Nigeria Times

By Wang Ke, Dou Hao, People’s Daily

As environmental awareness continues to grow, green and low-carbon consumption has become a key factor influencing consumer decisions in China, especially among young people.

From preferring sustainable brands to choosing energy-efficient products and eco-friendly transportation, “green” is a defining term for the evolving consumption trends of China’s younger generation.

“Although it’s a bit more expensive than standard models, the trade-in program makes it a great deal, and most importantly, it’s energy-efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Chen Jian, a post-90s consumer, who was shopping for an air conditioner at a home appliance store in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality.

After comparison, Chen bought a new model equipped with an AI-powered energy-saving chip. This smart air conditioner can detect temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments in real time, automatically adjusting its settings to maintain comfort while reducing annual electricity consumption by more than 10 percent.

China’s policy-backed consumer goods trade-in program has further stimulated consumer enthusiasm for automobiles, home appliances, and home furnishings, among which energy-efficient products are in high demand.

According to China’s e-commerce platform Suning.com, since the launch of a new round of trade-in program for home appliances in August 2024, the sales of energy-efficient washer-dryers, smart air conditioners, and built-in combi steamers have surged by 129 percent, 135 percent, and 228 percent respectively.

“Compared to traditional cars, new energy vehicles (NEVs) are energy-saving and eco-friendly. They’re also packed with highly appealing smart features,” said Wang Li, a consumer born in the 1990s, at an NEV booth in a shopping mall in Beijing’s Chaoyang district.

In 2024, China’s annual NEV production and sales surpassed the 10million milestone for the first time,with sales of NEVs accounting for 40.9 percent of the country’s total new vehicle sales. Online surveys show that consumers born in the 1980s and 1990s make up a larger share of potential NEV buyers.

While the trade-in program fuels young consumers’ shopping enthusiasm, it also significantly propels resource recycling. Over 75 percent of China’s certified vehicle scrapping companies now have the capacity to dismantle NEVs. In 2024, China recycled 8.46 million scrapped vehicles, marking a 64 percent year-on-year increase.

“It’s not that new products are out of my budget, but second-hand goods offer a higher cost-performance ratio,” said Hu Yuxing, a 24-year-old newcomer to Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, who often shops for clothing, bags, cosmetics and home furnishings in second-hand markets.

More and more young people are turning to second-hand goods trading platforms, both to sell unused items for extra cash and tohunt for hidden gems.

According to Xianyu, one of China’s largest second-hand goods trading platforms, the number of userson the platform has surpassed 600 million, with an average daily transaction volume exceeding 1 billion yuan ($137.9 million). More than 100 million users listed their idle items on the platform in a year, with 4 million new listingsevery day. Notably, more than half of the platform’s users were born after 1995 and 2000.

“For young people, buying and selling second-hand items reflects a rational and eco-conscious approach to consumption, which has become their way of life,” said Li Shijie, head of Xianyu’s offline business operations. “We aim to connect more idle resources in society, improve the circulation of second-hand goods, and support the growth of green consumption,” Li added.

Around midday, in an office building near Zhongshan Road in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Liu Xinyu, born after 1995, opened a food delivery app on her phone. She began scrolling through the options, especially looking for small-portioned meals. “They’re more affordable, well-balanced with both meat and vegetables. More importantly, they can help reduce food waste – perfect for dining alone,” she explained.

In the past two years, Chinese meal delivery platforms have increasingly introduced “small” and “half-portion” meals, reflecting young consumers’ growing demand for more flexible and efficient dining options. This shift is part of a broader trend, as sustainable practices like “recycling used bottles” and “reusing packaging” also gain popularity among young people in China.

Wei Chenhao, a 24-year-old employee in Shijiazhuang, has embraced green commuting. For his 15-kilometer daily commute, he combines a shared bike with the subway. “Driving to work just means getting stuck in traffic jams and burning fuel. But with the bike and subway, I get there in just 30 minutes and spend less than 5 yuan per trip,” he said.

Young Chinese are increasingly embracing eco-friendly consumption, from food and fashion to transportation and daily necessities.

According to an official from China’s Ministry of Commerce, promoting green consumption is significant forChina to achievethe dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, foster a new development paradigm, and promotehigh-quality development.

The official said that China will launch arange of activities to encourage green consumption, enhance consumer participation, and further unleash the potential of green consumption.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU)—an important milestone that bridges the past and future, offering a crucial moment to reflect on and advance China-EU ties.

Recently, China has engaged in diplomatic exchanges with multiple EU countries, sending a strong message to the international community about their shared commitment to multilateralism and free trade. These interactions reaffirm that China and the EU can serve as forces of stability and certainty in an increasingly turbulent world.

China always views its relations with Europe from a strategic and long-term perspective. The development of China-EU relations has always been a priority in China’s diplomacy.

The two sides share a wide range of common interests, with more cooperation than competition and more consensus than differences. The key to strengthening China-EU relations lies in respecting each other’s choice of social systems and development paths, as well as each other’s core interests and major concerns.

The more severe and complex the international situation becomes, the more China and the EU should adhere to the original aspirations of establishing diplomatic relations, strengthen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, and uphold the positioning of partnership.

There exist no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU; making them partners that can contribute to each other’s success.

As defenders of the multilateral trading system, the two sides have already formed a strong economic symbiotic relationship. China-EU relations have not only contributed to their respective development but also made significant contributions to global peace and prosperity. They are each other’s major trading partners and investment destinations. In 2024, China-EU trade volume is forecast to have reached$785.8 billion, and the two-way investment stock $260 billion.

China remains committed to high-quality development and high-standard opening up, and sharing development opportunities with other countries. China is ready to synergize its Belt and Road Initiative with the EU’s Global Gateway, fostering greater connectivity and mutual benefits on a global scale.

China and the EU should fully recognize that their economic cooperation is in essence complementary and mutually beneficial, and jointly promote a universally-beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

While differences and even frictions exist in their trade and economic cooperation, both sides should work toward the same direction, handle them properly, and safeguard the broader framework of China-EU economic cooperation.

China-EU relations are related to the prosperity of Eurasia and the stability of the global structure. Both sides should work together to nurture and develop their relations. China serves as a source of stability in a rapidly changing world and remains committed to being a constructive force for global progress. China has always regarded Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world,  firmly supported European integration, and backed the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy.

Both China and the EU uphold the principles of the UN Charter, advocate multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and reject bloc confrontation. Rather than viewing each other as competitors, they should work as partners.

In the face of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and the EU must stand more firmly in upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

The multipolarization of the world is a historical inevitability, but multipolarization doesn’t necessarily mean chaos, conflict, domination by major countries, or the strong bullying the weak. China and the EU should work together to promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, so as to make equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal rules a basic principle of a multipolar world, and let every country find its place and play its role in the multipolar order.

The history of China-EU relations demonstrates that as long as both sides uphold mutual respect, treat each other as equals, and engage in candid dialogue, they can advance cooperation and make significant achievements.

In today’s uncertain international environment, filled with mounting global challenges, China and the EU must stand on the right side of history and human progress, and take historical responsibility. Anchored in their partnership, both sides should focus on the mainstream of dialogue and cooperation, stick to the keynote of mutual benefit, and continue to be reliable, respectful, and long-term partners of each other. By working together, China and the EU can help steer the world to a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” has been released in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and Fiji, with impressive presales and enthusiastic responses.

A review on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), widely quoted by global media outlets, highlights that the movie not only showcases the strongpower of Chinese animation but also demonstrates the infinite possibilities of traditional Chinese mythology in the modern context.

The seamless fusion of cultural heritage and innovation has allowed Chinese cinema to captivate audiences worldwide. In “Ne Zha 2,” intricate cultural details – such as the mythical “boundary guardian beasts” inspired by the golden masks excavated from the Sanxingdui Ruins, and the humorous Sichuan dialect spoken by Ne Zha’s mentor Taiyi Zhenren – highlight the ingenuity of Chinese filmmaking in reimagining traditional Chinese symbols for today’s audience.

The profound and rich Chinese cultural heritage serves as an endless source of inspiration. The legendary figure of Ne Zha has evolved across different eras of artistic expression. By merging Eastern mythology with contemporary values and blending heroism with realism, “Ne Zha 2” delivers a seemingly stunning yet emotionally grounded ensemble story. The emotional values and realistic sentiments within the film reveal the depth and significance of fine traditional Chinese culture.

The film’s narratives – such as a young person’s growth and transformation, parental sacrifice and dedication, and the pursuit of justice – reflect shared experiences and universal emotions, allowing it to resonate with audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Other blockbuster films from this year’s Spring Festival lineup have also garnered attention. “Detective Chinatown 1900” weaves personal destiny with national identity, offering both laughter and reflection: even in the face of adversity, the Chinese nation hasshown remarkable strength, thanks to generations of selfless individuals who have sacrificed their own interests for the greater good.

Meanwhile, “Operation Hadal” reignites national pride among the Chinese people and reinforces the country’s commitment to safeguarding world peace.

By embracing the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, continuing to explore China’srich cultural legacy, and expressing Chinese values through compelling narratives, Chinese cinema will keep contributing Chinese wisdom to the global cultural landscape.

The success of “Ne Zha 2″in both box office and reputation reflects the growing strength of China’s animation and broader film industry. The film’s closing credits list nearly 140 Chinese animation studios involved in the project, with all visual effects (VFX) produced by Chinese VFX teams. The booming Chinese film market has fueled the advancement of the country’s VFX technology, creating a cycle of mutual growth.

From “Monkey King: Hero Is Back” and “Legend of Deification” (known as “Jiang Zi Ya” in Chinese) reimaginingChinese classic mythology, to “Chang’an” bringing ancient Chinese poetry to life, Chinese animation teams have continuously experimented with innovation. By merging cutting-edge technologies with fine traditional Chinese culture,they have created a distinctive “Guochao” aesthetic, sparking the younger generation’s interest in Chinese cultural heritage.

China’s VFX industry is not only leading the world in technology but has also made major strides in content expression, providing a striking visual experience and artistic appeal rooted in Eastern aesthetics.

With each new release, Chinese cinema tells China’s stories and showcasesits values and strength. These films serve as new windows for the world to observe modern China and as cultural bridges that foster exchanges between China and other countries.

With its rich cultural heritage, diverse storytelling, and boundless creative potential, China’s film industry is bound to bring more high-quality productions to global audiences. Through the combination of culture, storytelling, and technology, Chinese cinema will continue to win the hearts of viewers worldwide.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Recently, a foreign scholar described China as an “enabler.” This term vividly encapsulates China’s commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind and providing global public goods. It demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility as a major country in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development through concrete actions.

The concept of “enabler” aligns closely with traditional Chinese cultural values that emphasize harmonious coexistence and shared development.

An ancient Chinese sage observed, “A man of virtue, while establishing himself and pursuing success, also works to help others establish themselves and succeed.”This wisdom reflects China’s commitment to working with other countries for common progress while realizing its own development.

There is also an old Chinese saying: “To give people fish and you only provide them with one meal; to teach them to fish and they can benefit throughout their lives.” This expresses the idea that the key to helping others is to enhance their capabilities. Throughout history, China has pursued shared prosperity with other countries through coordination and cooperation.

China’s “enabler”role is evident in itsunswerving commitment to managing its own affairs well,expanding high-level opening up, and sharing development opportunities with the world. As animportant engine for global economic growth, China actively provides public goods for improving global governance and strives to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world.

China is truly enabling the world while working to achieve national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernization. An essential requirement of Chinese modernization is building a community with a shared future for mankind, which is why China has always upheld the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit.

Professor Warwick Powell at Queensland University of Technology in Australia observed that in an era of multipolarity, Chinese modernization can only take the form of being an enabler – an enabler of national rejuvenation and of positive peace through decentered, even economic development worldwide.

While expanding high-level opening up, China enables the world by providing access to its vast, dynamic, and innovation-driven market.

With a massive consumer base and rapidly evolving demand, the “Chinese market” has become a “world market.” China has introduced a range of measuresto advance high-level opening up, such as removing all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector, continuously improving the business environment, and granting zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tax lines from all the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. The inclusive and open Chinese market is unleashing dividends to the world, creating tremendous opportunities for global development.

While placing development at the center of the international agenda, China enables other developing countries through concrete actions.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), widely acknowledged as a “precious gift” from China to the world, has significantly boosted economic growth and development in partner countries. Landmark projects such as the China-Laos Railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, and the Budapest-Belgrade Railway have facilitated the flow of people, goods, and information, strengthening development pathways.

Meanwhile, “small yet beautiful” projects – such as hybrid rice cultivation, vocational training, and solar-powered lighting installations – are tailored to local needs, strengthening the ability of BRI partner countries to achieve self-development and improvingtheir livelihoods.

While upholding true multilateralism, China enables global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit.

China has put forward and implemented the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilizations Initiative, offering Chinese wisdom and solutions to addressing global challenges. At the same time, it has actively contributedto global climate governance, fulfilled its commitment to the Paris Agreement, and introduced the Global AI Governance Initiative and the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. In the face of mounting global challenges, China has never stood idly by; instead, it has played an unprecedented role in global governance, injecting much-needed positive energy into the global governance system.

By Luo Shanshan, Yang Yanfan, People’s Daily

Opening up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization.

Since the beginning of 2025, various regions and government departments in China have been steadily enhancing institutional openingup andvoluntarily subscribing to high-standard international economic and trade rules.

Leveraging the strengths of its enormous market, China has been enhancing its capacity for opening upwhile expanding international cooperation with other countries, and developing new institutions for a higher-standard open economy.

On Jan. 1, the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement(FTA) officially took effect, leading to zero tariffs on over 95 percent of tariff lines and import value between the two countries.

“Following the implementation of the FTA, import tariffs on washing machines in the Maldives dropped from 20 percent to zero,” said Wu Tong, an executive from Hisense International, the overseas business branch of Chinese multinational major appliance and electronics manufacturer Hisense Group.

“This year, we expect to benefit from tariff reductions totaling nearly 420,000 yuan ($57,920) on our home appliance exports to the Maldives,” Wu said.

China has been proactively aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and expandingthe globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas.

“In 2025, our FTA negotiation agenda remains substantial,” said Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of China’sMinistry of Commerce.

According to the official, China will negotiate with additional interested countries and regions toexpand itsglobal network of high-standard free trade areas. At the same time, the country will ensure high-quality implementation of existing FTAs, so that these agreements can better serve businesses and people in both China and its free trade partner countries, said Li.

The impact of China’s openingup extends beyond trade figures. “When an engineer in New York flies a drone made in Shenzhen, when a young girl in Paris wears traditional Chinese costumefrom Guangzhou, or when an African family plays with toys from Chaozhou, it goes beyond the flow of goods – it’sabout the sharing of technology and exchanges of culture,” said Luo Guanghao, deputy mayor of Shenzhen municipal people’s governmentat Guangdong Provincial High-Quality Development Conference on Feb. 5.

According to Luo, Shenzhen, now a global hub for cross-border e-commerce, is home to 120,000 cross-border e-commerce sellers and hostsfour-fifths of the world’s top 20 cross-border e-commerce platforms.

In 2024, the value of China’s cross-border e-commerce imports and exports reached 2.63 trillion yuan, marking a 10.8 percent growth, unlocking even greater potential for the country in both “selling to the world” and “buying from the world.”

Since the beginning of this year, an increasing number of foreign investors have chosen to invest in China.

On Jan. 6,German automobile giant Volkswagen and Chinese new energy vehicle maker XPENG announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding for strategic collaboration on a superfast charging network in China. On Jan. 15, Italy-based PiovanGroupopened its Asia-Pacific headquarters and a new facility in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province. On Jan. 23, French multinational Air Liquide signed an agreement with Chinese enterprises in Yancheng, Jiangsu, to co-develop a green methanol project powered by biogas.

In 2025, China will continue to stabilize foreign investment, offering foreign investors a sound business environment where they can operate with confidence.

First, China has vowed to further shorten the negative list for foreign investment, making it easier for foreign-invested enterprises to access the Chinese market.

In 2024,the country further eased market access for foreign investors, including allowing the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai, and removingall market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector. As a result, 59,080 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide in 2024, up 9.9 percent yearonyear.

According to He Yadong, spokesperson for China’sMinistry of Commerce, in 2025, China will steadily advance the openingup of its services sector, expanding its pilot programs to open up fields such as telecommunications, medical services, and education. Additionally, it will work on expanding the catalog of encouraged industries for foreign investment to attract even more foreign investment.

Second, China will continue to improveits business environment and create a stable, transparent, and predictable policy environment.

On Feb. 5, Shanghai hosted its annualBusiness Environment Optimization Conference, unveiling action plan 8.0 version to further improve the city’s business environment. This marked the eighth consecutive year that Shanghai has held the city-wide business environment conference on the first working day after the Spring Festival holiday.

According to Simon Yang, president of Aptiv China and Asia Pacific, international enterprises often encounter varying local regulations when operating and investing in different countries. “But Shanghai stands out for its consistent policies on tax incentives, streamlined approval procedures, and regulatory stability,” said Yang.

By fostering a market environment for fair competition, where all business entities can equally access resources and compete on a level playing field, China is creating a world-class business environment while advancing high-level openingup, which is bound to propel the country’sopen economy to new heights.

By Sun Yi

As industries such as logistics and manufacturing continue to upgrade, ports and factoriesincreasingly require automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to handle ultra-heavy loads. This growing demand has created vast market opportunities for heavy-duty AGVs.

In recent years, China’s heavy-duty AGV sector has experienced rapid growth, driven by strong innovation capabilities and a reputation for reliable products. ManyChinese companies have not only solidified their presence in the local market but rapidly expanded into international markets.

Since the beginning of 2025, the factory of Tianjin Lonyu Robot Co., Ltd. (Lonyu) has been bustling with activity. Production lines are running at full capacity, and heavy-duty AGVs are undergoing intensive manufacturing and testing.

“We’ve been busy since the start of this year. In January alone, we received overseas orders worth 13 million yuan ($1.78 million),”said Ren Zhiyong, Lonyu’s chairman.

Heavy-duty AGVs are automated guided vehicles designed to carry loads exceeding two tons. They can provide automated and highly efficient solutions for transporting ultra-heavy, oversized, and extra-long materials. Widely adopted in industries such as automotive manufacturing, steel and metallurgy, and port logistics, they have become essential tools for improving production efficiency and reducing operational costs.

The heavy-duty AGV market is experiencing robust growth. Take the outdoor heavy-duty AGV segment as an example – data suggests that from 2021 to 2026, the sector’scompound annual growth rate in China will approach 25 percent.

Jaten Robotics, a leading high-tech company specializing in robot and automation, based in Foshan, south China’s Guangdong province, has recognized significant market potential for heavy-duty AGVs, as they can effectively meet the material handling needs in the local ceramics industry.

“I’ve visited so many manufacturing plants and witnessed the hardships workers face in material transportation, often in harsh working conditions,” said Chen Hongbo, Jaten’svice president. He added that AGVs can serve as “mechanical legs,” designed to relieve people from labor-intensive, monotonous, repetitive, and hazardous tasks.

The latest outdoor heavy-duty AGV released by Lonyu measures 14.4 meters in length, 3.4 meters in width, and 1.2 meters in height, with a load capacity of 300 tons. Itcan navigate factories with ease, not only climbing slopes and rotating but also maneuvering through narrow bends with remarkable agility. Specifically designed for intelligent, unmanned transport between workshops and across factory zones, itrepresents a significant technological advancement.

“Compared to indoor AGVs, this model integrates BeiDou positioning, inertial navigation, and visual perception technologies, allowing it to safely navigate complex environments while avoiding pedestrians and vehicles with high precision,” said Zhang Binpeng, Lonyu’s chief technology engineer.

Technological innovation is a constant driving force for the robotics industry. Lonyu continues to make technological breakthroughs, repeatedly setting new records for AGV load capacities. “In 2024, we delivered a heavy-duty AGV with a 600-ton load capacity, breaking the world record. We are now developing a model capable of carrying 1,000 tons,” said Ren.

Jaten also places a strong emphasis on research and development (R&D). “We invest 10-15 percent of our annual revenue into R&D to ensure continuous innovation,” said Chen.

Over the years, Jaten has secured over 600 patents and successfully developed a 20-ton drive unit, overcoming the industry’s reliance on imported core drive components.

Chinese heavy-duty AGVs are steadily gaining recognition in the international market, thanks to their high cost-effectiveness and ability to provide customized solutions.

In 2024, an Irish construction company sought two heavy-duty AGVs capable of synchronized lifts up to three meters – an exceptionally challenging requirement that many AGV manufacturers struggled to meet.

“They eventually found us through a distributor, and we quickly provided a detailed design proposal that won their approval,” said Shan Chenxi, general manager of Lonyu’s overseas sales center. After the machines were commissioned in Ireland, they received high praise from the client, who has decided to place bulk orders this year.

“Our products have been sold to 12 countries and regions, with overseas orders accounting for around 20 percent of our total sales,” Shan noted. He added that Lonyu israpidly expanding into global markets and aims to increase this figure to 50 percent within the next three to five years.”

Now, Jaten is collaborating with 70 Fortune Global 500 companies and has established overseas factories. According to Chen, the heavy-duty AGV market is still a “blue ocean.” Compared to foreign competitors, Chinese manufacturers have explored a wider range of applications and gained extensive experience in various scenarios, allowingthem to respond rapidly to diverse market needs. “This is a major competitive advantage for Chinese heavy-duty AGVs and lays the foundation for future standardization of these products,” Chen said.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On Feb. 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a symposium on private enterprises and delivered an important speech. He stressed that on the new journey of the new era, the private economy enjoys broad development prospects and immense potential, and it is the perfect time for private companies and entrepreneurs to fully demonstrate their prowess.

The international community closely followed the symposium, interpreting it as a strong signal of China’s firm commitment to promoting the healthy and high-quality development of the private sector, further boosting the confidence of global investors in China’s economic outlook.

Against the backdrop of an international landscape fraught with instability and uncertainty, international markets are filled with concerns. The world is looking to China, expecting it to continue playing its role as a major engine of world economic growth and providing much-needed stability to the international community.

China’s performance has lived up to the world’s expectations. From record-breaking box office revenue during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday to the global buzz surrounding Chinese AI models and humanoid robots, the international community has not only observed the strong momentum of China’s private sector but also the bright prospects of the Chinese economy.

It was stressed at the symposium that the basic principles and policies regarding the development of the private sector cannot and will not be changed, highlighting the “stability” of China’s economic policies.

The Chinese government has placed great emphasis on the development of private enterprises and the private economy. China’sprivate sector boasts a considerable scale and carries heavy weight, laying a solid foundation for advancing the high-quality development of the private sector. By the end of September 2024, private enterprises accounted for a steady 92.3 percent of total enterprises registered in China.

China has been steadily introducing measures such as formulating a private sector promotion law and setting up dedicated institutions to support the private sector’s development, ensuring that private enterprises are empowered to thrive on an even broader stage.

The private enterprises participating in this symposium spanned a wide range of industries, from strategic emerging sectors to traditional manufacturing and agriculture. These sectors represent new quality productive forces, highlighting the “innovation”driving China’s economic growth.

Companies like BYD, which has contributed to China’s new energy vehicle sector development through its R&D and innovation, and New Hope Group, a long-standing player in agriculture and animal husbandry that continues to revitalize the traditional industry through innovation, exemplify the ingenuity of Chinese private enterprises – an ingenuity that has captured the world’s attention.

As the Chinese economy shifts to a stage of high-quality development, private enterprises will play an even greater role in technological innovation, green development, and the digital economy.

As The Australian Financial Reviewreported, China has no shortage of eager venture capitalists and smart young entrepreneurs, and the sense of optimism, excitement and energy that characterized earlier periods of China’s economic reforms is still widespread.

Chinese private enterprises have flourished along withChina’s grand journey of reform and opening up, nurturing a spirit of open cooperation in the country’s open and inclusive environment.

These businesses are actively expanding their global presence, forging international partnerships in fields ranging from AI and cross-border e-commerce to high-end manufacturing and clean energy. They have not only provided consumers around the world with a broader range of options, but also strengthened their international competitiveness in a globalized market, expanded their growth potential, and climbed higher in the global industrial and value chains.

International analysts described the new generation of Chinese private entrepreneurs as “born global entrepreneurs,”highlighting their ability to leverage the vast Chinese domestic market to quickly achieve economies of scale before shifting focus to global expansion and securing a foothold in international markets.

The dynamism of China’s private sector is a testament to the resilience and potential of the Chinese economy. On the new journey of the new era, China’s productive forces will make new strides, people’sliving standards will improvesteadily, and reform and openingup will be further deepenedin an all-around way. These advantages will create abundant new opportunities and greater headroom for the growth of the private sector, and China’s high-quality development will also provide the world with greater confidence in the future.

By Yang Junfeng

At China Central Television Station’s 2025 Spring Festival Gala, 16 humanoid robots named “Fuxi”from Unitree Roboticsperformed Yangko folk dance on the stage, dressed in northeastern Chinese style floral cotton-padded jackets and twirling handkerchiefs. They soon went viral on social media.

This innovative performance, titled YangBOT, seamlessly blended traditional folk culture with cutting-edge technology, offering a vivid snapshot of China’s rapid advancements in the robotics industry.

The performance was a dazzling display of the technological prowess of Chinese robotics company Unitree. Since its establishment in 2016, Unitree has distinguished itself in the robotics industry by adopting an innovative “motor-driven” approach and emphasizing “low cost and high performance.” In less than a decade, the company has made remarkable progress towards its goal of introducing robots as dependable household assistants.

The secret behind the mesmerizing performance of “Fuxi,” or H1, at the Spring Festival Gala lies in their AI-driven full-body motion control technology. Equipped with 360-degree panoramic depth sensing, the robots can accurately perceive their surroundings. Through advanced AI algorithms, they can also “understand” music and accordingly adjust their movements in real time based on the rhythm.

These breakthroughs are the result of years of dedicated research in AI and motion control. In terms of core technology, Unitree has abandoned traditional hydraulic systems in favor of self-developed high-performance direct-drive motors.

By implementing a specifically designed algorithm, the company has achieved precise force control while reducing costs by over 80 percent.

In dynamic balancing and AI algorithms, the H1 humanoid robot utilizes joint motors in combination with reinforcement learning algorithms and multi-agent collaborative planning, significantly minimizing movement errors.

Moreover, the company has made remarkable progress in domestic production of key components. Over 90 percent of critical parts, including motors, reducers, controllers, encoders, and LiDAR sensors, are domestically manufactured.

Tang Shuyuan, deputy director of the digital business research center at Sanda University in Shanghai, said the robots featured in YangBOT changed the stereotype of humanoid robots being overly mechanical.

According to him, behind their lifelike movements were advancements in motion control, multi-robot coordination, and vision perception. These breakthroughs mark that Chinese robotics firms are at the forefront of advancements in the development of humanoid robots, Tang said.

Unitree’s product development follows a clear trajectory, evolving from quadruped robots to humanoid models.

In the initial phase, the company pioneered quadruped robots for civilian applications.

In 2017, Unitree introduced its first quadruped robot, Laikago, featuring a modular design for rapid iteration. By 2023, the company launched the industrial-grade B2 robot, capable of carrying up to 120 kilograms and operating for four to six hours on a single charge.

Today, Unitree’s quadruped robots are widely used in education, inspection, and rescue missions, with cumulative sales exceeding 10,000 units. The company holds 60 percent global market share in this segment.

In the second phase, it redefined the standards for massively produced humanoid robots.

In August 2023, Unitree unveiled its full-sized humanoid robot, H1, which can sprint at a top speed of 3.3 meters per second, perform backflips, and maintain dynamic balance using reinforcement learning algorithms. The robot has already been deployed in the automotive factories of Chinese electric vehicle maker NIO for material handling.

In May 2024, Unitree introduced the G1 humanoid robot featuring three-finger force control dexterous hands, which is sold at a price of just 99,000 yuan (about $13,544). This model has made humanoid robotics more accessible across various industries.

In the third phase, Unitree developed an open-source ecosystem to lower industry barriers

In 2024, Unitree launched an open-source reinforcement learning library, attracting over 10,000 developers worldwide. By providing a full reinforcement learning toolkit – from training and simulation to real-world implementation – Unitree has significantly reduced development costs. Additionally, the company also open-sourced data collection tools and training datasets to facilitate humanoid robot data acquisition.

Through continuous technological breakthroughs, ecosystem development, and application-driven innovation, Unitree has not only achieved remarkable growth but also played a pivotal role in elevating China’s robotics industry.

Currently, Unitree is driving industry-wide collaborative innovation throughdeep integration with upstream and downstream partners. This approach strengthens China’s robotics supply chain and enhance its global competitiveness.

Unitree’s development exemplifies three significant trends in China’s robotics industry: moving from a focus on “cost advantage” to prioritizing “technological leadership,” transitioning from the use of robotics for single applications to integrating them across entire systems, and evolving from simply replacing tools to actively creating value through robotics technology.

From research labs to production lines, from industrial automation to consumer applications, robotics is driving the emergence of new business forms. Driven by innovation, backed by a robust supply chain, and guided by real-world applications, Chinese robotics companies like Unitree are writing a new chapter in the global wave of intelligent manufacturing .

By You Yi, People’s Daily

“What do you think giant pandas eat?”

At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (hereafter referred to as “the giant panda base”) in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan province, an engaging science educational session led by the base’s science education team was underway. Visitors gathered around, eager to participate.

“Definitely bamboo!”

“They must also eat fruitsfor vitamins.”

“But bamboo is so tough. Can giant pandas even digest it?”

The crowd buzzed with excitement. Seeing their enthusiasm, Xiang Bo, a member of the science education team, decided it was time to reveal the answer. He shared the details of giant pandas’ eating habits, explaining everything from their appetite to the variety of foods they eat.

Founded in 2000, the science education team is dedicated to raising public awareness about biodiversity conservation, with a particular focus on giant pandas.

Over the past decade, the team has organized more than 3,000 educational activities, published 22 popular science books, and produced 22 science-related films across 61 episodes, reaching over one billion people.

In 2020, the team launched live, interactive educational sessions at the giant panda base. “We post monthly schedules, usually with 15 sessions, on our official WeChat account,” Xiang explained.

Unlike traditional lectures, these interactive sessions allow visitors to learn about endangered species conservation while exploring the giant panda base.

In a workshop, children eagerly participated in a hands-on activity. They mixed cornmeal, soybeans, oats, and nutrients into a bowl, kneaded the dough, shaped it with molds, and soon, panda-friendly steamed buns were ready. This wasn’t just a cooking session – it was an educational program where young “panda nutritionists” got a taste of what it is like to prepare food for pandas.

“Panda conservation education should start early, and experiential learning is a great way to spark children’s curiosity,” said Tang Yafei, a team member.

Since 2016, the team has developed nine themed programs, like the “panda nutritionist” activity. Each month, the giant panda base organizes different educational activities to foster a deeper understanding of biodiversity conservation values in the public.

At the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, visitors are often surprised to meet “Xiao Chuan,” a lifelike bionic panda robot that can blink, respond to questions, and even show emotions. Equipped with eye-tracking technology, the AI-powered robotcan interact with visitors, seamlessly incorporating panda-related knowledge into fun, interactive conversations.

A common question that team members receive is about the various sounds made by giant pandas. To answer this, the museum offers interactive sound experience, where visitors can listen to over ten different vocalizations that giant pandas use to express emotions. Each sound is explained, helping visitors decode the panda “language.”The curiosity-driven design often leads to long lines as visitors eagerly try to decipher the meanings behind each sound.

Since its opening in March 2021, the museum has become the world’s first panda-themed interactive museum. Through interactive experiences, recreated habitats, and hands-on activities, it offers visitors a deeper understanding of giant panda conservation and environmental protection.

Do giant pandas hibernate? How do they communicate? These questions – and more – are answered in The Giant Panda You Don’t Know, a beautifully illustrated book created by the science education team. With its engaging language and charming artwork, the book presents findings from scientific research, educational activities and conservationideas related to giant pandas, quickly becoming popular since its release.

Beyond books, the team has built a variety of science educational platforms. They have hosted online science programs and produced educational videos and films. They have also developed 28 panda-themed cultural and creative products, ranging from stickers and postcards to eco-friendly tableware and storage bags. These products are given out during science educational activities to enhance visitors’ experiences and promote sustainability.

Starting with just two members, the team has grown to a team of 31, with an average age of 28. Today, it conducts over 300 events annually, reaching schools and communities to spread awareness about wildlife protection.

“Our goal is for every visitor to not only seegiant pandas but also learn about them – and hopefully feel inspired to contribute to conservation efforts. We’re committed to finding new and creative ways to share stories of giant pandas with the world,” said Xiang.

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

At the recently held 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), multipolarity became the focus of discussion.

Is today’s world truly moving toward a multipolar order? Will multipolarity lead to greater disorder and governance failures in the international system? How can the world ensure a healthy and stable transition to multipolarity?

The answer to these three critical questions concerns the stability of the international order and world peace and development.

            I.

A multipolar world is both a historical inevitability and a reality. The Munich Security Report 2025, themed “Multipolarization,” states that today’s world is characterized by “multipolarization.” This assessment aligns with the prevailing consensus in the international community.

In international relations, “pole” refers to key influential political and economic forces in the global system. At its core, multipolarity is a global power and governance system featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit.

Since the Cold War ended in the early 1990s, the world has rapidly transitioned toward multipolarity. All countries and regions have increasingly sought a more independent and autonomous position in international affairs.

Today, multipolarity is a direct reflection of the changing global power dynamics. According to the International Monetary Fund, emerging markets and developing economies contributed 58.9 percent to the global economy in 2023. The Munich Security Report 2025 highlights that BRICS nations account for about 40 percent of global trade and 40 percent of crude oil production and exports.

This is not just about economic development – it is a basis for structural change in global order.

The MSC, traditionally dominated by Europe and the United States, saw 30 percent of its speakers this year representing the Global South, a testament to the world’s multipolar trajectory. Global South countries are asserting greater independence in global affairs. They have actively promoted greater democracy in international relations through platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, injecting vital momentum into the world multipolarization process.

The report notes that multipolarization is not only evident in the diffusion of material power but also in the fact that the world has become more polarized ideologically. The once-dominant “end of history” narrative has been thoroughly debunked. Developing nations have grown more self-assured in exploring the path to development independently. Together, the Global South is advocating for equal exchanges, inclusiveness and mutual learning among civilizations.

While multipolarity is the direction of historical development, its progress will not be overnight. Skepticism and resistance persist, with some still clinging to outdated notions of unipolar or bipolar structures at the conference. Still and all, from a long-term historical perspective, multipolarization is bound to gain steady strength through tortuous development.

II.

In today’s international landscape fraught with instability, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, posing risks of a return to the law of the jungle. Some argue that multipolarization inherently leads to fragmentation, chaos, and conflict.

However, blaming global instability on multipolarity is a classic misdiagnosis of cause and effect. Multipolarity is not the source of today’s global challenges. On the contrary, it is the resistance to multipolarity – the reluctance of certain countries to abandon unilateralist tendencies – that has fueled disorder.

Policies such as “decoupling and breaking chains” and “small yard, high fence” disrupt global economic cooperation. Unilateral withdrawals from multilateral agreements and coercive policies undermine international cooperation. These actions stem from an attachment to unipolar hegemony and zero-sum thinking, and a reluctance to embrace the evolving multipolar order.

The claim that multipolarity leads to chaos reflects an anxiety about power redistribution. Some nations that once dominated the global order are struggling to adjust to the rapid development of multipolarization. They romanticize the past, painting a picture of an idealized global order under hegemonic stability, or insisting on restoring so-called “liberal order” dominance. These arguments ignore the systemic inequalities and historical trauma faced by the Global South.

The report provides valuable insights: for people in the countries of the Global South, “the past was not as good as we (in the West) tend to think, and the future is not as bad as we fear.” When surveyed on the future of a multipolar world, BRICS respondents expressed significantly greater optimism than those from the G7 countries.

A multipolar world better reflects the international community’s aspirations for justice, fairness, and win-win cooperation. It aligns more closely with the realistic need for peace and development, and is more conducive to the reform of the global governance system.

Increasing representation and voice of developing countries in global governance does not signify the “decline of the West.” Rather, it fosters a more balanced and cooperative international system and helps maintain the vitality of multilateralism in a multipolar world. Just as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres suggested, multipolarity promises to be “a way to fix multilateralism.”

III.

To prevent disorder and conflict during the transitional period in the international order, the key lies in working for an equal and orderly multipolar world. The international community should jointly advocate equal treatment, respect the international rule of law, practice true multilateralism, and pursue openness and mutual benefit. It should be a factor of certainty in the multipolar system, and strive to be steadfast constructive forces in a changing world.

To build an equal and orderly multipolar world, rules must be followed. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter provide fundamental guidance for handling international relations, and an important cornerstone of a multipolar world.

Josep Borrell, former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, stated that “when the number of participants in a game increases, the natural response should be to strengthen the rules governing the game.”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier cautioned at the MSC that a lack of rules must not become the model for a reorganization of the world.

These insights underscore a common view that multipolarization must not descend into a power struggle where “might makes right.” Great powers must lead by example, uphold credibility and law, and reject double standards. Only when power diffusion is accompanied by shared responsibility can a civilized order replace power struggles.

To build an equal and orderly multipolar world, views on cooperation must be updated with the times. One prominent concern about multipolarity is that it may lead to an inadequate supply of global public goods. To prevent this, nations must strike a balance between national and collective interests, and embrace a correct view of cooperation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva noted it is impossible to “de-globalize.” In other words, as all countries share a common future, none can thrive in isolation. The only path forward is to pursue cooperation, mutual benefit, and a positive-sum relationship.

By practicing true multilateralism, promoting extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and advancing a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, all parties can strengthen their ability to tackle challenges and pursue development with solid steps. The international community should seize this historic moment to shape an equal and orderly