The ongoing China-Russia joint military exercise has entered its second phase, in which warships from the two countries are scheduled to hold live-fire drill sessions in the Sea of Japan, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
Taking place simultaneously with a China-Russia joint coast guard exercise and patrol, the China-Russia military maneuvers once again highlighted a high level of security and defense cooperation between the two countries, experts said.
The opening ceremony of the Northern/Interaction-2024 joint exercise was held at a Russian naval port on Saturday, after which warships from the two navies set out and maneuvered toward the exercise zone, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy said in a press release on Saturday.
Forces from the two sides will hold joint drill sessions over objectives including maritime and air escort, alert and defense, air defense and anti-missile, and live-fire shooting.
A Chinese commander said at the opening ceremony that the Northern/Interaction series of drills has developed a mature mechanism with standardized procedures, and the drill scenarios are becoming closer to real combat, per the release.
A press release from the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday that the joint detachment of ships set out from Vladivostok and would hold exercises in the waters of the Sea of Japan during the week.
The Chinese naval forces including destroyers Xining and Wuxi, frigate Linyi and supply ship Taihu rendezvoused with their Russian counterparts on September 9 and held the first phase of the drill in waters and airspaces of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk until September 15, according to previous releases by the PLA Navy.
The drill is separated into two phases because the first phase was held concurrently with Russia's Ocean-2024 strategic exercise, and the second phase is a standalone session, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday.
Zhang Junshe, another Chinese military expert, told the Global Times that consecutive military interactions show that the two countries are boosting strategic cooperation. This is conducive to global peace and stability as the two countries are both permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Besides the military drill, the two countries' coast guards held a joint drill near the Peter the Great Bay from September 16 to 20, and started a joint patrol in international waters of the North Pacific on September 21, according to the China Coast Guard. This showed a high level of security and defense cooperation, which includes military and law enforcement. This is conducive to the maintenance of international maritime order and the advancement of ocean governance, experts said.
The first batch of lunar samples from the far side of the moon, collected by China's Chang'e-6 mission, is expected to be distributed to domestic scientists by the end of 2024, with availability for international researchers to follow. These samples are anticipated to further deepen mankind's understanding of the moon.
The CCTV news reported on Tuesday that the Chang'e-6 lunar scientific research samples will be distributed by means through an open application system. Researchers can access information and apply for the samples through the Lunar and Deep Space Exploration Scientific Data and Sample Release System on China's Lunar and Deep Space Exploration website.
Scientists around the world are keenly interested in this only batch of lunar samples, which are expected to update mankind's understanding of the Moon, Li Chunlai, deputy chief designer of the mission told the CCTV news.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the Global Times in July that China published the Announcement of Opportunities for the Chang'e-6 Mission, which was available to the entire world. We also welcome countries around the world to take part in the study of lunar samples, Mao added.
The remarks made after NASA has once again resorted to its "sour grapes" rhetoric upon seeing China's successful retrieval of fresh lunar soils from the far side of the moon, by claiming that China did not directly invite its scientists to participate in the lunar soil research.
Li noted that the Chang'e-6 mission team has completed the unsealing, partitioning, processing, preparation, and preliminary analysis of the samples.
During the process of assembling the samples, the team observed that the lunar samples brought back by Chang'e-6 had more spalls than those from Chang'e-5. After preliminary analysis, scientists believe this is likely due to the fact that Chang'e-6's sampling point is located on the edge of an impact crater, which bears some relation to the spatter generated by the collision, Liu Jianjun, deputy chief commander of the ground application system of the mission, told the CCTV news.
The samples also contain a greater variety of minerals than those collected from the Chang'e-5 lunar samples, and they are of a finer texture, Liu added.
Considering that the lunar samples are very valuable, to ensure the safety of them, the security measures for the storage room are comparable to those of a vault, and the entire outer layer of the room is covered with steel plate structure, said Zhou Qin, a deputy chief designer of the ground application system of the mission.
The storage facility is a high-level clean room, where all air flowing into is purified by a filter cartridge. The room also meets high environmental requirements, maintaining a constant temperature and humidity environment, Zhou mentioned.
Chang'e-6 - China's latest leap of moon exploration - has claimed full success, as the returning capsule of the craft, carrying the first batch of lunar samples collected from the far side of the moon in human history, safely touched down in designated landing site in the Siziwang Banner, in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on June 25, and the returner of the Chang'e-6 lunar probe was opened at a ceremony in Beijing on the following day, with key technical indicators examined, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society.
To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched the "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.
Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected.
When it comes to Journey to the West, the first thing that comes to my mind are the stone benches in the shade of tall willows overlapping with green and flowing in the humid summer breeze.
Accompanied by the noisy chirping of cicadas, the fascinating stories of Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King, were told to youngsters by their elders. It is a very enjoyable childhood moment. Looking back on those days, there is no doubt that these imaginative and beautiful stories are full of curiosity and longing.
As a kid, I longed for a day when I could have the power of Sun Wukong, also known as the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Like him, I would freely "climb up to the top of the heaven to capture the moon, and down to the deep oceans to catch turtles." With an invincible ability like him, I would be able to resolve all my worries.
But as I grew older, my life was no longer carefree. My once omnipotent idol seemed to have lost his power. Even when I thought of him, I would ask myself, "If he is truly omnipotent, why would he still be misunderstood? How could he be impatient and unable to defeat his enemies?" With these questions in mind, I reopened this book.
Reading this novel again made me see all the characters from a different perspective. I saw Sun Wukong's concern for his fellows, and his willingness to cross out the list of the King of Hell in the underworld in order to improve the lives of his monkeys. I also felt indignant about the devaluation and suppression of Sun Wukong by the immortals.
During his rebellion in the Palace of Heaven, I saw his frankness and courage to resist the imperial power. No matter if he was powerful or not, he always pursued freedom for himself and his fellows. .
The most interesting plot for me was undoubtedly the three fights against the White Bone Demon. The White Bone Demon disguised itself as humans three times with different character of a beautiful girl, an old woman, and an old man each time, attempting to eat the immortal flesh of Xuan Zang, a Tang Dynasty (618-907) Buddhist monk. Despite it was detected by Sun Wukong all three times, the demon managed to escape. On the third occasion, Zhu Bajie became dissatisfied with Sun Wukong's "killing" of this "beautiful girl" and falsely accused him of assaulting her. And no matter how Sun Wukong explained it, Xuan Zang did not trust him, and eventually had to leave him and sever the master-disciple relationship with him. Sun Wukong felt helpless in the face of their doubt.
So he returned to Huaguo Mountain, his residence. Later, Sun Wukong ultimately went to rescue his master out of concern for his safety. He cleared up the misunderstanding and restored their relationship with Xuan Zang. The journey of obtaining scriptures from the Western Heaven was not solely about the scriptures, but also the journey itself. The repeated dangers tempered Wukong's personality, elevated his qualities and spirit, and gradually changed his impulsive and impatient personality to make him a true hero.
The more times I read this book, the more facets of the characters I see. For instance, when it comes to Xuan Zang, I used to see his unprincipled compassion, inability to distinguish between the wise and the foolish, and his narrow-minded side.
But now I realize that as a mortal, Xuan Zang studied hard in his youth and obtained the qualifications to embark on the path of seeking scriptures. Faced with the demons that were eyeing him on the road, he never wavered in his belief in obtaining the scriptures and always adhered to his faith despite countless difficulties and obstacles. I even saw that while Zhu Bajie was lazy and could sometimes be untruthful, he also improved himself and changed his bad habits during the journey.
Each character is like a living person with their own personality, strengths and weaknesses, but they never give up their determination to learn, never abandon their vulnerable mentor, and never let malice dominate their conscience.
Their quest reminded me of my life. The road to growth sometimes feels like being trapped at the foot of Five Finger Mountain, helpless and confused, and I may even temporarily forget my goal. But one day I will break through this obstacle and become strong enough to continue moving forward. I remember the breakthroughs I have made in difficult situations. Without the obstruction of reefs, it would be impossible for a running river to stir up enchanting waves.
A feathered eagle, without stormy combat, cannot achieve the freedom to spread its wings and fly high. A person's life is destined to experience the baptism of wind and rain in order to grow up.
Just like Sun Wukong, the day we overcome eighty-one perils is the day we will achieve immortality.
The author is a student at Beijing Zhongguancun Middle School Zhichun Branch.
On Thursday, at 11:23, an Air China C919 aircraft with the registration number B-919X, landed smoothly at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing. It taxied slowly through a water cannon salute, as it was welcomed at the airport. Air China's first C919 aircraft has now officially joined the fleet. The C919 aircraft is an important milestone in the development of China's large aircraft industry. As the country's national carrier, the introduction and operation of the C919 is part of Air China's continued mission in the new era, and is a vivid example of transforming the company into a world-class enterprise.
Air China has consistently prioritized safety while introducing the C919. It has established four professional groups with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in terms of aircraft maintenance, personnel training, ground support, and operation control. It also selected business linchpins to participate in aircraft selection, production supervision, personnel training, and operation preparation.
In addition, Air China established a pilot team. The team completed the first round of high-quality pilot conversion training, completing the systematic training of dispatchers, flight attendants, safety officers, and ground support personnel, solidly promoting the creation of maintenance support capabilities, and comprehensively creating service quality risk management and operation service standards. This process directly contributed to the smooth introduction of C919, as well as safe and efficient operations.
Air China had a considerable selection of the C919 aircraft. The aircraft is an extended-range aircraft with a loose two-class layout of 158 seats, including eight business class seats and 150 economy class seats.
It has adopted domestically produced seats with full functionality, created exclusive cabin entertainment programs and safety instructions videos, and provided customized in-flight supplies and other exclusive configurations to provide passengers with a better travel experience.
Air China will work intensively, efficiently, and in an orderly fashion to complete various tasks including the testing of ground support, route verification flights, on-site training, emergency evacuation procedure demonstrations, and new model operation certification to ensure the first C919 is successfully brought into commercial operation.
Air China has long been committed to supporting the development of domestically produced large aircrafts. In July 2020, Air China's first ARJ21-700 passenger aircraft was brought into operation. So far, Air China has introduced a total of 29 ARJ21 passenger aircrafts, with more than 70,000 safe flight hours.
In April 2024, Air China signed a purchase agreement with COMAC for 100 C919 aircrafts, which are scheduled to be delivered to Air China in batches from 2024 to 2031.
In the future, Air China will actively work with partners such as COMAC to consolidate the aircraft operation guarantee system, give full play to its route network advantages, strengthen market promotion, and select high-quality routes, in a bid to lay a solid foundation for the large-scale operation of the C919.
In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time raised the principles of "zhen shi qin cheng" for China's Africa policy in a speech at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Tanzania, meaning sincerity, real results, amity and good faith.
Many years have passed since that momentous day in the history of China-Africa ties, but the principles endure. They have not only underpinned China's engagement with Africa in numerous fruitful cooperation projects, but also helped people get closer and closer through exchanges and deepening friendships.
From wild elephants to rare plants, China and Africa have been working together to maintain the world's biodiversity, contributing to the world with their solutions and experience. In this issue of the special coverage of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Global Times reporters Ji Yuqiao, Dong Feng and Xu Liuliu introduce more details of this cooperation and joint efforts.
The size of the African elephant is something that profoundly impressed Bu Guijun when he engaged in anti-poaching efforts in Zimbabwe.
"Did you know African elephants can walk without making any sound? Once while we were focused on testing our equipment, we suddenly felt something unusual behind us, and then turned around with terrified faces as the giant creature, around five meters tall, stood just two to three meters away from us," he recalled in the interview with the Global Times.
After taking part in the efforts, Bu also became more keenly aware of the survival dilemma the largest terrestrial mammal faces.
"Before 2017, there were at least 1,000 elephants killed by poaching just in Zimbabwe," Bu said. At that time, due to limited equipment and manpower, local park rangers had to spend a large amount of time patrolling around the 2,900-square-kilometer Mana Pools National Park, which had only a minimal deterrent effect on the crimes committed against the wild animals.
Since 2015, dozens of Chinese volunteers, organized by the Beijing-based non-profit organization Peaceland Foundation and furnished with advanced equipment such as delta wings and night-vision devices, lent a hand to the national park to protect these creatures from the threat of poachers. Bu was one of them.
Four years later, poaching in the national park was virtually eliminated.
Also in 2015, more than 20 abandoned African elephant calves were rescued and brought to China through the joint efforts of relevant authorities in China and Zimbabwe. They have been settled at the Qingyuan National Ex-situ Conservation Base of World Endangered Flora and Fauna in South China's Guangdong Province.
Chinese breeders built a home suitable for the elephants' growth according to expertise on the species' habitual nature. The first of the second generation of these special "immigrants" was born in 2022, and by August 2024, a total of 10 baby elephants have been born at the base. The family is thriving.
Be it on the vast African savanna or at the breeding grounds in South China, the population of African elephants has been regaining vitality through Chinese cooperation with African countries. This return mirrors the current situation of other species on the African continent.
An initiative to strengthen China-Africa cooperation for green and sustainable development was launched in Beijing on August 27 before the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) with the aim of sharing the best practices in areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental pollution management. Additionally, the initiative facilitates collaboration in standards and technologies.
Before that, a series of efforts aimed at environmental and biodiversity issues had been launched. For instance, the China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Center, a platform for broad environmental policy dialogue, information exchange, capacity building and cooperation on green development, was officially established at the 7th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in 2018.
Experts pointed out that China and Africa are enhancing collaboration in the burgeoning area of biodiversity preservation.
"This partnership can be seen as a model for how countries can work together to address global environmental challenges. By sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, China and Africa can enhance their capacity to protect endangered species and ecosystems," Edward Mungai, chief editor of Africa Sustainability Matters based in Kenya, told the Global Times. Population rebound
All 10 elephant calves have survived and are in a healthy state since the first was born in 2022, the Chinese breeding base told the Global Times in a statement, emphasizing that "All baby elephants are raised by their mothers. As these are orphaned elephants, which did not receive any instruction on survival and nurturing from the elephant herd, them being able to raise their own young can be seen as a miracle."
Now, even the two youngest elephants are gaining one to 1.2 kilograms in weight per day.
To maintain the herd's health and capability to reproduce, Chinese breeders spent lots of time searching for a suitable environment for the elephants to live in. They also hired people to plant 300 acres of elephant grass and other varieties of trees in the mountains as food for the herd.
"In the beginning, we already had experience taking care of Asian elephants, which helped us take care of these young African elephants. At present, the African elephants have their own healthy menu for their diet, and breeders have established a firm rapport with the herd by caring about their mental state at the same time," the statement said.
As the African elephant herds' needs change across different stages of their lives, the base is mulling whether it will be best to send these elephants back to their homeland that would be more suitable for them.
"This progress highlights the potential of ex-situ conservation, where species are maintained and bred outside their natural habitats. The successful breeding of 10 baby elephants is evidence of the effective management and care provided at the center. It demonstrates how human intervention, when properly executed, can contribute positively to the survival and propagation of species at risk of extinction," Mungai commented.
The success at the breeding base highlights the potential for further collaboration in other areas of biodiversity conservation, such as the protection of other endangered species, habitat restoration, and the development of sustainable wildlife management practices, Mungai explained.
Data from international organizations also indicate that some progress has been made in efforts to preserve biodiversity in Africa.
With joint efforts, mountain gorillas are also making a comeback. The species based in Virunga Massif, an area of about 450 square kilometers straddling the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, saw an increase in numbers, which jumped from 620 individuals in 1998 to 1,063 today.
The African rhino population has also been growing. Ahead of World Rhino Day in September 2023, African authorities estimated that there were 23,290 rhinos across the continent at the end of 2022, 5.2 percent more than in 2021.
Experts emphasized that there is plenty of room for China-Africa cooperation on biodiversity conservation to further increase the population of these endangered species.
Song Wei, a professor at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy, Beijing Foreign Studies University, highlighted China's active role in its commitment to the international convention on biodiversity. China was among the first to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), considered to be the key document for supporting global sustainable development. Chasing hope
In recent years, the Chinese government has reinforced wildlife protection laws, launched major biodiversity conservation projects, banned the trade of ivory, and taken a strong stance against the illegal trade of wildlife products like elephant and rhino parts. China has also been proactive in international wildlife protection cooperation, signing agreements with African nations such as South Africa and Kenya.
Furthermore, China has supplied container monitoring systems and wildlife protection gear to countries like Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, while also assisting in training efforts. This support has significantly boosted these African countries' law enforcement capabilities and efforts to protect their wildlife.
All of these endeavors aim to create a safer and more suitable environment for wildlife so as to maintain their population.
Without the threat of poachers, the African elephants living at the Mana Pools National Park have been flourishing.
What contributed to this result is the sea-land-air three-dimensional protection model jointly established by local patrolmen and Chinese volunteers like Bu.
Bu told the Global Times that the volunteers recognize the idea that rather than giving someone a fish, it is better to teach them to fish, so they sent various tools for patrolling, including gliders, delta wings and speed boats designed for shallow water territory to the park, aiming to enlarge patrolling areas and enhance efficiency.
Chinese volunteers worked hand in glove with local rangers almost every day and took part in patrols with these rangers. During this process, they tried to teach rangers to use various advanced equipment such as night-vision devices and thermal cameras.
"At the beginning, local people queried whether we sincerely wanted to help them fight poachers, but time has proven our commitment. After taking helicopters, boats and vehicles together on patrols and sharing our food with each other, we became friends," Bu said.
Even today, Chinese volunteers back home remain in touch with the African rangers. "They still look forward to us visiting the park," Bu said.
Even though volunteers have left the national park, the foundation still delivers supplies such as hay to support the conservation efforts.
There have been some institutions concentrating on talent cultivation and scientific research, including the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center approved by Chinese Academy of Sciences. Based at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology of Kenya, the center has built long-term cooperative relationships with over 20 universities and scientific research institutions in more than 10 countries in Africa. Meanwhile, it has provided scholarships to more than 140 students from Africa to pursue master's or PhD degrees while over 160 scientists and senior technicians from 13 African countries have also been trained since the inception of the center.
"China has been regulating Chinese enterprises in their investment and operations in Africa. Take protecting local biodiversity for instance. While building the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway [SGR], Chinese organizations attached great importance to ensuring the migration of animals was not affected," Song added.
Sharing her outlook on China, a responsible major country, Song said that the Chinese government will continue to regulate Chinese organizations to protect biodiversity and promote green development.
She also foresees that China will continue its commitment under the framework of the UN and its support for the CBD as well as provide necessary development funds for the international convention.
"China will work with developing countries to improve their capabilities in biodiversity protection, raise awareness among the people and offer financial and technical support," said Song.
As the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) unfolds, global attention turns to the strengthening partnership between China and Africa. As China and Africa discuss the path of Global South modernization, artworks have showcased the deep emotional and cooperative ties between them.
The relationship between China and Africa is not a distant concept. From infrastructure projects to healthcare improvements and entrepreneurship, the collaboration between the two sides has expanded into an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era that goes beyond politics and economics and encompasses the emotional and psychological integration of the people of China and Africa.
Close Friends Across Continents, a three-episode documentary created by CCTV that recently aired, paints a vivid picture of the intertwined destinies of both regions through the lens of people-to-people exchanges, while also highlighting a robust, enduring partnership based on mutual respect and shared development goals.
Since the 20th century, China has played a key role in Africa's infrastructure development, a sector that remains crucial today. Projects like the Magufuli Bridge in Tanzania stand as symbols of this partnership. Spanning Lake Victoria, the bridge is set to eliminate commuting barriers for millions of people and strengthen social and economic ties between communities.
For the engineers and workers who built it, this project was more than just a job - it was a commitment to creating a more connected and prosperous Africa. Across the continent, Chinese construction teams are building roads, railways, and bridges that not only increase economic opportunities but also enhance the quality of life for African communities.
Public service improvements, such as healthcare and education, are equally central to the China-Africa relationship. One standout example is the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, constructed with China's assistance. This state-of-the-art facility, along with Chinese-built hospitals, has become a pillar of Africa's healthcare infrastructure. These healthcare projects do more than save lives; they foster a sense of community and shared destiny between China and Africa.
The future of China-Africa cooperation lies not only in infrastructure and public service, but also in business in a variety of fields. In the past few years, the two regions have explored new models of cooperation in industries like renewable energy, healthcare technology, and more. Chinese companies have helped establish solar power plants and electric vehicle battery factories in Africa, promoting the sustainable development of the continent.
Joint ventures in medical testing technology have also modernized healthcare systems, helping Africa transform from a developing region to an emerging leader in high-tech industries. This shift is not just about economic growth, it is about empowering Africa to stand as a global leader, contributing to solutions that benefit both the continent and the world.
Ultimately, the connection between China and Africa is humanistic. The phrase "Miles apart, yet close at heart" perfectly captures the emotional and cultural bonds that have formed between the people of these two regions. As a global communication scholar, I deeply feel that the cooperation between China and Africa is based on the interactions of ordinary people - engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs - who aim at not only improving their lives but also creating lasting friendships.
We need to focus on the two-way interaction and multilateral development between China and Africa, especially the role that media in this era assigns to each of us. Building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and promoting the modernization of the Global South are the tasks and practices in which we must actively engage.
The author is a professor and deputy dean of the Institute for A Community with Shared Future at Communication University of China in Beijing, and vice chair of the International Communication Section of International Association for Media and Communication Research.
Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration that has spanned centuries in China, is synonymous with the ancient practice of moon worship. Falling on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, the festival has been bestowed with the meaning of unity, with legends such as Chang'e and the moon rabbit enriching its heritage. For Chinese people, the festival is of special ethical significance, while the thought of reuniting with family on this occasion has been a sentiment and mind-set for hundreds of years. The symbolic snack known as mooncake, a traditional offering to the lunar deities and a seasonal treat, has now evolved into a cultural brand representing China.
In this special issue, Global Times reporters Chen Xi, Li Hang and Sun Langchen will help you understand how and why Chinese celebrate this day even though many customs are changing with the times. As the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Tuesday this year, is being celebrated across the whole world nowadays, the festival has also evolved in different ways.
Looking at the Moon and Longing for One Far Away
Zhang Jiuling (Tang Dynasty)
"Over the sea the moon grows bright;
We gaze on it far, far apart.
Lovers complain of long, long night;
I rise and long for my dear heart.
Candles blown out, fuller is light;
My coat put on, I'm moist with dew.
As I can't hand you moonbeams white,
I go to bed to dream of you." In ancient times, the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival was marked with grand altars adorned with mooncakes, fruit, and other offerings. Families would gather under the lunar glow, positioning the image of the moon god in the direction of the full moon. As red candles burned brightly, family members would take turns paying homage to the moon as the matriarch of the household sliced into a round, reunion mooncake, a gesture signifying the completeness of family bonds.
Nowadays, people celebrate the festival in more creative ways. Experts told the Global Times that both innovative and traditional forms of celebrations are ways to express one's cultural identity and communicate feelings, and these are better expressed through objects or certain mediums.
In Beijing, Tianjin, and Shandong Province, the Tu'er Ye, or Lord Rabbit, emerged as a new festival symbol after the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). The rabbit god represents a secularized imagination of the Jade Rabbit that lives on the moon and is traditionally depicted pounding medicinal herbs.
"We can see that this is a trend with a certain global significance. The Lord Rabbit can serve as a globally shared deity figure during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In the West, the rabbit also symbolizes trust , making it a universally shareable symbol," Xiao Fang, head of the Department of Anthropology and Folklore Studies at Beijing Normal University, told the Global Times.
Moon-viewing tours
As this is the time of the year when the moon is at its fullest, "Chinese-style night tours" have become a new choice for people to celebrate the holiday, including spending the night with family and friends in a garden, or even taking a moon-viewing flight to admire the moon from a closer vantage point.
This year, China will celebrate with a three-day holiday running from September 15 to September 17.
Popular among younger travelers, activities such as moon gazing and exploring historical sites have drawn crowds to cities across the country, particularly to boat tours, ancient gardens, and bustling night markets.
According to data from Tongcheng Travel, in the week leading up to September 5, searches related to domestic ancient towns and garden night tours during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday saw a 77 percent week-on-week increase, while searches for night cruises increased by 42 percent.
In Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, a city renowned for its classical gardens, a series of moon-viewing night tours are being introduced, offering travelers a visual feast.
As night falls and lanterns illuminate the streets, the thousand-year-old Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou shines brightly under the lights. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, visitors can enter the lower level of the pagoda, without reservations, to experience the ancient structure up close and appreciate its historical significance.
With the moon-viewing tradition at the heart of these celebrations, an increasing number of travelers are also flocking to take special "moon-viewing flights." Multiple airlines have launched unique routes designed to offer passengers a closer view of the moon from the cabin during flight.
For example, China Southern Airlines' Hunan branch plans to operate over 80 flights during the Mid-Autumn Festival to provide moon-viewing opportunities, taking into account factors such as moonlight and flight routes.
In ancient times, the Mid-Autumn Festival was one of the few occasions when night markets were held, making it an important time for socializing. In the past, as people crafted and lit paper lanterns, scholars dreamed of achieving fame, while the young prayed for love. Today, the tradition continues, with people across China enjoying evenings out with their friends.
Cultural fusion mooncakes
Besides trendy night tours during the festival, the traditional mooncake has also transcended its identity as a simple festival snack to become a vessel for well-wishes.
From the plain, round pastries adorned with simple patterns to the myriad fillings of recent years, and now to the creative mooncakes that artfully incorporate cultural elements, the cultural "flavor" of mooncakes has grown increasingly significant.
This year, creative mooncake products in major universities have been a feast for the eyes. From mooncakes featuring Peking University's iconic campus landscapes to ones from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine that have been infused with traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients, the creativity of these academic institutions has been remarkable. Museums have also joined the trend, launching their own cultural and creative mooncakes. For example, the Chinese Archaeological Museum has incorporated five representative "dragon" motifs from its collection into the design of their mooncakes.
A standout mooncake gift box this year is the "Clasp the Moon in the Heaven Mooncake Gift Set," a collaboration between the Suzhou-style mooncake maker, Daoxiangcun, and the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong.
Zhou Liyuan, a manager with the time-honored brand, told the Global Times that the overall design draws inspiration from cultural elements in Journey to the West, upon which the game is based, and combines traditional pastry-making skills with modern aesthetics. The gift box unfolds like a flip-book when opened and features not only the game's characters but also scenes from the game.
"Currently, the gift box is mainly sold domestically and is a hot-seller with supply not meeting demand. However, some foreign customers in China are purchasing this gift box and sending it to their relatives and friends overseas by mail," Zhou said.
Zheng Changling, a research fellow at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, told the Global Times that the popularity of cultural and creative mooncakes, especially among young people, stems from their transformation of the traditional, somewhat rigid image of mooncakes. However, the real reason for their appeal lies in the way they embed culture within these pastries.
"It can be said that while mooncakes once represented the warmth of family reunion, they now offer a taste of national trends, cultural styles, and even cultural confidence," he said.
A global festival
As more people both in China and abroad celebrate the traditional festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival highlights both new and traditional ways of honoring this beloved holiday, reflecting its continued significance in contemporary life.
In Wuhan, Hubei Province, a Chinese-style mecha show at Happy Valley marks a groundbreaking approach to celebrating the festival. This show features interactive mechanical representations of legendary Chinese figures such as Zhao Yun, a military general who lived during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and early Three Kingdoms (220-280) period, Erlang Shen, a god in Chinese folk religion and Taoism. Visitors can engage with these larger-than-life characters, offering a fresh and captivating way to experience Chinese mythology and cultural heritage.
In addition, the lantern festival in Beijing also promises to be the largest lantern display in the city's history. It will showcase over 200 creative lantern displays, including a remarkable 10-meter-tall phoenix lantern made from colored blow-molded paper and transparent acrylic. The festival will also feature more than 150 specialty shops and various themed activities, including performances and interactive events. This extensive and imaginative presentation of lanterns reflects a deep appreciation for both traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
"Modern urban life is becoming increasingly atomized, and we should use the Mid-Autumn Festival as an opportunity to encourage more interaction among people," said Xiao.
The global significance of shared figures is also reflected in other countries. The light-up ceremony in Singapore's Chinatown has introduced a novel feature: a digital riddle-solving activity. This new addition aims to engage younger generations by combining traditional festival elements with modern technology.
Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information of Singapore, emphasized the importance of blending tradition with innovation, noting that this approach not only preserves cultural heritage but also makes the festival more relevant to the diverse demographics of today.
"Family and national unity, as well as the integrity of the nation, are deeply significant concepts in Chinese thought. No matter where Chinese people go, they carry with them this sense of national togetherness. This national psychological factor is not easily abandoned just because they are abroad," Li Hanqiu, a veteran folk custom expert who first proposed the Mid-Autumn Festival be designated a public holiday, told the Global Times.
He noted that through the moon, emotions are conveyed, and in this way, the feelings of reunion also merge into a sense of national identity. The shared act of gazing at the moon from afar is not only an expression of longing for loved ones but also a longing for one's homeland.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the environment concerns the well-being of people in all countries. During his many inspections, Xi has always emphasized the importance of ecosystems, spanning from cities to rural areas, and from enterprises to communities.
Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization, China has been advancing the green transition of its economy over the last decade. Regions across the country are actively promoting the construction of an ecological civilization and advancing Chinese modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature. These efforts go toward creating a "Beautiful China."
The coming five years will be critical to the building of a "Beautiful China." The Global Times is launching a series of stories to explore the progress of ecological civilization projects inspired by Xi's words, delving into the positive environmental changes occurring now, and offering valuable insights and references for both national and global efforts. Through this prism, we can see how Xi's thoughts on ecological civilization is being put into practice and further inspiring public action.
Recently, the Global Times reporter visited an island village in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang Province, delving into the secrets behind the village's success in achieving "net-zero carbon" goal and looking into how the coastal village is implementing Xi's concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."
Upon entering the island village of Xinjian in Zhoushan, an archipelago city in East China's Zhejiang Province, the Global Times was welcomed by a picturesque rural scene of verdant mountains, babbling brooks, fluttering butterflies, and chirping birds, alongside impressive modern features such as photovoltaic panels adorning rooftops, electric sightseeing vehicles, and a state-of-the-art sewage recycling system.
Twenty years ago, this small village was unnoticed, impoverished, and isolated. The only link to the outside world was a rough, bumpy road. On rainy days, the road became so muddy that villagers hesitated to wear their new shoes. On sunny days, groups of villagers would trek up the mountain to chop down trees and haul them through the village via this road to sell to brick kiln operators to eke out a living. Due to poverty, most young adults left the village to find work elsewhere, leaving only a few senior citizens to tend to their old homes and the stream in front of their doors.
Was there a way out? What kind of life did the villagers want to live?
An innovative initiative dubbed the "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project provided an answer.
In June 2003, under the guidance of Xi Jinping, who once served as the provincial Party chief, Zhejiang launched the Green Rural Revival Program, which selects 10,000 administrative villages in the province for comprehensive improvement, and plans to turn 1,000 of them into demonstration villages of moderate prosperity in all respects.
This project has created a large number of beautiful villages in Zhejiang, benefiting countless farmers and jumpstarting a new era of building a "Beautiful China."
Xinjian village is one such example.
A decade later, on May 25, 2015, Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited Xinjian village for inspection, believing it to be a typical representative of a "beautiful economy" and a confirmation that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." Xi emphasized, "It is scientific and sustainable development that we should strive toward."
Net-zero carbon, also known as carbon neutrality, refers to offsetting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide generated by human activities through energy conservation and emission reduction, industrial adjustment, afforestation, and other forms of environmental conservation, ultimately achieving the goal of "net-zero emissions."
During a recent field visit, the Global Times delved into the secrets behind the village's success in its "net-zero carbon" goal and gained a deeper insight into how this island village is effectively implementing Xi's concept that "A 'Beautiful China' is built upon beautiful villages. It is imperative that we steadfastly adhere to this path, ensuring that lucid waters and lush mountains yield continuous ecological, social, and economic benefits."
Power station in the sky
Under the guidance of Lu Haifeng, deputy secretary of the Xinjian village Party branch, the Global Times visited the Nandong Homestay Area in the village and heard an interesting story. At the beginning of construction, the branches of a plum tree reach toward the windows on the second floor of building No.9. Due to lighting issues, this tree was supposed to be removed. However, it was already a century old, so local villagers decided not to remove it. The designers then changed their approach and doubled the size of the windows on the side of the room, preserving the existing tree while ensuring adequate lighting.
During the construction process, local materials were utilized with idle old wood mostly being used to reduce material transportation. The entire homestay building is fitted with double-layer insulated glass, with the summer air conditioning demand being 63 percent less than that of buildings fitted with single-layer glass. The homestay building also has an exhaust heat recovery unit, which can recover energy from the air being exhausted outside, minimizing the loss of cold or heat sources indoors in summer or winter.
It is estimated that compared with Shanghai, the homestay building in the village can save up to 15.7 percent more energy than the hotel with the lowest energy consumption in Shanghai, according to data provided by Ge Linlu, a staff member at the publicity office of Ganlan township, Dinghai district.
After leaving the Nandong Homestay Area, Lu took the Global Times reporter to see the wind power energy storage project. Walking to the parking lot, Lu pointed to the gray solar panel on a farmhouse rooftop, saying that this is a special "power station in the sky" that provides shade while being environmentally friendly.
"This is the wind power energy storage project that we have started building since the development of clean energy," Lu told the Global Times. "The solar and wind energy resources in Dinghai district (which administers Xinjian village) are abundant, and by combining wind power equipment on mountain tops with installing photovoltaic equipment on the roofs of farmhouses, we can provide clean energy for the village's landscape facilities, electric vehicles, and more."
The photovoltaic rooftop panels also utilize roof space without taking up land resources, Lu added.
Among the completed projects, the average annual power generation of photovoltaic modules can reach 21,000 kW per hour, and annual carbon emissions can be reduced by about 12.14 tons.
At present, the village is working with an expert team from Tongji University in Shanghai to plan the construction of new energy projects in the Nandong reservoir, train station square, and other points, and realize the functions of heat insulation, lighting, and power generation through the introduction of green technology such as photovoltaic tiles, she said.
Disappeared foul-smelling ditch
Passing through the Nandong Daxi pit in the village, a bay of clear water flows gently.
"In order to prevent sewage from affecting the environment and promote water recycling, we dispose of domestic sewage and septic tank water centrally every day. After more than 10 treatment processes, the sewage is then used for irrigation," Lu said. "In this way, the once foul-smelling sewage ditch has disappeared, and a lot of water has been saved."
Not far away, the Global Times noticed that the water in the pit comes from the upstream reservoir. The water flows down in a step-like manner along the terrain, passing through ecological swimming pools, ponds, pits, and households, and is finally purified through the sewage treatment plant before being used for irrigation.
"Our sewage treatment plant can process 10 tons of sewage per hour, and operates 24 hours a day during peak season," said Lu. Along with Lu's introduction, the Global Times saw the water that had undergone multiple treatment processes flowing clearly from the outlet.
With the rolling out of the "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project, villagers and tourists have gradually developed green living habits, and enhanced their environmental awareness.
Local villagers told the Global Times that they spontaneously participate in cleaning up garbage, dismantling pig farms, relocating outdoor manure pits, among other environmental improvements and infrastructure construction. "It's like participating in an 'ecological revolution' to protect the environment and change the appearance of the village."
"This is a natural oxygen bar, a 'beautiful economy,' confirming that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.' We always keep Xi's words in mind," said Lu.
This is not an empty phrase. On the embankment of the Nandong Reservoir, the Chinese characters "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" shine brightly in the sunlight, and on the walls of villagers' houses, Xi's quotes left during his inspection of the village can be seen everywhere.
Compared with the mainland area, the islands are relatively short of fresh water, energy, food, and other resources, and the economic and social development mainly depends on supplies from the mainland, so they are more vulnerable to the impact of climate change on water supply security, food security, tourism, local economies, and human health.
In 2019, Xinjian village was selected as the UN-Habitat "Net-Zero Carbon" rural planning case in China. At the forefront of addressing climate change, the exploration and practice of Xinjian village in achieving its net-zero carbon goal provide valuable experience for rural low-carbon development in other small islands and coastal areas.
Chinese experts on Thursday slammed India's plan to impose tariffs on some steel products imported from China, noting the move will backfire and further damage China-India economic and trade relations. They also urged the Indian side to take a correct approach to its cooperation with China, as the two countries' trade has strong complementarity.
According to Reuters, India will impose tariffs of 12 percent to 30 percent on some steel products imported from China and Vietnam in a bid to safeguard and boost the local industry, an Indian finance ministry order showed on Tuesday.
Welded stainless steel pipes and tubes from China, the world's largest producer of steel, and Vietnam will be taxed for the next five years, according to the order.
"India's move is intended to implement import substitution. The country hopes that with the improvement of its own technology, India's industry can achieve the replacement of Chinese products through trade protection measures, so as to develop the so-called Make in India initiative," Liu Zongyi, secretary-general of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.
However, raising tariffs doesn't guarantee that these products will flourish in India, Liu noted.
"The plan to impose tariffs... could adversely affect China-India economic and trade relations and have a long-term negative impact on India's industrial development, as raising import tariffs may increase production costs," Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.
Despite India's previous targeted crackdowns against Chinese companies since the conflicts between China and India in June 2020, China-India trade has shown overall upward momentum in the past three years, data from Chinese customs showed.
"The nature of China-India economic and trade relations is complementary. India mostly imports intermediate products from China, and after further processing or assembling, it then exports them to other countries and regions," Liu said, noting that by avoiding Chinese companies and trade with China, India's exports would be worse off.
The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum kicks off on Thursday. The number and level of participants has exceeded all previous years, with over 500 official representatives from more than 100 countries and international organizations, as well as over 200 experts and scholars from both China and abroad. The forum comes at a time when China and the US are enhancing military exchanges, with foreign media outlets reporting that the US will send higher-ranking officials compared to last year. Despite the severe challenges currently facing global peace and prosperity, building trust and resolving doubts through dialogue and communication remain the overarching focus of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.
The theme of this year's forum is "Promoting Peace for a Shared Future," with four plenary sessions that include topics such as "Security cooperation and Asia-Pacific Prosperity and Stability." There will also be eight simultaneous special sessions covering issues such as "ASEAN and Security Architecture of Asia-Pacific" and "Maintaining Northeast Asian Security."
In addition to addressing current pressing global security challenges, the forum will also practice the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. This reflects a pursuit of the "greatest common denominator" for global security concerns and aims to provide a Chinese solution for global security governance.
In the past, internationally influential security forums were predominantly dominated by Western countries, leaving the voices and concerns of developing and smaller countries easily overshadowed and ignored.
In contrast, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum has always emphasized providing a platform for these nations to engage in equal dialogue and express their collective voices. Two main topics at this year's forum were "Multipolarity and the Evolving International Order" and "'Global South' and World Peaceful Development," offering more opportunities for the "Global South" to be heard. This aligns with the contemporary demand for replacing unilateralism with multilateralism and transcending zero-sum games through win-win cooperation.
This year's forum has further increased the participation of representatives from developed countries and emerging powers, with European and American scholars comprising about one-third of the foreign participants. This truly reflects China's advocacy for a more just and equitable international order, dedicated to creating more opportunities to strengthen South-South cooperation, promote North-South collaboration, and advance progress for all of humanity, demonstrating valuable inclusiveness. From guiding principles to topic selection, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum's approach to global security concerns is proactive and constructive, contributing positive energy to global security.
Currently, there is a general consensus in international community that "humanity once again stands at the crossroads of history." However, differing views exist regarding some specific issues surrounding this fundamental judgment. For instance, when it comes to maintaining global and regional security, should we employ collective deterrence or resort to dialogue and consultation? Should we prioritize "one country" or "a camp," or focus on the reasonable security concerns of all countries? These questions reflect varying perspectives on security. Countries generally share a common need to avoid confrontation through dialogue, but this dialogue must be equal, allowing nations of all sizes, wealth, and strength the opportunity to participate and express their concerns. This is also an important goal that the Beijing Xiangshan Forum is dedicated to achieving.
How military interactions between China and the US will unfold at this forum is also one of the most closely watched topics by the international community. This year, the two militaries have held multiple meetings. On September 10, Wu Yanan, Commander of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, held a video call with Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command. This marked the first video call between the theater commanders of the two countries and signified the restoration of all four military exchange and cooperation mechanisms agreed upon during the meeting between the two heads of state in San Francisco last November.
Finding the correct way for China and the US to get along with each other through dialogue is not only a matter of considering the fundamental interests of both countries and welfare of their peoples, but also a response to the world's expectations.
Safety is the prerequisite for development, and humanity is an inseparable community of security. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China has always been a steadfast advocate for peace and development, and a major contributor to regional and global prosperity. Therefore, we look forward to exploring a new path to security with countries around the world, one that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win results over zero-sum game, under the guidance of the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. This is a challenge that all of humanity should respond to together, and it is also a key reason why the Beijing Xiangshan Forum has gained increasing influence and is becoming an important international public security platform.
