Nigeria Times

By Qiang Xiaoyun

Since its founding in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has evolved into a comprehensive regional organization with the world’s largest population, the broadest geographical coverage, and enormous potential, playing an increasingly constructive role in international affairs.

Since taking over the rotating presidency of the SCO in July 2024, China has hosted more than 100 events in multiple fields as SCO chair, promoting unity, mutual trust, mutual learning, and win-win cooperation among member states.

The SCO has long prioritized women’s development as a key area of cooperation. Through a range of practical steps, the organization has promoted gender equality, safeguarded women’s rights, and empowered women’s contributions to national and social progress. These efforts have significantly enhanced women’s participation in the development of SCO countries.

During the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, in June 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced China would host the SCO Forum on Women. Since 2018, five sessions of the forum have been successfully held, creating a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation.

Recent initiatives such as the SCO Women Leaders Forum and the “Women’s Perspective on the SCO” academic conference have showcased fresh highlights in women-centered people-to-people and cultural exchanges within the SCO framework. These efforts continue to inject greater women’s strength into building a closer SCO community with a shared future.

An increasing number of female experts and scholars are engaged in SCO-related research, contributing valuable insights with a pragmatic and inclusive approach. Amid rising regional and global uncertainties, women across the SCO family are actively promoting cooperation and working to find common ground among member states. As the SCO family continues to expand, female scholars and professionals have consistently advocated openness and inclusiveness, contributing wisdom to the organization’s evolution.

People-to-people exchanges remain foundational to strengthening public support for the SCO. As a founding member, China has always placed great importance on such exchanges and supported a wide range of activities, especially those involving women and youth.

In recent years, China has successfully hosted events such as the SCO Art Festival, the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit, and the SCO Countries Vocational Skills Contest, remaining committed to deepening people-to-people and cultural ties among member states.

As the current rotating chair, China is taking pragmatic and efficient steps to promote infrastructure development (“hard connectivity”) and policy/cultural alignment (“soft connectivity”) while deepening mutual understanding among member states. Recent events such as the SCO Political Parties Forum and the Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries have further built consensus for deeper regional cooperation, delivering concrete benefits across the SCO region and beyond.

Going forward, the SCO should continue enhancing communication and mutual learning, strengthening people-to-people ties, and expanding cooperation in areas such as education, women’s development, culture, think tanks, media, and tourism. By working together, member states can inject strong momentum into building a closer SCO community with a shared future and a brighter future for Eurasia.

(Qiang Xiaoyun is a research fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies under the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Shanghai)

By Liu Jun

Safeguarding the hard-won victory of World War II (WWII), upholding accurate historical understanding, and preserving the post-war international order constitute essential pillars of historical justice. 

Amid contemporary attempts to deny the WWII outcomes and distort historical facts, adhering to a correct historical perspective carries both immediate and long-term significance.

As an unprecedented catastrophe in human history, WWII’s legacy requires vigilant protection of its hard-won achievements. For China, these achievements are manifested in several key areas. First, China triumphed over Japanese aggression, securing national independence and sovereignty. Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, once seized by Japan, were rightfully restored to China. Second, China played a key role in the founding of the United Nations, shaping the post-war international order and ushering in a new era of peace. Third, China actively supported national liberation movements, contributing to the dismantling of colonial systems and the transformation of the global political landscape.

Upholding historical justice means honoring WWII legacy and preserving the shared human memory. A correct understanding of the war is inseparable from its outcomes; it requires recognition of both the victory itself and the universal values it represents. 

A historically accurate view of World War II rests on several fundamental acknowledgments. First, China and the Soviet Union served as the principal pillars of resistance in Asia and Europe respectively, making decisive contributions to the global victory over fascism. Second, the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression began the earliest, lasted the longest and was fought under the harshest conditions, at immense sacrifices, making it an indispensable part of the World Anti-Fascist War. Third, the Communist Party of China (CPC) was the first to raise the banner of armed resistance against Japanese aggression. Under its strong leadership, the Chinese people fought with extraordinary courage and ultimately prevailed. Fourth, the Nuremberg Trial and the Tokyo War Crimes Trials forever condemned the perpetrators of aggression – their legal and moral judgments serving as permanent benchmarks for historical justice.

The Allied victory represented the triumph of justice over evil, light over darkness. It brought hope for peace and development to the world. Upholding a correct view of history and preserving collective memory are of profound historical importance. 

Regrettably, even 80 years after the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascism War, small individuals continue to ignore incontrovertible historical facts and the loss of tens of millions of innocent lives, seeking instead to deny or even glorify acts of aggression. Such distortions have drawn strong condemnation from peace-loving people around the world, including in China.

Within the Asian theater, China bore the sole burden of resisting Japanese aggression from 1931 to 1941. This prolonged resistance, which cost over 35 million Chinese military and civilian lives, pinned down significant Japanese forces on the Asian mainland. Their heroic resistance sustained Allied operations in other theaters and helped prevent Japan from opening a second front against the Soviet Union. 

Throughout this resistance, the leadership of the CPC and its call for a united national front against aggression played a decisive role. After the September 18 Incident, the CPC was the first to launch armed resistance and led efforts to forge national unity, ultimately defeating Japanese militarism and making a major contribution to the final victory.

The post-war international order remains a symbol of global fairness and justice. The victory of WWII was made possible by the unity of the anti-fascist alliance, which overcame ideological and national differences to confront aggression. 

Today, some countries, driven by hegemonic ambitions, seek to revise the outcomes of WWII and undermine the principles of the post-war order. Such moves disregard hard-won historical lessons and threaten international justice. Our world needs justice, not hegemony. The experience of WWII demonstrates that only through safeguarding fairness and justice can humanity build a solid foundation for lasting peace.

The legacy of victory is enshrined in the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core. This system underpins modern international relations. In today’s complex and uncertain global environment, maintaining an accurate understanding of WWII history and drawing wisdom and strength from it are crucial to preserving peace and defending international fairness and justice.

We firmly believe that the people of all nations will ultimately stand on the right side of history, uphold justice, and join hands in working toward a brighter future for all humankind.

(Liu Jun is a professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, East China Normal University.)

By He Yin, People’s Daily 

The “Su Super League,” grassroots tournament Jiangsu Football City League, and the Village Super League, also known as Cun Chao, have gone viral, injecting fresh vitality into the integrated development of culture, commerce, tourism and sports.

Labubu toys, elf-like dolls produced by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, have become global sensations, showcasing the cross-cultural appeal of Chinese designer toys.

China’s visa-free policies continue to pay dividends, fueling the rise of trends like “China Travel” and “Shop in China.”

These developments reflect China’s accelerating economic innovation, the highlights of high-quality development, reinforcing a sustained and steady growth trajectory.

Since the beginning of this year, China’s economy has demonstrated stable and steady progress. Major economic indicators have performed well, new quality productive forces have developed steadily, and reform and opening up has continued to deepen, demonstrating remarkable vitality and resilience.

Recently, international financial institutions and investment banks, including the International Monetary Fund, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, have raised their forecasts concerning China’s economic growth in 2025.

A United Nations report identifies China as one of few major economies achieving substantially upgraded growth expectations amid global economic adjustments. The report emphasized that, China’s increasingly prominent role in navigating complex global challenges through its economic strategies.

Recent international media analysis highlights an emerging “cool factor” – a dynamic appeal rooted in innovation, cooperation, and youth culture – driving more balanced economic growth in China. This momentum is poised to propel China’s next growth cycle, potentially reshaping its global economic identity through open collaboration.

This innovative dynamism permeates China’s economic landscape. The country continues to harness scientific and technological innovation to develop new quality productive forces, accelerate the cultivation of emerging pillar industries with international competitiveness, and promote the integrated development of technological and industrial innovation, injecting strong impetus into economic development.

According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, in 2024, the added value of new industries, new business formats, and new business models accounted for 18.01 percent of China’s GDP, up 0.43 percentage points from a year earlier.

China now hosts the world’s largest R&D workforce, leads globally in top-tier science and technology innovation clusters, and counts over 460,000 high-tech enterprises. Breakthroughs in open-source AI models and novel therapeutics continue to emerge, while cutting-edge sectors like intelligent drone manufacturing and smart automotive equipment thrive.

In the first half of this year, the added value of China’s high-tech manufacturing industry grew by 9.5 percent. Foreign investment in high-tech sectors rose significantly, with notable increases in the actual use of foreign capital in the e-commerce service sector, chemical pharmaceuticals manufacturing sector, and aerospace equipment manufacturing sector.

Recently, a delegation from U.S.-China Business Council’s board delegation – comprising senior executives from leading American firms – visited China. They noted that China has sent a clear signal of further expanding high-level opening up, which is crucial for foreign companies, including U.S. enterprises, seeking to invest and expand in China.

At a time when the rise of unilateralism and protectionism has added significant uncertainty to the global economy, China’s policy stability and long-term planning of high-level opening up are particularly valuable.

From 24 pro-foreign investment measures to 20 specific measures aimed at stabilizing foreign capital, from “negative lists” to “zero-tariff treatment,” China continues to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment.

China is also expanding trials to open sectors such as telecommunications, medical services, and education, promoting the opening of biomedicine, while encouraging foreign companies to make equity investments, making itself a favored destination for foreign investment. China remains committed to widening its opening to the global economy.

At a time when the world economy faces numerous challenges, China injects greater certainty into the global economy through its stable development and generates new opportunities for various countries by continuously expanding opening up.

As the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) nears conclusion and the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) approaches, China will respond to an uncertain external environment with strong and effective policies, make good use of development opportunities, potential and advantages, and consolidate and expand the positive momentum of economic recovery and improvement to keep the ship of the Chinese economy sailing ahead.

As a country pursuing high-quality development, China will bring broader market opportunities, investment opportunities, and growth opportunities to the world, and pursue common development with various countries.

By Yang Wenming, People’s Daily

At Tiandi Courtyard, or Courtyard of Heaven and Earth, in Lijiang ancient town, southwest China’s Yunnan province, He Xueguang was busy attending to his daily affairs. “There are now around 30 cultural courtyards like this throughout the ancient town,” he said. 

With a history spanning more than 170 years, Tiandi Courtyard exemplifies well-preserved traditional Naxi architecture. Despite numerous commercial lease offers, He has consistently prioritized cultural preservation over commercialization.

Since Lijiang ancient town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, protection measures have become increasingly stringent. To preserve the town’s historical integrity, modern renovations are strictly limited. As tourism has grown, many residents have relocated, leading to a shift in the town’s demographic landscape.

In Lijiang, traditional residential architectures, local lifestyles, and cultural heritage form an inseparable whole – a cultural ecosystem sustained by local stewardship.

“Cultural heritage is more than just physical structures. It carries invaluable cultural significance,” said He. To further explore, safeguard, and pass on this heritage, he transformed the Tiandi Courtyard into a venue for traditional Naxi song and dance performances. In 1999, he established a Naxi culture inheritance center in the courtyard, inviting local residents to perform traditional music and dance, exhibit Dongba culture, and offer cultural workshops and training.

Beginning in 2007, the Lijiang ancient town protection and management bureau, together with the Lijiang ancient town management company, began designating portions of public housing annually to develop cultural courtyards. In 2016, Tiandi Courtyard was officially recognized as the 18th cultural courtyard in Lijiang.

“We receive discounted rent and annual financial support,” He explained. Tiandi Courtyard is not an isolated case. Every year, the town invests millions of yuan into the development and operation of cultural courtyards and other heritage preservation projects.

Today, Tiandi Courtyard hosts three daily Dongba music and dance performances, attracting large audiences. Building on its early success, it has developed original Naxi music and dance performances, curated two themed exhibition halls, and incorporated interactive experiences such as Naxi script instruction and traditional dance workshops, offering visitors immersive access to the town’s vibrant heritage.

Beyond Tiandi Courtyard, a wide range of cultural spaces has emerged, including independent bookstores, poetry clubs, pictographic character experience halls, and traditional craft studios. The town’s 30 cultural courtyards cover diverse topics such as notable residences, historical and cultural protection, traditional craftsmanship, and Naxi folklore. Visitors can not only enjoy the exhibits but also engage in in-depth learning experiences. “The story of Lijiang ancient town is told through these cultural courtyards,” He remarked.

Because of their dispersed locations, these cultural courtyards can be difficult for tourists to locate. In response, Lijiang ancient town has enhanced signage throughout the area to direct visitors more clearly. “The most prominent signs now guide visitors directly to these cultural spaces,” said He.

In 2019, Lijiang ancient town introduced stricter regulations on commercial activities, including business entry thresholds and an exit mechanism to manage overall business density. It also reorganized its commercial landscape through categorized management, restricting operations incompatible with the preservation of the town’s historical character and cultural heritage, while encouraging businesses that contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of traditional culture. 

“Internet cafes have disappeared, bars have significantly decreased, and the ancient town’s cultural atmosphere has become much more pronounced,” said He. “We hope more young people will come to Lijiang and develop a deep appreciation for cultural heritage.”

By He Yin, People’s Daily

China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will officially launch an island-wide independent customs operations on December 18, 2025. This milestone in the development of the Hainan FTP sends a clear and unequivocal message to the world: China remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding high-level opening up, even amid rising protectionist headwinds.

The establishment of the Hainan FTP is a major reform and opening up initiative personally planned and advanced by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over the past seven years, the FTP has steadily taken shape, leveraging the advantages of China’s vast domestic market while aligning with high-standard international trade rules. It has increasingly become a focal point for both domestic and global investors. 

As a hallmark of China’s reform and opening up in the new era, the Hainan FTP is emerging as a pioneering platform of institutional innovation, a hub for regional cooperation, and a new engine for global economic integration. It embodies China’s readiness to share its development opportunities and work in partnership with the rest of the world.

The launch of independent customs operations does not imply isolation; rather, it marks a deeper level of opening up. The number of tariff items eligible for zero-tariff treatment will expand to around 6,600 – about 74 percent of all tariff items – representing a sharp increase of nearly 53 percentage points. A targeted, low-intervention regulatory model will be adopted, featuring streamlined supervision for zero-tariff goods and goods under relaxed management. 

Two distinct customs “lines” will facilitate these operations. The “first line” will connect the Hainan FTP with economies outside China’s customs territory, enabling the smooth flow of zero-tariff goods through simplified policies. The “second line” will link the FTP with the Chinese mainland, where tailored oversight will help safeguard the broader domestic market. Within the FTP, zero-tariff goods and processed products can be stored without time restrictions, offering businesses greater operational flexibility.

The Hainan FTP will also introduce more favorable tariff policies, simplified trade measures, improved travel and logistics procedures, and targeted regulatory oversight. With both institutional “software” and physical “hardware” in place, Hainan is set to become a modern, globally connected hub of vitality and openness, injecting strong momentum into China’s high-quality development and setting a benchmark for higher-level opening up.

Unlike traditional opening-up models that primarily focus on the flow of goods and production factors, institutional opening up – centered on rules, regulations, management, and standards – represents a higher standard of openness. The Hainan FTP is designed to align with the most advanced open economies in the world, providing a more stable and predictable regulatory environment and broader opportunities for businesses worldwide. 

The results are already evident. In 2024, despite global economic uncertainties, the number of newly registered foreign-invested firms in Hainan exceeded 2,000, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 20 percent. At the 2025 Global Industrial Investment Promotion Conference for the Hainan Free Trade Port held in April, 265 projects were signed with a combined contract value of roughly 233.6 billion yuan ($32.44 billion). To date, investors from 176 countries and regions have entered the Hainan market, and the province’s economic openness has reached 35 percent. This continued inflow of global capital underscores the international business community’s confidence in China’s high-level opening up.

At a time when unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise and economic globalization is encountering severe challenges, China’s determination to remain open is particularly significant. 

Since the launch of its first pilot free trade zone (FTZ) in Shanghai in 2013, China has leveraged FTZs and the Hainan FTP to dismantle institutional barriers, reduce trade costs, and enhance the free flow of resources. Institutional opening up has thus become increasingly substantive, providing fresh momentum for global economic growth and creating new opportunities for win-win cooperation. 

China continues to shorten its negative list for foreign investment and expand its global network of high-standard free trade agreements. As the breadth, depth, and quality of its opening up increase, the benefits of reform and opening up are being shared more widely with the world. 

Time and again, facts have demonstrated that China’s pursuit of high-level opening up is not a short-term tactic, but a strategic choice aligned with global development trends and the country’s long-term development goals. China was, is, and will remain an attractive, safe, and promising destination for global investors.

The rise of the Hainan FTP offers a vivid testament to China’s evolving model of opening up. Looking ahead, China will continue to pursue high-level opening up as a driver of high-quality growth and will contribute even more actively to building an open world economy and a community with a shared future for mankind.