CSOs Celebrate Akpabio with 5th Annual Lecture, Hail NASS–Executive Synergy

…..Pledges expanded civic actions and pro-development campaigns in 2026

Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a leading civil society organization committed to governance reforms and national development, has hosted the 5th Annual Godswill Akpabio Leadership and Youth Mentorship Lecture. The yearly event, held in honour of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is designed to celebrate his leadership contributions while empowering youths and strengthening civic engagement across Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Amb. Solomon Adodo, Convener of RUN, commended the productive relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive. He described the synergy as a major driver of grassroots development and national stability, noting that the collaboration has translated into reforms and people-focused initiatives that positively impact ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, working closely with the National Assembly under Senator Akpabio, has continued to demonstrate a clear commitment to improving the welfare of citizens. He said the creation and swift passage of legislation establishing regional development commissions highlight the shared resolve to bring governance closer to the people and address pressing socio-economic challenges. Adodo added that Senator Akpabio’s leadership, defined by courage, accessibility and impactful legacy projects, continues to inspire youths and governance advocates nationwide.

Delivering the keynote address, Barr. Cosmas Akighir, Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), described Senator Akpabio as a nationalist whose contributions to national unity and development remain commendable. He noted that the establishment of the NCDC received accelerated legislative support because of Akpabio’s genuine commitment to national growth and his alignment with President Tinubu’s vision for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. Akighir urged Nigerians to focus on supporting the Federal Government and the National Assembly, stressing that divisive rhetoric and unnecessary distractions undermine the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

A striking feature of this year’s lecture was the massive turnout of civil society organisations, youth groups and community-based associations from across the country. Many attendees expressed strong support for RUN, the Federal Government and the leadership of the National Assembly, reaffirming their confidence in ongoing reforms. They pledged to intensify nationwide civic engagement, sensitisation and pro-development advocacy in 2026, with commitments to expand their programmes, strengthen partnerships and mobilise citizens for national progress.

As part of the annual tradition, the event also featured the empowerment of youths and unemployed Nigerians with vocational tools, equipment and machines worth millions of naira. This empowerment component, conducted each year during the celebration of Senator Akpabio’s birthday, aims to promote self-reliance and uplift vulnerable groups through practical support and skill-building opportunities.

The lecture attracted participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including government officials, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry, community influencers and development advocates. The 5th edition of the lecture further solidified RUN’s commitment to fostering unity, legislative-executive cooperation and broad-based national development, while reaffirming the growing recognition of Senator Akpabio’s leadership impact across Nigeria.

NUPRC’s Digital Compliance Systems, Licensing Reforms Positioning Nigeria for Stronger Energy Investment, says BusinessMetrics

BusinessMetrics, an independent industry performance evaluator, says the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is delivering sustained progress in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), with reforms that are strengthening investor confidence, deepening transparency and repositioning the upstream industry for long-term growth.

In a statement released on Monday, BusinessMetrics said its latest sector review shows that NUPRC’s regulatory measures over the last year “reflect a deliberate shift toward predictable, technology-driven and investment-friendly governance,” noting that these improvements are already reshaping Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.

According to the statement, one of the Commission’s most significant achievements is the rapid digitisation of oversight systems that monitor production, metering accuracy, fiscal obligations and environmental performance.

BusinessMetrics said these digital tools have “reduced reporting delays, improved data integrity and enhanced the global credibility of Nigeria’s upstream statistics”.

“The availability of reliable, real-time data is one of the strongest indicators of a trustworthy investment climate,” the organisation said.

“NUPRC’s digital reforms are raising confidence among operators and international financiers who rely on transparent information before committing capital to new field developments.”

The evaluator also noted improvements in licensing and regulatory approval processes, describing the Commission’s approach as more structured, rules-based and commercially coherent compared to previous years.

“Clearer timelines for approvals, structured consultations with operators and the alignment of regulatory decisions with PIA provisions have created a more efficient operating environment,” the firm said.

“This is enabling quicker movement on projects, reducing administrative bottlenecks and giving investors greater clarity on regulatory expectations.”

The organisation said fiscal clarity under the PIA, implemented through NUPRC, has equally enhanced the attractiveness of Nigeria’s upstream assets, leading to renewed activity around marginal fields, reactivation of dormant licences and fresh commitments from both indigenous and international operators.

“The fiscal certainty introduced by the PIA continues to incentivise capital deployment. We are seeing a gradual resurgence in upstream investment appetite, driven by the clarity and predictability that investors have long demanded,” the statement added.

On gas development and decarbonisation, BusinessMetrics commended NUPRC’s enforcement of domestic gas delivery obligations and its frameworks for flare-gas commercialisation, saying these efforts are opening new growth corridors for Nigeria’s energy transition.

“The Commission’s work in gas monetisation is particularly impactful. It supports industrial expansion, contributes to power stability and positions gas as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation,” the statement added.

The evaluator further highlighted progress in customer-facing reforms, including the strengthening of the One-Stop Regulatory Centre, which it described as a crucial tool for reducing red tape and improving the ease of doing business in the upstream sector.

“This approach aligns with global best practices and signals institutional willingness to reduce friction for investors,” BusinessMetrics noted.

While acknowledging the complexity of Nigeria’s upstream environment, the organisation said the Commission’s consistent delivery on its mandate is helping restore confidence in the sector.

“With sustained implementation of the PIA, Nigeria is better positioned to compete for global capital, increase production capacity and advance long-term energy security,” the organisation said.

BusinessMetrics concluded that NUPRC’s progress “sets a solid foundation for deeper reforms” and urged continued institutional discipline, innovation and investor-focused regulation to fully unlock Nigeria’s upstream potential.

Forgive your blackmailers and focus on helping Mr. President deliver on his security agenda, group tells Minister Matawalle

The Ambassadors for Peace and Progress (APP) has appealed to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to forgive the five individuals who publicly confessed to running a N500 million smear campaign against him while he was governor of Zamfara State.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the group, Rev. Matthew Adejoh, urged the minister not to allow the painful betrayal to distract him from the critical national assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We followed with deep emotion the courageous confession made by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem and his colleagues. Their admission has exposed the depth of political desperation in Zamfara State, but it has also opened a rare door for healing and reconciliation,” Rev. Adejoh said.

Describing Dr. Matawalle as “a peaceful, kind and large-hearted leader who is a friend to everyone,” the cleric appealed to him to extend the same hand of fellowship he has always shown to people of all faiths.

“Dr. Bello Matawalle is known across the North as a man who builds bridges, not walls,” he said. Quoting Colossians 3:13, he added: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

“These young men have fallen on their knees in public and begged for mercy. As believers and as patriots, we plead with His Excellency to forgive them and everyone who was paid to destroy his name.

The bandits ravaging our region do not read sponsored articles — they only respect superior resolve and unity of purpose.”

The Ambassadors praised President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle, saying the elevation was divine recompense for years of wicked blackmail.

“Your enemies spent over half a billion naira to pull you down, yet Allah raised you to the very centre of Nigeria’s war against terror. Let this confession be the final burial of that evil plot,” Rev. Adejoh declared.

While calling on the EFCC, ICPC and security agencies to immediately investigate the allegation that Zamfara State funds were used to sponsor media attacks, the group insisted that Dr. Matawalle himself should choose the path of forgiveness.

“Let justice run its full course, but let our dear Minister show the maturity, kindness and large-heartedness that made President Tinubu bring him to Abuja. Forgive them, Your Excellency. Focus all your energy on helping Mr. President end insecurity forever. That is the greatest victory.”

China’s robot industry doubles revenue in five years

By Wang Zheng, Li Xinping, People’s Daily

At the 2025 China Robot Industry Development Conference, the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) briefed on the performance of China’s robotics industry during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Industry revenue doubled from 106.1 billion yuan ($15 billion) in 2020 to 237.89 billion yuan in 2024. In the first three quarters of this year, revenue increased by 29.5 percent year on year.

Exports also expanded rapidly, growing from $390 million in 2020 to $1.15 billion in 2024. In the first three quarters of this year, exports reached $1.24 billion, surpassing last year’s total and marking a 56 percent year-on-year increase.

Domestic industrial robot brands gained significant market share, rising from 31.4 percent in 2020 to 58.5 percent in 2024. 

“The robotics industry in China has grown rapidly during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, with a relatively complete industrial chain now in place,” said Xu Niansha, president of the CMIF.

Stronger Capabilities

At the 25th China International Industry Fair, Chinese industrial robot company Estun Automation showcased a heavy-duty robot capable of stably lifting and transporting 1,200 kilograms.

“Payload capacity is a key performance indicator. As industrial robots become increasingly integrated into manufacturing, demand is rising for high-rigidity, high-precision, and highly reliable heavy-duty models,” said a representative of Estun Automation.

Historically, China depended heavily on imported heavy-duty industrial robots, with domestic products accounting for less than 3 percent of the market. However, significant progress was achieved during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. For instance, Estun Automation’s 700-kilogram-capacity model, launched in 2024, received more than 100 orders, and in 2025, the company introduced a 1,000-kilogram-level robot.

Technological advances have also transformed welding, often referred to as the “sewing line” of modern industry. “Our welding robots deliver high-speed, heavy-load, highly stable spot welding. The fastest cycle for a single weld point is just 2.2 seconds,” said a representative of SIASUN Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., one of the largest robotics manufacturers in China.

Painting processes have similarly evolved. Traditional assembly lines typically require three to five days to paint a vehicle, whereas the automated production line using robots manufactured by Efort Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd. can complete the task in just over 80 seconds. 

“This year’s new technologies allow robots to integrate intelligent process systems directly into the equipment, enabling automated color mixing, switching, spraying, and cleaning,” said engineer Wang Jinsong from Efort.

Stronger Industrial Support

In the first three quarters of this year, China’s industrial robot output reached 595,000 units, exceeding the total production of the previous year. This rapid growth reflects the continued development and strengthening of the country’s robotics industrial chain.

China has made significant advances in the production of core components, including high-precision reducers, high-performance servo systems, and intelligent controllers.

Harmonic reducers, often described as the “joints” of a robot, comprise a flexspline, wave generator, and circular spline. The flexspline, with a wall thickness of just 0.2 millimeters, requires micron-level machining precision. Chinese-made harmonic reducers now account for more than 40 percent of the domestic market.

Servo motors, the “muscles” of a robot, are essential for precise joint movement. Inovance Technology Co., Ltd., a leading global provider of industrial automation solutions based in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, holds the largest market share in China’s servo system sector.

At Inovance’s production base in Yueyang, central China’s Hunan province, the rotor production line has achieved full automation, while the stator line is 70 percent automated. “Our intelligent production lines deliver high precision and reliability, while also enabling customized services,” an Inovance representative said.

According to Song Xiaogang, executive vice chairman of the robotics branch of the CMIF, China’s robotics support system is becoming increasingly mature. Technological and industrial capacity has improved markedly, with leading robotics firms now producing over 80 percent of their components in-house.

Broader Applications

By the end of 2024, China was home to over 2 million industrial robots, ranking first globally.

In 2024, 302,000 industrial robots were sold in the Chinese market, marking an increase of 68.7 percent over 2020 and accounting for 54 percent of global sales.

The application of industrial robots has expanded significantly. By 2024, Chinese industrial robots had been deployed across 71 major categories and 241 sub-categories of the national economy, covering 51 percent of all sub-categories. This represents an increase of 19 major categories and 98 sub-categories compared with 2020.

Robot density in China’s manufacturing sector rose from eighth globally in 2020 to third in 2024.

The widespread integration of robotics has accelerated the development of intelligent manufacturing. China has established more than 35,000 basic-level intelligent factories, over 230 model factories, and 1,260 5G-enabled factories.

Looking ahead, intelligence and specialization are expected to drive future growth.

“As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in vertical industries, its integration with robotics is accelerating,” Song said, adding that robots are rapidly evolving from functional equipment performing repetitive, programmed tasks to intelligent partners capable of perception, decision-making, and autonomous action.

Commercial spaceflight fuels China’s space exploration efforts

By Li Rui, People’s Daily

Recently, China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang, east China’s Shandong province, placing three satellites into their designated orbits. This launch exemplifies the growing momentum of China’s emerging commercial space sector, which is contributing significantly to the country’s space exploration capabilities.

The global competition in commercial spaceflight is intensifying. According to projections, the scale of China’s commercial space market is expected to exceed 2.5 trillion yuan ($351.76 billion) this year. Through a strategic collaboration between the government and private enterprises, China is achieving a dynamic synergy that is accelerating technological advancements, reducing costs, and expanding the range of applications within its space industry. As a result, China’s space industry is gaining more visibility and vibrancy on the global stage.

China’s development of “space infrastructure” is advancing steadily, especially as the deployment of low-orbit satellite internet networks enters a phase of large-scale constellation expansion. However, the country faces a prominent challenge: the demand for satellite launches now exceeds the available capacity of traditional rockets. Relying solely on traditional rockets is far from sufficient to meet these growing needs.

In this context, the development of commercial space initiatives is essential to providing the necessary launch capacity for widespread space-based network deployment. This year, a new generation of commercial rockets, including the Zhuque-3, Tianlong-3, and Gravity-2, are advancing according to schedule with design, testing, and launch activities. These new launch vehicles will effectively alleviate the strain on satellite launch resources and bolster the development of China’s national satellite internet infrastructure.

Commercial spaceflight not only increases the frequency of launch opportunities but also opens up a broader range of technological possibilities. Unlike state-run space enterprises, private commercial companies are more agile and adaptable. 

For example, the methalox engine independently developed by Chinese commercial rocket firm LandSpace has drawn global attention for its cost-effectiveness, clean propulsion, and reusability. Similarly, Chinese aerospace company Galactic Energy has significantly reduced rocket engine manufacturing costs through 3D printing. 

Fueled by market-driven mechanisms and following a model of “small steps, rapid iterations,” commercial space enterprises have gained the favor of numerous research institutions. These companies serve as a strong complement to state-run space organizations, further advancing China’s space exploration capabilities.

As a dynamic sector driving the future of technological innovation, commercial spaceflight holds vast market potential. More than 10 provinces across China have introduced specific policies to support the development of the commercial space sector, fostering a wave of specialized and innovative companies focused on rocket development and satellite manufacturing. These initiatives have led to the creation of industrial clusters and a rapidly expanding “space economy” ecosystem. 

For instance, Beijing is developing a regional industrial layout with rocket production in the south and satellite manufacturing in the north, while Shanghai aims to scale its space industry to hundreds of billions of yuan. Additionally, the aerospace industrial park Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu province, has brought together more than 120 enterprises above the designated size, fueling growth and innovation.

As the commercial space sector shifts from isolated efforts to more integrated, clustered development, an autonomous, resilient, and competitive industrial ecosystem is taking shape, becoming a significant driver of economic growth and technological advancement in space.

Today, commercial spaceflight not only serves national missions but is also expanding its innovation to meet everyday needs. Applications such as satellite remote sensing allow farmers to manage irrigation systems via a mobile phone, while satellite internet provides broadband access to remote areas, including mountains and oceans. Moreover, satellite-enabled intelligent transportation systems are optimizing traffic signal timing to reduce congestion. 

These innovations highlight how space technology, once perceived as distant and exclusive, is now becoming an integral part of everyday life, enhancing communications, supporting agriculture, improving mobility, and providing tangible benefits to the public.

Commercial spaceflight represents a vast frontier of opportunity. It is not only a scientific domain for exploring the unknown but also a burgeoning economic sector with boundless potential for the future.

Activists confess receiving N500m Naira to blackmail Tinubu’s Minister Matawalle, beg for forgiveness

Five civil society activists and media operatives on have openly confessed to being part of a N500 million coordinated blackmail campaign against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and tendered an unreserved public apology to him.

The activists, led by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem, made the shocking revelation at a press conference in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

Speaking on behalf of Comrade Olumu Lucky, Comrade Olukayode Williams, Comrade John Osumbor Mark, and Engineer Bashir Muhammad, Kareem disclosed that the entire operation was sponsored and supervised by the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare through his Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.

According to the group, Sulaiman Bala Idris personally convened several secret meetings where they were briefed, handed instructions, and provided with funds.

The campaign, they said, cost “above five hundred million naira” and involved recruiting social media influencers, bloggers, political commentators, conventional media houses, and prominent Zamfara politicians including Senator Kabiru Marafa and Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.

“We were part of that machinery. We accepted money and roles to circulate damaging and false narratives against Dr. Bello Matawalle even though we knew they were lies. We chose financial inducement over conscience,” Kareem admitted.

The activists said their actions caused “serious emotional pain, reputational damage and distress” to the Minister, his family, and supporters, adding that after deep reflection, they decided to come clean.

“Today, we tender our unreserved apology to His Excellency, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and to every Nigerian who was misled by the falsehood we helped spread. We beg for his forgiveness and the forgiveness of the public. This apology is born out of genuine remorse,” the statement read.

The group further declared readiness to face any legal or moral consequences, stating that they possess “documentary evidence” of every transaction and meeting, including with Governor Lawal’s Spokesperson.

“We are ready to submit all the evidence and cooperate fully with the EFCC, DSS, police or any competent authority that wishes to investigate this matter,” they affirmed.

While urging other participants in the alleged plot to also confess, the activists said their decision was aimed at cleansing their conscience and helping to enthrone truth and accountability in Nigerian politics.

Forging new chapters in China-U.S. people-to-people friendship

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The 2025 Kuliang Forum, themed “Echoes of History,” was recently held in New York. 

In this special year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, representatives from various sectors of China and the United States came together to commemorate the historical period when the two nations stood together in the fight for world peace. 

Drawing on the legacy of Kuliang — an enduring symbol of China-U.S. people-to-people friendship — participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship.

The Kuliang story, personally promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, exemplifies the longstanding bond between the Chinese and American peoples. Xi has previously sent congratulatory letters to “Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship Forum” and to “Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival,” underscoring the story’s continued relevance in today’s bilateral relations.

In recent years, “Kuliang Friends” and other supporters of China-U.S. friendship have actively preserved and promoted Kuliang’s legacy. Initiatives such as root-seeking visits and cultural exchanges, including “Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival,” have deepened mutual understanding and friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

The ever-growing and enduring Kuliang story shows that despite differences in history, culture, social systems, and development paths, the Chinese and American peoples share a common aspiration for friendship. This year, China held grand commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, inviting descendants of American Flying Tigers members to attend ceremonies atop Tian’anmen Gate. 

At the seventh China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference, participants discussed “Closer Cooperation for a Sustainable Future.” During “Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival,” more than 1,000 young singers from both countries performed in celebration of friendship. 

These acts of goodwill, though seemingly modest, accumulate to bridge the Pacific, turning a geographical divide into a conduit for cooperation. The hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels.

In July this year, Xi replied to teachers and students of the U.S. youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation from Montgomery County, Maryland, who visited China under the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs in a five-year span.

Xi congratulated the delegation on its successful visit to China, expressing his hope that the delegation members will become a new generation of ambassadors for friendship between the two countries and make greater contributions to enhancing friendship between the two peoples.

Since the launch of the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs in a five-year span, participation has been enthusiastic, demonstrating the initiative’s strong appeal and profound influence. A wide range of activities under the initiative, including maker competitions, academic dialogues, “future diplomats” summer camps, choir and music festivals, and pickleball friendship matches, have deepened mutual understanding between Chinese and American youth. A recent poll in the United States indicates a steady improvement in American public perceptions of China, with younger generations increasingly serving as a driving force for bilateral friendship.

To write new chapters of the Kuliang story and deepen people-to-people affinity, China and the United States must work together to build platforms and broaden channels for exchanges. 

Last month, Xi and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump held a successful meeting in Busan, South Korea, providing strategic guidance and fresh momentum for the steady development of bilateral relations at a critical moment. The two presidents reached important consensus on advancing practical cooperation across various fields, including expanding people-to-people exchanges. 

Since then, the China-U.S. relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the broader international community. China welcomes more Americans to visit and experience a real, multidimensional, and comprehensive China. It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with China in the same direction and take active steps to facilitate people-to-people exchanges, thereby strengthening bilateral bonds and mutual understanding.

The achievements in China-U.S. relations are primarily attributable to the collective efforts of the people of the two countries, and the continued development of this relationship will rely even more on their support. Both sides should take the Kuliang bond as a link, people-to-people exchanges as a bridge, and youth friendship as a source of strength, working together to continue writing new chapters of China-U.S. friendship and contributing to the sound and steady growth of China-U.S. relations.

Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing

By Shi Fang, People’s Daily

“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?” 

“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”

This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.

As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.

“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.

In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.

Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”

Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.

Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.

Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.

Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.

“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.

A closer look at China’s ‘appropriate forward planning’ for new infrastructure development

By Wang Junling

China is home to the world’s largest high-speed railway, expressway, and postal express delivery networks, as well as the world’s biggest and most extensive digital infrastructure. This increasingly modernized infrastructure system has supported rapid economic and social development, improving public services and enhancing everyday life.

Looking ahead to the next five years, how will China advance its infrastructure development? 

According to the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, new types of infrastructure will be built with appropriate forward planning; information and communication networks, the national integrated computing network, major science and technology infrastructure, and other key systems will be further developed and used intensively and efficiently; traditional infrastructure will be upgraded and retrofitted with digital and intelligent technologies.

This marks the first time a Five-Year Plan recommendation explicitly incorporates the concept of “appropriate forward planning” for new infrastructure.

What does this concept entail, and how will China implement it?

As technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, 5G, and digital twin become deeply embedded in daily life and economic activity, China has made significant strides in developing information infrastructure, integrated infrastructure, and innovative infrastructure. These new foundations underpin the digital economy, accelerate the modernization of traditional infrastructure, and support scientific and technological innovation.

According to Huang Qunhui, a research fellow at the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, many sectors, including scientific research, transportation, energy, water conservancy, and communications, face strong demand for digital, intelligent and green upgrades amid a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. Among these, digital-intelligent infrastructure such as next-generation communication base stations, high-performance computing equipment, and ultra-large storage systems has become central priorities.

Zhang Liqun, a research fellow at the Development Research Center of China’s State Council, highlights the public good nature of infrastructure, in contrast to the exclusivity of ordinary commodities. In this context, “appropriate forward planning” implies that government investment in emerging infrastructure, such as communication networks, computing capabilities, and scientific research platforms, must stay ahead of evolving societal needs to ensure public services are both proactive and resilient.

“For example, the growth of emerging industries and the upgrading of traditional industries rely on services like real-time communication and artificial intelligence enabled by traditional infrastructure,” Zhang added. “Government-led investments must anticipate demand to close critical gaps in a timely manner.”

Infrastructure development is a complex undertaking that encompasses policy, funding, planning, and technology, requiring coordinated, well-designed implementation. According to Xiang Aibing, director of the transport integration and innovation research center at the Institute of Comprehensive Transportation of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, despite tremendous progress, China still faces structural weaknesses in new infrastructure and in meeting the higher standards of quality development and public expectations.

Challenges persist in central and western regions and in special zones, where full coverage of gas pipeline and mobile communication network is lacking. Rural areas still struggle with “last-mile” connectivity, and integration across transport, energy, and digital infrastructure remains insufficient.

“The term ‘appropriate’ reflects the need for infrastructure development to align with the pace of economic and social development, while ‘forward-looking’ emphasizes its guiding and enabling function,” Xiang noted. 

“During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China must ensure that the supply of new infrastructure — its capacity, regional distribution, technological sophistication, implementation schedule, and scale — keeps pace with evolving development needs, creating a virtuous cycle of supply and demand,” Xiang added.

The resulting improvements in public services and growing market opportunities are drawing increasing attention from enterprises.

Li Qian, chairwoman of Net Zero, a tech firm based in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, said: “New infrastructure creates substantial opportunities for business expansion. We are making sustained investments, with appropriate forward planning, in computing power infrastructure to position ourselves for rising demand.”

Lunkr Technology (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., the world’s first commercial company supporting the IETF multilingual email standard, provides digital solutions for clients in Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Zambia, and other countries. Wu Xiucheng, executive vice president of the company, noted that advancing new infrastructure with appropriate forward planning during the 15th Five-Year Plan period is a strategic move that enables digital industry growth and fosters new technologies and business models. 

“Going forward, we will scale up our AI-driven products and services to better capitalize on emerging opportunities in email systems and cybersecurity,” Wu added.

China advances from digitalization to intelligent digital transformation

By Liu Wenxin, People’s Daily

“Digital” and “intelligent” are two buzzwords in China’s recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for digital and intelligent development in the manufacturing sector, digital and intelligent transformation of the service sector, and upgrading and retrofitting traditional infrastructure with digital and intelligent technologies.

The evolution from “digital” to “digital and intelligent” reflects a deeper strategic shift. Digitalization involves the application of digital technologies to modernize and upgrade industrial and supply chains across the real economy. In contrast, intelligent digitalization builds upon this foundation by integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), enabling autonomous learning, optimized decision-making, and predictive analytics. This integration aims to enhance production efficiency, resource allocation, management, and innovation.

For example, a large supermarket chain under digitalization would collect real-time data on procurement, warehousing, and sales for analysis. Under intelligent digitalization, an AI system could dynamically adjust pricing and devise sales strategies based on factors like inventory levels and product shelf life.

This transition represents a strategic response to accelerating technological advancement. AI is emerging as a transformative technology on par with the steam engine, electricity, and the internet. Its rapid development is propelling the global economy into an era of intelligent transformation.

For instance, in synthetic biology factories, AI enables continuous, high-efficiency optimization of microbial fermentation, increasing efficiency tenfold. In high-speed train research and development, simulation models powered by AI have reduced aerodynamic calculation times from an entire day to mere seconds.

By emphasizing “intelligent digitalization,” the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan demonstrate China’s commitment to seizing the opportunities presented by AI and advancing its systematic application.

China is well-positioned to advance from “digitalization” to “intelligent digitalization.”

In recent years, China’s AI industry has grown rapidly and now ranks in the global top tier. China’s AI sector has seen robust growth, with the number of enterprises exceeding 5,300 as of September, accounting for 15 percent of the global total. The industry’s scale exceeded 900 billion yuan ($127.11 billion) in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 24 percent.

Computing power infrastructure continues to expand. As of the end of June 2025, China had 10.85 million standard racks in operation nationwide, with its intelligent computing power reaching 788 EFLOPS, ranking among the top in the world.

Algorithm innovation is also flourishing. China has released 1,509 large AI models, the highest number globally, accounting for a substantial share of the 3,755 models launched worldwide to date and supporting the global open-source ecosystem through models like DeepSeek and Qwen.

The transition from “digitalization” to “intelligent digitalization” hinges on the integration of AI across sectors to drive high-quality development. Effective AI advancement requires practical application. To this end, China is implementing the “AI Plus” initiative, which focuses on strengthening technological capabilities to foster the “intelligent industrialization” of AI while accelerating the intelligent transformation of traditional industries. These efforts aim to expand application scenarios, support the high-quality development of the AI industry, and enable AI to contribute more substantially and effectively to economic and social development.

Looking ahead, leveraging AI’s “multiplier effect” will provide a robust material and technological foundation for advancing Chinese modernization.