Nigeria Times

By Liu Xinyan, Zheng Yangyang, People’s Daily

From the platform at the Tashan power plant in Datong, north China’s Shanxi province, a  1,500-meter-long enclosed coal conveyor, elevated above ground directly connects the facility to Tashan Coal Mine.

“This system enables on-site, low-emission coal transfer and enhances operational efficiency,” explained Wu Sitong, deputy head of the plant’s fuel department. “By integrating coal mining and power generation, we’re lowering costs, reducing pollution, and enhancing coal-power coordination.”

As one of China’s major coal-producing provinces, Shanxi has actively pursued energy transition in recent years. It has charted a path toward a diversified, low-carbon energy system – balancing the need for energy security with the imperative to cut emissions. It has become one of China’s top electricity exporters, and for two years running, it has led the country in transmitting green energy to other regions.

Renewables now account for over half of Shanxi’s installed power generation capacity. To address the intermittency of wind and solar generation, coa-fired power still play a vital supporting role during renewable output fluctuations. Meetingt this dual challenge, Shanxi is implementing flexibility retrofits at coal plants – reducing output during low demand and up during peak periods.

At a thermal plant operated by China Huadian Corporation Ltd. in Shuozhou, Shanxi, an advanced 20-megawatt-hour packed-bed thermal energy storage system captures heat during off-peak hours and releases it during periods of high demand.

“It has significantly improved our plant’s responsiveness to grid dispatch orders,” said Sun Jiaquan, executive director of the plant.

As of the end of May, Shanxi had completed flexibility retrofits for 35.61 million kilowatts of thermal power capacity while adding 6.11 million kilowatts of peak-shaving capability. These improvements have enabled the provincial grid to absorb an additional 9 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually.

To address the intermittency of renewables, Shanxi is pioneering integrated energy systems combining traditional and green power sources. At a wind farm on Hutou Mountain in Shouzhou’s Pinglu district, rows of wind turbines spin steadily in the breeze. Their output combined with thermal power and undergoes storage at a facility within a 500 kV substation, before transmission via an ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHV DC) lines to the manufacturing hub of the Yangtze River Delta.

At the ±800 kV converter station in the Yanmen Pass, Shanxi, 24 massive converter transformers run around the clock to ensure stable transmission. This high-capacity transmission corridor, stretching 1,119 kilometers, has a maximum capacity of 8 million kilowatts and channels clean energy from Shanxi directly to Jiangsu province in eastern China.

Shanxi’s power transmission network includes one UHV DC line, three ultra-high-voltage AC lines, and 14 outbound 500 kV corridors. Once the 1,000 kV Datong-Huailai-Tianjin South ultra-high-voltage project is completed, alongside a new energy base in the province’s subsidence areas, Shanxi is expected to deliver 27 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Its total outbound transmission capacity will exceed 36 million kilowatts.

Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Shanxi is also leveraging market mechanisms to improve coordination between traditional and renewable energy sources. At the State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company’s dispatch center, a real-time price board updates electricity spot market rates every 15 minutes.

When solar and wind output is high during the day and market prices drop, thermal power stations reduce output to accommodate renewable sources. As evening demand spikes, they ramp up again to stabilize supply.

Today, more than 21,000 market participants operate in Shanxi’s electricity spot market. “The spot market’s real-time pricing has become the most dynamic mechanism for balancing supply and demand,” said Zhang Chao, head of the spot market division at State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company.

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently replied to teachers and students of the U.S. youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation from Montgomery county, Maryland, who visited China under the initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs in a five-year span.

Xi congratulated the delegation on its successful visit to China, expressing the hope that the delegation members will become a new generation of ambassadors for friendship between the two countries and make greater contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples.

Xi’s heartfelt message resonated deeply with the delegation, injecting fresh momentum into growing people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.

For any great cause to succeed, it must take root in the people, gain strength from the people, and be accomplished by the people. Growing China-U.S. friendship is such a great cause.

At a welcome dinner by friendly organizations in the U.S. in San Francisco in November 2023, Xi announced that to increase exchanges between the two peoples, especially between the youth, China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years.

In 2024, more than 16,000 American youth people visited China through this program, representing all 50 states and Washington, D.C. As one group after another travels across the Pacific, forging friends, learning Chinese, experiencing Chinese culture, and exploring modern China, they are building a more resilient foundation for bilateral relations.

The future of the China-U.S. relationship depends on the youth. Youth exchanges remain a vital source of strength for the development of bilateral relations. 

Pickleball, a dynamic and inclusive sport, has become a new bond for youth exchanges between China and the United States. From teamwork on the court to cultural exchanges off the court, students are writing a new chapter of friendship with their passion and sincerity. 

Such exchanges help dismantle cultural barriers and enhance mutual understanding, reflecting their shared aspiration for peace, cooperation, and mutual benefit. The friendships they forged are not only cherished memories but also a beacon of hope for the future of China-U.S. relations. 

As more and more young people from both countries come to understand and appreciate each other, and become new-generation envoys of friendship, they will continue to inject vitality into the development of bilateral relations.

The achievements of China-U.S. relations have always been driven by the efforts of ordinary people. Likewise, the path forward depends on their continued engagement and goodwill.

No matter how the global landscape evolves, the historical trend of peaceful coexistence between China and the U.S. will not change. The ultimate wish of the two peoples for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The expectations of the whole world for a steadily growing China-U.S. relationship will not change.

From the icebreaking “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” in the 1970s to today’s pickleball exchanges, sincere people-to-people interactions between the two countries have consistently supported the bilateral relationship.

At this critical juncture in China-U.S. relations, strengthening people-to-people ties is more important than ever. Both sides should facilitate cross-cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions and work to remove unnecessary barriers that hinder engagement. 

China remains open and welcoming to the American people and stands ready to enhance mutual understanding through exchanges and cooperation. By encouraging greater interactions and closer bonds between the peoples, both countries can continue deepening the legacy of friendship and contribute to the long-term development of bilateral relations.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, China and the U.S. fought side by side for peace and justice, and the friendship forged during wartime between the two peoples has withstood the test of history and contributed to the ultimate triumph of the global anti-fascist cause.

Moving forward, China stands ready to work with the U.S. to draw strength from the history of friendship between their peoples, and to promote the steady, sound, and sustained development of bilateral relations, delivering more benefits to both peoples.

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

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

Following the China-U.S. economic and trade talks in London, both sides have intensified efforts to implement the outcomes of the “London Framework,” making positive progress on multiple fronts and sending encouraging signals to the international community. 

These developments demonstrate that as long as China and the U.S. remain committed to resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation, enhancing mutual understanding, reducing misperceptions, and strengthening cooperation, they can find effective solutions to their disputes and create a more stable and open environment for both countries and global economic growth.

During the London talks, the two sides have agreed in principle on the framework for implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone talks on June 5, and consolidating the outcomes of the economic and trade talks in Geneva. Since then, the working teams have maintained close communication. Upon approval, further details were clarified and confirmed. 

To implement the outcomes of the London Framework, China has been reviewing and approving compliant expJointly ort license applications for controlled items, while the U.S. has taken corresponding steps to ease certain restrictive measures against China. 

These moves have been welcomed by stakeholders in both countries and the international community, reinforcing confidence in the ability of China and the U.S. to resolve their economic and trade disputes through equal dialogue and consultation.

From the interactions between China and the U.S. since the start of this round of economic and trade frictions, one conclusion can be drawn: Dialogue and cooperation remain the only viable path forward; coercion and intimidation have proven ineffective. The London Framework is the result of hard-earned diplomatic engagement, and both sides must work in good faith to honor their commitments and lay the groundwork for the long-term resolution of their disputes. 

China remains firmly committed to defending its rights and interests while implementing the consensus reached with sincerity. The U.S., for its part, should recognize the mutually beneficial nature of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, correct its misguided actions, and continue working with China through the established bilateral consultation mechanism. 

Concrete steps are needed to uphold and put into practice the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to jointly advance the stable and sound development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

Recently, with the deadline for imposing so-called “reciprocal tariffs” approaching, concerns over new trade frictions have been rising. It must be pointed out that the arbitrary imposition of tariffs by the U.S. constitutes an act of economic coercion that undermines the rules-based international trade system and must be firmly opposed. 

The negative consequences of these tariff measures are becoming increasingly evident. Both the World Bank and the OECD have recently downgraded growth forecasts for the U.S. and the global economy, citing trade policy uncertainty as a key factor. Economists in the U.S. warn of growing stagflation pressures and long-term repercussions for global trade liberalization. Rising market uncertainty means that the ultimate burden will fall on consumers.

Facts have proven time and again that upholding principles and positions is essential to safeguarding legitimate rights and interests. A sound and stable international trade order is fundamental to the development of all nations. 

China welcomes efforts by other countries to resolve trade differences with the U.S. through equal consultations, and calls on all parties to uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

At the same time, China has consistently emphasized that while bilateral negotiations are important for easing and resolving trade frictions, they must not come at the expense of third-party interests. This is a principle that China has always upheld in its trade talks with the United States. China firmly opposes any arrangement between the U.S. and its trading partners that trades off China’s interests in return for tariff exemptions. Should such arrangements occur, China will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

The multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core remains the cornerstone of healthy and orderly global trade. Any short-sighted moves to erode this system will inevitably harm the long-term interests of all countries. 

In the face of mounting unilateralism and protectionism, no country can remain unscathed. Once foundational principles are compromised, coercive actions will only escalate, threatening the institutional underpinnings of global development. 

At a time of heightened uncertainty, strategic clarity and international coordination are more important than ever. All countries must stand firmly on the side of fairness and justice and on the right side of history, resolutely uphold international trade rules and the multilateral trading system, and safeguard international fairness and justice, so as to jointly foster an open and inclusive global trade environment.

Openness and cooperation remain the only viable path toward a shared future. As a responsible major country, China stands ready to work with all countries to uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the multilateral trading system, and contribute to the development of an open and inclusive world economy, thereby providing greater certainty and stability to the global economy.

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

By He Yin, People’s Daily

China held a ceremony to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the entire nation’s resistance against Japanese aggression at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression on July 7 in Beijing.

An exhibition themed “For National Liberation and World Peace” was also launched to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

These commemorative events serve not only to honor past sacrifices, but also as a reaffirmation of China’s enduring commitment to justice and peace. They underscore the country’s unwavering resolve to pursue peaceful development and safeguard world peace.

When Japanese militarists staged the Lugou Bridge Incident and launched their full-scale invasion of China 88 years ago, the Chinese military and people rose up in resistance, initiating a whole-of-nation war effort that opened the main Eastern battlefield in the global war against fascism.

United as one under the banner of the Chinese united front against Japanese aggression, which was advocated and established by the Communist Party of China (CPC), Chinese people launched a relentless struggle against the brutal Japanese militarists, fighting with unwavering resolve – for the country’s survival, national rejuvenation, and the cause of justice for all humanity. They carved out an immortal epic of heroic resistance and ultimate victory against Japanese aggression, which remains indelibly inscribed in the annals of the Chinese nation and the global cause of justice.

As China marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the launch of the exhibition presents a panoramic view of the glorious course of the Chinese people’s 14-year hard war of resistance, serving as a collective effort to preserve a history written in blood, endurance, and unyielding courage.

From the outset, China’s war against Japanese aggression bore immense significance for the defense of human civilization and world peace, forming an integral part of the World Anti-Fascist War.

China was among the first countries to resist fascist aggression and stood as a principal force in the fight against Japanese militarism. The CPC has consistently championed the cause of global progress, fighting shoulder to shoulder with all peace-loving nations and peoples. 

China’s persistent and strong resistance on the battlefield thwarted Japan’s northward advance toward Siberia and delayed its southward advance into Southeast Asia. Japanese military archives have acknowledged that “the main force of the Japanese army remained pinned down on the Chinese battlefield.”

Historical records confirm that China eliminated over 1.5 million Japanese troops – more than 70 percent of Japan’s total military casualties during WWII, delivering a decisive blow to Japan’s war efforts, bolstering global anti-fascist morale and making an indelible contribution to world peace.

Only by remembering this history can the international community safeguard justice and maintain a correct historical perspective on WWII. An accurate understanding of the war and a truthful account of its legacy are fundamental to maintaining world peace and the international order. To forget history is to risk losing the sense of direction.

The international community must work together to uphold historical justice and the postwar international order, resolutely opposing any attempts to deny or whitewash aggression, war, or colonial rule. It is also essential to firmly reject all attempts to distort the historical truth of WWII and deny the outcomes of victory. The Chinese people, who made tremendous sacrifices, will steadfastly defend the history written with their blood and lives.

Only by remembering this history can the international community draw inspiration to build a world of lasting peace. History has repeatedly shown that military aggression and expansion are ultimately doomed to fail. During the World Anti-Fascist War, countries of different ideologies, social systems, history, and levels of development overcame their differences and united against authoritarianism and militarism in defense of peace.

The world today faces new threats to peace. Unilateralism, hegemonism, bullying, and coercive practices are severely undermining our world. Again humankind has come to a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games.

To secure a peaceful future for humanity, all nations must uphold solidarity and cooperation, follow a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum, and practice true multilateralism, so as to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

History does not fade with time. Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War honors the historical sacrifices while affirming a responsibility to future generations. China remains firmly committed to peaceful development and stands ready to work with all nations to ensure that the light of peace continues to illuminate the path forward for all humanity.