an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Not long ago, the two countries released an action plan to build a stronger political mutual trust, a closer economic and trade bond, a deeper security cooperation, and a more solid public opinion foundation for the China-Pakistan community with a shared future between 2025 and 2029. In the action plan, many cooperation contents are in line with the key development areas focused on in China's "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal.
The world expects a China with continuous high-quality development, and China is turning this expectation into reality. In the next five years, it is believed that China's high-quality development will achieve new breakthroughs, continuously advancing Chinese-style modernization. An open, efficient, and vibrant China will bring more certain opportunities and development hopes to the world. These opportunities and hopes are particularly precious in today's world.
(The author is a consultant of the Global Development Initiative Group of the Sustainable Development Goals Secretariat of the Parliament of Pakistan)
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 11th. Wang Yi (王毅), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks in Beijing on the 11th with Brunei's Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof (艾瑞万).
Wang Yi (王毅) stated that China is willing to work with Brunei to take the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, maintain high-level exchanges, enhance strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen multilateral collaboration, and promote the building of a China-Brunei community with a shared future to take new steps. Next year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, and China is willing to continue working with ASEAN to create cooperation highlights.
Erywan (艾瑞万) stated that Brunei will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy and support China's cause of reunification. China has always been the most important force for promoting regional unity and stability.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 许 放
On the afternoon of December 4th, local time, China Eastern Airlines flight MU745 arrived at Ezeiza International Airport (埃塞萨国际机场) in Buenos Aires (布宜诺斯艾利斯), the capital of Argentina (阿根廷), marking the opening of the first direct flight route between China and Argentina. As of December 11, the direct flight route has transported more than 1,000 passengers in its first week of operation.
Flight MU745 took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场), stopped in Auckland (奥克兰), New Zealand (新西兰), for 2 hours and 25 minutes, and finally arrived in Buenos Aires, taking nearly 26 hours and covering a total distance of more than 20,000 kilometers, breaking the record for the world's longest one-way flight route.
Currently, the route is scheduled to operate two round-trip flights per week, departing from Shanghai (上海) on Mondays and Thursdays, and returning from Buenos Aires on Tuesdays and Fridays. Cai Qixiong (蔡奇雄), a passenger on the inaugural flight, told reporters, "This is my first time to Argentina, and I am very honored to experience the inaugural flight of this world record route."
It is reported that China Eastern Airlines (东航) has applied for the fifth freedom route, and the flight can carry cargo in Auckland and Buenos Aires, further improving the level of trade circulation among China, New Zealand, and Argentina. The first return flight transported more than 2 tons of Argentine cherries and more than 10 tons of fresh chilled Chilean salmon to China. Ezeiza International Airport General Manager Sebastián Villar Guarino (萨巴斯蒂安·瓜里诺) said, "This new route will significantly promote the exchange of personnel, trade, and culture between regions, and become a new advantage of Ezeiza Airport. We warmly welcome Chinese tourists and wish Argentine tourists all the best in Asia."
The Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route spans the Eastern and Western Hemispheres and the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and is the world's first commercial route connecting antipodal cities. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown (布朗) said that the route enhances the resilience of the global supply chain and connects New Zealand with China and Argentina, "We are very optimistic about the development potential of the route."
China Eastern Airlines General Manager Gao Fei (高飞) said, "China Eastern Airlines' Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route responds to the realistic needs of the continuous growth of economic and trade exchanges between China and Latin American countries, connecting the air corridor of Northeast Asia, Oceania, and South America, making them more closely connected." Chinese Ambassador to Argentina Wang Wei (王卫) said that the opening of the new route means the connection of friendship and people-to-people connectivity among China, Argentina, and New Zealand.
(Reported from Buenos Aires on December 11)
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 11th. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced on the 11th: At the invitation of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal, and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Safadi, Wang Yi (王毅), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan from December 12th to 16th.
Return to TopBy: 陈明健
Whenever I think of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, a feeling of warmth and pride wells up in my heart. Along the conservation area's sightseeing route, there are nearly 260 interpretive and directional signs written in Chinese, English, and Swahili. The red "China Aid" logo is particularly striking under the bright East African sun—it is not only a mark of Sino-Tanzanian cooperation but also a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries that transcends mountains and seas.
The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark is the only UNESCO Global Geopark in sub-Saharan Africa, boasting unique geological wonders and precious archaeological sites. However, it once faced the crisis of being "delisted" by UNESCO due to a lack of professional talent and weak infrastructure. At this critical moment, China extended a helping hand. The Tanzania Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark Project officially launched in June 2023, becoming a key project in the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" between China and Tanzania, and opening up in-depth cooperation between the two countries in the field of geological research and protection. Within the geopark, a modern museum that integrates the majestic appearance of the Lengai volcano, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing (北京天坛祈年殿), and the charm of the Fujian Tulou, adorned with traditional African tribal patterns, has been completed. The museum's digital displays and interactive experience equipment allow visitors to immerse themselves in the geological changes and life evolution of this land. In December 2024, the geopark successfully passed UNESCO's re-evaluation. At the project handover ceremony in October 2025, the then Tanzanian Vice President Mpango (姆潘戈) sincerely remarked that China has always been the most reliable friend on Tanzania's development path.
The key to sound relations between states lies in the affinity between their people. In 2024, the number of Chinese tourists to Tanzania surged by 56.5% to 71,000. The Great Migration of animals in the Serengeti, the Indian Ocean charm of Zanzibar, and the snowy scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro have made more and more Chinese tourists fall in love with Tanzania. In China, from the open stages of the China International Import Expo (进博会) and the Canton Fair (广交会) to the rapidly changing modern landscape, countless Tanzanian friends are also filled with longing. The "2024 China-Tanzania Tourism and Culture Year" was successfully held, from the "Tanzanian Art Performance and Tourism Promotion Conference" held in Beijing (北京), to the exchange visits of Chinese art troupes such as Zhejiang Wuju Opera and Jiangsu Pingtan to Tanzania, and the popular broadcast of the TV series "Welcome to Mai Le Village" (欢迎来到麦乐村), which was based on the Chinese medical aid team to Tanzania, the cultural exchanges have brought the hearts of the two peoples closer and closer. Educational cooperation continues to increase the enthusiasm for cultural exchanges. The Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam (达累斯萨拉姆大学孔子学院) has opened a window for Tanzanian youth to understand China. Nearly 20 middle schools and 10 universities have opened Chinese courses. China has become the preferred destination for Tanzanian students to study abroad. The Luban Workshop continues to train a large number of professional and technical personnel for Tanzania. The China-Tanzania Talent Exchange Conference was successfully held, providing high-quality employment opportunities for local students. More and more universities in China have opened Swahili majors, attracting a group of Chinese youth who are concerned about Africa and love Tanzania, injecting a continuous stream of fresh power into Sino-Tanzanian exchanges.
Economic and trade cooperation provides "hard support" for Sino-Tanzanian friendship. China has remained Tanzania's largest trading partner for nine consecutive years, and bilateral trade is expected to reach a historic US$10 billion in 2025. Projects such as the Central Standard Gauge Railway, the Magufuli Bridge (马古富力大桥), and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, in which Chinese companies participated, have helped Tanzania's modernization process and effectively improved local people's livelihoods. China promotes the export of high-quality and distinctive Tanzanian agricultural products such as honey, avocados, and wild aquatic products to China, providing strong support for Tanzania's agricultural exports. The "Ten Partnership Programs" for China-Africa joint modernization are being implemented in Tanzania one by one: the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (坦赞铁路) is being reactivated, the Kikwete Heart Institute (基奎特心脏病研究所) aided by China is being upgraded and expanded, China is sharing "minimally invasive medicine" technology with Tanzania, the Juncao technology project is actively advancing, and China is cooperating with the International Fund for Agricultural Development to implement a project to promote agricultural development in Tanzania using satellite digital technology. Tanzania has become one of the countries where the results of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit have been implemented most effectively.
Half a century ago, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (坦赞铁路) built a "steel bridge" of Sino-Tanzanian friendship; today, the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark has become a "bright window" witnessing the cooperation between the two countries. Standing on the observation deck of the park, overlooking this crater that nurtures life, the seeds of Sino-Tanzanian friendship have grown into towering trees. As the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, I follow the solid steps of cooperation between the two countries and firmly believe that this friendship, which has experienced changes in the international situation and is full of vitality, will surely bloom with more magnificent brilliance in the new era, bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, and jointly move towards the bright future of building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.
(The author is the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania)
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 11th. He Lifeng (何立峰), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with Kristalina Georgieva, President of the International Monetary Fund, at the Great Hall of the People on the afternoon of December 10th. The two sides exchanged views on the current international economic and financial situation and further strengthening cooperation.
He Lifeng (何立峰) said that since the beginning of this year, China's economy has been operating with steady progress and positive momentum. We have the confidence and ability to maintain sustained and healthy economic development. We hope that the IMF will continue to exert a positive influence, support the multilateral trading system, further deepen cooperation with China, and add new vitality to China's economy and the world economy.
Georgieva said that the IMF appreciates China's positive contribution to the world economy and thanks China for its strong support for the establishment of the IMF's Shanghai Center. The IMF is willing to continuously strengthen cooperation with China.
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Ashgabat, December 10th. On December 10th, the international conference "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Strengthening International Cooperation for Sustainable Development" was held in Turkmenistan. Huang Xiaowei (黄晓薇), Vice-President and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Women's Federation (全国妇联), and Deputy Director of the State Council's Working Committee on Women and Children (国务院妇女儿童工作委员会), led a delegation to attend.
Huang Xiaowei vigorously promoted the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Four Global Initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping (习近平), deeply expounded on the milestone significance of the Global Women's Summit in solving global women's development problems and promoting coordinated action among countries, and shared China's historic achievements in integrating women's development into the grand practice of Chinese-style modernization, promoting women's comprehensive development, and jointly building and sharing the fruits of modernization. Using detailed data and vivid examples, she demonstrated China's experience and practices in actively practicing multilateralism, promoting partnerships, and providing opportunities and guarantees for the global women's cause. She stated that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee released a strong signal of China sharing opportunities and developing together with countries around the world, calling on all parties to hold high the banner of multilateralism, gather the strength of women, seize the opportunity of change, adhere to the path of mutual learning, implement the consensus and achievements of the Global Women's Summit with concrete actions, and promote the formation of a vivid situation of **美美与共** (měi měi yǔ gòng - "beauty and shared," a harmonious and inclusive state where everyone appreciates each other's beauty). The participants highly praised the vigorous development of women's cause in China as a model for other countries, and expressed their willingness to further strengthen international cooperation, deepen global governance in the field of women, and accelerate the new process of women's comprehensive development.
During the meeting, Huang Xiaowei met with Atabayeva, Vice Chairman of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov (库尔班古力·别尔德穆哈梅多夫) Charitable Foundation for Children of Turkmenistan, and exchanged views with the Speaker and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, the Speaker of São Tomé and Príncipe, the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, senior officials from Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran, and the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Return to TopThis newspaper's Nairobi, December 11th dispatch (Reporters Huang Weixin (黄炜鑫) and Zheng Xiang (郑翔)) On the evening of the 10th local time, China held a side event on the theme of "Improving Global Environmental Governance and Building a Clean and Beautiful World Together" at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi (内罗毕), the capital of Kenya (肯尼亚), and released the think tank report "Working Together Towards Eco-Friendly Modernization," conveying China's concepts, practices, and initiatives for addressing climate change to the world.
The side event was guided by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (中国生态环境部) and hosted by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Environment Programme (中国常驻联合国环境规划署代表处), among others. Guo Fang (郭芳), Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (中国生态环境部), Guo Haiyan (郭海燕), Chinese Ambassador to Kenya (中国驻肯尼亚大使), Inger Andersen (英格·安德森), Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (联合国环境规划署) (hereinafter referred to as "UNEP"), relevant ministers or special envoys from France (法国), Brazil (巴西), and other countries, representatives from government departments of the United Kingdom (英国), the United States (美国), and other countries, and representatives from some non-governmental organizations attended the event.
Dechen Tsering (德钦·茨仁), Director of UNEP's Asia-Pacific Office, speaking on behalf of UNEP Executive Director Andersen (安德森), pointed out that the global environment and climate impacts are increasingly intensifying, and global cooperation is urgently needed to address them. China has achieved remarkable results in improving air quality, addressing pollution, and promoting energy transition. China's Nationally Determined Contributions reflect continuous and firm climate action.
The participants agreed that China's successful practices in ecological civilization construction provide referable solutions for all countries to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. All countries should further build consensus, practice multilateralism, advocate people-centered approaches, and strengthen pragmatic cooperation to build a clean and beautiful world together.
The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly opened in Nairobi (内罗毕) on the 8th, with nearly 6,000 representatives from around the world gathering to discuss global environmental governance and sustainable action under multilateral cooperation during the five-day session.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 李俊杰 曾亦辰 李祉瑶
In the government service hall, staff extend their hours to handle approval procedures for enterprises; in the 7×24-hour self-service hall, citizens can handle over a thousand items such as ID card replacement and business license printing around the clock. In recent years, various regions have innovatively implemented extended and staggered service measures, promoting the transformation of government services from "fixed hours" to "flexible hours."
The "Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Standardization, Regulation, and Facilitation of Government Services" issued by the State Council earlier proposed encouraging government service centers in various regions to carry out extended and staggered services. Recently, reporters visited government service centers in Inner Mongolia, Anhui, Gansu, and other places to experience the warmth and effectiveness behind extended and staggered services up close.
Solving People's Worries
Efforts to Solve "Difficulty Catching Up," "Difficulty Asking for Leave," and "Difficulty Handling Emergencies"
At 6:30 p.m., the self-service area of the Huainan Municipal Government Service Center (淮南市政务服务中心) in Anhui is still bustling with people. Chen Ran (陈冉), a citizen who just got off work, lightly tapped the screen on a self-service terminal and obtained her personal credit report in a few minutes. "I need it urgently tomorrow. In the past, I would have to worry about how to ask the company for leave to handle it, but now I can do it on the way home from work." Behind her, several self-service terminals were running from time to time, and many people were inquiring about information and printing certificates.
Such convenient service scenarios are becoming the norm in government service centers in many places.
In Lanzhou New Area (兰州新区), Gansu, people can make online appointments to handle business on weekends and holidays through the "Gan Quick Service" platform. Li Hongyan (李红燕), a real estate agent who has been in the industry for many years, said with emotion: "In the past, real estate registration could not be done on weekends. Now, with online appointments and weekend processing, not only are customers more worry-free, but our work efficiency has also improved a lot." This shift from "government-determined time" to "people-selected time" makes it easier for people to handle affairs.
"We have launched a 'flexible early and late hours, non-stop at noon + weekend special service' model, providing extended services to the public and enterprises who have not completed their business near the end of the workday, to achieve 当日事当日毕 (dāng rì shì dāng rì bì - "finish the day's work on the same day," to complete tasks promptly without delay)." Yu Jia (余佳), head of the Assisted Service Section of the Ordos Municipal Government Service Center (鄂尔多斯市政务服务中心) in Inner Mongolia, introduced that the center arranges windows to be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on legal holidays and weekends, and includes all 14,423 government service items. Not long ago, an enterprise in Ordos City (鄂尔多斯市) needed to urgently apply for blasting operation approval due to project advancement, but by the time the enterprise staff arrived at the Municipal Government Service Center, it was close to closing time. "The on-site staff not only provided us with extended services, but also actively coordinated with other relevant departments to approve it as soon as possible, and helped me complete all the procedures in just over half an hour. The current government services are really excellent." The enterprise staff praised repeatedly.
Li Jiang (李江), the head of a listed foreign-funded enterprise in Jinchang City (金昌市), Gansu, also feels the same way. Because the company's business scope is wide, Li Jiang is often away from home. "Previously, when the company had business to handle, we had to 'fly' back and forth on weekdays." Li Jiang said, "Now, we can concentrate these things on holidays, and we can safely discuss cooperation outside on weekdays."
From the daily affairs of the people to the major development events of enterprises, extended and staggered services are precisely targeted to solve the "difficulty catching up," "difficulty asking for leave," and "difficulty handling emergencies." Various regions use flexible service hours and convenient handling methods to make government services truly close to the lives of the people and meet the needs of enterprises, effectively enhancing the sense of gain and satisfaction of the people and enterprises.
Adding Vitality
Scientific Allocation of Human Resources, Deep Empowerment of Technology
On Thursday morning, in the service hall of the Lanzhou New Area Government Service Center, the number of citizens coming to handle business gradually increased, and congestion began to appear in some windows. At this time, window No. 20, marked as a "tidal window," was opened. Zhang Gang (张刚), a citizen, came to the window under the guidance of the staff and completed the real estate transfer business in 20 minutes.
"Our personnel and windows are all mobile." Zhao Yuning (赵宇宁), director of the Lanzhou New Area Government Service and Business Environment Bureau (兰州新区政务服务和营商环境局), introduced that they monitor the number of people waiting to handle business and the business handling status of each window in real time. Once a congestion warning occurs, they quickly allocate back-end resources to open more windows. "The 'tidal window' also follows the 'season.' For example, during the peak periods for handling certain types of businesses such as the start of the school season, heating season, and tax filing season, we will open more windows and add more staff on holidays and weekends in advance." In the third quarter of this year, the "tidal window" of the Lanzhou New Area Government Service Center successfully diverted and processed more than 20% of the on-site comprehensive business, reducing the difference in the busy and idle rates of all service windows by more than 50%. Up to now, the "tidal window" has covered more than 70% of the business items.
Scientific allocation of human resources, coupled with the deep empowerment of technology, maximizes the efficiency of government service resources and provides an important guarantee for the smooth implementation of extended and staggered services.
The Sonid Left Banner (苏尼特左旗) in Xilin Gol League (锡林郭勒盟), Inner Mongolia, launched the "East Su Smart Office" government service artificial intelligence mini-program. "Enterprises and the public only need to scan the QR code to enjoy accurate business guidance and realize government services that can be consulted at any time." Dabu Xihu (达布希呼), deputy director of the Sonid Left Banner Government Service and Data Management Bureau (苏尼特左旗政务服务与数据管理局), said that since its launch in early August, more than 1,300 people have consulted and handled business through the platform.
Anhui takes the government service website and the "Wan Shi Tong" APP (皖事通) as the main entrance to build a "one-network access" service matrix. As of the end of November this year, 99.3% of the application items can be handled online, 2,800 items have achieved barrier-free handling within the province, and 329 items of materials are "exempted from submission" relying on electronic licenses, and 22.22 billion yuan of funds have been paid for the "no application required" policy.
A series of innovative measures have made extended and staggered services not only an extension of time, but also a comprehensive upgrade of service concepts and service methods, effectively stimulating the endogenous power of government services.
Promoting Long-Term Effectiveness
Mechanism Guarantees Make High-Quality Services More Sustainable
On Saturday morning, Ma Shuxia (马淑霞), a staff member of the comprehensive acceptance window of the Jinchang Municipal Government Service Center, is handling business for an enterprise. Although it is a day off, her service enthusiasm has not diminished at all. "We can take a day off on weekdays after being on duty on weekends," she said with a smile.
"Temporary high-quality services are easy to achieve, but long-term accurate services are difficult to maintain." Yang Lihua (杨立华), a professor at the School of Government Management of Peking University (北京大学政府管理学院), believes that the launch of extended and staggered services reflects the government's active response to the needs of the people in the process of public service supply. "However, to achieve sustainable development, a sound guarantee system must be built."
Currently, various regions have made beneficial explorations in the rights protection and incentive mechanisms for staff, and a long-term mechanism to promote the sustainable development of extended and staggered services is constantly being improved.
The Ordos Municipal Government Service Center has established a "flexible scheduling + time off" mechanism, with approval personnel from municipal departments stationed in the center taking turns on duty, and window staff accurately matching the extended service time with the rotation schedule to ensure a balance between work and rest. The Huainan Municipal Party Committee (淮南市委) and Municipal Government (市政府) issued documents clarifying that the annual assessment excellent indicators for window staff are 5 percentage points higher than those of the agency, and they are given priority for promotion under the same conditions. Lanzhou New Area closely integrates the quarterly "Service Star" selection with performance awards and annual evaluations, and inclines performance distribution to those who stick to their posts on legal holidays. "Let comrades who do well and are willing to contribute have honor and benefits," said Zhao Yuning.
Upgrading from "people looking for services" to "services looking for people" effectively solves the practical difficulties of the people "not having time to handle business during work hours and having nowhere to handle business after work" and enterprises "having difficulty handling urgent matters and delaying important matters." The implementation of extended and staggered services demonstrates the profound changes in the concept of government services, practices the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, and outlines the distinct characteristics of government services in the new era.
Liang Changyong (梁昌勇), a professor at the School of Management of Hefei University of Technology (合肥工业大学管理学院), believes that to expand the development ceiling of extended and staggered services, it is necessary to promote the data connectivity, business collaboration, and intelligent scheduling of digital government systems. He suggests accelerating the integrated construction of digital government empowered by digital intelligence, breaking down the deep barriers between data and systems, realizing the leap from "single-point convenience" to "overall intelligence," and further improving the effectiveness of extended and staggered services.
This issue is coordinated by: Yu Xuan (余璇)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 李凯旋
Implement projects to improve housing quality and initiatives to improve the quality of property services.
——Excerpt from the "15th Five-Year Plan" Proposals
Under the warm sunshine, Li An (李安), who lives in the Xiushuiyuan Community (秀水园小区) in Jinjiang District (锦江区), Chengdu City (成都市), Sichuan Province (四川省), is busy airing out clothes and bedding. The rooftop, which was waterproofed not long ago, is dry and clean. After hanging up his clothes, he leisurely basks in the sun.
For Li An (李安), who lives on the top floor, water leakage has always been a troublesome issue.
The Xiushuiyuan Community (秀水园小区) was built and delivered more than 20 years ago. The houses are old, and the rooftop waterproofing has gradually failed. This has been a misery for the top-floor residents: Chengdu (成都) has abundant rainfall. In summer, there are heavy rains outside, and "light rain" inside; in other seasons, there are continuous drizzles, and the walls will seep water and grow mold. "The house can't shelter from the wind and rain, and it's really uncomfortable to live in." Li An's (李安) house has been painted again and again.
In recent years, Chengdu (成都市) has been promoting urban renewal and renovation and upgrading projects for old residential communities, and Xiushuiyuan (秀水园) has ushered in a chance for renewal. The Jinjiang District Park City Construction and Urban Renewal Bureau (锦江区公园城市建设和城市更新局) took the lead in formulating a renovation plan, which officially started construction in October 2024. The waterproof renovation that residents are concerned about was listed as a key task.
After surveying the site and visiting the top-floor residents one by one, Zeng Lingbin (曾凌斌), the technical person in charge of the renovation project, had a clear idea: "The old roof used polypropylene waterproof cloth, which has poor ductility and is difficult to repair, so it needs to be redone."
"Using two layers of waterproof membrane will make the waterproof effect much more reliable," said Zeng Lingbin (曾凌斌). After each layer of waterproof membrane is laid, a 48-hour water-tightness test is required. "After the test is passed, we will also add a layer of non-woven fabric on the membrane to consolidate the anti-seepage effect."
"At the base of the rooftop drainage pipes and other details, the membrane is not easy to fit closely due to the angle, and it is often more prone to cracking and water leakage. We have strengthened the waterproof layer separately, filling the gaps tightly to ensure the overall waterproof sealing," Zeng Lingbin (曾凌斌) pointed to the polished corners, "The minimum height of the roof parapet has also been increased by 100 mm, so there is no need to panic when encountering heavy rain."
"The opportunity for community renovation is rare, and I am afraid that it will not be done well at one time, leaving a 'tail'," Li An (李安) told reporters. Although the construction party provided detailed drawings, engineering standards, and material lists, everyone was not completely assured of the quality of the project in the early stage of construction.
"It's not enough to just show documents and issue materials, we must make everyone understand the project clearly," resident Zhang Huabing (张华兵) suggested. Zhang Huabing (张华兵) is engaged in road construction work, and the community invited him to join the renovation project supervision team. The community also held several "坝坝会" (bà bà huì - "坝坝 meetings," informal community meetings held in open spaces), inviting engineers to speak at the meetings to explain the various details of the construction clearly and thoroughly.
The construction party also invited residents to the site to supervise engineering nodes such as water-tightness tests. "Everyone's enthusiasm for participating in community affairs has increased, and they are also more confident in the renovation project," said Zhang Huabing (张华兵).
Putting himself in their shoes, Zeng Lingbin's (曾凌斌) work was easier to promote. Some residents put sundries and planted flowers and plants on the roof, and were reluctant to clean them up; the noise generated by the construction and the occupation of roads would also cause conflicts... Many things that made him anxious were helped by community cadres and resident representatives who jointly formed a mediation team to negotiate and solve them one by one. "With everyone's support, we can put all our energy into the details of the project," said Zeng Lingbin (曾凌斌).
After the completion of the rooftop waterproofing project, the project also replaced the awnings outside each household's windows. Several awning samples were put in place in advance for residents to vote for. Now that the neat silver-gray awnings are installed, the community looks much fresher.
There is no more water seepage and mold in Li An's (李安) house. Basking in the sun, he said: "The house is clean, and life is 清清爽爽 (qīng qīng shuǎng shuǎng - "clean and refreshing," describes a feeling of cleanliness, neatness, and comfort)."
Return to TopBy: 陈 震
A house that cannot shield from wind and rain makes it difficult for people to live in peace. In the Xiushuiyuan Community (秀水园小区), the waterproofing renovation, a "small matter," solves a "major issue" in residents' lives.
By extension, in the renovation of old residential areas, whether it is energy conservation and warmth, garbage classification, or the installation of elevators and seismic reinforcement, every renovation directly addresses the difficulties and pain points in residents' lives. Actively responding to the demands of the people, accurately formulating feasible plans, and achieving "smooth renovation" and "comfortable use" tests the wisdom of grassroots cadres.
Renovating old residential areas is a livelihood project, and it requires dedication and effort to do practical things that touch the hearts of the people. The needs of the people are the direction of our efforts. Sincerely listen to the voices of the people, strive to do more practical things, and make people's lives better. 用心用情 (yòng xīn yòng qíng - "with heart and affection," to put one's heart and soul into something).
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 寇江泽 董丝雨 蒋雪鸿
Green development is a distinct feature of Chinese-style modernization.
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out: "The heavier the development tasks, the more importance should be attached to ecological and environmental protection, and the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development should be promoted."
The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China proposed to accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development and build a beautiful China. The Central Economic Work Conference included "adhering to the 'dual carbon' leadership and promoting comprehensive green transformation" as a key task for next year's economic work.
On the banks of the Grand Canal in Tongzhou (通州), Beijing (北京), the Urban Green Heart Forest Park has clear water and beautiful banks, and the former chemical plant has become an ecological green space; in the Ziya (子牙) Economic and Technological Development Zone in Tianjin (天津), the dismantling line for used power batteries turns waste into wealth, and renewable resources are recycled within the park...
Facing the "15th Five-Year Plan," all regions, departments, and industries will integrate the concept of green development into all aspects of the entire process of economic and social development, coordinate pollution control, ecological protection, and climate change response, promote the transformation of industrial structure, production methods, and lifestyles, and jointly promote high-quality development and high-level protection.
Actively and steadily promote and achieve carbon peaking.
The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes to take carbon peaking and carbon neutrality as the traction, coordinate carbon reduction, pollution reduction, green expansion, and growth, build a solid ecological security barrier, and enhance the momentum of green development.
Sun Jinlong (孙金龙), Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (生态环境部), said that achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality is an inherent requirement for implementing the new development concept, building a new development pattern, and promoting high-quality development. It is a major strategic decision made by the Party Central Committee to coordinate the two overall situations at home and abroad. "We must adhere to the principles of national coordination, conservation priority, dual-wheel drive, smooth domestic and international circulation, and risk prevention, implement carbon peaking actions in a planned and step-by-step manner, and firmly grasp the pace and intensity of achieving carbon peaking."
Accelerate the construction of a new energy system.
Insert the hydrogen refueling gun into the hydrogen storage tank interface. After about 10 minutes, the hydrogen-powered bus completes hydrogen refueling and slowly drives to the bus station. This is the site of the State Grid Hydrogen-Electricity Coupling DC Microgrid Demonstration Project in Cixi (慈溪), Ningbo (宁波), Zhejiang (浙江), where "green electricity" and "green hydrogen" are bidirectionally converted.
Ye Xiaming (叶夏明), a senior engineer at State Grid Ningbo Power Supply Company (国网宁波供电公司), introduced that since the first phase of the project was put into operation, it has cumulatively consumed more than 8.6 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy and produced nearly 1.2 million standard cubic meters of "green hydrogen." "After the second phase of the project is fully put into operation, it can meet the hydrogen refueling of 10 hydrogen-powered buses and the charging of 50 electric vehicles every day."
The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes "building a strong energy country," which is not only a new requirement for the energy field in building a strong country, but also a need to enhance energy security capabilities and win strategic initiative. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system. For every 3 kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed by the whole society, 1 kilowatt-hour is green electricity, and the energy structure is cleaner and more low-carbon.
Faced with new situations and new requirements, during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, China will continue to increase the proportion of new energy supply, strengthen the clean and efficient utilization of fossil energy, promote the safe, reliable, and orderly replacement of fossil energy, focus on building a new power system, and build a strong energy country. By the end of the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, most of China's new electricity demand will be met by new clean energy power generation, and more "wind," "sunshine," and "water flow" will be transformed into green energy for development.
Steadily promote the construction of a national carbon market.
In March of this year, the national carbon emission trading market expanded for the first time, including the steel, cement, and aluminum smelting industries, covering more than 60% of the total national carbon dioxide emissions. Since 2023, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (生态环境部), together with relevant departments, has successively introduced methodologies for afforestation carbon sinks and offshore wind power, and the areas supported by the national voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market have gradually expanded.
The carbon market fully stimulates the endogenous power of carbon reduction, effectively promotes the formation of a low-carbon development awareness in the whole society that "carbon emissions have costs and carbon reduction has benefits," and the high-tech, high-efficiency, and high-quality characteristics of the industry continue to emerge. It is necessary to deeply promote the construction of the national carbon market and orderly expand the industry coverage of the carbon emission trading market. At the same time, actively develop the voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market and accelerate the development of methodologies in key areas such as ecosystem carbon sinks, renewable energy, and methane emission reduction.
In-depth implementation of energy-saving and carbon-reducing transformation.
In Jiangsu (江苏), at the Smart Operation Center of Nanjing Iron and Steel Group (南京钢铁集团), on the far right of the large screen, the "Smart Energy Management Platform" clearly records the entire process of various energy media from generation and storage to consumption and recycling on a "one network." Wang Suyang (王苏扬), General Manager of Nangang Jinheng Technology (南钢金恒科技), introduced that the platform integrates industrial Internet, artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies to realize remote operation, precise scheduling, and full-process control of water, electricity, wind, and gas. The energy-saving benefits in 2024 exceeded 80 million yuan, and the comprehensive energy consumption per ton of steel decreased by 4.7%.
Energy conservation and carbon reduction are important measures to actively and steadily promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, comprehensively promote the construction of a beautiful China, and promote the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. In 2024, China's coal consumption accounted for 53.2%, a decrease of more than 15 percentage points compared with 2012. It is necessary to consistently adhere to the policy of prioritizing conservation, improve the regulation of total energy consumption and intensity, focus on controlling fossil energy consumption, strengthen carbon emission intensity management, and implement special actions for energy conservation and carbon reduction in different fields and industries.
Accelerate the formation of green production and lifestyles.
Green development is an all-round and revolutionary transformation of production methods, lifestyles, ways of thinking, and values. All regions and departments unswervingly follow the path of ecological priority and green development, accelerate the formation of green production and lifestyles, and enhance the momentum of green development.
In-depth promotion of ecological environment zoning management and control.
"The area of the ecological protection red line in Jindao Gorge Town (金刀峡镇) exceeds 20 square kilometers. If the project is located here, it will conflict with the ecological protection red line," said a relevant person in charge of the Beibei District (北碚区) Ecological Environment Bureau in Chongqing (重庆). It turned out that a breeding industry development project was originally located in Jindao Gorge Town. Before the project's environmental impact assessment was submitted for approval, the Beibei District Ecological Environment Bureau found that the project did not meet the requirements of ecological environment zoning management and control, and part of the construction area overlapped with the ecological protection red line. It immediately assisted the enterprise in optimizing the project construction plan.
Since the "14th Five-Year Plan," China has built an ecological environment zoning management and control system of "two levels, three categories, and one list," and has delineated more than 40,000 management and control units of three types: "priority protection, key management and control, and general management and control," providing a green benchmark for optimizing the layout of productive forces and adjusting the industrial structure from the source. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, it is necessary to further improve the ecological environment zoning management and control plan, dynamically connect with economic and social development plans and territorial space plans; strengthen the application of results, and guide key industries and enterprises to scientifically layout and orderly transfer to areas with large environmental capacity and good market guarantee conditions.
Continuously improve the green manufacturing system.
In the metalworking workshop of Jiangxi Ganzhou Nonferrous Metallurgical Machinery Co., Ltd. (江西赣州有色冶金机械有限公司), intelligent CNC machine tools are operating efficiently. On the electronic screen monitored in the background, the process information of equipment operation is constantly refreshed, and a picture of intelligent manufacturing jumps into view. Li Jianshe (李建设), Deputy General Manager of the company, introduced: "The company is a traditional mining equipment manufacturer. In recent years, it has invested more than 4 million yuan annually in digital transformation, reducing the processes in product processing, improving material utilization, and improving production efficiency."
China has cumulatively cultivated 6,430 national green factories, and the output value of green factories accounts for more than 20%. The proportion of the "three new" economies in GDP exceeds 18%. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation, it is necessary to continuously promote the green and low-carbon transformation of key areas such as industry, urban and rural construction, transportation, and energy, continuously strengthen the application of green technologies in the field of production and manufacturing, guide and support enterprises to reduce carbon, reduce pollution, and increase green, enhance the driving force for industrial green transformation, and strive to promote the green development of industries.
Green lifestyles are gradually becoming fashionable.
In front of the intelligent recycling bin in Dushi Huafu Community (都市华府小区), Taifeng Street (泰丰街道), Qianjiang City (潜江市), Hubei (湖北), resident Bao Fangxia (鲍芳霞) uses her mobile phone to scan the code to start the garbage classification applet and puts express boxes and beverage bottles into the bin. Then, she came to the garbage classification fixed-time drop-off point next to her and, under the guidance of the guide, put kitchen waste and other garbage into the corresponding bins.
"I wasn't used to it at first, but now my whole family is very conscious," Bao Fangxia said with a smile. Since April of this year, residents of the community can sell recyclables themselves by booking cleaners to come to their door or directly dropping them off, and they can also earn points through garbage classification to redeem prizes.
The coverage rate of garbage classification in residential communities in prefecture-level and above cities across the country exceeds 90%, and 27 provinces have introduced carbon inclusive policies; in the activities of replacing old consumer goods with new ones, more than 60% of consumers choose to buy new energy vehicles, and the sales of first-class energy efficiency appliances account for as high as 90%... Currently, green and low-carbon lifestyles are accelerating. Experts said that it is necessary to plan development from the height of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, focus on building a green, low-carbon, and circular economic system, effectively reduce the resource and environmental costs of development, and continuously enhance the potential and stamina of development.
In-depth promotion of pollution prevention and control and ecosystem optimization.
A good ecological environment is the fairest public product and the most inclusive people's livelihood and well-being.
Facing the "15th Five-Year Plan," all regions and departments will continue to deepen pollution prevention and control and ecosystem optimization, coordinate the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts, build a solid ecological security barrier, and continuously meet the people's growing needs for a beautiful ecological environment.
Fight the battle against pollution prevention and control at a higher standard.
In Yangshuo County (阳朔县), Guilin (桂林), Guangxi (广西), the Li River (漓江) is like a jade belt, and the laughter of tourists echoes. "Now when explaining to guests, I don't have to shout at the top of my voice. The electric transformation of bamboo rafts has significantly improved the comfort of tourists," said bamboo raft worker Mo Jianbin (莫剑斌). In the past, fuel bamboo rafts not only had loud noise and polluted the air, but also had the risk of fuel leakage. Today, the annoying popping sound and exhaust gas have become a thing of the past, better protecting the clear water of the Li River.
China has continued to deepen the battle to defend the blue sky, clear water, and pure land, and the quality of the ecological environment has continued to improve, strongly supporting high-quality development. It is necessary to adhere to environmental protection for the people, fully implement precise, scientific, and law-based pollution control, pay more attention to source governance, strengthen the coordination of pollution reduction and carbon reduction, the coordination of multi-pollutant control, and the coordination of regional governance, and promote new breakthroughs in pollution prevention and control in key areas, key fields, and key indicators.
Accelerate the construction of a natural protected area system.
In the Yellow River Source Park (黄河源园区) of Sanjiangyuan National Park (三江源国家公园), there are dense lakes. Ecological ranger Ban Cheng (班成), a herdsman from Maduo County (玛多县), Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (果洛藏族自治州), Qinghai (青海), patrols on horseback every day. "Now the grass is taller, the lake area is larger, and wild animals are more common than before. Protecting the source of the Yellow River is to protect our home and leave ecological wealth for future generations."
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has accelerated the construction of a natural protected area system with national parks as the main body, and the stability and service functions of the ecosystem have been continuously improved. The National Park Law will come into effect on January 1, 2026, marking a new stage in the construction of a natural protected area system with national parks as the main body entering the stage of legalization and standardization. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, China will continue to adhere to the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts, and coordinate the promotion of major projects for the protection and restoration of important ecosystems. Strictly abide by the ecological protection red line, orderly establish new national parks, and strengthen biodiversity protection.
In-depth promotion of large-scale national land greening actions.
In Etok Banner (鄂托克旗), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (内蒙古自治区), in the comprehensive management project area of desertified land in the northern section of the windbreak and sand barrier belt on the Maowusu Desert (毛乌素沙地), trenching machines have opened up planting strips, and sand control workers quickly follow up to plant sand willow seedlings in the soil. Tian Yanjun (田彦军), director of the Forestry and Grassland Work Station of Etok Banner (鄂托克旗林业和草原工作站), introduced that since the "14th Five-Year Plan," Etok Banner has completed more than 12 million mu of forestry and grassland ecological construction, and the governance rate of the Maowusu Desert has reached more than 80%.
Since the launch of the "Three-North" Shelterbelt Project (三北工程) battle more than two years ago, a total of 415 projects have been implemented, completing 190 million mu of construction tasks, and achieving important stage results. Relevant officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (国家林草局) said that they will continue to make sustained efforts in scientific protection, systematic management, strict quality control, consolidation of results, and industrial synergy, and continuously improve the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystems in the "Three-North" project area, and build a solid green Great Wall in northern Xinjiang.
At present, China's economic and social development has entered a stage of high-quality development that is accelerating green and low-carbon development. The "15th Five-Year Plan" period is particularly critical for accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. China will achieve its carbon peaking goal, and green development faces both historical opportunities and a series of prominent problems and challenges. We must unswervingly follow the path of ecological priority and green development.
Anchoring the goal and continuing to struggle. Firmly establishing and practicing the concept that **绿水青山就是金山银山** (lǜ shuǐ qīng shān jiù shì jīn shān yín shān - "green waters and green mountains are golden mountains and silver mountains," lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets), we will surely embark on a path of ecological priority, conservation and intensive use, green and low-carbon high-quality development, and accelerate the construction of a beautiful China where man and nature coexist in harmony.
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 11th (Xinhua) -- The State Council has appointed and removed national personnel.
Zhang Wentong (张文彤) has been appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources; Zu Leiming (祖雷鸣) has been appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources; Chen Min (陈敏) has been appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Emergency Management; Li Xiaosong (李小松) has been appointed as Deputy Director of the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control.
Lu Jiang (卢江), female, has been removed from the post of Deputy Director of the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control; Zu Leiming (祖雷鸣) has been removed from the post of Director of the Yellow River Conservancy Commission.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Shanghai on December 11th (Reporter Jiang Hongbing (姜泓冰)) The 2025 National Smart Medical Insurance Competition recently concluded in Shanghai (上海).
Since its launch in August of this year, the 2025 National Smart Medical Insurance Competition has attracted the enthusiastic participation of 802 teams. This competition set up 11 competition areas, including innovative drug research and development/post-marketing real-world research/drug and device comprehensive value evaluation, the medical and health field, and the financial insurance and platform economy field, to promote medical insurance data to empower all walks of life. After online preliminary rounds, offline simulated practical operations, and final defense reviews, 178 teams from all over the country stood out and won first, second, and third prizes.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing on December 11th (Reporter Shi Fang (施芳)): This reporter learned from the themed press conference series on the high-quality conclusion of the "14th Five-Year Plan" of the capital—a special session on comprehensively deepening reforms—held on the 11th: Focusing on the strategic positioning of Beijing (北京) as the "Four Centers" capital city, Beijing is actively promoting the reform of "handling one matter efficiently." Currently, 105 lists of "handling one matter efficiently" have been launched, covering all important stages of the entire life cycle of business entities and individuals, with an overall reduction of 56% in time limits, 55% in streamlined materials, and 88% in reduced errands.
Focusing on the construction of a harmonious and livable capital, the "one matter" of urban renewal enhances the city's governance 绣花功夫 (xiù huā gōng fu - "embroidery skill," meticulous and detailed work). Focusing on the construction of a cultural center, the "one matter" of culture, tourism, and sports invigorates cultural consumption. Focusing on the construction of an international exchange center, the "one matter" of foreign-related services enhances the city's international quality. Focusing on the construction of an international science and technology innovation center, the "one matter" in the field of science and technology stimulates innovation and creativity. Focusing on the whole-process supervision of "efficient handling of affairs," the closed-loop management system is improved.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Hong Kong on December 11th (Reporter Chen Ran (陈然)) The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特区) Government's Mental Health Advisory Committee (精神健康咨询委员会) announced on the 11th the launch of a one-year "Watch & Accompany" (守望·同行) Bereavement Support Program, providing free mental health support services to bereaved families affected by the Tai Po (大埔) Wang Fuk Court (宏福苑) fire.
The program is coordinated by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特区) Government's Mental Health Advisory Committee (精神健康咨询委员会), jointly implemented by several non-governmental organizations, and coordinated with the "One Social Worker per Household" service implemented by the Social Welfare Department (社会福利署). It provides free mental health services, including grief counseling, to bereaved individuals. Based on mental health risk assessment results, families in need will be referred to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists for further follow-up, assisting them to gradually overcome their grief.
It is reported that participating organizations will proactively contact affected families to provide corresponding services. The Primary Healthcare Department (基层医疗署) in all eighteen districts of Hong Kong (香港) can also refer relevant families to participate in the program through the District Health Centres.
In addition, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特区) Judiciary announced that, to provide better support to those affected by the fire, it will prioritize and expedite all legal proceedings related to the incident through a series of facilitation measures.
The Legal Aid Department (法律援助署) of the Special Administrative Region (特区政府) also stated that it has established a special task force and will launch a series of support measures to fully assist residents and other affected individuals in applying for legal aid in accordance with legal requirements to handle personal injury claims, property loss recovery, employee compensation, and other litigation and related matters. The department will 全力协助 (quán lì xié zhù - "fully assist," to provide comprehensive support and assistance).
Return to TopBy: 李浩燃
Not long ago, six departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部), jointly issued the "Implementation Plan on Enhancing the Adaptability of Consumer Goods Supply and Demand to Further Promote Consumption," deploying five key tasks. Starting today, this edition will launch a series of commentaries, scanning new highlights and trends in consumption, and exploring how to better unleash consumption potential and boost development confidence.
——Editor
New vitality factors are hidden in the details of market operation, reflecting the pulse of the economy. Several pieces of news, when viewed together, are thought-provoking.
With the "snow vacation" landing in provinces such as Xinjiang (新疆), new ideas for cultural and tourism products are emerging around ice and snow sports, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and cultural research, helping "cold resources" accelerate the generation of a "hot economy."
In the cold wind, people lined up to buy the first release of "Ma D墩" – a special commemorative edition of the Beijing Winter Olympics (北京冬奥会) mascot "Bing Dwen Dwen (冰墩墩)." From once being "hard to find one," to now continuing the classic, the vitality of cultural and creative products is so vigorous.
In the first week of its release, the movie "Zootopia 2" saw its box office in mainland China significantly leading North America, far exceeding Hollywood's expectations. The energy of a super-large market is evident.
As an important link in smoothing the national economic cycle, consumption is connected to macro policies on one end and the feelings of the people on the other. The surging consumption boom reflects the resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy, and once again confirms that products and services that can meet the needs of a better life will never have to worry about consumers paying the bill.
Today, consumer demand has shifted from "whether or not" to "how good." The "15th Five-Year Plan" (十五五规划) recommendations deploy "vigorously boosting consumption," proposing to "expand the supply of high-quality consumer goods and services." Grasping the "bull nose" of supply and demand adaptation, meeting diverse needs with high-quality supply, leading industrial upgrading with consumption upgrading, and achieving a higher level of dynamic balance between supply and demand can provide a more powerful support for high-quality economic development.
Systematic policies, coordinated efforts, and promotion of a "two-way rush" between supply and demand.
For example, from 2014 to 2024, the market size of elderly products in China increased from 2.6 trillion yuan to 5.4 trillion yuan, writing a vivid footnote for the silver economy. However, elderly people at home say "the things I want are not easy to buy," and entrepreneurial friends lament "elderly products are not easy to sell." Why is it "difficult to buy" and "difficult to sell"? The essence is still the mismatch between supply and demand.
To solve the problem of structural mismatch between supply and demand in some areas, overall consideration is an important methodology. What the people want and like is what companies should think about and produce, winning the market with high-quality and affordable products and services. Various consumption promotion policies should also focus on this. For example, cultivate high-end brands in the fields of jewelry and cosmetics, create new smart terminal products that meet personalized needs, and enrich the types of supply such as low-altitude sightseeing and IP derivatives. Conversely, this is also conducive to forming new consumption growth points and expanding effective demand.
Moving towards "new," embracing openness, and doing a good job in improving quality and expanding capacity.
New products, new functions, new services, new models, new scenarios, new applications, new experiences... "New" is the password to promote consumption. The vigorous growth of new quality productive forces has built a solid material foundation for the supply of high-quality consumer goods. Relying on technological empowerment, taking the fast train of digitalization and intelligence, transforming and upgrading existing production capacity facing the demand side, and actively developing products with high "new" content are effective ways to win consumers.
The door to opening up to the outside world is opening wider and wider, activating a pool of spring water for consumption. New perfumes and skin care products attract attention, and the smart body measurement cabin offers a wonderful experience... At this year's China International Import Expo (进博会), the consumer goods exhibition area was full of new ideas and ingenuity. New energy vehicles have achieved a transition from "product going overseas" to "ecological going overseas," and Mixue Bingcheng (蜜雪冰城) has more than 5,000 overseas stores, with Chinese brands and Chinese IPs performing well. Matching international first-class standards and combining bringing in and going out are conducive to continuously improving consumption capacity.
Innovating concepts, keeping pace with the times, and emphasizing both digging into existing stock and expanding incremental growth.
Looking at the existing stock, there is still potential to be tapped in the traditional consumption field. Embracing the "weight loss" consumption boom, a clothing company in Yiwu (义乌), Zhejiang (浙江) has stepped up the production of yoga clothes, earning a fortune. Introducing the concept of "food and medicine homology" and developing a "low glycemic index" program, the food industry in Luohe (漯河), Henan (河南) has tasted the sweetness of transformation and upgrading. A change of thinking broadens the horizon. There is no unchanging advantage in the field of consumption, nor is there an "absolute red sea."
Exploring incremental growth, new consumption hotspots are emerging one after another, and opportunities belong to those who are prepared. Shanghai (上海) integrates the first-store economy and the outdoor economy, promotes the establishment of international brands, and ignites the city's consumption expansion engine. Some Chinese-style tea drink brands carefully study health and wellness, promote Chinese culture, and blaze a new trail for development in optimizing their layout. Some technology companies have invested in new tracks such as wearable devices and elderly care service robots, reaping the "artificial intelligence +" dividend. Responding to the times, understanding market demand, and improving responsiveness are the keys to adapting to the rise of emerging consumption formats and participating in expanding the market pie.
Consumption is an important engine of economic growth and is highly coupled with the modernization process. At present, China is in a critical period of accelerating the upgrading of its consumption structure. Making every effort to promote the adaptation of supply and demand, so that consumption potential can be fully released, will surely stimulate the "multiplier effect" of the domestic demand market and help the Chinese economic ship brave the wind and waves and move forward steadily.
Return to TopBy: 王锦涛
Adhering to the principles of being for the people and relying on the people, respecting the people's principal position and pioneering spirit, new things will naturally flourish, new atmospheres will burst forth, and new miracles will continue to be written.
White silk dances, and silver threads emerge from the pot. A bowl of steaming hot noodles opens the curtain on the happy life of the Hualong people.
Hualong Hui Autonomous County (化隆回族自治县) in Qinghai (青海), which suffers from drought nine years out of ten, used to have more than 200,000 farmers, over 60% of whom were impoverished. With the help of the Party and the government, the Hualong people decided to change their way of life. They learned to make Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles, left the mountains, and started businesses in cities, "stretching" more than 20,000 noodle restaurants in more than 330 cities across the country and 16 countries around the world, "pulling" back more than 10 billion yuan a year, and forging a good path to poverty alleviation and prosperity.
Impoverished people are not only the target of poverty alleviation but also the main body of poverty alleviation and prosperity. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) profoundly pointed out: "We must pay attention to mobilizing the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of impoverished people, pay attention to cultivating the basic skills of impoverished people in developing production and engaging in labor and business, pay attention to stimulating the internal vitality of impoverished areas and impoverished people to get rid of poverty and become rich, and pay attention to improving the self-development ability of impoverished areas and impoverished people."
An important experience of China's poverty reduction and alleviation is to fully respect and actively give play to the principal role of impoverished people, enhance their ability to participate in development, share development, and develop independently, so that impoverished people not only become beneficiaries of poverty reduction but also contributors to development.
To give play to the principal role of the masses, it is necessary to combine poverty alleviation with aspiration support to stimulate endogenous motivation.
In Tanzi Village (滩子村), Maiji District (麦积区), Tianshui City (天水市), Gansu (甘肃), poverty alleviation cadres first focused on boosting morale upon entering the village, transforming the dependent thinking and conservative consciousness of impoverished people, and stimulating their spirit of self-reliance and continuous self-improvement. Some impoverished households who were afraid of hardship in farming and reluctant to work hard "seemed to have changed completely," engaging in breeding from dawn to dusk and cultivating fruit trees with hard work and endurance, not only getting rid of poverty but also becoming leaders in getting rich.
**功崇惟志，业广惟勤** (gōng chóng wéi zhì, yè guǎng wéi qín - "Achievement is based on ambition, and success is based on diligence," meaning that great achievements depend on lofty aspirations and diligent work). Poverty alleviation and reduction require not only external assistance but also the stimulation of internal motivation to further form synergy. Only when impoverished people have the awareness of "I want to get rid of poverty" can they gather the confidence of "I can get rid of poverty," and only then will they set goals, pursue dreams, and strive bravely. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) once said: "When I worked in Ningde (宁德), Fujian (福建), I talked about 'weak birds flying first,' which means that impoverished areas and impoverished people must first have the awareness of 'flying' and the action of 'flying first.'" Aspiration support should come before poverty alleviation. As long as the broad masses of people establish the concept of "rather work hard than endure hardship," they will surely be able to change their destiny with their own hands and gather a strong synergy to move towards common prosperity.
To give play to the principal role of the masses, it is necessary to let the masses increase their knowledge and skills, and promote poverty alleviation through intellectual support.
Xihai Gu (西海固) in Ningxia (宁夏) was once identified by the United Nations as one of the most unsuitable areas for human survival. The Minning Collaboration (闽宁协作) has been continuously carried out, and a path of industrial poverty alleviation that transforms "blood transfusion" into "blood creation" has been continuously broadened. More importantly, the immigrant masses who once "relied on the heavens for food" have, under the impetus of industrial development, become new farmers who understand technology and know how to manage. They have mastered knowledge, broadened their horizons, and not only filled their pockets in the tide of the market but also straightened their backs.
This kind of internal change is the most lasting force. Through industrial poverty alleviation, impoverished people are no longer simply recipients of assistance but also participants and strivers in development. They are not only rich in their pockets but also rich in their minds, not only have ideas for getting rid of poverty and becoming rich but also have ways to get rid of poverty and become rich, and not only have modern concepts and market awareness but also have initiative and creativity. The mental outlook and overall quality of impoverished people have been completely renewed, and they can not only get rid of poverty but also continue to burst out endogenous motivation in the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside.
To give play to the principal role of the masses, it is necessary to respect the pioneering spirit of the masses and realize the organic combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches.
"Waiting is not a solution, doing is hope." Xiaopuxi Village (小普希村), Jinuo Ethnic Township (基诺族乡), Jinuo Mountain (基诺山), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan (云南), used to have all its households living in poverty. The local people broke with convention and explored new paths, turning the once-unattended ancient tree tea into "golden leaves." Strengthening characteristic industries, developing rural tourism, carrying out live streaming sales... During the eight years of poverty alleviation, relying on various policies, the people in various places have shaken off their spirits and embarked on diverse paths to poverty alleviation and prosperity.
Looking back at history, from the "red fingerprints" of Xiaogang Village (小岗村) in Fengyang County (凤阳县), Anhui (安徽), which gave birth to the household contract responsibility system, to the farmers in Wuping County (武平县), Fujian (福建), promoting the reform of forest tenure... Facts have repeatedly shown that respecting the pioneering spirit of the masses is the source of inexhaustible wisdom and inexhaustible experience for development.
China's poverty reduction practice shows that the people are the creators and promoters of history, and they are the true heroes who stand tall and upright. In the new era and on the new journey, adhering to the principles of being for the people and relying on the people, respecting the people's principal position and pioneering spirit, new things will naturally flourish, new atmospheres will burst forth, and new miracles will continue to be written.
Return to TopBy: 孙 瑜
The "Suggestions" from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (党的二十届四中全会) proposed to "accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development and build a beautiful China (美丽中国)." The "15th Five-Year Plan" period is a crucial period for building a beautiful China (美丽中国), building on past achievements and achieving fundamental improvements in the ecological environment. Ecological and environmental protection faces new challenges, and green development will also usher in significant opportunities. As a practitioner of the "dual carbon" goals and a promoter of industrial transformation, China Green Development Investment Group Co., Ltd. (中国绿发投资集团有限公司) has been deeply involved in the construction of new power systems, the cultivation of emerging industries, and the creation of green living scenarios. It has a responsibility to make greater contributions to achieving the "dual carbon" goals and accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.
Building a green and low-carbon industrial system is related to the cultivation and growth of new quality productive forces and the quality and efficiency of green development. Currently, the output value of China's green and low-carbon industries is about 11 trillion yuan. To promote the continuous and healthy development of the industry, it is necessary to adhere to a problem-oriented approach, properly handle several relationships in practice, and continuously explore experience.
Coordinate technological innovation and industrial innovation. Technological innovation is the core element for developing new quality productive forces and a key path for promoting industrial upgrading. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China Green Development (中国绿发) focused on solving the "bottleneck" problems in the field of green and low-carbon advanced technology through a collaborative innovation model of industry, academia, and research. Not long ago, the 200,000 kW/800,000 kWh semi-solid lithium battery energy storage project located in Wuhai (乌海市), Inner Mongolia (内蒙古), achieved grid-connected power generation, breaking the record for the installed capacity of grid-connected semi-solid lithium battery energy storage projects in China.
Whether it is more intensive use of resources or cleaner production processes, it depends on the blessing of technological power. Deeply rooting the "root system" of technological innovation and continuously expanding the "branches" outward to spawn more new industries, new business formats, and new businesses, the green and low-carbon industry tree can grow more vigorously, injecting surging momentum into high-quality development.
Balance the present and the long-term. In reality, some ecological product value transformations have problems such as difficulty in measurement, difficulty in mortgage, difficulty in trading, and difficulty in realization. Some green and low-carbon industries have large investments and slow results, which affects the enthusiasm for transformation. This requires improving the realization mechanism of ecological product value, continuously enhancing the driving force and radiation force of industrial development, and activating the internal driving force of green and low-carbon development.
In Yili (伊犁), Xinjiang (新疆), the Nileke (尼勒克) 4 million kW wind power photovoltaic project has achieved power generation on the panels, planting under the panels, and animal husbandry next to the panels, which is welcomed by local herders. In Chun'an (淳安), Zhejiang (浙江), Qiandao Lake (千岛湖) Huamei Shengdi (华美胜地) was once the Chun'an Asian Games Village for the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games (杭州第十九届亚运会淳安亚运分村). The resort uses the advantages of the competition venue and the lake and mountain ecology to build a self-operated sports IP system and hold events such as the "Around the Lake 160" relay race, attracting a large number of tourists. Enhancing the strategic determination of green development, accelerating the transformation of ecological advantages into development advantages, and allowing more people to enjoy the dividends brought by green development, the virtuous cycle of protection and development will thicken the green background of economic and social development.
Connect production and life. Green development is not an isolated industrial behavior, but runs through all aspects of social services, daily life, and so on. Only by permeating the concept of green into various scenarios such as industrial development, community construction, and cultural and tourism consumption, and forming a closed loop of "production greening - product greening - consumption greening - production greening," can we create industrial value and meet the people's yearning for a better life, forming a strong momentum towards new and green.
There are many ways to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. It can be chasing the wind and light in the desert Gobi, green buildings and garbage classification in the community, or integrating the concept of zero carbon into park construction. China Green Development (中国绿发) has completed the creation of three batches of ten "dual carbon" demonstration projects for three consecutive years, and has obtained 29 certifications such as zero carbon, net zero carbon, and carbon neutrality. Jinan (济南) Leading Show City (领秀城) in Shandong (山东) was awarded the "Global Green Demonstration Community." The green and low-carbon concept leads the fashion, and green development is participated in and shared by all, which breeds not only a better life experience, but also new development opportunities and new spaces.
This broad and profound transformation of green and low-carbon development cannot be separated from the participation of the majority of enterprises. Looking forward to the "15th Five-Year Plan," China Green Development (中国绿发) will thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping's Economic Thought (习近平经济思想) and Xi Jinping's Ecological Civilization Thought (习近平生态文明思想), adhere to the mission and responsibility of central enterprises, and strive to be a benchmark for promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development and building a beautiful China (美丽中国).
(The author is the Party Secretary and Chairman of China Green Development Investment Group Co., Ltd. (中国绿发投资集团有限公司党委书记、董事长))
Return to TopBy: 许 菲
Not long ago, China's Drug Price Registration System was officially launched, and nine leading domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies completed the first batch of drug price registrations. Independent of provincial pharmaceutical procurement platforms, the system will provide enterprises with authoritative, standardized, and transparent market price registration and inquiry services. It serves as a display platform for enterprises to build globalized and diversified pricing systems, and is of great significance to the innovative development of the pharmaceutical industry.
In recent years, China's pharmaceutical industry's innovation capabilities have significantly increased. For many pharmaceutical companies, going global with innovative drugs has changed from an option to a necessity. In the first three quarters of 2025, Chinese pharmaceutical companies completed 103 overseas transactions, with a total transaction value exceeding $92 billion.
Looking globally, some countries and regions often require the provision of prices from the country of origin as international reference pricing when approving drug access. However, for some Chinese pharmaceutical companies, due to the generally low prices paid by medical insurance, the prices of drugs after being included in medical insurance often fail to reflect the market value of innovative drugs. At the same time, the prices of drugs through other non-medical insurance channels lack supporting documentation, making it difficult to find reliable pricing bases in overseas markets. Similar challenges are common among many overseas pharmaceutical companies, which to some extent restricts the international development of the domestic innovative drug industry.
The innovative development of medicine is related to the health and well-being of the people, and even more so to the core competitiveness of the national biopharmaceutical industry. The China Drug Price Registration System fills the gap in the national-level price information platform and is an important fulcrum for innovative pharmaceutical companies to break through overseas barriers and leverage the global market. Currently, developed countries and regions such as the United States and the European Union are promoting drug price controls. Reasonable registered price levels can help local companies better enter overseas markets, expand profit margins, and participate in building a globalized pricing system. Conversely, the expansion of Chinese innovative drugs in the global market will also feed back into domestic research and development investment and promote better innovation by pharmaceutical companies.
The pharmaceutical industry uses "3 10s" to summarize the characteristics of new drug research and development: "high risk, long cycle, high investment": averaging 10 years, costing $1 billion, and having a success rate of less than 10%. Therefore, to achieve a leap from catching up, running alongside, to leading in pharmaceutical innovation, precise policy support is essential. Guangzhou (广州), Guangdong (广东) has laid out international large-scale scientific programs such as the "Human Proteome Navigation," and has 45 drug clinical trial quality management standard institutions, gradually forming a comprehensive, full-process, and full-chain policy support system. In recent years, Shanghai Zhangjiang Science City (上海张江科学城) has carried out drug marketing authorization holder reforms, allowing innovative drug research and development companies to outsource production to other companies, which largely solves the investment problems in the early stages of innovative drug companies. The continuous release of policy dividends in various regions will effectively promote the innovative development of the biopharmaceutical industry.
The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal clearly states: "Support the development of innovative drugs and medical devices." Whether it is implementing policies such as innovative drug financing, review and approval, hospital use, and diversified payment, or deepening international exchanges and cooperation in pharmaceutical technology, or fully utilizing new technologies to accelerate the construction of life and health databases and improve pharmaceutical research and development efficiency, only by taking multiple measures and uniting innovative forces, and fully mobilizing various resources, can we create a good environment for innovative pharmaceutical development.
Only by cultivating the soil can good crops grow. For innovative drugs, this represents rich and broad basic research and innovation based on clinical needs. From a technical point of view, domestic biomedical research and development is already in a leading position globally, but the vast majority still belongs to tracking innovation or imitation innovation, which to some extent restricts the innovative development of the pharmaceutical industry. Taking tumor immunotherapy drugs (PD-1, PD-L1 antibodies) as an example, more than 10 such drugs developed in China have been approved for marketing, but they only account for 4% of the global market share. In view of this, many pharmaceutical companies are significantly increasing their research and development investment. In the future, companies also need to continue to deepen their efforts in the quality and characteristics of innovative drugs, continuously improve the basic research capabilities and levels of drugs, and achieve long-term development.
People's health is an important symbol of socialist modernization. Increasing the supply of high-quality policies, promoting the innovative development of the pharmaceutical industry, and focusing on promoting the quality and upgrading of the biopharmaceutical industry will surely lead to the research and development and production of more good drugs and new drugs, and continuously enhance the health and well-being of the people.
Return to TopThe intellectual property system is a fundamental guarantee for incentivizing innovation. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China accelerated its transformation from a major country in intellectual property introduction to a major country in intellectual property creation. Currently, China has become the first country in the world with over 5 million valid domestic invention patents. Strengthening intellectual property protection and utilization is conducive to promoting the development of new quality productive forces.
This is precisely:
Fertile soil nourishes small streams,
Scientific and technological innovation brings forth new talents.
The system builds a golden shield,
Ingenious ideas spread across the Divine Land (China).
Zhi Yanwen (郅延文)
Return to TopBy: 魏晓敏
With the popularization of rules such as "7-day no-reason return," it is more convenient for consumers to return online shopping goods. However, a few people take advantage of loopholes, either using new clothes as "one-time props" for travel photos, or returning them immediately after wearing them on important occasions, or even returning clothes worn for several days as they are. To prevent "wear and return," some merchants are making clothing tags larger and more exaggerated in design, and some are even adding combination locks to key parts of the clothing.
"Wear and return" not only violates the principle of good faith, but also increases the operating costs of merchants, and some seasonal clothes will become unsalable due to the passing of the season. In view of this, fancy tags have become a helpless move for merchants to combat dishonest behavior. But this also brings new problems. For ordinary consumers, these protective measures affect the shopping experience - the line of sight is blocked by the tag when trying on, and they are worried about damage when disassembling. The continuously increasing cost of "anti-wear" will also be passed on to all consumers through price increases, forming a vicious circle and damaging the healthy development of the market.
To curb malicious returns, we cannot only rely on merchants' "self-help," but also restrain those who break their trust. E-commerce platforms can establish a more precise credit evaluation system, so that users with good credit records can enjoy more convenient services, while strengthening the management of abnormal return behavior, and punishing malicious returners through legal and other means.
Integrity is the cornerstone of e-commerce development. The sustainable development of e-commerce requires not a "tag upgrade war," but a good consumer ecosystem based on integrity. Platforms improve rules, merchants optimize services, and consumers cherish credit... Only when every transaction is based on mutual trust can we truly get out of the high return rate dilemma and create a healthier e-commerce environment.
(Excerpted from *Xinhua Daily* (新华日报), originally titled "Is There a Better Solution to Prevent 'Wear and Return'?")
Return to TopThis edition's email: rmbpl@peopledaily.cn (Please indicate the column name when submitting manuscripts)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 苏 滨 陈隽逸
In winter, the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) in Guizhou (贵州) soars into the sky. Cars speed across the bridge, and tourists enjoy coffee in the cloud-top cafe. Below the bridge, people experience extreme sports. Since its official opening on September 28, the bridge has not only transformed a natural barrier into a thoroughfare but has also become a new fulcrum for the local area to leverage bridge-tourism integration and promote regional development.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon (花江大峡谷) is known as the "Earth's Crack" and is extremely difficult to traverse. The Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) is 2,890 meters long, connecting the two sides of the canyon and significantly shortening the journey between them. The main span of the bridge is 1,420 meters, ranking first in the world for mountain bridges. The bridge deck is 625 meters above the water surface, also the highest in the world. This bridge, which is a world first in both "length" and "height," has quickly become a popular tourist destination after its opening, boosting the popularity of surrounding scenic spots and homestays.
Integrating advantageous resources to explore bridge-tourism integration.
Below the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) lies Xiaohuajiang Village (小花江村) in Zhenfeng County (贞丰县), Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (黔西南布依族苗族自治州). On the day the bridge opened, the homestay of villager Lin Guoquan (林国权) also officially opened, and its 20-plus rooms were filled with tourists who came to see the bridge and the canyon. In recent times, the room occupancy rate has exceeded 80%. "The Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) is not only a bridge to access, but also a bridge to prosperity," said Lin Guoquan (林国权).
As night falls, the bridge lights up. A huge water curtain is projected onto the bridge, resembling a scroll painting in the light and shadows.
Liu Wenchao (刘文朝), a tourist from Chongqing (重庆), was not only amazed by the magnificent bridge but also attracted by the rich cultural and tourism activities. "During the day, you can see the bridge and enjoy the scenery. At night, you can watch the water curtain show. You can also taste local delicacies, and Xiaohuajiang Village (小花江村) has unique homestays to stay in. It's a very enjoyable experience."
One bridge connects both sides, and one river connects multiple points. The Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) is located in the Huajiang Grand Canyon Scenic Area (花江大峡谷风景区), surrounded by Buyi (布依族) villages with rich ethnic customs, historical sites such as cliff carvings and ancient post roads, and natural landscapes such as Triassic geological relics. The opening of the bridge connects the scattered tourism resources into a whole, promoting the transformation from scenic spot tourism to all-area tourism.
Guizhou (贵州) has prepared the "Overall Plan for the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) Bridge-Tourism Integration Tourism Area." The bridge and the surrounding area of more than 50 square kilometers have been included in a unified plan. Following the idea of "attracting tourists on the bridge and driving industries under the bridge," a complex integrating "bridge sightseeing, sports experience, and tourism services" is being built to create a bridge-tourism integration demonstration area. "The bridge fully considered the needs of bridge-tourism integration in the later stage during the design phase, prepared embedded parts for tourism facilities, and reserved sufficient space for bridge-tourism integration," introduced Zhang Xiangyu (张翔宇), a staff member of the Bridge-Tourism Integration Special Class of Guizhou Transportation Investment Industry Group (贵州交投产业集团).
From high-altitude bungee jumping and paragliding to sightseeing corridor bridges and cloud-top cafes, from the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) to Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布), Wanfenglin (万峰林), and Maling River Canyon (马岭河峡谷) and other scenic spots, a golden tourism ring line of "Guiyang (贵阳) - Anshun (安顺) - Qianxinan (黔西南)" is taking shape. As of November 30, the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) Tourist Area has received a cumulative total of 160,000 vehicles and more than 940,000 tourists, generating a comprehensive tourism income of more than 100 million yuan during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays alone. "From 'access' to 'tourism,' the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) has become a new calling card for bridge-tourism integration in Guizhou (贵州)," said Zhang Xiangyu (张翔宇).
Helping "Qian Goods Out of the Mountains" and Promoting Regional Development
Xiaohuajiang Village (小花江村) is about 1 kilometer in a straight line from the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥). In Lin Guoquan's (林国权) yard, you can look up and admire the bridge.
"The height is so high, and the span is so large. It's really hard to imagine how difficult the construction is." Lin Guoquan (林国权) is very proud to witness the birth of a world-class bridge at his doorstep.
The Hua Jiang Grand Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) at the 6th An'an 8th Standard, undertaken by Guizhou Bridge Construction Group (贵州桥梁建设集团), is a key control project of the Liuzhi (六枝) to Anlong (安龙) Expressway in Guizhou (贵州), which is related to the construction of a north-south longitudinal thoroughfare in central and western Guizhou (贵州) and a new highland for inland open economy.
Ouyang Song (欧阳松), the head of the engineering section of the Liuan 8th Standard Project, introduced that during the construction of the bridge, the project team overcame difficulties such as wind resistance and transportation, and fought continuously for thousands of days and nights, successively obtaining 17 invention patents and 4 utility model patent authorizations. Some of the experience was incorporated into the national bridge technical standards, contributing Chinese wisdom to the world's bridge construction.
This bridge, built with innovative technology, not only promotes economic and trade exchanges and industrial linkage between regions, but also helps the efficient flow of factors such as capital, technology, and talent.
Walking into an edible fungus factory in Zhenfeng County (贞丰县), workers are busy picking, sorting, and packaging. Two trucks full of fresh fungi are successively dispatched. "Fresh fungi have high requirements for transportation timeliness. After the bridge is opened, it will take only two hours to reach the airport. Through cold chain logistics, it can be delivered to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区) and other places in half a day," said Wu Jincheng (吴金城), the head of the edible fungus factory. Relying on the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥), "Qian goods out of the mountains" has a new path.
"This is a happy bridge, allowing many villagers to find employment nearby," said Ran Qitao (冉启涛), a shop assistant at a specialty store in the Yundu Service Area (云渡服务区) supporting the bridge. Ran Qitao (冉启涛) is from Zhenfeng County (贞丰县) and had been working outside for a long time. On the eve of the bridge's opening, he found a job in this specialty store with a monthly salary of 4,000 yuan. He is also able to take care of his family nearby, which makes him very satisfied. In the Yundu Service Area (云渡服务区) alone, more than 40 local people have obtained employment opportunities.
Relying on the convenient expressway network and new channels, Qianxinan (黔西南) and Anshun (安顺) and other places are actively promoting the distinctive industrial products such as new energy battery materials and metal products, and ethnic crafts such as Buyi (布依族) embroidery and Miao silver (苗银) out of the mountains, so that the beautiful vision of "building a bridge, prospering an industry, and enriching the people" can be realized faster.
Implanting "Smart Nerves" to Intelligently Maintain the Bridge
For a bridge, "three parts construction, seven parts maintenance." After the bridge is opened, how to maintain the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥)?
"As the main load-bearing component, the main cable is the lifeline of the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) and cannot be replaced after it is erected," said Xu Xianghua (许湘华), chief engineer of the Guizhou Provincial Department of Transportation (贵州省交通运输厅). The maintenance of the main cable is the top priority, and we must find ways to monitor the deformation, temperature, and humidity of the main cable in order to accurately grasp the health status of the bridge.
Regarding deformation, traditional monitoring uses measuring instruments to back-calculate the change in stress. As for humidity, the traditional practice is to open a window on the main cable for monitoring, and dehumidify if it exceeds a certain standard.
"Fiber Bragg gratings are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and stress. If they can be used to monitor the condition of the bridge, they will provide important information for bridge maintenance," said Luo Zhi'an (骆治安), manager of Guizhou Steel Wire Rope Cable Engineering Company (贵州钢绳缆索工程公司). Using fiber Bragg gratings to make smart cable strands is difficult to construct because the material is fragile. On the other hand, there is no existing reference path, so we can only cross the river by feeling the stones. 摸着石头过河 (mō zhe shí tou guò hé - "feel for stones to cross the river," to proceed with caution, learning as one goes).
After layers of breakthroughs, 3 smart cable strands were embedded in the main cable, relying on thousands of sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and stress and strain respectively.
"This is equivalent to implanting 'smart nerves' into the bridge. By accessing the bridge health monitoring system, the entire bridge can be monitored and automatically transmitted. For example, once the humidity exceeds 45%, the system will issue an alarm and start the dehumidifier to reduce the risk of corrosion," introduced Xu Xianghua (许湘华). This breakthrough technology gives the bridge a real-time "health doctor."
The main cable is a steel structure, and once the temperature is too high, it will lead to a decrease in strength, so fire prevention is the top priority. Considering the irreplaceability, the main cable is set with 11 fire protection procedures and wears 5 layers of "fireproof and heat-insulating clothing," but the overall thickness does not exceed 1 cm, which is compressive and tensile without affecting the normal use of the main cable.
"We also use a visual recognition system to accurately and efficiently monitor more than 800,000 sets of bolts by comparing the initial state. Once loosening is detected, we respond immediately," said Ouyang Song (欧阳松). The maintenance work that used to take several months can now be completed in just over 10 days, which is expected to save tens of millions of yuan in maintenance costs.
Return to TopThis newspaper Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), December 11th (Reporters Han Liqun (韩立群) and Shang Rongzheng (尚嵘峥)) reported: The reporter learned from China National Petroleum Corporation (中国石油) that on December 9th, the annual output of the Xinjiang Jimusar (新疆吉木萨尔) National Continental Shale Oil Demonstration Zone reached 1.7 million tons, completing the annual crude oil production task 22 days ahead of schedule, marking the comprehensive completion of the construction task of China's first national continental shale oil demonstration zone.
Shale oil is a petroleum resource formed, preserved, and produced in organic-rich shale strata, and is an internationally recognized unconventional oil and gas resource that is extremely difficult to extract. The Xinjiang Jimusar (新疆吉木萨尔) National Continental Shale Oil Demonstration Zone was established in 2020, located in the eastern part of the Junggar Basin (准噶尔盆地), covering an area of 1278 square kilometers, with resources exceeding 1 billion tons.
According to the plan, the demonstration zone should complete six demonstration goals during the construction process, including deepening the geological theory and understanding of continental shale oil, achieving important breakthroughs in the exploration and development of continental shale oil, and improving China's technological system for the exploration and development of continental shale oil, and achieve all construction tasks by 2025. Since the beginning of this year, the demonstration zone has increased exploration and development efforts, and successfully achieved the construction goal of an annual output of 1.7 million tons.
The comprehensive completion of the construction task marks a systematic breakthrough in China's three major problems of difficult sweet spot identification, difficult reservoir reconstruction, and difficult efficient development of continental shale oil, providing replicable and scalable technologies and management experience for the development of similar resources in China, and has great strategic significance for optimizing the energy structure and ensuring national energy security.
Return to TopAccording to reports from our newspaper in Beijing (北京) on December 11th, (reporter Han Xin (韩鑫)) it was learned from the National Finals of the first Comprehensive Transportation Large Model Intelligent Agent Innovation Application Competition: As of now, the Ministry of Transport (交通运输部) has compiled over 860 scenarios covering six major areas: highway, waterway, railway, civil aviation, postal service, and comprehensive transportation, forming a panoramic view of "Artificial Intelligence + Transportation," and has taken the lead in establishing the Transportation Large Model Innovation and Industry Alliance to build an industrial ecological incubation system.
The theme of this competition is "Intelligent Leadership in Transportation, Wise Vision of the Future," focusing on the actual business needs of the entire field of transportation, encouraging participating teams to focus on real scenarios and develop intelligent agents with practical value. The participating teams in the competition achieved full coverage of the comprehensive transportation field, and the works covered the entire process of technological innovation, operation services, safety supervision, and government management. The entries are both practical and innovative, demonstrating the development trend of prioritizing business needs and emphasizing application.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing on December 11th (Reporter Ouyang Jie (欧阳洁)). According to customs statistics, the import and export value of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (京津冀) region in the first 11 months of this year was 4.3 trillion yuan. Among them, the exports of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (京津冀) region were 1.32 trillion yuan, an increase of 5.9% year-on-year (the same below), maintaining growth for 8 consecutive months, and the export scale reached a record high for the same period.
In the first 11 months, the export of high-end equipment in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (京津冀) region was 96.35 billion yuan, an increase of 28.6%, driving regional export growth by 1.7 percentage points. Among them, exports of rail transit equipment to Kazakhstan (哈萨克斯坦), Guinea (几内亚), and India (印度) increased by 5.5 times, 1.6 times, and 1.6 times, respectively. At the same time, new foreign trade formats in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (京津冀) region are accelerating their development, with exports of electronic components, electrical control devices, and medical instruments and equipment through market procurement trade methods increasing by 71.4%, 41.7%, and 29%, respectively. Exports from comprehensive bonded zones were nearly 100 billion yuan, an increase of 18.5%, of which exports of high-tech products such as electronic technology, computer and communication technology, and optoelectronic technology increased by 2.9 times, 46.2%, and 12.8%, respectively.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 李 娜 尹晓宇 林 帆
Editor's Note: On December 13, 1937, the invading Japanese army barbarically entered Nanjing (南京), creating the horrific Nanjing Massacre, in which 300,000 compatriots were brutally murdered. Eighty-eight years have passed, and as the twelfth National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims approaches, our newspaper reporters interviewed Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴), a survivor of the Nanjing Massacre, to recall those days of bloody storms, when compatriots helped and supported each other, and international friends risked their lives to protect the people of Nanjing and record the brutal acts of the Japanese invaders. We deeply mourn all the compatriots who were killed by the Japanese invaders.
We remember the suffering, not to perpetuate hatred, but to inspire more people to defend peace and create the future.
In 1937, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) was 8 years old and lived at No. 5 Xinlukou (新路口), Nanjing (南京).
On December 13th of that year, early winter in Nanjing (南京) was already chilly. At 9 a.m., Xia Shuqin's (夏淑琴) family had breakfast as usual, and her mother even asked her older sister to wash some vegetables and rinse some rice to prepare lunch.
What she didn't expect was that this day would become an eternal nightmare.
Family Tragedy
Suddenly, heavy leather boots sounded outside the door. A team of Japanese soldiers pushed open the door and directly shot the landlord uncle who opened the door. Xia Shuqin's (夏淑琴) father was also shot and killed.
The maternal grandparents quickly hid the four sisters in their room. Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) heard a shrill scream outside the door—it was her mother shouting. Xia Shuqin's (夏淑琴) mother and her 1-year-old baby in her arms were subsequently killed.
Then, the Japanese soldiers came to the door of the maternal grandparents' room. The maternal grandparents hid the four sisters under the quilt, and the two elderly people stood in front. At that time, Xia Shuqin's (夏淑琴) eldest sister was 16 years old, the second sister was 14 years old, she was 8 years old, and there was a 4-year-old younger sister. The maternal grandparents were shot and killed, and the two older sisters were dragged out. Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) grabbed the second sister's toes in fear and screamed. The Japanese soldier stabbed her three times, and Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) fainted.
What woke Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) up was the crying of her 4-year-old sister. Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴), covered in blood, was unable to get up and could only crawl out, wanting to wake up her relatives, but no one responded to her.
Also on this day, the invading Japanese army occupied Nanjing (南京), and Nanjing (南京) fell.
Hunger, cold, pain, fear... Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) and her sister stayed beside the corpses for 14 days until an old woman found them. In January 1938, Xia Shuqin's (夏淑琴) uncle found the two sisters and took them to the safety zone.
A Glimmer in the Dark Night
"Originally a good family, but the maternal grandparents, father, mother, eldest sister, second sister, and a younger sister were all killed by Japanese soldiers..." Speaking of this, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) couldn't help but shed tears.
Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) remembers that in that cold winter, a foreigner came to No. 5 Xinlukou (新路口) and photographed the knife wounds on her body and the scene after her family was killed. His name was John Magee (约翰·马吉), a member of the International Committee for the Nanjing Safety Zone. During the Nanjing Massacre, Magee risked his life to use a 16mm camera to film the numerous atrocities of the Japanese army.
A German recorded this incident in his diary: Magee found two little girls, one 4 years old and one 8 years old, whose families had been brutally murdered. They stayed in the house beside their mother's corpse for a full 14 days.
The German who wrote the diary was named John Rabe (约翰·拉贝). He was the manager of the German Siemens (西门子公司) office in Nanjing (南京). On the eve of the fall of Nanjing (南京), he decided to stay at risk and later served as the chairman of the International Committee for the Nanjing Safety Zone. In a not-so-large courtyard, Rabe sheltered more than 600 refugees at its peak.
On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender. In May 1946, the International Military Tribunal for the Far East tried 28 Japanese Class A war criminals. Magee testified as a witness, detailing the atrocities of the Japanese army he witnessed in Nanjing (南京).
In 1948, when news of the Rabe family's difficult life reached Nanjing (南京), the citizens of Nanjing (南京) donated money and goods, collecting four large packages to send to Germany.
Ironclad Evidence
In the 1990s, Japanese right-wing forces openly denied the Nanjing Massacre and slandered Magee's images as non-existent "ghost movies." To this end, the U.S. Memorial Association in Memory of Compatriots Killed in the Nanjing Massacre searched for the original film in many ways. In July 1991, Shao Ziping (邵子平), the president of the association, finally found 13 rolls of Magee's original film at the home of Magee's son, David Magee (大卫·马吉). Later, the association produced it into a 37-minute and 05-second video. With the strong promotion of Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group (香港大公文汇传媒集团), on December 13, 2019, the association donated the precious "37-minute version" of Magee's images to the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.
In the summer of 1995, a young girl came to interview Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴). The girl's name was Iris Chang (张纯如). At the age of 27, she came to Nanjing (南京) alone to write an English book that would let the world know the truth about the Nanjing Massacre.
In 1997, Iris Chang's (张纯如) "The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II" was published and quickly attracted attention. At the end of this book, she wrote: "Only by facing history can Japan break away from the past horrific acts of its nation. If contemporary Japanese people continue to do nothing to maintain historical truth, they will leave the same stain in history as their wartime predecessors."
In 2000, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) decided to file a lawsuit. In this year, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) learned that she had been slandered as a "fake witness" by Japanese right-wing elements. Seeing these absurd contents, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) was extremely angry and wanted to sue!
Lawyers Tan Zhen (谈臻) and Wu Mingxiu (吴明秀) represented Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) in the case of reputation infringement against Japanese right-wing elements and won the case in China. Later, facing the lawsuit filed by Japanese right-wing elements against Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) in Japan, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) and her legal team chose to go to Japan to respond to the lawsuit and launch a countersuit against Japanese right-wing elements.
In order to prove that she was the 8-year-old girl back then, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) traveled for 9 years. In 2009, the Supreme Court of Japan made a final ruling, and Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) won the reputation case. In 2025, the oral history of Nanjing Massacre survivors was published in Japan for the first time.
Perpetual Remembrance
From painful experiences to unceasing testimonies, their stories continue to be written:
On August 15th of this year, Rabe's grandson returned to his grandfather's former residence in Nanjing (南京). There, Xia Shuqin's (夏淑琴) granddaughter and he presented flowers to Mr. Rabe's statue together.
Iris Chang's (张纯如) bronze statue is now placed in the mourning square of the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, and people who come to visit always offer flowers. In 2017, the Iris Chang (张纯如) Memorial Hall opened in her ancestral home of Huai'an (淮安), Jiangsu (江苏).
In 2020, lawyer Tan Zhen (谈臻) passed away. During his lifetime, he promoted the establishment of the "Lawyers Alliance for Maintaining the Historical Truth of the Nanjing Massacre," dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of Nanjing Massacre survivors, studying legal issues related to the Nanjing Massacre, and promoting civil litigation.
On November 30th of this year, Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴), supported by her granddaughter, came to the "Wailing Wall" of the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. She stared at the names of her relatives on the wall, remained silent for a long time, and then bowed deeply. Her granddaughter, Xia Yuan (夏媛), picked up a pen and "refreshed" the names stroke by stroke: "Xia Nie's (夏聂氏), Xia Shufen (夏淑芬), Xia Shulan (夏淑兰)..."
Today, only 24 registered Nanjing Massacre survivors remain, with an average age of 95. In recent years, the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders has established "one health record per person" for survivors and established a team of "inheritors of the historical memory of the Nanjing Massacre." Since 2022, four batches of 38 people have joined, including descendants of Nanjing Massacre survivors and witnesses, as well as descendants of international friends who rescued Chinese refugees that year.
Xia Shuqin (夏淑琴) said: "I am 96 years old, I am old, but I still want to speak! As long as I live, I will be a witness to history."
History is the best textbook and the best sobering agent. The Nanjing Massacre is the darkest page in human civilization and an indelible and profound suffering for the Chinese nation. As guardians of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, we engage with this history every day in our work.
Guarding memories is not for perpetuating hatred, but for upholding historical truth, respecting the dignity of life, and safeguarding human peace. We protect cultural relics and historical materials, allowing yellowed photographs, incomplete objects, and precious testimonies to become ironclad evidence of restoring historical truth; we cultivate historical research and tell the stories of the War of Resistance, allowing historical warnings to transcend time and space and reach people's hearts directly; we build bridges of remembrance and inheritance, feeling the preciousness of peace in commemorating the victims, and gathering the strength to forge ahead in looking back at the nation's suffering.
-- Zhou Feng (周峰), Curator of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders
Shooting "Nanjing Photo Studio" stems from awe and cherishment for a true history. The film focuses on the countless unarmed ordinary people in Nanjing (南京) at that time, using the space of "Auspicious Photo Studio" as a cut-in point. I hope that the images I shoot have historical texture and documentary attributes, while also expressing visually with restraint. Just like the photos passed down with difficulty back then, it has both solemnity and strength. This is not only a retrospective of images, but also a resonance across time and space, reminding us to always remember the pain of history and cherish the peace of the present.
-- Shen Ao (申奥), Director and Screenwriter of the movie "Nanjing Photo Studio"
Using historical materials as evidence, restoring the truth of history is the responsibility of historical researchers. Since 2018, when I began to focus on the topic of the "Nanjing Safety Zone," I have continued to conduct field visits and search for new historical clues in research institutions at home and abroad. Jiang Zhengyun (姜正云), a citizen of Nanjing, risked his life to protect more than 10,000 refugees. Chen Wenshu (陈文书) and Xu Shude (徐淑德), citizens of Nanjing, coordinated the allocation of supplies and cared for injured refugees... I deeply feel that behind this tragic history of the Nanjing Massacre are vivid lives and unyielding struggles.
As a young researcher, I hope to do my best to enrich historical details with new research, so that more people can deeply understand the suffering and resistance of the Chinese nation.
-- Yang Yali (杨雅丽), Doctoral Student, School of History, Nankai University (南开大学)
As a high school student, I am deeply moved every time I come to the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. I want to protect the truth of history together by collecting and donating cultural relics and historical materials, so that more peers can understand: history has never been far away, we must get closer and understand more, and strive to learn knowledge and hone our skills, so that our country can become stronger.
-- Yu Ningpeng (于聍鹏), Donor of Cultural Relics and Historical Materials of the Japanese Invasion of China
(Reported and compiled by Yin Xiaoyu (尹晓宇) and Liu Yang (刘阳), reporters of this newspaper)
Return to TopLayout Design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 王 珏
A local accent, a folk song, a legend, carry the collective memories and emotional codes passed down through generations. For thousands of years, people have used folk literature to record life, express emotions, and condense memories, leaving behind a wealth of valuable cultural heritage. The Publication Project of the Chinese Folk Literature Series aims to systematically organize, protect, and inherit these treasures, and is committed to safeguarding the vibrant and ever-evolving home of folk literature, and promoting the participation of the whole society in the excavation, protection, dissemination, and development of folk literature.
Starting in 2017, this vast project, led by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (中国文联) and specifically implemented by the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association (中国民间文艺家协会), has been publishing the "Chinese Folk Literature Series" (中国民间文学大系) large-scale collection on the basis of comprehensive collection and collation. By September of this year, the publication of books has exceeded 100 volumes. This cultural foundation project will continue to promote folk literature to play a greater role in building a Chinese civilization identification system and nourishing contemporary cultural innovation.
--Editor
From Text Compilation to Cultural Heritage Inheritance
The Publication Project of the Chinese Folk Literature Series (hereinafter referred to as the "Series Publication Project") fully absorbs the new concepts and achievements of contemporary folk literature research, and carries out large-scale information collection, text data collation, and compilation and publication of folk literature. Among them, the "Chinese Folk Literature Series" large-scale collection is an important achievement, which divides the vast amount of folk literature into twelve categories such as mythology, epic, folk tales, and folk stories, and divides them by province and city, planning to complete the publication goal of thousands of volumes.
"We found in many field investigations that the distinct characteristic of Xinjiang (新疆) folk literature is its living, oral, and collective inheritance." Ma Xiongfu (马雄福), director of the Expert Committee of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区) of the Series Publication Project, said.
During the compilation process, a difficult problem was placed before Ma Xiongfu (马雄福). He found that in epics, a large number of proper nouns such as personal names and place names often had inconsistent Chinese transliterations in different documents or different parts of the same epic. In response to this problem, Ma Xiongfu (马雄福) proposed and presided over the formulation of the "Unified Chinese Transliteration Table of Proper Nouns in Xinjiang Minority Folk Literature," which solved the long-standing problem of confusing translations in the academic community and ensured the uniformity and scientific nature of translation standards between different volumes and texts of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series·Xinjiang Volume" (中国民间文学大系·新疆卷).
In the process of compilation, the editorial boards and editorial groups in various places gradually improved their own manuals, collecting common and error-prone words in oral literature, and forming a shared document of annotations of dialects and slang. These basic tasks not only ensured the unified standardization of compilation quality, but also improved work efficiency.
As of November 2025, a total of 619 volumes of cooperation agreements for the commissioned compilation project of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series" have been signed nationwide, of which 116 volumes have been officially published. By establishing a scientific compilation system, the Series Publication Project transforms scattered folk memories into textual documents, realizes systematic recording of folk literature, and better continues the Chinese cultural heritage.
From Rescue Protection to Digital Immortality
The compilation of the Series Publication Project adheres to the principles of "scientificity, regionality, representativeness, and extensiveness," not only focusing on text collection, but also focusing on building a digital archive to achieve digital immortality of texts.
Liaoning Province (辽宁省) has rich resources of folk storytelling, small operas, stories, legends, and so on. Taking storytelling art as an example, storytelling performing artists such as Yuan Kuocheng (袁阔成), Liu Lanfang (刘兰芳), Shan Tianfang (单田芳), and Tian Lianyuan (田连元) are all rooted in this fertile cultural soil. "If we collect them one by one according to the subject matter, storytelling alone would be enough to compile hundreds of volumes." Cui Kai (崔凯), the person in charge of the compilation of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series·Storytelling·Liaoning Volume" (中国民间文学大系·说唱·辽宁卷), introduced that the compilation team adheres to excellence and gives priority to rescuing and sorting out the out-of-print audio and video and manuscripts collected by folk artists to ensure that excellent traditional texts are included in the "Chinese Folk Literature Series."
As a consultant of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series·Storytelling·Liaoning Volume" (中国民间文学大系·说唱·辽宁卷), Tian Lianyuan (田连元) not only wrote an overview for some volumes, but also often exchanged opinions with editors. Tian Lianyuan (田连元) said that before the advent of recording technology, storytelling art had no textual basis and relied entirely on oral transmission between masters and apprentices. This method of inheritance has formed the unique artistic characteristics of storytelling.
In the past, not many of Tian Lianyuan's (田连元) storytelling texts were published. After the launch of the Series Publication Project, he was moved by the rigorous and serious attitude of the compilation team and handed over his masterpiece "Romance of Sui and Tang Dynasties" (隋唐演义) full 230 episodes of audio and text to the team for collation and publication. The book also has a QR code attached, and readers can scan the code to listen to the original sound. "The Series is a cultural project that connects the past and the future. The application of new technologies allows excellent Chinese traditional culture to be better protected and inherited." Tian Lianyuan (田连元) said.
At present, the basic data database of the Series Publication Project has collected a total of 16,792 volumes and 3.752 million pages of various materials, of which a total of 1.6718 billion words have been digitized. In the future, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (中国文联) will further strengthen the integrated collection of related audio, video, and text, and preserve the original folk literature for future generations as much as possible. From rescue protection to digital immortality, from oral transmission between masters and apprentices to national sharing, the Series Publication Project allows folk literature to radiate new vitality.
From Living Inheritance to Systematic Protection
The advancement of the Series Publication Project is not only the meticulous editing and proofreading at the desk, but also the in-depth field visits and excavations. Since the launch of the compilation project, the Jiangsu Provincial Folk Literature and Art Association (江苏省民间文艺家协会) has based itself on the characteristics of regional culture, coordinated the strength of the entire province, and promoted the general survey, collection, collation, and compilation of various categories.
In Henan (河南), the Series Publication Project has been included in the "Henan Province Rural Cultural Revitalization Five-Year Action Plan" (河南省乡村文化振兴五年行动计划). During the promotion process, experts and scholars discovered Gao Xinhui (高新慧), a 90-year-old man who can recite thousands of riddles, and the Ruzhou (汝州) Nüwa (女娲) myth group, which can provide important new materials for the study of Chinese creation myths; in Hebei (河北), professionals from universities, art research institutions, and other institutions widely participated in the compilation work, effectively preserving and inheriting the rich and diverse folk literature resources; in Gansu (甘肃), the team focused on rescuing and sorting out folk legends, songs, and narrative poems originating from the Silk Road, highlighting distinct regional characteristics... The compilers have awakened many "cultural guardians" hidden in the city streets and rural villages, and jointly woven this folk literature protection network covering the whole country, hoping to realize the transition from living inheritance to systematic protection, so that the national cultural memory can be inherited forever.
"The degree to which folk literature permeates and integrates into life is further deepened, and its position and role in enhancing national cohesion, telling Chinese stories, and spreading Chinese culture are further highlighted." Rong Shuqin (荣书琴), Secretary of the Party Group and Resident Vice Chairman of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association (中国民间文艺家协会), said that focusing on "in-depth implementation of the project of inheriting and developing excellent Chinese traditional culture," under the leadership of the Central Propaganda Department (中宣部) and the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (中国文联), the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association (中国民间文艺家协会) will further give play to its organizational advantages and professional advantages, continue to implement the overall plan for the implementation of the Series Publication Project, build and use the folk literature database well, and through multi-disciplinary integrated research, multi-industry transformation and innovation, multi-regional promotion and implementation, and multi-media dissemination and promotion, make the means and methods of folk literature richer, and the creative transformation and innovative development achievements more fruitful.
Return to TopBy: 冯骥才
What is folk literature? The literature of a great literary power is always divided into two types: one is literature created by individuals using words and disseminated in written form, and the other is folk literature created collectively and orally, passed down by word of mouth. The latter is the source of the former, the literature of roots. For thousands of years, folk literature has been like a colorful and brilliant flower covering the mountains and rivers, passed down from generation to generation, until today.
Even for young people growing up in cities today, folk literature is not far away. We have lived in the folk culture we created for generations: celebrating such festivals, pasting such New Year pictures and paper cuttings, singing such folk songs, saying such proverbs, and listening to such operas. Folk literature is the spiritual image of our nation, the cultural ID card, the tool of self-education, the carrier of aesthetics, the core content of festivals, and the source of all other arts.
Our nation has a huge literary imagination and originality, creating a massive amount and diverse styles of folk literature over thousands of years. China's first collection of poems, the "Classic of Poetry" (《诗经》), preserves rich folk literature from the pre-Qin period. A large number of epics record the precious life history of the nation, countless myths and legends tell the eternal dreams of the human world, orally transmitted stories convey the traditional moral standards and values of the Chinese people, and a massive number of ballads and proverbs contain both infinite wisdom of life and extremely rich production experience.
Folk literature is like air, used daily without being noticed, the kind of existence that people open their mouths to when chatting. A large number of folk tales retain literary images and aesthetic images. When I wrote "Extraordinary People in Ordinary Times" (《俗世奇人》), many character images naturally "popped" out when I was chatting with ordinary people. However, this kind of literature that flows invisibly among the people is inherently born and dies, and is easily overlooked and lost during the period of social transformation. The collection and collation of folk literature is very difficult to do in any country.
In the past few decades, with the strong support of the Party and the state, driven by a strong cultural consciousness, relying on the guidance and planning of all parties, and through the unremitting efforts of generations of folk culture scholars and workers, China's folk literature has experienced a leap from rescue protection to scientific protection. This is a very remarkable thing.
From the folk song survey in the 1950s to the comprehensive investigation and compilation of the three sets of Chinese folk literature integration (stories, ballads, proverbs) in 1984, to the Chinese Folk Culture Heritage Rescue Project launched in 2003, a large number of achievements from the three large-scale rescue investigations have filled the gaps in Chinese literary history and cultural history. Today, the achievements of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series Publishing Project" in front of us are an enormous and precious cultural wealth, literary wealth, and spiritual wealth. This is an unprecedented large book, a classic in the true sense, with unparalleled originality, authenticity, documentary value, integrity, systematicness, and resourcefulness. It can be said that this is the "Classic of Poetry" (《诗经》) of our time.
For such a classic of the times, how can we achieve development in inheritance and innovation in development? Every era has its own creations. To some extent, all folk culture is synchronized with the era that produced it. Technology has brought new ways of communication, and at the same time, it has given new life to rich folk cultural resources, allowing us to rediscover folk literature. For example, the game "Black Myth: Wukong" (《黑神话：悟空》) and the movie "Ne Zha" (《哪吒之魔童闹海》) both draw inspiration from folk tales and myths, retain the spirit of the characters, and use new methods and means to spread folk literature. This approach is very good. In recent years, I have also felt the love of young people for traditional culture. They are very familiar with the symbols and colors of folk art. We must create platforms for young people to experience, feel, and appreciate excellent folk culture.
On the other hand, we must rely on a professional force to adhere to scientific protection and systematic protection. We must preserve the original classics and preserve the most authentic form of folk culture in the place of inheritance, so that our descendants can see how our ancestors communicated and created before the advent of mobile phones and the Internet. At Tianjin University (天津大学), I am working with students majoring in intangible cultural heritage to establish scientific and rigorous archives for some important cultural heritage sites.
We must have a full and thorough understanding of cultural heritage, including folk literature. Cultural heritage has dignity and is a cultural resource that carries the uniqueness of the region. While innovating and creating, we must not discard the original characteristics and sever the traditional roots. The deep integration of culture and tourism should not completely obey the needs of tourism and economic development. Cultural resources should not be overused, and the original color and individual essence of culture should not be lost.
Every generation has a responsibility to pass on the precious things of the previous generation to future generations. The Chinese Folk Literature Series Publishing Project embodies the hard work of many people who once walked through the streets and alleys, villages and households in the mountains and rivers, collecting and collating word by word. Only our great era can accomplish this great event. We must take over the work of our predecessors, shoulder new cultural missions, and sort out, protect, utilize, and promote this extremely important and significant cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.
(Interview and compilation by Zhi Chunli (智春丽), reporter of this newspaper)
Return to TopBy: 潘鲁生
Chinese folk literature has been passed down through generations, continuously thriving, deeply integrated into the Chinese civilization's bloodline, and profoundly influencing the spiritual world of the Chinese people. In 2017, the "Opinions on Implementing the Project for the Inheritance and Development of Outstanding Chinese Traditional Culture" was issued, and the "Chinese Folk Literature Compilation and Publication Project" was listed as one of the first key projects. Over the past 8 years, a total of more than 12,000 experts and folk artists across the country have devoted themselves to the collation, research, publication, and dissemination of folk literature. From the first batch of achievements released at the Great Hall of the People (人民大会堂) in Beijing (北京) in December 2019 to the publication of over 100 volumes of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series" in September this year, which was released as a major achievement at the Beijing Culture Forum, a total of 619 volumes have been established and 116 volumes have been published. The beautiful vision of building a national collection of folk literature, inheriting the precious oral cultural heritage of mankind, and forming a folk literature series shared by generations is steadily being realized.
The compilation and publication of the "Chinese Folk Literature Series" is a continuation and inheritance of the Chinese cultural heritage and an exploration of the construction of an independent knowledge system in the field of folk literature. China has had the habit of collecting and collating folk oral literature since ancient times. The *Classic of Poetry* (*诗经*), Yuefu poetry, and the lyrics, operas, and novels of the Song (宋), Yuan (元), Ming (明), and Qing (清) dynasties have all absorbed the achievements of folk literature. While being passed down orally, they have also formed a system of textual compilation. The series publication project is based on the academic context of the 21st century, draws on the latest achievements in academic research, emphasizes the combination of diverse elements such as field sites and performance behaviors, and adopts a collection method integrating text, audio, and video to realize the transformation of folk literature from oral tradition to three-dimensional existence, preserve the life and context of folk literature, and give it contemporary interpretation space through academic combing, striving to record and compile classic texts with contemporary humanistic feelings and capable of withstanding historical tests in an authentic manner. Over the past 8 years, the series publication project has successively held nearly a hundred folk literature inheritor symposiums, expert seminars, work promotion meetings, and publication review meetings, and organized a series of national trainings and academic inspections in large areas and twelve categories. On the basis of continuing the fine tradition of folk literature based on the field, it has achieved innovative breakthroughs in collection technology and other aspects, collected fresh folk literature materials, promoted academic discussion and speculation, and formed a large number of research results full of insightful opinions, making in-depth explorations for the construction of an independent knowledge system of Chinese folk literature.
Folk literature is a "living" culture, and its vitality lies not only in storage but also in dissemination and application. The series publication project actively promotes the "revival" of excellent folk literature resources, promotes folk tales, ballads, epics, proverbs, myths, legends, etc., which have been passed down orally for thousands of years, into new communication spaces, and enables folk literature to further play an active role in expressing the new era and telling new life stories. In recent years, in more than 20 themed performances held successively, ancient stories and ballads have been re-presented on contemporary stages, and folk literature traditions have been integrated into modern life, becoming a source of inspiration for contemporary literary and artistic creation, cultural entertainment, and creative industries, and a new highlight for the integrated development of regional culture and tourism, playing an enabling role in economic and social development. In particular, the 1.6 billion-word database built by the series publication project is not only a solid foundation for academic research, but also a database of content IP, which will also provide assistance for the development of the national digital culture and creative industry.
China's rich folk tales, myths, legends, ballads, proverbs, and other literary traditions contain the collective memory, life wisdom, and spiritual character of the Chinese nation and are cultural IP resources with great development potential. In recent years, China's game industry and film and television industry have made breakthrough progress in the application of related resources. Through technological intervention, the development of folk mythology IP has developed from content products of a single project to a complete industrial chain including serialized industries and surrounding derivatives. Promoting "creative transformation and innovative development," the rich folk literature resources will be active resources for continuously generating new content, new formats, and new models, and promote the continuous development of cultural industries with Chinese identification.
From ancient times to the present, folk literature passed down from generation to generation has been an important carrier and link for the general public to carry out cultural exchanges, promote social practice, and maintain social relations, and it is also a unique symbol that distinguishes one group from other groups. The series publication project re-combs the massive folk literature materials. These folk literatures with cultural roots are the spiritual and cultural wealth of the entire nation, not only providing realistic and historical references for people's emotional expression, but also further enhancing the cultural cohesion and centripetal force of the people, and writing a vivid chapter of cultural confidence.
Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out: "Chinese culture has always advocated 'collecting the missing texts of a hundred generations and gathering the remaining rhymes of a thousand years.' We must explore the ideological concepts, humanistic spirit, and moral norms of outstanding Chinese traditional culture, integrate artistic creativity with Chinese cultural values, combine the Chinese aesthetic spirit with contemporary aesthetic pursuits, and activate the vitality of Chinese culture." We will continue to deepen this cultural foundation project, promote folk literature to play a greater role in building a Chinese civilization identification system and nourishing contemporary cultural innovation, consolidate the foundation for the construction of the Chinese nation's spiritual home, and continuously accumulate profound and lasting cultural power for the construction of Chinese-style modernization.
(The author is the Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (中国文联) and Chairman of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association (中国民间文艺家协会).)
Return to TopLayout Design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)
Return to TopBy: 孙业礼
The "Proposals of the CPC Central Committee on Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development" (hereinafter referred to as the "Proposals") adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee put forward the major task of "stimulating the cultural innovation and creativity of the whole nation and promoting the prosperity and development of socialist culture," and made important arrangements for "vigorously promoting cultural undertakings" and "accelerating the development of cultural industries," providing fundamental guidelines and pointing out the direction for doing a good job in cultural work during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period. We must take Xi Jinping (习近平)'s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as our guide, fully implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping (习近平)'s Thought on Culture, promote the high-quality development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries, and solidly advance the construction of a strong cultural nation.
I. Fully Recognize the Importance of Developing Cultural Undertakings and Cultural Industries
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党), the CPC Central Committee (党中央) with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core has attached great importance to cultural construction. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) has repeatedly given important instructions on promoting the prosperity and development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries, providing us with ideological weapons and action guides for doing our work well. Cultural undertakings are undertakings that cultivate people's minds and sentiments. Developing cultural undertakings is the basic way to meet the people's spiritual and cultural needs and protect their cultural rights. The cultural industry is a sunrise industry and an important carrier for the prosperity and development of socialist culture under the conditions of a socialist market economy. The "Proposals" fully affirm the achievements in the development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, and point out that "cultural undertakings and cultural industries have flourished, and spiritual and cultural products are rich and colorful." Facing the new era and new journey, we must strengthen our cultural confidence, enhance our sense of responsibility and mission, coordinate the development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries, promote the prosperity and development of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and build a solid cultural foundation for building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation.
(I) Developing cultural undertakings and cultural industries is an inevitable requirement for enhancing the spiritual strength of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The soul of a country is cast by culture. Culture is the soul and vitality of a country and a nation. The most important reason why the Chinese nation has survived stubbornly and developed continuously through thousands of years of historical trials and tribulations is that its cultural heritage has not been interrupted and its spirit has not been lost. The current and future period is a critical period for comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the nation with Chinese-style modernization. National strength and national rejuvenation require strong material strength, as well as strong spiritual strength. We must focus on building a strong socialist cultural country, vigorously promote the prosperity and development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries, nourish the soul and strengthen the foundation with culture, cultivate the spirit of the whole nation to forge ahead, and jointly build and protect the common spiritual home of the Chinese nation.
(II) Developing cultural undertakings and cultural industries is a necessary way to meet the people's new expectations for spiritual and cultural life. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out that to meet the people's new expectations for a better life, we must provide rich spiritual food. China has comprehensively built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and its per capita gross domestic product exceeds US$13,000. The people's yearning for a better life is richer in content, and they have higher demands for spiritual and cultural life. Culture is increasingly becoming an important part of a high-quality life. We must always adhere to the principle that cultural construction focuses on people and is implemented for the benefit of the people, and continuously improve the ability to provide cultural services and cultural products to meet the diverse, multi-level, and multi-faceted spiritual and cultural needs of the people.
(III) Developing cultural undertakings and cultural industries is an important part of promoting high-quality economic and social development. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out that culture is an important pillar for promoting high-quality development. As China's economic and social development moves to a higher level, culture is deeply integrated with various fields of the economy and society, playing an important role in enhancing social civilization, promoting economic development, and improving people's quality of life. We must adhere to empowering economic and social development with culture, explore cultural values, strengthen the cultural economy, foster new industries and new models, form new growth points, and inject cultural vitality into the high-quality development of the national economy and society.
II. Create High-Quality Works Worthy of the Times
The "Proposals" make arrangements for promoting the creation of high-quality works. Literature and art are the clarion call of the times, which can best represent the style of an era and lead the atmosphere of an era. At present, the main contradiction in China's cultural supply is no longer whether there is a shortage or whether it is enough, but whether it is good or excellent. We must adhere to the people-centered creative orientation, take the creation of excellent works as the central link, and write a new chapter of the times and gather the strength to forge ahead with high-quality works.
(I) Launch popular and inspiring masterpieces of the times. Focusing on the major themes of the party and the country's political life, we will focus on the creation and production of major realistic themes, major revolutionary and historical themes, and new era development themes, and strengthen the planning and guidance of high-quality creation in the fields of news and publishing, radio, film and television, literature and art. Improve the service, guidance, and organization mechanisms for literary and artistic creation and production, encourage the vast number of literary and artistic workers to draw creative nourishment from real life and hot practices, and launch more high-quality works that reflect the spirit of the times and praise the people's creation. Prosper new mass literature and art under the Internet conditions, and launch more excellent online cultural products.
(II) Enhance cultural original capabilities. Integrate the spirit of innovation throughout the entire process of creation and production, promote the combination of concepts and methods, the integration of content and form, and the mutual reflection of various artistic elements and technical requirements, and promote the continuous burst of cultural innovation and creativity. Focus on original sources, increase support for scripts, and promote the transformation of excellent literary works into scripts. Actively create a good cultural ecology, fully promote academic democracy and literary and artistic democracy, and support writers, artists, and experts and scholars to take root in life and devote themselves to creation. Improve the guidance and incentive mechanism for cultural creation, improve the evaluation system for cultural products, and strengthen literary and artistic criticism.
(III) Cultivate and form a high-level cultural talent team. The core of cultural creation lies in people, and cultural work must "have people in mind." Adhere to the combination of producing results and producing talents, respect the laws of talent growth, encourage cultural innovation and creation, and promote the continuous emergence of cultural masterpieces and outstanding talents. Improve the talent selection, training, use, and incentive mechanisms that conform to the characteristics of the cultural field, create a good policy environment for recognizing, valuing, and loving talents, and cultivate and form a large-scale, structurally reasonable, and innovative high-level cultural talent team.
III. Inherit and Develop Outstanding Traditional Chinese Culture
The "Proposals" make arrangements for the inheritance and development of outstanding traditional Chinese culture and the protection of cultural heritage. Outstanding traditional Chinese culture is the crystallization of the wisdom and essence of Chinese civilization, the root and soul of the Chinese nation, and the foundation for us to stand firm in the world's cultural exchanges. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党), our party has adhered to the combination of the basic principles of Marxism with the specific realities of China and with outstanding traditional Chinese culture, and has continuously promoted the Sinicization of Marxism in the context of the times, and promoted the creative transformation and innovative development of outstanding traditional Chinese culture. We must promote the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation, promote the inheritance and development of outstanding traditional Chinese culture, improve the level of cultural heritage protection and inheritance, and continue the Chinese cultural heritage in creative transformation and innovative development.
(I) Deepen the excavation and interpretation of outstanding traditional Chinese culture. Deeply implement the project of inheriting and developing outstanding traditional Chinese culture, excavate and elaborate the spiritual connotation of outstanding traditional Chinese culture, and activate the excellent factors in outstanding traditional Chinese culture with Marxism and give it new contemporary connotations. Conduct in-depth research on the origin and characteristics of Chinese civilization and Chinese culture, and promote the implementation of major projects such as the project of tracing the origin of Chinese civilization, the project of studying Xia and Shang civilizations, and the "Archaeological China" project, to provide more archaeological evidence for the splendid Chinese civilization. Build and use national cultural parks such as the Great Wall (长城), the Grand Canal (大运河), the Long March (长征), the Yellow River (黄河), and the Yangtze River (长江) to create important symbols of Chinese culture.
(II) Promote the systematic protection of cultural heritage. Adhere to the principles of protection first, rational utilization, and minimal intervention, and focus on promoting the systematic protection and unified supervision of cultural heritage such as cultural relics and monuments, ancient buildings, famous cities and towns, historical blocks, traditional villages, cultural landscapes, and intangible cultural heritage customs, establish a cultural heritage protection supervision system, and build a large protection pattern. Increase the efforts in cultural relic protection, complete the fourth national cultural relic census, deepen the reform of the system and mechanism for cultural relic protection and utilization, strengthen the spatial control of cultural relic resources, promote cultural relic science and technology innovation, ensure the safety of cultural relics, prevent excessive renovation and excessive development, and eliminate large-scale demolition and construction and the construction of fake buildings. Improve the system and mechanism for the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and the work system, carry out a national census of intangible cultural heritage resources, improve the system of intangible cultural heritage inheritance and experience facilities, and promote regional overall protection. Improve the national precious ancient book protection system.
(III) Promote the "revitalization" of outstanding traditional Chinese culture. Strengthen the rational utilization of traditional cultural resources, promote the new vitality of outstanding traditional Chinese culture in modern life, and give full play to the important role of cultural heritage in providing public cultural services and meeting the people's spiritual and cultural needs. Give full play to the role of museums and memorial halls, innovate exhibition forms, develop cultural and creative products that meet modern consumption needs, and vividly tell the stories of cultural relics. Explore new ways of contemporary expression of intangible cultural heritage and rationally utilize new forms to build new scenarios for intangible cultural heritage to integrate into modern life. Promote the digital protection of cultural heritage and innovate the ways of displaying cultural heritage.
IV. Improve the Level of Public Cultural Services
The "Proposals" make arrangements for improving the quality and efficiency of public cultural services, promoting the construction of a reading society, and building a strong sports country. Public cultural services are the main way to realize, safeguard, and develop the people's basic cultural rights. After years of efforts, a six-level public cultural service system covering urban and rural areas has been basically established, and the people's sense of cultural gain and happiness has been significantly enhanced. We must adhere to cultural benefits for the people, focus on improving the level of public cultural services, and enable the people to enjoy a richer, more abundant, and higher-quality spiritual and cultural life.
(I) Implement actions to improve the quality and efficiency of public cultural services. Taking improving quality and efficiency as the core, improve the coverage and applicability of basic public cultural services, and provide more high-quality cultural services with contemporary characteristics, more technological content, and integrated into the lives of the masses. Improve the service system of public libraries and cultural centers, and explore innovative service forms such as "citizen art night schools." Create public reading and art spaces embedded in life scenes, and build a convenient and high-quality cultural life circle according to local conditions.
(II) Innovate and implement cultural benefit projects for the people. Implement cultural benefit projects for the people with digitalization, networking, and intelligence as the core, and promote the direct access of high-quality cultural resources to the grassroots. Improve the coordinated development mechanism of urban and rural public cultural services, strengthen the integration and integration of high-quality resources, establish a resource distribution and supply-demand docking mechanism, and promote "order-based" and "menu-based" services. Promote the construction of a national smart library system and a public cultural cloud to improve the accessibility and accuracy of public culture.
(III) Widely carry out mass cultural activities. Fully respect the main position of the people, support mass literary and artistic creation, cultivate mass literary and artistic teams, and develop mass culture that reflects the new look of the times and is full of vitality. Continue to create brand activities such as "village evenings," "village songs," and square dance performances to provide the masses with a stage to display themselves, communicate, and exchange ideas. Deeply carry out national reading and promote the construction of a reading society. Coordinate the promotion of mass sports and competitive sports development, and accelerate the construction of a strong sports country.
V. Accelerate the Development of the Cultural Industry
The "Proposals" make comprehensive arrangements for accelerating the development of the cultural industry. The cultural industry is an important industrial sector of the national economy. In recent years, with the accelerated integration of culture and technology, new business forms have flourished, and consumption scenarios have been innovated. The cultural industry has become a new highlight in driving domestic demand, promoting employment, enlivening the market, and boosting confidence. We must cultivate new development momentum with cultural creativity, technological innovation, and industrial integration, and promote the high-quality development of the cultural industry.
(I) Improve the cultural industry system. Implement proactive cultural economic policies, promote the coordination and innovation of policies in finance, taxation, investment, finance, and consumption, and increase policy incentives and guarantees. Taking stimulating innovation and creativity as the central link, accelerate the improvement of the cultural management system and production and operation mechanisms, and cultivate excellent cultural enterprises and brands. Implement a major cultural industry project-driven strategy, promote the upgrading of the industrial base and the modernization of the industrial chain, and promote the continuous and healthy development of the cultural industry.
(II) Improve the cultural market system. Accelerate the construction of a unified, open, efficient, standardized, competitive, and orderly cultural market, and promote the rational flow of cultural resource elements. Improve the service quality of the cultural market and accelerate the development of new cultural consumption models. Guide and regulate the healthy development of online literature, online games, and online audio-visual programs, and strengthen the online protection of minors.
(III) Promote the integration of culture and technology. Explore effective mechanisms for the integration of culture and technology, use Internet thinking and information technology to improve the cultural creation and production process, promote the digital and intelligent empowerment and information transformation of cultural construction, and accelerate the development of new cultural business forms. Steadily promote the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and coordinate development and security.
VI. Promote the Construction of a Strong Tourism Country
The "Proposals" clearly propose to promote the construction of a strong tourism country and make arrangements for promoting the deep integration of culture and tourism. Tourism is a social activity for people to get close to nature, experience culture, understand the world, and enhance exchanges. The essence of tourism activities is spiritual and cultural activities. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党), the tourism industry has entered a fast track of development and has increasingly become an emerging strategic pillar industry and a people's livelihood industry and happiness industry with significant characteristics of the times. We must adhere to tourism for the people, take the promotion of the deep integration of culture and tourism as the main line, accelerate the construction of a strong tourism country, and enable the tourism industry to better serve a better life, promote economic development, build a spiritual home, display the image of China, and enhance mutual learning among civilizations.
(I) Enrich the supply of high-quality tourism products. Improve the design and development level of tourism products, and launch more tourism masterpieces that reflect international standards and demonstrate the spirit of Chinese culture. Promote the renewal and development of tourist attractions, improve the quality of resorts, and cultivate leisure and vacation products and characteristic tourism products. Vigorously develop smart tourism and enhance the experience and comfort of tourism products.
(II) Improve the quality of tourism services. Strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of tourism service quality and cultivate high-quality tourism service brands. Improve tourism public services and improve the service level of public information, public transportation, and emergency rescue. Strengthen safety management in tourism-related fields and tourism market supervision, and increase the crackdown on outstanding problems. Improve the convenience and internationalization of inbound tourism and enhance the attractiveness of international tourism.
(III) Promote the deep integration of culture and tourism. Adhere to shaping tourism with culture and highlighting culture with tourism, promote the integration of cultural and tourism formats, product integration, and market integration, and continuously cultivate new momentum for the high-quality development of culture and tourism. Integrate more high-quality cultural content into tourism products and services, vigorously develop cultural heritage tourism, red tourism, and study tourism, so that people can appreciate the beauty of culture and cultivate the beauty of the soul while appreciating the beauty of nature. Deepen "culture and tourism + hundreds of industries" and "hundreds of industries + culture and tourism," cultivate the integrated formats of culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and agriculture, effectively extend the industrial chain, create new value, and improve the quality of people's lives.
Return to TopBy: 任 嵩
The Central Economic Work Conference held in Beijing (北京) from December 10th to 11th identified key tasks for next year's economic work, one of which is to "adhere to reform and enhance the dynamism and vitality of high-quality development." A significant feature of comprehensively deepening reform in the new era is systematic governance and overall consideration. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized the methodology of "achieving breadth while pursuing precision," pointing out the need to "grasp the overall situation when planning and be meticulous and appropriate in operation." To adhere to reform and enhance the dynamism and vitality of high-quality development, it is necessary to accurately grasp and skillfully apply the methods of both "bold strokes" and "embroidery skills," focusing on both the macro level and the micro level, and striving to overcome one reform "hard bone" after another.
"Bold strokes" are a symbol of strong determination and unwavering will, often embodied in outlining strategic directions, deepening institutional reforms, breaking through key areas, and eliminating stubborn maladies. When development faces bottlenecks and reform encounters resistance, it is necessary to sweep away obstacles and forge new paths with a strategic vision that "is not afraid of floating clouds obscuring the view" and a historical responsibility that "I will go even if thousands oppose me." Looking back at the course of comprehensively deepening reform in the new era, from deepening supply-side structural reform to promoting market access system reform, from deepening financial system reform to coordinating the integrated reform of the education, science and technology, and talent system and mechanism, it is a series of genuine and hard-hitting reform measures that have removed obstacles and bottlenecks, resolved the risks of economic and social development, and released enormous vitality for economic and social development. Facing one dangerous shoal and difficulty after another on the road ahead, we need to continue to carry forward this spirit of forging ahead and daring to try, make decisive decisions on major issues concerning the overall situation and determining the long-term, and open up new space for reform and development.
A magnificent "mansion" not only needs a solid "skeleton" but also a precise internal structure and operating mechanism. "Embroidery skills" represent a relentless pursuit of excellence and a pursuit of precise policy implementation, requiring in-depth investigation and research when promoting specific work and solving practical problems, accurately identifying "lesions," finely decomposing tasks, and precisely implementing responsibilities. From urban system governance to comprehensive rural revitalization, from scientific and technological breakthroughs to ecological and environmental protection, to promote various tasks and deepen various reforms, it is necessary to adopt a professional attitude and dedication, put in enough slow work of "**水滴石穿**" (shuǐ dī shí chuān - "dripping water pierces stone," perseverance will ensure success), pursue the precision of "seamless connection," and use care, ingenuity, and patience to ensure that various policies and measures are accurately implemented and achieve practical results.
"Bold strokes" and "embroidery skills" seem to be very different, but in fact, they are complementary and mutually supportive. "Bold strokes" have opened up space and laid the foundation for "embroidery skills." With strategic decisions at the macro level, refined management at the micro level can be better implemented, avoiding falling into the predicament of pragmatism. For example, the reform of the administrative approval system has significantly reduced administrative approval items, creating a relaxed policy environment for business entities, allowing competent authorities to invest more resources and energy in in-process and post-event supervision and optimizing services, these "embroidery skills." On the other hand, "embroidery skills" consolidate the results and improve the effectiveness of "bold strokes." Any grand strategic vision and reform plan must ultimately be implemented in a concrete and detailed manner. If the implementation link is rough, even the best blueprint will be deformed and distorted in the "last mile," and even all previous efforts will be wasted. Only by using and putting in enough "embroidery skills" can the overall goals and principles be transformed into implementable and operable specific measures, ensuring that decision-making and deployment are implemented, reform dividends are fully released, and development results are fully demonstrated.
At present, the development environment is complex and changeable, and the reform tasks are arduous and heavy. This requires party members and cadres to accurately grasp the dialectical unity between "bold strokes" and "embroidery skills" and comprehensively use the two methods. In terms of thinking, we must have both the courage to "solve the problem" and the sobriety to "answer the question." When it is time to make a decisive decision, we must not hesitate or hesitate, and break the deadlock with the boldness of "bold strokes"; when it is time to carefully carve, we must not be impetuous, and pursue excellence with the meticulousness of "embroidery skills." In terms of methods, we must prevent falling into pragmatism and not get entangled in trivial matters; we must also eliminate the working methods of "mass movements" and "gust of wind," focus on the main points, strive for excellence, and be good at making achievements. In terms of implementation, we must think about the micro path in the macro architecture, and ensure that all development services serve the overall goal, so as to achieve the organic combination of scientific decision-making and detailed implementation, and the mutual support of forging ahead and steady progress.
Whether it is the pioneering of "bold strokes" or the intensive cultivation of "embroidery skills," it must ultimately be reflected by hard work and tested by practical results. On the new journey, we must have both the courage of "bold strokes" to break stubborn maladies and the patience of "embroidery skills" to weave people's livelihood, combining rigidity and flexibility, and exerting continuous efforts, in order to continuously overcome the difficulties and obstacles on the road ahead and draw a magnificent picture of Chinese-style modernization.
Return to TopBy: 张自中
International communication effectiveness is a complex capability system jointly constituted by the integration of communication resources, content innovation, and audience appeal. It not only concerns the coverage and influence of communication but also embodies the comprehensive performance of the communication system in symbol production, discourse construction, and audience cognitive transformation. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) attaches great importance to enhancing the effectiveness of international communication, pointing out: "Strengthen the construction of international communication capabilities, comprehensively enhance the effectiveness of international communication, and form an international discourse power commensurate with our country's comprehensive national strength and international status." The "Suggestions" of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party proposed, "Enhance the communication power and influence of Chinese civilization" and "Enhance the effectiveness of international communication." To deeply study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and earnestly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party, it is necessary to deeply grasp the changes in the public opinion landscape brought about by the revolution in information technology, coordinate technological innovation with innovation in communication methods and content construction, and let information technology become an accelerator for the spread of Chinese civilization, a booster for enhancing the international influence of Chinese culture, empowering the international communication of Chinese civilization, and allowing Chinese culture to move towards the world with a more confident, open, and inclusive attitude.
In today's world, the rapid development of the new generation of information technology is profoundly changing the way people produce, live, and think, and it has also become a key variable in reshaping communication logic, expanding communication space, and enhancing communication effectiveness. At a time when the global public opinion landscape is undergoing profound reshaping and the media ecology is accelerating its evolution, a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation has provided historic opportunities for the external communication of Chinese civilization. Technology clusters represented by artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and blockchain are driving international communication to shift from a linear model centered on "content output" to a networked, algorithmic, and ecological pattern characterized by "intelligent interaction." This shift means that the communication process is moving from one-way transmission to intelligent-driven interactive symbiosis, and the improvement of communication effectiveness is increasingly dependent on the accuracy, real-time nature, and co-creation brought about by technological empowerment. Therefore, to enhance the effectiveness of international communication of Chinese civilization in the era of digital intelligence, it is necessary to build a comprehensive communication system supported by information technology, centered on cultural content, and guided by global mutual learning, further promoting the upgrading and iteration of China's international communication from "capacity building" to "effectiveness optimization," realizing the globalization of Chinese stories, and allowing Chinese culture to better reach the world.
Strengthen digital support and build an intelligent communication system. A solid digital foundation is the "highway" for the spread of civilization, which can greatly affect the breadth, speed, and sustainability of communication. To enhance the international communication effectiveness of Chinese civilization, efforts should be made to consolidate the foundation of communication with information technology and build an intelligent and precise international communication system. The construction of new infrastructure such as 5G networks, cloud computing, and satellite internet has enabled international communication to achieve a leap in coverage, stability, and timeliness, while effectively reducing communication costs and information redundancy. In addition to data storage, network transmission, and algorithm computing power, the digital base also encompasses knowledge graphs and semantic systems of cultural content. Cross-language knowledge bases, intelligent distribution platforms, and trusted data systems should be built to enhance the aggregation, governance, and service capabilities of communication resources. Accelerate the construction of a national cultural big data system, strengthen cross-departmental and cross-platform data collaboration and standard alignment, and achieve resource sharing and multi-terminal communication. With the help of artificial intelligence, big data, and natural language processing technologies, build detailed "user profiles" based on the cultural preferences and language characteristics of different regions to achieve segmented and personalized communication. Use machine learning and deep learning to provide support for the dynamic optimization of communication strategies, and improve the "visibility" and "understandability" of information through semantic retrieval, algorithm recommendation, and cross-language processing, thereby enhancing the accuracy of international communication.
Promote expression innovation and enhance the attractiveness of Chinese culture. The development of information technology is reshaping cultural creation methods and injecting innovative impetus into the global expression of Chinese civilization. It is necessary to anchor the diversified and scenario-based needs of international communication audiences, activate expression innovation with technological innovation, transform narrative strategies, enrich narrative techniques, and innovate narrative structures, so that Chinese stories are more approachable, interactive, and immersive, making them easier for overseas users to understand and accept. In recent years, digital cultural products have become an important carrier of international communication. Games such as "Black Myth: Wukong" have won the global market with Eastern narratives, film and television works such as "The Wandering Earth" have demonstrated Chinese-style romance and depth of thought with digital special effects, and "Digital Dunhuang" allows global users to "cloud tour" the Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟)... Technology helps expand the boundaries of cultural expression, improve the ability to tell Chinese stories well, and enable Chinese culture to form differentiated competitiveness in the global context. We should further deepen the integration path of "culture + technology + creativity," use cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality to create new digital cultural products, and cultivate cultural brands with more contemporary characteristics and international appeal. Improve the digital cultural industry ecosystem, support original content and young creators to convey Chinese spirit, Chinese style, and Chinese emotions in internationalized language and life-oriented narratives, and enhance the affinity and effectiveness of international communication of Chinese civilization.
Expand exchange space and cultivate a co-creation and sharing pattern. Civilization is colorful because of exchanges, and civilization is rich because of mutual learning. The popularity of information technology is promoting the global cultural communication pattern from one-way output to multi-way interaction, opening up new digital spaces for mutual learning among civilizations. We should open up new spaces for exchange with digital interconnection and build a co-creation and sharing civilization communication pattern. China's new media and content platforms, with the help of technological innovation, have become important carriers for Chinese civilization to go global, and have achieved interactive dialogue with overseas users, enhancing understanding and exchange. Online literature platforms use artificial intelligence translation systems and algorithm recommendations to attract a large number of overseas readers and drive overseas creators to adapt and create localized works; social media platforms use intelligent aggregation algorithms to allow Chinese music, food, festival customs, etc. to reach global users. These phenomena show that information technology not only broadens the communication radius of Chinese culture but also promotes the co-creation and sharing of global culture. We should continue to increase the overseas layout and technological investment of mainstream new media platforms, optimize multilingual content recommendation mechanisms, build a collaborative communication system of "national platforms, social forces, and overseas communities," and promote the two-way interaction of cultures. Enhance goodwill communication through algorithmic collaboration, content co-creation, and emotional resonance, show the world a credible, lovely, and respectable image of China, promote overseas audiences to deepen their understanding of China, tighten emotional ties, and enable overseas audiences to achieve a shift from "passive acceptance" to "active participation," gradually becoming participants and communicators of Chinese stories.
(The author is a researcher at the School of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University (浙江大学))
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 申少铁
Currently, it is the season with a high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases. The monitoring data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (中国疾控中心) on December 11 showed that from December 1 to 7, the positive detection rate of influenza virus in outpatient and emergency departments was 54.2%. Influenza is at a high epidemic level, and the positive detection rate of influenza virus is on the rise, but the increase is slowing down.
How to distinguish between influenza and the common cold? How to prevent and treat influenza?
How to distinguish between influenza and the common cold?
"At this stage, the pathogens detected in China are common known pathogens. No new infectious diseases caused by unknown pathogens or by this pathogen have been found," said Peng Zhibin (彭质斌), a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (中国疾控中心).
What is the difference between influenza and the common cold? Influenza has more severe systemic symptoms, mainly manifested as sudden high fever (over 39 degrees Celsius), chills, headache, muscle soreness, and fatigue, which may cause serious complications in the elderly, patients with underlying diseases, and other groups. The common cold is mainly caused by rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, etc., with mild systemic symptoms, generally no fever or only a low fever, and usually heals itself within a week.
Generally speaking, influenza is a self-limiting disease, and mild patients can recover by resting at home and paying attention to their diet. According to the "Influenza Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (2025 Edition)" jointly issued by the National Health Commission (国家卫生健康委) and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (国家中医药局), patients with severe symptoms can undergo antiviral treatment and take relevant antiviral drugs. These antiviral drugs are prescription drugs and must be purchased with a doctor's prescription and taken strictly according to the doctor's instructions. Severe and critically ill patients need to actively prevent and treat complications, treat underlying diseases, and prevent and treat combined or secondary infections on the basis of antiviral treatment.
Influenza can also be fatal. If treatment is delayed, it may cause irreversible damage to the body. Experts remind that if symptoms such as persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, and lethargy occur, medical attention should be sought in time. Patients with influenza should first go to the respiratory medicine department or fever clinic of the hospital, children can go to the pediatric department, and those with more severe symptoms or complications can go directly to the emergency department.
Do I still need to get vaccinated this year if I was vaccinated last year?
"Vaccination is the most effective and economical means of preventing infectious diseases. As influenza activity levels rise, eligible people who have not been vaccinated against influenza should be vaccinated as soon as possible, especially key groups such as children, the elderly, and patients with underlying diseases," said Wang Dayan (王大燕), a researcher at the Institute of Viral Disease Prevention and Control of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (中国疾控中心病毒病预防控制所). Studies have found that vaccination every year before the influenza epidemic season can significantly reduce the risk of vaccinated people contracting influenza and developing severe illness, and can also significantly reduce the risk of clustered influenza outbreaks among students and other groups. Due to individual differences, some people may still contract influenza after being vaccinated against influenza, but the symptoms will be milder, and the risk of developing severe illness and causing serious complications will also be reduced.
Where can I get vaccinated against influenza? Community health service centers, large hospitals, and disease control centers are all options. Taking Beijing (北京) as an example, there are currently 471 influenza vaccine vaccination clinics providing influenza vaccine vaccination services. Vaccination against influenza usually requires advance reservation, and some institutions support online platforms or telephone reservations. You need to bring your ID card when vaccinating, and children need to bring their vaccination certificate. Many places have taken measures to facilitate residents' vaccination. In Zhejiang (浙江), some townships (街道), villages (村), and communities (社区) have adopted the method of chartering buses to transport the elderly from the villages to the vaccination clinics, or setting up "mobile vaccination vehicles" to go deep into remote rural areas, and organizing medical staff to provide door-to-door services.
According to the "Chinese Influenza Vaccine Vaccination Technical Guidelines (2025-2026)" issued by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (中国疾控中心), children aged 6 months to 8 years who are vaccinated with inactivated vaccine for the first time need to be vaccinated with 2 doses, with an interval of greater than or equal to 4 weeks; if they have been vaccinated in the past, only 1 dose is needed this year. If you choose live attenuated vaccine (nasal spray), only 1 dose is needed regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or not. Children aged 9 years and above and adults only need to be vaccinated with 1 dose each year, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated in the past.
Do I still need to get vaccinated this year if I was vaccinated against influenza last year? Zhang Ying (张颖), chief physician of the Tianjin Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (天津市疾控中心), said that vaccination is required before each influenza season for two reasons: First, the influenza virus is prone to mutation. During the spread of the influenza virus every year, more or less antigenic variation will occur, causing the main epidemic strains to be different from the previous year. Second, the immune protection of influenza vaccines is time-sensitive. The number of antibodies produced after influenza vaccination usually decreases after 6-8 months, and the protective effect will also weaken.
What precautions should be taken after recovery?
Wang Dayan (王大燕) reminded that it is necessary to maintain good hygiene habits such as wearing masks scientifically, washing hands frequently, and ventilating regularly, and be the first person responsible for your own health. If there is already an influenza patient in the family, it is best to let the patient live in a separate room if conditions permit, and try to avoid close contact with others. If contact is necessary, wear a mask. Ventilate and disinfect frequently. It is recommended to open windows for ventilation 2-3 times a day, for no less than 30 minutes each time. Patients should use tableware separately, and boil or disinfect them in a disinfection cabinet after use. Frequently touched items such as door handles and remote controls should be wiped daily with chlorine-containing disinfectant or 75% alcohol. Patients' clothes and bedding should be washed separately.
"The elderly and the young" and patients with chronic underlying diseases should strengthen personal protection in crowded places, such as wearing masks and maintaining a social distance of more than 1 meter.
Peng Zhibin (彭质斌) suggested that key places and institutions, such as schools, nurseries, nursing homes, and welfare homes, should strengthen health monitoring, and at the same time do a good job in environmental cleaning and ventilation. In particular, schools should do a good job in monitoring and registering students who are absent from school due to illness, and do not advocate students and faculty members attending classes or working while sick to avoid introducing diseases into schools and classes.
Experts remind that within two weeks after recovering from influenza, the body's immunity is still at a low ebb. Avoid strenuous exercise, pay attention to rest, supplement nutrition appropriately, maintain good hygiene habits, and avoid re-infection.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 焦思雨
"Jia Ting (佳婷), why are your clothes wet?"
"I accidentally got splashed by a sprinkler truck."
On December 6th, Li Xiaohui (李晓辉), a villager from Libao Village (李堡村), Xinglong Township (兴隆乡), Tongxin County (同心县), Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区), looked at his daughter, Li Jiating (李佳婷), who had just entered the door, soaking wet, with a hint of blame in his tone. However, a phone call that evening revealed the real reason why his daughter's clothes were wet.
That afternoon, on the shore of Yu Hai Lake (豫海湖) in Tongxin County (同心县), a 4-year-old boy was playing on the ice when the ice suddenly broke, and the child fell into the lake. The crowd on the shore quickly called the police, but because the ice was too thin and they were worried about another collapse, they dared not rush forward.
"I'm light, I'll go down and save him!" At the critical moment, Li Jiating (李佳婷), a student at Tongxin County (同心县) No. 2 Middle School, took a long pipe found by a passerby, tied a rope around herself, and with people on the shore pulling the other end of the rope, she lay on the ice and crawled towards the crying boy.
"Little brother, hold on tight and don't let go!" She tried her best to hand the pipe over, wanting to drag the boy up. At the critical moment, the ice broke again, and the biting ice water instantly engulfed Li Jiating (李佳婷), submerging her to her neck. Despite shivering from the cold, she still held the pipe tightly. Everyone on the shore worked together to pull her back, and the firefighters who arrived later successfully rescued the boy.
While everyone was busy comforting the child, Li Jiating (李佳婷), soaking wet, quietly left. That night, the boy's parents searched online for the "Good Samaritan" girl. Li Jiating's (李佳婷) aunt saw the video and called Li Xiaohui (李晓辉).
"After knowing, I felt a mix of emotions, both scared and distressed, but more than that, I felt proud," said Li Xiaohui (李晓辉). Li Jiating (李佳婷) said that she chose to go home silently because she was afraid that her parents would worry if they knew about it.
After the story of her rescue spread online, netizens praised her one after another: "Such a young age with great love!" The local government and her school rewarded her.
"The spirit of courage and righteousness is worthy of praise, but we must remind the public that we do not advocate non-professionals, especially minors, to carry out rescue, it is more important to protect themselves," said He Fayun (何发云), a firefighter from the Tongxin County (同心县) Fire and Rescue Brigade who participated in the rescue.
He Fayun (何发云) reminded everyone not to walk or play on the ice, and children should stay away from the ice. If you find the ice cracking, slowly lie down or lie down and crawl towards the shore. If you accidentally fall into the water, quickly grab something nearby that can float. Do not struggle or splash in the water, but look for a place where the ice is thicker and the cracks are smaller, hold the ice with both hands, and use your feet to flap to make your body float, get on the ice in a prone position, and use rolling or crawling to slowly reach the shore and then go ashore.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 李 刚
The 2025 Social Governance and Collaborative Innovation Urban High-Quality Development Conference and the 5th Town Mayor Forum were recently held in Shenzhen (深圳), Guangdong (广东). More than 300 guests gathered in Pengcheng (鹏城) to jointly explore the direction and path of high-performance governance of modern people's cities, focusing on the theme of "New Whole Area, Beautiful Symbiosis."
The high-quality development of a city cannot rely solely on planning, but also on continuous operation and renewal, promoting the city's transformation from "single function" to "people-oriented scene." A beautiful city is not only built, but also "managed" and "operated."
Faced with new requirements for urban governance, various social entities are actively building capacity systems to match them. Zhang Xueliang (张学良), Executive Dean of the Yangtze River Delta and Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Research Institute of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (上海财经大学), believes that the path to high-quality urban development should be diverse and integrated, and that space, ecology, and industrial resources need to be integrated with an operational mindset. Huang Dong (黄栋), Deputy General Manager of Zhigang Think Tank (Shanghai) (智纲智库（上海）), believes that the value of public space should be activated through the integration of cultural tourism and urban services.
Economist Fan Hengshan (范恒山), former Deputy Secretary-General of the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展和改革委员会), said that urban governance needs to get rid of the inertia of "emphasizing construction and neglecting governance" and achieve intelligent and refined operation by improving the mechanism for diversified participation.
According to Li Wenliang (李文亮), Deputy General Manager of Poly Culture Group Co., Ltd. (保利文化集团股份有限公司), cultural empowerment is the key to solving the problem of "thousand cities with one face." Meng Jianmin (孟建民), Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (中国工程院) and Dean of Shenzhen Benyuan Metaverse Research Institute (深圳市本原元宇宙研究院), emphasized that the future city should be a "large scenic spot," using smart technology to achieve "scenery everywhere, travel at all times, and shared by everyone."
These views outline a new vision for future urban development: shifting from one-way management to value co-creation, from hardware investment to soft and hard collaboration, and promoting cities to a more dynamic and sustainable development path.
Faced with the transformation from "incremental construction" to "stock activation," how to activate dormant resources and achieve "shared by both hosts and guests" has become a key challenge for urban governance. As a central enterprise force serving cities, Poly Property (保利物业), a subsidiary of Poly Developments (保利发展), released the "Full-Area Scenic City Service" model at the meeting, building a product system covering four dimensions: "planning-operation-governance-ecology," and promoting the synergy of urban and scenic functions and spatial integration. Wu Lanyu (吴兰玉), Deputy General Manager of Poly Developments Holding (保利发展控股) and Party Secretary and Chairman of Poly Property (保利物业), said that the launch of the "Full-Area Scenic City Service" model aims to achieve the harmonious coexistence of "scenery, city, and people" and help cities achieve service upgrades from "one-way supply" to "value closed-loop."
The "Scenic City Ecology" strategic partnership signing ceremony was also held at the conference. Poly Property (保利物业) and representatives from Zhigang Think Tank (智纲智库), Lingnan Holdings (岭南控股), Metaverse Research Institute (元宇宙研究院) and other cooperative institutions joined hands to open a new chapter in an open, collaborative, and win-win industrial ecology based on forward-looking layouts in the three dimensions of planning, operation, and governance.
At the meeting, the joint smart city laboratory jointly built by Poly Urban Construction Service Co., Ltd. (保利城市建设服务有限公司) and Shenzhen Benyuan Metaverse Research Institute (深圳市本原元宇宙研究院) was unveiled, which will help promote the research and development and implementation of smart governance technologies and provide technical support for urban digital transformation and smart construction.
From policy guidance to social participation, from hardware improvement to service enhancement, from service management to value creation, various regions are exploring a new model of urban construction with connotative development as the path and people's satisfaction as the standard. Based on stock, focusing on sharing, and stimulating vitality, the construction blueprint of a modern people's city is being transformed into a tangible and accessible vivid reality.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 姜 峰 王云娜 李 蕊
Introduction
Last month, Huang Xiufang (黄秀芳) and her granddaughter Mimi (蜜蜜) became "classmates."
Two years ago, Mimi (蜜蜜) was born. Her daughter and son-in-law were busy building their careers, so Huang Xiufang (黄秀芳) came from her hometown in Hubei (湖北) to Shenzhen (深圳), Guangdong (广东), to take on the responsibility of caring for Mimi (蜜蜜), leaving her with almost no free time each day. Now, the elderly and childcare integrated service center near her home has become Huang Xiufang's (黄秀芳) and Mimi's (蜜蜜) shared "campus"—a place that integrates an elderly service station and an inclusive childcare center, allowing Huang Xiufang (黄秀芳) to look after Mimi (蜜蜜) at any time and enjoy life at her leisure.
"One old and one young" is a matter of both family and national importance, concerning the immediate well-being of the people. General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) is always mindful and particularly concerned about this. The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal suggests "improving the population service system covering the entire population and the entire life cycle."
In recent years, some regions have seen a decrease in the number of students in childcare centers and kindergartens, leading to idle resources, while the demand for elderly care services continues to increase. In December 2024, the "Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Deepening the Reform and Development of Elderly Care Services" was issued, proposing the "construction of 'one old and one young' service complexes."
In recent years, Chongqing (重庆), Shenzhen (深圳) in Guangdong Province (广东省), Jining (济宁) in Shandong Province (山东省), and other places have piloted the integrated elderly and childcare model, providing a "one-stop" solution to elderly care and childcare problems. What are the effects of this innovative exploration? What other problems urgently need to be solved? Our reporter conducted on-the-ground investigations.
New Scenarios
Solving the Difficulties of Co-Care, Reducing Care Costs, and Opening up Industrial Tracks
Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Fengjie (奉节), Chongqing (重庆). Southwest of the county seat, the Zhuyi River (朱衣河) flows into the Yangtze River (长江). Going up the river and over a high mountain, lies the town of Gongping (公平镇) in that mountain valley.
With a resident population of over 30,000, the town is bustling and lively. Across the street, on the dam of Chejiaba Community (车家坝社区), the Gongping Town (公平镇) Returning Entrepreneurship Park, built in 2023, already has seven enterprises "settled in," including clothing and food factories.
Peng Chunyan (彭春燕) and Peng Hui (彭辉), sisters who work at the clothing factory in the Entrepreneurship Park, have also brought their elderly parents and children from the village to the town. Opposite the Entrepreneurship Park is Gongping Elementary School (公平小学), where the sisters' children attend school. They used to work in other provinces, but now they are employed near their homes, which makes the whole family happy. However, as time went on, taking care of "one old and one young" became a problem.
"The factory revolves around orders, and we are always busy when work comes in," Peng Chunyan (彭春燕) said with a wry smile, "We often can't take care of the elderly and the children."
"As soon as school is over, the children of our co-workers run to the factory, either chasing and playing or lying next to their parents doing homework, which hinders production, affects learning, and is unsafe. The elderly are alone at home, and their age makes us worry," Peng Hui (彭辉) frowned.
Having to work hard for a living while raising children and supporting the elderly, the Peng sisters' situation is a microcosm of many families. Fengjie (奉节) currently has one industrial park and 12 township returning entrepreneurship parks, with more than 5,500 employees, of whom more than 85% face elderly care and childcare problems.
Since 2023, the "Notice of Fengjie County on Promoting the Construction of 'One Old and One Young' Service Consortiums" (奉节县关于推进“一老一小”服务联合体建设的通知) and the "Implementation Plan of Fengjie County on Establishing a 'One Old and One Young' Service Mechanism Relying on Industrial Platforms" (奉节县依托产业平台建立“一老一小”服务机制改革实施方案) have been successively issued, intending to comprehensively improve the systematicness and effectiveness of "one old and one young" services.
"We rely on industrial platforms to accurately connect with the needs of employees in industrial parks and township returning entrepreneurship parks, and innovatively create 'one old and one young' service consortiums to solve the problem of unattended elderly and children in a 'one-stop' manner," said Liu Fang (刘芳), Director of the Fengjie County Civil Affairs Bureau (奉节县民政局).
Next to the Gongping Town (公平镇) Returning Entrepreneurship Park is the completed Gongping Town Elderly Service Center (公平镇养老服务中心). After renovation, in October 2024, it began operating as a "one old and one young" service consortium—integrating an elderly service center and a children's growth station.
The Peng sisters sent their elderly parents and children to the service consortium, which greatly reduced their burden. "After school, the teachers help the children with their homework. We don't have to worry too much about the elderly's meals and entertainment. With both the old and the young taken care of, we can work with more peace of mind," Peng Chunyan (彭春燕) said with a smile.
As of now, the Gongping Town (公平镇) "one old and one young" service consortium has served more than 260 elderly people and more than 60 children, solving the worries of more than 210 workers. "After the consortium was put into use, the employee recruitment rate of the Entrepreneurship Park was more than 1/4 higher than before. The effectiveness of stabilizing employment, promoting income growth, and serving enterprises is obvious at a glance," said Kuang Kunzhong (匡坤忠), a staff member of the Gongping Town (公平镇) Returning Entrepreneurship Park.
Moreover, from a family perspective, integrated elderly and childcare also reduces care costs.
In August 2024, the Nanyuan Street (南苑街道) Elderly and Childcare Service Center in Rencheng District (任城区), Jining City (济宁市), Shandong (山东) Province, was put into operation. Zhang Lin (张霖), a resident of Zhongxin Gate Community (忠心闸社区), sent her mother and son here.
"My mother is over 70 years old, and my son is two and a half years old. If I enroll my child in a childcare class and my mother enjoys daytime care services, it would cost at least 2,000 yuan a month," Zhang Lin (张霖) calculated, "Here, the service center provides a package of services for 1,100 yuan per month, reducing family expenses."
In Xuezhi Community (学智社区), Huxi Street (虎溪街道), Chongqing High-tech Zone (重庆高新区), an idle building was used to create a "one old and one young" service complex. By reducing or waiving rent and utility fees for operating institutions and providing operating subsidies, childcare costs have been reduced by 30%, benefiting more than 500 families.
For operating institutions, integrated elderly and childcare opens up a new track.
Yu Bo (于波) is the head of the Nanyuan Street (南苑街道) Elderly and Childcare Service Center and originally ran a kindergarten. What prompted the kindergarten's transformation was the common situation faced by the early childhood education industry in recent years—a decline in the birth rate and an increase in classroom vacancy rates. "How to make good use of valuable venues and teachers has become a new issue we must solve," Yu Bo (于波) said.
On one hand, kindergarten resources are becoming idle, and on the other hand, the supply of elderly care services is insufficient. "Through market research, we found that it is common for elderly people to take care of children. Not to mention the differences between traditional parenting methods and modern childcare concepts, the elderly's own life and social needs are often overlooked," Yu Bo (于波) said. Childcare and elderly care both revolve around care in terms of service core, and have natural industry commonalities. Venues, kitchens, activity facilities, and some management personnel can be shared, which can effectively reduce operating costs and put more resources into improving the quality of care.
"From the current situation, the surrounding residents have given good feedback, and we haven't gone down the wrong path!" Yu Bo (于波) said.
Building Venues
Creating Exclusive Spaces, Balancing "Separation without Isolation," Ensuring Safety and Health
Early in the morning, Huang Xiufang (黄秀芳) finished washing and dressing Mimi (蜜蜜) and sent her to the childcare center, which is only a 5-minute walk from her home. Then, she turned around and walked into the elderly service station next door, chatting with her old friends or taking classes in the elderly classroom.
After a while, Huang Xiufang (黄秀芳) came to the wooden door between the service station and the childcare center and saw through the small window that Mimi (蜜蜜) was quietly eating breakfast, her cheeks bulging roundly, and she felt relieved.
Huang Xiufang (黄秀芳) lives in Nanhang Mingzhu Garden Community (南航明珠花园小区), Sanwei Community (三围社区), Hangcheng Street (航城街道), Bao'an District (宝安区), Shenzhen (深圳市). There is a public supporting facility in the community, which was originally used for elderly care services, but many elderly people reported that their grandchildren were not taken care of, and they could not spare time to enjoy the services.
In 2021, the street adjusted the use of the facility and transformed it into an integrated elderly and childcare service center, which was built and operated by Shenzhen Happiness Health Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. (深圳市幸福健康产业（集团）有限公司), and its affiliated professional companies provided elderly care and childcare services separately.
How to create a childcare center in the elderly care space that satisfies the elderly's preference for quiet while accommodating the children's lively nature? Good space design is the key.
"First of all, we must strictly follow the national design specifications for elderly care and childcare facilities; secondly, we must balance 'independence' and 'integration,' ensuring that both generations have their own exclusive activity space while achieving the warm companionship of 'separation without isolation,'" said Hu Yueming (胡月明), General Manager of Shenzhen Happiness Health Group (深圳幸福健康集团).
After the renovation, the entire space was divided into two independent functional areas: one side is the Sanwei Community (三围社区) Elderly Service Station, with an area of about 1,500 square meters, which can provide daytime care, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and also has a reading room and a fitness area; the other side is the childcare center, with an area of about 500 square meters, which is dedicated to providing daycare services for infants and young children aged 0 to 3.
To ensure that the activities of the elderly and children do not interfere with each other, the property opened another door to the outside, which is exclusively for the use of the childcare center; the childcare center and the elderly service station are separated by three small wooden doors.
"There are glass windows on the wooden doors, so you can clearly see the children. The childcare center has an outdoor activity area, and the elderly can see the children playing outdoors when they rest on the second-floor platform of the elderly service station," Huang Xiufang (黄秀芳) said with a smile, "The children's laughter seems to make me several years younger."
Embedding elderly care services in kindergartens also requires ingenuity in design.
Walking into Yukeai Kindergarten (裕安可艾幼儿园) in Hangu Town (含谷镇), Chongqing High-tech Zone (重庆高新区), the first and second floors are activity areas for children; the third floor has been completely renovated since October 2024 and has become Chongqing's first elderly care service station embedded in a kindergarten.
"After the kindergarten opened in 2021, the third floor has been idle. Our kindergarten is located in a resettlement community, with nearly 3,000 households, more than 80% of whom are elderly, and the demand for elderly care is prominent," said Li Jie (李捷), Principal of Yukeai Kindergarten (裕安可艾幼儿园).
To this end, Chongqing High-tech Zone (重庆高新区) effectively revitalized idle space and carried out pilot projects for integrated elderly and childcare here, transforming the third floor into an elderly care service station, which is operated by the kindergarten.
Now, the elderly care area and the childcare area operate separately: two passages are opened at the entrance of the kindergarten, separated by a guardrail more than one meter high, for children and the elderly to pass through respectively; the third floor is separated from the first and second floors by independent corridors; the elderly care service station is open from 9:00 to 12:00 in the morning and from 2:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon, which avoids the morning peak of entering the kindergarten, does not affect the children's lunch break, and can stagger the time for parents to pick up and drop off their children, minimizing mutual interference.
Different from the model of using existing kindergartens for renovation in Sanwei Community (三围社区) Elderly Service Station and Yukeai Kindergarten (裕安可艾幼儿园), the Nanyuan Street (南苑街道) Elderly and Childcare Service Center tries to realize the integration of elderly care and childcare services in a brand-new space.
"The street coordinated with the community to vacate 2/3 of the space in the Party and Mass Service Center for the elderly and childcare pilot project. Creating a new space requires not only scientific layout and optimized facilities, but more importantly, ensuring the safety and health of the elderly and children," Yu Bo (于波) introduced. Under the integrated elderly and childcare model, the pressure to prevent the elderly and young children from falling and getting sick is increasing.
How to solve it? Yu Bo (于波) and the team put a lot of effort into the space design and operation details. The reporter saw that in the Nanyuan Street (南苑街道) Elderly and Childcare Service Center, the first floor is used for elderly care, the second floor is used for childcare, and the multi-functional room on the second floor is a shared activity space; the stair handrails are designed with a "high and low" double-layer structure to facilitate the elderly and children to hold on; the activity area is equipped with ultraviolet disinfection lamps, and staff clean public appliances at any time; the daily physical health data and regular physical examination results of each elderly person are recorded in detail...
"We also use technical means to effectively improve the level of health protection for the elderly," Yu Bo (于波) cited an example, such as developing smart watches with health monitoring and alarm functions, and investing funds to purchase micro-pressure oxygen chambers.
Excellent Service
Promoting Intergenerational Integration, Making up for Talent Shortages, and Exploring Long-term Operation
In the multi-functional room of the Nanyuan Street (南苑街道) Elderly and Childcare Service Center, the children are transformed into "little chefs," their small hands covered with flour, clumsily and earnestly learning to make pasta; on the side, the energetic elderly people act as "specially appointed teachers," guiding them hand in hand. In a short while, the dough is kneaded into shapes such as little rabbits and gold ingots.
In Yu Bo's (于波) view, integrated elderly and childcare is not a simple spatial superposition, it requires optimizing service content, and taking a two-pronged approach of "separation" and "integration," "providing professional services for the elderly and children respectively, such as rehabilitation and physiotherapy, parent-child early education, etc., but also carefully designing intergenerational interaction activities, organically combining what the elderly can do and what the young can be well educated, to achieve the effect of '1+1>2'."
In the Nanyuan Street (南苑街道) Elderly and Childcare Service Center, activities suitable for both the elderly and children to participate in, such as paper-cutting, calligraphy, and musical instrument training, build a bridge for emotional exchange between the two generations. Yu Bo (于波) shared a heartwarming story—
A 78-year-old resident had been depressed since her husband passed away. Yu Bo (于波) discovered that she had exquisite craftsmanship, so she invited her to teach the children to make pasta and sew sachets. Now, the children call her "Crafts Master" and always love to surround her and "chatter." Gradually, she became like a different person, talking more and having a glow on her face.
"The elderly regain their confidence in life through companionship, and the children learn to share, care, and be grateful through interaction. This kind of emotional connection is very touching," Yu Bo (于波) said with emotion.
To provide excellent service, professional talents are needed. "The service objects of integrated elderly and childcare are special and have diverse needs. At present, the industry lacks compound talents who understand both early childhood education and elderly care," Yu Bo (于波) said.
How to break the situation? With the support of the local civil affairs department, the service center combines "bringing in" experts for training and "going out" for on-site observation and learning to help the original early childhood teachers master multiple skills such as elderly care, psychological counseling, and emergency handling.
"At present, all our early childhood teachers have obtained vocational skill level certificates for elderly care workers, and the team's ability has been transformed and improved," Yu Bo (于波) said with satisfaction.
Faced with the same talent shortage, Fengjie (奉节) has explored a characteristic path of "silver-haired empowerment." "We mobilize retired people with expertise in health care and educational counseling, such as nurses and teachers, to provide services for 'one old and one young,' and promote the deep integration of professionalism and public welfare," said Xiong Chao (熊超), Director of the People's Livelihood Service Office of Gongping Town (公平镇民生服务办公室).
To provide excellent service, building a professional platform is also an effective measure.
In January 2021, in order to solve the problem of "one old and one young" care, the Shenzhen (深圳市) government relied on the large state-owned enterprise Shenzhen Investment Holdings (深业集团) to form Shenzhen Happiness Health Group (深圳幸福健康集团), which is specifically responsible for the investment, construction, operation and management of elderly care and childcare infrastructure. In 2022, Shenzhen (深圳市) introduced an overall solution for "one old and one young," focusing on promoting the construction of integrated elderly care and childcare service facilities. Under the guidance of policies, Shenzhen Happiness Health Group (深圳幸福健康集团) has built 5 integrated elderly and childcare projects and provides professional and standardized elderly care and childcare services.
However, the reporter found in the interview that regardless of whether it takes the route of a large-scale platform or an individual exploration path, the integrated elderly and childcare model faces relatively heavy financial pressure.
In order to build the Sanwei Community (三围社区) Integrated Elderly and Childcare Service Center, Shenzhen Happiness Health Group (深圳幸福健康集团) invested more than 8 million yuan. The government also provides financial assistance: for the elderly care part, the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau provides a construction subsidy of 1.5 million yuan and an annual operating subsidy of up to 300,000 yuan; for the childcare part, each childcare place can receive a construction subsidy of up to 10,000 yuan and an operating subsidy of up to 1,000 yuan per month. However, due to the charging restrictions of public welfare and inclusive services, coupled with high operating costs, the Sanwei Community (三围社区) Integrated Elderly and Childcare Service Center has not yet recovered its investment and is in a state of loss.
Difficulties in recovering funds also put pressure on the operation of the Nanyuan Street (南苑街道) Elderly and Childcare Service Center. Yu Bo (于波) admitted that even though it has received construction and operation subsidies provided by the government and enjoys tax and fee reductions and rent concessions, the large investment in early-stage renovation and the oversupply of childcare places in the local area have led to operating income that cannot cover costs.
In order to alleviate the pressure, various institutions actively broaden their profit channels. Yu Bo's (于波) operating strategy is: "Expand the scope of childcare service objects and extend the service content to after-school care, homework tutoring, etc.; elderly care is extended to providing door-to-door services, such as door-to-door meal delivery and assisted bathing."
"At present, the situation of long payback periods and difficulty in short-term profitability is relatively common. It is hoped that the government can introduce policies to provide special funds to support inclusive integrated elderly and childcare institutions and promote this model to go further," Hu Yueming (胡月明) suggested.
The shortage of venues also restricts development. "Elderly care and childcare services need to be close to residential communities, and past urban planning rarely foresaw the growth of this type of demand," Hu Yueming (胡月明) believes that the use of venues should be dynamically adjusted according to changes in the population structure, "For example, kindergartens with insufficient enrollment can be transformed into elderly care institutions, and elderly care venues can be adjusted for childcare in areas with more newborns."
Space constraints similarly restrict development. "Elderly and childcare services need to be close to residential communities, but past urban planning rarely foresaw the growth of such needs." Hu Yueming believes that the use of venues should be dynamically adjusted according to changes in population structure. "For example, kindergartens with insufficient enrollment can be transformed into elderly care institutions, and elderly care venues in areas with many newborns can be adjusted for childcare."
Achieving flexible adjustments requires further strengthening departmental collaboration. "Currently, kindergartens, childcare, and elderly care are managed by multiple departments such as education, health, and civil affairs, with inconsistent standards." Hu Yueming called for top-level design to coordinate the management of elderly and childcare work and promote efficient use of resources.
"Elderly and young co-care has strong practical needs. We look forward to further improvement of the policy system to promote the integration of elderly and childcare, further optimization of planning and layout, and further improvement of the regulatory mechanism, so that this model can truly 扎下根、结出果 (zhā xià gēn, jié chū guǒ - "take root and bear fruit," to take root and yield results, meaning to develop and achieve success)." said Luo Wei (罗伟), deputy director of the Institute of Law and Sociology at the Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences (重庆社会科学院).
Layout design: Shen Yiling (沈亦伶)
Return to TopBy: 李 蕊
"One old and one young" are both on the chain of family responsibility and are interconnected concerns for the people's livelihood in social development. Elderly and child care together breaks down the service barriers between elderly care and childcare, providing both elderly care and childcare in the same space, achieving a shift in thinking from "single-point response" to "systematic solution."
From an emotional perspective, elderly and child care together responds to the common caregiving challenges faced by many families, alleviating the pressure of "having the elderly above and the young below." When the elderly and children receive professional care in the same space, family members can more calmly devote themselves to work and life.
From a resource perspective, elderly and child care together revitalizes idle spaces and facilities, cleverly resolving the structural contradiction between declining student enrollment and insufficient elderly care facilities through integrated planning. Sites, teachers, facilities, etc., achieve "one investment, two-way benefit."
From a social perspective, elderly and child care together builds a bridge of communication, reshaping neighborhood and intergenerational relationships. Retired elderly people transform into children's "craft mentors," and the laughter of children awakens the spiritual vitality of the elderly, allowing for a virtuous interaction between the elderly having something to do and children receiving good education. In the fast-paced modern society, it reconstructs the emotional connection between people and lays a warm foundation for building an age-friendly society.
The elderly and child care together model is sustainable and needs to accurately grasp the "separation" and "integration." Scientifically design the space, respect the different habits of the two generations, and make the co-care space both warm and bounded; optimize service content, take into account the needs of both generations, and carefully design intergenerational interaction activities, so that the experience and wisdom of the elderly and the pure vitality of children can nourish each other, achieving a service goal of "1+1>2."
Currently, elderly and child care together still faces practical challenges such as funding shortages and tight venues. To make this model go more steadily and further, it also requires top-level design, policy support, and resource integration to work simultaneously, planning a systematic solution of government guidance, market operation, social collaboration, and rule of law guarantee.
黄发垂髫 (huáng fà chuí tiáo - "yellow hair drooping locks," describes the contented appearance of the elderly and children, a picture of idyllic happiness) is a depiction of an ideal society by the ancients. It is believed that with the continuous improvement of the elderly and child care together model, this vision will eventually be transformed into a vivid reality.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 张矜若
In recent days, continuous weeks of heavy rainfall coupled with rare tropical cyclones have triggered the most severe floods in recent years in several Southeast Asian and South Asian countries. Large areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and parts of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos experienced the highest rainfall in November since 2012, causing a large number of casualties and property losses. According to data released by the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (印尼国家抗灾署) on December 8, floods and landslides in the three provinces of Aceh (亚齐), North Sumatra (北苏门答腊), and West Sumatra (西苏门答腊) have resulted in 961 deaths and over 4,200 injuries. The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre (斯里兰卡灾害管理中心) reported on December 8 that, as of that evening, extreme weather caused by Tropical Cyclone "Diteva" had resulted in 635 deaths, affected over 2 million people, and left 192 missing in the country. The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (泰国防灾减灾厅) stated on December 10 that the total number of deaths from the floods in Thailand was 276.
This round of extreme weather exhibits multiple overlapping meteorological characteristics. As of mid-November, the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean was approaching the La Niña threshold. The World Meteorological Organization (世界气象组织) predicts that there is a greater than 50% chance of a weak to moderate La Niña occurring between December 2025 and February 2026. At the same time, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event, which is in a negative phase, is expected to weaken by the end of the year, jointly leading to increased precipitation in the western Pacific Ocean and adjacent land areas. In addition, Tropical Storm "Seniar" and Tropical Cyclone "Diteva" formed near the Strait of Malacca (马六甲海峡) and Sri Lanka, respectively, and made multiple landfalls, bringing a large amount of water vapor in conjunction with the northeast monsoon, resulting in cumulative rainfall in many areas such as Sumatra (苏门答腊) in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and southern Thailand far exceeding the annual average.
Human activities' destruction of nature and shortcomings in disaster prevention systems further amplify the impact of extreme weather and climate events. Stefan Uhlenbrook, Director of the Hydrology Department of the World Meteorological Organization (世界气象组织), stated that the frequency and severity of flash floods are increasing in many regions due to rapid urbanization, land use changes, and climate change. The Indonesian environmental organization WALHI believes that in the past few decades, illegal logging, mining, and the expansion of palm oil plantations have damaged the forest ecosystem of Sumatra Island, and the natural barrier functions that originally absorbed rainwater and stabilized soil are declining. A report in the *Bangkok Post* (《曼谷邮报》) of Thailand believes that in the process of urbanization, wetlands and natural river channels have been occupied, and the construction of roads and infrastructure has neglected drainage needs, resulting in a decline in natural drainage capacity. The contradiction of "more rain, poor drainage" is highlighted in the floods.
Alexander Matheou, Asia-Pacific Director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (红十字会与红新月会国际联合会), said that these floods show that climate change-induced disasters are becoming the "new normal," and countries urgently need to strengthen early warning systems, shelter facilities, and disaster management plans.
Currently, countries are stepping up disaster relief and recovery and reconstruction efforts. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (普拉博沃) requested the rapid implementation of material distribution, security maintenance, and transportation recovery work. As of December 7, the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (印尼社会事务部) had invested 66.7 billion Indonesian Rupiah (approximately 28.24 million RMB) in assistance to the three regions of Aceh (亚齐), North Sumatra (北苏门答腊), and others, established 39 public kitchens, distributed over 417,000 meals and 101.4 tons of rice, and deployed 648 disaster response personnel to provide rescue and psychological support, focusing on ensuring the supply of materials to remote areas. Sri Lanka has activated a public emergency, dispatching thousands of soldiers to participate in search and rescue operations, not only opening temporary shelters to raise relief supplies, but also jointly building a material distribution network with international relief forces to ensure the basic living needs of the affected people. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan (波汶萨) announced the establishment of five special working groups to build a national comprehensive system covering forecasting, early warning, and disaster relief, and further refine plans and strengthen security for issues such as missing evacuation drills and unclear division of safe areas.
China is highly concerned about the disaster situation in many countries in the region and is actively carrying out humanitarian assistance. On December 8, emergency humanitarian flood relief supplies from China to Sri Lanka arrived in Colombo (科伦坡). The Chinese Consulate General in Songkhla (宋卡总领馆) in Thailand has been helping local flood control and disaster relief and providing relief to affected people for several days. It has donated cash and disaster relief supplies to local civil rescue organizations in various provinces of southern Thailand, and Chinese-funded enterprises in southern Thailand have also extended a helping hand, donating money and materials. Many Chinese-funded enterprises in Indonesia have taken active action, urgently dispatching excavators, loaders, and other equipment to the severely affected areas to assist in clearing debris, repairing roads, and organizing emergency humanitarian donations and condolences.
(Reported from Bangkok (曼谷) on December 11 by this newspaper)
Return to TopAccording to Xinhua News Agency, Harbin, December 11 (Reporters Yang Siqi (杨思琪) and He Shan (何山)) On the eve of the twelfth National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims, the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army released a 38-minute video testimony. Tsuruo Nishijima (西岛鹤雄), a former member of Unit 731, revealed that the unit used meteorological data to carry out bacterial dissemination and frostbite experiments on living subjects.
Tsuruo Nishijima (西岛鹤雄) joined Unit 731 in October 1938 and was a member of the weather team. Jin Shicheng (金士成), director of the Publicity and Education and Exhibition Department of the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army, introduced that the weather team was not a simple observation department, but an auxiliary institution for Unit 731 to conduct field human experiments. Its responsibility was to ensure the best experimental results by measuring wind direction, wind speed, and other factors.
The so-called "rain experiment" was the ultra-low-altitude dissemination of bacteria by aircraft. "The weather team had to go to every field experiment." Tsuruo Nishijima (西岛鹤雄) confirmed that at the field experiment site in Anda City (安达市), Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), Unit 731's aircraft descended to only 50 meters above the ground and sprayed bacterial culture solution onto "Maruta" (马路大) (living people captured by the Japanese army for experiments) tied to wooden stakes. Each experiment involved about 30 people, spaced about 5 meters apart. After the experiment, they were loaded into sealed trucks and transported back to the unit, where their symptoms and disease progression data were recorded for several days.
Tsuruo Nishijima (西岛鹤雄) revealed that a Japanese military doctor died of infection after removing his mask, confirming the extremely high pathogenicity of the bacterial solution.
Research suggests that this testimony corroborates the 1949 medical doctoral thesis "Basic Investigation on 'Rainfall' Dissemination" by Junichi Kaneko (金子顺一), a former member of Unit 731. The thesis compared and studied the attack methods of germ warfare, the advantages and disadvantages of bacterial weapons, and their actual combat effects.
Tsuruo Nishijima's (西岛鹤雄) testimony also revealed details of the weather team's participation in frostbite experiments. In order to solve the needs of operations in high-altitude and cold regions, the Japanese Imperial Army forced "Maruta" (马路大) to expose their bodies for 5 to 10 minutes in an environment of minus 20 to minus 35 degrees Celsius to observe their changes.
This is consistent with the experimental report written by Hisato Yoshimura (吉村寿人), the leader of the frostbite team of Unit 731. Some of the experiments were carried out under conditions such as "Maruta" (马路大) being starved for two or three days and sleepless for a day and night.
According to the museum, the video was recorded by Japanese scholar Fujiko Nishizato (西里扶甬子) in 1997 and donated to the museum in 2019. This oral history, from the perspective of the perpetrator, further restores the criminal chain of Unit 731 and proves once again that the bacteriological warfare crimes of the Japanese Imperial Army were systematic and inhumane, and are an indisputable historical truth.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 陈海琪
At the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Belém, Brazil, Japan was once again awarded the "Fossil of the Day" award by the international environmental organization "Climate Action Network," symbolizing a negative attitude towards climate governance, due to its lack of substantial progress in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. For a long time, Japan has prided itself on being "technologically advanced" and having "mature concepts" in the field of environmental protection, but with the acceleration of the global wave of energy conservation and emission reduction, and the green transition becoming a consensus, Japan's actual actions are in stark contrast to its international image, and its climate governance performance continues to raise questions from the international community.
Shrinking emission reduction targets is a prominent manifestation of Japan's lagging green transition. The Japanese government's latest revised "Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures" proposes to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2035 based on 2013 levels, and by 73% by 2040. However, calculations by the international environmental organization "350.org" show that this target is still 6 percentage points short of the requirement established by the Paris Agreement to "limit the global temperature increase to within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels," and is far from meeting the urgent needs of global climate governance.
The high degree of dependence on fossil fuels is the main obstacle restricting Japan's emission reduction process. Data from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment (日本环境省) shows that in fiscal years 2023 to 2024 (April 2023 to March 2024), fossil fuel power generation still accounted for nearly 70% of Japan's power structure, and the dominant position of traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas has not fundamentally changed. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) assessment points out that the recent slight decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in Japan mainly relies on changes in energy demand and the gradual restart of nuclear power units, rather than through large-scale renewable energy substitution or structural innovation of the power system, making this emission reduction unsustainable.
Japan's strategy on the choice between fossil energy withdrawal and technology application has further aroused controversy. The "Global Climate Change Performance Index" 2025 report released by the German environmental think tank "Germanwatch" ranked Japan as one of the countries with poor climate policy assessment, and clearly called for it to "resolutely phase out fossil fuel power generation and establish a verifiable coal power exit mechanism with a clear timetable." However, Japan has not yet formulated a clear timetable for phasing out coal power, and is still vigorously promoting solutions that continue to rely on fossil energy. A joint report by the French non-profit organization "Reclaim Finance" and the Japanese "Climate Network" organization pointed out that these solutions cannot fundamentally achieve a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, and "are essentially using technological 障眼法 (zhàng yǎn fǎ - "covering the eyes," a trick or deception) to extend the life of fossil fuels, rather than promoting the transformation of the energy system." The "Climate Action Network" even stated bluntly, "This is by no means a solution to the climate crisis, but is using technology as a guise to avoid the core task of energy transition, completely deviating from the global emission reduction consensus."
The lagging development of renewable energy has exacerbated Japan's energy transition dilemma. A special report by the U.S. Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis shows that Japan still has a long way to go in clean energy deployment. Multiple obstacles such as limited transmission capacity, high grid connection costs, complicated local approval processes, and frequent land and sea use disputes have led to its renewable energy development level lagging far behind similar international countries. At the same time, data from the Japanese "Friends of the Earth" organization shows that since the Paris Agreement (《巴黎协定》) came into effect in 2016, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (日本国际协力银行) has provided direct financial support for 26 fossil natural gas projects in 15 countries. As of 2024, these projects have generated a cumulative carbon emission of 408 million tons, equivalent to the annual emission scale of the world's 20th largest emitter.
"If developed countries such as Japan insist on expanding fossil fuel production and investment, the energy transition process of countries in the Global South may be severely frustrated." Amira Sawas, research policy director of the "Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty" initiative, said that global climate governance requires practical actions, rather than perfunctory delaying tactics. If Japan continues to be slow in energy transition, it will not only damage its own international credibility, but also drag down the overall process of global climate governance.
(Reported from Rio de Janeiro on December 11 by this newspaper)
Return to TopAccording to Xinhua News Agency (新华社), Geneva (日内瓦), December 11th (Reporter Wang Lu (王露)) - The World Health Organization (世界卫生组织) released the "Global Seasonal Influenza Situation" report on the 10th, pointing out that since October this year, global influenza activity has increased, and most of the influenza viruses detected globally are influenza A viruses.
The report said that in many countries and regions around the world, the proportion of influenza A (H3N2) subtype viruses in the detected influenza viruses is increasing. Viral gene sequence data shows that since August this year, the number of influenza A (H3N2) subtype influenza virus K sub-branches detected in many countries has increased, which marks a significant evolution of influenza viruses, but current epidemiological data does not show an increase in the severity of diseases caused by it.
Return to TopBy: 李欣怡
The music was low, somber, and respectful. Faded black and white photographs lit up the stage, like an old book slowly opening: time returned to 1937, the coldest winter in Nanjing (南京).
From November 21st to 23rd, the international version of the dance drama "Deep Memory" was staged in Paris, France. As this dance drama, created to commemorate the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, neared its end, portraits of international friends who risked their lives to protect the people of Nanjing (南京) and record the atrocities of the Japanese invaders were projected onto the stage, and applause thundered. At the end of the performance, the entire audience stood and applauded for 10 minutes, with sobs rising and falling.
Art as a bridge—
Remembering a history that cannot be forgotten
In the dance drama, "Iris Chang (张纯如)," dressed in white, wrote furiously; the real Iris Chang (张纯如) burned her life, writing truthfully, bringing the Nanjing Massacre further to the attention of the international community.
Iris Chang (张纯如) was born in New Jersey, USA in 1968. Her ancestral home was Huai'an (淮安), Jiangsu (江苏). From childhood, she heard her family mention the Nanjing Massacre, but it was not until the end of 1994, when she was 26 years old, that she personally saw historical photos of this catastrophe at a conference in the suburbs of San Jose, USA, and was shocked by the inhuman atrocities of the invading Japanese army. At that time, the Western world knew very little about the Nanjing Massacre, and there was not even a single English monograph on the Nanjing Massacre. Japanese right-wing elements have also consistently denied the authenticity of the Nanjing Massacre. This made Iris Chang (张纯如) determined to devote herself wholeheartedly to the historical research of this horrific massacre. For the next three years, she searched for original materials such as diaries, letters, and government reports from that year in institutions such as the U.S. National Archives, visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆) in Nanjing (南京), sought out survivors and descendants of those who experienced it, contacted Japanese veterans through letters, and read one record after another of Japanese atrocities...
In 1997, on the 60th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, Iris Chang's (张纯如) book "The Rape of Nanking" was published and caused a worldwide sensation. As "the first English work in human history to fully study the Nanjing Massacre," "The Rape of Nanking" has been reprinted more than 10 times, with nearly one million copies printed. While collecting and organizing materials, Iris Chang (张纯如) also unexpectedly discovered documentary materials recorded by witnesses to the Nanjing Massacre—German businessman John Rabe (约翰·拉贝) and American missionary Minnie Vautrin (明妮·魏特琳), and ultimately facilitated the publication of "The Diaries of John Rabe" and "The Diaries of Minnie Vautrin."
These have become the historical background and creative source of the dance drama "Deep Memory." "Forgetting the massacre is a second massacre," said Tong Ruirui (佟睿睿), the director of the play. "The dance drama has no fictional content. Based on 'The Diaries of John Rabe,' 'The Diaries of Minnie Vautrin,' and 'The Diary of Shiro Azuma (东史郎日记),' all the characters are real. The actors use physical language to present the pain and unspeakable grief deep in the characters' hearts on the stage." In 2018, "Deep Memory" was staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (中国国家大剧院) in China.
Unlike traditional dance dramas, "Deep Memory" is not divided into acts. It uses the stage interaction between "Iris Chang (张纯如)" and several historical figures to tell the story of the atrocities committed by the invading Japanese army in Nanjing (南京) in 1937 and the inner voices of each character. "Iris Chang (张纯如)" uses diaries and newspapers as "tunnels," shuttling back and forth between the two time and space of "battlefield" and "study." She saw that "guardians" represented by Rabe (拉贝) and Vautrin (魏特琳) tried to build shelters to provide protection for the people, but were powerless in the face of Japanese coercion; "survivors" based on Li Xiuying (李秀英) fought to the death with the invaders in desperation, but inevitably suffered great pain; "invaders" based on Shiro Azuma (东史郎) lost their humanity and committed atrocities under the influence of militarism, and also tried to repent by apologizing and publicizing the truth due to the condemnation of their conscience, but could never wash away their blood-stained hands.
The in-depth cultivation of "individual memory" has become the dance drama's profound interpretation of the anti-fascist theme. The guardians' grief and persistence, the survivors' pain and courage, the perpetrators' cruelty and repentance... These individual "memory fragments" are woven into a dense emotional network, and themes such as massacre, witnessing, repentance, and denial constitute chapters that reflect historical truth like a mirror, directly reaching the audience's hearts:
——The actors walked to the front of the stage in a winding line and fell straight down in the sound of gunfire. The audience seemed to see the people in the safety zone being brutally massacred by the Japanese army on a cold winter night. "Rabe (拉贝)" was in great pain but unable to stop it. He beat the stage floor in grief, just as Rabe (拉贝) truthfully stated in his diary: "I don't regret staying at all, because my existence saved many lives. Nevertheless, I still feel extremely uncomfortable!"
——"Iris Chang (张纯如)" returned to her study, covered her face and sat down, thinking deeply. When she got up again, her face was solemn, she straightened her clothes, stretched out her hand, buried her head, and quickly typed on the keyboard. She twisted her body greatly, jumping, collapsing, rolling, and tearing countless times. This was also Iris Chang's (张纯如) real experience: the excavation of suffering made her exhausted, and the threats from right-wing elements made her miserable. In 2004, she could not bear the burden and committed suicide. At the end of the dance, "Iris Chang (张纯如)" was firm and upright. She stood in the beam of light: history has been recorded, no matter how the years wear away, fearless of denial and slander, the bloody and real history she wrote with her life will last forever, alerting the world.
Multi-party cooperation—
Creating a stage that transcends national boundaries
In 2024, "Deep Memory" was preparing to perform at the Opéra-Comique (巴黎歌剧喜剧院) in Paris, France. The French side highly recognized the work, and the theater's council unanimously approved the performance application. This theater has a history of more than 300 years, is affiliated with the French Ministry of Culture (法国文化部), and is as famous as the Paris Opera (巴黎歌剧院). It is very difficult to be invited to perform. In November of this year, the international version of "Deep Memory," starring German dancer Cédric Puvroux as "Rabe (拉贝)," American dancer Kasey Nocomis Pereira as "Vautrin (魏特琳)," and British-Japanese dancer Kai Tomioka (富冈櫂) as "Shiro Azuma (东史郎)," took the stage in Paris.
The most important thing about having foreign actors perform the Nanjing Massacre is to fully understand history and convey the common values of mankind. "The actors' performance cannot be limited to dance skills, but also to performing the soul—extracting artistic expression from grief and showing emotional strength on the stage," said Tong Ruirui (佟睿睿).
Puvroux is a soloist with the Stuttgart Ballet (斯图加特芭蕾舞团) in Germany. In "Deep Memory," he no longer pursues ballet techniques such as arabesques, but uses solid and determined movements to "protect the people," striving to accurately and powerfully express "Rabe's (拉贝)" firm determination. He took the initiative to shave his head because "this looks more like Rabe (拉贝)." After shaving his head and putting on glasses, coupled with weight loss during rehearsals, Puvroux's appearance highly matched Rabe (拉贝)—when visiting Rabe's (拉贝) former residence, Rabe's (拉贝) grandson Thomas exclaimed: "You are simply the real Rabe (拉贝)!"
In the center of the stage, the figure of "Vautrin (魏特琳)" slowly lengthened, and the "diary" in her hand presented the silhouettes of the victims—trembling limbs, hands reaching for help, and figures supporting each other in despair... In such a scene, Pereira used slow and compassionate physical movements to concretize the great pain of wanting to save more Chinese people but being unable to do so. Every pause and every arm extension was like salvaging forgotten lives from the dust of history.
"Shiro Azuma (东史郎)" had to complete a drastic shift from tyranny to repentance in more than an hour, making the performance the most difficult. Tomioka (富冈櫂) used dance to present the stereotypical posture of Japanese soldiers—each beat was clear and accurate, the aiming action was crisp and in place, and some sections were extremely fast. His repeated wiping of his hands meant that "Japanese invaders wanted to wipe away the blood on their hands, but this is a crime that can never be washed away."
Taking history as a mirror—
Conveying the belief in safeguarding peace
During the performance in France, "Deep Memory" was sold out every night. It was not until the last note fell that the audience slowly released their emotions from the continuous repression and stood up and applauded. The launch of the international version not only brought a larger stage for this work, but also allowed the historical event of the Nanjing Massacre to re-enter the vision of international audiences on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, allowing more people to take the initiative to understand this history and resonate with the call to "never forget history and safeguard peace."
"That wound has not yet healed," said Erwan Barillot, a French writer and journalist, after watching the performance. He understood the history of the Nanjing Massacre, but never really realized the weight of this history for the Chinese people, until he "empathized with the Chinese people during the performance, because the dance drama presented a common human tragedy." "This is the most painful chapter in China and the entire human race, and it is a history lesson that must be made up. Such a huge trauma must be presented in a painful art form. It makes people unable to remain neutral and forced to face the scars directly," said Barillot.
For foreign actors, this collaboration also made them more aware of the Nanjing Massacre. During rehearsals, the Chinese team provided each actor with the original diaries of historical figures and arranged for them to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆), Rabe's (拉贝) former residence, and the former site of the Japanese Confort Women Station in Nanjing Liji Alley (侵华日军南京利济巷慰安所旧址). In the comfort station, there is a sculpture called "Endless Tears (流不尽的泪)": on the face of an old woman, tears kept falling like beads with broken strings. The memorial hall provides tissues for visitors to wipe away tears for the sculpture. This scene also became the source of inspiration for the "Endless Tears (流不尽的泪)" section in the dance drama. When Pereira wiped away tears for the sculpture, she couldn't help but lower her head and shed tears. Iris Chang's (张纯如) pursuit and persistence of justice, and Vautrin's (魏特琳) helplessness and self-blame for "being able to save more Chinese people," moved her immensely. She hoped to bring this work, which "will always remain in her heart," back to the United States, especially California (加利福尼亚州), where Iris Chang (张纯如) lived, "so that more people can understand this history and also understand the responsibilities and courage shown by women in war."
After visiting the comfort station, Tomioka (富冈櫂), who was always lively, was silent all the way. "Before joining this dance drama, I didn't know that there was such a heavy history behind it, which gave me the opportunity to face history and reflect on the present." As the rehearsal deepened, he also increasingly realized that "once an individual is involved in war, there is no turning back."
History needs to be remembered. This is the original intention of "Deep Memory." This dance drama uses artistic language that transcends national boundaries to express the common desire of all mankind—to safeguard peace and oppose war. The Nanjing Massacre is not only the deepest trauma in the history of the Chinese nation, but also a common warning monument of human civilization and an eternal coordinate for defending peace.
As Iris Chang (张纯如) said in the introduction to "The Rape of Nanking": "Unless someone prompts the world to remember this history, tragedy may repeat itself at any time." Today, the shadow of war has not yet dissipated, and the painful past serves as a long-sounding warning: peace is not a historical necessity, but a precious achievement that needs to be actively safeguarded by generations. Peace calls on all countries and nations to work together to build a community of human destiny that remembers history, cherishes life, and helps each other.
(Shang Kaiyuan (尚凯元) also contributed to this article)
Return to TopBy: 赵振江
This September, the book I translated, "The People's Wind Sweeps Over Me: An Anthology of Anti-Fascist Poems by International Poets such as Neruda" (《人民的风席卷着我：聂鲁达等国际诗人反法西斯诗选》) (see picture, provided by Zhao Zhenjiang (赵振江)), met with readers in Taiwan. This book is the Taiwan version of "Spain in My Heart: An Anthology of Anti-Fascist Poems" (《西班牙在心中：反法西斯诗选》), published in Beijing (北京) in 2015. Ten years ago, I selected and translated poems by five famous poets about the Spanish anti-fascist war; this year it was published again to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
In July 1936, the Spanish Civil War broke out, which gradually evolved into the Spanish people's struggle against the Franco fascist regime supported by Hitler. About 35,000 workers and progressives from 54 countries around the world formed the International Brigades and fought alongside the Spanish people. Among these people were more than 100 descendants of the Yellow Emperor, most of whom were Chinese workers living in Europe and the United States. After the end of the Spanish anti-fascist struggle, some members of the International Brigades went to the Chinese anti-Japanese battlefield to fight against the Japanese fascist aggression together with the Chinese people. Comrade Zhu De (朱德), Comrade Zhou Enlai (周恩来), and Comrade Peng Dehuai (彭德怀) once presented a banner to the soldiers of the Chinese detachment of these International Brigades, which read: "Unite the Chinese and Spanish people! Down with the common enemy of mankind - Fascists!" International friends such as Bethune and Norman Bethune (白求恩), Dwarkanath Kotnis (柯棣华), whom we are familiar with, came to China from the anti-fascist battlefield in Spain to support China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
On the Spanish anti-fascist battlefield, there was a group of famous poets. They cared about the suffering of the people and the fate of mankind. They not only actively participated in the war to defend the republic, but also used their pens as weapons to create a series of poems that are famous in the world of literature, exposing the cruelty of war, condemning fascist atrocities, and praising the great patriotism and internationalism.
In this anthology of anti-fascist poems, I selected Pablo Neruda of Chile, Nicolás Guillén of Cuba, César Vallejo of Peru, Rafael Alberti and Miguel Hernández of Spain. Later, I thought of Octavio Paz's "Elegy to a Comrade Killed on the Aragon Front" and put it in the appendix. The title of the mainland version, "Spain in My Heart" (《西班牙在心中》), is the title of a collection of poems by Neruda; the title of the Taiwan version, "The People's Wind Sweeps Over Me" (《人民的风席卷着我》), comes from Miguel Hernández's poem of the same name.
"Spain in My Heart" (《西班牙在心中》) was published in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1937, with a total of 23 poems. The verses are simple and unadorned, fully expressing the poet Neruda's passion for love and hate. Among them, "The International Brigades Arrive in Madrid" was written on November 8, 1936, the day when the three battalions of the 11th Regiment arrived in Madrid. At that time, Madrid had entered street fighting, and two days later, one-third of the regiment's soldiers were killed in battle. "Battle of Jarama River" is about a famous battle in the spring of 1937 that lasted for more than 20 days. Franco's army raided the Jarama River Valley on February 6, intending to cut off the highway between Madrid and Valencia. The Republican army guarded the east bank of the Jarama River, with a front line of 16 kilometers, and four regiments of the International Brigades assisted them. In the entire battle, the Republican army suffered more than 10,000 casualties. In the International Brigades, the "British Battalion" of the 15th Regiment and the American "Lincoln Battalion" suffered the most losses, with more than half of the soldiers killed in battle. There were many poets in the International Brigades, some of whom died heroically and some of whom survived. Their works on the Spanish Civil War were later compiled and published, and Neruda's "Spain in My Heart" (《西班牙在心中》) is one of the masterpieces.
Nicolás Guillén, as a member of the Cuban delegation, went to Spain in 1937 to attend the "International Writers' Conference for the Defense of Culture." Guillén created "Spain: Four Sorrows and a Hope" there, a long poem that won him international acclaim.
Vallejo is the most representative avant-garde poet in Peru and even in the entire Latin America. His poems are difficult to understand and translate. Although the words are not difficult, the sentence patterns are flexible and changeable, and the images are almost bizarre. In addition, the occasional allusions to religious content or ancient Inca cultural traditions make it difficult to grasp. He twice visited the anti-fascist front line and wrote "Spain, Take This Cup Away From Me" - if translated literally, it should be "Spain, Let This Cup Leave Me." This sentence simulates the Bible, and the "cup" refers to the suffering that Jesus is about to suffer. The "cup" that Vallejo is talking about obviously refers to the suffering that the Spanish people are suffering. The current translation attempts to take care of the surface structure of the language, consider the deep meaning of the verses, and make it easy for readers to accept. As for whether it can achieve the expected effect, it can only be judged by the readers. The translation of a title is so complicated, and the same is true for each specific verse. Here, I just want to tell the readers: if you think these poems don't look like poems, you can only blame the translator's lack of skill, not Vallejo's fault.
Rafael Alberti is a "citizen of the world." In the Spanish Civil War, he had the reputation of "street poet." After the civil war, he lived in exile abroad for 39 years. His visit to China in 1957 had a profound impact on him. The earth-shaking changes in New China, the ancient Chinese culture and unique scenery, and the people's spirit of striving for self-improvement all surprised him. In 1958, he published the collection of poems "China is Smiling" (《中国在微笑》).
Miguel Hernández is a legendary poet. He was born in 1910 and began to study on his own at the age of 11, reading a large number of poems from the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1933, he published his first collection of poems, "Skilled in the Moon." In 1936, he joined the Spanish Communist Party and went to the front line to participate in the battle to defend the republic. After the war, he was sentenced to death by the Franco regime, later changed to 30 years in prison, and died of illness in prison in 1942 at the age of only 31. "The People's Wind" (《人民的风》) is his representative work, with a total of 25 poems, and "The People's Wind Sweeps Over Me" (《人民的风席卷着我》) is one of them.
Hernández is also a fearless anti-fascist fighter. Although his life was short, he left a valuable spiritual wealth for mankind. Neruda said in his poem mourning Hernández, "Through your death, I learned to live: my eyes have hardly been blurred, what I have is not weeping tears, but ruthless bullets." This is also the common aspiration of all honest and kind people.
Now, 80 years have passed since the victory of the anti-fascist war, but the world is not peaceful. Regional wars have never stopped. We must remain highly vigilant and never forget yesterday's history and the lessons of blood.
(The author was formerly the director of the Department of Western Languages at Peking University (北京大学) and the president of the Chinese Society for Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Literature)
I Sit on the Corpse of the Dead (Excerpt)
(Spain) Miguel Hernández
I sit on the corpse of the dead
They have been silent for two months,
Kissing empty shoes
Angrily clenching the hand of the heart
And the life that sustains it.
Let my voice rise to the top of the mountain
Fall on the earth and turn into thunder,
From this moment until forever
My throat demands it so.
Please come close to my cry,
Nourish my village with milk,
The tree uses its roots
To build a prison for me,
I will stay here forever,
To love you and defend you
With blood and mouth
These two loyal guns.
Since I broke away from the earth,
Since I was born from the unfortunate womb with poverty,
I am destined to become
An unfortunate nightingale,
An echo of doom,
Constantly singing the praises of such people,
No matter how I sing of pain,
Sing of the poor, sing of the land,
He will listen attentively.
(From the collection of poems "The People's Wind" (《人民的风》))
By: 郭春宁
The Lake Geneva (日内瓦湖) morning is awash in golden light, and the Alps (阿尔卑斯山) stand silently in the distance. The Palace of Nations (万国宫), a solemn complex of buildings surrounded by verdant trees and fountains, is like a pearl inlaid between the mountains and the lake. Whether it is the solemn architecture that blends classical and modern styles, or the artistic displays of murals and sculptures donated by various countries, it makes visitors linger.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. As the United Nations Office at Geneva (联合国驻日内瓦办事处), the Palace of Nations (万国宫) welcomes many international conferences and celebrations, and at the same time opens more guided tours to help the public understand the importance of peace and cooperation. My family and I made an appointment for a visit and embarked on a long-awaited public education journey.
"The birth of the Palace of Nations (万国宫) is inextricably linked to mankind's yearning for peace after the First World War." Joanna (乔安娜), a guide from Brazil (巴西), used simple historical questions and answers to show us the history of the Palace of Nations (万国宫): In 1926, the League of Nations decided to build a new headquarters to provide member states with a place to handle international disputes through peaceful dialogue. In 1927, after 377 proposals competed, the main building complex was finally designed in cooperation by five architects from Switzerland (瑞士), France (法国), Italy (意大利) and Hungary (匈牙利), and construction began in 1929.
However, the Palace of Nations (万国宫), which embodies the expectation of peace, witnessed the world sliding into the abyss of war step by step: In 1933, Japan (日本) and Germany (德国) withdrew from the League of Nations one after another; in 1935, Italy (意大利) invaded Ethiopia (埃塞俄比亚); in 1937, the invading Japanese army launched the "July 7th Incident" (卢沟桥事变)... Before the completion of the Palace of Nations (万国宫) in 1938, the flames of war ignited by fascism had spread to many parts of the world.
For this reason, when gazing at the oil painting "The Dream of Peace" in the United Nations Library Hall of the Palace of Nations (万国宫联合国图书馆大厅), it is inevitable that one's heart is filled with mixed feelings - this huge oil painting was donated to the League of Nations by the Norwegian (挪威) government. When it arrived at the Palace of Nations (万国宫) at the end of 1939, Germany (德国) had already occupied Poland (波兰). The creator of the oil painting, Norwegian (挪威) painter Henrik Sørensen (亨里克·索伦森), was an anti-war activist. He used dark colors such as blue and black to show suffering, and bright colors such as white and gold to depict hope. The 56-square-meter oil painting records the pain and struggle of the oppressed, and also depicts the moment when people walk hand in hand and climb upwards. In humanity's darkest hour, the vision of peace embodied in this painting is particularly precious.
After the end of World War II, the League of Nations withdrew from the historical stage in 1946, and the Palace of Nations (万国宫) became the United Nations Office at Geneva (联合国驻日内瓦办事处). In the years that followed, it witnessed the United Nations' efforts to safeguard peace and security and promote human well-being. Today, it provides conference facilities and services for specialized agencies within the United Nations system, organizing approximately 8,000 meetings each year. Important meetings of the United Nations Human Rights Council (联合国人权理事会), the World Health Organization (世界卫生组织), the International Labour Organization (国际劳工组织) and other organizations are held here.
In times of peace, the new artworks added to the Palace of Nations (万国宫) still embody the common expectation of all countries to oppose war and pray for peace. In the Ariana Park (阿丽亚娜公园) forest of the Palace of Nations (万国宫), the sculpture "The Propagation of Seeds, the Collection of Ashes" stands quietly. In 1995, the German (德国) government commissioned Esther Shalev-Gerz (埃丝特·沙莱夫—格茨) and Jochen Gerz (约亨·格茨) to create this artwork. Two towering steel pillars are shaped like masts. One implies gathering memories, constantly reminding people to remember historical pain and reflect on war and violence; the other symbolizes sowing new life, embodying the restoration of humanity, dignity and dialogue in times of peace. In 1996, a sculpture with the same theme was completed in the German (德国) city of Marl (马尔).
At the end of the tour, Joanna (乔安娜) asked us to touch the "stone representing our own country." This group of artworks is called "Rebirth." The 193 stones symbolize the 193 member states of the United Nations, and were created by Italian (意大利) artist Michelangelo Pistoletto (米开朗基罗·皮斯托莱托) in 2015. These stones are of different sizes, and each one is engraved with the name of a United Nations member state, symbolizing the "rebirth" of the world after World War II. The way the stones are combined comes from a variant of the mathematical symbol "infinity", which resembles three tangent circles: the circles on both sides represent the natural world and technological society, and the circle in the middle connects the two, implying a future where humans and nature coexist harmoniously and people work together hand in hand.
As I left the Palace of Nations (万国宫), I saw the word "peace" engraved on the outer wall in six languages. On the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, this word, which is intertwined with hope and heaviness, has long echoed in my heart: True peace is not only the cessation of war and the end of smoke, but also the equal treatment of all countries in the world, so that friendly dialogue between civilizations will never end.
Return to TopElectronic Mailbox: rmrbgjfk@peopledaily.cn
Typesetting Design: Cai Huawei (蔡华伟)
By: 陈亦楠
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. Recently published, "Echoes of Justice: Revelations from the Trials of Class B and C Japanese War Criminals After World War II" delves into historical materials from 29 archives in 13 countries and regions across four continents, systematically reviewing and restoring the overview of the trials of Japanese military war crimes in the Asia-Pacific region by Allied countries such as China, the United States, Britain, and Australia after World War II. It records the international community's efforts to liquidate war crimes and reshape the international order with the spirit of the rule of law. In the process of excavating trial archives, many long-sealed histories have been reproduced. The crimes of Japanese militarism are too numerous to mention 罄竹难书 (qìng zhú nán shū - "exhaust bamboo write book," too numerous to record), and due to space limitations, only three fragments are narrated here for the readers.
The "Hell Ships" Sail to the Abyss of Sin
During World War II, Japanese ships transporting Allied prisoners of war did not fly any identifying flags and were known as "Hell Ships." The prisoners of war were held in cargo holds without ventilation or sanitation facilities, transported like livestock, and often died from abuse and disease, with their bodies eventually thrown into the sea.
Among the prisoners of war transported by the "Hell Ships," in addition to the well-known British prisoners of war on the "Lisbon Maru," there were also the "Eight Hundred Heroes" who participated in the Defense of Sihang Warehouse. Fifty-seven of the "Eight Hundred Heroes" were sent by "Hell Ships" to Rabaul in Papua New Guinea to build wartime tunnels. In the harsh environment of frequent volcanic eruptions and rampant malaria, the prisoners of war endured inhuman treatment. Once they fell ill, not only could they not receive medical treatment, but they would also face a more tragic fate. Major General Hirota Akira (广田明) of the Japanese Eighth Area Army stationed in Rabaul once ordered that any prisoner of war who was sick for more than three days and unable to continue working would be executed.
After World War II, Li Weixun (李维恂), who served as the leader of the labor squad in Rabaul, testified in the Australian court in two cases of abuse and killing of Chinese prisoners of war. We found Li Weixun's testimony in the vast amount of materials in the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives: "On January 29, 1943, I saw the 10 Chinese soldiers I just mentioned, and their bodies were very poor. The Chinese prisoners of war were thrown into the pit, and the Japanese soldiers shot them with guns. On February 4, the same atrocities were staged again." In the end, the culprit of these two tragedies, Sergeant Aizawa Haruji (相泽治索), was sentenced to life imprisonment.
From 1945 to 1951, Australia successively established courts in Darwin, Rabaul, Singapore, and other places, and conducted a total of about 300 trials of Japanese Class B and C war criminals. In the courts tried in Australia, the nationalities of the victims were very broad, with 128 atrocities related to Chinese, Indians, Indonesians, and South Pacific islanders.
Crimes Will Eventually Pay the Price
On the morning of December 7, 1941, more than 350 Japanese warplanes carried out a surprise bombing of the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. On April 18, 1942, 16 B-25 bombers took off from the US aircraft carrier "Hornet" in the Pacific Ocean to carry out the first bombing mission against the Japanese mainland, which was the Doolittle Raid.
After the mission was completed, 13 of the planes crash-landed in Chinese safe areas, and 64 crew members were rescued by the Chinese people and were able to return home safely. Another eight pilots were captured by the Japanese army because they crash-landed in occupied areas. They were subsequently sent to Shanghai (上海), China, and held in the Daqiao Building prison on Sichuan North Road (四川北路), which was then the headquarters of the Japanese military police in Shanghai.
Captured pilot Nelson later recalled this terrible experience: "The Japanese dragged me out of the cell and began to question me about my mission information. I was forced to lie on the ground and subjected to 'waterboarding.' Four soldiers sat on my limbs, and the fifth person covered my face with a wet towel and poured water on my face. Every time I wanted to breathe, I would inhale more water, causing a feeling of near suffocation."
On April 28, 1942, Japanese Prime Minister Tojo Hideki (东条英机) convened a meeting of his main cabinet members to decide how to deal with the eight captured US Army airmen. On October 15, the Japanese Thirteenth Army Headquarters in Shanghai conducted a so-called "military trial" of the eight American pilots. Ultimately, three pilots were sentenced to death and executed by firing squad that afternoon. The remaining five pilots were sentenced to life imprisonment. The entire trial took less than two hours.
After World War II, the United States established five military tribunals in Shanghai, Yokohama (横滨), Manila (马尼拉), Guam (关岛), and Kwajalein Island (夸贾林岛) to conduct military trials against Japanese Class B and C war criminals. On January 18, 1946, the US military organized and established a military tribunal in Shanghai. Forty days later, the court conducted a military trial of Japanese war criminals who abused and killed Doolittle Raid pilots. In this trial, the judges, prosecutors, and lawyers were all US military officers, and the translators hired included Americans and Japanese. The trial was conducted more than 20 times, and a large number of witnesses were questioned, and effective testimony was obtained through court debates.
On April 15, 1946, the US military court in Shanghai sentenced Sawada Shigeru (泽田茂), Okada Ryuhei (冈田隆平), and Tatsuta Sototsugiro (立田外次郎) to five years of imprisonment with heavy physical labor, and sentenced Wakou Yusei (和光勇精) to nine years of imprisonment with heavy physical labor.
Independent Trials of Japanese War Criminals in New China
From June to July 1956, the Special Military Tribunal of the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China held public trials in Shenyang (沈阳) and Taiyuan (太原) respectively, for 45 Japanese war criminals in custody. This was the first just trial conducted independently by the Chinese government and people on their own soil against aggressors after the founding of New China. All the Japanese war criminals on trial pleaded guilty and accepted the law, creating a miracle in the history of international war crimes trials.
When trying Japanese war criminals, the Chinese government drew on the Nuremberg and Tokyo trial models, strictly followed legal procedures, and carried out a large amount of arduous and meticulous preparation work. The Chinese government guaranteed the legitimate rights and interests of Japanese war criminals, provided Japanese versions of indictments, and specially appointed translators and defense lawyers for Japanese war criminals to ensure their right to defense. The court ensured that each alleged crime had sufficient and conclusive evidence, including written accusations from victims or the families of the deceased, testimonies from local residents, records from Japanese puppet archives and newspapers and books, testimonies from war criminals' colleagues and subordinates, and confessions from the war criminals themselves.
On June 9, the Shenyang court conducted a public trial of the first batch of eight Japanese war criminals. Among them was Uesaka Masaru (上坂胜), who, as the Colonel Commander of the 163rd Regiment of the 110th Division of the Japanese Army, directed the Beituan Massacre.
Li Dexiang (李德祥) and others, survivors of the Beituan Massacre, testified in court, identifying Uesaka Masaru as using chemical poison gas to kill civilians in Beituan Village (北疃村). Facing the accusations and indictments, Uesaka Masaru knelt down and apologized, confessing the process of his creation of the Beituan Massacre: "The crimes south of Dingxian (定县) were committed by the first battalion, and the crimes in the area north of the Hutuo River (滹沱河) were committed by the second and third battalions. The most vicious of their cruel methods was the use of poison gas, especially driving large numbers of Eighth Route Army soldiers and villagers into tunnels and using poison gas, killing a large number of people, stabbing them with bayonets or beheading them with military swords, and rape, etc." "I directed the Japanese imperialist army to exert cruelty in this way." "I sincerely apologize to the Chinese people."
In court, all eight Japanese war criminals pleaded guilty and accepted the law, and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 13 to 20 years. Uesaka Masaru, for poisoning civilians seeking refuge and committing crimes against humanity, was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Sakakibara Hideo (榊原秀夫), who participated in the evil activities of Unit 731, was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
…………
History cannot be forgotten, and justice will not be absent. The war crimes tribunal has made a final judgment on Japan's modern history of aggression, but the denial and sophistry of war crimes by Japanese right-wing forces have become a threat to world peace and development. Faced with this historical countercurrent, it is necessary for us to revisit the historical logic of war trials, firmly safeguard the achievements of the victory of World War II, and promote the formation of a broad consensus in the international community on respecting international law and abiding by the international order.
(The author is the director of the Documentary Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (上海交通大学).)
Return to TopBy: 严海建
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the inclusion of the "Nanjing Massacre Archives" in the "Memory of the World Register." A batch of new books reflecting the history of the Nanjing Massacre have been published, reflecting from different perspectives that this major tragedy during World War II, as a shared history of mankind, is being remembered by the world.
Westerners in Nanjing (南京) during the Nanjing Massacre left a large number of first-hand, immediate records. For example, the diaries of John Rabe and Minnie Vautrin, the main persons in charge of the International Safety Zone, are the most well-known accounts of the Nanjing Massacre. This year, revised editions of *The Rabe Diary* and *The Vautrin Diary* were published simultaneously, with a large number of textual research annotations added to help readers better understand the relevant historical background and event details.
When *The Rabe Diary* was first translated into Chinese and published in 1997, some of the names in the diary could not be confirmed due to the conditions at the time. Among them, the person using the pseudonym "Luo Fuxiang" (罗福祥) attracted particular attention. According to Rabe, "Luo Fuxiang" was a Chinese pilot who had shot down several Japanese warplanes and had been hiding in Rabe's house since the fall of Nanjing. In February 1938, he was rescued from Nanjing by Rabe as a servant and later went to Hong Kong (香港). Taking the revision of *The Rabe Diary* as an opportunity, historians conducted extensive research and finally confirmed that this Chinese captain was Huang Guanghan (黄光汉), the captain of the 22nd Squadron of the 4th Group of the Chinese Air Force at the time. His war experience, including his entry and exit from Nanjing, was also restored.
The newly revised *Eternal Life in Jinling: A Biography of Minnie Vautrin* truthfully records the moving story of American missionary Minnie Vautrin establishing a refugee shelter for women and children at Ginling College (金陵女子文理学院) and protecting tens of thousands of Chinese people during the Nanjing Massacre. The entire book has expanded from 160,000 words more than 20 years ago to more than 300,000 words now. 72 volumes of *Historical Materials on the Nanjing Massacre*, Vautrin's correspondence with friends, and newly organized and published archives of Ginling College, and other documents have laid a solid foundation for the revision of the new book. In addition to focusing on the atrocities of war, the new book pays more attention to war trauma. Shortly after the Nanjing Massacre, Vautrin's mental state completely collapsed, and she had to return to the United States for mental treatment. On May 14, 1941, exactly one year after leaving Nanjing, Vautrin turned on the gas in her apartment kitchen and ended her life. Vautrin was not only an aid worker and recorder when war disasters struck, but also a victim of the Nanjing Massacre.
The foreign translation of historical materials has been a major focus of the historical dissemination of the Nanjing Massacre in recent years. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆) has cooperated with the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration (中国外文局) to launch the foreign translation series of historical materials *Memories of World War II: The Nanjing Massacre*. The two volumes newly published this year, *The Tokyo Trial: Evidence and Judgments of the Nanjing Massacre* and *The Nanjing Trial: Evidence and Judgments of the Nanjing Massacre*, select important documents such as witness testimonies, trial records, and judgments from the International Military Tribunal for the Far East and the Nanjing War Crimes Tribunal, and provide relevant annotations. In conjunction with the large-scale investigation of evidence of crimes carried out by the trials and the final judgments made by the court, the basic historical facts of the Nanjing Massacre by the Japanese invading army were clarified. World readers can gain a deeper understanding of the legal and historical conclusions of the Nanjing Massacre.
Remembering the history of the Nanjing Massacre inevitably requires the perpetrators to deeply reflect on the atrocities of war, reflect on war responsibilities, and establish a correct historical understanding. This year, the book *Life Changed: Oral History of Nanjing Massacre Survivors* was translated into Japanese and published. This is the first oral history of Nanjing Massacre survivors published in Japan. Their narratives begin with a peaceful life before the massacre, and many years after the massacre, their fear, trembling, and grief remain, truly reflecting the enormous psychological trauma caused to those who experienced the Nanjing Massacre. At the same time, *The Diary of a Japanese Soldier in China – A True Record of the "Diary of Morioka Shuji"* was published in China. Morioka Shuji (森冈周治) was a baggage soldier in the 38th Regiment of the 30th Brigade of the 16th Division of the Japanese invading army. His diary recorded his personal participation in the war of aggression against China from August 1937 to August 1939. Morioka Shuji, in an extremely indifferent tone, stated the brutal facts that "100,000 Chinese soldiers died in battle" in Nanjing and that the corpses of Chinese soldiers "lay scattered on the shore of Xuanwu Lake" (玄武湖), making people deeply feel the distortion of human nature caused by the war.
Memory is not only a noun, but also a verb, and it is the foundation for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The publication of books on the theme of the history of the Nanjing Massacre reflects the process of historical memory continuing to cross borders and time, shifting from eyewitnesses to intergenerational inheritance, and then becoming a common human memory. The inheritance of memory aims to advocate peace, which is also the value behind the history of the Nanjing Massacre as a common human memory.
(The author is a professor at Nanjing Normal University (南京师范大学))
Return to TopBy: 阿 来
Su Shi (苏轼) was a highly accomplished and interesting person. He was naturally familiar with people from all walks of life and spoke up for the common people, so many people liked him. Because they liked him, they studied him, so much so that we are very familiar with many of the footprints of Su Shi's (苏轼) life. Strangely, we know very little about his deeds in his birthplace and growing-up place—Meishan (眉山), and there are not many books written about this period of his life. We can't help but ask: Where is Su Shi (苏轼) in Meishan (眉山)?
This is a great regret.
A person's birthplace and childhood experience are crucial to the formation of his character. When we study Su Shi's (苏轼) thought and Su Shi's (苏轼) poetry, if we do not study his growth experience, family influence, and regional background, the research results will be greatly reduced.
Why are there so few books written about Su Shi (苏轼) in Meishan (眉山)? I think there are three main reasons. First, there is a lack of historical data. The bits and pieces of Su Shi's (苏轼) life in Meishan (眉山) that we are familiar with now mostly come from the memories in the poems and prose of the Su (苏) family and his sons, or some fragmented records of contemporaries. The content is very little, and the details are not clear enough. The second is that there is little attention. Before the "Three Sus" (三苏) became famous, they did not receive much attention. The third is that the region is remote. Meishan (眉山) is far from Kaifeng (开封), the capital, and has little contact with the upper class, so there are fewer opportunities to be recorded.
However, as the name card of Meishan (眉山) and as a world-class IP, Su Shi's (苏轼) childhood experience must be clear. Especially for the people of Meishan (眉山), there are many questions that must be answered. For example, where exactly was Su Shi's (苏轼) specific birthplace in Meishan (眉山)? Was it in the city of Meishan (眉山) or in the countryside? When Su Shi (苏轼) was studying, was there really a story of calling fish to form a marriage with Wang Fu (王弗)? The Shu Mountains (蜀山) that often appear in Su Shi's (苏轼) poems and prose are Mount Wawu (瓦屋山) or Mount Emei (峨眉山)? Did Su Shi (苏轼) visit here when he was young? How did the Su (苏) family and his sons, who were in the remote area of Meishan (眉山), get in touch with a group of dignitaries in the court?
The Meishan (眉山) Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (市政协) obviously understands this, so they organized the writing of the book "My Home is on the Shu River: Su Shi (苏轼) in Meishan (眉山)." This book is not an academic work written by Su (苏) scholars, but a documentary literature written by local writers. This is also a wise choice. Academic works require the support of historical data discovery and archaeological excavation. Without these achievements, academic works are difficult to complete. Documentary literature only needs to carry out reasonable literary descriptions and literary imagination on the basis of respecting existing historical data. The charm of literature lies in the fact that it can achieve literary truth through literary means, and literary truth is often a more infectious and convincing truth.
"My Home is on the Shu River: Su Shi (苏轼) in Meishan (眉山)" has achieved literary truth. This work uses literary methods to interpret the inevitability of Su Shi (苏轼) as a thought body and a literary body, produced in Meishan (眉山), Sichuan (蜀地), in the Song Dynasty (宋代), and in the Su (苏) family. The author's use of existing historical data is respectful, rigorous, not fabricated, not false, and not excessive. Its literary expression is also excellent, with unique interpretations, abundant talent, easy to smile, and deep thoughts after closing the book. This kind of reading experience is pleasant, and it provides an effective basic text for friends who like Su Shi (苏轼) and study Su Shi (苏轼).
Su Shi (苏轼) is a rich mine. The Meishan (眉山) Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (市政协) has carried out some good excavations in this section of his life in Meishan (眉山). But this is obviously not enough, and we still hope for greater surprises.
We look forward to it.
(The author is the Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association (中国作家协会) and the Chairman of the Sichuan Provincial Writers Association (四川省作家协会).)
Return to TopBy: 李蔚超
Adolescent mental health affects the nerves of families, schools, and society. Adolescents are a high-risk group for mental health issues. Writer Liang Hong (梁鸿) spent more than three years approaching children trapped by emotional problems, as well as parents, teachers, psychiatrists, and psychological counselors, and wrote the non-fiction new work "There Must Be Light" (要有光), which is intertwined with humanistic warmth and realistic weight.
The book takes Beijing (京城), Binhai City (滨海市), and Dan County (丹县) as samples, taking into account the different spectrums of mega-cities, medium-sized cities, and county towns. Through the author's delicate narration, we will find that adolescent psychological problems are often the result of a series of chain reactions. Some are caused by the emotional alienation of the original family pushing the child into the abyss, and some are caused by the involution of educational competition dragging the family into an anxiety vortex. The author changes the narrative perspective to present the inner world of the children, and uses diverse literary styles such as dialogues, diaries, and close-ups to leave room for everyone to confide in, and uses literary methods to make the data fleshy and emotional, and make emotions truly perceptible.
"There Must Be Light" (要有光), while directly facing the mental health of adolescents, also triggers our thinking about parenting and education. How can the road to school, which once brought dreams and glory to many parents born in the 70s and 80s, become an insurmountable hurdle for the next generation? The author uses a large number of real cases to make readers realize that if cultivating children becomes a series of level-up games, and if grades are regarded as the only standard for measuring value, then these will eventually turn into a mountain of heavy burdens on the children's heads.
As the title suggests, "There Must Be Light" (要有光) persistently seeks light and sees light. "Light" comes from professional dedication. Teachers who promote mental health education in rural schools, the "Uncle Ye (爷叔)" tutoring class that specifically opens its doors to children with mental illnesses, and doctors who alleviate the mental stress of teenagers with empathetic listening are all working hard to help children rebuild order. "Light" comes from the perseverance of relatives. The figure of the mother has always been with the child, walking out of the haze side by side with them. "Light" comes even more from the children. They still maintain a love for life in the trough and predicament. Some children choose to study psychology after recovering, some children return to school and continue their studies, and some children integrate into society and regain the dignity of life. Their amazing resilience has become the most dazzling light in the book.
Pursuing the light and reborn from the cocoon. The author weaves individual stories into a mirror of warning, allowing readers to see familiar shadows in the mirror, and then to reflect on educational methods and examine family culture. This kind of seeing, summoning, and resonance is the beginning of solving problems. The essence of education is not competition, but guarding the growth of life; allowing children to grow up healthily is not only the responsibility of one person or one family, but the mission of the entire society. May we all carry the compassion and courage in the book, become part of that light, replace criticism with understanding, replace blame with companionship, replace prejudice with tolerance, and overcome indifference with action. This is the precious enlightenment that "There Must Be Light" (要有光) brings us.
Return to TopBy: 陈耿宣
Computing power has become a buzzword. But for many, it is a technical term in news headlines, both familiar and difficult to grasp. If the steam engine carried the imagination of the industrial age, and the power grid shaped the form of modern cities, does today's computing power also have the ability to change the rhythm of society?
Policy documents frequently mention computing power, the media discusses terms such as "Eastern Data and Western Computing (东数西算)," "supercomputing centers (超算中心)," and "AI chips (AI芯片)," and corporate decisions are increasingly dependent on model analysis and data simulation... Behind these structural changes, computing power is continuously driving progress. The computing power ecosystem is different from a natural ecosystem; it does not grow spontaneously, nor does it have a natural balancing mechanism. Its operation depends on the continuous input of various factors such as energy support, institutional participation, commercial investment, talent cultivation, and data supply. The use of the term "ecosystem" is to emphasize the linkage, evolution, and systemic association of this structure.
This book attempts to break away from industry report-style writing. We do not start with a certain type of equipment or focus on a certain technology, but rather proceed from a problem-oriented perspective, focusing on how computing power integrates into social operations, how it shapes industrial logic, and how it participates in public decision-making. The main point of discussion is not "how technology is realized," but "how society is transformed." We focus on the formation process of a trend, rather than the update cycle of a certain product; we focus on the reorganization of relationships in structural changes, rather than the short-term explosion of local technologies. Faced with this change, we should remain clear-headed: whether computing power is fairly accessible, efficiently usable, and safely reliable will affect the operating baseline of a society.
Therefore, this book is not a tool manual for programmers, nor is it an operating guide for managers, but rather hopes to provide a broader audience with an entry point into the "computing society." Each reader can read this map from their own perspective, and can also use their own experience to verify the logical structure within it.
We are living in a society woven by computing power. Understanding it is not for the sake of technology itself, but to better understand our own position and direction.
(This article is the preface to the book "Computing Power Ecosystem: A New Engine for China's High-Quality Development (算力生态：中国高质量发展新引擎)," this edition has been abridged, and the title has been added by the editor.)
Return to TopThis edition's email: dushu@peopledaily.cn
Layout design: Shen Yiling (沈亦伶)