Chinese customs authorities optimize policies to expedite customs clearance for imported fresh products

By Du Haitao People’s Daily

Tropical fruits from Southeast Asia, lobsters from South Africa, Dungeness crabs from North America, yellow pitayas from Ecuador… As China’s consumer market recovers at an accelerated pace, more and more overseas fresh products are making their way onto Chinese dining tables.

Chinese customs authorities have introduced effective measures to ensure convenient and smooth customs clearance for imported fresh products.

A flight from Bangkok, Thailand landed on time at the runway of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, at 9:02 a.m. one day.

Zang Dong, section chief of the aviation monitoring division at the logistics monitoring department of the airport’s customs authority, stood poised at the arrival gate alongside two customs officers. They had been waiting for the airplane to arrive on time and were ready to provide customs clearance.

“Fresh products are difficult to store in high temperatures and can only be declared as soon as they arrive,” said Zang.

As pre-arrival declaration forms submitted by the importing company showed, the aircraft was carrying one tonne of tropical fruits which needed swift customs clearance upon landing.

After the cargo section of the airplane slowly opened, a platform truck unloaded 1,092 kg of Thai rambutans from the aircraft. Zang and his colleagues immediately began inspecting the fruits.

They carefully checked the paper waybills, focusing on whether there was any spilled liquid and whether the packaging carried any quarantine pests or vectors. After being inspected, the shipment of Thai rambutans successfully passed customs clearance.

Statistics show that in the second quarter of this year, Beijing Capital International Airport handled 230 million yuan (about $31.92 million) worth of imports, including aquatic products, seafood and fresh fruits. This figure represented a significant increase of nearly 140-fold over the first quarter.

During the same period, imports of specialty agricultural products saw eye-catching growth. Major imported fruits were mangosteen, durian and rambutan, while main seafood items were salmon and lobster.

Many enterprises expressed that maintaining freshness is an essential priority when bringing in fresh products from abroad. These products demand efficient transportation, prompt customs clearance, and consistent cold-chain management. With fresh goods, every minute matters.

“The Customs has implemented pre-arrival declarations and paperless clearance, whereby importers can complete all necessary clearance procedures simply by uploading electronic documents online. This includes the procedures for document receiving, review, and final approval,” explained Gao Hongtao, general manager of Beijing Huayi International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd.

“This greatly streamlines declarations and quickens clearance, which is crucial for fresh imports,” Gao noted.

To handle potential revisions in cargo manifest data, the customs authority of Beijing Capital International Airport offers round-the-clock services to promptly transfer imported goods from aircraft to warehouses upon landing, prioritizing cargo breakdown, waybill acceptance and other subsequent logistics operations.

It also adopts electronic quarantine permits for entering animals and plants, which enable real-time online verification of these documents.

China’s consumer market shows massive potential. In 2022, China imported $2.7 trillion worth of goods, making itself the second largest import market of the world for the 14th consecutive year. This figure accounted for nearly 11 percent of total world imports.

As consumption structure continues upgrading, consumer demand in China for imported products is becoming more diverse and personalized.

In recent two years, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement has been comprehensively implemented.

Encompassing the world’s largest population, highest trade volume and economic output, and greatest growth potential, the RCEP agreement has injected major impetus into regional development and opened up new possibilities for China to expand its imports of fresh goods.

“From tariff reductions to smoother customs clearance, the RCEP agreement has substantially improved the ease of doing business for traders engaged in international commerce,” explained Lyu Huibin, general manager of Beijing North China Transport International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd.

As China is expanding multilateral and bilateral economic and trade relationships globally, domestic demand for quality imports will keep rising, harboring tremendous market potential, Lyu added.

According to data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC), in the first half of 2023, China imported 125.08 billion yuan worth of agricultural products from ASEAN, up 7.5 percent. Fruit imports totaled 40.54 billion yuan, up 24.1 percent. Imports of durian and pineapple rose 65 percent and 24.1 percent respectively.

To further smooth industrial and supply chains and improve trade facilitation, as well as help companies cut costs and increase efficiency, Beijing Customs District of the GAC recently rolled out 27 measures to optimize business environment.

Zhang Geping, director general of Beijing Customs District of the GAC, said Beijing customs will streamline clearance procedures and improve logistics efficiency for perishable agricultural goods, special items and other products requiring quick customs processing.

“We will implement more rigorous measures to ensure high-quality fresh products can swiftly pass through customs clearance,” Zhang added.

Shaanxi province takes multifaceted measures to promote cultural inheritance

By Gong Shijian, Zhang Danhua, People’s Daily

Shaanxi province in northwest China enjoys a long history and rich cultural heritage. In recent years, Shaanxi has made great efforts to promote cultural inheritance through strengthening cultural heritage preservation, leveraging technology, and facilitating cultural exchanges.

This allows Shaanxi’s profound history and traditions to harmoniously coexist with openness, inclusiveness and modernity.

The Shaanxi Archaeology Museum, with its Tang Dynasty (618-907) styled architectures and garden-like layout, is drawing crowds of archaeology enthusiasts from near and far, exuding grandeur and grace.

“The construction of this archaeology-themed museum took 10 years. It exhibits over 5,000 cultural relics, with each carrying the genes and codes of civilization, as well as the wisdom of ancient people. They are priceless treasures,” said Sun Zhouyong, curator of the museum and head of the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology.

Improving its capability in museum construction, Shaanxi province has taken huge efforts to protect historical and cultural relics.

Shaanxi province has over 350 museums, averaging one museum for every 100,000 residents, far exceeding the national average. These institutions have become vital windows into the province’s achievements in cultural relics preservation.

In the province, people can seek the earliest bronze ware engraved with Chinese characters “zhong guo,” which means China, at the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum. They can also see how relics are unearthed and repaired at the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, and catch a glimpse the splendor of the Tang dynasty at the Shaanxi History Museum.

Shaanxi province attaches high importance to archaeological studies along the Silk Road. It is constantly enhancing its archaeological capability and discipline construction.

Professor Wang Jianxin of Shaanxi’s Northwest University, who is the first Chinese scholar to conduct archaeological investigation in Central Asia, finally unearthed the remains of the Yuezhi Culture and the Kangju Kingdom recorded in the Records of the Historian and the Book of Han after more than 20 years of efforts, making important contributions to archaeological studies along the Silk Road.

Chinese scholars, represented by archaeologists from the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology, the Northwest University and other institutions have established profound friendship with their counterparts in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during joint archaeological investigations, sharing with the latter the Chinese experiences of protecting and studying major heritage sites accumulated this century.

Shaanxi, which houses over 110 universities and more than 1,500 scientific research institutions, boasts formidable strength in scientific research. Its innovation capability, driven by a huge talent base, is breathing new life into its cultural riches – from heritage sites standing on the vast land, to scripts penned in ancient texts, and to treasures collected by museums.

Datang Everbright City scenic area, a tourist landmark of Xi’an, Shaanxi province featuring a grand street with characteristics of the Tang Dynasty, launched an augmented reality (AR) project this year, which enables tourists to see virtual objects in the real-world environment and thus offers them an immersive experience.

Wearing a pair of AR goggles, tourists will be able to see carps leaping into the sky, blossoming fireworks, the magnificent Hanyuan Hall of the Daming Palace, the route of Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang’s journey to the west, etc.

At the Xi’an Museum, information about over 100,000 ancient books in its collection has been digitized and recorded in virtual space, including details on authors, graphic designs and copyrights. Visitors to the Shaanxi History Museum can easily view every intricate detail of the museum’s Tang Dynasty murals on their phones by simply scanning a QR code, thanks to the implementation of high-resolution image capture and virtual display technologies.

So far, digitalization is being widely promoted at general museums, libraries, local chronicles museums, archives, galleries and cultural centers in Shaanxi province.

The China (Shaanxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone, which was established seven years ago, has accelerated the development of the province’s cultural services and trade, and facilitated the mutual understanding and recognition among different cultures.

A series of cultural performances as well as art and cultural festivals of Shaanxi province have been staged overseas, bringing local intangible cultural heritage items to foreign audiences, including the Hancheng drum, Ansai folk paper-cutting, Chinese New Year wood painting, opera masks and shadow play. They have fully demonstrated the unique charm of the Chinese culture.

Besides, Shaanxi’s capital city Xi’an has held the Silk Road International Arts Festival attracting artists from over 100 countries and regions, as well as the Silk Road International Film Festival that gathers global directors, writers and actors and discusses the innovation and mutual learning in the sphere of the film industry.

Propaganda won’t eliminate harms of Japan’s nuke wastewater discharge plan

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

The legitimacy, legality and safety of Japan’s plan to dump nuclear-contaminated water into the sea have been constantly questioned globally. Protests in Japan and its neighboring countries are emerging one after another, and opposing voices from the rest of the international community have never ceased.

The Japanese side should have seriously responded to international concerns and made every effort to deal with the nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, safe and transparent manner.

However, it is only whitewashing the issue and attempting to create the false impression that discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the sea is safe and harmless through aggressively launching public relations campaigns domestically and abroad.

This only exposes its disregard for the global marine environment and public health, and the country’s selfishness.

Japan’s push for the discharge plan has been accompanied by meticulous public relations maneuvers from the very beginning.

Japan’s Reconstruction Agency, established in 2012 to advance reconstruction in disaster-hit areas, allocates special public relations budgets every year to convince people that the impacts from the Fukushima nuclear accident have been eliminated.

On April 13, 2021, the same day when the Japanese government unilaterally decided to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, the Reconstruction Agency published propaganda posters and videos on its website, attempting to gain favor by packaging radioactive elements that cannot be removed from the nuclear contaminated water as mascots.

This move drew severe dissatisfaction domestically and internationally. Fukushima residents angrily pointed out that this propaganda was completely disconnected from the stark reality facing Fukushima. As a result, the Reconstruction Agency eventually had to withdraw the related merchandise.

Over the past two years, instead of learning lessons, Japan has continued its propaganda campaigns to convince the public of the so-called safety of the nuclear-contaminated water. Many Japanese newspapers, TV stations and other media outlets have advertised for the so-called safety of the contaminated water, drowning out public concerns and opposition.

The Japanese government frequently refers to the water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) but still containing high levels of radioactive nuclides as “processed water,” in an attempt to downplay its hazardous nature and potential risks.

The Japanese government has also set up an 80-billion-yen ($556.22 million) fund to “compensate” fishing businesses in areas affected by the discharge, trying to pacify opposition with so-called “compensation fees.” This is further evidence of Japan’s attempts to cover up the dangers of dumping the contaminated water into the ocean.

Japan has also stepped up public relations efforts targeting specific countries, international organizations and groups, attempting to gain endorsement for its discharge plan.

At a G7 climate, energy and environment ministerial meeting held this April, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Koichi Hagiuda claimed that steady progress on decommissioning Fukushima, including discharging the contaminated water, would be welcomed.

Steffi Lemke, Germany’s Minister for the environment, nature conservation, nuclear safety and consumer protection immediately rebutted that Germany could not welcome the release of the treated water.

Japan has also attempted to find excuses to justify the discharge plan on occasions like the NATO Summit, the ASEAN-plus ministerials, the Eastern Caribbean Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries and Sustainable Use of Living Marine Resources and so on.

Whether domestically or internationally, Japan’s efforts have been used in the wrong place. Concerned parties strongly oppose Japan’s plan to discharge the contaminated water into the ocean, and demand that Japan halt the plan, engage in sincere communication with all stakeholders including neighboring countries, responsibly dispose of the water, and accept strict international supervision.

But so far, Japan has only stubbornly pushed forward with the ocean discharge plan without thoroughly examining other options or seriously addressing international concerns, which disappoints the global community with its selfishness.

Japan’s public relations maneuvers cannot eliminate domestic and international concerns about dumping the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.

Japanese fishermen have repeatedly voiced their opposition recently. South Korean opposition parties have also sent letters expressing concerns and objections of the South Korean public. Protests have been staged in front of Japanese embassies and consulates in the Philippines, New York, Sydney and elsewhere, demanding Japan to halt the discharge plan.

People did so because they know the plan, once implemented, would impose unpredictable nuclear contamination risks on the international community.

Dumping nuclear-contaminated water into the oceans is a reckless gamble that endangers humanity. Japan should face international concerns, fulfill its moral responsibilities and obligations under international law, and find an appropriate solution for the contaminated water.

The country must not unilaterally initiate the ocean discharge before addressing the international community’s concerns over the legitimacy of the discharge plan, the reliability of data, the efficacy of the treatment system and the uncertainty of environmental impact.

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

Edo North Votes Conundrum, Shaibu shouldn’t be blamed – PDP Chieftain

In a stunning turn of events, the ongoing conflict between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu seems to be escalating into a full-blown crisis casting a dark shadow over the political landscape of the state.

The crisis has been simmering between the two leaders for a while but reached a crescendo when the governor accused his deputy of trying to stage a coup against him after the deputy secured an interlocutory injunct n restraining the governor, House of Assembly, the DSS, and others from initiating impeachment proceedings against him.

The governor through some of his supporters have also accused the deputy governor of being responsible for the crisis and failure of the PDP in the state in recent times.

Reacting to the crisis and allegations, a chieftain of the PDP in Edo North, Chief Moses Aimiomode noted that the crisis is the handiwork of those who feel that the deputy governor is the reason they’ve not benefited from a government they worked to enthrone.

Chief Aimiomode stated that the deputy governor is not the cause of the failure of PDP to win House of Assembly seats in Edo North., a situation he attributed to the absence of the legacy group (Dan Orbih, Pascal Ogbomeh, and others) and the influence of Comrade Adams Oshiomole who is loved by his people “Even the people of Edo South love Oshiomhole too” he stated. The Chieftain noted that these factors were responsible for the loss of seats in the House of Assembly election, coupled with the fact that some of the persons fueling the present crisis were among those who worked against the party in the last election but have now chosen to use the deputy governor as a scapegoat.

“Governor, even those you are appointing as commissioners today joined in voting against our party and ruining the chances of success but today you are empowering them within Edo North as against those who stood firm for the party alongside side your deputy” he noted.

The PDP chieftain noted that the exclusion of the deputy governor from Edo North PDP affairs will further affect the party negatively, especially as the state prepares for a major election in 2024. He noted that the deputy governor remains the only face of PDP in Edo North today and his exclusion will only be to the advantage of the APC which already has a strong presence in the area.

“Governor Obaseki should know by now that his deputy governor is an asset to him and the party. He is not a general that stays at home and commands his officers to go to war. He is a general that stays in front and leads his soldiers to the battleground. Even if you don’t want him to succeed you in office as most governors in the southern part of the country are, there are ways you can cleverly frustrate his efforts without embarrassing him”

He reminded the governor of how his deputy played a great role to ensure his political survival when Comrade Oshiomhole planned to humiliate him. He noted that in doing this, the deputy governor offended his kinsman, Adams Oshiomhole while ensuring that the governor is saved from being disgraced.

He called on the governor and his supporters to listen to the voice of well-meaning Nigerians who have called on them to embrace dialogue as a way out of the present crisis with his deputy, who has always seen him as an elder brother.

Chief Aimiomode said that those drumming and clapping for the crisis were not doing so in the interest of the governor or his deputy, nor for the PDP and the state but are actively doing so as a preparation for the eventual takeover of the state by the APC.

REVEALED: How Comptroller Of Immigration Fraudulently Sat For Promotional Exams

Ogbeche Jika, a Comptroller of Immigration Service (CIS), has been embroiled in promotional examination saga after it has been discovered that he fraudulently sat for promotional examination for which he was not eligible for.

According to a complaint issued to the Comptroller General of Custom, Ministry of Interior, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies, Jika was not on the promotion list for the year 2020, a criteria for the 2023 promotion exercise, but his name was fraudulently included as it is the norm.

Jika was also allegedly promoted in January this year to the rank of Comptroller of Immigration Service, and was criminally allowed to sit for another promotion to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General just three months after promotion, instead of a minimum of 3 years on a rank, as stipulated by law.

Inconsistencies In his Academic Qualifications:

The Officer who came into the Service with a Diploma obtained from the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, now claims he has an MBA obtained from the University of Lagos, with no first degree or HND.

He claimed to be an Alumnus of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State, holding an MBA with no prior first degree or diploma.

Also, he was employed as a pilot without verifiable credentials to prove he’s a pilot
with no flying hours to his credit, he has been getting rapid promotions for doing absolutely nothing, as everything about his qualifications and rapid promotions is questionable.
The query is issued by the ICPC, EFCC, DSS and others stated.

His career description states that he studied Aviation at Kennedy Western University/Oklahoma University Norman, and obtained a certificate in 2003 while he was employed by the NIA in 1998 as a pilot.

According to the complaint, Jika with NIS number – 18976, who was enlisted into the Nigeria Immigration service on the 10th of September, 1998, has his educational career, certificates, and progression, disjointed and questionable .

PAP Workers Decry Ndiomus Lopsided Employment Against Niger Delta Indigenes,Over 80 Persons From Kogi State

…PAP Signs Contract To Pay HMO N250000 Per Staff

…Niger Delta Indigenes Deployed Back To Ministries

Workers of the Presidential Amnesty Office have raised the alarm over the deployment of indigenes of the Niger Delta from the Presidential Amnesty Office by the Interim Administrator, Maj Gen BT Ndiomu (Retd).

Some of the workers link the current move to alleged leakage of information on the activities of the leadership of the office.

Investigations revealed that indigenes of the Niger Delta in strategic positions were deployed back to the ministries and replaced.

According to the sources, those deployed include Oloye Kebbi (Peace Building Department), Mr. Okhuba – (Peace Building), Kennedy Febau (Peace Building Unit), Ebiere Ayamah (Vocational Training Unit) Jude Gbaboyor (Data/ICT). It was learnt that Jude was deployed to Warri Delta State.

Others are: Highcoast Ombe (Post Training Unit), Samuel Sunday (Post Training Unit), Pere Ikuetemi (Legal Dept), Gabriel Ajama (Data Unit) And Agiri Emmanuel, the Head of Data who was moved to Agabagba in Ondo State.

Ndiomu was said to have attributed the leakage of information to the Niger Delta indigenes working in the office

The workers who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on it said that Ndiomu had authorized periodic seizure and search of the telephone of all members of staff of the office.

There is the general belief that the telephones are bugged.

They stated further that while the Niger Delta indigenes were sent back to the ministries and others sent out of Abuja, over 80 persons have been employed in the Amnesty Office recently, most of them from Kogi.

The Head of Administration, Mrs Khairat Balogun is from KOGI State. Mrs Balogun, a staff of NTA was recently replaced with a new Head of Administration but she held back.

The new Head of Administration deployed from the Office of the Head of Service, has been left without an office while the Human Resources component has been removed from the Admin Department and put under Mrs Balogun’s supervision.

The affected Amnesty staff were removed with the claim by Ndiomu that his mission was to shut down the programme.

Shortly before the end of the Buhari administration, the then National Security Adviser, Gen Monguno made moves to shut down the Programme which was resisted by the leaders and people of the Niger Delta.

When Ndiomu was appointed, he said he was at the PAP with a mandate to wind down the programme.

The situation and tension in the region made it impossible for him to abruptly bring the programme to en end.

There are serious concerns that the leadership style has adversely affected the Amnesty Office which has been relieved of some of its key roles in the region.

Ndiomu has since stopped fresh deployment of students for the scholarship programme which endeared government to many in the region.

Ndiomu also put an end to the training or empowerment programmes of delegates in the region and has been embarking on selective payment for existing contracts.

Investigations further revealed that the PAP under Ndiomu has entered into a contract with a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), to pay monthly charges higher than the salaries of the affected workers.

It was gathered that under the contractual arrangement, the firm NOVO Health Africa Limited, would be paid N250,000 per month.

The N250,000 per month is made mandatory for all members of staff even when the salaries of most staff is not up to N250,000.

The source said, “the office has ventured into a contractual agreement with an HMO company, NOVO Health Africa Limited.

“Going by the terms of the agreement, PAP pays N250k per month for each worker. Curiously, the staff salary is not up to N250k and it was made mandatory for all staff.

“We suspect that the cost is inflated to serve as conduit for the divertion of funds.”

Tinubu’s Noella Foundation to Create Over 10,000 Jobs for Youths

Noella Foundation says it is partnering with well meaning firms within and outside Nigeria to help lift over over 10,000 Nigerian youth out of unemployment with the creation of jobs.

Mr Seyi Tinubu, Co-founder Noella Foundation, Chairperson SME100Africa Global youth council disclosed this at a medical outreach organised by in Abuja on Saturday to commemorate the International Youth Day.

Tinubu explained he is not oblivious of the fact that African youth face similar issues, hence the reason why the Noella Foundation is unwavering in her commitments towards transforming the lives of young individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation.

“In a world where the challenges facing our young generation are both numerous and complex, Noella Foundation has emerged as a beacon of hope, a driving force that propels dreams into reality.

“As we look forward to the horizon of the next twelve months, we stand on the cusp of witnessing something truly remarkable,” affirmed Tinubu.

Speaking of the 2023 International Youth Day’s theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” noted that the Noella Foundation has unveiled audacious goals that resonates with the spirit of the International Youth Day as it echoes the heart of Noella’s Foundation pledge.

According to him, the year 2023 theme does not only underscores the vital role of youth in driving innovation and change, but the fact that
youth holds the key to unlocking unparalleled economic growth and development globally, hence why Noella Foundation is embracing the challenge with a commitment to create 10,000 jobs for young Nigerians.

Tinubu assured that the commitment holds the promise of transforming not just individual lives, but their entire communities and industries, while it aligns perfectly with the theme’s call for innovation and positive impact.

He also revealed that the foundation in the next few months would create these jobs through upskilling of Nigerians with tools, resources, and opportunities that empower them to carve their own niche towards success in different industries.

“We would also back this up by setting up exchange programs and summits within and outside Africa.

“We would also encourage those who have begun thriving businesses with resources to do more and employ more. We would also fill vacancies in organisations and institutions with young Nigerians who are willing and able to work.

“We would use www.100jobs.ng as the portal to collate the CVs,” said Tinubu.

Appreciatong partners such as GIG Logistics, Medplus, SME100Africa, for their partnership and support in the creation of job opportunities, Seyi Tinubu call on others to prospective partners to collaborate with the foundation in order to create more job.

“Imagine the ripple effect of these jobs – the lives touched, the families supported, the dreams fulfilled. It’s a testament to the unyielding belief in the potential of our youth, their unwavering faith in the power of each individual to contribute to the tapestry of our nation’s progress.

“As we celebrate this remarkable day, let us be reminded of the countless stories that will soon unfold. Stories of young minds breaking free from the shackles of unemployment, stories of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Each of these jobs will be a stepping stone, a bridge that connects aspiration to achievement. Nigeria is blessed with a youthful population, with over 65% under the age of 30, making it one of the youngest nations globally. This demographic potential holds the key to unlocking unparalleled economic growth and innovation even though currently Nigeria’s youth face daunting challenges which is why we have set up short term initiatives like food banks across Nigeria to curb the hunger challenge and medical outreaches like this to curb some of the medical challenges. Special thanks to Medplus and our own BAT MEDICS team as we would continue this around the countries. Our next stops include Kaduna, Rivers, Lagos and Kano,” explained Seyi Tinubu.

The International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

Chengdu Universiade promotes cultural exchanges, reinforces friendship

By Dai Kairan, People’s Daily

The 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games just lighted up its host city Chengdu. Apart from exciting games, it also created an opportunity for young people around the world to enjoy rich and splendid cultural activities.

During the event, a series of cultural exchange activities blending international elements, Chinese characteristics and Sichuan local styles unfolded in spectacular fashion, giving the world new gateways to understand the Chinese culture.

From the amazing symbol of Golden Sun Birds presented at the opening ceremony, to the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance that sparked cheers before an awards ceremony, and from intangible cultural heritage activities hosted in the Universiade village, to the picturesque cultural tourism routes showcasing Sichuan’s splendor, young members of each delegation have fully experienced the unique charm of the Chinese culture.

These cultural exchanges helped enhance friendship among youths worldwide.

During the Chengdu Universiade, “Be Together” themed shows were staged every night at the Art Center of the Universiade village and met with thunderous applause. A concert of Guqin, a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument, demonstrated the captivating charm of Chinese music, and a performance of Chinese ethnic songs and dances showcased the infectious energy of Chinese art.

Facundo Corvalan, a basketball player from the Argentine delegation, told People’s Daily that attending the themed shows was something that he expected every day.

The Chengdu Universiade nurtured a sound environment where young athletes from around the world were able to build friendship and enhance mutual understanding in relaxing and joyful cultural performances.

These cultural exchanges witnessed the skills and wisdom of Chinese artisans.

During the Chengdu Universiade, Tulen Rafael Yvon, a fencer from the Netherlands was a frequent visitor to the interactive experience center of the Universiade village. Under the guidance of instructors there, he tried his hand at Sichuan Opera masks and weaving bamboo handicrafts, which he would later gift to family and friends interested in the Chinese culture back home.

These days, Sichuan embroidery, bamboo weaving and Sichuan Opera face mask drawing were all trendy in the Universiade village. Young athletes from across the world, led by inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, immersed themselves in the skills and wisdom of Chinese craftsmanship.

Whenever the night fell, “cultural markets” just bustled with hands-on activities like pottery, jar tossing, drumming, and ancient soccer, transporting participants through a traditional cultural wonderland brimming with antiquity. The convergence of culture and the Chengdu Universiade nurtured an embrace between tradition and youth.

These cultural exchanges highlighted the magnetism of China’s rich culture.

The mascot of the Games Rongbao, a panda with flame elements, was broadly welcomed; the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding remained a hot destination for delegations; panda-themed toys, clothes and ice pops were seen everywhere in the city of Chengdu. The cute image of giant panda delivered a heartwarming message – Chengdu always opens its arms wide to embrace friends from across the world.

The organizing committee of the Games launched 11 cultural tourism routes to showcase the beauty of the park city of Chengdu and its laid-back vibe, so as to better present Chengdu and China to the young members of delegations from different countries.

Nekifor Maria Erika, a fencer from the Hungarian delegation, said the Universiade allowed her to appreciate the unique Sichuan culture, and she hopes for more opportunities to experience the profound Chinese culture.

Civilizations have become richer and more colorful with exchanges and mutual learning. The diverse cultural exchange activities highlighted the Chengdu Universiade. They helped young athletes from across the globe deepen mutual understanding, writing vivid chapters of friendship and solidarity.

China contributes its part to global biosecurity governance

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The Second Meeting of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) kicked off on Aug. 7 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting is one of the outcomes of the Ninth BWC Review Conference held last year, and its aim is to further reinforce the effectiveness of the BWC and promote comprehensive compliance.

Biosecurity concerns the common interests of all humanity. Currently, global biosecurity governance faces both new challenges and important opportunities. On one hand, advancements in biotechnology promote productivity growth and the well-being of mankind. On the other hand, as the intension and extension of biosecurity are broadening, traditional biosecurity issues overlap with emerging biosecurity risks, making the global biosecurity landscape even more complex. How to strengthen global biosecurity governance and better balance security with development has become a common task for the international community.

Facing the new situation, challenges, and issues in the sphere of biosecurity, China adheres to systematic governance. While continuously fortifying its own biosecurity defenses, China actively participates in global biosecurity governance and makes positive contributions with Chinese wisdom and solutions.

China has solemnly put forward the Global Security Initiative and officially released the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper, calling on all nations to stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. It encourages all countries to practice the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in global governance, and work together to address global challenges including biosecurity.

The BWC is an important cornerstone of global biosecurity governance. In over 50 years since it became open for signature, it has played a vital role in preventing biosecurity threats and promoting the peaceful use of biotechnology.

China has unequivocally advocated strengthening the BWC and vigorously promoted the establishment of a verification mechanism through multilateral negotiations to fundamentally ensure compliance.

The country has always advocated the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all weapons of mass destruction, including biological weapons, and firmly opposes the proliferation of biological weapons and related technologies.

China is firmly committed to the BWC’s purposes and objectives, comprehensively and strictly fulfills its obligations, and actively participates in and supports multilateral processes to enhance the BWC’s effectiveness.

In April 2021, China’s Biosecurity Law formally took effect, providing a stronger legal and institutional basis for China to implement the BWC. China has also actively advocated negotiations on an international convention on the suppression of acts of bioterrorism to further address gaps in international law.

In recent years, the risks of misuse and abuse of biotechnology have attracted great attention. China supports BWC State Parties to keep pace with the times, uphold the vision of universal security and shared development for all mankind, strengthen deliberations on biotechnology development under the BWC framework, promote responsible biological research, and formulate necessary voluntary codes of conduct.

Based on this position, China engaged in in-depth discussions with various countries and reached the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for Codes of Conduct for Scientists in July 2021, putting forward ten major guiding principles including ethical standards, laws and norms, responsible conduct of research, research process management, and international cooperation.

Covering the whole process and entire chain of biological research, the Tianjin Guidelines fully reflects the consensus of the international community and makes important contributions to promoting the healthy and orderly development of global biotechnology.

During the Ninth Review Conference and the Meeting of States Parties of the BWC, the Tianjin Guidelines received extensive attention and acclaim. Originating from a Chinese proposal but belonging to the whole world, the Tianjin Guidelines fully demonstrates the determination of the international scientific community to further standardize biological research activities. It also fully proves that science-based and highly representative international processes can become an effective approach to strengthening global biosecurity governance and related international cooperation.

Responding to the demands of developing countries for sharing the dividends of sci-tech development in biological and other fields, China proposed the resolution “Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security” at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

This launched an open and inclusive dialogue process under the UNGA framework, which is of great significance for building a more just and reasonable export control order, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all countries for the peaceful use of science and technology, and addressing the security challenges posed by sci-tech advancements.

This resolution has been adopted at the UNGA for two consecutive years and widely welcomed by the international community.

As a Chinese saying goes, “The journey ahead may be long and arduous, but with sustained actions, we will eventually reach our destination.” China will continue to uphold the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, promote global biosecurity governance together with the international community, and make greater contributions to achieving universal security and common development.

Alleged Coup in Edo: Governor Obaseki victim of political jobbers – Shaibu


…urges mischief makers to desist from attempts to widen gulf between them

There are concerted efforts by some people described as mischief makers and political jobbers to destabilise Edo State and widen the gulf between the state governor Godwin Obaseki and himself, the deputy governor Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has revealed.

Reacting to a ‘shocking’ statement, by Governor Obaseki where he alleged desperation and a coup to oust him, Shaibu while speaking to his aides in Benin on Saturday said political jobbers sold the dummy to the governor whom he referred to as his ‘elder brother’ with a view to provoking more crisis so they can benefit from it.

According to him, it is preposterous to contemplate a coup to a man who has given him too much latitude.

The Deputy Governor while denouncing the allegations stated categorically that these claims are not only baseless but also malicious attempts by political jobbers hell-bent on misleading the governor with the singular aim of damaging my reputation and sowing seeds of discord between me and my brother governor.

Shaibu reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki and the principles of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which they both belong. That it is a privilege to serve as Governor Obaseki’s Deputy, and consistently within the last seven years demonstrated his commitment to the advancement of a shared vision for Edo State. Any insinuation that he harbours ulterior motives or seeks to undermine the Governor’s leadership is nothing short of a fabrication.

He maintained that he believes in the power of teamwork and collaboration. As a testament to this, himself and Governor Obaseki have worked tirelessly together to deliver on the promises they made to the good people of Edo State. Their achievements in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, are a testament to this collective effort and the synergy between their offices.

That as Deputy Governor, his role is to support and complement the Governor’s agenda, not to undermine it. I have consistently advocated for policies and initiatives that align with this administration’s goals and aspirations. It is disheartening to see such baseless allegations being propagated, as they only serve to distract the administration from its primary objective of serving the people of Edo State.

RT. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu said he remains an unrepentant democrat who believes in the democratic process and respects the mandate given to Governor Obaseki and his humble self by the people of Edo State. The idea that he would consider a coup to overthrow a democratically elected government is not only absurd but also deeply offensive.

The deputy governor urged the media and the public to approach these allegations with the skepticism they deserve. He encouraged all to focus on the issues that truly matter to the people of Edo State—improving their lives, providing quality education, ensuring accessible healthcare, and creating employment opportunities.

He concluded by reiterating that Governor Obaseki and himself are committed to the continued development of Edo State. United in their determination to build a prosperous and inclusive society. He called upon all well-meaning individuals to reject these divisive narratives and join in the quest to transform Edo State into a model of sustainable development and good governance. Edo state PDP politicians should embrace peace and seek unity to fight the common enemy.

Our investigation also reveals that the deputy governor did not refuse to join the governor in the selection of commissioners in Etsako LGCs. According to our source, on that day, the Governor sent his deputy to proceed to Edo north to resolve some political crises. He was on his way when the chief of Staff to the Governor called that the governor needs his attention in Benin.

The Deputy allegedly informed the CoS to inform the governor that he was already close to Afuze axis to address the issue he directed him to do. The governor allegedly acknowledged this call.

Sources revealed that the Deputy has always appreciated his elder brother the governor wherever he gives him tasks. The appointment of political office holders is the prerogative of the governor, therefore, if governor decides to allow his deputy to nominate candidates to fill any position is a privilege.
The source said that political jobbers who also i

nclude hack writers have generated more lies from the pit of hell, saying that Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has perfected plans to rejoin the All-Progressives Congress, APC next week. “There is no iota of truth in this,” he said.

“To further put a lie to this, the spin doctors claimed that the APC National Working Committee, NWC is set to receive him in Abuja. The question here for the discerning minds is that, is it the NWC of a party that receives a decampee into the party? Shaibu has never minced words, vowing to sink and swim with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki. This, he has said severally at public fora.”

According to him, these evil men acting as agents of evil have come up with unbelievable accusations like coming late to State Executive meetings, attempting to slap the Secretary to the State Government, being the brain behind feuds between: Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and governor, Former Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike and Obaseki , Dan Orbih and Obaseki and many others that their wild and dangerous imaginations can come up with.

“In view of this, I plead with these characters bent on driving a wedge between Comrade Philip Shaibu and his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki to put the Edo project and the people far above their own selfish interest,” he added.

Recall that Governor Obaseki claimed on Friday that Shaibu, will explore every avenue to achieve his governorship ambition, including plotting a coup to oust him (the incumbent) from office.

The governor said this during a meeting with elders and leaders from Etsako West, East and Central Local Government Areas of the State, held in Jattu, Etsako West council as part of campaigns for the September 2, 2023, local council election.

He said, “My Deputy Governor has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything, including carrying out a coup d’etat to ensure he kicks me out and becomes the governor of Edo State.”