Nigeria Times

By Dou Hao, People’s Daily

In Hangzhou’s Yuhang district – part of Zhejiang province’s sprawling tech corridor–engineers at BrainCo are redefining human-machine integration through neural interface breakthroughs. Their laboratory in China Artificial Intelligence Town recently showcased a compelling case study: 25-year-old Zhou Jian, who lost his right hand at 12, now manipulates a cognitive-controlled prosthetic with striking dexterity.

During a demonstration observed by this publication, Zhou’s aluminum-alloy prosthesis peeled citrus and typed complex code with fluid precision matching his biological hand. The device interprets residual neuromuscular signals through machine learning algorithms, converting intention into motion. “Previous prosthetics were cosmetic deadweights,” Zhou reflected while calibrating the bionic limb. “This feels like technological rebirth – reclaiming capabilities stolen by childhood trauma.”

As Zhou concluded our interview by sketching landscape art with both hands, the distinction between organic and engineered capability became provocatively blurred – a quiet manifesto for China’s patient, pragmatic brand of technological humanism.

For Zhou Jian, the once-daunting tasks of opening doors, carrying packages, and exchanging handshakes now flow with unconscious ease. During his high-speed rail commute, he instinctively assists fellow travelers struggling with oversized luggage–a role reversal he notes with quiet pride. “Years ago, I needed help managing my own bags,” he reflects. “Today, I become the helper.”

BrainCo founder Han Bicheng emphasizes their technological differentiator: “Our bionic hand employs non-invasive brain-computer interface technology–no cranial implants, no neurosurgery. This dramatically reduces medical risks compared to intracranial alternatives.”

According to Han, BrainCo’sresearch teamhas gone through thousands of iterations just to perfect the electrode material formulation and structural design.

BrainCo’s smart bionic hand is now in mass production and priced at around 100,000 yuan ($13,792), only one-fifth to one-seventh the cost of similar imported products.

In BrainCo’s innovation lab, engineers are refining the next generation of smart bionic hands. Prototypes undergoing trials boast pressure and temperature sensors designed to mimic human touch, enabling nuanced interactions–like conveying the warmth of a handshake–with unprecedented precision.

On a crisp morning in Hangzhou, 26-year-old Lin Yun laced his running shoes and set off for a jog. To passersby, he appeared an ordinary athlete, his stride fluid and assured. Few would notice the sleek prosthetic extending from his right thigh: a brain-controlled bionic leg, engineered to blend form and function.

His turnaround began with BrainCo’s bionic limb, priced at just over 100,000 yuan (roughly one-fifth the cost of imported models). The device employs embedded sensors and machine-learning algorithms to analyze terrain and adjust hydraulic resistance in real time, mirroring natural joint movement. Under the guidance of rehabilitation experts, Lin retrained his gait, rebuilding strength and stability.

“Imagine feeling the wind rush past you again,” Lin said, accelerating effortlessly during a sprint. “That’s freedom.”

Beyond walking, the prosthetic adapts to activities from rock climbing to surfing via customizable support modes. Lin now trains daily, his sights set on an audacious goal: summiting Mount Qomolangma without assistance. “This isn’t about overcoming disability,” he said. “It’s about redefining what’s possible.”

As BrainCo’s prototypes advance, such stories underscore a shifting landscape–one where technology bridges not just physical gaps, but lost dreams.

In recent years, BrainCo has actively collaborated with Chinese federations and foundations for disabled persons to provide smart bionic hands and legs at significantly reduced prices, or even free of charge, to eligible individuals.

“BCI technology holds immense potential in healthcare, rehabilitation, and next-generation human-computer interaction. We will accelerate our technological integration with AI, big data, and cloud computing, strengthen innovation, expand our product line, and offer personalized solutions, unlocking infinite possibilities for a better life,” Han said.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

As of late January2025, Peru’s Chancay Port had handled over 15,000 containers and 112,000 tons of bulk cargo, cementing its role as a pivotal hub for exports of blueberries, palm oil, and corn–products now defining Peru’s trade identity.

Born from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), theportis reconfiguring Peru’s economic footprint, underscoring a development model that contrasts sharply with historical precedents.

Whilepastpowers pursued modernization through expansionist strategies, often leaving developing nations burdened,China’s approach emphasizes coexistence over zero-sum rivalry.By prioritizing shared growth and leveraging its own modernization to propel global progress, China has earned recognition as an “enabler.”

Australian scholar Warwick Powell observed that just as China seeks to achieve more even development domestically, the effects of its model of global integration via trade, capital exports, transfer and knowhow is also tackling decades of uneven global development.

China has solidified its role as an indispensable engine of the global economy, with its 2024 GDP growth of 5% propelling its economic output past 130 trillion yuan ($17.88 trillion).Accounting for over 30% of worldwide growth last year,the country continues to anchor international markets even as it navigates domestic structural reforms.

This sustained momentum, economists note, reflects China’s commitment to building an open world economy while modernizing its development paradigm.

Defying global trade headwinds, China recorded 486 billion R&D expenditure, maintaining its position as the world’s second-largest innovation spender after the U.S.

The true paradigm shift emerges in green technology corridors. Chinese wind turbine shipments to emerging markets like Vietnam and Brazil exploded by 72% last year, while solar panel exports hit 200 billion threshold.

China’s global economic influence is increasingly defined by its dual focus on domestic modernization and transnational collaboration.

Tesla accelerated its energy storage ambitions last month with the operational launch of its Shanghai Gigafactory, the world’s largest battery production facility. Across the manufacturing landscape, BMW’s Shenyang Plant Lydia commenced full-scale production of its next-generation electric vehicles, while Siemens Healthineers broke ground on a R&D hub in Shenzhen’s innovation corridor. Meanwhile, Lexus finalized plans for its first wholly owned Shanghai subsidiary, signaling deepening commitment to China’s premium automotive market.

The outward ripple effects are equally measurable. Ministry of Commerce data reveals a 10.5% YoY surge in China’s non-financial ODI to $143.85 billion in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of double-digit growth.

Chinese home appliance manufacturer Haier has set up a new air-conditioner plant in Thailand, with 85 percent of its production intended for export. Meanwhile, the battery plant of China’s leading battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) in Hungary is fostering a local industrial cluster, reshaping Europe’s new energy landscape.

Additionally, many Chinese companies are training local technical workers in Africa and incubating local enterprises within their industrial parks in Latin America, catalyzing industrialization and modernization in these regions with China’s industrial strength.

China’s enabling role in fostering global development is underscored by its dedication to addressing contemporary challenges through scientific and technological innovation.

Today,as economic globalization is encountering headwinds and the world stands at a new crossroads, it is more crucial than ever for countries to clear away confusion and adopt long-term, forward-looking development strategies.

China’s visions are increasingly enabling other countries in their development. China always champions diverse development paths, breaking away from a one-size-fits-all approach. African scholars said that the most important experience that African countries have learned from China is the importance of choosing development models in line with national conditions rather than blindly following the approaches of others.

China upholds a people-centered approach, proposing that on the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind, which has been hailed not just as an update of economic logic, but an elevation of human civilization. As China continues to pursue win-win cooperation and shared development, more and more people have come to understand that in today’s world, development is not an exclusive competition but mutual progress.

China has been actively promoting the exchange of governance experiences, sharing both macro theories and practical experience with the world, such as”coordinating the relationship between an efficient market and an effective government,””helping poor people build the confidence and capacity to help themselves,” and “showing people how to fish instead of just giving them fish.” These ideas provide valuable insights for countries seeking to overcome development challenges.

Bytakingan open and inclusive approach to cooperation, China is creating global opportunities for common development as well as confidence and hope. As an “enabler,” China will continue to instill strong impetus in the global modernization.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

From the mountains of Indonesia, where the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway injects fresh momentum into regional development, to the deserts of Egypt transformed into fertile farmlands through advanced drilling technologies, and Tanzania’s “Small Bean and Big Nutrition” project boosting agricultural yields–China’s cutting-edge innovations and technological prowess are driving sustainable growth worldwide.

As a new wave of scientific and industrial revolution surges, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology are reshaping the global landscape. Nations universally seek to harness technological innovation as an engine for economic vitality. Yet, amid rising “decoupling” rhetoric and “walled gardens,” the risk of widening technological divides looms large. The choice between monopolizing breakthroughs or actively extending their benefits to all will profoundly shape the trajectory of global modernization.

China, a pivotal player in global innovation, champions open collaboration and shared prosperity. Strengthening independent innovationwhile spearheading global technological advancement, the nation rejects zero-sum dominance. Instead, it aligns technological progress with its modernization goals and the broader welfare of humanity.

The recent lunar feat of Chang’e-6–the first-ever sample retrieval from the Moon’s far side, aided by international payloads–epitomizes this ethos: China’s achievements belong to both the nation and the world.

Embracing AI’s transformative potential, China advocates for open-source technologies and inclusive access, exemplified by its high-performance, freely accessible DeepSeek model. Such strides reflect a deliberate philosophy: integrating the ancient ethos of “harmonious coexistence” into modern innovation.

From co-developing satellites with emerging economies to opening the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) for global research, China fosters collaborative ecosystems. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan and the China-Africa digital technology cooperation center underscore its resolve to dismantle technological hegemony, cultivating an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment.By intertwining open cooperation with breakthroughs in productive forces, China charts a path where shared advancements empower sustainable development–a testament to its role as an enabler of global modernization.

This commitment to both ambitious scientific breakthroughs and inclusive sharing of innovation inspires more nations to actively explore the vast frontiers of technology and enhances global access to cutting-edge advancements.

As China harnesses technological innovation to drive new quality productive forces, it remains steadfast in promoting progress through opening up and cooperation and advancing common development through shared innovation outcomes. In doing so, China is helping power global sustainable development and accelerate modernization worldwide.

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

Recently, the Philippines has repeatedly intensified its infringement activities, provocations and groundless accusations, attempting to link the South China Sea issue with the deployment of the Typhon mid-range missile system.

Introducing such weaponry to cater to external countries, the Philippine sideis not only creating regional tension and confrontation but treating its own national security, the well-being of its people, and regional stability as a bargaining chip. This reckless move is both ridiculous and dangerous.

China stands firm in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. It will continue to take necessary measures to counter any infringement and provocation actions resolutely.

By bringing in the missile system, the Philippinesis inviting danger into its own backyard. Capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, the Typhon mid-range missile systemis not a defensive weapon but rather a strategic and offensive one with a range that covers most Southeast Asian nations.

Its decision to engage with external forces in deploying this strategic offensive weapon would place its national security and defense in the hands of others,and lead to geopolitical confrontation and risks of an arms race in the region.

This move poses a substantial threat to regional peace and security, ultimately harming not just the Philippines itself but others as well. Its claim that the deployment of the weapon is “legitimate and lawful” is nothing but self-deception.

The Philippine side has made a grave mistake by linking the South China Sea issue with the missile system. Its claim that it would return the Typhon missiles if China “stops claiming its territory, stops harassing its fishermen, and stops ramming its boats”is nothing more than an attempt to continue misleading the international community.

The territory of the Philippines is defined by a series of international treaties, and China’s Nansha Qundao and Huangyan Dao fall outside of Philippine territory.

China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are solidly grounded inhistory and international law, and the merits of the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines are very clear.

It is the Philippines that has engaged in infringement and provocation first. China’s law enforcement activities to safeguard its rights in relevant waters are lawful, justified and beyond reproach.

The Philippine side has repeatedly gone back on its words and violated the consensus it reached with China. It has breached the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC)in the South China Sea, rehashed the illegitimate so-called South China Sea arbitration, unilaterally submitted a case concerning the delimitation of the outer continental shelf in the South China Sea, and illegally intruded into adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao.

Furthermore, it has introduced egregiousdomestic acts, such as the so-called “Maritime Zones Act” and the “Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act,”repeatedly creating new disputes and infringing upon China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

Having failed to achieve its attempts through such provocations, the Philippinesis now seeking external backing to stir up trouble in the South China Sea. This exposes the reckless ambitions of certain Philippine politicians who prioritize their own interests over national and regional stability.

On the missile issue, the Philippines has broken its word time and again. It promised that the deployment would be “temporary,” and that the system would be withdrawn following the conclusion of the military exercises. However, it has repeatedly reneged on its commitment and even plans to “procure” the system to increase its deterrence capabilities.

The brazen action not only seriously damages China-Philippines relations but also undermines the Philippines’ credibility on the international stage. The Philippine government’s attempt to leverage external forces for short-term gains is destined to fail, and pulling chestnuts out of the fire for the sake of others will ultimately bring disastrous consequences.

The South China Sea is not a “hunting ground” for external countries, nor should it be a “wrestling ground” for big powers. The deployment of mid-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region seriously undermines regional peace and stability and is a regressive step that runs counter to the shared aspirations of regional countries for peace and development.

The DOC explicitly stipulates that the parties concerned undertake to resolve their disputes through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly involved. China and ASEAN countries should make joint efforts to safeguard maritime peace.

Regional countries are the real parties that are responsible for properly handling the South China Sea issue, and external forces should refrain from provoking disputes, taking sides, or becoming troublemakers in the region.

The Asia-Pacific region needs peace and prosperity, not the deployment of mid-range missiles or confrontation. The Philippines must adhere to the DOC, honor its promises of removing the Typhon missile system, and stop making repeated mistakes when it comes to issues like Typhon.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

By Gu Yekai, Cheng Huan, People’s Daily

Special effects and rendering in movies, as well as everyday applications of generative artificial intelligence (AI), facial recognition, and real-time translation, all rely on intelligent computing power. Today, as large AI models and generative AI continue to advance, the demand for computing power is rising rapidly.

According to a recent report on China’s AI computing power developmentin 2025, which was jointly released byInternational Data Corporation (IDC) and Chinese IT firm Inspur Information, China’s intelligent computing power is growing faster than expected.

Based on half-precision (FP16) intelligent accelerator card performance, China’s intelligent computing power reached 725.3 EFLOPS in 2024, surging 74.1 percent year-on-year. It is expected to rise further to 1,037.3 EFLOPS in 2025, 1,460.3 EFLOPS in 2026, and 2,781.9 EFLOPS in 2028. Meanwhile, the market size hit $19 billion, surging 86.9 percent from a year ago.

At the construction site of a large-scale intelligent computing center in Jinan, east China’s Shandong province, massive modules were lifted and positioned with precision, coming together like building blocks to form a state-of-the-art facility. It took just 120 days for this Meta Brain computing power factory of Inspur Information, consisting of 119 prefabricated containers, to enter full operation from groundbreaking.

As a fundamental pillar of digital economy, computing power falls into three main categories: supercomputing power, general-purpose computing power, and intelligent computing power. Designed specifically for AI applications, intelligent computing power supports the training and execution of AI algorithms and models. Across industries, demand for intelligent computing power is surging.

The Meta Brain computing power factorybuilt in just 120 days is a testament of the rapid growth in China’sintelligentcomputing power. “In 2024, China’s intelligent computing power grew three times faster than general-purpose computing power,” said Zhou Zhengang, vice president of IDC China.

In recent years, China has been ramping up its computing power infrastructure at national, regional, and corporate levels. “Over the next two years, China’s intelligent computing power is expected to continue its rapid expansion,” Zhou added. “In 2025, it is projected to grow another 43 percent compared to 2024, and by 2026, it will have doubled from 2024 levels.”

The adoption of intelligent computing is accelerating, with many enterprises actively embracing large AI models. According to an IDC survey, 42 percent of companies are conducting preliminary tests and proof-of-concept validations for large models, while 17 percent have already integrated them into production and real-world applications.

However, in manufacturing—an industry characterized by complex processes, diverse product categories, and fragmented, high-volume data—implementing AI models comes with challenges such as high costs and difficulties in data collection.

“For example, in quality inspection, obtaining a comprehensive set of defect samples is a major hurdle,” said Jia Jiaya, founder ofsmart manufacturing companySmartMore.

“In the past, production lines must be maintained operational two to three months in order to collect defect samples. But now, the deep learning of our industrial multimodal AI model allows us to accomplish the task in just a week—or even less,” Jia explained.

This AI model has already generated hundreds of defect types and is widely applied in sectors such as consumer electronics and new energy, according to Jia.

Beyond building their own intelligent computing infrastructure, many enterprises are turning to cloud computing services for digital transformation. For instance, Huawei’s Pangu large modelhave been deployed across more than 30 industries and 400 application scenarios, spanning manufacturing, pharmaceutical research, coal mining, and steel production.

At theGui’an Supercomputing Center in southwest China’s Guizhou province, rows of server cabinets hum with high-speed operations. With 1,000 high-performance graphics processors and over 700 servers, it boasts a combined computing power of 15 quadrillion calculations per second now

Diverse industry-specific needs are driving new requirements for computing power. “The financial sector requires high security and low-latency computing environments. The medical field needs to process vast amounts of medical imaging data. Manufacturing demands real-time production optimization, and the internet industry relies on large-scale user data processing and content recommendations,”said Liu Jun, senior vice president of Inspur Information. These demands call for computing power infrastructures that deliver high performance, low latency, robust security, scalability, and cost effectiveness.

Industry experts emphasized that after years of scaling up computing capacity, the next critical step for China’s computing power industry is transitioning from mere expansion to unlocking high-value applications and maximizing efficiency.

By Wang Ke, Dou Hao, People’s Daily

As environmental awareness continues to grow, green and low-carbon consumption has become a key factor influencing consumer decisions in China, especially among young people.

From preferring sustainable brands to choosing energy-efficient products and eco-friendly transportation, “green” is a defining term for the evolving consumption trends of China’s younger generation.

“Although it’s a bit more expensive than standard models, the trade-in program makes it a great deal, and most importantly, it’s energy-efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Chen Jian, a post-90s consumer, who was shopping for an air conditioner at a home appliance store in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality.

After comparison, Chen bought a new model equipped with an AI-powered energy-saving chip. This smart air conditioner can detect temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments in real time, automatically adjusting its settings to maintain comfort while reducing annual electricity consumption by more than 10 percent.

China’s policy-backed consumer goods trade-in program has further stimulated consumer enthusiasm for automobiles, home appliances, and home furnishings, among which energy-efficient products are in high demand.

According to China’s e-commerce platform Suning.com, since the launch of a new round of trade-in program for home appliances in August 2024, the sales of energy-efficient washer-dryers, smart air conditioners, and built-in combi steamers have surged by 129 percent, 135 percent, and 228 percent respectively.

“Compared to traditional cars, new energy vehicles (NEVs) are energy-saving and eco-friendly. They’re also packed with highly appealing smart features,” said Wang Li, a consumer born in the 1990s, at an NEV booth in a shopping mall in Beijing’s Chaoyang district.

In 2024, China’s annual NEV production and sales surpassed the 10million milestone for the first time,with sales of NEVs accounting for 40.9 percent of the country’s total new vehicle sales. Online surveys show that consumers born in the 1980s and 1990s make up a larger share of potential NEV buyers.

While the trade-in program fuels young consumers’ shopping enthusiasm, it also significantly propels resource recycling. Over 75 percent of China’s certified vehicle scrapping companies now have the capacity to dismantle NEVs. In 2024, China recycled 8.46 million scrapped vehicles, marking a 64 percent year-on-year increase.

“It’s not that new products are out of my budget, but second-hand goods offer a higher cost-performance ratio,” said Hu Yuxing, a 24-year-old newcomer to Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, who often shops for clothing, bags, cosmetics and home furnishings in second-hand markets.

More and more young people are turning to second-hand goods trading platforms, both to sell unused items for extra cash and tohunt for hidden gems.

According to Xianyu, one of China’s largest second-hand goods trading platforms, the number of userson the platform has surpassed 600 million, with an average daily transaction volume exceeding 1 billion yuan ($137.9 million). More than 100 million users listed their idle items on the platform in a year, with 4 million new listingsevery day. Notably, more than half of the platform’s users were born after 1995 and 2000.

“For young people, buying and selling second-hand items reflects a rational and eco-conscious approach to consumption, which has become their way of life,” said Li Shijie, head of Xianyu’s offline business operations. “We aim to connect more idle resources in society, improve the circulation of second-hand goods, and support the growth of green consumption,” Li added.

Around midday, in an office building near Zhongshan Road in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Liu Xinyu, born after 1995, opened a food delivery app on her phone. She began scrolling through the options, especially looking for small-portioned meals. “They’re more affordable, well-balanced with both meat and vegetables. More importantly, they can help reduce food waste – perfect for dining alone,” she explained.

In the past two years, Chinese meal delivery platforms have increasingly introduced “small” and “half-portion” meals, reflecting young consumers’ growing demand for more flexible and efficient dining options. This shift is part of a broader trend, as sustainable practices like “recycling used bottles” and “reusing packaging” also gain popularity among young people in China.

Wei Chenhao, a 24-year-old employee in Shijiazhuang, has embraced green commuting. For his 15-kilometer daily commute, he combines a shared bike with the subway. “Driving to work just means getting stuck in traffic jams and burning fuel. But with the bike and subway, I get there in just 30 minutes and spend less than 5 yuan per trip,” he said.

Young Chinese are increasingly embracing eco-friendly consumption, from food and fashion to transportation and daily necessities.

According to an official from China’s Ministry of Commerce, promoting green consumption is significant forChina to achievethe dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, foster a new development paradigm, and promotehigh-quality development.

The official said that China will launch arange of activities to encourage green consumption, enhance consumer participation, and further unleash the potential of green consumption.

By Gong Ming, People’s Daily

Today, China’s new development philosophy has gained global recognition, becoming a broadly welcomed global public good.

In 2024, more than ten foreign heads of state and chiefs of government visited tech companies in southChina’s tech hub ofShenzhen. Anji, east China’s Zhejiang province, where the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” was introduced, was recognized by the United Nations as a “Biodiversity Charming City.” Besides, development training programs hosted by China have seen enthusiastic participation from other developing countries.

Why are so many countries looking to China?

Because China has embarked on a modernization path different from that of the West, offering the world a new development perspective.

China’s success inlifting 800 million people out of poverty has proven that developing countries can eliminate poverty, when there is endurance, perseverance and striving spirit. The Pinglu Canal in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region is under construction, and aerial footage of the project has stunned foreign netizens, who call it a “sci-fi-level engineering feat.”

Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicles are winning fans worldwide, mobile payment is expanding across borders, and AI models like DeepSeek are showcasing what some call an “Eastern miracle.” Many countries are realizing: the future is already here.

Does China’s development philosophy work for others? The evidence suggests that it does.

In Laos, a village has drawn inspiration from the poverty alleviation efforts of Shibadong village in central China’s Hunan province, creating a blueprint for sustainable development. Uzbekistan is piloting Chinese poverty alleviation experience in various regions and cities, steadily reducing its domestic poverty rate. Rwanda has adopted China’s e-commerce practices to boost its economic growth.

China’s development experience – rooted in its own national conditions – resonates both emotionally and practically with many other developing countries. As Peruvian President Dina Boluarte noted, “From China, we have learned that nothing is impossible.”

From the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia to Nigeria’sMurtala Muhammed International Airport and Peru’sChancay Port, China-built infrastructure projects have delivered tangible benefits to local communities. Meanwhile, they represent China’s deep commitment to global development – a globalized expression of the country’s new development philosophy.

As an ancient Chinese goes,”If you want to get rich, build a road first.”This ancient wisdom has guided China’s own development, from the early days of reform and opening up to the battle against poverty. Now, as part of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, this experience is extending globally, providing other developing nations with a powerful strategy to eliminate poverty and improve people’slivelihoods.

When visiting China, foreign political leaders often carve out time from their tight schedules to explore rural villages and learn more about China’s development stories. Upon returning to their countries, many turn to books like “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,””Xi Jinping’s Excerpts on Poverty Alleviation,” and “Up and Out of Poverty,” studying China’s policies and adapting them to their own national conditions.

Can a country’s development philosophy become a global public good? Definitely.

Traditionally, global public goods, such as UN peacekeeping operations and the Paris Agreement on climate change, are mechanisms and actions that require collaboration and cooperation within the international community. They often address issues related toglobal security, economic stability, and environmental protection, benefiting multiple countries and even the entire world.

However, this is a narrow definition. Concepts with universal value can also foster global consensus on issues of common concern, driving global cooperation and development.

In recent years, China’s proposals and initiatives – including the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilizations Initiative, the people-centered development philosophy, sustainable development, and win-win cooperation – have gained traction worldwide.

These ideas have not only guided China’s own development but also provided experience and wisdom for the international community, becoming global public goods in both theory and practice.

China is ready to share its successful development experience with other countries to achieve common progress. Today, less than 1 billion people in the world have achieved modernization, with over 700 million people still suffering from hunger. China firmly believes that true development isdevelopment for all, and the frontrunners should give a hand to other countries who are yet to catch up. Only by making the pie of development bigger can the world achieve shared prosperity.

As China’snew development philosophy continues to gain global recognition andbe actively implemented worldwide, especially in developing countries, it has become a broadly welcomed global public good.

By Zhou Shanshan, People’s Daily

Open a Chinese shopping app and search for “foie gras” and “caviar,”and you might be surprised to find that many of these traditional Western delicacies are now labeled as “shipped directly from Linqu, Shandong province” or “made in Ya’an, Sichuan province.”

On social media platforms, there are many popular reviews comparing foie gras from Shandong and Anhui provinces, or discussing the subtle flavor differences between caviar sourced from Sichuan, Zhejiang, and Hubei.

It’s not just foie gras and caviar; whisky, cranberries, olives, and many other once-exotic imports have quietly taken root in China, transforming into thriving industries. These products are now accessible to both Chinese and international consumers, offering a wider range of consumption choices. Netizens have coined a new term for them: “China’s new specialties.”

The rise of these “new specialties” reflects China’s booming and upgrading consumer market, as well as the the country’s agile and sophisticated industrial system.

Through large-scale cultivation, Chinese domestically produced caviar, foie gras, matcha, and other food products have gained a significant price advantage. As these premium yet affordable Chinese ingredients make their way onto everyday dining tables, they in turn drive industrial upgrading, fostering higher quality and stronger branding in agriculture and food manufacturing.

From this perspective, the success of these “new specialties”represents a perfect alignment between market demand and supply capacity, demonstrating the increasing adaptability and flexibility of China’s supply-demand structure.

Turning foreign delicacies into local specialties is not just a matter of simple replication; it requires careful adaptation to local conditions.

For instance, olive trees, native to the Mediterranean coast, were introducedto Longnan, northwest China’s Gansu province, only after experts conducted extensive research and confirmed that the local climate and soil conditions were suitable for cultivation. As the industry developed, local producers leveraged agricultural technology to enhance quality, making the locally grown olive trees gain international recognition.

Thanks to technological advancements, China’s new specialties are not only thriving domestically but also making their way onto the global stage.

In Tongren, southwest China’s Guizhou province, a high-standard matcha production base has been established, complete with four world-class matcha refining lines. The region now exports over 1,200 tons of matcha annually to more than 40 countries and regions.

The macadamia nut industry in southwest China’s Yunnan province is another remarkable success story of agricultural adaptation. What began with just five saplings imported from Australia has blossomed into the world’s largest macadamia production hub. The region has developed a comprehensive industrial chain, covering everything from innovative R&D and seedling development to large-scale cultivation, sophisticated processing facilities, and global distribution networks.Behind this journey lies China’s efforts to improve the industrial, production, and business operation systems in the agricultural sector.

As agricultural innovation expands into high-value markets, these “new specialties” are not only boosting incomes for rural communities but driving transformation in manufacturing, commerce, and tourism.

In Jixi county, east China’s Jiangxi province, the flavors industry has expanded into “fragrance tourism.” In Menglian, Yunnan, the local avocado industry has been integrated into traditional cultural festivals. These examples illustrate how agriculture has evolved from a single production model to an integrated approach combining agriculture, culture and tourism. They also demonstrate how an open China is turning “foreign imports” into “domestic strengths,” reinforcing confidence in the country’s economic development.

China’s robust logistics network is reshaping global food trade patterns.Every four days, two tons of Yunnan blueberries are airfreighted to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Chinese caviar reaches overseas dining tables within just three days after customs clearance.

From the three major ten-intensive green products, or “new three” – new energy vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products, to the new wave of cultural and entertainment products, including online short-format dramas, novels and games, China’s new specialties, supported by a dual circulation that connects both domestic and international markets, are benefiting the world through global cooperation.

When French chefs collaborate with Chinese companies on foie gras processing techniques, or when a Russian customer remarks that Sichuan’s caviar reminds him of childhood memories by the Volga River, these “new specialties” become bridges for cross-cultural exchanges.

This model, where foreign supply stimulates domestic demand and localized production then feeds back into the global market, embodies the spirit of harmonious coexistence and mutual benefit.

By embracing global resources with an open approach and empowering local industries through innovation, China is seamlessly weaving its flavors into the world’s dining table. This profound shift represents not only the transformation of a major agricultural country, but reflects the confidence and inclusiveness of an ancient civilization thriving in the age of globalization.

By Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

As of the end of 2024, foreign investors had established nearly 1.24 million enterprises in China, with actual use of foreign capital reaching 20.6 trillion yuan ($2.84 trillion).

Recently, China released the 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment. To address common concerns and demands raised by foreign enterprises, the plan introduces 20 policy measures across four key areas: expanding self-initiated opening-up in an orderly manner, improving the level of investment promotion, strengthening the functions of opening-up platforms, and redoubling efforts to enhance services.

Overall, the Action Plan stands out in four key aspects.

First, it sends a strong signal of further expanding opening up.

The Action Plan proposes a series of measures to expand pilot programs in sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and education. It aims to improve the national comprehensive demonstration zones for expanding opening up in the services sector, further reduce items on the negative lists for market access, expand institutional opening up in rules, regulation, management and standards in free trade zones, and improve the standards of export-oriented economy in national economic and technological development zones.

Second, the Action Plan strengthens policy support.

The plan includes measures to encourage more high-qualitylong-term foreign investmentin listed Chinese companies, research and formulate policies that promote reinvestment by foreign-invested enterprises, encourage foreign investment in a wider range of industries, remove restrictions on foreign-invested investment companies’ access to domestic loans, facilitate more rapid launch of new drugs, and support the participation of qualified foreign-invested enterprises in the segmented production of biological products on a pilot basis.

Third, the Action Plan actively promotes foreign investment.

The plan says China will meticulously design and implement a series of”Invest in China” events and fully activate bilateral investment promotion working groups to boost project matchmaking. According to the plan, central and local governments will make coordinated efforts in organizing overseas investment promotion events. China will also refine the rules for setting up foreign-invested investment companies, refined merger and acquisition rules and transaction procedures and support participation by foreign-invested enterprises in China’s new industrialization process.

Fourth, the Action Plan addresses key concerns of foreign enterprises.

The Action Plan encourages the inclusion of more foreign-invested projects in the lists of major and key foreign-invested projects. China will speed up developing and issuing relevant documents to specify the standards of domestic products in government procurement, optimize volume-based drug procurement, and continue to expand the coverage of its unilateral visa-free policy in a prudent manner. Besides, China will also organize targeted bank-enterprise matchmaking events, and improve the level of trade facilitation for foreign-invested enterprises.

Vice-minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative Ling Ji emphasized that the Ministry of Commerce will work closely with local governments and other departments to implement the Action Plan effectively, ensuring quality services for foreign-invested enterprises and creating favorable conditions for companies worldwide to invest in China and benefit from its development opportunities.

While factors such as sluggish global cross-border investment and changes in domestic industry development have led some multinational corporations to adjust their investment strategies, but China’s economy has a stable foundation, numerous strengths, remarkable resilience and vast potential, and the dominating trend of a sound Chinese economy for the long term and the elements supporting it have not changed.

The country’s massive market size, highly efficient and complete industrial and supply chains, and continuously improving innovation ecosystem provide a solid foundation for foreign investment.

Recently, the 2025 China Business Climate Survey Report released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China revealed that nearly 70 percent of surveyed companies in the consumer sector expect to increase their investment in China in 2025.

Additionally, data from the China’sNational Bureau of Statistics showed that in 2024, the profit margin of industrial enterprises above the designated size nationwide was 5.4 percent, while that of foreign-invested industrial enterprises above the designated size was 6.6 percent, 1.2 percent higher than the former.

The Action Plan clearly states that measures should be put in place and take effect in 2025. This demonstrates the Chinese government’s firm confidence in and commitment to supporting foreign enterprises in investing and expanding their presence in China.

Hua Zhong, head of the department of foreign capital and overseas investment at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated that at the end of last year, the NDRC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, released a draft for public consultation on the revision of the Catalogue of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment.

The draft contains approximately 1,700 items—over 200 more than the 2022 version. Currently, revisions are being made based on feedback from various stakeholders, and the final version of the 2025 catalog will be released as soon as procedural requirements are met.

The new catalog will prioritize the inclusion of sectors such as advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech industries, and environmental protection while also encouraging more foreign investment in the central, western, and northeastern regions of China.

By Wang Ke, Dou Hao, People’s Daily

As environmental awareness continues to grow, green and low-carbon consumption has become a key factor influencing consumer decisions in China, especially among young people.

From preferring sustainable brands to choosing energy-efficient products and eco-friendly transportation, “green” is a defining term for the evolving consumption trends of China’s younger generation.

“Although it’s a bit more expensive than standard models, the trade-in program makes it a great deal, and most importantly, it’s energy-efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Chen Jian, a post-90s consumer, who was shopping for an air conditioner at a home appliance store in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality.

After comparison, Chen bought a new model equipped with an AI-powered energy-saving chip. This smart air conditioner can detect temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments in real time, automatically adjusting its settings to maintain comfort while reducing annual electricity consumption by more than 10 percent.

China’s policy-backed consumer goods trade-in program has further stimulated consumer enthusiasm for automobiles, home appliances, and home furnishings, among which energy-efficient products are in high demand.

According to China’s e-commerce platform Suning.com, since the launch of a new round of trade-in program for home appliances in August 2024, the sales of energy-efficient washer-dryers, smart air conditioners, and built-in combi steamers have surged by 129 percent, 135 percent, and 228 percent respectively.

“Compared to traditional cars, new energy vehicles (NEVs) are energy-saving and eco-friendly. They’re also packed with highly appealing smart features,” said Wang Li, a consumer born in the 1990s, at an NEV booth in a shopping mall in Beijing’s Chaoyang district.

In 2024, China’s annual NEV production and sales surpassed the 10million milestone for the first time,with sales of NEVs accounting for 40.9 percent of the country’s total new vehicle sales. Online surveys show that consumers born in the 1980s and 1990s make up a larger share of potential NEV buyers.

While the trade-in program fuels young consumers’ shopping enthusiasm, it also significantly propels resource recycling. Over 75 percent of China’s certified vehicle scrapping companies now have the capacity to dismantle NEVs. In 2024, China recycled 8.46 million scrapped vehicles, marking a 64 percent year-on-year increase.

“It’s not that new products are out of my budget, but second-hand goods offer a higher cost-performance ratio,” said Hu Yuxing, a 24-year-old newcomer to Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, who often shops for clothing, bags, cosmetics and home furnishings in second-hand markets.

More and more young people are turning to second-hand goods trading platforms, both to sell unused items for extra cash and tohunt for hidden gems.

According to Xianyu, one of China’s largest second-hand goods trading platforms, the number of userson the platform has surpassed 600 million, with an average daily transaction volume exceeding 1 billion yuan ($137.9 million). More than 100 million users listed their idle items on the platform in a year, with 4 million new listingsevery day. Notably, more than half of the platform’s users were born after 1995 and 2000.

“For young people, buying and selling second-hand items reflects a rational and eco-conscious approach to consumption, which has become their way of life,” said Li Shijie, head of Xianyu’s offline business operations. “We aim to connect more idle resources in society, improve the circulation of second-hand goods, and support the growth of green consumption,” Li added.

Around midday, in an office building near Zhongshan Road in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Liu Xinyu, born after 1995, opened a food delivery app on her phone. She began scrolling through the options, especially looking for small-portioned meals. “They’re more affordable, well-balanced with both meat and vegetables. More importantly, they can help reduce food waste – perfect for dining alone,” she explained.

In the past two years, Chinese meal delivery platforms have increasingly introduced “small” and “half-portion” meals, reflecting young consumers’ growing demand for more flexible and efficient dining options. This shift is part of a broader trend, as sustainable practices like “recycling used bottles” and “reusing packaging” also gain popularity among young people in China.

Wei Chenhao, a 24-year-old employee in Shijiazhuang, has embraced green commuting. For his 15-kilometer daily commute, he combines a shared bike with the subway. “Driving to work just means getting stuck in traffic jams and burning fuel. But with the bike and subway, I get there in just 30 minutes and spend less than 5 yuan per trip,” he said.

Young Chinese are increasingly embracing eco-friendly consumption, from food and fashion to transportation and daily necessities.

According to an official from China’s Ministry of Commerce, promoting green consumption is significant forChina to achievethe dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, foster a new development paradigm, and promotehigh-quality development.

The official said that China will launch arange of activities to encourage green consumption, enhance consumer participation, and further unleash the potential of green consumption.