Nigeria Times

By Aerdake, People’s Daily

Located in the southernmost part of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Hotan is renowned for its rich jade resources, historically serving as a pivotal hub in the ancient jade trade.

Inside the Hotan Jade Museum, an antiquated, hand-drawn map entitled Ancient Jade Trade Routes traces the long history of jade commerce. While the Silk Road dates back more than 2,000 years, the Jade Road extends over 6,000 years into antiquity. Radiating from Hotan, this network stretched east through Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi and Henan, while forging westward pathways across Central Asia to the Mediterranean coast. This ancient corridor not only enabled thriving East-West trade but also served as a primary bridge for cross-cultural exchange.

Today, four regulated jade markets line the Yulong Kashgar River Avenue. “Ten years ago, this area was primarily characterized by roadside stalls. Today, these markets have significantly expanded and professionalized,” said Shi Peihong, head of the Hotan jade protection and development center.

Inside the bustling markets, rows of jade vendors engage in discerning discussions with customers about jade texture and grain patterns. International collectors frequent these markets, seeking deeper understanding of Hotan jade’s historical significance.

Academic sources from Uzbekistan indicate references to Hotan jade dating back to 2000 B.C., while archaeological evidence reveals the presence of Hotan jade from the Stone Age unearthed in ancient Babylon, Syria, and regions across Central Asia.

The robust jade trade along the Yulong Kashgar River continues to thrive. “The presence of international buyers in Hotan’s markets is commonplace. We often host visitors from Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Despite diverse cultural backgrounds, their expressions convey a profound appreciation and sophisticated understanding of jade,” said Chen Huanhui, general manager of a jewelry company.

Esteemed jade carver Nie Mingli recounted a personal testament to jade’s transnational reach during a motorcycle journey last year. Departing from Xinjiang’s Horgos Port, he traversed Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. To his surprise, he often came across Hotan jade artworks along the route – tangible evidence of jade’s role as a cultural bridge transcending geographic boundaries.

At a restaurant in Kyrgyzstan, a prominently displayed jade vessel caught his eye. Upon recognizing Nie as Chinese, the restaurant owner enthusiastically gave a thumbs-up to express his admiration for Chinese jade artistry.

“There’s no doubt that Hotan jade is one of the most iconic symbols of Chinese culture,” Nie said.

Further enriching Hotan’s cultural narrative, the Kunlun Stories Museum showcases the evolution of jade culture from the Neolithic era to the present. Founded by jade enthusiast Zhang Wei, the museum has welcomed tens of thousands of Chinese domestic and international visitors and scholars.

Zhang observed that visitors from Pakistan and Uzbekistan exhibit particular fascination with jade artifacts originating from the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains and the Tarim River Basin. “These interactions significantly reinforce our recognition of jade culture’s unique role as a bridge for cross-cultural exchanges,” Zhang said.

Following the rise of the Silk Road, the western route from Hotan extensively overlapped with the ancient Jade Road. But Hotan’s historical significance in cultural exchanges extends beyond jade. Over a millennium ago, Hotan residents had already achieved mastery in sericulture and silk weaving. Locally produced silk became a prized commodity along the Silk Road, with the famed Etles silk enjoying particular renown.

Historical records indicate that while the silk production techniques of Etles silk originated in China’s Central Plains, its distinctive dyeing and weaving methods emerged through a fusion of Central Asian craftsmanship and local expertise in Hotan and Kashgar.

Jiya township in Hotan is acclaimed as the “Hometown of Etles Silk,” where the community still meticulously preserves ancient tie-dye techniques and employs traditional wooden looms. 

A manager of a local Etles silk workshop said that she regularly receives visitors and traders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. “They’re always eager to photograph and record the weaving process, hoping to adapt these techniques for artisans within their respective countries,” she said.

Mulat, a 28-year-old native of Jiya township, immersed in Etles traditions since childhood, established a trade company after university. This month, he presented a collection of modern Etles silk products at the 2025 Central Asia (Khorgos) Commodity and Trade Expo. “There’s strong demand in Central Asia for Etles silk that combines modern design with affordable prices. We see great potential for future cooperation,” he said.

From the ancient Jade Road to the Silk Road, from the enduring legacy of Hotan jade to the intricate artistry of Etles silk, Hotan’s profound historical tapestry is intrinsically interwoven with deep-rooted traditions of cross-cultural engagement. Within this storied region, the enduring narrative of mutual learning and shared prosperity between civilizations continues to unfold anew.

By Zheng Yangyang, People’s Daily

On a summer day at Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, well known as the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County, Shuozhou, north China’s Shanxi province, visitors were appreciating the ancient structure. Suddenly, the rhythmic tapping of metallic feet drew a curious crowd – a silver robotic dog climbed the steps and entered the pagoda, performing a high-precision scan of the building with millimeter-level accuracy.

Built in 1056, the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County is the tallest and oldest wooden multi-story structure in the world. Having withstood the weathering of nearly a millennium, the structure has developed a slight tilt and now requires enhanced preservation measures. 

To address challenges such as the inadequate precision of manual surveying and the risk of damage from physical contact, the local government partnered with Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture to launch a smart preservation program, with the primary focus on enhancing cultural heritage preservation with the help of robotic dogs.

With steady mechanical steps, the robot began its work. A rotating camera mounted on its head captured intricate patterns in the tower’s carved ceilings, while an array of sensors flashed. Its 3D vision system recorded detailed surface data from overhead structures.

“The carved ceiling is several meters above the ground. Collecting data manually would take a great amount of time and energy. With the assistance of the robotic dog, the process would become much more accurate and efficient,” said Xing Chunqi, an architect at the Robotics Lab of Lenovo Research.

Developed by Chinese multinational technology company Lenovo, the robotic dog integrates cutting-edge technologies such as deep learning algorithms, multimodal sensing systems, and bionic motion control. 

Meanwhile, Lenovo has collaborated with the Tsinghua University-Palace Museum Joint Research Center for Cultural Heritage to apply robotic dogs in the preservation of the pagoda. “We capture 2D images from four angles of each pillar, then apply 3D reconstruction and AI training to comprehensively restore the structure,” Xing explained.

Leveraging this technology, the Tsinghua team has completed a high-precision 3D digital modeling of the pagoda’s coffered ceiling structure, providing support for in-depth data analysis and preservation planning.

Future applications include automated patrols. “In heritage conservation, it is crucial to resist fire and corrosion,” Xing explained. Equipped with a dual-light imaging system, the robotic dog can monitor heat sources in real time and issue alerts automatically if temperatures exceed a threshold, he added.

“The small robotic dog is equipped with two onboard computers. Upon detecting something abnormal during a patrol, it can transmit the information to a central server. Some robotic dogs can even process the situation before making real-time decisions,” he added.

Moreover, robotic dogs are capable of performing “health checkups” on ancient buildings. Working in pairs, one emits X-rays while the other receives them, allowing for non-invasive internal assessments of wood decay and cracks. “This avoids radiation exposure to humanity. Through time-series analysis, the system can compare data from past scans and automatically flag minor changes like deformation in wooden components or flaking paint,” Xing noted.

Recent years have seen local government advance digitization initiatives for the pagoda. In a digital exhibition hall near the building, visitors can virtually travel back in time to experience the pagoda’s construction by wearing VR headsets. 

“We’re establishing a digital twin of the structure through technological means, allowing visitors to climb the tower virtually to enhance their experience,” said Cheng Xiaoli, deputy head of the management and preservation center of the pagoda.

“We haven’t deployed robotic dogs on a regular basis,” said Cheng. “But we anticipate their widespread adoption to enable cultural heritage preservation in the coming future.”

By Lyu Jiuhai, Xian Gan, An Bowen, People’s Daily

Perched on the Nagqu Plateau in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region at an average elevation of 4,650 meters, fierce winds drive massive turbines at the Omatinga Wind Farm.

For 21-year-old maintenance engineer Chang Jianrui, daily duties involve ascending turbine interiors via an elevator before climbing nearly 20 meters on service ladders to conduct critical inspections and performance tests. 

Despite Xizang’s rich wind resources, as China’s highest-altitude prefecture-level city, Nagqu historically faced severe grid limitations due to its extreme geography and climate. Winter Blackouts always happened in winter and winds often exceeded level 10. 

The roaring winds, though considered as a resource, also posed major challenges for wind farm construction.

In January 2024, the 100 MW Omatinga Wind Farm was put into operation in Nagqu by China Energy Investment Corporation. At its launch, it stood as the world’s largest ultra-high-altitude wind power installation. The facility generates approximately 200 million kWh of clean electricity annually, sufficient to power 230,000 households year-round.

Beneath the turbines, Gen-Z technician Zhang Haoyu crouched to inspect low-lying vegetation. To minimize ecological impact on the plateau’s fragile ecosystem, Zhang and his team have worked hard to restore grass cover around each turbine base. “We’re not just here to light up homes. We’re here to protect the environment,” Zhang emphasized in an interview.

Youth drives the facility’s operations: employees under 35 now make up over 84% of the Omatinga’s workforce. Chen Yang, a fellow Gen-Z maintenance engineer originally from Sichuan’s Neijiang City, represents this new generation. “We young professionals aspire to make meaningful contributions,” Chen stated.

Late last year, a few turbine blades were damaged by lightning. Maintenance specialist Chen ascended nearly 100 meters on a suspended platform amid -20°C temperatures and high winds to conduct repairs with his team..

“My nose ran constantly from the wind, but we prioritized swift repairs to restore household electricity,” This commitment reflects the team’s guiding principle: “The more power we generate, the more the local communities benefit.” This echos drives the young workforce to maintain seamless operations across turbines, grids, and substations.

How do they keep turbines running smoothly?

Initially, operators relied on visual checks. “If a blade stopped rotating, we’d drive to investigate immediately,” Chang recalled.

Now, however, Omatinga Wind Farm uses an intelligent monitoring system. Its self-developed real-time diagnostic platform and cluster control system transmit blade performance and other data to a central control room. Power output is allocated by predictive algorithms.

“Now, the central control screen displays the status of all 25 turbines in real time, which saves a ton of time and effort,” said Chang. These days, most potential issues are caught and addressed remotely; only major faults require on-site maintenance.

At 34, Kunsang Tashi ranks among the facility’s most experienced team members. Since joining the industry in 2014, he has supervised maintenance while modeling high-altitude adaptation – reminding colleagues to hydrate and use supplemental oxygen when necessary.”

Young technicians here demonstrate remarkable innovation, capability, and plateau resilience,” Kunsang observed. “We encourage more youth, especially locals, to advance this legacy.”

By Zhu Peixian, Gao Bing, Liu Xinwu, People’s Daily

China-Europe freight trains have completed over 110,000 trips, transporting goods worth more than $450 billion. More than 1,000 trains have been operated in a single month for 46 consecutive months. These impressive figures reflect the steady growth of this international logistics corridor.

Widely recognized for efficiently delivering Chinese-made products to Europe, these freight trains are also bringing a diverse range of high-quality goods back to China, creating new economic opportunities for countries along the route. 

The impact of this exchange is visible at Zhengzhou East Railway Station in central China. A  1,000-square-meter supermarket in its waiting hall features imported products transported via the freight trains – including German dairy products, French wines, and Italian coffee beans.

“I wanted something special for my daughter after days of travel,” said Mr. Zhang, a traveler browsing at the checkout counter. He proudly displayed two beetle-shaped candy thins decorated with French writing, along with a music box from the United Kingdom containing a hidden chocolate surprise.

Zhengzhou East Station accommodates around 120,000 passengers daily. In addition to the supermarket, the other two shops offer thousands of imported products – from food and household items to health products – at competitive prices, making them popular stops for travelers.

Zhengzhou has become a major hub for the China-Europe freight train service. The city operates 11 regular outbound routes that connect directly with over 130 cities across more than 30 countries. A robust logistics ecosystem has taken shape, involving more than 6,000 Chinese and international partners to facilitate the transport of over 1,000 commodity types.

In Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi province, another import-driven retail model is thriving. At Xi’an Chanba International Port, a store run by Xi’an Aiju Grain and Oil Industrial Group attracts a steady stream of customers. At one counter, staff serve fresh, hand-pulled noodles topped with sizzling chili oil. “Central Asian flour meets Shaanxi spices. What a combination!” exclaimed local resident Wang Yongzhao.

Aiju has established a grain processing base in North Kazakhstan Region, sourcing high-quality wheat and oil products that are shipped to China via China-Europe freight trains for further processing and sale. The company has also introduced contract farming in the region, guiding farmers on crop selection and acreage. In the initial phase, 1.5 million mu (around 100,000 hectares) of farmland was brought under cultivation.

One beneficiary is Bauyrzhan, a Kazakh farm owner. “In the past, our grain had no reliable market, and prices were unstable,” he said. “Now we’ve made full use of idle land, and we no longer worry about where to sell the harvest.”

By the end of June 2024, Aiju had imported 400,000 tons of wheat, flour, and edible oil from Kazakhstan.

At dawn on June 18, rows of containers bearing the the distinctive “Yuxinou” logo (denoting Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe rail route) stood ready at Tuanjie Village Central Railway Station in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality. Among them was a shipment of vibrant red sedans from Germany, destined for bonded warehouses at the Chongqing rail port. After customs clearance, inspection, and registration, the vehicles would be delivered to dealerships across western China.

Since 2014, more than 40,000 cars have arrived in Chongqing via China-Europe freight trains, supplying dealerships in over ten provinces in China’s southwest and northwest regions.

“Previously, imported cars came by sea from Hamburg, Germany, through the Suez Canal to Shanghai, and then overland to Chongqing. The entire process took about 35 days,” said Tan Renyun, a marketing manager at Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd. “Now, the train reduces that time to around 16 days. While marginally costlier than sea freight, the significant time savings offer distinct advantages.”

Just days later, those same cars were parked at a dealership in downtown Chongqing. After a test drive, consumer Mr. Zhang promptly placed an order. “The delivery speed surpassed my expectations,” he said.

As the world’s largest auto market, China continues to offer compelling opportunities for global automakers. “Chinese consumers are increasingly looking for high-end vehicles,” said one auto dealer. “The freight trains help us bring the latest models to market faster. We’re planning to set up a regional distribution center in Chongqing to improve efficiency even further.”

Driven by efficient logistics and robust demand, the variety of inbound goods on China-Europe freight trains continues to expand. In 2024, the value of return goods handled by Chongqing trains reached $1.6 billion, with high-end items like vehicles, electronics, and machinery parts accounting for over 45 percent.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), themed “Connecting the World for a Shared Future,” was recently concluded in Beijing, providing a dynamic platform for win-win cooperation between the Chinese and international business communities. 

The five-day event attracted more than 650 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions. They convened to identify potential partners, innovative solutions, practical application scenarios, and growth opportunities – sharing in the boundless opportunities presented by an open China.

In his keynote address at the CISCE opening ceremony, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang acclaimed China’s supply chain as a “miracle,” underscoring the country’s indispensable role as an open and reliable partner in the global industrial network. International media noted that the expo reinforced China’s image as a defender of free trade.

Amid mounting unilateralism and protectionism, China, as the world’s second-largest economy, remains committed to advancing high-level opening up, contributing positive energy to building an open world economy. This path is not only rooted in China’s development experience, but also aligned with the logic of the historical progress.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair once remarked that China’s transformation through opening up is perhaps the most remarkable transition in human history. From the groundbreaking of the Shekou Industrial Zone in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, to the expansive network of pilot free trade zones today, China has advanced reform and development through opening up, creating unprecedented social and economic progress.

Despite growing global uncertainties, China’s confidence and determination to open up remain unwavering. The Chinese national negative list for foreign investment has been steadily shortened, and the catalog of encouraged industries for foreign investment now includes 1,474 items. A package of 20 targeted policy measures has been introduced to stabilize foreign investment. Hainan Free Trade Port is set to begin independent customs operations and 77 pilot policies from the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone have been replicated nationwide.

China is implementing a more proactive and strategic approach to opening up, building a new system for higher-level open economy, and deepening engagement across more sectors and regions.

These measures are steadily translating into tangible momentum. In the first half of this year, despite external headwinds, China’s total goods imports and exports grew by 2.9 percent year on year, with improvements in both volume and quality. From 2021 through May 2025, foreign direct investment into China totaled 4.7 trillion yuan ($655.07 billion), surpassing the total amount recorded during the entire 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020). Global enterprises are demonstrating greater confidence in expanding their presence in the Chinese market.

An open China continues to energize global development. Accounting for nearly 30 percent of global economic growth, China is committed to a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, remaining the world’s largest trader in goods and a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. The country has inked 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, and extended zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with it. Meanwhile, its visa-free and transit visa-free policies now cover 47 and 55 countries, respectively – broadening the avenues for shared development.

China’s unwavering commitment to high-level opening up holds global significance. It not only creates opportunities but also boosts international confidence at a time of uncertainty. As skepticism grows over the sustainability of openness amid rising protectionism, China’s development story serves as a compelling response. In just a few decades, China has completed a process of industrialization that took developed countries centuries to achieve – proving that openness is not an option, but a necessity on the path to development.

Faced with the challenges posed by protectionism, China is breaking new ground through higher-level opening up, demonstrating that embracing globalization, not retreating into isolation, is key to building resilience and driving development.

Openness is the foundation of economic resilience and the engine of sustainable development. China will continue pursuing open cooperation, injecting vitality into global growth, and contributing momentum to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

By Shang Kaiyuan, People’s Daily

At the recently third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, China and the European Union (EU) held substantive discussions on marine conservation, port decarbonization, and digital ocean development. These interactions exactly highlighted the vitality of the China-EU Blue Partnership within multilateral frameworks. 

Through proactive collaboration on maritime issues, this partnership advances global ocean governance, strengthens the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, and injects fresh momentum into robust bilateral relations.

Established in July 2018 as the EU’s first such agreement with a non-member state, the China-EU Blue Partnership promotes sustainable ocean governance, fisheries management, and maritime economic growth. It marked the EU’s first blue partnership with a non-EU country. 

Since its inception, both parties have collaborated on critical global ocean agendas – including climate action, marine biodiversity protection, plastic pollution reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Both sides advocate for multilateral cooperation to seek sustainable solutions to shared ocean-related challenges.

Building on this foundation, China and France – as key partners – have further solidified cooperation in these domains.

In 2018, the two countries jointly launched the China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) – their first joint ocean-observing satellite. Under the partnership, China provided the satellite platform, wind observation instruments, launch services, and mission control, while France supplied the wave measurement payload. 

The satellite’s shared data enhances maritime safety, disaster risk reduction, and ocean resource surveying. The satellite’s service life has been extended twice, and it continues to provide valuable data for global ocean monitoring.

“In the past, satellites could measure either wind or waves, but not both simultaneously. CFOSAT overcame that limitation. It’s a great example of successful scientific collaboration,” said Qiao Fangli, deputy director of the First Institute of Oceanography under China’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

China and the EU enjoy complementary strengths and mutual benefits in trade and economic cooperation, forming a deeply interdependent economic relationship. Ports, shipping, and logistics are key pillars of this economic partnership, and promoting green, lower-carbon trade is a key focus of China-EU blue economy collaboration.

On the northeastern coast of the Mediterranean, the Piraeus port in Greece serves as a vital hub for China-EU maritime connectivity. Since China’s COSCO Shipping took over its operation, the port has experienced rapid growth, becoming a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative. The port’s upgrade has not only improved regional logistics efficiency but also accelerated the green and intelligent transformation of southern European ports.

In 2023, China’s Shandong Port Group officially began operations in the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The group has built substantial experience in low-carbon and smart port development, pioneering several “firsts” in China and globally – such as China’s first automatic battery-swap station for container trucks, the first hydrogen refueling station at a port, and the world’s first smart terminal enabled by hydrogen energy and 5G. These innovations provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation with European ports.

“Green transformation, digital empowerment, and enhanced international coordination define shipping’s future,” said Cao Peng, general manager of the Overseas Development Group of Shandong Port Group. “European partnerships will actively advance these priorities.”

For both China and the EU, the ocean is more than a critical resource and development space. It is also a vital arena for practicing multilateralism and participating in global governance.

Both China and the EU are staunch advocates of multilateralism and actively contribute to shaping international maritime rules. In addressing challenges such as marine pollution and ecological degradation, China and the EU continue to explore scalable governance solutions. 

Zhejiang province in east China introduced a “blue circular economy” model for plastic pollution control, integrating plastic reduction at the source, joint land-sea prevention, and recycling. The model earned the UN’s Champions of the Earth Award. Meanwhile, the French NGO “Plastic Odyssey” promotes locally viable solutions to plastic pollution, implementing small-scale recycling projects in some of the world’s most affected coastal areas.

In sustainable fisheries development, China and the EU have each developed unique best practices. China’s Fuxi No.1 wind power-fishery integrated platform combines renewable energy development with ecosystem restoration, creating a joint model of “power generation, aquaculture, and ecological rehabilitation.” A French company has installed artificial reef structures near coastlines to serve as shelters for juvenile fish.

As Benjamin Denjean, a researcher at France’s Green Ocean Institut, put it: “China and the EU share a deep concern for the ocean, offer complementary ideas, and benefit from mutual learning.” That complementarity is now flowering into renewed vitality as the China-EU Blue Partnership continues to grow and deepen.

By Zhu Zhiyu

China’s auto production and sales logged double-digit increases in the first half of the year, a sign of vibrant domestic consumption in the world’s second-largest economy.

The country’s auto output totaled 15.62 million units during the period, up 12.5 percent from a year ago, while auto sales rose 11.4 percent to 15.65 million units.

In particular, new energy vehicles (NEVs) production surged 41.4 percent year on year to nearly 6.97 million units in the first six months, with sales up by 40.3 percent year on year to about 6.94 million units. NEV exports surged by an impressive 75.2 percent.

This robust momentum is a result of both rising demand and effective policy support.

Policies such as vehicle trade-in incentives have stimulated a steady rise in NEV consumption. In the first half of 2025, NEV sales accounted for 44.3 percent of total new car sales in China, while the number of newly registered NEVs increased by 27.86 percent year on year. This momentum highlights the strength of domestic demand and evolving consumer preferences.

Green and smart consumption are gaining momentum: sales of energy-efficient and intelligent home appliances continue to rise steadily, while retail sales of sports and entertainment goods by enterprises above the designated size jumped 22.2 percent from the previous year. The share of the services sector in overall consumption is also on the rise, demonstrating increasing demand for development- and enjoyment-oriented consumption.

Meanwhile, inbound tourism and shopping have shown steady recovery. Thanks to the expansion of the visa-free policy, foreign entries and exits rose 30.2 percent year on year and visa-free entries surged by 53.9 percent – further invigorating consumption and cross-border economic activity.

These indicators demonstrate China’s ability to unlock domestic consumption potential and its commitment to advancing opening up in a complex and evolving external environment, providing stable support for economic growth and creating substantial market opportunities for global businesses seeking to engage with the Chinese market.

This robust momentum is also fueled by an unwavering commitment to innovation.

Technological innovation remains a fundamental engine of development. In recent years, Chinese NEV companies have intensified R&D investment in key areas such as battery technology, intelligent driving, and lightweight materials. This sustained push has led to a wave of breakthroughs.

In the first half of 2025, Chinese NEV giant BYD unveiled a charging technology capable of delivering a top speed equivalent to 2 kilometers per second. CATL, China’s leading battery maker, announced a multi-core fast-charging strategy, and tech giant Huawei released a commercial solution for high-speed L3 autonomous driving. These innovations have enhanced the performance and market competitiveness of Chinese NEVs, and accelerated the sector’s transition toward sustainable, high-quality development.

Beyond the NEV sector, Chinese enterprises exhibit remarkable adaptability in the face of challenges. From the DeepSeek large model to humanoid robots, cutting-edge technologies are becoming part of Chinese people’s daily lives. With R&D expenditure accounting for nearly 2.7 percent of GDP, surpassing the EU average, China’s innovation foundation bolsters the confidence of Chinese businesses to navigate challenges and shape future industries.

Such vitality is reinforced by a sound industrial ecosystem.

A strong and secure industrial system underpins economic development. China has developed a comprehensive NEV industrial chain, encompassing raw materials, battery production, vehicle assembly, and charging and swapping infrastructure. At a facility of Chinese vehicle manufacturer Seres Group in Chongqing, a new vehicle rolls off the production line every 30 seconds, a testament to the high degree of synergy and operational efficiency across the supply chain.

With its 41 major industrial categories, 207 intermediate categories, and 666 small categories, China is the only country in the world to encompass all industrial categories in the United Nations Industrial Classification. This clustering advantage enhances the resilience, adaptability, and global competitiveness of China’s industrial chains. It is also a structural strength that equips the country to better withstand external shocks.

The transformation of the NEV industry from niche to mainstream represents not only the upgrading of consumer preferences but also the evolution of supply-side capabilities and the continuous refinement of industrial ecosystems. This trajectory vividly illustrates China’s broader economic story – defined by innovation, resilience, and high-quality development.

By Wu Yuehui, Liu Jiaru

From Earth, only the moon’s near side is visible, marked by expansive dark plains (maria) and dense impact craters. Its far side, perpetually hidden due to tidal locking, long remained largely unexplored. This scientific enigma is now being systematically addressed.

In June 2024, China’s Chang’e‑6 lunar probe brought back samples collected from the moon’s far side for the first time in human history. Four studies on the lunar samples from the research teams from China’s Institute of Geology and Geophysics, China’s National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing University, and other institutions were recently published in the latest issue of Nature.

The moon’s two hemispheres exhibit striking differences: the near side features relatively flat volcanic maria, while the far side is dominated by rugged highlands with thinner basaltic coverage and a thicker crust. What explains this striking dichotomy?

“The samples collected by Chang’e‑6 came from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest, deepest and oldest basin on the moon, which provided a rare opportunity to clarify the compositional differences between the near and far sides and to unravel the long-standing mystery of their asymmetry,” explained Wu Fuyuan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The Chang’e-6 samples exhibit unexpected physical properties compared to Chang’e‑5 samples. “The Chang’e‑5 samples are jet-black and nearly pure basalt, while the Chang’e‑6 samples are lighter and even whitish, due to the presence of abundant highland material composed of white anorthosite,” Wu elaborated.

Unlike the electrostatically active Chang’e‑5 soil, the Chang’e‑6 samples are unexpectedly “well‑behaved,” showing no notable static. Where Chang’e‑5 soil collapses readily like dry sand, Chang’e‑6 soil maintains cohesion on steep slopes.

Researchers attribute these characteristics to particle morphology and interparticle adhesion – an intriguing physical puzzle with direct implications for future lunar base construction, including the potential to fabricate “lunar bricks” using lunar soil.

The lunar mantle, located between the crust and core, approximately 60-1,000 kilometers beneath the lunar surface, holds critical evidence regarding the Moon’s formation, magmatic evolution, and resource distribution. 

According to prevailing theories, the moon formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago when a Mars-sized celestial body collided with the early Earth, ejecting material that eventually coalesced into the moon. The immense heat from this event likely left the mantle depleted of water, said Hu Sen, a research fellow with China’s Institute of Geology and Geophysics. 

However, in the past two decades, debate has persisted within the academic community over whether the lunar mantle is truly dry.

To investigate, researchers analyzed basaltic fragments collected by Chang’e‑6 to assess the water content in the mantle source region. “During lunar evolution, assessing the melting of the mantle gave rise to basalts on the surface. By examining these basalts, we can probe the secrets of the lunar mantle,” Hu said.

The findings indicate that the mantle source region of the Chang’e‑6 basalts is extremely dry – containing only 1-1.5 micrograms of water per gram – marking the lowest value ever recorded. This is significantly drier than the mantle beneath the near side, potentially a result of the ancient impact that formed the Aitken Basin and altered the local mantle’s water content.

Nature’s peer reviewers highlighted this as the first direct measurement of water in the far-side lunar mantle, a milestone achievement in lunar science.

In addition to this breakthrough, the research team has also made advances in understanding volcanic activity and ancient lunar magnetic fields on the moon’s far side. With ongoing studies of Chang’e‑6 samples, further discoveries are expected. These precious materials from the far side of the moon will continue to shed light on the evolutionary mysteries of the moon and the broader questions about the formation and dynamics of terrestrial planets.