Summary: President Xi Jinping attended the first plenary session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where he delivered a speech titled "Shouldering the Responsibility of the Times and Boldly Serving as Pioneering Forces." He highlighted the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, describing it as a period of self-reliance, unity in facing challenges, and fruitful achievements, including historic expansion and a new stage of "Greater BRICS Cooperation." Xi called on BRICS countries to be pioneers in innovative development, safeguarding peace and stability, advancing mutual learning among civilizations, and reforming global governance, while opposing unilateralism and power politics. He announced that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit, aiming to open a third "Golden Decade" of cooperation. The meeting adopted the New Delhi Declaration, and leaders expressed appreciation for China's contribution and support for China hosting the next summit.
Summary: President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, reaching an important consensus that China and India should be partners. Xi emphasized viewing bilateral relations from a strategic height, noting that institutional exchanges and trade have improved, and put forward four points for maintaining steady progress, including calibrating direction with strategic perception and eliminating interference on the boundary question. Modi stated India is willing to be a partner rather than an adversary, adhering to an independent foreign policy not influenced by third parties, and reaffirmed unchanged policies on Taiwan and Tibet-related issues. Modi also thanked China for supporting India's BRICS presidency and pledged full support for China's assumption of the presidency next year. Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Summary: President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi by special plane on September 12 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. Senior Indian government officials and honor guards welcomed him at Palam Air Force Station. Cai Qi and Wang Yi accompanied him on the same plane, and Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong was also present. Local overseas Chinese and representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises welcomed Xi Jinping along the route from the airport. Earlier that morning, Xi Jinping departed for New Delhi with the same accompanying officials.
Summary: Chinese leader Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation and outlining four areas where BRICS countries should act as pioneers. He called for innovation-driven development, including AI cooperation and the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, while rejecting "decoupling and severing supply chains" and "small yards with high fences." He urged BRICS nations to safeguard peace and stability, proposing a four-point plan for Middle East peace and reiterating support for the "two-state solution." He also advocated for mutual learning among civilizations and for reforming global governance, opposing unilateralism and protectionist measures. Xi announced that China will host the 19th BRICS Summit next year, aiming to open a third "golden decade" of cooperation.
Summary: The New Delhi Declaration of the 18th BRICS Summit reaffirms the BRICS spirit of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and consensus through consultation, and strengthens the "three-pronged drive" of political security, economic and financial, and people-to-people exchanges in the expanded BRICS. The leaders committed to reforming global governance and the multilateral system, including the UN Security Council and Bretton Woods institutions, to increase the representation of emerging markets and developing countries, and condemned unilateral coercive measures and trade protectionism. They expressed concern over tensions in the Middle East, the nuclear danger, and the blockade against Cuba, while supporting conflict prevention through dialogue and diplomacy. On economic issues, they emphasized energy security, digital cooperation, artificial intelligence for social good, and the timely completion of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement test run. They fully supported China's assumption of the BRICS presidency in 2027 and the hosting of the 19th BRICS Summit in China.
Summary: President Xi Jinping attended the first plenary session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where he delivered a speech titled "Shouldering the Responsibility of the Times and Boldly Serving as Pioneering Forces." He highlighted the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, describing it as a period of self-reliance, unity in facing challenges, and fruitful achievements, including historic expansion and a new stage of "Greater BRICS Cooperation." Xi called on BRICS countries to be pioneers in innovative development, safeguarding peace and stability, advancing mutual learning among civilizations, and reforming global governance, while opposing unilateralism and power politics. He announced that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit, aiming to open a third "Golden Decade" of cooperation. The meeting adopted the New Delhi Declaration, and leaders expressed appreciation for China's contribution and support for China hosting the next summit.
Summary: President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, reaching an important consensus that China and India should be partners. Xi emphasized viewing bilateral relations from a strategic height, noting that institutional exchanges and trade have improved, and put forward four points for maintaining steady progress, including calibrating direction with strategic perception and eliminating interference on the boundary question. Modi stated India is willing to be a partner rather than an adversary, adhering to an independent foreign policy not influenced by third parties, and reaffirmed unchanged policies on Taiwan and Tibet-related issues. Modi also thanked China for supporting India's BRICS presidency and pledged full support for China's assumption of the presidency next year. Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Summary: The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services was held at Shougang Park in Beijing from September 9 to 13, drawing 714,000 visitor person-times. The park promoted the deep integration of culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions, launching 74 supporting activities, marking the sixth year of collaboration between the fair and the park. Diverse consumer formats, such as the Yongding River Market and the Zhixiaochu Robot Restaurant, offered immersive and AI-empowered experiences, with the latter showcasing robots that cook and serve. The Creator's Paradise hosted events like the Animation and Food Festival and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Creative Design Exhibition, extending the fair's consumption chain. Officials Zhang Li, Cui Lixiao, and He Yuxuan were quoted on the park's transformation into a composite urban space and its future regular operations.
Summary: President Xi Jinping announced at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi that China will take over the rotating presidency of BRICS next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit, expressing willingness to work with all parties in reaching a common understanding and ushering in the third "Golden Decade" of BRICS cooperation. Foreign experts and scholars interviewed said Xi has charted the course for the growth and expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, and they look forward to China's presidency promoting the high-quality development of "Greater BRICS Cooperation." Several experts highlighted China's advantages in fields such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and digital infrastructure, expecting deeper cooperation among BRICS countries and greater representation for the Global South in global governance. Others recalled China's previous terms as BRICS chair and its creative proposals like the "BRICS Plus" model, expressing confidence that China will further consolidate cooperation consensus and translate visions into concrete actions. The article concludes with a list of People's Daily reporters who contributed to the piece.
Summary: President Xi Jinping attended the first plenary session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 12, summarizing the cooperation mechanism's achievements over 20 years and urging BRICS countries to be pioneers of the times and lead the international order toward greater justice. The article highlights BRICS's historic expansion and its role as a backbone force for the Global South, accounting for over half the world's population and about 30 percent of global economy. It details Chinese proposals, including the "BRICS Plus" model and the concept of high-quality "Greater BRICS Cooperation," and emphasizes China's key role at every critical juncture of the mechanism. The piece also covers BRICS stances on security dilemmas, such as facilitating Saudi-Iran reconciliation and the "Group of Friends for Peace" on Ukraine, and on defending multilateralism against unilateralism and protectionism. China will assume the BRICS presidency in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit, aiming to open a third "golden decade" of cooperation.
Summary: Marta Fernandez, a researcher at the Brazilian BRICS Policy Research Center, said in an interview with People's Daily that over the past 20 years, BRICS countries have connected governments, universities, think tanks, enterprises, and social organizations across fields like finance, trade, health, education, and science and technology, promoting dialogue and forming a consensus on development cooperation. She highlighted the New Development Bank as a pioneering initiative for Global South countries to unite and strengthen themselves, and noted that the enhancement of BRICS representation in global governance is a key achievement, with the diversity of member states' development paths boosting its attractiveness. Fernandez added that China's experience with more open, efficient, and lower-cost AI models can lower participation thresholds, and that BRICS cooperation in AI infrastructure, talent cultivation, and open-source models helps narrow the technological divide. She stated that BRICS countries play an important role in safeguarding multilateralism, with Brazil and China giving the Global South greater voice and influence in global governance. Fernandez concluded that China has played a key role in advancing the BRICS cooperation mechanism, proving there is no single model for development and providing more opportunities for developing countries in trade, investment, and financing.
Summary: Li Hongzhong, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, and Chinese Chairman of the China-Russia Friendship, Peace and Development Committee, attended and spoke at the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Russia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Practical Cooperation Forum in Moscow, met with Russian officials including Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko, and visited Irkutsk Oblast. He stated that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era has maintained a high level of development, and China is willing to fully implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state. He noted that China's high-quality development in the opening year of its 15th Five-Year Plan will provide new opportunities for SMEs from all countries, including Russia. The Russian side said the two presidents have led Russia-China relations to their best level in history and expressed willingness to deepen legislative and practical cooperation. During the visit, Li Hongzhong also visited the site of the Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
Summary: The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) 2026 Annual Meeting, held in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, drew over 2,100 representatives from 139 countries, regions, and international organizations under the theme "Uniting to Advance Public Security Governance, Injecting Stability into a Turbulent World." Chinese and foreign delegates stated that China has demonstrated the responsibility of a major country in leading global governance transformation, with the meeting consolidating consensus and integrating governance wisdom. The forum featured a main session and eight sub-forums, including on immigration management cooperation, international anti-drug cooperation, cybersecurity, and international police education cooperation, alongside a public security science and technology equipment exhibition. A founding meeting of the International Alliance for Combating Telecom and Online Fraud was held, with participants praising China's initiative and expressing confidence in curbing the global spread of such fraud. The Chinese side's four-point proposal—consolidating consensus on stability, pooling strength for stability, solidifying the foundation of stability, and ensuring stable development—received an active response from all parties, including INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.
Summary: The international symposium "New Quality Productive Forces: China's Practice and Global Significance," hosted by the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Research Center, was recently held in Beijing, with envoys from more than 60 countries and Chinese scholars in attendance. Chen Bo, Secretary-General of the center and President of the China Institute of International Studies, stated that developing new quality productive forces helps China remain an engine of world economic growth, provides new opportunities for innovation cooperation, and offers a new paradigm for global sustainable development. Jordanian Ambassador to China Hussam Al-Husseini said these forces are future-oriented, born from frontier fields like artificial intelligence, green energy, and biotechnology, and that China's practice offers a referenceable approach for modernization. Nigerian Ambassador to China Dambazau said China's proposal comes at the right time, as the world needs innovation-driven, green, and efficient productivity amid challenges like climate change and digital transformation.
Summary: A Chinese delegation attended the 37th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries in Rome from September 7 to 11. China and the FAO co-hosted a side event on aquaculture innovation, where the Chinese side reported that its 2025 aquaculture output reached 63.26 million tons, accounting for 83 percent of total aquatic product output. The Chinese side also spoke at a high-level event marking the 10th anniversary of the Agreement on Port State Measures, presenting progress since its formal accession in April 2025, including port access control and designated ports. Additionally, China showcased its ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River, noting an increase in monitored indigenous fish species and recovery of the Yangtze finless porpoise population. The article frames China's participation as an important practice of its active engagement in global fisheries governance and international cooperation.
Summary: China's fifth batch of emergency aid supplies to Nepal arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on September 11 aboard a Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport aircraft. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming and Nepal's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun attended the handover ceremony. The aid, tailored to Nepal's urgent needs, includes diesel generators, medical protective masks, mortuary refrigerators, DNA testing equipment and reagents, and water rescue equipment. This support is intended to bolster Nepal's ongoing disaster relief and follow-up efforts.
Summary: The article recounts how Mao Zedong, while recuperating in Changting County in 1932, repaired an ancient well that served local villagers, symbolizing an enduring original aspiration. In the new era, Changting has turned its red resources and ecological advantages into a path to enrich the people, launching a red study tour route and restoring heritage sites. Villager Huang Jinyang, who contracted barren hills in 2000 and persevered through failed plantings, became a local expert at getting rich after ecological restoration, with the county developing under-forest economy and distinctive rural industries. Yue Hui, director of the Changting County Soil and Water Conservation Center, stressed protecting original landscapes before developing resources so governance achievements translate into visible income gains. The piece concludes that the red land of western Fujian retains its vitality through continued struggle.
Summary: Lin Yungao, a 54-year-old villager from Lieshen Village in Liangping District, Chongqing, recounts his shift from nearly 20 years of mining coal and gypsum to running a farmhouse inn after the village shut down its mines in 2017. He describes the initial anxiety over lost income, but credits town and village cadres for outreach and support, including coordinating space and arranging low-interest loans. His inn now hosts 150-160 people at a time, with peak monthly revenue around 60,000 yuan and annual net income of 200,000-300,000 yuan, serving dishes grown on his own land. He notes the village's environmental recovery—former gypsum yards are now a wetland park, abandoned pits have become ponds, and fireflies have returned—and concludes that nurturing the mountains has brought tourists and better lives. The article is compiled from an interview by People's Daily reporter Wang Xinyue.
Summary: The article reflects on the closure of a mine in Lieshen Village, where local resident Lin Yungao now runs an agritourism business and affirms that shutting down the mine was the right decision. It argues that unsustainable resource extraction must be replaced with decisive action to close polluting mines, treat contamination, and repay ecological debts. Ecological restoration is framed as repairing both the environment and the foundation for development, shifting from "digging the mountains" to "nurturing the mountains." This change in development philosophy abandons the old path of overdrawing resources and opens a new path of green development. The piece concludes that thorough restoration, smooth industrial transformation, and secure livelihoods are needed for lucid waters and lush mountains to become golden mountains and silver mountains benefiting the whole region.
Summary: Zhang Fusuo, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at China Agricultural University, pioneered the "Science and Technology Backyard" education model, sending graduate students to the production frontline and spending over 200 days annually in rural areas. He founded the model in 2009 after witnessing farmers in Quzhou County, Hebei Province, licking fertilizer to test its quality, prompting him to question how much laboratory knowledge could actually be applied in fields. The initiative has grown to over 5,000 registered backyards involving more than 200 universities, with Zhang leading breakthroughs in green production technologies promoted across 566 million mu. In 2023, he launched the "Green 1.5-Ton Grain per Mu" initiative in Quzhou, achieving record yields of 1,522 kilograms per mu in 2024 and 1,557.4 kilograms in 2025 despite drought and flood disasters. Zhang emphasized next steps of integrating artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things with agriculture, and expressed pride in students who learn to solve practical problems and interact with farmers, becoming capable of handling tasks independently.
Summary: The article reports on the Desertification Control Research Institute of the Xinjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences, whose Party branch secretary Wang Lei and deputy secretary Luo Qinghong are leading efforts to test near-natural afforestation technology for extremely arid regions at a base on the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in Yuli County. After last year's seedlings had only about a 20 percent survival rate, the team identified causes such as poor adaptation and transport damage, then cultivated their own seedlings, raising the survival rate above 70 percent this year. Luo Qinghong took the lead in building a seedling greenhouse, while probationary Party member Li Shenghui, born after 1995, manually measures and records plant growth data daily at the base. Wang Lei noted that Party members' exemplary role and teachers' teaching by word of mouth and personal example have led many students to submit applications for Party membership. The article concludes that the Party branch is using practice to write its papers on the motherland's land.
Summary: The Central Green Valley basic supporting facilities project, undertaken by China Railway Construction Engineering Group, passed completion acceptance and opened to the public on September 11. Located in the core section of the launch area of Hebei Xiong'an New Area, it will enhance the park's leisure, recreation, and public service functions. The project aims to build the Central Green Valley into Xiong'an's ecological core, urban living room, and cultural landmark, supporting livelihood improvements and high-quality development. The photo, taken by People's Daily reporter Zhang Wujun, shows an aerial view of the park.
Summary: "Red Notice subject" Zeng Nenggui, former director of the Poverty Alleviation and Immigration Office of Ruijin City, Jiangxi Province, was extradited back to China in September 2026 through international law enforcement and judicial cooperation coordinated by the Office of the Central Anti-Corruption Coordination Group for International Fugitive Pursuit and Asset Recovery. Suspected of accepting bribes in poverty alleviation projects, he fled abroad in January 2024, was investigated by the Ruijin City Supervisory Commission in August 2024, and had a red notice issued by Interpol in January 2026. A person in charge of the Central Anti-Fugitive Pursuit Office said his return to justice is an important achievement of discipline inspection and supervision organs in implementing the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and carrying out the "Sky Net 2026" operation. China will continue to deepen international anti-corruption cooperation and tighten the "sky net" for fugitive pursuit and asset recovery.
Summary: The article examines the growing trend of outdoor sports among young Chinese people, citing data showing over 400 million participants and highlighting that the 25–34 age group is the largest consumer demographic. It features young enthusiasts like Yanzi and Jian Bohao who describe hiking and camping as stress relief and a source of achievement, with experts like Wang Zhaohong and Pei Linru noting shifts toward experiential consumption and psychological resilience. The piece also addresses safety risks, quoting Zhuang Shengtao on the need to revere nature and avoid dangerous "internet-famous wild routes," while Wang Zhaohong calls for stricter industry norms and risk education. Pei Linru advises young people to report itineraries, avoid going alone, and heed physical warning signs. The reporter's notes conclude that outdoor activities represent a life choice for emotional settling and genuine social connection, balanced with safety precautions.
Summary: The article highlights how students across China engaged in summer social practice, moving from books to grassroots settings to see a larger world and understand themselves anew. It emphasizes that such practice strengthens family-and-country responsibility and ideals, with examples like Xinjiang Agricultural University's border-line classroom and Beijing students retracing revolutionary sites. It also illustrates how practice reveals real needs, as Shanghai Jiao Tong University students used AI to create "wish portraits" for elderly villagers, showing technology's warmth in rural life. The piece notes that solving real grassroots problems, like Beijing Institute of Technology's weeding robot in Inner Mongolia, forges practical abilities and benefits rural revitalization. It criticizes superficial practices and calls for more genuine engagement, citing the "15th Five-Year Plan" for Educational Development to integrate ideological and social classrooms.
Summary: The author, a food delivery rider who left Fuyang, Anhui, for Shanghai ten years ago, recounts his rise from an ordinary rider to station manager of the Taobao Flash Purchase Zhongyuan Road Station. He describes growing the station from 18 to nearly 150 riders, emphasizing his hands-on mentoring and care for his team, which earned him the trust of riders as "Brother Guo." He highlights the subdistrict's support, including practical gifts and the establishment of a trade union federation for the delivery industry, of which he serves as chairman. The author notes that he and his young riders have become "mobile sensors" in grassroots governance, reporting safety hazards and helping elderly residents, transforming from "city runners" into "participants in grassroots governance." He concludes by stating he has applied for Party membership and is leading his team to contribute to grassroots governance while remaining true to his original aspiration.
Summary: The article reports on Wuhan's efforts to build a regional science and technology innovation hub, leveraging its strengths in education, science, and industry. It details the city's "one city, three corridors, and multiple belts" innovation spatial layout and the "Koi Plan" to stimulate industrial innovation, alongside breakthroughs in basic research and the construction of pilot-scale platforms. The piece highlights the transformation of old factory buildings into innovation spaces and the integration of the innovation and industrial chains. It also covers open innovation efforts, including a cooperation agreement among nine cities in the Wuhan metropolitan area and the launch of the Optics Valley Pan-Semiconductor Industrial Park with Ezhou. The article concludes by emphasizing Wuhan's goal of building an open innovation ecosystem with global competitiveness.
Summary: Fuzhou City in Jiangxi Province, as one of the first national pilot cities for copyright protection and promotion of folk literature and art, has advanced "four major projects" to transform traditional skills into development resources, with copyright registrations reaching 24,000 items and annual revenue from copyright-based cultural and creative products exceeding 1 billion yuan. The city has built a work chain covering creation, registration, protection, and rights defense, including a service station, a copyright expo hall, and judicial protection stations, while establishing cultivation mechanisms through training institutes, master studios, and inheritance activities that have trained over 10,000 skilled personnel. Fuzhou has broadened transformation pathways by launching a digital trading platform for folk literature and art copyright, with over 100 products on sale and cumulative transactions exceeding 1.2 million yuan, and showcased works at domestic and international platforms such as the 2024 China-LAC Civil Dialogue, the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, and the 10th China International Copyright Expo. The city promotes cross-border integration of traditional folk arts with modern industry, cultivating distinctive industries including ceramics, Nuo masks, wood carving, oil painting, and rush, with related industry scale approaching 10 billion yuan.
Summary: The article reflects on classic artworks depicting the Red Army's departure from Yudu, the "source of the Long March," and cites Xi Jinping's 2019 remarks on visiting the site to recall the Party's arduous history. It highlights three representative works—Jin Shangyi's oil painting "Farewell," Shi Shaochen's "Reluctant Tears of Loved Ones, Long Waters of the Gan River," and Wu Xiansheng's Chinese painting "Seeing Off the Red Army Ten Times"—each using different narrative and artistic approaches to convey the bond between the army and the people. The piece emphasizes how these works, from documentary depiction to cross-temporal dialogue to long-scroll narrative, preserve collective memory and inspire new-era thematic art creation. It concludes that rereading these works on the 90th anniversary of the Long March's victory helps comprehend the Long March spirit and draw strength for the new Long March road.
Summary: The article profiles artist Shen Yaoyi's decades-long dedication to creating fine art on the Long March theme, highlighted by the exhibition "Journey of the Red Ribbon" at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, which features nearly 200 works including sketches from his 1975 and 1977 retracings of the route. Shen, guided by his mentor Li Hua's instruction to "paint what you see with your own eyes," insisted on field investigation and on-site verification to capture true historical details, producing works that fill gaps in the visual record of the Long March. His output includes classic oil paintings such as *Revolutionary Ideals Higher Than the Sky* and *The Zunyi Conference*, alongside a large-format comic series, building a systematic visual genealogy of the theme. The article describes two artistic paths in his work: direct depictions of battle scenes and romantic compositions merging figures with landscapes, reflecting his belief that spirit is engraved in history. Shen's stated goal is to leave a visual history of the Long March, which he has pursued as a personal "artistic Long March" and a spiritual legacy.
Summary: The article discusses the "Blooming — The Third National College Student Art Exhibition (Beijing Exhibition)," held at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Today Art Museum, featuring over 400 works across categories like Chinese painting, oil painting, sculpture, and digital art. It highlights that the exhibition, which has grown from 4 to 21 art categories since 2017, serves as a platform connecting campus and society and fostering young artistic talent. The piece notes a shift in students' creative focus from the individual to broader themes, including intelligent life, youth entrepreneurship in hometowns, and major national projects, while integrating Chinese cultural aesthetics. It also critiques issues such as over-reliance on image resources and insufficient artistic transformation, urging deeper engagement with life and artistic essence. The article concludes by citing historical classics like Wang Ximeng's "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains" and Zhan Jianjun's "Five Heroes of Langya Mountain" as models, encouraging young creators to sketch the future with the brush of youth.
Summary: The article reflects on Zhao Mengfu's Yuan-dynasty painting *Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains*, created in 1295 to console his friend Zhou Mi's homesickness for Jinan. It highlights the work as a model of "reviving antiquity and opening the new" and "entering painting with calligraphy," influencing literati painting through Zhao's advocacy of Jin and Tang models and calligraphic brushwork. The composition employs a level-distance method with a three-part structure, using broken-ink effects to harmonize spatial depth, though it also features deliberate scale distortions, such as a tiny boatman, as a homage to the naive quality of Jin and Tang landscapes. Art historian Wen Fong is cited as viewing the work as a new mode of spatial expression with continuous, measurable ground. The author, a professor at Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, concludes that Zhao hid nature, literati sentiments, and his own state of mind in the scroll.
Summary: Xu Weiguo's Chinese painting "The Taihang Mountains in Deep Autumn Hues" is featured in a photo report, showcasing the mountain range's autumn scenery through traditional brushwork. The article presents the artwork as a visual depiction of the Taihang Mountains' seasonal transformation. No official statements or accompanying figures are reported. The piece does not discuss U.S.-China relations or any political topics.
Summary: The article discusses the shift in art-based rural construction from "sending beauty to the countryside" to "nurturing beauty in the countryside," citing examples like an aesthetic education team from China Agricultural University transforming an idle school in Xiongfan Village, Hubei Province, into a "cultural living room." It notes shortcomings such as overemphasis on visual beautification over internal empowerment and the application of internet-famous templates, prompting reflection on what art should leave behind. The piece argues that art must forge the rural soul by connecting with social structures and enhancing villagers' aesthetic judgment and creativity, as seen in Gejia Village, Zhejiang, where villagers become "rural construction artists." It stresses that reshaping rural values requires rooting in local cultural lineage and integrating with industrial development, with practitioners promoting "integration of agriculture and art." Ultimately, the article concludes that art's role is deep activation, not superficial beautification, and the ability to create beauty must be left in the countryside.
■ This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past 20 years, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and strengthen, demonstrating vigorous vitality and becoming the most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries in today's world. These have been 20 years of self-reliance and self-improvement, during which BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, becoming a model of unity and self-strengthening for emerging markets and developing countries. These have been 20 years of facing difficulties together (风雨同舟, feng yu tong zhou - "wind, rain, same, boat"), during which BRICS countries have joined hands to address challenges such as the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change, firmly safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and providing the world with stability and positive energy. These have been 20 years of fruitful achievements, during which BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion, established an all-round, multi-tiered cooperation architecture, and entered a new stage of high-quality development in "Greater BRICS Cooperation."
■ At present, the once-in-a-century transformation of the world is accelerating, the Global South is rising prominently, and multipolarity in the world is unstoppable. At the same time, unilateralism and power politics are surging against the current, multilateralism and the international order are being impacted, and the deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing rather than shrinking. BRICS countries must firmly stand on the right side of history, boldly serve as pioneers of the times, lead the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction, and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. First, we must be pioneers in promoting innovative development. Second, we must be pioneers in safeguarding peace and stability. Third, we must be pioneers in advancing mutual learning among civilizations. Fourth, we must be pioneers in reforming and improving global governance.
■ Over the past two decades of braving the elements on a journey (风雨兼程, feng yu jian cheng - "wind, rain, simultaneously, journey"), unity and cooperation have always been the source of strength for the development of the BRICS cause. We must adhere to treating each other with frankness and sincerity (坦诚相待, tan cheng xiang dai - "frank, sincere, mutually, treat") and seeking common ground while reserving differences (求同存异, qiu tong cun yi - "seek, same, preserve, difference"), respect each other's core concerns, enhance mutual understanding and properly handle contradictions and differences through communication and dialogue, and ensure that BRICS cooperation maintains steady progress to achieve long-term success (行稳致远, xing wen zhi yuan - "walk, stable, reach, far"). China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. China is willing to work with all parties to build consensus, create the future, open a third "Golden Decade" of BRICS cooperation, and jointly create a bright prospect of prosperity and progress.
(People's Daily, New Delhi, September 12) (Reporters Chen Zhenkai, Gong Han) On the afternoon of September 12 local time, President Xi Jinping attended the first plenary session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Crown Prince Khaled of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates, and the Brazilian Foreign Minister attended the meeting, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the session.
Xi Jinping delivered an important speech titled "Shouldering the Responsibility of the Times and Boldly Serving as Pioneering Forces."
Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past 20 years, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and strengthen, demonstrating vigorous vitality and becoming the most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries in today's world. These have been 20 years of self-reliance and self-improvement, during which BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, becoming a model of unity and self-strengthening for emerging markets and developing countries. These have been 20 years of facing difficulties together, during which BRICS countries have joined hands to address challenges such as the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change, firmly safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and providing the world with stability and positive energy. These have been 20 years of fruitful achievements, during which BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion, established an all-round, multi-tiered cooperation architecture, and entered a new stage of high-quality development in "Greater BRICS Cooperation."
Xi Jinping stressed that at present, the once-in-a-century transformation of the world is accelerating, the Global South is rising prominently, and multipolarity in the world is unstoppable. At the same time, unilateralism and power politics are surging against the current, multilateralism and the international order are being impacted, and the deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing rather than shrinking. BRICS countries must firmly stand on the right side of history, boldly serve as pioneers of the times, lead the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction, and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
First, we must be pioneers in promoting innovative development. We must firmly grasp the initiative, strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence, encourage openness, open-source approaches, cooperation, and sharing, and push practical cooperation toward new frontiers and higher levels. We welcome BRICS countries to actively participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. China has proposed the BRICS Initiative on AI Empowering New Industrialization, and is willing to work with all parties to create more research and application outcomes and deepen cooperation on industrial and supply chains.
Second, we must be pioneers in safeguarding peace and stability. We must uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, oppose the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, oppose the violation of other countries' sovereignty and interference in other countries' internal affairs, constructively participate in resolving hotspot issues, and make BRICS' unique contribution to addressing both the symptoms and the root causes (标本兼治, biao ben jian zhi - "symptom, root, both, treat"). China is willing to work together with BRICS members to play its due role in achieving peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Third, we must be pioneers in advancing mutual learning among civilizations. We must promote the common values of humanity and advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and their harmonious coexistence. We should do a good job of hosting the BRICS Forum on People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, share governance experience, and gather positive energy for the stable development of inter-state relations. We should deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and other fields, strengthen youth exchanges, and promote frequent interactions and mutual understanding and affinity among our peoples.
Fourth, we must be pioneers in reforming and improving global governance. We must follow the trend of democratization of international relations, promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system, and uphold the authority of the United Nations. We should support the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core and resist protectionist measures of all forms. We should lead global governance in new frontiers such as cyberspace, outer space, and the deep sea, and enhance the voice of Global South countries.
Xi Jinping stressed that over the past two decades of braving the elements on a journey, unity and cooperation have always been the source of strength for the development of the BRICS cause. We must adhere to treating each other with frankness and sincerity and seeking common ground while reserving differences, respect each other's core concerns, enhance mutual understanding and properly handle contradictions and differences through communication and dialogue, and ensure that BRICS cooperation maintains steady progress to achieve long-term success. China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. China is willing to work with all parties to build consensus, create the future, open a third "Golden Decade" of BRICS cooperation, and jointly create a bright prospect of prosperity and progress. (Full text on Page 2)
Leaders attending the meeting had an in-depth exchange of views on BRICS cooperation and international and regional issues.
All parties spoke highly of the development achievements made by BRICS since its founding 20 years ago, noting that the BRICS mechanism has broad representativeness and enormous development potential. Facing intensifying geopolitical conflicts and rising unilateralism, BRICS countries have the responsibility to speak for the Global South, defend multilateralism, support the central role of the United Nations, safeguard the sovereign equality of all countries, abide by international law, oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, support free trade, and jointly address global challenges. All parties should uphold the BRICS spirit, deepen cooperation in various fields, enhance economic resilience, promote the formation of a fairer and more inclusive international order, and build a secure and prosperous multipolar world. All parties appreciated China's important contribution to the growth and strengthening of the BRICS mechanism, supported China in hosting the 19th BRICS Summit well as next year's chair, and jointly pushed BRICS cooperation to a new level.
The meeting adopted the New Delhi Declaration of the 18th BRICS Summit.
During the meeting, BRICS leaders visited a photo exhibition on the 20th anniversary of BRICS, planted trees together, and took a group photo.
Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others participated in the above activities.
Return to Top(People's Daily, New Delhi, September 12) (Reporters Ren Yan, Han Xiaomeng) On the afternoon of September 12 local time, President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. The two leaders had a candid and in-depth exchange of views and reached an important consensus that China and India should be partners.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China has always viewed and developed China-India relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective. Over the past two years, I have met with Prime Minister Modi twice, leading China-India relations from "setting out anew" to "achieving a new improvement." Institutional exchanges between the two countries have gradually resumed, the list of cooperation has continued to grow, and bilateral trade has reached a new high. This situation has not come easily and is worth cherishing. China and India have different national conditions, and they can fully compensate for each other's deficiencies (取长补短, qu chang bu duan - "take the long, supplement the short"), support each other, help each other to achieve success (彼此成就, bi ci cheng jiu - "each other, achieve, success"), and achieve common development. Facing a volatile and intertwined international situation, China and India, as the world's two most populous countries and important members of the Global South, shoulder important responsibilities. The two sides should keep in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of the people, and work together to promote the high-quality development of "Greater BRICS Cooperation," providing more positive energy for promoting world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
Xi Jinping put forward four points of view on promoting the maintaining steady progress toward long-term goals (行稳致远, xing wen zhi yuan - "walk steadily, reach far") of China-India relations. First, calibrate the direction with objective and rational strategic perception. China and India are cooperation partners rather than adversaries, and each other's development opportunities rather than threats. This is a strategic judgment made based on the development stage and international environment of the two countries, and it conforms to the common interests of the two countries and their peoples. Second, help each other achieve success with the concept of win-win cooperation. The two sides should focus on development, the greatest common denominator, and strengthen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation. Expand cooperation in areas such as people-to-people exchanges and direct flights, and effectively improve the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations. Balance and resolve each other's economic and trade concerns, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations. Third, eliminate interference with the political wisdom of mutual respect and mutual understanding. Be committed to advancing bilateral relations and the boundary question on dual tracks in parallel and mutually reinforcing ways, and maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. Fourth, benefit the world with open and inclusive multilateral coordination. Support each other in holding the BRICS presidency, strengthen coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Group of Twenty, work together through difficulties in times of crisis (同舟共济, tong zhou gong ji - "same, boat, together, cross") to address global challenges, and unequivocally defend international fairness and justice.
Modi said that I have held many fruitful meetings with President Xi Jinping, leading India-China relations toward positive development, which serves the common interests of the more than 2.8 billion people of the two countries. The two great civilizations of India and China have been exchanging and learning from each other (交流互鉴, jiao liu hu jian - "exchange, mutually, learn from") and advancing hand in hand for thousands of years. India has always viewed India-China relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, and is willing to be a partner rather than an adversary with China, viewing each other's development as an opportunity rather than a challenge. India adheres to an independent foreign policy, and the development of its relations with China is not influenced by third parties. India's policies and positions on the Taiwan and Tibet-related issues have not changed, and it will not allow any force to engage in anti-China activities in India. India is willing, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust, to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen strategic communication, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance people-to-people exchanges, to promote greater development of bilateral relations. The two sides should work together to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. India thanks China for supporting India's hosting of the BRICS Summit and will fully support China's assumption of the BRICS presidency next year. India is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with China to jointly promote the strengthening of Global South cooperation, promote world multipolarity and economic growth, and be a force for stability and progress in a turbulent world.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Return to Top(People's Daily, New Delhi, September 12) (Reporters Li Jianguang, Li Jie) At noon local time on September 12, President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi by special plane, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.
When Xi Jinping arrived at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi, senior Indian government officials extended a warm welcome. Honor guards stood in two rows on either side of the red carpet in salute.
Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and other accompanying officials arrived on the same plane.
Xu Feihong, Chinese Ambassador to India, was also at the airport to welcome him.
On the way from the airport to the hotel where he was staying, local overseas Chinese and representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises waved the national flags of China and India, warmly welcoming Xi Jinping's visit.
(People's Daily, Beijing, September 12) On the morning of September 12, President Xi Jinping departed for New Delhi by special plane, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.
Accompanying Xi Jinping on the visit were: Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Return to TopBy: 中华人民共和国主席 习近平
Your Excellency Prime Minister Modi,
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to join you here in New Delhi. I thank Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for their thoughtful arrangements.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past two decades, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has kept growing and strengthening, demonstrating robust vitality and vigor, and has become the most influential platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries in today's world.
These 20 years have been a journey of self-reliance and self-strengthening. As the leading echelon of the Global South, BRICS countries have upheld independence and autonomy, actively explored development paths suited to their respective national conditions, and become a model of joint self-strengthening for emerging markets and developing countries.
These 20 years have seen us sticking together through thick and thin (风雨同舟, feng yu tong zhou - "wind, rain, same, boat"). Undaunted by difficulties, BRICS countries have been forging ahead with determination (砥砺前行, di li qian xing - "grind, whet, go forward"), jointly responding to challenges such as the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change, firmly safeguarding the common interests of the Global South, and providing the world with stability and positive energy.
These 20 years have been fruitful. BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion of membership, established an all-dimensional, multi-tiered cooperation architecture, continuously deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, and entered a new stage of high-quality development in "Greater BRICS Cooperation."
At present, the once-in-a-century transformation of the world is accelerating, the Global South is rising prominently, and multipolarity is unstoppable. At the same time, unilateralism and power politics are surging against the current, multilateralism and the international order are being impacted, and the deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing rather than shrinking. I put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative precisely to address these deficits and promote the building of a better world. BRICS countries must stand firmly on the right side of history, boldly serve as pioneers of the times, steer the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
First, BRICS countries should be pioneers in promoting innovative development. The new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, represented by artificial intelligence, is accelerating and making breakthroughs, profoundly affecting the global development landscape. BRICS countries must firmly grasp the initiative, strengthen AI cooperation, encourage openness, open-source sharing, and collaborative sharing, and push practical cooperation toward new frontiers and higher levels. Not long ago, China, together with all parties, promoted the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, and is building an international AI application cooperation center for BRICS countries and others, providing an important platform for strengthening AI cooperation globally, especially for Global South countries. All BRICS countries are welcome to actively participate. Here, I propose a BRICS initiative on AI empowering new industrialization, and stand ready to work with all parties to create more research, development, and application outcomes and deepen cooperation on industrial and supply chains. Facts will prove that "decoupling and severing supply chains" cannot hinder our development process, and "small yards with high fences" will only imprison oneself and fragment the world.
Second, BRICS countries should be pioneers in safeguarding peace and stability. Today's world is far from peaceful, and the aspects of change and chaos are more prominent. At root, this is because the post-war international order has been shaken, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter have not been effectively observed. BRICS countries should take a clear stand, uphold justice, and work to eliminate war and conflict and maintain peace. We should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, oppose Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, oppose infringement on other countries' sovereignty and interference in other countries' internal affairs, constructively participate in resolving hotspot issues, and make BRICS' unique contribution to addressing both the symptoms and the root causes (标本兼治, biao ben jian zhi - "mark, root, treat both").
The situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region remains complex and evolving. This war has caused severe losses to the people of countries in the region and does not serve the common interests of the international community. I put forward a four-point proposal for maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, aimed at calling for de-escalation, cooling down the situation, ending the fighting, and promoting peace. All relevant parties should adhere to the direction of political settlement and work to achieve a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. We should attach importance to resolving root causes, rebuild mutual trust among regional countries, and construct a new security architecture. The Palestinian question has always been at the core of the Middle East issue, and its fundamental way out lies in implementing the "two-state solution" and achieving peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. China is willing to work with BRICS members to play its due role in achieving peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Third, BRICS countries should be pioneers in promoting mutual learning among civilizations. The beauty of blending different elements (和羹之美, he geng zhi mei - "harmony, soup, of, beauty") lies in the harmony of differences. BRICS countries inherit ancient civilizations and nurture diverse cultures, and should become a garden of a hundred flowers where different civilizations coexist inclusively. We should promote the common values of all humanity and advocate exchanges, mutual learning, harmony, and coexistence among civilizations. We should do a good job of hosting the BRICS Forum on People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, share experiences in governance, and gather positive energy for the stable development of inter-state relations. We should deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and other fields, strengthen youth exchanges, and promote frequent interactions and mutual understanding and affinity among our peoples.
Fourth, BRICS countries should be pioneers in reforming and improving global governance. What kind of global governance system to build determines the future and destiny of human society. BRICS countries should follow the trend of democratization of international relations, promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and oppose withdrawing from groups, reneging on agreements, and starting something new on a different basis (另起炉灶, ling qi lu zao - "another, start, stove, kitchen"). We should support the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, promote WTO reform, oppose the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs, and resist protectionist measures of all forms. We should lead global governance in new frontiers such as cyberspace, outer space, and the deep sea, and enhance the voice of Global South countries.
Dear Colleagues!
Over the past twenty years of traveling together through hardships (风雨兼程, feng yu jian cheng - "wind, rain, even, journey"), unity and cooperation have always been the source of strength for the development of the BRICS cause. We should adhere to treating each other with frankness and sincerity (坦诚相待, tan cheng xiang dai - "frank, sincere, mutually, treat") and seeking common ground while reserving differences (求同存异, qiu tong cun yi - "seek, same, preserve, different"), respect each other's core concerns, enhance mutual understanding and properly handle contradictions and differences through communication and dialogue, and ensure that BRICS cooperation moves steadily and makes long-term progress (行稳致远, xing wen zhi yuan - "walk, stable, reach, far").
China will take over the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. China is willing to take this opportunity to build consensus with all parties, create the future together, open a third "golden decade" of BRICS cooperation, and jointly create a bright prospect of prosperity and progress.
Thank you all!
(Xinhua News Agency, New Delhi, September 12)
Return to TopThe BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining mutual respect and understanding (秉持互尊互谅, bing chi hu zun hu liang - "hold, mutual, respect, mutual, understanding"), sovereign equality, solidarity and democracy, openness and inclusiveness, deepening cooperation, and reaching a consensus through consultation (协商一致, xie shang yi zhi - "consult, negotiate, one, consistent") as the BRICS spirit. Building on two decades of BRICS cooperation, they further strengthened the "three-pronged drive" of political security, economic, trade and financial, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges in the expanded BRICS. By promoting peace, building a more representative and fairer international order, revitalizing and reforming the multilateral system, advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth, and deepening the BRICS strategic partnership, they aim to benefit the people of all countries.
They appreciated the valuable contributions made by BRICS partner countries to BRICS cooperation. They firmly believe that by strengthening partnerships with emerging markets and developing countries, BRICS will further enhance solidarity and promote truly inclusive international cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to building inclusive, mutually beneficial, and development-oriented partnerships with partner countries.
Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthened Multilateralism
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reforming and improving global governance, and, in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, to building a more just, fair, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic, and accountable international and multilateral system. To better adapt the existing international relations architecture to the needs of contemporary realities, BRICS leaders reaffirmed their solemn commitment to multilateralism and to advancing multipolarity, upholding international law in a balanced and inclusive manner, fully and completely observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, which serve as its indispensable or essential (不可或缺, bu ke huo que - "not, can, or, lacking") cornerstone, and safeguarding the central role of the UN in the international system. They respect the national conditions of all countries, the diversity of national systems, and the diversity of development paths, and are committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation.
They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that emerging markets and developing countries, particularly those in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the least developed countries, can participate more broadly and substantively in global decision-making processes and mechanisms. They condemned attempts to unilaterally undermine the work of global multilateral institutions and impede their fulfillment of their respective mandates, including through the deliberate withholding of assessed contributions.
BRICS countries agreed that, against the backdrop of today's multipolar world, it is crucial for developing countries to strengthen dialogue and consultation in order to build fairer and more just global governance and promote mutually beneficial (互利互惠, hu li hu hui - "mutual, benefit, mutual, benefit") relations among countries. They recognized that the multipolarization process can enable emerging markets and developing countries to enjoy inclusive, inclusive, sustainable, and fair economic globalization and cooperation. They emphasized that the Global South is an important force for positive change. BRICS will continue to play a key role in voicing the concerns and priorities of the Global South and, on the basis of international law, promote the building of a more just, sustainable, inclusive, representative, and stable international order.
Recognizing the Johannesburg Declaration of the 15th BRICS Summit, they reaffirmed support for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, to make it more democratic, more representative, effective, and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the membership of the Security Council, in order to address universal global challenges. They supported the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including BRICS countries, to play a greater role in international affairs, especially in the UN, including its Security Council. They recognized the legitimate aspirations of African countries as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. They emphasized that UN Security Council reform should expand the voice of the Global South. They recalled that in the Beijing Declaration of the 14th BRICS Summit and the Johannesburg Declaration of the 15th BRICS Summit, China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, reaffirmed their support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN and its Security Council.
They reaffirmed their commitment to persistent and unremitting effort (持续不懈, chi xu bu xie - "continue, persist, not, slack") to promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its far-reaching, people-centered goals in a balanced and comprehensive manner, in accordance with national policies and regulations. They recognized that eradicating poverty in all its forms is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable or essential requirement for achieving sustainable development. They recognized the need to uphold the development philosophy of innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing, and to advance work related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
They recalled the Asian-African Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955. That conference proclaimed universal principles including equality, independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit. They emphasized the reference value of the Bandung Spirit in the pursuit of a fairer, more inclusive, and more representative multilateral system.
Reform of the international economic governance system has always been a priority area of concern for BRICS. They reaffirmed the urgent need to reform the Bretton Woods institutions to make them more agile, effective, credible, inclusive, fit-for-purpose, just, accountable, and representative, and to enhance their legitimacy. The voice and representation of emerging markets and developing economies in the Bretton Woods system must match their relative position in the global economy.
They reaffirmed the need for a strong global financial safety net with a quota-based and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund at its core to effectively support its members, especially the most vulnerable. They urged the timely entry into force of the quota increase agreed in the 16th General Review of Quotas and called for the early formulation of a meaningful quota realignment in the 17th General Review of Quotas that reflects the relative positions of countries in the global economy and increases the quotas and voting power of emerging markets and developing economies.
They reaffirmed their unswerving and steadfast (坚定不移, jian ding bu yi - "firm, steady, not, move") support for the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and for strengthening the non-discriminatory, open, fair, transparent, just, inclusive, predictable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, while upholding fundamental principles such as most-favored-nation treatment and special and differential treatment for developing members, particularly the least developed countries. BRICS will constructively engage in WTO reform to enhance the WTO's authority, effectiveness, inclusiveness, and relevance, and to build an open world economy. An appropriate path must be clearly defined for plurilateral initiatives to interface with the WTO legal framework. They strongly advocated the immediate restoration of an accessible, effective, and fully functioning two-tier WTO dispute settlement mechanism, and the appointment of new Appellate Body members without further delay. They appreciated China's implementation of zero-tariff measures on 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China.
The proliferation of various trade restrictive measures, whether the abusive imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures or trade protectionism under the guise of environmental protection, could lead to further contraction of global trade, disrupt global supply chains, exacerbate uncertainty in international economic and trade relations, and negatively impact the prospects for world economic development. They expressed serious concern over the rise of unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and violate WTO rules.
They condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that violate international law. They reaffirmed that these measures, especially unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions, have far-reaching negative impacts on the human rights of ordinary people in the affected countries, including the right to development, the right to health, and food security, with particularly severe impacts on the poor and vulnerable groups, and deepen the digital divide and exacerbate environmental challenges.
International and Regional Peace and Security
They expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East and West Asia region, and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could further deteriorate the situation. They urged all parties to fully and completely observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region. They encouraged all parties to strengthen dialogue and diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term consensus conducive to lasting peace, security, and stability in the region. They emphasized that global trade, supply chains, and energy flows should be ensured in accordance with relevant international law.
They called on the international community to address challenges and related security threats through political and diplomatic means, to reduce the risk of conflict, and emphasized the need to commit to conflict prevention, including addressing the root causes of conflicts. They emphasized upholding the principle of indivisible security and adhering to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue, consultation, and diplomatic means. They encouraged regional organizations to play an active role in conflict prevention and resolution, and supported all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of crises. They stressed that preventive diplomacy and mediation should be used as important means to avert crises and prevent escalation of situations, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
They expressed concern over the current trend of a sharp increase in global military spending, which severely squeezes the development funds of developing countries. They expressed serious concern over attempts to link security issues with the climate change agenda.
They expressed concern over the growing nuclear danger and the risk of nuclear conflict. They reaffirmed the need to revitalize the disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation system, maintain its integrity and effectiveness, and strive for global stability and world peace and security.
They expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of the unilateral blockade against Cuba. These measures have had an adverse impact on Cuba's economy and energy supply and have caused humanitarian harm to the Cuban people. They reaffirmed the need to end the economic, commercial, and financial measures against Cuba in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 80/4.
They appreciated the achievements of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation in using space technology to address global challenges and promote socio-economic development. They recognized the importance of international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.
Global Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth
They noted that the current complex and intertwined global challenges hinder the economic growth and sustainable development of all countries, while exacerbating long-standing development gaps between and within countries and regions. They reaffirmed the special significance of sustainable development and inclusive growth in the UN agenda.
They welcomed the deepening of global health cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing universal health coverage in a resilient, inclusive, and people-centered manner. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on people-centered digital health systems.
They recognized that energy security is an important foundation for social and economic development, national security, and the well-being of all countries. It is necessary to promote a just, orderly, fair, and inclusive energy transition in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and in light of national circumstances.
They reaffirmed support for the ongoing work of the working groups under the framework of the Partnership on New Industrial Revolution. They appreciated the activities of the BRICS Innovation Center for the Partnership on New Industrial Revolution, including the BRICS Forum on the Partnership on New Industrial Revolution to be held in 2026.
They acknowledged the work of the seven specialized working groups under the BRICS industrial track, and acknowledged the efforts of the Working Group on Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics in areas such as the development of smart factories, sharing of solutions, cooperation on standards, and talent cultivation.
They recognized the contribution of the BRICS SME Forum to strengthening cooperation among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and promoting inclusive growth, and supported the holding of the second SME Forum.
They appreciated the operationalization of the BRICS Industrial Competence Center established in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, a platform that promotes targeted exchanges on empowering new industrialization with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. They noted the initiative of the BRICS Industrial Competence Center China to release a collection of cases on BRICS industrial cooperation.
They emphasized the importance of cooperation in scientific, technological, and innovation fields as a key driver for sustainable economic and social development, and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable development, developing new quality productive forces, fostering more resilient and high-quality growth, enhancing social inclusiveness, and promoting innovation and technology to improve the well-being and quality of life of the people of BRICS countries.
They recognized that BRICS submarine cable infrastructure is an important foundation for international digital connectivity. They supported the continued dialogue and cooperation among BRICS countries on a voluntary basis, in accordance with national circumstances and priorities.
They recognized the importance of research and development of future networks for promoting digital transformation and connectivity in BRICS countries, and encouraged all BRICS members to nominate national branches of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks. They noted China's proposal to establish a BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation Network, including the proposal to set up a relevant information portal.
They recognized that artificial intelligence offers tremendous opportunities for promoting economic growth and achieving sustainable development. They pointed out that leveraging artificial intelligence to promote economic growth and social well-being is crucial for advancing a just, fair, equitable, and prosperous future for all countries, especially those in the Global South. They acknowledged the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance held in Shanghai, and recognized its contribution to strengthening international cooperation on artificial intelligence and technology for social good (智能向善, zhi neng xiang shan - "intelligent, towards, goodness").
They reaffirmed the importance of cooperation to ensure that global value chains are resilient, efficient, predictable, productive, transparent, secure, fair, stable, and inclusive. They explored ways to enhance trade potential among BRICS countries through strengthened policy coordination.
They expressed willingness to jointly tap the potential of cooperation among BRICS special economic zones, providing convenience for business operations through a favorable business environment, efficient infrastructure, simplified regulatory procedures, and other facilitation measures.
They encouraged the BRICS Payment Task Force to continue its discussions to promote practical solutions for cross-border payments among BRICS countries, achieving the goals of fast, low-cost, more accessible, efficient, transparent, and secure payments.
They looked forward to the timely completion of the ninth Contingent Reserve Arrangement test run and discussions on admitting new members. They valued the willingness of new BRICS members to join the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
They recognized the role of the BRICS Finance and Central Bank Think Tank Network in policy research and sharing of intellectual resources, and welcomed its use of financial technology to promote inclusive development and provide financing for resilient infrastructure construction.
They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and called on all parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to continue fulfilling their existing commitments and to maintain and increase efforts to address climate change. They further reaffirmed the need to address climate change through enhanced comprehensive and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement in order to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, reflecting the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
They opposed unilateral, punitive, discriminatory, and protectionist measures that are inconsistent with international law, including carbon border adjustment mechanisms, and expressed concern that such measures could undermine the efforts of all countries, particularly developing countries, to address the negative impacts of climate change, enhance adaptive capacity, and build resilience.
They appreciated China's establishment of the Kunming Biodiversity Fund and its contributions, and recognized the important role of the Fund in supporting developing countries in protecting their biodiversity. They noted the initiative for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They urged developed countries to ensure adequate, effective, predictable, timely, and accessible funding to developing countries.
Recognizing the severe environmental challenges currently faced, they are committed to the integrated protection and systematic governance of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts, with a view to achieving the holistic restoration of ecosystems across the entire region.
On the occasion of the New Development Bank embarking on its second "golden decade" of high-quality development, they recognized and supported its increasingly important role in meeting the development priorities and infrastructure needs of emerging markets and developing economies. They reaffirmed their support for the further expansion of the New Development Bank's membership.
They recognized the cooperation among BRICS standardization bodies and welcomed China's hosting of the BRICS Economic and Trade Activities Forum under the theme of "Jointly Building Standards, Sharing Trade."
They emphasized the key role of intellectual property in promoting high-quality development and encouraged substantive cooperation among BRICS intellectual property offices.
Promoting Cultural Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges
They called for further respect for cultural diversity, attached great importance to inheritance, innovation, and creation, and jointly advocated for vibrant international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, while recalling UN General Assembly Resolution 78/286 on the establishment of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
They welcomed the outcomes of the BRICS Ministers of Women's Meeting and advocated for the comprehensive development of women.
They highly recognized the important role played by the BRICS Vocational Education Alliance in building a multilateral platform, promoting information exchange, and advancing the development of vocational education.
They fully supported China's assumption of the BRICS presidency in 2027 and the hosting of the 19th BRICS Summit in China.
(Xinhua News Agency, New Delhi, September 12)
Return to Top■ This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past 20 years, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and strengthen, demonstrating vigorous vitality and becoming the most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries in today's world. These have been 20 years of self-reliance and self-improvement, during which BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, becoming a model of unity and self-strengthening for emerging markets and developing countries. These have been 20 years of facing difficulties together (风雨同舟, feng yu tong zhou - "wind, rain, same, boat"), during which BRICS countries have joined hands to address challenges such as the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change, firmly safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and providing the world with stability and positive energy. These have been 20 years of fruitful achievements, during which BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion, established an all-round, multi-tiered cooperation architecture, and entered a new stage of high-quality development in "Greater BRICS Cooperation."
■ At present, the once-in-a-century transformation of the world is accelerating, the Global South is rising prominently, and multipolarity in the world is unstoppable. At the same time, unilateralism and power politics are surging against the current, multilateralism and the international order are being impacted, and the deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing rather than shrinking. BRICS countries must firmly stand on the right side of history, boldly serve as pioneers of the times, lead the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction, and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. First, we must be pioneers in promoting innovative development. Second, we must be pioneers in safeguarding peace and stability. Third, we must be pioneers in advancing mutual learning among civilizations. Fourth, we must be pioneers in reforming and improving global governance.
■ Over the past two decades of braving the elements on a journey (风雨兼程, feng yu jian cheng - "wind, rain, simultaneously, journey"), unity and cooperation have always been the source of strength for the development of the BRICS cause. We must adhere to treating each other with frankness and sincerity (坦诚相待, tan cheng xiang dai - "frank, sincere, mutually, treat") and seeking common ground while reserving differences (求同存异, qiu tong cun yi - "seek, same, preserve, difference"), respect each other's core concerns, enhance mutual understanding and properly handle contradictions and differences through communication and dialogue, and ensure that BRICS cooperation maintains steady progress to achieve long-term success (行稳致远, xing wen zhi yuan - "walk, stable, reach, far"). China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. China is willing to work with all parties to build consensus, create the future, open a third "Golden Decade" of BRICS cooperation, and jointly create a bright prospect of prosperity and progress.
(People's Daily, New Delhi, September 12) (Reporters Chen Zhenkai, Gong Han) On the afternoon of September 12 local time, President Xi Jinping attended the first plenary session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Crown Prince Khaled of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates, and the Brazilian Foreign Minister attended the meeting, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the session.
Xi Jinping delivered an important speech titled "Shouldering the Responsibility of the Times and Boldly Serving as Pioneering Forces."
Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past 20 years, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and strengthen, demonstrating vigorous vitality and becoming the most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries in today's world. These have been 20 years of self-reliance and self-improvement, during which BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, becoming a model of unity and self-strengthening for emerging markets and developing countries. These have been 20 years of facing difficulties together, during which BRICS countries have joined hands to address challenges such as the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change, firmly safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and providing the world with stability and positive energy. These have been 20 years of fruitful achievements, during which BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion, established an all-round, multi-tiered cooperation architecture, and entered a new stage of high-quality development in "Greater BRICS Cooperation."
Xi Jinping stressed that at present, the once-in-a-century transformation of the world is accelerating, the Global South is rising prominently, and multipolarity in the world is unstoppable. At the same time, unilateralism and power politics are surging against the current, multilateralism and the international order are being impacted, and the deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing rather than shrinking. BRICS countries must firmly stand on the right side of history, boldly serve as pioneers of the times, lead the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction, and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
First, we must be pioneers in promoting innovative development. We must firmly grasp the initiative, strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence, encourage openness, open-source approaches, cooperation, and sharing, and push practical cooperation toward new frontiers and higher levels. We welcome BRICS countries to actively participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. China has proposed the BRICS Initiative on AI Empowering New Industrialization, and is willing to work with all parties to create more research and application outcomes and deepen cooperation on industrial and supply chains.
Second, we must be pioneers in safeguarding peace and stability. We must uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, oppose the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, oppose the violation of other countries' sovereignty and interference in other countries' internal affairs, constructively participate in resolving hotspot issues, and make BRICS' unique contribution to addressing both the symptoms and the root causes (标本兼治, biao ben jian zhi - "symptom, root, both, treat"). China is willing to work together with BRICS members to play its due role in achieving peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Third, we must be pioneers in advancing mutual learning among civilizations. We must promote the common values of humanity and advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and their harmonious coexistence. We should do a good job of hosting the BRICS Forum on People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, share governance experience, and gather positive energy for the stable development of inter-state relations. We should deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and other fields, strengthen youth exchanges, and promote frequent interactions and mutual understanding and affinity among our peoples.
Fourth, we must be pioneers in reforming and improving global governance. We must follow the trend of democratization of international relations, promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system, and uphold the authority of the United Nations. We should support the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core and resist protectionist measures of all forms. We should lead global governance in new frontiers such as cyberspace, outer space, and the deep sea, and enhance the voice of Global South countries.
Xi Jinping stressed that over the past two decades of braving the elements on a journey, unity and cooperation have always been the source of strength for the development of the BRICS cause. We must adhere to treating each other with frankness and sincerity and seeking common ground while reserving differences, respect each other's core concerns, enhance mutual understanding and properly handle contradictions and differences through communication and dialogue, and ensure that BRICS cooperation maintains steady progress to achieve long-term success. China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. China is willing to work with all parties to build consensus, create the future, open a third "Golden Decade" of BRICS cooperation, and jointly create a bright prospect of prosperity and progress. (Full text on Page 2)
Leaders attending the meeting had an in-depth exchange of views on BRICS cooperation and international and regional issues.
All parties spoke highly of the development achievements made by BRICS since its founding 20 years ago, noting that the BRICS mechanism has broad representativeness and enormous development potential. Facing intensifying geopolitical conflicts and rising unilateralism, BRICS countries have the responsibility to speak for the Global South, defend multilateralism, support the central role of the United Nations, safeguard the sovereign equality of all countries, abide by international law, oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, support free trade, and jointly address global challenges. All parties should uphold the BRICS spirit, deepen cooperation in various fields, enhance economic resilience, promote the formation of a fairer and more inclusive international order, and build a secure and prosperous multipolar world. All parties appreciated China's important contribution to the growth and strengthening of the BRICS mechanism, supported China in hosting the 19th BRICS Summit well as next year's chair, and jointly pushed BRICS cooperation to a new level.
The meeting adopted the New Delhi Declaration of the 18th BRICS Summit.
During the meeting, BRICS leaders visited a photo exhibition on the 20th anniversary of BRICS, planted trees together, and took a group photo.
Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others participated in the above activities.
Return to Top(People's Daily, New Delhi, September 12) (Reporters Ren Yan, Han Xiaomeng) On the afternoon of September 12 local time, President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. The two leaders had a candid and in-depth exchange of views and reached an important consensus that China and India should be partners.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China has always viewed and developed China-India relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective. Over the past two years, I have met with Prime Minister Modi twice, leading China-India relations from "setting out anew" to "achieving a new improvement." Institutional exchanges between the two countries have gradually resumed, the list of cooperation has continued to grow, and bilateral trade has reached a new high. This situation has not come easily and is worth cherishing. China and India have different national conditions, and they can fully compensate for each other's deficiencies (取长补短, qu chang bu duan - "take the long, supplement the short"), support each other, help each other to achieve success (彼此成就, bi ci cheng jiu - "each other, achieve, success"), and achieve common development. Facing a volatile and intertwined international situation, China and India, as the world's two most populous countries and important members of the Global South, shoulder important responsibilities. The two sides should keep in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of the people, and work together to promote the high-quality development of "Greater BRICS Cooperation," providing more positive energy for promoting world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
Xi Jinping put forward four points of view on promoting the maintaining steady progress toward long-term goals (行稳致远, xing wen zhi yuan - "walk steadily, reach far") of China-India relations. First, calibrate the direction with objective and rational strategic perception. China and India are cooperation partners rather than adversaries, and each other's development opportunities rather than threats. This is a strategic judgment made based on the development stage and international environment of the two countries, and it conforms to the common interests of the two countries and their peoples. Second, help each other achieve success with the concept of win-win cooperation. The two sides should focus on development, the greatest common denominator, and strengthen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation. Expand cooperation in areas such as people-to-people exchanges and direct flights, and effectively improve the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations. Balance and resolve each other's economic and trade concerns, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations. Third, eliminate interference with the political wisdom of mutual respect and mutual understanding. Be committed to advancing bilateral relations and the boundary question on dual tracks in parallel and mutually reinforcing ways, and maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. Fourth, benefit the world with open and inclusive multilateral coordination. Support each other in holding the BRICS presidency, strengthen coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Group of Twenty, work together through difficulties in times of crisis (同舟共济, tong zhou gong ji - "same, boat, together, cross") to address global challenges, and unequivocally defend international fairness and justice.
Modi said that I have held many fruitful meetings with President Xi Jinping, leading India-China relations toward positive development, which serves the common interests of the more than 2.8 billion people of the two countries. The two great civilizations of India and China have been exchanging and learning from each other (交流互鉴, jiao liu hu jian - "exchange, mutually, learn from") and advancing hand in hand for thousands of years. India has always viewed India-China relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, and is willing to be a partner rather than an adversary with China, viewing each other's development as an opportunity rather than a challenge. India adheres to an independent foreign policy, and the development of its relations with China is not influenced by third parties. India's policies and positions on the Taiwan and Tibet-related issues have not changed, and it will not allow any force to engage in anti-China activities in India. India is willing, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust, to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen strategic communication, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance people-to-people exchanges, to promote greater development of bilateral relations. The two sides should work together to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. India thanks China for supporting India's hosting of the BRICS Summit and will fully support China's assumption of the BRICS presidency next year. India is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with China to jointly promote the strengthening of Global South cooperation, promote world multipolarity and economic growth, and be a force for stability and progress in a turbulent world.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 潘俊强
From September 9 to 13, the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services was held at Shougang Park in Shijingshan District, Beijing. Since the fair opened, visitor traffic to the park has reached 714,000 person-times.
A century of industrial heritage meets a modern services trade fair, and a lively atmosphere fills the entire park. In addition to attending the fair and browsing the exhibitions, many people also received a "Shougang Park Exploration Archive," providing a guide for touring Shougang Park during the fair.
There are surprises beside the fair. During this year's fair, Shougang Park promoted the deep integration of culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions, launching 74 supporting activities covering consumer markets, cultural performances, sporting events, interactive experiences, and science and technology showcases. This year marks the sixth year that the fair and Shougang Park have been working together toward a common goal (携手同行, xie shou tong xing - "hold hands, walk together"). In recent years, Shougang Park has focused on building a composite urban space capable of hosting exhibitions, recreation, shopping, and accommodation, and "good to look at, good to play in, good to stroll through" has gradually become the consensus of citizens and tourists.
In Shougang Park, diverse consumer formats continue to heat up thanks to the fair.
Arriving at the Yongding River Market, located at the foot of Shijingshan Hill, on the banks of the Yongding River, and west of Shougang Park, many people come here from the fair's exhibition areas to check in and relax, experiencing an immersive landscape stroll and unlocking a rich variety of riverside activities. "At the Yongding River Market, the riverbank is no longer merely a scenic green space, but a composite living space integrating consumption, socializing, and more," said Zhang Li, head of the Yongding River Market.
Stepping into the Zhixiaochu Robot Restaurant, after scanning a code to order, cooking dishes, making coffee, making ice cream, and grilling jianbing are all completed by robots. While waiting for a seat, chess-playing robots, companion robots, and others can accompany diners through the waiting time. "Our robot restaurant provides an AI-empowered dining experience, pushing cutting-edge technology out of the exhibition halls, into daily life, and toward the general public," said store manager Cui Lixiao. During the fair, participating merchants who come to experience it can not only enjoy robot-made cuisine, but also place orders for purchasing robots.
As night falls, beside the Yongding River Market, the Shougang Park cooling tower light show goes on, with the cooling tower transformed into a giant naked-eye 3D screen. Images of Shougang furnace flames, the blue waves of the Yongding River, and the city's transformation unfold in sequence, delivering an immersive naked-eye 3D visual experience and giving new vitality to the industrial heritage.
In Shougang Park, the fair is not just an exchange among professional merchants, but also a tangible, touchable urban carnival for the people.
Arriving south of the Shougang Big Air, the Creator's Paradise, beloved by young people, is bustling with activity. Here, the 2026 Animation and Food Festival blends traditional flavors, animation IP (intellectual property), cultural brands, and urban space together; the 2026 China Intangible Cultural Heritage Creative Design Exhibition brings the public up close to the cultural warmth behind traditional craftsmanship through master exhibitions, intangible cultural heritage workshops, and craft demonstrations... From the fair's daytime exhibitions, to the intangible cultural heritage and dining in the Creator's Paradise, to the virtual reality experiences and digital human performances after nightfall, the Creator's Paradise is further extending the fair's consumption chain. "Shougang Park is now carrying new cultural content, consumer scenarios, and urban lifestyles," said He Yuxuan, head of the Creator's Paradise. In the future, the paradise will also operate on a regular basis, attracting more people to experience the charm of Shougang Park.
Return to Top"China will take over the rotating presidency of BRICS next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit." On the afternoon of September 12 local time, President Xi Jinping made the announcement while attending the first plenary session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, stating that China is willing to take this opportunity to work with all parties in reaching a common understanding (凝聚共识, ning ju gong shi - "gather, condense, common, consensus"), open up the future, usher in the third "Golden Decade" of BRICS cooperation, and jointly create a bright prospect of prosperity and progress. Foreign experts and scholars interviewed by our reporters expressed that President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of major concepts and measures, charting the course for the growth and expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism; they look forward to taking China's assumption of the BRICS presidency as an opportunity to promote the high-quality development of "Greater BRICS Cooperation."
Sergei Sanakoev, director of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies in Russia, said that over the past decade or more, President Xi Jinping has followed the trend of the times and put forward a series of highly constructive Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions for deepening practical BRICS cooperation, playing an important leading role in growing and strengthening the BRICS cooperation mechanism. He expressed confidence that next year China will work with Global South countries to continuously translate the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation into more outcomes of "Greater BRICS Cooperation," pooling stronger strength for the common development of the Global South.
"From the BRICS spirit to the 'BRICS Plus' cooperation model, and then to 'Greater BRICS Cooperation,' the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become the world's most influential cooperation platform for emerging markets and developing countries," said Chua Wei Keat, a Selangor state assemblyman and executive director of the Regional Strategies Studies Institute in Malaysia. "We look forward to China, during its BRICS presidency next year, promoting more pragmatic and higher-quality cooperation among BRICS countries, helping the Global South gain fairer representation and a greater say in the international financial system, trade rules, and global governance, and leading the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction."
Mohamed Ba'a, dean of the Faculty of Commerce at Suez Canal University in Egypt, said: "China has already served as BRICS chair three times and has promoted the achievement of rich practical cooperation outcomes. We look forward to standing at the new starting point of the third 'Golden Decade' of BRICS cooperation, with BRICS countries strengthening unity and cooperation so that the fruits of cooperation benefit the people of all countries even more."
Tang Zhimin, director of the China-ASEAN Research Center at Panyapiwat Institute of Management in Thailand, believes that China has the capacity to play a key role in advancing digital infrastructure construction, artificial intelligence applications, energy transition, and other fields, leading BRICS countries in providing more public goods to the international community. "We believe that during China's BRICS presidency, it will further promote the high-quality development of 'Greater BRICS Cooperation' and work with all parties to ensure that BRICS cooperation proceeds steadily and far."
Marcos Pires, professor of political economy at São Paulo State University in Brazil, said that President Xi Jinping has put forward four major global initiatives, providing important guidance for all countries, including BRICS countries, to jointly build a better world. "China has notable advantages in artificial intelligence, clean energy, and other fields. We look forward to taking China's assumption of the BRICS presidency as an opportunity for BRICS countries to further expand innovation cooperation and jointly address global challenges."
"This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past 20 years, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow and strengthen, demonstrating vigorous vitality," said Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, founder of India's ITV News Network. "I am confident that at the 19th BRICS Summit to be hosted by China next year, all parties will further consolidate cooperation consensus."
Baru Demissie, senior advisor at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia, said that President Xi Jinping creatively proposed the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model at the 2017 Xiamen Summit, expanding BRICS partnerships to a global scope. He looks forward to all parties taking China's assumption of the BRICS presidency next year as an opportunity to further deepen practical cooperation in trade and investment, digital transformation, development financing, and people-to-people exchanges, and to safeguard the common interests of the Global South.
"Each of China's three previous terms as BRICS chair brought innovative topics and practical measures to BRICS cooperation," said Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India and former South African BRICS Sherpa. He looks forward to China, after assuming the BRICS presidency next year, further deepening cooperation among BRICS countries in science and technology and other fields, creating more opportunities for the Global South, especially African countries, to accelerate development.
Ayanda Holo, head of the Africa channel of BRICS TV, said that BRICS countries possess diverse civilizational foundations. He looks forward to all parties, during China's BRICS presidency next year, strengthening dialogue, cooperation, exchange, and mutual learning, continuously consolidating the popular foundation of BRICS cooperation, providing more BRICS wisdom for addressing global challenges, and promoting the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system.
Egyptian China expert Drabeck said: "We look forward to all parties, during China's BRICS presidency next year, further reaching a common understanding and promoting more practical outcomes in economic development, scientific and technological innovation, artificial intelligence, green development, and other fields, so that BRICS cooperation better serves the development and revitalization of the Global South."
Mohammed Zarouni, lecturer at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in the UAE, said that China's three previous terms as BRICS chair made important contributions to building consensus among all parties, improving cooperation mechanisms, and deepening practical cooperation. "We look forward to BRICS countries further strengthening solidarity and coordination, translating complementary advantages in resources, industry, markets, innovation, and other fields into more practical outcomes, and promoting the upgrading of 'Greater BRICS Cooperation.'"
Alina Singh, Russian head of the Skills Development Working Group of the BRICS Business Council, said that BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion, established an all-dimensional, multi-tiered cooperation architecture, and continuously deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, and other fields. She believes that after China assumes the BRICS presidency next year, it will work with all parties to tap the potential for cooperation in emerging fields and bring new opportunities for the modernization of BRICS countries.
Mohammed Ali, director of the Trends Research & Advisory Center in the UAE, looks forward to China, during its BRICS presidency in 2027, promoting "Greater BRICS Cooperation" to go deeper and more solid, translating beautiful visions into concrete actions, and jointly opening up a future of peace and prosperity.
(People's Daily reporters Che Bin, Ren Yan, Qiang Wei, Chen Zhenkai, Meng Xianglin, Yuan Jirong, Zhang Penghui, Qian Yibin, Lin Zihan, Huang Peizhao, Zhang Zhiwen, Shi Yuanhao, Xiao Xinxin, Yang Yi, Wang Xuchen, Zheng Xiang, Li Mo, Shen Xiaoxiao)
Return to TopChina has played a key role at every critical juncture of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, leaving a profound Chinese imprint.
On the afternoon of September 12 local time, President Xi Jinping attended the first plenary session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. President Xi Jinping summarized the development achievements of the BRICS cooperation mechanism over the past 20 years, profoundly elaborating that BRICS countries should firmly stand on the right side of history, boldly serve as pioneers of the times, lead the international order toward a more just and reasonable direction, and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. The BRICS countries came together based on a common pursuit of development, in keeping with the general trend of world peace and development. From the initial "BRIC" to "BRICS," and then to the historic expansion, from the innovation of the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model to the increasingly refined partner country mechanism, BRICS cooperation has always upheld the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, cooperation, and win-win results. The BRICS countries have grown into the leading echelon of the Global South. Today's BRICS family accounts for more than half of the world's population, about 30 percent of the global economy, and over 50 percent of the contribution to world economic growth. It is a backbone force on the international stage for safeguarding peace, promoting development, and upholding justice. The BRICS countries have achieved historic expansion, established a comprehensive, multi-tiered cooperation architecture, and entered a new stage of high-quality development of "Greater BRICS Cooperation."
At present, the once-in-a-century transformation of the world is accelerating, unilateralism and power politics are surging, multilateralism and the international order are under impact, and the deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing. However, the vast majority of countries do not identify with power politics, do not want conflict and confrontation, and do not wish to remain closed and backward. Instead, they look forward to achieving development through their own efforts and international cooperation, and to having an equal place on the world stage. In recent years, the Global South has grown remarkably, driving profound adjustments in the international balance of power, and world multipolarity is unstoppable. The more complex and severe the situation, the more a pillar of strength is needed; the more the Global South grows and strengthens, the more it needs a leading force. As a model of emerging markets and developing countries seeking strength through unity, the BRICS countries shoulder greater responsibilities and carry higher expectations. They should demonstrate greater achievements in leading the unity and cooperation of the Global South and contribute BRICS strength to steering the world toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.
China has always been a promoter and builder of BRICS cooperation. From the BRICS Xiamen Summit in 2017, which creatively proposed the "BRICS Plus" cooperation model, to the BRICS "China Year" in 2022, which promoted the launch of the BRICS expansion process, and then to the Kazan Summit in 2024, which put forward the important concept of high-quality development of "Greater BRICS Cooperation" and advocated building a BRICS of peace, innovation, green development, justice, and people-to-people exchanges, China has played a key role at every critical juncture of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, leaving a profound Chinese imprint. A series of Chinese proposals have been translated into tangible cooperation outcomes, fully demonstrating China's important role as a backbone force of BRICS cooperation and a core member of the Global South. At this summit, President Xi Jinping proposed that BRICS countries should be pioneers in promoting innovative development, pioneers in safeguarding peace and stability, pioneers in advancing mutual learning among civilizations, and pioneers in reforming and improving global governance. This Chinese solution, which leads BRICS cooperation toward moving steadily toward long-term development (行稳致远, xing wen zhi yuan - "walk, steady; arrive, far"), will inject more certainty, stability, and positive energy into a world fraught with change and turbulence.
In addressing global challenges, BRICS actions are pragmatic and forceful. Global challenges require global responses, and unity is the right path. Development is the master key to solving all problems. The BRICS countries are actively deepening cooperation in economic, trade, financial, scientific and technological, and industrial fields, and maintaining the stability and smooth functioning of industrial and supply chains; actively addressing energy and food security challenges, promoting the depoliticization and de-weaponization of related issues, strengthening cooperation on strategic mineral resources, and maintaining the stability and smooth functioning of production and supply chains; and building and making good use of the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center to jointly enhance the public health capacity of developing countries. Green transformation is the general trend. The BRICS countries uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and continuously deepen cooperation on clean energy and climate action. In the future, all parties should strengthen cooperation, bring development issues back to the center of the international agenda, and provide more urgently needed public goods to the Global South.
In resolving security dilemmas, the BRICS consensus has unique value. The vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security is the key to solving security dilemmas and points the way toward universal security. On hotspot issues, the BRICS countries have always adhered to the direction of political settlement and actively explored effective ways to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation. All member states uphold an objective and impartial stance and actively promote peace talks: China facilitated the historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran; China, together with Brazil and other countries, jointly initiated the "Group of Friends for Peace" on the Ukraine crisis; and all BRICS parties unanimously called for a ceasefire in Gaza, supported all mediation efforts conducive to de-escalating the conflict, and accumulated mediation experience characterized by seeking no selfish interests, maintaining objectivity and impartiality, and adopting a comprehensive approach. This has charted a path of security governance different from the bloc confrontation of the West. China is willing to work with BRICS members to play its due role in achieving peace and tranquility in the Middle East and the Gulf region. The BRICS countries bring together diverse civilizations, adhere to transcending estrangement between civilizations through exchanges, transcending clashes between civilizations through mutual learning, and transcending superiority of civilizations through coexistence, enhance strategic mutual trust through exchanges on governance and people-to-people bonds, and lay a solid civilizational foundation for lasting peace.
In defending the international order, the BRICS countries are duty-bound. In the face of the reality that international rules are repeatedly undermined and fairness and justice are violated, the BRICS countries should hold high the banner of multilateralism, firmly defend the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and unequivocally oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and oppose the double standards of using something only when it is convenient and discarding it otherwise (合则用、不合则弃, he ze yong, bu he ze qi - "agree, then use; not agree, then discard"). The BRICS countries should dare to uphold fairness and justice, promote the democratization of international relations, respect the social systems and development paths independently chosen by all countries, advance the reform of the international financial architecture, enhance the representation and voice of developing countries, ensure that Global South countries participate more fully in global governance and rule-making, and inject strong momentum into an equal and orderly multipolar world.
In reforming and improving global governance, BRICS wisdom is indispensable. New frontiers such as cyberspace, outer space, and the deep sea are constantly expanding, yet governance rules are far from being formed. A few developed countries attempt to monopolize rule-making, erect technological barriers, and squeeze the development space of developing countries. The BRICS countries advocate seeking advantage and avoiding harm (趋利避害, qu li bi hai - "seek, profit; avoid, harm") and inclusive and beneficial development: on the one hand, they closely track technological frontiers, expand cooperation on artificial intelligence and the digital economy, promote the formation of governance frameworks and standards with broad consensus, and enhance the safety, reliability, controllability, and fairness of technology; on the other hand, they firmly support the United Nations as the main channel for advancing cyberspace and digital governance, promote the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, formulate common rules for cyberspace, bridge the digital divide and the intelligence divide, and ensure that developing countries participate and benefit on an equal footing.
In 2027, China will assume the BRICS presidency and host the 19th BRICS Summit. China is willing to work with all parties to build consensus, create the future, open the third "golden decade" of BRICS cooperation, and continuously elevate "Greater BRICS Cooperation" to new heights.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 时元皓
"Over the past 20 years, the BRICS countries have, through mechanisms such as leaders' summits, ministerial meetings in various fields, and related working group meetings, broadly connected governments, universities, think tanks, enterprises, and social organizations, covering fields such as finance, trade, health, education, and science and technology, continuously promoting dialogue and knowledge sharing, and forming a consensus on development cooperation." Marta Fernandez, a researcher at the Brazilian BRICS Policy Research Center, said in a recent interview with a People's Daily reporter.
Fernandez believes that as one of the most representative outcomes of BRICS cooperation, the New Development Bank has broadened financing channels for emerging markets and developing countries in infrastructure and sustainable development projects. This is a pioneering initiative for Global South countries to unite and strengthen themselves, and it also conforms to the historical trend of reforming and improving global governance.
"The enhancement of BRICS countries' representation in global governance is also one of the important achievements." Fernandez said that a special contribution of the BRICS countries lies in the diversity of their member states' development paths. The attractiveness of BRICS continues to grow, allowing more countries sharing the same ambitions and goals (志同道合, zhi tong dao he - "will, same, road, combine") to pool their strength in promoting peace and development.
In July this year, Brazil, as a founding member state, signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Fernandez said that China's experience shows that more open, more efficient, and lower-cost artificial intelligence models can lower the threshold for universities, enterprises, and public institutions to participate in frontier innovation. BRICS countries can not only help countries expand the application fields of artificial intelligence, but also help improve the level of AI governance, carrying out cooperation in infrastructure, talent cultivation, joint scientific research, open-source models, and other areas. China's establishment of the China-BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Center and its promotion of the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization will help narrow the technological divide and strengthen capacity building in various countries.
"BRICS countries play an important role in safeguarding multilateralism." Fernandez said that as important members of the Global South, Brazil and China play an active role in defending multilateralism, giving the Global South greater voice and influence in global governance.
"China has played a key role in advancing the continuous development of the BRICS cooperation mechanism." Fernandez said that China's own development has important demonstrative significance, proving that there is no single model for development and that Global South countries can independently choose their development paths. As the largest economy among the BRICS countries, China continuously promotes BRICS cooperation to focus on concrete actions, providing more opportunities for developing countries in areas such as trade and investment and financing.
Return to Top(Xinhua News Agency, Moscow, September 12) (Reporter Hou Ming) From September 9 to 12, Li Hongzhong, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, and Chinese Chairman of the China-Russia Friendship, Peace and Development Committee, attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th China-Russia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Practical Cooperation Forum in Moscow; met with Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, First Deputy Chairman Ivan Melnikov of the State Duma, and Russian Chairman Boris Titov of the China-Russia Friendship, Peace and Development Committee; and visited Irkutsk Oblast.
Li Hongzhong stated that, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era has maintained a high level of development. China is willing to work with Russia to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push the China-Russia relationship toward a new stage of higher quality, faster development, and greater achievements. The NPC of China is willing to maintain close exchanges with the Federation Council and the State Duma of Russia and strengthen experience sharing. This year marks the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, and China's high-quality development will provide new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises from all countries, including Russia, to develop in China. The Committee should continue to play its role as the main channel for people-to-people exchanges, promote the improvement of quality and efficiency in mutually beneficial cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises, continuously enhance the friendship between the peoples of the two countries, and carry forward the enduring friendship between China and Russia from generation to generation.
The Russian side stated that President Putin and President Xi Jinping have led Russia-China relations to their best level in history, and political, economic, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are developing vigorously (蓬勃开展, peng bo kai zhan - "flourishing, expand"). The Russian side is willing to work with China to deepen exchanges between legislative bodies, enrich the substance of practical cooperation, and push mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields toward a higher stage.
During his visit to Russia, Li Hongzhong visited the site of the Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 张天培
One port links land and sea, and ten thousand miles share the rising tide together. The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) 2026 Annual Meeting was recently held in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. More than 2,100 representatives from 139 countries, regions, and international organizations gathered together, centering on the theme of "Uniting to Advance Public Security Governance, Injecting Stability into a Turbulent World," to discuss major plans for global security governance and exchange views on the prospects for international cooperation. Chinese and foreign delegates at the meeting all stated that China has demonstrated the responsibility of a major country in leading the transformation of global governance, and that this meeting has brought together global law enforcement forces, integrated the governance wisdom of all parties, and injected momentum into deepening global public security governance.
The participants in this meeting had stronger regional representation and covered more fields, broadly consolidating consensus among all parties.
"The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), after years of sustained cultivation, has formed a stable and long-term public security exchange mechanism, providing a sustained professional dialogue platform for global security issues," said Guo Yongliang, a professor at the People's Public Security University of China.
Vilay Kham, Minister of Public Security of Laos, said: "The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) has become an important information exchange platform, bringing together rich information from various countries in the field of public security as well as scientific research achievements in various fields, providing useful reference for us to study and formulate our own public security governance measures."
Focusing on the practical needs of current global public security governance, this meeting set up a main forum and eight sub-forums in fields including immigration management cooperation, international anti-drug cooperation, cybersecurity, and international police education cooperation, and organized participating representatives to visit the Third Public Security Science and Technology Equipment Exhibition. Each sub-forum had its own focus, closely tied to reality.
"The International Police Education Cooperation Sub-forum helps share practical experience, connect institutional resources, and explore effective paths, continuously improving the quality and effectiveness of police education and training," said Nguyen Tho Dang, Vice President of the Vietnam People's Police Academy.
Entering the Public Security Science and Technology Equipment Exhibition hall, a batch of highly technological public security technology equipment was strikingly impressive or eye-catching (眼前一亮, yan qian yi liang - "eye, front, one, bright"). "This exhibition is astonishing! Intelligent police equipment such as AI robots assists in investigating crime scenes, greatly improving the efficiency of police investigation work." Ma Haoming, Deputy Director of the Joint Anti-Drug Project of the Asenoso Family Foundation Representative Office in China and former Assistant Commissioner of the New Zealand Police, said: "China has many new technologies applied in police practice that are worth studying and learning from for all countries."
During the meeting, "unity," "diversity," and "innovation" became high-frequency buzzwords, and participating representatives conducted in-depth exchanges around the practical challenges of global public security governance.
On the morning of the 10th, the founding meeting of the International Alliance for Combating Telecom and Online Fraud was held in Lianyungang. At the meeting, all parties highly appreciated China's responsibility and commitment in initiating the establishment of the International Alliance for Combating Telecom and Online Fraud, highly evaluated the significant significance of the alliance's establishment for maintaining global public security, and were full of confidence and expectation in the alliance's ability to curb the global spread of telecom and online fraud. "One of the most prominent outcomes of this year's forum is the major progress made in promoting international law enforcement cooperation against telecom and online fraud," said Tsang Wai Hung, Chairman of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang).
The establishment of the alliance received unanimous recognition from participating guests. "Telecom and online fraud is an international problem, and having such a platform to pool the joint efforts of all parties to combat fraud is very necessary," said Zafar Uddin Mahmood, Special Representative of the Pakistani Prime Minister on Chinese Affairs and Chairman of the Pakistan "Understanding China" Forum.
Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration of Kenya, said: "With the rapid development of technology, more and more criminal activities are being carried out across borders with the help of communication systems and digital platforms, which requires us to improve our technical capabilities and enhance our ability to assess, study, and handle crimes committed with the help of communication systems and digital platforms."
Many foreign representatives said that this meeting provided a platform for equal dialogue for countries at different development stages and in different regions, listening not only to the governance experience of developed countries but also fully absorbing the practical demands of developing countries, truly achieving being inclusive and embracing diverse elements (兼容并蓄, jian rong bing xu - "accommodate, merge, and, absorb") and pooling wisdom and ideas to broaden benefits (集思广益, ji si guang yi - "collect, thoughts, expand, benefits"). "Through this meeting, we hope to send a clearer signal to the world that mutual support and solidarity and cooperation are the correct path to solving global public security problems, and can inject more stability into an uncertain world," said Tsang Wai Hung.
The four-point proposal put forward by the Chinese side — consolidating consensus on stability, pooling strength for stability, solidifying the foundation of stability, and ensuring stable development — received an active response from all participating parties. Pyotr Gorodov, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, said that many cases often involve multiple countries, and no country can deal with them alone; all countries should strengthen coordination and work together to solve problems. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, President of INTERPOL, said: "Taking advantage of this meeting, INTERPOL will work with its members to advance security governance and prevent and defuse security risks."
Return to Top(People's Daily, Beijing, September 12) (Reporters Yu Jinghao, Guan Haoyu) An international symposium titled "New Quality Productive Forces: China's Practice and Global Significance," hosted by the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Research Center, was recently held in Beijing. Envoys from more than 60 countries and Chinese scholars gathered together in one place (齐聚一堂, qi ju yi tang - "gather, together, one hall") to discuss the contemporary connotation and global value of new quality productive forces.
Chen Bo, Secretary-General of the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Research Center and President of the China Institute of International Studies, stated that developing new quality productive forces helps China continue to play an important role as an engine of world economic growth, helps provide new opportunities for innovation cooperation among countries, and helps offer a new paradigm for global sustainable development. The development of new quality productive forces is transforming from Chinese action into new momentum for global development, benefiting both developed countries in upgrading and improving their economies and developing countries in achieving leapfrog development amid the wave of innovation.
Jordanian Ambassador to China Hussam Al-Husseini stated that new quality productive forces are future-oriented productive forces born from the convergence of frontier fields such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and biotechnology. China's vivid practice provides a referenceable approach for countries exploring paths to modernization.
Nigerian Ambassador to China Dambazau stated that China's proposal to develop new quality productive forces comes at the right time. The world today faces challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and supply chain restructuring, and what is needed is precisely productivity that is innovation-driven, green, and efficient.
Return to Top(People's Daily, Rome, September 12) (Reporter Xie Yahong) The 37th Session of the Committee on Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was held from September 7 to 11 in Rome, the capital of Italy. A Chinese delegation attended the session.
During the session, China and the FAO co-hosted a side event titled "Promoting Innovation in Aquaculture for Green and Sustainable Development," with discussions centering on technological innovation, regional cooperation and development, investment empowerment, and multi-stakeholder participation. Representatives from New Zealand, India, South Africa, the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific, and other countries and international organizations delivered remarks. In its keynote report, the Chinese side noted that China's aquaculture output in 2025 reached 63.26 million tons, accounting for 83 percent of total aquatic product output. China adheres to the concept of high-quality aquaculture, implements the revitalization of the aquaculture seed industry and scientific and technological research on aquaculture, develops new models such as integrated rice-fish farming, incorporates new sustainability requirements into the newly revised Fisheries Law of the People's Republic of China, and at the same time deeply participates in South-South cooperation on aquaculture, helping relevant countries achieve innovative development.
During the same period, the Chinese side was invited to attend the high-level event marking the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Agreement on Port State Measures hosted by the FAO. The event invited seven key fishing nations from around the world to deliver remarks, and China was the only representative from the Asian region. At the event, the Chinese side presented the various progress and measures taken since its formal accession to the Agreement in April 2025, including strict port access control, the publication of the first batch of 23 designated ports, standardized vessel inspections, the establishment of a compliance information platform, and the strengthening of compliance training and capacity building.
In addition, the Chinese side set up a themed display corner on the ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River, focusing on introducing China's practices and achievements in the ten-year fishing ban and aquatic life protection in the Yangtze River. From 2021 to 2025, a cumulative total of 351 species of indigenous fish were monitored in the Yangtze River basin, an increase of 43 species compared with before the fishing ban; the wild population of the Yangtze finless porpoise recovered from a low of 1,012 individuals to 1,426 individuals, and the aquatic biological integrity index continued to improve.
The FAO Committee on Fisheries is an important intergovernmental platform in the field of global fisheries and aquaculture. China's participation in this session is an important practice of China's active engagement in global fisheries governance and the deepening of international fisheries cooperation.
Return to Top(People's Daily, Kathmandu, September 12) (Reporter Li Mo) On the afternoon of September 11 local time, China's fifth batch of emergency aid supplies to Nepal arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, aboard a Chinese Air Force Y-20 large transport aircraft.
Zhang Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, and Mahabir Pun, Nepal's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, attended the handover ceremony for the aid supplies.
As disaster relief efforts continue to advance, this batch of aid supplies is closely tailored to Nepal's most urgent current needs, mainly including diesel generators, medical protective masks, mortuary refrigerators, DNA testing equipment and reagents, and water rescue equipment, which will provide strong support for Nepal's follow-up work.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 刘晓宇
In the early morning, as the thin mist dispersed, at the foot of Wolong Mountain in Changting County, Longyan City, Fujian Province, an old ancient well was hidden among the blue bricks and black tiles. The bluestone well platform bore deep grooves worn by years of drawing water, and a square well curb enclosed a pool of living water, where ripples gently stirred as skylight fell upon it. Beside the well stood a small green stele inscribed with eight characters: The Well Chairman Mao Cared About Most.
Within this stretch of clear water endures an original aspiration unchanged for over 90 years.
In 1932, Comrade Mao Zedong was recuperating at the Fuyin Hospital in Changting, and at that time this ancient well was the only source of water for several hundred nearby households. Over a long period of time (经年累月, jing nian lei yue - "pass years, accumulate months"), thick mud had accumulated at the bottom of the well, the water was often turbid, and drawing water was especially difficult in the dry season. Seeing that the villagers had difficulty drawing water, Comrade Mao Zedong led his guards to repair the well platform and dredge the spring outlet. After a bout of labor, the ancient well once again gushed clear spring water. During this period, Comrade Mao Zedong often chatted cordially with the masses who came to the ancient well to draw water and wash clothes, learning about local social conditions and public sentiment.
In the new era, Changting has transformed its red resources and ecological advantages into a path to enrich the people, both safeguarding its lucid waters and lush mountains and, moreover, doing solid work on livelihood matters and strengthening rural industries, so that the people of the old revolutionary base areas share in the dividends of development—taking the old ancient well as the starting point, it has launched a red study tour route from Fuyin Hospital to the former site of the Fujian Provincial Soviet Government, built on-site teaching points, and made these a vivid classroom for Party members and cadres to temper their original aspiration. In Zhongfu Village, red heritage sites such as the Red Army Street and the field hospital have been successively restored, and many villagers have become docents or opened agritourism businesses.
In the past, the Red Army embarked on the long March; today, the people of Changting continue the hard struggle, carrying forward the red spirit in the work of managing the mountains, protecting the rivers, and benefiting the villagers.
Walking slowly along the waterfront trail beside the Ting River, one can see woodlands stretching along the riverbanks, and egrets occasionally sweeping across the clear river surface.
Huang Jinyang, a villager from Sanzhou Village, personally experienced the hardships this red land once faced. Recalling the early years, the contiguous mountain slopes were all bare. In 2000, Huang Jinyang contracted more than 300 mu of barren hills suffering from severe soil erosion, dug horizontal trenches along the contours of the terrain, and planted tea seedlings on the crimson slopes. After several heavy rains, the newly planted saplings, along with the surface red soil, were washed away by flash floods, and the earlier investment was almost entirely lost.
He did not give up. Day after day (日复一日, ri fu yi ri - "day, repeat, one, day") he carried a hoe up the mountain, replanted seedlings, and reinforced the slopes, and the bare mountain slowly grew green. Local cadres and the masses acted together, simultaneously closing hillsides for afforestation, stabilizing soil on slopes, and dredging river channels, and the red land gradually donned a cloak of green, crystallizing into the nationally renowned "Changting experience."
After ecological restoration, the locality developed under-forest economy and ecological agriculture, expanded distinctive rural industries such as Hetian chicken and betel nut taro, and tens of thousands of farming households were integrated into the industrial chain, with people's livelihood and well-being continuously improving.
Today's Huang Jinyang is a well-known expert at getting rich in Changting County, with steadily increasing income from fruit and seedling cultivation. "Life has more and more prospects!" Huang Jinyang often says with a smile.
Yue Hui, director of the Changting County Soil and Water Conservation Center, introduced that the locality has always adhered to a bottom line: first protect the original landscapes and waters, then develop resources appropriately. All cultural tourism projects are built upon the natural foundation, so that the latent achievements accumulated through decades of governance are effectively transformed into visible achievements that increase the people's income.
The clear spring of the ancient well never runs dry, and the blue waters of the Ting River flow on forever. The red land of western Fujian retains its vitality forever through continued struggle.
Return to TopBy: 林云高
My name is Lin Yungao, 54 years old, from Lieshen Village, Zhushan Town, Liangping District, Chongqing. For most of my life, I have never left these mountains.
When I was young, I lived off the mountains. Starting at eighteen or nineteen, I followed the adults to cut bamboo and make paper, and later mined coal and gypsum, working at it for nearly 20 years in total.
Making a living from mining was not easy.
Gypsum mines are prone to water seepage, coal mines to gas — either one can be deadly. Working underground, you never know when something might go wrong. We often said we were earning money with our lives on the line.
As mining went on for years, the village changed. Some houses developed cracks from the blasting, dust floated everywhere in the village, and groundwater grew scarcer and scarcer...
In 2017, the village shut down all its gypsum mines.
At first, I was very anxious. My family earned money from the mines — once they closed, where would our income come from? But when I calmed down and thought about it, I also understood that the mines could not be mined any longer. Otherwise, what would happen to our children and grandchildren?
During that period, cadres from the town and the village often came to our home to do outreach work, explaining the policies on one hand and helping us find a way out on the other. If we needed space, they helped coordinate it; if we lacked funds, they helped us arrange low-interest loans.
I had run a restaurant before, so I thought I might as well open a farmhouse inn. After the mines closed, the village environment improved, more and more tourists came, and the farmhouse inn business got better and better.
Now my establishment can host more than ten tables at a time, 150 to 160 people. In the peak season, monthly revenue is around 60,000 yuan, and annual net income is 200,000 to 300,000 yuan. I open basically every day; sometimes even in wind and rain, customers make a special trip to come.
Most of the dishes at the inn are grown on our own land — pumpkins, loofah, eggplant, radishes, cabbages, all kinds of different things (各式各样, ge shi ge yang - "every, kind, every, sort"). When tourists come, they taste authentic farmhouse dishes, then take a stroll through the bamboo groves and wetlands — it is very pleasant.
Over the years, many changes have taken place in the village, and they fill my heart with joy.
The yard that used to store gypsum is now a wetland park; abandoned mine pits have become ponds and terraced wetlands. The trees on the mountains have grown back, and the fireflies that were common when I was a child have returned.
The mountain in front of the village is still the same, but the life we live now is a different kind of beautiful life, one of enjoying nature.
As long as my health holds up, I want to keep running this inn. Having work to do at my own doorstep, with an income to show for it, I feel it is quite good.
From mining to closing the mines, restoring the mountains, and developing tourism, the road our Lieshen Village has taken was not easy. But looking back, it was the right road.
We still live off the mountains, but first we must nurture and protect them. When the mountains are green and the water is clear, tourists come, and our lives get better and better.
(The author is a villager of Lieshen Village, Zhushan Town, Liangping District, Chongqing; compiled from an interview by People's Daily reporter Wang Xinyue)
Return to TopBy: 王欣悦
The day the mine was shut down, Lin Yungao felt somewhat "uncomfortable" in his heart. A few years later, tending his own agritourism business, he watched tourists stroll through the bamboo groves and listened to the gentle flow of the wetland stream, and reflected that closing the mine was the right call—"the path taken was the right one."
Lieshen Village was once filled with the roar of blasting and dust filling the sky, with groundwater seepage and damage to the mountain slopes. Such development brought immediate gains, but it was not sustainable. To win the battle to protect clean soil, one must dare to take decisive and tough action (动真碰硬, dong zhen peng ying - "move truth, hit hard"): mines that should be closed must be firmly closed, pollution that should be treated must be thoroughly treated, and ecological debts owed must be repaid in a timely manner.
Ecological restoration repairs not only the mountains and waters, but also the foundation for development. The local resources have not changed; what has changed is the way resources are utilized: in the past, they extracted from the mountains; today, they nurture the mountains well. As the ecological environment improves, industry develops as well.
The shift from "digging the mountains" to "nurturing the mountains" reflects a change in the concept of development. The battle to protect clean soil does not mean forgoing development; rather, it means abandoning the old path of overdrawing resources and opening a new path of green development. Only by carrying out ecological restoration thoroughly, connecting industrial transformation smoothly, and securing the livelihoods of the people can lucid waters and lush mountains truly become golden mountains and silver mountains that benefit the whole region.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 丁雅诵
Wearing a straw hat, trouser legs stained with mud, skin tanned dark, smile simple and unadorned — this is the image of Zhang Fusuo, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at China Agricultural University.
Having taught and nurtured students for more than 40 years, the "Science and Technology Backyard" education model he pioneered has sent large numbers of graduate students to the front line of production. He says: "My greatest happiness and pursuit is to be a good teacher, to cultivate talent, to serve the country, and to serve the people — that is living most freely."
In the spring of 2009, when the wheat seedlings in Quzhou County, Hebei Province, had just turned green again, Zhang Fusuo led his team to conduct experiments in the fields. In the adjacent field, a farmer grabbed a handful of chemical fertilizer, stuck out his tongue and licked it, muttering to himself: "Is this fertilizer genuine or not?"
At that moment, Zhang Fusuo was stunned. Several hundred kilometers away, in the laboratories of China Agricultural University, students could already measure fertility and analyze components with precision, yet on this land, the local farmers still relied on crude traditional methods to distinguish fertilizer. An even greater contrast was that at the China Agricultural University Quzhou Experimental Station, the crops grew vigorously; while in the farmers' fields, the crops often suffered from lodging and other problems, and yields were also lower.
Late at night, Zhang Fusuo was tossing and turning due to anxiety or excitement (辗转难眠, zhan zhuan nan mian - "toss and turn, difficult, sleep"): "Those papers we published in important academic journals — what can they bring to the local farmers? Of the achievements in the laboratory and the knowledge in books, how much can actually be applied in the fields?" So he decided to stay with his team and, together with the villagers, use practice to answer these questions.
As time went on, Zhang Fusuo's team continuously brought scientific and technological knowledge and achievements into farmers' homes. The local farmers simply suggested: "Let's just call this place a Science and Technology Backyard."
Seeking practical results is the original aspiration with which Zhang Fusuo founded the Science and Technology Backyard. He distilled this original aspiration into two characters and offered his own explanation: "Shi (practicality) and Si (thinking). Shi means wearing a 'straw hat' on one's 'head' and going down to earnestly help the common people solve problems, helping one household counts as one household; Si means putting the farmers' 'field' on one's 'heart,' devoting oneself wholeheartedly to the people."
Zhang Fusuo spends an average of more than 200 days a year in rural areas, often eating with farmers and going to the fields together with them. Over the past 17 years, the Science and Technology Backyard has grown from "a single seed" in Quzhou into a "forest for revitalizing agriculture" spread across the country: more than 200 universities have participated, more than 5,000 Science and Technology Backyards have been registered and filed, and tens of thousands of graduate students have taken root on the front line of production.
In pursuing scholarship, Zhang Fusuo is equally acting in a practical and down-to-earth manner (脚踏实地, jiao ta shi di - "foot, step on, solid, ground"). He led his team to break through key technologies, integrated six major regional models for green production and increased efficiency, and promoted them cumulatively across 566 million mu. In 2023, he launched the "Green 1.5-Ton Grain per Mu" initiative in Quzhou, setting clear targets: annual grain yield of 1.5 tons per mu, farmland quality improved by one grade, production capacity increased by 20 percent, emission reduction and efficiency improvement of 30 percent, and income increased by onefold.
"In 2024, the thousand-mu demonstration area set a record of 1,522 kilograms per mu; at the autumn harvest of 2025, despite drought, flood and other disasters, it still reached 1,557.4 kilograms," Zhang Fusuo said. "In the next step, we will promote the deep integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things with agriculture, so that smart agriculture can support stable and increased grain production."
In cultivating outstanding talent, Zhang Fusuo places even greater emphasis on "letting young people make their own decisions." Speaking of the graduate students in the Science and Technology Backyards, his face is full of pride: "Students in the backyard must help the villagers solve practical problems, must think about how local industries can develop, and must learn to interact with farmers. After a period of time, they can be capable of handling tasks independently (独当一面, du dang yi mian - "alone, undertake, one, side"), and their eyes become brighter and more spirited."
His online general education course "A Major Country's Agriculture, Rural Areas, and Farmers: Green Agricultural Development" has attracted 462 institutions and 270,000 enrollments; he has established an outstanding innovation class for undergraduates in resources and environmental sciences, building a multidisciplinary cross-training system; he has promoted the Science and Technology Backyard "going global" to share China's experience in green agricultural development... Under Zhang Fusuo's leadership, batches of teachers and students are moving toward the front line of agriculture, becoming a vital new force for strengthening agriculture and revitalizing agriculture.
Someone once asked: "What made Zhang Fusuo who he is today?" His answer was simple and moving: "I am nothing special. I am a son of farmers. Being able to use what I have learned to do practical things for farmers — I feel very honored and very happy."
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 尚嵘峥
In September, on the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, daytime temperatures remain high. Wang Lei, Party branch secretary of the Desertification Control Research Institute of the Xinjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences, could not stop worrying about the more than 6,200 seedlings planted in the desert. Donning a sun hat, she headed to the desert test base to check on the growth of the seedlings.
"The Calligonum is growing well." The wind slapped hard against her face, and Wang Lei had to raise her voice considerably for it to carry over the sound of the wind.
Starting in 2025, the Xinjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences established a test base on the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in Yuli County, within the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, planting drought-tolerant crops such as saxaul, tamarisk, Calligonum, and Nitraria, to conduct scientific research on near-natural afforestation technology for extremely arid regions.
"When first planted, we water them once so the plants have the strength to push their roots down into the moist sand layer; after that, we never water them again, and the plants survive on their own by drawing moisture from the wet sand layer." Luo Qinghong, deputy secretary of the Party branch of the research institute, explained that the near-natural afforestation technology for extremely arid regions directly confronts the water shortage challenge in desertification prevention and control, striving to grow the hardiest seedlings with the least amount of water.
The test base, now lush and full of greenery (绿意盎然, lv yi ang ran - "green, color, abundant, surging"), presented a completely different scene last year, when the survival rate of the crops was only about 20 percent.
"My first reaction was to find the cause on site — the timing of planting, the planting method, the management approach — we needed to review and reflect on the whole process from start to finish to figure out where the problem lay." Wang Lei said that Party members braved the scorching sun and stayed in the desert, checking whether the root systems had rotted and whether they had penetrated the moist sand layer, digging up each seedling one by one and searching for the cause again and again.
They found that the root systems showed no signs of growth, indicating the seedlings had died right after planting. Why? "Among the seedlings we bought last year, some could not adapt to the extreme climate of the Taklamakan Desert, and some may have lost water or suffered root damage during transport." Luo Qinghong said that only by pinpointing the crux of the problem could they take taking appropriate measures to solve a specific problem (对症下药, dui zheng xia yao - "against, symptoms, administer, medicine").
"If the seedlings bought from outside won't do, we'll cultivate our own!" Luo Qinghong, a veteran Party member, took the lead in shouldering the task of seedling cultivation, building a seedling greenhouse in the sandy land near the test base so that the young seedlings could gradually adapt to the desert growing environment. All of the more than 6,200 seedlings planted this year were cultivated independently by the team, with an average survival rate exceeding 70 percent.
At the crack of dawn, Li Shenghui, a team member and probationary Party member, picked up a tape measure and a test record book and arrived early at the test base to measure and record data such as plant height.
"51.2, 42.1, 23.2..." Measuring one plant at a time and recording each one, Li Shenghui unknowingly trekked over one sand dune after another, his long shadow gradually shortening as the ultraviolet rays grew ever stronger. After a midday rest, this work would continue until 10 p.m. "Observation of plant growth data can only be done manually; there's no shortcut." Li Shenghui said.
Li Shenghui, born after 1995, came to work at the Desertification Control Research Institute of the Xinjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences after graduation. "In my daily work, I've found that whenever there are difficulties, Party members are always at the forefront. The exemplary and vanguard role of Party members has been made tangible through one challenge after another."
Shortly after joining the institute, Li Shenghui submitted his application for Party membership and became a probationary Party member in 2025. It was also in this year that he left his office in Urumqi and chose to station himself at the test base on the edge of the desert, walking 10,000 to 20,000 steps in the desert every day, filling his test record book with dense notes.
"It's not easy for teachers to persevere in this kind of environment, let alone for students coming to do experiments." Wang Lei said that a few students wanted to leave shortly after arriving, but more of them stuck it out. "The Party branch integrates ideological guidance into students' daily study and experiments, and students, through their teachers' teaching by word of mouth and personal example (言传身教, yan chuan shen jiao - "speech, transmit, body, teach"), actively draw closer to the Party organization, with many submitting applications for Party membership."
In the desolate desert, fluttering alongside the Party flag are the desertification-control plants. The scientific research continues, and the Party branch of the Desertification Control Research Institute of the Xinjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences is using practice to write its papers on the motherland's land.
Return to TopOn September 11, the Central Green Valley basic supporting facilities project, undertaken by China Railway Construction Engineering Group, passed completion acceptance and was officially opened to the public. The project is located in the core section of the launch area of Hebei Xiong'an New Area. Upon completion, it will enhance the park's leisure, recreation, and public service functions, help build the Central Green Valley into Xiong'an's ecological core, urban living room, and cultural landmark, and provide solid support for improving people's livelihoods and high-quality development in the new area.
The photo shows an aerial view of the Central Green Valley park in Xiong'an New Area.
Photo by Zhang Wujun, People's Daily reporter.
Return to Top(Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, September 12) Recently, under the overall coordination of the Office of the Central Anti-Corruption Coordination Group for International Fugitive Pursuit and Asset Recovery, and through international law enforcement and judicial cooperation, "Red Notice subject" and fugitive suspected of duty-related crimes Zeng Nenggui was extradited back to China.
Zeng Nenggui, male, born in September 1962, former director of the Poverty Alleviation and Immigration Office of Ruijin City, Jiangxi Province, is suspected of accepting bribes in poverty alleviation projects and fled abroad in January 2024. In August 2024, the Ruijin City Supervisory Commission filed a case for investigation against him. In January 2026, Interpol issued a red notice for him. Through working closely together (密切协作, mi qie xie zuo - "close, closely, cooperate, collaborate") with law enforcement and judicial departments of relevant countries, Zeng Nenggui was arrested overseas and extradited back to China in September 2026.
A person in charge of the Central Anti-Fugitive Pursuit Office stated that Zeng Nenggui is a typical case of unhealthy tendencies and corruption problems among the masses, and his return to justice is an important achievement of the discipline inspection and supervision organs in implementing the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, deeply carrying out the "Sky Net 2026" operation and the concentrated rectification of corruption problems among the masses. China will continue to deepen international anti-corruption cooperation, continuously tighten the "sky net" for fugitive pursuit and asset recovery, improve the capacity for anti-cross-border corruption work, and provide strong support for winning the tough battle, protracted war, and overall war against corruption.
Return to TopBy: 本报记者 易舒冉
"Hiking cures everything." At 7:30 in the evening, Yanzi (pseudonym), born in the 1990s, posted a WeChat Moments update, with a photo of herself standing atop Purple Mountain in Nanjing, Jiangsu, overlooking the ancient city of Jinling in the twilight. Hiking is a frequent activity in Yanzi's WeChat Moments; her pinned photo album is almost entirely filled with pictures she has taken while hiking throughout the four seasons.
Viewing distant scenery from a high vantage point (登高望远, deng gao wang yuan - "climb high, look far"), suburban hiking, urban cycling, lightweight camping... In recent years, more and more young people have fallen in love with outdoor sports. Even just going to the park to soak up some sun or inviting a few friends for a picnic feels like "recharging the batteries" for a fast-paced urban life. The "China Outdoor Sports Industry Development Report (2024–2025)" released by the General Administration of Sport of China shows that the number of people participating in outdoor sports in China has exceeded 400 million. In terms of consumer demographics, young and middle-aged groups have become the main consumers of outdoor sports, with the 25–34 age group accounting for the highest proportion, and generally having higher levels of education.
Why do outdoor sports continue to attract young people? Behind this craze lies a shift in the lifestyle and philosophy of the younger generation. For them, outdoor sports are not only a training of physical ability, but also a way to settle emotions and heal oneself.
Checking in at popular outdoor destinations, encountering new experiences in nature
Along the banks of the Liangma River on the East Third Ring Road in Beijing, every weekend presents a lively scene. Paddleboarding, kayaking, camping and picnicking... Among all the trendy new outdoor activities currently popular, young people can be seen participating in all of them.
In recent years, a number of popular outdoor destinations have quietly emerged in many cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Wuhan. Going to check them out and experience them has become one of the motivations for some young people to step out of their homes and embrace nature.
Xiaolin (pseudonym), born after 1995, began her outdoor life with a check-in trip. "I used to prefer staying home alone on weekends watching variety shows, and ordering takeout when hungry. Later, for a while, friends around me were posting photos of campsites, which made me eager to try it, so I invited a few friends to go check it out together." Xiaolin said that she gradually bought all kinds of camping gear, and as she went more often, she slowly fell in love with outdoor life.
As the mentality of following the crowd and joining in the fun faded, Xiaolin began looking for suburban spots with fewer people and beautiful scenery. Now, every Friday, Xiaolin plans her weekend travel route in advance. "Going out for a walk, soaking up some sun, feeling the breeze — it makes the weekend feel more fulfilling," Xiaolin said.
Jian Bohao, an undergraduate student of the Class of 2022 at Peking University's School of Physics, described his first encounter with outdoor activities as a meeting by chance (不期而遇, bu qi er yu - "not, expect, meet").
During the university club recruitment period in 2023, Jian Bohao's extracurricular life was mostly spent in the library reading and studying, and his social circle was relatively small. "I wanted to find something new to do, and happened to see that the Hiking Enthusiasts Association was recruiting, so I joined." In Jian Bohao's view, outdoor clubs, unlike instrumental or art clubs, do not require long-term consistent practice; as long as one's physical condition allows and one is willing to set out, that's enough. Now, hiking and trail running are Jian Bohao's favorites, and he has also become the association's main leader, having organized many outdoor activities.
From Xiaolin's relaxed and casual suburban camping to Jian Bohao's deep immersion in hiking and trail running in the mountains, outdoor activities are embedding themselves into young people's lives in different forms. Some prefer to go alone, following mountain paths to sort out their inner emotions; others are keen on going with companions, walking side by side with friends who share having similar interests and tastes (志趣相投, zhi qu xiang tou - "will, interest, mutually, match"). It is worth noting that regardless of the mode of travel, young people increasingly value the genuine feelings that nature bestows on body and mind during the journey. "For a while, I was obsessed with buying outdoor gear, from equipment to clothing, spending a lot of money. Later I realized that the joy of the outdoors does not lie in having complete, high-end gear, but comes from the genuine feelings experienced during the activity," Xiaolin said.
Wang Zhaohong, vice dean and professor of the College of Physical Education and Sports at Beijing Normal University, said that the outdoor craze reflects changes in contemporary young people's lifestyles and spiritual needs. On the consumption level, young people are gradually shifting from material consumption to experiential consumption, willing to pay for natural experiences and emotional value; young people's health concepts are also constantly upgrading, with growing attention to their own physical fitness, understanding that they themselves are the masters of their bodies, and seeking a healthier lifestyle; at the same time, in the digital age, prolonged immersion in the online world can easily produce a sense of emptiness, and young people are eager to move from the screen to the wilderness, to see themselves in a real natural environment and to interact genuinely with friends.
Both stress-relieving and giving a sense of achievement, healing oneself through walking
Why do outdoor activities continue to attract young people? Many people's answers point to the same feeling: stress relief.
"After a week of continuous busyness, I climbed Purple Mountain once again. Stepping on the stone slab path to the summit, the wind blew my sweat-soaked hair, and I suddenly felt that the anxiety in my heart was also blown away, and I was released from a state of tension." Yanzi described her stress-relieving moments outdoors this way. Yanzi said that while climbing, her legs were sore and swollen, her breathing was rapid, her physical strength was constantly being consumed, and her mind gradually emptied — this contrast is something she savors.
Jian Bohao also deeply shares the feeling of "outdoor stress relief." In early spring 2025, Jian Bohao and his friends went to climb Mount Wutai in Shanxi, walking 60 kilometers of mountain roads in two days, which was a great test of physical fitness.
"In early spring in the north, it was cold in the mountains, and the food and accommodation along the way were simple, but after the climb, I felt very relaxed inside. After returning to Beijing, I felt my overall state was better, and I even found answers to the academic puzzles I had encountered." Jian Bohao said that it was this experience that made him "addicted" to the outdoors.
Besides emotional stress relief, another reason outdoor activities continue to attract young people is a sense of achievement.
Once, Yanzi took on the challenge of Hengshan, located at the junction of Bowang District in Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province, and Jiangning District in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. The first half of the route was relatively flat, but then she encountered more than 2,000 stone steps, with no end in sight when looking up. At first, she felt like backing out, and several times mid-way her legs were so sore she could hardly lift them, but in the end she relied on her willpower to reach the summit. Standing at the top and looking back, there was no wild joy, only a sense of achievement of "I can do it" settling into her heart. "Every step forward is one step closer — this sense of achievement is more appealing than the beautiful scenery," Yanzi said.
In Jian Bohao's view, most young people head to the outdoors not to conquer nature, but to perceive their own potential and energy through quantifiable challenges.
Pei Linru, a counselor at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, is an outdoor enthusiast. Through her long-term student work, she has directly observed the changes in young people's enthusiasm for outdoor sports and has also witnessed the multiple forms of growth that outdoor sports bring to young people.
Pei Linru believes that the most obvious change brought by outdoor sports is the improvement of physical fitness. Many students who originally struggled even to run 1,000 meters in physical fitness tests have seen a marked improvement in their condition after developing the habit of outdoor exercise. The deeper change lies in the shaping of psychological resilience. "Outdoor sports are a healthy and effective emotional outlet that can prevent negative emotions from accumulating over a long period. Just as cycling encounters headwinds, climbing encounters steep slopes, and hiking encounters bad weather, the experience of persevering through real difficulties is a valuable asset for facing the storms of life in the future," Pei Linru said.
Pei Linru also mentioned that for young people, efforts in the workplace and academia often have long feedback cycles and uncertain outcomes, whereas outdoor sports have clear goals, and the effort can show results within a relatively certain period of time, thereby gradually enhancing young people's sense of self-efficacy and becoming an implicit psychological support for coping with stress.
Amid the craze, cool-headed reflection is needed; revere nature and hold the safety bottom line
Beneath the outdoor craze, safety risks are also gradually emerging. In recent years, news of young people getting into danger outdoors has been common: some people, attracted by "internet-famous wild routes" on social platforms, rashly venture into undeveloped, unmanaged areas, underestimating the complexity of the mountains and encountering danger; some private outdoor teams have uneven qualifications, and their leaders lack emergency rescue capabilities, further amplifying the hidden dangers of going out.
During interviews, when recalling their past outdoor experiences, young people all mentioned the need to revere nature. "Some routes are beautiful, but they have a high danger coefficient and are more suitable for professional outdoor enthusiasts. For 'amateur players' to get close to nature, reverence must come first," said Zhuang Shengtao, vice president of the Southeast University Outdoor Association and an undergraduate student at the Chien-Shiung Wu College.
Last winter, Zhuang Shengtao went hiking in the southern Taihang Mountains. It had just snowed, and after the sun came out, the road surface became very slippery; one careless move could have sent him tumbling into a valley. He put on crampons and moved slowly, staying as close to the mountainside as possible. "Some routes in the southern Taihang Mountains frequently see accidents. Even now, thinking back, I still feel a lingering fear. After that, I became more cautious in trip planning and route selection — safety first," Zhuang Shengtao said.
Wang Zhaohong suggested accelerating the improvement of industry norms, promoting the establishment of a routine mechanism for leader skill assessment and first-aid certification, distinguishing the entry thresholds for leisure hiking and high-risk mountain routes, and putting an end to leading groups without certification; regulating online promotion, strictly prohibiting the excessive hype of internet-famous wild routes, and rectifying marketing practices such as exaggerated advertising and low-price inducement. "Universities and industry associations should play a positive guiding role, popularizing outdoor safety knowledge among young people and strengthening risk education for young participants; remind young people to rationally identify outdoor services, not to blindly challenge undeveloped routes, to actively verify the qualifications of team leaders, and to abandon the mentality of blindly 'following the crowd to check in,'" Wang Zhaohong said.
Pei Linru suggested that before setting out, young people must report their itinerary to family or friends — where they are going, who they are going with, and when they will be back: these three pieces of information should be known to at least one person who is "not present." Do not be misled by phrases like "you can set off alone," and do not go into the mountains alone or take unfamiliar wild paths. At the same time, one can purchase outdoor sports insurance in advance, taking responsibility and providing protection for oneself and one's family.
"Young people often have a spirit of 'refusing to admit defeat,' or hold the mentality of 'since we're already here,' but if symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, nausea, or weak legs occur during outdoor activities, this is the body sending a 'stop signal,' and one should immediately stop to rest or return in time," Pei Linru said.
(Zeng Haimeng and Zhang Xinyuan contributed to the reporting)
Reporter's Notes
Going Outward Looking Inward
Having interviewed multiple young people who love outdoor activities, I truly feel that engaging in the outdoors is not simply leisure and recreation, but a life choice for contemporary youth to settle their emotions and find themselves. While climbing, the body is tired, yet the mind is able to stretch; after crossing steep slopes and reaching the summit, one gains the self-affirmation of "I can do it." Young people move from in front of screens to the natural world, both releasing the pressure brought by academics and work and gaining happiness and a sense of achievement that is uniquely their own.
This outdoor craze also reflects a shift in the social interaction patterns of young people. Young people are no longer satisfied with virtual interaction in cyberspace; they place greater value on face-to-face companionship and genuine connection with nature. Setting aside the fragmented images packaged with filters, they perceive the world with their feet and gain emotional resonance through traveling alongside good friends.
Beneath the craze, risks also follow closely like a shadow (如影随形, ru ying sui xing - "as, shadow, follow, form"). Internet-famous wild routes harbor hidden dangers, and blindly following the crowd conceals crises. To get close to nature, one must revere nature. Heading to the outdoors requires both a love for the distance and packing safety awareness into one's backpack. May more young people be able to feel the beauty of the wind in the mountains and fields, while also holding the safety bottom line, calmly heading toward the distance in their hearts.
Return to TopBy: 文 阳
Hand-in-hand teaching villagers short-video editing skills, creating a "growing" campus aesthetic-education space for rural primary schools, carrying out volunteer services such as anti-fraud publicity in communities... In the summer that has just passed, thousands upon thousands of students left campus and carried out summer social practice in the fields, in community streets and alleys, and in factory workshops. Stepping beyond the small square of books and entering the broad classroom of society, young people saw a larger world and, in practice, came to know themselves anew.
At the grassroots frontline, what can one see?
One sees mountains and rivers, and one also sees the family and the country. The family-and-country responsibility and ideals and convictions of young people have never been empty slogans, but rather value pursuits that grow ever firmer through personal experience and understanding. The summer social practice group of Xinjiang Agricultural University trekked several thousand kilometers, setting its classroom on the national border line, reading the responsibility for family and country amid the vast heavens and earth; students from multiple universities in Beijing retraced red heritage sites and followed the footsteps of the revolution, feeling the original aspiration and founding mission through immersion in the red cultural lineage... The roads traveled make the history in books more vivid. In the "walking ideological and political course," young people come to understand the conditions of the country and society, deepen their feelings for family and country, and ideals and convictions take root in their hearts.
One sees needs, and also comes to understand the meaning of learning. In studying books and governing scholarship, one must ultimately answer the question of "why one pursues learning." The growth and development of young people depends not only on the nourishment of classroom theory, but also on the tempering of social practice. Only by going deep into the grassroots and drawing close to the masses can one see real needs clearly and find the correct coordinate of value for one's efforts.
The "AI Empowering Rural Revitalization" practice group of Shanghai Jiao Tong University went to Xinjie Town, Taixing City, Jiangsu Province, and discovered that many elderly people in the village have children who are away from home all year round, and that it is not easy to gather a complete family portrait. The practice group used AI to create "wish portraits" for the villagers — a retired veteran soldier who had yearned for Beijing all his life finally left a "group photo" in front of Tiananmen Gate; a ninety-year-old elder with limited mobility "stood up again," freezing a smile shoulder to shoulder with his son; a golden-wedding couple made up for the regret of their youth and obtained a wedding photo amid a sea of wisteria flowers... Behind each "photo of a life" lies a simple wish. Zhao Chenyuan, head of the practice group and a doctoral student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said that watching the smiles of the elders, she felt that technology was no longer a novelty on a screen, and that AI is not far from rural life. When what one has learned and is good at can respond to the real needs of the people, knowledge gains warmth, and one's efforts also gain a clearer direction.
One sees real problems, and in solving real problems one also forges real abilities. The grassroots is not a smooth answer sheet; many problems have no ready-made answers, and young people need to bring what they have learned to the frontline for testing.
Beijing Institute of Technology has explored a mechanism of "localities set the problems, young people provide the answers," collecting real problems from the grassroots and encouraging students to "take up the challenge and claim the task" through a practice "double-selection meeting." "With traditional weeding, one mu of land takes four people a whole day; with our robot, it can be done in two hours!" In Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, the "Heguang Intelligent" team claimed the "real problem" posed by a local agricultural cooperative, integrating knowledge of communication principles, mechanical design, and more into a field solution, and the robot's comprehensive weeding efficiency increased by 21.3 percent, with the solution directly adopted by the enterprise. The true meaning of practice lies in the two-way advance of young people's growth and social development — young people inject youthful momentum into comprehensive rural revitalization and grassroots governance, and the grassroots, this "great classroom," also forges young people's practical abilities through complex and diverse real-world subjects.
Of course, in reality there are still some social practices that turn going to the countryside into a "been there, done that" trip, ending after a hasty visit and a photo check-in; some projects are carried out with great fanfare only during the summer, and after school starts the research results are set aside and neglected (束之高阁, shu zhi gao ge - "bind, to, high, loft"). In carrying out social practice, there should be less of a "complete the task" mentality and more initiative to "solve problems," making practice more "real." The "15th Five-Year Plan" for Educational Development proposes "comprehensively offering new-era practical education courses and dedicated social practice courses for college students in institutions of higher education" and "promoting the effective integration of ideological and political classrooms and social classrooms." Discovering problems in real scenarios and seeking answers in concrete practice, young people come to better understand the meaning of applying knowledge to practical work (学以致用, xue yi zhi yong - "learn, to, achieve, use") and unity of knowledge and action (知行合一, zhi xing he yi - "knowledge, action, combine, one"), truly achieving education, growth in ability, and contribution.
Knowledge from books is always superficial (纸上得来终觉浅, zhi shang de lai zhong jue qian - "paper, on, obtain, eventually, feel, shallow"), and one must practice to truly understand something (绝知此事要躬行, jue zhi ci shi yao gong xing - "thoroughly, know, this, matter, must, personally, act"). So then, go to the grassroots frontline, go to the side of the masses. May more young people broaden their horizons and increase their abilities in practice, and may youth radiate even more moving brilliance in the fiery practice of taking root in the land and serving the people.
Return to TopBy: 郭富强
Ten years ago this winter, I left Fuyang, Anhui, for Shanghai and became a food delivery rider. I started out doing crowdsourced delivery, and later switched to dedicated delivery. Now, I have grown from an ordinary rider to the station manager of the Taobao Flash Purchase Zhongyuan Road Station, and I have come to deeply understand that we are not just runners in the city's delivery network, but also "youth partners" in grassroots governance.
When I first took over the station, there were only 18 riders. It was my first time as a station manager and I had no experience, so I could only push forward on sheer tenacity. I arrived at the post at 7 a.m. every day and could not rest until midnight — dispatching orders, coordinating schedules, mediating disputes, and looking after the riders, I carried everything on my own shoulders. What I remember most vividly was one Spring Festival when I was the only one on duty at the entire station. It was snowing heavily that day, and I ran from morning to night without even a single bite to eat, but as long as the orders were delivered on time, I felt a deep sense of peace in my heart.
Now, the station has grown to nearly 150 people. With a larger team, I have to think about how to develop it steadily. I keep a close eye on key indicators such as attendance rate, retention rate, and safety incident rate. For newly hired riders, I insist on hands-on mentoring and guidance — online, I focus on safety training; offline, I demonstrate vehicle inspections, meal-box disinfection, order-taking procedures, and so on, explaining in full the risk points throughout the delivery process. I have been a rider myself, so I know well how hard and difficult the work is. In daily interactions, I quietly note each rider's condition, personality, and life difficulties, and when problems arise I help as much as I can, gradually becoming "Brother Guo," someone everyone trusts.
Over the years, what has warmed my heart most is that we riders are seen and respected. The subdistrict cares about us a great deal — in summer it sends "cooling relief," in winter it sends "warmth," and at other times it organizes special events for new workers, such as "micro-wish" adoption activities. The knee pads, power banks, waterproof phone pouches, and other items given to us are all practical things we can actually use. With the subdistrict's help, we also have our own organization, and I have the honor of serving as chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions for the Food Delivery and Express Delivery Industry of Changhai Road Subdistrict.
As a station manager born in the 1990s, I have around me a group of young riders born in the mid-to-late 1990s and the 2000s. Everyone is full of youthful vigor and vitality (朝气蓬勃, chao qi peng bo - "morning, spirit, surging, full") and daring to venture and take initiative (敢闯敢干, gan chuang gan gan - "dare, venture, dare, do"), insisting on civilized riding and standardized delivery while safeguarding urban civility. Nowadays, more and more riders are joining various volunteer service teams. Using the gaps between orders, everyone turns into "mobile sensors" — when we spot safety hazards such as loose manhole covers or damaged streetlights, we take photos on the spot and report them promptly; when we encounter elderly people during deliveries, we help take out their trash, and sometimes buy medicine on their behalf. Not long ago, our station became a "Joy Partner" of the distinctive neighborhood, and we have transformed from "city runners" into "participants in grassroots governance."
From riding alone to rallying a team, and then to leading young people in serving the community, I have come to understand the meaning of striving in an ordinary post. This year, I became an applicant for Party membership, and under my influence, two other riders have also submitted applications to join the Party, actively drawing closer to the Party organization. In the future, I will continue remaining true to one's original aspiration (坚守初心, jian shou chu xin - "firmly, hold, original, heart") and acting with determination and practical diligence (笃行实干, du xing shi gan - "steadfast, act, solid, do"), leading the team to contribute to grassroots governance and writing the youthful commitment of the new employment group.
(The author is the station manager of the Taobao Flash Purchase Zhongyuan Road Station, Changhai Road Subdistrict, Yangpu District, Shanghai; compiled and edited by Yang Hao and Jia Qian)
Return to TopThe great river surges onward; science and innovation set sail.
Building the Wuhan Regional Science and Technology Innovation Center at a high level creates a powerful engine for Hubei's "strategic fulcrum" development. As a megacity in central China, Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, leverages its strengths in education, science, and industry, assumes the role of the regional core pole of scientific and technological innovation, and continues to consolidate its position on the national map of scientific and technological innovation.
At present, Wuhan is accelerating the construction of an innovation spatial layout of "one city, three corridors, and multiple belts," deeply implementing the "Koi Plan" to stimulate industrial innovation vitality, and coordinating efforts to advance scientific and technological innovation, industrial innovation, financial innovation, regional innovation, open innovation, and governance innovation, fully unleashing the "multiplier effect" of innovation.
From hard-core technological breakthroughs in the laboratory to old factory buildings undergoing a profound transformation (蝶变而生, die bian er sheng - "butterfly, transform, and, arise") into fertile ground for scientific innovation, from the industrial renewal of existing stock space to an open pattern of cross-regional collaboration, a magnificent picture scroll of innovation-driven high-quality development is slowly unfolding across the land of the river city.
Advancing into the "uncharted territory" of scientific research, forging hard-core strength as a source of innovation
Inside the Satellite Navigation and Positioning Technology Research Center of Wuhan University, a device the size of a fingernail sits quietly in a display case. This is the world's smallest chip-scale atomic clock, which would take more than 30,000 years to accumulate a one-second error. From a breakthrough in principle to achieving on-orbit application, the Wuhan University team completed a long scientific research marathon, achieving the domestic localization of miniature time-frequency devices and installing an autonomous "timekeeping heart" for low-orbit satellite constellations.
This is a microcosm of Wuhan's advance into the "uncharted territory" of scientific research.
At this year's municipal science and technology innovation conference, Wuhan collectively released "365" major scientific and technological innovation achievements, including Wuhan University's "high-precision chromosome-level DNA replication tool," Huazhong University of Science and Technology's "intracranial physiological signal wireless monitoring ultrasonic sensor," and Hubei Jiangcheng Laboratory's "ultra-high-density multi-wafer integration technology for large-model inference chips." These 15 basic research achievements realized multi-dimensional original innovation, driving related fields toward domestic substitution and international leadership.
Forty-one national key laboratories, 8 Hubei laboratories, and 7 completed or under-construction major scientific and technological infrastructure facilities are distributed across the city, while 12 industrial innovation joint laboratories aggregate more than 100 industry-university-research units and nearly 4,000 researchers, building a well-tiered matrix of strategic scientific and technological forces.
Wuhan systematically deploys high-energy innovation carriers, integrates major scientific installations, key laboratories, and enterprise innovation forces, and reorganizes the way innovation factors are organized, ensuring that basic research has people to tackle it, pilot-scale bottlenecks have platforms to break through them, and industrial transformation has enterprises to carry it forward.
Tapping the potential of existing stock space, "one city, three corridors, and multiple belts" reshapes innovation scenarios
In Guangbutun, Hongshan District, the interior of a renovated old factory building is brightly lit, where an artificial intelligence startup team is debugging a new generation of algorithm models.
This is the Guangbutun·Koi Project, the first project launched under Wuhan's "Koi Plan." The project reserves more than 80 percent of its space for scientific research and development, building a full-cycle carrier system from maker workstations to accelerators. Leveraging the advantageous disciplines of 18 surrounding universities, including Wuhan University and Wuhan University of Technology, the project focuses on two major tracks—new materials and artificial intelligence—and has already reserved more than 100 projects involving faculty and student entrepreneurship, OPCs (one-person companies), and various scientific innovation projects. Phase one will open in October this year.
Returning from the traditional path of "large parks, large factory buildings, and large-scale land acquisition" to revitalizing existing stock space in the urban core, creating open street districts, and nourishing innovation with urban vitality, Wuhan uses the "one city, three corridors, and multiple belts" layout to bear innovation fruit on urban land.
Wuhan is tapping the city's existing stock space, having already optimized 1.47 million square meters of inefficient scientific innovation space; the university-ring innovation development corridor connects nearly 80 universities and research institutes, gathers 27,000 scientific innovation enterprises, and has more than 4,000 high-tech enterprises around universities, with campuses, parks, and communities interconnecting to open a fast track from basic research to industrial application.
Qiaokou District has converted an old diesel engine factory and a bedsheet factory into the Hanjiang Bay Artificial Intelligence Industrial Park; Xinzhou District has used an abandoned brick and tile factory to build an insect protein circular economy scientific innovation base; a number of old factory buildings have been transformed into concept verification centers and pilot-scale platforms, as specialized scientific innovation carriers are renewed and grow.
The reshaping of physical space has unblocked the connection channel between laboratories and production lines, allowing a steady stream of scientific research achievements to leave campuses, enter workshops, and turn from a piece of paper into market products.
Focusing efforts on the pilot-scale stage, the innovation chain and the industrial chain resonate in both directions
Inside the clean pilot-scale workshop of Hubei Jiufengshan Laboratory, an 8-inch wafer slowly emerges from the equipment. This high-throughput DNA sequencing chip has completed full-process tape-out verification. As a "super reader" spanning the semiconductor and life sciences fields, it will fill a key gap in domestic upstream sensing chips for gene sequencing.
As the only national-level manufacturing pilot-scale platform in the integrated circuit field, Hubei Jiufengshan Laboratory has built a wafer-fab-grade verification environment, open and shared with business entities in the compound semiconductor field.
The breakthrough of a single platform stems from Wuhan's sustained, systematic deployment of pilot-scale carriers. At present, the city has built 2 national-level manufacturing pilot-scale platforms and 40 provincial-level manufacturing pilot-scale platforms, with 210 municipal-level registered pilot-scale platforms, covering key tracks such as optoelectronics, new materials, biomedicine, and automotive equipment. This extends pilot-scale maturation capabilities to the forefront of industry, reduces the trial-and-error costs for the broad community of research teams, technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises, and innovation-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises, and opens the key gateway for original innovation to land in engineering practice.
Along corridor after corridor of innovation, the innovation chain and the industrial chain resonate in both directions, and stories of achievement transformation are unfolding one after another in various places.
On the Optics Valley Science and Technology Innovation Grand Corridor, pilot-scale platforms host frontier technologies in compound semiconductors and optical communications; on the Auto Valley Industrial Innovation Grand Corridor, the Dajunshan Achievement Transformation Center has built pilot-scale production lines for automotive-grade chips and solid-state batteries; on the Riverside Digital Innovation Grand Corridor, old urban districts are also nurturing new industrial growth increments.
The chain of basic research, technological breakthroughs, pilot-scale verification, and industrial landing is tightly linked at every link. Ultra-high-speed optical modules, vehicle-mounted chips, humanoid motion large models, new stainless steel chemical tankers... one "laboratory concept" after another is being forged into "national heavy equipment" and "market products."
Drawing on strength from inside and outside, at home and abroad, amplifying regional innovation capacity
On September 4, the East Lake High-tech Zone of Wuhan and the city of Ezhou officially signed an agreement, and construction of the Optics Valley Pan-Semiconductor Industrial Park was officially launched.
A clear industrial chain unfolds here: a chip sets out from Gedian, reaches a leading enterprise on the Optics Valley chain in 20 minutes, is loaded onto a cargo plane at Ezhou Huahu International Airport within 1 hour, and can be delivered to member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) within 72 hours.
A set of time data outlines the speed and breadth of Wuhan's open innovation.
Building the Wuhan Regional Science and Technology Innovation Center at a high level requires both strengthening internal capabilities and opening the door wide. The science and technology departments of the nine cities in the Wuhan metropolitan area signed a cooperation agreement this year to build a science and technology innovation community, integrating the innovation advantages of individual cities into an overall regional competitive advantage. This is not merely the interconnection of physical space, but also the two-way flow of talent, capital, technology, and resources.
Open innovation gathers the momentum of talent. At present, talent in the Wuhan metropolitan area is devoting itself to the main battlefield of scientific innovation, and this strong magnetic field that pools global resources makes talent willing to come and stay.
Financial innovation activates the living water of capital. This year, the Wuhan University-Ring Innovation Development Belt Angel Investment Alliance was inaugurated in Hongshan District, Wuhan, with an initial signed landing fund of 6 billion yuan, forming a normalized open innovation model of "laboratories exporting technology + government patient capital deployed upfront + social capital continuing investment."
Regional innovation broadens technology enclaves. Seven offshore science and technology innovation enclaves have been completed and put into use, with 231 innovation entities achieving "R&D in Wuhan, transformation elsewhere."
Governance innovation circulates data resources. The "Hanshutong" platform aggregates more than a thousand data products, covering multiple tracks including transportation and industrial manufacturing, with public data empowering industrial innovation and industrial practice feeding back into the data ecosystem.
Rooted in central China, connected to the whole country, and oriented toward the world, Wuhan is making every effort to build an open innovation ecosystem with global competitiveness, striding forward toward the goal of building the Wuhan Regional Science and Technology Innovation Center at a high level.
Data source: Publicity Department of the CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee
Return to TopA vivid and lifelike egg carving, a lingering and charming opera aria, an exquisite and unique piece of silverware... In Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province, the rich and varied folk literature and art are not only a living carrier of local culture, but are also becoming an important resource for the development of the cultural industry.
Fuzhou has long enjoyed the reputation of being the "hometown of scholars and a land of culture," with abundant folk literary and artistic resources. In recent years, as one of the first national pilot cities for the copyright protection and promotion of folk literature and art, Fuzhou has vigorously advanced the "four major projects" of leading, creating, protecting, and promoting copyright in folk literature and art, from taking stock of its cultural assets and strengthening copyright protection, to cultivating and inheriting talent and promoting the transformation of achievements, so that traditional skills scattered among the people are gradually transformed from cultural resources into development resources.
As of now, the city's copyright registrations for folk literature and art have reached 24,000 items, and the annual revenue from copyright-based cultural and creative products such as Nuo masks and craft ceramics exceeds 1 billion yuan. A virtuous cycle in which the protection, inheritance, and industrial development of folk literature and art reinforce each other is rapidly taking shape.
Improve the work chain and strengthen copyright protection for folk culture
Rights confirmation is the first step in copyright protection. In 2023, Fuzhou conducted its first survey of folk literary and artistic resources, confirming 205 folk literary and artistic projects in 10 major categories, including wood carving, paper cutting, opera, and Nuo dance. Nanfeng Nuo masks, Linchuan bamboo weaving, Le'an egg carving, and Zixi pyrography on bamboo... one by one, cultural treasures scattered among the people have been rediscovered, recorded, and organized.
To address issues such as folk artists' weak awareness of copyright and inconvenient registration channels, Fuzhou has established a service station for the copyright protection of folk literature and art, promoted services such as "door-to-door processing and face-to-face handling," and set up a center for the copyright protection and promotion of folk literature and art, gradually improving the copyright registration, protection, and service system, with the number of copyright registrations achieving leapfrog growth.
In the Wenchangli Historical and Cultural District, the Fuzhou Folk Literature and Art Copyright Expo Hall has become an important window for the concentrated display of folk literature and art. The expo hall exhibits more than 1,600 fine works of folk literature and art under copyright protection, integrating functions such as copyright registration, work rights protection, creative display, educational inheritance, and research and exchange. Through concentrated display, it not only allows more people to see Fuzhou's folk literary and artistic works, but also provides folk artists with a platform for exchange and learning. The copyright expo hall has now received more than 500,000 Chinese and foreign visitors in total, becoming a new cultural landmark of the city.
After rights confirmation comes rights protection. Fuzhou has continuously improved the copyright protection mechanism for folk literature and art, formulated administrative mediation procedures for copyright disputes over folk literature and art, taken the lead through the Municipal Intermediate People's Court in establishing the Fuzhou Folk Literature and Art Copyright Judicial Protection Station, and set up intellectual property circuit trial courts in districts and counties such as Linchuan, Dongxiang, and Nancheng.
From resource surveys to copyright registration and then to judicial protection, Fuzhou has gradually built a work chain covering the creation, registration, protection, and rights defense of folk literature and art, allowing more "old crafts" to gain clear rights boundaries and stronger protection.
Establish a cultivation mechanism to promote the inheritance and innovation of folk literature and art
Fuzhou tea-picking opera has a relatively good mass foundation and is welcomed by the people. Xudong Opera Society is a private Fuzhou tea-picking opera troupe that receives key support from the Jiangxi Provincial and Fuzhou Municipal Federations of Literary and Art Circles and the Jiangxi Provincial Theatre Association. With support from all sides, the opera society has created and launched the large-scale stage production "Dreaming Back to the Countryside," with a new generation of municipal-level inheritors of Fuzhou tea-picking opera in the leading roles. Passing the torch from generation to generation, the inheritance of Fuzhou tea-picking opera now has a younger generation to carry it forward.
Under the "escort" of copyright protection and development, the Fuzhou tea-picking opera artists who have taken up the mantle have also begun to experiment with innovative performance forms. Not only do they perform traditional repertoire, but they have also composed and created many new plays based on the characteristics of the times, and opened Douyin accounts for live streaming, which is very popular with young audiences.
The key to making folk art "come alive" lies in people. In recent years, Fuzhou has focused on unearthing craftsmen who carry on folk literary and artistic traditions, carrying out "passing on, helping, and leading" activities among veteran artists. Through expert training, creative field trips, and competitions and evaluations, more than 60 folk artists possessing both excellent talent and high moral character (德艺双馨, de yi shuang xin - "virtue, art; both, excellent") have stood out and become experts in fine creation and cultural and creative development, with 33 of them establishing studios. In the past three years, the city has added 280 members to the municipal-level Folk Literature and Art Association, 30 members to the provincial-level association, and 17 members to the national-level association, bringing the total number of members of folk literature and art associations at all levels in the city to more than 400. Relying on local colleges and universities, Fuzhou has established master skill studios and built a model of "college cultivation and master inheritance," cultivating more than 10,000 skilled personnel of various types in total.
The inheritors of folk art are "craftsmen," and even more so "guardians of the craft." In Xianie Village, Songhu Township, Linchuan District, the intangible cultural heritage workshop for Baihu kiln ceramic techniques adopts a "training institute + base" model, with veteran artists taking on apprentices to teach 12 traditional processes such as wheel throwing and glazing. Over the past 20 years, the workshop has trained 183 villagers, 27 of whom have been rated as municipal-level craftsmen; the training institute teaches ceramic-making skills free of charge to left-behind children, with about 100 children participating every summer vacation. At the same time, the integration of intangible cultural heritage into schools, communities, scenic areas, and villages is becoming a widespread and flourishing trend (蔚然成风, wei ran cheng feng - "grand, flourishing; become, wind"): primary and secondary schools across Fuzhou promote opera-based radio calisthenics, Yihuang has established a Yihuang opera training institute and a Hegang dance interest class, and Le'an County has adapted Nuo dance into fitness exercises promoted in primary and secondary schools... the inheritance education of folk literature and art is thriving in various settings.
Broaden transformation pathways and promote folk literature and art toward the market
Clicking on the folk literature and art copyright section of the "Fuguan Tianxia" client, one sees a feast for the eyes with a wide variety of beautiful things (琳琅满目, lin lang man mu - "jade, luster; full, eyes") of cultural and creative products such as sandalwood mobile phone pendants, small carved wooden gourds, and Lichuan oil paintings. Fuzhou has created an "online market for Fuzhou folk literature and art" by launching a digital trading platform for the copyright of folk literature and art, which currently has more than 100 products on sale and a cumulative transaction volume exceeding 1.2 million yuan; the platform uses a digital resource library to display folk literary and artistic works in a concentrated manner, and uses digital watermarks, encryption, and other methods to strengthen copyright protection.
Folk literature and art must first be seen before they can be loved. With the empowerment of "copyright +," Fuzhou's folk literature and art continue to expand their development space. In May of this year, at the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, the Jiangxi (Fuzhou) Folk Literature and Art Copyright Exhibition Hall drew large crowds, with fine copyright works such as wood carvings, paper cuttings, Nuo masks, guqin, and egg carvings displayed in a concentrated manner. Nearly 100 excellent copyright works, together with more than 2,000 cultural and creative products, made a collective appearance, and all exhibited artworks were accompanied by copyright registration certificates. On-site sales of works at the fair reached more than 300,000 yuan.
An even longer road leads overseas. While deepening the inheritance of local skills, the achievements of Fuzhou's folk literature and art copyright protection have appeared at important domestic and international platforms such as the 2024 China-LAC Civil Dialogue, the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, the 2026 International Symposium on the Copyright Protection and Promotion of Folk Literature and Art, and the 10th China International Copyright Expo, allowing more people to see the unique charm of Fuzhou's folk literature and art and also showcasing the exploratory achievements of Fuzhou's copyright protection and promotion of folk literature and art.
In Fuzhou, a large number of folk literary and artistic works are realizing the transformation from exhibits to commodities, and from the development of individual works to industrialized development. Fuzhou is promoting the cross-border integration of traditional folk literature and art with modern industry: Lichuan oil painting artists have joined hands with ceramic enterprises to integrate oil painting art into ceramic design; "old crafts" such as Linchuan wood carving and bamboo weaving continue to develop cultural and creative derivative products. At present, the city has cultivated a number of distinctive folk literary and artistic industries, including ceramics, Nuo masks, wood carving, oil painting, and rush, with the scale of related industries approaching 10 billion yuan.
In the night scene of Wenchangli, the lights are warm and inviting. The expo hall is filled with fine works, the colors of the Nuo masks grow even more vivid under the lights, and melodious singing rises from the opera society. Let traditional culture be seen, protected, and inherited, and let excellent works enter the market and step onto a broader stage. Today, with the continuous improvement of the copyright protection and promotion system, Fuzhou is driving more folk literary and artistic resources to accelerate the release of new momentum for development.
Data source: Publicity Department of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee
Return to TopBy: 何红舟
In 2019, at the work conference on the education campaign to stay true to the Party's original aspiration and founding mission, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "A few days ago, I went to Yudu in Jiangxi to visit the departure site of the Central Red Army's Long March, with the aim of recalling the arduous years when the Party Central Committee and the Central Red Army fought bloody battles in the Soviet areas, keeping firmly in mind where the red political power came from and how New China was established, and never forgetting history or the original aspiration."
Yudu is the assembly and departure site of the Central Red Army's Long March, and is known as the "source of the Long March." In 1934, after the failure of the fifth counter-"encirclement and suppression" campaign, the main force of the Central Red Army assembled on the banks of the Yudu River and embarked on the long journey of strategic transfer. To ensure the smooth transfer of the main force of the Central Red Army, local people spontaneously dismantled the bed boards and door panels from their homes and gave them to the Red Army to build pontoon bridges, and one elderly man even insisted on donating the "coffin wood" prepared for himself. With the help of 300,000 people of Yudu, the main force of the Central Red Army crossed the river under the stars and night sky, launching a great journey. The historical moment of the army and the people parting reluctantly at the departure of the Red Army's Long March was written into the song "Seeing Off the Red Army Ten Times" (十送红军) and sung across the land of China, and it has also become a classic painting theme in New China's thematic art creation that has remained fresh after a long time (历久弥新, li jiu mi xin - "endure, long time, stay, new").
Among the related art creations, representative works include Jin Shangyi's oil painting "Farewell" (see figure), Shi Shaochen's oil painting "Reluctant Tears of Loved Ones, Long Waters of the Gan River" (依依亲人泪 茫茫赣水长), and Wu Xiansheng's Chinese painting "Seeing Off the Red Army Ten Times." Although these paintings, created in different historical periods, focus on the same theme, because of differences in the context of the times, creative concepts, and media characteristics, they endow this moving story with diverse artistic expressions, enriching and deepening people's cognition and understanding of history.
The Long March was a great expedition that opened up a new situation, and "hope hidden within hardship" is precisely what Jin Shangyi's oil painting "Farewell," created in 1959, strives to convey. Based on the true historical situation, he fully exploited the advantages of oil painting language, adopted a plot-based narrative approach, and froze the moment of farewell between the Red Army and the elders and fellow villagers of Yudu. In the painting, the faintly revealed morning light both restores the chilly atmosphere of dawn on the riverbank and implies the bright future of the revolution. Under the morning light, Red Army soldiers carry long rifles on their shoulders and march toward the Yudu River; the tilted momentum of the rifle barrels heightens the sense of urgency of the march and also indicates the direction of the troops' advance. In the foreground, the painter carefully designs multiple groups of figures to strengthen emotional expression: there are mothers seeing off sons, wives seeing off husbands, and wounded soldiers waving goodbye to comrades about to embark on the expedition... Through vivid depictions of the figures' expressions, the painter transforms the unity between the army and the people into an intuitive and moving story, allowing concrete visual narrative to carry the weighty emotions of the era. This approach of driving historical narrative through characters and plots became an important path for red-themed art creation in the early period of New China.
Also focusing on the sentiments of parting, more than 20 years later, Shi Shaochen, who had worked and lived in Jiangxi for many years, completed the oil painting "Reluctant Tears of Loved Ones, Long Waters of the Gan River." Using a diptych format, he constructed an emotional space of mutual gaze between the army and the people at parting: the left panel depicts the people of Yudu seeing off the Red Army, and the right panel portrays the Red Army officers and soldiers ready to set out. The people and soldiers in the foreground are more like one family—wives and husbands, mothers and sons—gazing at each other in pairs, deeply conveying the inseparable bond between the army and the people. In the background of the painting, the people and Red Army soldiers either gaze at each other or look directly beyond the frame, forming an emotional exchange with the viewer. The multiple interweavings of the figures' gazes are precisely the painter's showing original ingenuity or creative skill (独具匠心, du ju jiang xin - "possess, uniquely, craftsman, heart"). The painting has no plot-based narrative, yet it conveys the characters' inner hopes, concerns, and entrustments to today's viewers through their eyes. Standing before the painting, we are no longer merely observing a past event, but are receiving the gaze cast by history and engaging in a spiritual dialogue that spans time and space.
The rapid passage of time (时光荏苒, shi guang ren ran - "time, flow, pass, pass"), and the classic painting theme of "Seeing Off the Red Army Ten Times" has continuously gained new artistic life under the brushes of generations of art workers. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March, Wu Xiansheng's Chinese painting "Seeing Off the Red Army Ten Times" no longer captures a single fragment of the moment of parting, but instead depicts the scenes of the army and people parting reluctantly and the departure of the Long March through a long-scroll narrative, presenting a tone of revolutionary romanticism. The landlady bids farewell to the Red Army commander, the Red Guards comfort the wounded soldier left behind, a young girl holds a cup of hot tea to see them off, Red Army soldiers transport supplies and set out with their troops... The figures in the painting look out for one another, and the emotions build layer by layer. The fluttering red flags in the advancing ranks symbolize the firm belief in the victory of the revolution. In this work, the material characteristics of Chinese painting and its narrative approach can be said to have directly influenced the painter's choice of expressive form, giving the same historical subject a different artistic appearance.
From documentary depiction to cross-temporal dialogue to long-scroll narrative, these classic works both preserve the collective memory of the departure of the Red Army's Long March and bring inspiration to thematic art creation in the new era: it is necessary both to consolidate the historical foundation and revere historical truth, and to carry out narrative transformation, bringing grand narratives back down to human emotions and destinies, using visible and tangible artistic language to build a bridge of dialogue between red history and the general public, so that red memories can be seen, empathized with, and easily disseminated.
Artistic images are a key for people to touch history and comprehend the spirit. On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March, rereading these classic works allows us both to comprehend the great Long March spirit while looking back at the road we have traveled, and to draw from them the strength to strive forward and walk well the new Long March road.
(The author is a member of the Art Committee for National Major Theme Art Creation of the China Artists Association)
Return to TopBy: 刘欲晓
In the creation of fine art on the theme of the Long March, Mr. Shen Yaoyi has devoted particular and sustained effort. The "Journey of the Red Ribbon — Exhibition of Shen Yaoyi's Sketches from the Long March Route," currently on view at the Art Gallery of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, selects nearly 200 works in gouache, acrylic, oil, and other categories, including sketch originals completed during Shen Yaoyi's two retracings of the Long March route in 1975 and 1977 that are being made public for the first time. The exhibition systematically presents the trajectory of his creative work on the Long March theme spanning more than 50 years, opening a window for viewers to read history.
The truth of art is rooted in tireless investigation; the weight of history derives from on-site experience. This is especially so for fine art creation on revolutionary themes: its power to move people stems more from the artist's artistic refinement and spiritual elevation on the basis of touching the essence of history. Looking back at the 1970s and 1980s, much of the fine art on the Long March theme relied on extrapolation from documents or borrowed from film and television imagery, making it difficult to fully present the peril and grandeur of the Long March and the spiritual power contained within it. During his studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Shen Yaoyi kept in mind the earnest instruction of his mentor, Mr. Li Hua — "paint what you see with your own eyes" — and established the creative principle of "no sketching without field investigation, no creation without historical fact." He has always firmly believed that once historical painting departs from the actual site, it loses its soul and warmth. From this, he abandoned formulaic narrative and subjective fabrication, insisting on supporting every brushstroke detail with on-the-ground verification.
Deeply aware that the absence of visual narrative could weaken and fracture revolutionary memory, Shen Yaoyi, with a high degree of artistic self-awareness, made it his lifelong mission to complete the visual genealogy of the Long March and restore the true revolutionary landscape. To seek out the real historical sites, in his youth he resolutely left the studio and set out on the ten-thousand-li Long March route. In 1975, he departed from the red starting point in southern Jiangxi, traveling northward along the Red Army's march trajectory, spending three months traveling through rugged terrain and difficult conditions (跋山涉水, ba shan she shui - "climb mountains, cross rivers"), visiting survivors and recording the scenery along the way. In 1977, he retraced the Long March route once again, identifying and filling in gaps or shortcomings (查漏补缺, cha lou bu que - "check leaks, supplement deficiencies") and perfecting his source material, faithfully depicting with plain sketches and gouache the Luding Chain Bridge, the snowy mountains and grasslands, the strategic passes and ancient roads, capturing true historical details and freezing in place countless irreproducible scenes of the sites.
The more than one hundred gouache sketches on display this time are especially noteworthy. These works, sealed away for nearly half a century, are now spread before viewers for the first time, delivering a dual shock of aesthetics and emotion. To facilitate carrying them during long journeys, these works are all small in format, yet they display a vast array of scenes. The works feature bright colors, warm and cool tones complementing each other, with brushwork acting or performing with great ease and freedom (挥洒自如, hui sa zi ru - "fling, scatter, self, as") and vivid and full of life and spirit (气韵生动, qi yun sheng dong - "spirit, rhythm, produce, lively"), fully displaying the painter's profound skill in mastering outdoor light sketching. Ruijin's red earth in morning light, the strategic pass of Loushan in dusk, the surging waves of the Jinsha River — all are condensed within the small format into a visual symphony of flowing light and harmonious color. After decades of tremendous changes to the landscape, many of the old sites recorded in sketches back then have long since lost their original appearance. These sketch works thus transcend the category of ordinary exercises to become precious visual materials, effectively filling the gap left by the scarcity of historical imagery of the Long March.
Relying on solid on-site investigation and a massive accumulation of sketches, Shen Yaoyi has worked diligently and expanded his scope across multiple dimensions for decades, successively creating many classic oil paintings such as Revolutionary Ideals Higher Than the Sky, Now We Are Crossing the Summit, The Zunyi Conference, and The Wayaobao Conference, and completing the large-format comic series The Red Ribbon of the Earth, gradually building a systematic, coherent, and multi-dimensional visual genealogy of Long March themes.
Surveying Shen Yaoyi's fine art creation on revolutionary themes, there exist two artistic paths shining brightly in each other's reflection (交相辉映, jiao xiang hui ying - "interchange, mutual, shine, reflect"): the first, as in works such as Taking the Luding Bridge by Force and Bloody Battle at the Xiang River, depicts battle scenes head-on with a solemn brush style, the figures awe-inspiring and the momentum majestic; the second dissolves the Long March contingent into the heavens and earth, as in his six newly completed oil paintings including Rapid Advance on Lazishan, The Red Army Road in Zhangjiajie, and Crossing the Snowy Mountains, in which figures and mountains and rivers merge into one, the individual and eternity mirror each other — this romantic artistic approach perhaps comes closer to the underlying tone of the painter's spiritual world: people walk between heaven and earth, the spirit is engraved in history, and in the end all is transformed into indelible marks upon the mountains and rivers.
"If a person can do one thing well, that is already quite good; what I am doing is simply hoping to leave a visual history of the Long March." This is Shen Yaoyi's answer to his own artistic journey. With half a lifetime of footsteps he has practiced his original artistic aspiration, and with an archaeologist's spirit of verification he has delved deeply into revolutionary narrative — completing not only an "artistic Long March" of his own, but also leaving for posterity a precious spiritual legacy.
Return to TopBy: 李垚辰
In recent years, the cultivation of young art creation talent has been a topic of considerable discussion within the industry. Recently, "Blooming — The Third National College Student Art Exhibition (Beijing Exhibition)" was held simultaneously at the Art Museum of the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Today Art Museum. More than 400 works selected from the participating works of 8 sub-exhibition areas, covering Chinese painting, oil painting, sculpture, digital art, experimental art, and more, have become an important window for observing contemporary youth art creation and the development of higher art education.
College students are a valuable talent resource, and stimulating their creative potential and innovative vitality was the original intention of holding the National College Student Art Exhibition. From the participation of 4 art categories in the first edition in 2017 to the participation of 21 art categories in this edition, the National College Student Art Exhibition has continuously innovated its mechanisms and has developed into an artistic window connecting campus and society, promoting exchange and mutual learning in higher art education, as well as a key platform for young artists to move toward the professional field.
Through the exhibition, one can see that the creative vision of college students has shifted from a focus on the individual to a broader space. Starting from their own feelings about the times, they use art to express their thoughts on social development and individual growth. Many works focus on themes such as contemporary intelligent life, young people returning to their hometowns to start businesses, and the construction of major national projects, depicting the spiritual outlook of the times from different perspectives. Some environmental art design and industrial design works respond to real-world needs with bold design imagination. What is particularly gratifying is that many works integrate the aesthetic spirit of Chinese culture into contemporary artistic language, demonstrating strong cultural confidence.
Vigor is the most distinctive hallmark of youth, and in college student art creation it is manifested as active artistic thinking. On the one hand, creators boldly explore artistic language, such as fully tapping into the aesthetic qualities of materials like ceramics, metal, lacquer, and fiber, expanding new realms of aesthetics; on the other hand, they make full use of auxiliary means such as digital technology to explore new visual forms and cross-media modes of expression. Rich practice gives the works a diverse appearance and also opens up more space for artistic creation.
While emphasizing individual exploration and embracing new technologies, some issues also deserve attention and assessment: First, the tendency toward production-oriented work is evident. At present, image resources and technical means are abundant, bringing convenience to creation. Many young creators rely too heavily on image resources while neglecting in-depth thinking about the unity of content and form, resulting in works that, although skillful in technique, complete in form, and aesthetically pleasing in imagery, are pale in expression. Second, the capacity for artistic transformation is insufficient. Some creators fail to accurately grasp the relationship between inheritance and innovation. Inheritance is not blindly following old patterns without innovation (因因相袭, yin yin xiang xi - "cause, cause, follow, inherit") of one's predecessors, but rather, on the basis of deeply studying the essence of their art, innovating to form one's own artistic language. The root causes of these problems lie mainly in creators not going deep enough into life, having insufficient understanding of the objects of creation, not studying the essence of art deeply enough, and failing to express genuine feelings in appropriate artistic language. This is also a topic that higher art education needs to ponder deeply.
Looking back at the history of Chinese painting, many classic works of art were produced during the painters' youth. From the distant past, there is Wang Ximeng's Chinese painting "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains" from the Song Dynasty, and from the more recent past, Zhan Jianjun's oil painting "Five Heroes of Langya Mountain." The creation of these classics all originated from the creators' careful observation of real life and profound research into the essence of art. Art is, after all, the expression of emotion, not a competition of technique. Technology cannot replace emotion, and visual truth does not equal artistic truth. Young creators should be courageous in stepping into the vast world, capturing scenes that touch the soul through real walking, and completing artistic creation with a personal style through the linkage of mind, eye, and hand. It is hoped that the broad community of art students will take this exhibition as a mirror, base themselves on the life of the times and the essence of art, work steadily and innovate boldly, and use the brush of youth to sketch the future.
Return to TopBy: 尹 丹
Grasses and trees gather dew, and the autumn air grows thick. The Chinese love to write autumn into poetry and paint it on silk, because it embodies abundance and desolation coexisting, joy and wistfulness interwoven. Zhao Mengfu's famous Yuan-dynasty work Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains (detail shown in the image) conveys exactly this mood.
This painting was made in the first year of the Yuanzhen era (1295). The prevailing view is that Zhao Mengfu created it on the spur of the moment to console his friend Zhou Mi's homesickness. Zhou Mi's ancestral home was Jinan, Shandong, but for various reasons he never set foot on his native soil in his lifetime, and homesickness lingered in his heart. Zhao Mengfu had served in Jinan, and from memory he depicted in the painting the Que Mountain, the Huabuzhu Mountain, and the surrounding waters and marshes. The interweaving of multiple emotions gives the autumn mood in the painting an extra measure of flavor.
From an artistic standpoint, Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains is unquestionably a model of "reviving antiquity and opening the new" and "entering painting with calligraphy," exerting a profound influence on literati painting. As the leader of the Yuan-dynasty painting world, Zhao Mengfu's pursuit of "reviving antiquity" and "the shared origin of calligraphy and painting" was tied to the cultural mission he had set for himself. He took Jin and Tang dynasties as his models and advocated using the brushwork of calligraphy to render objects, hoping thereby to reverse the decline of painting and calligraphy since the Southern Song. "Rocks like flying-white strokes, trees like great-seal script, bamboo written through the eight methods" also became a creative standard for later literati painters. In Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains, Zhao Mengfu used flower blue mixed with mineral blue to depict the Que Mountain on the left and the Huabuzhu Mountain on the right, striving to reproduce the archaic elegance of Tang blue-and-green landscape painting, and added touches of cinnabar, ochre, and gamboge to paint the trees and houses, creating a rich autumn atmosphere. In brushwork, Zhao Mengfu made extensive use of hemp-fiber texture strokes to depict the Que Mountain and the low slopes and banks, used lotus-leaf and unraveled-rope texture strokes to render the craggy form of the Huabuzhu Mountain, and employed great-seal script brushwork to delineate the trees—especially the several old trees in the middle of the composition, which show both the concision and composure of calligraphy and the weathered antiquity of the trees themselves. This painting, together with works such as Zhao Mengfu's Sparse Trees and Level Distance, became a milestone of "entering painting with calligraphy," profoundly influencing the criteria of evaluation for Chinese painting and continually enriching its aesthetic expression.
Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains appears casually improvised, yet the construction of spatial relationships in the composition conceals deeper meaning. It is a typical work embodying the level-distance method. As the scroll slowly unfolds, one first sees the towering Huabuzhu Mountain, then the ponds, groves, and houses and sheep wrapped in mist, and finally the rounded, plain Que Mountain. A vast expanse of water, set off by red leaves and green mountains, makes one feel feeling relaxed and joyful (心旷神怡, xin kuang shen yi - "heart, wide, spirit, joyful"). In terms of composition, this horizontally unfolding level-distance scene follows a clear three-part structure—the Huabuzhu Mountain, the slopes and sandbars, and the Que Mountain—but Zhao Mengfu continually used the broken-ink method to create a sense of misty rain, making the three-part composition appear more harmonious. This method of creating spatial depth through segmentation can be traced back further. In the Five Dynasties and early Song, the common mode for creating spatial depth in landscape painting was to arrange the foreground, middle ground, and far distance on three separate, parallel vertical planes, as represented by Dong Yuan's Cold Forest and Layered Banks and Fan Kuan's Travelers Among Mountains and Streams. Although Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains uses a horizontal three-part composition, its way of creating spatial depth is undoubtedly similar to theirs.
The renowned art historian Wen Fong once held that this work represents a new mode of spatial expression: the ground extends continuously backward, and space is concrete and measurable, thereby reproducing a more truthful sense of spatial depth than earlier generations. However, the spatial construction of Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains is not entirely "truthful"—the painting also contains many incongruous proportions of scale. The most exaggerated is the boatman on the right side of the slope in the middle of the composition, who is so tiny that he is even much smaller than the goats in the distance, while the trees and slopes beside him appear far too large by comparison. What is the reason? Perhaps this distortion is precisely Zhao Mengfu's deliberate homage to the naive, unpolished quality of Jin and Tang landscape painting.
A scroll of autumn color, a thousand strands of feeling. Zhao Mengfu, caught in the currents of history, hid the scenery of nature, the sentiments of the literati, and his own state of mind all within this scroll of landscape, leaving posterity much to imagine.
(The author is a professor at Sichuan Fine Arts Institute)
Return to TopBy: 田 雪
In Xiongfan Village, Dawu County, Hubei Province, an idle rural primary school was transformed by an aesthetic education team from China Agricultural University into a studio integrating functions such as art teaching and pottery experience, becoming a "cultural living room" where villagers are happy to linger. In recent years, such practices have not been uncommon, and together they reflect that art-based rural construction is shifting from "sending beauty to the countryside" to "nurturing beauty in the countryside."
From wall painting to holding art festivals, from rural building renovation to creating village history museums, more and more art workers are using art to assist the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas. These diverse explorations have both brought new opportunities for rural development and revealed some shortcomings: some emphasize visual beautification over internal empowerment; some emphasize the completion of public spaces over sustainable development and operation; some apply internet-famous templates, so that art fails to truly activate local vitality. These problems prompt deep reflection: what should art leave behind for the countryside when it beautifies it?
Art-based rural construction must not only shape the form, but also forge the soul, with "the building of people" as the focus. This means that the creation of beauty must be deeply connected with rural social structures, modes of production and life, customs and culture, so as to enhance villagers' aesthetic judgment and creativity, and strengthen their sense of belonging to and cultural identity with their homeland. For example, in Xiongfan Village, the aesthetic education team has been stationed in the village year-round, working hard and deeply in the field (深耕, shen geng - "deep, plow") to investigate village history, plan exhibitions together with villagers, and improve the village's appearance, enabling villagers to form aesthetic judgments through actual participation. In Gejia Village, Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province, art teams guide villagers to design cultural and creative products and shared spaces themselves, making villagers "rural construction artists" who cannot be taken away. These practices push villagers to change from bystanders to participants, enabling them to actively exert their own strength to build a beautiful homeland.
Only by awakening villagers' own aesthetic judgment and creativity can the reshaping of rural values have a solid foundation. Of course, the reshaping of rural values is not a single-dimensional aesthetic education action, but must take root in local cultural lineage and be integrated into the entire chain of rural industrial development, cultural inheritance, ecological protection, and so on. Today, more and more practitioners are promoting "integration of agriculture and art" with a broader vision, allowing art to be deeply embedded in the daily production and life of the countryside. Years of accumulated exploration have not only accumulated vivid field experience for how art can better beautify the countryside, but also promoted theoretical construction in academia on questions such as where rural art comes from, who creates it, and how it responds to contemporary transformation.
From practical transformation to theoretical exploration, one clear fact is that art beautifying the countryside is not superficial beautification but deep activation, and the ability to create beauty must be left in the countryside. Who creates, who benefits, who continues? Only by answering these questions well can art-based rural construction stimulate the endogenous driving force of the countryside.
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