Nigeria Times

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.

By Fan Jiayuan, People’s Daily

As the 9th Asian Winter Games lit up Harbin in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, another story of transformation was unfolding in the country’s southeast. Shortly after the games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited a sports equipment company in Fujian province – a stop that underscored the expanding global reach of China’s sporting goods industry.

In 2024, China’s exports of sporting goods climbed to $28.396 billion – a 6.77 percent year-on-year increase, according to data fromthe China Sporting Goods Federation (CSGF). The figures point not only to the resilience of China’s sporting goods manufacturing but also to a strategic shift toward innovation, brand building, and enhanced international influence.

At the bustling industrial park of Impulse (Qingdao) Health Tech Co., Ltd. in Jimo district of Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province, overseas orders for fitness equipment continue to flood in. This fitness equipment manufacturerhas established a strong presence in European and American markets with its product range of treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes. By investing in design, research,and advanced manufacturing, it meets the exacting standards of discerningglobal buyers.

“A single treadmill incorporates more than 100 distinct components – from minutescrews to the running belts – and every part must adhere to rigorous market standards. Our collaboration with over 200 suppliers makes this quality possible,” said Liu Hongtao, chairman and president of the company.

The broader sector reflects a similar trend of growth and innovation. Chinese-made fitness equipment exports leaped by 22.13 percent to $5.047 billion in 2024, marking two consecutive years of strong growth.Jiao Ni, deputy secretary-general of the CSGF, noted that following a global restructuring of supply chains and a reduction in excess inventory, the international sporting goods market is beginning to rebound.

“Chinese companies benefit from a completeindustrial chain that enables rapid production, efficient order fulfillment, and a broader range of product offerings,” Jiao explained.

She emphasized that while other countries also produce sporting goods, their higher production costs diminish competitiveness. In contrast, China’s self-sufficient supply chain – from raw materials to finished products – provides a decisive edge in both stability and pricing.

In east China’s Anhui province, Dai Jianlin, chairman of Anhui Sawy Sports Goods Co.,Ltd., shared a similar sentiment. His company reported annual revenues of 150 million yuan (about $20.65 million) in 2024, with exports accounting for nearly 90 million yuan – an increase ofalmost 50 percent from the previous year. Technological advances, such as automation that trims shuttlecock production time to just 90 seconds, have enabled the company to cut costs by 50 percent while significantly enhancing production durability.

“We export shuttlecocks to more than 70 countries and regions, and our quality speaks to itself – orders are booked four to five months in advance,” Dai said.

A broader shift is taking place as Chinese companies move from being mere original equipment manufacturers (OEM)to developing robust domestic brands, bolstered by enhanced innovation and research capabilities.Data shows that while processing trade accounted for roughly 55 percentof China’s export structure at the end of the last century, it now comprises less than 20 percent – whilegeneral trade has surged to nearly 70 percent. This shift signals the successful transformation and upgrading of the country’ssports manufacturing industry.

In southeast China’s Fujian province – historically renowned for OEM footwear and apparel – the sports industry has made significant inroads in overseas markets. On the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Xiamen Customs processed 23 shipments containing 19,000 items of clothing, athletic shoes, and related gear for the IOC.

By shifting focus from sheer export growth volume to robust brand marketing, and forging partnerships with international sporting events and high-profile endorsements, Chinese sports products are shedding their”price advantage” imagein favor of a compelling”value advantage.” They are not only meeting global market demands but also emerging as competitive players on the global stage.

By Qiang Yuwen, People’s Daily

In the Xiba section of the Yangtze River locatedin Yichang city, central China’s Hubei province, conservation photographer Yang He captured a rapid series of shots as a Yangtzefinless porpoise surfaced. During the autumn of 2022,he documented a rare phenomenon at this site: multipleporpoisesengaging in coordinated fish-herding behavior.

This area has since been designated as a primary monitoring site on the groundbreaking “Yangtze finless porpoise tracking map.” On weekends,families frequently visit the location, equipped with binoculars and guided by the tracking map to observe these elusive creatures.

Recognized for their rounded heads, robust frames, and uniform grayish-white skin, Yangtze finless porpoises are affectionately dubbed the river’s “smiling angels”. As an endemic species exclusive to China’s longest waterway, they hold the highest conservation status as a national first-class protected wild animal.

However, habitat loss, accidental capture, water pollution, and climate change have all contributed to a drastic population decline. In 2013, they were classified as “critically endangered.”

In recent years, provinces and municipalities along the Yangtze River have prioritized ecological restoration by implementing the principle of”enhancing conservation while halting overdevelopment.”These efforts have marked a critical turning point in environmental protection across the the Yangtze River Economic Belt. As fish populations rebound and biodiversity thrives,endangered Yangtze finless porpoise has shown signs of population recovery.

In October 2024, the “Yangtze finless porpoise tracking map”was unveiled at the Workshop on Conservation of Global Endangered Small Cetaceans, co-hosted by the Hubei ProvincialDepartment of Science and Technologyand the Institute of Hydrobiologyunder the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The map was developed through a yearlong field study conducted in 2023 by the”Porpoise Tracking Project” team.A team member noted, “Water quality in the middle and lower Yangtze habitats of the finless porpoise remains consistently excellent. During our survey at the mouth of Dongting Lake in Yueyang, Hunan povince, we observed over a dozen porpoises surfacing repeatedly.”

Lv Xiangbo, head of the Wuhan R&D center of Lenovo Research, explained that the team compiled extensive data over the year, leveraging in-house AI technology to pinpoint porpoise activity patterns.

Mei Zhigang, associate researcher at the Institute of Hydrobiology, added, “Sonic detection devices have been deployed in critical habitats to support science-driven conservation strategies.”

Today, in photos captured by Yang He, oil-stained chemical docks have been transformed into scenic riverside parks, and illegal sand dredging vessels are no longer seen.

Thanks to sustained conservation efforts, sightings of finless porpoises along the Yangtze river have grown increasingly frequent.The population has rebounded historically, rising steadily to 1,249 in 2022—a 23.42% increase from 2017. By 2024, 95.8% of water monitoring sections in Hubei provincemet high-quality standards, with all severely polluted sections fully remediated.

By Su Bin, Chen Junyi, People’s Daily

In a mountain village in southwest China’s Guizhou province, the crisp chime of silver ornaments mingles with the laughter of gathered onlookers in a village square. Here in Leishan county – nestled within Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture -a novel cultural phenomenon has taken shape. Local women have reimagined basketball, infusing the sport with the athletic vigor of modern competition and the rich tapestry of centuries-old ethnic traditions.

Against a backdrop of ancient melodies and the graceful twirl of Miao girls, the “Guma” Basketball Game comes alive.In these communities, married daughters who have moved away are affectionately known as “Guma,”or aunties, and their return during major festivals – such as the Miao New Year and the “Chixin” Festival – is marked by festival reunions. Families exchange gifts of chicken, duck, and fish, while childhood friends come together to sing folk songs, perform traditional dances with the lusheng – a traditional Chinese folk musical instrument made of bamboo pipes -and, increasingly, play a spirited game of basketball.

This time-honored tradition has evolved into a unique sport where the rigid rules of professional play give way to a more relaxed and free-flowing contest.Players dash across improvised courts without the constant threat of violations, and fouls are seldom called except in cases of blatant misconduct. The focus is on the exuberance of play – a celebration of community and identity.

The phenomenon has struck a chord far beyond local borders. With its all-female teams and unencumbered style, the “Guma” Basketball Game has captivated digital audiences, garnering more than 10 billion viewsonline. It has quickly joined the ranks of Guizhou’sgrassroots sports sensation, following the success of the “Village BA” and “Village Super League.”

In Leishan county, basketball’s popularity among the Miao people is steeped in tradition and community spirit.”In Miao festivals, playing basketball has long been a tradition,” said Feng Changming, former vice principal of the Leishan County Vocational School. “The game’s competitive and captivating nature speaks to the strong-willed spirit of the Miao people, which is why it caught on so quickly.”

Clad in traditional Miao attire with their hair elegantly pinned up, the women sprint across improvised courts, drawing throngs of onlookers. Over time, this unique women’s basketball game has spread to numerous villages.

“Basketball has always enjoyed a robust grassroots following here,” said Shi Fang, head of the Leishan Sports Management Center. “With the steady improvement of rural sports facilities, the ‘Guma’ Basketball Game has seen remarkable growth – nearly half of our villages now stage these contests.”

This evolution was on full display during the 2024 Xijiang “Guma” Basketball Tournament held at Xijiang Qianhu Miao village, where 75 village teams competed. Organized by the Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television, and Tourism of Leishan county, the event marked a significant expansion of the game’s reach. “Participation is no longer limited to married women returning home; any woman who loves sports can join,” Feng noted.

For players like Zhou Junzhen – a local photographer who meticulously prepares her traditional Miao dress and freshens her look with the help of local makeup artist – the game is as much a form of cultural expression as it is an athletic competition. “Winning or losing doesn’t matter – what matters is stepping onto the court looking our best!” she said.

Beyond its role in local festivals,the “Guma” basketball gamehas become a magnet for tourists, with many adding a live match to their travel itineraries.Leishan county now hosts tournaments at various administrative levels, drawing teams from neighboring provinces and bolstering local tourism and cultural industries.

“We aim to get more women involved and help them experience the joy and confidence basketball brings,”said Shi. “The ‘Guma’ Basketball Game is more than just a sport – it’s a window into Miao culture and the unique charm of Guizhou.” On the court, modern athletic energy intertwines with the rhythms of tradition – the resonant notes of the lusheng, the graceful sway of the Jinji (golden pheasant) dance, and the deep beat of bronze drums – creating a vivid tableau where heritage and modernity converge

By Wang Zheng, People’s Daily

On a fog-shrouded mountain road in southwest China’s Guizhou province, a sedan equipped with cutting-edgeintelligent driving technologydetects a flock of sheep crossing the path. Without hesitation, the vehicle automatically swerves to avoid them, simultaneously activatingits hazard lights to alert following drivers.

At a recent press conference,Wang Chuanfu, chairman and president of Chinese automaker BYD, showcased this real-world test as evidence that advanced intelligent driving is set to become as indispensable as seat belts and airbagswithin the next two or three years.His remarks come amid a broader push by China’s automakers to integrate smart driving systems into everyday vehicles.

Chinese car manufacturers such as Changan, BYD, and Geely have announced plans to bring intelligent drivinginto the mainstream.

Changan’s “Beidou Tian Shu 2.0″initiative, for instance,aims to unveil 35 new intelligent vehicles over the next three years. Geely, meanwhile,is rolling out its “Qianli Haohan” intelligent driving system with future models under its Galaxy and Star series designed to incorporate thetechnology from the outset.

BYD has pledged to outfit its entire lineup with the “Tianshen Zhi Yan” advanced intelligent driving system. The automaker’s latest model, the BYD Seagull, is priced at a modest 69,800 yuan (about $9,609.3), signaling a dramatic shift in making such technology accessible.

“Safety is the cornerstone of intelligent driving,” said Gan Jiayue, CEO of Geely Auto Group.”We are working toward a system where every vehicle benefits from integrated perception and comprehensive risk prediction.”

Beyond collision avoidance, AI-powered intelligent driving technology is also redefining vehicle navigation and parking. Huawei’s ADS 3.0 system, enhanced by the Pangu Large Model, has raised the success rate of navigating complex intersections from 85 percent to 98 percent. Likewise, NIO’s NOP+ system now boasts a 95 percent success rate for automatic parking in home garages, even learning the specifics of individual parking spots.

The leap in performance can largely be attributed to the advent of end-to-end large models. Unlike traditional “perception-decision-execution” architectures that rely on tens of thousands of engineered rules, these new models use vast amounts of real-world data – collected over tens of millions of kilometers – to generate adaptive solutions for over 95 percent of driving scenarios.

Industry experts believe that this technological transformation, combined with a surge in Chinese domestically produced large AI models, is reshaping both the technological and economic landscape of intelligent driving.

Cost reduction has been a central theme in this revolution.In Shenzhen, at the factory of Robosense Technology Co., Ltd., anM PlatformLiDAR sensor rolls off the production line every 12 seconds.Once a prohibitively expensive component,costing as much as $80,000 in 2016, LiDAR sensorsnow retail for around $200 thanks to advances in solid-state design and chip integration.

“More than 30 intelligent electric vehicle models already incorporate this sensor, and over 14 additional models are scheduled to follow in 2025,” said Qiu Chunchao, CEO of Robosense Technology Co., Ltd.

Similarly, BYD has slashed the cost of its4D millimeter-wave radar to one-third of the industry average by leveraging its self-developed “Xuanji” intelligent driving chip. Changan, through its in-house domain controller and collaboration with China’s autonomous driving chipmaker Black Sesame Technologies, has reduced the hardware cost for its intelligent driving system by 58 percentcompared with 2024 levels.

“China is setting the new cost benchmarkfor intelligent driving,” said Zhang Yongwei, secretary-general ofthe China EV100, a new energy vehicleindustry think tank.

According to Shi Shuai, a partner of the Automotive Team in Roland Berger Greater China, China’s competitive advantage lies not in a single technological breakthrough but in a synergistic combination of localized chip production, rapid algorithm iteration, and robust manufacturing capabilities. This ecosystem, he noted, is allowing Chinese firms to scale innovations at an unprecedented pace.

With a new version released every two months, advanced intelligent driving is growing rapidly among Chinese automakers. While several companies plan to launch Level 3 autonomous driving models this year, experts warn that widespread adoption hinges on clarifying the legal responsibilities of drivers and automakers.

According to data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 55.7 percent of new passenger vehicles in the country were equipped with Level 2 or higher autonomous driving systems from January to June in 2024.Zhang predicts this figure will rise to 65 percent by 2025.

Driven by advancements in large AI models and collaborative innovation across the industry, intelligent driving in China is steadily bridging the gap to full autonomy, redefining the global automotive landscape along the way.