Lawyers, activists rally against NNPCL’s alleged plan to sell refineries as scrap

The Alliance of Nigerian Lawyers and Civil Society Advocates has launched a strong campaign to stop what it describes as a “sinister plot” by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, to sell the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries as scrap. The group is calling for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

The Alliance presented its grievances and demands during a rally at the National Assembly on Monday, July 21, 2025, urging President Tinubu to intervene and halt the planned sale of the refineries, emphasizing that history will remember his intervention positively.

In a statement signed by Dr. Kemi Babalola and Mustapha Ibrahim on behalf of the Alliance, the group announced plans to stage protests from July 21 to July 24, 2025, at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, Ministry of Justice, US Embassy, and British High Commission in Abuja. They demand accountability and an immediate stop to the proposed sale of these critical national assets.

The refineries, with Port Harcourt and Kaduna over 80% complete and Warri at 60%, are close to operational status. However, the Alliance accused Mr. Ojulari of orchestrating their sabotage to justify selling them to cronies at undervalued prices.

“We call on you to intervene to stop the unlawful sale of our refineries, verify their near-complete status, hold the NNPCL accountable, and ensure our energy sector serves the people. By doing so, you will etch your name in history as Nigeria’s great emancipator,” the Alliance assured Tinubu.

“These refineries, built and rehabilitated with taxpayers’ money, are not scrap but vital to Nigeria’s energy security,” stated Dr. Babalola. “Ojulari’s actions, including shutting down the fully functional Port Harcourt refinery in May 2025 for supposed maintenance, are deliberate attempts to undermine their progress.”

The Alliance outlined several allegations against Ojulari, including unlawfully pushing to sell the refineries without legal authority, violating the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers ownership of such assets to the Federation. They also accused him of mismanagement, favoritism in diverting crude oil to private refineries, and misleading President Bola Tinubu by claiming the facilities are irreparable.

“Ojulari’s leadership is a betrayal of public trust, risking elite capture of assets meant for all Nigerians,” Mustapha Ibrahim, a civil society advocate, said. The group cited the Port Harcourt refinery’s proven capacity to produce 1.4 million liters of gasoline daily before its abrupt shutdown as evidence of sabotage. “Why halt a refinery that was working only to label it irreparable?” Babalola questioned. “This is a calculated move to sell off assets nearing completion for personal gain.”

The Alliance invoked several legal frameworks to support their demands, including the requirements for transparent processes for asset disposal and the EFCC Act of 2004, which empowers investigations into financial crimes. They also referenced the Public Trust Doctrine and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, accusing Ojulari of breaching his fiduciary duty. “His unilateral actions are not only ultra vires but potentially criminal,” Ibrahim stated.

The group’s demands include an immediate suspension of any sale plans, an EFCC investigation into NNPCL’s leadership, and legislative oversight by the National Assembly to verify the refineries’ completion status.

They called for a travel ban on Ojulari from international bodies like the US Embassy and British High Commission, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s interests. Additionally, they proposed a public forum to explore public-private partnerships, citing Brazil’s Petrobras as a model for refinery revitalization.

“From July 21 to 24, we will stand firm at these key locations, armed with the law and the will of the Nigerian people,” Babalola declared. “These refineries, so close to full operation, must not be sold off as scrap to enrich a few.”

The Alliance concluded by appealing to President Tinubu, praising his reformist vision. “Mr. President, your commitment to justice inspires us. By stopping this unlawful sale and ensuring the refineries serve the people, you will cement your legacy as Nigeria’s emancipator,” Ibrahim said. The group pledged to support Tinubu’s agenda while urging swift action to protect the nation’s energy sector.

As the protests unfold, the Alliance’s campaign is set to draw national attention to the fate of Nigeria’s refineries, highlighting the fight for transparency and accountability in the oil industry.

Main Issues of Concern

  1. Unlawful Push to Sell National Assets: Proposing to sell the refineries without legal authority, in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, despite significant progress in their rehabilitation.
  2. Sabotage of Refinery Operations: Shutting down the Port Harcourt refinery, which was fully operational, for extended “maintenance” by May 2025, undermining its demonstrated capacity to refine 1.4 million liters of gasoline daily and halting progress on its second plant, which is 80% complete.
  3. Malfeasance: Mismanaging our refineries, despite the Port Harcourt (80% complete), Warri (60% complete), and Kaduna (80% complete) refineries nearing operational status.
  4. Favoritism in Crude Allocation: Diverting Nigeria’s crude oil to local refineries, starving state-owned facilities and crippling their operations to create a pretext for their sale.
  5. Deception of the Presidency: Misrepresenting the refineries’ viability to President Bola Tinubu, falsely claiming they are irreparable to push for their disposal as scrap.
  6. Disregard for Public Accountability: Failing to engage stakeholders, including host communities and civil society organizations, in transparent discussions about the refineries’ future, despite their significant rehabilitation progress.

The Alliance made the following demand for immediate action:

  1. Halt the Sale: Suspend any plans to sell the refineries until legal and transparent processes are established, especially given their advanced rehabilitation stages (Port Harcourt at 80%, Warri at 60%, Kaduna at 80%).
  2. EFCC Investigation: Expand the EFCC’s probe to include Ojulari and the NNPCL’s current leadership for financial mismanagement and crude allocation practices.
  3. Legislative Oversight: The National Assembly must investigate the NNPCL’s actions, verify the completion status of the refineries, and amend the Commercialisation and Privatisation Act to clarify their status.
  4. Travel Ban: The US Embassy, British High Commission and the European Union should as a matter of urgency place a travel ban on Ojulari and his cronies who do not wish Nigeria well but are out to deny Nigerians true dividends of democracy.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement: Convene a public forum with CSOs, host communities, and oil producers to chart a path for refinery revitalization through public-private partnerships or concessions, as seen in models like Petrobas in Brazil.

Group to Tinubu: Halt planned sale of refineries, probe NNPCL GCEO

The Alliance of Nigerian Lawyers and Civil Society Advocates has launched a strong campaign to stop what it describes as a “sinister plot” by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, to sell the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries as scrap. The group is calling for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

The Alliance presented its grievances and demands during a rally at the National Assembly on Monday, July 21, 2025, urging President Tinubu to intervene and halt the planned sale of the refineries, emphasizing that history will remember his intervention positively.

In a statement signed by Dr. Kemi Babalola and Mustapha Ibrahim on behalf of the Alliance, the group announced plans to stage protests from July 21 to July 24, 2025, at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, Ministry of Justice, US Embassy, and British High Commission in Abuja. They demand accountability and an immediate stop to the proposed sale of these critical national assets.

The refineries, with Port Harcourt and Kaduna over 80% complete and Warri at 60%, are close to operational status. However, the Alliance accused Mr. Ojulari of orchestrating their sabotage to justify selling them to cronies at undervalued prices.

“We call on you to intervene to stop the unlawful sale of our refineries, verify their near-complete status, hold the NNPCL accountable, and ensure our energy sector serves the people. By doing so, you will etch your name in history as Nigeria’s great emancipator,” the Alliance assured Tinubu.

“These refineries, built and rehabilitated with taxpayers’ money, are not scrap but vital to Nigeria’s energy security,” stated Dr. Babalola. “Ojulari’s actions, including shutting down the fully functional Port Harcourt refinery in May 2025 for supposed maintenance, are deliberate attempts to undermine their progress.”

The Alliance outlined several allegations against Ojulari, including unlawfully pushing to sell the refineries without legal authority, violating the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers ownership of such assets to the Federation. They also accused him of mismanagement, favoritism in diverting crude oil to private refineries, and misleading President Bola Tinubu by claiming the facilities are irreparable.

“Ojulari’s leadership is a betrayal of public trust, risking elite capture of assets meant for all Nigerians,” Mustapha Ibrahim, a civil society advocate, said. The group cited the Port Harcourt refinery’s proven capacity to produce 1.4 million liters of gasoline daily before its abrupt shutdown as evidence of sabotage. “Why halt a refinery that was working only to label it irreparable?” Babalola questioned. “This is a calculated move to sell off assets nearing completion for personal gain.”

The Alliance invoked several legal frameworks to support their demands, including the requirements for transparent processes for asset disposal and the EFCC Act of 2004, which empowers investigations into financial crimes. They also referenced the Public Trust Doctrine and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, accusing Ojulari of breaching his fiduciary duty. “His unilateral actions are not only ultra vires but potentially criminal,” Ibrahim stated.

The group’s demands include an immediate suspension of any sale plans, an EFCC investigation into NNPCL’s leadership, and legislative oversight by the National Assembly to verify the refineries’ completion status.

They called for a travel ban on Ojulari from international bodies like the US Embassy and British High Commission, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s interests. Additionally, they proposed a public forum to explore public-private partnerships, citing Brazil’s Petrobras as a model for refinery revitalization.

“From July 21 to 24, we will stand firm at these key locations, armed with the law and the will of the Nigerian people,” Babalola declared. “These refineries, so close to full operation, must not be sold off as scrap to enrich a few.”

The Alliance concluded by appealing to President Tinubu, praising his reformist vision. “Mr. President, your commitment to justice inspires us. By stopping this unlawful sale and ensuring the refineries serve the people, you will cement your legacy as Nigeria’s emancipator,” Ibrahim said. The group pledged to support Tinubu’s agenda while urging swift action to protect the nation’s energy sector.

As the protests unfold, the Alliance’s campaign is set to draw national attention to the fate of Nigeria’s refineries, highlighting the fight for transparency and accountability in the oil industry.

Main Issues of Concern

  1. Unlawful Push to Sell National Assets: Proposing to sell the refineries without legal authority, in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, despite significant progress in their rehabilitation.
  2. Sabotage of Refinery Operations: Shutting down the Port Harcourt refinery, which was fully operational, for extended “maintenance” by May 2025, undermining its demonstrated capacity to refine 1.4 million liters of gasoline daily and halting progress on its second plant, which is 80% complete.
  3. Malfeasance: Mismanaging our refineries, despite the Port Harcourt (80% complete), Warri (60% complete), and Kaduna (80% complete) refineries nearing operational status.
  4. Favoritism in Crude Allocation: Diverting Nigeria’s crude oil to local refineries, starving state-owned facilities and crippling their operations to create a pretext for their sale.
  5. Deception of the Presidency: Misrepresenting the refineries’ viability to President Bola Tinubu, falsely claiming they are irreparable to push for their disposal as scrap.
  6. Disregard for Public Accountability: Failing to engage stakeholders, including host communities and civil society organizations, in transparent discussions about the refineries’ future, despite their significant rehabilitation progress.

The Alliance made the following demand for immediate action:

  1. Halt the Sale: Suspend any plans to sell the refineries until legal and transparent processes are established, especially given their advanced rehabilitation stages (Port Harcourt at 80%, Warri at 60%, Kaduna at 80%).
  2. EFCC Investigation: Expand the EFCC’s probe to include Ojulari and the NNPCL’s current leadership for financial mismanagement and crude allocation practices.
  3. Legislative Oversight: The National Assembly must investigate the NNPCL’s actions, verify the completion status of the refineries, and amend the Commercialisation and Privatisation Act to clarify their status.
  4. Travel Ban: The US Embassy, British High Commission and the European Union should as a matter of urgency, place a travel ban on Ojulari and his cronies who do not wish Nigeria well but are out to deny Nigerians true dividends of democracy.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement: Convene a public forum with CSOs, host communities, and oil producers to chart a path for refinery revitalization through public-private partnerships or concessions, as seen in models like Petrobas in Brazil.

At 4,800 meters above sea level, world’s highest manned weather station stands vigil

By Li Hongmei, People’s Daily

Over five hours northbound by train from Lhasa, in southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, the landscape ascends steadily toward the Tanggula Mountains, reaching an altitude of 4,800 meters.

Nestled on the southern slopes of this formidable range is the Amdo meteorological station in Nagqu, officially recognized as the world’s highest manned weather station. Often referred to as “the No. 1 Meteorological Station Under Heaven,” it has quietly stood sentinel for nearly six decades.

The station’s origins date back to 1965, when meteorologist Chen Jinshui and a colleague pitched two tents on a desolate hillside to begin systematic weather observation. Since then, generations of meteorological workers have remained steadfast at this remote outpost, braving extreme cold and oxygen scarcity to monitor climatic patterns on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, making invaluable contributions to the research on global climate change.

Situated in one of the world’s largest mid- to low-latitude permafrost zones, Amdo experiences more than 140 days of strong winds above force eight each year, with gusts reaching more than 40 meters per second. The average annual temperature hovers at minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, with winter lows plunging to minus 43.2 degrees Celsius. Snow falls on approximately 109 days each year on average.

Even in June, the biting cold lingers. Locals bundle up in down jackets as gale-force winds, torrential rains, and hailstorms remain frequent. With over 90 days of thunderstorms and more than 70 days of hail annually, Amdo ranks first nationwide for both.

For station staff, the most formidable challenge is not the weather but the extreme high-altitude environment. Chronic headaches, chest tightness, and insomnia are commonplace, while prolonged exposure often leads to severe altitude-related illnesses.

Zhang Xiaoxing, a 31-year-old meteorologist from southwest China’s Yunnan province, came to Amdo in 2022 to contribute to China’s western development. Since arriving, altitude sickness has made insomnia routine. Yet Zhang remains resolute: “Unless health forces me to leave permanently, I’ll stay. I aim to put down roots in the west and serve this land.”

According to Dondrup Tsering, deputy head of the meteorological bureau of Amdo county, living and working conditions have significantly improved. Dormitories and offices are now equipped with oxygen supply systems and central heating. “Besides better living conditions and higher wages, we now have a job rotation system. Staff can transfer after five years,” he explained.

Amdo is also traversed by two iconic routes known as “highland sky roads”: China National Highway 109 (Qinghai-Xizang Highway) and the Qinghai-Xizang Railway. 

Highway 109 is a crucial lifeline for the region, transporting over 80 percent of Xizang’s inbound and outbound goods. It crosses the high-altitude Tanggula Mountain pass and runs through extensive permafrost zones, where cold, thin air is the norm.

From late March to early May each year, frequent rainfall is common, while heavy snow from November to early December often causes traffic disruptions. Under such extreme conditions, even minor delays can pose significant risks. Maintaining highway operation has thereby become a key responsibility of local meteorological authorities.

To meet this challenge, four dedicated road weather monitoring stations have been established along the Tanggula Mountains. Real-time data collection and timely forecasts and alerts play a vital role in easing traffic flow and safeguarding the lives of drivers and passengers.

On June 15, for instance, a specialized weather bulletin issued to the command center of a major highway upgrade project forecast rain and snow along the Gongma-Amdo section of Highway 109, along with possible thunderstorms on the afternoon of June 17. The forecast proved accurate: a violent thunderstorm accompanied by hail struck at around 3 p.m. on June 17. Thanks to the early warning, emergency protocols were activated in advance, minimizing disruption and damage.

At such extreme elevations, the consistently low pressure, subzero temperatures, and powerful winds place immense strain on weather monitoring systems, which frequently malfunction or encounter data transmission issues. Regular maintenance is essential.

“Every time we head out for maintenance, the wind is at least force seven,” said Dondrup Tsering. “We typically wear a down jacket underneath and a thick military coat on top. Otherwise, the cold and wind would be unbearable.” When temperatures drop too low, team members take turns checking equipment to minimize exposure. But during intricate repairs, gloves must be removed – exposing workers to the risk of frostbite.

When Tsering first joined the meteorological bureau of Amdo county in 2018, there were only three weather stations. That number has since grown to 28. Still, the vast terrain, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult to capture all meteorological variables with precision.

But progress is underway. “We’re accelerating the construction of new meteorological stations and expanding the observation network to better support forecasting and early warning,” Tsering said. “We’re working to improve forecast accuracy so we can better serve local development.”

Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited Crisis: A Wake-Up Call To FCT Regulatory Authority

The recent protest by the residents of ACO Estate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council(AMAC), against the blasting operations by Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, a Chinese- owned quarry, has yet again, brought to the front burner the knotty dilemmas and the failures of regulatory agencies surrounding quarry operations and new settlers in the FCT at large.

Led by the Estate Chairman, Sunny Kulutuye, the residents of ACO Estate numbering over 100 and commercial motorcyclists last Saturday, barricaded all access roads and entryway to the quarry site, using some vehicles to barricade all entrances to the site and by so doing, precluding the quarry site from working. The protesters lamented that the blasting had caused damage to their roofs and homes.

While it is not the concern of this paper to authenticate the veracity of the claims put forward by the residents, it is instructive to state that Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, the Chinese- owned quarry company in question holds a valid licence to operate and carryout legitimate quarry operations in the current site. As a matter of fact, Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, got its Lease by 8 Cadastre Unit(CU), on 25th September, 2014. And as at that time, there were no settlers living in the safety area of the site.

It is also imperative to state that the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette 2013, on the National Environmental(Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013, Part IV and V of the Blasting Operation Plan and Operating Mechanisms and Guidelines for Blasting, numbers 18 and 20, among others, state thus.

(18)- A person shall not carry out quarrying and blasting of rocks below ground level unless with a permit duly obtained from the relevant authority.

(20)- A person shall not locate a quarry or engage in blasting within three kilometers(3km) of any existing residential, commercial or industrial area.

Suffice it to also state that on the 9th of January this year, Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited submitted its application for permit to purchase Explosives and Accessories to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development(Mines Inspectorate Department), and the permit in that regard was granted by the Ministry on 14th February, 2025.

Similarly, on the 14th of July, 2025, Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, in furtherance to the above, sent a notification for Blast to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and was granted permission by the Ministry to carry out blasting at its quarry site located at ACO Village, AMAC, FCTR, Abuja on its proposed dates of 15th and 16th of July, 2025. These documents are on record.

Therefore, it is noteworthy to reiterate that Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, got its Lease by 8 Cadastre Unit(CU), on 25th September, 2014, and as of the time its Lease was approved and availed by the relevant authority, there were no settlers living within the safety area of the site as stipulated by the extant law or gazette mentioned above.

From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that the source or root cause of the conflict lies in the recent settlers or residents’ encroachment into the designated safety zone around the quarry site. Suffice it to state that the Environmental laws in the 2013 gazette as quoted above, stipulate a minimum distance of 3km between residential, commercial or industrial areas and quarry sites. This regulation established with good intentions and purposes has been obviously violated and disregarded by the ever teeming settlers and residents of the FCT.

The above situation or predicament raises several questions about the government’s role and its regulatory agencies in enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The singular fact that residents have been allowed to settle in close proximity to the quarry site speaks volume of the degree of dereliction of duty and suggests a failure on the part of the authorities to effectively enforce existing laws and regulations.

I therefore, as a matter of utmost urgency, call on the government to take immediate action to address the concerns of the residents while also ensuring that the quarry company continues to work, operate in a safe and environmentally responsible manner as dictated by the law and without any form of harassment, infringements or undeservered interference from the residents of ACO Estate.

While I sympathise with the residents of ACO Estate for their loss of at all, I still strongly maintain that the government must ensure the proper implementation of state laws or regulations pertaining community settlements and the protection of its citizens lives and property.

Driven by the unending rural-urban migration, the FCT has continued to witness an unending influx of thousands of Nigerian citizens from different parts of the country in their search for the good life. By taking proactive measures to nip this predicament in the bud, the government can prevent similar conflicts and ensure the continuous wellbeing and safety of its citizenry.        

I will conclude by stating that the ACO Estate protest serves as another wake-up and a reminder that the government must exist to provide the good life and in addition, protect the property, ensure the wellbeing and existents of its citizens.

The residents’ protest serves as a wake-up call for the government to reassess its regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. It is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to address the concerns of the residents and ensures that the quarry company operates in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

In addition to above, none of the so-called settlers has a valid building plan to build or develop any building within blasting zone. Similarly, they claimed to the allocated the land within ACO housing estate, they should provide any document relating to the said claims.

China builds development momentum through self-reliance and global engagement

By He Yin, People’s Daily

A succession of prominent international gatherings recently held across China has provided the world with comprehensive insights into the country’s development trajectory.

The 20th Western China International Fair concluded with record contracted investment exceeding 350 billion yuan ($48.75 billion). The sixth Qingdao Multinationals Summit highlighted China’s role in facilitating global interconnectedness. The 2025 Summer Davos Forum concentrated on addressing global economic challenges, fostering the exchange of ideas and consensus-building.

These events stand as testament to China’s consistent advancement in high-quality development, its progressive pursuit of high-standard opening up, and its expanding record of mutually beneficial cooperation with global partners.

Amid mounting instability, unilateralism and protectionism, how does the gigantic Chinese economic ship maintain its steady course? The answer lies in two fundamental and mutually reinforcing commitments: unwavering commitment to managing its own affairs well, and steadfast resolve in pursuing high-level opening up. These two pillars, like the wheels of a cart or the wings of a bird, propel China’s growth momentum and resilience.

This commitment to sound domestic governance positions China for future development while generating new growth drivers and foundations for high-level opening up. As China accelerates the building of a new development paradigm, it is forging fresh competitive advantages in international cooperation. A robust and dynamic Chinese economy represents enhanced certainty and potential for the world, establishing the country as a reliable, forward-looking partner on the global stage. As Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted, what China brings is not just stability, but enduring hope for the future.

Consider the strategic move of expanding domestic demand. It is not a short-term stimulus but to bolster economic stability and security, unlocking fresh opportunities for global cooperation. China’s immense and rapidly upgrading consumer market possesses increasing allure for international goods, services, capital, and technology. “Choosing China is choosing the future” has become a widely shared belief.

The pursuit of greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology is indispensable for securing critical technological advantages and steering national development. This endeavor simultaneously enhances China’s capacity to carry out global scientific and technological cooperation. From artificial intelligence to new energy and quantum technologies, China’s emerging industries are surging ahead, making the country an ideal arena for global innovation.

At the same time, China remains committed to expanding high-level opening up. This policy constitutes a concrete application of profound experience demonstrating that opening up catalyzes reform and development. It continues to create enabling conditions and mobilize resources essential for effective domestic governance.

Historical evidence confirms that a country’s development resilience increases proportionally with its embrace of openness. 

Since acceding to the World Trade Organization, China has consistently fulfilled its commitments through tariff reductions, legal revisions, and institutional reforms. The country’s overall tariff level has declined from 15.3 percent to 7.3 percent. Such measures not only propelled China’s own development achievements but also revitalized global economic growth. 

Most recently, China’s formal applications to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and Digital Economy Partnership Agreement reflect its proactive alignment with high-standard international trade rules, injecting fresh momentum into seizing new development opportunities.

Deeper reform requires higher levels of opening up, and higher-level opening up, reciprocally, drives reform. From trimming the negative list and improving the business environment, to enacting the foreign investment law and implementing an action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2025; from upgrading pilot free trade zones to expanding pilot programs list for services opening up, China has adopted a range of proactive measures to align with international standards and address domestic reform challenges.

Opening up remains inevitable in China’s modernization journey. In northwest China’s Shaanxi province, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is cultivating a cross-border agricultural value chain. In southwest China’s Yunnan province, connectivity projects with neighboring countries are advancing rapidly. In south China’s Hainan province, preparations for the independent customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port proceed steadily. From border ports to inland hubs, burgeoning centers of opening up vividly illustrate development empowered by openness.

The trajectory is clear: China’s development fuels further openness, and greater openness accelerates its growth. While certain countries erect protectionist “firewalls,” China is working to develop more inclusive “protocols for interaction.” It continues to act as a key force in upholding the multilateral trading system and promoting universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization. 

No matter how the international landscape may shift, the overarching trend of human progress and development remains unchangeable, as does China’s commitment to achieving mutual benefit and shared prosperity with global partners. By staying focused on effective domestic governance and high-level opening up, China will press ahead with confidence and strength, undeterred by prevailing headwinds.

Exposing the illegitimacy of the South China Sea arbitration and its so-called ‘award’

By Ding Duo

Each year around July 12, international discourse resurfaces regarding the so-called South China Sea arbitration and its so-called “award.” This year has been no exception.

The renewed attention is driven not only by the strategic miscalculations of certain countries concerning the South China Sea issue, as they seek to legitimize the arbitration and reinforce their unilateral claims, but also by the deliberate attempts of certain extra-regional forces to stoke regional tensions and sow discord between China and ASEAN countries.

While the international community widely recognizes China’s position of non-acceptance, non-participation, and non-recognition of both the arbitration process and its outcome, a small number of countries continue to underestimate how the “award” has disrupted efforts by parties concerned to properly handle the South China Sea issue. Furthermore, they overlook its serious damage to the fairness and credibility of international dispute settlement mechanisms, as well as its detrimental impact on the international order underpinned by international law.

The “award” violates the basic principles of international law.

Proponents claim that the ruling “constitutes international law”, claiming it holds legally binding force as an outcome of the arbitral tribunal established under UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanisms. However, the tribunal was set up unilaterally at the Philippines’ request, violating the cornerstone principle of state consent in international jurisprudence. It exceeded its jurisdictional mandate and issued an award containing substantial factual inaccuracies and legal misinterpretations, rendering it fundamentally invalid and devoid of legal force. 

The “arbitral tribunal” improperly addressed matters of territorial sovereignty – explicitly excluded from UNCLOS jurisdiction – while disregarding China’s formally stated positions. It uncritically endorsed the Philippines’ curated submissions, effectively imposing a de facto ruling on territorial rights. This contravenes the fundamental principles of judicial restraint and procedural prudence observed by international judicial bodies.

Moreover, under the guise of “interpretation,” the tribunal engaged in de facto lawmaking – arbitrarily revising or inventing rules of maritime law on issues such as “historical rights,” “the integrity of archipelagos,” and “the regime of islands.” Such distortions violate established legal doctrine and undermine the role of sovereign states as the primary subjects of international law.

The “award” runs counter to the principles of fairness and justice.

International judicial institutions exist to uphold fairness, yet a tribunal established amid perceived geopolitical motives cannot fulfill this mandate. Procedural concerns are exemplified by Shunji Yanai, then president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, who presided over the tribunal’s formation while concurrently chairing Japan’s Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security – a body actively strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and coordinating policies on the Diaoyu Islands.

Procedural irregularities further undermine the ruling’s legitimacy. The tribunal repeatedly permitted – and at times encouraged – the Philippines to submit supplementary “evidence” far beyond established deadlines. These submissions were accepted without rigorous scrutiny or cross-examination of expert testimony, violating fundamental evidentiary standards of international law.

The “award” impedes genuine dispute resolution.

The South China Sea issue involves complex overlapping territorial and maritime claims, influenced by historical, political, and legal factors. It cannot be resolved through a unilaterally initiated, procedurally flawed “award” in the absence of regional consensus. Current stability stems not from this arbitration but despite it. Persistent assertions treating the “award” as binding international law – or expectations that China would accept a ruling devoid of fairness and legitimacy – only obstruct meaningful resolution.

China neither accepts nor recognizes the “award,” and will never accept any claim or action arising from the award. The country is committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests accorded by international law, including UNCLOS, while preserving the integrity, seriousness, and authority of international law itself. 

Achieving a durable resolution to the South China Sea issue requires restraint, patience, and goodwill from all parties involved. Any solution must be rooted in respect for historical facts and guided by the principles of understanding and cooperation enshrined in international law. Only through such collective efforts can the relevant parties jointly maintain the hard-won peace and stability in the South China Sea and forge a future of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

(Ding Duo is the director of the Center for Area Studies, National Institute for South China Sea Studies.)

Zhejiang’s Pingyang turns pet products into big business

By Dou Hao, People’s Daily

Pingyang county in east China’s Zhejiang province, has reinvented itself as a pet-lover’s paradise. When 1990s-born local Zeng Yao invites fellow enthusiasts to his hometown, he offers a mix of business and leisure: “Spend a weekend dressing up your dog for our pet fashion show. Browse our pet supply superstore. Tour the pet food factory right next door.”

Nestled between verdant mountains and the Aojiang River, Pingyang is known for its picturesque landscapes. Today, however, its identity is equally shaped by an omnipresent pet culture – from countryside homestays offering cozy dog houses and eco-friendly cat litter to urban streets adorned with whimsical pet-themed murals.

This identity marks a deliberate transformation. Two decades ago, Pingyang thrived as a leather-processing hub, home to over 1,200 tanneries at its peak. While lucrative, the industry exacted an environmental toll, spurring a shift in the local economy.

“In the 1990s, traders arrived seeking discarded pig and cow hides. None of us imagined those scraps would become premium pet chews!” recalled Chen Zhenbiao, a resident of Shuitou township in Pingyang. Sensing a business opportunity, he founded Peidi Animal Nutrition Technology Co., Ltd., a producer of high-protein pet goods.

Today, Shuitou’s Chongle Road showcases the industry’s scale: two publicly listed pet supply companies stand opposite each other, distributing products worldwide. In 2024 alone, nearly 100 pet enterprises in Pingyang generated over 5 billion yuan (697.81 million) in output. The county now accounts for more than half of China’s pet chew exports and a third of the country’s pet leash production.

Inside Peidi’s production workshop, workers slice duck, chicken, and beef before freeze-drying – a process that produces gourmet pet snacks. “Consumers increasingly seek trusted brands and specialized products, creating a vast, segmented market,” said the company’s deputy general manager Tang Zhaobo. Beyond chews, Peidi now produces pet food, meat snacks, and even pet-friendly ice cream.

Zeng Yao, leveraging Shuitou’s leather-making legacy, developed transparent, portable pet crates after years of experience in the luggage industry. Nearby in Wanquan township, manufacturers have shifted from household furnishings to pet sofas and scratching boards. With government support, such adaptations have expanded Pingyang’s pet sector into dozens of categories spanning food, toys, apparel, and accessories.

Yet product diversification alone cannot guarantee success. The real challenge lies in breaking into the market. “Historically reliant on exports, we’ve shifted focus to China’s booming domestic market,” Zeng explained.

To capture this demand, Pingyang unveiled a flagship experiential hub: Pet Town. The sprawling complex showcases local and national brands, allowing visitors to explore curated selections of pet products.

Adjacent to it, a newly launched livestreaming center hums with activity. “This hybrid model blending livestream e-commerce, tourism, and retail drives brand visibility and cultivates influencers. Over 50 local pet brands now broadcast from the facility,” said Zeng, who also runs a digital development company and a storefront on Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com.

Zeng Xinyi runs a livestream channel where she often chats enthusiastically with viewers. A graduate of a pet care program at a vocational school in Pingyang, she chose to remain in her hometown after finishing her studies. The school offers several pet-related majors, and thanks to partnerships with local companies, many graduates find jobs quickly in the thriving local sector.

True to its name, Pet Town integrates animals into its core experience. Themed events – from brand exhibitions to pet contests and curated travel itineraries for pet owners – merge tourism with commerce along Pingyang’s scenic landscapes. Streets once silent now pulse with the energy of visitors and their companions.

“We’re developing comprehensive pet-inclusive tourism: accredited boarding, pet-friendly campgrounds, dedicated buses, hotels, and self-service grooming stations. Our goal is to become a premier destination for pet lovers,” said an official from the county’s culture, media, tourism and sports bureau.

“This is a big business,” said Zeng. He plans to replicate the Pet Town concept nationally, hoping more people will get to know Pingyang through its vibrant pet industry.

Honoring the enduring legacy of Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics 

By Li Maoying, Qu Pei, People’s Daily

High on the Western Hills of Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan province, stands a nine-meter monument engraved with four solemn Chinese characters: “Chi Zi Gong Xun,” a tribute to the patriotic service of those who gave all.

This memorial honors an extraordinary chapter from Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression: more than 3,000 passionate overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia volunteered to return to their ancestral homeland, serving as drivers and mechanics. Their sacrifice became a powerful symbol of the overseas Chinese community’s patriotism and contributed decisively to both China’s wartime resistance and the global fight against fascism.

When Japan launched its full-scale invasion of China on July 7, 1937, China’s coastal ports fell under Japanese control. With critical supply lines severed – first the Northwest Highway, then the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, the Burma Road became an important transport route connecting China and the outside world.

Stretching 1,146 kilometers from Kunming to Myanmar, this strategic artery crossed the formidable Gaoligong and Yunling Mountain ranges. Carved out almost entirely by hand through rugged terrain by some 200,000 laborers in just nine months, it opened in August 1938 and quickly became known as “the lifeline of the Chinese people’s resistance against Japanese aggression.”

Yet even with the road in place, a critical shortage of trained drivers and mechanics threatened the flow of supplies. Between 1939 and 1942, over 3,200 Chinese from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand returned to serve as volunteer mechanics and drivers. Recruited in nine batches, these individuals – including at least five women – exchanged safety for the uncertainty of war. They transported military supplies and repaired trucks, forming an “unsinkable supply line” that helped sustain China’s resistance.

In July 1939, 21-year-old Luo Kaihu was one of more than 300 young men who joined the eighth batch of volunteers. “When I left Southeast Asia for Yunnan, I was fully prepared to die. I didn’t expect to come back alive,” Luo recalled in a 2018 interview with People’s Daily. Nearly a century old at the time of the interview, Luo remained in good health and still enjoyed his old habits – reading the newspaper and sipping coffee, just as he had in Southeast Asia decades earlier.

Every journey on the Burma Road was perilous. Trucks navigated along treacherous cliffside paths, where a single miscalculation could send them plummeting into ravines. Co-drivers often clung to the outside of vehicles, visually guiding the trucks. Swarms of mosquitoes and widespread malaria took a heavy toll, and many volunteers died en route. Air raids by Japanese aircraft were frequent, and when trucks were hit, the drivers had little chance of survival.

“Malaria, constant shelling – I lost so many of my comrades,” Luo said, his calm voice tinged with an enduring pain.

Though records remain incomplete, estimates suggest that more than a third of the 3,200 volunteers died along the route. On average, one volunteer per kilometer gave their life to keep the supply line open.

In 2018, the Archives of Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics were inscribed in the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme. These records faithfully document the experiences of the overseas Chinese who voluntarily returned to China to aid the war effort. Their stories now preserve the collective memory of the overseas Chinese community’s fight against tyranny and commitment to peace. In 2019, the Malaysian World War II History Society awarded the volunteers the Asian peace prize, an honor recognizing wartime service.

During his state visit to Malaysia in April this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid tribute to this legacy in a signed article published in Malaysian media outlets. He said, “Some 80 years ago, when the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression reached a critical juncture, the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics from Malaysia braved immense dangers to reach China’s Yunnan province, and helped keep the Burma Road operational, as it was a vital lifeline of China’s wartime supplies. Today, this remarkable story of courage still echoes in the hearts of both peoples.”

Reflecting on his decision to serve, Luo once said, “When the country is in peril, every Chinese has a duty to step forward, no matter the cost.”

“The Nanyang volunteers chose danger over comfort,” said historian Xia Yuqing. “Their decision was born of an unshakable bond with the Chinese nation. Their courage was a living bulwark in China’s fight for independence, and a lasting monument to the contributions of overseas Chinese to world peace.”

In a war fought not only for national independence but for the future of humanity, the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics secured their place in history. Their sacrifices are recorded not only in China’s resistance annals but in humanity’s shared memory of opposing fascism. 

“Today, as the world faces fresh uncertainty, remembering the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics is about more than honoring history. It’s about drawing strength from their legacy. Their unwavering conviction, across decades and continents, reminds us that peace must be defended and the future must be built together,” Xia added.

Why has Guangdong become a magnet for robotics innovation?

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

In a public square in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, a robot performs a precisely choreographed routine – fluid hand waves, hip rolls, and sharp turns – its movements modeled on a cinematic classic. Further north in Dongguan, two robots carefully navigate an inclined ramp within a testing facility, autonomously trailing a human operator with precision.

Scenes like these are becoming increasingly common in Guangdong, which has quickly emerged as a national leader in robotics innovation. In 2024, the intelligent robotics industry cluster in Guangdong generated over 90 billion yuan ($12.55 billion) in revenue.

This innovation surge stems from Guangdong’s unique ecosystem.At the Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), laboratories hum with robots engineered  for a wide range of real-world tasks. The transition from groundbreaking research and development to tangible implementation underscores Guangdong’s dynamism in the robotics sector.

“Here, multidisciplinary teams composed of researchers and industry partners collaborate closely to unlock innovation potential,” said Ding Ning, executive deputy head of AIRS. 

According to Ding, the institute focuses on two priorities: advancing human health and enabling sustainable urban development. By partnering with industry leaders, AIRS seeks to drive breakthroughs that ripple across the industry.

At Shenzhen EngineAI Robotics Technology Co., Ltd., a humanoid robot that stands 1.38 meters tall and weighs about 40 kilograms executes sophisticated maneuvers, with 24 degrees of freedom and a 320-degree rotating motor. In March, the robot drew curious onlookers while sprinting through a park in Shenzhen at 12 kilometers per hour – an apt symbol for Shenzhen’s fast-moving robotics industry. 

As of the end of last year, Shenzhen reported over 200 billion yuan in robotics output, hosting more than 74,000 enterprises, roughly 16 percent of all smart robotics companies in China.

Beyond eye-catching demonstrations, these technologies are increasingly embedded in daily life and work.

“Our direct-drive motors now power robotic vacuum cleaners and food-delivery units,” said Liu Xitong, head of external relations at Direct Drive Tech Technology Limited, a Dongguan-based manufacturer specialist in robotic power modules and joints. Founded just five years ago, the company anticipates shipping more than 10 million units this year.

That rapid growth owes much to support from the Xbot Park, a robotics-focused incubator located in Songshan Lake, Dongguan. “The park provides early-stage funding and instant access to local supply chains. Our inaugural client was another park resident,” Liu explained. Today, Direct Drive Tech operates more than 10 automated production lines to meet surging market demands.

Launched in 2014 by three professors from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Xbot Park has since become a leading launchpad for robotics and hardware startups. It connects startups with global universities, research institutions, and supply chains to provide comprehensive resources and financial backing.

From nurturing and incubation to full-fledged development, seeds of innovation planted over a decade ago have now grown into a thriving high-tech ecosystem. According to a park executive, more than 80 robotics and smart hardware startups have been incubated there, with a survival rate of 80 percent. “We help companies accelerate product development, validate markets, and build robust teams.”

What accounts for Guangdong’s strong appeal to robotics startups and entrepreneurs?

A key factor is the province’s robust industrial ecosystem. EngineAI, for instance, operates in Shenzhen’s “Robot Valley,” home to nearly a dozen universities and more than 100 robotics-related companies, forming a tightly knit value chain. 

“We can send a new product design to a supplier in the morning and receive a prototype that by evening,” said Yao Aiwen, co-founder of EngineAI.

This tightly integrated value chain is now a defining feature of the region. Shenzhen has developed an end-to-end robotics industrial layout spanning core components to fully assembled robots, with over 60 percent of its supply and production chains localized.

Beyond Shenzhen, cities like Dongguan are reinforcing the province’s technological edge through  highly supportive development environment. The city has leveraged the Songshan Lake Science City to establish two major innovation platforms: the Guangdong Intelligent Robotics Institute and the Xbot Park robotics base. Together, they provide comprehensive support from incubation and pilot testing to full-scale commercialization.

Powered by its advanced manufacturing capabilities and surging market demand, Guangdong is rapidly forging a new industrial pillar marked by high technology, strong momentum, and large scale. With deliberate investments and deep-rooted infrastructure, the province is taking confident strides toward becoming a hub for artificial intelligence and robotics innovation.

China’s homegrown regional jetliner C909 reaches new heights

By Gu Yekai, Qiu Chaoyi, People’s Daily

Developed in accordance with international airworthiness standards and backed by fully independent intellectual property rights, China’s homegrown regional jetliner ARJ21 made its maiden flight on June 28, 2016. In November 2024, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) officially introduced the aircraft’s new commercial name: C909.

Over nine years of operation, the C909 has achieved significant market penetration: 166 aircraft delivered, serving over 700 routes and transporting over 24 million passengers. As the first jetliner independently developed and commercially operated in China, the C909 marks a significant step in the country’s civil aviation advancement.

According to chief designer Chen Yong, the aircraft carries a critical mission: to expand China’s technological and industrial capabilities for commercial aircraft. 

Chen noted that the aircraft has helped China develop a complete commercial aviation ecosystem from foundational technologies to industrial infrastructure,” Chen stated. “We’re now working to enhance product competitiveness and achieve a new level of capability.”

In northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, 22 C909 aircraft are in service, flying over 120 routes and safely transporting more than 1.3 million passengers. In Heilongjiang province in northeast China, the aircraft connects 32 airports in and beyond the region, with Harbin as a key hub. Meanwhile, Chengdu Airlines has expanded its C909 fleet from a single aircraft to 30, now operating more than 360 routes nationwide.

“The C909’s most significant contribution to China’s civil aviation lies in building a complete jetliner development system aligned with international airworthiness standards,” said Chen. “Moreover, it has demonstrated the feasibility of a full lifecycle approach to aircraft operation and fleet development, paving the way for future large aircraft programs.”

In July 2024, the C909 demonstrated its versatility by successfully flying a high-altitude route from Kashgar Laining International Airport to Khunjerab Airport in Taxkorgan Tajik autonomous county, Xinjiang – regions where thin air and sharp temperature fluctuations pose severe operational challenges. Thanks to performance upgrades, the aircraft proved capable of reliable engine starts and stable handling under such extreme conditions.

On April 18, 2023, the C909 completed its maiden flight in Indonesia, launching regional inter-island routes and expanding into cross-border trunk routes. Notably, the Manado-Guangzhou route, covering over 2,700 km, is currently the longest commercial route operated by C909. “Going global has unlocked new operational scenarios for the C909 and contributed to the international civil aviation market,” said Chen.

The C909 has also been at the forefront of exploring new commercial models for Chinese aircraft. On April 12, 2025, a C909 aircraft dry-leased (aircraft only, excluding crew and maintenance) by COMAC to Lao Airlines completed its first commercial flight. Since then, the aircraft has served the Vientiane-Pakse route, a key economic hub in southern Laos, flying up to eight segments a day.

A week later, on April 19, 2025, two C909 aircraft, wet-leased by Chengdu Airlines to Vietnam’s VietJet Air, began service on the Hanoi-Con Dao-Ho Chi Minh City route. The aircraft also successfully handled operations at Con Dao Airport – known for its short, sea-flanked and narrow runway of just over 1,800 meters, proving its suitability for short-field takeoffs and landings in Southeast Asia’s humid climate.

To date, three Southeast Asian airlines – TransNusa of Indonesia, Lao Airlines, and VietJet Air – operate a total of seven C909 aircraft. They have launched 15 routes connecting 18 cities and have transported over 370,000 passengers.

Fleet diversity has become a defining feature of the commercial aircraft industry. The C909 boasts four distinct variants: the freighter, emergency rescue command aircraft, medical aircraft, and business jet. This series-based development strategy enables the C909 to address a wide range of market requirements.

“In developing the C909, we’ve also established more than 10,000 design and testing specifications for civil jetliners,” Chen noted.

Reliable aircraft are not just built – they are refined through service. Over the years, the C909 has undergone over 1,000 design optimizations based on operational flight data, enhancing engine performance, cockpit experience and cabin comfort. “The C909 has found its place in the market,” Chen said. “Now we look forward to seeing it fly higher and further.”