Nigeria Times

Zhou Shanshan, People’s Daily

Arecent viral video of a foreign vlogger extolling the beauty of Chinese bridges has sparked widespread intrigue. “Bridges in China are like this,”sheobserved, awed by the grandeur, exquisite craftsmanship, and refined elegance of these structures – a visual testament to the nation’s modern development.

Today, China boasts over one million bridges- spanning rivers, crossing lakes and seas, stretching over deepvalleys, and linking rugged mountains. From centuries-old masterpieces to cutting-edge engineering feats, theyoffer an unparalleled window into a civilization that blends reverence for its past with an unyielding drive for modernization.

Take, for example, the Luoyang Bridge in Quanzhou, southeast China’s Fujian province. Built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), this ancient cross-sea bridge exemplifies the ingenuity of ancient Chinese engineers. It was one of the earliest Chinese bridges to utilize floating construction techniques, easingthe burden of manual labor. Its oyster-based foundation was designed to withstand crashing waves – a critical innovation that helped connect Chinese inland regions with bustling maritime trade and transform regional commerce.

Contrast this with the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China’s Guizhou province. Once completed, it is set to become the world’stallest and longest-span bridgein a mountainous region, constructed with high-strength steel cables that couldencircle the equator twice. With theBeiDou Navigation Satellite System guiding its construction, this engineering marvel will cut travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes,promising a transformative impact on regional connectivity and industrial vitalization.

China’s bridges tell the story of relentless innovation and resolve, as generations of engineers have surmounted challenges to carve roads through mountains and build bridges over water.

The intricately carved stone lions on Beijing’s Lugou Bridge, once hailed by Italian traveler Marco Polo in the 13th century as “one of a kind in the world,”speak to the legacy of time-honored craftsmanship. Likewise, the ancient Zhaozhou Bridge in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, with its graceful open-spandrel arch, remains a masterclass in balancing form and function.

These bridges are more than feats of engineering; they are cultural artifacts – poetic bridges of the past and striking modern masterpieces that capture the human spirit. Bridge engineering in China combines mechanics with aesthetics, creating enduring structures that reflect the country’scultural values and artistic sensibilities.

Moreover, China’s bridges extend far beyond its borders. The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, for instance, has ended the Maldives’ history without bridges, while the Chinese-built Peljesac Bridge in Croatia and the Maputo Bay Bridge in Mozambique have enhanced connectivity and driven economic growth. These projects underscore China’s role in global infrastructure, where bridges serve not just as engineering triumphs, but as enduring symbols of connection, cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

Beyond their structural role, bridges in China have taken on a deeper cultural significance. Whether it is through the mythic narratives of animated films like”NeZha 2″ and immersive experiences in video games such as “Black Myth: Wukong,” or in the steady hum of innovation in new energy vehicles and home appliances, these modern “bridges” offer global audiences a glimpse into China’s creative and technological vitality.

From ancient stone bridges arching over quiet streams to modern steel spans that pierce the sky, from tangible roadways connectingcities to cultural bridges fosteringdeeper human connections,China’s bridges are more than architectural marvels – they are expressions of a civilization in motion. Rooted in history yet reaching toward the future, they stand as invitations for the world to cross, to connect, and to journey forward together.

By Ji Juesu, People’s Daily

“Welcome to my world—a sensory journey into darkness. I’m Taozi, your guide for this unique experience.”

On the second floor of Shanghai’sHKRI Taikoo Hui, guests stored their belongings, took up a white cane, and followed visually impaired barista Taozi, whose real name is Zhang Zhiwen, into an immersive café where all light is intentionally obscured.

Six visually impaired professionals oversee operation of the café, from conceptual designand guest guidance to coffee preparation. What makes it unique is its mission to give sighted customers a new way to experience the world—through its theme “Enjoy a Cup of Coffee in Complete Darkness.”

“Follow my voice and move at your own pace,” Taozi instructed the group of four visitors, her tone both reassuring and deliberate.

Though engulfed in total darkness, the space features a meticulously crafted auditory environment—wind rustling through leaves, waves colliding with rocks, and distant thunderclaps. Patrons are transported instantaneously from a tropical rainforest to a stormy seaside, all within the span of a single sensory journey.

“You seat is here.”

Guided byTaozi’s verbal cuesand tactile feedback from their white canes, the guests carefully positioned themselves. Within minutes, visually impaired barista Yin Tianbao delivered their orderswith the rich aroma of coffee and pastries filling the air.

Patrons navigated their cups by touch, cautiously opening the sip lids—a routine action now demanding heightened attention.

“For the first time, I noticed the clinking of ice cubesand the sound of coffee slipping down my throat. It was surprisingly wonderful,”said a customer named You Manyu.

To ensure the shop was properly designed, designer Chen Siying first explored the space by touch before envisioning the layout for more than two months.

“Every detail underwent rigorous refinement,” Chen noted. “For example, baristas pull service carts backward instead of pushing them forward to prevent accidental collisions with guests.”

The caféadheres to stringentsanitation guidelines. Founder Wang Tian explained that cleaning is a built-in step in the coffee-making process—no matter how clean the surfaces are, visually impaired baristas always give them another wipe.

A sighted staff member helps clear tables, chairs, and floors. Additionally, multiple infrared cameras enable off-site staff members to monitor the store in real time, sending instant alerts to ensure hygiene and safety standards are upheld.

Drinking coffee in complete darkness is a unique experience, but how to avoid potential safety hazards?

Shanghai’s fire and rescue and market supervision departments were involved in the café’s design from the earliest stages.During emergencies,automated lighting activates to guide evacuations, with sighted personnel stationed nearby for additional support.

Assistive technology alsoplays a crucial role.

In the preparatory phase, the team realized that standard coffee machines weren’t suitable for blind baristas. Collaborating with manufacturers, they engineered a custom-designed machine featuring ergonomically distinct buttons for instant tactile recognition.

In other branches of the brand, hearing-impaired baristas utilize AI-enabled smart glasses that provide real-time speech-to-text transcription, alongside vibrating smart wristbands that alert them to incoming orders, minimizing service gaps.

Wang noted, “China’s ecosystem of innovative SMEs and equipment suppliers has been pivotal. Their competitively priced products have effectively addressed many real-world challenges we faced.”

Since its December 2024 launch, the café has achieved operational breakeven with steadily rising foot traffic. Bookings indicate sustained growth, positioning the outlet for continued upward momentum.

To date, the café and its 10+ affiliated locations have generated employment for 80+ individuals with disabilities, while amplifying societal awareness and advocacy for those with physical and cognitive impairments.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The China Development Forum (CDF) 2025 convened in Beijing from March 23 to 24, bringing together global leaders to addressthe theme “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy.” Participants examined the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy while observing China’seconomic dynamism and its role as a stabilizing force.

Amid growing international recognition of China’s growth engine potential, “expanding investments in China” has emerged as a key priority for global businesses.

Executives from multinational corporations—includingApple, Siemens, and BMW, —joined industry leaders from Global South countries such as Malaysia and Brazil,  representing industries spanning manufacturing, finance, and services. This diverse participation underscores heightened interest in China’s market opportunities.

Attendees emphasized their confidence in China’s market potential, optimism about the opportunities it offers, and commitment to long-term cooperation with China.

Ola Kaellenius, chairman of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz, stated that the company has greatly benefited from China’s rapid economic growth and reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investment in China. He pledged to accelerate innovation and product localization at “Chinese speed,”underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to mutual growth within China.

Georges Elhedery, group chief executive of HSBC Holdings, highlighted the expanding opportunities in global trade and investment,expressing enthusiasm for supporting China’s future prosperity.He reiterated HSBC’s role in fostering deeper integration between China and the global economy..

Roland Busch, foreign co-chair of the CDF 2025 and president and CEO of Siemens AG.said China has found the answer to the question of where growth will come from.

This year’s forum showcased notable highlights that reinforce the resilience, potential, and vitality of the Chinese economy.Thriving consumer markets in film, winter sports, and tourism exemplify the vast potential of domestic economic circulation.Concurrently, technological breakthroughs—epitomized by Hangzhou’s innovative startups, often dubbed the”Six Little Dragons” —highlight China’sburgeoning innovation capabilities. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of green home appliance and new energy industries underscores the transformative opportunities driving sustainable development.

New momentum across diverse industries continues to gain strength,positioning itself as a sustainable and powerful driver for China’s long-term economic advancement.Dilma Vana Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank, commended China’s transformative economic evolution, highlighting its shift from the”world’s factory”to a “global innovation powerhouse.”

Through deliberatestrategic planning and sustained investment, China has solidified itsleadership in renewable energy and artificial intelligence—achievements underpinned by forward-looking policies and proactive governance.

Amid escalatingglobal uncertainties and instability, China’ssteadfast commitment to high-quality developmentensures it remains an anchor of stability for the global economy, reinforcing its role as a reliable engine for global growth.

As the globaleconomy grows increasingly fragmented—marked by rising unilateralism, protectionism, and resistance to economic globalization—historical lessons reaffirm that openness and collaboration remain the only path to shared prosperity.

As a responsible major power, China remains unwavering in its support for the multilateral trade system and its committed to advancing inclusive economic globalization. Significant strides have been made in rebalancing the economy, evidenced by the current account surplus-to-GDP ratio stabilizing at approximately 1%—a marked reduction from its peak of around 10% in 2007.

Amid shifting global dynamics, China continues to champion openness andinternationalcooperation, advocating for fair competition anchored in universally recognized rules.This approach safeguards the stability of global trade flows and industrial supply chains while fostering shared growth through mutually beneficial partnerships with nations worldwide.

Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW Group, emphasized that tariff wars yield no victors, only losses. He reiterated confidence in China’s economic trajectory and its strategic focus on deepening market engagement. BMW, he noted, is accelerating investments in localized production, R&D capabilities, and long-term partnerships with Chinese stakeholders to strengthen its foothold in this critical market.

Development is the eternal theme of human society. China has consistently aligned its own development with global progress, steeringeconomic globalization toward the right direction, practicing true multilateralism, and striving to serve as a force for stability and certainty in global peace and development. China remains committed to working with all parties to counter risks and challenges, achieving shared prosperitythrough collective efforts.

By Qiang Wei, People’s Daily

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 Press Conferencewas held on March 25 in Boao, south China’s Hainan province. The conference unveiledtwo flagship reports: the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2025, and Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2025 — Addressing Climate Change: Asia Going Green.

Bothreports cast Asia as a stabilizing pillar of the world economy, with green transformation becoming an indispensable driver for sustainable economic development.

Analysts underscored China’s proactive role in spearheading regional growth, economic integration, and green transformation, noting that the nation’shigh-quality development will provide more robust boost to the global economy.

Despite a complex international landscape marred by rising unilateralism and protectionism, “Asian economies, particularly China and ASEAN, are demonstrating strong resilience and vitality,”said BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun.”Asia continues to lead the world in economic growth, goods and services trade, and regional integration, nurturing new potential and fresh opportunities.”

Central to the discussion was the growing influence of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade area that has brought together the world’slargest population and trade market since its inceptionover three years ago.

The Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2025 observed that by integrating economic and trade cooperation mechanisms in Asia, the RCEP has become an important lever for safeguarding global free trade and promoting regional economic growth.

The International Monetary Fund has predicted that the RCEP region’s GDP will increase by $10.9 trillion from 2023 to 2029, contributing more than 40 percent to global economic growth.

According to the report, Asia’sweighted real GDP growth rate is projected to reach 4.5 percent in 2025, with Asia remaining a key growth engine for the world economy.

Moreover, at purchasing power parity, the region’s share of global GDP is expected toincrease from 48.1 percent in 2024 to 48.6 percent in 2025, said Zhang Yuyan, dean of the School of International Politics and Economics at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.”We have every reason to be confident in the economic future of Asia,” he noted.

Equally compelling is Asia’sunwavering commitment to sustainability.The Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2025 — Addressing Climate Change: Asia Going Green said that to address climate challenges, the region is pursuing a green transition, integrating both climate action and nature-based solutions to chart a new pathway for resilient and sustainable development.

Helena McLeod, deputy director general at the Global Green Growth Institute, noted that strong policy support, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and significant investment in new energy vehicles, energy storage, and renewable energy have positioned China – and by extension, Asia – as a frontrunner in green technology research and development.

Investment in clean energy across Asia is on a steady rise. In 2023, China’s clean energy investments accounted for one-third of the global total.Erik Berglof, chief economist with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, lauded China’sachievements in green transformation and technology, describing its progress as a blueprint for sustainable development that other nations might well follow.

With foreign investment continuously flowing into the region, Zafar Uddin Mahmood, policy advisor to the secretary general of the BFA, highlighted Asia’s attractiveness as an investment destination. He noted that China’s proactive approach to openingup and its efforts to coordinate trade across the region are injecting momentum into global economic recovery and sustainable growth.

A survey titled “Global and Asian Economic Confidence”conducted by the forum’sresearch institute revealed widespread optimism about China’s economic prospects. Respondents citedgreen, low-carbon, high-end, and intelligent manufacturing as key drivers of the country’s economic growth in 2025.

BFAchairman and former UN secretary-generalBan Ki-moon noted that in an interdependent global economy, the future hinges on openness and inclusiveness. As economic globalization faces mounting challenges, China’s commitment to high-level openingup remains crucial not just for Asia, but for the world at large, he said.

By Li Anqi, Dong Zeyang, People’s Daily

Spring has breathed new life into south China’s Hainan province, where the Yangpu international container terminal is undergoing rapid expansion – a vital infrastructure project set to support independent customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP).

“Our task is to turn this narrow channel into a maritime expressway,” said project manager Zhu Jun. Once completed, the terminal will have the capacity to handle 3.6 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, with docking facilities capable of accommodating 200,000-tonne container vessels.

The Hainan FTP has been a focal point of China’snational strategy, highlightedin the country’sgovernment work report for seven consecutive years.Liu Xiaoming, governor of Hainan, stressed the province’s commitment to implementing independent customs operation by the end of 2025. The new framework promises to turn the island into a dynamic gateway – where goods become imports and exports the moment they enter or leave the island, catalyzing thefree movement of goods, capital, and talent between the free trade port and international markets.

Under the revamped system, goods shipped from Hainan to other parts of China will be subject to standard customs clearance and tariffs, while the island itself benefits from a lighter regulatory touch designed to facilitate trade and investment. This approach reflects a broader commitment to high-level openingup, moving the province closer to its goal of becoming a world-class free trade port.

Local business leaders have already begun reaping the rewards. Huang Haiwen, logistics director at Chia Tai (Hainan) Xinglong Coffee Industry Development Co., Ltd., noted that the recent designation of unbaked coffee as a zero-tariff raw and auxiliary material has yielded significant cost savings.

CP Group, among the first foreign companies to invest in China after the country adopted its reform and openingup policy in the 1970s, is equally buoyed by the new policies.”With these policies in place, we’re confident that our operations here will reach new heights,” said Xie Yi, senior vice-chairman of CP Group.

Hainan’s geographic position – nestled between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and at the crossroads of ASEAN and Chinese markets – further enhances its appeal. The port’s development fosters the cross-border flow of goods and improves global resource allocation, not only facilitating the entry of foreign-invested enterprises into China but also enabling Chinese companies to expand their global footprint.

The province’s growing reputation as a global trade hub has coincided with an influx of international visitors, spurred in part by relaxed visa policies. Tour guide Zhang Jinyi has seen the shift firsthand. “More and more international tourists are arriving,” Zhang said. “I’ve been receiving one tour group after another- it’s been a busy season.”

China has expanded visa-free entry to Hainan for nationals from 59 countries, introduced 144-hour visa-free visits for tour groups registered in Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and extended the visa-free transit period for eligible travelers to 240 hours. The policies, aimed at making the island more accessible, have bolstered both tourism and cross-cultural exchanges.

The province’s duty-free shopping sector has also undergone significant changes. Over the past 14 years, Hainan has steadily raised its annual tax-free shopping quota from 5,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan (about $13,771) while expanding the range of duty-free goods from 18 to 45 categories.

Between April 2011 to March 16, 2025, Haikou Customs recorded more than 250 billion yuan in duty-free sales, with 45 million shoppers purchasing 318 million items – solidifying duty-free shopping as a major draw for international visitors.

Beyond the tangible gains in trade and tourism, Hainan is also emerging as a hub for cultural exchanges and high-end service development. The free trade port has hosted a range of international cultural events, including world tours by international artists and performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, and its Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone attracts visitors from Spain, Uzbekistan, and other countries in search of advanced health management and anti-aging treatments. “The Hainan FTP should leverage its comparative advantages to further open up trade in services, foster high-end services, and position itself as a key hub for the opening up of China’s servicessector,”said Zhou Xiaochuan, vice chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia.”Beyond facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and data, it has the potential to become a testing ground for pioneering regulatory and policy innovations.”

By Xu Xin, Li Zhiwei, Bai Yuanqi, People’s Daily

In the undulating highlands of southwest China, Yunnan’s distinctive natural environment – characterized by low latitudes, high altitudes, large day-nighttemperature fluctuations, and fertile, slightly acidic soils – creates conditions reminiscent of the world’srenowned coffee-growing regions. These attributes have allowed small-grain coffee to flourish, earning the province a growing reputation among coffee connoisseurs.

Data from Kunming Customs show that in 2024, Yunnan exported 32,500 tonnes of coffee – a remarkable year-on-year increase of 358 percent. This skyrocketing growth has positioned Yunnan as a rising player in the global coffee market, with key export destinations including Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, and Vietnam. The province’s expanding global presence is further bolstered by efficient logistics, such as the China-Europe freight train service, which ensures European consumers receive their coffee orders in as little as 15 days.

German coffee entrepreneur Eric Baden, who runs Coffee Commune in Shanghai, is one of Yunnan coffee’s most ardent advocates. Through his writings for the Specialty Coffee Association, Baden has introducedthe region’s offerings to coffee lovers and roasters around the world.

For over a decade, Baden has championed the unique qualities of Arabica coffee beans grown in Yunnan’s red soil. His efforts were validated in 2019 when Yunnan’s P86+ Arabica beans clinched a silver medal at the largest coffee roasting competition in Australia and New Zealand – a milestone that, in his view, highlights the province’s growing global recognition.

Pu’er, often dubbed”China’s coffee capital,”plays a pivotal role in the supply chain, providing raw beans for industry giants such as Nestle, Starbucks, and Luckin Coffee. According to Starbucks’ website, since establishing a farmer support center in Yunnan in 2012, the company has worked closely with localgrowers to refine cultivation techniques and improve bean quality, expanding the reach of Yunnan coffeeinternationally. In addition to meeting Chinese domestic demand, the premium beans are exported to markets across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., with Starbucks even offering a Yunnan single-origin coffee in its Chinese product lineup.

Advances in processing technology have further bolstered Yunnan’s coffee industry. In 2024, 31.6 percentof the province’s coffee was classified as specialty grade, and an impressive 80 percent of beans underwent deepprocessing. New products, such as freeze-dried powder and cold brew concentrates, are gaining popularity, particularly in Vietnam’s ready-to-drink market, where consumers applaud the coffee’s smooth, richly nuanced flavor accented by a hint of fruity acidity.

The online marketplace has taken notice as well. On Amazon, Yunnan coffee varieties are selling briskly, with many customers commending the beans’ exceptional qualityand distinct character.

A new generation of entrepreneurs is playing an instrumental role in spreading Yunnan coffee across the globe. Lin Shuxian, born in the 1990s and once a resident of Yuxi in Yunnan, moved to Spain in 2021. Driven by nostalgia for home flavors and a keen insight into untapped opportunities in the European coffee market, she began promoting Yunnan coffee in Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands in 2022. Through her company, “Shu from Yunnan,”she exports Yunnan green coffee beans to Europe, helping to introduce the region’s distinctive offerings to a wider audience.

Today, Yunnan coffee is increasingly featured in boutique cafésin Spanish cities like Barcelona, Malaga, and Caceres. In Zaragoza, major roasters continue to source Yunnan green beans from Lin’s company, roasting, packaging, and distributing them to a growing market.”They bought 360 kilograms of green beans from me, and the entire batch was gone within a week,” Lin said. “Yunnan coffee gives roasters a unique opportunity to explore a range of exciting flavors.”

Yunnan coffee is now gaining significant international attention. A report by the International Coffee Organization believes that China has the potential to have a bright and formative future in coffee, noting its firm integration into the global coffee value chainand its own unique place within the global coffee industry.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

China recently unveiled a plan on special initiatives to boost consumption, a move that has captured global attention. International observers see this as a clear signal of China’s drive toward high-quality economic development and a fresh opportunity for global businesses to tap intoone of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets.

Analysts believe that the measures are more than just a short-term stimulus but are part of a broader strategy to accelerate the country’s transition to a consumption-driven economy – a shift expected to reignite demand in the world’s second-largest economy and set the stage for sustained economic growth.

Consumptionis the ultimate barometer of demand,essential not only for economic growth but for enhancing the everyday life of the Chinese people. The Chinese government has placed consumption at the center of its economic agenda.Both the 2024 Central Economic Work Conference and the 2025 Chinesegovernment work report have emphasized the need to vigorously boost consumption, improve investment efficiency, and expand domestic demand on all fronts.

To achieve these goals, the plan focuses onincreasing spending power by raising earnings and reducing financial burdens, generating effective demand through high-quality supply, and improving the consumption environment to strengthen consumer willingness to spend. It introduces measures to reinforce institutional support for consumption, unlock untapped market potential, and accelerate China’s shift toward a consumption-driven economy.

Global observers have lauded these measures as both visionary and pragmatic, laying a robust foundation for the long-term growth of China’s burgeoning consumption sector.

Following a people-centered approach, the plan outlines efforts to boost consumption and improve livelihoods – such as establishing a childcare subsidy system, elevating funding standards for college students, and enhancing support for consumer goods trade-in programs.

By combining direct financial support witha broader supply of diverse, high-quality consumer goods, the plan aims to meetthe real needs of Chinese households – increasing earnings, easing financial burdens, and ultimately bolstering consumer confidence and spending willingness.

The plan also seeks to cultivate new consumption drivers in emerging industries. Measures include leveraging artificial intelligenceand intellectual properties to spur e-commerce, while supporting sectors such as low-altitude tourism, aviation sports, and consumer drones. This targeted approach to technology-driven and differentiated consumption is expected to sustain economic momentum in the long run.

“The new plan seeks to develop a more sustainable consumption model, which they define as New Consumption,”according to the website of the Spanish daily newspaper El Economista.

China’s efforts to expand domestic demand will provide a broader platform for international engagement. As the world’s second-largest consumer market – and the largest online retail market for over a decade – China is turning its vast domestic demand into a significant global opportunity. With ongoing efforts to ease market access, refine consumption structures and drive growth in service consumption, the country is steadily unlocking new economic potential.

The country’s increasing imports of high-quality life services in healthcare, culture, and entertainment signal a broader effort to integrate its market with the global economy. At the same time, China has sought to strengthen integration between foreign and domestic trade by promoting high-quality imported goods and improvingits business environment.

Early indicators are promising: China’s retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country’s consumption strength, climbed 4 percent year on year in the first two months of 2025, and the consumer confidence index has rebounded for three consecutive months, according to latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

Consumer sentiment in China has seen a significant rebound compared to last year, a recent survey by Deutsche Bank AG has shown. The Peninsula Qatar notes that consumer sentiment in China has improved and this should spur more investments over the coming years, driving further growth.

China is making significant strides in high-quality economic development. With proactive macroeconomic policies, a comprehensive expansion of domestic demand, and an unwavering commitment to reform and opening up, China is well-positioned to sustain its economic recovery. These efforts will not only reinvigorate its domestic market but also inject positive momentum into global economic growth.

By Li Tielin, People’s Daily

Recent developments in China’sauto industry have sparked significant discussions, as Chinese automakers increasingly share cutting-edge technologies with global partners. In a notable example, Dongfeng Motor’s new energy vehicle (NEV) brands, including Voyah, have reportedly begun exchanging technologies with joint-venture partners such as Dongfeng Nissan.

This trend is not isolated. Xpeng is collaborating with Volkswagen Group China on electric vehicle development, while SAIC Motor has joined hands with Volkswagen’s premium brandAudi to develop a digital platform for intelligent and electric vehicles.

In a further sign of strategic cooperation, Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.aihas forged a joint venture with GAC ToyotaMotor and Toyota China Investment, highlighting a broadening alliance between Chinese innovators and global industry leaders.

Historically, foreign automakers held sway over the global car market, with joint ventures serving as the primary conduit for Chinese companies to learn advanced manufacturing techniques and management expertise. These early partnerships laid the groundwork for China’s burgeoning industrial landscape. Today, however, the collaborative dynamic has shifted dramatically.

Breakthroughs in core NEV technologies – including batteries, electric motors, andsophisticated control systems – as well as advances in intelligent driving,have elevated Chinese brands from mere technology learners to industry leaders. Once characterized by an exchange of market access for technological know-how, these joint ventures now increasingly see Chinese firms providing critical technological support to their global partners.

The transition from follower to leader in the NEV sector has been driven by several factors. Foremost among these is a commitment toindependent innovation, demonstrated by the domestic development of high-performance chips, LiDAR systems,hybrid technologies, and autonomous driving.

Equally important has been the collaborative effort across the industry, bolstered by supportive government policies, robust research and development, better collaboration between an effective market and a proactive government, a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and a huge market. Measures such as the proliferation of EV charging infrastructure, targeted tax exemptions, and pilot programs transitioning public transportation to electric vehicles have collectively spurred this rapid advancement.

Moreover, Chinese NEV manufacturers have become deeply integrated into global industrial and supply chains, expanding their international presence and broadening their service to global markets. Automakers such as Geely, Changan, and Chery have unveiled new global strategies this year, with plans for new overseas manufacturing facilities moving forward at a rapid pace.

Theevolution of China’s NEV industry – from a reliance on imported technologies to becoming a contributor on the global stage – reflectsthe nation’s broader commitment to openness andinternational collaboration. This approach is vividly illustrated by the deployment of DeepSeek, China’s large artificial intelligence (AI) model, at the data center of Saudi Arabia’s Aramco.

Meanwhile, China’s lunar probe Chang’e-6 carried scientific instruments developed through international cooperation – a negative ion analyzer from the European Space Agency, and aradon gas detector from France. British startup Volklec has reached a licensing agreement with China’s Far East Battery to use its technology to make batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles, further cementing cross-border collaboration.

Increasingly, Chinese scientific and technological innovations are bearing fruit around the world, demonstrating that they are not developed solely for national benefit but foster opportunities through exchanges and cooperation. This fosters the sharing of achievements, encourages ecosystem co-creation, and supports common development on a global scale.

Foreign scholars now view China as an “enabler,”a nation leveraging trade, capital exports, and technology transfer to promote more equitable global development and address long-standing global disparities. As a beneficiary of international scientific and technological exchanges,China isactively embracing its role in fostering open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory international cooperation in the field of science and technology.

Amid a new round oftechnological revolution and industrial transformation – driven by breakthroughs in AI, quantum technology, and biotechnology – the need for exchanges of ideas and better resource allocationhas never been greater. Isolationist approaches like “decoupling and breaking chains” and “small courtyard and high wall” will only hinder technological progress.

While technological competition is inevitable, framing it as azero-sum game overlooks the vast potential for shared success. The development of China’s NEVsector offers a compelling experience: openness and cooperation create opportunities for mutual benefit, fostering a global ecosystem where innovation thrives.

By intensifyingits commitment to technological innovation and international cooperation, China is not only enhancing its own industrial landscape but also contributing to the advancement of technology worldwide, reinforcing the idea that progress is best achieved through partnership rather than division.

By Shen Shaotie, Xu Jing, Shi Yu, People’s Daily

Obesity poses a significant health risk and is increasingly linked to chronic diseases. During a recent press conference on public welfare initiatives, Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission, announced that the country will continue advancing”Year of Weight Management”campaign.The initiative encourages medical institutions to establish specialized weight management clinics, sparking widespread public interest in these facilities.

The obesity epidemic has emerged as a critical health challenge in China. Official statistics indicate that34.3% of Chinese adults are classified as overweight,while 16.4% meet the criteria for clinical obesity.

What services do weight management clinic provide? What disciplines are involved? Who should seek treatment at these clinics?

A recent case involving Beijing resident Ms. Wang and her 16-year-old son Lele offers insights. After visiting the medical nutrition weight loss clinic of Peking University People’s Hospital. Lelewas diagnosed with severe obesity, registering a body mass index (BMI) of 40.3.

Dr. Liu Peng, director of the hospital’s Clinical Nutrition Department, identified significant dietary imbalances in Lele’s habits—excessive consumption of fried foods coupled with inadequate intake of vegetables and fruits.

Medical evaluations further revealed dangerous levels ofvisceral fat and elevated blood uric acid levels, indicators that could progress to fatty liver disease, hypertransaminasemia, gout, and other metabolic disorders if left untreated.

Given Lele’s critical developmental stage, Dr. Liu designed a tailored intervention plan featuring: a nutritionally balanced diet emphasizing high-protein and high-fiber foods; strict limitation of fried and high-purine foods; strategic protein supplementation through eggs and dairy; controlled carbohydrate intake combining whole and refined grains; sleep optimization and structured daily routines to enhance metabolic function.

“We implementing monthly monitoring of weight, micronutrient levels, blood uric acid, and metabolic markers,” Dr. Liu explained.”The regimen will be dynamically adjusted based on progress tracking and behavioral assessments.”

Professor Liu Lianxin, an executive at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), emphasized the broader objectives: “Our focus extends beyond weight reduction alone. Through integrated interventions, we aim to achieve dual success in sustainable weight management and chronic disease mitigation, ensuring comprehensive improvements across all health parameters.”

Data from the health management center at the First Affiliated Hospital of the USTCin 2024 revealed that 22% of individuals undergoing routinehealth screenings were classified as overweight,with a significant proportion concurrently diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Consequently, these clinics now prioritize multidisciplinary team-based strategies to address complex cases.

A recent follow-up assessment at the USTC hospital’s multidisciplinary weight management clinic demonstrated the efficacy of such interventions. Mr. Li, a 57-year-old patient from Hefei, east China’s Anhui province, presented with a history of overweight, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia prior to enrollment.

Following a six-month personalized regimen, he achieved a 13-kilogram weight reduction, normalized his body mass index (BMI), discontinued antihypertensive medications due to stabilized blood pressure, and restored optimal cholesterol, triglyceride, and creatinine levels.

His tailored therapeutic protocol integrated nutritional modification, supervised physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral counseling.

Dr. Liu, lead coordinator of the clinic, explained, “Our cross-departmental consortium unifies expertise from the health management center, pan-vascular disease management center, geriatrics , endocrinology, and clinical nutrition divisions. This collaborative framework enables holistic care for patients with obesity-related comorbidities, especially those involving metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular risks.'”

These clinics cater not only to pediatric and adolescent populations with obesity and adults managing chronic diseases but also offer specialized support for pre-conception weight optimization in women with obesity and physique maintenance programs.

For individuals aiming to enhance overall health through weight management, Liu Changqin, chief physician of the endocrinology and diabetes department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, outlined the following evidence-basedrecommendations:

He advised reducing consumption of greasy and high-sugar foods, eating dinner earlier, avoiding late-night snacking, and practicing mindful eating by ceasing intake at approximately 80% fullness.

He said prolonged sitting shall be avoided, suggesting integrating movement into daily into daily routines, and making use of short, fragmented periods of time for resistance training as feasible.

Additionally, he recommended to sleep before 11 pm whenever possibleto align with circadian rhythms and mitigate metabolic disruptions. Weight-loss medications, if required, must be prescribed following a thorough clinical assessment and administered under strict medical supervision.

By Yao Xueqing, People’s Daily

In Zhangjiagangcity, Jiangsu province,–a region with a robust manufacturing foundation in eastern China–a comprehensive hydrogen industry ecosystem encompassing production, storage, transportation, and application is rapidly emerging and expanding.

The city now routinelydeployshydrogen-poweredtractors in port operations and hydrogen-fueledbuses across urban road networks.Meanwhile, integrated hydrogen-solar smart microgrids have evolved into innovative “power bank” systems that deliver renewable energy solutions.

As a clean energy carrier, hydrogen demonstrates versatile applications in transportation and chemical industries, effectively reducing reliance on fossil fuels like gasoline, diesel and coal. When employed for large-scale, long-duration and seasonal energy storage, it further serves as a critical stabilizer for balancing power grid supply-demand dynamics.

In February, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with seven other government bodies,jointly issued an action plan topromote high-quality development of the new energy storage sector, explicitly advocating accelerated research into ultra-long-duration hydrogen storage technologies.

Among hydrogen energy’s most recognizable civilian applications is transportation. Capitalizing on its superior energy density, hydrogen proves particularly suitable for long-range mobility applications, with ongoing deployments spanning public transit systems, urban delivery networks, cold chain logistics, and heavy-duty freight transportation.

At the Jiahua hydrogen refueling station in Zhangjiagang Economic and Technological Development Zone, up to 1,000 kilograms of hydrogen are dispensed daily.

“The bus is equipped witheight hydrogen tanks totaling 26 kilograms of capacity. Refueling takes just 20 minutes,”explained Chen Zhouhua, a bus driver refueling his King Long hydrogen-powered vehicle,produced by the prominent Chinese new energy automaker. After a fully refuel, the bus can travel 400 kilometers, requiring Chen to replenish its hydrogen supply every one to two days.

Zhang Chengjian, general manager of a local public transport company, emphasized the environmental advantages:A single hydrogen-powered bus reduces annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 55 tons compared to a conventional diesel counterpart.

He noted that over the past six years, Zhangjiagang’s hydrogen bus fleet has expanded to 73 vehicles. By the end of 2024, these buses had collectively logged 14.29 million kilometers, slashing carbon emissions by over 10,300 tons.

Beyond public transit, the city has integrated hydrogen technology across multiple sectors, deploying five hydrogen-powered port tractors, 65 hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty trucks, and more than 500 hydrogen-assisted bicycles. These innovations now operate seamlessly within port facilities, urban thoroughfares, and residential neighborhoods.

Under a newly released action plan (2025-2030) for advancing the high-quality development of Jiangsu province’s hydrogen energy sector,the provincial government aims to establish a comprehensive clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient hydrogen supply and utilization system by 2030. This initiative includes constructing over 100 hydrogen refueling stations and deploying more than 10,000 fuel cell vehiclesacross the province.

Multiple provincial-level administrations—including Shandong province, Sichuan province, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Jilin province, and Henan province have implemented progressive policy incentives since 2020 to accelerate hydrogen vehicle adoption. Measures such as highway toll exemptions and the removal of road access limitations are effectively reducing hydrogen application costs while expediting pilot initiatives for hydrogen-powered transportation.

As the foundational stage of the hydrogen value chain, production methodologies currently prioritize by-product hydrogen derived from fossil fuel processes. However, renewable-energy-generated “green hydrogen” has emerged as the strategic focus for industrial advancement.

China’s operational renewable hydrogen production capacity surpassed100,000 metric tons annually by June 2024, with an additional 8 million tons per year in planned or  under-construction projects.This exponential growth trajectory underscores the nation’s substantial potential for scaling renewable hydrogen infrastructure.

The midstream sectorencompasses critical storage and transportationtechnologies, including high-pressure gaseous containment, cryogenic liquid hydrogen systems, and dedicated pipeline networks.Downstream energy conversion is primarily achieved through fuel cell technologies and hydrogen combustion engines.

China has achieved mastery of core technologies spanninghydrogen production, storage, refueling, and fuel cell systems, with an annual hydrogen production capacity exceeding 40 millionmetrictons and over 500 operational hydrogen refueling stations nationwide.

Zhangjiagang serves as a prime example of this advancement. Hosting more than 40 hydrogen-related enterprises, the city has established an integrated ecosystem encompassing the entire industrial chain—from hydrogen production to end-use applications. Key players include chemical companies capable of supplying 200,000 tons of industrial by-product hydrogen annually, special equipment manufacturers dedicated to hydrogen infrastructure, and fuel cell enterprises driving innovation across upstream and downstream sectors.

According to Zheng Yuan, director of the Zhangjiagang major projects promotion center, the city’s robust manufacturing foundation—particularly its expertise in high-pressure vessel production—provides a strategic advantage for hydrogen equipment development.Furthermore, its cluster of leading lithium-ion battery manufacturers supplies critical components essential to hydrogen fuel cell systems, bolstering the industry’s expansion.

Leveraging these advantages, Zhangjiagang is actively reinforcing and extending its hydrogen energy industrial chain through targeted enhancements. This effort has propelled the city’s annual hydrogen-related output beyond 10 billion yuan ($1.37 billion), solidifying its position as a hub for hydrogen innovation.