Nigeria Times

By Zhi Chunli, People’s Daily

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping everyday life, a familiar question has once again captured public attention: Will AI replace human jobs?

The query, often posed on platforms like China’s DeepSeek, encapsulates both fascination and apprehension toward a technology that is increasingly integral to modern living.

A matter of perception and reality

At its core, the concern over AI is not entirely new.For decades, researchers have labored to instill machines with human-like perception and cognition – a quest that dates back to the 1950s. Yet today’s AI, driven by breakthroughs in machine learning, big data analytics, and statistical pattern recognition, remains fundamentally different from human thought. Rather than “thinking” in the human sense, these systems execute sophisticated algorithms that mimic certain aspects of decision-making without the nuance of emotion or judgment.

Take, for example, the generation of poetry. Where a human poetmight invoke the fleeting beauty of spring or the melancholy of autumn, AI assembles words based on probability matrices – a demonstration of computational power rather than creative insight. This distinction is critical: while AI enhances our capabilities, it does so as a tool rather than as a replacement for the uniquely human capacity for empathy, aesthetics, and ethical judgment.

The shifting landscape of employment

In certain sectors, the integration of AI has already begun to reshape the workforce. Automated systems now serve as drivers, hosts, teaching assistants, and even doctors. Robotic systems perform tasks – from precise weightlifting to comprehensive inspections in challenging environments – with a reliability and stamina that human workers find it difficult to match. These developments prompt a reassessment of which roles might eventually be supplanted by machines.

However, history offers a broader perspective. Just as the advent of automobiles replaced horse-drawn carts, and printing technology rendered scribes obsolete, the rise of AI is expected to create as many new opportunities as it renders old ones redundant. The decline of certain roles often gives way to a proliferation of new industries and professions – a pattern that suggests a long-term expansion of employment opportunities even as the nature of work evolves.

Charting a course for the future

According to China’s government work report this year, under the AI Plus initiative, the country will work to effectively combine digital technologies with its manufacturing and market strengths. It will support the extensive application of large-scale AI models and vigorously develop new-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment, including intelligent connected new-energy vehicles, AI-enabled phones and computers, and intelligent robots.

Just two months into 2025, Chinese AI is already making waves, with breakthroughs ranging from open-source AI models and intelligent robots, and intensified research into elder-care robots and the integration of AI into educational curricula. This sweeping AI Plus revolution is poised to invigorate industries across the nation.

Historically, China lagged during the steam and electricity revolutions. Today, however, the nation views AI as an important driving force for the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. The Chinese governmenttakes AI as a strategic sector, channeling investment into industriesof the future, computing infrastructure, and real-world testing environments. At the same time, China is actively addressing ethical challenges, ensuring that the rapid pace of AI innovation remains aligned with humanity’s broader interests.

“Tech for good” is creating more opportunities for every individual.

In China – a civilization with over 5,000 years of history – nearly 250 million people are embracing generative AI, and core AI sectors are producing an economicvalue of nearly 600 billion yuan ($82.77 billion). From chips and algorithms to data ecosystems, platforms, and apps, every segment of the AI industrial chain is igniting a modern boom.

“What’s humanity’s edge over AI?”I reached out to DeepSeek with a simple yet profound query.

The reply was incisive: “AI is an extension of rational capacities, while humanity remains a complex interplay of emotion and logic. The true peril is not that machines think like humans, but that humans work like machines.” This striking comparison invites us to consider the delicate balance between technological advancement and the human spirit.

As we stand on the cusp of this evolving landscape, the challenge is clear: Can we harness the potential of AI while preserving the essential qualities that make us human? The answer may well depend on how we choose to conduct this unfoldinghuman-AI orchestra.

By Yang Wenming, People’s Daily

Strolling through Huaping County in Lijiang, southwest China’sYunnan province, visitors are met with expansive mango plantations stretching across rolling hills. Statistics reveals that nearly 100,000 localresidentsparticipate in the mango industry, now established as the region’s foremost economic pillar.

“Selecting appropriate cultivars forms the foundation of premium mango cultivation,” said Zhang Guohui, director of the Huaping county mango industry development center.

The mid-season Lijiang Red Mango, a locally adapted variety, retails at 5-6 yuan ($0.69-0.83) per 500 grams due to its balanced sweetness and vibrant appearance. Zhang noted that trial cultivation of this variety began in 2006, but substantial market adoption only occurred within the past two to three years.

To align with evolving market demands, the county has implemented a three-pronged strategy: optimizing existing mango varieties, introducing market-responsive cultivars, and providing systematic training programs for farmers.

Chen Xingqin, a cultivator from Guozishan village in Rongjiang township, manages dual mango varieties.In an interview with People’s Daily, he explained, “Multiple varieties complicate farm management, yet monoculture exposes growers to financial instability during price fluctuations.”

Quality remains paramount for market success. “As mango cultivation constitutes the primary income source for numerous Huaping farmers, they demonstrate strong commitment to orchard management investments,” Zhang observed. He further quantified this impact: divergent management practices create yield and quality variations that translate to three-to-fourfold differences in per-mu (667 m²) output value.

In recent years, Huaping has enacted comprehensive quality enhancement measures, including conservation of elite germplasm resources, soil fertility maintenance protocols, modernized cultivation techniques, and strategic reductions in chemical inputs and orchard density.

Brand development further elevates product value. While wholesale mangoes typically fetch 2 yuan per 500 grams at farm gates, meticulous sorting and packaging substantially increase market prices. “Standardized grading and enhanced quality control enable premium pricing,” affirmed Zou Jie, general manager of a local mango enterprise.

In recent years, Huaping county has prioritized brand-building initiatives for “Lijiang Mango” to elevate recognition and market reputation for its locally grown produce. Sustained high-quality development of the industry, however, hinges on advancing critical infrastructure such as cold chain logistics, storage facilities, and value-added processing technologies. While early efforts focused on basic dried mango production, the sector has since diversified into refined products like mango pulp and derivatives, expanding the industrial chain and boosting profitability.

According to official statistics, Huaping’s mango-related agricultural output surged to 3.05 billion yuan ($421 million) in 2024, driven by the county’s signature golden mangoes that continue to anchor the industry’s robust growth.

By Zhu Sixiong, Yang Wenming,People’s Daily

Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Yunnan province in southwest China has long captivated global travelers.. From the serene vistas of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Laketo the surreal karst formations of Stone Forest and the tranquil Cuihu Park, the region offers a diverse mosaic of natural wonders and immersive cultural experiences.

In recent years, Yunnan has prioritized the high-quality development of its tourism sector by capitalizing on its unique resources, adapting to evolving consumer preferences, diversifying offerings, and enhancing market governance.

Yunnan’sinnovative tourism initiatives harness its ecological treasures.In the Gaoligong Mountain, visitors embark on leisurely hikes while exploring its abundant wild mushroom ecosystems. Wang Jiao, a traveler from afar, shared her experience: “The forest air is invigorating! We not only foraged mushrooms but also gained insights into the area’s remarkable biodiversity.”

Building on its natural assets, the province actively promotes biodiversity-themed tourism, curating specialized routes such as the rainforests of Xishuangbanna, the ancient tea forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er, and the paleontological wonders of Chengjiang’s fossil sites.

Yunnan is also crafting novel tourism scenarios to meet shifting demands. By integrating technology, cultural storytelling, and sustainable practices, the province is redefining travel experiences—from eco-friendly homestays in rural villages to interactive heritage tours in historic towns. This forward-thinking approach ensures Yunnan remains a dynamic destination while preserving its ecological and cultural integrity.

Along the shore of Erhai Lake in Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, newlyweds capturetimeless moments against the picturesque backdrop, while by Dianchi Lake in Kunming, Yunnan’s provincial capital, travelers relish serene encounters with the region’s iconic red-billed gulls. Further north in Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture, adventure seekers test their limits on rugged trails, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural vistas.These scenes reflect the rapid growth of niche tourism sectors such as wedding photography, vlog-friendly destinations, wellness retreats, and sports tourism, all of which are diversifying Yunnan’s appeal through personalized, experiential offerings.

To cater to rising demand for high-quality, multifaceted travel experiences, Yunnan has strategically developed rural tourism, cross-border itineraries, educational tours, and wellness programs, each tailored to local cultural and ecological strengths. In Lijiang ancient town, visitors are enveloped in the melodies of Naxi ancient music and the rhythmic Leba dance, while shops showcase postcards, notebooks, and handicrafts adorned with Naxi pictographs—tangible souvenirs of a “Yunnan memory.”

Cultural heritage and living traditions now define Yunnan’s tourism identity. The Torch Festival in Chuxiong, Tengchong’s vibrant Simola “village gala,” and Jianshui’s pottery workshops invite travelers to engage directly with local customs. Across the province, intangible cultural heritage is seamlessly woven into tourism, creating immersive encounters at every turn.

“Yunnan is boasts 777 nationally recognized traditional villages, 6UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 8 national historical and cultural towns,”emphasized Zhao Guoliang, director of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. He noted that the province is deepening the fusion of culture and tourism by leveraging its natural landscapes, ethnic diversity, and artisanal industries. From live performances to everyday interactions, cultural elements enrich dining, lodging, shopping, and entertainment, offering visitors an organic connection to Yunnan’s heritage.

To ensure seamless travel experiences, Yunnan has prioritized market regulation and service quality improvements. In 2024, the province achieved a tourism revenue of 1.14 trillion yuan ($157.28 billion) and welcomed 3.9 million long-stay visitors, marking a 20.7% year-on-year increase—a testament to its growing reputation as a world-class destination where nature, culture, and innovation converge.

By Li Zheng, People’s Daily

At first glance, seemingly unrelated phenomena may unveil converging trends when examined through an innovative lens.

This spring, two developments have captured public attention: Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons”—a group of pioneering tech enterprises in east China’sZhejiang province—have sparked nationwide enthusiasm for technological advancement, while the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 has secured its place among the highest-grossing films in global cinema history. Though technology and animation initially appear disparate—the former representing scientific frontiers, the latter showcasing China’s cultural creativity—both fundamentally thrive on innovation.

Historically,China’s innovation landscape has been dominated by its eastern regions. Yet the rise of Ne Zha 2, produced in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan province, raises a critical question: Is this an isolated success story, or does it signify broader progress in central and western regions under China’s innovation-driven development strategy?

A closer examination reveals a surge of breakthroughs across central and western China: Henan’s Pangdonglai supermarket chain has revolutionized retail through disruptive business models; Anhui has emerged as a hub for quantum computing and new energy vehicle technologies; Xinjiang now hosts the world’s longest desert railway and most extensive sand-control greenbelt. When viewed collectively, these achievements highlight a narrowing innovation gap between eastern and central-western regions.

This transformative shift stems largely from China’s accelerated development of a unified national market. The country’s world-leading infrastructure—encompassing high-speed rail, expressways, and logistics networks—has effectively compressed geographical distances. Meanwhile, universal 5G coverage at the county level and broadband access in every village, coupled with 5G’s representing over 60% of mobile subscribers, have turbocharged information flows.

Complementing these advancements, the elimination of regional trade barriers and standardization of market regulations have fostered nationwide fair competition. Together, these measures create an ecosystem where innovation transcends geographical boundaries, enabling coordinated development across China’s diverse regions.

The establishment of a unified domestic market and the unimpeded “dual circulation” framework have facilitated the seamless allocation of resources and production factors. Valuable innovations now overcome geographical barriers, drawing capital and expertise nationwide—and even globally—while capitalizing on China’s vast market advantages.

Traditional constraints tied to geographic location and transportation infrastructure are diminishing, unleashing latent developmental potential in central and western regions and catalyzing unprecedented innovation momentum. Cross-regional innovation collaboration has intensified significantly. Along the Chaobai River basin spanning Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province, entrepreneurs from Beijing increasingly invest in Tianjin and Hebei, while industrial components from these areas steadily supply Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area.

In Hubei province, the Optics Valley Sci-tech Innovation Corridor exemplifies integrated advancement: Wuhan drives R&D breakthroughs, Ezhou spearheads commercialization, and neighboring cities specialize in manufacturing—showcasing how regional synergy accelerates shared technological progress..

Such coordinated innovation strategies optimize spatial resource distribution, generate multiplicative synergies, and narrow regional innovation disparities. As physical boundaries dissolve, ambitious visions now transcend geographical divides. Recent years have seen institutions from Ningxia Hui autonomous region establish innovation hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, leveraging premium resources to pioneer East-West tech collaboration frameworks. Notably, a Ningxia-based organic pigment manufacturer secured a nearly$200,000 contract via the Ningxia-Shanghai Sci-Tech Innovation Center, marking its successful entry into Europe’s automotive coatings market.

The consolidation of a national unified market has amplified market scalability and industrial resilience. Enterprises and innovators nationwide now access cross-regional networks seamlessly. As innovation evolves into a collective, nationwide pursuit—fueled by collaborative specialization—it promises to yield transformative breakthroughs that redefine industrial frontiers.

By Huang Xian, People’s Daily

A radiant lotus flower slowly unfolded, while an ethereal melody echoed through distant valleys… As Chinese animated fantasy adventure film Ne Zha 2 soared to the top of the global animated box office, another unexpected star rose alongside it—the mesmerizing, otherworldly singing in the film’s opening scene.

This enchanting sound came from Yang Xiangni, a Generation-Z lead vocalist of the Wuyue Chan’ge ensemble in southwest China’s Guizhou province, and a group of young women from the Dong ethnic group. With the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group, they provided audiences with a unique auditory experience.

The Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group is a polyphonic chorus without accompaniments and commands.It is popular in regions inhabited by the Dong ethnic group in China.

Born in Sanbao Dong village, Rongjiang county, Guizhou province, Yang was immersed in the musical traditions of the Dong ethnic group from childhood, mastering the art of the Grand Song performance by age six. Later, she was admitted to the Academy of Music, Guizhou University, where she began formal and systematic studies of the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group.

During her university years, Yang encountered a group of peers who shared her passion for traditional music, and together they established the Wuyue Chan’ge ensemble. “The name draws inspiration from the classic Dong ethnic ballad Wuyue Chan’ge—literally the cicada’s song in May,” Yang explained. “We chose it to reflect our commitment to preserving and revitalizing our cultural legacy.”

After graduating, driven by her dedication to Dong music and a profound sense of cultural duty, Yang returned to her hometown—only to confront a sobering reality. “In the entire village, only people over 50 could still perform the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group, and few youths showed interest in learning it,” she recalled.

Historically, Yang noted,”the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group lacked a written notation system;—its transmission relied solely on oral tradition.”Recognizing the urgency of safeguarding this intangible heritage, she concluded that preservation methods must adapt to contemporary demands to ensure its survival.

A review of her social media profiles reveals curated content featuring instructional videos on vocal techniques and documentation of her fieldwork with elder songmasters. On weekends, she conducts complimentary workshops for local children, guiding them in memorizing traditional lyrics and melodies. Each evening, she hosts livestream sessions to introduce global audiences to the cultural and artistic nuances of the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group.

In recent years, Yang and her ensemble have pursued innovative strategies to broaden the reach of the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group. In 2023, they collaborated with a Chinese mobile game to produce an original soundtrack. At a subsequent live concert, Yang directed a performance by 17 young Dong women before an audience of over 10,000, earning resounding acclaim.

“Our most significant milestone to date was Ne Zha 2,” Yang remarked. In 2024, she received an unexpected online invitation to Beijing. Only after signing a non-disclosure agreement did she discover her role: contributing vocals to the animated film’s score.

While elated by the opportunity, Yang immediately confronted a dual challenge: preserving the authenticity of Dong music while ensuring its harmonious integration into a contemporary cinematic context.

To address this, Yang and the production team engaged in rigorous conceptual discussions, meticulously aligning musical and visual elements. During a five-hour studio session, her 10-member ensemble mastered the composition’s technical demands. The final piece retained the Dong language’s distinctive phonetics while innovatively reinterpreting the traditional “one lead, all follow” polyphonic structure into a balanced high-low harmony, enhancing its cinematic resonance.

“As long as there are listeners and practitioners willing to explore, innovate, and transcend boundaries, the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group will endure,” Yang asserted. “Today, it thrives on digital platforms, concert stages, and even in film.” She envisions that modern reinterpretations will amplify the art form’s relevance among younger generations—ensuring its legacy grows ever more vibrant.