Nigeria Times

By Yao Xueqing, People’s Daily

Models strode gracefully to rhythmic music, displaying the latest streetwear collectionsbefore anintrigued audience. The setting, however, was not a downtown runway. It was Hongshan Forest Zoo.

“It’s incredible! Who would’ve thought this isn’t a fashion venue, but a zoo?” exclaimed Yang Jie, a tourist from Suzhou, Jiangsu province.

Located in Nanjing, capital city of east China’s Jiangsu province, the zoo has become one of China’s most popular “internet-famous” destinations, attracting around 8 million visitors last year.

In addition to its zoological exhibits, the zoo has become a favored venue for brand events, regularly hosting fashion shows, product launches, and film promotions.

Through a constant commitment to innovation and embracing diverse consumer experiences, Hongshan Forest Zoo has successfully transcended the conventional paradigms of zoos and captured attentionnationwide.

“We want to gradually change people’s traditional perception of what a zoo is,” said Shen Zhijun, director of the zoo. “By introducing cultural and creative products, co-branded fashion shows, and product promotions, we’re integrating scientific research, conservation efforts, culture, and green consumption. This approach offers a wider range of experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, while promoting awareness of animal welfare and environmental protection.”

Following recommendations found online, Yang and her friends enrolled in the zoo’s “Day & Night Camp,” hosted by its”Nature School.”Under the guidance of instructors, they traversed the grounds quietly, observing the nocturnal behaviors of animals in their naturalisticenvironment.

In the stillness of the night, the scent of earth permeated the air, accompanied by the rustling sounds of nature. A giraffe rested with its neck curled gently upon its body, a red panda slumbered peacefully in a tree,and a lynx watched its surroundings with alert eyes.

Most striking to Yang was watching a wolf pack “hold a meeting.”The alpha wolf howled, stretching its neck skyward, followed by a chorus of howls from the pack.

“There are no staged performances or feeding sessions here. The animals are the true hosts, and visitors are respectful guests,” Yang said. She was impressed by the animal-friendly environment and immersive experiences in the zoo.

Beyond the “Day & Night Camp,”the zoo also offers a wide range of attractions. Visitors can observe koalas during health check-ups, monkeys paddling boats, or brown bears fishing. They can also enjoy coffee beside expansive windows while flamingos roam freely outside.

Additionally, the zoo’s creative marketplace features irresistible cultural products, ranging from white-faced saki brooches and red panda plush keychains to otter pull-string toys. The zoo now boasts over 1,000 original cultural and creative items, many of which are popular with visitors.

The zoo’s growing popularity has also stimulated the local economy. Nearby hotel rates now rival those in downtown Nanjing, while local specialties like salted duck, crispy tofu noddles, and duck blood and vermicelli soup have gained prominence on the city’s top culinary rankings. The zoo has become the anchor of a burgeoning local consumption zone.

“Every year, about 23 percent of our visitors come from Nanjing, 27 percent from other cities in Jiangsu, and nearly half from other provinces,” said Bai Yali, deputy director of the zoo.

When asked about visitors’ subsequent destinations, Bai indicated that the expanding presence of the Hongshan brand across the city plays a significant role. Co-branded retail outlets, themed stores, and creative collaborations linked to the zoo have emerged throughoutcommercial districts. So far, the zoo has partnered with more than 50 brands.

“We collaborated with Hongshan Forest Zoo last year, and we’re working together again this year to create more interactive experiences and launch audio-enabled creative products,” said a representative from Golden Eagle International Shopping Center Xinjiekou branch, Nanjing.

Nanjing is actively developing urban brand assets like Hongshan Forest Zoo and central business district Xinjiekou by cultivating new consumption scenarios and business models. Efforts are underway to promote integrated development across commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and wellness to turn the zoo’spopularity into sustained consumer spending. In the first quarter of this year, Nanjing’s total retail sales of consumer goods reached 232.31 billion yuan ($32.25 billion), placing the city among the fastest-growing in Jiangsu province.

As she left the zoo, Yang Jie was already making plans for her return. “I can’t wait to start planning my next trip to Nanjing.”

By Huang Xiaohui, People’s Daily

It was just past midnight at Jinyang elderly care home in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area when nurse Zhao Zhanping received an alert on her phone, indicating that Wang Mingxiang on Bed No.2, Room 324 needed immediate attention as abnormal blood pressure was detected. Zhao rushed to the room without hesitation.

The first to detect the issue wasn’t a caregiver but a smart mattress under the elderly resident. At the same time, Wang’s family received the same alert on their phones.

Thanks to the real-time monitoring system, Wang, who has a history of cerebral infarction, was promptly taken to hospital and treated in time.

At Jinyang elderly care home, smart mattresses represent just one of many intelligent devices now integrated into daily operations. In the lobby of the facility stands a large electronic display, an information system that provides real-time monitoring of residents’ health statuses, clearly showing the time, location, and status of any risks and interventions.

“While this system serves as the brain of our operations, the smart devices installed throughout the facility function like eyes and skin—constantly sensing and feeding information back to the center,” explained Chen Xue, director of the care home.

“Bathrooms and showers are high-risk areas for falls. The ceiling lights here double as ‘electronic radars’ as they illuminate the room and also detect falls or other emergencies,” Chen told People’s Daily.

Shanghai is one of China’s most rapidly aging cities. According to municipal plans, the city aims to establish at least 100 smart care homes by the end of 2025, with more than 70 already built so far.

“The original purpose of building smart elderly care homes in Shanghai is to enhance institutional efficiency and improve service delivery through technology,” said Li Sujin, deputy director of the elderly services division at the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau.

According to Li, Shanghai is expanding the implementation of tech-enabled elderly care products in institutions, and building a more professional, efficient, and integrated smart care ecosystem.

For frontline workers like caregiver Chen Juxiu, the digital transformation has already made a noticeable difference.

While assisting 96-year-old Zhong Jianmei with bathing, Chen simply pressed a button and a robotic transfer device co-developed by the care home and a tech firm automatically lowered its arms and footrests to lift the resident from her wheelchair and move her into the shower area.

“Assisting seniors with limited mobility used to be really challenging,” Chen recalled. “I remember once it took four caregivers to lift a 90-kilogram resident. Now, with this robot, one person can safely complete the task—less physical strain, lower risk.”

Jinyang elderly care home is managed by Puhui Pension Service, which oversees 16 facilities. “Staff shortages and an aging workforce are real challenges,” said general manager Gao Wanjie. “With smart devices taking over repetitive, physically demanding tasks, our caregivers can focus more on providing personalized, high-quality services, and on addressing the emotional needs of our residents.”

For 95-year-old He Junmian, one of the first residents to move into the upgraded smart facility, the change is evident: “Caregivers now have more time to talk with us, and the service feels warmer and more attentive,” she said. Her old call bell has been replaced with a visual intercom system, making it easier to reach staff when assistance is required.

From obstacle-avoidance wheelchairs and robot servers to AI-powered chess companions, smart eldercare homes are introducing a growing array of age-friendly innovations that benefit both residents and staff.

“With continued innovation and new technologies being applied, we envision future care homes evolving into elderly care industry hubs,” Gao added.

According to Chen Xue, the average monthly fee at Jinyang is around 5,000 yuan ($694), a mid-to-low price by Shanghai standards. “Our prices haven’t increased with the smart upgrades,” she noted. But she also emphasized: “When using smart technologies, we must always take into account how residents feel. Technology can never fully replace the warmth of human care. A truly intelligent care home must combine efficiency

By Yang Mingfang, Aerdake, People’s Daily

At dawn, the scent of rose tea wafts from a teahouse tucked inside the alleys of ancient Kuqa city, Aksu prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Inside, owner Abdukader Mamtimin gently strums a dutar, a type of traditional long-necked, two-stringed lute, awaiting the day’s first customers.

After finishing their tea, visitors often stroll into a nearby music and dance digital experience center, immersed in the beauty of ancient mural art.

When night descends, the starry dome of the Kuqa nang cultural complex sparkles under the stars, echoing with camel bells from theatrical performances, while the night market bustles with the energy of street vendors.

Kuqa, historically known as Qiuci, once served as the seat of the Anxi Protectorate during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and stood as an important hub along the ancient Silk Road. Asone of the historical and cultural cities that boast the longest history and richest cultural relics in Xinjiang, Kuqa is hailed as an”open-air museum.” The Qiuci culture nurtured here is renowned for its distinctive artistic appeal and profound cultural depth.

In recent years, Kuqa has been bringing new vitality to its rich historical traditions by integrating cultural preservation with tourism, as part of a broader initiative known as “Cultural Enrichment of Xinjiang.”

In 2012, China’s State Council designated Kuqa as a state-level historical and cultural city. Since then, the local government has placed heritage conservation at the heart of its development agenda.

In 2023, Kuqa launched a project to renovate old residences, with a particular focus on its older dwellings. In collaboration with the Tsinghua Heritage Institute for Digitization, the project began with a comprehensive survey of traditional dwellings in the old towns of Kuqa. Renowned experts in heritage conservation were invited to train local craftsmen, ensuring that traditional techniques could be passed on and revived.

“We follow the principle of minimal intervention, using original materials and traditional craftsmanship whenever possible,” explained He Yan, president of the Tsinghua Heritage Institute for Digitization.

The restoration focuses on preserving the architectural and historical authenticity of the dwellings while integrating cultural elements into revitalization efforts. Once-dilapidated alleyways have been transformed into vibrant spaces, attracting a steady stream of visitors while providing residents with new income streams.

“Our house was restored, more tourists are coming, and our income has gone up. Most importantly, our children are learning about Kuqa’s rich history and culture,” said local resident Memet Yimit.

In Kuqa’s Resitan subdistrict, the delicate shimmer of Etles silk dances in the breeze, while the rhythmic clinking of handmade copperware rings through the space. This is the Qiuci intangible cultural heritage workshop, a vibrant hub of craftsmanship housed in a former grain warehouse, repurposed in 2024 to better preserve and innovate traditional craftsmanship.

The workshop features production zones, interactive visitor areas, traditional exhibition halls, and modern digital displays. It covers 25 categories of intangible cultural heritage, allowing visitors to explore craft-making processes, appreciate the intricacies of their creations, and purchase creative cultural products all in one stop. Since opening to the public in 2025, the workshop has attracted more than 8,000 visitors daily, becoming a vibrant new cultural landmark in Kuqa.

Kuqa is a repository of intangible cultural heritage, with 119 officially recognized representative items. To better protect and pass on these traditions, the city has taken a range of targeted measures. At the heart of these efforts is the Kuqa Cultural Center, which offers a wide range of training programs for traditional crafts. Its outreach extends beyond urban areas, bringing heritage education and artisanal skills to rural communities and helping integrate heritage practices into everyday life in the countryside.

To boost the enthusiasm among the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, Kuqa has implemented targeted funding programs and performance-based incentives for heritage preservation. The city also promotes intergenerational mentorship, encouraging veteran artisans to pass on their knowledge and skills to younger generations.

“We hope more young people will join the cause of cultural preservation and help bring ancient traditions to life,” said Luo Zhijuan, head of the Kuqa Cultural Center.

Local schools have also joined the effort, offering specialized classes that introduce primary and secondary students to traditional arts and crafts, reinforcing cultural identity from a young age.

With support from design and planning professionals, Kuqa has revitalized a 1.2-kilometer stretch of ancient alleyways known as Qiuci Lane. Through micro-renovations that preserve the original architectural style while incorporating Qiuci cultural elements, the area has become a popular destination for tourists.

Focusing on Tomur Peak and Qiuci culture, the city is building a Silk Road cultural tourism belt that blends natural beauty with cultural depth.

By embracing its rich historical legacy and breathtaking natural landscapes, Kuqa is charting a path of integrated cultural and tourism development, while cultivating distinctive tourism brands rooted in local heritage.

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU).

China and the EU are two major forces promoting multi-polarization,two major markets supporting globalization, and two major civilizations advocating diversity.

As transformation of the world unseen in a century isunfolding at a faster pace, the China-EU relationship bears heavily on the global landscape and the shared future of humanity.

In January this year, Chinese new-energy vehicle maker XPeng and Germany automobile giant Volkswagen signed a Memorandum of Understanding for strategic collaboration on a superfast charging network in China, an eye-catching move in the global auto industry.

Back in the 1980s, the first Santana car co-produced by China-Germany joint venture Shanghai Volkswagenmarked the start of Volkswagen’s deep engagement in the Chinese market.

Over four decades later, China’s reform and opening up has propelled the country forward by leaps and bounds. From importing European technologies and management expertise to jointly exploring the industry’s frontier, this upgraded cooperation trajectory speaks volumes: China’s development and progress continue to create more opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

As Volkswagen’s journey in China shows, while the modes and fields of China-EU cooperation may have evolved over the past half a century, the underlying principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation remains unchanged. Historically and today, there is no clash of fundamental interests between China and the EU, making them partners that can contribute to each other’ssuccess.

A healthy and stable China-EU relationship serves as a strong driver for mutual achievements.

China and the EU remain each other’s most important trading partners, with highly complementary economies and closely intertwined interests. In the past five decades, China-EU trade has expanded from $2.4 billion to $785.8 billion in 2024, covering everything from traditional industries like garments and toys to high-end manufacturing such as machinery and photovoltaic products.

Investment has increased from almost zero to close to $260 billion, moving into a fast lane with ample potential ahead. China-Europe freight trains have made over 100,000 trips, linking more than 200 cities and establishing a direct overland trade corridor between China and Europe.In the first quarter of this year, trade between the two sides reached 1.3 trillion yuan ($180.45 billion), equivalent to over 10 million yuan every minute.

A healthy and stable China-EU relationship also brings positive energy that illuminates the world.

Amid major turbulence and transformation in the international situation, a steady stream of high-level European visits to China in recent months has sent a clear signal of deepening strategic communication and enhancing mutual understanding and trust.

Both sides have reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing world multipolarity and economic globalization, while continuing to collaborate on addressing climate change and safeguarding multilateralism, injecting positive momentum of openness, inclusiveness, and cooperation into a turbulent world.

Though different in history and culture, social systems, and development stage, China and the EU have demonstrated that countries can bridge differences through dialogue and replace competition with cooperation for the common good of humanity.

“What ultimately binds China and the EU is a shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world,” said Zamir Ahmed Awan, a professor and founding chair of the Global Silk Road Research Alliance. In his view, the China-EU partnership serves as a pillar of global stability.

The 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties marks not an endpoint, but a new beginning. The China-EU relationship now carries greater global expectations than ever. Both sides should draw on historical wisdom, deepen strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and strengthen partnership, fulfilling their responsibility to the people, the world, and history.

To that end, China and the EU should recalibrate mutual perceptions with strategic foresight, ensuring their relationship continues to move in a direction that contributes to peace and development worldwide.

China has always regarded Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world. The China-EU relationshipdoes not target any third party, nor should it be dependent on or dictated by any third party. China’s deepening cooperation with the EU is not a matter of expediency, but a strategic choice grounded in shared interests and a commitment to forward-looking development.

Europe, for its part, should uphold strategic autonomy, develop a more independent and objective perception of China’s development, and focus on cooperation over confrontation, so as to ensure a healthy and stable China-EU relationship.

China and the EU should approach their development blueprint with openness, forging greater consensus and pooling strength in building an open world economy.

As two major economic players, China and the EU jointly make up overone-third of the world economy and more than a quarter of the global trade. At a time when protectionism threatens global recovery and undermines the foundations of development, the two sides should work together to uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable industrial and supply chains, and expandtheir mutually beneficial cooperation, thereby contributing to the long-term stability of the world economy.

China and the EU should work together in upholding fairness and justice, playing a greater role in improving global governance.

The world today stands at a crossroads between justice and hegemony, between the rule of law and the logic of power. In these uncertain times, China and the EU should remain on the right side of history, jointly oppose unilateral bullying and uphold international rules and order.

This year, at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit held in France, China joined Europe and other countries in advocating stronger global AI governance. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, China and France issued a joint statement, reaffirming their commitment to international cooperation on climate change. These concerted efforts underscore the significance of China-EU cooperation in injectingpositive momentum into global governance and addressing the common challenges of humanity.

China and the EU should deepen mutual understanding through inclusive exchanges, injectingnew vitality into exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations.

Over 300 years ago, in his preface to his Novissima Sinica (Latest News from China), German philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz saw China superior in ethics and the legal system while Europe was ahead in mathematics and warfare. He saw the opportunity of China and Europe embracing each other culturally and bringing benefit to the whole world.

Today, as the world stands at another historical crossroads, China and the EU are well-positioned to lead the way in promoting inclusiveness among civilizations. Former Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel noted that both Europe and China, as heirs to ancient traditions that shapehuman wisdom and morality, share a common vision for a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world.

Thanks to more convenient visa policies and other facilitative measures, two-way travel and cultural exchanges between China and the EU are flourishing. The handshake between China and Europe across the vast Eurasian continentcontinues to write a vivid story of mutual learning and harmonious coexistence among civilizations.

In a turbulent world, responsibility matters more than ever. As China and the EU join hands to tackle global challenges and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, they will surely make even greater contributions to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

By Zhu Peixian, Zhang Wenhao, People’s Daily

South of Luoyang, central China’s Henan province, a winding path ascends the West Hills of the Longmen Mountains. Carved into the cliffs are thousands of niches and statues of varying sizes – the Longmen Grottoes come into view.

The grottoes were first carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), when Emperor Xiaowen relocated the capital to Luoyang. Their construction flourished during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), spanning more than 400 years.

The site features 2,345 caves and niches, nearly 110,000 Buddhist statues, over 2,800 inscriptions, and nearly 80 pagodas. Standing for more than 1,500 years, Longmen Grottoes remains the world’s largest and most richly decorated repository of stone carvings. UNESCO has hailed it as the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art. In November 2000, this magnificent cultural relic was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the 1960s, the Longmen Grottoes faced serious threats: rock collapses, weathering, and water seepage. In 1971, the site underwent its first major restoration. Steel anchor rods were used to reinforcethe cliffs, and resin grout was injected to seal cracks. The restoration of the colossal Losana Buddha alone took 15 years.

A new round of restoration began in 2021, marked by significant advances in monitoring, surveying, grouting materials, and construction techniques compared to five decades ago.

According to Ma Zhaolong, a senior researcher at the Longmen Grottoes Academy, the latest restoration included a comprehensive “health check” to monitor moisture levels and weathering conditions. The academy, in collaboration with relevant universities,developed digital profiles to serve as “health manuals” for the stone sculptures.

The more than 200 days of restoration work not only stabilized the cliff faces but also represented a shift toward preventive conservation. “Fifty years ago, we were performing a major surgery,” Ma said. “Now, we focus on regular maintenance, underpinned by an improved monitoring system.”

Among the grottoes on the West Hills, the Binyang Middle, North, and South Caves sit side by side. In the Binyang Middle Cave, beneath a lotus-shaped ceiling, a bare wall remains where the “Empress Worshipping the Buddha” relief was once carved. In the 1930s, the relief was chiseled into fragments and smuggled overseas – leaving a painful void for cultural heritage professionals.

So how can these lost treasures be reconnected with their origins?

The Longmen Grottoes Academy has launched a digital project in partnership with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the University of Chicago, and other institutions to trace and digitally reunite the missing pieces. By scanning scattered fragments from around the world and comparing them with historical photographs, researchers reconstructed the original flow of drapery lines and digitally recreated the facial features and expressions of the statues using references from the same historical period.

In 2023, the “Empress Wen Zhao’s Ceremony to the Buddha” relief became the first to be digitally revived. Through augmented reality (AR) technology, visitors can now vividly experience the grace and elegance of this historic artwork.

Gao Junping, head of the information and documentation center at the academy, said that since 2005, the institution has been building digital archives of the grottoes. Using laser scanning and high-definition photography, the team has compiled an extensive database to preserve these invaluable cultural relics.

In the academy’s digital exhibition hall, rows of ancient-looking statues are on display. Upon closer inspection, the intricate folds in the garments are remarkably clear. These are not stone carvings but life-sized digital replicas created using 3D printing technology.

“Traditional replication methods like casting and rubbing often risked damaging the originals. Now, with 3D printing, we can replicate artifacts without causing any harm, which greatly enhances our capacity for protective research,” Gao explained.

As daytime crowds recede and night falls, the Longmen Grottoes reveal another different kind of beauty. “We’ve extended opening hours and introduced nighttime tours to create new cultural tourism experiences,” said Wang Qingru, a staff member at the academy.

“In April, we relaunched our night tours, attracting many visitors. The Longmen Museum is also scheduled to open next year, showcasing even more exquisite artifacts from our collection,”said Wang.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Longmen Grottoes is also a key destination for educational trips. In recent years, the academy has translated its academic research into engaging learning programs. It now offers 10 hands-on courses and themed summer camps, covering clay sculpture, mural painting, ink rubbing, and more, inviting young peopleto appreciate the beauty of grotto art.

The numbers speak for themselves.In 2024, the Longmen Grottoes welcomed over 7.7 million visitors, up 31 percent year on year, setting records in both total visitor count and ticket revenue. In the first four months of this year alone, nearly 3.17 million visitors arrived, up 12 percent from the same period last year. Meanwhile, International tourist numbers rose by a striking 4.6 times.

“We’ve always put preservation first,” said Yu Jie, Party head of the Longmen Grottoes Academy. “By leveraging advanced technology, deepening academic research, and uncovering the cultural value of the grottoes, we’ve promoted the integration of culture and tourism. More people can now experience China’s profound history and magnificent civilization right here at Longmen,” Yu added.

By Ouyang Jie, People’s Daily

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both sides, China-Africa economic and trade cooperation has made steady and substantial progress.

Trade between the two sides has grown steadily. In 2024, trade between China and African countries reached $295.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4.8 percent, setting a new record for the fourth consecutive year. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 straight years; while imports from Africa reached $116.8 billion, up 6.9 percent year over year. Meanwhile, China’sexports to Africa went up by 3.5 percent to reach $178.8 billion.

Investment ties have also strengthened.Chinese enterprises have ramped up the development of and investment across various economic and trade zones in Africa, promoting industrial chain cooperation. These efforts have significantly boosted local tax revenues, job creation, and export growth in the African continent.

Cooperation in emerging sectors also continues to expand. In the digital economy, Chinese companies have built major data centers in Africa, applying 5G technology in urban management. In green development, the installed capacity of photovoltaic power stations jointly built by China and Africa has exceeded 1.5 GW, enough to power millions of African households. In finance, Egypt and the African Export-Import Bank successfully issued “Panda bonds” in China in 2023 and 2025.

Over the past five years, annual Chinese direct investment into Africa stood at over $3 billion on average, covering a wide range of sectors. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has signed bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements with 34 African countries and established joint investment and economic cooperation working groups with 14.

Starting from December 1, 2024, China has given all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, including 33 African nations. By March 2025, China’s imports from these African countries had reached $21.42 billion, up 15.2 percent year on year. In the first quarter of 2025, Chinese imports of African coffee surged by 70.4 percent, while cocoa bean imports rose by 56.8 percent.

Since its launch in 2019, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has been successfully held three times, with 83 percent of signed projects having been implemented.

The fourth edition of the Expo, themed “China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization,”is scheduled to take place from June 12 to 15 in Changsha, central China’s Hunan province.

This year, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Nigeria will serve as guest countries of honor. To date, 44 African countries, six international organizations, 23 Chinese provincial-level regions, and more than 2,800 enterprises, business associations, and financial institutions from both sides have registered – totaling over 12,000 participants.

Tailored to industrial needs on both sides, this year’s expo will prioritize supply-demand matchmaking and offer distinctive exhibition experiences. The main venue – the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center – will cover 100,000 square meters. For the first time, the biennial expo will include specially curated sections showcasingsignature China-Africa cooperation brands, popular African consumer goods, and highlights from the China-Africa fashion industry.

As a key platform for implementing the economic and trade initiatives of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the expo will host more than 20 activities, covering infrastructure, textiles and garments, green minerals, youth innovation and entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurdialogues. A total of 128 cooperation projects with a total value exceeding $7 billion have been proposed for signing or matchmaking during the expo.

In January 2024, China’s State Council approved a general plan to establish a pilot zone for in-depth China-Africa economic and trade cooperation in Hunan, making the province a new frontier for China-Africa trade. In just two years, the zone has achieved significant progress.

In coordination with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and other departments, Hunan has established a consultation mechanism and released an implementation plan for the pilot zone. Fourteen cities and prefectures across the province have formed cooperative partnerships with 28 African countries, laying the foundation for a robust engagement network.

A dedicated cooperation service fund has been established. Hunan has pioneered China’s first pre-assessment system for African food exports to China and launched a pilot program to explore new forms of barter trade with Africa.

To date, the province has launched more than 40 industrial projects across 16 African countries. Demonstration projects have been developed to integrate production with trade, investment with trade, and logistics with trade. Many of these are”small yet smart” livelihood programs.

An “African Product Brand Bank” initiative has also been launched, bringing over 120 African products to the Chinese market. In addition, a promotional campaign is underway to bring African products onto Chinese e-commerce platforms.

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) recently announced that seven institutions from six countries, including two in the United States,have been authorized to borrow lunar samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission for scientific research. Brown University and the State University of New York at Stony Brook are among the recipients, serving as another vivid example of China-U.S. cooperation in science and technology.

International observers widely acknowledge that China-U.S. cooperation is fundamental to global scientific progress. Many believe that China and the U.S. are among the leading developers in artificial intelligence (AI), and the development of embodied intelligence in the U.S. will depend on continued collaboration with China. This interdependence exactly underscores the immense value and far-reaching significance of scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.

The history of China-U.S. scientific and technological cooperation has been marked by both breakthroughs and setbacks. Over the decades, the relationship has experienced moments of warming and periods of strain. Yetthrough it all, dialogue and collaboration have remained central, benefitingnot only the two countries but the world at large.

The extension of the Agreement Between the U.S. and China on Cooperation in Science and Technology last December is in line with the interests of the people of both countries and meets the expectations of the international community.

Over the past four decades, this agreement has provided strong support for scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, enabling collaboration in areas such as promoting the “folic acid revolution,”strengthening environmental monitoring and protection, tracking influenza, and accelerating vaccine development.

As the British scientific journal Nature noted, research cooperation has the potential to help meet the many challenges faced by China, the U.S., and the world.

Regrettably, in recent years, the Cold War mentality has resurfaced in the U.S., turning science and technology into a battleground for those pursuing a zero-sum game – or even negative-sum – against China.

Under the cloak of “national security” and “America First,” the U.S. has not only imposed targeted sanctions on Chinese high-tech companies, but also adopted a combination of measures such as technology restrictions, barriers to research exchanges, and supply chain controls. Its increasingly aggressive suppression of China’s scientific and technological development runs counter to the principles of scientific progress. These actions hinder the global flow of innovation, disrupt the stability of industrial and supply chains, and ultimately undermine America’s own interests.

As Stanford physicist Steven Kivelson bluntly stated, terminating cooperation with China in quantum materials would be a self-defeating act.

Facts have shown that “high fences and small yards” and “decoupling and supply chains disruption” cannot suppress China’s scientific and technological progress. The launch of DeepSeek has created a buzz in global tech circles, while the Zuchongzhi 3.0 superconducting quantum computer once again set a new record in quantum computational advantage within superconducting systems. China’s innovation drive continues to gain momentum, demonstrating the immense potential of the country’s scientific and technological creativity.

A report published by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington-based non-profit think tank, found that despite extensive U.S. efforts to restrict China’s access to advanced technology through export controls, these measures have had limited success. In fact, these measures have helped spur China to advance its homegrown ecosystem, according to the report.

American risk consultancy Eurasia Group also observed that “decoupling” would not cripple China’s tech sector, but merely slow down China at the cost of hurting U.S. companies at the same time.

Scientific development is driven not only by competition but also by the wisdom of cooperation, where mutual success fosters shared progress. In the unfolding new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, and when humanity faces global challenges such as climate change and epidemic prevention, international cooperation and open exchanges are more essential than ever.

As two major scientific powerhouse, China and the U.S. each possess distinct strengths. While enhancing their own competitiveness, both countries should uphold “Tech for Good” and continuously expand exchanges and cooperation. Working together, they can achieve outcomes that exceed the capabilities of either alone, thereby contributing more effective solutions to pressing global issues.

As the Chang’e lunar exploration program demonstrates, China has always promoted scientific and technological innovation with a strong sense of responsibility in building a community with a shared future for mankind. It is committed to advancing international cooperation in science and technology.

It is hoped that the U.S. will work with China in the same direction, create a sound environment for China-U.S. scientific and technological exchanges, and jointly uphold an open and inclusive international scientific and technological cooperation system, so as to ensure that innovation benefits all humanity.

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

By Wang Zhe, People’s Daily

In a production workshop of Qingdao Fit Garment Co., Ltd., located in the Xiajin Economic Development Zone in east China’s Shandong province, workers move swiftly and with purpose.

A skilled cutter guides a machine with practiced ease, as fabric pieces drop precisely into place. Nearby, sewing machine operators turn cloth into polished garments, their stitches nimble andexact.

After clearing quality inspections, these garments were folded, packed, and labeled-bound for countries including Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

“Since the release of the Joint Statement on China-U.S. Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva, we were reached by American clients,” said Tian Chunli, head of the company.

“Right now, we’re exporting to more than 10 countries, and our order book is full through September. With firm orders in hand, we’re calm and confident. We’ll keep moving forward at our own pace, focusing on doing our work well,” she added.

Compared with several years ago, Fit Garment is better equipped to navigate the uncertainty of U.S. tariff policies. Tian attributed this confidence to two key factors.

Expanding beyond the U.S. market

Specializing in knitted apparel, primarily baby and children’s clothing, Fit Garment once relied heavily on the U.S. market. “For a long time, more than 95 percent of our exports went to the U.S.,” Tian said. “We partnered with a number of American brands, many of which maintained offices here in China.”

That changed in 2018 as China-U.S. trade tensions escalated. American clients began scaling back orders from China, with some shutting down their China-based offices altogether. Export volumes dropped abruptly. Faced with this disruption, Fit Garment took action rather than wait for conditions to improve.

“We couldn’t afford to put all our eggs in one basket,” Tian explained. “We shifted resources to other markets, aiming to diversify and stabilize our trade channels.”

Starting in 2019, the company participated in textile expos in Germany, France, Japan, and other countries. “Sometimes language was a hurdle. We had to use translation apps. But good products and sinceritystill helped us land new orders,” Tian recalled.

Their efforts paid off. By 2023, more than half of Fit Garment’s exports were heading to markets outside the United States. In the first two months of this year, U.S.-bound shipments accounted for less than 10 percent of the company’s total export value– just 340,000 yuan ($47,350).

Driving innovation and efficiency

A second pillar of the company’s success is innovation and operational efficiency.

Only high quality can ensure a product’s success in a new market. In recent years, the company has ramped up itsresearch and development efforts and developed new manufacturing techniques. On notable achievement is the creation of a babywear fabric made from traditional polyester, which offers antibacterial, odor-resistant, and stain-repellent properties. These improvements significantly increased the product’s added value and market competitiveness.

The company also underwent a smart manufacturing upgrade. Through digital transformation, it established an agile, flexible production system. Orders are now automatically divided and scheduled across different stages, with real-time monitoring of equipment status, capacity loads, and process parameters, resulting in a production efficiency gain of over 20 percent.

Looking ahead, Tian has set her sights on two major goals.

“First, I hope to expand further into the domestic market,” she said. Not long ago, local authorities in the Xiajin Economic Development Zone organized a group of textile companies to attend the Yarn Expo Spring in Shanghai, where Tian met prospective domestic partners and began planning follow-up cooperation.

“Second, I want to explore Belt and Road markets,” she added. “We’re targeting a breakthrough in countries like Pakistan and Malaysia. In the second half of this year, I plan to travel more, visit more markets, and close more deals.”

As one of China’s key provinces for textile and apparel exports, Shandong is home to many companies like Fit Garment that are retooling to meet a changing global trade landscape.

Zhang Linchen, associate professor at the School of Economics, Shandong University of Technology, noted that companies must deepen their presence in global markets, diversify their export portfolios, embrace new business models like cross-border e-commerce, and build robust international marketing systems.

“They also need to foster new quality productive forces and move up the global value chain,” Zhang said.

By Wang Zheng, People’s Daily

In Jingzhou, central China’s Hubei province, humanoid robots developed by Chinese home appliance manufacturer Midea Group have joined the workforce at the company’s washing machine factory, performing inspection, equipment operation, and maintenance.

At the Hannover Messe, Germany’s leading industrial trade fair,collaborative robots developed by Shanghai-based JAKA Robotics were exhibited, demonstrating their ultra-precise control capability so delicate that they can gently grasp a potato chip.

Today, Chinese industrial robots are being applied across a wide range of industries with rapidly advancing capability. Driven by technological innovation, scenario-based applications, and artificial intelligence (AI), these machines are evolving from traditional mechanical arms into “all-rounders” capable of coordination, intelligent decision-making, full-process autonomy, and cross-industry adaptability.

At Midea’s Lyceem Lab – a Chinese national key lab for high-end heavy-duty robots – rows of orange KUKA six-axis industrial robots swing weights of various sizes as part of rigorous durability and lifespan testing.

“This is a comprehensive test ofrobotic endurance and reliability,” said Tuo Liheng, assistant director of the lab.

Since acquiring Germany’s robot manufacturerKUKA in 2017, Midea has ramped up research and development (R&D) investment in core technologies and critical components for heavy-duty robots, achieving many breakthroughs.

“Robot technology is now moving beyond traditional industrial applications and expanding into broader markets,” said Chen Feng, general manager of KUKA China’s enterprise business division. “In strategic industries such as high-end manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and healthcare, heavy-duty robots with high rigidity, precision, and reliability are becoming increasingly vital.”

Chinese companies are making significant strides in the heavy-duty robot sector. Estun Automation, an intelligent equipment manufacturer, has launched a 700-kilogram-payload industrial robot for use in heavy machinery, automotive, and construction materials sectors. The latest heavy-duty model launched by Chinese echelon industrial robot company EFORT Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd., another leading robotics firm, sold over 100 units in 2024. Meanwhile, Inovance, a Chinese provider of industrial automation components and solutions, has developed a six-axis robot capable of handling up to 220 kilograms of weight.

In a welding workshop of a heavy truck manufacturing base of Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group), six yellow Estun spot-welding robots operate in perfect coordination. Thanks to an optimized design and automated tool-switching system, each robot can seamlessly alternate between welding and handling, dramatically boosting efficiency while maintaining a 100 percent pass rate.

As one of the few Chinese companies with fully self-developed core components, Estun also provides customized solutions tailored to specific application scenarios. “Estun even granted us access to parts of its core control software,” said Du Shibin, head of the GAC facility. “We jointly developed optimization programs for the cabin welding line and shared intellectual property rights.”

In recent years, the application of industrial robots in China has continued to expand. Statistics show that China produced 556,400 industrial robots in 2024, up 14.2 percent year on year. According to the International Federation of Robotics, China installed over 276,000 new industrial robots in 2023, accounting for 51 percent of the global installations.

Following their widespread use in the automotive and electronics sectors, industrial robots are now gaining traction in emerging sectors such as new energy, sanitary ceramics, metal processing, and furniture and home appliance manufacturing, becoming key growth drivers for general-purpose industries.

Moreover, the deep integration of industrial robots with AI is further accelerating this transformation. Modern robots are increasingly capable of perceiving their environment, learning from real-time data, and making autonomous decisions. This has paved the way for flexible manufacturing and intelligent collaboration, significantly enhancing production efficiency and adaptability.

In a large overseas warehouse covering 20,000 square meters, 700 autonomous mobile robots developed by Geekplus, a Beijing-based global leader in mobile robotics technologies, zip across at speeds of two meters per second. Working in sync with 40 multifunctional workstations, they have completely disrupted the traditional “man-to-goods” logistics model. Shelves now move autonomously to workstations, where robotic arms accurately pick goods, and autonomous mobile robots(AMRs) deliver them along dynamically optimized routes. The warehouse processes over 350,000 items per day, with each workstation capable of handling up to 500 items per hour.

Geekplushas achieved significant breakthroughs in swarm intelligence control and dynamic path planning, enabling the simultaneous deployment of over 5,000 robots through a single system. It has also established more than 10 smart warehouse demonstration projects worldwide, each deployed with over 1,000 robots. The company is also collaborating with global manufacturing leaders like Siemens and CATL to advance intelligent logistics.

Looking ahead to the integration of AI and industrial robots, Chen Feng observed that China’s current industrial robot market sees annual sales of around 300,000 units. “Today’s commercial model still relies on customized development, professional installation, commissioning, and even on-site support,” he said. “But in the future, industrial robots will come equipped with built-in AI, ready to use straight out of the box. One-click installation and predictive maintenance will no longer just be market expectations – they will become standard features,” Chen explained