Nigeria Times

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

Amid mounting U.S. tariffs and escalating technological suppression, global attention has shifted to China’s scientific and technological innovation – a key sector that reflects the resilience and potential of the Chinese economy.

Major international institutions have acknowledgedthat China is forging new competitive advantages through innovation, which has effectively countered protectionist shocks and injected stability into global scientific and technological development.

China’s cutting-edge breakthroughs in science and technology are making frequent headlines. The Chang’e-6 probe marked a historic milestone in human history by bringing back the world’s first samples collected from the moon’s far side. The superconducting quantum computer prototype “Zuchongzhi 3.0” set a new record in “quantum supremacy” within superconducting systems. Meanwhile, the emergence of the DeepSeek model has reshaped the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. These developments reflect an accelerating pace of China’s homegrown innovation.

China’s ascent in the Global Innovation Index (GII) has been both steady and striking – rising from 34th in 2012 to 14th in 2019, and reaching 11th in 2024 – making it one of the fastest risers over the past decade. This upward trajectory reflects not just sporadic breakthroughs, but the emergence of a comprehensive and sustained innovation dynamic.

The momentum driving China’s innovation makes one thing abundantly clear: efforts to stifle China’s scientific progress have not only failed, but will continue to do so. As observed by the German business news magazine WirtschaftsWoche, U.S. attempts to impose technological restrictions have proven ineffective, inadvertently spurring China to push forward.

The lack of strong innovation capability was once considered the “Achilles’ heel” of the Chinese economy. But how did China transform this former weakness into a new source of strength?

The answer begins with top-level strategic planning.

China’s spending in research and development (R&D) has maintained rapid growth, with the total R&D expenditure exceeding 1 trillion yuan ($138.38 billion) in 2012, 2 trillion yuan in 2019, and 3.6 trillion yuan in 2024. This continuous increase reflects China’s clear prioritization of innovation, underscored by strategic positioning, coordinated planning, and targeted policy support. Through its forward-looking vision, long-term layout, and firm resolve, China has laid a solid foundation for sustained progress in innovation.

This transformation is further driven by a wave of reform that has unlocked new momentum for innovation.

China has broken through ideological and institutional barriers that once impeded scientific and technological progress. Outdated evaluation metrics, which were based solely on publications, titles, degrees, or awards, have been replaced by performance-driven mechanisms, such as open competition to select the most capable candidates.

These institutional reforms have bridged the gap between the “first kilometer” of basic research and the “last kilometer” of commercialization, turning sparks of inspiration in laboratories into tangible, real-world productive forces.

At the same time, China’s innovation surge has been fueled by the emergence of a robust innovation ecosystem.

In northeast China’s Liaoning province, located in the country’s former heavy industry heartland, innovation is experiencing a revival, with 76 national-level science and technology platforms and over 5,000 high-tech enterprises now anchoring its transformation. According to the GII 2024, China leads the world with the most science and technology clusters (26) in the top 100.

International observers have noted that China’s expansive network of tech companies, universities, and research institutions has created a comprehensive innovation ecosystem — anessential driver of the country’s innovation success.

Despite external containment, China remains firmly committed to the principle of “technology for good.” It believes that innovation should be collaborative, not competitive in a zero-sum game. It is fostering greater openness and advancing international cooperation in science and technology.

China’s space station will welcome its first foreign astronaut in the next few years, after China and Pakistan signed a cooperation agreement on the selection and training of astronauts.

British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced an investment of $2.5 billion in Beijing to establish its sixth global strategic R&D center.

German carmaker BMW said that it will deepen its collaboration with Chinese technology partners to enhance AI applications in the automotive marketing ecosystem.

European aircraft manufacturerAirbus is closely working with its Chinese counterparts to jointly promote green transformation of the aviation industry.

As The Economistput it, China is increasingly remarked for its growing role as the world’s research-and-development laboratory. Western R&D centers in China have been re-engineered, from places to learn about the domestic market into hotbeds of innovation whose fruits can be found in products sold everywhere.

Scientific and technological innovation should serve the common good of all humanity, not just the privileged few. In that spirit, China has put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative, proposedan international science and technology cooperationinitiative, and launched the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All.

It has also launched an Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science with Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union, aimed at promoting scientific and technological innovation across the Global South, and ensuring that no country is left behind.Throughout its journey in scientific and technological innovation, China has always been a collaborator and enabler.

China’s pursuit of scientific and technological advancement is not about defeating or surpassing anyone. It is about improving people’s well-being and contributing to the progress of humanity. In the face of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China remains committed to openness and cooperation, sharing the fruits of innovation with more countries, and building a brighter future for all.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On May 6 local time, China and Zambia co-hosted a side event of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building at the UN headquarters in New York.

Themed “From Divide to Synergy: Global Cooperation Frameworks for AI Capacity-Building,” the event brought together representatives from over 70 countries, including Russia, France, Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Ethiopia, as well as international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union and the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies.

Participants held in-depth discussions on ensuring the fair and inclusive development of AI, building consensus on improving AI governance and bridging the digital divide.

As a strategic technology driving a new round of scientific and industrial revolution, AI is profoundly reshaping human lifestyles and work paradigms,unlocking unprecedented developmental opportunities and vast future potential.

However, many developing countries have yet to realize these benefits. According to the International Telecommunication Union, 2.6 billion people, about 1/3 of the global population, remainedoffline in 2024. The world now faces the dual challenges of a widening intelligent divide and digital divide. Numerous developing countries are actively seeking to seize this historic window of opportunity to participate in and benefit from the dividends of intelligent development.

AI should serve as a global public good that benefits all humanity. In the face of both opportunities and challenges arising from AI, the international community must prioritize AI for the common good,promote fairness and inclusiveness, advocate multilateral approaches, and prioritize capacity-building efforts.

In response to the concerns and aspirations of developing nations, China and Zambia jointly established the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building. Since its inaugural meeting in December 2023, the Group has expanded steadily, emerging as a key player in global AI governance. It has injected new momentum into strengthening cooperation on AI capacity-building and narrowing the digital divide.

China is a strong advocate for the fair and inclusive development of AI. In October 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative, which proposed to increase the representation and voice of developing countries in global AI governance, and ensure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal rules for all countries in AI development and governance. The initiative said that efforts should be made to conduct international cooperation with and provide assistance to developing countries, to bridge the gap in AI and its governance capacity.

In July 2024, China pushed for the adoption of a resolution on strengthening international cooperation in the capacity-building of AI at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, contributing to the formation of a broad international political consensus.

At the 19th G20 Summit, Xi stressed the importance to step up international governance and cooperation on AI, to make sure that AI is for good and for all, not a game of the rich countries and the wealthy.

China is taking concrete actions to promote the fair and inclusive development of AI. In September 2024, China proposed the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, laying out an international cooperation framework on key areas such as infrastructure, industrial empowerment, personnel training, digital development and security governance.

Institutions such as the China-BRICS AI Development and Cooperation Center and the China-ASEAN AI Innovation Cooperation Center have been established. China has engaged in joint technology R&D and innovation cooperation with countries such as Vietnam and Laos. Besides, Chinese enterprises are partnering with the Egyptian government on the Digital Egypt Builders Initiative, supporting the United Arab Emirates’ smart city construction, and helping Saudi Arabian enterprises improve operational efficiency.

China stands ready to engage broadly in international cooperation on AI and assist other Global South countries in strengthening their technological capabilities, thus narrowing the global intelligent divide.

China will remain steadfast in championing the fair and inclusive AI development of the world. It will continue to enhance the role of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building, improve cooperation mechanisms, expand cooperation areas, diversify cooperation models, and work with other developing countries to share the dividends of AI and jointly build a brighter intelligent future.

By Lyu Shaogang, People’s Daily

Green power refers to electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. A “green electricity certificate (GEC)”serves as the official validation of this renewable electricity andit is the only recognized credential in China that certifies the production and consumption of green power.

Issued exclusively by China’s National Energy Administration, GECs can be obtained either through the purchase of green power or via independent trading. Each certificate is unique and, for now, can only be traded once. It includes details such as a transaction ID, buyer information, and quantity purchased. Users may scan a QR code to trace the certificate’s origin to its corresponding renewable energy project.

Each certificate represents 1,000 kWh of renewable electricity. In other words, trading a single certificate means that 1,000 kWh of green power has either been integrated into the grid or consumed.

In recent years, with the continuous expansion of China’s green power production capacity, driving a sharp rise in both green power consumption and GEC transactions. In March of this year alone, the National Energy Administration issued 174 million GECs — a 9.39-fold increase year on year. From January to March, 200 million certificates were traded nationwide.

By logging onto a “southern China green power trading system,” users can easily browse a wide variety of certificate products at the click of a button. Options include wind, solar, and biomass, among others, with transparent details on prices, inventory, and production dates. Once a user selects a project and makes a payment, the entire transaction can be completed within minutes.

Why are companies willing to buy GECs?

“Export-oriented firms, energy-intensive industries, multinational corporations, and large central or state-owned enterprises all have strong demand for green energy,” explained Huang Mei, deputy general manager of the market and customer service department at China Southern Power Grid’s Shenzhen branch. By purchasing GECs, companies can demonstrate their green power consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and build a environmentally responsible brand image.

“In 2024, we purchased around 5,000 GECs, fully offseting our annual electricity consumption of 5 million kWh,” said Guo Zhaocheng, deputy general manager of Shenzhen SDG Information Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, a company deeply engaged in data center construction and other power-intensive businesses. It began purchasing Green Certificates in June 2024.

“Participating in green electricity consumption and fulfilling our low-carbon responsibilities gives us a competitive edge in project bidding,” Guo added.

“Purchasing GECs doesn’t mean using green electricity directly. Rather, it means acquiring the environmental attribute of green power, achieving the effect of renewable energy usage,” Huang further explained. GEC trading breaks through physical limitations of power transmission, serving as a “bridge” between the production and consumption of green energy, unlocking new development opportunities.

“Downstream international clients prioritize green energy utilization. In 2024, 40 percent of our electricity consumption—more than 19.08 million kWh—came from green power,” said Zhu Huawei, procurement manager at Shenzhen Zhenghe Zhongxin Plastic Products Co., Ltd.

This year, the company has further expanded its production capacity, and related contracts specify that 85 percent of its actual power usage must be green electricity.

“Increasing green energy consumption enables us to secure more orders, enhance our brand value, strengthen global competitiveness, and promote sustainable low-carbon development,” Zhu said. This mindset is increasingly shared among many companies.

In 2024, green power transactions in Guangdong’s Guangzhou and Shenzhen reached 1.728 billion kWh, up 189 percent year on year, with 717 participating enterprises, an increase of 1,075 percent.

That same year, Shenzhen’s GEC transactionsexceeded 17 million, representing 17 billion kWh of green electricity, and the numbers continue to grow steadily. Green power and GEC are becoming increasingly popular, and the trading market continues to heat up.

The boom in green power and certificate trading is driven by enthusiasm from both supply and demand sides.

“Building renewable energy projects requires high upfront investment. The extra revenue from GEC sales gives us more incentive and confidence to keep expanding our R&D investment,” said Wang Tuo, marketing manager of CGN New Energy Holdings Co., Ltd., a Guangdong-based new energy investment company.

Take the company’s 1-million-kilowatt offshore wind power project at Huizhou Port as an example: it generates around 3 billion kWh of clean electricity for Guangdong annually, reducing standard coal consumption by 1 million tons, and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by about 2.35 million tons—equivalent to planting 6,000 hectares of trees.

By monetizing the environmental value of renewable energy through GEC trading, the market is sending positive signals for building a new energy system and boosting green power supply. In 2024, Shenzhen’s grid added 288,600 kilowatts of newly connected renewable energy capacity, a 51 percent increase year on year, and achieved full utilization of 3.123 billion kWh of renewable electricity which connected into the national grid.

By Wang Ke, People’s Daily

Recently, China introduced a new package of measures aimed at further optimizing the departure tax refund policy and boosting inbound spending. The package includes eight policy measures across three areas: expanding the number of departure tax refund stores, enriching the supply of related goods, and improving related services.

Departure tax refund, which allows foreign travelers to claim back value-added tax (VAT) on goods purchased at designated tax refund stores, is already a common practice in over 50 countries and regions, including the European Union, Japan, Singapore and Australia.

In 2024, inbound travelers to China spent a total of $94.2 billion, up 77.8 percent from a year earlier. The improvement of the departure tax refund policy seeks to enhance the shopping experience for overseas travelers in China, boosting their overall satisfaction with both travel and consumption.

Expansion of tax refund store network

Despite growth, China’s departure tax refund market remains in its earlystage. Currently, eligible stores are concentrated in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, while popular tourist destinations with large numbers of international visitors often lack sufficient coverage.

More departure tax refund stores will be set up in major shopping areas, tourist sites, airports, and hotels. Additionally, the government supports the creation of themed shopping streets offering tax refund services, making the process more accessible for international shoppers.

To further stimulate participation, the policy has eased the requirements for store registration. Newly opened stores, operating for less than a year,cannow apply for departure tax refund eligibility. The registration process, which once required approval from provincial tax authorities, will now be handled by local tax offices, with processing time reduced to within five working days.

Broader range of eligible goods

At present, international brands dominate the range of tax refund items available to foreign travelers. According to the new measures, the minimum purchase threshold for departure tax refunds has been lowered, allowing overseas travelers to apply for a refund if they spend at least 200 yuan ($27.5) at the same store on the same day and meet other relevant requirements.

Besides, departure tax refund stores are encouraged to broaden product offerings to include time-honored brands, renowned Chinese consumer goods, smart devices, intangible cultural heritage items, crafts and specialty products, among others.

Streamlining the refund process

According to the new package, efforts will be made to streamline the refund process, enhance the management system, improve invoice issuance efficiency, and reduce wait times for travelers. A series of activities to promote shopping in China will be launched to support local efforts to cultivate and promote high-quality signature products, such as “city gifts” and “must-buy” items, in departure tax refund stores.

Moreover, regions with capabilities are encouraged to adopt item sealing and coding systems, allowing customs to verify purchases without opening packages.To further enhance service delivery, tax refund agencies are encouraged to work with currency exchange counters and foreign visitor service centers in airport departure areas. Cross-regional cooperation and inter-agency coordination will also be strengthened to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for international travelers.

While ensuring proper risk management, refunds will be made available through multiple channels, including mobile payments, bank cards and cash, to better accommodate the diverse payment preferences of overseas travelers. The upper limit for cash refund has been raised to 20,000 yuan.

Currently, China refunds 11 percent of the tax-inclusive price for most goods, returning the full VAT paid by foreign visitors. With a broad range of eligible goods and an efficient refund process, the policy is expected to make China an even more attractive destination for global shoppers. These measures represent China’s commitment to creating a more dynamic and accessible environment for inbound travelers.

By Han Junjie, People’s Daily

Along Yunfei Road in the Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone, east China’s Anhui province, prominent “quantum” signs appear at regular intervals. The road is known as “Quantum Street” to many locals.

On both sides of the road, there are more than 30 leading quantum technology enterprises, covering quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum measurement – forming the most concentrated quantum industry cluster in China.

Among the trailblazers is QuantumCTek Co., Ltd., whose exhibition hall offers a window into the development of quantum technology. A massive screen displays live footage of the “Beijing-Shanghai Backbone” project, a quantum-secured communication backbone line connecting Beijing and Shanghai.

“Traditional digital encryption risks being compromised in the face of massive computational power,” explained Peng Chengzhi, chief scientist of QuantumCTek.”Quantum key distribution, however,offers a robust defense against such threats,securing data even as computing capabilities advance.”

Founded in 2009, QuantumCTek was pivotal in a major project by Hefei (the capital city of Anhui province)to establish a quantum communication experimental demonstration network.”We built the world’s first quantum communication network,” said Zhou Lei, the company’svice president.”What was once confined to laboratory prototypes has now evolved intoindustry-grade technology.”

The company’s quantum key distribution devices, once the size of refrigerators, haveshrunk to the size of standard video recorders, a clear sign of technological progress.”Today, our systems can be directly integrated into various types of devices, cutting installation costssignificantly,” Zhou added.

QuantumCTek’s technological advancement helped spur the creation of a quantum metropolitan area network for Hefei that leads the country in scale, number of users and applications, as well as the “Beijing-Shanghai Backbone” project. The launch of the world’s first quantum satellite, named Micius, further extended secure communication from urban areas and intercity domains to outer space.

“Hefei has become a key hub for quantum technology innovation, hosting nearly a third of China’s quantum tech enterprises,” said Lyu Bo, deputy director of Hefei’s science and technology bureau.”The city has attracted more than 70 upstream and downstream enterprises in the quantum industry chain, ranking first in the country,” he added. From basic research and core technological breakthroughs to engineering development and commercialization, Hefei has laid the groundwork for a robust, integrated quantum ecosystem.

Anothermajor milestone in quantum computing came earlier this year when Chinese scientists unveiled a superconducting quantum computer prototype named “Zuchongzhi 3.0” with 105 qubits, setting a new record in quantum computational advantage within superconducting systems. This achievement places China at the forefront of both superconducting and photonic quantum computing pathways.

Inside the laboratory of Hefei Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co., Ltd, a large cylindrical instrument bearing the name “Origin Wukong”takes center stage.This third-generation, China’sindependently developed superconducting quantum computer represents one of the country’smost advanced programmable and delivered superconducting quantum computers.

The launch of “Origin Wukong” made Hefei the first city in China to establish a homegrown superconducting quantum computer manufacturing chain. Since its launch, the machine has received more than 20 million remote visits from 139 countries and regionsglobally, completing over 340,000 quantum computing tasks in sectors like fluid dynamics, finance, and biomedicine.

Beyond technological advancements, Hefei has cultivated a thriving quantum industry ecosystem byhostingtop-tier platforms for industrial exchanges. The city has organized four consecutive conferences on quantum technology and industry, alongside high-end academic forums and events, facilitating collaboration across the entire quantum industry chain. These efforts have bridged upstream and downstream projects, and attracted innovation resources and talent, fostering the clustering of quantum enterprises and positioning Hefei as a globally influential hub for quantum technology.

By Lu Tao, Xu Yuyao, People’s Daily

Each March to April each year, Nyingchi in southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region transforms into a sea of peach blossoms.

Along the banks of roaring rivers, in emerald-green highland barley fields, and beneath towering snow-capped peaks, trees burst into bloom – blush pink petals painting the landscape – a spectacle drawing throngs of tourists.

Most of Nyingchi’s peach trees are wild, encompassing approximately 3 million, many of which are three to five centuries old.

What makes wild peach blossoms favor Nyingchi?

“Located in the southeastern part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, Nyingchi benefits from a relatively warm and humid climate. Abundant water resources from rivers such as the Yarlung Zangbo and the Parlung Zangbo provide the conditions needed for large expanses of peach trees to thrive,” explained Xing Zhen, vice president of Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University.

Wild peach trees have plenty of space to grow naturally in Nyingchi, and the local varieties possess strong resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to their multi-century lifespans, Xing added.

Recently, the “22nd Xizang Nyingchi Peach Blossom Tourism and Culture Festival” kicked off, running for a month. A variety of vibrant events have drawn crowds from near and far, with sub-venues established across different districts and counties, immersing visitors a series of spectacular blossom celebrations.

At the sub-venue of the Bayi District in Duodang Village, Bujiu Township, thousands of mu (about 667 square meters) of peach blossoms are in full bloom, while high-speed trains gliding through the vibrant floral landscape.

Amidst the peach orchards, lively song and dance performances delight the crowd, traditional culturalactivities enjoy widespread popularity, and food stalls draw long queues of visitors.

“During last year’s festival, our village generated more than 220,000 yuan ($30,190.75) solely from ticket sales. We anticipate similarly significant revenue this year,” said Sonam Norpu, head of Duodang village.

Thanks to the festival’s growing popularity, local hospitalitysectors such as catering and lodging have seen booming business in recent years. As night falls in Suosong village, nestled at the foot of Namjagbarwa Peak – the cultural celebrations maintain their momentum. Courtyards glow with bonfires, singers strum guitars on open-air stages, and visitors join local villagers in traditional dances, immersing themselves in the unique charm of Xizang culture under a canopy of peach flowers and starlight.

Suosong village now boasts 53 homestays and family-run inns. The village forms part ofthe Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon Scenic Area, whichwelcomed 658,500 tourists in 2024, generating tourism revenue exceeding 106 million yuan. Local homestay operator Jigme Dorje,  said all 30 rooms had been booked well ahead of this year’s festival. “Peach blossoms have truly blossomed into flowers of prosperity!” he said.

“Using flowers as a bridge, cultural tourism has become one of the most dynamic strategic pillar industries in Nyingchi,” said an official from the Nyingchi municipal bureau of culture and tourism. Since the beginning of this year, the city’s total tourism revenue has increased by about 12% year on year, accompanied by a 20% expansion in cultural-related industries output value.

National Highway 318, renowned for steep mountains and rugged terrain, remains hallowed ground for adventure enthusiasts. Traveling to Nyingchi along this route transforms into a romantic dialogue with spring’s awakening.

“This journey has been smooth and scenic. We’ve stopped many times along the way to admire the peach blossoms. It’s absolutely stunning,” said Zhang Lanping, a tourist from southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, who drove all the way to Gala village in Bayi district.

In Bomi county, a 207-kilometer stretch of National Highway 318 carves through towering mountains. Over the years, efforts of tunnel and bridge constructions, and roadway expansions have never ceased.

“National Highway 318 is like a hada (ceremonial scarf), weaving together regional development with future aspirations,” said Yang Li, head of the Bomi county. To ensure that visitors can fully enjoy the peach blossoms and stay comfortably, the county has invested in upgrading infrastructure, including RV campsites and improved public restrooms along the highway. Today, Bomi boasts over 400 hotels, inns, and guesthouses, accommodating more than 2.63 million travelers in 2024 alone.

Beyond National Highway 318, infrastructure improvements continue to drive accessibility. The Lhasa–Nyingchi Expressway opened in 2019; the Lhasa–Nyingchi Railway began operation in 2021; in 2024, passenger throughput at Nyingchi Mainling Airport surpassed 700,000 for the first time.

Visitors from all directions now gather in Nyingchi for this radiant peach blossom rendezvous. As the blossoms bear witness to Nyingchi’s rapid development, they will continue to shine light on the ever-brighter future of this “pearl of the snowy plateau.”

By Ma Ruishan, People’s Daily

At the Malan Mine in Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi province, a group of new “workers”has just reported for duty. But instead of helmets and headlamps, these workers come equipped with sensors, software and precision memory-cutting technology.

Managed by XiShan Coal Electricity Group Co., Ltd. (XiShan Group), a subsidiary of Shanxi Coking Coal Group Co., Ltd., the mine now runs with the help of an intelligent control center above ground. Here, Ding Chao, deputy technical leader of the mining preparation team, sat in front of a smart mining console. With a tap of a button, he set an automated shearer in motion more than 100 meters below. Its rotating drums sliced cleanly into the coal seam, sending streams of freshly hewn coal – known locally as “black gold”- onto a conveyor belt bound for the surface.

Live footage from underground work zones flickers across monitoring systems. Hao Yirui, head of the coal mining section, watched closely. “If the belt drifts even slightly off track, we can notify workers immediately,” he explained.

The scene is emblematic of a broader transformation underway in Shanxi, China’s largest coal-producing region. As smart mining continues to expand, technologies like intelligent mining systems and robotic inspectorsare becomingindispensable partners underground, working in coordination with human operators.

How does technology coordinate with human labor?

Central to this shift is the smart mining system – a digital”brain”that integrates control, coordination, and diagnostics across the mine. Once-manual tasks have been translated into automated commands. Workers now guide machines remotely, relying on pre-programmed “memory-cutting” paths that reduce manual labor and boost mining efficiency.

Smart technology also plays the role of “safety supervisor.”

At the nearby Tunlan Mine, also managed by XiShan Group, an AI-powered early warning system adds a layer of vigilance. At 2:55 a.m., one recent night, Wang Jianping, a member of the electromechanical maintenance team, received an alert on his phone: a fan in the equipment room had malfunctioned. Technicians were dispatched immediately, the fault repaired within minutes.

The platform monitors not only machines but also human activity, issuing alerts to workers when potential hazards are detected. It is, in effect, an always-on safety supervisor.

Roof collapses – among the most feared threats in coal mining – remain a critical concern. Traditionally, installing hydraulic shields to hold up the roof above the work face was a labor-intensive and risky task – often requiring two workers and leaving them exposed to falling rocks. Now, equipped with infrared sensors, the shields advance automatically, extending their hydraulic arms to stabilizethe coal wall without putting workers at risk.

“In the past, we needed over a dozen workers at a single face and still couldn’t keep up,” said Hao. “Now we run day shifts only,with a team of only eight. Output hasn’t dropped – in fact, we’ve improved productivityby over 40 percent.”

After extraction, how is the coal safely delivered to the processing plant?

Even after the coal is brought to the surface, the technology continues to work. At the Malan Mine, raw coal travels down a steep 1,142-meter incline toward the processing plant. Along the way, a smart inspection robot glides along the belt, scanning for signs of trouble.

Its data-gathering cameras can track belt alignment and coal spillage. The built-in pickup microphones record and analyze mechanical sounds to detect anomalies and trigger automatic alarms if anything seems off. An infrared thermal imaging camera “feels” for abnormal heat in hard-to-reach areas, alerting workers to potential issues before they escalate.

“It’s like giving the robot human senses,” said Guo Tianjun, chief engineer of the Malan Mine’s electromechanical department. “It sees, hears, and feels, eliminating inspection blind spots and easing the burden on workers. It’s reliable.”

To date, the Malan and Tunlan Mines have jointly built 16 smart mining work faces. Across Shanxi, more than 50 percent of coal production capacity comes from mines powered by intelligent systems.

“With continued upgrades in rock-coal recognition and underground positioning technologies, fully unmanned mining is no longer a distant vision – it’s just around the corner,” said Hao.

By Yu Sinan, Fu Wen, People’s Daily

Jinjiang, a manufacturing hub for clothing and footwear in southeast China’s Fujian province, boasts production lines of varied brands. As one of China’s major export hubs, the city embodies the bold, entrepreneurial spirit that underpins local businesses and a deep-seated confidencein the resilience of the Chinese economy.

Renowned as “China’s shoe capital,”Jinjiang is home to SinceTech, a key player in the footwear supply chain. Specializing in shoe uppers, the companyis a supplier to many well-known international sneaker brands.

Inside the company’s intelligent flyknit workshop, nearly 2,000 computerized flat knitting machines hum in unison, operating at full capacity.

According to Xu Jianfei, deputy head of the president’s office at SinceTech, current global trade headwinds have had limited impact on the company. While some effects may emerge in the second or third quarter, he expressed confidence in the company’s ability to adapt and respond.

That confidence comes from the company’s sustained commitment to innovation. Over the years, SinceTech has invested around 4 percent of its annual revenue into R&D and employed more than 500 R&D staff.

“Making a high-quality shoe upper is no longer justa labor-intensive task,” said Xu. “Through innovations like flyknit technology, we’ve digitized production. A single click on the computer sends weaving instructions to the machine, and one worker can now oversee ten machines at once.”

Today, SinceTech has moved beyond traditional contract manufacturing to become deeply involved in product development for its clients, serving an integral part of the industrial and innovation chains. This end-to-end capability has helped cement long-term partnerships and strengthen customer loyalty.

“We’re constantly rolling out new designs,” Xu added. “Our overseas clients often joke that if they don’t check in regularly, they might miss something new.”

In Yinglin township of Jinjiang, covering less than 30 square kilometers, the local swimwear industry is booming. With over 200 companies producing swimsuits and beachwear,Jinjiang Qicaihu Garments Weaving Co., Ltd. stands out for its ability to rapidly expand its international footprint.

Seven or eight years ago, the company began breaking into European and South American markets. Today, around 55 percent of its orderscome from Europe, up from 30 percent, while 25 percent are from South America.

In recent years, orders have risen sharply, bolstered by high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. In 2024, the company delivered 33 million pieces and achieved a 12 percent increase in revenue.

Swimwear orders are highly seasonal. Xu Yongzhu, the company’s deputy general manager, explained that U.S. orders placed last year were fulfilled by early April this year. While future orders may be affected, the company anticipates offsetting the downturn through increased demand from other markets.

Asked how the company sustains growth amid uncertainty, Xu offered a telling anecdote. In 2016, a potential buyer from Egypt came to explore fabric procurement. After touring Qicaihu’s fully integrated production facilities, he decided to build a factory in Egypt – with Qicaihusupplying weaving and printing equipment, raw materials, accessories, and technical guidance. That cooperation model has expanded to Vietnam, the Philippines, and Kenya.

Qicaihu is currently involved in every aspect of the swimwear supply chain, from raw material sourcing and design to production. Beyond exporting finished products, it now exports the entire supply chain.

“Swimwear production always circles back to Yinglin township,” Xu said. “While individual businesses may relocate, the industrial chain is much harder to move. That’s what gives us resilience in the face of external shocks.”

That logic holds true in Dongshi township – known as “China’sUmbrella Town,” producing one in every four umbrellas worldwide. At Fujian Yoana Umbrella Technology Co., Ltd., general manager Wang Xiangpeng introduced the company’s catalog: umbrellas in every imaginable color, fabric, and style – many with new functions.

Wang pointed to the massive Chinese domestic market as the foundation of the company’s confidence to innovate – a competitive advantage hard to replicate elsewhere.

He offered a practical example: Creating a new mold might cost 100,000 yuan ($13,724). If the initial order is just 10,000 umbrellas, that adds 10 yuan to each unit – a steep premium. But with a larger order of 300,000 umbrellas, the added cost drops to just 0.3 yuan per umbrella, well within the range consumers are willing to pay for better quality.

Thanks to the scale of both Chinese and international markets, the company has evolved from contract manufacturing to independent R&D, design, and branding. “When the product quality is high, clients don’t haggle over prices,” Wang said. Today, the company’s umbrellas are sold in over 80 countries across Europe, South America, and Africa.

As for the uncertainties clouding the global market, Wang remains optimistic. “Good products always find a market,” he said.”By embracing changes and staying proactive, new opportunities – and new markets – will continue to emerge.”

By He Linping

At the Nansha AutomobileTerminal of Guangzhou Port in south China’s Guangdong province, Xu Xiaoqing, deputy general manager of Global-Ucar Technology Co., Ltd. (Global-Ucar), a key player in China’s used auto export business, weaved through orderly rows of pre-owned vehicles, conducting final inspections with his team.

“These vehicles are bound for Dubai in the UAE,” he said, restinghis palm on a car hood and glancing toward the port’s seaward exit.

Covering more than 1.6 million square meters, the Nansha AutomobileTerminal is the largest Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) port facility in South China. The cars Xu was inspecting were neatly parked and in excellent condition. At first glance, it’s hard to tell they are second-hand, apart from the paperwork attached to their windshields.

“Unlike new cars, which must be sold through authorized dealership networks, pre-owned vehiclesbypass those constraints. That’s where our advantage kicks in,” Xu explained.　　

Since China launched its used car export pilot program in 2019, export volumes have steadily climbed. Global-Ucar was among the initial 40 licensed exporters nationwide.”Chinese pre-owned vehicles are affordable, durable, and reliable, which makes them popular among international buyers,” Xu added.

Global-Ucar’s vehicle registration service station serves as the first stop for vehicles destined for export. “Through coordinated efforts with local commerce and public security departments, we’ve established a one-stop service center for used car exports,” said Jiang Hong, who works at the station.

“Once vehicles arrive, we handle information registration and ownership transfers in the main hall. Then, the cars move to the inspection zone for third-party testing,” Jiang added.

To support the sector’s development, Guangzhou customs, under guidance from the General Administration of Customs of China, has optimized its regulatory processes. Measures like online customs clearance appointments, pre-declarations, on-arrival inspections, and on-arrival direct loading have helped lower operating costs and significantly improve efficiency. Dedicated customs personnel expedite review procedures for exporting enterprises.

Once all the vehicles bound for Dubai had arrived at the port, the entire export process was completed in less than a day.

With all these streamlined measures in place, Ro-Ro ships can now dock, load, and depart almost instantly, said Lu Runsheng, the operations supervisor at the Nansha AutomobileTerminal.

“The 200 vehicles have shipped as planned and should arrive at Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai in about two weeks. Please be ready to receive them,” wrote Yu Wenxin, a business coordinator at Global-Ucar, in a message to the Dubai client.

“Fantastic—your efficiency is truly impressive!” the buyer responded.

As one of China’s largest automobile-producing and used car trading provinces, Guangdong boasts a mature market and abundant vehicle supply. In fact, China’s first-ever used car export transaction was completed by a Guangdong-based firm in July 2019. The orderworthed $2.5 million and consisted of 300 vehicles shipped in batches from Nansha Port to destinations such as Cambodia, Nigeria, Myanmar and Russia.

Exporting used vehicles is a complex project that spans multiple sectors. It requires coordinated efforts between government and enterprises, robust policy support, long-term market development, and a well-structured supply chain.

Since 2019, Guangzhou has steadily advanced its used car export business by improving services, regulating market practices, expanding international reach, and setting industry standards. Today, over 200 companies in Guangzhou are involved in used car exports or related services.

In 2024, the Nansha AutomobileTerminal exported 248,500 vehicles via Ro-Ro ships, up 38.5 percent year on year. Among them, 33,486 were pre-owned vehicles, with a total export value of 3.99 billion yuan ($546.99 million), an increase of 251 percent in volume and 239 percent in value over the previous year.

At BLJ used vehicle market, Guangzhou’s largest secondhand car trading hub, foreign buyers are a common sight.

“With government policies supporting scrappage and vehicle replacement, a large number of high-quality pre-owned vehicles are entering the market,” said Liu Hongbo, the market’s deputy general manager.

“International buyers, especially those interested in new energy vehicles, are showing strong demand. Many are placing orders without hesitation,” Liu told People’s Daily.

In December 2024, Guangzhou launched its first used car export service base, which spans 20,400 square meters and is divided into 11 functional zones. The facility offers comprehensive, one-stop services, including vehicle preparation, new car registration, inspections, car exhibition, warehousing, logistics, and transaction handling, effectively creating a full-chain service system for used car exports.

In 2025, Guangzhou’s export policy for used vehicles will be further upgraded, streamlining the parallel export process even more.

“This is great news for businesses like ours,” Xu Xiaoqing said. “It will inject fresh momentum into Guangzhou’s export market and enhance the overall strength of China’s auto export sector.”