Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue

By Yang Yanfei, People’s Daily

As evening descended and city lights illuminated the streets, an immersive theatrical performance unfolded in Wenchangli, Fuzhou, east China’s Jiangxi province. On stage, a symbolic “dialogue across time and space” between Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare marked a highlight of the 7th Tang Xianzu International Theater Exchange Month.

Co-hosted by the Jiangxi provincial government, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the China Theater Association, this year’s event brought together playwrights, actors and scholars from 12 countries and regions. With live performances, a youth theater creation camp, themed forums, and relevant activities, the event celebrates theater as a medium of cultural exchanges and global engagement.

In 2015, during his visit to the UK, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Tang Xianzu, a Chinese playwright, was contemporary of William Shakespeare, as both passed away in 1616. He noted that China and Britain could jointly commemorate the legacy of the two literary masters to promote people-to-people exchanges and deepen mutual understanding. 

Over the past decade, theater has become a bridge for cultural exchanges, transforming commemorative activities into platforms for inter-civilizational dialogue. It has become a powerful medium for fostering global engagement through culture. Exceptional theatrical works transcend time and space, resonating across generations and borders.

“Fuzhou is the birthplace of Tang Xianzu and where he wrote plays,” said Wu Fengchu, director of the Center for International Studies of Tang Xianzu in Fuzhou. Tang’s classic “The Four Dreams of Linchuan” expresses profound human emotions and enduring humanistic values. Today, its emotional resonance continues to reach global audiences.

Along the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, the UK stands the Peony Pavilion — a traditional Chinese structure gifted by Fuzhou to Shakespeare’s hometown. With its signature upturned eaves and red railings overlooking the water, the pavilion has become a prominent cultural landmark that brings Chinese aesthetics into a Western setting. Similar pavilions have since been built in Perm, Russia, and Lusaka, Zambia, symbolizing a shared cultural vision and offering international audiences a window into Chinese artistic expression.

“In April last year, during the Shakespeare birthday celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon, I portrayed Du Liniang and performed an English-language excerpt from Tang’s “The Peony Pavilion” with my classmates in the Peony Pavilion,” said Emily C. A. Snyder from the Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham, who brought her team to this year’s exchange month. “I had always dreamed of visiting China. Like Du Liniang, my dream has come true.”

“Hou Xiaoyu’s monologue on wealth in Tang’s “The Legend of the Purple Hairpin” echoes the critique of materialism in Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens. Similarly, the satire on power and fame in Tang’s ‘A Dream Under the Southern Bough’ and ‘Handan Dream’ also resonates themes familiar to Western viewers,” said Huang Bikang, professor at Peking University’s School of Foreign Languages and Chair of the Shakespeare Society of the Institute of Foreign Literature under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Ten years ago, Fuzhou’s commemorative event extended an invitation to the world. Today, it welcomes theater artists and young enthusiasts from across the globe, transforming into a vibrant hub of international cultural exchanges.

This year, the original production “Dreaming Under the Bough” received enthusiastic acclaim. Inspired by Tang’s “A Dream Under the Southern Bough” and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the play was collaboratively created and performed by students from the University of Leeds in the UK, the University of International Business and Economics in China, and other institutions. By merging Eastern and Western literary classics with youthful interpretations, the production has breathed new vitality into traditional imagery.

“We want to show through theater that dreams know no borders,” said a student actor from the UK. Through rehearsals and performances, students forged lasting friendships and deepened mutual understanding. Li Jun, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics and one of the directors of the play, remarked, “This collaboration represents a meaningful dialogue. Students from both institutions are pursuing their dreams together.”

Faculty and students from the University of Birmingham also presented an English poetic adaptation of “The Peony Pavilion,” giving the production its debut performance in China. “The translation employs Shakespeare’s signature iambic pentameter,” said Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham. 

“A classic work poses enduring questions that each generation seeks to answer in their own way. Shakespeare delved into the complexities of human nature, while Tang Xianzu explored the pursuit of the soul. Both confronted the question: ‘What is the meaning of life?’ This shared inquiry forms the foundation for continued dialogue between Eastern and Western theater,” Dobson explained.

Like a dream, theater continues to resonate in the hearts of audiences. This shared emotional journey reflects the broader vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, fostering cultural exchanges, mutual learning and deeper understanding among civilizations.

‘Home of Crested Ibis’ leverages ecological resources for sustainable prosperity

By Jiang Xuehong, People’s Daily

Yangxian county in Hanzhong, northwest China’s Shaanxi province, is renowned as the “Home of the Crested Ibis.”

As evening descended, People’s Daily reporters followed staff members from Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve to a natural roosting site to observe the return of the birds. Soon, a flock of crested ibises, distinguished by their long beaks, scarlet faces and white plumage, swept across the lake and settled on a small island, nestled among the lush branches.

The crested ibis, often referred to as a “living fossil” of the avian world, has a history dating back 65 million years. However, in the mid-20th century, habitat degradation led to a dramatic decline in its population. In 1981, researchers discovered only seven surviving wild crested ibises in Yaojiagou, Yangxian county. Over the past four decades, concerted conservation efforts have resulted in a steady recovery of the species.

“The survival and reproduction of the crested ibis rely on healthy wetland and forest ecosystems. Over the years, we have developed a systematic conservation model that prioritizes in-situ protection, complemented by ex-situ conservation, wild reintroduction, technological advancements, and collaboration between government and society. This holistic approach ensures a harmonious coexistence between humans and the ibises,” said Lu Baozhong, former deputy director of Shaanxi Hanzhong Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve Administration. Today, the global population of crested ibis exceeds 11,000.

Local residents in Yangxian have actively supported the protection of the crested ibises by nurturing forests, planting trees and grasses, restocking fish populations, restoring wetlands, and minimizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. These efforts have created an ideal environment for the species to thrive.

Hua Ying, president of the Yangxian Crested Ibis Bird-Lovers Association and a native of Caoba village, Yangxian county, has a deep emotional connection with the species. Recognizing the importance of public involvement in successful conservation, Hua and fellow bird enthusiasts founded the association in 2006. The group organizes educational campaigns to raise awareness about bird protection.

“In winter, when temperatures drop and food becomes scarce, elderly or weak crested ibises are more vulnerable to illnesses or injury. Whenever local residents encounter an injured bird, they report it immediately,” said Zeng Jianwen, an engineer with the reserve administration. He explained that the timely rescue and rehabilitation of sick or injured crested ibises is a crucial part of conservation efforts. Information from local residents enables rapid intervention, which plays an important role in maintaining the species’ long-term population stability.

Witnessing the steady increase in crested ibis population, Hua said: “Since the 1990s, crested ibises have roosted, foraged and bred in our village. Now, villagers can observe them from their doorsteps.” A persimmon tree in front of his home has become a nesting site where crested ibises return to breed every spring.

The peak tourist season in Yangxian occurs in March and April, when fields of rapeseed stretch beneath the spring sun, thousands of pear trees bloom like drifting snow, and crested ibises soar gracefully across woodlands and wetlands. These picturesque scenes attract many photography enthusiasts, and a local community of “bird guides” has emerged, offering services such as photography route planning and bird identification.

“The surge in birdwatching has brought more visitors, fostering a comprehensive industrial chain, from bird guides to homestays, dining, and educational tours,” Hua explained. A bird guide earns at least 200 yuan ($28.23) per day, and up to 1,200 yuan when accompanying large study tours. Last year, Yangxian received 6.38 million tourists, generating more than 4 billion yuan in tourism revenue.

The commitment to strict ecological protection has also created favorable conditions for the development of organic agriculture. The county boasts 115 certified organic products across 15 categories, making it the largest organic production area in Shaanxi province, with 43 processing enterprises and an organic industry output value exceeding 5.5 billion yuan.

Through the sustainable management of its natural resources, Yangxian has turned ecological advantages into development opportunities. By fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and crested ibises, the “Home of the Crested Ibis” has paved the way for a prosperous and sustainable future, improving the lives of its residents.

Takaichi will face consequences for dangerous provocations on the Taiwan question

By Zhong Yin, People’s Daily

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently made erroneous remarks about China’s Taiwan during a hearing in the Diet, implying the possibility of Japan’s armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Despite China’s serious démarches and protests, the Japanese side refused to retract the remarks. Recklessly crossing red lines and persisting on this dangerous course, Takaichi is bound to face consequences.

Her remarks represent a serious provocation to China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and UNGA Resolution 2758 all affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. The principle of sovereignty is the cornerstone of the UN Charter; no country or individual is entitled to apply double standards in this regard. 

Takaichi’s statements marked the first time since Japan’s 1945 defeat that a Japanese leader had, in a formal setting, promoted the notion that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” and linked it to the exercise of collective self-defense; the first time Japan had openly hinted at armed involvement in the Taiwan question; and the first time it had issued an implied military threat against China. Such actions must be met with firm resolve and deterrence.

Her remarks constitute a serious interference in China’s domestic affairs. The Taiwan question lies at the very heart of China’s core interests and is purely China’s internal affair. The resolution of the Taiwan question and the realization of national reunification are China’s internal matters that brook no external interference. 

Takaichi’s remarks sent a dangerous signal to “Taiwan independence” forces, blatantly violating the one-China principle, the guiding principles of the four China-Japan political documents, and basic norms of international relations. Any support for “Taiwan independence” constitutes interference in China’s internal affairs and fosters separatism, directly threatening peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Such provocations win no support and are doomed to fail.

Her remarks deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, the anti-fascist allies, and people around the world. This year marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. 

From the Nanjing Massacre to the Manila Massacre, Japan’s war of aggression inflicted immense suffering and left enduring scars across Asia. Japan imposed 50 years of colonial rule on Taiwan, committing grave atrocities, which are backed by indisputable historical evidence. Over 650,000 Taiwanese compatriots lost their lives resisting colonial oppression.

As Japan’s prime minister, Takaichi should have set an example by acknowledging and reflecting on this painful history. Instead, her provocative statements distort historical truth, offend the 1.4 billion Chinese people, and disregard the sentiments of countries throughout Asia and the broader international community committed to peace and historical justice.

Her remarks represent a dangerous regression that risks emboldening militarism. By linking the so-called “Taiwan contingency” with the right to collective self-defense, Takaichi attempts to justify Japan’s military expansion. Since taking office, she has pushed for increased military capabilities and even suggested revising Japan’s long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

History offers stark warnings. From the September 18 Incident to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan repeatedly fabricated so-called “survival-threatening situations” as pretexts for wars of aggression, causing enormous suffering worldwide and bringing devastation upon Japan itself. These lessons must never be forgotten. The resurgence of militarism would once again steer Japan down a perilous and destructive path.

Her remarks seriously misguide the Japanese people. By fabricating the “survival-threatening situation” and stoking public anxiety, Takaichi attempts to manipulate public opinion and distort national discourse. In response, domestic criticism has intensified, with citizens gathering outside the Prime Minister’s Office to express strong dissatisfaction, which signals a clear rejection of her irresponsible provocations. Takaichi would do well to heed these rational voices and refrain from further escalating tensions.

Her remarks pose a grave threat to the post-war international order and international law. As a defeated nation in World War II, Japan is explicitly bound by the UN Charter and its own Pacifist Constitution. Efforts by Takaichi and other right-wing forces to revise or undermine the Pacifist Constitution’s commitment to exclusive self-defense are aimed at enabling military expansion. This constitutes a systemic challenge to the post-war international order and international law and will face firm and resolute opposition.

Her remarks run counter to the basic norms governing international relations. Not long ago, Takaichi claimed Japan would uphold the position outlined in the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement regarding the Taiwan question. However, she quickly reversed course, issuing extreme and provocative remarks. Such inconsistency and unreliability in foreign policy not only undermine diplomatic credibility but also violate the basic norms governing international relations. This approach risks eroding Japan’s standing on the global stage and pushing the country toward deeper diplomatic isolation.

Her remarks seriously threaten regional peace and stability. The dangerous notion that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” turns Japan into a destabilizing factor for regional and global peace. Takaichi’s erroneous remarks have already drawn broad international concern and criticism. A spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described her comments as “highly dangerous,” urging Japan to reflect on history and learn from the lessons of World War II. Phinij Jarusombat, Thailand’s former deputy prime minister, warned that Takaichi’s remarks threaten peace in Asia and present a significant challenge to world peace.

Moreover, her remarks trample on human conscience and justice. From repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine to denying the Nanjing Massacre and exaggerating the so-called “China threat,” Takaichi has sought to whitewash history and obscure established facts. Since the end of World War II, Japan has never truly reckoned on its atrocities, and right-wing forces continue to distort history and erode moral accountability. Forgetting history is a betrayal and risks repeating past mistakes. The more Japan indulges right-wing forces, the further it distances itself from peace, prosperity, and a better future.

Japan’s refusal to address its missteps precludes meaningful dialogue with China

By Zhou Xin

Recent developments have led to a deterioration in China-Japan relations, following erroneous remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding the Taiwan question. Instead of acknowledging and rectifying these misstatements, the Japanese side has opted for a high-profile diplomatic performance, proclaiming its “willingness to engage in dialogue with China.” 

Takaichi has claimed that she is “open to dialogue” with China, while senior Japanese officials continue to emphasize their hope to “improve relations through dialogue at all levels.” Japanese media have further amplified this narrative, suggesting that Japan is actively pursuing dialogue, while China is portrayed as adopting a “tough stance,” thereby insinuating that the current tension in bilateral ties is due to China’s refusal to talk.

Such assertions fail to recognize the substantial damage caused by Japan’s misguided words and actions, which have undermined the foundation of bilateral relations. They attempt to reframe Japan as the victim while placing unfounded blame on China. This misrepresentation distorts the facts, obscures the root causes of the current situation, and evades both historical and contemporary responsibility.

It is crucial to clarify that responsibility for the current difficulties in China-Japan relations lies entirely with the Japanese side. 

The first mistake stems from Takaichi’s public remarks on Taiwan, where she not only misrepresented the situation but also suggested the possibility of Japan’s military involvement in the Taiwan Strait. This gravely undermines China’s core interests, damages the political foundation of bilateral relations, and has sparked strong indignation among the Chinese people. This is the origin of the current crisis. 

The second mistake is Japan’s refusal to retract these remarks despite China’s solemn representations, instead attempting to downplay the significance of the statements by asserting that “Japan’s position has not changed.”

The third mistake lies in Japan’s attempt to distort right and wrong and shift blame onto China, using a so-called “willingness for dialogue” as a cover to obscure the gravity of its own wrongdoing.

These actions by Japan have directly contributed to the escalation of tensions. While Japan repeatedly asserts its desire to address issues through dialogue, it must be understood that dialogue requires the most basic conditions. In 2000, former Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, acknowledging the past with the statement that “history must never be repeated.” This sincere approach to historical reflection formed the basis for constructive dialogue and exchanges. 

However, some Japanese politicians have long avoided genuine introspection on historical matters. The Takaichi administration, in particular, has acted with disregard for public conscience, attempting to amend the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, relax weapons export restrictions, and provoke on the Taiwan question. These actions reveal the troubling influence of right-wing forces seeking to revive militarism.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama urged Takaichi to correct the mistake by quoting Confucius: “To make a mistake and not correct it — this is what is called truly making a mistake.” 

History and reality have repeatedly shown that dialogue without reflection only deepens division and confrontation. It is only by confronting past mistakes and undertaking genuine self-reflection that both nations can overcome the current deadlock.

Japan must recognize that the Taiwan question is an internal affair for China, integral to its core interests, and central to the political foundation of China-Japan relations. The four political documents between China and Japan contain explicit provisions on the Taiwan question, representing solemn commitments by the Japanese government that leave no room for ambiguity or reinterpretation. Regardless of the political leadership in Japan, these commitments must be upheld.

To restore the bilateral relationship, Japan must move beyond performative diplomacy and take concrete steps to retract its erroneous statements while engaging in meaningful self-reflection. This is the only viable path to returning China-Japan relations to a constructive and stable trajectory.

(Zhou Xin is an international affairs observer.)

Working together for steady, long-term progress in global climate governance

By He Yin, People’s Daily

At the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Belem, Brazil, saw intensive discussions and negotiations on critical climate issues as nations collectively worked toward identifying shared solutions to the ongoing climate crisis. 

As a proactive contributor and a responsible participant in global climate action, China has been participating in major agenda items and working with all stakeholders to ensure COP30 deliver positive and balanced outcomes. These efforts demonstrate China’s leading role in global climate governance and its image as a responsible major country, contributing greater stability and certainty to the global climate process.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a critical juncture for global climate governance. The latest Emissions Gap Report 2025 released by the UN Environment Programme shows that the world is facing significant challenges in achieving the Paris Agreement’s key climate goals. A particularly concerning issue is the widening gap between climate-finance commitments and actual financial needs. Meanwhile, some countries remain reluctant to advance energy transitions, leaving the world grappling with a “double deficit” in both momentum and trust. 

At this moment, it is crucial for nations to uphold true multilateralism, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and translate commitments into concrete action to ensure steady and sustained progress in global climate governance.

During COP30, China has played a positive and constructive role, working with all parties to support the Brazilian presidency in ensuring the conference’s success. China remains committed to helping chart the course and create conditions for global climate governance in the next decade, on the basis of upholding multilateralism and focusing on implementation. 

China hosted a series of side events at the China Pavilion, focusing on key themes such as China’s roadmap for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, its energy transition, and new-energy development, sharing its experience and insights for global climate governance. As President of COP30 Andre Correa do Lago noted, China is developing solutions that benefit everyone.

Harmony between humanity and nature is a defining hallmark of Chinese modernization. China has made carbon peaking and carbon neutrality a national strategy, established the most systematic and comprehensive carbon reduction policy framework in the world, and built the largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain, and achieved the world’s largest and fastest promotion and adoption of new energy vehicles. As the world’s largest developing country, China will achieve the highest reduction in carbon emission intensity and complete the transition from peak carbon to carbon neutrality quicker than any other country. Its pursuit of green development continues to inject new momentum into global sustainable development. 

In tackling climate change, China remains a steadfast advocate of multilateralism, a strong proponent of international cooperation, a major contributor to low-carbon technologies, and an important leader in the global green transition. 

China has fully and proactively implemented the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, making significant strides toward its 2030 nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Notably, China has already achieved key targets ahead of schedule, such as the total installed capacity of wind and solar power and increases in forest stock volume. 

By the end of October 2025, China had signed 55 memoranda of understanding on South-South cooperation to address climate change with 43 developing countries. Additionally, China has also submitted its 2035 NDC to the UNFCCC Secretariat, which for the first time cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases. 

China’s growing influence in the global energy transition has been widely acknowledged by the international community. It has made significant contributions to global climate response, particularly in supporting developing countries, and has inspired other nations to jointly pursue a more sustainable future. As a responsible major country, China has become a pivotal leader in global climate governance through its substantive actions and commitments.

Climate change presents a global challenge demanding collective action from all sides. China will continue accelerating its comprehensive transition toward green and low-carbon development to strengthen its contribution to addressing climate change. Developed countries, for their part, must uphold their historical responsibilities, lead efforts in reducing emissions, and provide developing countries with sufficient financial, technological, and capacity-building support. 

It is hoped that all parties can build on the outcomes of COP30, advance climate multilateralism, accelerate the global transition toward green and low-carbon development, and work together toward a clean, more sustainable world that benefits all humanity.

China strengthens all-round protection for giant pandas

By Zhang Danhua, Shi Fang, Li Kaixuan, People’s Daily

In recent years, China has significantly enhanced its efforts to protect giant pandas, implementing a comprehensive approach that spans breeding, rewilding, and international cooperation, achieving remarkable results that have captured global attention.

One of the most notable examples of China’s conservation success is Qizai, the only captive brown giant panda in the world. This 16-year-old panda resides at the Qinling Four Rare Animals Science Park in northwest China’s Shaanxi province, where it has become a major attraction.

Qizai’s unique brown fur, which is the result of a genetic mutation, was first discovered when villagers in Foping county found the weak panda cub in November 2009. Since then, it has been part of extensive research, and while it has produced several offspring, none have inherited the brown coat. Qizai now weighs around 120 kilograms and continues to be a symbol of the successful conservation work being carried out at the Research Center for Qinling Giant Panda.

The Qinling Four Rare Animals Science Park not only houses Qizai but also serves as a public-facing facility that showcases the region’s conservation achievements. Zhang Danhui, deputy head of the panda management department of the Research Center for Qinling Giant Panda, noted, “In recent years, we have made breakthroughs in reproductive hormone monitoring and artificial insemination, which have helped increase the breeding success rate from 20 percent to 67 percent, ensuring a self-sustaining captive population.”

In addition to breeding efforts, the park has implemented a rigorous health management system, with staff assigned to oversee the pandas’ well-being. Disease prevention protocols are strictly followed, and regular health checks are conducted every three to six months to ensure the pandas’ health and safety.

In Beijing, the Beijing Zoo, which has been home to giant pandas since 1955, continues to attract millions of visitors each year. The zoo has achieved several milestones in panda breeding, including the first successful natural breeding of giant pandas under captive conditions. “The giant panda hall is always very popular. Last year, we received approximately 4.8 million visitors,” said a member of the zoo’s inspection team. Currently, the zoo houses ten giant pandas.

Through close coordination among the zoo’s panda keepers, feeding team, and veterinary hospital, each giant panda receives meticulous care. “Their diet is highly varied. We provide each panda with 50 to 70 kilograms of fresh bamboo every day, along with bamboo shoots, steamed buns, carrots, and apples,” said Ding Nan, head of the panda keeper team.

Cao Yani from the zoo’s animal care support team explained that the staff have designed a series of enrichment activities based on extensive research into panda behavior. These initiatives are aimed at optimizing the pandas’ environment and interactions, simulating natural behaviors and addressing both their physical and psychological needs to ensure their overall well-being.

At the Shenshuping base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Wolong National Nature Reserve, southwest China’s Sichuan province, panda keeper Xu Xiang greets giant panda Fubao every day as part of his routine. Born in 2020, Fubao made history as the first Chinese giant panda born in South Korea. After returning to China in April 2024, Fubao made its official public debut in June. 

To facilitate Fubao’s transition to its new environment, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda implemented a gradual acclimation approach, beginning with a one-month quarantine. 

“We monitored its weight, coat condition, and other health indicators every day, and offered bamboo shoots, apples, and other foods to determine its preferences,” Xu explained. Following the quarantine, Fubao was moved to the breeding area for scent and sound acclimation, gradually adjusting to life among other pandas.

With the recent completion of the new Mianyang base, the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda now operates five major bases in Sichuan province. Each base has its specific focus but works collaboratively to provide comprehensive protection for giant pandas, including efforts in breeding, rewilding, and international cooperation.

The Sichuan section of the Giant Panda National Park, which is home to 1,227 wild pandas, accounting for 91.6 percent of the park’s total panda population, has made significant strides in habitat restoration. In recent years, over 331,400 mu ($22,093 hectares) of habitat have been restored, and work continues on seven key ecological corridors. Monitoring data indicate that in 2024, the number of wild panda sightings in this section has increased to 185, demonstrating a stable recovery of the panda population.

China, U.S. should jointly defend outcomes of the victory of WWII

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

On the evening of November 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone. This was the first interaction between the two heads of state since their meeting in Busan, South Korea. 

The call provided strategic guidance for both sides to further implement the common understandings reached in Busan and maintain the overall momentum of stability and improvement in China-U.S. relations. It also sent a positive message to the world about safeguarding the post-war international order and promoting global peace and stability.

Head-of-state diplomacy has always served as an anchor guiding the development of China-U.S. relations. The Busan meeting was not only a historic moment in bilateral ties, but also a landmark event in international relations. 

Since the meeting, both sides have actively implemented the common understandings reached by the two leaders, helping bilateral relations maintain a generally steady and positive trajectory. 

Observers in both countries and the international community have taken note that the U.S. side has removed the 10-percent so-called “fentanyl tariffs” imposed on Chinese goods, suspended the 24-percent reciprocal tariffs levied on Chinese goods, paused the implementation of the “Affiliates Rule,” suspended the Section 301 investigation into China’s shipbuilding and related sectors. China has also suspended relevant countermeasures accordingly.

These developments reaffirm a fact repeatedly proven in practice: China and the U.S. achieve mutual gains through cooperation and incur losses through confrontation. A future of shared success and prosperity is both visible and attainable.

What has happened demonstrates yet again that the description of China-U.S. cooperation benefiting both sides and confrontation hurting both sides reflects a common sense that has been repeatedly proven by experience, and the vision of China and the U.S. helping each other succeed and prospering together is a tangible prospect within reach. 

The current stabilizing and improving momentum in China-U.S. relations has not come easily. It is the result of the two leaders’ steering at the strategic level and requires joint efforts from both sides to sustain. For two countries to be partners and friends is both a profound lesson bestowed by history and an inevitable requirement for practical development.

The two sides should keep up the momentum, keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, so as to make more positive progress, create new space for China-U.S. cooperation and bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world.

The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests. It is a red line that must not be crossed. Xi clarified China’s principled position during the call, stressing that Taiwan’s return to China is an important part of the post-war international order. China and the U.S. Once fought side by side against fascism and militarism. At present, they should jointly safeguard the victorious outcomes of WWII.

Trump noted that China was a big part of the victory of World War II. The U.S. understands how important the Taiwan question is to China.

Communication between the two heads of state carries significant practical importance. Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made severe provocations on the Taiwan question, described a hypothetical scenario concerning Taiwan as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, implying the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait.

This not only seriously violates the one-China principle but also represents a blatant challenge to the post-war international order. Her remarks have already triggered international concern and alarm about Japan’s dangerous strategic trajectory. 

As countries that made major sacrifices for the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the U.S. share a responsibility to safeguard the post-war international order and firmly oppose any attempt to revive militarism or undermine regional and global peace and stability.

In the face of mounting challenges, China and the U.S. should demonstrate major-country responsibility. By adhering to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, they can fully achieve mutual success and shared prosperity, and accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of the two countries and the whole world, thus better benefitting themselves and the world at large.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

Upholding the Pacifist Constitution: the foundation of Japan’s standing in the world

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

Amid mounting domestic and international criticism of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on China’s Taiwan region, Japan has once again taken a series of provocative steps that raise serious concerns.

These include its first export of lethal weapons since relaxing restrictions on arms exports in 2023, the Liberal Democratic Party’s move to initiate discussions on revising its three key national security documents, and the plan to deploy offensive weapons near China’s Taiwan region. These actions further reveal Japan’s political attempt to deviate from the post-war international order. 

As a defeated country in World War II, Japan bears explicit legal responsibilities under international law. Its recent moves constitute a flagrant violation of its obligations, pose a grave challenge to the post-war order recognized by the international community, and create serious risks to peace and stability in Asia and the wider world.

Eighty years ago, the Potsdam Proclamation declared unequivocally that the forces responsible for Japan’s wartime aggression must be dismantled without compromise: “There must be eliminated for all time the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest, for we insist that a new order of peace, security and justice will be impossible until irresponsible militarism is driven from the world.”

The establishment of such a new order rooted in peace, security, and justice required the imposition of political constraints on Japan’s capacity to wage war and the thorough removal of the ideological foundations of its militarism.

A series of international instruments, including the UN Charter, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Instrument of Surrender, clearly stipulate Japan’s obligations as a defeated country. 

The concept of “collective self-defense” in the UN Charter was created to safeguard collective security and prevent the resurgence of fascism; Japan is restricted from exercising this right. The Potsdam Proclamation mandated Japan’s complete disarmament and forbade the development of industries that could support rearmament. The Instrument of Surrender, which declared the final defeat of Japanese militarism, commits Japan to “faithfully carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation.” 

These legally binding documents form an important cornerstone of the post-war international order and represent the political and legal foundation for Japan’s return to the international community.

The four China-Japan political documents and Article 9 of Japan’s Pacifist Constitution further underscore its commitment to peaceful development. In the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, Japan explicitly expresses deep remorse for its wartime aggression and pledges to resolve disputes by peaceful means. The “exclusively defense-oriented policy,” enshrined in Japan’s constitution, has served as a fundamental assurance of Japan’s pursuit of peaceful development since the war. These are Japan’s solemn commitments to its own people, to the Chinese people, and to people around the world. They are serious and binding, and brook no ambiguity or backsliding.

National credibility is the cornerstone of a country’s standing in the international community. It is deeply concerning that in recent years, right-wing forces in Japan have increasingly challenged the core principles of its post-war pacifist trajectory. Proposals for armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait, discussions around abandoning the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles,” efforts to revise Article 9 of the Pacifist Constitution, and calls for acquiring “counterstrike capability” all signal a troubling departure from Japan’s long-standing commitment to peaceful development.

These actions contravene international law, run counter to Japan’s own constitutional provisions and political commitments, and signal Japan’s attempt to escape the constraints imposed by the Potsdam Proclamation and the Instrument of Surrender. The reemergence of militaristic tendencies is increasingly evident in Japan, and the pacifist foundation that has underpinned Japan’s post-war international standing is showing signs of erosion.

The international community has already voiced serious concerns. A Malaysian expert criticized Japanese leaders for their distorted interpretation of World War II history. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry posted a video clip of Japan’s surrender on social media, urging Japan to draw lessons from history and comply with the enduring pacifist provisions of its Constitution. 

Within Japan, public opposition has also been evident. Protesters gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding that Takaichi retract her erroneous remarks. In an editorial, Japanese newspaper Tokyo Shimbun condemned any attempt by a short-sighted administration to revise the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” for its own political agenda as unacceptable. These rational voices represent clear warnings against the resurgence of right-wing militarism and reinforce the call to uphold international law and the post-war international order.

History proves that a nation unwilling to confront its past cannot shape a responsible future. The tragedies of history must never be repeated. Only by learning from history, abiding by international law, and upholding the principles of its Pacifist Constitution can Japan regain and sustain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. This is a responsibility Japan owes both to itself and to the world. 

All countries committed to justice have the right and the responsibility to safeguard the international order based on international law and ensure that the hard-won peace of the post-war era is preserved. Should Japan continue on its erroneous course, all nations and peoples upholding justice have the right to re-examine Japan’s historical wrongdoing and the responsibility to take firm action against any resurgence of Japanese militarism.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

New snow season gains momentum, fueling China’s ice-and-snow economy 

By Ye Zi

For skiing enthusiasts across China, the start of the skiing season marks a celebratory embrace of winter. As temperatures drop nationwide, ski resorts from the country’s snowy north to the subtropical south are opening for the 2025-2026 season, showcasing a diverse and increasingly dynamic landscape for ice-and-snow tourism.

In Chongli, once a host of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games in north China’s Hebei province, this year’s snow season kicked off earlier than usual, with the Wanlong Ski Resort officially opening on October 21. Wang Yue, a skiing enthusiast from Beijing, was among the first to hit the slopes. “From Qinghe Station in Beijing, it takes just over an hour to reach Taizicheng Station in Chongli,” he said. 

He observed that the station had enhanced its platform guidance services to ensure the safe and efficient handling of ski equipment without disrupting train operations or passenger flow. Convenient shuttle buses were also stationed nearby to transport visitors directly to the ski resort.

Chongli is home to nine ski resorts offering 219 ski runs with a total length of 178 kilometers, 16 of which are certified by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. During the last snow season, Chongli welcomed 5.235 million visitors.

According to data from Chinese on-demand delivery company Meituan, searches for “Chongli skiing” surged by 169 percent year on year beginning in the second week of November 2025. This surge in interest also contributed to a 25 percent year-on-year increase in cultural and tourism bookings for late November in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province.

As November began, multiple ski resorts across Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in northwest China commenced operations. On Nov. 15, the Silk Road International Ski Resort in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, officially opened for the season, attracting more than 8,000 visitors on its first day. Located on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, the resort reaches a peak elevation of 2,500 meters with a vertical drop exceeding 700 meters. The high-altitude terrain provides ideal conditions for skiing, drawing substantial tourist interest.

According to a report released by Chinese online travel services provider Tongcheng Travel, flight bookings from major cities to popular ice-and-snow destinations such as Harbin, Changbai Mountain, Urumqi, Altay, and Hulunbuir have risen significantly since early November.

The new snow season brings new highlights. Measures such as expanding ski run capacity, enhancing the quality of ski instruction, and introducing family-oriented vacation models are supporting the high-quality development of winter sports while further invigorating the ice-and-snow economy.

Recently, Arxan in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region kicked off its annual ice-and-snow tourism season. This year’s offerings feature a wide range of immersive experiences. Amid snow-covered forests and grasslands, visitors can enjoy melodious morin khuur performances, magnificent equestrian shows, and participate in interactive activities such as snowmobile rides and snow dragon boat competitions, enriching the region’s winter tourism appeal.

From the winter of 2025 through March 2026, Inner Mongolia autonomous region will host a winter-long ice-and-snow carnival, anchored by major ski resorts, winter tourism hubs, dedicated venues, and top-tier scenic attractions. The region plans to launch 159 cultural and tourism activities, 45 curated travel routes, and 48 sporting events, creating a rich and immersive seasonal experience.

Jilin province in northeast China is adopting measures to diversify product offerings, expand public access and benefits, streamline transportation, and leverage high-profile sporting events. These efforts aim to offer visitors the excitement of winter sports and the distinctive appreciation of the province’s unique integration of culture and tourism.

For instance, new landmarks in Jilin province are set to elevate the winter tourism experience. These include the indoor ski resort at Changchun Wanda Mall, home to Asia’s steepest indoor slope, and the Siji Nanhe Fairy Tale Snow World. Innovative offerings such as frost-and-snow rafting and snowfield trekking are further enriching the visitor experience. To stimulate participation, the province has introduced 100 million yuan ($14.07 million) in ice-and-snow consumption vouchers, combined with local incentives such as dining discounts, free public transportation, and waived admission fees at major tourist sites.

Meanwhile, in Qianhai, Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, where the sea breeze remains mild in November, a striking silver-blue structure shaped like a blue whale houses the Shenzhen Qianhai Ice and Snow World. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest indoor ski resort, it opened on Sept. 29 this year and welcomes an average of more than 5,000 skiers per day. 

Across many parts of southern China, the development of dry-slope facilities and indoor ski resorts has transformed ice-and-snow sports from a seasonal pastime into a year-round activity. This shift is broadening participation and creating new opportunities for winter sport engagement beyond traditional geographic and climatic boundaries.

As the infrastructure for ice-and-snow sports continues to expand nationwide, participation rates have risen steadily, propelling the rapid growth of the country’s ice-and-snow industry. According to a 2025 industry development report, the sector is projected to surpass the one-trillion-yuan threshold this year, reaching 1.0053 trillion yuan. 

In addition to this robust industrial expansion, ice-and-snow consumption is also accelerating. During the 2024-2025 winter season, resident participation in winter activities generated over 187.5 billion yuan in consumption, marking a year-on-year increase of over 25 percent. Of this, spending at ski resorts nationwide reached 78.613 billion yuan, while consumption within two kilometers of ski resorts grew by 27.97 percent, giving a significant boost to adjacent sectors such as retail, transportation, and hospitality.

Zhoushan in E China harnesses ocean power for a sustainable future

By Dou Hao, People’s Daily

In the waters off Xiushan Island, Daishan county, Zhoushan, east China’s Zhejiang province, a striking “violin”-shaped platform rises above the waves. Beneath it, powerful tidal currents flow through turbines, converting the ocean’s kinetic energy into clean electricity.

This is the LHD Zhoushan tidal current power station, China’s first independently developed megawatt-level tidal current power generator. It has operated stably for years and ranks among the world’s longest-running tidal energy systems with continuous grid connection.

Just minutes by speedboat from Xiushan Island’s southeastern pier, the platform measures approximately 200 meters in length, 35 meters in width, and 30 meters in height. Secured above the churning sea, the platform houses turbines that harness tidal currents and transmit the electricity directly to the national grid.

Tidal energy utilizes the movement of seawater caused by tidal shifts to generate power. With over 400 islands and expansive coastal waters, Daishan county, located in the Zhoushan Islands, is naturally suited for this technology. Its waterways, straits, and bays produce fast, concentrated currents, an ideal environment for harnessing marine energy.

“This is an ideal site for tidal power generation,” said Lin Dong, director of Zhejiang LHD Ocean Tidal Current Energy Engineering Research Center. He likened tidal energy to wind power, as both convert fluid movement into electricity. However, seawater’s higher density means tidal power can generate significantly more energy than wind at the same speed.

“In simple terms, it’s like placing a giant windmill under the sea,” Lin explained. The platform’s foundation is anchored securely to the seabed with rock-socketed piles, enabling the turbines to spin reliably as tides pass, powering the generators above.

Despite the promising energy output, the harsh marine environment presents maintenance challenges. Corrosive saltwater and powerful currents make traditional seabed-mounted systems difficult and costly to manage.

To overcome these obstacles, Lin and his team adopted a platform-based and modular design approach. Key system components are divided into independent modules that can function separately, and the above-water platform enables easier upgrades and maintenance without halting operations.

“Traditional large generators sit directly on the seabed and are fully submerged,” Lin noted. “Our design places critical components above the waterline. If one module needs repair or expansion, we can isolate and service it with minimal disruption.”

Inside the LHD united kinetic marine energy laboratory, a large monitoring screen displays real-time footage of the station’s power generation. The turbine blades, designed for durability and efficiency, are supported by a proprietary pitch-control system that adjusts their angle based on water flow. Notably, the blades automatically reverse with the tides, allowing for bidirectional energy capture.

By the end of October this year, the LHD tidal energy project had generated over 8.34 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. Its single-unit capacity and duration of continuous operation rank among the highest in the world, equivalent to saving 2,359 tons of standard coal and contributing effectively to China’s dual carbon goals. Lin estimated that the cost of tidal energy generation is expected to drop below 0.3 yuan ($0.042) per kilowatt-hour upon completion of the seventh-generation LHD unit.

In September, a 100-megawatt tidal energy project jointly invested by the Zhejiang company of State Power Investment Corporation and Hangzhou LHD New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. officially broke ground in Zhoushan.

Supporting projects are also advancing steadily. According to plans from the Zhoushan Development and Reform Commission, an 800-mu (53.3 hectares) marine tidal energy industrial park is set to rise in the western area of Xiushan Island. The park will feature equipment manufacturing facilities, an industrial technology innovation institute, a testing and certification center, and an international exhibition center for tidal energy. With ocean tidal energy at its core, a comprehensive industrial ecosystem is already taking shape.