Jilin Strengthens the Protection and Inheritance of Historical and Cultural Heritage

By: 本报记者 汪志球 郑智文 门杰伟

The integration of Peking Opera arias with Northeastern dialects, and the use of Jinghu slides to mimic the rhythm of agricultural machinery. Inside the Jilin International Studies University (吉林外国语大学) auditorium, the modern Peking Opera "Song of the Land" was performed, singing the praises of black soil protection, and winning rounds of applause. "More than a hundred years ago, the large Peking Opera troupe 'Xiliancheng' (喜连成), which had deep ties with Jilin City (吉林市), was established in Beijing (北京)... The 'Pi Huang' (皮黄) melodies have been sung on the banks of the Songhua River (松花江) to this day." Chang Fenghe (常峰赫), an actor from the Jilin Provincial Peking Opera Theatre (吉林省戏曲剧院京剧团), gave a live lecture, allowing the teachers and students present to experience the unique charm of the national essence of Peking Opera.

General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) emphasized: "We must let cultural relics speak, let history speak, and let culture speak. We must strengthen the protection and utilization of cultural relics, strengthen historical research and inheritance, and continuously promote and develop outstanding Chinese traditional culture."

In-depth implementation of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important instructions, Jilin Province (吉林省), based on its profound historical and cultural roots, adheres to the principles of prioritizing protection, strengthening management, exploring value, effective utilization, and bringing cultural relics to life, comprehensively strengthening the protection, utilization, research, and inheritance of historical and cultural heritage, and drawing revitalization power from its profound cultural heritage.

Let cultural relics speak, strengthen protection and utilization—

A thin layer of snow covers the blue bricks, and the vicissitudes of the Jilin Machine Manufacturing Bureau (吉林机器制造局) have a unique charm. Today, the factory buildings have been transformed into exhibition halls, and old objects and old buildings tell the story of industrial history; the courtyards have become new squares, and various activities are colorful.

Since 2024, Jilin City (吉林市) has been carrying out protective development of the Jilin Machine Manufacturing Bureau (吉林机器制造局), which was founded in the late 19th century, following the principle of "minimum intervention," repairing the main buildings, opening the closed courtyard doors, and holding cultural activities.

Adhering to the all-round working concept of "protection + inheritance + revitalization," Jilin Province (吉林省) actively revitalizes the existing 9,204 immovable cultural relics and 710,000 (sets) of movable cultural relics. "On the basis of protecting cultural relics, we promote their historical education function, so that more cultural relics can 'speak'." Said Sun Guangzhi (孙光芝), Director of the Jilin Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism (吉林省文化和旅游厅).

In recent years, Jilin Province (吉林省) has continued to strengthen the protection and utilization of cultural relics, compiling the Jilin Province Historical and Cultural Protection and Inheritance System Plan (吉林省历史文化保护传承体系规划), and exploring the multiple values of historical and cultural heritage.

Let history speak, focus on research and inheritance—

The Jilin Province Modern and Contemporary History Exhibition (吉林省近现代史展), which opened in August this year, presents a panoramic view of the changes in the Jilin (吉林) region with more than 1,000 (sets) of physical objects, attracting a constant stream of visitors.

Sorting out the cultural context through archaeological evidence. The "Jilin Province Archaeological Pre-Management Regulations for Basic Construction Land" (吉林省基本建设用地考古前置管理规定) was formulated to ensure that the "archaeology first, then land transfer" system is implemented. Major projects such as the "Archaeological China" (考古中国) project, such as the "Archaeological Investigation and Research on Ancient Human Sites in the Changbai Mountain (长白山) Area of Eastern Jilin," are being promoted in an orderly manner, and a total of 43 national-level cultural relics protection and display utilization projects have been successfully approved.

Clarifying history through systematic research. Accelerate the construction of a large database of cultural heritage resources, and promote the compilation project of the "Jilin Encyclopedia" (吉林全书); implement the "Jilin Cultural Heritage Inheritance Project" (吉林文脉传承工程), and publish works such as "A Brief History of Jilin" (简明吉林历史); sort out the historical facts of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army (东北抗联), and promote the spirit of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army (东北抗联精神).

Deepening understanding through diversified inheritance. Jilin Province (吉林省) promotes the "Lighting Up the Light of Cultural Expo" (点亮文博之光) plan, and 28 small and medium-sized museums have achieved quality improvement and upgrading with the help of digital means; from the provincial capital to the county, themed exhibitions such as the Jilin Fourteen-Year Anti-Japanese War Archives Exhibition (吉林抗战十四年档案展) and the Jilin Province Anti-US Aid Korea Rear Area Exhibition (吉林省抗美援朝后援地展览) present a profound history. "We must not only protect cultural heritage in a down-to-earth manner, but also study the historical context of Jilin (吉林) with key areas as breakthroughs, and more importantly, publicize and interpret the historical culture of Jilin (吉林)." Said Cao Lubao (曹路宝), member of the Standing Committee of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and Minister of the Propaganda Department.

Let culture speak, explore innovative development—

Heavy Khoomei, melodious instruments, and emotional chorus, actors dressed in Mongolian costumes are performing the national intangible cultural heritage Chagan Lake (查干湖) winter fishing custom.

The long-standing Chagan Lake (查干湖) winter fishing now shows vigorous vitality. The Chagan Lake Scenic Area (查干湖景区) received more than 4 million tourists last year; a series of literary and artistic works such as the Horr (好来宝) "Ice Lake Leaping Fish" (冰湖腾鱼) and the song and dance drama "Prairie Canal" (草原运河) are deeply loved by tourists; with winter fishing as the theme, more than 50 kinds of cultural and creative products such as fish skin paintings have been developed...

Cultivating the fertile soil of culture, Jilin Province (吉林省) adheres to creative transformation and innovative development, promotes the construction of a culturally strong province, and implements a one-policy and classified guidance for representative intangible cultural heritage projects. Promote the entry of historical and cultural heritage into schools, and continue to carry out themed activities such as intangible cultural heritage exhibitions in provincial universities, with an average of nearly 1,000 people participating per session; create brands such as "Intangible Cultural Heritage Market" (非遗市集), and the Changchun Fang (长春坊), which is under construction, will gather more than 100 projects to build a normalized platform for the publicity, display, sales and transformation of intangible cultural heritage in Jilin Province (吉林省).

The "Proposals" of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party proposed to stimulate the cultural innovation and creativity of the whole nation and promote the prosperity and development of socialist culture.

"Bearing in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) earnest entrustment, and thoroughly studying and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party, Jilin (吉林) will vigorously promote the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, tell historical stories, revolutionary stories, and heroic stories, enhance historical consciousness, strengthen cultural self-confidence, gather strong spiritual strength, and promote the comprehensive revitalization and high-quality development of Jilin (吉林)." Said Huang Qiang (黄强), Secretary of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee.

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New Energy System Construction Accelerates (Striving Ahead, Decisive Victory in the "14th Five-Year Plan")

By: 本报记者 丁怡婷

Energy is an important material foundation and source of power for economic and social development, and the main battlefield for promoting carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) pointed out: "We must hold our energy bowl firmly in our own hands." "We must accelerate the construction of a new energy system, focusing on the multi-energy complementarity and deep integration of traditional energy and new energy."

As the end of the year approaches, the wind power project of the Ningxia Tengger Desert (宁夏腾格里) "Desert, Gobi, and Barren Areas" new energy base of the State Energy Group (国家能源集团) is under construction. In October of this year, the first batch of 3 million kilowatts of photovoltaic power generation at the base was put into full capacity operation, and more than 6.4 million photovoltaic panels spread across the desert to form a "blue ocean."

Now that the new energy base has been built, how can green electricity be generated and used effectively? The Ningxia-Hunan UHV (宁夏—湖南特高压) project, which was put into operation this year, is more than 1,600 kilometers long and takes only about 0.0054 seconds to "flash" green electricity to Hunan (湖南).

For Ningxia (宁夏), there are more channels for new energy consumption, and ecological and economic benefits are achieved in a win-win situation. The Ningxia-Hunan UHV project is the third channel for Ningxia's power transmission, and the proportion of new energy installed capacity of the supporting power supply exceeds 70%. At the State Energy Ningxia Tengger (国能宁夏腾格里) "Desert, Gobi, and Barren Areas" new energy base, vegetation coverage has increased from less than 0.5% to 20% through measures such as shading and wind protection with photovoltaic arrays, installing water-saving drip irrigation facilities, and planting shrubs.

For Hunan, there is more security for safe and green energy use. The Ningxia-Hunan UHV project can transmit more than 36 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to Hunan every year, increasing the power supply by about 1/6, of which new energy power accounts for more than 50%.

A new energy base for desert control and greening and a safe and efficient UHV project are the epitome of accelerating the construction of a new energy system.

During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China's diversified energy supply system has been continuously improved, non-fossil energy has achieved leapfrog development, clean and efficient utilization of fossil energy has been accelerated, and new industries, new models, and new business forms have flourished.

Moving forward towards green, accelerating green transformation.

China's independently developed 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine unit has been connected to the grid for power generation. The designed impeller diameter exceeds 310 meters, the swept area exceeds 10 standard football fields, and one rotation can generate 62 kilowatt-hours of electricity; the first batch of units of the Yebatan Hydropower Station (叶巴滩水电站) in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River (金沙江) of China Huadian (华电) has been officially put into operation for power generation. This is the highest arch dam power station under construction in China.

Non-fossil energy is gradually becoming the main body of energy supply, promoting the qualitative change of energy supply structure, which is the fundamental symbol of the new energy system that distinguishes it from the traditional energy system.

First, look at the supply side. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China has built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system. The proportion of renewable energy power generation installed capacity has increased from 40% to about 60%, and more "wind, sunshine, and water flow" have been transformed into green energy for development.

Then look at the consumption side. In the national energy consumption, the proportion of non-fossil energy increases by 1 percentage point every year, and it is expected to overfulfill the 20% target set by the "14th Five-Year Plan." The proportion of green electricity in the total electricity consumption of the whole society is close to 40%, and the "green content" of economic development is steadily increasing.

Sufficient quantity and stable price, stronger supply resilience.

The potential for increasing oil and gas storage and production has been improved. The drilling depth of China National Petroleum's (中国石油) Shen Di Taco 1 (深地塔科1井) well exceeds 10,000 meters, becoming the first in Asia and the second deepest vertical well in the world; China National Offshore Oil Corporation's (中国海油) "Hai Kui 1 (海葵一号)" and "Hai Ji 2 (海基二号)" help China's first deep-water oilfield secondary development project put into operation. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the annual output equivalent of domestic oil and gas exceeded 400 million tons for the first time, maintaining a rapid growth momentum of tens of millions of tons for many years.

Fossil energy has high energy density and strong reliability. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China implemented energy-saving and carbon-reducing renovation of coal-fired power units, promoted the green transformation of oil and gas development and utilization, and technologies such as carbon capture, utilization and storage have brought more possibilities for fossil energy to play a bottom-line guarantee role.

Today, China has built the world's most complete and largest energy system, and the total energy production accounts for more than 1/5 of the world. Since the "14th Five-Year Plan," the energy self-sufficiency rate has remained above 80%, and more than 90% of the incremental energy consumption has been independently guaranteed by domestic sources.

The industry is moving towards new, and technology is constantly breaking through.

In Shandong (山东), the first unit of the third-generation independent property nuclear power "Guohe One (国和一号)" demonstration project has been built and put into operation, realizing the complete localization of the whole machine; in Zhejiang (浙江), the first 220 kV flexible low-frequency transmission project and the first self-healing island smart microgrid in China have been put into operation successively, providing flexible and resilient power support; in Yunnan (云南), the Baochi Energy Storage Power Station (宝池储能电站) of China Southern Power Grid (南方电网) applies the world's first grid-forming sodium-ion energy storage system, which has a higher cycle life and can withstand greater environmental temperature differences...

During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, technological innovation in the energy industry has accelerated. China's nuclear power in operation and under construction scale, new energy storage scale, etc. have all jumped to the first place in the world, smart microgrids, virtual power plants and other developments have entered the fast lane, the pilot of large-scale application of vehicle-grid interaction is accelerating, and new fields and new tracks continue to emerge.

The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal puts forward the idea of "accelerating the construction of a new energy system" and "building a strong energy country." Wang Hongzhi (王宏志), director of the National Energy Administration (国家能源局), said that bearing in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) earnest entrustment, the energy industry will take the new energy security strategy as the fundamental guideline, promote energy transformation and development with greater efforts and more practical measures, promote the incremental energy consumption mainly met by non-fossil energy, and provide strong energy support for promoting Chinese-style modernization.

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The 19th Meeting of the 14th NPC Standing Committee Concludes in Beijing

This newspaper reported from Beijing on December 27th (Reporter Peng Bo (彭波)) The 19th meeting of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) Standing Committee concluded at the Great Hall of the People (人民大会堂) in Beijing (北京) on the morning of the 27th. The meeting voted and approved the newly revised Fisheries Law, the Law on Safety of Hazardous Chemicals, the newly revised Civil Aviation Law, the newly revised National Common Language Law, the newly revised Foreign Trade Law, and the Decision on Approving the Report on the Work of Legal Review and Handling Opinions by the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会法制工作委员会). President Xi Jinping (习近平) signed Presidential Decrees No. 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 68 respectively. Chairman Zhao Leji (赵乐际) presided over the closing meeting.

158 members of the Standing Committee attended the meeting, and the number of attendees met the quorum.

The meeting voted and approved the motions of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会) on submitting the draft of the Environmental and Ecological Code for deliberation, on submitting the draft of the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress for deliberation, and on submitting the draft of the National Development and Planning Law for deliberation. It was decided to submit the above three draft laws to the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大) for deliberation, and entrusted Vice Chairman Li Hongzhong (李鸿忠) to make explanations to the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大).

The meeting voted and approved the interpretation of Article 292 of the Criminal Procedure Law by the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会).

The meeting voted and approved the decision of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会) on convening the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大). According to the decision, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大) will be held in Beijing (北京) on March 5, 2026.

The meeting voted and approved the reports submitted by the National People's Congress Ethnic Affairs Committee (全国人大民族委员会), Constitution and Law Committee (宪法和法律委员会), Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee (教育科学文化卫生委员会), Foreign Affairs Committee (外事委员会), and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (农业与农村委员会) respectively on the results of the deliberation of the motions submitted by the Presidium of the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大) for deliberation.

The meeting voted and approved the report of the Credentials Committee of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会代表资格审查委员会) on the qualifications of individual deputies.

The meeting voted and approved the list of members of the Election Committee of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (中国人民解放军选举委员会) approved and appointed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会).

At the meeting, Sun Zhenping's (孙镇平) position as Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会法制工作委员会) was removed; Shi Weizhong (史卫忠) was appointed as Deputy Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate (最高人民检察院), and Gong Ming's (宫鸣) positions as Deputy Procurator-General, member of the Procuratorial Committee, and Procurator of the Supreme People's Procuratorate (最高人民检察院) were removed.

The meeting also voted and approved other appointment and removal cases.

Vice Chairpersons of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会) Li Hongzhong (李鸿忠), Wang Dongming (王东明), Xiao Jie (肖捷), Zheng Jianbang (郑建邦), Ding Zhongli (丁仲礼), Cai Dafeng (蔡达峰), He Wei (何维), Wu Weihua (武维华), Tie Ning (铁凝), Peng Qinghua (彭清华), Zhang Qingwei (张庆伟), Losang Jamcan (洛桑江村), Shohrat Zakir (雪克来提·扎克尔), and Secretary-General Liu Qi (刘奇) attended the meeting.

Vice Premier of the State Council Zhang Guoqing (张国清), President of the Supreme People's Court Zhang Jun (张军), Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate Ying Yong (应勇), responsible comrades of the National Supervisory Commission (国家监察委员会), members of the special committees of the National People's Congress (全国人大), responsible comrades of the standing committees of the people's congresses of various provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, principal responsible comrades of the standing committees of the people's congresses of some sub-provincial cities, some deputies to the National People's Congress (全国人大), and responsible comrades of relevant departments attended the meeting as observers.

After the closing meeting, the 20th special lecture of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee (全国人大常委会) was held, presided over by Chairman Zhao Leji (赵乐际). Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong (鄢东) gave a lecture entitled "In-depth Study and Implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) Important Exposition, Steadily Expanding Institutional Opening-up."

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The Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress to Convene in Beijing on March 5 Next Year

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing (北京), December 27th. The 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) passed a decision on convening the 4th session of the 14th National People's Congress on the 27th. According to the decision, the 4th session of the 14th National People's Congress will be held in Beijing (北京) on March 5, 2026.

The proposed agenda for the 4th session of the 14th National People's Congress is as follows: Deliberation of the Government Work Report; Review of the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development; Review of the report on the implementation of the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the draft 2026 National Economic and Social Development Plan, and the draft 2026 National Economic and Social Development Plan; Review of the report on the implementation of the 2025 central and local budgets and the draft 2026 central and local budgets, and the draft 2026 central and local budgets; Deliberation of the bill submitted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会常务委员会) for deliberation of the "Environmental and Ecology Code of the People's Republic of China (Draft)"; Deliberation of the bill submitted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会常务委员会) for deliberation of the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress (Draft)"; Deliberation of the bill submitted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会常务委员会) for deliberation of the "National Development and Planning Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)"; Deliberation of the work report of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会常务委员会); Deliberation of the work report of the Supreme People's Court (最高人民法院); Deliberation of the work report of the Supreme People's Procuratorate (最高人民检察院), and other matters.

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The Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to Convene on March 4 Next Year

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing (北京), December 27th. The 45th Chairperson's Meeting of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (政协第十四届全国委员会) recently convened, reviewed and approved the draft decision on convening the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (政协第十四届全国委员会第四次会议), and suggested that the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国政协十四届四次会议) be held in Beijing (北京) on March 4, 2026. The meeting also decided that the 15th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国政协十四届常委会第十五次会议) will be held from March 1 to 2, 2026, in preparation for the convening of the Fourth Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (全国政协十四届四次会议).

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Photo Story

On December 26th, in the southern mountainous area of Hutubi County (呼图壁县), Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture (昌吉回族自治州), Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), a coal conveying corridor using artificial intelligence inspection technology traverses the mountains.

This Xinjiang's (新疆) longest mountainous cross-country coal conveying corridor was officially put into operation recently. It is 34.5 kilometers long, with an elevation difference of more than 800 meters along the entire line. The project adopts a fully enclosed belt conveyor system, combined with artificial intelligence inspection technology, with an annual transportation capacity of 7 million tons, realizing a green transportation mode of "coal traveling through the air, transporting coal without seeing coal." It is estimated that it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 40,000 tons per year.

Photo by Tao Weiming (陶维明) (Image China)

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National autumn grain procurement exceeds 200 million tons.

This newspaper Beijing (北京) December 27th (Reporter Ouyang Jie (欧阳洁)) reported: The National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration (国家粮食和物资储备局) released data on December 27th: As of now, various grain business entities across the country have cumulatively purchased over 200 million tons of autumn grain, an increase of 32 million tons year-on-year, reaching the highest level in recent years.

This year's autumn grain was marketed early and is of good quality. Since the beginning of the peak season for autumn grain procurement, farmers have been actively selling grain, and enterprises have been actively purchasing grain, with the procurement progress significantly faster than the same period last year. By variety, 48 million tons of medium- and late-season indica rice, 35 million tons of japonica rice, 117 million tons of corn, and 8 million tons of soybeans have been purchased. Compared with the estimated purchase volume, the peak season purchase progress of medium- and late-season indica rice is approaching 80%, japonica rice exceeds 70%, corn exceeds half, and soybeans exceed 60%, with overall smooth purchase progress.

This year's autumn grain purchase is characterized by fast progress, active market, and rising prices. Various business entities are competing to enter the market, with both purchase and sales booming. The purchase prices of major autumn grain varieties have stabilized and rebounded across the board. High-quality varieties sell well, and enterprises have a strong willingness to purchase. According to monitoring, the purchase prices of japonica rice, soybeans, and corn in the Northeast region have increased by about 2%, 5%, and 10% year-on-year, respectively. High-quality japonica rice and high-protein soybeans are favored by the market, with prices reaching over 1.5 yuan and 2.3 yuan per jin, respectively, and farmers' grain planting income has significantly increased compared to last year.

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China Today as Seen Through High-Speed Rail Development (Today's Commentary)

By: 桂从路

With the opening and operation of the Xi'an (西安) to Yan'an (延安) high-speed railway in Shaanxi (陕西) Province, China's high-speed railway operating mileage has exceeded 50,000 kilometers. The development of high-speed rail continues to reach new heights, from which we can see the myriad aspects of China's development.

Technological support witnesses innovative China. High-speed rail technology has set an international benchmark, relying on innovation-driven and continuous breakthroughs. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China accelerated high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement, promoting development towards new and better directions.

Efficient circulation reflects a vibrant China. High-speed rail connects points into lines and weaves lines into networks, helping people enjoy their travel and goods flow smoothly. In today's China, the construction of a unified national market is advancing in depth, enhancing the endogenous power and vitality of economic development.

Crossing mountains and seas, jointly building a happy China. A number of old revolutionary areas and underdeveloped areas have entered the "high-speed rail era." Adhering to the principle of the whole country as one, improving the East-West cooperation mechanism, and the road to common prosperity is becoming wider and wider.

Looking back on the past and forward to the present, China's level of modernization has surpassed the imagination of its predecessors. On the new journey, making good use of development opportunities, potential, and advantages, we will surely create new miracles that are 令人刮目相看 (lìng rén guā mù xiāng kàn - "cause people to rub their eyes and look," to surprise or impress people).

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Introduction

Year-End Special Report

Anchoring the Fundamental Task of Cultivating People, Writing the Answer Sheet of the Times

Fifth Edition

"Grand Compendium of Chinese Paintings Through the Dynasties" Project

Flourishing Age Compiles Classics, Paintings Reveal Civilization

Seventh Edition

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Presidential Decree of the People's Republic of China

The "Law of the People's Republic of China on National Common Language and Characters" was revised and adopted by the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on December 27, 2025, and is hereby promulgated and shall come into force on January 1, 2026.

Xi Jinping (习近平), President of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国)

December 27, 2025

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Law of the People's Republic of China on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language

Contents

Chapter I General Provisions

Chapter II The Use of National Common Language and Characters

Chapter III Administration and Supervision

Chapter IV Legal Liability

Chapter V Supplementary Provisions

Chapter I General Provisions

Article 1 This Law is enacted in accordance with the Constitution to promote the standardization, standardization, and healthy development of the national common language and characters, to better exert the role of the national common language and characters in social life and in promoting economic and cultural exchanges among all ethnic groups and regions, to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, to strengthen cultural confidence.

Article 2 The national common language and characters referred to in this Law are Mandarin Chinese and standardized Chinese characters, which are the national statutory language and characters generally used throughout the country.

Article 3 The State promotes the popularization of the national common language and characters.

Article 4 Citizens have the right to learn and use the national common language and characters. No organization or individual may hinder citizens from learning and using the national common language and characters.

The State provides conditions for citizens to learn and use the national common language and characters.

Article 5 The national language and characters cause adheres to the leadership of the Communist Party of China (中国共产党).

The use of the national common language and characters shall be conducive to safeguarding national sovereignty and national dignity, national unity and ethnic solidarity, cultivating and promoting core socialist values, inheriting and developing outstanding Chinese culture and building a common spiritual home for the Chinese nation, and promoting socialist material and cultural progress.

Article 6 The State promulgates norms and standards for the national common language and characters, manages the social application of the national common language and characters, supports the teaching and scientific research of the national common language and characters, promotes the informatization, digitalization, and intelligent construction of the national common language and characters, and promotes the standardization, enrichment, and development of the national common language and characters.

Article 7 People's governments at or above the county level shall incorporate the language and characters cause into relevant national economic and social development plans, and include the funds required for language and characters work in their respective budgets.

People's governments at all levels and their relevant departments shall take measures to promote the popularization of the national common language and characters.

The State shall strengthen the conditions for promoting the popularization of the national common language and characters in ethnic minority areas, rural areas, and remote areas.

Article 8 Organizations and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the national common language and characters cause shall be commended and rewarded in accordance with relevant national regulations.

The third week of September each year is the National Week for Promoting the Popularization of the National Common Language and Characters.

Article 9 All ethnic groups have the freedom to use and develop their own languages and characters.

The use of the languages and characters of ethnic minorities is based on the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy, and other laws.

Chapter II The Use of National Common Language and Characters

Article 10 State organs shall use the national common language and characters as their official language and characters, unless otherwise provided by law.

Article 11 Schools and other educational institutions shall use the national common language and characters as the basic language and characters for education and teaching.

The textbooks used by schools and other educational institutions shall comply with the norms and standards of the national common language and characters. Schools and other educational institutions shall use nationally compiled textbooks in accordance with relevant national regulations.

Educatees should be able to basically master the national common language and characters upon completion of compulsory education.

Article 12 Chinese publications shall comply with the norms and standards of the national common language and characters.

If it is necessary to use foreign languages and characters in Chinese publications, necessary annotations shall be made in the national common language and characters.

Article 13 Radio stations and television stations shall use Mandarin Chinese as the basic broadcasting language.

The use of foreign languages as broadcasting languages shall be subject to the approval of the radio and television administrative department of the State Council.

Article 14 Public service industries shall use standardized Chinese characters as the basic service characters. If foreign languages are used in signs, advertisements, announcements, signs, etc. due to public service needs, and Chinese is used at the same time, standardized Chinese characters shall be used, and standardized Chinese characters shall be the main ones.

It is advocated that public service industries use Mandarin Chinese as the service language.

Article 15 The following situations shall use the national common language and characters as the basic language and characters:

(1) Language and characters used in broadcasting, film, and television;

(2) Language and characters used in online literary and artistic programs, online dramas, online movies and other online audio-visual programs, as well as online publications such as online games;

(3) Facility characters in public places;

(4) Characters used in signs and advertisements;

(5) Names of enterprises and institutions;

(6) The names, packaging, and instructions of goods sold in China;

(7) Other circumstances stipulated by laws and administrative regulations.

Article 16 International exhibitions, international conferences, etc. held in China shall use the national common language and characters at the same time if their logos, signs, promotional materials, etc. need to use foreign languages and characters.

Article 17 The national common language and characters used in information processing and information technology products, as well as portal websites and mobile applications sponsored by the government or providing public services, shall comply with national norms and standards.

Article 18 In the relevant provisions of this chapter, dialects may be used in the following circumstances:

(1) Where it is indeed necessary for state organ staff to use them when performing official duties;

(2) Broadcasting languages approved by the radio and television administrative department of the State Council or the radio and television administrative department of the provincial people's government;

(3) Where it is necessary to use them in artistic forms such as operas and movies;

(4) Where it is indeed necessary to use them in publishing, teaching, and research.

Article 19 In the relevant provisions of this chapter, traditional Chinese characters and variant characters may be retained or used in the following circumstances:

(1) Cultural relics and historical sites;

(2) Variant characters in surnames;

(3) Calligraphy, seal cutting and other artistic works;

(4) Handwritten characters on inscriptions and shop signs;

(5) Those that need to be used in publishing, teaching, and research;

(6) Special circumstances approved by the relevant departments of the State Council.

Article 20 The national common language and characters use the "Hanyu Pinyin Scheme" (《汉语拼音方案》) as a tool for spelling and phonetic notation.

The "Hanyu Pinyin Scheme" is a unified standard for the Roman alphabet spelling of Chinese personal names, place names, and Chinese documents, and is used in fields where Chinese characters are inconvenient or cannot be used.

Primary education shall conduct Hanyu Pinyin teaching.

Article 21 Staff members in positions where Mandarin Chinese is used as the working language shall be able to speak Mandarin Chinese.

The Mandarin Chinese proficiency of announcers, program hosts, film and drama actors, teachers, and state organ staff shall reach the national Mandarin Chinese proficiency standards; those who have not yet reached the national Mandarin Chinese proficiency standards shall be trained according to the circumstances.

The Mandarin Chinese proficiency standards that employees in the cultural and tourism, transportation and other industries facing the public need to reach shall be stipulated by the relevant industry authorities of the State Council in conjunction with the language and characters work department of the State Council.

Article 22 International Chinese education shall teach the national common language and characters, and promote exchanges and mutual learning among human civilizations through international exchanges and cooperation.

Chapter III Administration and Supervision

Article 23 The language and characters work department of the State Council (国务院) is responsible for planning guidance, management and supervision of the national common language and characters work.

The relevant departments of the State Council manage the use of the national common language and characters in their respective systems and industries.

Article 24 Local language and characters work departments and other relevant departments shall manage and supervise the use of the national common language and characters within their respective administrative regions.

Article 25 The market supervision and management departments of the people's governments at or above the county level shall, in accordance with the law, manage and supervise the language and characters used in enterprise names and the names, packaging, instructions, and advertisements of commodities.

Article 26 The language and characters work department of the State Council shall promulgate the Mandarin Chinese Proficiency Test Grade Standards.

Article 27 The translation of foreign personal names, place names, and other proper nouns and scientific and technological terms into the national common language and characters shall be organized and reviewed by the language and characters work department of the State Council or other relevant departments.

Article 28 Citizens and organizations may criticize and make suggestions on violations of the relevant provisions of Chapter II of this Law and failure to use language and characters in accordance with the norms and standards of the national common language and characters, and may complain and report to the relevant authorities. The authorities receiving complaints and reports shall handle them in a timely manner in accordance with regulations.

Chapter IV Legal Liability

Article 29 If the language used by the personnel stipulated in the second paragraph of Article 21 of this Law violates the relevant provisions of Chapter II of this Law, the relevant units shall criticize and educate the directly responsible personnel and order them to make corrections; if they refuse to make corrections, the relevant units shall take action.

Article 30 Anyone who violates the relevant provisions of Chapter II of this Law shall be ordered to make corrections by the relevant departments of education, press and publication, radio and television, market supervision and management, housing and urban-rural development, culture and tourism, film, transportation, civil affairs, public security, cultural relics, cyberspace affairs, and industry and information technology in accordance with their respective duties; if they refuse to make corrections, they shall be given a warning or a notice of criticism, and the directly responsible supervisors and other directly responsible personnel shall be given sanctions in accordance with the law. If laws and administrative regulations provide otherwise, those provisions shall prevail.

Article 31 Anyone who violates the provisions of this Law by interfering with others' learning and use of the national common language and characters shall be criticized and educated by the relevant departments, ordered to make corrections, and may be given a warning; if the act constitutes a violation of public security administration, public security administrative punishment shall be given in accordance with the law.

Chapter V Supplementary Provisions

Article 32 This Law shall come into force on January 1, 2026.

(Xinhua News Agency, Beijing (北京), December 27)

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Thoroughly Study and Implement the Spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Speech and the Central Economic Work Conference; Based on the Functions and Responsibilities of the People's Congress, Effectively Implement and Carry Out the Decisions

This newspaper reported from Beijing (北京) on December 27th (Reporter Peng Bo (彭波)): Zhao Leji (赵乐际), Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会), presided over the closing meeting of the 19th session of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee on the morning of the 27th. After the meeting completed the relevant voting items, Zhao Leji (赵乐际) delivered a speech.

Zhao Leji (赵乐际) said that this meeting deliberated 14 draft laws, passed 6 of them, listened to and deliberated 5 reports from the State Council (国务院) and 2 law enforcement inspection reports from the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) Standing Committee, listened to and deliberated reports on the filing and review of work in 2025, reports on the filing and review of fiscal budget matters in 2025, listened to and deliberated reports on the work of legal cleanup and decisions on handling opinions and made decisions to approve the reports, listened to reports on the handling of suggestions from deputies, and deliberated and approved reports from 5 special committees on the results of the deliberation of motions from deputies, successfully completing all items on the agenda.

Zhao Leji (赵乐际) pointed out that the formulation of the Law on the Safety of Hazardous Chemicals will strengthen safety management throughout the entire chain and in all aspects, and legally protect the lives and property of the people and protect the ecological environment. The amendment of the Fisheries Law will promote the improvement of the quality and efficiency of fisheries and green development. The amendment of the Civil Aviation Law will strengthen civil aviation safety guarantees, strengthen the protection of passenger rights, and improve measures to promote the development of the aviation manufacturing industry, air transportation, and the low-altitude economy. The amendment of the National Common Language and Script Law will strengthen the legal status of the national common language and script and improve the awareness and ability of the entire society to use the national common language and script in a standardized manner. The amendment of the Foreign Trade Law will provide legal guarantees for promoting high-level opening up to the outside world and accelerating the construction of a strong trading nation. The adoption of the interpretation of Article 292 of the Criminal Procedure Law is the first legal interpretation made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) in this term and is a concrete practice of enriching the form of legislation and enhancing the timeliness of legislation.

Zhao Leji (赵乐际) pointed out that the meeting conducted a third review of the draft Ecological Environment Code and the draft National Development Plan Law, and a second review of the draft Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, and decided to submit them together to the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大) for deliberation. These three draft laws are important legislation for implementing the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee (党中央). It is necessary to organize National People's Congress (全国人大) deputies to carefully study and discuss them to prepare for the deliberation of the conference. The meeting made a decision on convening the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (全国人大). It is necessary to meticulously and carefully do a good job in the organization, preparation, service, and guarantee work of the conference, continue to strengthen the construction of the conference style and discipline, and ensure that the conference is successfully convened, with a clean and upright atmosphere, and a complete success.

Zhao Leji (赵乐际) emphasized that it is necessary to conscientiously study and implement the important speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) and the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference, fully recognize the remarkable achievements of China's economy in overcoming pressure and moving forward and developing towards new and better directions in the past year, fully recognize the new and major achievements made by the Party and the country in the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, and more consciously support the "Two Establishments" and achieve the "Two Safeguards." It is necessary to deeply understand the important experience of the "five musts" put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) for doing a good job in economic work under the new situation, and continuously enhance the ability and skills to do work, plan reforms, and promote development. It is necessary to accurately grasp the overall requirements, main goals, policy orientations, and key tasks for doing a good job in economic work next year, and focus on implementing them based on the functions and responsibilities of the People's Congress. According to the main points of the work of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人大常委会) in 2026 and the plans for legislation, supervision, deputies, and foreign affairs work, which were approved in principle by the Chairman's meeting, make good arrangements and preparations for next year's work.

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The 58th meeting of the Chairman and Vice-Chairpersons of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee was held.

This newspaper reported from Beijing on December 27th (Reporter Peng Bo (彭波)) The 58th Chairman’s Meeting of the 14th National People’s Congress Standing Committee was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (北京人民大会堂) on the morning of the 27th. Chairman Zhao Leji (赵乐际) presided over the meeting.

The meeting heard Xin Chunying (信春鹰), Chairperson of the National People’s Congress Constitution and Law Committee, report on the deliberation of the draft proposal of the Ecological Environment Code, the draft proposal of the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, the draft proposal of the National Development Plan Law, the deliberation of the revised draft of the Fisheries Law, the deliberation of the revised draft of the Law on the Safety of Hazardous Chemicals, the deliberation of the revised draft of the Civil Aviation Law, the deliberation of the revised draft of the National Common Language and Writing Law, the deliberation of the revised draft of the Foreign Trade Law, and the deliberation of the revised draft of the Interpretation of Relevant Provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law. The meeting also deliberated on the draft voting versions of relevant drafts.

The meeting heard Shen Chunyao (沈春耀), Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, report on the deliberation of the draft decision on the report on the work of legal cleanup and handling opinions, and deliberated on the draft voting version of the decision on approving the report.

The meeting heard Liu Qi (刘奇), Secretary-General of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, report on the deliberation of the proposed voting matters, such as the report on the results of the deliberation of the motions submitted by deputies from the National People’s Congress Ethnic Affairs Committee, Constitution and Law Committee, Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

The Chairman’s Meeting decided to submit the aforementioned drafts to the closing meeting of the 19th session of the 14th National People’s Congress Standing Committee for voting.

Vice Chairpersons of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Li Hongzhong (李鸿忠), Wang Dongming (王东明), Xiao Jie (肖捷), Zheng Jianbang (郑建邦), Ding Zhongli (丁仲礼), Cai Dafeng (蔡达峰), He Wei (何维), Wu Weihua (武维华), Tie Ning (铁凝), Peng Qinghua (彭清华), Zhang Qingwei (张庆伟), Losang Jamcan (洛桑江村), and Shohrat Zakir (雪克来提·扎克尔) attended the meeting.

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Interpretation of Article 292 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (全国人民代表大会常务委员会), in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Legislation Law of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国立法法)" and the needs of judicial practice, has discussed the meaning of Article 292 of the "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国刑事诉讼法)" regarding the methods of serving legal documents in absentia proceedings, and hereby interprets as follows:

The "other methods permitted by the law of the place where the defendant is located" as stipulated in Article 292 of the "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国刑事诉讼法)" refers to various methods of service stipulated, recognized, acknowledged, and accepted by the laws, precedents, customs, and judicial practices of the place where the defendant is located, including but not limited to methods of service such as mail, public announcement, public display, and electronic means.

This is hereby announced.

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Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Convening the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress

The 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress decided that the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China will be held in Beijing (北京) on March 5, 2026. The proposed agenda for the meeting is: to review the Government Work Report; to examine the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development; to review the report on the implementation of the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the draft 2026 National Economic and Social Development Plan; to review the report on the implementation of the 2025 central and local budgets and the draft 2026 central and local budgets; to deliberate on the proposal of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on submitting the "Environmental and Ecological Code of the People's Republic of China (Draft)" for deliberation; to deliberate on the proposal of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on submitting the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress (Draft)" for deliberation; to deliberate on the proposal of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on submitting the "National Development and Planning Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)" for deliberation; to review the work report of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress; to review the work report of the Supreme People's Court; to review the work report of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, etc.

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Announcement of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

The 25th meeting of the 14th People's Congress Standing Committee of Shanxi Province elected Lu Dongliang (卢东亮) as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The 23rd meeting of the 14th People's Congress Standing Committee of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region elected Bao Gang (包钢) as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The 19th meeting of the 14th People's Congress Standing Committee of Jiangsu Province elected Liu Xiaotao (刘小涛) as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The 22nd meeting of the 14th People's Congress Standing Committee of Guangdong Province elected Meng Fanli (孟凡利) as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, based on the report submitted by the Credentials Committee, confirmed the validity of the qualifications of representatives Lu Dongliang, Bao Gang, Liu Xiaotao, and Meng Fanli.

The Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress decided to remove Xie Zhengyi's (谢正义) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial People's Congress decided to remove Ulan's (乌兰) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Congress decided to remove Jin Zhizhen's (金之镇) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The Military Representatives Assembly of the General Office of the Central Military Commission decided to remove He Weidong's (何卫东) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The Military Representatives Assembly of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission decided to remove He Hongjun's (何宏军) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The Military Representatives Assembly of the Training Management Department of the Central Military Commission decided to remove Wang Peng's (王鹏) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The Military Representatives Assembly of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Central Military Commission decided to remove Wang Renhua's (王仁华) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. The Military Representatives Assembly of the People's Armed Police Force decided to remove Zhang Hongbing's (张红兵) position as a representative to the 14th National People's Congress. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Deputies to the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses at All Levels," the qualifications of Xie Zhengyi, Ulan, Jin Zhizhen, He Weidong, He Hongjun, Wang Peng, Wang Renhua, and Zhang Hongbing as representatives are terminated.

As of now, the 14th National People's Congress has 2,900 representatives.

This is hereby announced.

Standing Committee of the National People's Congress
December 27, 2025

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List of Appointments Approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

Approved the appointment of Zhang Shengmin (张升民) as the Deputy Director of the Election Committee of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

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List of Dismissals from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

Sun Zhenping (孙镇平) is removed from the position of Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

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List of Appointments and Removals by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

I. Appoint Wang Zhongming (王中明) as the Chief Judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of the Supreme People's Court.

II. Remove He Li (何莉) (female) from her positions as a member of the Adjudication Committee and Judge of the Supreme People's Court.

III. Appoint Li Ruiyi (李睿懿) as the Chief Judge of the First Criminal Division of the Supreme People's Court, and remove him from his position as the Chief Judge of the Fifth Criminal Division.

IV. Appoint Pang Jinwen (逄锦温) as the Deputy Chief Judge of the Fifth Criminal Division of the Supreme People's Court, and remove him from his position as the Deputy Chief Judge of the Fifth Circuit Court.

V. Remove Luo Zhiyong (罗智勇) from his positions as the Deputy Chief Judge and Judge of the Sixth Circuit Court of the Supreme People's Court.

VI. Remove Zhang Yili (张一丽) (female), Wu Guangxia (吴光侠), Huang An (黄安), Ye Haiqing (叶海情), Li Bei (李贝), Li Xiaohui (李晓辉), Wei Zenghui (尉增辉), Zhang Haixiao (张海啸), Wang Songshan (王松山), Ma Shengan (马生安), Li Binfang (李斌防), Zhang Zhen (张震), Zhang Caixia (张彩霞) (female), Li Kunbin (李坤宾), Cheng Zhanwei (程占维), Liu Na (刘娜) (female), Ma Xiaohong (马小红), Zhang Xihong (张锡红) (female), Zhu Li Yun (朱丽蕴) (female), Yin Huihui (尹慧慧) (female), Wei Xin (魏欣) (female), Zhao Ruiqiang (赵瑞强), Liu Jiao (刘姣) (female), Cui Hongxia (崔红霞) (female), Gao Junhua (高俊华) (female), Guo Xin (郭鑫) (female), Jiao Xinhui (焦新慧) (female), Ma Qinghua (马清华) (female), Mao Han (毛涵) (female) from their positions as Judges of the Supreme People's Court.

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List of Appointments and Removals by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

I. Appointed Shi Weizhong (史卫忠) as Deputy Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

II. Removed Gong Ming (宫鸣) from the positions of Deputy Procurator-General, member of the Procuratorial Committee, and Procurator of the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

(Xinhua News Agency, Beijing (北京), December 27th)

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Symposium on the Implementation of the National Park Law Held in Beijing

This newspaper's Beijing (北京) December 27th dispatch (Reporter Ni Yi (倪弋)): The National Park Law will come into effect on January 1, 2026. A symposium on the implementation of the National Park Law was held in Beijing (北京) on the 27th. Wang Dongming (王东明), Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Ding Zhongli (丁仲礼) attended the meeting.

Wang Dongming (王东明) pointed out that building a national park system is an important part of China's ecological civilization system construction. It is necessary to deeply understand the great significance of the promulgation and implementation of the National Park Law, accurately grasp the legislative purpose and legal provisions, adhere to the Party's comprehensive leadership over the construction of national parks, adhere to a people-centered approach, scientifically determine the overall layout of national parks, coordinate and promote high-level protection and development, promote the high-quality construction of national parks, and strive to achieve the unity of ecological protection, green development, and improvement of people's livelihoods. It is necessary to strengthen the publicity, education, and popularization of the law, strictly implement legal responsibilities, do a good job in the supporting and linking of laws, and solidly promote the comprehensive and effective implementation of the National Park Law, so as to contribute to the comprehensive construction of a beautiful China and the advancement of Chinese-style modernization.

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First Edition Editors: Hu Anqi, Zhao Zheng, Zhang Yujie; Second Edition Editors: Liu Nian, Han Chunyao, Liu Jingwen; Third Edition Editors: Han Xiaoming, Jiang Bo, Li Anqi; Fourth Edition Editors: Lü Li, Zhang Anyu, Han Wenrong

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"Chinese-built water supply project brings new life to our lives" (New Era of China-Africa Cooperation)

By: 本报记者 沈小晓

Around 9 a.m., in Bangulo Village (班古洛村), Dar es Salaam (达累斯萨拉姆), Tanzania (坦桑尼亚), villager Zuwena (祖维娜) walked to the tap near her front door with a basin. Turning on the tap, the clear tap water quickly filled the basin. She smiled and said to the reporter, "Since we have tap water at home, I no longer have to get up early to fetch water."

The Bangulo Water Supply Project in Tanzania (坦桑尼亚班古洛供水项目), undertaken by China Electric Power Construction Group Co., Ltd. (中国电力建设集团有限公司) (hereinafter referred to as "China Electric Power Construction (中国电建)"), benefits several areas and remote villages in southern Dar es Salaam (达累斯萨拉姆), providing 450,000 local residents with clean and safe drinking water. Tanzanian (坦桑尼亚) Minister of Water Awezo (阿韦索) said, "The Bangulo Water Supply Project (班古洛供水项目) not only solves the local 'difficulty in accessing water' problem but also further promotes Tanzania's (坦桑尼亚) modernization process."

"The water supply project is a livelihood project that benefits the country and its people"

In the past, Zuwena (祖维娜) had to get up before 3 a.m. every day and walk with her husband and children to the Msimbazi River (姆辛巴齐河), more than 10 kilometers away, to fetch water. To carry water, Zuwena (祖维娜) had calluses on her shoulders and palms.

"It was very difficult to get water before, and the water was still muddy." Recalling her past experiences, Zuwena (祖维娜) shook her head repeatedly, "After the completion of the Bangulo Water Supply Project (班古洛供水项目), we can have clean water by turning on the tap at home. I have more time to prepare clean food for my family, and the children will not be unable to go to school on time because they have to fetch water. The water supply project undertaken by Chinese enterprises has given our lives a new look."

In January 2024, China Electric Power Construction (中国电建) started the construction of the Bangulo Water Supply Project (班古洛供水项目). The project draws water from the Kibamba (基班巴) area in northern Dar es Salaam (达累斯萨拉姆) to Bangulo Mountain (班古洛山) in the south through the construction of pumping stations, and then transports the water to the southern area of Dar es Salaam (达累斯萨拉姆) with the help of more than 20 kilometers of main lines and 87 kilometers of pipelines. The project aims to provide local residents with a stable water supply guarantee and achieve 24-hour uninterrupted water supply.

"The water supply project is a livelihood project that benefits the country and its people." Kakwezi (卡克韦齐), the representative of the project owner, Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (达累斯萨拉姆供排水局), said that providing clean drinking water can reduce the incidence of diseases such as cholera and dysentery, reduce the burden on the public health system, and improve the health level of the people.

The southern area of Dar es Salaam (达累斯萨拉姆) is close to the sea, and the groundwater has a high salt content. Local farmers previously relied mainly on rainwater for irrigation, and agricultural development was seriously affected. After the water supply project was put into use, the irrigation water source was guaranteed. Tobias Mangole (托比亚西·曼戈莱), who owns a small farm of about 7 acres, began to grow sweet potatoes, cassava, okra, and corn, and his family income has increased significantly. "In the past, many crops could not grow due to water shortage. Now my farm not only guarantees my own needs but also increases my family income and improves my life." It is understood that after the water supply project was put into use, many new farms have been added to the area covered by the pipeline network, which has further promoted the development of the surrounding agricultural economy.

"The water supply project undertaken by Chinese enterprises not only allows everyone to use clean tap water but also injects vitality into our economic development," said Goodluck Mwele (古德勒克·姆韦莱), chairman of the Bangulo (班古洛) local government.

"Promote the transformation of the national water supply system towards digitalization and sustainability"

In January of this year, the water supply project was officially completed, with a daily water supply capacity of 12,000 cubic meters. In order to improve water supply efficiency and ensure water supply quality, the project team uses a data acquisition and monitoring system to realize real-time monitoring and centralized management of the water supply system.

The reporter followed Yin Zifei (尹子飞), deputy chief engineer of the project, to the pumping station located in the Kibamba (基班巴) area. Yin Zifei (尹子飞) opened the communication management machine in the central control center, and a series of data were clear at a glance, recording the daily, weekly, and monthly water consumption in the area covered by the project, as well as the current equipment operating status.

"The system can transmit parameters such as water flow, water level, pressure, and leakage in real time by reading sensor data, and conduct all-round monitoring and scheduling of the water supply process." Yin Zifei (尹子飞) introduced that through intelligent linkage control, this system can optimize production scheduling, reduce energy expenditure and pipeline network losses, reduce power consumption by 20%-30%, reduce the leakage rate from 20% to below 10%, and improve water supply efficiency and water supply safety.

Several water supply projects built by China Electric Power Construction (中国电建) in Tanzania (坦桑尼亚) have achieved digital management, promoting the intelligent transformation of local water affairs. "This system is relatively mature in China (中国), and its application in Tanzania (坦桑尼亚) is gradually increasing. We will conduct centralized training for local employees and arrange for staff and owners to learn how to operate it until they have fully mastered it," said Yin Zifei (尹子飞).

Awezo (阿韦索) thanked China Electric Power Construction (中国电建) for its efforts in ensuring project quality and promoting the balanced development of infrastructure. "The successful completion of the project not only meets the urgent needs of the people for water resources but also helps to promote the transformation of the national water supply system towards digitalization and sustainability, promote coordinated regional development, and narrow the gap between urban and rural areas." He said that he hopes to strengthen cooperation with China Electric Power Construction (中国电建) in the future, further integrate artificial intelligence prediction (such as equipment failure early warning), digital twins, and cloud deployment, create cross-platform access to the water supply system, and promote urban water management from "passive response" to "active optimization."

"They unreservedly imparted their rich experience and skills to me"

When the reporter met Niyongmu (尼永姆), he was inspecting the high and low voltage power distribution equipment at the pumping station. "Every two days, I have to assist the owner in checking whether the water pump is running smoothly and whether the data transmission of electrical equipment such as electromagnetic flowmeters is normal. Although the project has been delivered, we still have to regularly train the owner's management personnel, provide technical support, and eliminate potential faults in time to ensure the safe and stable operation of the equipment," said Niyongmu (尼永姆).

Niyongmu (尼永姆), 27 years old this year, is a senior electromechanical technician of the project. Since joining China Electric Power Construction (中国电建) in 2021, he has participated in the construction of several projects. "I like to deal with electromechanical equipment, and this job has given me the opportunity to learn and grow." Now Niyongmu (尼永姆) not only has mastered professional skills but also has a stable income. "I am especially grateful to my Chinese (中国) masters, who unreservedly imparted their rich experience and skills to me."

According to Jin Denghui (晋登辉), the project manager, during the construction of the project, the Chinese (中方) team established a comprehensive training system, with Chinese (中方) technical backbones leading local employees, teaching pipe welding, water pump operation, equipment maintenance, and other skills hand-in-hand, to achieve "**建成一个项目，带出一支队伍**" (jiàn chéng yī gè xiàng mù, dài chū yī zhī duì wǔ - "build a project, bring out a team," to train a local workforce while completing a project).

Helping nearby communities repair roads, donating stationery to local primary schools, organizing cultural exchange activities, caring about the lives of local employees... While ensuring the orderly progress of the project, the project team also actively fulfills its social responsibilities. Mwele (姆韦莱) said that in the past, due to water shortage, local economic development was severely restricted, and Bangulo (班古洛) villagers could only go to other places to do odd jobs to support their families. "The water supply project not only provides employment opportunities for young people in the village, giving them a skill, but also revitalizes the surrounding economy. Many young people have built new houses and developed their own businesses," said Mwele (姆韦莱).

Kakwezi (卡克韦齐) said that the Chinese (中方) team, with a high sense of responsibility, professional technology, and management level, overcame many construction difficulties, ensured construction safety and project quality, fulfilled the contract successfully, and established a good corporate image. "As a key water conservancy project in Tanzania (坦桑尼亚), the Bangulo Water Supply Project (班古洛供水项目) optimizes resource allocation, improves regional water supply security capabilities and water quality safety, and brings tangible benefits to residents. We look forward to carrying out more cooperation with Chinese (中国) enterprises," said Kakwezi (卡克韦齐).

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Seeking common ground while shelving differences to properly handle bilateral disagreements (Zhong Sheng · Major Country Diplomacy · 2025 Year in Review)

Upholding the spirit of seeking common ground while reserving differences, replacing confrontation with dialogue, resolving differences through cooperation, and managing contradictions with the overall situation in mind, China and the United States, as two major countries, can absolutely achieve mutual success and common prosperity.

A recent poll released by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs shows that 53% of Americans believe the United States should engage in friendly cooperation and contact with China. Some media pointed out that this is the first time since 2019 that a majority of American respondents have supported a cooperative and contact-based policy towards China. This indicates that although Sino-US relations have experienced twists and turns, through the rational management of differences by both sides, the rational understanding of the relationship between the two countries is gradually accumulating in American society.

Whether major countries can properly handle differences is related to world peace and stability. From the balance of power theory in Europe in history to the bipolar confrontation during the Cold War, the history of international relations records a large number of experiences and lessons. Today, as the largest developing country and developed country, China and the United States have different historical cultures, social systems, and development paths. How the two sides view differences, handle disagreements, and whether they can find a way to peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation has urgent practical significance and far-reaching historical impact.

Correctly viewing differences is a prerequisite, especially in the economic and trade fields. As the world's two largest economies, China and the United States have huge economic and trade relations with a wide range of implications, and the interests of both sides cannot be completely synchronized. It is normal to have competition and even friction in specific areas. The key is to start from the overall situation, focus on the big picture, avoid being blinded by a single leaf, and negate the mutually beneficial and win-win nature of economic and trade cooperation between the two sides due to local problems. Furthermore, one must not be led by problems, infinitely magnify differences, and fall into a vicious circle. Based on the present and looking to the future, China and the United States should calculate more on the big picture and look at the long-term benefits brought by cooperation. Maintaining the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of Sino-US economic and trade relations is in the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, and is also beneficial to the world.

Properly handling differences depends on dialogue, and dialogue must be based on principles. The return of Sino-US economic and trade interaction to the track of equal dialogue under the guidance of the consensus of the heads of state in 2025 clearly confirms the principle that dialogue is better than confrontation. Dialogue must have principles and bottom lines. Mutual respect and equal treatment are important foundations for China and the United States to effectively manage differences. Both sides should respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and respect the other's independent choice of development path. Once the line is crossed to engage in blackmail and pressure, the dialogue will be difficult to continue.

For dialogue to produce practical results, it must be constructive and problem-oriented. From Geneva to Kuala Lumpur, the Chinese and American teams have conducted five rounds of consultations. The process has not been smooth sailing, but overall, both sides attach importance to the role of the Sino-US economic and trade consultation mechanism and work together in the direction of solving problems. Looking back at these five rounds of consultations, each release of positive signals has injected warmth into the companies of both countries and even the global market. The two sides should cherish the existing achievements, implement the established consensus, and continue to promote dialogue in the spirit of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, continuously reducing the problem list and lengthening the cooperation list.

To properly handle differences, it is necessary to manage them well when problems arise, and more importantly, to build more bridges in peacetime to promote moving in the same direction. Recently, China and the United States have cooperated in organizing a series of business exchanges to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation through face-to-face communication, which has been welcomed by the business communities of both countries. People-to-people affinity is a strong bond in Sino-US relations. Both sides should plant more flowers and fewer thorns, enhance understanding through expanding cultural exchanges, allow real voices to penetrate the fog of prejudice, and allow respect and consensus to take root and sprout in exchanges.

History has repeatedly proven that there are no insurmountable obstacles and no unmanageable problems between China and the United States. As long as we adhere to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, the two countries can fully build a stable, sustainable, and constructive relationship. In the long run, China's development and revitalization are not mutually exclusive with the United States achieving "greatness again." Upholding the spirit of 求同存异 (qiú tóng cún yì - "seek common ground while reserving differences," seeking common ground on major issues while accepting that differences will remain), replacing confrontation with dialogue, resolving differences through cooperation, and managing contradictions with the overall situation in mind, China and the United States, as two major countries, can absolutely achieve mutual success and common prosperity.

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The International Community Must Jointly Thwart Japan's Nuclear Ambitions (Zhong Sheng)

Japanese politicians falsely claim that "Japan should possess nuclear weapons" and promote the revision of the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," which not only seriously deviates from its own commitment to peace but also poses a serious impact on the regional security landscape.

Recently, the pro-nuclear remarks of senior Japanese government officials have aroused great concern in the international community. First, a senior official of the Prime Minister's Office claimed that "Japan should possess nuclear weapons," then the Chief Cabinet Secretary refused to clarify this, and the Minister of Defense also publicly stated "no options are excluded" on whether to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles." These pro-nuclear remarks are a blatant challenge to the post-war international order and the nuclear non-proliferation system, once again exposing Japan's accelerating "re-militarization" and posing a threat to regional and international peace and stability.

What does nuclear mean to Japan? As the only country in the world to have suffered nuclear attacks, Japan has learned painful lessons and should have a deeper understanding of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. The "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," namely "not possessing, not manufacturing, and not allowing the entry of nuclear weapons," is a national policy formally adopted by the Japanese Diet (国会) in 1971. For a long time, whether Japan can adhere to the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" has also been an important yardstick for the international community to examine whether Japan is truly following the path of peaceful development. However, some right-wing politicians regard the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" as a 眼中钉 (yǎn zhōng dīng - "thorn in one's eye," something one hates intensely), on the one hand, they are keen to spread the narrative of "nuclear victims," self-proclaimed as a "peaceful country," advocating the establishment of a world without nuclear weapons, on the other hand, they frequently test the bottom line of the international community, eager to overthrow it. Since the establishment of the Kishida administration (高市政权), the pro-nuclear orientation has been unusually clear: hinting at the possibility of abandoning the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," being exposed by the media to revise the principle of not allowing the entry of nuclear weapons, and even this time, a close aide to the Prime Minister clamoring that Japan should possess nuclear weapons... The fallacies of senior Japanese officials are obviously completely contrary to the peaceful ideals they declared to the outside world, allowing the international community to once again see Japan's hypocritical position on nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament issues.

The pro-nuclear advocacy of senior Japanese officials exposes their disregard for international legal obligations. According to documents with international legal effect such as the Cairo Declaration (《开罗宣言》), the Potsdam Proclamation (《波茨坦公告》), and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender (《日本投降书》), Japan should "completely disarm" and must not "maintain industries that can enable it to rearm." As a non-nuclear-weapon state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (《不扩散核武器条约》), Japan must fully adhere to the provisions of not accepting, not manufacturing, not possessing, and not proliferating nuclear weapons. Any pro-nuclear remarks by senior Japanese officials are a challenge to the international nuclear non-proliferation system.

The pro-nuclear remarks of senior Japanese officials are not an isolated phenomenon. In recent years, Japan has taken a series of adjustment measures in its security policy, including self-loosening of "collective self-defense rights," expanding the scope of activities of the Self-Defense Forces (自卫队), developing medium- and long-range offensive weapons, increasing troop deployments, and restructuring the command system. Since the Kishida administration (高市政府) came to power, it has vigorously rendered the "existential crisis," peddled "security anxiety," in order to accelerate the advancement of expanding military power, achieving the goal of defense spending accounting for 2% of GDP two years ahead of schedule, claiming that it does not rule out the introduction of nuclear submarines, and frequently taking actions in relaxing restrictions on arms exports, strengthening "extended deterrence," promoting the revision of the "National Security Strategy" (《国家安全保障战略》) and other "three security documents," and discussing the revision of the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles." These trends combined with recent nuclear-related remarks indicate that the right-wing forces in Japan, who are extremely dissatisfied with the post-war international arrangements, are eager to break through the constraints of the existing arrangements and retrace the old and evil path of military expansion.

Japan is recognized by many experts as a "nuclear threshold country," and has already mastered the key technologies and materials needed to manufacture nuclear weapons, and has long manufactured and stored plutonium materials far exceeding the actual needs of civilian nuclear energy. Because of this, any relaxation of Japan's nuclear policy will have a serious impact on the regional security landscape, and will also create serious difficulties for Japan's own security. Recently, insightful people in Japan have loudly called for the need to adhere to the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles": former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (石破茂) said that possessing nuclear weapons "is by no means a beneficial thing for Japan," former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (野田佳彦) demanded the prompt replacement of officials who made "Japan's nuclear weapons theory," and the Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly (广岛县议会) unanimously passed an opinion requesting the Japanese government to adhere to the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."

The international nuclear non-proliferation system is an important part of the post-war international order, and firmly maintaining the nuclear non-proliferation system is to safeguard the hard-won achievements of World War II. China will, together with all peace-loving countries, be highly vigilant about Japan's dangerous trends on the issue of nuclear weapons and resolutely prevent the resurgence of Japanese militarism (军国主义).

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Creating More Cooperation Opportunities for Chinese and Foreign Enterprises (Witnessing · China Opportunities)

By: 本报记者 强 薇

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of Suez Group's entry into the Chinese market. We deeply cherish this half-century of cooperation and the profound trust established with our Chinese partners." Henri Verdier, CEO of Suez Group (苏伊士集团首席执行官夏弘业), said in a recent exclusive interview with this reporter, "French and Chinese companies possess deep professional knowledge and strong industrial capabilities. Now is the crucial moment for us to join hands in exploring new collaborations, addressing current challenges, and promoting sustainable development."

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron (马克龙) paid a state visit to China. As a member of President Macron's (马克龙总统) business delegation to China, Suez Group (苏伊士集团) reached two new collaborations in the environmental field with partners in Jiangsu Province (江苏省) and Shandong Province (山东省) during this trip. "France and China have maintained close cooperation in areas such as addressing climate change, environmental protection, and clean energy for a long time. We look forward to further deepening the synergistic innovation and cooperation between the two countries in related fields," said Henri Verdier (夏弘业).

In recent years, the fields of economic and trade cooperation between China and France have continued to expand, and their resilience has continued to increase. China continues to optimize its business environment, bringing opportunities for foreign-invested enterprises in China, including French companies, to share in the dividends of China's development. "Currently, we have established long-term and stable partnerships with customers in more than 30 major cities and regions in China, and our business has expanded from infrastructure construction to water operations, solid waste resource management, industrial park services, seawater desalination, and smart environmental solutions, among many other fields," Henri Verdier (夏弘业) introduced.

Over the years, Suez Group (苏伊士集团) has witnessed and deeply participated in China's green transformation practices in various fields. In Shanghai (上海), Suez Group (苏伊士集团) provides comprehensive water and solid waste disposal services for chemical giants such as Sinopec (中石化), reducing carbon emissions while treating high-concentration wastewater and realizing the resource utilization of hazardous waste. In Macao (澳门), Suez Group (苏伊士集团) uses digital solutions to help this densely populated city improve water resource utilization efficiency, reducing water supply leakage rates from 18.1% in 1985 to about 8% currently, ranking among the world's leading levels. In Yantai (烟台), Shandong Province (山东省), the industrial membrane seawater desalination plant project built by Suez Group (苏伊士集团) has been put into operation. The treated seawater serves as a supplementary water source for the local chemical industrial park, which not only effectively alleviates the shortage of freshwater resources but also greatly reduces water supply energy consumption.

In November of this year, China released the white paper "China's Actions for Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality" (《碳达峰碳中和的中国行动》). Henri Verdier (夏弘业) said that the proposal of the "dual carbon" goals demonstrates China's vision and responsibility in global climate governance. "China's strategy of closely integrating economic growth with ecological transformation not only injects green momentum into China's high-quality development but also helps to advance the global net-zero emissions goals." In his view, this also points the direction for the company to further cultivate the Chinese market: "We will actively respond to China's needs in areas such as decarbonization, circular economy, and green transformation, and ‘resonate’ 同频共振 (tóng pín gòng zhèn - "same frequency resonance," to be in sync with; to share the same goals or values) with China's green development goals."

"China has made significant progress in expanding market access and optimizing the business environment in recent years, which has enhanced the confidence of multinational companies in developing in China." "Confidence" is a high-frequency word used by Henri Verdier (夏弘业) during the interview. "We are full of confidence in China's continued commitment to ecological transformation, and we believe that this will create more cooperation opportunities for Chinese and foreign companies and promote global sustainable development."

The year 2026 is the opening year of the "15th Five-Year Plan" ("十五五"规划). China continues to expand high-level opening up and welcomes more multinational companies to invest and develop in China. "China's Five-Year Plans provide clear and stable policy guidance for the market, and this predictable business environment is of great significance to the long-term strategic planning of multinational companies," said Henri Verdier (夏弘业). "Looking to the future, we will continue to leverage our technical and project expertise in the environmental field, closely align with the green development demands of the Chinese market, drive future development with innovation, and work with Chinese partners to promote more high-quality, pragmatic, and efficient cooperation."

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Wang Yi to Meet with Cambodian and Thai Foreign Ministers in Yunnan

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 27th. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced on the 27th: At the invitation of Wang Yi (王毅), Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, Prak Sokhonn (布拉索昆), and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara (西哈萨), will lead delegations to Yunnan (云南) for a meeting from December 28th to 29th.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Answers Questions on the Joint Statement on Ceasefire Signed by Cambodia and Thailand

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 27th. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson answered reporters' questions on the joint ceasefire statement signed by Cambodia and Thailand on the 27th.

A reporter asked: On December 27th, Cambodia and Thailand signed a joint ceasefire statement at a special meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC). What is China's comment on this?

The spokesperson stated that China welcomes the signing of the joint ceasefire statement by Cambodia and Thailand, which shows that dialogue and consultation are realistic and effective ways to resolve complex disputes. China, ASEAN, and the international community have also made joint efforts in this regard.

The spokesperson said that China is willing to continue to provide a platform and create conditions for Cambodia and Thailand to conduct more comprehensive and specific communication. Wang Yi (王毅), Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will meet with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn (布拉索昆) and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow (西哈萨) in Yunnan Province from December 28th to 29th. Military representatives from the three countries will also participate.

"China will, in its own way, play a constructive role in consolidating the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, restoring mutual exchanges, rebuilding political mutual trust, achieving a turnaround in relations, and maintaining regional peace," the spokesperson said.

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"Looking forward to the Lao-China Railway's continued development and improvement."

By: 本报记者 杨 一

"I want to work with my colleagues to operate this railway well." Liu Yineng (刘银能), one of the first Lao train drivers on the China-Laos Railway (中老铁路), said with emotion, "When I drive the train, I deeply feel the mission on my shoulders."

Liu Yineng (刘银能) is one of the first Lao employees to obtain independent driving qualifications, operating freight routes between Vientiane South Station (万象南站) and the border station of Boten (磨丁). He said that more than a year of driving work has given him a deeper understanding of "safe driving." "Our driving operations and focus are different in different seasons. The main task in the rainy season is flood prevention, dealing with risks such as mudslides, fallen trees, and power outages of the catenary caused by heavy rainfall," he said. "In the dry season, we pay more attention to issues such as pedestrians and animals accidentally entering the track and affecting driving safety."

"One day in 2020, I accidentally saw the recruitment announcement of the Laos-China Railway (老中铁路) on social media platforms, and submitted my resume with a try-it-out mentality," Liu Yineng (刘银能) said. From that day on, he became connected with the railway. "After more than 3 years of theoretical study and internship training, I successfully obtained the Laos-China Railway (老中铁路) locomotive driver's license in August 2024." Last year, Liu Yineng (刘银能) and 13 others stood out from more than 70 competitors to become the first batch of Lao train drivers on the railway.

"Before the opening of the Laos-China Railway (老中铁路), Laos did not have an international standard gauge railway, and some professional terms related to railways did not have corresponding expressions in Lao. This requires us to work hard on both professional knowledge and Chinese learning at the same time," Liu Yineng (刘银能) said. In more than 3 years, through continuous learning and exams, he completed his growth from trainee to co-driver to driver, and now he has begun to mentor apprentices. Liu Yineng (刘银能) frankly said that looking at his apprentices, he seemed to see himself when he first joined the job. "In the past, my master often said that driving a train looks simple, but there are actually many tricks to it," he recalled. "I didn't understand it at the time, but I slowly realized it myself through hands-on operation. Different sections of the road require different driving methods, how to lift the handle, where there are slope change points, how to deal with emergencies... As a train driver, you have to keep learning." Liu Yineng (刘银能) said that he is very grateful to the Chinese master who taught him, allowing him to grow from a "layman" in railway expertise to a train driver. "Although the master has returned to China (中国), we often contact each other through mobile phones."

Liu Yineng (刘银能) said that he especially likes the working atmosphere here. "Whether it is the Chinese master, managers, or Lao colleagues, everyone is serious and responsible in their work, motivating each other and constantly improving," he said. "I hope to get the EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) driver's license as soon as possible and become an EMU driver as soon as possible." At present, the China-Laos Railway (中老铁路) is launching the training of the third batch of Lao train drivers. It is expected that by 2026, the number of Lao train drivers will reach 54.

This December, the China-Laos Railway (中老铁路) will celebrate its 4th anniversary. "I will always stay here and operate this railway well," Liu Yineng (刘银能) said. "I look forward to more Lao young people joining the Lao railway construction cause and passing it on from generation to generation. I look forward to the Laos-China Railway (老中铁路) developing better and better."

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The 160th Mekong River Joint Patrol and Law Enforcement Operation by China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand Launched

According to Xinhua News Agency, Kunming (昆明), December 27th (Reporters Wang Yan (王研) and Hu Liran (胡了然)) - The Yunnan Provincial Public Security Department's Water Patrol Corps (云南省公安厅水上巡逻总队) announced on December 27th that on the morning of the 26th, the 160th China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand Mekong River Joint Patrol and Law Enforcement Action officially commenced as the joint patrol and law enforcement formation, consisting of Chinese vessels 53107, 53108, and 53109, Lao vessels 003 and 004, and Myanmar vessel 161, set sail from China's Guanlei Port (关累港) with a whistle. The joint patrol and law enforcement formation will patrol downstream along the Lancang-Mekong River (澜沧江—湄公河) waterway and jointly carry out joint patrol and law enforcement actions.

Recently, relevant law enforcement departments from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand successfully held a joint exercise on handling water emergencies in China's Jingha (景哈) waters, themed "Serving High-Quality Development, Jointly Creating a Safe Lancang-Mekong Waterway." The exercise comprehensively tested the rapid response, emergency handling, and coordination and command capabilities of relevant law enforcement departments from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand in safeguarding the safety of merchant ships and the people in the Lancang-Mekong River basin.

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The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision Commission Publicly Announced Seven Typical Cases of Violations of the Eight-Point Regulation

The following is a translation of the provided Chinese text into English, with proper nouns and 成语 formatted as requested.

This newspaper Beijing (北京), December 27th (Reporter Zhao Cheng (赵成)) As the New Year's Day and Spring Festival approach, the implementation of the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation must be strictly enforced to the end, without yielding an inch. Recently, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission publicly announced seven typical cases of violations of the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation. The specifics are as follows:

Ye Hanbing (叶寒冰), former member of the Party Group of the Sichuan (四川) Provincial Government, former Vice Governor, and former Director of the Provincial Public Security Department, accepted banquets and travel arrangements that may have affected the impartial execution of official duties, violated regulations by entering private clubs, violated regulations by allocating and using official vehicles, and violated regulations by having subordinate units or others pay expenses that should have been paid by himself. From 2018 to 2025, Ye Hanbing (叶寒冰) repeatedly violated regulations by accepting banquets arranged by private business owners and drinking high-end alcoholic beverages, frequently visited private clubs for dining and drinking, and repeatedly accepted out-of-town travel arrangements made by private business owners, with all related expenses paid by the other party. Despite the Sichuan (四川) Provincial Government already providing him with one official vehicle, he violated regulations by occupying and using two other official vehicles for an extended period. In September 2020, he took his family and friends on a trip to another location, with tickets and transportation arranged by a subordinate unit, and accommodation expenses paid by a private business owner. Ye Hanbing (叶寒冰) also had other serious violations of discipline and law, and was expelled from the Party and removed from public office. His suspected criminal issues have been transferred to the procuratorial organs for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Fu Qiang (付强), former Party Secretary, Political Commissar, and Second-Level Inspector of the 123rd Regiment of the Seventh Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (新疆生产建设兵团), accepted banquets that may have affected the impartial execution of official duties, and violated regulations by accepting gifts and gift money. From January 2017 to February 2025, Fu Qiang (付强) repeatedly violated regulations by accepting banquets arranged by private business owners in locations such as the company's internal cafeteria, with related expenses paid by the other party; he also repeatedly accepted gifts and gift money from subordinates and private business owners. Fu Qiang (付强) also had other violations of discipline and law, and was given the punishment of removal from Party duties and demotion from government position.

Zhu Yongqing (朱永清), former member of the Party Branch Committee and Deputy Director of the Fifth Department of the Henan (河南) Provincial People's Procuratorate, and others accepted banquets that may have affected the impartial execution of official duties. On September 10, 2025, during a special campaign to rectify violations of eating and drinking regulations within the Henan (河南) provincial political and legal system, Zhu Yongqing (朱永清) led an inspection team to Shangqiu (商丘) City to conduct a special inspection of law enforcement and judicial affairs. After completing the inspection of the Zhecheng (柘城) County People's Court that afternoon, they took an official vehicle accompanied by court personnel to visit and shop at a certain enterprise. That evening, they violated regulations by accepting a banquet arranged by the person in charge of the court at a hotel and drinking alcohol, with related expenses paid by the other party. On the afternoon of September 13th, they violated regulations by accepting a banquet organized by the person in charge of the Shangqiu (商丘) City Detention Center and drinking alcohol, with related expenses paid by the person in charge of a certain county detention center in the city. Zhu Yongqing (朱永清) was given the punishment of removal from Party duties and demotion from government position, and other responsible personnel were given corresponding punishments.

Gao Yongfeng (高永丰), former Party Branch Secretary, Executive Deputy Director, and Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the Hengshui (衡水) City Arbitration Commission in Hebei (河北) Province, accepted banquets that may have affected the impartial execution of official duties, carried out official receptions exceeding standards, changed official itineraries to take the opportunity to travel, and violated regulations by issuing subsidies. From August 2023 to May 2024, Gao Yongfeng (高永丰), while handling relevant arbitration cases and negotiating arbitration business, repeatedly violated regulations by accepting banquets arranged by management and service objects, drinking high-end alcoholic beverages, with related expenses paid by the other party; repeatedly carried out official receptions exceeding standards; privately changed the itinerary while leading a team to participate in training in another location, taking the opportunity to visit scenic spots; and violated regulations by independently formulating transportation subsidy standards for his unit, and indiscriminately issuing subsidies and benefits. Gao Yongfeng (高永丰) also had other violations of discipline and law, and was given the punishment of removal from Party duties and demotion from government position.

Zhao Yong (赵勇), former Director of the Overall Planning Division of the Nanjing (南京) Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources in Jiangsu (江苏) Province, violated regulations by eating and drinking and accepting gifts. In November 2024 and February 2025, Zhao Yong (赵勇), during the period when he was affected by Party disciplinary action, twice accepted banquets arranged by private business owners in the internal cafeteria of private enterprises, drinking high-end alcoholic beverages, with expenses paid by the other party; during the two meals, he violated regulations by accepting gifts from private business owners. Zhao Yong (赵勇) received a serious warning from the Party and was removed from his position.

Zeng Haiyang (曾海洋), former member of the Standing Committee of the Liaoyuan (辽源) Municipal Party Committee in Jilin (吉林) Province and former Secretary of the Dongfeng (东丰) County Party Committee, blindly took on debt to launch projects, engaging in "vanity projects." From May 2018 to December 2024, Zeng Haiyang (曾海洋), while serving as the County Head and County Party Secretary of Dongfeng (东丰) County, had a misplaced view of performance, was eager for quick success and instant benefits, and acted out of touch with reality, blindly taking on debt to lead and promote the construction of an industrial venture capital park project with huge investments. Since the project was put into use at the end of 2022, it has been in a state of serious losses for a long time, causing a serious burden on the local finances. Zeng Haiyang (曾海洋) also had other serious violations of discipline and law, and was expelled from the Party and removed from public office. His suspected criminal issues have been transferred to the procuratorial organs for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Yang Haimin (杨海民), former Party Branch Secretary and General Manager of the Qidong (启东) Direct Storage Depot of China Grain Reserves Group (中储粮), carried out learning and exchange activities with no substantive content. In June 2024, Yang Haimin (杨海民) led a team to the Bei'an (北安) Direct Storage Depot of China Grain Reserves Group (中储粮) to carry out learning and exchange activities. The entire process did not involve any official activities as planned, and only involved visiting a certain museum, indicating that there was no substantive content in the learning and exchange activities between different departments in different locations. Yang Haimin (杨海民) received a serious warning from the Party and a demerit recorded in his file.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission pointed out that in the above cases, some have not changed their minds about eating, drinking, and having fun, some have deviations in their views on performance, and some are unaware of restraint, violating discipline against the wind not long after the conclusion of in-depth study and education on the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation. Seriously investigating and publicly announcing these issues is to release a strong signal of **一严到底** (yī yán dào dǐ - "strictly to the end," to be strict and thorough in enforcement) and **寸步不让** (cùn bù bù ràng - "not yielding an inch," to not give in at all). The vast majority of Party members and cadres must take these cases as a warning, regard the Central Eight-Point Regulation as basic and essential rules, consciously oppose the "four winds" and establish new customs, actively assume responsibility and let go of work under the premise of complying with discipline and being honest and clean, and strive forward on a new journey with excellent work style.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission emphasized that work style is image and strength, and it is necessary to continuously consolidate and expand the results of in-depth study and education on the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation, to grasp it to the end, to be strict to the end, and to be consistent to the end, injecting strong positive energy into the high-quality development of the economy and society. Party organizations and leading cadres at all levels must firmly establish the concept that "failure to grasp work style is dereliction of duty," vigorously promote the fine tradition of criticism and self-criticism, strictly abide by discipline and set an example, and diligently move their "mother-in-law mouths" and recite the "tightening spell," strictly educating, managing, and supervising cadres, and forging a good work style with iron rules. Disciplinary inspection and supervision organs at all levels must adhere to the principle that the stricter the discipline is enforced, the more strictly it is enforced, and those who violate the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation must be investigated and dealt with severely, and those who violate discipline against the wind must be dealt with severely, deeply promoting the simultaneous investigation and treatment of work style and corruption, and resolutely preventing the rebound of unhealthy tendencies. It is necessary to adhere to the integration of investigation and treatment, deepen the rectification and remediation of regional, industry, and field-specific work style problems, correct deviations from the view of performance, solve problems from the ideological and interest roots, investigate thoroughly, rectify to the end, and treat to the root, eradicating the soil and conditions for the breeding of problems. As the New Year's Day and Spring Festival approach, it is necessary to closely monitor the "four winds" problems that are prone to occur during the holidays, strengthen supervision and inspection, strictly investigate and deal with violations of regulations such as eating and drinking, giving and receiving gifts and gift money, handling weddings and funerals, and using public vehicles for private purposes, and strive to create a strict atmosphere. Grasp the characteristics of the work at the end of the year and the beginning of the year, resolutely correct phenomena such as perfunctory implementation, false reporting of achievements, and arbitrarily assigning tasks and requesting materials from the grassroots in the name of summarizing and deploying work, and provide a strong work style guarantee for spending a civilized and peaceful holiday.

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"Most Beautiful Retired Soldiers" Jointly Announced

This newspaper reported from Beijing on December 27th (Reporter Li Longyi (李龙伊)). In order to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important exposition on the work of veterans, and to create a strong atmosphere in the whole society of caring about national defense, respecting the military profession, and respecting veterans, the Central Propaganda Department (中宣部), the Ministry of Veterans Affairs (退役军人事务部), and the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission publicly released the "Most Beautiful Veterans" to the whole society.

Wang Aidong (王爱东), Wang Xinyuan (王新元), Wang Kuiyuan (王魁元), Wang Zhiming (王志明), Batel (巴特尔), Gan Biao (甘彪), Nian Guoqiang (年国强), Li Jianping (李健平), Li Ruichang (李瑞昌), Zhang Dasheng (张大生), Zhang Jilin (张吉林), Zhang Yong (张勇), Qu Weiming (屈卫明), Hu Ming (胡明), Hu Zhanjun (胡占军), Luo Muyuan (骆牧渊), Jia Jiandong (贾建东), Gao Han (高寒) and other 18 comrades were honorably selected. After retiring from the military, they actively devoted themselves to the construction of Chinese-style modernization, displaying their talents and playing their roles in different positions. Some fought on the front line of rural revitalization, leading the masses to become rich together; some stepped forward and charged ahead at critical moments of combating crime and protecting the people; some devoted themselves to studying skills and inheriting cultural heritage; some took root in the forest and sea to protect the green ecology; some were determined to innovate and add glory to the aerospace industry; and some, despite their disabilities, bloomed on the "new arena" of life... Their advanced deeds concentratedly demonstrated the spirit of veterans who are **昂扬向上、奋发有为** (áng yáng xiàng shàng, fèn fā yǒu wéi - "spirited and striving for success," showing a positive and enterprising attitude).

The vast number of veterans expressed that they will not fade after retiring and will always follow the Party. We must take the "Most Beautiful Veterans" as an example, consciously carry forward the glorious traditions and fine work style of the People's Army, better serve economic and social development, and serve national defense and military construction, so that the spirit, character, and strength of soldiers can shine brightly in the local area. Responsible persons from relevant departments and representatives of entrepreneurs said that veterans are a valuable asset of the Party and the country. We must do a good job in the work of veterans with heart and soul, create conditions and build a stage for veterans to start businesses in new positions, and take practical actions to enhance veterans' sense of gain, happiness, and honor, so that soldiers become a respected profession in the whole society, and veterans become a respected person in the whole society.

It is reported that the special program of the "Most Beautiful Veterans" release ceremony in 2025 will be broadcast in the near future.

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Accelerating the Modernization of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Solidly Promoting the Comprehensive Revitalization of the Countryside (Authoritative Interview: Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the 20th CPC Central Committee's Fourth Plenary Session)

By: 本报记者 朱 隽 郁静娴

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (党的二十届四中全会) made strategic deployments to accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas and steadily promote the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside, releasing a strong signal of attaching importance to agriculture and strengthening agriculture, and providing important guidelines for doing a good job in "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers" in the new era and new journey. In order to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (党的二十届四中全会), our reporter interviewed Han Jun (韩俊), Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (农业农村部).

Better Promote the Construction of Chinese-style Modernization by Accelerating the Modernization of Agriculture and Rural Areas

Reporter: How should we understand the great significance of accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas?

Han Jun (韩俊): General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) has always been concerned about and attached great importance to doing a good job in "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers," emphasizing that "there is no modernization of the whole country without the modernization of agriculture and rural areas." The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal points out that the modernization of agriculture and rural areas is related to the overall situation and quality of Chinese-style modernization. The strategic position of agricultural and rural modernization in the overall situation of Chinese-style modernization can be understood from the following aspects:

-- Achieving agricultural and rural modernization is a major task in building a socialist modern country in all respects. Agriculture is a strategic industry that stabilizes the country and reassures the people, and it is the foundation of the national economy and social development. The process of agricultural and rural modernization is directly related to the realization process and overall level of Chinese-style modernization goals. The most arduous and onerous task in building a socialist modern country in all respects is still in rural areas. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, it is necessary to further consolidate the foundation for the development of "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers," focus on building a strong agricultural country and comprehensively revitalizing the countryside, and better promote the construction of Chinese-style modernization by accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas.

-- Accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas is the basic support for coping with various risks and challenges. At present, the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and various uncertain and unpredictable factors have obviously increased. Stabilizing the basic agricultural plate and guarding the foundation of "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers" is the "**压舱石**" (yā cāng shí - "ballast stone," a stabilizing force) for responding to changes and opening up new situations. In the complex and severe context, we must consolidate the foundation of agricultural and rural modernization, the foundation of Chinese-style modernization, to make it more solid, respond to the uncertainty of the external environment with the certainty of domestic stable production and supply, and respond to various unstable factors with the stable development of agriculture and rural areas, so as to provide sufficient confidence and strategic initiative for the overall stability of the economy and society.

-- Promoting agricultural and rural modernization is an inevitable requirement for building a new development pattern. When "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers" are doing well, the overall situation is active. The Party Central Committee has made it clear that by 2035, decisive progress will be made in the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside, agricultural modernization will be basically realized, and rural areas will basically have modern living conditions. The basic realization of socialist modernization in agriculture and rural areas together with the whole country, and the overall entry of hundreds of millions of farmers into modernization, will release huge development momentum and consumption potential, and inject strong impetus into economic and social development. We must adhere to promoting agricultural and rural modernization as an important focus for building a new development pattern, unblock the blockages in coordinated urban-rural development, strive to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas, and provide strong support for building a new development pattern with the domestic cycle as the mainstay and the domestic and international dual cycles promoting each other.

-- Accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas is the due meaning of meeting the people's needs for a better life. The problems of agriculture, rural areas, and farmers are not only economic problems, but also political problems related to the Party's foundation of governance. No one can be left behind on the road to building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and no one can be left behind in building a socialist modern country in all respects. By 2035, when socialist modernization is basically realized, the main and important part is in "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers." We must conform to the aspirations of hundreds of millions of farmers for a better life, gather resources and forces from all sides, accelerate the pace of rural development, accelerate the efforts to make up for the shortcomings of modern living conditions in rural areas, strive to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas, realize, safeguard, and develop the fundamental interests of the vast number of farmers, and allow hundreds of millions of farmers to jointly share the fruits of Chinese-style modernization.

During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, there are many favorable conditions for accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas and promoting the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside.

Reporter: What is the situation and task facing the acceleration of agricultural and rural modernization and the promotion of comprehensive rural revitalization during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period?

Han Jun (韩俊): Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (党的十八大), under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, China's agricultural and rural modernization has made great achievements, and the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside has made great progress.

The production of grain and other important agricultural products has been stable and increased. Grain output has been stable at more than 1.3 trillion jin for many years. Last year, it exceeded 1.4 trillion jin for the first time, and this year it reached a new historical high of 1,429.8 billion jin, with per capita grain possession exceeding 500 kilograms. At the same time, the production capacity of cotton, oil, sugar, and rubber has continued to increase, and the supply of fruits, vegetables, tea, meat, eggs, milk, and aquatic products is sufficient and diverse. The people's dining table is becoming more and more abundant and healthy, and the rice bowls of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people are firmly held in their own hands.

The achievements in poverty alleviation have been continuously consolidated and expanded. Since the transition period, the level of education, medical care, housing, and drinking water safety of the people who have been lifted out of poverty has continued to improve. The growth rate of per capita disposable income of rural residents in poverty-stricken areas has continued to be higher than the national average. Each poverty-stricken county has cultivated leading industries with prominent advantages and strong driving capabilities. The number of employed laborers who have been lifted out of poverty has remained stable at more than 30 million for five consecutive years. The economic vitality and development potential of poverty-stricken areas have been significantly enhanced, and the bottom line of preventing large-scale return to poverty has been firmly guarded.

Significant progress has been made in agricultural modernization. The support of agricultural science and technology equipment has been continuously strengthened. The contribution rate of agricultural science and technology progress has exceeded 64%. The area of independently bred varieties of crops accounts for more than 95%. The comprehensive mechanization rate of crop cultivation, planting, and harvesting has reached 76.7%. The cultivation, planting, and harvesting of major grain crops have basically achieved full mechanization, and agricultural science and technology innovation as a whole has entered the world's first echelon.

The level of rural construction and governance has been continuously improved. We have solidly promoted the rural construction action, continuously improved the rural living environment, and all towns and established villages with conditions have access to hardened roads, passenger buses, and power. Village-level health rooms have achieved full coverage of administrative villages. We have promoted rural governance, inherited and protected excellent agricultural culture, and the spiritual outlook of farmers has continued to improve.

The vitality of rural development has continued to increase. We have solidly carried out the pilot project of extending the second round of land contracts for another 30 years after expiration, and the phased tasks of the rural collective property rights system reform have been basically completed. The agricultural support and protection policy system of "three-in-one" of price, subsidy, and insurance has been further improved. We have vigorously cultivated new agricultural business entities, and have cumulatively cultivated nearly 4 million family farms, more than 2 million farmers' cooperatives, and more than 1.1 million agricultural socialized service business entities, which has effectively promoted the organic connection between small farmers and modern agricultural development. The ratio of urban-rural residents' income has decreased from 3.10:1 in 2012 to 2.34:1 in 2024.

At present, the agricultural foundation is still relatively weak, rural development is still lagging behind, and farmers are under considerable pressure to continue to increase their income. We must fully recognize the strategic position of the development of "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers" in the overall situation of Chinese-style modernization, anchor the overall goal of agricultural and rural modernization, take promoting the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside as the overall starting point, promote integrated urban-rural development, continue to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, promote basic modern living conditions in rural areas, and accelerate the construction of a strong agricultural country.

Adhere to the Priority Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas, and Comprehensively Implement the Strategic Deployment of Accelerating Agricultural and Rural Modernization and Solidly Promoting the Comprehensive Revitalization of the Countryside

Reporter: The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (党的二十届四中全会) deployed a series of major strategic tasks around accelerating agricultural and rural modernization and solidly promoting the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside. How should we grasp the implementation?

Han Jun (韩俊): We must integrate the in-depth study and implementation of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (党的二十届四中全会) with the implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping's (习近平) important expositions on the work of "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers," adhere to taking the solution of the problems of "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers" as the top priority of the Party's work, strengthen the Party's overall leadership over the work of "agriculture, rural areas, and farmers," implement the requirements for the priority development of agriculture and rural areas, and implement the Party Central Committee's major deployments on accelerating agricultural and rural modernization.

First, improve the comprehensive agricultural production capacity and quality benefits. Adhere to grasping output capacity, production ecology, increasing production and increasing income together, intensify the implementation of a new round of action to increase grain production capacity by 100 billion jin, tighten and implement the Party and government's responsibility for grain security, deeply promote the large-scale increase in yield per unit area of grain and oil crops, promote the construction of high-standard farmland with high quality, deeply implement the seed industry revitalization action, promote the research and application of high-end intelligent agricultural machinery and equipment suitable for hilly and mountainous areas, and comprehensively consolidate the foundation of food security. Coordinate the development of scientific and technological agriculture, green agriculture, quality agriculture, and brand agriculture, build a diversified food supply system, build a solid line of defense for the quality and safety of agricultural products, focus on expanding and strengthening the agricultural product processing industry, do a good job in the big articles of transformation and value-added of "**粮头食尾**" (liáng tóu shí wěi - "grain head food tail," extending the food industry chain), "**畜头肉尾**" (chù tóu ròu wěi - "livestock head meat tail," extending the livestock processing chain), and "**农头工尾**" (nóng tóu gōng wěi - "agriculture head industry tail," extending the agricultural industrial chain), and build agriculture into a modern large industry.

Second, coordinate the establishment of a normalized mechanism to prevent returning to poverty. We must maintain the overall stability of assistance policies after the transition period, incorporate normalized assistance into the overall implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, establish and improve a normalized monitoring and assistance system to prevent returning to poverty, and ensure that large-scale return to poverty does not occur. We must enhance the endogenous development momentum with effective development-oriented assistance, build a solid bottom line for people's livelihood with a sound and complete social security system, implement normalized and precise assistance, provide assistance to underdeveloped areas in a hierarchical and classified manner, improve the support policies for key assistance counties for rural revitalization, and continue to implement a series of effective practices such as east-west cooperation, fixed-point assistance by central units, stationing village assistance, and social assistance.

Third, promote the construction of livable, business-friendly, and beautiful villages. Deeply study and apply the experience of the "Thousand Villages Demonstration, Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" Project ("**千万工程**" - qiān wàn gōng chéng - "thousands of villages project," a rural revitalization initiative), improve the implementation mechanism of rural construction in accordance with local conditions, promote rural revitalization in a classified and orderly manner and in areas, and gradually improve the completeness of rural infrastructure, the convenience of public services, and the comfort of the living environment, and create high-quality rural living spaces. Solve the problems of rural toilet renovation and garbage surrounding villages with the spirit of **钉钉子** (dīng dīng zi - "nailing nails," to do something thoroughly and persistently). Develop the multiple functions of agriculture, promote the deep integration of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries in rural areas, do a good job in the article of "local specialties," cultivate and strengthen rural characteristic industries, improve the mechanism of linking farmers and benefiting farmers, and promote the stable increase of farmers' income. Deeply implement the construction project of civilized rural customs, continue to promote the transformation of customs and habits in rural areas, and increase the supply of high-quality rural culture.

Fourth, improve the effectiveness of policies to strengthen agriculture, benefit agriculture, and enrich agriculture. Promote the pilot project of extending the second round of land contracts for another 30 years after expiration, adhere to "**大稳定、小调整**" (dà wěn dìng, xiǎo tiáo zhěng - "major stability, minor adjustments," maintaining overall stability while allowing for some flexibility), and ensure that the original contracted land of the vast majority of farmers is generally extended and remains stable. Accelerate the improvement of the modern agricultural management system, improve the development quality of new agricultural business entities, and improve the convenient and efficient agricultural socialized service system. Adhere to "guaranteeing housing, controlling illegal construction, and revitalizing idle land," and strengthen the standardized management of homesteads. Support the development of new types of rural collective economy, improve the rural collective asset supervision system, and fully guarantee the collective members' right to know, participate, and supervise. Improve the diversified investment pattern of fiscal priority guarantee, financial key tilt, and active social participation, and ensure that the investment in rural revitalization continues to increase. Improve the agricultural support and protection system, strengthen policy support and coordination such as prices, subsidies, and insurance, promote the maintenance of prices of important agricultural products such as grain at a reasonable level, increase the interest compensation for major grain producing areas, implement inter-provincial horizontal interest compensation in producing and marketing areas, and protect and mobilize the enthusiasm of farmers to engage in farming and grain planting and local governments to attach importance to agriculture and grain production. Strengthen the whole-chain supervision of rural revitalization funds and effectively improve the efficiency of the use of agricultural funds. Promote the two-way flow of urban and rural factors and encourage all kinds of talents to go to the countryside to serve and start businesses and find employment.

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First batch of units at Yebatan Hydropower Station commence operation

Beijing, December 27th (Reporter Ding Yiting (丁怡婷) and Xu Yuyao (徐驭尧)) The reporter learned from China Huadian (中国华电): On the 27th, the first batch of units of the Yebatan Hydropower Station (叶巴滩水电站), a major project in the National "14th Five-Year Plan" and China's highest altitude double-curvature arch dam power station under construction, was officially put into operation for power generation.

The Yebatan Hydropower Station (叶巴滩水电站) is located on the main stream of the Jinsha River (金沙江) at the junction of Baiyu County (白玉县), Sichuan (四川), and Gongjue County (贡觉县), Tibet (西藏). It is the hydropower station with the largest installed capacity in the Sichuan-Tibet (川藏) section of the upper reaches of the Jinsha River (金沙江), with a total installed capacity of 2.24 million kilowatts and a maximum dam height of 217 meters. It has the characteristics of high altitude, high cold, ultra-high arch dam, high ground stress, high burial depth, and large-span underground powerhouse. The project team carried out research on winter concrete construction technology for ultra-high arch dams in high-altitude cold regions, and achieved uninterrupted year-round dam concrete pouring in high-altitude cold regions for the first time in China.

The No. 3 and No. 4 units were put into operation for power generation this time. After the project is fully put into operation, the average annual power generation will exceed 10.2 billion kilowatt-hours, which can save about 3.1 million tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 8.3 million tons every year. The clean electricity generated will be transmitted to the Central China (华中) region for consumption through the Jinshang-Hubei (金上—湖北) ±800 kV ultra-high voltage DC transmission project.

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People's Daily 2025 University Presidents Forum Held in Nanning

This newspaper's Nanning (南宁) December 27th dispatch (Reporter Zhu Jiaqi (祝佳祺)) The People's Net 2025 University Presidents Forum, themed "Artificial Intelligence Empowers Educational Innovation and Promotes High-Quality Development of Higher Education," was held in Nanning (南宁), Guangxi (广西) on the 27th.

Guests from more than a hundred universities, including Peking University (北京大学), Tsinghua University (清华大学), Tianjin University (天津大学), Fudan University (复旦大学), Southeast University (东南大学), Xiamen University (厦门大学), and Guangxi University (广西大学), conducted in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as "Artificial Intelligence Empowering Education and Teaching Reform," "Promoting a Virtuous Cycle of Education, Science, Technology, and Talent," and "Accelerating the Construction of a New Educational Form in the Intelligent Era."

At the forum, People's Net launched the "2026 College Student Escort Program" and announced the upcoming launch of the "Free" Psychological Counseling Large Model University Student Edition, aiming to build an escort ecosystem with multi-party linkage of "government-enterprise-university-society" to promote the continuous deepening of youth services in terms of ideological guidance, psychological services, employment support, and skills enhancement. At the same time, People's Net released the 2025 Analysis Report on the Reform and Innovation of Ideological and Political Courses in Universities.

Lu Xinning (卢新宁), Member of the Standing Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Autonomous Region, Guan Peijun (管培俊), Vice President of the China Association of Higher Education, and others attended the forum. The People's Net University Presidents Forum has been held for 12 sessions, with more than 700 university secretaries and presidents participating, offering suggestions for building a strong country in education.

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Heilongjiang "Cold Water Fish Winter Catch Season" Series of Activities Opens

Harbin, December 27th (Reporter Zhu Dawei (祝大伟)) The 2025 Heilongjiang (黑龙江) "Cold Water Fish Winter Fishing Season" series of activities opened on the 27th at Lianhuan Lake (连环湖) in the Duerbote Mongolian Autonomous County (杜尔伯特蒙古族自治县) of Daqing City (大庆市). The event included activities such as "Lake Worship and Net Awakening," and the auction of the first fish caught. There were also exhibition and sales areas for high-quality products such as "Black Soil Premium Products," as well as an exhibition of achievements in the development of cold water fisheries in Longjiang (龙江) during the "14th Five-Year Plan" and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition.

At the opening ceremony, fish genetics and breeding experts released rainbow trout breeding technology and rainbow trout all-female triploid scale seed production technology. The China Fisheries Association (中国渔业协会) released the technical transformation results of cold-resistant crayfish, the construction achievements of smart fishing grounds, and new cold water fish products from Longjiang (龙江). In the cold water fish investment promotion session, foreign companies, domestic companies from both inside and outside the province, and scientific research institutes participated in the signing ceremony, with on-site signing amounts reaching 1.7 billion yuan.

The series of activities will continue until February 7, 2026. During this period, Mudanjiang City (牡丹江市) will hold a branch venue event for the city-level winter fishing season, and 17 counties (cities, districts) will hold distinctive county-level winter fishing and winter angling activities, providing tourists with a rich and colorful experience.

The series of activities is part of the "Hundred-Day Action" for winter ice and snow tourism in Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省). The opening ceremony also promoted high-quality winter fishing ice and snow tourism routes.

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Anchoring the Fundamental Task of Cultivating People, Writing the Answer Sheet of the Times (In-depth Focus · Year-End Special Report)

In 2025, the Ministry of Education (教育部) Party Group designated it as the "Year of Practical Work." The educational landscape unfolds amidst the tides of the times.

The cause of fostering virtue and cultivating people gathers even broader strength and wisdom. Each vivid ideological and political lesson embarks on a wonderful journey of growth, and the living source of faith nourishes the hearts of youth.

The technological revolution and industrial transformation surge forward. The education system proactively seeks change, and interdisciplinary studies and industry-education integration become the norm. The boundaries between classrooms and laboratories, and the front lines of production, gradually overlap, and artificial intelligence quietly reshapes the learning ecosystem.

Faced with changes in population structure and the call for common prosperity, educational equity and quality become the focus. Urban and rural schools join hands, high-quality resources reach disadvantaged areas directly, after-school services become richer, and laughter fills the campus.

This year, seeds of hope sprout and germinate. Looking ahead to the "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan," education, rooted in the soil of China, will surely grow vigorously.

-- Editor

Promoting the Integrated Development of Education, Science and Technology, and Talent --

Unlocking the Education Chain, Innovation Chain, and Talent Chain

Yu Jihong (于吉红), President of Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院): This year, I participated in the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Based on the overall planning of building a strong country in education, a strong country in science and technology, and a strong country in talent, the plenary session made new strategic deployments for promoting the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent. I deeply feel that normal universities should shoulder the mission of being the "leader" of higher education and the "base point" of basic education, and play an important role in deepening the integrated reform of education, science and technology, and talent, and promoting the high-quality development of education.

Universities are the concentrated intersection of education, science and technology, and talent. In June of this year, Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) established the Future Technology College, building an innovative ecosystem of teaching and research integration, industry-education collaboration, and science-education integration, unlocking the education chain, innovation chain, and talent chain. In December, it prepared to establish the Future Ocean College, establishing an integrated development mechanism of science, education, learning, and research. Both new colleges are named "Future," moving towards the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent, driving the cultivation of top-notch innovative talent with high-level scientific research, and supporting breakthroughs in key technologies.

Since the beginning of this year, Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) has been based on the overall layout of "Double First-Class" construction, deeply implementing the "Excellent Scientific Research" strategy, systematically promoting organized scientific research around national strategic needs and cutting-edge fields, and promoting the deep integration of industry, academia, and research. It dynamically optimizes the discipline and professional system, improves the talent incentive mechanism and scientific and technological evaluation system, and provides strong support for high-level scientific and technological self-reliance.

Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) continues to optimize the "Strengthening Teachers Project," deepen the implementation of the "Excellent Teacher Plan," explore the reform of teacher education and training that meets the needs of the new era, promote the "Top-notch Innovative Excellent Teacher Training Program," deepen the cultivation of comprehensive qualities, innovate educational practice and training, better serve the expansion and quality improvement of basic education, and help build a teacher education system with Chinese characteristics. At the same time, through high-quality teacher training and delivery, county-level high school托管帮扶, online and offline services to enhance teacher capabilities, and other measures, it provides important support for the high-quality and balanced development of education.

Facing the profound changes in the form of education in the intelligent era, Beijing Normal University (北京师范大学) conducts in-depth research on major issues such as comprehensive education reform, digital transformation, and optimal allocation of resources. It integrates the strength of multiple disciplines and systematically deploys and jointly tackles problems with governments, enterprises, and research institutions in the fields of theoretical exploration, technology research and development, platform construction, and curriculum innovation. It implements the "Artificial Intelligence + Higher Education" teaching reform special plan, strengthens the construction of "Artificial Intelligence + X" new majors and micro-majors, promotes the integration of professional talent training and artificial intelligence disciplines, consolidates the foundation of education in the intelligent era, and shapes a new ecology of future education.

Facing the "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan," we will activate the source of science and technology and talent with educational innovation, serve the overall situation of building a strong country in education with teacher education, and make new and greater contributions to comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization.

[Link] This year's Central Economic Work Conference proposed "formulating a plan for the integrated promotion of education, science and technology, and talent development." In recent years, the Ministry of Education (教育部) has deployed and built 290 basic discipline top student training bases in 77 high-level research universities; promoted the construction of new engineering, new medicine, new agriculture, and new liberal arts, and achieved breakthroughs in training mechanisms and other aspects. The integrated promotion of education, science and technology, and talent injects strong impetus into social and economic development and provides solid support for breakthroughs in core areas.

Effective Integration of Ideological and Political Classrooms and Social Classrooms --

Finding the Secret of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Returning Home

Zhou Sisi (周思思), ideological and political teacher at Honglingjin School (红领巾学校) in Jianghan District (江汉区), Wuhan (武汉) City, Hubei (湖北) Province: At the beginning of the year, I and the school's science teacher made an attempt to take the children into the small micro-wetland in the corner of the campus when teaching the fourth-grade students the lesson "The Joys and Worries of Hometown."

"How many kinds of fish can you see?" "What is the difference between this pool of water and the Yangtze River water?" We guided the children to observe carefully and record carefully. Suddenly, a child asked curiously: "Teacher, the Yangtze finless porpoise is the 'barometer' of the Yangtze River ecosystem, can the fish here also be the 'barometer'?" I took the opportunity to suggest: "Find a chance to go to the Jiangtan (江滩) to see, maybe there are answers hidden."

We set off with old photos. The Jiangtan (江滩) in the photos used to be a freight terminal with roaring machines and yellow sand. In front of us, the river water is clear, and the reeds are swaying in the wind. The strong contrast made the children throw out a series of questions: "Why did this change happen?" "Will the Yangtze finless porpoise swim here?"

I did not answer directly, but took everyone to visit the Jiangtan (江滩) patrollers and listen to him tell the story of the Jiangtan (江滩) changes; the children took the testing tools and measured the water quality. Back at school, the children took the initiative to consult the Yangtze River Protection Law, the Ten-Year Fishing Ban Plan, etc. They wrote in their homework: "It turns out that the Yangtze finless porpoise's return home is the result of the joint efforts of the country, the city, and every ordinary person."

Relying on the Jianghan District (江汉区) Ideological and Political Famous Teachers Studio, we discussed with Central China Normal University (华中师范大学) to design the ideological and political micro-class "The Miracle of Planning: Small Homes Connected to Everyone," resonating with the pulse of the times, guiding students to understand the miracles created by national planning through the visible, tangible, and speakable changes around them, and cultivating sincere feelings of love for the Party and the country in life experiences.

The "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes "promoting the effective integration of ideological and political classrooms and social classrooms." When children squat by the pool and exclaim for discovering a small shrimp, cheer for the Jiang River water meeting the standards with test strips, and sincerely sigh "the ecology is better now" by comparing old photos, ideological and political education achieves the unity of knowledge, belief, and action.

[Link] The integrated reform pilot of ideological and political courses in primary, secondary, and universities is one of the first projects launched in the comprehensive reform pilot of the three-year action plan for building a strong country in education. In 2025, the reform was launched, and 10 pilot areas including Beijing (北京), Tianjin (天津), and Hubei (湖北) focused on six tasks, including promoting the Party's innovative theories to enter the brain and heart in an integrated manner, forming a batch of tangible and accessible teaching results, tangible and effective policies and systems, and learnable and usable working methods. The Ministry of Education (教育部) innovatively created a national-level demonstration "golden course" with the concept of integration, organized primary, secondary, and university students across the country to attend the anti-Japanese war "ideological and political mega-class" together, carried out demonstration lectures and micro-course displays on integrating the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China into ideological and political courses in primary, secondary, and universities, and promoted continuous optimization and improvement of teaching ideas, methods, and effects of ideological and political courses in various places and schools.

Gradually Implementing Free Preschool Education --

The Burden of Parents Bringing Up Children is Lighter

Chen Congmiao (陈丛苗), parent of Wenhua Kindergarten (文华幼儿园) in Hangzhou (杭州) City, Zhejiang (浙江) Province: I have two daughters, the eldest is 5 and a half years old and in the senior class, and the youngest is 3 years old and in the nursery class, in the same kindergarten. This year, I noticed that the country is gradually implementing free preschool education. At first, I didn't understand it very well. When I didn't have to pay childcare fees for my eldest daughter in the fall semester, I had a personal experience.

In the past, I had to pay more than 6,000 yuan in childcare fees for my eldest daughter every year, but now I only pay for food. The burden of two children was already quite heavy, but now that I save this money, I buy more books and toys for my children and take them out for more outdoor activities. Parents around me like me also enjoy this preferential policy. When we chat, we often hear "we've caught up with a good time" and "the burden of bringing up children is lighter."

Not only is the fee reduced, but many details make us feel more at ease. The public kindergarten is right across from my home, which is very convenient for picking up and dropping off. From the multi-functional activity room to the outdoor play area to the cozy and comfortable nap room, the environment and facilities are very good.

Moreover, the kindergarten runs a nursery class, so parents no longer have to specifically look for a nursery. The kindergarten often invites young children under the age of 3 in the community to participate in parent-child activities and garden tours. After my youngest daughter went a few times, she yearned for life in the kindergarten and adapted quickly to the nursery class. Under the guidance of the teachers, the sisters learned to put on shoes and clothes and became more and more sensible. They are happy every day, and I feel very gratified.

The New Year is coming soon, and the children are one year older. My eldest daughter will soon be going to primary school. I will spend more time with my children in my spare time to give them a happy childhood. The "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes "steadily expanding the scope of free education." I look forward to the implementation of more people-benefiting education policies to alleviate parents' worries about bringing up children.

[Link] At the beginning of the fall semester this year, more than 12 million children in the year before preschool in kindergartens across the country ushered in a different new semester. According to the "Opinions on Gradually Implementing Free Preschool Education" issued by the General Office of the State Council, starting from the fall semester of 2025, the childcare and education fees for children in the year before preschool in public kindergartens will be waived. According to calculations, families will reduce their expenditures by 20 billion yuan in the fall semester of this year alone. At the same time, as China's first law specifically for preschool education, the Preschool Education Law has been implemented since June 1, consolidating the legal foundation for the universal, inclusive, safe, and high-quality development of preschool education.

Expanding and Improving Employment for College Graduates --

Blooming Youth at a New Starting Point

Tan Li (谭立), a 2026 undergraduate graduate of Hunan Agricultural University (湖南农业大学): I opened the school's employment cloud platform to check the progress of the signing. When I saw that the status of the agreement was updated to "signed," I was very excited. After a while, I will go to Guangdong (广东) to become an agricultural sales person in South China. This job is in line with my major, and it also allows my dream of taking root in the front line of agriculture to take root.

At the beginning of the fall semester this year, I improved my resume and job intentions on the school's cloud employment platform. The system performs intelligent matching and dynamic recommendations based on real-time collected job information. The head teacher also had heart-to-heart talks with us to help everyone revise their resumes and impart interview skills.

More ability improvement comes from practice in normal times. In my freshman year, I entered a school-enterprise cooperative seed company for an internship. In the fields, I turned textbook knowledge into real skills. I remember once, the tutor came to the site to guide. He held a rice plant and pointed to the leaves and said: "Students, you must remember to rotate the use of biological pesticides in a timely manner, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also delays drug resistance and achieves sustainable governance." Everyone bowed their heads to record, accumulating experience for future work.

What excites me even more is that in the seed base, I saw with my own eyes that rice tray seedling transplanting saves time and effort, drones spray medicine accurately and efficiently in the air, biological pesticide preparations are green and safe, and large machines gallop in the fertile fields... My employment direction gradually became clear.

In addition, the college's career planning courses and lectures also guide everyone to establish correct employment views. What impressed me was the "County Party Secretary Starts Speaking" series of lectures. After listening to them talk about local development, talent needs, and policy support, the grassroots level is no longer a vague concept, but a warm and touchable land.

In recent years, the Party and the state have attached great importance to the employment of college graduates. The "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan" proposal further clarifies the requirements. Standing at a new starting point in life, I will use my professional knowledge to bring more scientific and green fertilization and drug application programs to the fields. I believe that more young people will choose to bloom their brilliant youth in the fields of hope.

[Link] Since this year, the education system has placed the employment of college graduates in a prominent position, implemented the 2025 National Action for Promoting and Serving the Employment and Entrepreneurship of General College Graduates, and launched a series of incremental policies and measures to tap potential and expand jobs by strengthening departmental coordination and central-local linkage, promoting the construction of a high-quality employment service system, and fully promoting high-quality and full employment.

Engineering Master's and Doctoral Training Reform --

Striving to Grow into Excellent Engineers

Li Jiaxing (李家兴), a 2025 master's graduate of the National Academy of Excellent Engineers of North China Electric Power University (华北电力大学): This summer, I successfully joined China Datang Group Digital Technology Co., Ltd. Before graduating, I experienced a special degree defense: the practical result of "Research and Design of Self-Powered Micro-Detection Device for New Energy Power Stations" was used to apply for a master's degree; among the 5 experts at the defense site, 3 came from enterprises; the practical result went out of the laboratory and was successfully tested and verified in two hydropower stations under China Datang Group, helping to solve the problem of wireless monitoring of rotating parts of power generation equipment.

Supporting engineering master's and doctoral students to apply for degrees with practical results such as product design and major equipment is one of the reform measures for training excellent engineers. As a special graduate student of the engineering master's and doctoral training reform jointly trained by North China Electric Power University (华北电力大学) and China Datang Group, I have benefited a lot from the mechanism of joint enrollment, joint topic selection, joint training, and shared results between schools and enterprises.

Where do the practical results come from? During my postgraduate studies, I had both internal tutors and enterprise tutors. The practical topics were "tailor-made" for me by the tutors based on the needs of the enterprise and my professional direction. In the first year of my master's degree, I studied at the school, systematically reserved knowledge of electronic communication, hardware development, etc., and laid a solid foundation. Then, I carried out two years of engineering application practice in the enterprise, exploring the research and development of wireless power transmission and wireless monitoring devices. Every week, the tutors discussed and exchanged ideas with me, guiding me to grasp the key details of the topic.

The experience on the front line of production is unforgettable. "Go to the site to walk around and see, and understand the real production scene" is what the enterprise tutor often says. I came to many hydropower plants and wind farms in Sichuan (四川), Yunnan (云南) and other places, and I also realized that those real water turbine operating conditions and actual power production needs are the benchmarks for calibrating the research direction. Walking into the front line with questions and then returning with problem-solving ideas helped me complete the transformation from theory to practice and trained me to solve real problems and truly solve problems.

Now, I have stepped into the job and become an engineer. The learning and practical experience during my postgraduate studies has helped me to get started and adapt to the work quickly. Some time ago, a group of younger students began to enter the enterprise for practice, and I also shared my experience with them.

I noticed that the "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes "cultivating and creating more strategic scientists, leading talents in science and technology, excellent engineers, great craftsmen, and highly skilled talents." In the future, I will work hard and steadily move forward in the broad platform of industrial development, and strive to grow into an excellent engineer.

[Link] This year, the first master's graduates of the special pilot project for engineering master's and doctoral training reform have achieved high-quality employment as a whole. In the three years since the launch of the special pilot project, 50 National Academies of Excellent Engineers and 4 National Institutes of Innovation for Excellent Engineers have been built, and about 26,000 engineering master's and doctoral students have been jointly recruited and trained by schools and enterprises. On January 1, the Degree Law came into effect, placing practical results and degree theses side by side. Among the first batch of engineering master's graduates, dozens of people obtained degrees with practical results.

Combining Vocational Education with the Needs of Key Industries --

Problem Solvers from "School Gate" to "Factory Gate"

Gong Wendong (巩文东), associate professor of the School of Urban Rail Transit of Shandong Vocational College (山东职业学院): At the beginning of the spring semester this year, I sent students to Jinan Rail Transit Operation Company for an internship. A scene touched my heart: a maintenance worker climbed to the top of the car and used a vernier caliper to measure the wear depth of the pantograph carbon slider inch by inch. The degree of wear of the carbon slider is related to power supply safety and smooth driving, while traditional manual detection has low accuracy and poor efficiency.

Seeing the pain points of enterprise operation and maintenance, several students took the initiative to find me, "Can we use the new technology learned in class to improve it?" Without hesitation, I took this group of young people into the training room.
During the day, we repeatedly set up circuits, debugged sensors and cameras, often having to redo all the data because of a parameter deviation. Late at night, we crunched through papers and typed out lines of code. Sometimes, when we were extremely tired, we would doze off on the table, our dreams still filled with overlapping design drawings. After several failed sensor calibrations, a student asked with red eyes, "Teacher, can we really make it?" I patted him on the shoulder and said, "Hope is just ahead."

Three months later, the moment of dawn finally arrived. The first prototype of the intelligent inspection instrument successfully operated, accurately identifying worn areas on the surface of carbon skids, calculating the remaining thickness, and generating a clear report within 30 seconds, with accuracy improved to 0.01 millimeters. The engineering manager of the enterprise exclaimed during acceptance: "It is surprising that vocational students can produce equipment so closely aligned with front-line needs."

This tackling of key problems is a vivid portrayal of the integration of industry and education at Shandong Vocational College (山东职业学院). Relying on industry leaders, research institutes, and first-class undergraduate universities, we implement organized scientific research practices, not only overcoming a number of "choke point" problems, but also cultivating a group of highly skilled talents. Rail transit equipment and operation, industrial internet, medical health, and intelligent construction... 329 people were selected as "Qilu Craftsman Reserve Talents" (齐鲁工匠后备人才).

Looking to the future, "improving the ability of vocational schools to run schools and building distinctive high-level vocational colleges" and other items are included in the "15th Five-Year Plan" (十五五规划) recommendations. We will deepen the educational approach of "treating enterprise problems as exam questions and using production sites as classrooms," ensuring that every research investment is precisely aligned with industry needs, and that every technological breakthrough is effectively transformed into educational resources, cultivating more master craftsmen and highly skilled talents, and achieving the two-way empowerment of technological innovation and talent cultivation.

[Link] Combining work and study in teaching, and school-enterprise cooperation in running schools, the integration of industry and education in vocational education has been continuously deepened since this year, and the effectiveness of the integration of science and education has become prominent. The Ministry of Education (教育部) has implemented a high-skilled talent cluster training program to promote the transformation of talent training to comprehensive ability improvement; the Ministry of Education (教育部) and the Ministry of Finance (财政部) issued a notice to implement the Chinese-characteristic high-level vocational school and professional construction plan (2025-2029) (中国特色高水平高职学校和专业建设计划), promoting the combination of vocational education with national strategies and key industrial needs... Vocational education improves the pertinence of talent supply, and social recognition is further improved.

(This edition was written by reporters Wu Dan (吴丹), Huang Chao (黄超), Ding Yasong (丁雅诵), Wu Yue (吴月), Yan Yiqiao (闫伊乔), and Dou Hao (窦皓) from this newspaper)

Layout design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)

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Be brave to take responsibility and be proactive (Hong Kong Online)

By: 本报记者 冯学知

From the gazettal and enactment of the two subsidiary legislations of the "National Security (Amendment) Ordinance", to the successful hosting of the 15th National Games and the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and Special Olympics with Guangdong and Macao, and then to the successful holding of the 8th Legislative Council election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)... Over the past year, the HKSAR government has been courageous in taking responsibility and actively forging ahead, firmly safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, achieving steady economic growth, and Hong Kong has taken new steps from governance to prosperity.

"2026 is the opening year of the nation's '15th Five-Year Plan', and it will also be a year for the HKSAR government to continue to go all out to boost the economy, seek development, engage in construction, and benefit people's livelihoods. It is a year to proactively connect with the nation's '15th Five-Year Plan' and achieve further development," said John Lee (李家超), Chief Executive of the HKSAR. He will continue to lead the team, coordinate development and security, deepen reforms, leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages of "backing the motherland and connecting with the world," deepen international exchanges and cooperation, develop the economy, improve people's livelihoods, and ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

Comprehensive Recovery
The Economy Shows Resilience and Outstanding Performance

On December 11, inside the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Financial Hall, as the person in charge of JD Industrials Co., Ltd., a mainland industrial supply chain service provider, struck the listing gong, the Hong Kong stock market welcomed its 100th new stock this year.

In 2025, the Hong Kong stock IPO (Initial Public Offering) market grew strongly, leading the world. KPMG, a well-known international accounting firm, pointed out in its report that the fundraising scale of the Hong Kong IPO market is expected to reach HK$272.1 billion in 2025, ranking first in the world. "The world's major IPO markets are showing an upward trend in 2025, with Hong Kong's fundraising amount being three times that of last year, becoming the largest single contributor to the recovery of the global IPO market, further consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial center," said Louis Lau (刘国贤), Capital Markets Advisory Group Partner, KPMG China.

The hot IPO market is a typical example of Hong Kong's comprehensive economic recovery in 2025. This year, the entire Hong Kong community continued to work together to boost the economy, and all major economic indicators comprehensively recovered and improved, delivering an outstanding report card.

——The "troika" driving economic growth worked together. Data shows that in the third quarter of 2025, the year-on-year real increase in Hong Kong's overall investment expenditure accelerated to 4.3%; the growth rate of private consumption expenditure increased by 2.1% year-on-year; overall goods exports continued the strong growth momentum throughout the year, with a year-on-year real increase of 12.1%, and service exports expanded by 6.3% year-on-year; the full-year real GDP growth forecast for 2025 was revised upward from 2% to 3% in August to 3.2%.

——The number of visitors to Hong Kong further rebounded. In the "2025 Global Top 100 City Destinations Index" released by a multinational consulting company, Hong Kong ranked second in the world in terms of international tourist arrivals; statistics from the Hong Kong Tourism Board also show that approximately 45 million visitors to Hong Kong have been recorded in the first 11 months of this year, an increase of 12% year-on-year.

——Corporate business confidence is more sufficient. The results of the "Business Prospects Questionnaire Survey" published by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in December pointed out that 48.3% of the surveyed companies are optimistic about Hong Kong's economic prospects in the next 12 months; in the report released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, it is expected that Hong Kong's exports will achieve a growth of 8% to 9% in 2026, and more than 60% of the surveyed traders expect that the net profit margin in 2026 will increase or remain unchanged.

In 2025, Hong Kong's vitality and charm won high recognition from the international community: the Global Financial Centers Index score remained firmly in the top three in the world; the world competitiveness ranking continued to rise, returning to the top three in the world; the world talent ranking jumped significantly to fourth in the world and first in Asia; the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation was established in Hong Kong, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law announced that they would establish offices in Hong Kong...

"Despite facing numerous external challenges, the Hong Kong economy has still shown great resilience and has achieved many achievements with the strong support of the central government and the joint efforts of the HKSAR government and all sectors of society," said Paul Chan (陈茂波), Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government. The Hong Kong economy is showing a momentum of accelerated development, and new development advantages are emerging. The economy is expected to continue to grow next year.

Reform and Innovation
Paving the Way for Development, Removing Obstacles and Loosening Restrictions

This year, the HKSAR government implemented "result-oriented" policies, continued to deepen reforms, revised regulations, changed mechanisms, simplified processes, and paved the way for development, removed obstacles, and loosened restrictions.

At the Hong Kong Science Park Waterfront Park, a multi-rotor logistics drone loaded with a medicinal incubator took off. After 18 minutes of cross-sea flight, the medicine was delivered to Cheung Chau (长洲) Island, increasing transportation efficiency by more than 60%. "If patients need to use some relatively expensive drugs, they originally needed to transfer the patient to Hong Kong Island for treatment by helicopter. With drone delivery, patients can be treated locally," said Dr. Mak Sze-man (麦思敏), Deputy Consultant of the Accident and Emergency Department of Cheung Chau Hospital.

On July 18, the legislative amendments related to the development of the low-altitude economy were formally approved by the Legislative Council and came into effect, allowing small drones weighing more than 25 kilograms but not more than 150 kilograms to be legally used in Hong Kong. "We have established a sound legal framework to lay the foundation for the orderly operation of the low-altitude economy," said Lam Sai-hung (林世雄), Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government. The HKSAR government will formulate an action plan for the development of the low-altitude economy in 2026 and formulate special regulations for non-traditional aircraft weighing more than 150 kilograms.

With a series of reform and innovation measures, Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem is booming: the Hong Kong Park of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone officially opened on December 22, and more than 60 companies have signed contracts and are moving in one after another; since its establishment in 2022, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has cumulatively introduced 102 innovation and technology companies, involving a total of HK$60 billion in new investment; 15 Hong Kong laboratories have been approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology as national key laboratories; the Hong Kong Investment Management Company Limited, established by the HKSAR government, had invested in more than 150 projects as of the end of October.

San Tin Technopole (新田科技城), located in the heart of the Northern Metropolis, is the strategic base for the development of Hong Kong's innovation and technology industry. The first phase of the first stage of the project has been launched in full swing. "To accelerate and improve the efficiency of the development of the Northern Metropolis, institutional construction and policy innovation are very important. San Tin Technopole is the first new development area to benefit from streamlined procedures," said Bernadette Linn (宁汉豪), Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government. The HKSAR government has revised a number of main regulations, greatly streamlining the statutory procedures related to development, shortening the land creation time from about 13 years in the past to about 7 years, and reducing the time for small-scale projects by 1/3.

Taking reform as the starting point, breaking the deadlock in a series of livelihood "long-standing and difficult" issues: the HKSAR government takes ensuring the basic housing needs of citizens as its primary task, accelerates the construction of public housing, innovatively launches "Light Public Housing", and shortens the overall waiting time for public housing from 6.1 years three years ago to 5.1 years at the end of September 2025; introduces a legal framework to regulate online car-hailing services, handles the online car-hailing dispute that has lasted for many years, and provides citizens with more safe and legal travel options...

Behind the implementation of a series of reform measures is the concerted cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of the HKSAR. Andrew Leung (梁君彦), President of the 7th Legislative Council, said in October that the Legislative Council passed a total of 41 government bills and 2 members' bills during the 2025 session, all of which play an important role in Hong Kong's economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods.

Recently, the 90 members of the 8th Legislative Council of the HKSAR were elected, and doing a good job in the aftermath of the Tai Po fire and promoting in-depth reforms have become the consensus of the new Legislative Council members.

As of December 17, more than 4,600 affected residents have been properly resettled; the total amount of the "Tai Po Hung Fuk Estate Assistance Fund" (大埔宏福苑援助基金) reached HK$3.8 billion; the HKSAR government has issued a living allowance of HK$100,000 to each of the 1,917 affected families... The aftermath resettlement work of the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong is continuing in an orderly manner. Chan Hak-kan (陈克勤), a Legislative Council member who successfully won re-election in the New Territories North East constituency where Tai Po is located, said that the HKSAR government's disaster relief actions were timely and appropriate. Next, the new Legislative Council will better cooperate with the HKSAR government to play a role in resident resettlement, legal amendments, and other aspects.

"The HKSAR government will wholeheartedly promote reforms, and Legislative Council members are key partners in the reform process," said John Lee (李家超). He is confident that the new Legislative Council members will go deep into the community, connect with all sectors, understand public sentiment, offer suggestions, and work with the HKSAR government to jointly lead Hong Kong to deepen reforms and create a future together.

Leverage Advantages
Cultivate New Drivers of Economic Development

This year, Hong Kong seized the opportunities of national development, accelerated its integration into and service of the overall national development, and the unique advantages of "backing the motherland and connecting with the world" were more prominent and played a more prominent role.

When analyzing the reasons for the hot Hong Kong stock IPO market this year, Christina Xu (徐经纬), Head of Global Listing Services at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, noted that among the mainland companies listed in Hong Kong throughout the year, half had a significant proportion of overseas business income, and the amount of financing accounted for about 80% of the new stock financing in the Hong Kong market. "This reflects that mainland companies have moved from traditional export trade to building a globalized operating system. Hong Kong, as an international financing platform, is the first choice for mainland companies going overseas," she said.

Going overseas is a hot topic in Hong Kong's business community this year. John Lee (李家超) proposed in the 2025 Policy Address to establish a "Mainland Enterprise Going Overseas Special Class" to actively attract mainland companies to use the Hong Kong platform to go overseas.

On December 13, the "Hong Kong Professional Services Going Overseas Platform" initiated by the Department of Justice of the HKSAR Government was launched. "With the deepening of mainland enterprises' overseas business layout, the types of related transaction risks are also becoming increasingly diverse. Even common goods sales face risks such as ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and tariffs," said Wang Haocheng (王皓成), Deputy Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Arbitration Center of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission. He said that since its establishment in Hong Kong in 2012, the center has provided dispute resolution services including arbitration to parties from more than 30 jurisdictions around the world.

"Relying on the institutional advantages of 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong can not only deeply integrate into and serve the overall national development, but also closely align with international rules, and can effectively play a key platform role as a base for mainland companies to go overseas," said Algernon Yau (丘应桦), Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government. The country is unswervingly expanding high-level opening up, and Hong Kong will seize this opportunity to cultivate new drivers of economic development and further consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center.

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Better Integrate into and Serve the Overall National Development (Viewing the Canghai Sea)

By: 张 烁

On December 16th, President Xi Jinping (习近平) listened to work reports from the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Lee (李家超), and the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Ho Iat Seng (岑浩辉), at Yingtai, Zhongnanhai. The central government's full affirmation of the work of the Chief Executives and the governments of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, and its expectations for future development, have greatly encouraged and boosted the confidence of all sectors of society in the two regions.

Spring blossoms and autumn fruits, a year of abundant harvests. Looking back at 2025, Hong Kong and Macao have firmly safeguarded national sovereignty, security, and development interests, comprehensively and accurately implemented the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, fully implemented the principles of "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao," developed the economy, improved people's livelihoods, and better integrated into and served the overall national development.

Over the past year, Hong Kong has achieved steady economic growth, taking new steps from stability to prosperity. Hong Kong's GDP grew by 3.8% in the third quarter, a growth rate higher than most developed economies, and imports increased by 13.1% year-on-year. The capital market performed well, with IPO scale ranking first in the world, and the average daily turnover of Hong Kong stocks was twice the average level for the entire year of 2024. During the election stage of the 8th Legislative Council election in Hong Kong, a sudden fire accident in Tai Po caused serious trauma to Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee (李家超) and the SAR government took on the responsibilities of "head of the family" and "primary responsible person," effectively coordinating the election and disaster relief. The civil service took the lead in voting, setting an example, and all sectors of society actively responded and widely participated. Major public institutions, community organizations, and chambers of commerce encouraged their members to participate in voting, and the majority of voters actively participated in voting. The successful holding of this election fully demonstrates the spirit of the Lion Rock (狮子山精神), where the Hong Kong society works together, overcomes difficulties, and is united and resilient, demonstrating the advanced and superior nature of the new election system under the comprehensive implementation of the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong," and demonstrating the ardent expectations of the general public to promote good governance and achieve better development through high-quality democracy.

Over the past year, Macao has promoted public administration reform, actively participated in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and made new progress in various undertakings. The 8th Legislative Assembly election in Macao was the first practice after the Macao SAR revised the Legislative Assembly Election Law. Under the solid institutional guarantee, all participating groups and candidates fully invested and actively campaigned, comparing their political programs, abilities, and images. The democratic rights of the general voters were fully exercised, and participation in voting was supported and encouraged. The election had a wide social participation and high voter enthusiasm. The newly elected members of the Legislative Assembly have both ability and integrity, have their own expertise, have diverse sources, and have a reasonable structure. The comprehensive quality can be called the highest level in history, and all parties in society deeply appreciate this.

The good situation in Hong Kong and Macao is the result of the continuous struggle of the SAR government and all sectors of society with the strong support of the central government and the motherland, and it is also a vivid manifestation of the significant institutional advantages and strong vitality of "One Country, Two Systems." The "Suggestions" of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made strategic plans for the national economic and social development during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, emphasizing the need to unswervingly implement the principles of "One Country, Two Systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," "Macao people governing Macao," and a high degree of autonomy, and to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. This fully demonstrates that the central government's determination to implement the "One Country, Two Systems" policy is unwavering. Under "One Country, Two Systems," Hong Kong and Macao have significant advantages of relying on the motherland and connecting with the world. Hong Kong consolidates and enhances its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center, and builds an international innovation and technology center. Macao continues to demonstrate its role as "one center, one platform, one base," promotes moderate diversification of the economy, and Hong Kong and Macao create a high ground for gathering international high-end talents. The prospects are bright and the future is promising.

The "14th Five-Year Plan" is about to come to a successful conclusion, and a good start has been made for the new journey towards the second centenary goal. The "15th Five-Year Plan" proposal proposes to "support Hong Kong and Macao to better integrate into and serve the overall national development, strengthen economic, trade, scientific, technological, cultural and other cooperation between Hong Kong and Macao and the mainland, and improve policies and measures to facilitate Hong Kong and Macao residents' development and life in the mainland." This points out the direction and provides new historical opportunities for Hong Kong and Macao to integrate into Chinese-style modernization and achieve better development. Looking forward to the "15th Five-Year Plan," it is believed that Hong Kong and Macao will surely deeply implement the principles of "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao," adhere to and improve executive-led governance, promote economic and social development, improve the effectiveness of governance in accordance with the law, actively connect with the national "15th Five-Year Plan," better integrate into and serve the overall national development, and continue to write new chapters in the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" on the new journey!

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Forge Ahead with Determination and Pragmatism (Macau Online)

By: 本报记者 富子梅

This year marks the beginning of the sixth government administration of the Macao Special Administrative Region (澳门特区), showcasing a new era of prosperity and development. Over the past year, the SAR government, uniting and leading all sectors of society, has focused on reform and development, continuously improved people's livelihoods, and accelerated its integration into and service of the overall national development, reaping fruitful results. Guided by the joint hosting of the 15th National Games by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, a series of spectacular cultural, sports, and tourism events have been unveiled in the City of Events; taking the opportunity of hosting the first International Forum on Civilization Exchanges and Mutual Learning, "Cultural Macao" has demonstrated a new opportunity for civilization exchange and mutual learning; marked by the unveiling of the Macao branch of the University TCM Regional Technology Transfer and Transformation (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) Center, the trend of diversified development is improving; residents live and work in peace and contentment, and the welfare level of vulnerable groups in society has steadily improved.

"Macao will thoroughly implement the important instructions of President Xi Jinping (习近平)," said Chui Sai On (岑浩辉), Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, under the guidance of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, closely aligning with the national "14th Five-Year Plan," formulating and implementing the Macao SAR's "Second Five-Year Plan," focusing on promoting moderate economic diversification, accelerating the construction of Hengqin, and expanding a broader development space for Macao.

The Principle of "Patriots Governing Macao" is Fully Implemented

On September 14, the eighth Legislative Assembly election of the Macao Special Administrative Region was successfully held. "This election is the first practice of the new election system. The direct election turnout rate reached 53.35%, nearly 11 percentage points higher than the seventh Legislative Assembly election, demonstrating the recognition of the new election system in promoting high-quality democratic development in Macao by all sectors of society." Ho Run-seng (何润生), Vice President of the eighth Legislative Assembly of Macao, said that this election has maximized the consensus of Macao society in promoting the steady and long-term implementation of "One Country, Two Systems," demonstrating confidence in the bright future of Macao.

On November 1, 264 leaders of public departments and entities of the Macao Special Administrative Region solemnly swore to uphold and implement the Macao Basic Law and to be loyal to the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. "This is a concrete manifestation of 'Patriots Governing Macao'," said Kou Peng Kuan (梁颖妍), Director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, who participated in the oath-taking ceremony.

On December 15, the "Community Development Center" of the Macao Special Administrative Region, operated by the Macao General Union of Neighborhood Associations, was established. "This move fully leverages the cohesion and execution of non-governmental organizations, marking a new stage in the revitalization and redevelopment of old historical districts," said Tai Kin Ip (邱润华), Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. "Macao is a society of associations. We must give full play to the role of patriotic and Macao-loving associations in helping social development and further consolidate the foundation of the SAR's governance," said Chui Sai On (岑浩辉) when reviewing the administration over the past year, adhering to the concept that "Macao's affairs should be discussed and handled together by everyone," and actively listening to the opinions of patriotic and Macao-loving associations on major decisions.

In 2025, Macao continued to deepen patriotic education and successfully held a series of activities such as the "National Security Education Exhibition for All" and the "Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War." Not long ago, the former residence of General Ye Ting (叶挺) was reopened after renovation. "The cultural and museum venues such as the former residence of General Ye Ting (叶挺) have become important educational resources to further inspire the patriotic enthusiasm of Macao's youth," said Leong Wai Man (梁惠敏), Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government.

Increased Efforts in Public Administration Reform

On December 9, the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone Citizen Service Center added "Smart Pickup" intelligent file cabinets. So far, there are "Smart Pickup" facilities in 24-hour self-service centers or self-service areas in 10 locations in the Macao Peninsula, Taipa, Coloane, and Hengqin. Since its launch in June 2024, the "Smart Pickup" intelligent file cabinet has been used more than 28,000 times, becoming an important way for citizens to collect government documents.

This is a microcosm of the continuous optimization of public services. In 2025, Macao continued to expand the service scope of "Macao One Account for Public Services" and innovate service models; actively optimized and upgraded "Business and Community Connect," simplifying public service processes. As of December 5, "One Account" has integrated and provided more than 480 electronic services and functions, with more than 670,000 people opening electronic accounts; "Business and Community Connect" has opened more than 20,000 physical accounts, providing 179 services.

Over the past year, the new SAR government has focused on strengthening overall coordination, deepened public administration reform, established a leading and coordinating mechanism for public administration reform, and established 14 coordinating leading groups, working groups, and special working classes, continuously improving governance effectiveness and effectively responding to social demands. "Reform has become a key word. The new SAR government's reform awareness and reform measures are impressive, especially the significant increase in the efforts of public administration reform," said Leong Sun Iok (梁孙旭), a member of the Macao Legislative Assembly.

Chui Sai On (岑浩辉) said that public administration reform should solve the long-standing problems of poor communication, insufficient coordination, and acting on their own among government departments, break down departmental barriers, form a synergy for collaborative development, and build a responsible, clean, efficient, and service-oriented government.

Moderate Diversification is Steadily Advancing

Since the beginning of this year, Macao's economy has shown a steady and positive trend. The preliminary GDP value for the first three quarters reached 301.33 billion Macao patacas, an increase of 4.2%; in the first 11 months, the number of inbound tourists was 36.49 million, an increase of 14.4% year-on-year. "Macao is currently in a period of transition from recovery growth to high-quality development," said Chui Sai On (岑浩辉), adding that the focus of administration in 2026 is to consolidate the momentum of economic recovery and focus on promoting moderate diversification.

The integrated tourism and leisure industry is being optimized and strengthened. In June 2025, the China Tourism Academy announced the "Top 10 Destinations for Chinese Tourists' Outbound Satisfaction in 2024," and Macao won the first place for the first time. "Macao's tourism industry has accumulated a lot of momentum and has significant advantages. In the new year, we must focus on deepening industrial integration and focus on promoting 'tourism + gastronomy' and 'tourism + mega-events' to provide tourists with diverse tourism and leisure experiences," said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes (文绮华), Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office.

The "four major industries" continue to exert their efforts, and the traditional Chinese medicine and health industry, modern financial industry, high-tech industry, and convention and exhibition industry continue to improve their quality and development. The bond market is developing well. As of the end of October this year, a total of 1,028 bonds have been issued or listed in Macao, with an amount of 1.043 trillion Macao patacas equivalent; key scientific research projects such as the "Macao Science Satellite No. 2" are being promoted in an orderly manner; the international recognition and competitiveness of the convention and exhibition industry have been significantly improved, continuously promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and the business environment is constantly improving.

"Small and micro enterprises connect the economy and people's livelihood and are an important focus for solving Macao's structural economic contradictions," said Chui Sai On (岑浩辉). The goal is to improve the competitiveness and adaptability of small and medium-sized enterprises. In 2026, the SAR government will maintain the current series of assistance measures such as exemption of license fees, taxes, and interest subsidies for bank loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, expand the subsidy categories of the "Concert + Community Consumption Discount Program" and the "Macao Neighborhood Tourism" community tourism subsidy program, and assist small and medium-sized enterprises in digital transformation and development.

Promoting the Construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Before the National Day, Wu Di (吴迪), a Macao youth who had been starting a business in Beijing for seven years, moved his company to Hengqin. "The Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone already has a certain cultural and creative industry base, and there are more and more young people. I am optimistic about the future development of Hengqin."

At present, Hengqin is becoming a hot spot for innovation and entrepreneurship for Macao residents. As of the end of October, there were 7,653 Macao-funded business entities, an increase of 15.7% year-on-year; the actual use of Macao funds was 232 million US dollars, an increase of 3.1%; there were 346 Macao youth entrepreneurship enterprises (projects), an increase of 22.3% year-on-year; more than 25,000 Macao residents lived and resided in the Cooperation Zone, an increase of 16.7% year-on-year; and more than 6,000 Macao residents were employed, an increase of 15.4% year-on-year.

On December 12, the groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Macau Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone Campus was held, marking the transition of Macao-Hengqin education integration from "using existing facilities" to "physical construction." "This is a solid step for the University of Macau to start a new chapter of high-quality development, extend cross-border education for Macao higher education institutions under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework, and serve the country's high-level scientific and technological self-reliance," said Song Yonghua (宋永华), President of the University of Macau.

Over the past year, infrastructure "hard connectivity" and rules and mechanisms "soft connectivity" have been carried out in parallel. Macao has actively participated in the construction of "Bay Area Standards," promoted the connection of rules and the docking of mechanisms, and the level of facilitation of personnel exchanges between Macao and Hengqin has also been further improved. As of the end of October, the number of Macao residents entering and exiting through the Hengqin Port reached 6,160,700, and the number of Macao single-license vehicles reached 1,853,600, an increase of 52.3% and 45.2% year-on-year, respectively.

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Responsible editor for this section: Cheng Long

Layout Design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)

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Compiling Classics in a Flourishing Era: A Glimpse of Civilization (Cultural China Tour: Humanistic Observations)

By: 本报记者 江 南

The lines and brushstrokes on paper and silk, the outlining, texturing, dotting, and dyeing, the streams, mountains, trees, flowers, birds, and figures in the paintings, and the pavilions, terraces, towers, and misty twilight in the background, all contain the genetic code of the continuous inheritance of Chinese civilization in these brushstrokes, blank spaces, meticulousness, and freehand expressions.

The 257 volumes of substantial and weighty albums bring together over 12,000 pieces (sets) of ancient Chinese paintings collected by more than 260 cultural and museum institutions worldwide.

The "Grand Series of Chinese Paintings Through Dynasties" (中国历代绘画大系) (hereinafter referred to as "Grand Series"), compiled and published by Zhejiang University (浙江大学) and the Cultural Relics Bureau of Zhejiang Province (浙江省文物局), is a major national cultural project of immense scale, spanning history, and crossing China and foreign countries, personally approved by General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平), who has attached great importance to it and paid continuous attention to it for many years. After 20 years of careful implementation, the "Grand Series" has become the most comprehensive collection of fine works and the largest collection of ancient Chinese painting images and documents published to date.

Brush and ink have a soul, and paintings exude fragrance. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the project's launch, the protection, utilization, and research of the "Grand Series" achievements are still "in progress." The "Grand Series" is writing a new chapter in continuing the millennium-old cultural heritage and strengthening cultural confidence.

Gathering Paintings
Gathering Chinese Ancient Paintings Scattered at Home and Abroad

"Seeing all the paintings of the Yuan Dynasty in one day is truly delightful." On social media, some viewers described their feelings about watching the painting exhibition.

This exhibition is the "Prosperous Era of Compilation—Special Exhibition of Yuan Paintings from the Achievements Exhibition of the 'Grand Series of Chinese Paintings Through Dynasties'" currently being held at the Art and Archaeology Museum of Zhejiang University (浙江大学艺术与考古博物馆). From the nearly one thousand Yuan Dynasty works included in the "Grand Series," the curatorial team selected more than 250 pieces (sets) of fine paintings.

Following the arrangement of the curatorial team, the audience appreciated the transformation process and unique value of Yuan Dynasty paintings in terms of creative techniques and aesthetic concepts. The "Four Great Masters of the Yuan Dynasty" Huang Gongwang (黄公望), Wang Meng (王蒙), Wu Zhen (吴镇), and Ni Zan (倪瓒) skillfully integrated the Jiangnan style of painting with the Northern School landscape into the aesthetics of the times, forming a new style of literati painting in the Yuan Dynasty.

Relying on the long-term and meticulous sorting work of the "Grand Series," the exhibition features high-definition color-adjusted proof prints, allowing the audience to feel the brushstrokes and lines up close.

Equally shocking to the audience was the "Prosperous Era of Compilation—Achievements Exhibition of the 'Grand Series of Chinese Paintings Through Dynasties'" held at the National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆) three years ago. "A thousand years in one glance," "a collection of national treasures," and "famous paintings shining together" were common exclamations from many viewers. The publication proof archives of more than 1,700 fine paintings from past dynasties, which were centrally displayed at the exhibition, were a gathering of domestic collections and Chinese painting "national treasures" scattered around the world.

These important exhibitions showcase the "painting gathering" achievements of the "Grand Series" over the past 20 years—gathering ancient Chinese paintings scattered around the world and compiling the largest collection of ancient Chinese painting image documents to date.

Chen Ye (陈野), chief expert of the Chinese Ancient Painting and Calligraphy Research Center of Zhejiang University (浙江大学中国古代书画研究中心), said that the project has currently collected 12,405 pieces (sets) of Chinese paintings on paper, silk (including brocade and damask), and linen from 263 cultural and museum institutions at home and abroad, including 9,155 pieces (sets) of domestic collections and 3,250 pieces (sets) of foreign collections, covering most of the national treasure-level painting masterpieces handed down from generation to generation. The "Complete Collection of Paintings from the Pre-Qin, Han, and Tang Dynasties," "Complete Collection of Song Paintings," "Complete Collection of Yuan Paintings," "Complete Collection of Ming Paintings," and "Complete Collection of Qing Paintings" have been compiled and published, totaling 68 volumes and 257 books.

Liu Jiuzhou (刘九洲), former deputy editor-in-chief of the European and American volumes of the "Complete Collection of Song Paintings," used the words "telescope" and "panoramic view" to describe the contribution and influence of the "Grand Series."

"In the past, when studying Chinese paintings, clear photos were often lacking. Moreover, in previous publications of Chinese paintings, relatively unpopular paintings were rarely seen, making it difficult to feel the overall style," Liu Jiuzhou said. With the summary, sorting, and publication of the "Grand Series," it is as if there is a panoramic map, which is of great significance to the construction of the academic research ecology.

As a key research base of high-quality philosophy and social sciences in Zhejiang Province (浙江省高质量哲学社会科学重点研究基地), the Chinese Ancient Painting and Calligraphy Research Center of Zhejiang University (浙江大学中国古代书画研究中心) is exploring the use of painting works as "image documents" parallel to "text documents" to reveal the deep connection between artistic images and the civilization system, and to construct a research system that combines art history and civilization history.

In Chen Ye's (陈野) office in the center, bookshelves covering two entire walls are filled with professional books and albums, while the college's data room upstairs has more than 200 "Grand Series" albums for teachers and students to consult.

"Painting art is not only an artistic creation that expresses the painter's emotions through lines, colors, and composition, but also an important carrier reflecting the progress of civilization," Chen Ye (陈野) said. When planning the special academic exhibition "Visualizing: The Classical World in Landscapes," he selected the Song painting "Clear Peaks and Xiao Temple" (晴峦萧寺图) and enlarged a part of it to make a light box. Through the architectural style and character scenes in the picture, one can see the business format of the shops at that time and understand the simple and vivid folk life.

"Painting art contains the profound ideological crystallization of artists' understanding of nature, perception of society, and observation of life," Chen Ye (陈野) said.

Intelligent Painting
Integrating Modern Technology to "Bring Cultural Relics to Life"

When facing a traditional Chinese landscape painting, viewers or scholars often ask a series of questions: Where is the work painted? What does the inscription say? Whose seal is it? What techniques were used? Are there any interesting details hidden in the painting?

Just one of these questions may require professionals to spend years studying and verifying it. However, a Chinese traditional painting model called "Zhihua" (知画) can answer these questions in a short time. Of course, this "short time" is based on the long-term research of professionals.

Not long ago, this model, jointly developed by the Art and Archaeology Image Data Laboratory of Zhejiang University (浙江大学艺术与考古图像数据实验室), Hangzhou Holographic Intelligent Technology Research Institute (杭州全息智能技术研究院), and Zheda City College (浙大城市学院), made its debut. Staff demonstrated the innovative application of artificial intelligence technology in traditional painting research and creation on site.

A painting by Shitao (石涛) of the Qing Dynasty, "Viewing Mountains in Yuhang" (余杭看山图), was displayed on the large screen. The staff entered the question: "Where is this painting painted?" The model quickly answered: "The words 'Yuhang' (余杭) in the inscription indicate the geographical location. Combined with the painter Shitao's (石涛) travels, artistic practice path, and the economic and cultural development of Jiangnan (江南) in the Qing Dynasty, it can be analyzed and inferred that this painting depicts the typical landscape of Yuhang (余杭) area in Hangzhou (杭州), Zhejiang (浙江), reflecting the artistic reproduction of the natural scenery of Jiangnan (江南) by literati painters in the Qing Dynasty."

The next question was relatively professional: "What techniques were used in this painting?" The model quickly and accurately identified Chinese painting techniques such as "pi ma cun" (披麻皴) and "jie suo cun" (解索皴).

"This reflects the intelligent retrieval, online search, and reasoning capabilities of the model, which can perform technique recognition and object recognition of Chinese paintings," said Chen Xiaojiao (陈晓皎), a researcher at the Art and Archaeology Image Data Laboratory of Zhejiang University (浙江大学艺术与考古图像数据实验室). "Zhihua" (知画) improves the accuracy of identifying Chinese traditional paintings and can "understand" and then "interpret" paintings through the application of knowledge graph technology.

The intervention of digital technology goes far beyond static file preservation and lies in dynamic and immersive "revitalization."

Touching the wall reveals surrounding fireflies and dancing butterflies, and footsteps cause ripples and swimming fish in the stream. At the 2025 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit (世界互联网大会乌镇峰会), the "Grand Series" cultural display project "Light and Shadow Danqing" (光影丹青) became one of the most frequently discussed topics. It integrates 40 ancient Chinese paintings to create an immersive experience space.

In the Grand Series of Chinese Paintings Through Dynasties Museum (中国历代绘画大系典藏馆), "Endless Streams and Mountains" (溪山无尽图) is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States, and the project team used digital technology to "bring it back"; the high-definition proof print of "Ink Play of Clouds and Mountains" (云山墨戏图) digitally restored the faded parts, reproducing the charm of Song Dynasty landscapes... From the majestic landscapes of the Northern Song Dynasty to the exquisite sketches of the Southern Song Dynasty, from the magnificence of the court style to the unrestrainedness of literati ink play, the high-definition proof prints densely distributed in the exhibition hall present the famous Song Dynasty masterpieces to the audience.

Behind the immersive feeling for the audience is 20 years of continuous improvement. In order to transform the most authentic appearance of ancient paintings into image documents that can be viewed "at zero distance," the project team overcame countless technical difficulties. The more than 23,000 high-precision images taken during the compilation process established accurate and detailed digital archives for fine ancient Chinese paintings, which helps to promote the derivative research and achievement transformation of ancient Chinese painting art from material form to digital form. Technologies such as computer vision, virtual reality, cloud computing, and 3D printing can be fully combined and applied after the "Grand Series" is digitized.

Cutting-edge technology allows protection and research to break through the limitations of physical time and space, and allows appreciation and understanding to transcend the barriers of knowledge and language, injecting new vitality into the ancient brush and ink paintings.

Dialogue
A Cultural Window to Understand China

"Let's look at this painting 'Pilu Tu' (辟纑图). 'Pilu' (辟纑) is a link in ancient textile production. The mother in the painting is spinning while teaching her child to read, which shows the excellent tradition of farming and studying in our country."

Gu Xingguo (顾兴国), a cultural commissioner from Baquan Village (八泉村) in Heshan Town (河山镇), Tongxiang City (桐乡市), Zhejiang Province (浙江省), is giving explanations to more than 30 teachers and students from the Central School of Heshan Town (河山镇中心学校). He is also one of the curators of this "Grand Series of Chinese Paintings Through Dynasties" rural tour exhibition·Silk Culture Special Exhibition. Tongxiang (桐乡) is the "hometown of silkworms," and the painting exhibition is themed "Silk Weaving and Painting Rhyme," selecting 35 paintings from the "Grand Series" related to ancient sericulture and silk weaving culture.

Following the cultural commissioner to see the "Grand Series" and providing high-quality public cultural services to the grassroots is one of the innovative attempts to promote the transformation, utilization, and dissemination of the "Grand Series" achievements.

In recent years, both inside and outside campuses, at home and abroad, through touring exhibitions, academic exchanges, book donation activities, and aesthetic education lectures, focusing on the transformation, utilization, and dissemination of the "Grand Series" achievements, using aesthetic education to cultivate people and culture to influence people, it is subtly producing effects and showing results.

The exhibition site of the Art and Archaeology Museum of Zhejiang University (浙江大学艺术与考古博物馆) is also the classroom where Professor Jin Xiaoming (金晓明), an expert in ancient painting and calligraphy research, teaches Chinese art history courses. Focusing on the achievements of the "Grand Series," Zhejiang University (浙江大学) has opened the core course of the "Grand Series" aesthetic education general course series—"Chinese Civilization in Paintings Through Dynasties," and has also integrated the content of the "Grand Series" into related courses in Marxist theory, information technology, and agronomy.

Today, the "Grand Series" is not only a golden name card for promoting outstanding Chinese traditional culture and studying Chinese painting art, but also plays the role of a "bridge," gradually becoming a cultural window for the world to understand China.

In May of this year, at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence (佛罗伦萨美术学院), Italy, Zhejiang University (浙江大学) and the academy signed a document for the donation of books from the "Grand Series of Chinese Paintings Through Dynasties." Yin Qi (尹琦), the Chinese Consul General in Florence (中国驻佛罗伦萨总领事), said that the "Grand Series" is a vivid embodiment of the "beauty of each, beauty in harmony" of Chinese and Italian culture, and hopes that more Italian friends will appreciate the Chinese cultural concept of "harmony as the most valuable, harmonious coexistence" through it.

In recent years, more than 20 overseas book donation and exchange activities like this have been held. Shortly after the "Complete Collection of Song Paintings" was collected by the Library of Congress (美国国会图书馆), an American entomologist made an appointment to borrow it and became the first reader of these books. He keenly observed that the depiction of insects in many Chinese Song paintings is very realistic, and believes that this can provide help for his research. The person in charge of the "Complete Collection of Song Paintings" project sighed: "This is the value of the 'Grand Series.' It is not only a collection of Chinese art, but also richly preserves information on China's cultural, economic, and social development, and is a common wealth of mankind."

At present, a total of 63 domestic touring exhibitions and 18 overseas special exhibitions of the "Grand Series" achievements have been held, with a total of more than 11 million visitors; nearly 500 experts and scholars at home and abroad have jointly participated in the compilation and publication of the "Grand Series"; the "Grand Series" books have been collected by more than 240 international organizations, public libraries, cultural and museum institutions, and universities in countries (regions) such as UNESCO (联合国教科文组织)...

"Let dialogue happen, let research be diverse, and let exchanges be in-depth." This is the common wish and aspiration of many people who have devoted their efforts and wisdom to the "Grand Series" project. It is hoped that the project's achievements will continue to be transformed from academic resources into public cultural resources, and that more wonderful dialogues, exchanges, collisions, and integrations will occur between tradition and modernity, between different disciplines, and between different civilizations.

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National reading invigorates cultural vitality (Humanities Tea House)

By: 王 蒙

Encouraging learning and advocating reading are declarations that set the tone for traditional Chinese culture. The first sentence of the *Analects* is, "Is it not a pleasure, having learned something, to try it out at due intervals?" Later, there are sayings like "Indeed, writing is a great undertaking for managing the state and a magnificent event for immortality" (Cao Pi); "Only when one is old with white hair does one regret that one did not study diligently earlier" (Yan Zhenqing); "If one does not read for three days, the principles of righteousness will not interact in one's mind, and one will feel that one's face is hateful when looking in the mirror" (Huang Tingjian); "The key to investigating principles must lie in reading" (Zhu Xi).

Must a person read? Does the entire population need to read well? The answer is yes. Confucius said, "If one does not study the *Book of Poetry*, one will have no means of speaking," and "If one does not study the *Book of Rites*, one will have no means of establishing oneself." Today, this can be fully understood as a means of "stimulating the cultural innovation and creativity of the entire nation," a historical mission proposed by the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and an important guide for our conduct.

From the 20th to the 21st century, our country has experienced an era of war and revolution, an era of socialist construction and reform and opening up, and is now embarking on a new journey to comprehensively build a modern socialist power. From a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society to a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, from poverty and weakness to standing up, becoming prosperous, and becoming strong, this is the victory of the Chinese Communist Party (中国共产党) leading the Chinese people in more than a hundred years of arduous struggle, and also the victory of our Party's continuous learning, the victory of learning theory, learning war, learning construction, and learning science, the victory of reading assiduously, creatively absorbing and digesting the essence of Chinese and foreign cultures, and constantly arming, optimizing, and improving ourselves.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, facing the rapid development of science and technology and various new topics and challenges at home and abroad, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping (习近平) at its core, standing at the forefront, constantly learning, taking a commanding view, and leading the Chinese people to seize development opportunities, has created a brand new history. Today, the Party Central Committee has elevated national reading to a national strategy, and the "Regulations on Promoting National Reading" have been officially promulgated, which is really a great thing. We expect that after being guaranteed by national systems and legislation, and under the promotion and advocacy of top-level design, China will usher in a beautiful scene of a nation pervaded by the fragrance of books!

Some friends say, I am reading on my screen every day. However, you may only be reading some paragraphs, which are also mixed with a lot of unreliable bubbles. Fragmented reading prevents you from accurately understanding the ins and outs of things, from systematically mastering knowledge and drawing conclusions; sliding reading makes you read ten or twenty lines at a glance without thinking or understanding, and cannot deeply memorize and become your own knowledge. So often, you read, you spend time, but you can't remember, explain, or clarify. Research shows that paper books are much better than e-books in terms of memory effect and reading depth. Of course, we do not deny the convenience brought by the Internet and artificial intelligence in reading for summarizing and searching, but ultimately, knowledge should enter our minds rather than just exist in the storage of the media.

Some friends say, I am busy every day and have no time to read. But we want to say that every bit of time can be used for reading. Lu Xun (鲁迅) said that time is like water in a sponge, as long as you are willing to squeeze, there is always some. On the subway, traveling, and during housework, accumulating little by little, you can always read. Modern life is so convenient, neither is it a time of war and chaos, nor is it necessary to do everything yourself. Convenient transportation, express delivery, and takeout have saved us so much time, it just depends on whether you have the willingness to read! In ancient times, poor people could not afford lamp oil, and they still read by fireflies at night and by reflecting snow. We now have comfortable tables and chairs and bright light everywhere, and there are so many reasons not to read. Wouldn't it be a shame to our ancestors? Even if only from the perspective of personal development, if you don't enrich and improve yourself, can you keep up with the times and make the contribution you should make in this life?

It can be said that most of the people in Chinese history who have left us valuable spiritual wealth are people with lofty aspirations, and at the same time, they are also people who study diligently and read extensively. In the 21st century, we should not use a lot of precious time for entertaining and gossipy browsing when facing the convenience and massive information of new media, and we should not give up serious and proper paper book reading for intellectual learning, and replace the acquisition and mastery of knowledge with rumors, gimmicks, and pretentious "spraying" and "coaxing." We need to look back at Marshal Ye Jianying's (叶剑英) poem: "Don't be afraid of strong cities when attacking, don't be afraid of difficulties when attacking books. Science has dangers, and hard work can overcome them." After hard study and hard work, there are great achievements, great happiness, and great progress, which cannot be achieved by shallow reading, fast reading, and fragmented reading.

Now, from policy guidance to legal protection and system design, everything is being optimized in a direction that is conducive to national reading, but we still have more expectations. Cultural propaganda departments can reward and publicize people who love to read, are good at reading, and like to read; for classic good books that have been finalized, they can organize reading, discussion, and lectures; education departments should focus more on the selection of teaching materials and reading content with the goal of cultivating young people's reading habits and inspiring their reading aspirations. Libraries and archives are our cultural symbols and elements that form a cultural atmosphere. Our libraries and archives need to expand and strengthen the quantity and quality of collections, and need to comprehensively improve in improving guidance services, protecting cultural relics and rare books, expanding influence, increasing utilization, supporting scientific research, developing foreign exchanges, and introducing new disciplines. At the same time, we must also manage small reading spaces well. Family, we must never forget this starting point and destination for everyone. Many people's reading habits are formed at home. Whether family members read and talk about books at home or swipe their phones separately will have completely opposite effects on their children's lifelong impact.

Read, we have caught up with a good era! Read better, learn better, and practice better, which will directly affect our self-confidence, enterprising spirit, sense of gain, and sense of happiness. The land of China, full of the fragrance of books everywhere, what a thriving atmosphere that should be!

(The author is the former Minister of Culture, Honorary Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association (中国作家协会), and a contemporary Chinese writer and scholar)

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Editor in charge of this page: Li Zhuoer

Layout Design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)

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Let the exhibition become a model of "connecting hearts through art."

By: 徐红梅

In international cultural exchange, independent curating is transforming from an art "porter" to a cultural force that actively constructs a discourse system and promotes in-depth understanding and equal dialogue.

The "Reverie on the Neva River: Repin Art Exhibition," mainly curated by the National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆) and currently on display at the museum, and the "Where the Heart Belongs: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Art from the 14th-19th Centuries from the Collection of the National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆)," currently on display in Russia, are vivid examples of deepening civilization exchanges and mutual learning and promoting "communication through art" through independent curating: the Repin Art Exhibition has exceeded 320,000 visitors, indicating that although independent ticketing management was implemented, the powerful artistic magnetism still attracts audiences from all over the world; the continued popularity of the "Where the Heart Belongs" exhibition also proves the unique value of Chinese painting and calligraphy as unparalleled in the art world and renowned throughout the world.

The charm of foreign exhibitions first comes from the appeal of world-class art masterpieces themselves.

As the largest and highest-level Repin art exhibition in China to date, the exhibition brings together the treasures of two major Russian art institutions—the State Tretyakov Gallery (俄罗斯特列季亚科夫画廊) and the State Russian Museum (俄罗斯国家博物馆), presenting the full picture of Repin's art on a large scale in China for the first time. Several of Repin's representative works, such as "Religious Procession in Kursk Province," "Unexpected Return," and "Sadko," are exhibited in China for the first time.

Also a key project of the "China-Russia Year of Culture," the "Where the Heart Belongs" exhibition brings together 84 precious paintings, calligraphies, and cultural artifacts from the collection of the National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆), including Shen Zhou's (沈周) "Peach Blossom Study" and Wen Zhengming's (文徵明) "Snow Scene," and all the works are exhibited in Russia for the first time, opening a new window for Russian audiences to understand the spiritual core of Chinese art.

Through the exhibition and through the original works, people discovered a different Repin and saw different Chinese paintings and calligraphy.

In many people's inherent impression, the name Ilya Repin (伊利亚·列宾) is almost synonymous with "critical realism." Seeing this name, one thinks of the heavy national suffering in "Barge Haulers on the Volga" and the sharp social contradictions in "Unexpected Return." The Repin Art Exhibition not only set up 8 key "creation groups" of works, focusing on displaying masterpieces on the same theme and related portrait sketches, scene sketches, and even oil painting sketches at different stages to restore the creative process, but also presented a richer Repin image through a large number of portraits, a carefully designed "Repin's circle of friends," restored details of the Penates studio, and different soundtracks for each chapter: in the eyes of collectors, he is an artistic genius and "all-rounder" who always adheres to the creative creed of "truth above all else"; in the eyes of friends, he is a husband who gently paints for his dozing wife; in his wife's heart, he is a father who captures the playful figure of his daughter in the sunlight with his paintbrush. He never indulged in exquisite salon art because "beauty always rejects affectation." He also explored various genres such as genre painting, historical painting, portrait painting, landscape painting, still life painting, and illustration, and often re-examined completed paintings, repeatedly modifying and even re-creating...

If the cognitive bias people have towards Repin mainly lies in "flattening" him, then the Western world's cognitive bias towards Chinese painting and calligraphy may lie in "mystifying" or "antiquating" it. In cross-cultural communication, Chinese painting and calligraphy are often regarded as unfathomable brush and ink techniques and mysterious philosophical symbols.

The curatorial wisdom of the "Where the Heart Belongs" exhibition lies in actively breaking this "other's" cognitive framework. The exhibition does not unfold linearly according to traditional chronicles or school pedigrees, but starts from the "function" that calligraphy and painting bear in Chinese social life, constructing an exhibition structure centered on "people." The curators restore calligraphy and painting to the life scenes and emotional contexts in which they were born, and explain how calligraphy and painting art has become a spiritual carrier of different groups and multiple functions from the functional perspective of "who is painting," "who is watching," and "how to use it"—it is the ingenuity of court painters who are ordered to record grand events, the elegant interest of literati and poets who express their feelings in their studies, and the sustenance of ordinary people who pray for blessings during festivals. Through scene restoration and narrative guidance, the exhibition tells the audience: this is not just a landscape painting, it may be an official's yearning for the forests and springs in his heart after retiring to his hometown; this is not just a calligraphy hand scroll, it may be a scholar's dialogue with the sages from afar in times of life's difficulties. When Russian audiences can feel the warm pulse of the creator's "Where the Heart Belongs" through the misty ink, Chinese painting and calligraphy is restored to a world language that can be perceived and contains universal human emotions and spiritual pursuits.

The multi-dimensional and vivid independent curating method makes the exhibition a model of "communicating through art." Chinese audiences can see the Chinese cultural tradition of "哀民生之多艰 (āi mín shēng zhī duō jiān - "grieve people's lives are so hard," lamenting the hardships of the people's lives)" from Repin's compassion for the boatmen; Russian audiences may think of Repin's "Tolstoy in the Study" when they stop in front of Shen Zhou's (沈周) "Peach Blossom Study." The improvement of independent curating ability is providing us with a new methodology for examining history and art. Here, curators use spatial narratives and works to dialogue, spreading a profound and moving landscape in international cultural exchange.

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Promoting In-depth Dialogue Between Ancient Calligraphy Theory and Contemporary Creation (Art Notes)

By: 马勇明

Calligraphy, a unique art form of Chinese civilization, carries the spiritual code and aesthetic ideals of the Chinese nation, and embodies the life philosophy and cultural implications of the Chinese people's spiritual rhythm. It not only has important artistic value, but also undertakes a profound cultural mission.

The aesthetic journey of Chinese calligraphy is an epic of continuous self-transcendence. Ancient calligraphy theories are the most quintessential "mental methods" and "annotations" of this epic, condensing the philosophy and talent of past sages in their insight into the spirit of brush and ink. Today, as we look back at this star-studded source of thought and deeply梳理 (shū lǐ - "comb through," to systematically examine) this aesthetic river from "imitating forms" to "integrating form and spirit," we can build a bridge connecting the wisdom of ancient calligraphy theories with contemporary creative practices, and explore the path of innovation while upholding tradition in the art of calligraphy. The "Beauty of Chinese Characters: The Aesthetic Journey of Chinese Calligraphy" exhibition recently held by the China Calligraphers Association (中国书法家协会) is a practice of this concept. Through a multi-dimensional narrative combining "core interpretation," "essential interpretation," and "brush and ink presentation," it transforms ancient calligraphy texts into contemporary brush and ink creations, allowing the audience to intuitively feel the flow of calligraphy aesthetic thought, becoming a vivid example of theory nourishing creation and the collision of ancient and modern times.

The source of calligraphy is deeply rooted in the ancestors' thinking of "observing things and extracting images" and practical recording. From the dignified mystery and solemnity of oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions to the towering and balanced Qin Small Seal Script, the early styles of calligraphy reflected the Chinese people's awe and imitation of the order of the universe. In particular, the "image of the sky encompassing people" displayed in the structure of seal script is homologous to the awe of the mandate of heaven and nature at that time. The left-right separation and undulating extension of the official script of the Han Dynasty (汉朝) presents a long trajectory of script evolution, taking the horizontal trend and shifting the center of gravity downward, transforming the "covering" of seal script into "bearing," which also reflects the farming civilization's attachment to the land and the philosophical spirit of Chinese culture of 厚德载物 (hòu dé zài wù - "great virtue carries all things," a person with great virtue can shoulder important responsibilities). This stage can be regarded as the period of "imitating heaven and earth." By the end of the Han Dynasty and the Wei and Jin Dynasties, with the awakening of people's subjective consciousness, the aesthetic focus shifted from the imitation of external nature to the expression of inner nature, that is, "calligraphy is dispersion" and "calligraphy is the painting of the heart." "Jin advocates charm," and the unrestrained and elegant style of Wang Xizhi's (王羲之) calligraphy is actually a projection of "the awakening of man" between brush and ink. "Tang advocates law," and the rigorous legal norms deepen the imitation of people from external "style and spirit" to internal "bone strength," completing the exploration of "people" as the aesthetic core from the outside to the inside, and establishing the ontological status of calligraphy as an independent art.

With artistic awareness, systematic calligraphy theory emerged, becoming a lighthouse guiding the aesthetic journey. Sun Guoting (孙过庭) of the Tang Dynasty (唐朝) said in *Shupu* (《书谱》): "When emotions move, words are formed, taking the meaning of *Feng Sao*; when yang is relaxed and yin is miserable, it is based on the heart of heaven and earth," elevating calligraphy to the height of being homologous to the spirit of heaven and earth. Discussions surrounding the main categories of "form and spirit," "law and intention," and "heart and hand" constitute the muscles and bones of Chinese calligraphy thought. The ancients used "roof leakage marks" and "cone drawing sand" to describe brushwork, "dragon leaping over the heavenly gate and tiger lying on the phoenix tower" to describe momentum, and "clear wind coming out of sleeves and bright moon entering the bosom" to compare artistic conception. It can be seen that ancient calligraphy theory is not a boring dogma, but a crystallization of wisdom full of life experience and poetic imagery. This poetic language of criticism directly points to the core of artistic spirit, which is a summary of techniques, but also a sustenance of aesthetic standards, creative mental methods, and cultural ideals. They are like messengers traveling through time and space, conveying the profound understanding of brush and ink by the sages to future generations. Looking back at these chapters of "unique illumination of the spiritual collar," what we touch is not only the technique, but also the aesthetic mind and cultural confidence of "observing the past and present in a moment."

While contemporary calligraphy highlights artistic attributes, it also faces challenges. For example, there is some alienation between theory and practice, or theorists are specialized in theory but neglect brush and ink, or calligraphers are proficient in techniques but ignorant of principles. Some creations either fall into mechanical imitation of ancient methods, lacking the spirit of the times and individual expression; or pursue formal novelty, deviating from the cultural roots of the calligraphy itself. At this time, it seems particularly urgent and beneficial to re-enter ancient calligraphy theory and conduct an in-depth dialogue between ancient and modern times.

The purpose of the dialogue is to "activate." One is to "renew the old with the present," that is, to reinterpret and explore the deep connotation and value of ancient calligraphy theory from a contemporary perspective. How should the traditional beauty of "harmony" respond to modern vision? Where is the boundary between "learning from the ancients" and "creating the new"? How to balance "internal skills of characters" and "external skills of characters" in the information age? The rich dialectical thinking in ancient calligraphy theory can provide inspiration for answering these current confusions. The "Beauty of Chinese Characters" exhibition is to make the wisdom of ancient classics "live" and nourish contemporary creation. The second is to "use the ancient to learn from the present," and use traditional aesthetic standards to examine and improve current creation. Ancient calligraphy theory emphasizes that "learning calligraphy lies in the law, and its mystery lies in people," and the ultimate realm is "skill advances to the Tao." This warns us that calligraphy should not stop at showing off skills, but should pursue the transmission of knowledge, cultivation, and the spirit of the times through brush and ink. Calligraphers need to immerse themselves in learning and improve their pattern while studying techniques, integrate the spirit of Chinese aesthetics with contemporary aesthetic interests, combine personal exploration with the cultural propositions of the times, avoid the "hollowing out" of brush and ink, and create masterpieces that are profound, vibrant, reflect the atmosphere of the times, are deeply loved by the people, and show the spirit of China.

Inheritance is not restoration, and innovation is not novelty. The foundation of innovation while upholding tradition lies in a deep understanding of tradition—including not only the formal languages such as brushwork, character structure, and composition that have been tempered for thousands of years, but also the Chinese aesthetic spirit and values contained therein, such as "harmony," "nature," and "calligraphy is like its person." The "new" of the contemporary era should be a natural development on the basis of "upholding" this correct vein, which is reflected in the contemporary transformation of content and form. The content of writing can be deeply rooted in classics, or it can draw on the vocabulary of the times; while respecting the inherent laws of calligraphy, explore new forms of expression. This is also reflected in the diversified exploration of creative paths, the combination of inscriptions and rubbings after in-depth tradition, and the integration of innovation; the expansion of the communication context, using new media to make calligraphy more vividly enter the public and convey cultural spirit.

Promoting in-depth dialogue between ancient calligraphy theory and contemporary creation aims to build a calligraphy discourse system based on Chinese thinking and explore a development path with more Chinese aesthetic characteristics. This requires us not only to write with our hands, but also to experience with our hearts and connect with our thoughts, so that brush and ink can not only convey the beauty of Chinese characters, but also carry the thoughts of the times and the soul of the nation. In this way, this ancient tree of calligraphy can sprout more vigorous and lush branches under the sunshine of the new era, and tell the world with its unique linear rhythm and space-time poetics how an ancient nation settles its body and mind and creates meaning in its most subtle abstract art. This is not only the mission of art, but also the manifestation of cultural vitality.

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Adras Weaves New Splendor

By: 迪拉娜·扎克尔

Looking back at the brilliant galaxy of human civilization, there is an ancient craft that transcends mountains and seas, connecting different ethnic groups, and that is "Ikat," a technique of tie-dyeing yarns before weaving. When this seed of craftsmanship fell on the land of Xinjiang (新疆), it deeply integrated with mulberry silk, regional culture, and Chinese aesthetics, resulting in the unique Atlas silk. Today, Atlas has become a condensed cultural symbol and a bright artistic calling card, not only frequently appearing on the Spring Festival Gala stages across the country and world fashion shows, but also becoming a new favorite of young people's trends.

Traditional Atlas is a silk fabric hand-woven using natural dyes and warp-dyeing techniques. It uses mulberry silk as the main raw material, and through the localization of patterns and the creative coloring of the color system, it eventually forms an aesthetic style with full composition, symmetrical harmony, and striking colors, completely integrated into the texture of Chinese civilization. From then on, Atlas is no longer just a craft, but also a vivid footnote to the "beauty in each, shared beauty for all" on the Silk Road, and is known as the "living fossil of the Silk Road."

The most unique cultural recreation of Atlas lies in the rebirth of its pattern style. It integrates Xinjiang's (新疆) natural scenery, cultural customs, and aesthetic concepts, transforming the geometric symbols common to the Silk Road into the rhythmic "Rewap (热瓦普) lute pattern" and the "Badam (巴旦木) almond pattern" symbolizing tenacious life; it also draws inspiration from daily utensils and abundant products, condensing unique images such as the "pomegranate pattern" and "gourd pattern" with auspicious meanings, as well as the "kettle pattern," "comb pattern," and "shuttle pattern" derived from life. These images are not simple imitations, but aesthetic leaps from objects to artistic conceptions. The Atlas color system is rooted in the traditional Chinese "five colors" philosophy, and also incorporates people's strong feelings about oasis life, forming a unique "five colors" spectrum with distinct contrast and harmonious pleasure. Atlas naturally merges into the Chinese nation's shared "auspicious pattern" system, becoming a bond carrying people's yearning for a better life.

In the new era, especially after the proposal of the "Belt and Road" initiative, Atlas has stepped out of museums and broken through the scope of ethnic costumes, integrating into modern life through the modern translation of design language. In order to systematically enhance the design innovation and cultural influence of Atlas, since 2015, Xinjiang (新疆) has successively held themed activities such as "Atlas Sparkling Kunlun (艾德莱斯炫昆仑)" and "Atlas Emerging from the Tianshan (艾德莱斯出天山) Mountains," gathering designers, scholars, and business elites from all over the world through expos, creative design competitions, fashion shows, exhibitions, and professional training, jointly promoting the contemporary expression of Atlas. Designers draw inspiration from traditional Atlas, deconstructing and reorganizing its unique patterns and colors, transforming them into fashion symbols, and applying them to haute couture, Guochao (国潮) brands, bags and accessories, home furnishings, and cultural and creative products, successively launching a number of original brands such as "Silk Road Neon Clothes (丝路霓裳)," "Pottery Loulan (陶·楼兰)," and "National Birch (国之桦)."

The development of digital technology also provides assistance for the innovative development of Atlas. Although traditional hand-tie-dyeing is beautiful, the patterns are relatively simple and cannot meet the diverse needs of today. Some designers, while retaining the "warp-line flower display" process characteristics of Atlas, have begun to use artificial intelligence to intelligently generate and redesign traditional patterns, and use digital printing technology to achieve small-batch, personalized customization, thereby greatly shortening the cycle from creativity to product and broadening the freedom of pattern design. Today, Atlas has become an important engine for empowering the comprehensive revitalization of rural Xinjiang (新疆), demonstrating vigorous vitality.

As the "Belt and Road" construction moves towards high-quality development, Atlas still has huge room for development.

Serving as an "envoy of reputation." As a "cultural currency" carrying common historical memories, Atlas is an important medium for promoting people-to-people connectivity. In the future, it should be strongly supported to "go out" through international fashion competitions, cultural exchange exhibitions, digital media communication, etc., using aesthetic power that transcends national boundaries to build a cultural bridge of understanding and friendship.

Forging an "industrial engine." In the future, the Atlas industry needs to be upgraded from a "people-enriching industry" to an "advantage industry." The path lies in vertically deepening the entire industrial chain of "raw materials-design-manufacturing-brand-service" to enhance added value; horizontally expanding the integration of "intangible cultural heritage + cultural tourism + research and study" to create immersive experience destinations; driving development through innovation, cultivating compound talents of "inheritors + designers + e-commerce," and actively exploring new models such as digital collections and cross-border joint names to build a new online and offline integrated, virtual and real parallel business format.

Integrating into "cultural narratives." Promote the more systematic integration of Atlas elements into the image identification system, diplomatic gift design, and visual presentation of major events, making it a vivid symbol for telling Chinese stories. Through academic research and international cooperation, place it in the dual perspectives of global cultural heritage and forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation for interpretation and sharing, highlighting the unique cultural value of Atlas.

Atlas has never been a silent specimen, but a living technique that participates in contemporary dialogue and responds to real-world needs. Deeply rooted in its own roots, innovating and developing, and opening its arms to the world, Atlas will weave a more colorful future.

(Author's affiliation: Minzu University of China (中央民族大学))

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The Wisdom of Wintering: Warming Both Body and Spirit (Reading Paintings)

By: 朱 剑

In the context of traditional Chinese culture, winter is not only a season when all things hibernate and vitality is restrained, but also an opportunity to test the resilience of life and temper the spirit. Therefore, the winter scenes depicted in traditional paintings not only show various ways to keep warm, but also convey a profound sense of spiritual dwelling. Unrolling the scroll and viewing it, a warm feeling will quietly surge into the heart.

The wisdom of the ancients in keeping warm is often reflected in the ingenious design of utensils. Yu Lan's (喻兰) "Ladies' Leisure Album" in the Qing Dynasty takes the leisure of boudoirs as its theme, capturing the elegant daily life of ancient women. One of the paintings in the album, a self-chess game, is particularly moving: a woman in front of a table concentrates on playing chess with herself, a censer at her feet emits a warm, misty fragrance, and a child curls up and sleeps soundly. The censer serves both for heating and incense, and the warmth spreads out, gently enveloping the space in the room, protecting both the chess player's clear mind and the child's sweet dreams. Looking again at Chen Mei's (陈枚) "Moonlight Amusement Album" of the Qing Dynasty, in the section "Treading Snow to Seek Poetry" (partial view shown), a noblewoman lightly gathers her sleeves, secretly holding a delicate and small hand warmer in her sleeve. This detail of "hiding warmth in the sleeve" not only fits the character's status and temperament, but also transforms warmth into a personal comfort, adding a touch of elegance to the spiritual world. The warm feeling in the hands and the rich poetic sentiment in the heart, in the interweaving of cold and warmth, material and spirit, reality and ideal, spread out a different kind of charm.

Warmth is not limited to the protection of objects; a free mind can dissolve the power of the cold even more. In the anonymous "Twelve Months Order Chart (December)" of the Qing Dynasty, children use snow as a base to sculpt adorable snow lions. Amidst their laughter and play, the intense cold becomes a condiment for the game, and the vigor of life is fully displayed. Zhang Xunli's (张训礼) "Gathering Around the Stove to Appreciate Antiquities" in the Southern Song Dynasty unfolds a warm winter scene for Song Dynasty literati: scholars sit around a table, appreciating ancient paintings and antiques, discussing classics and doctrines, and exchanging ideas. The winter gathering is like this winter stove, bringing people closer together physically while also brewing a bright spring in terms of culture and spirit.

Maintaining the proper posture of life in severe cold can prove its inherent warmth and resilience. Therefore, winter is still a classic image for tempering character. In Lu Zhi's (陆治) "Fishing Boat on a Cold River" of the Ming Dynasty, the solitary figure of the fisherman is a portrayal of the Chinese literati's "solitary communion with the spirit of heaven and earth." This "solitude" originates from self-choice, staying away from the noise and disturbance of the world, and finding freedom between heaven and earth. Fishing in the cold river is not for the catch, but for that composure and the spiritual realm of adhering to beliefs and 百折不挠 (bǎi zhé bù náo - "hundred folds unyielding," undaunted by setbacks; to be indomitable). If the solitary fishing father represents the "detached" reclusive indifference, then the traveler in the wind and snow symbolizes the "engaged" courage to move forward. Facing the vast snowfield, surviving the winter is not about elegance, but about a test of life and death. Hua Yan's (华嵒) "Accumulated Snow on the Tianshan Mountains" scroll in the Qing Dynasty creates such a situation and image. In the picture, a traveler accompanied by a camel looks up at a solitary swan, wrapped in a red cloak, like a dancing and burning flame in the sky full of wind and snow. This touch of red is the visual externalization of the unwavering belief in his heart and the unyielding spirit in adversity. The traveler uses firm steps and unwavering courage to walk out of a path leading to home and to the future in the bitter cold land.

Through the paintings, we can see that the ancients' wisdom in surviving the winter warms both the body and the heart. Today, as we enjoy the comfort of heating and air conditioning, we should especially understand the profound meaning of the ancients' "warming both body and spirit." Perhaps, we should ask ourselves: In addition to heating and air conditioning, can we also prepare a "censer" for the soul? Can we, in the midst of our busy lives, develop the mood to tread snow and seek poetry? Can we ignite the warmth of gathering around the stove to appreciate paintings and have pure conversations? Can we protect the flame of our original intention in the wind and snow of life? May we, through winter, taste the flavors of life, understand the preciousness of warmth, and let the flame deep in our hearts never be extinguished.

(The author is the director of the Collection Department of the National Art Museum of China (中国美术馆))

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Curating Together With Children (Arts Column)

By: 高 敬

In recent years, visiting art galleries and museums has become a new fashion, and children have become frequent visitors. With the continuous innovation of educational concepts and methods, art galleries and museums, as public cultural spaces, are also undergoing changes in their exhibition forms. How can we enhance children's ability to understand, explore, and embrace the world? Shifting from "curating for children" to "inviting children to curate together" opens a window for us.

Art galleries and museums are natural spaces for aesthetic education. In the past, exhibitions mostly adopted a one-way indoctrination model, emphasizing fixed paths and authoritative interpretations. This seemed rigid and weak in children's experience scenarios, failing to meet their emotional needs and limiting their ability to acquire personalized knowledge through effective viewing and interactive experiences. With the comprehensive advancement of the five aspects of education (moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor), aesthetic education has received increasing attention from all sectors. Museums and art galleries are actively changing their concepts and breaking this predicament through "curating for children." Curators, from the perspective of "educators" and "designers," start from the children's point of view, predict their interests and needs, and guide them to participate in the exhibition through carefully selected exhibits and designed interactive sessions, transforming them from passive information receivers to active content seekers. This concept caters to children's nature of "learning by doing," builds a two-way interactive knowledge transmission channel, expands the aesthetic education scenario, and gradually makes art galleries and museums the "third classroom" for children to understand and explore the world.

Although "curating for children" has met the needs of children to a certain extent, it is still difficult to stimulate children's initiative in expression and creation, and it is difficult to effectively cultivate their ability to solve problems in real situations. The times require cultivating future citizens with independent thinking ability, creativity, communication and collaboration ability, and social responsibility. In response to this demand, many art galleries and museums have begun to explore the "little curator" model, allowing them to learn and think in real situations through independent or participatory curation, and grow deeply in collaborative creation. This growth is not only the learning of artistic knowledge, but also a comprehensive educational process of emotional nourishment, intellectual growth, and personality shaping.

In the new era, the focus of situational education is to promote the all-round development of children, and the whole process of letting children curate together happens to open up a small garden for their healthy growth. Curation is a systematic project. In the process of independent or participatory curation, children need to actively think, clearly express their ideas and opinions, and also need to divide labor and cooperate, and solve problems through communication and negotiation. This growth situation throughout the curation process allows aesthetic perception, creative practice, cultural understanding and other qualities to naturally develop in real situations, truly realizing "situational education." When we hand over the initiative of curation to children, what we convey is respect for them, respect for their thinking, expression, and unique understanding of the world. What is nourished by this respect is children's self-confidence, sense of responsibility and sense of identity, allowing them to truly feel "I am seen, I can create, I am valuable" in their growth.

Of course, the shift from "curating for children" to "inviting children to curate together" does not negate the role of adults, but rather redefines the role of adults: adults are no longer the dominators and controllers, but the supporters, guides and collaborators. We need to create a safe and inclusive exploration environment for children, encourage them to try boldly and experiment actively; we also need to listen patiently to children's ideas and use professional knowledge to escort their creativity. This wisdom of "stepping back" is precisely the key to stimulating children's imagination and creativity.

The shift from "curating for children" to "inviting children to curate together" is a practical exploration of situational education and a vivid embodiment of art galleries and museums enhancing the temperature of public education. Through the curatorial practice of "my exhibition, my decision," children can learn to think independently, create independently, and share collaboratively. These abilities will become their confidence in facing the world in the future. Continuously innovating service forms and allowing more children to have opportunities to imagine and act in the real world will help them grow into new people of the era with ideas and creativity.

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Photo Story

Luo Ping'an's (罗平安) Chinese painting "Pastoral Series III."

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Editor in charge of this edition: Wu Yanli

This edition's email: msfk@peopledaily.cn
Title image design: Zhang Danfeng (张丹峰)

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