China to keep scaling new heights with self-reliance in new year

By He Yin, People’s Daily

In his 2024 New Year message, Chinese President Xi Jinping reviewed the remarkable
achievements China has made, encouraging the Chinese people to forge ahead with resolve and
tenacity, steadfastly advance Chinese modernization, build a community with a shared future for
mankind, and make the world a better place for all.
His message presented to the world a prosperous and thriving China, as well as the country’s
global vision and a strong sense of responsibility.
In recent days, the international community has paid high attention to China’s tourism during the
New Year holiday, witnessing a vibrant and bustling China in the booming tourism market.
In 2023, China’s economy continued to rebound and improve, injecting new momentum into
global economic recovery. Recently, several international institutions have raised their
expectations for China’s economic growth. The international community generally believes that
China still remains the largest engine of global growth, and it is expected to contribute around 1/3
of global economic growth in 2023.
It is reported that Chinese shipbuilding companies received 59 percent of global shipbuilding
orders in 2023, ranking first for three consecutive years. Statistics from the China Association of
Automobile Manufacturers show that China’s automobile production and sales are expected to
reach around 30 million units in 2023, with the production and sales of new energy vehicles
exceeding 9 million units. The export of automobiles is expected to reach nearly 5 million units.
The automotive industry has become a major driving force for industrial growth.
An article published on the website of Pakistani newspaper The Nation noted that the spotlight has
undoubtedly shifted to the East on the global economic stage.
The year 2024 will bring more encouraging news from China on all fronts. On Jan. 1, China’s first
domestically built large cruise ship embarked on its maiden commercial voyage. This milestone
reflected China’s burgeoning innovative drive and vibrant development, as well as the C919 large
passenger airliner entering commercial service, the Shenzhou spaceships continuing their missions
in space, the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe reaching the deepest ocean trench, Chinese
trendy brands being highly popular with consumers, the latest models of Chinese-made mobile
phones gaining market success, and the rise of Chinese new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and
photovoltaic products.
“Everywhere across our country, new heights are being scaled with dogged determination, and
new creations and innovations are emerging every day,” said Xi in his New Year message.
The Chinese nation is a nation that is brave and adept at innovation. China is committed to the
strategy for invigorating China through science and education, the workforce development
strategy, and the innovation-driven development strategy. It has the confidence and ability to
achieve high-level technological self-reliance, explore new areas of development, and
continuously create new driving forces and advantages for development.
“China has gone from being the world’s factory to becoming the global frontrunner in nearly every
important industry of the future,” said Russian political analyst Dmitri Kosyrev.
On the first day of 2024, the free trade agreement between China and Nicaragua officially came
into effect. Besides, dairy products from New Zealand have been allowed to enter China duty-free,
marking the removal of all remaining tariffs agreed upon in the free trade deal between the two

countries. In the new year, China will continue to expand high-level opening-up and constantly
create new opportunities for the world with its own development.
The Chengdu FISU World University Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games hosted last year
deeply impressed the world with the profound essence of Chinese civilization. The 78th United
Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution designating the Lunar New Year (the
Spring Festival) as a UN floating holiday, which showcases the influence of the Chinese culture.
In the coming year, China will continue to promote mutual learning, harmonious coexistence, and
mutual achievements among different civilizations, and foster understanding and friendship
among people from different countries.
In 2023, China established diplomatic relations with Honduras, established or upgraded
partnerships with more than 10 countries, and continuously deepened and expanded a global
network of partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation. In the new year, the country
will continue working hand-in-hand with other countries to walk a path of great virtues and build a
better future for humanity.
Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, which benefits the Chinese
people and promotes the modernization of all countries. In the coming year, China will continue
striving with dogged determination to scale new heights, employing Chinese modernization to
write a new chapter in human progress, and making new contributions to building a community
with a shared future for mankind and an even better world for all.

“You can’t hold Defection Ceremony in Eggon Land- youth Dare Ewuga

Tensions have escalated in Nasarawa state following Senator Solomon Ewuga’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move has been met with strong opposition from the Eggon youths, who have vehemently warned the Senator against organizing any defection rally within Eggon Land.

Expressing their disdain for Senator Ewuga’s defection, a cross-section of Eggon youths labelled it as a “greatest a gross act of “fatricidal” betrayal.” They cautioned the senator against implementing his plan stating that any attempt to hold such a rally in tge town could attract unpleasant consequences of staunch resistance.

“Senator Ewuga’s defection is viewed as a betrayal of trust and an affront to the interests of Eggon Land and the majority of the people of Nasarawa State. “We will not allow him to stage a defection party here,” stated a member of the Eggon youth group named Anda Abednego Akpomoshi.

They further stressed that the senator’s remarks citing the “avoidance of hunger” as reason for his defection have further fueled resentment among the Eggon youth who have over the years stood by him. Many have condemned his actions, attributing them to jealousy and an attempt to thwart the prospects of his fellow kinsman, especially after Senator Ewuga’s several failed attempts in the past, to defend their victory.

Shedding light on the financial inducement that influenced the defection, a member of the APC who craved anonymity because of party said that it is common knowledge which can be confirmed with little investigations via various sources close to Ewuga would reveal the facts that Ewuga allegedly collected fifty million Naira for expressing his desire to join the APC.

Additionally, a source said to close to Ewuga further alleged that the sum of twenty million Naira was purportedly received by Ewuga to organize a defection ceremony. Intriguingly, during the visits to Lafia Government House to collect these funds, which variously channelled through the SSG and Deputy Governor, the source added, Senator Ewuga reportedly used a vehicle donated to him by Dr. David Ombugadu of the PDP when the senator said he had resigned from politics and opted to be a statesman and was considering vying for the traditional stool of Aren Eggon.

Reacting to the senator’s departure, the PDP dismissed Senator Ewuga’s move as inconsequential, referring to it as a “lone walk” to the APC waiting to be received by paid agents and hired crowd.

“Ewuga’s defection signifies a loss of relevance and credibility in Nasarawa politics. He did not contribute to our campaign efforts, even after receiving substantial funds from our governorship candidate. His departure to the APC is a relief now that he has decided to take a side after the elections,” remarked the zonal secretary of the PDP from Nasarawa North.

The unfolding tensions between Senator Ewuga and the Eggon youth, coupled with the financial intricacies surrounding his defection, reflect a fractious political landscape in Nasarawa state, hinting at potential repercussions for the senator’s political future.

Information breaking out Just before filing this report, according to an anonymous source indicate that the Ewuga defection ceremony is now shifted to the Ality Akwe City Hall, Lafia venue that will host visiting APC national Chairman, one of the hired hands to fight for the illegal capture of state power on behalf of Abdullahi Sule.

You can’t hold Defection Ceremony in Eggon Land- youth Dare Ewuga

Tensions have escalated in Nasarawa state following Senator Solomon Ewuga’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move has been met with strong opposition from the Eggon youths, who have vehemently warned the Senator against organizing any defection rally within Eggon Land.

Expressing their disdain for Senator Ewuga’s defection, a cross-section of Eggon youths labelled it as a “greatest a gross act of “fatricidal” betrayal.” They cautioned the politician, against implementing his plan stating that any attempt to hold such a rally would face staunch resistance.

“Senator Ewuga’s defection is viewed as a betrayal of trust and an affront to the interests of Eggon Land and majority if the people of Nasarawa State. “We will not allow him to stage a defection party here,” stated a member of the Eggon youth group named Anda Abednego Akpomoshi.

They further stressed that the senator’s remarks citing the “avoidance of hunger” as reason for his defection have further fueled resentment among the Eggon youth who have over the years stood by him. Many have condemned his actions, attributing them to jealousy and an attempt to thwart the prospects of his fellow kinsman, especially after Senator Ewuga’s several failed attempts in the past, to defend their victory.

Shedding light on the financial inducement that influenced the defection, a member of the APC who craved anonymity because of party said that it is common knowledge which can be confirmed with little investigations via various sources close to Ewuga would reveal the facts that Ewuga allegedly collected fifty million Naira for expressing his desire to join the APC.

Additionally, a source said to close to Ewuga further alleged that the sum of twenty million Naira was purportedly received by Ewuga to organize a defection ceremony. Intriguingly, during the visits to Lafia Government House to collect these funds which variously channeled through the SSG and Deputy Governor, the source added, Senator Ewuga reportedly used a vehicle donated to him by Dr. David Ombugadu of the PDP when the senator said he had resigned from politics and opted to be a statesman and was considering vying for the traditional stool of Aren Eggon.

Reacting to the senator’s departure, the PDP dismissed Senator Ewuga’s move as inconsequential, referring to it as a “lone walk” to the APC waiting to be received by paid agents and hired crowd.

“Ewuga’s defection signifies a loss of relevance and credibility in Nasarawa politics. He did not contribute to our campaign efforts, even after receiving substantial funds from our governorship candidate. His departure to the APC is a relief now that he has decided to take a side after the elections,” remarked the zonal secretary of the PDP from Nasarawa North.

The unfolding tensions between Senator Ewuga and the Eggon youth, coupled with the financial intricacies surrounding his defection, reflect a fractious political landscape in Nasarawa state, hinting at potential repercussions for the senator’s political future.

Information breaking out Just before filing this report, according to an anonymous source indicate that the Ewuga defection ceremony is now shifted to the Ality Akwe City Hall, Lafia venue that will host visiting APC national Chairman, one of the hired hands to fight for the illegal capture of state power on behalf of Abdullahi Sule.

Nasarawa Stakeholders Criticize Governor Sule’s Late Efforts in Light of Supreme Court Decision.

…Enticing high profile political Leaders to commission local government projects

Stirring a wave of discontent among Nasarawa’s stakeholders, Governor Abdullahi Alhaji Sule’s recent attempts to salvage his political standing in the twilight of his term have drawn sharp criticism.

The governor’s desperate moves, including the orchestrated commissioning of local government projects by high-profile personalities, have triggered skepticism and raised questions about his intentions within the state’s political landscape.

Speaking on behalf of concerned stakeholders, Hasan Ibrahim, a prominent figure in Nasarawa, expressed deep concerns about Governor Sule’s consistent display of desperation.

“Governor Sule’s actions reek of desperation and an insatiable quest for political control,” Ibrahim emphasized during a conversation with journalists. “His manipulative tactics have been evident since his initial tenure, casting doubt on his governance approach and commitment to the people’s welfare.”

The stakeholders highlighted a series of allegedly coercive actions by Governor Sule to secure political advantage. Ibrahim shed light on these actions, citing instances where pensioners were reportedly coerced to pledge loyalty, civil servants were strategically utilized for political gains, and traditional rulers were allegedly pressured into influencing their communities’ voting decisions.

Governor Sule’s contested victory in the March 18th, 2023 Governorship poll against former House of Representatives member, Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, remains a subject of dispute, further adding to the ongoing political turmoil in the state. Dr.

Ombugadu’s legal challenge against Sule and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Supreme Court underscores the deep-seated dissatisfaction and distrust towards the current administration.

As the legal battle intensifies, Governor Sule’s recent maneuvers, including enticing high-ranking political figures like the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shetima, and the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to commission local government projects, have sparked controversy.

“These attempts to bolster his image through high-profile commissions merely reveal a facade meant to mask four years of lackluster governance,” Ibrahim asserted. “The hastily executed projects, strategically chosen for commissions, do not reflect the true state of development in Nasarawa.”

The stakeholders unequivocally called for fairness from the Supreme Court, urging a verdict that upholds the will of the people as expressed during the 2023 gubernatorial election. “Nasarawa deserves transparent and accountable leadership, not political theatrics,” Ibrahim concluded, echoing the collective sentiment of hope for a just resolution.

The unfolding drama in Nasarawa’s political arena accentuates the palpable tension and growing anticipation surrounding the impending verdict, leaving the fate of the state’s governance hanging in the balance.

Minority Groups Laud Tinubu, Fubara Over Rivers Peace Pact

…appreciate Gov for sportsmanship and maturity

President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara have been commended for putting aside party differences to seal a peace deal for the progress of Rivers State.

The Coalition of Minority and Indigenous Ethnic Groups in Africa gave the commendation at a press conference on Thursday.

Applauding President Tinubu and Fubara for displaying sportsmanship, convener Yakubu Dauda also hailed the governor for implementing the agreement for the return of peace in the state.

The governor, by his action, Dauda said has shown tremendous respect to President Tinubu by ensuring that all the warring factions in the state shield their swords in the interest of the generality of Rivers people. 

“The Coalition of Minority Ethnic and Indigenous groups in Africa is using this medium to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his laudable initiative that has brought peace to Rivers State,” the statement added. 

“The action of the President indeed indicates that he is the President for all Nigerians and not a select few. This is commendable and necessary for leadership in a country as complex as Nigeria. 

“From all indications, the governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has also displayed a gentlemanly mien throughout the political conflict in the state. He has proven that he is a man of peace, and his actions and inaction are in the interest of the people of Rivers State. 

“Also, the fact that the governor of Rivers State agreed on the terms of the peace accord indicates that his intentions are not for personal or selfish reasons, as a section of the media has reported. In our opinion, it is for peace to reign in Rivers State, given the history of ethnic restiveness in the state. 

“The Coalition of Minority Ethnic and Indigenous Groups in Africa salutes the courage of the governor of Rivers State and extends its appreciation to other political actors in the state; they elected to drop their differences in the interest of peace. 

The group, however, urged the immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike, to give peace a chance in Rivers State by abiding by the interventions made by President Tinubu.

President Adodo’s 2024 New Year Address: Reflecting on challenges, praising resilience, and calling for unity

SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, AMB. SOLOMON ADODO DURING THE 2024 NEW YEAR BROADCAST AT THE NIGERIAN YOUTH HOUSE, ABUJA.
1st January 2024.

Protocols.

It is with renewed hope and high optimism that I stand to address the Nigerian youth today! We give God the glory for keeping us alive and keeping the country together, despite daunting and hurting challenges. Welcome to 2024.
Since my captainship of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) from 2019, we have passed through a lot of remarkable epochs. Some of them are very pleasant, and some very troubling or challenging. In all of it, we have steered the ship, making the voices of the youth heard and indeed, we have survived all anchored of an unwavering hope and undying tenacity. Having come to the evenings of my stewardship in the National Youth Council of Nigeria, this shall be my last address as we prepare for the conduct of elections to pave way for a new breed of vibrant young leaders to emerge and steer the affairs of the Council.
May I begin by commending the resilience of the Nigerian youth, I offer my salute and extend my gratitude to a generation that has refused to be bowed; we have been challenged but not chained; hopeful and confident; progressive and productive. It is my earnest belief that by our sheer determination and abiding faith, we have crossed the toughest times.
It is on record that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda came with excruciating reforms, but these were only made to save us from a pending and inevitable economic doom. We have had to take it with stoicism and equanimity. The criminal subsidy regime was ended and the worst forex round tripping crime ever known to this country was also ended. It dealt us some blows to the masses also, but it was the right and righteous things to do. We thank the Nigerian youth for your patience and urge you to continue to support President Tinubu. It is still “Morning Yet on Creation Day.” And the signs of massive improvement are already showing in few months.
Apart from the Dangote Refinery which will certainly begin full production this year, the Port Harcourt Refinery is also ready to start production. These are undeniable achievements which will change the economic narratives. President Tinubu did not start these projects, but he has clearly opened the economic space and swiftly completed them. Others are following in quick successions. We must remain focused, vigilant and have faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
As a nation, we are faced with security challenges. My heart goes out to the families and communities that have lost their loved ones to insecurity, especially the people of Plateau State whose Christmas Celebration was turned into mourning. We, condemn in the strongest terms that act of monstrosity. May the soul of the victims rest in peace.
The Nigerian Youth herein reiterate our faith and unflinching confidence in the Nigerian Military under the command of the Chief of Defence Staff – Gen. C. G. Musa and other Security Agencies who are facing an unusual war which is asymmetric and frustratingly tricky. We urge them not to relent. Our prayers and thoughts are with them. We call on all Nigerians to give them needed support and cooperation.

Having interacted with some persons in the upper echelons of the Tinubu Government and the Security Agencies, we are confident that succor is on the way and this administration as led by President Tinubu will do more to restore peace to the country. We therefore call on the Military and other Security Agencies to maintain crushing pressure on all terrorists and criminal elements till they are eliminated from our territorial space. May we seize this medium to commend the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi for providing the needed intelligence to foil several attacks planned by enemies of the State. The Nigerian Youth shall keep playing our role in assisting with information to counter the activities of all renegade elements.
It is a fact that we cannot run a country where we are not progressively active stakeholders. I therefore urge the youth to continue to be solution providers rather than naysayers and destabilizing tools in the hands of purveyors of crisis and agents of instability.
To this end, let me recognize the strength of young people on the internet, social spaces and mainstream media. It is a great strength. But I plead that our intellect, creativity and energy should be channeled to the promotion of “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” which is the motto of Nigeria. We must shun all calls for ethnic hatred, religious division and regional supremacy tussles. Our strength is in our numbers and unity. We must therefore focus on our respective Comparative advantages for the overall economic growth and development of the nation. We all need each other as a nation to emerge stronger
As we plan to exit the stage to allow younger people take the stage, we plan to harness the strengths of the youth and middle-aged on another platform to keep the light of the young people on. All stakeholders are invited to ensure that young Nigerians are not allowed to only react before the are called negative names or engaged. Government must be proactive. We therefore call on the Federal government and the respective State governments to embark on massive technical and vocational education training programs for youth to guarantee improved local productivity and improve our balance of trade. Our vast lands should also be deployed to engage youth in innovative agriculture to shore up agricultural productivity, tackle food inflation and ease the plight of the masses. Governments at all levels should ensure that all intervention programs are geared towards sustainable productivity and jobs creation rather than political appeasement and looting. The 75billion naira Nigerian Youth Investment Fund has remained largely unaccounted for and its impact has not been felt by the youth and the nation because it was used as a tool for political settlements while a considerable amounts were stolen. Mr. President should ensure this is investigated and such should not be allowed to reoccur.

May we use this medium to thank President Tinubu for already entrusting a lot of young people with high responsibilities starting from Ministers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Heads of MDAs. He must not relent. And on our part, we will reciprocate with our love and support.

The Ministry of Youth in particular has taken an unusual trajectory in terms of the agencies and backgrounds of the Minister and Minister of State. For the first time, the Ministry is run by young persons, with the correct youth backgrounds. We hope they break away from the old tradition that disconnected the youth from Government because merchants took over the Ministry. We urge all young appointees of the government to be more in the field with their sleeves rolled up better understand the felt needs of the youth and convey the needed government intervention to them.

Finally , we herein appreciate the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio for sacrificing their holidays to ensure that the 2024 Appropriation Bill was passed into law in record time. The Nigerian Senate led by Sen. Akpabio and the Federal House of Representatives led by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas have shown that there can indeed be a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature amidst the appropriate checks and balances. We urge the National Assembly to continually give Mr. President the veritable support at all times.
I urge all Nigerian Youth to maintain faith and unflinching confidence as we march into the year knowing that Nigeria is in safe hands under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency. We shall be open at all times to interface with the youth and provide solutions to emerging challenges as we march on to take our pride of place in the frontlines in the comity of nations.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Amb. Solomon Adodo
President, National Youth Council of Nigeria

China, ASEAN countries deepen clean energy cooperation

By Cao Shiyun, People’s Daily

The PVS ASEAN Photovoltaic (PV) and Storage Conference and Expo 2023 recently kicked off in Jakarta, Indonesia, with the participation of companies from Indonesia, China, Singapore, and other countries.

The event offered heads of relevant industry organizations, experts, and scholars an opportunity to discuss topics such as the current situation, policy trends, energy transition, and cooperation potential of the ASEAN PV market.

It focused on the PV and energy storage industry, showcasing innovative products and advanced technologies in this sector, including high-efficiency PV modules, portable energy storage products, and household energy storage solutions, among others. These products and technologies cover various scenarios, from daily life to large-scale PV projects in the industrial and commercial sectors.

President Director of PT Adhouse Clarion Events Toerangga Putra noted that this expo served as an important platform to comprehensively showcase the supply and industrial chains of the PV power generation and energy storage industry.

He believes that the expo will help Indonesia to promote clean energy transition and achieve sustainable economic and social development.

China Energy Engineering Group Equipment Co., Ltd. brought to the event a range of high-tech products with independent intellectual property rights, along with a new energy power generation solution.

Based on the development trend of green energy, this solution sources energy primarily from wind and PV power generation, with energy storage as a supplement and diesel generators as the final guarantee. It forms a complete power generation solution suitable for island power stations, campsite power supply, distributed PV power generation, and other application scenarios.

DAS Solar, a new energy technology company from east China’s Zhejiang province, introduced a self-developed lightweight solar panel module at the expo. This module adopts fluorine-containing high molecular transparent front panels instead of glass, which effectively solves the issues of heaviness and difficult installation associated with traditional ones.

The module also possesses excellent properties such as UV resistance, aging resistance, and fire prevention. It has attracted quite a few business representatives to discuss cooperation.

According to the latest data released by the ASEAN Center for Energy, renewable energy accounted for 14.4 percent of the total energy supply in ASEAN countries in 2021, with the installed power generation capacity accounting for 33.9 percent of the total.

From 2016 to 2021, installed solar power generation capacity in ASEAN countries increased by 53 percent. By 2025, the installed capacity of renewable energy may take 35 percent of the total installed capacity in ASEAN countries.

The rapid growth of solar power generation has significantly narrowed the gap between ASEAN countries and the set targets, said a report by the ASEAN Center for Energy.

In recent years, China and ASEAN countries have deepened their cooperation in clean energy and achieved multiple accomplishments. China has actively promoted the establishment of the China-ASEAN Clean Energy Cooperation Center, to facilitate the sharing of clean energy technologies, strengthen financial support, and deepen regional cooperation, contributing to the energy transition and sustainable development in the region.

In early November this year, the Cirata floating solar plant in Indonesia, the largest floating solar plant in Southeast Asia, was connected to the power grid and started running at full capacity. Constructed by a Chinese company, the plant is expected to provide clean electricity to approximately 50,000 households.

China and Vietnam have signed a memorandum of understanding on power and renewable energy cooperation. The cooperation between China and Thailand in the renewable energy sector, including wind power and PV power generation, has also achieved positive results.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn said that key areas of cooperation between ASEAN and China include offshore wind energy, hydropower, power connectivity, and green transportation. He hoped that both sides would take further actions to jointly promote the green and low-carbon transformation of energy, thereby fostering economic and social development for both parties.

China a doer in advancing global climate governance

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP28, kicked off in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on Nov. 30.

The meeting will carry out the first-ever two-year assessment of the world’s collective progress toward the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, and is of great phased significance for the global climate governance process.

The international community expects all parties to adhere to the objectives, principles and institutional arrangements outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and send a positive signal of focused action and enhanced cooperation.

The COP28, themed “Unite, Act and Deliver,” reflects the aspiration of the international community to jointly cope with climate change. According to a recent report issued by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change secretariat, national climate action plans remain insufficient to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the COP28 must be the place to urgently close the climate ambition gap, and developed countries must rebuild trust “by delivering on their finance commitments.”

China is a doer in advancing global climate governance. Since the beginning of this year, it has maintained close communication with all parties to promote a successful COP28 and the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in San Francisco. The two heads of state underscored the importance of working together to accelerate efforts to tackle the climate crisis in this critical decade.

They welcomed recent positive discussions between their respective special envoys for climate, including on national actions to reduce emissions in the 2020s, common approaches toward a successful COP28 and operationalization of the Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s to accelerate concrete climate actions.

Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization Petteri Taalas believes that this echoes the spirit of global cooperation and has a positive impact on addressing the challenges of climate change worldwide.

Xi recently emphasized in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron that China stands ready to work with France in sending a strong signal of jointly addressing the issue of climate change, so as to prompt the success of the COP28.

As a responsible developing country, China has actively addressed climate change as the intrinsic demand for it to realize sustainable development. It has contributed its wisdom and strength to global climate governance.

China has implemented a national strategy to actively address climate change, announced its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, and put in place a “1+N” policy framework for carbon peak and carbon neutrality.

It has promoted structural adjustments of industry, energy, and transportation, adopted energy-saving and efficiency-improving measures, established and improved market mechanisms, and increased forest carbon sinks.

China places mitigation and adaptation on equal footing, and has made positive progress in addressing climate change. In 2022, China’s carbon emissions intensity decreased by over 51 percent from its 2005 level.

China has been actively engaged in South-South cooperation on climate change, and actively participated in the multilateral process of climate change, showing great responsibility as a major country.

Recently, the Al Dhafra PV2 Solar Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, which was contracted by a Chinese company, has been completed. It is currently the world’s largest single photovoltaic project, providing electricity for 200,000 households and reducing carbon emissions by 2.4 million tons annually.

By September 2023, China had signed 48 memorandums of understanding on South-South cooperation on climate change with dozens of developing countries. It has collaborated on the construction of four low-carbon demonstration zones and implemented 75 projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Furthermore, China has trained over 2,300 officials and technical personnel in the field of climate change for more than 120 developing countries.

China has launched close cooperation with Europe on green development, established a China-Europe carbon neutrality research center, initiated the China-France Carbon Neutrality Center, and hosted the Global Sustainable Transport Forum. These efforts have helped build consensus on global climate governance and boosted confidence in addressing climate change worldwide.

Addressing climate change is a cause shared by all of humanity. All parties should uphold the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as the main channel for global climate governance, stay committed to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and promote full and effective implementation of the Convention and the Paris Agreement.

China will work with all parties to use the Global Stocktake as an opportunity to step up implementation, strengthen supporting measures and jointly build a fair, reasonable and win-win global climate governance system.

Shanghai makes great strides in intelligent robot industry

By Xie Weiqun, Shen Wenmin, People’s Daily

In the exhibition hall of Chinese tech firm Fourier Intelligent in the Zhangjiang AI Robot Valley, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, a humanoid robot GR-1 was showcasing its abilities. The 1.65-meter-tall and 55-kilogram-weight robot could walk at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour and carry a load of up to 50 kilograms.

“The GR-1 has a highly biomimetic body structure and human-like motion control, enabling it to perform functions such as fast walking, agile obstacle avoidance, stable uphill and downhill movement, and resistance to impacts. It is an ideal carrier for general artificial intelligence (AI),” said Gu Jie, chairman of Fourier Intelligent.

The company focuses on the development of high-performance rehabilitation robots. It has only eight years of history, but has already launched over 30 product series that are now used in more than 2,000 medical institutions.

“We have shifted our focus from ‘specialized robots’ to ‘general-purpose robots,’ aiming at the future mainstream of the industry. Humanoid robots have a certain degree of versatility and they have enormous potential in various application scenarios such as industry, rehabilitation, home services, and scientific research. Through independent innovation, we have been able to produce key components such as joints domestically,” Gu said.

Shanghai has made early and rapid progress in the development of the AI industry. Currently, there are over 350 AI enterprises above designated size in Shanghai, with a total output value of over 380 billion yuan ($53.6 billion), which is approximately three times of that five years ago.

Intelligent robots, involving advanced technologies such as AI, high-end manufacturing, and new materials, have become a new engine driving economic growth and a new frontier for technological competition.

Shanghai is proactively cultivating intelligent robots in order to build new engines of growth and competitive strengths for the future.

In October this year, Shanghai released an action plan on promoting high-quality innovative development of the intelligent robot industry in the 2023-2025 period. The plan aims at building Shanghai into a globally influential innovation hub for the industry by 2025.

According to the plan, Shanghai will create 10 leading robot brands, establish 100 exemplary robot application scenarios, and expand the total value of robot-related industries to 100 billion yuan.

Furthermore, the plan includes the establishment of three public service platforms: an intelligent robotics testing and pilot verification innovation center, a humanoid robot manufacturing innovation center, and a general-purpose robotics research institute.

It also aims to achieve a density of 500 industrial robots per 10,000 workers in key manufacturing sectors, and will significantly enhance the depth and breadth of robot applications in industries.

Under the guidance of the plan, all districts in Shanghai are making concerted efforts to create a sound environment for the development of the intelligent robot industry.

At the Lingang Summit of the Shanghai Intelligent Robot Industry Conference held in Shanghai’s Lingang Special Area on Nov. 14, the General Robot Industrial Research Institute and a Lingang robot industry base were officially unveiled.

Besides, an intelligent robot industry alliance was established in the area, and a group of high-level intelligent robot projects settled in. As a result, an intelligent robot industry ecosystem was initially formed in the area.

“Lingang Special Area is home to more than 150 core AI companies with over 5,000 research and development personnel. Around 40 industrial chain-related enterprises have gathered here, focusing on four major areas: general-purpose robots, industrial robots, service and special robots, and AI technology,” said Wu Xiaohua, an official in Lingang Special Area.

According to Wu, efforts will continue to be made in ten key fields such as whole robot manufacturing and AI chips, further strengthening the foundation for the development of the intelligent robot industry and building a demonstration area for intelligent robot applications.

Industrial data has a wide range of application needs in the field of intelligent industries, and it helps solidify the foundation of the intelligent robot industry.

To address the challenges of scattered and complex industrial data resources and long transaction chains, the Shanghai Data Exchange and Intsig, a leading tech company specializing in business data, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications, jointly established an industrial data innovation center on Nov. 25.

Through three innovative initiatives, namely, creating a new one-stop industrial data service link, building a new paradigm of on- and off-trading integration, and exploring cross-domain data integration projects, the center is committed to establishing a compliant, fair, and trustworthy data trading order and data commercialization ecosystem, turning industrial data from “resources” to “value.”

China pilots carbon-peaking projects to explore new path to carbon reduction

By Cui Yan, People’s Daily

Juncao, which literally means “mushroom and grass” and can be used to grow edible mushrooms, has a strong capability to fix and store carbon.

Recently, a Juncao program was launched in Yancheng, east China’s Jiangsu province to explore an integrated resource recycling model and set up an experimental base covering over 10 hectares.

The program, initiated under the cooperation between Jiangsu province and southeast China’s Fujian province, introduced improved Juncao varieties from Fujian and grew them on mud flats in Yancheng. It serves as a vivid example, replicating successful experiences in achieving China’s “dual carbon” goals.

According to a recent plan issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, China will launch carbon-peaking pilot projects in 100 cities and zones nationwide to solve bottlenecks constraining the country’s green and low-carbon development.

Resource endowments and development foundations vary across different regions. The carbon-peaking pilot projects aim to stimulate different regions’ initiative and creativity, and accelerate the green transformation of development models by launching pilot tasks, implementing key projects, as well as innovating policies and mechanisms.

The projects aim to explore carbon-peaking pathways for different cities and zones, and provide operable, replicable and promotable experiences for the whole country, thus contributing to achieving carbon peaking and neutrality goals.

These pilot projects are pioneers in achieving “dual carbon” goals. They make attempts to explore and provide solutions for cities or zones facing similar situations.

They are carried out in economically advanced and major energy-consuming provinces, such as Jiangsu, Shandong and Guangdong, as well as in areas rich in traditional and new energy resources including Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi.

The pilot plan determines goals and tasks by considering the geographical features, functional orientations, resource endowments and development foundations of different regions, which will help explore diversified pathways to green and low-carbon transformation.

These projects, starting from certain regions, aim to find the universal principles for and play a role model in achieving carbon peaking and neutrality nationwide.

Many piloted regions have already made positive attempts. For instance, Inner Mongolia has been striving to establish a national ecological carbon sink supply base; factories in Anhui are promoting green manufacturing; offshore wind power generation has become a highlight along the 4,000-kilometer coastline in Guangdong.

In addition to the pioneering efforts to achieve “dual carbon” goals, piloted regions have also deepened reforms in strengthening sci-tech innovation, improving policy mechanisms and enhancing public participation. As a result, a batch of innovative measures and experiences in reforms have been generated.

As the largest developing country, China faces the ambitious target of completing the world’s most dramatic reduction in carbon emission intensity, and realizing carbon neutrality from carbon peaking in the shortest time in global history. In this process, leveraging the role played by these pilot projects can help explore the optimal path at a relatively lower cost.

These pilot projects, carried out in small scopes and at the primary level, are explorations with controllable risks and tremendous space for innovation. They can stimulate people’s pioneering spirit and find rich, effective and differentiated pathways.

The successful experiences gained through these grassroots projects will then be promoted on a larger scale with the country’s governance resources.

The positive interaction and organic combination of top-level design and primary-level exploration has enabled China to form a dynamic cycle that involves initial trials, result analysis and promotion of successful experiences, which lowers risks and improves efficiency.

Statistics show a steady decline in the proportion of coal in China’s primary energy consumption – 68.5 percent in 2012, 60.6 percent in 2017 and 56.2 percent in 2022.

At the same time, China’s new energy vehicle ownership has seen significant annual growth – 220,000 in 2014, 1.53 million in 2017 and 13.1 million in 2022.

These figures mirror the strong momentum of green development in China, the world’s second-largest economy. Guided by the carbon-peaking pilot projects, innovative explorations are taking place nationwide, and a beautiful picture outlined by “dual carbon” goals is unfolding.