Nigeria Times

By Wu Yue, Ding Yasong, People’s Daily

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advances, it is reshaping educational tools and methodologies across China. AI is being put to practical use in practical teaching, learning, administrative processes, assessment, and research, playing an increasingly important role in both student development and broader education reform.

At Tsinghua University, AI-powered “learning companions” support more than 220 pilot courses spanning multiple disciplines. For Yuan Bingjie, a chemical engineering student, this innovation enables flexible review of materials and practice exercises anytime. After class, Yuan would always log onto an online platform for the chemical thermodynamics course and interact with the AI assistant.

“Having 24/7 access to the AI teaching lets me learn at my own pace,” Yuan said. 

When revisiting the topic of chemical equilibrium, he simply requested practice problems; the system immediately generated tailored exercises with foldable answer to encourage independent problem-solving. This responsive tool has become an integral to his self-directed learning.

In the same course, professor Lu Diannan assigned students to pose questions to a large language model and critically evaluate its responses using the concepts they’ve learned. He believes this exercise cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “It’s about teaching students to harness AI, not be controlled by it,” said Lu.

In the previous semester, students attending the chemical thermodynamics course spent over 8 hours on average interacting with the AI assistant – “equivalent to a one-on-one eight-hour tutoring session with each student,” Lu noted. AI is enabling more personalized learning experiences and fostering a new dynamic of interaction among teachers, students, and intelligent tools.

Across China, many schools are adopting AI to provide students with real-time, interactive, and personalized support, reigniting students’ passion for learning. At the Open University of China, for example, students use an AI-powered English platform to practice speaking and receive feedback on writing. Sichuan University has developed a smart medical training platform where students conduct simulated consultations with AI-based virtual patients.

AI is also proving to be a valuable ally for teachers, helping them prepare lessons more efficiently, improve instructional quality, enhance professional development, and lighten administrative burdens.

At Xiamen Shuangshi High School in southeast China’s Fujian province, physics teachers used AI to generate dynamic simulations. When creating a bullett-woodblock collision demonstration, the system generated the relevant code that rendered working animations in graphics software – significantly reducing preparation time..

At Gulin Township Junior High School in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang province, an AI-powered grading machine has been adopted. Teachers submit assignments into the machine, which identifies common errors, frequently missed questions, and individual student performance at a glance. This not only reduces grading time but also gives teachers more bandwidth to tailor lesson plans and offer targeted support.

In 2018 and 2021, China’s Ministry of Education launched two rounds of pilot programs promoting AI-assisted teacher development in 103 cities, counties, and universities. By the end of 2024, these programs had provided AI literacy training for over 2.97 million teachers and resulted in the development of more than 700 AI tools designed to support teaching, research, and professional learning.

Local governments and educational institutions across China the integration of AI and big data to enhance evidence-based education evaluation and policy decisions. For example, Baotou in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region has built an education big data analytics platform capable of comprehensive assessment of teacher demographics, institutional comparisons, and identification of high-potential educators. This system provides real-time analysis of staffing gaps – pinpointing specific schools and subjects experiencing teacher shortages.

Similarly, Fuyang District in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, collaborated with universities to develop a Teacher Resource Balance Index Model. This tool identifies staffing disparities and informs strategies for equitable teacher recruitment and allocation.

According to an official with the Ministry of Education’s department of science, technology and informatization, the next step will be to fully integrate AI across the education system, supporting data-driven management, evidence-based policy-making, and more convenient public services while optimizing the distribution of educational resources. 

Education experts underscore that AI’s role is not to replace teachers, but to empower them, allowing educators to focus on more creative, high-value work such as designing interdisciplinary projects and building imaginative learning environments. As digital literacy becomes increasingly essential, AI can help ensure every student achieves comprehensive, individualized development.

By People’s Daily

China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.3 percent year on year in the first half of 2025, an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared to both the same period in 2024 and the entirety of 2024, according to data from the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics.

International observers note China’s resilience in navigating external pressures while sustaining stable economic momentum. They emphasize the country’s progress in high-quality development and its growing contribution to global economy stability.

“Amid a complex and volatile international environment, particularly marked by rapid shifts and intensified external pressures since the second quarter, China’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience and internal dynamism,” said Mario Estrela, president of Brazil-China Business and Cultural Development Cooperation Association. 

He emphasized China’s consistent progress in technological innovation and green transition, noting that the country’s super-large market continues to unleash potential, generating substantial opportunities for global economic growth.

Prominent international financial institutions, including Citibank, UBS, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase, have recently raised their growth forecasts for the Chinese economy in 2025. They believe that China’s development momentum will continue to strengthen, with positive trends expected to continue into the second half of the year.

“China’s steady growth stems from its strategy of developing new quality productive forces tailored to regional strengths, said Mohammed Sadiq, a researcher at the Center for Research and Knowledge Interommunication in Saudi Arabia. “This accelerates new industries, technologies, and business models – advancing China’s high-quality development while offering valuable insights forGlobal South countries.”

In the first half of this year, Chinese domestic demand rebounded, with upgraded consumption categories performing well. China’s retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country’s consumption strength, expanded by 5 percent year on year. Industrial production exhibited accelerated growth, propelled significantly by robust output in equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing. The added value of China’s high-tech manufacturing rose by 9.5 percent.

“China has made remarkable progress in the digital economy, smart manufacturing, and green transformation. In areas like artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and humanoid robotics, China stands as a global pioneer,” said Eddy Sanchez Iglesias, director of the Foundation of Marxist Research in Spain. 

He noted China’s commitment to bolstering technological innovation, promoting talent development, and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. This systemic approach facilitates a structural transition from factor-driven to innovation-driven growth, fostering a favorable ecosystem for high-quality development and offering new paths for global digital transformation, Iglesias said.

According to the Global Innovation Index 2024 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China moved up to 11th place globally in the ranking of the world’s most innovative economies, making it one of the fastest risers over the past decade.

At the same time, China continues to uphold true multilateralism, promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, actively participate in global economic governance, and strive to build an open world economy.

“While pursuing its own high-quality development, China consistently seeks to share opportunities with other Global South countries,” said Paul Frimpong, executive director and senior research fellow of the Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory, a Ghana-based think tank. 

He noted that China has granted zero-tariff treatment to all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including 33 African nations, on 100 percent of their products. In addition, the country is expanding high-level opening up through international cooperation platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the China International Supply Chain Expo, and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, injecting new impetus to global economic cooperation and trade.

“In the first five months of this year, over 24,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were established on the Chinese mainland, representing year-on-year growth of more than 10 percent. This shows that China remains an ideal, safe, and promising destination for foreign investment,” said Iglesias. 

He added that more and more Spanish companies, especially those in high-tech, green energy, and agri-food sectors, are seeking deeper engagement with the Chinese market as the country advances high-level opening up.

This year marked the third anniversary of the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. In May, negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area were formally concluded. 

“China is continuously strengthening its economic and trade relations with both regional and global partners,” said Tang Zhimin, director of China ASEAN Studies at the Bangkok-based Panyapiwat Institute of Management. 

He noted that backed by solid fundamentals, strong resilience, and robust momentum, China’s commitment to high-level opening up is yielding tangible results: In the first half of 2025, China’s trade with ASEAN grew by 9.6 percent, while trade with Belt and Road partner countries rose by 4.7 percent. Trade with the EU, Japan, and South Korea also registered growth. China continues to serve as a stabilizer in global trade, Tang added.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On July 15, China released its economic performance data for the first half of 2025, reporting a GDP growth of 5.3 percent. This performance highlights the country’s steady economic momentum and strong resilience amid external challenges.

A defining feature of this progress is the rapid emergence of new growth drivers. Regions nationwide have intensified efforts to integrate technological and industrial innovation, developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions. These emerging forces are propelling China’s high-quality development.

Technological innovation – a core element in developing new quality productive forces – is a key engine for cultivating new industries, business models, and growth drivers. In recent years, China has vigorously pursued an innovation-driven development strategy, steadily enhancing its scientific and technological self-reliance. The country has now entered the ranks of innovation-driven economies, moving up from 34th in 2012 to 11th in 2024 in the Global Innovation Index.

From robot-assisted marathons to drone spectacles and ubiquitous AI uses like DeepSeek, technological innovation now permeates Chinese society. These advances demonstrate technology’s profound role in reshaping the nation’s economic and social landscape. 

In 2024, the added value of the country’s new industries, new business formats and new business models accounted for 18 percent of the total GDP. As of June this year, the number of valid domestic invention patents had reached 5.01 million, an increase of 13.2 percent year on year.

This surge reflects a solid foundation in research and development (R&D). China’s R&D expenditure reached nearly 2.7 percent of GDP, higher than the EU average and approaching the OECD average. The country leads the world in total R&D personnel and science and technology professionals, and it boasts the largest number of top 100 innovation clusters globally, with more than 460,000 high-tech companies.

This rich ecosystem of innovation is generating a continuous stream of transformative outcomes, laying the groundwork for the development of new quality productive forces. As Jeremy Jurgens, managing director of the World Economic Forum, noted, China’s strong research institutions and abundant technological talent are key enablers of its innovation capacity.

China is also intensifying efforts to translate innovation into tangible economic gains by closely aligning technological innovation with industrial upgrading. Through revitalizing traditional sectors, fostering emerging industries, and investing in future industries, the country is generating new engines of high-quality development. 

In the first half of this year, the value-added industrial output in high-tech manufacturing rose 9.5 percent year on year. From January to May, revenues of major enterprises in strategic emerging services grew by nearly 10 percent. China’s core digital economy industries now contribute approximately 10 percent of GDP, a share on par with that of advanced economies. 

At the same time, China’s green development is becoming more efficient and impactful, reinforcing its global leadership in green transition. In response to rising global demand, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are scaling up the supply of green products. In the first half of the year, exports of lithium-ion batteries and wind turbines rose by more than 20 percent.

International cooperation opportunities are also expanding alongside these developments. With China’s technological breakthroughs and large-scale application of renewable energy, global costs for wind and solar power have dropped by over 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, over the past decade. China leads in generative AI development with over 38,000 patents filed from 2014 to 2023 – the world’s highest – significantly advancing global AI capabilities. 

China is also rapidly expanding its footprint in the robotics industry. It became the world’s second-largest exporter of industrial robots in 2024, and exports surged another 61.5 percent in the first half of this year. From cooking and cleaning to serving and entertainment, intelligent robots are increasingly enhancing the quality of life for consumers worldwide.

Bolstered by China’s innovation ecosystem and business-friendly environment, multinationals are expanding their presence in the country. Schneider Electric has established a new innovation center in Beijing; Siemens Healthineers has broken ground on a new research, development and manufacturing base in Shenzhen; Airbus is deepening its cooperation with Chinese partners to promote sustainable aviation. China invites global businesses to invest, innovate, and thrive within its market – not only to seize opportunities in China, but also to share the dividends of global collaboration.

Partnership with China unlocks significant potential. The new quality productive forces emerging in China represent the future of advanced productivity. As China continues to push forward with innovation-driven development, it is poised to contribute even more energy and momentum to global development.

By Liu Zhiqiang, People’s Daily

Despite a complex international landscape and mounting challenges, China maintained steady economic growth in the first half of 2025, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics at a press conference held by China’s State Council Information Office on July 15.

“This is a hard-won achievement, especially given the sharp changes in the international environment and increased external pressures since the second quarter,” Shen added. She explained that the performance highlights China’s economic resilience and should keep China on track to achieve its full-year growth target.

According to preliminary calculations, China’s GDP reached around 66.05 trillion yuan (about $9.19 trillion) in the first six months of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.3 percent, 0.3 percentage points higher than the growth rate for both the same period last year and for the entirety of 2024.

The job market remained generally stable, consumer prices were basically flat, and the country has kept a basic balance of international payment. In goods trade, total imports and exports hit a record high for the same period, and foreign exchange reserves remained above $3.2 trillion.

Regions nationwide have intensified efforts to integrate technological and industrial innovation. Emerging sectors, new business models, and advanced technologies maintained rapid growth. Investment in innovation remains vigorous, with research and development expenditure approaching 2.7 percent of GDP, higher than the EU average and nearing the OECD average. 

As of June this year, the number of valid Chinese domestic invention patents had reached 5.01 million, an increase of 13.2 percent year on year, according to Shen, while ownership of high-value invention patents per 10,000 people had reached 15.3.

Emerging sectors saw robust growth, with value-added industrial output in high-tech manufacturing rising by 9.5 percent in the first half of the year. In the January-May period, revenue from strategic emerging service industries grew by nearly 10 percent. The application of innovation outcomes and industrial integration propelled the development of high-tech sectors.

China’s digital economy also expanded at a fast pace. Artificial intelligence, digital industrialization and industrial digitization have advanced rapidly. The value-added output of core digital economy industries reached about 10 percent of the total GDP, a competitive level even among developed economies.

China’s green transition is also accelerating. In the first half of the year, production of new energy vehicles and lithium-ion batteries for automobiles increased by 36.2 percent and 53.3 percent, respectively. Green industries sustained strong momentum as nationwide efforts continued to upgrade traditional sectors.

“In response to external challenges, China has made boosting domestic demand a key priority, implementing a range of measures to stimulate consumption, boost production, and ensure smooth flows of goods and capital,” Shen said.

These efforts are yielding positive effects: freight turnover rose 5.1 percent and passenger turnover 4.9 percent year on year. The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 8.3 percent year on year at the end of June.

Stimulated by policies promoting consumption and domestic demand, China’s consumer market has become more active. In the first half of 2025, domestic demand contributed 68.8 percent to GDP growth during the period, with final consumption expenditure accounting for 52 percent, making it the main driver of growth.

Inbound tourism and retail have both picked up sharply, boosted by the country’s expanded visa-free policies. “China Travel” and “shopping in China” are becoming increasingly popular among international travelers, further invigorating China’s domestic consumption.

Addressing the outlook for the second half of the year, Sheng acknowledged lingering external uncertainties and domestic structural adjustments but affirmed solid underpinnings for sustained economic growth.

China is experiencing a crucial phase of consumption upgrading, with per capita GDP remaining above $13,000 for two consecutive years. Sheng highlighted substantial development potential in tourism, healthcare, and senior care services, underpinned by the vast domestic market with a population of over 1.4 billion.

The services sector is increasingly supporting growth. In the first half of 2025, the value added by the services sector accounted for 59.1 percent of GDP, contributing more than 60 percent to total H1 growth. The sector’s business activity index has remained above 50 percent for consecutive months this year, indicating stable expansion momentum.

Export indicators also show positive trends. China has pursued a diversified trade strategy, reducing dependence on any single market to below 10 percent.

“Proactive macroeconomic policies rolled out since the start of the year have stabilized the economy and built momentum,” Sheng concluded. “With additional policy measures forthcoming in the second half, we’re confident that the economy will maintain its steady upward trajectory.”

By Wu Qiuyu, People’s Daily

Despite rising challenges and external uncertainties, China achieved steady economic growth in the first half of the year and is actively taking steps to maintain stability and sustain growth momentum in the months ahead.

Among the many figures, the 7.2 percent year-on-year growth in exports stands out, highlighting the resilience of the Chinese economy and drawing admiration from international observers.

This robust growth is underpinned by China’s complete industrial system and the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, essentially reflecting its ability of meeting global demand with high-quality supply.

A case in point: In the first half of the year, China’s high-tech exports maintained robust growth, rising 9.2 percent year on year, marking nine consecutive months of increase. Notably, exports of high-end machine tools, ships, and marine engineering equipment recorded increases of over 20 percent.

Navigating a volatile global environment over the past six months has been challenging for the Chinese economy. Yet both enterprises and the government have demonstrated remarkable composure and steadiness amid uncertainty.

Calm, poised, confidently charting its course through turbulence – this defines China today.

Years of high-quality development have demonstrated that by focusing on managing its own affairs and firmly expanding opening up, China’s economy can maintain stability and direction regardless of external headwinds.

Steadfast enterprises

“Don’t overthink the difficulties; focus on progress, step by step.” 

“Challenges are inherent to business. When have they ever been absent?”

These remarks from Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of China’s tech giant Huawei, in a recent interview with People’s Daily, capture the prevailing mindset among Chinese businesses. Even during the second quarter, when the global situation shifted rapidly and external pressures intensified, Chinese companies stood firm. In fact, adversity seems only to strengthen their resolve and resilience.

This collective composure is exemplified in Yiwu, Zhejiang province – widely regarded as a bellwether of China’s foreign trade. “Amid turbulence, maintaining steadiness is crucial – especially during stagnation,” said Lyu Chengjun, who has been selling weighing scales at Yiwu International Trade Market, the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities, for 23 years. His perspective remained unshaken even when facing overseas order cancellations.

“Everyone maintains composure, trusting the storm will give way to sunshine,” Lyu said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Yiwu merchants. Rather than passively awaiting external improvement, they proactively enhance their capabilities, focusing on innovation, quality upgrades, brand building, and expanding their international networks.

As the fundamental units of economic activity, countless businesses across China are forging new paths for high-quality development with determination, perseverance, and unwavering composure.

Composed governance

Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, exemplifies government steadiness. Its exports reached 2.81 trillion yuan ($391.48 billion), up 14.6 percent, ranking first among Chinese mainland cities for the 32nd consecutive year. However, from January to May this year, the city’s exports declined by 8.6 percent. Meanwhile, neighboring Dongguan saw its total foreign trade rise by 17.4 percent during the same period, with exports growing 11.2 percent – a notable turnaround from its 3.4 percent decline during the same period last year.

Despite these fluctuations, both Shenzhen and Dongguan have responded with composure. The local governments have continued to implement pragmatic measures to support businesses, stabilize trade, and create a favorable environment for development. The consistent focus amid short-term volatility reflects deep confidence in long-term, high-quality growth.

Economic development invariably progresses in ebbs and flows. China’s approach centers on navigating uncertainties through sustained self-development and an unwavering commitment to managing its own affairs effectively.

The 7.2 percent export growth reveals China’s strong economic resilience and vast potential, as well as the resolute confidence of the Chinese people – reflecting the assurance of both the country and the Chinese nation.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Two recent events have drawn global attention. 

Global industry leaders convened at the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing to explore innovation under the theme “High-Speed Rail: Innovation and Development for a Better Life”. 

Meanwhile, the inauguration ceremony of the International Deep Space Exploration Association was held in Hefei, east China’s Anhui province, marking the launch of China’s first international academic organization dedicated to deep space exploration, a new chapter in China’s global space cooperation. 

These dual initiatives – one advancing terrestrial connectivity, the other propelling humanity’s cosmic pursuits – exemplify China’s commitment to technological self-reliance and global innovation partnerships.

Recent reforms have positioned science and technology at the core of nation’s high-quality development within a clear long-term blueprint. 

At a recent press conference on the successful implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China’s State Council Information Office presented compelling data reflecting the country’s strong momentum in innovation. According to the press conference, China has remained the world’s largest manufacturing country for 15 consecutive years, leading global output for over 220 key industrial products. The country’s total R&D expenditure surged nearly 50 percent from 2020 to 2024, with a rise of 1.2 trillion yuan ($167.15 billion). Its R&D intensity reached 2.68 percent, approaching the average of OECD economies.

Pioneering achievements continue to highlight the deep integration of innovation with industrial advancement. Notable examples include the full operation of China’s Tiangong space station, the historic return of lunar samples from the far side of the moon by the Chang’e-6 lunar – making the first time in human history – the launch of the Fujian, China’s first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the maiden voyage of the first domestically-built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, the commercial operation of the domestically developed C919 jetliner, the commissioning of the world’s first fourth-generation nuclear power plant – the Shidaowan high temperature gas-cooled reactor.

China’s innovation delivers global benefits, empowering sustainable development and modernization worldwide. 

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has fulfilled Indonesia’s long-standing dream of high-speed travel, while the Budapest-Belgrade railway reshapes regional transportation. As China’s high-speed rail technology and equipment continue to expand their global footprint, they are not just making travel more convenient but also driving regional connectivity and economic growth.

In the first half of this year, exports of China’s “new trio” – electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products – rose by 12.7 percent, leading the way in the global green transition. Hybrid rice and Juncao grass technologies, tailored to the needs of developing countries,  accelerate agricultural modernization across developing economies. AI models such as DeepSeek broaden access to cutting-edge intelligence through cost-efficient, open-source solutions.

China has consistently promoted international space cooperation through open collaboration and shared benefits.

The country has jointly designed and developed the satellite MISRSAT-2 with Egypt, which was successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It also launched Pakistani satellite “Paksat MM1” from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. In addition, China has led multilateral initiatives such as the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation and the Belt and Road Initiative Space Information Corridor.

Additional collaborations feature Earth-observation satellite development with Brazil, astronaut selection agreements with Pakistan, and aerospace talent development programs across the Global South.

To date, China has signed nearly 200 intergovernmental space cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries and international organizations. The upcoming Chang’e-7 lunar exploration mission will carry six scientific instruments developed by six countries and one international organization, including Egypt, Bahrain, Thailand, Italy, Switzerland.

Driven by robust innovation and guided by high-level sci-tech self-reliance, China is brimming with momentum. With a broad global vision, China actively contributes to the progress of science and technology for all humanity.

China stands ready to work with all countries in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, leveraging innovation to empower the world and cooperation to shape the future. Through this approach, China continues to contribute its wisdom, technologies, and solutions to global development, ensuring scientific advancements deliver greater benefits to humanity.

By Abdulkhakimov Jaloluddin (Uzbekistan)

I’m a student from Uzbekistan, now pursuing a master’s degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages at the School of Liberal Arts, Jiangsu University. Studying in China has long been my aspiration, yet it represents more than personal fulfillment – it continues a family legacy cultivated over more than half a century, a tapestry of affection and shared experience linking Uzbekistan and China across three generations.

My grandfather, a decorated World War II veteran, valiantly served on the Berlin front, contributing to the defeat of Nazi Germany. In 1945, his journey then took him eastward to Changchun. capital of northeast China’s Jilin province, where he joined Chinese forces in their resisting Japanese aggression. Though honored with multiple military medals, he cherished most profoundly the bond forged with the Chinese people during those turbulent years.

In my childhood, his wartime recollections were a constant presence. His voice would often tremble as he recounted the hardships and the extraordinary kindness he encountered. “Even struggling themselves,” he would say, “they sheltered me from danger, rushed to my aid in moments of crisis. When resources were scarce, they never failed to consider my needs.” 

His eyes would glisten with emotion as he clasped my small hand. “It was the friendship of the Chinese people that gave me the strength and courage to carry on. One day, when you grow up, you must return there for me.” 

Alongside these stories, he planted the first seeds of language in my mind – simple Chinese greetings like “hello” (ni hao) and “thank you” (xie xie). Long before fluency was conceivable, a quiet dream of China took root within me.

The connection deepened through my father. A linguist with a lifelong fascination for classical Chinese poetry, he never had the chance to study in China, yet this limitation never diminished his passion. He taught himself to read ancient Chinese texts and regularly organized gatherings for poetry lovers in Uzbekistan.

“Son,” he often advised me, “if linguistics is your calling, master Chinese. It will unlock the world for you.” His enthusiasm was infectious, fueling my own fascination with this ancient civilization and intensifying my desire to experience the Chinese culture.

When I received my acceptance letter from Jiangsu University, I was overwhelmed with joy. In September 2023, I embarked for China with my wife and children, carrying my grandfather’s hopes and my father’s encouragement. As the plane descended, I pressed my forehead against the window, watching the twinkling city lights of Zhenjiang unfold below. A quiet voice echoed in my mind: “Grandpa, I’m here. You came to fight for peace; I come to learn – to carry forward the friendship you cherished.”

Yet, just as I embarked on this new chapter full of hope, an unexpected challenge arose. Securing visas for my two children necessitated providing bank statements that prove sufficient financial resources to support them. However, as I had only recently arrived in China, I lacked requisite savings at my disposal. Helplessness set in until a phone call changed everything.

It was a Chinese friend I met in Uzbekistan. “You finally made it!” he rejoiced. Hearing the strain in my voice, he pressed gently until I confided the situation. Without hesitation, his response was both simple and profound: “Don’t worry. I can lend you the money. Take your time. I trust you. There’s no rush.”

His generosity – a trust both immediate and boundless – moved me to tears. It was a cross-border kindness, a living testament to the friendship my grandfather had so vividly described.

Today, my family and I reside contentedly in Zhenjiang. Our children, now in kindergarten, have forged friendships and absorbed the Chinese language at an astonishing pace, their chatter often leaving me convinced they will surpass me soon. Last April, I found profound pride while contributing to strengthened bilateral ties as an interpreter for an Uzbek delegation from Khorezm – a modest yet meaningful role in fostering our nations’ relationship.

Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. The enduring warmth and mutual support between the Chinese and Uzbek peoples are etched into my very being. 

Following the tradition of my grandfather and father, I will pass on these stories of kindness and friendship to my children. It is a legacy I am honored to steward, confident that this unique bond, nurtured over generations, will only deepen in the years to come.

(Abdulkhakimov Jaloluddin is a Uzbek student at Jiangsu University.)

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On July 15, China released its economic performance data for the first half of 2025, reporting a GDP growth of 5.3 percent. This performance highlights the country’s steady economic momentum and strong resilience amid external challenges.

A defining feature of this progress is the rapid emergence of new growth drivers. Regions nationwide have intensified efforts to integrate technological and industrial innovation, developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions. These emerging forces are propelling China’s high-quality development.

Technological innovation – a core element in developing new quality productive forces – is a key engine for cultivating new industries, business models, and growth drivers. In recent years, China has vigorously pursued an innovation-driven development strategy, steadily enhancing its scientific and technological self-reliance. The country has now entered the ranks of innovation-driven economies, moving up from 34th in 2012 to 11th in 2024 in the Global Innovation Index.

From robot-assisted marathons to drone spectacles and ubiquitous AI uses like DeepSeek, technological innovation now permeates Chinese society. These advances demonstrate technology’s profound role in reshaping the nation’s economic and social landscape. 

In 2024, the added value of the country’s new industries, new business formats and new business models accounted for 18 percent of the total GDP. As of June this year, the number of valid domestic invention patents had reached 5.01 million, an increase of 13.2 percent year on year.

This surge reflects a solid foundation in research and development (R&D). China’s R&D expenditure reached nearly 2.7 percent of GDP, higher than the EU average and approaching the OECD average. The country leads the world in total R&D personnel and science and technology professionals, and it boasts the largest number of top 100 innovation clusters globally, with more than 460,000 high-tech companies.

This rich ecosystem of innovation is generating a continuous stream of transformative outcomes, laying the groundwork for the development of new quality productive forces. As Jeremy Jurgens, managing director of the World Economic Forum, noted, China’s strong research institutions and abundant technological talent are key enablers of its innovation capacity.

China is also intensifying efforts to translate innovation into tangible economic gains by closely aligning technological innovation with industrial upgrading. Through revitalizing traditional sectors, fostering emerging industries, and investing in future industries, the country is generating new engines of high-quality development. 

In the first half of this year, the value-added industrial output in high-tech manufacturing rose 9.5 percent year on year. From January to May, revenues of major enterprises in strategic emerging services grew by nearly 10 percent. China’s core digital economy industries now contribute approximately 10 percent of GDP, a share on par with that of advanced economies. 

At the same time, China’s green development is becoming more efficient and impactful, reinforcing its global leadership in green transition. In response to rising global demand, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are scaling up the supply of green products. In the first half of the year, exports of lithium-ion batteries and wind turbines rose by more than 20 percent.

International cooperation opportunities are also expanding alongside these developments. With China’s technological breakthroughs and large-scale application of renewable energy, global costs for wind and solar power have dropped by over 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, over the past decade. China leads in generative AI development with over 38,000 patents filed from 2014 to 2023 – the world’s highest – significantly advancing global AI capabilities. 

China is also rapidly expanding its footprint in the robotics industry. It became the world’s second-largest exporter of industrial robots in 2024, and exports surged another 61.5 percent in the first half of this year. From cooking and cleaning to serving and entertainment, intelligent robots are increasingly enhancing the quality of life for consumers worldwide.

Bolstered by China’s innovation ecosystem and business-friendly environment, multinationals are expanding their presence in the country. Schneider Electric has established a new innovation center in Beijing; Siemens Healthineers has broken ground on a new research, development and manufacturing base in Shenzhen; Airbus is deepening its cooperation with Chinese partners to promote sustainable aviation. China invites global businesses to invest, innovate, and thrive within its market – not only to seize opportunities in China, but also to share the dividends of global collaboration.

Partnership with China unlocks significant potential. The new quality productive forces emerging in China represent the future of advanced productivity. As China continues to push forward with innovation-driven development, it is poised to contribute even more energy and momentum to global development.

By Liu Zhiqiang, People’s Daily

Despite a complex international landscape and mounting challenges, China maintained steady economic growth in the first half of 2025, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics at a press conference held by China’s State Council Information Office on July 15.

“This is a hard-won achievement, especially given the sharp changes in the international environment and increased external pressures since the second quarter,” Shen added. She explained that the performance highlights China’s economic resilience and should keep China on track to achieve its full-year growth target.

According to preliminary calculations, China’s GDP reached around 66.05 trillion yuan (about $9.19 trillion) in the first six months of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.3 percent, 0.3 percentage points higher than the growth rate for both the same period last year and for the entirety of 2024.

The job market remained generally stable, consumer prices were basically flat, and the country has kept a basic balance of international payment. In goods trade, total imports and exports hit a record high for the same period, and foreign exchange reserves remained above $3.2 trillion.

Regions nationwide have intensified efforts to integrate technological and industrial innovation. Emerging sectors, new business models, and advanced technologies maintained rapid growth. Investment in innovation remains vigorous, with research and development expenditure approaching 2.7 percent of GDP, higher than the EU average and nearing the OECD average. 

As of June this year, the number of valid Chinese domestic invention patents had reached 5.01 million, an increase of 13.2 percent year on year, according to Shen, while ownership of high-value invention patents per 10,000 people had reached 15.3.

Emerging sectors saw robust growth, with value-added industrial output in high-tech manufacturing rising by 9.5 percent in the first half of the year. In the January-May period, revenue from strategic emerging service industries grew by nearly 10 percent. The application of innovation outcomes and industrial integration propelled the development of high-tech sectors.

China’s digital economy also expanded at a fast pace. Artificial intelligence, digital industrialization and industrial digitization have advanced rapidly. The value-added output of core digital economy industries reached about 10 percent of the total GDP, a competitive level even among developed economies.

China’s green transition is also accelerating. In the first half of the year, production of new energy vehicles and lithium-ion batteries for automobiles increased by 36.2 percent and 53.3 percent, respectively. Green industries sustained strong momentum as nationwide efforts continued to upgrade traditional sectors.

“In response to external challenges, China has made boosting domestic demand a key priority, implementing a range of measures to stimulate consumption, boost production, and ensure smooth flows of goods and capital,” Shen said.

These efforts are yielding positive effects: freight turnover rose 5.1 percent and passenger turnover 4.9 percent year on year. The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 8.3 percent year on year at the end of June.

Stimulated by policies promoting consumption and domestic demand, China’s consumer market has become more active. In the first half of 2025, domestic demand contributed 68.8 percent to GDP growth during the period, with final consumption expenditure accounting for 52 percent, making it the main driver of growth.

Inbound tourism and retail have both picked up sharply, boosted by the country’s expanded visa-free policies. “China Travel” and “shopping in China” are becoming increasingly popular among international travelers, further invigorating China’s domestic consumption.

Addressing the outlook for the second half of the year, Sheng acknowledged lingering external uncertainties and domestic structural adjustments but affirmed solid underpinnings for sustained economic growth.

China is experiencing a crucial phase of consumption upgrading, with per capita GDP remaining above $13,000 for two consecutive years. Sheng highlighted substantial development potential in tourism, healthcare, and senior care services, underpinned by the vast domestic market with a population of over 1.4 billion.

The services sector is increasingly supporting growth. In the first half of 2025, the value added by the services sector accounted for 59.1 percent of GDP, contributing more than 60 percent to total H1 growth. The sector’s business activity index has remained above 50 percent for consecutive months this year, indicating stable expansion momentum.

Export indicators also show positive trends. China has pursued a diversified trade strategy, reducing dependence on any single market to below 10 percent.

“Proactive macroeconomic policies rolled out since the start of the year have stabilized the economy and built momentum,” Sheng concluded. “With additional policy measures forthcoming in the second half, we’re confident that the economy will maintain its steady upward trajectory.”