Summary: The article discusses Shanghai's efforts to build a globally influential science and technology innovation hub, guided by Xi Jinping's instructions. These efforts include establishing platforms for scientific and technological innovation, increasing investment in basic research, and creating mechanisms to foster talent, particularly in areas like AI, integrated circuits, and biomedicine. Shanghai is also attracting global talent and building world-class research infrastructure. The article highlights the advancements in robotics, like the "Expedition A2" humanoid robot, and storage technology, emphasizing the shift from research to production. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Chinese cinema experienced a successful year in 2025, with total box office revenue exceeding 50 billion yuan, propelled by a strong performance during the Lunar New Year film season. Domestic films accounted for the majority of the top-grossing movies, and China's film market has become a crucial driver of global film industry growth. China is actively promoting its films internationally, holding Chinese film festivals in over 30 countries and regions. The article notes the increasing international appeal of Chinese films and the exchange of cinema with foreign countries, referencing films such as *Avatar 3*. The article does not discuss the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council meeting focused on implementing the Central Economic Work Conference's decisions, emphasizing proactive efforts across departments to solidify economic stability and prepare for the "15th Five-Year Plan." The meeting addressed work on workplace safety, solid waste management, and the implementation of value-added tax law. It also reviewed regulations on commercial mediation, aiming for alignment with international norms and improved legal services for foreign trade. The meeting did not discuss the United States.
Summary: The article addresses concerns about expanding China's opening-up policy amid rising global protectionism, arguing that "自主开放" (independent opening-up) is essential for China's continued development and international leadership. It highlights the Hainan Free Trade Port as an example of successful opening-up, citing increased foreign investment and trade. The piece emphasizes that China's opening-up is based on its own needs and promotes mutual benefit, rather than being driven by external pressures or solely based on reciprocal principles. It also mentions China's efforts to promote cooperation and mutual benefit through the Belt and Road Initiative, free trade zones, and the China International Import Expo. The article implicitly acknowledges concerns about balancing openness with security, positioning "自主开放" as the key to navigating this challenge.
Summary: The article reports on the progress of China's "Three-North Shelter Forest Program" (三北工程), a large-scale ecological project aimed at combating desertification and creating a "green Great Wall" in northern China. Since 2023, 415 projects have been implemented, completing 190 million acres of construction. The project utilizes various methods including engineering, biological, and technological approaches like grass grids, afforestation, and smart irrigation. By dividing the regions into ten key areas for joint prevention and control, the project seeks to form a new pattern of regional integrated management. An official from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration stated that the project is in a critical stage of all-round advancement and tackling key problems and that the country should continue to improve the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystem in the "Three-North" project area.
Summary: The second phase of the north trunk line of the "Han River to Wei River" water diversion project has been completed. This 89.54 km trunk line addresses water scarcity in the Wei River's northern region. The project aims to supply water for domestic and industrial use in the Shaanxi cities of Xi'an, Xianyang, Weinan and Yangling. The "Han River to Wei River" project is an important part of the national water network.
Summary: This article discusses advancements in high-tech applications within China's bridge construction engineering. It also mentions the unique architecture and ecological wisdom embodied in cave dwellings (窑洞) in the Loess Plateau region. The article does not appear to reference any specific officials, U.S.-China relations, or the United States.
Summary: Premier Li Qiang oversaw a constitutional oath ceremony for 47 newly appointed officials from 35 departments and units under the State Council. Li stressed the importance of aligning with the Party Central Committee led by Xi Jinping, and urged officials to be implementers, actors, and doers in executing the Party's decisions, particularly as the nation embarks on the "15th Five-Year Plan." He emphasized achieving high-quality development and focusing on long-term strategic tasks related to Chinese-style modernization, while maintaining integrity and upholding the constitution. Wu Zhenglong, State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council, announced the start of the ceremony. The report did not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: China has granted its first permits for L3 conditional autonomous driving, allowing two models to pilot on designated roads in Beijing and Chongqing. The vehicles, from BAIC Group and Changan Auto, will be tested in specific scenarios such as highways and traffic congestion, requiring driver intervention upon system request. These L3 vehicles feature advanced sensor suites and redundant safety systems. Currently, these vehicles are not available for direct sale to consumers, but ride-hailing services may allow consumer access. The tests are designed to accumulate data and experience for future commercialization. The article did not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: According to Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will prioritize high-quality, full employment by strengthening policy support, services, and protections, while also addressing structural employment contradictions through skills training and improved labor market mechanisms. The plan aims to optimize and ensure the sustainability of the social security system, by expanding multi-pillar pension insurance, and improving benefits for flexible workers and migrant workers, to promote income distribution. Minister Wang also highlights investment in human capital through skills training and talent development, including for youth in science and technology. The goal is to create a modern human resources system that supports high-quality development. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations in this article.
Summary: Chinese state railways saw freight volume increase by 2.7% year-on-year from January to November, reaching 3.727 billion tons. Rail-sea intermodal container transport also increased significantly, up 15.4% to 15.789 million TEUs. Cross-border freight transport saw notable growth, with China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains increasing by 9% to 31,200 trains, and the China-Laos Railway moving 4.98 million tons of goods, a 15% increase. The New Western Land-Sea Corridor also saw a 55% increase to 1.31 million TEUs. Finally, railway support for winter energy needs has been continuous, with coal inventories in power plants remaining high.
Summary: China's National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration issued a notice optimizing market quotations for centralized new energy power generation enterprises. The notice aims to create a market quotation method suitable for the characteristics of new energy power generation, distribution pattern, and business status while standardizing power market operations and improving power resource allocation. It gradually relaxes quotation restrictions for centralized new energy power generation enterprises by allowing multiple sites to submit quotation information from a single location, but also strengthens the supervision of quotation behavior. The National Energy Administration will dynamically revise the notice based on the new situation and requirements and accelerate the construction of a unified national electricity market system.
Summary: This article reports on the increasing tourism at Sayram Lake in Xinjiang. The lake, located in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. This year, the Sayram Lake scenic area has received 7,609,800 tourists, a 20.76% year-on-year increase. The article includes a photograph credited to Xu Rui of Xinhua News Agency. The article does not discuss the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Two groups of South African government officials attended training programs in China focused on Chinese-style modernization and urban governance. Officials like Neo Masegela, mayor of Kuruman Local Municipality, studied topics like rural revitalization, city planning, digital transformation, and poverty reduction, with site visits to places like Yunnan province. Trainees expressed admiration for China's progress in urban governance, public services, and digital development, seeing it as a model for South Africa. They also noted the importance of top-level planning and preserving unique characteristics in urban development, as well as China's advancements in digital governance and its contributions to the "Digital Silk Road." The training programs aimed to provide South African civil servants with valuable knowledge and skills to promote the modernization of national governance, and deepen bilateral cooperation in the digital sphere.
Summary: Following Hurricane Melissa, China provided aid to Jamaica, including the deployment of the "Peace Ark" hospital ship, which docked at multiple ports and provided medical services to over 7,500 Jamaicans. Jamaican Prime Minister Holness praised China's medical support, and Foreign Minister Johnson-Smith attended a reception to express gratitude for the adjusted itinerary to increase aid. The hospital ship set records for consecutive port calls and length of service in a single country, highlighting China's commitment to disaster relief. The article also notes that Jamaica is the first Caribbean country to establish a strategic partnership with China and sign a BRI cooperation plan, and has consistently adhered to the "One China" principle. Finally, the article alludes to China's commitment to jointly promote the "Five Projects" with Jamaica, including the "Peace Project" to enhance disaster governance, and to build a China-Latin America community with a shared future.
Summary: UNIDO Deputy Director-General Zou Ciyong stated that China plays an increasingly important strategic role in global sustainable development. Zou highlighted China's Global Development Initiative and its contributions to carbon reduction through advancements in new energy vehicles and clean energy technologies. He emphasized China's progress in digitalization, green transformation, and intelligent manufacturing, and its integration of new technologies into manufacturing processes. Zou expressed UNIDO's desire to deepen cooperation with China in areas like green transformation and the digital economy to support developing countries. The United States was not mentioned in the article.
Summary: The article accuses Japan of employing deceptive diplomacy, citing Koizumi's handling of the "radar irradiation" incident and attempts to justify hawkish Taiwan policy to allies, including the UK, France, Germany, and Canada, as examples of dishonesty. It draws parallels to Japan's pre-Pearl Harbor deception, referencing Secretary Hull's condemnation of Japan's "lies" during negotiations with the U.S. The piece argues that Japan's current "lies" are aimed at remilitarization and escaping post-war constraints, fueled by unrepentant revisionism regarding its wartime past. The article warns the international community to be wary of Japan's strategic intentions and prevent a resurgence of Japanese militarism. It highlights the U.S. experience with Japanese deception before Pearl Harbor as a cautionary tale.
Summary: The first China-Europe freight train carrying domestically produced auto parts departed from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, bound for Europe via the Manzhouli port. This inaugural train, consisting of 55 containers, marks Heilongjiang's first dedicated auto parts train on this route. The new service, facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative, is projected to reduce transit times by over two-thirds and cut freight costs by more than 25% compared to traditional methods. This reflects the expanding overseas market for Chinese-made goods. The article makes no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jia Kun stated that remilitarization and revisiting militarism are a dead end for Japan, referencing recent actions and comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, including those on Taiwan, which have sparked concern. Guo cited Japanese politicians and citizens expressing opposition to Takaichi's statements, with some warning against repeating historical mistakes of militaristic incitement. He emphasized that severing ties with militarism and pursuing peaceful development are essential for Japan to gain the trust of the international community. He also stated that such a path aligns with the fundamental interests of the Japanese people. There were no other officials mentioned as accompanying Guo.
Summary: China has launched its first smart port featuring unmanned container trucks and AI-driven dispatch at the Puzhai-Xinqing cargo channel on the China-Vietnam border. Construction began in September 2023 in Guangxi's Pingxiang, the smart port aims to streamline customs clearance by integrating regulatory oversight, logistics, and services. The unmanned trucks are capable of autonomous cross-border transport and resource allocation. The project seeks to facilitate smoother smart logistics along the China-Vietnam border.
Summary: Li Hongzhong, Chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Friendship, Peace and Development Committee, addressed a meeting in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of the committee's role in strengthening bilateral ties under the guidance of Xi Jinping's diplomatic thought. He highlighted Xi and Putin's congratulatory messages at the committee's 15th session, which provided strategic guidance. Li stressed the need to consolidate public support for China-Russia friendship and promote practical cooperation, adhering to the leadership of the Party Central Committee in foreign affairs. The meeting included a review of past work and a plan for 2026. The article did not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Various regions and departments, including Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, are actively promoting the spirit of the 20th Fourth Plenary Session of the CPC Central Committee through diverse and engaging methods, such as lectures, interactive discussions, and online broadcasts. These efforts aim to ensure the spirit of the session is deeply understood and effectively implemented at the grassroots level. Zhejiang utilizes youth-focused approaches like open mic sessions and AI interaction to resonate with younger audiences. Guangdong has mobilized approximately 20,000 teams and 100,000 speakers to conduct over 80,000 grassroots sessions. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has assembled high-level academic and youth scholar lecture groups to conduct research and interpretation, ensuring the plenary session's spirit is grounded in academic research, theoretical interpretation, and social practice.
Summary: The 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Forum was held in Xi'an, Shaanxi, focusing on "Practicing Social Responsibility and Promoting High-Quality Development." Shaanxi Party Secretary Zhao Yide and People's Daily Editor-in-Chief Chen Jianwen delivered speeches at the forum, which was attended by over 200 officials, business leaders, and experts. Participants emphasized that corporate social responsibility is a vivid reflection of the socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics and called for the implementation of Xi Jinping's economic thought and the spirit of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The forum included parallel sessions on new quality productive forces and technological innovation.
Summary: The Nantung Museum, China's first public museum, reopened on December 18th in Nantong, Jiangsu province, after renovation and upgrades. The 120-year-old museum, considered the birthplace of China's museum industry, now emphasizes the integration of museum and garden, achieving a dual renewal of exhibitions and landscaping.
Summary: Chinese cinema experienced a strong year in 2025, with total box office revenue exceeding 50 billion yuan, driven by successful domestic films like *Ne Zha: The Devil Child*. Domestic films accounted for over 80% of the total box office, and China became a major growth engine for the global film industry. The article highlights the industry's resilience, innovation, and the integration of culture and technology. Chinese films are also gaining international recognition, with film festivals and collaborations fostering cultural exchange. The article mentions imported films, including *Avatar 3*, are still being shown in China.
Summary: China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security launched a month-long nationwide program in mid-December to provide employment services for the graduates of 2026, previous graduates, and participants of grassroots service programs. The program aims to explore market-oriented employment opportunities, conduct online and offline recruitment activities, innovate online assessment services, and promote human resources services in universities. It will also strengthen risk prevention education and protect the legal rights of job seekers. The effort seeks to broaden the market-oriented and socialized employment channels for college graduates and other key groups. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations in the article.
Summary: Chinese police in Shenyang successfully dismantled an illegal foreign exchange operation run by Tong Moumou and Chen Moumou, acting on a tip from the United States regarding suspected money laundering for drug traffickers. Tong, operating from a car dealership in the U.S., facilitated RMB-USD exchanges, later engaging in illegal currency trading, including purchasing cryptocurrency to exchange for USD with a Mexican businessman. Chinese authorities discovered that some individuals were evading U.S. regulations on large cash transactions and cryptocurrency, which has been communicated to the U.S. through anti-money laundering cooperation channels. Tong and Chen were arrested in May 2024 and later sentenced to prison for illegal business operations involving over 16 million RMB in illegal foreign exchange transactions. The case highlights cooperation between the U.S. and China on anti-money laundering efforts.
Summary: Yunnan province has allocated 4.07 billion yuan in special funds this year to implement childcare subsidy policies aimed at creating a more "birth-friendly" society. The province will provide a unified subsidy of 3,600 yuan per year for eligible infants under three years old, with funds disbursed quarterly through social security cards. The Yunnan Provincial Department of Finance, in conjunction with the Provincial Health Commission, issued the "Implementation Plan for Childcare Subsidy System in Yunnan Province." This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on families with young children by streamlining policy implementation and expanding coverage. The project is managed through a unified platform for fiscal subsidies benefiting the people, ensuring direct and transparent distribution.
Summary: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government held the highest honors funeral for firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died in the line of duty during the Tai Po fire. Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu and other HKSAR government officials attended the funeral to express their condolences. After official procedures, Ho's hearse was taken to Tai Po Wang Fuk Court and Sha Tin Fire Station, where his colleagues conducted a final salute. The Fire Services Department posthumously awarded Ho Wai-ho the honorary title of Fire Foreman to commend his exemplary service and selfless spirit in performing fire fighting and rescue work. The United States and US-China relations are not mentioned in this article.
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Summary: NPC Standing Committee Legislative Affairs Commission spokesperson Huang Haihua introduced draft laws to be reviewed at the 19th session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, including revisions to the Foreign Trade Law and drafts concerning state-owned assets and trademark law. Revisions to the draft Ecological Environment Code include strengthening international cooperation in marine ecological protection, deep-sea polar research, and desertification prevention. The draft State Development Plan Law includes provisions for soliciting public opinion during the planning process and developing renewable energy. The draft Trademark Law aims to improve protection of trademark rights and promote fair market competition. Huang also highlighted efforts to incorporate suggestions from NPC deputies into legislation.
Summary: The All-China Journalists Association and the National Steering Committee on Advancing Ethics in the Press organized a national tour featuring outstanding journalists who shared their experiences in documenting China's development and serving the people. Journalists from various media outlets discussed their work covering events such as military parades, poverty alleviation efforts in Ningxia, and earthquake relief in Tibet, highlighting their dedication to reporting on both national events and local issues. Speakers emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptation to new media platforms, with examples ranging from the *People's Daily*'s embrace of Bilibili to veteran journalists leveraging online platforms. Attendees from universities across China expressed inspiration and reaffirmed their commitment to serving the people. The tour aimed to reinforce journalists' dedication to reporting with a people-centric approach in the evolving media landscape.
Summary: The "8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Communication Influence Report" was released on December 19th in Shanghai. The report, jointly compiled by the China International Import Expo Bureau and People's Daily Online Public Opinion Data Center, highlights the significant communication influence of the 8th CIIE. It noted over 2.4 million online mentions and 6 billion total exposures, a 20% year-on-year increase. The report tracks the communication heat surrounding exhibitors, trade groups, supporting activities, cultural exchanges, the Hongqiao Forum, supporting companies, and media organizations.
Summary: The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) released "Fengyuan," an AI-driven meteorological model, in Xiong'an New Area, Hebei, aiming to enhance AI-based weather forecasting and scientific research. According to Wang Yaqiang, the chief scientist of the research team, "Fengyuan" V1.0 consists of data assimilation and forecasting modules that can directly carry out global meteorological forecasts. CMA Deputy Director Cao Xiaozhong stated that "Fengyuan" signifies technological autonomy in key areas, providing a foundation for continuous development. The CMA also announced upgraded versions of the "Fengqing," "Fanglei," and "Fengshun" AI forecasting models, and the Fudan University-Xiong'an Meteorological AI Innovation Research Institute jointly established the "Earth System AI Forecasting" laboratory.
Summary: This article promotes the Huawei Kunling, an all-in-one network device designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. It highlights features like multi-WAN port routing for network stability, a dedicated Turbo acceleration port for point-of-sale systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Huawei Kunling claims to empower SMEs to upgrade to smart operations. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations in the article.
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Summary: China's bridge construction is rapidly advancing, driven by innovations in structure, materials, and equipment to meet complex environmental demands and improve transportation. Recent projects like the Hubei Yanqi Yangtze River Bridge feature innovative structural designs, such as the "different sag four-main cable system," to overcome engineering challenges. Material advancements emphasize lightweight, high-strength, and eco-friendly options, while equipment innovations promote industrialization, intelligent construction, and green practices, exemplified by projects like the Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge. Experts highlight the integration of AI and digital twin models for smarter and more resilient bridge construction. These advancements aim to create a modern transportation system that can handle increasing traffic and support national development goals.
Summary: The article discusses the proliferation of pseudo-science ("wei kepu") online, particularly in areas of health, food safety, and emerging technologies like AI and "quantum" products. Pseudo-science often uses fear-mongering tactics, jargon to feign expertise, and false endorsements from "authorities." The article attributes the difficulty in combating pseudo-science to the ease of creation versus the rigor required for debunking, as well as the financial incentives driving its production and spread and the use of AI to create and disseminate pseudo-scientific information. Finally, the article recommends checking information sources, being skeptical of absolutes, and verifying claims on authoritative platforms to help combat pseudo-science.
Summary: The Chinese Association for Science and Technology's Federation of Life Science Societies recently announced the "Top Ten Advances in Life Sciences in China for 2025," comprising six knowledge innovation projects and four technological innovation projects. The selected projects, including research on aging intervention, cancer treatment, and neuronal regeneration, focus on pressing issues in life sciences and public health. One project involves decoding the biosynthesis of locust aggregation pheromones and manipulating behavior. Another notable project involves exploring new boundaries of biodiversity, decoding the evolutionary process and adaptation of deep-sea animals. The selected projects are characterized by their strong innovation and broad coverage.
Summary: Chinese scientists at the Kunming Institute of Zoology have sequenced ancient dog genomes, tracing the lineage evolution of domestic dogs from East Asia to Western Eurasia and finding a unique ancient lineage in China 5,000 years ago. This research indicates close co-migration between dogs and humans over the past 10,000 years, with dog lineages flowing from the Eurasian steppes to the Hexi Corridor, mirroring ancient civilization connectivity. The Institute also made progress in the "Macaque Biological Resource Bank" plan, revealing the unique genetic advantages of Chinese macaques, identifying similarities between macaque mutation characteristics and existing human cohorts. Additionally, researchers have systematically clarified the evolutionary history and population dynamics of gibbons, identifying a key deletion that may play a role in the evolution of their long limbs.
Summary: A research team led by the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has completed integrated verification of a metal fuel manufacturing principle experimental line. The project achieved breakthroughs in core casting, single rod manufacturing, and component assembly, specifically using continuous casting and automated vertical assembly techniques. These advancements are part of CNNC's ongoing efforts in developing key technologies for integrated fast reactors, including addressing challenges related to fuel heat release and component dimensions. The team developed vertical single rod manufacturing equipment and vertical component assembly equipment to ensure metal fuel energy conversion efficiency and improve production efficiency. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Please provide the article you would like me to summarize. I need the text of the article to be able to provide an accurate and concise summary for professional analysts of Chinese politics, as per your instructions.
Summary: This article discusses the unique characteristics of Yaodong (cave dwellings) in China's Loess Plateau, highlighting their sustainable and eco-friendly design. It details the various types of Yaodong, including cliff-side, sunken courtyard, and independent structures, and their adaptation to different terrains and climates. The article emphasizes the traditional construction methods and the integration of these dwellings with the natural landscape. It also touches upon how modern technology is being incorporated to improve the durability, safety, and energy efficiency of Yaodong, ensuring their continued relevance in contemporary architecture and rural development. The piece frames Yaodong as not just historical relics but also as sources of ecological wisdom for sustainable modern building practices.
Summary: The article describes "Heavy Snow" (大雪), the 21st solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, noting its association with increased snowfall and lower temperatures. It explains that the term doesn't necessarily refer to the amount of snow, but the higher probability of snow accumulation on the ground. The piece highlights the unique "snow nest" phenomenon in coastal cities like Yantai and Weihai, Shandong Province, caused by cold air masses absorbing moisture from the warmer sea, leading to heavy, localized snowfall. This cold-air induced snow is similar to the "lake effect" snow in North America's Great Lakes region and the sea effect snow along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The article concludes by discussing the benefits and challenges of this unique winter weather phenomenon.
Summary: The article discusses the 冬至 (Winter Solstice), a significant point in the Chinese calendar marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It details the "数九" (counting nines) tradition, a method of counting the 81 days following the solstice to mark the coming of spring and inform agricultural practices. The article highlights various forms of 消寒图 (消寒圖, pictures to while away the winter), including drawing, writing, and filling methods, used as both calendars and games to track the weather and express anticipation for spring. These customs reflect the wisdom and experience of the agricultural era, offering a way to connect with the past and appreciate the philosophy of waiting for rebirth during the long winter. There is no mention of the United States or U.S.-China relations in the text.
Summary: This article discusses the significance of the "jue" (爵), an ancient Chinese bronze vessel used for drinking wine, as a symbol of status and its role in the development of early Chinese ritual systems. Excavations at the Erlitou site in Henan province have unearthed several bronze jue, including a notable example with nipple patterns, showcasing the advanced bronze casting techniques of the time. The article highlights that unlike the earlier Longshan period where bronze was mainly used for tools and weapons, the Erlitou period saw the use of bronze to make ceremonial ritual objects (like the "jue"), and this transition was a major leap in metal casting technology. The use of "jue" and other objects was regulated based on social status, becoming an important foundation for the development of more complete etiquette systems in later generations. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: Please provide the article you would like me to summarize. I need the text of the article to provide an accurate and helpful summary for professional analysts of Chinese politics.
Summary: The author reminisces about the significance of the winter solstice (冬至) and ancestral veneration in Chaozhou, contrasting it with the experience of being a migrant worker in the Pearl River Delta. The author recalls childhood memories of preparing and eating tangyuan (汤圆), cleaning tombs, and the family's ancestral rituals. The author reflects on family history, including the experiences of her 100-year-old grandmother and relatives who were overseas Chinese, highlighting the cultural importance of these traditions for those separated from their homeland. The author concludes by musing on the potential for future lunar missions and the possibility of robots experiencing similar feelings of nostalgia.
Summary: This article is a personal reflection on experiencing a snowfall in Chengdu. The author describes the beauty of the snow transforming the familiar landscape into a serene, monochrome scene reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings. The snow's quietness and simplicity offer a respite from the noise and anxieties of modern life, encouraging introspection and a return to a more essential state of being. The author contrasts the snow with the blossoming plum blossoms, highlighting the unique qualities of each. The snowfall brings a sense of unexpected romance and transforms the city into a temporary winter wonderland.
Summary: This article describes a Han Chinese bus driver named Su, originally from Shaanxi province but living in Xinjiang, who drives tourists through the Karakoram mountains. Despite his generally stoic demeanor, Su is shown to have a passion for Xinjiang dance, which he learned from various ethnic groups in his village. He explains that dancing helps him cope with the loneliness and difficulties of his job, which includes long stretches of driving and dealing with demanding tourists. The article highlights Su's appreciation for Xinjiang culture and the importance of dance as a means of connection and release. The article does not mention the United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: This poem describes the transformation of steel billets through a color spectrum, symbolizing a process of resilience and overcoming time. It depicts the movement of heavy, heated materials in the quiet of the night, highlighting the welding of fragile parts, akin to a pier on a riverbank enduring storms. The speaker seeks solace and renewal in sleep, envisioning daily fractures being tempered by the night, restoring plasticity and toughness, and integrating seamlessly with the dawn. There is no discussion of politics, officials, the United States, or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: I am sorry, but the provided input is simply a title of an oil painting, the artist, and the museum that houses it. There are no statements or actions of officials to summarize, nor any indication of U.S.-China relations. Therefore, I cannot fulfill the request.
Summary: The article describes "Laowei Guozitang," a traditional Tianjin dish made with day-old fried dough sticks (guozitang), eggs, and seasonings, emphasizing its historical significance and nostalgic value for locals. It details the preparation method, highlighting the importance of specific ingredients like day-old guozi and local soy sauce. The author suggests that the dish's appeal lies in its connection to memories of simpler times and family traditions, rather than in its cost or fanciness. It is also described as an important part of the local culture.
Summary: The author reflects on a visit to the former洮州卫 (Taozhou Garrison) in Gansu, a Ming dynasty military outpost populated by soldiers from Nanjing and Fengyang. The author observes the physical features and customs of modern residents, suggesting lingering connections to their southern ancestral homes. The author visited the city gates and local temples, noting the unique worship of dragon gods, possibly linked to the soldiers' origins. The author contemplates the lives of these soldiers, forever separated from their homeland, and how they became the people of Taozhou. The article makes no mention of United States or U.S.-China relations.
Summary: This blurb is a notice from the *People's Daily* soliciting original, first-publication submissions from readers. It specifies that submissions should not be sent to multiple publications simultaneously. The email address for submissions is provided. There is no discussion of any official statements, actions, U.S. relations, or accompanying personnel.
By: 本报记者 吴 焰 黄晓慧
Able to ride a bike and hike, able to enter factories to move material boxes, and also able to play with children... In the testing area of Zhiyuan Robot Company in Shanghai's Pudong New Area (上海浦东新区), the approximately 1.7-meter-tall humanoid robot "Yuanzheng A2" (远征A2) is showing off its skills. Not long ago, it walked more than 100 kilometers from Jinji Lake (金鸡湖) in Suzhou (苏州), Jiangsu (江苏) to the Bund (外滩) in Shanghai (上海), setting a world record for the longest distance walked by a humanoid robot.
Luo Jianlan (罗剑岚), Chief Scientist of Zhiyuan Robot Company, introduced that the "technology on display" has now been transformed into "capabilities on the production line," and the company's annual shipments of humanoid robots are expected to reach tens of thousands.
In April of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized during his inspection in Shanghai (上海): "Shanghai (上海) shoulders the historical mission of building an international science and technology innovation center. It must seize opportunities, take serving national strategies as the guide, continuously enhance the source function of scientific and technological innovation and the leading function of high-end industries, and accelerate the construction of a science and technology innovation highland with global influence."
To thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important instructions, the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee (上海市委) issued opinions on deepening the construction of an international science and technology innovation center, systematically planning and comprehensively promoting it.
Build science and technology innovation platforms, stimulate the source of vitality, and continuously enhance the source function of scientific and technological innovation.
In the National Key Laboratory of Integrated Chips and Systems of Fudan University (复旦大学), Liu Chunsen (刘春森), a young researcher, held a storage device the size of a thumbnail and introduced: "If traditional flash memory is like climbing stairs, then this 'Dawn' storage device is like 'flying on a rocket,' greatly improving the speed."
As one of the first researchers at Fudan (复旦) to enter the "Pioneer Zone for Basic Research," Liu Chunsen (刘春森) believes that a research atmosphere that is tolerant of failure and encourages innovation, as well as a high-level research platform, helps him to better focus on exploration. This year, the team broke the global record for the fastest storage and is currently actively promoting small-scale production.
Deeply cultivating original research with the potential to bring about major scientific discoveries or huge technological breakthroughs, Shanghai (上海) took the lead in piloting the "Pioneer Zone for Basic Research," jointly launched the "Explorer Program" with enterprises, and guided research teams to challenge high-risk, high-value research topics.
During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, Shanghai's (上海) total fiscal science and technology investment increased by approximately 50%. The investment of "real money" has driven Shanghai's (上海) total social R&D investment intensity from 4.17% in 2020 to approximately 4.4% in 2024, with basic research investment increasing by 84.5%.
Innovate the system and mechanism, give play to the agglomeration effect, and continuously enhance the leading function of high-end industries.
"This is not like a traditional school, but more like a scientist maker community." Chen Mingyang (陈明阳), a student of Shanghai Tech College (上海创智学院) in 2024 and the founder of the artificial intelligence startup "Qunlian Matrix" (群联矩阵), feels deeply. "In addition to the 200,000 yuan of entrepreneurial funding for college students, the team also has priority access to computing power, data, and scenario support, as well as high-quality incubator services." Since its establishment a year ago, Shanghai Tech College (上海创智学院) has incubated 10 entrepreneurial enterprises founded by teachers and students, with an average age of only 25 years old.
Ding Xiaodong (丁晓东), Secretary of the Party Committee and Executive Vice President of Shanghai Tech College (上海创智学院), said that the college breaks the traditional scientific research management and talent training model and does not use GPA or educational background as rigid indicators.
The establishment of Shanghai Tech College (上海创智学院) is one of the many measures taken by Shanghai (上海) to focus on the three leading industries of artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, and biomedicine, and to build world-class industrial clusters. Zhangjiang (张江) in Pudong (浦东), the Silicon Photonics Future Industry Cluster has been launched; in the Lingang New Area (临港新片区) of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (上海自贸试验区), innovative pharmaceutical companies have settled in the Life Blue Bay (生命蓝湾) characteristic industrial park; "Model Speed Space" (模速空间) in Xuhui Riverside (徐汇滨江) has gathered nearly 400 large model enterprises... In the first three quarters of this year, the manufacturing output value of Shanghai's (上海) three leading industries increased by 8.5% year-on-year.
Building a science and technology innovation highland with global influence also requires the appeal to attract top global talents.
The Shanghai Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies (上海数学与交叉学科研究院) led by mathematician Shing-Tung Yau (丘成桐) has only been established for 2 years, and 55 full-time researchers from more than 10 countries have joined; the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (世界人工智能大会) held in Shanghai (上海) attracted 12 Nobel Prize and Turing Award winners and more than 80 academicians and experts to participate; the "2025 World Top Scientist Association Prize" (世界顶尖科学家协会奖) awarded in October shows the world Shanghai's (上海) determination to build a science and technology innovation highland with global influence.
On both sides of the Huangpu River (黄浦江), the innovation system is constantly improving, innovation vitality is bursting forth, innovation efficiency is accelerating, and the construction of a science and technology innovation highland is continuously deepening: In the "Top Ten Scientific Advances in China" (中国科学十大进展) in 2024, Shanghai (上海) led and participated in several research projects; 20 world-class major science and technology infrastructure projects have been planned and built, gathering more than 80 "national-level" high-end scientific research platforms, and the "Great Zero Bay" (大零号湾) science and technology innovation source function zone is accelerating its growth...
The "Suggestions" of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee listed "a significant increase in the level of self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology" as one of the main goals of economic and social development during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period. The "15th Five-Year Plan" period is a critical period for Shanghai's (上海) international science and technology innovation center to move towards "strong functions." Bearing in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) earnest entrustment, Shanghai (上海) will take scientific and technological innovation as the lead, accelerate the promotion of high-level self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology, develop new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, and continuously enhance the city's functions and core competitiveness.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 任姗姗
Recently, the movie New Year's档 (dàng - "schedule," referring to the period around the Lunar New Year) has had a good start, helping to push the total box office for 2025 to exceed 50 billion yuan.
In July of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) wrote back to eight film artists, including Tian Hua (田华), emphasizing: "On the new journey, I hope you will continue to set an example in promoting morality and artistry, lead the vast number of film workers to strengthen their cultural confidence, root themselves in the fertile soil of life, and strive to create more excellent works that praise the spirit of the times and express the voice of the people, so as to make new contributions to the prosperity and development of the literary and artistic cause and the construction of a strong cultural country."
This year marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of Chinese cinema. Carrying the unique genes of Chinese civilization and imbued with the myriad aspects of Chinese-style modernization, Chinese cinema has repeatedly ushered in "boiling moments."
Chinese Cinema Accelerates
In 2025, the domestic animated film *Ne Zha: The Devil Child* won the global animated film box office champion. This is a high point, but far from the end.
Take a look at this annual report card.
According to statistics from the National Film Administration (国家电影局), as of 2:30 PM on December 13, 2025, the total box office for the year has reached 50.003 billion yuan, with a total of 1.194 billion moviegoers.
This year is very extraordinary, and this 50 billion is of unusual significance.
Seeing strength—
Among the top ten films at the box office for the year, domestic films account for nine. *Ne Zha: The Devil Child* set a new record in Chinese film history, ranking fifth on the global box office chart. *Zootopia 2*'s largest box office globally is in China, attracting widespread attention... The Chinese film market has become an important growth engine for the global film industry.
Seeing vitality—
Compared with 2024, the total box office successively broke through 10 billion yuan, 20 billion yuan, 30 billion yuan, and 40 billion yuan ahead of schedule... In 2025, Chinese cinema accelerated.
Seeing resilience—
The total box office in 2023 was 54.915 billion yuan, the total box office in 2024 was 42.502 billion yuan, and the total box office in 2025 exceeded 50 billion yuan again, demonstrating the resilience and potential of high-quality development of Chinese cinema.
Seeing advantages—
The total box office of domestic films throughout the year exceeded 40 billion yuan, and the share of domestic films exceeded 80%.
A series of favorable policies have been introduced, and various regions have supported the development of the film industry with "real money."
All Accumulated Strength Transforms into Innovation and Creation
The burst of vitality comes from long-term accumulation.
Looking back at the past five years of the "14th Five-Year Plan"—
The status of a major film country has become more consolidated, and the foundation for realizing a strong film country has become more solid.
Film production is strongly motivated. 740 films were produced in 2021, reaching 873 in 2024, and the output in 2025 still ranks among the top in the world.
Film screenings are available throughout urban and rural areas. In 2021, the total number of screens in the country exceeded 80,000. As of the end of October 2025, the total number of screens in the country was 92,556, ranking first in the world.
The core of the film industry has been upgraded. From the Oriental Movie Metropolis in Qingdao (青岛) , Shandong (山东) to the Yongchuan (永川) Science and Technology Film Studio in Chongqing (重庆), the integration of artificial intelligence and the film industry is developing in depth, and the "future film studio" is injecting technological content into films.
Generations of filmmakers have continued to struggle, recording the pulse of the times. Film, a product of industrial civilization, has continued to write countless new chapters in its creative combination with Chinese civilization and national aesthetics.
Since the new era, film has become one of the most active and most watched cultural fields of the contemporary era, with more distinct people-oriented characteristics, and a large number of excellent works have emerged one after another. Main melody films depict a grand era and promote mainstream values; realistic themes write about the pursuit of dreams and happiness; national style and national trends are favored, and the aesthetic connotation of domestic films is richer; Chinese technology and Chinese intelligent manufacturing are embedded in film narratives, and science fiction films create Chinese-style romance.
"These 120 years are 120 years of Chinese cinema keeping pace with the times and writing biographies for the times; 120 years of Chinese cinema portraying the people and walking with the people; 120 years of Chinese cinema holding high cultural confidence and forging national spirit; and 120 years of Chinese cinema exchanging and learning from each other and sharing beauty," said Mao Yu (毛羽), Deputy Director of the Film Bureau of the Central Propaganda Department (中宣部电影局), who presides over the daily work.
Now, all the accumulated strength has been transformed into innovation and creation.
Young talents are working hard and making progress, and realistic creation is thriving. The 38th China Golden Rooster Awards (中国电影金鸡奖) were won by young filmmakers, with the post-80s generation as the backbone and the post-90s generation beginning to show their talents. Among the award-winning works, realistic themes are diverse, showing a colorful life.
*Nanjing Photo Studio*, *Mountains and Rivers as Witness*, *The Volunteers: Fight for Peace*... One film after another witnesses the power of remembrance. Some viewers said: "We cannot forget, nor dare we forget." Zhang Ke (张珂), one of the screenwriters of *Nanjing Photo Studio*, said: "The resonance of the audience witnesses the power of true emotions connecting history and the present."
Film Consumption Scenarios and Service Experience are Iterating and Innovating
"Film+" expands the practical space of humanistic economics with breakthrough and unimaginable growth.
The "vitality" of a film is longer-lasting. The first-month sales of blind box figures exceeded 3 million, the search volume for filming locations such as Shanhua Temple (善化寺) and Yongan Temple (永安寺) increased by 380%, driving consumption of over 2.2 billion yuan... With the release of *Monster in the Waves*, four "little monsters" have broken out into a vast world.
What is the secret to attracting customers with "Film+"? "It's about telling good stories," said Wang Jun (王隽), Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Shanghai Film Group (上影集团). "Focusing on 'what audiences like to watch and what can be provided to audiences,' we should deeply cultivate content and connect consumption, and we must never be sloppy even in the 'last kilometer' of a film reaching the audience."
The content in cinemas is richer. Audiences "rush to a city for a screen." In Guiyang (贵阳) Yuejie Cinema, wearing a virtual reality helmet allows you to be "in the play" in a second. The historical atmosphere of works such as *Tang Palace Night Banquet* and *The Secret Qin Mausoleum* is overwhelming. During the intermission, you can also taste Guizhou (贵州) flavors such as Huaxi Beef Noodles (花溪牛肉粉).
Since the beginning of this year, activities such as "tasting food with movies," "traveling with movies," and "popularizing science with movies" have been launched one after another. Film is linked across borders with books, cultural creations, food, tourism, and other industries. Film-themed tourism routes have blossomed in various places, cinemas have become urban cultural living rooms, and film consumption scenarios and service experiences are iterating and innovating.
What is the key to transforming "traffic" into "retention" with "Film+"? "Ultimately, it is people-oriented," said Wei Pengju (魏鹏举), Dean of the Cultural Economics Research Institute of the Central University of Finance and Economics. The integration of humanities and economics means that people are both the starting point and the end point.
The linkage between film and the city is more "dreamlike." The Shanghai International Film Festival (上海国际电影节), held for 10 days, brought nearly 5 billion yuan in economic benefits to other industries such as transportation, accommodation, catering, and tourism. The "old brand" film festival meets consumption upgrades, and "Film+" shows a huge driving force for urban economic vitality.
What is the core value of "Film+"? "Creating a better life experience in the stock and expanding the sustained growth of the economy from the increment," a related research report released by the China Film Art Research Center (中国电影艺术研究中心) proposes that film is no longer the end point of the story, but a "starting point" that can connect everything.
In 2025, film has become an important part of promoting consumption to form a chain, and the film industry is transforming from a single box office economy to a diversified consumption ecology. "Culture + Technology" and "Humanities + Economy" are the internal logic, and the super-large market of more than 1.4 billion people contains unlimited possibilities.
Light and Shadow Build a "Spiritual" Bridge
Overseas box office revenue exceeds 1 billion yuan, and the "Chinese Film Festival" has landed in more than 30 countries and regions... In 2025, domestic films confidently set sail, telling the world about an open China, a modern China, and a civilized China.
A new pattern of international communication is opening up, and Chinese stories are entering the emotional depths of more audiences around the world.
From Paris (巴黎) to Jordan (约旦), from the classic film *The Goddess* to the documentary *The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru*, tradition and modernity, art and technology, and culture and industry are intertwined in multiple dimensions. Overseas audiences not only empathize with the Chinese people's efforts to live a good life, but also concretely perceive Chinese history and culture, refreshing their understanding of Chinese cinema.
When *Ne Zha: The Devil Child* breaks multiple overseas distribution records, when films such as *Detective Chinatown 1900* are released simultaneously in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, when *Nanjing Photo Studio* is brought to the screens of multiple countries... The brand-new Chinese cinema is bringing overseas audiences a brand-new Chinese impression. On social platforms, many overseas users spontaneously "endorse" Chinese films.
"Film can penetrate the barriers of language and culture and generate cross-regional resonance with audiences around the world," said Dai Mo (戴墨), a young director who visited with the Chinese film delegation.
A new space for cultural exchange is opening up, and light and shadow are building a "spiritual" bridge that transcends language.
More than 20 imported films such as *Jurassic World: Reborn* and domestic films jointly "ignited" the summer season, and imported films of different types such as *There is Still Tomorrow* and *A Cat's Fantastic Journey* are not without "Chinese confidants." A more open market can accommodate more diverse and excellent films.
At the Hainan Island International Film Festival (海南岛国际电影节) that just closed, the Chinese premiere of *Avatar 3* chose China's self-developed CINITY LED, and China's film projection equipment technology is now globally leading in the high-end projection field.
"New thinking, new scenarios, new technologies, and new business forms, all the new atmospheres in 2025 seem to show the surging vitality of Chinese cinema," said Rao Shuguang (饶曙光), President of the China Film Critics Society (中国电影评论学会).
"Based on the land of China, film workers should play a greater role in building a modern civilization of the Chinese nation," said Deng Guanghui (邓光辉), Secretary of the Party Group and Resident Vice Chairman of the China Film Association (中国电影家协会).
120 years ago, the pioneers of Chinese cinema aimed their cameras at the Peking Opera *Dingjun Mountain* (定军山), dreaming of making films for the Chinese people.
120 years later, Chinese filmmakers are unremittingly climbing towards cultural peaks, recording the journey of a great rejuvenation of a nation, and engraving a unique Chinese story and Chinese spirit.
Turning the pages of the 2025 Chinese film report card is the wonderful final chapter of the "14th Five-Year Plan" and the promising preface to the "15th Five-Year Plan." Building dreams with light and shadow, the film chapter in the blueprint of a strong cultural country is slowly unfolding.
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 19th. Premier of the State Council Li Qiang (李强) presided over an executive meeting of the State Council on December 19th, to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important speech at the Central Economic Work Conference, and made arrangements for implementing the decision-making and deployment of the Central Economic Work Conference. The meeting emphasized that all departments of the State Council must effectively unify their thinking and actions with the Party Central Committee's scientific judgment and decision-making arrangements on the situation, fully implement the overall requirements and policy orientation of next year's economic work, further enhance their sense of responsibility and urgency, conscientiously align themselves with the benchmarks, take the initiative to claim tasks, refine and substantiate them item by item in combination with their functions, accelerate the formulation of specific implementation plans, and promote the implementation of various tasks. For important tasks involving a wide range of areas and strong comprehensiveness, the leading departments should take the initiative to take responsibility, relevant departments should closely cooperate, strengthen cross-departmental collaborative efforts, and form a joint force to promote development. It is necessary to make efforts to implement policies in advance, and continuously consolidate and expand the momentum of economic stability and improvement with solid and effective work, so as to ensure a good start for the "15th Five-Year Plan."
The meeting heard a report on the progress of the three-year action plan for tackling the root causes of safety production, pointing out that safety production is related to the safety of people's lives and property, and the overall situation of economic development and social stability. We must always be vigilant and never relax in the slightest. It is necessary to strengthen key rectification, adhere to prevention first, focus on key industries, prominent problems, and weak links, thoroughly investigate and rectify various safety risks and hidden dangers, strengthen duty and emergency response, and resolutely prevent and curb the occurrence of major and particularly serious accidents. It is necessary to pay attention to addressing both the symptoms and root causes, timely summarize good experiences and practices, actively promote institutionalization and long-term effectiveness, consolidate the foundation of safety production, and improve the level of inherent safety.
The meeting made arrangements for carrying out comprehensive management actions for solid waste, pointing out that it is necessary to resolutely curb the growth trend of solid waste, and in accordance with the principles of reduction, resource utilization, and harmlessness, construct a comprehensive management system for solid waste that integrates source reduction, process control, end utilization, and full-chain harmless management, and prioritize the management of solid waste closely related to people's lives and safety production. It is necessary to accelerate the improvement of a long-term mechanism for comprehensive management, adhere to the principle of "whoever pollutes, who governs," strengthen the construction of infrastructure such as harmless storage, transfer, and disposal, improve the level of resource utilization of solid waste, and leverage market forces to promote the development of a circular economy.
The meeting reviewed and approved the "Implementation Regulations of the Value-Added Tax Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)," pointing out that it is necessary to vigorously ensure the smooth implementation of the Value-Added Tax Law, do a solid and detailed job in popularizing the law and providing operational guidance, ensure that taxpayers have laws to abide by and tax authorities have a basis for law enforcement, effectively protect the rights and interests of taxpayers, and create a fair competition environment.
The meeting reviewed and approved the "Commercial Mediation Regulations (Draft)," pointing out that it is necessary to take the promulgation of the "Regulations" as an opportunity to regulate commercial mediation activities in accordance with the law, control the access and supervision, establish a professional and high-level team of mediators, and improve the credibility of commercial mediation. It is necessary to promote the integration and connection of China's commercial mediation rules with international common rules, enhance the ability to provide foreign-related legal services, and provide strong guarantees for foreign economic and trade cooperation.
The meeting also studied other matters.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 罗珊珊
Reading the news, on December 18th, the Hainan Free Trade Port (海南自贸港) officially launched full island customs closure operations; as of November 10th, China's unilaterally visa-free countries have reached 48. Now that protectionism is rising internationally, why are we still actively expanding autonomous opening up?
——People's Daily Online Netizen
From the concerns of netizens, two questions can be extracted: "Should we continue to expand opening up?" and "What does autonomous opening up mean?"
Let's start with the Hainan Free Trade Port (海南自贸港).
On December 18, 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port (海南自贸港) officially launched full island customs closure operations, implementing a liberalization and facilitation policy system characterized by "'first line' liberalization, 'second line' control, and freedom within the island." This means that the flow of people, logistics, capital, data, and other factors from around the world will be more convenient to enter and exit Hainan (海南).
What has expanding opening up brought? Find the answer in Hainan's (海南) development report card—
In June 2020, the "Overall Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port (海南自由贸易港建设总体方案)" was released. In the past five years, Hainan (海南) has actually used 102.5 billion yuan of foreign investment, with an average annual increase of 14.6%; the average annual growth of trade in goods and services was 31.3% and 32.3% respectively, and the degree of economic openness increased to 35%. With the official launch of full island customs closure operations, this hot spot of opening up will usher in a new period of opportunity.
Looking at the course of China's (中国) reform and opening up, promoting reform and development through opening up is an important magic weapon for China's (中国) development to continuously achieve new achievements.
As of the end of 2024, foreign companies have cumulatively invested in the establishment of nearly 1.24 million enterprises in China (华), and nearly 700,000 foreign trade enterprises had import and export performance in 2024. Foreign trade and foreign investment directly or indirectly drive employment for more than 200 million people. In November of this year, China's (中国) actual use of foreign investment increased by 26.1% year-on-year.
Currently, the international situation is intertwined with changes and chaos, and some countries are turning to building trade protection barriers. Expanding opening up is more difficult and requires more than in the past. Therefore, some views, out of consideration for "security" and "reciprocity," have produced hesitation about expanding opening up.
How to dynamically balance "opening up" and "security"? The key to solving the problem lies in "autonomous opening up."
Autonomous opening up is an important feature of high-level opening up in the new era. It is an active opening up based on China's (中国) own development needs, taking into account the need for benign interaction with the world, and combining the characteristics of different industries and fields, with rhythm, scope, and levels.
In the past, our opening up was "following," but now our opening up is to "lead." The core of autonomous opening up lies in "taking me as the main," and the essence is "cooperation and win-win."
Autonomous opening up is neither opening up only under the principle of reciprocity, nor is it forced to open up under external pressure, but is based on the needs of China's (中国) modernization construction and based on independent autonomy.
High-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road (一带一路)," construction of free trade pilot zones, creation of international economic and trade cooperation platforms such as the China International Import Expo (进博会), zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff items for all least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China (中国), and orderly expansion of the scope of unilaterally visa-free countries... These pragmatic measures to actively expand opening up not only develop themselves, but also benefit the world.
The level of opening up is complementary and mutually reinforcing with the depth of reform and the stage of development. The deeper the reform and the higher the quality of development, the stronger the ability to open up; the greater the expansion of opening up, the greater the impetus for reform and the better the development.
Today, China (中国) has the world's largest middle-income group, with huge market space and strong growth; it has a complete industrial system with more than 200 mature industrial clusters; it has a large number of high-quality workers and entrepreneurs... China (中国) has many favorable factors to actively manage international space and shape the external environment, and is fully capable of winning the initiative in economic development and international competition through proactive opening up.
Actively expanding autonomous opening up, internally, better plays the driving role of promoting reform and development through opening up, and externally, better plays the leading role of promoting cooperation and win-win through opening up, which is a win-win move that is good for China (中国) and good for the world.
By: 本报记者 董丝雨
In Yopurga County (岳普湖县), Kashgar Prefecture (喀什地区), Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠), saxaul trees sway in the wind. Ablikim Ablat (阿卜力克木·阿卜来提), the Party Branch Secretary of Iftuti Kum Village (依甫吐迪库木村) in Ahonglukumu Township (阿洪鲁库木乡), holds a shovel and digs out thick and full Cistanche deserticola, "Saxaul can prevent wind and fix sand, and Cistanche deserticola is a Chinese medicinal material. Now the environment has improved, and income has also increased."
In June 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized when chairing a symposium on strengthening comprehensive desertification prevention and control and promoting the construction of key ecological projects such as the "Three-North" project: "Strive to spend about 10 years to fight a tough battle in the 'Three-North' project, and build the 'Three-North' project into an all-round and unbreakable green Great Wall and ecological security barrier in the northern border."
Relevant departments and localities have thoroughly implemented the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important instructions and steadily promoted the construction of the "Three-North" project. Since the "14th Five-Year Plan," the "Three-North" project has completed a construction task of 317 million mu. Since the three landmark battles of the "Three-North" project's tough battle were fully launched in June 2023, a total of 415 projects have been implemented, completing a construction task of 190 million mu, and important phased results have been achieved.
Weaving a dense and thick "green scarf" and exploring feasible ways to control desertification.
Laying grass checkerboards and nylon nets to "quiet" the flowing sand dunes; determining green with water, scientifically matching trees, shrubs, and grasses to improve vegetation survival rate; photovoltaic power generation and water extraction, applying intelligent drip irrigation and other technologies... Engineering desertification control, biological desertification control, and technological desertification control are carried out simultaneously. In November 2024, the 3,046-kilometer-long green sand barrier protection belt in the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠) achieved "closure."
In the Horqin (科尔沁) and Hunshandake (浑善达克) sandy land annihilation war zones, the trend of "green advance and sand retreat" has accelerated significantly, and the Horqin sandy land is regaining its former sparse grassland scenery; in the Yellow River "zigzag bend" (黄河“几字弯”) tough battle zone, a beautiful picture of "golden sand, blue sea, and oasis" is unfolding, and the amount of sediment input into the Yellow River has been greatly reduced; in the Hexi Corridor (河西走廊) - Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠) edge blocking war zone, the "handshake" of the Tengger (腾格里) and Badain Jaran (巴丹吉林) deserts has been effectively prevented.
Adhering to the concept of systematicness and strengthening regional joint prevention and control.
In the Uliangsu Lake (乌梁素海) National Important Wetland in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (内蒙古自治区), Yang Daoerji (杨道尔基), a staff member of the Urat National Nature Reserve Administration (乌拉特国家级自然保护区管理局), is observing the habitat and reproduction of key birds. "With the continuous enhancement of the ecological function of the basin, the number of Mute Swans has increased from 200 to nearly 600." Planting green on the mountains, clearing silt in the water, and protecting forests on the banks, the water quality of Uliangsu Lake (乌梁素海) continues to improve, and biodiversity continues to increase.
According to relevant officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (国家林草局), the sixth phase of the "Three-North" project plans to coordinate various ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts, and arrange comprehensive management and achievement consolidation tasks of 740 million mu, covering all elements of desertification control, water management, and mountain management.
A "chess game" of sand prevention and control. Coordinating the windward and leeward sides, the sand source area and the path area, the "Three-North" project area has delineated 10 key areas for joint prevention and control, forming a new pattern of regional integrated management.
Strengthening scientific and technological support and innovating mechanisms and models.
In Shapotou District (沙坡头区), Zhongwei City (中卫市), Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区), mature desert blue algae are collected, stirred, and combined with a substrate to form individual artificial blue algae crust inoculants. Next spring, they will be sent to sandy areas that need to be治理, and "reproduce" like seeds, eventually forming biological soil crusts.
"The sand fixation technology of 'grass checkerboard + artificial blue algae crust' that we have researched can shorten the natural formation time of biological soil crusts from 15 to 20 years to 1 to 2 years, greatly improving the management effect," said Zhao Yang (赵洋), deputy director of the Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station of the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院西北生态环境资源研究院沙坡头沙漠研究试验站).
Science and technology empower the "Three-North" project to improve quality and efficiency. The utilization rate of excellent tree and grass species in the "Three-North" project has exceeded 70%, and the proportion of mechanical desertification control and afforestation is close to 50%. In July 2023, the Three-North Engineering Research Institute (三北工程研究院) was established, aiming at the difficulties and bottlenecks in the management of the "Three-North" project, developing a batch of emergency key technologies, and building 15 scientific and technological highlands for the tough battle of the "Three-North" project.
"Currently, the 'Three-North' project is in a critical stage of comprehensive advancement and overcoming difficulties. We must keep in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) earnest entrustment, continue to exert efforts in scientific protection, systematic management, achievement consolidation, and industrial synergy, and continuously improve the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystems in the 'Three-North' project area, and strive to create new miracles in China's sand prevention and control in the new era," said relevant officials from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (国家林草局).
Return to TopOn December 19, the second phase of the Han River to Wei River Water Diversion Project's northern trunk line was fully connected. The Han River to Wei River Water Diversion Project is an important component of the national water network. The second phase of the project's northern trunk line is 89.54 kilometers long and is a crucial project to solve the water shortage problem in the "dry belt" of northern Shaanxi. After the completion of the Han River to Wei River Water Diversion Project, it can better meet the domestic and industrial water needs of Xi'an (西安), Xianyang (咸阳), Weinan (渭南), Yangling (杨凌) and other regions in Shaanxi (陕西). The picture shows the construction site of the Wei River (渭河) pipe bridge on the northern trunk line.
People's Daily reporter Zhang Danhua (张丹华) wrote, Zhang Wujun (张武军) photographed.
Return to TopScience and New Knowledge
China's Bridge Engineering "Brings New" High Technology
Sixth Edition
Interpreting the Philosophy of Human Settlement and Ecological Wisdom
Cave Dwellings, Constructing a Unique Landscape in the Loess Plateau
Seventh Edition
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 19th. On December 19th, the State Council held a constitutional oath ceremony. Premier of the State Council Li Qiang (李强) supervised the oath.
According to the "Constitution of the People's Republic of China" and the "Organizational Measures for the Constitutional Oath of National Staff Appointed by the State Council and its Departments," 47 heads of 35 departments and units appointed by the State Council took a constitutional oath in accordance with the law.
At 3 p.m., Wu Zhenglong (吴政隆), State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council, announced the start of the constitutional oath ceremony. All stood up and sang the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. Subsequently, the lead oath-taker placed a hand on the Constitution and recited the oath, while other oath-takers stood in formation and repeated the oath.
After the oath, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang (李强) delivered a speech. He emphasized that this constitutional oath takes place at a crucial time, bridging two five-year plan periods. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has outlined a beautiful blueprint for the "15th Five-Year Plan," and the Central Economic Work Conference has made comprehensive arrangements for the work in the first year. The goals and tasks have been clarified, and the blueprint must be realized through hard work. Everyone must transform the solemn oath into practical action, deeply study and thoroughly understand Xi Jinping (习近平) Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core in thought, politics, and action, and be executors, activists, and pragmatists who implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee to a higher standard.
Li Qiang (李强) emphasized that it is necessary to firmly establish and practice a correct view of performance, achieve performance for the people, and achieve performance through practical work. Focusing on high-quality development, do more things that lay the foundation, increase momentum, and benefit the long term, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, and promote major progress in strategic tasks related to the overall situation of Chinese-style modernization. Enhance the overall perspective, think about problems, formulate policies, and promote work from the overall strategic situation of the country, and take the initiative to step forward to efficiently coordinate and implement. Adhere to seeking truth from facts, consciously act in accordance with the laws, and create achievements that can stand the test of history and the people. It is necessary to enhance the executive ability to respond to changes and overcome difficulties, and be good at doing certain things in an uncertain environment. Pay attention to forward-looking layout, and strengthen situation prediction and policy research. Enhance innovation awareness, break path dependence, and use reform and innovation methods to solve deep-seated contradictions. Have the courage to overcome difficulties, take solving problems as an important breakthrough to open up the work situation, enhance work penetration, and promote the implementation of various deployments to achieve results. It is necessary to maintain the political character of integrity and honesty, unswervingly promote comprehensive and strict Party governance, promote good work style, and resolutely guard against formalism and bureaucracy. Safeguard the authority of the Constitution, adhere to administration according to law, and take the lead in respecting, studying, abiding by, and using the law. Li Qiang (李强) emphasized that under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, we must take responsibility and make progress, and contribute to promoting the construction of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
State Council leaders and responsible comrades from relevant departments of the State Council attended the meeting.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 王昊男 王欣悦
Under the warm winter sun, a white sedan travels steadily on the Beijing-Taiwan Expressway (京台高速). An icon lights up, and Wang Yan (王岩), chief engineer of the BAIC (北汽) L3 autonomous driving pilot project, gently touches the lever. "Automatic lane cruise has been activated," a prompt sounds, and the blue L3 logo on the instrument panel of the BAIC Arcfox Alpha S (北汽极狐阿尔法S) (L3 version) lights up.
"At this point, the vehicle enters L3 autonomous driving mode, and the driver's hands can be removed from the steering wheel, and the feet can also be removed from the brake," Wang Yan (王岩) explains. Only on the pilot road sections will the vehicle light up an icon, prompting the driver that the vehicle has the activation conditions for autonomous driving. "Within a single lane on the pilot road section, the vehicle can automatically steer and accelerate or decelerate."
On December 15, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (工业和信息化部) officially announced China's first batch of L3 conditional autonomous driving vehicle access permits. Two models will be piloted on designated areas in Beijing (北京) and Chongqing (重庆), marking a crucial step in China's L3 autonomous driving towards commercial application.
What is the significance of the access permit?
Autonomous driving moves from technology verification to a new stage of mass production application.
"According to the *Automobile Driving Automation Grading* standard released by the Standardization Administration of China (国家标准化管理委员会), autonomous driving is divided into six levels from L0 to L5, where L2 is combined driving assistance, and L3 is conditional autonomous driving. The market mainly consists of L2 models, used for highway and urban assisted driving," says Song Chaosheng (宋朝省), Executive Dean of the School of Intelligent Vehicle Technology at Chongqing University (重庆大学).
"L2 is only an assistance, L3 corresponds to conditional autonomous driving, which means that the vehicle can be automatically driven by the system in specific scenarios, but when the system issues an intervention request, the driver needs to take over the vehicle in a timely manner," says Liang Fenghua (梁锋华), Deputy General Manager of Artificial Intelligence Foundation and Application at Changan Technology (长安科技). L3 autonomous driving allows people to "release hands and eyes" under specific conditions, and the system can independently complete dynamic driving tasks.
This access permit is also fundamentally different from previous test licenses.
"The L3 conditional autonomous driving vehicles approved this time will be able to obtain formal licenses and be on the road in the future, which is different from testing," says Jia Beibei (贾贝贝), Director of the BAIC (北汽) L3 Autonomous Driving Project.
Ji Jie (冀杰), Associate Professor and Head of Intelligent Vehicle Engineering at the School of Engineering Technology, Southwest University (西南大学), believes that the approval of the first batch of L3 autonomous driving vehicle access permits marks a new stage in China's autonomous driving industry, moving from technology verification to mass production application. "This opens up a legal channel for the industrial chain to move from the laboratory to specific scenarios and open roads, which will accelerate the commercialization of autonomous driving."
What does "conditional" involve?
Human, vehicle, and road collaboration to ensure driving safety.
"Conditional" mainly refers to the fact that automobile manufacturers must clearly define the road types, weather conditions, driver status, vehicle operating conditions, and other restrictions applicable to autonomous driving functions.
First is the human. "L3 autonomous driving is conditional, for example, it must be on specific pilot road sections, and the network and satellite positioning signals must be normal," says Wang Yan (王岩). After the L3 autonomous driving function is turned on, the driver's vision can be appropriately removed from the front road, but it is not allowed to close the eyes for a long time, and the driver is not allowed to leave the driver's seat or unfasten the seat belt. When the vehicle detects relevant situations, it will issue a takeover request, and the driver must take over the vehicle in a timely manner.
It can only be driven on specific road sections at limited speeds. The pilot vehicles in Beijing (北京) can achieve autonomous driving functions at a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour within a single lane on specific highways and urban expressways; the pilot vehicles in Chongqing (重庆) focus on autonomous driving at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour in specific traffic congestion environments.
The requirements for the car are also higher. The Arcfox Alpha S (阿尔法S) (L3 version) is equipped with 34 high-performance sensors, including 3 lidar, which can achieve perceptual coverage of the vehicle's surrounding environment, providing accurate and comprehensive environmental information for system decision-making. Changan's (长安) models have also implanted key perception technologies such as 4D imaging millimeter-wave radar and micro-collision sensing.
The test vehicles are equipped with high-performance perception hardware and have also made safety redundancy backups to provide safety guarantees for passengers. "The hardware and software of L3 models are built around 'no failure allowed'," says Liang Fenghua (梁锋华). The vehicle must be able to operate safely even when some critical systems "crash," that is, "redundancy." The Changan (长安) model that has been approved has achieved a "seven-fold redundant architecture" for perception, control, power supply, communication, braking, steering, and interaction. Once a single point of failure occurs in the main controller or steering system, the backup system can quickly take over, control the vehicle to decelerate smoothly, and park safely.
Can individual car owners drive?
Currently, it cannot be sold to consumers.
Pilot vehicles are organized by the pilot entity to carry out on-road traffic pilots and cannot be directly sold to consumers at this time. "At the current stage, only pilot entities are allowed to carry out on limited road sections and limited models, and ordinary consumers cannot use them. However, ordinary consumers can make an appointment to take a taxi through a mini-program to experience autonomous driving functions," says Liang Fenghua (梁锋华).
In order to accelerate the commercialization process of L3 conditional autonomous driving technology, the consortium led by BAIC Group (北汽集团) has been selected into the list of L3 intelligent connected vehicle on-road traffic pilots released by the four departments, and plans to start operation in specific scenarios in the first quarter of 2026 to accumulate practical experience.
Chongqing (重庆) has a unique terrain. The "mountain city, foggy city, many bridges and tunnels, and three-dimensional transportation" provide a "test site" for verifying Changan Automobile's (长安汽车) L3 model. Song Chaosheng (宋朝省) said: "Chongqing's road conditions pose an all-round test to the vehicle's perception, positioning, control capabilities, and path planning. Being able to operate stably in Chongqing (重庆) means that the vehicle has the potential to cope with most complex road conditions."
This issue is coordinated by: Han Chunyao (韩春瑶)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 邱超奕
General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out that employment is the most basic livelihood issue, concerning the immediate interests of the people, the healthy development of the economy and society, and the long-term stability of the country. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China deliberated and approved the "Suggestions of the CPC Central Committee on Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development" (hereinafter referred to as the "Suggestions"), making strategic deployments for "promoting high-quality and full employment" and "improving the social security system." To thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the reporter interviewed Wang Xiaoping (王晓萍), Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (人力资源社会保障部).
Strengthen Policy Support to Promote the Effective Improvement of Employment Quality and the Reasonable Growth of Quantity
Reporter: What new situations and challenges will employment work face during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period? How to explore employment increments, improve employment quality, and do a good job in the employment of key groups?
Wang Xiaoping: During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, China's development is in a period where strategic opportunities and risks and challenges coexist, and uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing, and the development environment faced by employment work is becoming more complex. On the one hand, China's economic foundation is stable, has many advantages, is resilient, and has great potential. High-quality development is being steadily promoted, and new quality productive forces are developing and growing, which will provide strong support for maintaining the stability of the employment situation. On the other hand, the supply of new urban labor force remains at a high level, and the pressure on the total amount of employment remains unabated; new technologies such as artificial intelligence are developing rapidly, the demand for jobs is accelerating adjustment, and structural employment contradictions are becoming increasingly prominent; changes in the external environment will also bring some new situations and new problems, and the task of promoting high-quality and full employment is arduous and heavy.
In the face of new situations and new challenges, we will thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, take new progress in high-quality and full employment as the goal guidance, strengthen policy support, service supply, group assistance, and rights protection, and promote the effective improvement of employment quality and the reasonable growth of quantity.
First, deeply implement the employment-first strategy. It is necessary to strengthen the employment-first orientation, actively build an employment-friendly development mode, incorporate high-quality and full employment into the national economic and social development plan, and compile and implement a special employment "15th Five-Year Plan." Strengthen the coordination of industry and employment, vigorously develop the digital economy, green economy, and silver economy, and cultivate new drivers for employment growth. Implement and improve various support policies to promote the stability and expansion of jobs for various business entities. Increase support for entrepreneurship and promote various entrepreneurship models in accordance with local conditions.
Second, focus on solving structural employment contradictions. It is necessary to establish and improve a human resource demand forecasting mechanism, accelerate the development of new occupational standards, and guide and promote the coordination of professional settings and training courses with industrial development and adaptation to job needs. Deeply implement the "Skills Illuminate the Future" training action, focusing on key areas such as health and elderly care, advanced manufacturing, and modern services, to promote more workers to gain skills employment and skills income. Focus on improving the vocational skills competition system with Chinese characteristics to encourage young people in the new era to take the road of skills to become talents and skills to serve the country.
Third, implement classified policies to promote the employment of key groups. It is necessary to focus on young people, especially college graduates, expand market-oriented and socialized employment positions, strengthen guidance on employment and employment concepts, and promote youth employment and entrepreneurship through multiple channels. Focus on migrant workers, especially those who have been lifted out of poverty, smooth the channels for working outside and "employment at the doorstep," and vigorously promote the construction of labor service brands. Focus on groups with employment difficulties, strengthen employment assistance, and ensure that zero-employment families are dynamically cleared. Solidly do a good job in the employment of veterans, women, and others.
Fourth, create a fair and orderly employment environment. It is necessary to improve the unified and standardized human resource market system, resolutely eliminate institutional and mechanism obstacles affecting the flow of labor and talent, and protect workers' equal employment rights. Improve the labor standard system and the labor relations consultation and coordination mechanism, strengthen the protection of the basic rights and interests of workers in flexible employment, new employment forms, and over-age workers, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of workers.
Adhere to Reform and Innovation to Promote a More Optimized and Sustainable Social Security System
Reporter: The "Suggestions" propose the goal of "a more optimized and sustainable social security system" during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period. How should we understand this? How to implement the "Suggestions" on "improving the social security system" at the institutional level?
Wang Xiaoping: "More optimized" means focusing on the process of Chinese-style modernization and common prosperity for all the people, addressing shortcomings and strengthening weak links in some areas, and further optimizing and improving the social security system to better adapt to the stage of development. "More sustainable" concerns the people's confidence and expectations in livelihood security, and requires doing our best and acting according to our capabilities, coordinating economic and social development, coordinating the present and the long-term, and coordinating development and security to ensure the long-term stable operation of the social security system. The task of improving the social security system defined in the "Suggestions" involves many aspects of the system and mechanism. We must take reform and innovation as the fundamental driving force, systematically integrate and synergistically and efficiently promote key reforms in the social security field, promote a more mature and finalized social security system, and continuously enhance the sustainability, fairness, accessibility, security, convenience, and standardization of social security.
First, accelerate the development of a multi-level and multi-pillar old-age insurance system. At present, China has built a multi-level and multi-pillar old-age insurance system based on basic old-age insurance and supplemented by enterprise (occupational) annuities and personal pensions. In the next step, we will improve and implement the national overall planning system for basic old-age insurance to promote the unification and standardization of the system. Promote various qualified employers to accelerate the establishment of enterprise annuities to better play the supplementary security function. Enrich personal pension products to give the public more choices and security.
Second, improve the mechanism for determining and adjusting benefits. It is necessary to improve the starting conditions and adjustment methods for benefit adjustments, give greater emphasis to low-income groups, gradually increase the basic old-age pension for urban and rural residents, and better play the positive role of social security in regulating income distribution, expanding domestic demand, and promoting social equity.
Third, establish and improve the occupational injury security system. This is the first time that this institutional arrangement has been proposed in the Party's plenary session documents. This year, the pilot program for occupational injury security for new employment forms has been expanded to 17 provinces, with a cumulative total of more than 23 million people paying premiums and participating in insurance. In the future, the pilot expansion work will be promoted in a step-by-step, gradual, stable, and orderly manner from three dimensions: expanding provinces, adding enterprises, and broadening industries, to better protect the rights and interests of people in new employment forms.
Fourth, increase the participation rate of flexible employment personnel, migrant workers, and new employment form personnel. It is necessary to further improve the policy on the transfer and continuation of old-age insurance relationships, optimize the unified national social security public service platform, and improve the timeliness and convenience of transfer and continuation processing. Study and improve relevant measures to promote the participation of flexible employment personnel and other groups in employee old-age insurance to promote a more open and inclusive social security system. Strengthen data to find people, optimize participation services, and make social security more fairly benefit the broad masses of the people.
Fifth, improve the social insurance actuarial system. This is an institutional arrangement made by the plenary session for the sustainability of social security. It is necessary to build a social insurance actuarial basic resource database, regularly carry out fund actuarial analysis, and better play the supporting role of actuarial science in supporting macro decision-making and system reform.
Sixth, improve the long-term fundraising, overall adjustment, value preservation and appreciation, and safety supervision mechanism of social security funds. It is necessary to continue to transfer state-owned capital to enrich social security funds and raise funds through multiple channels. Optimize the national overall adjustment mechanism of the basic old-age insurance fund to ensure that basic old-age pensions are paid on time and in full. Expand the scale of entrusted investment of the basic old-age insurance fund to promote the preservation and appreciation of the fund. Improve the "four-in-one" risk prevention and control system of policy, handling, information, and supervision, and maintain a high-pressure posture in cracking down on embezzlement and fraud.
Focus on Investing in People and Accelerate the Shaping of Modern Human Resources
Reporter: The "Suggestions" propose that "investment in things and investment in people are closely combined." How will human resources and social security departments carry out relevant work on "investing in people" in developing human resources and cultivating technical and skilled talents?
Wang Xiaoping: The essence of investing in people lies in using more resources for human resource development and paying more attention to the all-round development of people. We will focus on the main line of human resource development and utilization, improve the talent cultivation, use, evaluation, and incentive mechanisms, improve the human resource supply and demand matching mechanism, and accelerate the shaping of modern human resources to support high-quality development.
First, focus on cultivating young scientific and technological talents. It is necessary to scientifically assess and timely release the demand catalog for "high-precision, cutting-edge, and scarce" talents around national strategic needs. Accelerate the construction of a postdoctoral system with international competitiveness and improve the diversified postdoctoral investment mechanism. Deeply implement the knowledge renewal project for professional and technical personnel and carry out large-scale continuing education in the upgrading of traditional industries and emerging and future industries. Coordinate the implementation of various study abroad return projects and focus on supporting a group of high-level returned students to return to China for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Second, carry out large-scale vocational skills improvement training actions. It is necessary to vigorously carry out the "Skills Illuminate the Future" training action, focusing on new quality productive forces and areas urgently needed for people's livelihoods, and implement project-based training models. Improve the lifelong vocational skills training system and widely carry out multi-level vocational skills training throughout all stages of workers from learning to work. Give full play to the main role of enterprises in cultivation, create a skills ecosystem that connects and integrates industry, teaching, and evaluation, and fully implement the new enterprise apprenticeship system.
Third, improve the talent evaluation and salary distribution incentive mechanism. It is necessary to highlight innovation, quality, effectiveness, and contribution as the evaluation orientation and deepen the reform of职称 (zhíchēng - "professional title," a system of ranking for professional and technical personnel), vocational qualifications, and the personnel system of public institutions. Fully implement the "New Eight-Level Worker" system to break the "ceiling" for the growth of skilled talents. Solidly promote the reform of the salary system in universities, research institutes, and public hospitals, and optimize and improve the salary distribution incentive mechanism for high-level talents. Improve the skills-oriented salary distribution system, implement the classification reference guidelines for the minimum wage for skilled talents, and guide wage distribution to key positions and urgently needed and scarce highly skilled talents.
Fourth, improve the efficiency of human resource supply and demand matching. It is necessary to give full play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation, better play the role of the government, and promote the fuller flow and more optimized allocation of human resources. Compile and implement the "15th Five-Year Plan" special plan for the development of the human resource service industry, highlighting industrial guidance, policy support, and environmental creation. Improve the legal system of the human resource market, improve the supervision of online recruitment services, and the credit grading and classification management system. Improve the employment public service system, build a unified national employment information resource database and a national employment public service platform, and improve the "big data + iron feet" service model to promote efficient matching of people and jobs.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing on December 19th (Reporter Li Xinping (李心萍)): The reporter learned from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (中国国家铁路集团有限公司) that from January to November this year, the national railway cumulatively transported 3.727 billion tons of goods, a year-on-year increase of 2.7%; the average daily loading was 187,000 wagons, a year-on-year increase of 3.7%.
The supply of logistics products is precise and efficient. From January to November, the national railway cumulatively transported 15.789 million TEUs of intermodal containers, a year-on-year increase of 15.4%, and the "single bill of lading" logistics product for intermodal transport has accumulated 34,000 TEUs in bookings.
The quality of logistics services continues to improve. Vigorously develop general logistics contracting services, with a cumulative total of 1.4 billion tons of logistics general contracting contracts signed. The China Railway Network Freight Logistics Platform, which serves individual car drivers and car transportation companies participating in public-rail combined transportation businesses, has been fully promoted, with 178,000 cars registered, providing customers with pick-up and delivery services at both ends of the railway, making the entire logistics process more convenient and efficient.
Cross-border cargo transportation is stable and smooth. From January to November, China-Europe (Asia) freight trains operated a total of 31,200 trains, a year-on-year increase of 9.0%, of which China-Europe freight trains operated 1,852 trains in November, a year-on-year increase of 21%, setting a new historical high for monthly operations. From January to November, the China-Laos Railway cross-border freight trains cumulatively transported 4.98 million tons of goods, a year-on-year increase of 15%; the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (西部陆海新通道) trains cumulatively transported 1.31 million TEUs, a year-on-year increase of 55%.
The transportation of key materials is strongly guaranteed. From January to November, the national railway's transportation volume of metallurgical materials and grain increased by 8.5% and 10.0% year-on-year, respectively. Supporting various regions in preparing for peak winter demand, as of the end of November, the national railway's direct coal supply to power plants remained at a high level, and power plants with coal reserves of less than 15 days achieved dynamic clearing.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing on December 19th (Reporter Ding Yiting (丁怡婷)) The National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委) and the National Energy Administration (国家能源局) recently issued the "Notice on Optimizing Market Quotations for Centralized New Energy Power Generation Enterprises (Trial Implementation)," to promote the construction of market quotation methods that conform to the characteristics of new energy power generation, distribution patterns, and operating conditions, standardize the operation order of the electricity market, and improve the efficiency of optimal allocation of electricity resources.
Compared with traditional thermal power plants, new energy power plants are smaller in scale, more scattered in layout, more remote in location, and have fewer personnel. Since last year, new energy power generation companies have reflected relevant demands through various channels, hoping to moderately relax centralized quotation restrictions to better adapt to the requirements of full market entry for new energy. The notice gradually relaxes the quotation restrictions for centralized new energy power generation enterprises on the premise of following the basic rules of electricity market operation and not adding new operating entities, allowing multiple plants to submit quotation information at the same fixed location.
The notice, on the one hand, improves the conditions for "loosening" and regulates the orderly relaxation of restrictions. First, in terms of method, it allows centralized quotation, clarifying the definition, scope of application, and related requirements of centralized quotation. Second, necessary restrictions are imposed on the scale. Based on the calculation of various schemes, the restricted scale of centralized quotation is determined.
On the other hand, it improves the "blocking" mechanism and strengthens the supervision of quotation behavior. This mainly includes improving the ex-ante filing mechanism, improving in-process monitoring methods, and strengthening ex-post supervision and investigation. Market operators should establish and improve centralized quotation monitoring and risk prevention and control mechanisms, and regularly submit market monitoring and analysis reports; new energy power generation companies should submit annual quotation behavior analysis reports; dispatched agencies and relevant local departments should investigate and deal with behaviors that disrupt market order in accordance with laws and regulations.
The relevant person in charge of the National Energy Administration (国家能源局) stated that they will closely monitor the construction of the electricity market and the participation of new energy in the market, dynamically revise the notice according to new situations and new requirements, continuously improve and perfect relevant electricity market policies, and accelerate the construction of a unified national electricity market system.
Return to TopRecently, tourists enjoyed themselves by Lake Sayram (赛里木湖) in Xinjiang (新疆) after the snow.
Lake Sayram (赛里木湖) is located in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (博尔塔拉蒙古自治州) and is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang (新疆). Since the beginning of this year, the Lake Sayram (赛里木湖) scenic area has received a total of 7,609,800 tourists, an increase of 20.76% year-on-year.
Photo by Xu Rui (徐锐) (Xinhua News Agency (新华社) )
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 郑 翔
Nio Masengela arrived in Beijing to study, his suitcase packed not only with daily necessities but also with a long list of urban governance challenges. As the mayor of the local municipality of Kuruman in South Africa, his city is facing a series of governance pressures brought about by development – how to improve people's well-being, increase the efficiency of resource allocation, and narrow the gap between urban and rural areas... These problems are intertwined and urgently need to be solved.
Nio Masengela participated in the training on Chinese-style modernization and urban governance. Recently, the South African National School of Government has successively selected two groups of government officials to go to China for training to learn about China's experience and practices in local government service innovation, governance modernization, smart city construction, and poverty reduction and development. The training program is sponsored by the Academy for International Business Officials of the Ministry of Commerce of China, Beijing Jiaotong University (北京交通大学) and other units. Trainees interviewed by this reporter said that they personally felt the vitality of China's development, and China has made remarkable achievements and accumulated rich experience in urban governance, people's livelihood improvement, and digital transformation, "providing a vivid model for South Africa's modernization governance."
Rural and urban development resonate at the same frequency—
Making development more balanced and inclusive
Through the course "Urban Design Practice and Thinking for China's Sustainable Rural Revitalization," Masengela has a further understanding of China's rural revitalization strategy. During the field trip in Kunming (昆明), Yunnan (云南), he saw that the specific practice of the rural revitalization strategy has truly improved people's well-being. "The protection and revitalization of ancient villages, the creation of agricultural, cultural, tourism integration and creative industry villages, and the promotion of integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, and grasslands... The government has continued to promote rural infrastructure construction and improvement of the living environment, with remarkable results. Livable and vibrant villages are a vivid portrayal of Chinese-style modernization." Masengela said that Chinese-style modernization allows rural and urban development to resonate at the same frequency, making development more balanced and inclusive.
"During the training, I truly felt the sense of gain, happiness, and security of the Chinese people. I hope to draw on more experience accumulated by China in governance and transform it into innovative practice." Masengela said that the Chinese government has always adhered to the people-centered development thought, taking safeguarding and improving people's livelihood as the fundamental purpose of development, "fully reflecting the governance wisdom of development for the people, development relying on the people, and development results shared by the people."
"Comprehensive rural revitalization regards cities and villages as a community, emphasizing the two-way flow of urban and rural elements and the balanced allocation of public resources." Masepeke Herbert, President of Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa, said that comprehensive rural revitalization means that China pays attention to the "integrity" of development.
Currently, South Africa is facing social problems such as high unemployment rate and continuous expansion of the gap between the rich and the poor, and promoting inclusive development has become a top priority. In the view of Sboniso Zondi, Director of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation at the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, China has made remarkable achievements in poverty reduction, and the accumulated experience provides useful lessons for South Africa. "China's innovative practices such as providing assistance measures based on local conditions, cultivating characteristic and advantageous industries, and promoting science and technology poverty alleviation are enlightening for South Africa's efforts to achieve the goal of eliminating poverty by 2030." Sboniso Zondi said.
Kanyane Matlabe, Director of Strategic Policy at the South African Department of Justice, has a deeper understanding of China's relocation poverty alleviation policy through this training. She believes that China's experience in systematically promoting the coordinated development of housing security and basic people's livelihood projects such as education and employment is worth learning from.
Urban planning and construction—
Strengthening top-level design and maintaining unique features
How can historical cities integrate into modern civilization without losing their ancient charm? How can ancient cultural genes be rejuvenated in the contemporary urban texture? As a lover of Chinese history and culture, Anthony Munsami, Chief Director of the Department of Cooperative Governance in Gauteng Province, South Africa, is very interested in how cities such as Beijing (北京), Shanghai (上海), and Kunming (昆明) maintain their unique features.
"One second I was still immersed in the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City (故宫), and the next moment I looked up and saw skyscrapers standing on the city skyline. What a wonderful experience!" Munsami exclaimed. Studying the relevant courses on "Modern Development of Historical Cities" made him realize the role of urban planning in promoting China's urban modernization. For example, the capital's planning is to "make historical culture and natural ecology sustainable and complement modern construction." Beijing's path of integrating ancient and modern times first stems from the country's far-sighted strategic planning and institutional arrangements at the national level. "This is a model of leading cultural heritage into urban life through top-level design." Munsami said.
In the Pudong Development Exhibition Hall, carefully placed planning maps, sand tables, and old photos systematically present the evolution history of Pudong New Area (浦东新区) from farmland to a modern new city. "The Pudong Development Exhibition Hall is a window to understand China's reform and opening up and the Pudong miracle, and it shows the grand narrative of urban planning and governance wisdom in the process of Chinese-style modernization." Susan Khumalo, Chief Operating Officer of the National Development Agency of South Africa, said, "Before starting large-scale construction, Pudong New Area systematically laid out the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone (陆家嘴金融贸易区), Jinqiao Export Processing Zone (金桥出口加工区), Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone (外高桥保税区) and other distinctive development zones. These functional zones have clear positioning, complementary coordination, and form an organic whole, laying the foundation for the orderly development of Pudong New Area."
How China achieves a balance between urban development and ecological governance is also a topic of great concern to many South African officials before visiting China. "Visiting the Kunming Urban Planning Exhibition Hall opened up a new perspective for me. Yunnan (云南) strives to be a pioneer in ecological civilization construction, and Kunming (昆明) is committed to finding a sustainable development path of 'city and green integration'." Khumalo said that through projects such as intercepting sewage around the lake and ecological restoration, the water quality of Dianchi Lake (滇池) has been significantly improved, biodiversity has gradually recovered, and the overall value of the city and the quality of the living environment have been significantly improved, and ecological investment has been transformed into practical people's livelihood and well-being.
Accelerating digital transformation—
Using technology to create a better life
When asked what was the deepest feeling during the training in China, "convenient and efficient" was the high-frequency answer given by South African officials. They believe that from "digital payment" to "digital government affairs," China's digital transformation has a wide coverage and profound impact, injecting momentum into high-quality development.
From "decentralized handling" to "one-stop online service," changing from "people looking for services" to "services looking for people," the Ninghe District (宁河区) Government Service Center in Tianjin (天津), using big data, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, actively opens up digital channels and broadens the channels for interaction between the government and the people, leaving a deep impression on Matlabe.
In recent years, China has made remarkable achievements in promoting the construction of digital government. China's experience in modernizing public services, especially the integrated application of big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning, enables China to build a responsive, data-driven public service system and achieve efficient information sharing across departments and agencies. "This is a replicable path for South Africa's reform." Matlabe said.
"From smart city planning, building a national health information platform, to integrating public data systems, China is building a technology-supported governance system." Carmen Domingo-Swartz, a staff member of the South African Public Service Commission, said that China's progress in the field of digital governance will better empower the modernization of social governance.
In Munsami's view, in the global digital transformation process, China's cooperation model of 授人以渔 (shòu rén yǐ yú - "teach a man to fish," to teach someone how to do something rather than doing it for them) demonstrates the responsibility of a major country. "China actively promotes the construction of the 'Digital Silk Road,' creates inclusive development digital opportunities, and helps African countries' characteristic products enter the global market." Munsami said that China vigorously cultivates localized digital talents for developing countries, helping them achieve truly sustainable digital transformation, "We look forward to South Africa and China continuing to deepen and solidify cooperation in the digital field."
Busani Ngcaweni, former Dean of the South African National School of Government, said that the training in China provides South African civil servants with valuable opportunities to acquire professional knowledge and skills, which is of great significance for South Africa to improve the administrative efficiency of the public sector and promote the modernization of national governance capabilities. As fellow countries of the Global South, we hope that South Africa and China will continue to inspire each other on the road to development and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results in pragmatic cooperation.
(Reported from Johannesburg)
Return to TopBy: 王锦峰
Not long ago, Hurricane Melissa, a category five hurricane, struck Jamaica, causing casualties and significant property damage. President Xi Jinping (习近平) sent a message of condolence to Governor-General Allen (艾伦) of Jamaica regarding the hurricane disaster in Jamaica, expressing China's willingness to provide assistance to Jamaica and support the Jamaican people in overcoming the disaster and rebuilding their homes as soon as possible. Now, the assistance provided by China has been successively delivered to Jamaica, and has been highly praised and unanimously acclaimed by the Jamaican government and people. In particular, on December 16 local time, the Chinese Navy hospital ship "Ark of Peace" (丝路方舟号) , which was carrying out the "Harmonious Mission-2025" task, successfully completed its 12-day friendly visit and medical service in Jamaica. This visit came at a time when Jamaica was suffering from a hurricane disaster and the medical system was under great pressure. At this difficult moment, the "Ark of Peace" hospital ship came with peace and friendship, helping those in need and healing the wounded, writing a strong and colorful stroke in the history of friendly exchanges between China and Jamaica.
The "Ark of Peace" hospital ship successively docked at Montego Bay (蒙特哥贝港), Kingston (金斯敦港), and Falmouth (法尔茅斯港), providing diagnosis and treatment services to a total of 7,563 people and completing various laboratory tests for 5,101 people, and performing surgical procedures for 715 people. This visit set three records for the "Harmonious Mission" series of tasks: the most consecutive port calls in a single country, the longest medical service time in the same country, and the largest number of diagnoses and treatments. Jamaican Prime Minister Holness (霍尔尼斯) highly praised the Chinese hospital ship for providing crucial medical support for Jamaica's post-disaster reconstruction. Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Johnson-Smith (约翰逊—史密斯) attended the deck reception as a representative of the Jamaican government, expressing her sincere gratitude to China for actively responding to Jamaica's demands, urgently adjusting the itinerary, increasing the number of port calls and treatment time, and providing timely help to Jamaica's post-disaster relief. Many Jamaican dignitaries visited the ship and praised the advanced equipment and high-quality and efficient diagnosis and treatment services of the "Ark of Peace" hospital ship, and were very interested in the characteristic therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture and cupping. Many mayors personally experienced them on the spot.
In the 12 days, many deeply touching friendly moments were left behind. A Jamaican baby, only 27 days old, came to the ship for emergency treatment. A photo of Chinese medical staff holding him with loving faces was widely circulated on Jamaican social media, and the baby was affectionately called "Ark of Peace Baby." Doctors from China and Jamaica worked side by side to jointly perform cataract and hernia surgeries. Chinese medical staff worked day and night to carry out diagnosis and treatment, often too busy to eat, just to treat one more patient. Their sincere dedication vividly interprets the spirit of the Silk Road, the spirit of the Red Cross, and the spirit of international humanitarianism.
Although China and Jamaica are far apart, the friendship between the two peoples has a long history. Jamaica is one of the first countries in the English-speaking Caribbean region to establish diplomatic relations with China, the first Caribbean country to establish a strategic partnership with China, the first Caribbean country to sign a cooperation plan for jointly building the "Belt and Road," and has joined the "Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative." Jamaica has always firmly adhered to the one-China principle and provided valuable support to China in bilateral and multilateral fields. Cooperation between China and Jamaica in various fields has steadily advanced, helping Jamaica's economic and social development and bringing tangible benefits to the local people. The North-South Highway (南北高速公路) built by China is printed on the 5,000 Jamaican dollar banknote, and the highway was praised as an "important lifeline" in the post-hurricane disaster relief. China and Jamaica are working together and developing together, setting a model of equal treatment and mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between large and small countries.
**守望相助** (shǒu wàng xiāng zhù - "keep watch and help each other," to help and defend each other), boundless love. In May of this year, President Xi Jinping (习近平) announced at the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-Latin America and Caribbean Countries Forum that China is willing to work with Latin America to launch the "Five Major Projects" of solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people exchanges, to jointly seek development and revitalization, and to jointly build a China-Latin America community with a shared future. Among them, the "Peace Project" clearly proposes to strengthen disaster governance. China is willing to work with Jamaica to promote the implementation of the "Five Major Projects" and make due contributions to Jamaica's disaster prevention, mitigation, and sustainable development. We sincerely wish Jamaica an early victory over the disaster, rebuild its homeland, and work with China to write a new chapter in the China-Jamaica strategic partnership.
(The author is the Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 任皓宇
"China plays an increasingly important strategic role in the global sustainable development process." Zou Ciyong (邹刺勇), Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) (联合国工业发展组织), said in a recent interview with this reporter that UNIDO looks forward to continuing to work with China to strengthen cooperation in a wider range, at a higher level, and in greater depth, to help achieve the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute more to promoting sustainable industrialization.
"At present, the global development agenda has been delayed, the global landscape is undergoing profound adjustments, and it is crucial to promote the construction of a more resilient and sustainable global supply chain." Zou Ciyong (邹刺勇) said that sustainable development is the "golden key" to solving current global problems.
"China has proposed the Global Development Initiative, firmly upholds multilateralism, carries out a series of pragmatic cooperation in the field of sustainable development, promotes experience sharing and international cooperation, and demonstrates a leading demonstration effect." Zou Ciyong (邹刺勇) cited the example that China's production and sales of new energy vehicles have ranked among the top in the world for many years, making a practical contribution to carbon emission reduction in the global transportation sector. China is in a global leading position in the field of clean energy technology, and helps bridge the global "green deficit" by promoting open cooperation projects and systematically sharing development experience.
In recent years, China's new industrialization has been steadily advancing, and a series of new industries, new models, and new drivers have emerged, achieving historic achievements. "China's manufacturing industry is accelerating the digital, green, and intelligent empowerment to achieve high-quality development. China has built a globally leading and largest information and communication network, and based on this, it has deeply integrated a new generation of information technologies such as artificial intelligence, industrial Internet, and big data into the entire process of research and development, production, management, and service of the manufacturing industry. While cultivating and developing new quality productive forces, it also injects new vitality into traditional industries." Zou Ciyong (邹刺勇) said that China integrates the concept of green and low-carbon into all stages of industrial upgrading, and promotes green technology innovation and solutions. "Through the dual-wheel drive of digital empowerment and green transformation, China has embarked on a new type of industrialization road that conforms to its own national conditions." Zou Ciyong (邹刺勇) said.
Promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development of member states is an important goal of UNIDO. China is an important member state of UNIDO. For a long time, China has maintained close cooperation with UNIDO. "China's practical experience and technological advantages form a synergistic effect with UNIDO's mission and platform role, which enhances the international influence of cooperation and continuously benefits more developing countries." Zou Ciyong (邹刺勇) said that the cooperation between the two sides has a solid foundation and a wide range of fields. "Looking to the future, UNIDO looks forward to further focusing on key areas such as green transformation, industrial low-carbon development, digital economy, and intelligent manufacturing with China, deepening South-South cooperation and tripartite cooperation, helping countries in the Global South share development opportunities, and making greater contributions to promoting global industrial sustainable development."
Return to TopJapan weaves lies, and there must be sinister intentions behind it. What does a Japan that paves the way with lies mean for the region and the world? History provides a clear mirror.
Just as the Koichi Takaichi (高市早苗) administration in Japan is making trouble on the Taiwan issue, pushing itself into a diplomatic dead end, Japanese Defense Minister Shinzirō Koizumi (小泉進次郎) has been hyping up the "radar irradiation" incident. First, he lied that he had not received a notification from China. After China announced the call recording, he had to change his tune, accusing China of not providing sufficient information. According to reports, the Director of the National Security Secretariat of Japan recently communicated with officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and other countries, making excuses and lobbying for Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan, claiming that Takaichi's Diet (国会) response did not change Japan's consistent position on Taiwan, and that China's accusations against Japan were "inconsistent with the facts." The various actions of Japanese politicians once again fully expose their true face of being habitual liars. They are accustomed to reversing black and white, distorting the truth, engaging in deceptive diplomacy, and attempting to feign innocence and deceive sympathy in the international arena.
What does a Japan that paves the way with lies mean for the region and the world? History provides a clear mirror.
"In my 50 years of public service, I have never seen a document filled with so many shameless lies and distortions—the scale of which I did not realize until today that there is a government on this planet that can say such things." These words came from former U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull. In 1941, after Japan made the decision to go to war with the United States, it secretly prepared for war while continuing to send "peace envoys" to the United States for negotiations, putting on a show of "peace talks." During this process, the Japanese side also deliberately allowed Kichisaburō Nomura (野村吉三郎), the ambassador to the United States who was familiar with then-U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to play a greater role. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hull received a note from Japan regarding the "termination of negotiations" and said the above words with great indignation. Roosevelt, in his declaration of war speech, did not forget to tell the American people that the United States was at peace with Japan and, at Japan's request, was still in dialogue with the Japanese government in an effort to maintain peace in the Pacific region.
"Our deceptive diplomacy is steadily moving towards success." Tokyo (東京) scholars found in postwar research that the Japanese side had written so smugly in its war logs. Before the Pearl Harbor incident, Isoroku Yamamoto (山本五十六), who planned the attack, knew clearly that only by successfully implementing a deception operation could the surprise attack have a chance of success. The unpreparedness of the United States was precisely the goal that Japanese militarism had painstakingly woven lies to achieve. The despicable deception of Japanese militarism brought deep pain to American society. After the outbreak of the war, American media unanimously used the word "betrayal" in their headline reports and editorials. *The New York Times* defined the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor as a "despicable betrayal," and *The Chicago Tribune* published an editorial titled "Japan's perfidy united the American people." Roosevelt emphasized in his fireside chat that "not only must the shame of Japan's perfidy be eliminated, but the root of international atrocities must also be completely cut off." After the war, Hull still deeply resented Japan's "cunning and hypocrisy" in his memoirs.
Japan weaves lies, and there must be sinister intentions behind it. Today, Japan's deceptive diplomacy has once again revealed its fangs. It has repeatedly spread lies on issues involving its own strategic direction, also because it has ulterior motives. Whether it is deliberately hyping up the so-called "China threat theory" or using cooperation with the U.S. military as an excuse to lift the ban on collective self-defense, the real intention of the Japanese right wing is to get rid of the constraints of the postwar international order and domestic laws and realize military expansion again.
The Japanese right wing is a habitual offender in concocting "false narratives." The international community needs to remain highly vigilant about their strategic opportunism and adventurism. After all, Japan has never completed the liquidation of its past war crimes, and the Japanese right wing has never truly been "**服气**" (fú qì - "convinced," to accept defeat or be persuaded) about the defeat 80 years ago. People with insight may wish to take a closer look at the words and deeds of Japanese right-wing politicians in recent years: claiming "both sides were perpetrators and victims" at the Pearl Harbor incident memorial event; claiming that the Pearl Harbor incident was a "deliberate frame-up" by the United States, and that Japan's actions were a "forced counterattack"; laying flowers at the stone monument to Japanese war dead in Papua New Guinea... Facts show that a Japan that is "not convinced" is not only reversing its historical understanding, but also constantly crossing the line and provoking in reality.
The tides of the Pacific rise and fall, but they cannot wash away the towering crimes of Japanese militarism. Any appeasement will only fuel the arrogance of historical revisionists. The international community should **以史为鉴** (yǐ shǐ wéi jiàn - "take history as a mirror," to learn from history), see clearly Japan's evil strategic intentions, focus on the long term, and guard against the resurgence of Japanese militarism, which could once again cause disruptive damage to the international order.
Return to TopHarbin, December 19th (Reporter Guo Xiaolong (郭晓龙)) On December 18th, the first China-Europe freight train carrying domestically produced auto parts, operated by China Railway Harbin Bureau Group Co., Ltd. (中国铁路哈尔滨局集团有限公司), departed from the Harbin International Container Center Station (哈尔滨国际集装箱中心站) in Heilongjiang (黑龙江). The train consisted of 55 container cars, fully loaded with domestically produced auto parts, and will exit the country via the Manzhouli (满洲里) port, heading towards Europe. This is also the first China-Europe freight train carrying domestically produced auto parts to depart from Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省).
In recent years, with the in-depth advancement of the "Belt and Road" initiative, the overseas market for "Made in China" products such as domestically produced automobiles, auto parts, and various mechanical equipment has continued to expand. The transportation of domestically produced auto parts via the China-Europe freight train this time can shorten transportation time by more than 2/3 and save freight costs by more than 25% compared to traditional transportation methods.
Return to TopAccording to Xinhua News Agency (新华社), Beijing (北京), December 19th (Reporter Dong Xue (董雪) and Sun Nan (孙楠)), Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jia Kun (郭嘉昆) stated on the 19th that history and reality prove that repeating militarism is a wrong path and is destined to be a dead end. Completely breaking with militarism and sincerely following the path of peaceful development are important prerequisites for Japan (日本) to gain the trust and understanding of the international community, especially its Asian neighbors, and are also the right choice that conforms to the fundamental interests of the Japanese people.
Guo Jia Kun (郭嘉昆) made the remarks when answering relevant questions at a regular press conference that day. Sanae Takaichi's (高市早苗) erroneous remarks on Taiwan (台湾) on November 7th and the recent series of "re-militarization" actions by Japan (日本) have aroused vigilance and opposition from neighboring countries, and more and more Japanese politicians and people are speaking out against it. A senior member of parliament said, "Historically, there have been countless examples of politicians inciting external crises, leading to public outrage and loss of control, which evolved into a real 'existential crisis'. The result is that the people paid a huge price."
Guo Jia Kun (郭嘉昆) said that recently, a member of the Diet questioned Prime Minister Takaichi (高市首相) in the Diet, calling for "never sending children to the battlefield, and never letting children get involved in war." Takakage Fujita (藤田高景), chairman of the "Association for Inheriting and Developing the Murayama Statement," (继承和发展村山谈话会) said, "Prime Minister Takaichi's (高市首相) remarks are leading Japan (日本) back to the dangerous path of using force first," and "Japan (日本) cannot allow any political forces to push the country into the abyss of war again." Some Japanese media commentators believe that Prime Minister Takaichi's (高市首相) approach may lead Japan (日本) back to the fascist path of the militarist era. "Eighty years ago, the Japanese people received an empty check that 'the war could be won,' but bore the painful price of complete failure." Guo Jia Kun (郭嘉昆) said that history and reality prove that repeating militarism is a wrong path and is destined to be a dead end. Completely breaking with militarism and sincerely following the path of peaceful development are important prerequisites for Japan (日本) to gain the trust and understanding of the international community, especially its Asian neighbors, and are also the right choice that conforms to the fundamental interests of the Japanese people.
Return to TopNanning, December 19th (Reported by Pang Geping (庞革平) from this newspaper) The Chinese section of the China-Vietnam Puzhai (浦寨) - Xinqing (新清) Freight Dedicated Channel Smart Port went into operation on the 19th. This is China's first integrated smart port customs clearance platform with unmanned container transport trucks (hereinafter referred to as "unmanned container trucks") as the core and AI intelligent scheduling as the support.
It is reported that the Chinese section of the China-Vietnam Puzhai (浦寨) - Xinqing (新清) Freight Dedicated Channel Smart Port, located in Pingxiang (凭祥), Guangxi (广西), started construction in September 2023. The unmanned container truck fleet deployed in this project can independently complete the entire process of cross-border transportation and automatically adapt to the allocation of supporting resources in the regulatory area. At the same time, the project deeply integrates the soft-connection customs clearance collaboration system to create a "supervision-logistics-service" three-in-one empowerment system, comprehensively reshaping the customs clearance process and helping to make China-Vietnam border smart logistics smoother.
Return to TopXinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 19th (Reporter Wang Huihui (王慧慧)) The plenary meeting of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Friendship, Peace and Development Committee was held in Beijing (北京) on the 19th. Li Hongzhong (李鸿忠), member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Friendship, Peace and Development Committee, attended the meeting and delivered a speech.
Li Hongzhong (李鸿忠) pointed out that under the strong leadership and care of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, and under the guidance of Xi Jinping's (习近平) diplomatic thought, the new Chinese Committee has had a smooth start and is operating well. In September 2025, the 15th plenary session of the Committee was successfully held in Russia, and President Xi Jinping (习近平) and President Putin (普京) sent congratulatory messages to the meeting respectively, providing strategic guidance and fundamental principles for the work of the Committee from the height of the overall development of bilateral relations. The councils of the Committee have actively carried out their work around serving head-of-state diplomacy, making new contributions to deepening understanding, enhancing mutual trust, deepening friendship, and expanding cooperation between China and Russia.
Li Hongzhong (李鸿忠) emphasized that it is necessary to deeply understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments," adhere to taking head-of-state diplomacy as the guide, base ourselves on the functional positioning of the Committee, effectively play the role of the main channel for non-governmental exchanges between China and Russia, continuously consolidate the public opinion foundation for China-Russia friendship, and promote the deepening and solidifying of practical cooperation between the two countries. It is necessary to adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over foreign affairs, strengthen self-construction, and enhance the ability and level of serving the overall situation of China-Russia relations.
The Chinese Secretariat and various councils of the Committee exchanged work experiences. The meeting made arrangements for the work in 2026.
Return to TopFrom vivid explanations in lecture halls and classrooms to interactive exchanges in fields and on roadsides, and real-time on-demand broadcasts on mobile phone screens... In recent days, publicity teams from various regions and departments, including Heilongjiang (黑龙江), Zhejiang (浙江), Guangdong (广东), and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (中国社科院), have combined their own realities, gone deep into the grassroots, and innovated publicity forms, using methods that the masses love to see and hear to promote the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to enter the minds and hearts of the people, and to see practical results.
"Xunke (逊克) land is filled with joy, the original intention of guarding the border is not forgotten..." At the scene of the "Spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session in the Grassroots" theoretical publicity style display activity in Xunke County (逊克县), Heihe City (黑河市), Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), lively forms such as快板 (kuàibǎn) storytelling and situation drama performances took turns. The propagandists transformed "big policies" into "everyday language," and the "down-to-earth" and "enthusiastic" publicity content aroused enthusiastic responses from the people at the scene.
Heihe City (黑河市) also innovatively launched AI Talk short video broadcasts, using digital forms to publicize the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, realizing "instant viewing and learning, on-demand broadcasting," becoming a vivid microcosm of Heilongjiang's (黑龙江) active expansion of publicity positions, allowing the Party's innovative theories to be "understood, remembered, and spread."
Entering factories and mines, entering communities, entering villages... In recent days, Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省) has organized provincial Party committee publicity team members, including government officials, university ideological and political course teachers, and red culture venue docents, to widely carry out grassroots theoretical publicity, helping grassroots cadres and the masses to learn and understand the spirit of the Plenary Session in an integrated perception and immersive experience.
On December 17, the atmosphere in the small theater of the Jinhua Wuju Opera Theatre (金华市中国婺剧院) in Zhejiang Province (浙江省) was warm, and a unique publicity activity on the spirit of the Plenary Session was held here—
Using Yiwu's (义乌) reform practices to explain the dialectical relationship between "combining an effective market and a capable government"; through observations on the overseas expansion of Hengdian (横店) micro-dramas, telling the understanding of "enhancing the communication and influence of Chinese civilization"... The propagandists started with small-cut cases to conduct in-depth and simple explanations of the major deployments in the "15th Five-Year Plan" proposals.
"The publicity activity has allowed me to more deeply understand the content of the '15th Five-Year Plan' proposals regarding the cultural industry," said young cadre Fu Qianzhen (付千真). She will strengthen research and expand her horizons in her future work, contributing to cultivating more literary and artistic works with international communication and influence.
Focusing on the concerns of young people and enriching innovative methods and carriers, Zhejiang Province (浙江省), with young publicity backbones as the main body, uses forms that young people love to see and hear, such as open mics and AI interaction, to carefully launch a batch of theoretical publicity works, promoting the spirit of the Plenary Session to be more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. As of now, Zhejiang (浙江) has held more than 50,000 online and offline grassroots publicity meetings, with a coverage rate of 100% in counties (cities, districts).
How to improve the rights and interests protection mechanism for new employment groups? How to promote flexible employment personnel to better integrate into grassroots governance? Recently, a special publicity meeting for "urban knights" such as food delivery riders was held in Luohu District (罗湖区), Shenzhen (深圳), Guangdong (广东).
"As a driver, I must deliver every shipment safely and on time; as the secretary of the Party branch, I must unite the Party members of the branch and the driver friends around me, and create a better life together with everyone." At the meeting, Liu Sheng (刘圣), a member of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee's Social Work Department publicity team and secretary of the 15th Mobile Party Branch of Huolala (货拉拉), expressed the responsibility and confidence of the new employment group in practicing the spirit of the Plenary Session and creating a better future in ordinary positions, which aroused bursts of applause from his peers.
From thematic interpretations to story sharing, from policy publicity to symposium Q&A... Guangdong Province (广东省) organized approximately 20,000 publicity teams and 100,000 propagandists to conduct more than 80,000 publicity activities deep in the grassroots, promoting the spirit of the Plenary Session to take root and become solid in the Lingnan (岭南) land.
Philosophy and social sciences are important tools for people to understand the world and transform the world, and are important forces for promoting historical development and social progress. To promote economic and social development during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, how should philosophy and social science workers better shoulder the important task of stating academic theories and offering suggestions?
"Looking at the construction of a cultural power from the spirit of the Plenary Session," "Cultivating the vigorous and enterprising spiritual temperament of the entire nation," "Accelerating the construction of the orientation and direction of an independent knowledge system of Chinese philosophy and social sciences"... On December 11, at the academic seminar on studying, publicizing, and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the mobilization meeting of the lecturer group held by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Press (中国社会科学杂志社), representatives of the lecturer group gave in-depth explanations on the spirit of the Plenary Session, combined with their respective research fields.
Under the guidance of the Party Group of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (中国社科院党组), the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Press (中国社会科学杂志社) established a high-level academic lecturer group and a young scholar lecturer group, closely focusing on the theme of the Plenary Session to conduct in-depth research and interpretation, carefully organizing publicity activities, and promoting the spirit of the Plenary Session to take root in academic research, theoretical interpretation, and social practice.
The members of the lecturer group unanimously stated that they will consciously give play to their professional advantages, transform the publicity process into an important opportunity for theoretical innovation, serving society, and providing advice to the government, and contribute wisdom and strength to implementing the spirit of the Plenary Session and writing a new chapter of Chinese-style modernization during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period.
(Xinhua News Agency, Beijing (北京), December 19)
Return to TopThis newspaper reports from Xi'an on December 19th (Reporters Han Xin (韩鑫) and Wang Donghui (王东辉)) The 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Forum was held in Xi'an (西安), Shaanxi (陕西) on December 19th. The theme of this forum was "Practicing Social Responsibility and Promoting High-Quality Development." Zhao Yide (赵一德), Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial People's Congress, and Chen Jianwen (陈建文), Editor-in-Chief of the People's Daily, delivered speeches. Ye Zhenzhen (叶蓁蓁), Vice President of the People's Daily, presided over the main forum.
The participating guests stated that corporate social responsibility is a vivid embodiment of the socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics. It is necessary to thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's (习近平) economic thought, implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference, guide enterprises to internalize the fulfillment of social responsibility into their core value pursuit and conscious action, realize the unity of corporate value and social value, and inject strong impetus into comprehensively promoting Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development.
The participating guests believe that enterprises, as the main players in the socialist market economy, shoulder significant responsibilities in striving for a new journey and building dreams of modernization. It is necessary to strengthen enterprises' sense of mission in assuming responsibility, sense of value in fulfilling responsibility, and sense of honor in fulfilling responsibility, further promote the strengthening of the concept, optimization of the mechanism, and deepening of the practice of corporate social responsibility, and better gather a strong synergy to comprehensively promote the construction of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The forum was hosted by the Economic and Social Department of the People's Daily and was attended by more than 200 people, including responsible comrades from relevant ministries and commissions of the central and state organs, representatives of local government departments in charge, business leaders, and experts and scholars. The forum included a main forum and two parallel sub-forums: "New Quality Productive Forces Empowering High-Quality Development Forum" and "Deep Integration Forum on Scientific and Technological Innovation and Industrial Innovation." Before the forum, an "AI Night, Intelligence Shining Chang'an (长安)" performance event was also held, and a thematic research interview on Xi'an's (西安) high-quality development was organized.
Return to TopOn December 18th, the Nantong Museum (南通博物苑), China's first public museum located in Nantong (南通), Jiangsu (江苏) province, officially reopened to the public after renovation and upgrading. With a history of 120 years, the Nantong Museum (南通博物苑) is the birthplace of China's museum industry. The renovation and upgrade highlight the "integration of museum and garden" even more, achieving a dual renewal of exhibition and garden.
Photo by Xu Congjun (许丛军) (People's Vision)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 任姗姗
Recently, the film New Year season has had a good start, helping to push the total box office for 2025 to exceed 50 billion yuan.
In July of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) replied to eight film artists including Tian Hua (田华), emphasizing: "On the new journey, I hope you will continue to set an example in promoting virtue and art, lead the vast number of film workers to strengthen their cultural confidence, root themselves in the fertile soil of life, and strive to create more excellent works that praise the spirit of the times and express the voice of the people, so as to make new contributions to the prosperity and development of the literary and artistic undertakings and the construction of a strong cultural country."
This year marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of Chinese cinema. Carrying the unique genes of Chinese civilization and immersed in the myriad aspects of Chinese-style modernization, Chinese cinema has repeatedly ushered in "boiling moments."
Chinese Cinema Accelerates
In 2025, the domestic animated film *Ne Zha: The Devil Child* won the global animated film box office champion. This is a high point, but far from the end.
Take a look at this annual report card.
According to statistics from the National Film Administration (国家电影局), as of 2:30 PM on December 13, 2025, the total box office for the year has reached 50.003 billion yuan, with a total of 1.194 billion moviegoers.
This year is very unusual, and this 50 billion is of extraordinary significance.
Seeing strength—
Among the top ten films of the year at the box office, domestic films occupy nine seats. *Ne Zha: The Devil Child* created a new record in Chinese film history, ranking fifth on the global film history box office chart. *Zootopia 2*'s largest box office globally is in China, attracting widespread attention... The Chinese film market has become an important growth engine for the global film industry.
Seeing vitality—
Compared with 2024, the total box office successively broke through 10 billion yuan, 20 billion yuan, 30 billion yuan, and 40 billion yuan ahead of schedule... In 2025, Chinese cinema accelerated.
Seeing resilience—
The total box office in 2023 was 54.915 billion yuan, the total box office in 2024 was 42.502 billion yuan, and the total box office in 2025 once again exceeded 50 billion yuan, demonstrating the resilience and potential of high-quality development of Chinese cinema.
Seeing advantages—
The total box office of domestic films throughout the year exceeded 40 billion yuan, and the share of domestic films exceeded 80%.
A series of favorable policies have been introduced, and various regions have supported the development of the film industry with "real money."
All Accumulation Transforms into Innovation and Creation
The burst of vitality comes from long-term accumulation.
Looking back at the past five years of the "14th Five-Year Plan"—
The status of a major film country has become more consolidated, and the foundation for achieving a strong film country has become more solid.
Film production is strongly motivated. 740 films were produced in 2021, reaching 873 in 2024, and the output in 2025 still ranks among the top in the world.
Film screenings are available throughout urban and rural areas. In 2021, the total number of screens in the country exceeded 80,000. As of the end of October 2025, the total number of screens in the country was 92,556, ranking first in the world.
The core of the film industry has been upgraded. From the Oriental Movie Metropolis in Qingdao (青岛) , Shandong (山东) to the Yongchuan (永川) Science and Technology Film Studio in Chongqing (重庆), the integration of artificial intelligence and the film and television industry is developing in depth, and the "future film studio" is injecting technological content into films.
Generations of filmmakers have continued to struggle, recording the pulse of the times. Film, a product of industrial civilization, has rewritten countless new chapters in its creative combination with Chinese civilization and national aesthetics.
Since the new era, film has become one of the most active and most watched cultural fields of the contemporary era, with more distinct people-oriented characteristics, and a large number of excellent works have emerged one after another. Main melody films depict the grand era and promote mainstream values; realistic themes write about the pursuit of dreams and happiness; the national style and national trend are favored, and the aesthetic connotation of domestic films is richer; Chinese technology and Chinese intelligent manufacturing are embedded in film narratives, and science fiction films create Chinese-style romance.
"These 120 years are 120 years of Chinese cinema keeping pace with the times and writing biographies for the times; 120 years of Chinese cinema portraying the people and walking with the people; 120 years of Chinese cinema holding high cultural confidence and forging national spirit; 120 years of Chinese cinema exchanging and learning from each other and sharing beauty," said Mao Yu (毛羽), Deputy Director of the Film Bureau of the Central Propaganda Department (中宣部电影局), who presides over the daily work.
Now, all the accumulation has been transformed into innovation and creation.
Young talents are working hard and making progress, and realistic creation is booming. Young filmmakers won many awards at the 38th China Golden Rooster Awards (中国电影金鸡奖), with those born in the 1980s as the backbone and those born in the 1990s already showing their talents. Among the award-winning works, realistic themes are diverse, showing colorful lives.
*Nanjing Photo Studio* (南京照相馆), *Mountains and Rivers as Witness* (山河为证), *The Volunteers: To the War* (志愿军：浴血和平)... One film after another witnesses the power of remembrance. Some viewers said: "We cannot forget, and we dare not forget." Zhang Ke (张珂), one of the screenwriters of *Nanjing Photo Studio*, said: "The resonance of the audience witnesses the power of real emotions connecting history and the present."
Film Consumption Scenarios and Service Experiences are Iterating and Innovating
"Film +", with its breakthrough and unimaginable growth, expands the practical space of humanistic economics.
The "life" of a film is longer. The first month's sales of blind box figures exceeded 3 million copies, the search volume for filming locations such as Shanhua Temple (善化寺) and Yongan Temple (永安寺) increased by 380%, driving consumption of over 2.2 billion yuan... With the release of *Wolfwalkers*, four "little monsters" have broken out into a vast world.
What is the secret to acquiring customers with "Film +"? "It's about telling good stories," said Wang Jun (王隽), Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Shanghai Film Group (上影集团). "Focusing on 'what audiences like to watch and what can be provided to audiences', we delve into content and connect consumption, and we must never be careless even in the 'last mile' of a film reaching the audience."
The content in cinemas is richer. Audiences "rush to a city for a screen." In Guiyang (贵阳) Yuejie Cinema, wearing a virtual reality helmet allows you to be "in the play" in a second. The historical atmosphere of works such as *Tang Palace Night Banquet* (唐宫夜宴) and *The Secret Qin Mausoleum* (隐秘的秦陵) is overwhelming, and you can also taste Guizhou (贵州) flavors such as Huaxi Beef Noodles (花溪牛肉粉) between screenings.
Since the beginning of this year, activities such as "tasting food with movies," "traveling with movies," and "popularizing science with movies" have been launched one after another. Film is linked across borders with books, cultural creations, food, tourism, and other industries. Film-themed tourism routes are blooming everywhere, and cinemas are transformed into urban cultural living rooms. Film consumption scenarios and service experiences are iterating and innovating.
What is the key to transforming "traffic" into "retention" with "Film +"? "Ultimately, it is people-oriented," said Wei Pengju (魏鹏举), Dean of the Cultural Economics Research Institute of the Central University of Finance and Economics. The integration of humanities and economics means that people are both the starting point and the end point.
The linkage between film and cities is more "dreamlike." The Shanghai International Film Festival (上海国际电影节), held for 10 days, brought nearly 5 billion yuan in economic benefits to other industries such as transportation, accommodation, catering, and tourism. The "old brand" film festival meets consumption upgrades, and "Film +" shows a huge driving force for urban economic vitality.
What is the core value of "Film +"? "Creating a better life experience in the stock and expanding the sustained growth of the economy from the increment," a related research report released by the China Film Art Research Center (中国电影艺术研究中心) proposed that film is no longer the end of the story, but an "origin" that can connect everything.
In 2025, film has become an important link in promoting consumption to form a chain, and the film industry is transforming from a single box office economy to a diversified consumption ecology. "Culture + Technology" and "Humanities + Economics" are the internal logic, and the super-large market of more than 1.4 billion people contains unlimited possibilities.
Light and Shadow Build a "Spiritual" Bridge
Overseas box office revenue exceeds 1 billion yuan, and the "Chinese Film Festival" has landed in more than 30 countries and regions... In 2025, domestic films confidently set sail, telling the world about an open China, a modern China, and a civilized China.
A new pattern of international communication is opening up, and Chinese stories are entering the emotional depths of more audiences around the world.
From Paris (巴黎) to Jordan (约旦), from the classic film *The Goddess* (神女) to the documentary *The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru* (里斯本丸沉没), tradition and modernity, art and technology, and culture and industry are intertwined in multiple dimensions. Overseas audiences not only empathize with the efforts of Chinese people to live a good life, but also concretely perceive Chinese history and culture, refreshing their understanding of Chinese cinema.
When *Ne Zha: The Devil Child* breaks multiple overseas distribution records, when films such as *Detective Chinatown 1900* (唐探1900) are released simultaneously in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, when *Nanjing Photo Studio* is brought to the screens of multiple countries... The new Chinese cinema is bringing a new Chinese impression to overseas audiences. On social platforms, many overseas users spontaneously "endorse" Chinese films.
"Film can penetrate the barriers of language and culture and generate cross-regional resonance with audiences around the world," said Dai Mo (戴墨), a young director who visited with the Chinese film delegation, with deep feelings.
A new space for cultural exchange is opening up, and light and shadow are building a "spiritual" bridge across languages.
More than 20 imported films such as *Jurassic World: Reborn* "ignited" the summer season together with domestic films, and imported films of different types such as *There's Still Tomorrow* and *A Cat's Fantastic Journey* are not without "Chinese confidants." A more open market can accommodate more diverse and excellent films.
At the Hainan Island International Film Festival (海南岛国际电影节), which just closed, the Chinese premiere of *Avatar 3* chose China's self-developed CINITY LED, and China's film projection equipment technology is already globally leading in the high-end projection field.
"New thinking, new scenarios, new technologies, and new formats, all the new atmospheres in 2025 seem to show the surging vitality of Chinese cinema," said Rao Shuguang (饶曙光), President of the China Film Critics Association (中国电影评论学会).
"Based on the land of China, film workers should play a greater role in building a modern civilization of the Chinese nation," said Deng Guanghui (邓光辉), Secretary of the Party Group and Resident Vice Chairman of the China Film Association (中国电影家协会).
120 years ago, the pioneers of Chinese cinema aimed their cameras at the Peking Opera *Dingjun Mountain* (定军山), dreaming of making films for the Chinese people.
120 years later, Chinese filmmakers are unremittingly climbing towards cultural peaks, recording the journey of a great rejuvenation of a nation, and engraving a unique Chinese story and Chinese spirit.
Turning the pages of the 2025 Chinese film report card is the wonderful final chapter of the "14th Five-Year Plan" and also the promising preface to the "15th Five-Year Plan." Building dreams with light and shadow, the film chapter in the picture of a strong cultural country is slowly unfolding.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing on December 19th (Reporter Shen Tongrui (沈童睿)) The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (人力资源社会保障部) launched a one-month national human resources market employment service special action for college graduates in mid-December to provide high-quality and efficient employment services for the 2026 college graduates, previous graduates who have not yet found employment, and personnel from grass-roots service projects such as the "Three Supports and One Assistance" program.
During the special action, local human resources and social security departments, relevant human resources service institutions, human resources service industrial parks, and talent markets will extensively explore market-oriented employment positions, focus on carrying out online and offline recruitment activities, innovate online assessment and examination services, orderly organize human resources services to enter campuses, and broaden the market-oriented and socialized employment channels for key groups such as college graduates. At the same time, they will further strengthen the publicity and education on preventing job-seeking risks, safely and orderly organize various recruitment and docking activities, protect the legitimate rights and interests of job seekers, and jointly maintain a good order in the human resources market.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 张天培
Recently, the Shenyang Public Security Bureau (沈阳市公安局) in Liaoning Province successfully solved the "Tong Moumou (佟某某) and others illegal business operation case."
In April 2024, a clue reported by the U.S. stating that Chinese national Tong Moumou (佟某某) was suspected of laundering money for drug traffickers attracted great attention from the Chinese police. To find out the truth, the Ministry of Public Security (公安部) immediately deployed the Liaoning Provincial Public Security Department (辽宁省公安厅) to carry out verification work.
After preliminary investigation, the Liaoning Provincial Public Security Department (辽宁省公安厅) filed a case in accordance with the law on suspicion of illegal business operations (foreign exchange) and transferred the case to the Shenyang Municipal Public Security Bureau (沈阳市公安机关), where Tong Moumou (佟某某) and others were registered, for further investigation in accordance with the law.
Focusing on the criminal clues of Tong Moumou (佟某某) and others, the Shenyang (沈阳) police established a special task force, overcame difficulties such as fragmented clues, inconvenient overseas investigation and evidence collection, and differences in the Sino-US legal systems, carried out multi-dimensional and careful investigation, and quickly secured important evidence.
On May 20, 2024, the Shenyang (沈阳) police arrested Tong Moumou (佟某某) and Chen Moumou (陈某某) on the spot in Wuhan (武汉), Hubei (湖北) as they attempted to flee the country.
During the investigation of the case, the Shenyang (沈阳) police dispatched 25 evidence collection teams to 43 cities in 16 provinces to conduct on-site verification of Tong Moumou (佟某某), Chen Moumou (陈某某) and others' illegal buying and selling of foreign exchange.
More than 2,000 people involved in the case, 49,000 accounts of hundreds of companies, and 10.56 million transaction records... Facing such huge and complex data, the special task force peeled back the layers, constantly improving the chain of evidence, and finally fully investigated the criminal facts of Tong Moumou (佟某某), Chen Moumou (陈某某) and others' illegal buying and selling of foreign exchange.
After investigation, since 2017, Tong Moumou (佟某某) and others have opened car dealerships in the United States to sell cars and provide RMB and US dollar exchange services to car buyers, and later turned to specializing in illegal buying and selling of foreign exchange and other criminal activities.
From January 2020 to June 2021, Tong Moumou (佟某某) mainly adopted the "matching" method in the United States, instructing Chen Moumou (陈某某) and others living in China to use multiple bank cards processed in China to receive foreign exchange transfers. After the funds arrived, Tong Moumou (佟某某) paid US dollar cash to the foreign exchange person or their relatives in the United States, charging a 1%-2% handling fee. According to the audit, Tong Moumou (佟某某) carried out illegal buying and selling of foreign exchange totaling more than 16 million yuan through domestic bank cards.
Tong Moumou (佟某某) admitted that during his operation of a car dealership in the United States, he met JC, a Mexican businessman. JC learned that Tong Moumou (佟某某) needed US dollar cash for foreign exchange for others, and proposed to buy virtual currency from him with US dollar cash. Therefore, Tong Moumou (佟某某) instructed Chen Moumou (陈某某) to purchase virtual currencies such as Bitcoin and USDT through various channels, and then sell them to JC in exchange for US dollar cash.
According to Tong Moumou's (佟某某) confession, exchanging foreign currency for JC only accounted for a part of his business. During his time in the United States, Tong Moumou (佟某某) mainly provided foreign exchange services to students, businessmen, and some local gamblers in the United States who had large foreign exchange needs.
The police introduced that according to Tong Moumou's (佟某某) confession, although he was engaged in foreign exchange activities in the United States, he did not know the specific source of the funds provided by JC and others, and the existing evidence in the hands of all parties could not confirm that Tong Moumou (佟某某) clearly knew the nature of the upstream funds. During the investigation, the police also found that some criminals evaded US supervision in large cash deposits and withdrawals and virtual currency transactions. Currently, they have provided feedback to the US through Sino-US anti-money laundering cooperation communication channels and reached a consensus on strengthening law enforcement cooperation in the field of anti-money laundering.
On November 26, 2024, the public security organs transferred the case to the procuratorate for review and prosecution. In September 2025, the Huanggu District People's Court (皇姑区人民法院) in Shenyang (沈阳) held after trial that the defendants Tong Moumou (佟某某) and Chen Moumou (陈某某) violated relevant national laws and regulations, illegally bought and sold foreign exchange, disrupted the order of the financial market, and the circumstances were serious. They were sentenced to one year and seven months and one year and four months of fixed-term imprisonment respectively for the crime of illegal business operation, and were fined.
The police remind: The general public should choose formal channels such as banks to exchange foreign currency; at the same time, students and other people going abroad should not lend their personal bank accounts, online payment accounts, etc. to others, and be careful not to be used by criminals.
Return to TopAccording to reports from our newspaper in Kunming (昆明) on December 19th (Reporter Ye Chuanzeng (叶传增)), the Yunnan (云南) Provincial Department of Finance (云南省财政厅) has learned that Yunnan (云南) Finance continues to optimize its expenditure structure, deepen policy convergence, and strengthen capital supervision, taking multiple measures to "reduce the burden" on families with infants and young children, and fully assist in the construction of a fertility-friendly society. Since the beginning of this year, Yunnan Province (云南省) has raised and allocated 4.07 billion yuan in special funds to promote the implementation and effectiveness of childcare subsidy policies, allowing the warmth of people's livelihoods to reach thousands of households.
The Yunnan (云南) Provincial Department of Finance (云南省财政厅), together with the Provincial Health Commission (省卫生健康委), issued the "Implementation Plan for the Childcare Subsidy System in Yunnan Province (云南省育儿补贴制度实施方案)", which clarifies that infants and young children under the age of 3 who are registered in Yunnan Province (云南省) and meet the conditions for birth or adoption will receive a unified subsidy of 3,600 yuan/person/year, achieving policy succession and upgrading, and improving the quality and scope of protection.
In order to solve the "last mile" problem of subsidy distribution, Yunnan (云南) Finance has incorporated the fertility support project into the "one-card" platform management for financial subsidies benefiting the people, benefiting agriculture, and benefiting farmers (惠民惠农财政补贴资金“一卡通”). After being reviewed and approved by the local health departments, the subsidy funds are directly distributed to the social security cards of the beneficiaries on a quarterly basis, and SMS notifications are simultaneously sent to inform them of the receipt of funds.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Hong Kong on December 19th (Reporter Chen Ran (陈然)) The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港特区) Government Fire Services Department held the highest honor funeral on December 19th for firefighter He Wai-ho (何伟豪), who died in the Tai Po (大埔) fire. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Lee (李家超), and many Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government officials attended to express their condolences.
At about 10 a.m. that day, the funeral was held at the Universal Funeral Parlor in Hung Hom (红磡), Kowloon (九龙). He Wai-ho's (何伟豪) coffin was placed on a hearse converted from a fire truck. After the official ceremony, the hearse left the funeral parlor. John Lee (李家超), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government officials, and firefighters lined up outside the funeral parlor to pay tribute to He Wai-ho (何伟豪). The hearse then went to Wang Fuk Court (宏福苑) in Tai Po (大埔) for a roadside memorial service, and then to the Sha Tin (沙田) Fire Station, where He Wai-ho (何伟豪) belonged during his lifetime. The Director of Fire Services, Yeung Yan-kin (杨恩健), led firefighters in a final salute. The hearse then proceeded to the Gallant Garden at Wo Hop Shek Cemetery (和合石浩园) for the burial ceremony.
On December 11, the Fire Services Department posthumously awarded He Wai-ho (何伟豪) the honorary title of Fire Foreman to commend his exemplary service and selfless spirit during fire fighting and rescue operations.
On November 26, He Wai-ho (何伟豪) was seriously injured on duty during a fire fighting and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court (宏福苑) in Tai Po (大埔) and unfortunately died. He was 37 years old. The Fire Services Department said that He Wai-ho's (何伟豪) heroic and fearless spirit of dedication, 向火逆行 (xiàng huǒ nì xíng - "facing the fire and going against the flow," bravely facing danger), fully embodies the fire service's mission of "disaster relief and helping those in distress," and he will always be remembered in the hearts of the people of Hong Kong (香港).
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 倪 弋
On December 19th, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) Standing Committee held a press conference. Spokesperson Huang Haihua (黄海华) introduced the main contents of draft laws to be deliberated at the 19th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大) Standing Committee and answered questions from reporters.
The 19th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大) Standing Committee will continue to deliberate on the draft Ecological Environment Code, the draft Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, the draft National Development Plan Law, the draft revision of the Fisheries Law, the draft Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law, the draft revision of the Civil Aviation Law, the draft revision of the National Common Language and Writing Law, and the draft revision of the Foreign Trade Law; it will deliberate on the draft State-owned Assets Law, the draft Childcare Service Law, the draft Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection Law, the draft revision of the Banking Supervision and Administration Law, and the draft revision of the Trademark Law; it will deliberate on the draft interpretation of relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law and the draft decision on convening the fourth meeting of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会); it will deliberate on the report of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会法工委) Standing Committee on the work of record review in 2025, and the report on the work of legal cleanup and handling opinions.
Huang Haihua (黄海华) introduced that the third draft review of the Ecological Environment Code mainly made the following revisions: the General Provisions section further supplements and improves the functions of the People's Courts and People's Procuratorates in ecological and environmental protection work, improves the ecological and environmental credit supervision system, adds content on credit repair, and implements a record-filing system for ecological and environmental monitoring institutions; the Pollution Prevention and Control section improves the organization and management regulations for the burning of straw, fallen leaves, etc., strengthens the supervision of inter-provincial transfer of solid waste, and adds content on the prevention and control of controlled thermonuclear fusion radioactive pollution; the Ecological Protection section adds regulations on carrying out ecological protection activities scientifically, strengthens international exchanges and cooperation in marine ecological protection, deep-sea polar exploration, and desertification prevention and control, and adds regulations on agricultural water conservation; the Green and Low-Carbon Development section strengthens relevant systems and measures for developing a circular economy, clarifies support for the priority development and utilization of renewable energy, and improves relevant systems and measures for addressing climate change and carbon peaking and carbon neutrality; the Legal Responsibility and Supplementary Provisions section enhances the coordination of legal responsibilities for similar illegal acts, further supplements relevant legal responsibilities to reflect the strictness of the ecological and environmental legal system, and improves the ecological and environmental damage compensation system.
The third draft review of the National Development Plan Law proposes the following main revisions: First, improve the definition of the national development plan and add the provision that "long-term goals can be proposed as needed"; second, improve the national planning system, properly handle the relationship between various levels and types of plans, and add the provision that the state establishes and improves "a national planning system jointly composed of national and local plans, with accurate positioning, clear boundaries, complementary functions, and unified connection"; third, add specific requirements for practicing whole-process people's democracy, stipulating that the preparation of national development plans should "adhere to the unity of top-level design and seeking advice from the people," and play the auxiliary supporting role of "industry associations" in the preparation; fourth, improve relevant regulations on the preparation of annual plans.
Huang Haihua (黄海华) also introduced the relevant situation of some draft laws submitted to the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee for initial review. The main contents of the draft State-owned Assets Law include: clarifying that state-owned assets include state-owned natural resource assets, administrative and institutional state-owned assets, enterprise state-owned assets, and other state-owned assets; constructing a management system that combines unified state ownership with the performance of owner responsibilities at different levels and categories; stipulating the state-owned asset management system, including the layout planning, allocation, use and maintenance, income, disposal, risk management, assessment and evaluation management system of various types of state-owned assets, as well as basic management systems such as property rights registration, finance, accounting, statistical evaluation; stipulating the state-owned asset reporting system; stipulating the state-owned asset supervision system, etc.
Regarding the draft revision of the Trademark Law, Huang Haihua (黄海华) said that the current Trademark Law was implemented in 1983 and has played a positive role in protecting the exclusive right to use trademarks and promoting the development of the socialist market economy. The main contents of this draft revision include: clarifying the overall requirements of trademark work and serving high-quality development; clarifying the conditions for trademark registration and standardizing trademark registration; optimizing the trademark authorization and confirmation procedures to facilitate the parties concerned; strengthening trademark management and maintaining a fair and competitive market order; strengthening the protection of the exclusive right to use trademarks and safeguarding the legitimate interests of all parties concerned.
According to Huang Haihua (黄海华), since 2025, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) has handled proposals and suggestions from deputies with high quality. The 19 legislative projects involved in 43 proposals have been reviewed and approved by the Standing Committee meetings, are being reviewed, or have been included in the legislative planning plan. When compiling the Ecological Environment Code and formulating and revising laws such as the Law on Promoting the Private Economy, the Law on Legal Publicity and Education, the National Park Law, the Anti-Unfair Competition Law, and the Cybersecurity Law, the opinions and suggestions of the deputies were fully absorbed and adopted. For the first time, the handling of law enforcement inspection-related proposals and key supervised proposals was carried out, deputies were invited to participate in research, and problems were jointly studied and solved. Further close communication and contact with deputies, inviting deputies, especially those in relevant fields or with professional backgrounds, to participate in relevant legislative activities and listen to deputies' opinions face-to-face. Throughout the year, more than 600 deputies were contacted in various ways, and 89 deputies were invited to participate in 36 legislative research activities and 22 seminars and evaluation meetings. The feedback mechanism for soliciting deputies' opinions on draft laws was improved, and the spokesperson working mechanism of the Legislative Affairs Commission (法工委) was used to regularly report on the contact with deputies in legislative work and the adoption of deputies' opinions and suggestions in draft laws.
Return to TopBy: 新华社记者 白 瀛
China Journalists Association and the National Steering Committee for the Advancement of Socialist Culture and Ethics (全国三教办) organized the 12th "Good Journalists Telling Good Stories" (好记者讲好故事) outstanding journalists, the "Top Ten National News Workers" (全国十佳新闻工作者) of 2025, and winners of the China News Award in mid-December to conduct the 2025 "New Era, Good Journalists" national tour in 13 provinces and autonomous regions across the country. The speakers' records of the times and their advanced deeds in serving the people have aroused widespread resonance and in-depth discussion among the audience.
Recording the Times on the Scene
At the Nine-Three Parade, Fu Zaodi (傅早笛), a reporter from China Media Group (中央广播电视总台), served as the broadcast director, precisely controlling 15 camera positions and completing a series of "explosive" picture seamless switches within 5 minutes, ensuring the "millisecond accuracy" of the live broadcast.
Wang Meng (王猛), a reporter from Ningxia Daily (宁夏日报), has continuously recorded the "water changes" of Xihai Gu (西海固) for 30 years, witnessing the tremendous changes in this land due to the national poverty alleviation and ecological governance strategies.
As the only county-level media reporter in this tour, Ma Zhongming (马忠明) from the Xunhua County (循化县) Rong Media Center in Qinghai Province used his footsteps to measure his hometown for 15 years, transforming the national narrative into "hometown affairs that Aunt Zhang can understand, Uncle Li can see, and the folks can feel."
These news reporters from different regions and different positions have interpreted the professional qualities of recording the trends of the times with their "on-site" perseverance.
"The reporters' narratives are like windows, allowing me to see the subtle waves and magnificent landscapes under the tide of the times," said Xu Mingyu (许铭宇), a student at Liaoning Media College (辽宁传媒学院). "In them, I feel a fiery humanistic care and firm ideals and beliefs, which is a deep concern for national development, an unremitting pursuit of social fairness and justice, and a deep watch over the people's well-being."
By watching the tour broadcast, Peng Chenxi (彭晨曦), a master's student at the School of Journalism and Communication of Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学), realized that to be a qualified news reporter, one must not only have a solid professional foundation and keen insight into the times, but also have firm ideals and beliefs and deep national feelings.
Measuring Public Sentiment with Footsteps
After the Dingri (定日) earthquake, Luo Zhu Jiacuo (洛卓嘉措), a reporter from the Xinhua News Agency Tibet Branch (新华社西藏分社), rushed to the epicenter at an altitude of 4,300 meters as soon as possible, recording the perseverance of village cadres and the mutual assistance of the people in the severe cold, demonstrating "China Speed" and "China Temperature."
Chen Zhengzhi (陈正直), a reporter from Chongqing Broadcasting Group (重庆广播电视集团) (General Station), used investigative reports to promote relevant departments to handle the property certificates that had been delayed for 27 years for immigrants in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (三峡库区), and exposed the chaos of public school teachers participating in off-campus training and moving the focus of the classroom to paid courses.
Hu Yan (胡妍), a reporter from the Jilin City (吉林市) Rong Media Center, has been sticking to the people's livelihood hotline for seventeen years, tracking the problem of natural gas installation under pressure, overcoming resistance to promote pipeline construction across the main road, and participating in the creation of an all-media public opinion supervision service column.
Whether it is retrograde in major emergencies or persistent attention to the vital interests of the people, reporters use their footsteps to measure the true public sentiment.
"News reports are not only about the big things of the country, but also about the subtle aspects of people's livelihood," said Liu Jiajing (柳嘉景), a master's student at the School of Foreign Languages of Xiamen University (厦门大学), after listening to the tour. "The warmth of journalists is reflected in the promotion of social progress, the care for individual destiny, and the accurate grasp of the pulse of the times."
Chi Bing (池兵), a student at the School of Journalism and Communication of Xinjiang University (新疆大学), said after listening to the tour that for her, such a tour is not only a spiritual baptism, but also a "career guide," which makes her more determined to adhere to the concept of "people-centered" and determined to transform what she has learned into a driving force for recording the times and serving the people.
Embracing Change with Innovation
Creating the first original short video of the newspaper's Bilibili account, creating the first work of the newspaper's WeChat video account, and creating the "Extraordinary Ten Years" magnificent picture of the "New Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" (新千里江山图)... Xiong Jie (熊捷), a reporter from People's Daily (人民日报), participated in the newspaper's new media transformation with ten years of youth.
Wang Xinmeng (王昕萌), a reporter from Shandong Radio and Television Station (山东广播电视台), has been deeply involved in the potato industry, connecting planters and the market through new media platforms, transforming from a reporter of news to a participant in the industry, demonstrating the great value of professional media people in deeply cultivating subdivided tracks.
Shi Jingyan (拾景炎), the former deputy editor-in-chief of Yangzhou Daily (扬州日报), who is nearly sixty years old, was "put" in front of the camera by netizens because of a "Yangzhou buns" online public opinion event. He transformed his profound accumulation in the party newspaper into the public opinion guidance force in the new media era.
From the integrated transformation of mainstream newspapers to the deep cultivation of vertical fields, and then to the active "touching the Internet" of senior media people, the tour shows the vivid practice of journalists adapting to the times and daring to innovate.
Wang Yalu (王亚璐), a student at the School of Journalism and Communication of Anhui University (安徽大学), said that through understanding the explorers, she has a clearer understanding that media integration is not a simple channel migration, but a dual innovation of thinking and practice. Only by actively embracing change on the basis of adhering to the bottom line of content can the mainstream voice radiate new vitality in the new era.
"In today's highly developed algorithms and new media, listening to the tour has made me re-understand the irreplaceability of news work," said Li Duruo (李杜若), a student at the School of Computer Science and Technology of Tongji University (同济大学). "Algorithms can spread information, but cannot make value judgments; and journalists are the people who hold the bottom line in the flood of information."
(Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 19)
Return to TopThis newspaper's Shanghai (上海) dispatch, December 19th (Reporter Tian Hong (田泓)) On December 19th, the "8th China International Import Expo (中国国际进口博览会) Communication Influence Report" was released at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) (国家会展中心（上海）). The communication popularity of the CIIE exhibitors, trading groups, supporting activities, cultural exchange activities, Hongqiao Forum (虹桥论坛) activities, supporting enterprises, and media organizations were also announced.
The report was jointly compiled by the China International Import Expo Bureau (中国国际进口博览局) and the People's Daily Online Public Opinion Data Center (人民网舆情数据中心). Through objective data, intuitive charts, rich content, and professional analysis, it comprehensively demonstrates the communication situation of the 8th CIIE.
The report shows that the communication influence of the 8th CIIE is prominent, with more than 2.4 million pieces of information on the entire network and a total exposure of more than 6 billion times, a year-on-year increase of 20%. Over the past 8 years, the report has been continuously released. Relying on the accumulated rich data and research experience, it has become a key window for all sectors to understand the communication dynamics of the CIIE and has gained widespread attention and recognition.
Return to TopThis newspaper reported from Beijing on December 19th (Reporter Li Hongmei (李红梅)) - The China Meteorological Administration (中国气象局) released the meteorological artificial intelligence scientific model "Fengyuan (风源)" in Xiong'an New Area (雄安新区), Hebei (河北) on the 19th. The model will help improve the forecasting capabilities of artificial intelligence meteorological forecasting models and meteorological artificial intelligence scientific research by providing an open-source scientific and technological innovation platform.
Wang Yaqiang (王亚强), the chief scientist of the research and development team, introduced that "Fengyuan (风源)" V1.0 includes two modules: data assimilation and forecasting, which can directly carry out global meteorological forecasting based on observation data. The long-term goal of "Fengyuan (风源)" is to develop into an observation-driven, multi-sphere coupled, physics-mechanism-integrated open forecasting model, providing theoretical and technical support for forecasting operations.
Cao Xiaozhong (曹晓钟), Deputy Director of the China Meteorological Administration (中国气象局), said that "Fengyuan (风源)" marks that the meteorological department has an end-to-end scientific model base with independent intellectual property rights, realizing technological independence and controllability in key links, and possessing a continuous iterative and 滚动演进 (gǔn dòng yǎn jìn - "rolling evolution," continuously developing) engineering foundation.
On the same day, the China Meteorological Administration (中国气象局) also released the upgraded research and development results of the meteorological artificial intelligence forecasting models "Fengqing (风清)," "Fenglai (风雷)," and "Fengshun (风顺)." The Fudan University (复旦大学) - Xiong'an Meteorological Artificial Intelligence Innovation Research Institute (雄安气象人工智能创新研究院) "Earth System Artificial Intelligence Forecasting" joint laboratory was inaugurated.
Return to Top8-in-1 functionality, one device manages the entire store.
Multiple WAN ports for flexible routing, ensuring uninterrupted business.
Dedicated Turbo acceleration port guarantees smooth point-of-sale operations.
3600Mbps Wi-Fi 7, enjoy high-speed network.
Huawei Kunling (华为坤灵), helping small and medium-sized enterprises leap towards intelligence.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 韩 鑫 苏 滨
Netizen: Recently, I've been watching the news, from the Huajiang Canyon Bridge in Guizhou to the Yanqi Yangtze River Bridge in Hubei, either opening to traffic or closing, repeatedly breaking world records. I want to know why China's bridge construction is so strong? What "new" black technologies are behind it?
Editor: The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal suggests improving the modern comprehensive transportation system, strengthening cross-regional coordinated layout and cross-modal integrated connection, and strengthening coverage and accessibility guarantees in weak areas. After years of accumulation and innovation, Chinese bridges have formed a complete set of technologies and equipment that can meet the needs of "crossing mountains, rivers, and seas," and both the scale of projects and the level of technology have reached the world's leading level. Currently, bridges in many places are still updating their construction "progress bars," continuing to write more innovative, connected, and shared development stories.
In this issue of "Focus on the Frontier," we invite experts from the fields of bridge design and construction to introduce new developments and trends in Chinese bridge technology.
Structural Innovation
Improving Span, Adapting to the Environment, Optimizing Performance
In the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, the waves surge, and a deep red steel structure bridge stands on the river. In November 2025, the Yanqi Yangtze River Bridge (燕矶长江大桥) in Hubei (湖北) officially closed.
Different from the traditional double main cable design of suspension bridges, the Yanqi Yangtze River Bridge has four main cables of different heights suspended between two low main towers, like strong arms, horizontally hanging the 56,000-ton steel beam on the river.
"The bridge innovatively solved the dual constraints of ultra-large bridge span and aviation height restriction through the structural system innovation of 'suspension bridge with four main cables of different sags'," said Li Zhigang (李志刚), director of the Second Design Department of the Bridge Institute of China Communications Construction Second Highway Consultants Co., Ltd. (中交二公院).
The structural system is equivalent to the "skeleton" of a bridge. Focusing on increasing span, adapting to complex environments, and optimizing stress performance, various bridge structures have seen new breakthroughs in recent years.
First, look at beam bridges. By incorporating structural forms with higher load-bearing efficiency into the beam structure and optimizing the weight reduction of the beam structure, new beam bridge structures are constantly emerging.
Then, look at arch bridges. Based on the rapid development of machinery and equipment and construction technology, the traditional arch rib section and structural form continue to be innovatively transformed, continuously increasing the upper limit of arch bridge spans. The Tiange Longtan Extra Large Bridge (天峨龙滩特大桥) in Guangxi (广西), which opened to traffic in February 2024, optimized the arch rib from a single-box three-chamber to a double-box rib structure, increasing the arch bridge span to 600 meters for the first time.
The Changtai Yangtze River Bridge (常泰长江大桥) in Jiangsu (江苏), which will open to traffic in September 2025, innovatively adopted a "steel-concrete" hybrid structure spatial diamond-shaped bridge tower, which improves the structural strength while breaking the world record for the largest span cable-stayed bridge; suspension bridges have reformed and reorganized the main cable bearing system, and the newly closed Yanqi Yangtze River Bridge is a typical example.
"The three-dimensional digital twin model driven by artificial intelligence technology has become an important means to explore new structural bridges," said Li Zhigang (李志刚). In the future, bridge construction will take new structures and new materials as "bones and muscles," and a full life cycle digital intelligence platform and digital twin as the "nervous system," moving towards a more intelligent, more durable, more environmentally friendly, and more resilient future.
Material Innovation
Exploring Lightweight, Green, and Safer Options
Lightweight cable saddles, with performance improved by more than 30%; high-strength cable strands, corrosion-resistant and durable; green concrete, with a single-sided cost reduction of about 30 yuan... A series of material innovations and applications have helped the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) in Guizhou (贵州) become the world's first mountain suspension bridge in both "horizontal and vertical" directions.
"With the continuous growth of traffic flow and the increasingly complex service environment, traditional steel and concrete are difficult to meet the mechanical and durability requirements of large-span and ultra-long-life bridges. The innovation and performance improvement of materials are very necessary," said Ye Hongping (叶洪平), Dean of the Bridge Design Branch of the Guizhou Provincial Transportation Planning Survey and Design Institute (贵州省交通规划勘察设计研究院). Lightweight and high-strength, green and low-carbon have become the direction of bridge material innovation.
In terms of lightweighting, high-performance composite materials, which are composed of materials of different properties through physical or chemical methods, have good toughness and impact resistance. The Guanyin Temple Yangtze River Bridge (观音寺长江大桥) under construction in Hubei (湖北) uses a "steel-ultra-high-performance concrete" composite beam. Due to the low density of the material, the self-weight of the composite beam is reduced by more than 20%, and the compressive capacity is significantly enhanced.
In terms of greening, environmentally friendly and energy-saving materials have less impact on the environment during production and use, and can achieve efficient use of resources. The high-performance rock powder mineral admixture technology developed during the construction of the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥) uses finely ground and modified stone powder as a concrete admixture, which can replace 20% of cement and effectively reduce carbon emissions.
"The essence of bridges lies in transportation," said Ye Hongping (叶洪平). With the accelerated construction of a unified national market and the increasing frequency of various cargo transportation, the safety of bridges is very important. When building the Huajiang Canyon Bridge (花江峡谷大桥), the research team selected basalt fiber, the main fire-resistant material, after multiple material combinations and experiments, that is, basalt is burned and drawn into filaments, and then supplemented with other materials, the melting point can reach 1450 degrees Celsius.
Equipment Innovation
Industrialization, Intelligence, and Green Transformation
In the southeast coastal area, in the Xiamen Bay (厦门湾) of Fujian (福建), a cross-sea bridge is beginning to take shape. After more than two years of construction, the main tower of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge (厦金大桥), a major national strategic project, has been capped.
Behind the "growing" of the bridge is the solid support of major national equipment. In the tunnel section, the customized "Xiamen-Jinmen" shield machine is running at full speed, breaking ground and advancing 24 meters underground; in the bridge section, the "Second Harbor Engineering Co. Ltd. Excellence" 5500-ton double-arm gantry crane appeared in the main channel, ensuring the precise lifting of key components.
"Modern bridge engineering is essentially a competition of equipment capabilities," said Pan Guilin (潘桂林), Deputy General Manager of the Technology Center of China Communications Construction Second Harbor Engineering Co., Ltd. (中交二航局). Bridge equipment innovation promotes the industrialization, intelligence, and green transformation of bridge construction, thereby overcoming various construction problems.
In the field of industrialized construction, traditional construction sites are being transformed into "aerial factories" and "flexible production lines" to achieve lean manufacturing in factories and efficient final assembly on site.
For example, the integrated intelligent tower building machine integrates functions such as 100-ton low-level climbing, rapid rebar installation, automatic concrete distribution and vibration, intelligent maintenance, and emergency avoidance, which increases construction efficiency from 0.6 meters/day to 1.2 meters/day; the application of the pier-beam integrated bridge erecting machine makes bridge erection like "building blocks," with prefabricated bridge piers and deck modules precisely assembled, improving construction efficiency and reducing land occupation.
In the field of intelligent construction, equipment innovation brings "digital nerves" and "smart brains" to large-scale projects, promoting the transformation of bridge construction to data-driven.
The "aerial handler" QMD-2000 bridge deck crane is equipped with an automatic alignment system that allows 2000-ton steel truss beams to automatically rotate and calibrate in the air, increasing the construction efficiency of ultra-large cable-stayed bridges by 50%; the deep-water caisson foundation sinking cluster equipment is equipped with an intelligent monitoring system for the entire construction process, realizing the entire process of caisson construction that is measurable, visible, and controllable.
In the field of green development, environmental protection concepts also run through the entire cycle of equipment research and development and construction. Taking "Second Harbor Engineering Co. Ltd. Excellence" as an example, the ship integrates a photovoltaic energy storage system, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels from the source of energy supply.
"Facing the major engineering challenges of cross-sea island connections and mountain and valley crossings, bridge equipment innovation is moving towards a new stage of systematic upgrading," said Pan Guilin (潘桂林). There are currently three major development trends in equipment technology: First, continue to break through extreme capabilities, develop the next generation of super equipment suitable for extreme environments such as ultra-deep water, strong typhoons, ultra-high loads, and high-cold and high-altitude areas, and support super projects such as future strait channels and plateau railways; Second, deeply move towards intelligence and green, further integrate artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies to achieve automated control and real-time monitoring of the construction process, and implement green and low-carbon concepts throughout the entire cycle of equipment innovation; Third, from a single piece of equipment to a platform, through modular and standardized design, form a modular solution that can be quickly combined and adapted to various scenarios, so as to better improve the response speed and competitiveness of bridge construction.
Return to TopBy: 阮光锋
The internet has brought convenience to people in obtaining information. However, in recent years, many people often have a feeling that there is more and more content about "science" online, and it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish—one moment you see "eating cassava helps sleep," and the next moment you see "frozen馒头 (mántou - steamed bun) will grow aflatoxin." Upon careful reflection, you always feel that something is wrong, but you can't quite put your finger on it.
This is a typical example of pseudo-science.
Where are the hardest-hit areas of pseudo-science?
Speaking of pseudo-science, the first reaction of many people is health and wellness content: "Green bean soup cannot be eaten after being refrigerated at low temperatures," "Eating more alkaline foods helps you lose weight quickly," "Eating too much MSG will cause hair loss and cancer"... The China Association for Science and Technology (中国科学技术协会) has done statistics, and pseudo-science involves more than 10 categories of topics such as food safety, nutrition and health, and agricultural technology, among which the health field is the hardest hit area. In the past published science debunking content, the health field accounted for about 35%, food safety and dietary nutrition accounted for about 30%, beauty and skin care accounted for about 15%, and cutting-edge technology, home and daily safety each accounted for about 10%.
It is worth noting that pseudo-science in the field of cutting-edge technology is also quietly rising. For example, "quantum insoles," "quantum water," "quantum bracelets"... Labeled with "quantum," they are touted as panaceas for improving health. There is also the field of artificial intelligence. Some people say, "AI can predict diseases. As long as you upload a photo, you can find out whether you will get cancer in the future." In fact, AI can indeed help in the medical field now, but it is far from the point of "diagnosing cancer by looking at photos." This statement is purely an exaggeration. These pseudo-science exploit people's unfamiliarity with cutting-edge technology, have a strong deceptive nature, and over time will also damage the public's respect and understanding of real science.
What are the usual fixed routines of online pseudo-science content?
The first, and most common, is fear-mongering rhetoric, which grabs people's attention with titles such as "carcinogenic" and "toxic." The human brain is more easily attracted to emotional information, which provides a psychological basis for the spread of pseudo-science. Many people can't help but click in to read it, and will actively forward it to family and friends.
The second is to pile up professional jargon to bluff people and hype scientific concepts. As mentioned earlier, "quantum insoles" do not produce any quantum effects when the insoles are in contact with the human body at room temperature. However, ordinary people have a superficial understanding of "quantum," so these pseudo-science pile up professional terms such as "quantum" and "quantum energy," making them sound profound and exaggerated.
The third is to forge authoritative endorsements. Either say "a certain well-known university research found" or "a certain authoritative institution confirmed," just like the rumor that "frozen馒头 (mántou - steamed bun) will grow aflatoxin," which claimed to be the research result of a famous university, but after verification, it was found that the university had never done this research.
Why is pseudo-science so difficult to deal with?
On the one hand, it is low-cost to spread rumors, but it takes science to debunk them. Pseudo-science rumors do not require any scientific logic at all. Usually, they are based on how to scare people and how to attract attention. However, debunking rumors requires a lot of effort, because it requires talking about science, evidence, and logic. Debunking rumors often starts with investigation and evidence collection, verifying the "experts," "institutions," and "research results" mentioned in the rumors, and also using rigorous language to explain clearly. This process may take a long time. No wonder people often say, "It takes only a mouth to spread rumors, but it takes a broken leg to debunk them" (造谣一张嘴，辟谣跑断腿 - zào yáo yī zhāng zuǐ, pì yáo pǎo duàn tuǐ - "to spread rumors takes only a mouth, to debunk them requires running until your legs break," it's much easier to spread rumors than to debunk them).
On the other hand, there is a large economic interest driving pseudo-science. Now, a complete gray industrial chain has been formed behind many pseudo-science. A large number of MCN (Multi-Channel Network) institutions recruit specialists to produce pseudo-science content in batches, and then "promote" the accounts. Once there is traffic, they start to sell goods and monetize. However, science popularization and debunking do not sell goods or monetize, and require a lot of human and financial investment.
What is even more troublesome is that with the development of AI technology, the threshold for producing pseudo-science is getting lower and lower. AI technology can quickly generate pseudo-science texts, pictures, and even videos, and can also synthesize the voices and images of "experts," and the cost is lower, the spread is faster, the penetration is wider, and it is more difficult to distinguish, which brings greater challenges to identification and governance.
In the face of pseudo-science, how should ordinary people improve their awareness of prevention?
First, verify the source of information. Real science popularization content often cites authoritative research or detailed data, while pseudo-science usually uses vague statements, such as "research shows" but does not provide specific sources or details.
Second, don't believe in absolute statements. Scientific research is very rigorous and generally uses descriptions such as "possibly," "perhaps," or "preliminary research shows." If a post is full of "certainly," "absolutely," or "100% effective," it is likely to be false.
Third, verify on authoritative platforms. If you are not sure whether the content is true or false, you can verify it on national-level platforms, such as the Science Debunking Platform (科学辟谣平台) and Science China (科普中国) created by the China Association for Science and Technology (中国科学技术协会) and other departments, which will interpret common rumors.
(The author is a member of the Health Communication Branch of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (中华预防医学会))
Return to TopThis newspaper reports from Beijing (Reporter Yu Sinan (喻思南)) The China Association for Science and Technology Life Science Society Federation recently announced the "Top Ten Advances in Life Sciences in China in 2025," with 6 knowledge innovation projects and 4 technology innovation projects selected.
The "Top Ten Advances in Life Sciences in China in 2025" are as follows: New interventions in aging from molecular decoding to cell programming; New strategies for regulation and prevention of host homeostasis and imbalance by novel bacterial metabolites; New strategies for enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity of immunotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Biosynthesis decoding and behavioral manipulation of locust swarming pheromones; Discovery of effector molecules and mechanisms of calorie restriction promoting healthy lifespan extension; Pioneering new approaches for treating central nervous system diseases with newborn neurons in the brain; Epigenetic variation drives plant adaptation to adversity; Contact lenses enable human near-infrared spatiotemporal color vision; AI-driven protein engineering achieves breakthrough in chromosome precise manipulation technology; Exploring new boundaries of biodiversity: Decoding the evolutionary process and adaptation genetic mechanisms of deep-sea animals.
The selected projects for the "Top Ten Advances in Life Sciences in China in 2025" are characterized by strong innovation and broad coverage. The selected research projects all face the forefront of life sciences and the health of the people, focusing on hot spots and difficulties in the field.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 张 驰
Why are Domestic Dogs and Humans So "Attached"?
Early genomic studies have shown that domestic dogs had already differentiated lineages and widely spread across Eurasia 20,000 years ago. An international collaborative team led by researchers from the Kunming Institute of Zoology (昆明动物研究所) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院) completed the genome sequencing of 17 ancient domestic dogs, marking the first time scientists have obtained the genome of ancient Chinese domestic dogs. Combining previous data, the team constructed a lineage evolution map of domestic dogs from East Asia to the West Eurasian Steppe based on 73 ancient dog genomes.
The study first discovered a unique ancient lineage of domestic dogs in China 5,000 years ago. Over the following millennia, ancient Chinese domestic dogs gradually showed introgression from ancient domestic dog lineages from Siberia and the West. Simultaneously, the ancient East Asian ancestry from China also widely spread to many parts of the Eurasian Steppe. More importantly, by comparing with human ancient genome data and evidence, the team found that several introgression events of domestic dogs highly overlapped with multiple migrations of humans.
Through comparative studies and mutual verification of multiple pieces of evidence, the team finally proved that domestic dogs and humans had closely co-migrated for nearly 10,000 years. During different periods, different groups of people carried their respective dogs through the Eurasian Steppe and the ancient Silk Road for intercontinental migrations, which demonstrates the close relationship between domestic dogs and humans. The flow of domestic dog lineages from the Eurasian Steppe to the Hexi Corridor (河西走廊) over thousands of years also reflects the interconnection of ancient civilizations. This method based on ancient genome analysis will be extended to other domestic animals to explore the rich potential of domestic animal genetic resources in China.
Macaque Genome Holds the "Key" to Human Health
Macaques have extremely high similarities to humans in terms of genetic and physiological structure, but the effective utilization of macaque biological resources requires detailed analysis of genetic information and precise description of phenotypes. In 2023, the Kunming Institute of Zoology (昆明动物研究所), relying on the National Non-Human Primate Major Science and Technology Infrastructure, launched the "Macaque Biological Resource Bank" project. Recently, the project has made phased progress.
In the plan, researchers collected genome data of 919 Chinese macaques and 52 phenotypic data, revealing for the first time that Chinese macaque populations have unique genetic advantages, such as higher genetic diversity and lower genetic load. The landscape map of macaque mutation characteristics also has many similarities with existing human cohorts.
Interestingly, researchers found that harmful mutations in the DISC1 gene can lead to macaques exhibiting phenotypes similar to human mental illnesses, including stereotyped behaviors, impaired working memory, and abnormal brain functional connectivity, providing an ideal animal model for mental illness research.
In addition, researchers also found significant differences in the function of drug target genes in different macaque individuals. This suggests that before using macaques for pharmacodynamic evaluation, people should perform genotyping or sequencing on related drug target genes to clarify whether there are mutations in their target genes.
Why Do Gibbons Have "Long Arms"?
Gibbons are small apes closely related to humans. Their unique "brachiation" mode of locomotion and endangered status have attracted widespread attention. The achievements of the international "Primate Genome Project" initiated by the Kunming Institute of Zoology (昆明动物研究所) in conjunction with multiple domestic and foreign research institutions systematically elucidated the evolutionary history, population dynamics, and genetic basis of the iconic long-arm phenotype of the Hylobatidae family.
The research team used advanced genomics technology to construct the most comprehensive gibbon genome dataset to date, covering 18 extant gibbon species, revealing the evolutionary relationships of the genera *Hylobates*, *Nomascus*, *Symphalangus*, and *Hoolock* with conclusive genomic evidence.
Why did gibbons evolve long arms for "brachiation"? Through multi-species comparative genomics analysis, the research team identified a specific deletion fragment in the key regulatory region of the core gene regulating vertebrate limb development in gibbons. To verify the function of this deletion, the research team constructed a transgenic mouse model carrying this structural variation. The experimental results showed that compared with wild-type mice, the limb bones of mice carrying the gibbon-specific gene deletion showed a significant relative increase in length. This indicates that this structural variation may play a key role in the evolution of limb elongation in gibbons.
Return to TopThis Beijing (北京) dispatch (reporter Gu Yekai (谷业凯)): The metal fuel manufacturing principle experimental line, led by the China Institute of Atomic Energy (中国原子能科学研究院) of the China National Nuclear Corporation (中核集团), recently completed integrated verification. Under simulated hot cell test bench conditions, the project completed principle verification of the three core units: core casting, single rod manufacturing, and component assembly. It achieved multiple key technological breakthroughs in various aspects such as process flow, key equipment, components, and core materials.
In recent years, China National Nuclear Corporation (中核集团) has continuously achieved new progress in tackling key technologies for integrated fast reactors. In terms of metal fuel core casting technology, the project team of the Nuclear Engineering Design Institute (核工程设计研究所) of the Atomic Energy Institute (原子能院) adopted continuous casting technology for the first time and used simulated alloy materials to realize the principle demonstration and verification of metal fuel cores. In terms of single rod manufacturing technology, considering the characteristics of strong heat release of fast reactor recycled fuel, the project team innovatively developed a vertical single rod manufacturing device, further ensuring the energy conversion efficiency of metal fuel. In terms of component assembly technology, the project team used automated vertical assembly technology to verify the process and production efficiency, and developed vertical component assembly equipment to address technical problems such as component size, cluster number, and heat release, improving the production efficiency of component assembly.
Return to TopLayout Design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰) Shen Yiling (沈亦伶)
Return to TopBy: 靳亦冰
On the vast and profound Loess Plateau, cave dwellings seem to grow from the embrace of Mother Earth, engraving the survival wisdom of thousands of years. As an ancient architectural form, cave dwellings have a unique shape and exquisite craftsmanship, interpreting the way of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
Energy Saving and Land Saving, Diverse Types
The history of cave dwellings is long, dating back to the "cave dwelling" period of ancient ancestors, and has undergone thousands of years of evolution and development. As a residential form adapted to specific climates and geographical environments, cave dwellings are warm in winter and cool in summer, energy-saving and land-saving, and have been used and continuously improved in the Loess Plateau and similar areas for a long time.
According to the differences in terrain conditions and construction methods, cave dwellings have evolved into different types:
Hillside cave dwellings, also known as cliffside cave dwellings, are cave dwellings excavated horizontally relying on natural loess cliffs. Northern Shaanxi, eastern Gansu, western Shanxi, and western Henan in China have deep soil layers and crisscrossing gullies, making them excellent locations for hillside cave dwellings. In the hilly and gully areas of the Loess Plateau in northern Shaanxi, cave dwellings are either built along steep walls or excavated into double-layered or multi-layered terrace styles in accordance with the terrain, forming a unique human landscape on the Loess Plateau.
Sunken cave dwellings, also known as courtyard pit dwellings. When there is no cliff to rely on in the flat loess tableland area, people can vertically excavate square pits underground to form sunken courtyards, and then horizontally excavate cave dwellings on the four walls. Sunken cave dwellings are more distributed in the Weibei Plateau, western Henan, eastern Gansu, and southern Shanxi. This kind of village composed of sunken courtyard houses is arranged in rows, lines, or in a three-point layout. Boshe Village (柏社村), Xinxing Town (新兴镇), Sanyuan County (三原县), Xianyang City (咸阳市), Shaanxi Province, retains a relatively complete courtyard pit dwelling complex. From the ground, only trees and cooking smoke can be seen. Entering the courtyard, one realizes that there is a separate world. This spectacle of "seeing trees but not villages, entering villages but not houses, hearing voices but not seeing people" is a unique landscape on the Loess Plateau.
Independent cave dwellings, also known as hoop cave dwellings. This type of cave dwelling gets rid of the dependence on natural cliffs, marking a leap in cave dwelling construction technology. Independent cave dwellings are built on flat ground, with adobe and bricks "hooped" to form a solid arched structure, and then covered with soil. This technology has spawned a variety of cave dwelling forms with different shapes and meanings.
In Pingyao (平遥), Qi County (祁县) and other places in Jinzhong (晋中), Shanxi, the Shanxi merchant mansions here integrate independent cave dwellings with exquisite wood carvings and brick decorations, adding a solemn and gorgeous atmosphere to their simplicity. In the Xihai Gu (西海固) area of Ningxia, a unique "dry hoop cave" has been derived, which usually adopts a unique pointed arch shape, eliminating the soil covering process, forming a simple architectural style that adapts to the harsh environment and is rich in regional characteristics.
Ecological Friendliness, Continued Inheritance
Compared with brick and stone buildings, traditional cave dwellings have a shorter life cycle, but they embody the concept of "continuous life" of cyclical construction - old cave dwellings return to the loess, and new cave dwellings are born from the loess.
The ecological friendliness of cave dwellings is also reflected in its two construction modes of "subtraction" and "addition."
"Subtraction" means directly excavating space in the thick loess, which is a relatively economical way of building houses, such as hillside cave dwellings and sunken cave dwellings; "addition" refers to creating space through masonry and soil covering, such as independent cave dwellings, which requires higher construction technology.
The construction of traditional cave dwellings involves earthwork, masonry, tile work, carpentry and other trades, and is usually organized and implemented by the homeowner himself. The building materials used in the construction process are mostly from the local area, and the tools are mostly daily production and living utensils, which fully reflects the farming wisdom of using local materials. Therefore, cave dwellings are also known as "architecture without architects."
The site selection of cave dwelling settlements often uses gullies and slopes that are not suitable for cultivation. For example, in Yangjiagou (杨家沟), Mizhi County (米脂县), Yulin (榆林), Shaanxi, the cave dwellings are built along the mountain and staggered along the ridge, forming a rich spatial hierarchy. Defensive rammed earth walls, public spaces of various types, and living courtyards are connected by steps and ramps, which meet the comprehensive requirements of living and also witness the reproduction of the family and the changes of the times. This kind of cave dwelling settlement embeds buildings of different functions and types into the natural texture, vividly reflecting the human settlement philosophy and ecological wisdom of the Loess Plateau.
Today, the cave dwelling construction technology is engaging in dialogue with modern technology: new waterproof materials enhance the durability of cave dwellings, seismic structure technology improves the safety of cave dwellings, and passive solar design further optimizes energy efficiency. In terms of new rural construction, cave dwellings are integrated with modern ecological housing, soil-covered buildings and other design concepts, and are焕发出全新的生命力 焕发出全新的生命力 (huàn fā chū quán xīn de shēng mìng lì - "radiate new vitality," to display a completely new and vigorous life force).
Cave dwellings are not only a solidified historical heritage, but also contain ecological wisdom for the future, providing valuable local ideas for the sustainable development of modern architecture.
(The author is a professor at the School of Architecture of Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology (西安建筑科技大学), and this reporter Zhang Danhua (张丹华) of this newspaper compiled the interview)
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 孟 扬
Great Snow
Great Snow (大雪) is the twenty-first solar term of the twenty-four solar terms and the third solar term of winter. The start date of the Great Snow solar term in 2025 is December 7th.
The characters "small" (小) and "great" (大) in Small Snow (小雪) and Great Snow (大雪) do not refer to the amount of snowfall, but rather emphasize the difference in the probability of snow accumulation on the ground. Generally speaking, during the Small Snow season, the snow melts easily, and it is difficult for snow to accumulate on the ground. During the Great Snow season, the temperature further decreases, and the snow accumulates as it falls. After the wind and snow, the earth is covered in silver, showing the winter scenery.
During the Great Snow season, the temperature is lower, the probability of snowfall is greater, and the amount of snowfall is more abundant. Whether it is the "thousands of miles of ice, thousands of miles of snow" in the north, or the "snowflakes flying, the sky is silver" in the south, winter is getting deeper and the cold is getting stronger.
As soon as the north wind blows, a cloud can bring a heavy snowfall. Relying on the natural geographical environment, Yantai (烟台) and Weihai (威海), two coastal cities, add a unique style to the midwinter season with their unique "snow nest mode" of snowfall.
In China, places famous for snow are not uncommon, but Yantai (烟台) and Weihai (威海) enjoy the name of "snow nest". On the one hand, it is because of the large amount of snow here. Meteorological data shows that from late November to February of the following year, Yantai (烟台) and Weihai (威海) not only have frequent snowfall, but also have significantly higher snowfall than surrounding areas. Especially during the Great Snow solar term, the snowfall in the "snow nest" is often more dense, and the snow depth often sets or approaches historical records. On the other hand, it is related to its "snowfall mechanism". The unique cold air lake-effect snow accounts for about 80% of its winter snowfall and plays an important role.
Cold air lake-effect snow, also known as sea-effect snow, is a joint product of "wind" and "sea".
Yantai (烟台) and Weihai (威海) are located on the north side of the Jiaodong Peninsula (胶东半岛), surrounded by the sea on three sides. In winter, strong cold air from Siberia (西伯利亚) travels south and reaches the Bohai Bay (渤海湾) and the northern Yellow Sea (黄海). At this time, the temperature of the sea water is higher than the air temperature of the surrounding land, and the sea is like a giant warehouse radiating water vapor and heat outward. When dry and cold air sweeps across the sea surface, it absorbs warm and humid water vapor from the bottom of the sea, forming a cloud structure with cold on top and warm on the bottom. The warm and humid air in the lower layer rises, condenses when it encounters cold, and forms snowfall.
At the same time, because Yantai (烟台) and Weihai (威海) are backed by hills and mountains stretching across the middle of the peninsula, the cold air lake-effect snow cloud clusters continue to travel and land under the strong impetus of the northwest wind, and are blocked when they reach the hilly and mountainous area. Under the action of the terrain, the cloud cluster is lifted up as if being held by a big hand, and further cooled and condensed during the rising process, releasing snowflakes and falling, forming a continuous and high-intensity snowfall process.
This kind of snowfall with "self-convection" superimposed on the terrain has a small range but strong bursts. Clusters of convective clouds are arranged and moved, forming a "train effect" in the same area, so that the "snow nest" can accumulate a large amount of snow in a short time. Moreover, the greater the temperature difference between the sea and the air, the more violent the snowfall.
In China, cold air lake-effect snow is a special type with strong regionality and narrow distribution, and it is not common. From a global perspective, the "lake effect" snowfall in the Great Lakes region of North America and the sea-effect snowfall along the coast of the Sea of Japan are similar in principle to the cold air lake-effect snowfall in the Shandong Peninsula (山东半岛).
The sea breeze is mixed with flying snow, rustling and falling, decorating the mountains and seas like a painting, and also giving the "snow nest" a unique weather phenomenon. For example, "sun snow" where it snows while the sun is shining, "thunder snow" where flying snow is accompanied by lightning and thunder, and "digging sand to see snow" on the beach. In recent years, with the popularization of meteorological knowledge, cold air lake-effect snow has gradually entered the public eye. Moving with the northwest monsoon, during the Great Snow season, chasing an "unexpected" heavy snow in the "snow nest" has also been added to the itinerary of some tourists. However, the "instant and abundant" snowfall not only brings pleasing snow scenes to the coastal snow city, but also brings many aspects of impact and even "trouble" to production and life, testing the city's ability to respond.
Snow falls on thousands of mountains, and all things are hidden. In the midwinter season intertwined with ice and hidden fragrance, the snowflakes hide the germination of vitality and nurture the spring blossoms of the coming year.
Return to TopBy: 文 馨 唐嘉跃
Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice is the twenty-second solar term in the twenty-four solar terms and the fourth solar term in winter. The Winter Solstice in 2025 begins on December 21.
The "zhi (至)" in Winter Solstice does not mean "arrival," but "extreme" or "most." At this time, it is the day with the shortest daytime and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. After this, the weather begins to enter the coldest period, which is what people often call "entering the Nine."
"The sun travels south to its extreme, then returns north." On the Winter Solstice, the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Northern Hemisphere has the shortest day and the longest night. The ancients regarded it as a special moment of "the extreme of yin and the beginning of yang," and the "counting nine" that people often talk about begins on this day.
"Counting Nine," also known as "Winter Nine Nines (冬九九)," is a method of counting days based on solar terms. It takes the Winter Solstice as the starting point, with every nine days being a "nine," for a total of eighty-one days. When the counting of nine ends, spring arrives. The ancients used "counting nine" to record time and weather, providing a reference for agricultural activities.
In the custom of "counting nine," in addition to the Nine Nine Songs that have been passed down to this day, the "Nine Nine Dispelling Cold Pictures (九九消寒图)," which combine the functions of a "diary" and a "game," also give "enduring the winter" an elegant interest.
In summary, there are three main forms of dispelling cold pictures: "drawing nine (画九)," "writing nine (写九)," and "filling nine (填九)."
"Drawing nine" refers to the "picture-style dispelling cold picture," which generally uses a plain-colored painting with winter plum blossoms. Some pictures have 9 plum branches, each with 9 flower buds. Some pictures have 9 flowers blooming on one plum branch, with 9 petals on each flower. One petal is colored in each day, and "when the petals are finished, the nine nines come out." A poem by a Yuan Dynasty poet, "Trying to count the nine nine pictures by the window, the remaining cold disappears and the warmth returns. The plum blossoms are dotted with no remaining white, and today we see apricot trees," is an early record of "drawing nine."
"Writing nine" refers to the "text-style dispelling cold picture." This type of dispelling cold picture requires selecting 9 Chinese characters with 9 strokes each, forming a meaningful sentence, and writing or printing them on paper in hollow form. By the Qing Dynasty, this form was very popular from the court to the common people. Among them, the most famous sentence is "亭前垂柳珍重待春風 (风)" (tíng qián chuí liǔ zhēn zhòng dài chūn fēng - "The weeping willows in front of the pavilion cherish and await the spring breeze") (see picture, photographed by Huo Benke (霍本科)). Players fill in one stroke each day according to the stroke order. Of course, some people also record the weather of the day next to the strokes. In this way, each time a character is filled in, one "nine" passes, and when all nine characters are filled in, spring returns to the earth. In addition to the previous sentence, "春前庭柏風 (风) 送香盈室" (chūn qián tíng bǎi fēng sòng xiāng yíng shì - "The cypress in front of the courtyard in spring sends fragrance filling the room") is also a commonly used sentence. The process of "writing nine" not only records the weather but also expresses the longing for spring.
"Filling nine" refers to the "circle-style dispelling cold picture," also known as the "Nine Nine Dispelling Cold Chart (九九消寒表)." This picture first draws 9 large squares on paper, and then divides each square into 9 grids, with 81 circles arranged in a 9x9 square matrix. Players fill in the corresponding blanks according to the weather, following the rhyme of "dotting above for cloudy, dotting below for sunny, left for wind, right for rain, and snow in the middle." This is a "practical" way to play. After 81 days, you can get a weather record of "dispelling cold and welcoming spring." In addition, there are also dispelling cold pictures designed with copper coins and other patterns in the shape of gourds, fish, and ruyi, symbolizing wealth and peace.
From the Nine Nine Songs to the dispelling cold pictures, the ancients used delicate thoughts to edit the cold winter into a life scene full of ritual. The dispelling cold picture records the seasons, grasps the agricultural time, and condenses the experience and wisdom of the agricultural era. It also incorporates folk custom information into games, combining education with entertainment, and tells the life philosophy of "winter storage waiting for spring." Although the digital age provides more ways to perceive the seasons, the cultural heritage and life philosophy carried by the dispelling cold picture are still worth experiencing by modern people. In our leisure time in winter, we may as well pick up a pen and talk to the ancients in each stroke, and experience the mood of expecting new life in the long wait.
Return to TopBy: 李文初
Hearing the word "Jue (爵)," many people may think of "nobility." In fact, the oracle bone script of "Jue" is a pictograph, originally referring to an ancient drinking vessel with three legs and two small pillars on the rim. The bronze inscription adds a hand in the lower right corner. In ancient times, both wine and bronzeware were scarce, so the Jue, as a ritual vessel, was also regarded as a symbol of status.
At the Erlitou Site (二里头遗址) in Henan (河南), a bronzeware workshop and a group of bronze ritual vessels were discovered. From copper plaques inlaid with turquoise to bronze Jue and bronze Ding (鼎), the artifacts are exquisite and diverse in type. Among them, the bronze Jue unearthed from the Erlitou Site represents the top bronze casting technology of the time.
To date, more than 10 bronze Jue have been excavated from the Erlitou Site, with the nipple-patterned bronze Jue (乳钉纹铜爵) (pictured), unearthed in 1975 and now housed in the Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum (二里头夏都遗址博物馆), being the most remarkable. This artifact is 26.5 cm high and 31.5 cm long, with a constricted waist and flat bottom, three slender conical feet, and a row of nipple patterns on the abdomen, with a light and elegant posture and a beautiful shape.
Unlike the Longshan period (龙山时期), when bronze was mostly used to make tools and weapons, the Erlitou period generally used complex composite mold technology to cast bronze ritual vessels. This process requires precise combination of the core and multiple outer molds, as well as solving a series of complex problems such as the deformation of ceramic molds at high temperatures and the fluidity of metal alloys, which is a major leap in early metal casting technology.
The formation, development, and inheritance of the ritual system are important manifestations of the continuity of Chinese civilization. From holding wine in vessels to storing rituals in utensils, the bronze Jue played an important role in the formation of the early ritual system. The ancient Jue rank system stipulated that different identities should be entitled to corresponding Jue. This standardized requirement for the use of Jue and other objects became an important foundation for the development of a more complete ritual system in later generations.
(The author is the curator of the Erlitou Xia Capital Site Museum (二里头夏都遗址博物馆) in Henan (河南). This article was compiled by Zhang Wenhao (张文豪), a reporter from this newspaper.)
Return to TopLayout Design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)
Return to TopBy: 陈崇正
In the South, the arrival of winter always seems precious. The winter solstice has the longest night of the year and is not only called the Winter Festival, but its status is also comparable to the New Year. When I was a child, the elders would say, "Eating Winter Festival dumplings makes you one year older," making me think that the glutinous rice balls on this day had some magic to accelerate time, but in reality, they were just ordinary glutinous rice balls. In Chaoshan dialect, "丸" (wán - ball) has the same pronunciation as "圆" (yuán - round), and the more important meaning of Winter Festival dumplings lies in family reunion. Perhaps because the cold winter has arrived, relatives need to huddle together for warmth. Making dumplings is the most lively activity; the elderly, women, and children sit together and play with glutinous rice dough, kneading it into small balls. The dumplings in the Chaoshan area have no filling. The hand-rolled solid dumplings vary in size and are cooked with brown sugar until soft. More particular families will also add old ginger for flavoring, making them sweet but not greasy. Winter solstice dumplings, when cooled, look like a pot of thick honey, and reheating them easily sticks to the pot, emitting a sweet, burnt smell. When I was a child, I especially liked this burnt smell, which made me feel happy. Now I can't figure out why such a simple food was so anticipated in my childhood.
A few days before the Winter Festival, there is also "筅囤" (xiǎn dùn), which means a thorough cleaning. This is probably to prepare for the ancestral worship of the Winter Festival. In the Chaoshan area, tomb sweeping during the Qingming Festival is called "挂春纸" (guà chūn zhǐ - hanging spring paper), and tomb sweeping during the Winter Festival is called "挂冬纸" (guà dōng zhǐ - hanging winter paper). Generally, for the first three years after an elder passes away, "挂春纸" (guà chūn zhǐ - hanging spring paper) must be done, and only after three years can "挂冬纸" (guà dōng zhǐ - hanging winter paper) be done. During the Qingming Festival, it often rains, but the weather during the Winter Festival is clearer and more suitable for climbing mountains to sweep tombs, reminiscing about the fleeting years. The setting sun also becomes gentle in the cold wind, without the fiery heat of summer. My memories of my family's tomb sweeping have been blank since the year my Bai Mao Gong (白毛公) (maternal grandfather) announced that he would no longer sweep tombs. I vaguely remember that the mountain road was muddy and the weather was very cold. I don't know if it was the chill of early spring or the arrival of the north wind. I also remember that one of my slippers fell into the grass. After that, the Winter Festival was just for worshiping at home.
Time flows, and the years are startling. Those days erased by the rising and setting of the sun and moon are like discarded waste paper. But nostalgic people are still willing to recreate them in their memories, believing that they have always been there, and believing that one day they can pass through the door of time and return to the past. In the transformation of time and space, we still use our inner feelings to generate the trajectory of living. We still have to feel sorry for the passing of time and be pleasantly surprised by the people and things that follow. In the vast universe, we are as humble as ants; the starry sky is just an illusion from billions of years ago. It is so difficult to determine a meaning; uncertainty is the truth of the universe, but we have been insisting on building a tower of meaning for ourselves. I think this is probably the meaning of the existence of these "signs" such as the Winter Solstice, the Spring Festival, and the Lantern Festival. Festivals become tools for anchoring the weight of life and become cursors in time and space.
In the past few decades, many Chaoshan people have gathered in the Pearl River Delta to work. My family has also joined the torrent of migration, from the banks of the Han River (韩江) to the banks of the Pearl River (珠江), it has been 20 years in a flash. Originally, my parents had a tofu workshop at home, but later they stopped it; they planted two acres of cowpeas, but later changed to planting jujube trees. A few years ago, my parents finally left the muddy land of their hometown and followed us to live in the Pearl River Delta, taking care of their grandchildren. Since then, whenever there is a festival to worship ancestors, my parents have a reason to go back to their hometown for a few days, which feels a bit like taking paid annual leave, and finally being able to fill in an irrefutable reason in the reason column.
My mother starts talking about going back to Chaozhou (潮州) to worship ancestors for the Winter Festival as soon as the weather starts to cool down. But for migrant workers, the winter solstice is really an insignificant solar term. It doesn't have a holiday, so why should we remember it? My mother is in charge of all the rituals of our family's ancestral worship. Eight festivals a year, three animals and five fruits, all of this is so complicated, how can we remember it?
"There's still your A Ma (阿嫲) at home," my mother said.
A Ma (阿嫲) is grandma. A Ma (阿嫲) just turned 100 this year and is another person who is familiar with the worship rituals. In our village, elderly people who turn 100 have to wear a red bib and walk around the streets. But at the beginning of the year, when it was her birthday, the elders of the family advocated keeping a low profile to avoid alarming the gods of heaven and earth, who would know her age, so they started "silent mode," and even her birthday was celebrated with a "stealthy" feeling. My younger siblings went to chat with A Ma (阿嫲), repeating each question at least three times. The question "When did you come back?" would be repeated endlessly. Perhaps in A Ma's (阿嫲)'s eyes, we suddenly appeared in front of her, and after a few days, we disappeared again, so the time of returning home could never be figured out. My mother often says, "Your A Ma (阿嫲) is a robot, sturdy and durable." Apart from her bad memory, A Ma (阿嫲) is really like a low-energy, smoothly running machine. Two years ago, she fell and injured her arm, and we were all quite worried, but she recovered at a miraculous speed and secretly took on handicrafts to do at home to earn pocket money. Only after we found out did she act like a student who had made a mistake and said she wouldn't do it anymore.
A Ma (阿嫲), this "robot," is said to have never traveled more than 50 kilometers in her entire life. When she was young, she carried salt and saw the Japanese devils enter the village; she had never been on a plane, but she personally saw how the enemy planes' bombs blew out deep pits. One year during the Spring Festival, I drove her around the ancient city of Chaozhou (潮州). After returning, she said she was carsick and shook her head repeatedly: "Too far, too fast." That was only 10 kilometers away. It was as if she specialized in occupying time but did not possess space. Many years ago, she crossed a small hill from another village and married into this village, and has been here ever since. For her understanding of distance, her quantifier is "铺路" (pù lù - paved road), probably a road measured by foot; while for measuring distance, we use wheels.
The round Winter Festival dumplings are calling for reunion, while the equally round wheels are destined for separation. The first time I rode a Phoenix bicycle, I was about the same height as the bicycle, so my riding posture was very strange. My right leg had to go through the middle of the triangular frame, and I had to pedal with my head tilted. Although I fell on my back again and again, I was very happy, thinking that I could finally conquer the distance. More than 10 years ago, I had my first car, parked on the side of the road downstairs. That night, I went downstairs three times to confirm the existence of the car, always worried that the four wheels of this manual car would be taken away. This car was the first to connect my hometown, where I was born, with my new home, which made me a stranger. Compared with green-skinned trains and long-distance buses, I had the possibility of returning to my hometown at any time.
Now, cars have been replaced by new energy vehicles, which do not need to be refueled but are charged. Advertisements compare new energy vehicles to intelligent robots. Driving a car that seems to have intelligence on the road, the car is cruising, and I am immersed in memories. I think of the dumplings of my childhood and miss my deceased relatives. For example, on the winter solstice morning, Bai Mao Gong (白毛公) would squat at the door to cook taro paste. He would drizzle scallion lard on the taro paste, which was a childhood delicacy even better than dumplings. Bai Mao Gong's (白毛公)'s mother-in-law, I called her Lao Ma (老嫲). Before the age of 6, Lao Ma (老嫲) took me to sleep and sang nursery rhymes to me. Sometimes I would be woken up in the middle of the night and find Lao Ma (老嫲) sobbing in the dark, which was very confusing. Only when I grew up did I understand that she was crying for her husband and son who were far away in Siam. Later, when I wrote novels, I consulted a lot of overseas Chinese letters and understood the separation in the world. The annual festivals, including the Winter Festival, are important time nodes frequently mentioned in the letters of overseas Chaoshan people. These overseas Chinese, far away from their homeland, would send money home to worship their ancestors at the time specified by the ancient rituals. In other words, they, like us, have become strangers, unable to change or cut off certain invisible cultural memories, and have brought the Chaoshan way of life to faraway places.
From Chaozhou (潮州) to Guangzhou (广州), the wheels are rolling, and the car radio is discussing the lunar landing plan, saying that in a few years, the Chinese will land on the moon, and domestic robots will also be active on the moon. At this moment, the moon is hanging in the sky, and its waxing and waning represent both reunion and separation from afar. I can imagine a robot standing on the moon looking at the earth, and I hope that at that time, it can also have homesickness.
Return to TopBy: 陈兆平
The snow in Chengdu (成都) comes late. It always drags on until the end of the year or the beginning of the new year before it is willing to scatter that thin layer of snowy intent, like fine salt. This snow is bound to startle the people of Chengdu (成都), who will run and cheer in the fine, fragmented snowflakes...
The most memorable snow fell for an entire day.
I encountered this snow in the garden of my residence in the west of the city. I was walking alone in the garden. The sky was originally gray, but unexpectedly, as the cold wind tightened, fine snowflakes fell with the wind. It happened to be passing a small bamboo forest. The small bamboo leaves had been green all summer and autumn, but now with this little bit of white, the green became a deep ink color.
The snow fell heavier and heavier, gradually covering the pebble path with a shallow layer of white. Stepping on it, it made a soft "creak" sound. It was so quiet all around, so quiet that you could hear the rustling sound of snowflakes colliding with bamboo leaves. It was not just a sound, but also a tactile sensation, cool, going straight to the heart. In the tranquil atmosphere, I thought of Liu Zongyuan's (柳宗元) eternal loneliness: "An old man in a straw cloak on a lone boat, fishing alone in the cold river snow." The coldness and emptiness between heaven and earth can wash a person's internal organs, and instantly isolate the hustle and bustle of the city.
Although there were red flowers and green grass in front of me, they were all harmonized by the plain white of the snow into a simple black, white, and gray. The black was the thin, hard lines of the winter branches; the white was the blank space all over the sky and earth; the gray was the sky and the distant mountains, filled with a hazy image. There is a saying in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy: "计白当黑" (**计白当黑** (jì bái dāng hēi - "treat white as black," the artistic technique of using blank space to enhance the overall composition and suggest depth)). This is the most wonderful proof of this. The large expanse of white is filled with endless coldness and tranquility, which is more convincing than any heavy ink. Such simplicity is undoubtedly a very high luxury, allowing you to abandon complexity and only face the most essential form and meaning. In such a scene, I also thought of Wang Wei's (王维) "Remembering Hermit Hu's Home on a Snowy Winter Evening": "The wind startles the bamboo outside the window, and the snow fills the mountain when the door is opened. The deep lane is quiet with scattered snow, and the wide courtyard is idle with accumulated whiteness." Isn't the garden at this moment the "wide courtyard with accumulated whiteness"? The only regret is that there is no friend to sit and talk with. However, this regret, in this absolute tranquility, also becomes part of the completeness.
Unknowingly, I came to a wintersweet tree, and the plum blossoms were in full bloom. The flowers were translucent honey-yellow, like brittle, thin yellow jade carvings. The colder it is, the stronger the fragrance. Plum blossoms and snow have always been a pair of pure and cold confidants. Lu Meipo (卢梅坡), a poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, said: "The plum must concede three points of whiteness to the snow, but the snow loses a bit of fragrance to the plum." I think that the advantage of snow is precisely its lack of fragrance; and the wonder of plum blossoms is not in its whiteness. Their encounter is a mutual reflection and achievement of two lofty characters. The snow uses its own whiteness to wash away the dust from the plum blossoms; the plum blossoms use their own fragrance to startle the snow's cold loneliness. This fragrance is an extremely faint cold fragrance, which requires calming down to capture it bit by bit from the biting air.
Not far away, several osmanthus trees, whose dark green, inconspicuous leaves usually hold a small handful of snow at this moment, green and white interspersed, like a tree of crystal flowers. When the cold wind blows, the snow falls down, landing on the liriope, euonymus japonicus, and senecio cruentus under the tree... The snow in Chengdu (成都), although not as spectacular as the blizzard I encountered on the way to Golmud (格尔木), has its own good qualities. It is like a reserved guest, rarely visiting, but bringing an unexpected romance to this gentle and humid city. The snow that flutters inadvertently makes ordinary street scenes like fairy tales, turns busy adults into children, and gives this ancient city of thousands of years a different kind of charm.
Snowflakes are flying all over the sky. Suddenly, I feel that modern people's lives need such a snow so much! Our lives are filled with countless colorful screens, noisy sounds, and hurried schedules. And this snow is like a good medicine, with its incomparable simplicity, persuading me to learn to give up; with its incomparable coldness, making me wake up quickly; with its incomparable tranquility, guiding me to look inward carefully. In this simple world of winter, desires and anxieties seem to have lost their color and become lighter. Looking at the snowflakes flying in front of me, my heart is like the earth covered by snow, gradually fading away many miscellaneous colors, and slowly returning to its original, clear essence.
On the way home that day, the snow was still falling. Looking back, the footprints I had left had been faintly erased by the new snow. When the lights were lit one after another, I looked out the window and saw that the snow was still falling, the snowflakes slowly swirling and falling from the sky.
I remember, unknowingly, the snow fell for an entire day.
Return to TopBy: 邓跃东
After crossing one snow-capped mountain, another snow-capped mountain still lies ahead.
The tour bus slowly travels along the Karakoram Mountains. Although the road surface is not icy, it is necessary to deal with oncoming traffic from time to time, and also to be wary of overtaking and cutting-in cars behind. The brakes are applied constantly, and everyone in the car is thrown forward and backward, their hearts in their mouths.
The driver, Lao Su, is taciturn and resolute, constantly dealing with various dangers on the road. You can't see tension or anger on his face. He was the same yesterday when it was raining and snowing on the mountain. Sometimes, when everyone chats, appreciates the scenery, and praises the food, he doesn't participate, and no one knows what he is thinking.
I have always been puzzled as to why he has no expression on his face. The day before yesterday, when we were resting at a service area in Aksu (阿克苏), I handed him a cigarette. He said his surname was Su (苏), his home was in Yining (伊宁), and he came to a travel company in Ürümqi (乌鲁木齐) to drive a bus, running north and south Xinjiang (新疆) for more than ten years. I wanted to know his age, but he asked me how old I thought he was. I said about the same as me, I was born in 1974. His skin was rough, and I was embarrassed to say he was too old, but he said, you guessed right, I'm one year older than you! Oh, driving here, exposed to the wind and sun, makes one's appearance deceiving.
Passing the Muztagh Ata (慕士塔格峰) viewing stop, Lao Su (老苏) stopped the car to let everyone take pictures and relax. The summit of Muztagh Ata (慕士塔格峰) is covered with ice and snow all year round. Below the mountain is the wide Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖), with the snow-capped peaks reflected in the water, making it even more majestic. We played by the snow-capped lake for a while, and as we were about to board the bus, a strong-rhythm Xinjiang (新疆) dance music suddenly sounded in front of the car, and a Uyghur (维吾尔族) girl with thick eyebrows and big eyes danced alone. Lao Su (老苏) suddenly got up and said eagerly, everyone wait a minute, I'll go down. We thought Lao Su (老苏) was going to negotiate to get the girl to move, but he waved his arms and slowly walked to the girl, dancing rhythmically with her, a smile blooming on his face.
Am I seeing things? Is this Lao Su (老苏)? I saw him patting his chest and back, dancing a Xinjiang (新疆) dance with proper movements. This is a Meshrep dance, a common dance that can be performed solo, in pairs, or in groups. Lao Su's (老苏) movements are skillful and vivid, and the two cooperate tacitly, retreating and advancing, full of flavor.
In less than 3 minutes, the music stopped, and Lao Su (老苏) got on the bus and started driving, immediately returning to silence, with no joyful expression on his face from just dancing. Everyone was not happy and asked him where he learned to dance, whether he could sing, and some people clamored for Lao Su (老苏) to sing a song. Lao Su (老苏) became shy and repeatedly said that he didn't sing well, and that he learned the dance from the people in his hometown. There are several ethnic groups in the village, and they don't distinguish between each other, and they often get together, and they can understand some of all kinds of languages, and can also speak a little.
After a while of commotion, everyone started their lunch break, and the car was quiet. I sat behind Lao Su (老苏), my heart constantly rippling, and asked him why he suddenly wanted to dance just now. Lao Su (老苏) said that Xinjiang (新疆) dance doesn't distinguish between places, as long as the music starts, busy people put down their work and run to twist for a while, and people have energy.
Lao Su's (老苏) ancestral home is Shaanxi (陕西), and his grandfather's generation settled in Yining (伊宁). His family all speak Shaanxi (陕西) dialect. I have been in Shaanxi (陕西) for many years, so I chatted with him in Shaanxi (陕西) dialect.
Lao Su (老苏) is honest and drives steadily, so the travel agency lets him drive the bus for a long time. His two sons are not by his side, and the elderly at home need to be taken care of, so his wife stays in Yining (伊宁) as a noodle maker. Lao Su (老苏) can only see her when he drives to Yining (伊宁). Xinjiang (新疆) is vast, but according to regulations, the time and distance that bus drivers can carry passengers each day are limited, and violations will be punished. That day, Lao Su (老苏) was carrying passengers to Hotan (和田), which was a long way. When he arrived in the suburbs of Hotan (和田), the system on the car started to alarm, and he could no longer drive forward. Lao Su (老苏) had to explain and apologize to the tourists, and ask them to take a taxi to the hotel. Although the tourists didn't have to pay for the taxi, they still complained constantly, and Lao Su (老苏) silently accepted it.
Lao Su (老苏) said that the inconveniences of travel life can be accepted, but the loneliness is still difficult to adapt to. Sometimes, after sending passengers to southern Xinjiang (南疆), the passengers fly back to various places, and he drives back alone, the car becomes a swaying boat in the desert, and he doesn't talk to anyone for several days in a row. When he really can't stand it, he stops the car, plays Xinjiang (新疆) songs in the car, and dances alone for a while. If he encounters a dance party by the side of the road, he goes down to play for a while...
In the evening, I asked Lao Su (老苏) to go out for barbecue and late-night snacks, as he was familiar with the place. Lao Su (老苏) doesn't drink alcohol, as the company has regulations. He only ate a plate of fried noodles, which tasted good, and he gave me some. I drank wine, and he sang next to me, slightly twisting his body.
I added Lao Su's (老苏) WeChat. Every time he goes to a place, he sends a landscape video. Who does he send it to? He is far away, and there is still a distant place in his heart.
By: 薄学斌
Steel billets change from red and yellow to blue and black
Like a process of light fighting against time
Often transported from here
Things with heat and weight
Long night, 万籁俱寂 (wàn lài jù jì - "ten thousand sounds all still," all is quiet; absolute silence)
The fragile parts are welded piece by piece
Like a trestle bridge by the river
Wind and rain only leave the sound of wind and rain
Time harvests its composure. I always do this
Let myself slowly fall asleep
No matter how many cracks there are in this day
Quenched by the night, restoring plasticity and toughness
Becoming one with the dawn
Oil painting "Wudalianchi·Sea Lion" by Han Jingsheng (韩景生), collection of the National Art Museum of China (中国美术馆).
Return to TopBy: 武 歆
I often encounter this situation: friends from other places come to Tianjin (天津), asking me what delicious food Tianjin (天津) has to offer. They particularly emphasize not mentioning big restaurants, or even mid-range restaurants, but just "fly restaurants" and the delicacies in small alleys. This puts me in a difficult position. I don't cook, and I'm also casual about eating. An hour after a meal, if you ask me how many dishes were on the table and how they tasted, I wouldn't know at all. Later, inspired by a foodie friend, I remembered this Tianjin (天津) folk delicacy worth recommending – "Old-fashioned Guozitang."
In my childhood, in the 1960s and 1970s, life was generally not well-off, but everyone still tried to present delicious food on the bland dining table. For example, no matter what you ate, you had to drink a bowl of hot soup after the meal. Even if there was no time to make soup, you would take some leftovers, pour in some boiled water, stir it, and slurp it down. In most cases, you still had to make soup properly, such as hot and sour soup, tomato and egg soup, and so on. The soup that left the deepest impression on me in my youth was Guozitang.
The main ingredients of Guozitang are day-old guozi (馃子) and eggs. Freshly fried guozi are not suitable for making soup, as they have a greasy feeling. Day-old guozi are dry and crispy, and can fully absorb the soup. Although soaked in the soup, they still have a slightly crispy texture. The eggs must be fresh. The auxiliary materials include dried shrimp and seaweed. The dried shrimp must be stir-fried in advance to stimulate their own aroma. The soy sauce must be the local "Guangrong Brand (光荣牌)," and there must also be fermented bean curd juice and salt for seasoning. There must be chopped green onions, coriander, and sesame oil, which are responsible for adding aroma.
There are particularities in the process of making Guozitang. Heat the pot with cold oil, stir-fry the chopped green onions until fragrant, then add the dried shrimp and stir-fry until slightly yellow. This step is the key to maintaining the freshness of the soup base. Then put in the torn guozi, and after a dozen seconds, slowly pour in the beaten egg liquid, and immediately turn off the heat after forming flocculent egg flowers. Add chopped coriander, then drizzle with a little sesame oil to stimulate the aroma with the residual heat. There is also a simple method: put the torn guozi into a large bowl, add dried shrimp, seaweed, and soy sauce, then crack in an egg, and then directly pour in boiling water. If you still find it troublesome, the auxiliary materials can be further reduced, but one thing must be guaranteed: it must be day-old guozi, and there must be soy sauce and coriander, otherwise it is not the old flavor in memory.
Now that life is better, many Tianjin (天津) people still miss the "taste of the past," and sometimes still make Guozitang at home. In fact, the standard of food is not measured by money. Folk delicacies and popular recipes often carry long-standing memories of life and entrust memories of family and friendship. Such leisurely past events are difficult to find in high-end restaurants, and can only be presented in small restaurants in the streets and alleys.
If friends from other places come to the "Old Hongqiao (老红桥)," "Old Bird Market (老鸟市)" area of Tianjin Wei (天津卫) one day, or the "Old Hedong (老河东)," "Old Hebei (老河北)" area, walk into a small restaurant, and find the boss to say, "Can you make me a bowl of Guozitang, the old-fashioned flavor?" The boss will definitely stare at you for a moment, then step forward, hold your hand, and say to you affectionately, "You wait, I'll have the chef make it right away." When you are drinking Guozitang, the boss will also come over to chat with you: "Listening to your accent, you are not a local. Did your father live in Tianjin Wei (天津卫) in his early years? Which district did he live in?" At this time, you can feel free to play it by ear... When you leave the small shop full and satisfied, the boss may add you on WeChat (微信), saying with a sincere face: "If you want to eat this, tell me in advance next time, I have to save the guozi for you, it must be day-old guozi, the Guozitang made is the old flavor, the taste is a little worse today, please forgive me."
In the future, you can brag to outsiders: I am a pure Tianjin (天津) person, because I have drunk "Old-fashioned Guozitang."
Return to TopBy: 哲 贵
Where do you come from? I come from Nanjing (南京).
What kind of flower do you bring? I bring jasmine.
——Taozhou Hua'er
People's superficiality and shortsightedness often stem from ignorance. I wrote the book "Jinxiang (金乡)," and I know that Jinxiang Town (金乡镇) in Wenzhou (温州), Zhejiang (浙江), was originally called Jinxiang Wei (金乡卫), one of the garrison towns built by the Ming Dynasty (明朝) along the coast. Since then, I have had a concept in my mind—garrison towns were a coastal defense system of the Ming Dynasty, and only coastal areas had garrison towns, such as Tianjin Wei (天津卫), Weihai Wei (威海卫), Jinshan Wei (金山卫), and so on.
In fact, "Wei (卫)" was a military system of the Ming Dynasty, with nearly five hundred of them set up throughout the country at one time. Whether it was Jinxiang Wei (金乡卫) or Taozhou Wei (洮州卫), troops were dispatched by the imperial court after the establishment of the garrison. Many of the officers and soldiers of Jinxiang Wei (金乡卫) came from the area of today's Ningbo (宁波). And many of the officers and soldiers of Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) came from Nanjing (南京), Jiangsu (江苏) and Fengyang (凤阳), Anhui (安徽).
Before I went to Lintan (临潭), Gansu (甘肃), I already knew about Taozhou Wei (洮州卫). Or rather, in addition to official business, I also wanted to see Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) on this trip to Lintan (临潭). After arriving in Lintan (临潭), I learned that Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) no longer exists. That's not quite accurate. A more precise expression would be that the name Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) has become history, and that history overlaps with the place now called "New Town (新城镇)." Reality covers history. So, the place I went to was a town more than 30 kilometers away from Lintan County (临潭县).
Frankly speaking, I was a little surprised after the car entered Taozhou Wei (洮州卫). This place actually has a very dense flow of people. Most of the small towns in the Northwest that I have been to are not so lively. Later I learned that this day was a market day. My surprise also lies in the fact that the pedestrians on the street, regardless of age or gender, mostly have delicate skin and clear eyes. Especially the skin, rosy and smooth. This is a cold place in the Northwest.
Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) was built in the twelfth year of Hongwu (洪武) in the Ming Dynasty (明朝). A stone tablet preserved locally records the relevant content of the construction of Taozhou Wei (洮州卫), including the sentence "The circumference of the city is more than nine li, and the work is completed in less than ten days," referring to the area of Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) and the time it took to build the city. Looking through history, during the Three Kingdoms period (三国时期), the Lintan (临潭) area already had two cities, Taoyang (洮阳) and Houhe (侯和). Shu (蜀) general Jiang Wei (姜维) and Wei (魏) general Deng Ai (邓艾) fought in Houhe (侯和). Honghe Prefecture (洪和郡) was established during the Northern Wei Dynasty (北魏). Therefore, the greatest possibility is that the Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) city, which was built in a short period of time, was expanded and rebuilt on the basis of the original old city. The research of archaeological experts confirms this.
For me, when I arrive in Taozhou (洮州), "what to eat" is worth paying attention to. Actually, it's not a question of eating. What I care about is how to find the history of that year from the diet of the people of Taozhou (洮州). I must admit that most of the history has been submerged in the sand and frost of the Northwest, and there is almost no trace to be found. Unless you are a person with a heart, you can capture a glimpse in the details and fragments. Meng Panfeng (孟攀峰), Zhou Tao (周涛), and Xiao Song (小宋) at the same table are all native Taozhou (洮州) people who have lived on this land for generations. However, I also observed that they seem to have shadows of southerners, including their skin and expressions. More importantly, their inner feelings for the South are not yearning, nor concern, it is hard to say. But you can feel that they have some kind of secret relationship with the South, looming, as if there is or isn't. Unprovoked melancholy, unprovoked sadness.
Every garrison town I go to has a City God Temple (城隍庙). Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) also has a City God Temple (城隍庙). The difference of this City God Temple (城隍庙) is that, in addition to enshrining the City God (城隍), it also enshrines 18 Dragon Gods. Taozhou (洮州) is far away from the sea. On the one hand, the belief in dragons is probably the expectation of a smooth weather in an agricultural society; on the other hand, it may be related to the generals and soldiers who moved here from the South. Therefore, every year on the Dragon Boat Festival (端阳节) on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, Taozhou (洮州) will hold a welcoming ceremony—usually, these 18 Dragon Gods are located in various places, each with its own temple. On the Dragon Boat Festival (端阳节), they are invited to the City God Temple (城隍庙) for sacrifices. After the festival is over, they are respectfully sent back to their respective temples.
The South Gate of Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) is still there, also known as Yingxun Gate (迎薰门), and it is very complete. The north side of the garrison town is a mountain, and there is a Shuixi Gate (水西门) on the northwest side. There is a small lake near the Shuixi Gate (水西门). According to Meng Panfeng (孟攀峰), this small lake is called Haiyan (海眼) by the locals, and the water in the small lake has never dried up, even in the driest weather.
I went to the South Gate 5 times before and after two days in Taozhou Wei (洮州卫). I wandered or sat alone at the South Gate, and scenes of the soldiers going out and returning in those years kept flashing in my mind. I also walked along the moat outside the South Gate many times, as if looking for something. Looking for fragments of the soldiers' words? Looking for their great pride in defending the city? Looking for their boundless affection for their southern homeland? All of them, and none of them. I just want to walk on this land alone. I know that among the people who once walked on this land, some were wanderers like me from the South. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, at the latest no more than three days, I will return to the South where I was born and raised, stand on the land of the South, bathe in the sunshine there, feel the humidity and heat there, and eat the seafood and vegetables there. And those people in history, they have no return date, and they will always stay in this place, including their children and grandchildren.
Yes, they became Taozhou (洮州) people. They are Taozhou (洮州) people.
Taozhou (洮州) is located at the intersection of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原) and the Loess Plateau (黄土高原). This used to be an important passage. Even now, Taozhou Wei (洮州卫), including Lintan County (临潭县), is still a place where many ethnic groups live together. From a geographical, living, and folk custom perspective, this is a transitional zone. From the military perspective of that year, this was undoubtedly a place of strategic importance.
The city wall of the South Gate of Taozhou Wei (洮州卫) is full of fragrant grass, and the overgrown weeds cover the way. The remaining section of the South City Wall is not a stone wall made of bricks and stones like other cities, but an earthen wall with a slight slope from the base of the wall to the top of the wall. Standing on the hillside opposite the South Gate, you can have a panoramic view of Taozhou Wei (洮州卫). Only by observing from this angle can you feel the magnificence of that city wall. In addition to magnificence, there is also security. In addition to security, there is also witness. That is a witness to history, and also a witness to the present and the future.
On this city wall, I seem to see the history played out on this land, and the posture of the soldiers from the South standing on the city wall looking south. I also heard the affectionate singing of everyone living on this land. What they sing is Taozhou Hua'er (洮州花儿), and what they have in their hearts may be the entire South.
This edition's email: dadi@peopledaily.cn
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