Nigeria Times

By Liu Jiahua, People’s Daily

At the Liaohekou National Nature Reserve in Panjin, northeast China’s Liaoning province, Tian Jiguang, director of the marine animal research office at Panjin wetland conservation association, pointed to a nearby mudflat where over 10 grey-and-white spotted seals gathered.

“The western Pacific spotted seal is a national first-class protected species, and the Liaohe River estuary is its only breeding ground in China,” Tian explained. This year, the peak daily count of seals coming ashore reached 451, setting a new record for the third consecutive year, he added.

“Whenever boats pass by, people now make a point of steering clear of the mudflats, slowing down, and keeping noise to a minimum,” said Song Jiali, a 63-year-old fisherman who also serves as an information officer at the association and patrols local waters every day. 

More than 30 fishermen like him now work as volunteer observers and patrol personnel. Over the past decade, more than 20 spotted seals have been successfully rescued and released back into the wild in the Liaohe estuary region.

In the past, spotted seals would breed and recuperate at the estuary before migrating northward. In recent years, however, Tian has noticed a growing number choosing to stay.

“Spotted seals are highly sensitive to changes in the marine environment. Their population is an important indicator of ecosystem health,” he said. “More than a decade ago, we could monitor only a few dozen.”

The situation was very different in the past. Large-scale coastal aquaculture had fragmented extensive wetland areas into a patchwork of enclosed ponds. Vegetation deteriorated, seawater became polluted, and coastal ecosystems suffered significant damage.

“When vegetation disappeared, bottom-dwelling organisms declined. Without them, fish stopped coming, and naturally the seals lost interest in the area as well,” Tian explained.

In 2015, an ecological restoration project was launched in the Liaohe estuary, focusing on converting aquaculture ponds back into wetlands and rebuilding the ecological cycle linking rivers, the sea, and wetlands.

According to Sun Lei, deputy director of Panjin’s natural resources bureau, years of restoration efforts have led to the withdrawal of all 598 aquaculture operators from the area. Aquaculture facilities were completely dismantled, 366 sewage discharge outlets flowing into the sea eliminated, around 5,727 hectares of wetlands restored, and 17.6 kilometers of natural coastline rehabilitated, breathing new life into the coastal wetland ecosystem.

On the mudflats, five wetland transport vehicles line up as workers sow seeds of seepweed, while drones on the other side of tidal channels scatter the same seeds from above. Combining manual planting with drone technology has overcome terrain constraints and enabled more comprehensive and targeted ecological restoration.

“Seepweed helps reduce soil salinity, enrich soil nutrients, and provide habitat for a wide range of species, but it needs very specific growing conditions,” Sun said.

As part of marine ecological conservation and restoration efforts, Panjin conducted extensive surveys of topography, soil conditions, and ecological environments. Researchers carried out hydrodynamic simulations, soil salinization analyses, and vegetation suitability studies to develop targeted plans for micro-topography adjustments and tidal channel excavation.

As the marine ecosystem improves, fishery resources are also recovering.

Panjin Agricultural Development Group has established two national-level marine ranching demonstration zones. Surveys have identified five major categories of harvestable resources, including fish, shrimp, crabs, cephalopods, and specialty marine products. 

Community structures have become healthier and more stable, reversing previous trends of resource depletion and limited species diversity. The result has been a win-win outcome of ecological restoration and industrial upgrading.

Last year, Panjin produced 40,000 tons of marine aquaculture products, up 4.1 percent year on year.

Wetland restoration has also transformed reeds into a thriving local industry. Degraded reed marshes have gradually recovered, with both reed growth and overall stock increasing steadily. Panjin’s reed wetlands now remain stable at around 800 kilometers, producing approximately 400,000 tons of reeds annually.

Industries such as ecological co-cultivation of fish, shrimp, and crabs beneath reed stands, along with reed-straw processing, have continued to expand. Various business entities have created employment opportunities, helping local residents increase their incomes close to home.

Spotted seals are not the only sign of Panjin’s marine ecological recovery. 

A total of 336 bird species have been recorded in the Liaohe estuary, the world’s largest breeding ground for the Chinese black-headed gull. Along the 18-kilometer beachside corridor, photography enthusiasts capture spectacular scenes of flocks taking flight, visitors participate in immersive eco-tourism experiences, and children learn about wetland ecosystems through educational exhibits.

Last year, the area welcomed 1.05 million tourist visits and generated more than 50 million yuan ($7.38 million) in tourism revenue.

Against blue skies, amid red seepweed beaches, green reed fields, and the calls of birds, a picture of harmony between people and nature is unfolding across the Liaohe estuary.

“Prioritizing conservation while using resources rationally lets the marine economy deliver both economic and ecological benefits,” said an official from the Panjin development and reform commission. “This is higher-quality, truly sustainable development.”

By Zhang Yikai, Shen Wenmin, People’s Daily

On Changxing Island in Shanghai’s Chongming district, a new high-tech vessel was launched roughly every seven and a half days last year.

Today, order books at shipbuilders on the island, including Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd. and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., both under China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, are already filled through around 2030.

Behind the ability to build better ships and build them faster is one driving force: innovation.

Process innovation is reshaping how ships are built.

“Shipbuilding is like assembling building blocks. The larger each module becomes, the faster the assembly process,” said Qu Huanjun, deputy director of Production Operations Department II at Jiangnan Shipyard, as he guided People’s Daily reporters through the construction process of a 175,000-cubic-meter LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier.

At the dockyard, enormous hull blocks towering more than 10 stories high and resembling giant slices of the ship’s body were lifted simultaneously by twin gantry cranes and precisely joined together.

Nearby, massive cargo tank ring sections weighing thousands of tons slowly moved on transport systems toward floating docks, where they were launched and moored before installation of containment systems began.

“Over the past two years, improvements in precision during block joining and transportation have allowed these processes to be carried out simultaneously across different production areas before final assembly,” Qu explained.

Today, the construction cycle for an LNG carrier on the island has been reduced from more than 30 months to around 16 to 18 months, reaching internationally leading levels.

Technological innovation is also reducing labor intensity while improving efficiency.

Inside a giant cargo tank designed to store LNG at minus 163 degrees Celsius, machines hummed continuously. 

Stud mounting robots and insulation panel fitting robots stretched their extendable arms and carried out automatic construction work along the inner walls of the gigantic 50,000-cubic-meter decahedron vessel.

These robots, co-developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Jiangnan Shipyard, have replaced dangerous high-altitude and edge operations previously carried out manually while doubling efficiency.

“Slightly shake the welding torch and keep the angle lower…” 

Several hundred meters away in another workshop, senior welder Li Taotao demonstrated multi-layer welding techniques while lying sideways inside steel structures barely wider than an arm.

“My job is to translate Li’s craftsmanship into code and teach it to our new seven-axis automatic welding robots,” explained Luo Cheng, assistant researcher at the hull quality intelligent control research center under Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Changxing Ocean Laboratory.

“The goal is for robots entering similarly confined structures to start working much faster,” She said.

As she spoke, Luo continuously photographed welding operations and made notes. Her phone contained hundreds of images of different steel structures.

Changxing Ocean Laboratory alone hosts 22 research teams like this, closely connected with shipbuilding and marine engineering companies across the island.

Meanwhile, nearly 20 marine research institutions, including the Shanghai Research Center of Hanjiang National Laboratory, the 704 Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited and the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute, have gathered on the island to tackle key technological bottlenecks.

Collaborative innovation in core technologies has strengthened resilience across industrial and supply chains.

In early April, on the dock of Jiangnan Shipyard, Zhang Yan, a research and development engineer from Shanghai Qiyao Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. under the 711 Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, grew teary-eyed as he witnessed China’s first domestically built large cryogenic reliquefaction system for LNG carriers being slowly lowered and fully mounted onto a ship.

Dubbed a “super refrigerator,” this reliquefaction unit continuously reliquefies vaporized natural gas. “Magnetic levitation rotors weighing dozens of kilograms spin tens of thousands of times every minute, yet their vibration amplitude measure less than half the diameter of a human hair,” Zhang said. “We had no prior references to draw upon. We had to review and sum up lessons repeatedly amid nearly 1,000 failed trials.”

As technological breakthroughs accumulated, localization rates for supporting equipment supplied to shipbuilders such as Jiangnan Shipyard and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding rose from less than 30 percent over a decade ago to around 80 percent today.

Since 2020, output from Changxing Island’s shipbuilding and marine engineering equipment sector has grown rapidly. In 2025, total output value exceeded 90 billion yuan ($13.3 billion).

According to an official with the Administrative Committee for the Development and Construction of Changxing Island, Shanghai aims to build Changxing Island into a world-class modern shipbuilding hub, with plans to expand industrial output beyond 120 billion yuan by 2027.

By Han Chunyao, People’s Daily

“Many online listeners initially thought it was the anthem song for the FIFA World Cup, only to learn it is actually a company anthem.”

Recently, the Song of Chambishi Copper Mine, an anthem from a Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia, took social media by storm. In the viral video, a group of local workers dressed in white shirts and black trousers sing passionately beneath a tent under the blazing African sun.

“From the depths of hardship we rise again, through storms and flames we press ahead…”

Driven by a rousing melody and hopeful, uplifting lyrics, the song struck a chord with views worldwide. Thousands online said its messages of grit and unwavering optimism left them deeply moved.

How did a workplace anthem sung by miners manage to cross oceans and captivate audiences far beyond Africa? The answer lies not only in its memorable tune, but also in the powerful story of renewal, development, and shared success behind the lyrics.

As the song’s lyrics suggest, the Chambishi Copper Mine itself fought its way back from ruin. 

Discovered in the late 19th century, the site was eventually abandoned by Western operators because of technical challenges and financial difficulties, leaving behind what many considered an unsalvageable asset. 

After acquiring the project through international bidding, a Chinese company invested heavily, upgraded equipment, and built Africa’s first digitalized mine, overcoming one longstanding challenge after another and breathing new life into what had once been regarded as a depleted operation.

This was not a story of pursuing quick profits, but of making a long-term commitment. It was not about resource extraction, but about empowering local communities and driving lasting local development. The mine’s transformation reflects the values of a major country committed to enabling development and highlights China’s long-term approach to international cooperation.

After restarting operations, the Chinese company directly created more than 6,200 jobs while continuing to improve local infrastructure and educational conditions. 

When the 2008 global financial crisis sent shockwaves through commodity markets, the company made a public vow: it would not slash output, lay off any staff, or scale back investment by a single penny. 

Such commitment underscored its dual focus on not only economic returns but also social responsibility, offering a vivid example of what mutually beneficial cooperation truly means.

The song is composed by Chinese staff stationed at the mine, while the performers are members of a grassroots band made up of local employees. The company purchased musical instruments for the group and allocated funding to support cultural activities. 

This human-first mindset and the close bonds forged between people transcend nationality, race, and cultural background, giving the song a power that reaches through the screen and touches audiences afar.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. 

Over these seven decades, countless stories like that of Chambishi have emerged from China-Africa cooperation. China-provided hybrid rice has helped Africans combat hunger; railways and highways built by Chinese companies on the continent have strengthened connectivity; Luban Workshops have trained skilled professionals for Africa; the recently introduced zero-tariff policy has expanded market access for African products. 

As cooperation continues to expand in scope and diversify in form, China has remained committed to high-level opening up and to sharing development opportunities with its African partners.

China, with its openness and inclusiveness, pursues modernization through a path of peaceful development. 

While some countries seek to redraw spheres of influence through conflict and power politics, China remains committed to peaceful development. 

While some erect “small yard, high fences” and promote decoupling and supply-chain disruption, China continues to champion openness and cooperation. 

At a time when anti-globalization sentiment and protectionism are on the rise, China remains a steadfast supporter of multilateralism. 

Guided by the belief that it is important to pursue the larger interests of all countries, China honors its commitments and follows through on its promises.

“Together, let us create a brighter future for this planet.” That is the message carried by the song. It celebrates industrial revitalization, expresses hopes for development, and embodies a precious friendship forged across continents. 

As this song of perseverance continues to resonate, each note contributes to the strength of cooperation, and each melody helps build bridges of understanding between peoples.

By Dou Hanyang, People’s Daily

As one of the most competitive emerging renewable energy industries, the photovoltaic (PV) sector has experienced rapid growth in China in recent years.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), the annual output value of China’s PV manufacturing industry exceeded 1 trillion yuan ($147.65 billion); total exports surpassed $180 billion; cumulative installed capacity topped 1,200 gigawatts; PV modules were exported to more than 200 countries and regions.

Yet challenges have emerged. Since 2024, Chinese PV products have faced increasingly intense and often unreasonable competition across overseas markets — a trend defined by rising export volumes paired with plummeting selling prices.

According to a representative of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, some companies have engaged in excessive low-price competition during exports, eroding industry profits while increasing the risk of trade disputes such as anti-dumping and countervailing investigations against China’s PV sector.

Beginning April 1, 2026, China eliminated export tax rebates for photovoltaic products. Industry experts believe the move will encourage companies to shift away from extensive, scale-driven expansion and focus instead on technological premiums, brand building, and the development of higher-efficiency, more reliable, and smarter products, thereby accelerating industrial upgrading.

Inside the factory of Ronma Solar Energy Group in Jinhua, east China’s Zhejiang province, robotic arms and automated material-handling systems work in coordination as silicon wafers move through a series of processes before becoming solar modules.

“We recently received new orders from Central Asia and Southeast Asia and are now ramping up production,” said Xiao Yuanbiao, a company executive.

For leading firms, going global has long evolved beyond simply exporting products. It now encompasses exporting brands and even production capacity.

“Going global is not just about establishing overseas sales channels,” said Huang Haiyan, executive vice president of Astronergy, an intelligent manufacturing enterprise focusing on photovoltaic cells and modules. “More importantly, it means putting down roots in local markets and building fully localized operations across the entire value chain.”

In March, Astronergy secured a major solar-plus-storage project in Ereğli of Konya province, Türkiye. All PV modules required for the project were supplied by the company’s local factory in Türkiye. More significantly, its parent company, Chint Group, provided a comprehensive one-stop solution covering modules, energy storage systems, and construction services.

“Our ability to deliver the entire value chain — from core products and system integration to full project delivery — creates a significant advantage in international competition,” Huang said.

Zhejiang ranks among China’s leading provinces in both the size of the PV industry and grid-connected installed PV capacity. According to an official with the digital economy division of the Zhejiang provincial economy and information technology department, the industry has seen continuous capacity expansion since 2023, leading some companies into what is commonly described as “involution-style” competition. In response, Zhejiang rolled out new supportive policies last year encouraging industry self-discipline and production control.

Huang argues the current phenomenon of “higher output but lower profits” stems largely from the massive release of new production capacity over the past two years, which has driven down prices throughout the supply chain. Huang said companies cannot simply wait for the market to recover; they must take proactive steps.

At Astronergy’s Haining base in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, a national-level green factory, production has become increasingly digitalized and intelligent. According to Pang Shaohua, head of the facility, the factory pioneered a “PV manufacturing plus internet” model as early as 2016.

“Take AI-powered inspection of semi-finished products as an example. Previously, four production lines operating day and night required eight workers. After introducing AI inspection, only two workers are needed, while inspection efficiency has increased fourfold,” Pang explained.

A representative of Aiko, a global leader in new energy technology based in Zhejiang province, noted that outdated production capacity will inevitably be phased out and that industry competition must ultimately return to a healthy cycle driven by technology and quality.

“The removal of PV export tax rebates marks the beginning of a new era of ‘value-driven globalization’ for the solar industry,” the representative said. “The policy’s core goal is to accelerate the elimination of outdated capacity and optimize the industry structure. In the long run, this will help prevent export prices from remaining trapped at unsustainably low levels and support a more rational recovery of prices in overseas markets.”

Amid fierce competition, the range of “PV-plus” application scenarios continues to expand. About 700 meters offshore from the Wengle reclamation area in Yueqing, Zhejiang province, nearly half a million silver-blue solar panels shimmer in the sunlight. Beneath them, fish swim freely in the shaded waters. This is the Wenzhou Hengtai fishery-solar complementary power generation project.

“From the very beginning, we integrated aquaculture into the project design,” said the project manager. “By fully utilizing the water resources beneath the solar panels, each mu (about 667 square meters) of tidal flat generates an additional 3,000 yuan ($443.57) in annual fishery output while creating more than 1,000 jobs.”

In Mianqianling village, Xiyang township, Taishun county, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, rows of solar panels stretch across the hillsides. Making use of the forest land beneath the panels, the village has developed a demonstration base combining photovoltaics with the cultivation of medicinal Chinese yew trees.

The project generates roughly 200,000 yuan($29,571.20) in annual income for the village collective. In addition, leveraging a nearby aviation sports camp, the village has launched a tourism program that allows visitors to view the solar installations from the air.

According to Shen Fuxin, secretary-general of the Zhejiang Solar Energy Industry Association, the continued development of new application scenarios can help alleviate the pressure created by expanding production capacity. Looking ahead, the replacement of smaller installations with larger, more efficient systems, as well as the upgrading of aging facilities, may become important new growth drivers for the PV industry.

People’s Daily reporters

From June 9 to 10 local time, the second World Conference of Classics was held in Athens, Greece. Following the successful inaugural session held in Beijing in 2024, this grand event, jointly organized by China and Greece, represented a cross-continental “academic relay” between the two pivotal cradles of Eastern and Western classical civilizations.

Participants generally agreed that the study of classics is no longer confined to any particular region, language or cultural tradition, but instead encompasses all classical civilizations throughout human history that have preserved enduring traditions, nurtured noble virtues and cultivated spiritual values. 

By tracing the roots of civilizations, the study of classics provides humanity with spiritual guidance and intellectual resources for advancing civilization, allowing the light of classical civilizations to illuminate the path forward.

Under the theme “Dialogue Between Ancient and Modern Civilizations: Contemporary Inspiration from Classical Wisdom,” this year’s conference focused on how the study of classics can respond to the common challenges facing today’s world and offer inspiration for the development of human civilization.

In a written address to the conference, director-general of UNESCO Khaled El-Enany said that bringing splendid classical traditions into modern dialogue is not about glorifying the past, but about drawing wisdom from ancient classics’ profound reflections on knowledge, justice, responsibility, coexistence and peace, so as to address the pressing challenges of the modern time from a new perspective.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said that the joint organization of the conference by Greece and China not only demonstrated the strength of cooperation between the two ancient civilizations, but also showed that the study of classics has become a truly global field of research and dialogue. 

She added that scholars from different countries and academic traditions gathered in Athens, proving that when civilizations engage in exchanges with openness, inclusiveness and without prejudice, seeking understanding rather than confrontation, they can not only coexist, but also learn from and enrich one another.

Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that against the backdrop of profound global changes and rising uncertainty, humanity is more eager than ever to draw wisdom from classical civilizations to address real-world challenges. 

The contemporary value of classics, he said, lies in deeply exploring the rich intellectual resources of ancient civilizations, drawing on their valuable experiences in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace, and applying the ancient wisdom of “harmony without uniformity” to help build a more just and equitable international order.

In the late autumn of 2024, the inaugural World Conference of Classics was successfully held by Yanqi Lake in Beijing. More than 400 Chinese and foreign scholars from over 30 countries across five continents gathered to explore the theme “Classical Civilizations and the Modern World,” opening a new chapter in dialogue among classical civilizations.

“The first World Conference of Classics was a great success. It set a new benchmark for global research on classics, made positive contributions to the inheritance and development of civilizations, and promoted exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations,” said Roger T. Ames, vice president of the International Confucian Association and a participant in the conference. 

“The second conference has once again brought together academic communities from around the world to explore new avenues for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, providing spiritual nourishment for building a better world,” he added.

Stelios Virvidakis, secretary general of the Greek side at the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations, said that China is actively promoting the drawing of wisdom from global classical traditions to address contemporary global governance challenges. The World Conference of Classics, as an important platform for discussion and exchange, is crucial to building a better future for humanity.

Spanish sinologist Alicia Relinque Eleta, who has translated multiple Chinese classical literary masterpieces into Spanish, said that the Western world should open its eyes and truly seek to understand other civilizations. From this perspective, China’s Global Civilization Initiative provides an important framework for promoting equal dialogue and exchanges among civilizations, helping overcome barriers between civilizations and enhance mutual understanding among peoples.

Kathryn Morgan, a professor of classics at the University of California, Los Angeles, expressed a similar view. She said that in a world filled with uncertainty and multiple challenges, the Global Civilization Initiative is like a remedy, offering a Chinese approach enriched by Eastern wisdom to address global challenges. 

It goes beyond the outdated logic of zero-sum competition and the clash of civilizations, injecting valuable stability and positive energy into a world undergoing turbulence and transformation, she added.

During the conference, parallel forums were held on topics including “Virtue and Cultivation,” “Friendship and Community,” “Peace and Order,” and “Technology and Civilization,” along with a series of cultural exchange activities. 

At the closing ceremony, the conference released a joint initiative titled “Illuminating Humanity’s Future with Classical Wisdom” and launched a Global Visiting Scholar Program by the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens.

From Beijing to Athens, the conference served as a bridge connecting two major sources of Eastern and Western civilizations. More than an academic gathering, the event marked a milestone in putting the Global Civilization Initiative into practice, adding a profound and enduring classical chapter to the shared future of human civilization.

By Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

Recently, Chagee, a fast-growing brand known for its modern take on traditional Chinese tea, opened three stores in South Korea at once, triggering a wave of consumer enthusiasm. 

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, long lines formed outside the first store of Chinese tea beverage brand Mixue Ice Cream & Tea (Mixue) even before opening hours. Mixue’s mascot, Snow King, dressed in a No. 10 football jersey, interacted warmly with customers. Today, an impressive 95 percent of its customers in the city are local residents.

By the end of 2025, Mixue had operated around 4,500 stores overseas. Meanwhile, Heytea, a Chinese beverage brand that calls itself the “pioneer of new Chinese style tea,” has entered markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with the number of its overseas outlets increasing nearly sixfold over the past year.

From exporting raw tea as a conventional commodity to rolling out standardized services, localized operations and authentic Chinese cultural experiences overseas, Chinese beverage brands featuring traditional tea are expanding globally. 

This global expansion reflects much deeper changes in how China connects with the world. It also signals a remarkable transformation of China’s image, temperament and charm in the eyes of the globe.

For a long time, the world’s understanding of China was shaped primarily by the global success of “Made in China.” Over past decades, China’s international presence was closely associated with tangible products such as garments, household appliances, and machinery. 

The focus was on products rather than experiences, hardware rather than culture. What the world saw was an industrious and highly capable manufacturing powerhouse. Yet opportunities to gain deeper insight into Chinese lifestyles, cultural traditions, and the character of its people were relatively limited.

Trade in goods built strong connections, but could not fully convey a multidimensional, vibrant, and relatable image of China.

Service consumption represents the most down-to-earth and approachable form of cultural communication. The in-depth value of service globalization lies in offering the world a new perspective to understand China. Rooted in inherent cultural heritage, a new generation of Chinese brands is succeeding internationally through consistent service, refined operational expertise and unique cultural features.

Mixue has adopted a business model that combines global standards with local customization. Supported by a mature franchise operation system and a comprehensive supply chain, the company ensures consistent product and service quality while creatively integrating its Snow King mascot into local cultural settings. 

In this way, Chinese-style tea beverages naturally become part of everyday life for local consumers. In Indonesia, for example, many children learn their first Chinese phrase through Mixue’s well-known advertising jingle: ” I love you, you love me, Mixue Ice Cream & Tea.” 

Meanwhile, Heytea leans into youth trends and urban style. Drawing on the cultural backgrounds, consumption habits, and lifestyles of different cities, it continually innovates in product offerings, packaging design, and store experiences.

Every cup of modern Chinese tea carries thousands of years of tea culture. Presented in a youthful, fashionable, and everyday form, it is becoming part of the lives of young people around the world. 

From the global rise for Chinese aesthetics to the soaring popularity of traditional Chinese tea drinks, the world witnesses a vibrant China that blends profound heritage with modern trends, openness with inclusiveness, and pragmatism with romance. China as an equal partner, are drawn to its cultural appeal, and are eager to visit and connect.

These tea drink brands offer a glimpse into the appeal of Chinese culture. Looking ahead, as more Chinese service brands expand globally, lifestyles, cultural values, and development concepts nurtured on Chinese soil will continue to reach wider audiences around the world. China, in turn, will engage with other countries with greater openness, inclusiveness, confidence, and vitality, advancing through mutual exchange and shared progress.

By Michael Oduro

Recently, a bag of hybrid rice grown in the West African country Guinea was presented to Deng Ze, wife of Yuan Longping, the father of hybrid rice.” 

Printed on the front of the rice sack were national flags of China and Guinea, while its reverse side bears a handwritten message from the Guinean Prime Minister, who described the rice as “a symbol of cooperation between Guinea and China.”

Light as the sack may be, it carries an immense weight of friendship. It embodies the simplest respect the African people hold for a Chinese scientist. It also stands as a vivid testament to how China-Africa agricultural cooperation benefits ordinary people.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, over one in five people in Africa still suffer from malnutrition. Africa is not short of arable land or hardworking farmers. Instead, the bottlenecks holding back higher grain yields are agricultural technology and industrial chains. 

To this day, many farmers still rely on the weather when it comes to harvests; inadequate storage facilities leave crops prone to spoilage. Compounded by rising global fertilizer prices, extreme weather from climate change, and regional instability, Africa’s grain production struggles to develop steadily.

Against this challenging backdrop, China-Africa agricultural cooperation has always played a vital role in addressing pressing needs such as agricultural training, seed improvement, and the promotion of modern farming equipment. 

Chinese hybrid rice has now taken root in more than 20 African countries, including Madagascar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and Zambia. Many farmers, after planting hybrid rice for the first time, marvel at how the same plot of land can support multiple harvests a year and yield such abundant grain.

As rice shifts from an occasional “luxury” to a stable staple on African dinner tables, Yuan’s name has become known to more and more African farmers. 

As an African journalist working in China, I am often asked by Chinese friends: Is Yuan really that famous in Africa? My answer is always yes. In fact, in some rural African areas, Yuan is better known than many national leaders. Some call him the “father of hybrid rice”; others keep his photo at home. They may not understand complex international cooperation projects, but they remember the higher yields from hybrid rice, the extra grain in their granaries, and the peace of mind of knowing their children will not go hungry. 

In 2025, Gambian farmer Musa Darboe traveled thousands of miles to place a bag of freshly harvested hybrid rice and a painting of the harvest scene at Yuan’s tomb. He speaks barely any Chinese, yet every time he visits China, he makes a point to pay his respect to the revered scientist. To many Africans, Yuan is far more than a Chinese scientist — he is a symbol of hope and harvest for farmers all across Africa.

As a Chinese saying goes, “give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Chinese agricultural experts live and work alongside African villagers, establishing demonstration farms and agricultural training centers. They promote mechanized farming, irrigation systems, improved seeds, and crop management techniques, while training local agricultural promotion workers. Through this “on-the-ground” technology transfer, local farmers gain a complete set of agricultural production expertise.

In my view, what China brings is not just equipment and technology, but a viable path to boost food self-sufficiency and security. Technological cooperation empowers African farmers with the know-how to increase yields, mitigate risks, and expand production, strengthening the resilience of their food sovereignty and security. 

China-Africa agricultural cooperation has delivered hope to farmlands and farming communities throughout Africa, turning the philosophy of “teaching people how to fish” into tangible progress on the continent. For Africans who have long suffered the pain of hunger, the most valuable gift is not short-term food aid — it is the ability to reap bumper harvests with their own hands.