Discovering "new world" in Barcelona

By Cui Shixin, People’s Daily
The 20-story-tall Columbus Monument, having witnessed the vicissitude of the times, is
unquestionably the most eye-catching structure, when looking at downtown Barcelona from a
rooftop near the piers.
Perched atop the towering monument is a statue of Christopher Columbus, whose right arm raises
high and points to the sea, as if proclaiming his belief that drove him beyond his peers – beyond
the ocean lies land.
It was 530 years ago in 1493 when Columbus, triumphant from his first voyage to the Americas,
walked up the curved steps leading to the gates of what was then the royal palace, situated at the
corner of what is now Plaza del Rey in Barcelona. There, he informed his sponsors of the findings
of his voyage, and Barcelona became the first place to hear his discovery of the New World.
Columbus, an Italian, now “stands” above the Barcelona skyline as one of the city’s most striking
landmarks. This reveals the spirit of exploration and openness to new ideas that characterize
Barcelona, known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.”
The old alleys and passages in Barcelona give an initial impression of the eclectic mix of East and
West. There are remnants of ancient Roman walls, old Gothic-style structures standing in the core
area, and buildings adorned with mosaic patterns that evoke the city’s history with the Arabs. The
solemn King Martin’s Watchtower recalls the glorious past of Barcelona’s rise in the
Mediterranean Sea.
Barcelona’s most iconic buildings are the works of the “maverick architect” Antoni Gaudi. Born in
1852 into a family of blacksmiths making boilers for generations, Gaudi developed a strong ability
to deconstruct space and a unique intuition for sculpture. His childhood leg disability left him
unable to play with other children, so he spent more time alone observing nature, inspiring his
later architectural concept that emulates organic forms.
Gaudi keenly observed that nature contains no straight lines and very few perfect circles.
Therefore, his buildings shun the two geometric figures, instead featuring undulating shapes,
uneven surfaces, twisted door panels, leaning columns, meandering benches, and parapets of
varying heights.
In his design, chimneys resemble huddles of helmeted warriors and ancient beasts, while doors
and windows resemble mystical masks and gaping mouths. Mushroom-like works, candy-like
buildings, rainbow lizards, and walls decorated with splashes of colorful mosaics all create his
fantastical, fairy-tale world.
Some of Gaudi’s contemporaries regarded his architecture as “madness.” Yet today, seven of his
works have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Over half of Barcelona’s tourist
attractions are Gaudi’s creations, including Park Guell, La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló. In other
words, Gaudi’s imaginative architectural works have practically upheld Barcelona’s tourism
industry.
Gaudi’s most “insane” work is undoubtedly the Sagrada Familia. The structure commenced
construction in 1882 and still remains unfinished today, but it has already been designated a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Although the Sagrada Familia is surrounded by cranes and scaffolds, all who behold this edifice,
into which Gaudi poured 43 years of effort, cannot help but be moved and awed by its imaginative
details and intricate craftsmanship.

Still under construction, it is an undiscovered “new world” inviting imagination and exploration,
because its final form remains unknown. This makes the Sagrada Familia one of Barcelona’s most
thought-provoking marvels.
Barcelona nurtured not only Gaudi but many other brilliant masters, including artistic geniuses
like Pablo Picasso.
Next to the whimsical Casa Batlló is the graceful, lace-like Casa Lleó i Morera, and the Neo-
Gothic style Casa Amatller. Their contrasting styles earned the street the nickname the “Block of
Discord.”
But through a lens of innovation and inclusiveness, such beauty of the differences is the harmony
that is most in keeping with the form of nature. Meandering Barcelona’s vibrant streets, which
embrace diverse inspirations, one may chance upon delightful discoveries of the “new world.”
This is the allure that draws visitors from afar.
Barcelona has had its share of struggles between the old and the modern, between heritage and
innovation. In June 1926, when the city was celebrating the opening of a tram, an elderly ignorant
of the novel transport was struck down and soon passed away after being taken to the hospital.
The elderly was Gaudi. He was then immersed in his architectural imagination. This misfortune
seems to symbolize the clash between the old and the new. Yet Barcelona’s spirit, nurtured through
centuries as a port city open to the sea and the world, persevered in embracing both heritage and
progress.
In the early 1990s, after decades of effort to win the 1992 Olympics bid, Barcelona’s concern was
to integrate modern stadiums with the natural Mediterranean landscape.
Despite massive construction, the main Olympic complex redesigned from the prior World’s Fair
site on Montjuic Hill retained the original facade and style, as well as the hill-shaped form.
Looking up from the harbor area at the bottom, one can behold verdant slopes, which evoke a
sense of natural harmony between the mountains and the sea.
Yet, just as the 1992 Olympics pioneered igniting the cauldron with an archer’s arrow in tribute to
the ancient, Barcelona’s spirit of innovation endures. The Torre Glories, World Trade Center
Barcelona, and Montjuic Communications Tower still showcase cutting-edge designs.
Even vintage sites like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera have become a part of the Gaudi Digital
Museum built under China-Spain cooperation.
Wearing virtual reality and augmented reality devices, visitors to these sites can see fish
materializing in abstract windows, and a giant turtle swimming from a fireplace painted with a
tortoise back pattern. While rooms stand vacant in reality, devices fill the space with furnishings
and objects from Gaudi’s era in visitors’ eyes.
This immersive experience is made available by the digital technology of Chinese tech giant
Baidu, which brings Gaudi’s concepts and imagination to life and gives visitors an immersive and
fresh experience.
As people have “personas” online, cities have “city personas” too. Barcelona’s seems like
innovation and inclusiveness. In fact, innovation and inclusiveness complement one another, like
wings on a bird. Exposure to diverse innovations nurtures acceptance; an inclusive mindset, in
turn, draws in more innovation. This symbiosis – a discovery of the “new world” in Barcelona – is
the true enlightenment of the “Pearl of the Mediterranean.”

China speeds up fostering new drivers in foreign trade

By Du Haitao, People’s Daily

The recently hosted central economic work conference stressed that it will be imperative to foster
new drivers of foreign trade, reinforce the stable performance in foreign trade and foreign
investment, and expand trade in intermediate goods, trade in services, digital trade and exports of
cross-border e-commerce.
In 2023, China’s foreign trade sector has withstood external pressures and continued to
demonstrate its resilience.
Recently, the first batch of 50 new energy buses made by Chinese bus manufacturer Higer Bus
were shipped from the Taicang port in east China’s Jiangsu province, heading to Brazil.
With the support from the local customs, hawthorns grown in Laiwu, east China’s Shandong
province were exported to Thailand for the first time.
Last year, China faced a complex and challenging external environment, as well as multiple
difficulties at home. Precise policy implementation, proactive efforts from businesses, and active
market exploration have promoted stability and improved quality in China’s imports and exports
of goods amid uncertainties.
Since October 2023, China’s foreign trade has shown year-on-year growth for two consecutive
months. In November, the total imports and exports increased by 1.2 percent compared to the
same period in 2022, 0.3 percentage points higher than that in October. These figures fully
reflected the good momentum for steady and improving growth of China’s foreign trade.
Foreign trade is one of the important driving forces of economic growth. Promoting the sector to
stabilize the scale and optimize the structure has a crucial supportive role in maintaining stable
growth and employment, building a new development pattern, and advancing high-quality
development.
Currently, the number of foreign trade enterprises in China with import and export records has
increased to 597,000, and the import and export value of enterprises that have stayed active since
2020 accounts for nearly 80 percent of of the whole.
In the first 11 months of 2023, the imports and exports of general trade, which features longer
industrial chains and relatively higher added value, accounted for 64.8 percent of China’s total
foreign trade, growing 1 percentage point year-on-year. This further reinforced the high-quality
development of foreign trade.
In the first three quarters of 2023, the combined exports of new energy vehicles, lithium batteries,
and photovoltaic products rose 41.7 percent year-on-year, with their share in China’s total exports
up by 1.3 percentage points from a year ago.
The world has entered a new period of turbulence and change. The momentum of world
economic growth is sluggish. Destabilizing, uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing.
Faced with a complex external environment, various regions and departments in China have
enhanced the internal driving force with reform and opening up. They coordinated efforts to
promote deepened reform and high-level opening up, continuously liberated and developed social
productive forces, stimulated and enhanced social vitality, and accelerated the cultivation of new
drivers of foreign trade, thus promoting the sustained improvement of foreign trade.
From the perspective of development trend, China’s foreign trade in 2023 continued to consolidate

the foundation of “stability” and kept the momentum of “progress,” expanding the space for
economic and trade cooperation.
China’s exports of goods have been moving up the value chain. The share of electromechanical
product exports in the total has expanded, and the exports of green, low-carbon and smart products
have grown rapidly.
While fostering new drivers of foreign trade growth, China has not only focused on leveraging the
new advantages of traditional products, but also continuously expanded new areas of growth such
as new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products, so as to further utilize its
advantages in new arenas.
China has employed digital technologies to improve the efficiency in all links of foreign trade,
facilitate the foreign trade sector and unleash the vitality of foreign trade entities. At the same
time, it has actively expanded trade in intermediate goods and expedited the growth of service
trade.
With the continued strength of domestic policies to stabilize foreign trade and the steady progress
of foreign trade reform measures, China’s foreign trade will maintain stable growth, with
continuous optimization of trade structure and strengthening of internal growth drivers.
Various regions and departments across China will prioritize efforts to accelerate the optimization
and upgrading of the foreign trade structure. They will focus on cultivating new drivers of foreign
trade growth that are technologically advanced, high value-added, green and low-carbon, to
further promote high-quality development of the country’s foreign trade sector.

China to work with rest of world for common good of humanity

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Chinese President Xi Jinping reviewed the remarkable achievements China had made in 2023 and
expressed the firm confidence of the Chinese people in forging ahead with resolve and tenacity in
his 2024 New Year message, conveying a sincere desire of China to create a better future together
with the rest of the world.
“We Chinese are keenly aware of what peace means. We will work closely with the international
community for the common good of humanity, build a community with a shared future for
mankind, and make the world a better place for all,” Xi said in the message.
The past year was the first year for fully implementing the guiding principles from the 20th
National Congress of the Communist Party of China. With an aim to advance the rejuvenation of
the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, China has marched
forward with solid and robust steps, in high spirits and with great confidence.
China achieved a smooth transition in its COVID-19 response efforts. The Chinese economy has
sustained the momentum of recovery. Steady progress has been made in pursuing high-quality
development.
Thanks to years of dedicated efforts, China’s innovation-driven development is full of energy. The
Chengdu FISU World University Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games presented spectacular
sports scenes, envisioning an inclusive and confident China for the rest of the world.
All these exhilarating activities have made the lives of the Chinese people richer and more
colorful, and they mark the return of bustling life across the country. They embody people’s
pursuit of a beautiful life, and present a vibrant and flourishing China to the world.
China’s long history and profound civilization have developed and flourished while being
inherited, shining with brilliant glory and becoming the source from which Chinese people’s
confidence and strength are derived.
The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. At the critical juncture of
history, China firmly upholds world peace and promotes common development, bringing valuable
certainty and stability to the world filled with change and instability.
Last year, China held the China-Central Asia Summit and the Third Belt and Road Forum for
International Cooperation, and hosted leaders from across the world at many diplomatic events
held in China. Xi also made four visits to foreign countries, attended international conferences,
and met many friends, both old and new. He shared China’s vision and enhanced common
understandings with them, conveying China’s confidence in jointly facing challenges and
overcoming difficulties with all parties.
While pursuing its development, China has also embraced the world and fulfilled its responsibility
as a major country. No matter how the global landscape may evolve, peace and development
remain the underlying trend, and only cooperation for mutual benefit can deliver.
For any country or nation to thrive, it must follow the logic of history and develop in line with the
trend of the times. What people in various countries long for is definitely not a new Cold War or a
small exclusive bloc; what they want is an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys
enduring peace, universal security and common prosperity. Such is the logic of historical advance
and the trend of the times.
The overall direction of human development and progress will not change, the overall dynamics of

world history moving forward amid twists and turns will not change, and the overall trend toward
a shared future for the international community will not change. Building a community with a
shared future for mankind is the right direction for human society leading to common
development, lasting peace and security, and mutual learning between civilizations.
In the face of risks and challenges, China will always work with other countries to uphold the
correct views of the world, of history and of the world’s overall interests, and act to translate the
vision of a community with a shared future for mankind into reality.
Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Steadfastly advancing Chinese modernization, China will remain clear-eyed and undisturbed in a
volatile world, and stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress.
Dedicated to peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, China will promote the
common values of all humanity, implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security
Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, and build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful
world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.

To usher in bright future of peace, security, prosperity, progress for world

By Guo Jiping, People’s Daily
The year of 2023 was the first year for fully implementing the guiding principles of the 20th
National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and also marked the 10th anniversary of the
vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind put forward by Chinese
President Xi Jinping.
Under the personal guidance of Xi, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has
made solid steps. Pursuing the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for
mankind, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has created a proactive and
favorable external environment for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and
made significant contributions to the cause of world peace and development.
The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with profound changes
occurring in the relationships between major countries. In 2023, China always kept its strategic
focus, comprehensively planned its relations with relevant parties, and worked to build major-
country relations featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability, and balanced development.
Together, the Chinese and Russian heads of state charted the course for future growth of bilateral
relations and cooperation across the board. The meeting between Xi and his U.S. counterpart Joe
Biden in San Francisco achieved important results, identifying the direction for the sound, steady
and sustained development of bilateral ties. Besides, China-EU relations have shown a sound
momentum of full recovery and steady progress.
In the past year, China firmly promoted regional peace, stability, and development. The successful
China-Central Asia Summit resulted in the signing of seven bilateral and multilateral agreements
between China and the five Central Asian countries. Additionally, over 100 cooperation
agreements were inked across various fields.
Announcing a new characterization of the relationship for the two parties and two countries, China
and Vietnam will work together for a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries
strategic significance on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative
partnership between the two sides.
As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with
other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them.
Last August, Xi attended the 15th BRICS Summit, promoting the historic expansion of the BRICS
mechanism. He joined the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue, where he worked
together with relevant parties to pool strength for building a community of shared development.
During his visit to South Africa, Xi and the South African head of state agreed to build a high-
level China-South Africa community with a shared future. He also attended the China-Africa
Leaders’ Dialogue and raised new proposals on and assisting in Africa’s integration and
modernization.
In 2023, China established diplomatic relations with Honduras, set up 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 October 2023, the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was hosted. China
worked with all parties involved to deepen Belt and Road partnerships of cooperation,
ushered this cooperation into a new stage of high-quality development, and announced eight

major steps China will take to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
At present, all the 458 outcomes delivered at the forum are being implemented.
Taking results-oriented actions in implementing the Global Development Initiative, China
promoted the establishment of cooperation platforms and partnerships in key areas including
poverty reduction, food security, industrialization and digital-era connectivity, to deepen practical
cooperation and strengthen knowledge sharing, which benefited other developing countries.
In 2023, China worked with the international community to actively implement the Global
Security Initiative. In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran achieved significant results in their dialogue
in Beijing, agreeing to restore diplomatic relations. This highly anticipated diplomatic mediation
has inspired a trend of reconciliation in the Middle East and provided an important model for
countries to resolve conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.
On the Ukraine crisis, China always stands on the side of peace. What it calls for boils down to
supporting talks for peace. After the outbreak of a new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China
proposed solutions that take into account both the immediate and long-term interests, making
arduous efforts to protect civilians, ease the situation, restart negotiations, and achieve peace.
In the face of various non-traditional security threats such as climate change, cybersecurity, and AI
security, China has always been committed to promoting international cooperation and
strengthening global security governance.
In March 2023, Xi solemnly proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, providing a systematic
explanation of China’s approach to promoting tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual
learning among different civilizations. Last year, Xi made personal efforts to promote mutual
understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people in the rest of the world.
The Communist Party of China exchanged with and learned from political parties of other
countries, helping all parties understand and comprehend the civilizational foundation and vivid
practice of Chinese modernization, and building confidence and consensus in strengthening
cooperation and creating a shared future.
Major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics will follow the principles of self-
confidence and self-reliance, openness and inclusiveness, fairness and justice, and win-win
cooperation, and act with a stronger sense of historical responsibility and a more vibrant spirit of
innovation, so as to make new Chinese contributions to building a community with a shared future
for mankind.

China's first domestically-made large cruise ship makes commercial maiden voyage

By Liu Shi’an, Shen Wenmin, People’s Daily
China’s first domestically-built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, bathed in the morning
sunlight on the first day of 2024, was docked at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise
Terminal, awaiting its commercial maiden voyage.
Thanks to optimized customs and border inspection procedures, it would take less than 10 seconds
for each passenger on average for clearance. On the cruise ship, nearly 1,300 crew members and
staff were in position to welcome over 3,000 tourists who were about to embrace the seven-day
journey on the route to Jeju in South Korea as well as Fukuoka and Nagasaki in Japan.
When stepping into the cruise terminal, Feng Yanxin and her family beamed with excitement.
“In 2014, I took a luxury cruise in Europe and learned that China didn’t have its self-developed
large cruise ships,” said Feng.
“When I heard in 2019 that a domestically-built large cruise ship was being developed, I had a
wish at that time that my family would take its maiden voyage,” she added.
Ever since, she has been following the updates on the cruise ship, and she booked tickets as soon
as they became available.
“Today, the first day of 2024, we feel so fortunate and thrilled to witness and be part of the maiden
voyage of this large cruise ship built by our Chinese people,” Feng said.
The captain of the Adora Magic City Niklas Peterstam, who comes from a Swedish seafaring
family, boasts rich experience in cruise sailing. According to him, he barely hesitated before
accepting the offer to captain the ship.
After multiple test voyages, Peterstam has been fully confident in the capabilities of the Adora
Magic City. The ship is very stable with powerful engines, he noted.
Third mate Ding Wenxuan previously worked on another cruise ship Piano Land. “The Adora
Magic City is more intelligent and modernized with flexible performance and smooth sailing,” he
told People’s Daily.
“As a helmsman, I feel proud of Chinese shipbuilders,” the young man noted.
Large cruise ships are known as the “pearls” atop the crown of the shipbuilding industry, reflecting
a nation’s comprehensive technological and manufacturing capabilities.
The Adora Magic City stretches 323.6 meters long and 37.2 meters wide, with 25 million parts –
five times those of the C919 jet and 13 times the Fuxing bullet train. The cables on the ship extend
a total of 4,200 kilometers, equivalent to the distance between Shanghai and Lhasa, capital of
southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region.
According to Zhou Qi, chief builder of large cruise ship projects at Shanghai Waigaoqiao
Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), from the official contract
signing in November 2018 to the Adora Magic City’s naming and delivery in November 2023, the
group overcame countless difficulties and dedicated tremendous efforts.
“It’s like a city floating at sea,” said tourist Chen Yahua, who put down luggage and excitedly
wandered around on the ship.

The Adora Magic City has 2,125 guest rooms that can accommodate 5,246 passengers. Its 16-
story living and entertainment area spans a total of over 40,000 square meters, featuring theaters,
themed restaurants, shopping plazas, art galleries and water parks.
The Adora Magic City is operated by Adora Cruises, a subsidiary of CSSC Cruise Technology
Development Co., Ltd. “The Chinese crew are excellent and diligent. I hope China will train its
own cruise captains soon,” Peterstam said.
As the Adora Magic City started its commercial maiden voyage, the second domestically-
developed large cruise ship was being built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
“The second ship will cut construction time by 4 million hours than the Adora Magic City with
lower costs and higher efficiency,” said Zhou.
According to statistics, China’s cruise economic prosperity index reached 101.55 in 2023, a
significant increase over 2022. By 2035, China’s cruise economy will total 500 billion yuan ($70.4
billion).
Qiu Ling, deputy director of the Shanghai International Cruise Business Institute, believes the
manufacturing techniques and management experience accumulated from China’s first
domestically-built cruise ship will further accelerate the construction of the second one, realizing
the development of the whole cruise industry chain in China.
The delivery and operation of China’s first large cruise ship has effectively expanded the supply of
domestic cruise capacity, enabling a more comprehensive and differentiated fleet structure. This
enriches consumers’ choices of cruise ships, promotes differentiated operations among local cruise
companies, and elevates the industry’s overall competitiveness.
At around 3:00 p.m., all passengers boarded the ship. At 4:45 p.m., the Adora Magic City departed
the port after several whistles, sailing towards the blue ocean.

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.