A Yangtze riverside chemical maker’s decade-long turn toward high-quality, green growth

By Yu Weiliang, Lu Yanan, Tang Luwei

Robots have replaced manual labor on the production line; old workshops and smokestacks are dismantled; pilot-scale testing of nanomaterials are moving forward steadily — New quality productive forces are quietly reshaping the Chinese traditional chemical industry, including Chuyuan High-Tech Group (Chuyuan), a traditional chemical manufacturer located along the Yangtze River in Shishou, Jingzhou, central China’s Hubei province.
Once the world’s largest producer of intermediates for reactive dyes, the company is now chaired by Yang Peng, who succeeded his father and founder, Yang Zhicheng. Its rise, however, was anything but smooth.
A pivotal moment came in 2016 when Chuyuan faced a landmark environmental penalty — a fine exceeding 27 million yuan ($3.87 million) for illegal wastewater discharges. At the time, this constituted the largest environmental fine ever imposed within the Yangtze River basin.
The fine triggered a fundamental shift in mindset for both father and son. Moving from initial frustration and passivity, they embarked on a path of active rectification and development-oriented upgrading over the subsequent decade.
Today, Chuyuan’s manufacturing base spans 1,800 mu (120 hectares). Yet its origins were remarkably humble. It was established in 1982 by 30 farmers, led by Yang Zhicheng. It started with only with five small rooms and modest equipment.
After China joined the WTO, chemical plants sprang up along the Yangtze River. The company’s production capacity of H-acid, para-esters and reactive dyes ranked first in Asia, making it Hubei’s largest private exporter.
Its prominence was underscored on January 10, 2016, when the Jingzhou municipal tax bureau listed it as the city’s third-largest taxpayer, with annual payments exceeding 100 million yuan — a status achieved just before the environmental penalty reshaped its future.
On January 5, 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a symposium on boosting the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, also a major city along the Yangtze River.
He stressed that the Yangtze River boasts a unique ecological system. Restoring its ecological environment will be an overwhelming task and no large-scale development will be allowed along the river at present and for a rather long period to come.
Chuyuan’s long-standing environmental issues came under security and again drew the attention of environmental authorities. By the end of March that year, the Jingzhou environmental protection bureau imposed the 27-million-yuan fine, aiming to force the closure of heavily polluting and technically unreformable production lines. The scale of the penalty was rare even by national standards.
At the time, Chuyuan was a top-100 private enterprise in Hubei, employing over 4,000 people. Nearly 12 percent of Shishou’s GDP and about 60 percent of its tax revenue came from the company.
“After such contributions, couldn’t there be some leniency?” Yang Zhicheng asked himself.
He pursued legal appeals, publicized the dispute online, and encountered polarized public opinion. Yet a consensus emerged: China was enforcing environmental accountability, rejecting growth-at-all-costs development.
The local leadership made its stance clear. Then Shishou Party secretary Liu Zhongcheng pledged that no enterprise failing rectification would be allowed to resume production, and that development must not come at the expense of future generations.
Chuyuan ceased operations for remediation. After three visits by provincial officials — during which Yang evolved from avoidance to engagement — Liu conveyed a pivotal message: “Ecological priority and green development are the new norms. Clinging to outdated practices is like choosing slow trains in the high-speed rail era — you will fall behind.”
Resistance turned to reflection. “That fine was a wake-up call,” the two later admitted. “It wasn’t meant to crush us, but to awaken us.”
More than ten production lines were permanently shut down. Rainwater collection systems were built. A second-phase wastewater treatment plant was launched. Over nine months of suspension, Chuyuan moved step by step to balance development with safety.
In November 2016, the company withdrew its lawsuit and accepted the penalty. A month later, after passing official inspections, it resumed operations.
From 2016 to 2022, Chuyuan invested about 200 million yuan in environmental upgrades, reducing energy consumption by 59%. The company became one of Hubei’s first participants in the national carbon trading pilot. In May 2025, its plant obtained the highest-level certification for safety risk management.
Tempting offers came along the way. A pesticide intermediate project promised profit margins of nearly 100%. Yang Peng turned it down.
“The environmental risks were unacceptable,” he said. “Stability outweighs short-term gains.”
In Chuyuan’s plant today, reclaimed water flows clearly through on-site ponds, while emissions data are uploaded around the clock.
Still, as the chemical sector faced mounting pressure, Chuyuan no longer enjoyed its former lead. Yang Peng grew uncertain and even considered leaving the industry.
Then, in July 2023, a national conference on ecological and environmental protection was convened. Xi emphasized that “it is crucial not to dismiss traditional industries as uniformly ‘low-end’ or ‘backward’ and simply phase them out, as doing so could lead to a disruption in the transition from old to new growth drivers, cause a loss of momentum, and exacerbate the pains of structural adjustment.”
“That line hit home,” Yang said. “Transformation doesn’t mean quitting the industry. Modern life still depends on chemicals. With the right upgrades, traditional sectors can also foster new quality productive forces.”
Inspired by this, Chuyuan Group invested 50 million yuan to fully utilize waste residues and liquids, entering circular economy practices. It shut down a flagship product with hard-to-treat emissions and invested another 60 million yuan in a new chlorosulfonic acid line, achieving environmental, safety and economic gains simultaneously.
It installed biomass boilers, embraced intelligent manufacturing and put robots on the shop floor, boosting efficiency by 40 percent. Partnerships with Hubei universities helped it build a platform for transforming scientific results into applications. New synthesis processes for two reactive dyes filled gaps in domestic capabilities in related fields. High-performance nano metal materials are now moving toward mass production, with potential applications in semiconductors and other emerging industries.
Since 2024, Chuyuan has been running at full capacity. Revenue in 2025 is expected to reach about 2 billion yuan, with tax payments exceeding 80 million yuan — up 55.4 percent and 53.5 percent respectively from 2022.
Yang Peng recalled, over the past decade, new thinking served as a guiding light, the updated environmental law acted as a binding constraint, and the law on promoting the private economy provided much-needed reassurance. In his words, the rule of law remains the best business environment, and high-quality development is the only viable path forward.

China’s retail sales hit 50-trillion-yuan mark, revealing huge potential

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Domestic demand has become a key word for the international community in observing China’s economy. In 2025, as China continued to make steady progress in implementing its strategy to expand domestic demand, its total retail sales of consumer goods surpassed 50 trillion yuan ($7.17 trillion) for the first time, showcasing to the world the opportunities and potential of China’s vast market.
Expanding domestic demand is both a necessary measure and an inevitable trend. A defining feature of major economies is that domestic demand plays the leading role and the economy can circulate internally. Building a complete domestic demand system and a strong domestic market helps better address real development challenges and cope with external uncertainties.
Domestic demand has gradually become the primary driving force and a stabilizing anchor for China’s economic growth. From 2013 to 2024, domestic demand contributed an average of 93.1 percent to China’s economic growth. In 2025, final consumption expenditure accounted for 52 percent of economic growth, surpassing half and marking an increase of 5 percentage points over the previous year.
More broadly, China’s consumption is moving toward innovation and structural optimization. In 2025, service consumption accounted for 46.1 percent of per capita consumer spending. E-commerce, livestream commerce, and online entertainment have driven rapid growth in online consumption, while the ice-and-snow economy, the first-mover economy, and the silver economy continue to gain momentum, becoming new growth drivers.
European news platform Modern Diplomacy noted that as China promotes a development model driven by domestic demand, led by consumption, and featuring endogenous growth, its economy is expected to achieve notable growth in 2026 in areas such as high technology, intelligent manufacturing, green energy, and service consumption.
The process of addressing challenges is also one of accumulating momentum for growth. In recent years, while some international voices have hyped the so-called “imbalance” narrative regarding China’s economy, they have overlooked the fact that issues such as robust supply coupled with relatively subdued demand are merely “growing pains” — challenges that can be resolved through determined and sustained efforts.
China’s mega market is multi-tiered and rich in potential. There is vast room for investment in new-type urbanization, science and technology industries, and improvements in people’s livelihoods.
At present, China’s household consumption rate is about 40 percent, leaving a potential increase of 10 to 20 percentage points compared with developed economies, while per capita infrastructure stock has room to grow by four to five times relative to advanced economies.
With more targeted and coordinated policy efforts, the potential of domestic demand will continue to be unleashed. In 2025, the consumer goods trade-in program benefited more than 360 million people, reflecting both market scale and policy effectiveness.
To tackle the rare occurrence of negative investment growth in recent years, China has promptly rolled out targeted measures, including refining the implementation of major national projects and key security-capacity initiatives, as well as effectively stimulating the vitality of private investment.
An international scholar following China’s development observed that China approaches difficulties with a rational and pragmatic attitude and addresses challenges through institutional strengths and policy tools — an important manifestation of the resilience of China’s economy. The Financial Times also published an article titled “Don’t Underestimate the Chinese Consumer.”
China’s unwavering commitment to expanding domestic demand will bring upgraded opportunities for global cooperation. Over the past five years, China has imported more than $15 trillion worth of goods and services in total. China is now the world’s second-largest consumer market, and in multiple segments, including automobiles, mobile phones, and home appliances, it has already become the largest market globally.
As China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), steadily rising household incomes and growing demand for a better life will spur new consumption and drive new supply. As China accelerates the transformation of its development model, optimizes its economic structure, and shifts growth drivers, new momentum for investment will continue to emerge, with broad space for both investment in physical assets and investment in people.
In this process, China is willing not only to be the “world’s factory,” but also the “world’s market,” accelerating its transition from a major manufacturing country to a major consumer country. This will inject strong and new momentum into mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between China and the rest of the world.
To understand China’s economy, one needs to take a longer view. A China with surging domestic demand will have a stronger economic foundation and more abundant endogenous momentum, and will, through its own high-quality and sustainable development, inject greater certainty into global growth and open up more new opportunities.

World must remain highly vigilant against Japan’s renewed nuclear ambitions

By Yin Xiaoliang

Since the end of World War II, Japan has habitually portrayed itself as a “victim of nuclear weapons,” while rarely engaging in serious reflection on the fact that it was once an attempted “nuclear perpetrator” during the war.
During World War II, in pursuit of its expansionist ambition to “project national might far and wide,” Japan competed fiercely with the United States and Britain in the race to develop atomic weapons, hoping to secure victory in its war of aggression through such means. The Japanese army and navy each conducted separate atomic bomb research programs, both of which ultimately failed before the end of the war.
In November 1945, the U.S. military dismantled Japan’s nuclear research infrastructure, notably disposing of a critical cyclotron in Tokyo Bay. This action prevented what could have been catastrophic global consequences had Japan’s militarist regime acquired nuclear arms earlier.
Japan’s pursuit of nuclear armament did not vanish with its wartime defeat; rather, like a dormant seed, it has been quietly embedded in the consciousness of right-wing elements in Japan.
Recently, senior Japanese officials have hinted at possibly revising the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles,” claimed they do not rule out introducing nuclear-powered submarines, and even argued that Japan should possess nuclear weapons.
These remarks are not isolated political rhetoric but sensitive indicators of Japan’s accelerating shift in security strategy. They clearly reveal that the “nuclear option,” long treated as a taboo in Japan’s postwar political discourse, is now being pushed into open political debate while continuously testing and eroding established boundaries. The international community should see through the profound strategic intentions behind Japan’s shift in nuclear weapons policy.
Japan is breaching the postwar framework in pursuit of becoming a “military power.” Over the years, Japan’s right-wing forces have persistently sought to cast off constraints and expand military capabilities. Nuclear policy discussions aim to weaken postwar system restraints and accumulate political capital for revising the “pacifist constitution.”
Japan is probing the boundaries of policy by gauging public reactions. By making audacious assertions such as “Japan should possess nuclear weapons” and engaging in exploratory discourse, Japanese politicians aim to evaluate the real-world resistance and room for maneuver regarding nuclear armament based on domestic and international public opinion, thereby preparing the public opinion groundwork for subsequent policy adjustments.
Japan aims to bolster its independent deterrent capabilities and reshape the division of roles within the Japan-U.S. alliance. Never fully trusting in its ally across the Pacific, Japan regards “independent nuclear armament” as a potential means to reduce its reliance on the alliance while enhancing its own deterrent strength.
Furthermore, Japan’s right-wing forces are eager to expand their involvement in nuclear-related discussions within the alliance, gradually increasing their bargaining power within the framework of allied nuclear deterrence.
Japan is building offensive capabilities to exert strategic pressure on neighboring countries. By strengthening military deterrence in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and surrounding areas, Japan seeks to influence the strategic judgments and room for maneuver of neighboring countries, thereby positioning itself more favorably in the regional balance of power.
Japan’s “Three Non-Nuclear Principles,” established as a national policy after World War II, represent both a product of Japan’s reflection on its wartime aggression and a solemn commitment to peace upon its return to the international community.
Rooted in the tragic memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and shaped under the unique circumstances of Cold War confrontation, these principles were intended to serve as Japan’s self-imposed restraint against militarism and a security assurance to its Asia-Pacific neighbors.
Any attempt by Japan to revise the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” would not only shake the very foundation of its own nuclear policy but also pose a direct challenge to the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. Such a move would seriously destabilize world peace and significantly increase the risk of nuclear proliferation.
As stated in an ancient Chinese text, “If later generations lament without learning from the past, they will in turn be lamented by those who come after.”
Safeguarding the seriousness and integrity of the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” is a responsibility Japan must bear to history, to the region, and to future generations. Japan should draw lessons from its own experience of atomic bombings and conduct a thorough reflection on the profound suffering inflicted by Japanese militarism on the peoples of Asia, rather than playing the “victim card” to revive its old dream of nuclear armament.
Peace and prosperity in East Asia must be nurtured and safeguarded jointly by all countries in the region. Any attempt by Japan to approach or cross the “nuclear red line” constitutes a serious threat to the well-being of people across East Asia. The international community must remain vigilant against any move by Japan toward rearmament with nuclear weapons and work together to curb the spread of “neo-militarism.”
(Yin Xiaoliang is a professor at the Research Center for the History of Modern World and the Japan Institute at Nankai University.)

Martial arts meets technology: How a young Chinese influencer makes “flying sword” a reality

By You Yi, People’s Daily

Chinese online creator Fan Shisan has always harbored a dream inspired by wuxia (martial arts) fiction: a sword that leaps from its scabbard at a flick of the wrist, obeying its wielder’s command — capable not only of being carried, but also of communicating with its master. For Fan, such scenes are no longer confined to the pages of novels.

Born in the 1990s, Fan runs a tech studio in Pidu district, Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan province. More than 40 swords and blades of different shapes and materials line the walls of the studio. Formulas are written on a whiteboard, while team members gather around, animatedly discussing how to generate the “sword qi,” — an inner energy in Chinese martial arts fiction that can be channeled through, or even projected beyond, a sword.

“I grew up reading wuxia novels,” Fan, dressed in black and carrying a long sword, has cultivated a distinctive personal image. “I have always wanted to bring those moves into the real world — not with special effects, but through science,” he said.

He began turning this dream into reality in 2020. At the time, Fan was working at a hotel in Chengdu and teaching himself video production in his spare time. His sword-themed videos gradually gained traction, earning him more than 1 million followers.

In one of his videos, balloons at an amusement park stall burst one after another as a wooden sword is drawn. By assembling multiple ducted fan engines, he demonstrates “flying sword” — hovering in mid-air while holding a sword. Concepts in wuxia fictions such as the “flame blade,” “ice sword,” and “lightning edge” are no longer purely fictional, but visually striking creations captured on camera.

“Once awakened, that childhood wuxia dream only grows more vivid,” Fan said.

His studio now has six members. From filming and blueprint design to prop-making and technical guidance, the young team shares a passion for traditional martial arts and combines their professional expertise to turn imagination into reality.

“We have members who studied electrical engineering and fine arts,” Fan explained..”I majored in physics and chemistry. Everyone has a clear role, and our skills complement each other perfectly.”

To realize the extraordinary vision of making unconventional swords truly “fly,” Fan sought guidance from aviation experts, integrating flight mechanisms into the sword blades and conducting extensive test fights. His pursuit of “sword qi” led him to collaborate with researchers at the School of Science, Xihua University, utilizing advanced technologies such as a schlieren imaging system and an ultra-high-speed camera capable of capturing up to 130,000 frames per second. This collaboration enabled him to visually document the elusive phenomenon of “sword qi,” transforming it from a fictional concept into a reality.

From lightning-fast feats to flying sword, Fan constantly pushes boundaries with the support of modern technology. “Daring to imagine, daring to act, and pressing forward despite difficulties — this is also the spiritual strength conveyed by traditional Chinese martial arts,” he said.

By dissecting each martial arts move into its underlying physical principles and exploring the discipline through engineering and mechanics, Fan breathes fresh life into the aesthetics of traditional kung fu.

Swords carry the weight of Chinese aesthetics, evoking an ancient yet enduring Chinese style. For instance, a miniature flying sword features patterns inspired by artifacts unearthed at the Sanxingdui Ruins. Another blade mirrors the form of the famed Longquan sword. 

“Perhaps everyone carries a wuxia dream,” Fan shared, “What I want to do is to be more courageous and make that dream real—and to express a uniquely Chinese sense of romance.”

Yiwu home to more than 10,000 foreign-funded business entities

By Liu Junguo, People’s Daily

Nestled in Zhejiang Province, East China, Yiwu is a dynamic county-level city often celebrated as the “world’s supermarket,” boasting over 80,000 shops. Beyond its commercial prowess, Yiwu has evolved into a vibrant stage attracting entrepreneurs from across the globe.

Here, a Pakistani doctoral student in medicine has crossed into business to launch a consulting firm; a Turkish investor has founded three companies over the past decade and continues to grow his foreign trade; and a Syrian trader has opened two specialty restaurants. These are just a few of the vivid investment stories unfolding in this dynamic international hub. These are just a few examples of the thriving investment stories unfolding in Yiwu.

Yiwu’s journey as an international marketplace began in the late 1980s with the arrival of its first foreign-funded business. Since then, the city has consistently deepened reforms and expanded its openness. By fostering a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment, Yiwu has attracted global resources and talent. Today, more than 10,000 foreign-funded business entities from over 160 countries and regions are operating in Yiwu, spanning 14 sectors, including trade services and modern logistics.

Ali Kamran, born in Pakistan, came to China in 2007 to pursue his studies, and has lived in China ever since. In July 2023, he began doctoral studies in medicine at the International School of Medicine at Zhejiang University in Yiwu.

“Once people knew I was in Yiwu, my phone practically became a consultation hotline,” he recalled. Friends kept reaching out with the same question — which markets offered the broadest range of suppliers, how to get started in cross-border e-commerce, and where to find reliable logistics partners. It didn’t take long for him to realize that behind the constant inquiries lay a genuine business opportunity.

In July last year, he established a consulting firm, which became the 10,000th foreign-funded business entity in Yiwu. “I didn’t expect to get my business license so quickly. It’s incredibly convenient to do business in Yiwu,” said Kamran.

Positioned as a trade service platform rooted in Yiwu and connecting China and Pakistan, the company provides “one-stop Yiwu sourcing solutions” for buyers from the Middle East and Africa, while also helping Yiwu merchants expand into overseas markets.

In Kamran’s view, Yiwu is not only an ideal place to do business but also a livable city. With a “foreign citizen card,” foreign merchants can enjoy multiple services in the city freely. Yiwu also issues vocational competency certificates for foreign professionals, so as to broadening employment channels. Government service centers in the city offer multilingual services, which makes it more convenient for foreigners. Together, these measures enable foreign entrepreneurs to settle down and thrive in Yiwu.

As part of its latest comprehensive reform efforts, Yiwu has implemented a series of innovative service measures to further empower and support foreign-funded businesses, ensuring their sustained growth and success.

In 2023, Anas from Turkiye, partnering with local entrepreneur Xu Hangfei, established Yiwu Jintai Trading Co., Ltd. in Fotang township, that focuses on cross-border apparel trade. It was the third business founded by Anas in Yiwu.

Over more than a decade of entrepreneurship in the city, Anas has built a stable client base in Middle Eastern markets. As his business continues to grow, he has also felt firsthand the convenience brought by institutional innovation.

“Previously, due to the diverse range of small-volume exports we handled, a single container might contain over 10 different types of products,” said Anas. 

Thanks to the implementation of the market procurement trade method in Yiwu, companies can now opt for simplified declaration when exporting more than five categories of goods. This allows multiple types of products to be consolidated into a single container, meeting the foreign trade needs of small and medium-sized enterprises for small batches, frequent shipments, and diverse goods. 

“This reform has significantly improved the efficiency of export procedures and made business operations much smoother,” he added.

Xiao An from Syria, who has been living in Yiwu for 17 years, runs a restaurant in the city’s Binwang commercial district. The Syrian has witnessed an increasing number of foreigners coming to the city for business opportunities.

As global traders gather and settle in Yiwu, the number of foreign-funded catering businesses in the city has grown by an average of 20 percent annually over the past three years. Recognizing this upward trend, Xiao An shifted his focus from cosmetics trade to the restaurant industry.

In 2024, Xiao An opened the restaurant, allowing more foreign entrepreneurs working in the city to enjoy Syrian flavors. 

“Yiwu offers growing opportunities, and doing business here is becoming easier and more accessible,” the restaurant owner said. When registering the restaurant, Xiao An submitted an application in the morning and received the business license the same afternoon—efficient services that significantly lowered barriers to starting a business.

Since its opening, Xiao An’s restaurant has been a great success, attracting large crowds and serving over 2,000 customers daily during peak holiday periods. “In February 2025, I opened my second outlet in Yiwu,” Xiao An said. Inspired by its strong reception, Xiao An now aims to expand beyond Yiwu and establish more restaurants in other Chinese cities. “Growing my roots here in Yiwu gives me even greater confidence for what lies ahead,” he told People’s Daily.

From being known primarily for small commodities to becoming the “world’s supermarket” hosting more than 10,000 foreign-funded business entities, Yiwu continues to embrace the global market with an open and inclusive posture, attracting investors from around the world.

Senate Committee Commends Tinubu on Launch of National Halal Economy Strategy to Tap $7.7trn Global Market

The Senate Committee on Finance has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for launching Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, describing it as a bold and strategic move to position the country within the lucrative global halal market, estimated at $7.7 trillion.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, the committee praised the initiative as timely and aligned with international best practices. Several countries—including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil, Thailand, and Singapore—have successfully used halal frameworks to boost manufacturing, agricultural exports, financial markets, and foreign investment.

The committee highlighted Nigeria’s strong advantages for success in this space, including its vast agricultural resources, large domestic market, youthful population, growing manufacturing sector, and expanding services industry.

It noted that the strategy fits seamlessly into the Tinubu administration’s broader economic reforms, such as boosting non-oil revenue, diversifying exports, creating jobs, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, officially unveiled the strategy on Thursday, February 6, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The framework, developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) following a bilateral agreement signed in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum, aims to enhance quality standards, certification processes, and competitiveness across sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, and ethical finance.

The committee described the strategy as inclusive, market-driven, and globally oriented, while fully respecting Nigeria’s diverse and pluralistic society.

It is projected to contribute significantly to the economy, with estimates suggesting it could add around $1.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2027 and unlock billions more in domestic value over the coming decade through expanded exports and investment.

The Senate Committee on Finance pledged its full legislative support, oversight, and cooperation to ensure smooth implementation, regulatory clarity, and long-term fiscal sustainability in the national interest.

“This decisive step reinforces Nigeria’s readiness to adopt proven international models, unlock new economic frontiers, and establish itself as a competitive player in the evolving global economy,” the statement concluded.

Group Unveils Senator Jarigbe’s Legislative Scorecard, Hails Giant Strides

….Calls for Responsible Public Discourse

Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), an alliance of over 180 organizations promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, has commended Senator Agom Jarigbe Jarigbe for his legislative and constituency achievements in the 10th National Assembly. Following an independent assessment of his performance, the groups passed a vote of confidence in the senator while urging citizens and political actors to exercise caution against unverified allegations, smearing, and campaigns of calumny.

In a statement signed by Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, President of the group, CSGGG addressed recent reports circulating online that claimed contracts for motorcycles, computing equipment, emergency rice supplies, and solar-powered streetlights in parts of Cross River North were awarded to a company allegedly linked to the senator and his family. While critics raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and adherence to public procurement rules, the civil society organizations noted that Senator Jarigbe has consistently prioritized the welfare of his constituents. The senator has described the allegations as politically motivated and stressed that the proper execution and delivery of projects should be the primary measure of accountability.

The independent assessment by CSGGG concluded that Senator Jarigbe’s interventions have produced measurable and widespread benefits across Ogoja, Yala, Bekwarra, Obudu, and Obanliku Local Government Areas. In education, he has facilitated the construction, renovation, and furnishing of classrooms, staff rooms, and modern toilets in numerous primary and secondary schools, significantly improving learning environments for thousands of students.

Infrastructure projects under his watch have enhanced connectivity and trade, with the completion and rehabilitation of major roads linking rural and semi-urban communities and ongoing works on strategic routes such as Ibil–Abakpa, Busangfong, and Yahe–Ukelle. Bridges at Ukpagada in Ogoja and Amukwong in Obudu have further eased movement, while over 180 solar-powered and motorized boreholes have been installed to provide safe drinking water to communities across the district.

Electrification and streetlight initiatives have transformed public spaces and improved security, with 500KVA transformers energizing multiple wards and solar-powered streetlights illuminating towns, markets, and major roads throughout Cross River North.
Healthcare interventions, including medical outreach programmes, distribution of equipment to ten primary healthcare centres, and the enrollment of 1,000 constituents in the JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, have strengthened access to essential health services for vulnerable populations. Farmers have benefited from tractors, fertilizers, and hand tillers, while youths have gained skills through aquaculture and data management training, enhancing both productivity and employability.

Senator Jarigbe’s human capital and empowerment programmes have reached thousands of constituents. Beneficiaries include students awarded fully funded scholarships, vocational trainees, school lecturers and students equipped with laptops, youths and traditional rulers provided with motorcycles and tricycles, businesswomen supported with cash grants, and households assisted with food and financial aid to cushion economic hardship. Recreational facilities, including an ultra-modern mini stadium in Ogoja and community recreation centres, have fostered youth engagement and community cohesion.

Comrade Ogakwu Dominic urged the public and political actors to base discourse on verified facts, emphasizing that discussions should focus on accountability and development outcomes rather than unsubstantiated claims or political smears. “Our independent assessment confirms tangible results in the senator’s legislative and constituency work. While oversight is essential to democratic governance, it must be balanced, fair, and evidence-based,” he stated.

CSGGG concluded that Senator Jarigbe’s record demonstrates legislative diligence and a sustained commitment to equitable development, with significant improvements in education, infrastructure, water supply, electrification, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development, and community empowerment across Cross River North.

Bauchi State at 50: Dogara Salutes Cradle of Excellence

Fifty years after its creation in 1976, Bauchi State has risen to become one of Nigeria’s most influential states, celebrated for its resilience, cultural richness, and remarkable contributions to national development. Known as the “Home of Tourism” for its natural endowments and attractions such as the Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi has also distinguished itself as a cradle of leadership, scholarship, and service.

As the state marked its golden jubilee, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke to reporters and paid glowing tribute, describing Bauchi as a “cradle of excellence” that has consistently produced some of the finest leaders, scholars, and professionals within and outside Nigeria. Dogara stressed that Bauchi’s story is not only about its longevity but about the quality of its people. “At 50, Bauchi stands tall as a state that has consistently produced the best of brains, men and women whose impact has shaped Nigeria’s destiny,” he said.

From independence to the present day, Bauchi has been home to towering figures whose contributions remain etched in Nigeria’s history. Among them is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, fondly remembered as the “Golden Voice of Africa.” The state has also produced Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, current Governor and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, former Governor and ex-National Chairman of the PDP; Isa Yuguda; Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar; and Abubakar Tatari Ali, the first civilian governor. Yakubu Dogara himself stands as a symbol of Bauchi’s leadership legacy, alongside Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Defence; Adamu Adamu; Muhammad Ali Pate; Halliru Dauda Jika; and Mariam Yalwaji Katagum.

Bauchi’s influence extends beyond politics. In religion and tradition, the state is home to Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu, the 11th Emir of Bauchi, and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a prominent Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyyah Sufi order. In public service and academia, Bauchi has produced Aminu Saleh, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Dr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, Nigeria’s longest-serving Central Bank Governor (1982–1993), who managed the economy through the Structural Adjustment Programme; and Alhaji Sule Katagum, the first Chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Public Service Commission and one of the famed “super permanent secretaries” of the independence era. Others include Maikanti Baru, former Group Managing Director of the NNPC; Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, the late Talba of Bauchi, renowned intellectual and politician; Late Alhaji Ibrahim Gamawa; Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, current Minister of Foreign Affairs; Alhaji Muhammad Habibu Aliyu, former Minister; and Dr. Musa Babayo, former National Secretary of the PDP and current Chairman of FERMA.

The state also takes pride in its revolutionary thinkers and cultural icons. Sa’adu Zungur, the Nigerian poet, nationalist, and social critic, remains one of Bauchi’s finest intellectuals, remembered for his fearless advocacy and writings that inspired generations. His legacy as a revolutionary voice adds depth to Bauchi’s reputation as a land of ideas and courage.

In sports, Patrick Pascal, a former Super Eagles player and team coordinator, and the late Stephen Keshi, coach and player associated with Bauchi, further highlight the state’s diverse contributions.

Beyond personalities, Bauchi State boasts enduring qualities that make it a source of pride. Its educational institutions, such as Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, have produced graduates excelling nationally and internationally. Its cultural heritage, rich traditions, and diverse ethnic groups enrich Nigeria’s social fabric. Its fertile agricultural land and mineral resources sustain livelihoods, while tourism sites like Yankari Game Reserve attract global attention. Bauchi’s clerics are respected across Nigeria and beyond for their contributions to Islamic education and moral guidance, while its people embody resilience and unity in the face of challenges.

As Bauchi State celebrates its golden jubilee, the tributes led by Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara underscore its enduring role as a beacon of intellect, leadership, and unity. Speaking to reporters, Dogara highlighted how Bauchi has produced leaders of global repute—from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to Ibrahim Tahir Talba, Aminu Saleh, Abdulkadir Ahmed, Sa’adu Zungur, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, and today’s professionals excelling worldwide. Bauchi continues to inspire Nigeria with its contributions to governance, education, religion, sports, and culture.

Chinese electronic products win favor with European consumers

By Lyu Shaogang, People’s Daily, He Qian, People’s Daily Online

On London’s Oxford Street, one of the busiest shopping areas in the UK, pedestrians frequently pause to capture moments with their smartphones. A closer look reveals that many of these devices are from Chinese brands.

Inside a retail store operated by a British telecommunications carrier, several customers were browsing at an HONOR smartphone counter. “This model was launched in May last year. It features advanced AI functions and performs very well in photography and videography. It’s quite popular with consumers,” said an assistant sales manager surnamed Kevin at the store.

With nearly four years of experience in mobile phone sales, Kevin has been a witness to the development of the HONOR brand in the UK. “In the past, customers questioned what HONOR represented. Now, our phones have become the first choice for many buyers,” he said.

Since entering the UK market in late 2021, HONOR has launched multiple premium models priced between £700 ($945) and £1,700, all targeting the high-end segment. 

According to Zhang Bin, CEO of HONOR UK, the market presents two distinctive characteristics: high-end models account for 70% of the market, and carrier channels contribute to another 70%. The market also features strong brand loyalty, robust premium demand, and highly concentrated distribution channels, Zhang added.

Addressing these dynamics, HONOR prioritizes foldable smartphones featuring lightweight designs, enhanced performance, and extended battery life. 

“Compared with similar products, these foldable phones are thinner, lighter, and more stylish, which attracts many consumers to inquire about them,” Kevin said.

At the same time, HONOR has worked closely with telecom operators to roll out bundled promotions combining smartphones and tablets. At present, its products are available in more than 2,600 offline retail outlets across the UK.

“Market cultivation requires patience and long-term commitment,” Zhang Bin noted. Consumers need time to build trust; operators need time to verify cooperation models; and brands need time to gain reputation.

To enhance its brand image, the company has continuously optimized product design, partnership models, and customer services. For example, in response to Europe’s multiple-operator and multi-frequency environment, HONOR devices ensure full-spectrum 5G coverage to guarantee stable signals; the company has also worked to address operators’ inventory concerns and streamlined after-sales services by replacing multi-step call transfers with one-touch direct connections.

According to Gao Xiang, marketing manager at HONOR, the company has expanded its business to nearly 30 European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. In addition to smartphones, its laptops, tablets, and smart watches have also entered international markets.

“Our supply chain includes not only outstanding Chinese companies but also many partners from Europe and the United States,” Gao said. “We have also established research and development centers in countries such as Japan and France, enabling a globally distributed and deeply integrated innovation system.”

Beyond smartphones and tablets, a number of niche Chinese electronic products have also found popularity overseas.

SmallRig, an imaging accessories brand under Shenzhen Leqi Innovation Co., Ltd. in south China’s Guangdong province, has successfully entered the European market with a range of products designed for diverse imaging scenarios. Europe now accounts for over 30 percent of SmallRig’s global revenue. Its products, covering tripods, selfie sticks, batteries, lighting equipment, microphones, and more, are available in more than 300 photography equipment stores and supermarkets across over 30 European countries.

Zhou Yang, founder of the SmallRig, said his entry into the imaging accessories sector was inspired by a specific request from a European user. In 2010, while working in cross-border trade in Shenzhen, Guangdong, Zhou was asked by a German photography enthusiast to find an accessory that could securely fix a power supply to photography equipment. After searching extensively through electronics markets and factories in Shenzhen without success, he decided to develop one himself.

“If I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it mysel,” Zhou said. That decision marked the beginning of his first customized imaging accessory business for overseas markets. Since 2017, the company has collaborated with more than 1,300 photographers to develop over 2,700 customized imaging accessory products.

Leveraging the strong manufacturing supply chain in the Pearl River Delta region, SmallRig has developed a “fast manufacturing” capability characterized by small batches, high frequency, multiple categories, and rapid iteration. From project initiation to warehousing, some products can be completed in as short as 21 days. In 2025, the brand launched more than 600 upgraded products, an average of 1.6 new products per day, and currently offers over 1,000 products on the market.

Zhou noted that user diversity is taken into account from the very beginning of product development. For example, tripod heights and handle ergonomics are optimized to suit the body characteristics of European users, while battery technologies capable of withstanding extreme cold are applied to meet the needs in Northern Europe. 

“We believe the European market will continue to provide strong momentum for the brand’s long-term development,” Zhou said.

In memory of ‘Go Master’ Nie Weiping

By Zheng Yi, People’s Daily

At 10:55 p.m. on Jan. 14, Nie Weiping, honorary president of the Chinese Weiqi (Go) Association, former head coach of the Chinese national weiqi team, and widely known as the “Go Master,” passed away in Beijing at the age of 74. His departure has left the Go community in deep mourning.

A representative figure in China’s Go development, Nie devoted his entire life to the game. His legacy includes achieving the historic 11 consecutive victories in the first four editions of China-Japan Go Challenge Series to his unwavering efforts in promoting the sport well into his seventies, Nie remained committed to his passion and steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.

Born in 1952, Nie learned Go in his childhood through family influence before studying under masters Lei Puhua and Guo Tisheng. After joining the national training team in 1973, he rapidly ascended to domestic dominance, winning multiple major titles.

During the 1970s-1980s when Japanese players dominated international Go, Nie emerged as China’s standard-bearer. His 1976 tour of Japan saw consecutive victories against top professionals, earning him the nickname “Nie Whirlwind.”

The 1984 inaugural China-Japan Go Challenge Series became Nie’s defining moment. With China trailing significantly after six straight losses, Nie faced elimination as the last Chinese contender.  Against overwhelming odds, he defeated Koichi Kobayashi and Masao Kato before overcoming anchor player Hideyuki Fujisawa on November 20, 1985 — clinching a landmark victory for Chinese Go.

This first Chinese triumph ignited unprecedented nationwide jubilation, transforming Go into a national sensation. Veteran Wang Runan recalled how “every match became must-watch drama across Chinese society.”

During the second Supermatch, Japan led 8-4 before Nie achieved five consecutive victories to defend China’s title. In the third edition, with teams tied 8-8, he defeated Kato again to secure China’s third consecutive championship.

At that time, the Supermatch’s cultural impact in China transcended sports. Through three successful championship defenses, Nie forged an enduring legacy with masterful play, indomitable spirit, and deep patriotism. The “Nie Whirlwind” became a national hero.

Inspired by Nie, a nationwide craze for Go swept across China, encouraging many young people to take up the game. In 1988, Nie was awarded the title of “Go Master” by the then-State Physical Culture and Sports Commission of China and the Chinese Weiqi Association, an honor unique in China’s weiqi community to this day. “This is something I have both taken pride in and felt uneasy about for decades,” Nie once said candidly.

As the years passed and age inevitably affected his competitive strength, Nie took on the role of a mentor and an educator. He devoted himself to nurturing younger generations, guiding top players such as Chang Hao and Gu Li with his expertise. The Nie Weiping Go Academy, founded in 1999, has produced numerous world and national champions over the past two decades, including Ke Jie, Gu Zihao, and Zhou Ruiyang, and nearly 300 other professional players.

With the China-Japan Go Challenge Series as a turning point, a series of international tournaments were subsequently established, and the world Go scene evolved into a tripartite landscape involving China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. 

Since 2013, when China claimed six world titles in a single year, a new generation of players born in the 1990s and 2000s has risen to the forefront of the global stage, a development that gave Nie great satisfaction, as he witnessed the sport’s continued growth and dominance.

After decades of deep engagement with weiqi, Nie devoted all his energy to the inheritance and development of the game. Even after undergoing major surgery in 2013 due to serious illness, he remained active in various tournaments and activities, tirelessly promoting the sport by explaining matches, offering guidance, interacting with young players, and expanding the game’s social influence.

Accompanying Go throughout his life, Nie always maintained a calm and open-minded attitude,  both on and off the board. Whether in success or adversity, he approached the game with  optimism and composure, always adhering to the principles that guide life, study, and work. As he once remarked, “The wisdom of the board applies to all aspects of life. Even in the age of AI, human beings still need Go.”

A player’s career is finite, but the “record of moves” of skill and spirit can transcend time. Nie’s exemplary influence will continue to inspire generations of young players and keep this ancient intellectual sport vibrant and alive.