Nigeria Times

By Gu Yekai, Liu Yiqing, People’s Daily

At a smart construction project site managed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, a quiet technological revolution is underway. Amid cranes and concrete, engineers are deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems that could fundamentally reshape the construction industry.

Li Fengjian, an AI specialistwith Xianyuan Technology, detailed how the company’s latest intelligent system – built on a large model – adapts to complex construction environments.”Engineering machinery equipped with intelligent agents can adjust its operations automatically in response to weather conditions,” Li explained, adding that a spatiotemporal sensing network further enhances the system, providing real-time tracking of both personnel and materials throughout the construction site.

In February this year, Xianyuan Technology rapidly integrated its self-developed model with DeepSeek-R1, effectively blending a general-purpose framework with industry-specific models. This integration, Li noted, has produced a solution capable of delivering expert-level performance in challenging, dynamic environments. The firm is based in the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, aburgeoning AI incubator that now hosts over 200 innovative enterprises.

China’s technological transformation extends well beyond the construction sector. Overthe past three decades, the country has evolved from its initial forays into internet connectivity to becoming a key player in global digital innovation.

Here, a steady stream of technological innovations are emerging, from the early days of emails and web browsing to the cutting-edge technologies represented by DeepSeek and the dynamic evolution of social media.

Wu Jianping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and headof the Zhongguancun Laboratory, pointed out that while China had introduced only one internet standard before 2005, it now contributes to over 200 worldwide. Such strides illustrate the country’s concerted push toward high-level technological self-reliance – a journey marked by both persistence and determination.

Beyond the digital realm, China is makingsignificant inroads in aerospace, new energy, and other high-tech sectors. It has transitioned from being a follower to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders, and in some areas, even taking the lead. Wu attributed these achievements to a dynamic ecosystem of policy reforms and talent cultivation that encourages creativity and technical expertise at every level.

Amid intensifying international competition, collaborative research and the integration of new technologies with traditional industries are central to China’s high-quality economic development.

Mei Linhai, a researcher at China’s State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Intelligence, remarked that the age of AI calls for continuous exploration. “In this era, everyone is an innovator. Only by persistently pushing the boundaries can we remain at the forefront of both technological and industrial development,” Mei observed.

In the field of general-purpose AI, Mei emphasized that independent innovation is paramount. He advocates for a self-driven industrial ecosystem that leveragesbreakthrough technologies to boost productivity and unlock new possibilities, Mei said.

By Wei Zhezhe, Liu Botong, People’s Daily

In a modest corner of Jiangmen, south China’s Guangdong province, residents of Weidong village are experiencing firsthand a form of democracy that starts at the grassroots level and reverberates all the way to Beijing.

Wu Tengxin, a local villager who relies on a scooter for daily mobility after contracting polio, recalls a time when the village’s public spaces were ill-equipped for people with disabilities. Now, thanks to a simple suggestion made during a meeting, his everyday life has changed.

In November 2022, a team from a local legislative outreach office – a branch of China’sNational People’s Congress (NPC) – visited Weidong village and set up a “bench-style meeting.” Residents, including the elderly and those with disabilities, gathered to voice their concerns about inadequate accessibility.

Amid the conversation, Wu offered a straightforward proposal: “I hope rural accessible facilities can be improved to make mobility easier for people with disabilities and the elderly.” His words were relayed verbatim to lawmakers.

The response was swift. On June 28, 2023, at the third session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, legislators passed a law on building a barrier-free living environment. The law stipulates that improvements”shall align with social and economic development levels, coordinate urban and rural progress, and gradually narrow the gap in infrastructure between urban and rural areas.”

Today, Wu observes that the village’s main roads and public squares have been upgraded with accessibility features that make getting around considerably easier.

This episode illustrates what Chinese officials call “whole-process people’s democracy” – a system where citizen input is woven into every stage of policy development.

Jilie Ziri, head of Abuluoha village in Butuo county, southwest China’s Sichuan province, remarked that for young generations in China, democracy has become a lived experience. “Villagers are the masters of village affairs,” he said, emphasizing how active villager participation has injected new vitality into local governance.

Experts point to consultative democracy as a cornerstone of this process. Tao Kaiyuan, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and vice president of the Supreme People’s Court, underscores the important role of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, whose members hail from every stratum of society and bring a wealth of expertise and connections.

Their regular forums, field research, and public consultations have created robust channels for citizens to contribute ideas and forge consensus.”This approach gathers collective wisdom and transforms public voices into policy,” Tao said.

Another crucial manifestation is the effectiveness of China’s political party system. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, Chinese democratic parties actively fulfill their duties, offering recommendations that often translate into concrete policy decisions. This integrated approach demonstrates the unique strengths of China’s political system and the advantages of whole-process people’s democracy.

Tao emphasized that whole-process people’s democracyhas evolved into an efficient and dynamic democratic practice – one that not only reflects the essence of socialist democracy but also presents a pioneering model of political civilization, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global governance and democratic development.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

At China’s recent annual “two sessions,” Chinese modernization once again captured global attention. International observers are closely following a range of new measures designed not only to accelerate Chinese domestic transformation but also to unlock fresh opportunities for global development.

They believe that Chinese modernization, built on a foundation of openness and cooperation, will continue to yield global benefits with each new milestone.

Today, China stands as a formidable force in the global economy – accounting for around 18 percent of the global economy and nearly 30 percent of world manufacturing output. Year after year, the nation has contributed about 30 percent to global economic growth. With import and export records with almost all countries and regions designated in the United Nations Statistics Division, the country is a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. In 2024, its exports to over 160 countries and regions saw growth.

Often hailed as the “world’s largest developing country,”the “second-largest economy,””world’s factory,””global market,” and “innovation powerhouse,” China is increasingly viewed as a beacon of stability and progress.

In recent years, high-profile events such as the seventh China International Import Expo – where intended deals exceeded $80 billion – and the establishment of over 1.239 million foreign-invested enterprises have reinforced the nation’s reputation as a vast, dynamic market.

Meanwhile, policies encouraging Chinese companies to “go global” have seen a steady stream of new technologies, goods, and services permeate international markets, knitting the country ever tighter into global value chains and bolstering its commitment to win-win cooperation.

The influence of Chinese modernization is evident far beyond its borders. In the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadera has repeatedly screened China’s political documentary Carry the Reform Through to the End for cabinet discussions, while officialsin Uzbekistan are adapting China’s poverty-reduction experience to suit their national context. These moves challenge the assumption that modernization must follow Western models, suggesting that China’s alternative pathway offers a viable route to development.

Beyond economic growth, Chinese modernization is increasingly celebrated for its potential to foster win-win cooperation and shared prosperity.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), for example, Kazakhstan secured its first maritime access and Laos launched its first modern railway. Support from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has propelled over 160 projects, benefiting more than 30 million people. Moreover, China has given all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, signaling its commitment to an open and inclusive global economy.

China’s modernization agenda also tackles global challenges head on. In response to global environmental risks, China advocates for building a community of all life on the Earth. To bridge the digital and AI divide, it has launched the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All to ensure that technological advancements benefit every corner of the globe.

On the security front, China continues to promote dialogue and reconciliation in conflict zones while engaging in multilateral security collaborations, reinforcing its reputation as a nation committed to peace and stability.

By proposing initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilizations Initiative, China is not just charting its own course toward modernization but championing an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization – one that seeks to ensure that no nation is left behind on the path to prosperity.

The global appeal of Chinese modernization is far from accidental. Decades of reform and opening up have accelerated its development while enabling the country to contribute to global governance. On the international stage, it has taken on a leadership role – actively shaping global norms, building a community with a shared future for mankind, and advancing world peace and development. By sharing its successful experiences and technological advancements, the country seeks to help other developing countries chart their own courses toward progress.

With over 1.4 billion people engaged in this modernization journey – a number that surpasses the total population of all developed countries combined – China’s approach is redefining the global modernization landscape. For China, modernization is not solely a national endeavor but a blueprint for global progress – a vision that promises a more inclusive future for all.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Amid rising protectionism and headwinds against economic globalization, international observers is increasingly scrutinize how China collaborates with partners to drive shared development.

The past year witnessed China actively constructing a new system for a higher-level open economywhile achieving measurable advancements in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposed by China, stands as a significant international public good and serves as a vital platform for fostering a more inclusive and mutually beneficial form of economic globalization.

Built upon the principles of planning together, building together and benefiting together, the initiative has attracted participation from over 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations. The sectors and scope of Belt and Road cooperation have continued to expand, while the level of cooperation has been further elevated.

This initiativehas created a cooperation platform for common development and helped many developing countries speed up their march toward modernization.

The BRI embodies China’s vision for bridging the global development gap. Through a systematic and multi-level cooperation framework, it directly addresses key global development challenges.

The initiative strengthens development foundations through “hard connectivity“in infrastructure, eliminates institutional barriers through “soft connectivity” in policy coordination, and fosters people-to-people bonds through “people-to-people connectivity.”It injects new energy into addressing global issues such as infrastructure bottlenecks, lack of development momentum, and weak governance capacity.

The BRI has breathed new life into global trade by enhancing economic connectivity. With the operation of the China-Laos Railway, fruits freshly picked in Southeast Asian countries can reach markets in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan province on the same day via the Lancang-Mekong Express service of the China-Laos Railway.

The gantry cranes at Greece’s Piraeus Port are operating at full capacity, while the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line cuts previous Asia-Europe cross-border transportation by five to 10 days.

In Peru, the opening of the Chancay Port has cut single-trip sea transport time between China and Peru to 23 days, slashing logistics costs by over 20 percent.

The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway is underway, and key projects such as the China-Vietnam cross-border trainsand Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link have made significant progress, creating new momentum for global connectivity and expanding space for world economic growth.

The BRI serves as a driving force for global modernization. The modernization China pursues is not for China alone, but for all developing countries through joint efforts. This reflects the broad vision of Chinese modernization in creating a new model for human advancement.

Global modernization should be pursued to enhance peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation and bring prosperity to all. This aligns seamlessly with the vision and goals of the BRI.

In the new era, China’s Juncao technology is bringing prosperity to people in a number of developing countries; the Lancang-Mekong Sweet Spring Project has improved livelihood in the region; the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway accelerates the modernization of cities along its route.

These micro-level transformations are collectively shaping a macro development landscape. By prioritizing development, the BRI helps partner countries build new engines of economic growth, unlock development potential, and create broader opportunities for modernization worldwide.

The BRI also embodies China’s commitment to carrying forward the Silk Road spirit. The Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit is the most important source of strength for Belt and Road cooperation.

This spirit is consistent with the ideal of “all states joining together in harmony and peace” long upheld by the Chinese nation, with the Chinese people’s principles of amity, good neighborliness and “helping others to succeed while seeking our own success,” and with the call of the times for peace, development and win-win cooperation.

Throughout history and today, China has consistently championed resolving differences through dialogue, opposing division through solidarity, and promoting development through cooperation – an approach that defines its role as an “enabler” in the global arena.

This vision is also at the heart of the BRI. In a world undergoing profound transformation, upheaval, and changes unseen in a century, the BRI serves as a vital source of positive energy.

As high-quality Belt and Road cooperation continues to focus on delivering high-standard, sustainable and people-centered projects, China will work with all partners to create new opportunities and contribute to global development and prosperity.

By Li Haoran, People’s Daily

China’s latest government work report, released during the annual “two sessions” on March 5, has drawn global attention, sending a resounding message of resilience and determination to international markets and policymakers.

Looking back at 2024, China’s economic achievements were nothing short of remarkable. Despite mounting external pressures and domestic challenges, the country managed to create 12.56 million new urban jobs, achieve a record-high grain output of 700 billion kilograms, and reduce PM2.5 concentrations in cities at and above the prefecture level by 2.7 percent. These accomplishments not only underscore China’s ability to navigate complex hurdles but also reflect the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people in the face of adversity.

Recent technological breakthroughs further illustrate this resolve. The Chang’e-6 lunar probe’s first-ever sampling on the moon’s far side, the debut of the world’s fastest high-speed train prototypeCR450, and the production of over 13 million new energy vehicles in a single year all serve as testaments to China’s push for innovation-driven and high-quality development.

In response to evolving economic challenges, China rolled out a package of incremental policies last September aimed at enhancing macroeconomic counter-cyclical adjustments – a pragmatic approach that successfully steered the nation toward its annual targets.

Historical figures in Chinese science have long inspired this tenacity. Renowned Chinese scientist Qian Xuesen once asked: “If foreigners can do it, why can’t the Chinese?” Late Chinese geologist and founder of geological mechanics Li Siguang posed a similar question: “Is oil only found beneath Western soil?”

These sentiments still resonate today, as China continues to break technological bottlenecks amidexternal blockades and suppression. Rather than stifling progress, such challenges have only unleashed the country’s potential, fueling a new wave of innovation.

At this year’s Spring Festival Gala, a group of humanoid robots performed Yangko, a traditional folk dance renowned for its sweeping steps and twirling handkerchiefs. Engineers hailed the performance as a technological feat, declaring, “No one else in the world can achieve this – only the Chinese can.”

In Taklimakan Desert, often called the “sea of death,” China’s first ultra-deep scientific exploration well set a new Asian record by reaching a depth of 10,910 meters.

China’s scientific advancements extend to quantum computing as well. Scientists recently developed a superconducting quantum computing prototype named “Zuchongzhi3″with 105qubits. The machine processes quantum random circuit sampling tasks at a speed quadrillion times faster than the world’s most powerful supercomputer – setting a new record in quantum computational advantage within superconducting systems.

These achievements are made possible by a dynamic synergy between industry, talent, innovation, and capital. Such integration is vital for fostering new quality productive forces and unlocking future growth opportunities.

China’sresilience is also deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The traditional “three friends of winter” – pine, bamboo, and plum- symbolize perseverance and strength in adversity. These botanical emblems, which withstand even the harshest winters, reflect the enduring spirit of the Chinese people.

Confidence is key to overcoming obstacles. That confidence lies not only in China’s present achievements but also in its future potential.

Recently, global financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, UBS, and Deutsche Bank have collectively expressed optimism regarding the prospects of China’s burgeoning technology industry, particularly in the light of significant advancements in artificial intelligence.

This renewed interest challenges long-standing skepticism, once again disproving theories of “China collapse” and “Peak China”.

The next “China” is still China.

As China charts its path forward, it remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and progress, turning what once seemed impossible into inevitable successdespite formidable challenges.

By Li Hongmei, People’s Daily

In recent years, China’s meteorological authorities have actively forged a distinctive blueprint in weather crisis management through decades of operational refinement. What began as localized disaster preparedness efforts has evolved into a sophisticated national architecture – one that blends centralized governance with hyperlocal responsiveness. At its core lies an early warning paradigm balancing state coordination, predictive analytics, and grassroots mobilization, a model now gaining international attention as climate volatility intensifies.

Today, China’s early warning solutions have begun expanding globally through the establishment of operational platforms, provision of technical support, and implementation of personnel training programs, fostering international cooperation to jointly tackle the challenges of climate change.

The system’s global relevance emerges through its operational DNA: modular technical platforms adaptable to developing nations, knowledge-transfer programs cultivating meteorological expertise, and multilateral partnerships addressing shared climate threats. Yet its most compelling innovation remains the progressive meteorological forecasting and early warning service.

Developed through analyzing thousands of weather emergencies, this approach layers forecasts like meteorological Russian nesting dolls – broad probabilistic models gradually sharpening into neighborhood-specific alerts as storms approach. Each update tightens the geographic scope while escalating response protocols.

Operational rhythms shift palpably when danger looms. Emergency managers receive tiered notifications through redundant channels -phone calls, WeChat messages, and other channels. This graduated urgency system now blankets all provincial-level regions in China.

In recent years, China’s achievements in meteorological early warning stand as a testament to its relentless pursuit of scientific and technological excellence.

The nation has constructed the world’s most extensive integrated meteorological observation network, encompassing nine Fengyun meteorological satellites, 546 weather radars, and over 70,000 ground observation stations—a sprawling infrastructure that captures an unparalleled breadth of atmospheric data.

Three AI-powered forecasting models – “Fengqing,””Fenglei,” and “Fengshun”-have set benchmarks rivaling international leaders, harnessing computational power to predict weather phenomena with remarkable precision.

China’s intelligent digital grid forecasting systemboasts a nationwide spatial resolution of five kilometers, achieving a 93 percent accuracy rate for heavy rainfall warnings and providing a critical 43-minute lead time for severe convective weather alerts. Notably, the 24-hour typhoon track forecast maintains an average error margin of just 62 kilometers, placing it among the world’s most accurate.

Furthermore, China has established a warning information release system of national emergencythat integrates 82 types of alerts across 16 industries. This streamlined process ensures that critical warnings are disseminated to government officials, relevant departments, and industry stakeholders within a minute, enhancing rapid response and coordination.

Ko Barrett, deputy secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has lauded China’s efforts in developing and building capacity for early warning systems, recognizing their significance as a model for global best practices.

China’s meteorological early warning systems and standards have garnered international recognition, now being adopted across multiple countries. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) hasplayed a pivotal role in establishing a robust warning information dissemination system in Laos and launching an ASEAN data service platform dedicated to early warning operations.. Collaborating with the Pakistan Meteorological Department, China has developed a bespoke cloud-based early warning system that harnesses AI and other cutting-edge technologies for advancedweather forecasting.

Similar projects are unfolding with the Ethiopian meteorological authority and the Solomon Islands, where China is aiding in the development of cloud-based early warning systems and build platforms tailored to meet the needs of developing nations. Additionally, China leads a multi-hazard early warning system development initiative for Asia launched by the WMO.

China is also bolstering its global meteorological monitoring services. Its Fengyun satellites deliver over 100 types of data products and services to 132 countries and regions.Serving as on-duty satellites for the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters,” these satellites have generated more than 320 remote sensing monitoring reports, offering crucial support for disaster prevention, mitigation, and climate change-related early warnings worldwide.

In 2024, China hosted 25 training programs in fields such as meteorological AI, early warning, and satellite remote sensing applications, attracting 599 participants from 60 countries, both in-person and online.

Guided by the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China is actively promoting its early warning solutions globally, collaborating with other nations to advance climate governance. This underscores China’s commitment as a responsible major country in the realm of meteorological and environmental stewardship.

At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, convened in Beijing in September, the establishment of meteorological early warning systems was prominently featured among the ten partnership actions designed to propel modernization efforts between China and Africa.

In November of the same year, at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties(COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), China unveiledits Action Plan on Early Warning for Climate Change Adaptation (2025-2027). The plan delineates China’s dedication to bolstering early warning capabilities in other developing countries, equipping them with the tools necessary to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

China is also spearheading a South-South cooperation flagship project aimed at addressing climate change through tailored cloud-based early warning systems, developed in collaboration with developing nations in need.This comprehensive approach includes short-term training, specialized scholarships, and funding for long-term visiting scholarsfocused on early warning, risk assessment, and climate change adaptation. Such measures are intended to significantly enhance the capacity of these nations to manage climate risks and mitigate disaster impacts.

Jim Skea, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has acknowledged China’s pivotal role on the international stage, emphasizing its indispensability in global climate governance. His recognition highlights the importance of China’s contributions to fostering a more resilient and adaptive world in the face of environmental challenges.

By Ding Yiting, Meng Xiangfu, People’s Daily

In its latest government work report, China has set an economic growth target of around 5 percentfor 2025 – a figure officials describe as a pragmatic balance between domestic realities and global uncertainties.

Shen Danyang, head of the group responsible for drafting this year’s government work report and director of the Research Office of China’sState Council, noted that the target was “calibrated to China’s actual conditions and the laws governing economic development after thorough research and deliberation.”

From an objective perspective, a 5 percent growth rate is essential not only for stabilizing employment and mitigating risks but also for improving livelihoods and enhancing China’sinternational competitiveness.

“Without a certain growth rate, efforts to expand employment, curb risks, and raise incomes would lack a material foundation,” said Huang Qunhui, a national political advisor from the Institute of Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, adding that the target dovetails with China’s recent economic trends and itslonger-term goal of achieving socialist modernization by 2035.

Wei Qijia, director of the industrial economy research office at the State Information Center’s Department of Economic Forecasting, which is part of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, stated that the target signals China’s determination to overcome current challenges and sustain progress. “It reassures the markets and underscores our commitment to steady development,” she said.

Shen added that meeting the country’sdevelopment goals hinges on three key pillars -sustained growth momentum, robust capacity, and targeted policy support. He expressed confidence that, with these elements in place, China will achieve its growth targetfor this year.

China’s economic scale remains formidable. In 2024, the country’s GDP surpassed 130 trillion yuan ($17.97 trillion). The country has long been a vital engine of global growth, contributing about 30 percent to worldwide economic expansion.

“China’s supersized market, complete industrial system, and abundant human resourcesequip it to navigate complex challenges. The fundamentals sustaining China’s long-term growth remain unchanged,” Huang observed.

Technological innovation also continues to bolster China’s economic ambitions. Recent milestones range from the Chang’e-6 lunar probe’s historic sampling on the moon’s far side to the global debut of AI model DeepSeek, not to mention the launch of the third-generation superconducting quantum computer to the unveiling of the CR450 bullet train prototype.

In 2024, the value-added output of China’s high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing sectors grew by 8.9 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively, while new energy vehicle production surpassed 13 million units. These advances, fueling the development of new quality productive forces and industrial upgrades, are expected to create “multiplier effects” that will further invigorate the economy.

On the fiscal front, the Chinese government is taking an assertive stance. For the first time, the government work report highlights “a more proactive fiscal policy,”with expenditure in the general public budgetprojected at 29.7 trillion yuan, an increase of 1.2 trillion yuan over last year. These measures will stimulate consumption, improve livelihoods and help remove bottlenecks in economic circulation.

The report also charts a course for deeper reforms in key areas, aimed at removing institutional barriers impeding development and fostering a fairer and more dynamic market environment.

Efforts to develop a unified national market and further reform the fiscal, taxation and financial systems are seen as key to unleashing policy dividends, spurring innovation, and reinforcing domestic growth drivers.