Eighth CIIE sets new records in exhibition area, number of participating enterprises

By Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) will convene in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. This year’s event will bring together 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, featuring 4,108 overseas enterprises and covering an exhibition area of more than 430,000 square meters – a new record high for both scale and participation. 

Amid profound global economic shifts, the CIIE underscores China’s commitment to stabilizing international trade.

Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping noted that China has maintained its position as the world’s second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the country’s total imports of goods and services are expected to exceed $15 trillion. 

The first seven editions of the CIIE have together generated intended deals worth more than $500 billion, helping enterprises from around the world navigate global market fluctuations and share in the vast opportunities of China’s super-sized market.

This year’s CIIE will feature four distinct highlights.

Commitment to opening-up

The Ministry of Commerce will launch a new initiative under the theme of “Shared Market, Export Opportunities in China,” accompanied by a ceremony inaugurating related events. The China Pavilion at the 8th CIIE will showcase the country’s latest achievements in deepening reform and advancing high-standard opening-up during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. The Hongqiao International Economic Forum will release The World Openness Report 2025 and the latest World Openness Index.

Showcasing Frontier Innovations 

The expo will debut 461 new products, technologies, and services, highlighting frontier industries such as low-altitude economy and humanoid robotics. New themes including the silver economy, ice-and-snow economy, sports economy, and automotive tourism will be featured, along with new platforms for digital and health consumption, helping expand goods and services consumption and foster emerging consumption trends.

Strengthening Global Collaboration 

A record 4,108 enterprises (up from 3,496 in 2024), including 290 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders, will participate across an expanded exhibition area. Over 600 new exhibitors have joined, with 43 trade missions and over 700 sub-delegations attending for procurement negotiations. Registered professional visitors total 449,500.

Inclusive Global Participation

Enterprises from 123 Belt and Road partner countries will participate in the event, up 23.1 percent from last year. A total of 163 companies from the least developed countries will be present, marking a 23.5 percent increase. The African products section has been expanded, with the number of participating African enterprises up by 80 percent year on year. For the first time, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum will host discussions on enhancing economic resilience  and sustainable agricultural development in the Global South.

China–ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 injects new momentum into regional openness, cooperation

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, how can nations foster greater stability in regional and global development? China and ASEAN have delivered a compelling response.

On Oct. 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the two parties signed the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. This achievement not only marks another milestone in their shared commitment to open cooperation but also significantly advances the development of an open world economy at a critical moment.

The agreement represents is a landmark outcome from the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and ASEAN leaders during the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. 

It also represents an important step in implementing the decisions of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which called for expanding high-standard opening up and creating new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. 

The upgraded partnership between the world’s second- and fifth-largest economies is more than a simple sum of figures, it is a meeting of minds.

Since its full implementation in 2010, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area(CAFTA) has continuously evolved to meet the demands of accelerating regional integration. Its progressive upgrades – moving from tariffs reductions on goods to expanded service sector access, and now to deeper alignment of regulations and standards – clearly demonstrate the expanding scope and rising ambition of China-ASEAN economic cooperation. The process fully reflects the two sides’ forward-looking vision and strategic understanding of global trends.

Building CAFTA 3.0 is a crucial step towards creating a super-sized market and fostering a community with a shared future. The economic partnership is exceptionally robust: China and ASEAN have been each other’s largest trading partners for five consecutive years, with total trade reaching nearly $1 trillion in 2024 and cumulative two-way investment exceeding $450 billion as of July this year. These deep economic ties form a powerful foundation for an even closer community with a shared future. 

Under the CAFTA 3.0 framework, both sides will jointly promote the development of emerging industries such as digital and green economies, enhance the alignment of standards and regulations, and advance infrastructure and supply chain connectivity. These measures will drive the region toward deeper economic integration and more sustainable long-term growth.

Businesses anticipate that the agreement’s provisions will significantly enhance the region’s appeal as an investment destination and contribute to building stronger, more resilient supply chains. These high expectations underscore the potential for the upgraded free trade area to unlock new dimensions of China-ASEAN cooperation.

The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 fully demonstrates the two sides’ shared and solemn commitment to upholding multilateralism and free trade. Amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry and rampant protectionism, China and ASEAN are providing certainty through mutually beneficial cooperation in an uncertain world. Their joint resolve to build an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional integrated market and a resilient regional industrial and supply chain system that delivers mutual benefits will unlock significant opportunities for businesses across the region and beyond, inject strong confidence and vitality into global economic growth, and set an example for countries working together to address international economic and trade challenges.

Adhering to openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit is an inherent requirement of Chinese modernization. As of early 2025, China had signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions. 

With China continuing to expand institutional opening up, foster innovation-driven trade growth, broaden two-way investment channels, and work with partners to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the space for mutual benefit and shared success will only continue to grow. 

Looking ahead, China’s steadfast commitment to openness and cooperation will ensure it remains a stabilizer and source of dynamism for the world economy.

Economic globalization is an irreversible trend of history. China will continue to work with all parties to uphold multilateralism and open cooperation, share development opportunities through openness, and pursue win-win outcomes, so as to promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, build an open world economy, and jointly create a brighter future for all humanity

China’s light industry benefits from smart manufacturing, innovation

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

Recently, China unveiled its performance in light industry achieved during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), and three sets of figures stand out.

The number of light industry enterprises reached 136,600 in 2024, growing at an average annual rate of 5.89 percent since 2020. Retail sales of key products totaled 7.93 trillion yuan ($1.12 trillion), accounting for 16.2 percent of China’s total consumer goods retail. Global exports hit $925.4 billion, with 7.17% average annual growth.

“China has consolidated its position as the world’s largest light industrial producer and exporter through sustained scale expansion and enhanced supply chain resilience,” said Zhang Chonghe, head of the China National Light Industry Council.

Intelligent upgrading and green transformation driving growth

At Haier’s refrigerator factory in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province, robotic arms assemble units with precision – producing one refrigerator every 10 seconds. The plant’s 5G-powered industrial internet system coordinates hundreds of components in real-time.

“From raw material intake to AI-driven production scheduling, our entire operation utilizes on-demand mixed-model manufacturing,” said Yin Dongdong, director of manufacturing technology at the plant. “AI visual positioning has reduced labeling errors to near-zero while doubling traditional factory capacity. We now ship approximately 5,000 premium refrigerators daily to global markets.”

This facility exemplifies the sector’s broader digital transition. Throughout the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s light industry has continued to upgrade under the dual drive of intelligent manufacturing and green transformation. 

The industrial internet is now widely adopted, covering more than 60 percent of large-scale enterprises in the sector. Green development has also made significant progress. As of 2024, 1,321 light industry enterprises, including those in home appliances, papermaking, food processing, and battery manufacturing, had been recognized as national-level green factories.

Innovation investment fuels technological breakthroughs

Is yeast only for baking? Not anymore. In an exhibition hall of Angel, a global yeast and biotech company in Yichang, central China’s Hubei province, a display wall catches visitors’ attention: high-sugar yeast for bread, specialized yeast for brewing, yeast extracts for hot pot bases, and even yeast protein powder. With hundreds of products and thousands of specifications, Angel has become a global leader in its field.

Driven by sustained investment in research and development (R&D), the company has entered a fast track of growth. According to Zhao Xiaojun, deputy general manager of Angel, over the past five years, the company’s R&D spending has grown at a compound annual rate of 16 percent, and the company has secured more than 400 authorized invention patents. Innovation is enabling yeast to take on increasingly diverse roles in everyday life, Zhao added.

And the story doesn’t end with the food industry. “During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, technological innovation has become the central driving force of China’s light industry,” noted Zhang. 

“Enterprises have accelerated the establishment of collaborative innovation systems integrating industry, academia, and research, helping the sector move up the global value chain,” Zhang added. 

The results are impressive. As of 2024, China’s light industry had obtained over 1.79 million authorized invention patents, with the number of valid patents rising from 127,000 in 2020 to 214,000 in 2024, an average annual increase of 12.3 percent.

Supply-side innovation, channel upgrading, and open cooperation

In Guangzhou’s district, south China’s Guangdong province, nearly 30 automated production lines at Guangzhou Leonis Machinery Co., Ltd,. efficiently assemble bicycles branded Trinx for export to 70 countries and regions.

“Since we began expanding overseas in 2016, we’ve established localized production bases in several countries, including India,” said Li Liwei, deputy general manager of Trinx’s operations. “For Southeast Asian markets, we’ve developed cost-effective mountain bikes, while for high-end European consumers, we’ve designed intelligent electric-assist models. Our precise product strategy has helped maintain an annual overseas growth rate of more than 20 percent.”

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s light industry has consolidated its market advantage through supply-side innovation, channel upgrades, and greater openness and cooperation. In 2024, the industry accounted for 25.9 percent of China’s total exports, ranking first among all sectors for the fifth consecutive year.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), both opportunities and challenges lie ahead. “China’s light industry will continue to strengthen its capacity for innovation, brand influence, and sustainable development,” Zhang said. 

“By 2030, we aim to cultivate more than 10 globally renowned brands and over 50 regionally distinctive ones, while maintaining our leading global market share for light industrial products,” he added.

Working together to draw a blueprint for Asia-Pacific connectivity

By Ma Fei, People’s Daily

Connectivity remains fundamental to human progress and is central to building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. 

For years, China has actively promoted comprehensive regional integration, aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with partner nations’ development strategies. This collaboration injects new momentum into fostering an open, innovative, and interconnected Asia-Pacific economy grounded in shared interests..

A pivotal moment came in 2014 during the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at Beijing’s Yanqi Lake, where the APEC Connectivity Blueprint 2015-2025 was adopted. This landmark framework established clear direction for regional connectivity cooperation.

Since then, APEC economies have advanced infrastructure development, streamlined cross-border flows of people, goods, capital, and data, and built a multi-tiered connectivity network across the region – achieving significant collective progress.

While APEC members pursue diverse development paths, strengthening regional connectivity remains a unifying goal. 

Carlos Aquino, director of the Center for Asian Studies at the National University of San Marcos in Peru, noted that China’s active promotion of regional cooperation mechanisms and the country’s vision of connectivity, mutual benefit, and open collaboration have gained wide recognition, creating new opportunities for regional economies in areas such as infrastructure, green transition, and digital economy.

China has been a key participant and promoter of Asia-Pacific cooperation, actively aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with other regional and national strategies. This has not only strengthened the region’s economic arteries but also created broader platforms for connectivity. 

This year, China and Vietnam launched a railway cooperation mechanism to achieve full standard-gauge rail connectivity between the two countries, expanding the vision of regional transport integration. A new cold-chain shipping route between Malaysia’s Kuantan Port and China’s Beibu Gulf Port has made two-way logistics more efficient. In Chile, the Route 5 highway operated by a Chinese company runs through the country’s main cherry-producing region, serving as a “sweet road” connecting bilateral trade.

China has also worked to promote policy coordination, regulatory alignment, and institutional innovation, removing barriers to regional cooperation and making the “connectivity of rules” smoother and more efficient. 

At the Youyi Pass, also known as Friendship Pass, on the China-Vietnam border, truck drivers can clear customs within seconds through a streamlined system of pre-registration, self-scanning, and rapid verification – with an average inspection time of less than 15 seconds per vehicle. 

Under a special supervision model launched by Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, fresh fruit from Thailand can reach Guangzhou, Guangdong province in as little as seven hours and Beijing within 30 hours. 

Through the Asia-Pacific Model E-Port Network, the China (Shanghai) International Trade Single Window has established compliant end-to-end data links with other economies, optimizing customs data flows and creating a cross-border clearance channel based on trade, logistics, documentation, and customs data.

Connectivity is not only about infrastructure and trade; it is also about people-to-people ties. China has been actively promoting cultural and social exchanges to strengthen the bonds of friendship across the region. 

The country has expanded its visa-free policy and introduced a series of measures to facilitate foreign visitors. In the first half of this year, 13.64 million foreigners entered China visa-free, a year-on-year increase of 53.9 percent. 

China has strengthened regional cultural ties by hosting the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and establishing Chinese Cultural Centers in countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. Initiatives such as Chinese Film Festival and Happy Chinese New Year celebrations have fostered public understanding and built enduring goodwill, reinforcing the foundations of regional cooperation.

China is an important participant in regional cooperation and economic integration in the Asia-Pacific, a major trading partner for Asia-Pacific economies, and a key link in regional industrial and supply chains. 

In the first three quarters of this year, China’s total import and export value reached 33.61 trillion yuan ($4.73 trillion), up 4 percent year on year, while 48,921 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, an increase of 16.2 percent. 

China’s pursuit of high-level opening up enhances its foreign trade appeal and strengthens its capacity to attract foreign investment, fostering a more open and inclusive industrial and supply chain network across the Asia-Pacific.

Through major platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo, China has turned “supply chains” into “chains of shared success” for international cooperation.

Wichai Kinchong Choi, a business development expert at the leading Thai bank Kasikornbank, said that in today’s uncertain global trade environment, China’s continued commitment to high-level opening up is highly encouraging. It will bring broader market, investment, and growth opportunities to all countries, fostering common development and shared prosperity, he added.

Fostering green innovation to power growth in Asia-Pacific

By Chen Shangwen, People’s Daily

As the latest wave of scientific and technological revolution reshapes global industries, the world economy is accelerating toward digitalization, sustainability, and intelligent development, generating strong momentum for global economic integration. 

As a member of the Asia-Pacific family, China remains committed to ensuring broad access to technological advancements while deepening regional cooperation in green innovation. This approach actively supports higher-quality, more resilient development across the Asia-Pacific region.

At Peru’s Chancay Port, the first smart and green port in South America, giant blue automated gantry cranes move containers with precision, while self-driving trucks shuttle back and forth. In a central control room, the port’s production operation system dispatches tasks to the cranes, rail-mounted gantries, and trucks, directing their automated operations efficiently.

This facility has reduced China-Peru shipping times to 23 days while cutting logistics costs by over 20%, exemplifying how innovation drives connectivity and sustainable growth.

Innovation is a key driving force for Asia-Pacific development. China has been advancing innovation in digital economy, promoting both industrial digitization and digital industrialization. It has put forward a range of cooperation initiatives under APEC, including digital village development, enterprise digital identity, and the use of digital technology to promote green and low-carbon transition. By fostering new quality productive forces, China is propelling international cooperation and injecting fresh impetus into the Asia-Pacific’s transformation toward digital, intelligent, and green development.

As a key production factor in digital economy, data plays an increasingly vital role in innovation and public governance. China has released the Global Cross-border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative, offering constructive ideas for addressing governance challenges in cross-border data flows. The initiative outlines China’s position on promoting global cooperation in this field, advocating the principle of openness, inclusiveness, security, cooperation, and non-discrimination.

In northern Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Dzilam mangrove biosphere reserve, covering more than 690 square kilometers, is home to over 590 species of flora and fauna, including dozens of endangered and protected species. 

Since 2022, a Chinese company, in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the government of Yucatan State, has launched a Tech for Nature digital technology cooperation project. In its first phase, the project collected audio and video data within the reserve and used AI on cloud platforms to analyze and process the information, monitoring biodiversity indicators and providing solid technological support for species protection and ecological research.

In Chile, fleets of Chinese-brand electric buses now operate across the capital, Santiago, offering residents a low-carbon, efficient, and convenient solution of public transport. In Malaysia, Chinese enterprises have helped local automaker Proton turn losses into profits, establishing a complete industrial chain for electric vehicle production and launching full-scale manufacturing.

Through the building of a green Belt and Road, China has continued to deepen cooperation in green infrastructure, green energy, and green transport. It has supported capacity-building efforts in developing countries through a South-South cooperation fund on climate change. China has also put forward a series of APEC cooperation initiatives in areas such as green agriculture, sustainable cities, low-carbon energy transition, and marine pollution control, contributing to the creation of a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific.

China has always placed great importance on strengthening exchanges and cooperation in science, technology, and innovation under the APEC framework. It works to enhance technological capacity, especially in developing economies, ensuring that innovation outcomes better serve people across the region.

In Singapore, a cutting-edge medical institution has adopted an intelligent analysis and follow-up system developed by a Chinese enterprise, reducing the processing time for single imaging cases to just two or three minutes. 

In Brunei, a fatigue monitoring system jointly developed by a Chinese company and Brunei’s Muara Port Company using China’s homegrown BeiDou Navigation Satellite System helps prevent and monitor safety risks during transport, providing early warnings and post-event analysis to improve driver management and operational safety.

“Innovation is the core driving force of APEC development,” said Jeon Byung-seo, director of South Korea’s China Economic and Financial Research Institute. He explained that from building a mutually beneficial Digital Silk Road, to integrating more deeply into global innovation networks, and actively participating in global science and technology governance, China has aligned vision with action, working hand in hand with other countries to build an innovative, sustainable, and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific.

Why China has become a ‘forward-looking nation’

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On Oct. 23, the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded successfully. The international community has closely monitored the session, recognizing the growing global significance of China’s five-year planning framework. 

Worldwide confidence remains high that China will continue to serve as both a stabilizing anchor and a growth engine for the global economy. Many anticipate new opportunities brought by Chinese modernization.

The CPC’s practice of scientifically formulating and implementing five-year plans represents a cornerstone of its governance approach. These plans offer critical insight into China’s modernization path for the international community.

“China is a country that always plans for the long term. It truly is a forward-looking nation,” remarked former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, capturing the widespread admiration for China’s governance wisdom, which combines medium-term planning with century-long aspirations.

China’s transformative development – a historic achievement reshaping human progress – stems significantly from its disciplined execution of five-year plans. These frameworks leverage the strengths of China’s socialist system, enabling coordinated national implementation and policy continuity under a unified blueprint.

Since the launch of the first Five-Year Plan in 1953, China has transformed from an impoverished agrarian country into the world’s largest manufacturing hub and the second-largest economy. As the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) concludes this year, this trajectory exemplifies how sequential five-year plan – combining long-term vision with practical implementation – have systematically advanced China’s modernization. Globally, these plans are recognized as valuable frameworks for nations studying China’s development model.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China navigated volatile international conditions and domestic reforms while mitigating major risks. It converted high-quality development into stabilizing force against global uncertainty. 

China’s economy is expected to grow 35 trillion yuan ($4.93 trillion) in total during the five years, with per capita GDP exceeding $13,000 for two consecutive years, placing the country among upper-middle-income countries. China has remained the world’s top manufacturing nation for 15 straight years and contributed around 30 percent of global economic growth annually. 

Amid today’s crossroads of global instability, China sustains focus on its developmental priorities. By aligning national rejuvenation goals with emerging global dynamics, it provides growing certainty through consistent governance.

The Recommendations of the Central Committee of the CPC for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, lays out the top-level design and strategic blueprint for the next five years. It marks another comprehensive mobilization and deployment to build on the momentum and carry forward the cause of Chinese modernization. The document combines strategic foresight with a pragmatic, problem-oriented approach, providing clear direction for China’s future development and reinforcing global confidence in China’s prospects.

Observers worldwide called the plenary session a meeting that will shape global markets over the next five years, saying such institutional arrangements enable China to advance national development efficiently and achieve long-term goals. They believe China is poised to create more development opportunities and offer valuable solutions for the world.

These views reflect a shared understanding that China, committed to sharing opportunities and pursuing common development with all countries, is increasingly seen as an “oasis of certainty” in a turbulent world, continuing to contribute to global stability, cooperation, and progress.

Socialist modernization can only be realized through a historical process of gradual and ongoing development. The period covered by the 15th Five-Year Plan will be critical in this process as China works to reinforce the foundations and push ahead on all fronts toward basically realizing socialist modernization. 

Through strategic resolve and historical initiative, China aims to advance national rejuvenation while creating broader avenues for global peace and win-win cooperation.

BAVCCA Visits FCT Chief Judge, Seeks Collaboration to Promote Ethical Online Reporting

The leadership of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association of Nigeria (BAVCCA), on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, where discussions centered on strengthening collaboration between the judiciary and the digital media community.

Speaking during the visit, BAVCCA President, Mr. Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said the association represents a nationwide network of over 5,000 professional bloggers, vloggers, and digital content creators dedicated to promoting ethical online practices and digital accountability in Nigeria.

He stated that the visit was aimed at fostering mutual understanding and partnership between the judiciary and the digital media sector, noting that both institutions play vital roles in promoting justice, transparency, and public enlightenment.

“Your Lordship, our visit today is to pay our respects to the judiciary, seek partnership for responsible online reportage, and establish a framework for collaboration in public education, legal awareness, and digital justice literacy,” Chukwunyere said.

The BAVCCA President emphasized the association’s commitment to promoting responsible online behavior among digital creators, adding that the group is already working on a Digital Responsibility and Judicial Awareness Campaign targeted at educating over 10 million social media users on ethical content creation and respect for judicial processes.

He appealed to the Chief Judge to partner with the association as a patron in the campaign and to support BAVCCA’s proposed “Judiciary and the Digital Media Conference” scheduled for early 2026.

Mr. Chukwunyere also commended the FCT Judiciary for its swift justice delivery, digital court reforms, and continued efforts in maintaining the integrity and accessibility of the justice system under Justice Baba-Yusuf’s leadership.

“We have watched with admiration how Your Lordship continues to uphold the dignity of the Bench amidst growing societal pressures. The reforms you are introducing not only modernize the justice system but also open opportunities for accurate and transparent digital reporting,” he added.

In his response, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf welcomed the BAVCCA delegation and congratulated the association’s executive members on their election, noting that their emergence was a reflection of trust, character, and competence.

The Chief Judge commended the association for organizing themselves into a structured professional body to check the excesses of online media practitioners, describing the initiative as a step toward ensuring credibility and discipline within the digital space.

He encouraged the leadership to guide their members responsibly and focus on building the association’s reputation as a partner in nation-building.

“You have a very critical role to play in shaping public opinion. Lead rightly, promote truth, and ensure that your platforms contribute positively to the growth of our democracy,” Justice Baba-Yusuf advised.

The Chief Judge also expressed willingness to co-host the proposed “Judiciary and Digital Media” conference with BAVCCA in early 2026, aimed at deepening dialogue between judges, lawyers, and digital content creators on the evolving relationship between law and media technology.

The courtesy visit ended with group photographs between the BAVCCA leadership and the Chief Judge, symbolizing the beginning of a strategic partnership between the Bench and the Blogosphere in advancing ethical digital communication in Nigeria.

NAPTIP Launches Manhunt for Suspect in Brutal Spousal Battery Case

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched a manhunt for one Mr. Alabi Uche Sylvanus, accused of violently assaulting his spouse in Abuja, inflicting injuries described as life-threatening.

The victim, whose identity was not disclosed, was rushed to a hospital in the Gudu District where she underwent emergency surgery. NAPTIP operatives were said to have been present throughout the procedure to monitor her condition and secure necessary evidence.

Following the attack, a NAPTIP Rapid Response team proceeded to the suspect’s residence in Jabi to effect an arrest. However, the operatives were allegedly prevented from gaining access by a retired military officer identified as General Azi (rtd), who reportedly insisted the case was a “private family matter.” The agency claims the officer subsequently facilitated the suspect’s escape to an undisclosed location.

In reaction, NAPTIP has raised an inter-agency alert and notified the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, and relevant military authorities to track and apprehend the suspect. The suspect’s international passport has also been flagged to prevent any attempt to leave the country.

The Head of NAPTIP’s Rapid Response Unit, Dr. Emeh Magnus, confirmed that a report has been filed with the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff over the alleged obstruction by the retired officer.

NAPTIP reiterated that domestic violence is a criminal offense under Nigerian law and warned that all parties involved in aiding the suspect will also be investigated.

We remain committed to ensuring justice for victims of domestic violence. This case will be pursued to its lawful conclusion,” the agency stated.

However, the victim is reported to be in stable condition and under close medical observation.

China, United States can achieve mutual success, shared prosperity

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

On Oct. 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea. The two heads of state held in-depth discussions on strategic and long-term issues concerning China-U.S. relations, as well as major topics of shared interest. 

Both sides agreed to maintain interactions on a regular basis, enhance cooperation in economic, trade, energy and other fields and encourage more people-to-people exchanges. 

The international community has followed this meeting closely, viewing it as a positive signal to the world. It is believed that this meeting has provided new guidance and fresh impetus for the stable development of China-U.S. relations, and injected valuable certainty into a world undergoing turbulence and transformation.

Head-of-state diplomacy is the compass and anchor of China-U.S. relations, playing an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance for the relationship. Xi and Trump have maintained long-term interactions and mutual respect, which has become the most valuable strategic asset in China-U.S. relations.

Since the beginning of this year, the two presidents have maintained close engagement through three direct phone calls. When challenges arise in China-U.S. relations, such high-level communication enables both nations to transcend immediate differences, prevent misunderstandings and steady the bilateral relationship – safeguarding the relationship’s overall stability and positive trajectory.

This year witnessed complex developments in bilateral economic ties. Guided by the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, the two sides’ economic and trade teams conducted five rounds of consultations, successfully establishing frameworks for issue resolution. 

During this latest meeting, the two presidents held substantive discussions on trade relations and committed to enhanced cooperation. The relevant understandings and arrangements reached by the two teams during the Kuala Lumpur consultations have served as a “stabilizer” for both the Chinese and U.S. economies, as well as the world economy. 

This progress demonstrates that as long as both sides fully and faithfully implement the important consensus reached by the two presidents, and continue discussions in the spirit of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, they can continuously shorten the list of problems and lengthen the list of cooperation, and ensure that economic and trade ties remain the ballast and engine of China-U.S. relations.

China and the United States should be partners and friends. That is what history has taught us and what reality needs. Given different national conditions, it is normal for the two countries to have frictions. What matters most is how to view and handle them properly. Both sides should focus on the bigger picture and the long-term benefits of cooperation.

At present, there is a good momentum in China’s economic development. In the first three quarters of this year, the country’s GDP grew by 5.2 percent, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality. For more than seven decades, China has been working from generation to generation on the same blueprint to make it a reality. It has no intention to challenge or supplant anyone. Its focus has always been on managing its own affairs well, improving itself, and sharing development opportunities with all countries across the world. And that is an important secret to China’s success, which is in no way at odds with the United States’ aspiration to “make America great again.”

At its fourth plenary session, the 20th CPC Central Committee deliberated over and adopted the recommendations for the economic and social development plan over the next five years, which has drawn broad international attention and positive responses. China will further deepen reform across the board, expand opening up, and promote higher-quality economic growth while achieving an appropriate increase in economic output. This will also expand the space for cooperation between China and the United States.

As long as the two sides uphold mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, China and the United States can achieve mutual success and shared prosperity.

The current international landscape is marked by transformation and turbulence. The world once again stands at a crossroads. As two major countries with global influence, China and the United States shoulder special responsibilities. Their positive interactions in regional and global affairs are key to addressing the many global challenges that continue to emerge. 

There is good potential for the two countries to work together on combating illegal immigration and telecom fraud, anti-money laundering, artificial intelligence, and responding to infectious diseases. Through cooperation under both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, China and the United States can accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of the two countries and the whole world, and demonstrate the shared sense of responsibility as major countries.

China will host APEC 2026, and the U.S. the G20 summit next year. The two sides can support each other in making both summits productive to promote world economic growth and improve global economic governance.

A stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship serves the long-term interests of both countries and meets the common expectations of the international community. The Busan meeting between the two heads of state once again proved that the common interests between China and the United States far outweigh their differences, and that cooperation is the only right choice for both sides. 

The lessons of history, the needs of reality, and the call of the future all point to the same conclusion that the planet is broad enough to accommodate both China and the United States. The two countries can be partners and friends. 

China hopes that both sides will work together to earnestly implement the consensus reached at the Busan meeting, enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and build a more solid foundation for China-U.S. relations, so as to bring greater benefits to both peoples and contribute more to the world.

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

China’s ‘innovation boom’ brings more opportunities

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) called for achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology and steering the development of new quality productive forces. 

This major decision reflects a profound understanding of the essence and laws of innovation and demonstrates the CPC’s strategic resolve to shape new advantages in development through science and technology. 

It will not only inject strong momentum into advancing Chinese modernization, but also bring new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the rest of the world.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China has made solid strides in innovation-led development. In 2024, the country’s total research and investment (R&D) investment exceeded 3.6 trillion yuan ($506.28 billion), up 48 percent from 2020. China’s overall national innovation capacity rose from 14th to 10th place in the global ranking. Emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, new energy, and biotechnology are rising rapidly, forming new drivers of economic growth. 

From Shenzhou spacecraft soaring into space and the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope exploring the universe, to the domestically produced C919 passenger jet and China’s first large cruise ship entering commercial operation, these milestones testify to the country’s steady march toward self-reliance and strength in science and technology. 

As Portuguese Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida observed, China’s remarkable achievements in innovation have made it a vital force in driving global scientific and technological progress.

A nation thrives when its science and technology thrive, and a robust science and technology sector is the cornerstone of a strong nation. Chinese modernization must be supported by the modernization of the country’s science and technology. 

One of the main goals of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development is to significantly enhance self-reliance and strength in science and technology, achieve rapid breakthroughs in key and core technologies in crucial areas, and deepen the integration of scientific and industrial innovation. Strengthening development advantages through innovation is a strategic choice China has made with an eye on the big picture and the future.

In the midst of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, whoever takes the lead in innovation will seize the initiative in development. Over the next five years, China will advance its initiatives to build strength in education, science and technology, and talent in a coordinated way, enhance the overall effectiveness of the national innovation system, boost its capacity for independent innovation, and capture the commanding heights of technological advancement to continuously foster new quality productive forces. 

The systematic planning and clear roadmap for innovation have strengthened global confidence in China’s development prospects. As UN Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder noted, China’s innovation is not just about breakthroughs in specific areas; it represents a comprehensive momentum that has entered an “innovation boom period,” reshaping the global scientific and technological landscape.

Sci-tech innovation is a vital force for humanity to address risks and challenges and promote peace and development. China has always worked to ensure that scientific and technological progress benefits all humankind, contributing wisdom and strength to addressing global challenges. The country has established science and technology cooperation relations with over 160 countries and regions, signed 119 intergovernmental science and technology cooperation agreements, proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative, issued the International Science and Technology Cooperation Initiative, and launched the Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science. China’s growing role in global science and technology governance is widely recognized.

Chinese enterprises are also advancing open and shared innovation. AI company DeepSeek is committed to open-source approaches, while leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has made its core technologies available for industry-wide sharing. In pursuing technological breakthroughs, Chinese enterprises are simultaneously promoting the mutual benefit and sharing of innovative achievements, empowering inclusive development worldwide. As China accelerates its pace of innovation, it is also fostering a globally competitive, open environment for scientific and technological innovation, promoting international cooperation at a higher level, and ensuring that the fruits of innovation benefit more countries and peoples.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will continue to illuminate its path of development with the light of innovation, pursue international cooperation in science and technology with greater openness, and contribute even more to human progress.