China’s opening up brings broad opportunities for multinational corporations

By Li Xinyi, Li Yan, Wang Hailin, People’s Daily

At the GE HealthCare Beijing Imaging Equipment Manufacturing Base, located at No. 1 Yongchang North Road in Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area, production lines were humming as medical devices were assembled one after another.

Two out of every three CT scanners sold globally by GE HealthCare are produced here, and products manufactured at the base are sold to over 100 countries and regions worldwide.

“When we entered Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area 33 years ago, this place was mostly farmland and livestock farms. From the beginning, we firmly believed that we could achieve long-term growth in the Chinese market. Today, this has become GE HealthCare’s largest imaging equipment production base globally. This success came from China’s continuously improving business environment, stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, and steadily increasing innovation capabilities,” said Zhang Yihao, vice president of GE Healthcare and president and CEO of GE Healthcare China, during an interview with People’s Daily.

In 1991, GE HealthCare established GE Hangwei Medical Systems, Co., Ltd. in China. It was GE HealthCare’s first joint venture in China and one of the earliest companies to settle in the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area.

Over the past 30-plus years, the company has achieved rapid development there. Currently, the GE HealthCare Beijing Imaging Equipment Manufacturing Base is able to produce CT scanners ranging from 16-slice to 256-slice, molecular imaging equipment, surgical systems, angiography systems, bone densitometers, nuclear medicine PET/CT equipment, as well as components such as detectors and X-ray tubes. Its product design and manufacturing processes for CT equipment components are leading globally.

Now, GE HealthCare has six major production bases and seven factories located in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuxi, Tianjin, Chengdu, and Shenzhen. The continuous improvement in GE HealthCare’s localized production in the Chinese market is inseparable from China’s stable and smooth industrial and supply chains.

It is learned that GE HealthCare has over 1,000 suppliers in China, including more than 160 core suppliers. Zhang said that China is working to optimize its economic structure, supporting cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises, accelerating the implementation of advanced digital technologies, products, and solutions. This contributes to building a global industrial and supply chain system that is secure, stable, smooth, efficient, open, inclusive and mutually beneficial.

In recent years, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area has built a 100-billion-yuan ($13.8 billion)-scale biological technology and health industry cluster, attracting over 4,200 biotech and health companies. Cooperation between upstream and downstream sectors of the industrial and supply chains has been further strengthened.

On a orthopedic surgical equipment production line at the GE HealthCare Beijing Imaging Equipment Manufacturing Base, automated testing robots responsible for equipment final testing were simultaneously calibrating and testing six CT devices. Human-machine collaborative testing robots and AI-based automatic testing systems for surgical equipment worked closely together to complete position corrections and radiation dose measurements at nine test points.

This is the world’s first fully automated “testing tunnel,” developed by GE HealthCare’s Chinese team. It requires only 15 workers to produce over 2,000 sets of products annually, with one surgical system rolling off the line every 50 minutes on average. Both product quality and work efficiency have been greatly improved.

Currently, GE HealthCare has about 1,800 R&D personnel in China, with over 1,000 R&D staff and more than 160 R&D laboratories in Beijing alone. Over the past decade, the company’s Chinese team has developed and launched over 120 products. Among these, the CT scanner equipped with the “Skeye” digital solution based on deep learning and AI technologies has become the “star product” of GE HealthCare. Of the Class III medical device licenses approved for the company in China, 77 percent of the product technologies were developed by the Chinese team and registered in China.

“In recent years, China has implemented an innovation-driven development strategy, rapidly advancing its technological capabilities. The abundant innovative elements have helped us gain a competitive edge in the global market,” Zhang stated.

He added that China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces and actively fostering emerging and future industries. “We look forward to deepening cooperation with our Chinese partners to further promote development in relevant fields.”

Zhang emphasized that GE HealthCare has been both a witness to and beneficiary of China’s continuous expansion of opening up. “As China’s door opens wider, and the level of openness continues to rise, it will undoubtedly bring broader development opportunities for multinational companies and provide stronger momentum for global economic recovery and growth.”

Petrol Shortages Intensify as #EndBadGovernance Protests Disrupt Fuel Distribution

Fuel scarcity has worsened across Nigeria as the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests have disrupted the distribution of petroleum products. In several states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, fuel queues have resurfaced due to halted supply chains.

Oil marketers have attributed the problem to a suspension in petroleum product deliveries, as dealers opted to protect their assets amid the widespread protests. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had earlier attributed earlier disruptions to “hitches in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.”

Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have further complicated the situation. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) reported that many tankers did not load products during the initial days of the protests, leading to significant disruptions in the supply chain.

Chinedu Ukadike, National Public Relations Officer of IPMAN, explained that the protests led to recommendations for marketers to temporarily close their stations to avoid damage and theft. Security concerns further compounded the issue, as authorities advised marketers to suspend operations to ensure safety.

“There were no activities at the Lagos depots on Thursday and Friday due to security concerns and fears of vandalism,” Ukadike stated. “Although NUPENG is ready to support depot operations, depot owners are hesitant to resume activities due to the current security risks.”

On Sunday, reports indicated that petrol prices had surged significantly, with prices reaching ₦850 to ₦1,000 per liter in Warri, Delta State. The scarcity was attributed to the halted loading operations at depots caused by the protests.

IPMAN officials expressed hope that fuel supply would stabilize as protests diminish. They urged protesters to consider ending the demonstrations to allow for a return to normalcy in fuel distribution.

“It is crucial for the protesters to halt their demonstrations,” Ukadike added. “The President has acknowledged their demands and needs time to address them. Normalcy in fuel supply can only return if the protests cease.”

Afenifere Condemns Tinubu’s Comments on Protests, Highlights His Past Calls for Revolution

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent remarks blaming others for the ongoing protests against his administration. Afenifere noted that Tinubu, who had previously advocated for a revolution against former President Goodluck Jonathan, should not now be shifting blame.

Prince Justice Fakiyesi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, argued that Tinubu’s address overlooked the critical issue of widespread hunger and was dismissive of the genuine grievances driving the protests. Fakiyesi pointed out that it was contradictory for Tinubu to label the protests as politically motivated when he himself had once called for similar actions against Jonathan.

Fakiyesi stated, “The current situation mirrors what happened during Jonathan’s tenure when Tinubu advocated for revolution. Now that he faces similar unrest, he is blaming others.

“We have always maintained that mere dialogue wouldn’t resolve anything. He hasn’t changed.

“His speech seems forced, lacking in substantive policy solutions for the hunger crisis, and dismissive of the protests as politically motivated. Tinubu’s statements about the end of the subsidy and the inevitability of protests show he anticipated these issues and their consequences.”

Afenifere Criticizes Tinubu Over Protest Comments, Recalls His Call for Revolution Against Jonathan

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from assigning blame in the wake of the protests against his administration. The group pointed out that Tinubu had previously called for a revolution against former President Goodluck Jonathan and, therefore, should not be apportioning blame now.

According to Prince Justice Fakiyesi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, the president’s speech failed to address the real issues of widespread hunger in the country. Fakiyesi emphasized that it was disingenuous for Tinubu to dismiss the nationwide protest as politically motivated, especially considering his own past actions under Jonathan’s administration.

Speaking to the press on Monday, Fakiyesi stated, “It is the same thing that happened under former President Goodluck Jonathan and he (Tinubu) called for a revolution or protest, and when he is facing the same thing and even worse, he is blaming other people.

“We never believed that just calling for dialogue would change anything. He has never changed.

“I think he was pushed to read the speech because it was not a matter of dialogue or him addressing people about the exact policy that brought hunger, and since he is not willing to reverse or accept responsibility, because he more or less said it was politically motivated.

“When he started, and he specifically said that subsidy is dead, he said you can protest as much as you like. He said that. He knew that his policies were going to bring protests. At his age, he knows that there have been all sorts of protests against subsidy removal.”

Ajadi Criticizes Tinubu’s Extravagance Amid Economic Hardship

Good governance advocate and populist politician Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has harshly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its extravagant spending amid widespread hunger and suffering among the masses.

Ajadi, a Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), expressed his concerns in a statement on Sunday, August 4, 2024, describing the president’s actions as insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

He particularly condemned the allocation of 21 billion Naira for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence and another 70 billion Naira for luxury SUVs for National Assembly members as prime examples of fiscal irresponsibility.

Despite these expenditures being legally sanctioned, Ajadi argued that the severe economic situation in the country should have prompted more prudent decision-making by the president.

“It is unacceptable that a president, elected to serve the people, could approve such staggering amounts for projects that do not directly improve the welfare of the masses. Elected officials already live in comfort; it is the common people who are suffering,” Ajadi stated.

As Nigeria struggles with rising hunger and unemployment, many citizens are questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promises. The situation has worsened following the removal of fuel subsidies, which Tinubu previously criticized as corrupt under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite these changes, the expected improvements have not materialized.

Ajadi emphasized the disparity between Tinubu’s campaign rhetoric and the current realities. He noted that the removal of subsidies has led to increased hunger and that the government’s response has been largely dismissive. Non-functioning refineries, unreliable electricity, inadequate education, and the embezzlement of retirement funds have only compounded these issues.

He also criticized the lack of transparency in government spending and called for greater accountability in managing public funds, stressing the need for prudent fiscal policies during economic uncertainties.

Referring to President Tinubu’s recent address on the ongoing hunger strike, Ajadi said the president’s response was inadequate and failed to offer tangible solutions to the crisis.

“The president should engage with the youth on specific issues rather than merely appealing for them to stop protesting. If there is a time to talk about substantial palliatives, it is now,” Ajadi asserted.

Ajadi urged the Tinubu administration to implement a comprehensive program to tackle poverty, high living costs, and infrastructure deficiencies, arguing that it is not too much to ask in a resource-rich country.

In a viral video, Ajadi highlighted Tinubu’s past criticism of Jonathan’s regime, accusing the current administration of similar failings. He also referenced another viral video in which a House of Representatives member proposed salary cuts for top government officials as a means to address the economic hardship and quell ongoing protests.

“If we reduce the salaries of the president, vice president, ministers, governors, and all members of the National Assembly, Nigerians will be more inclined to halt their protests,” the House member suggested.

We look forward to the day when we can return to Gaza

By Dr Salah AbdAl Aty

I am a lawyer from the Gaza Strip. Since the outbreak of the recent round of the Palestine-Israel conflict, my family and I have been forced to relocate time and time again. Now, we are currently residing in the capital city of Egypt, Cairo.

Since last October, we had endured three difficult months amidst the turmoil in Gaza. We became homeless and had to constantly flee from one place to another. Our original residence was in the northern Gazan city of Beit Lahia, but due to the conflict, we were compelled to move south. As the area near our new home was also targeted by bombings, we had no choice but to continue our escape to Gaza City. Later, we sought refuge in the Nuseirat area, with some of us staying with relatives while others residing in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The bombings continued relentlessly, and we were constantly in danger. I could hardly forget     that on Dec. 7, 2023, when our entire family stayed in the Nuseirat refugee camp, suddenly, the camp came under attack, with the nearest explosion occurring just five or six meters away from us. Our shelter was instantly destroyed, and all of my family members, including my four children, sustained varying degrees of injuries. What was even more devastating was that my mother, sister, aunt, and my brother’s family of three tragically lost their lives. After a long search and rescue, we eventually found their bodies amidst the rubble.

There was little time to grieve as we quickly rushed the injured to the hospital. Upon arrival, we discovered that medical resources were extremely scarce, and only critically ill patients were being admitted. Many severely injured individuals had no means of being transferred to other hospitals and were left to await treatment in critical condition, with no other options available.

Afterwards, our whole family moved from the Nusayrat district to central Gaza’s Deir al Balah. There, our temporary shelter was still not spared from the fate of being bombed, so we had no choice but to head to Rafah, the southernmost part of Gaza. Along the way, we lacked sufficient clothing and had to endure the winter wearing only thin clothes. We also suffered from a lack of food, often going hungry. With no shelter from the rain, we were frequently drenched. Everywhere we went, the streets were filled with sewage, dirty and chaotic. Countless houses had been destroyed, and those who had lost their homes, along with the refugees, set up makeshift tents. There was no electricity, fuel, or clean water for daily life… Everywhere, one couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of despair and fear.

By the end of December 2023, our family finally made it to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing. With the help of friends, we managed to rent a place in Cairo and finally settled down, allowing me to continue with my work. Back in Gaza, a volunteer team I used to lead, consisting of 30 members, continued providing humanitarian aid. Their dedication deeply moved and inspired me. I joined forces with them and approximately 70 Egyptian healthcare workers and volunteers to offer free treatment, particularly focusing on psychological support, to the injured in Gaza. Given the destruction of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, we established an online platform to provide free counseling services and medication to those in need. So far, we have served over 1,800 injured individuals, and our team continues to grow and expand.

My homeland, the Gaza Strip, is still suffering from the ravages of war. The conflict has left my family displaced and grieving the loss of loved ones, and it has inflicted great harm on everyone caught in its midst. Every day, I worry and long for my relatives who are still in Gaza, as well as for our fellow countrymen. I appeal to regional nations and the international community to work towards achieving an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The establishment of a truly sovereign and independent Palestinian state is a legitimate right and shared aspiration of the Palestinian people. Today, there is an increasing chorus of positive voices in the international community advocating for the two-state solution and recognizing the Arab Peace Initiative. More and more countries are acknowledging the statehood of Palestine.

I believe that peace and justice are the aspirations of all people. We look forward to the day when we can return to Gaza.

Government Should Opt for Dialogue, Not Blackmail, Says Omotehinse

Mr. Alex Omotehinse, a human rights activist and leader of the Center for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), discussed the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest and emphasized the importance of government dialogue over blackmailing protesters. Below are excerpts from the interview conducted by Joy Anigbogu.

What is your view about the hunger protest that began on August 1?

I applaud the courageous youths who challenged political leaders by expressing their dissatisfaction with the current governance. Despite government propaganda, people came out to demand that the benefits of democracy be shared with every Nigerian. It is unacceptable for government officials to enjoy luxuries while the masses suffer. For example, the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway has been neglected for eight years. The government’s expenses should be reduced, and minimum wage should apply to all sectors, including political office holders. This is the only way forward.

There were statements made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that were discouraging. Reports indicated he said, “you can continue to protest while we will be eating with President Bola Tinubu.” Such remarks show a lack of concern for the people’s suffering. Threats from groups against protesters should be addressed by security forces, not the peaceful protesters themselves.

The 2020 EndSARS protest was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums. Should protesters have opted for dialogue with the government instead?

The EndSARS protest was disrupted by government agencies, not hijacked by hoodlums. On October 18, 2020, armed thugs attacked protesters in Alausa, but the attackers were handed over to the police and nothing came of it. The violence began when the government imposed a curfew and involved the military. The real culprits were not the protesters but government-hired thugs. The EndSARS protest achieved significant results in less than five days, leading to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa suggested limiting protests to one to three days to avoid economic disruption. What is your opinion on this?

Mr. Adegboruwa’s advice is prudent. While the youth might be capable of prolonged protests, it is wise to avoid giving the government any excuse to use propaganda against them. A one-day protest effectively conveys the message without causing undue disruption. The government has tried to suppress protests through legal restrictions and monetary incentives, but the public turnout indicates a strong desire for change.

The government argues that President Tinubu has barely spent one year in office and needs more time. What do you say to this?

This argument doesn’t hold. In 2012, when former President Goodluck Jonathan had only been in office for a year, we organized “Occupy Nigeria.” Protests now are not driven by partisan politics but by non-partisan citizens. If the roles were reversed, the APC would also be protesting. The current administration’s removal of the fuel subsidy on the first day, coupled with inflation and economic hardship, justifies the immediate public outcry. The effectiveness of a government can often be judged early on, and so far, the signs have been negative.

Foreign Nationals Urged to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising War Tensions

Amid escalating regional tensions, urgent calls have been made for foreign nationals to leave Lebanon. This comes as Iran and its allies prepare to respond to recent high-profile killings attributed to Israel.

Diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict are underway, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan’s King Abdullah II emphasizing the need to avoid a regional military escalation. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that any attack on Israel would result in severe repercussions.

The nearly 10-month-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has already caused significant regional violence. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City schools sheltering displaced people killed at least 30 individuals, marking the 11th school hit in Gaza since July 6.

In Lebanon, cross-border hostilities have intensified, with Hezbollah announcing the deaths of two fighters and Israeli strikes killing two people in the southern village of Hula. The Lebanese health ministry reported ongoing Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah continued to launch rockets at northern Israel.

Saudi Arabia and France have joined other nations in advising their citizens to leave Lebanon. France also recommended that its nationals in Iran temporarily depart due to the volatile security situation. Several Western airlines have suspended flights to Lebanon and other regional airports, with Qatar Airways limiting its Doha-Beirut route to daylight operations.

The recent assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut have heightened tensions. These killings, attributed to Israel, have prompted vows of retaliation from Iran and its allied groups. Efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage-release deal by Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediators continue.

Analysts anticipate measured but coordinated responses from Iran and its allies. The United States has increased its military presence in the region to prevent the situation from escalating further. The G7 group of democracies has expressed strong concern over the potential for greater conflict, stressing the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza to reduce regional tensions.

Civil Society Groups to Monitor NNPCL Compliance with Crude Sales to Dangote Refinery

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) announced plans to establish a situation room in Abuja to monitor the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)’s adherence to the presidential directive to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery in Naira. This move follows a facility tour of the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery in Lagos by 28 CSO leaders.

The CSO leaders expressed concerns over NNPCL and regulatory agencies seemingly favoring petroleum product importation over utilizing local refinery capabilities. They believe the delays in operationalizing national refineries are deliberate to continue benefiting from importation.

During the tour, Solomon Adodo of Rise Up for A United Nigeria spoke on behalf of the CSOs, emphasizing the importance of the Dangote Refinery in addressing Nigeria’s forex challenges and reducing petroleum product prices. The CSOs plan to petition the Presidency to recognize Dangote Refinery as a national asset essential for reducing fuel importation.

Adodo criticized the government’s treatment of the Dangote Refinery, calling for collective action to ensure it operates optimally. He highlighted the readiness of the CSOs to defend the refinery and monitor compliance with the presidential directive to supply crude in Naira.

Dangote Industries Limited’s Vice-President, Devakumar Edwin, welcomed the CSO leaders, describing the refinery as a value-adding facility crucial for reducing crude exports and finished product imports. He underscored the company’s commitment to investing in Nigeria and contributing to the national economy through job creation and increased domestic production.

The CSOs plan to advocate for the government’s support of the refinery, emphasizing its potential to stabilize the domestic fuel market and enhance economic growth.

Breaking: Bobrisky Released from Prison

Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has been released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after serving a six-month sentence. Bobrisky was incarcerated on April 12, 2024, for abusing the naira by spraying it at parties, a violation that led to his imprisonment without the option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Bobrisky, accompanied by actress Eniola Ajao, expressed excitement about his return. He said, “I’ve missed you guys so much. I can’t wait to have you guys and give you guys what you have missed.”