There are always appeals to separate sports from politics, but the just concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Games has shown a complex interplay between global sports events and geopolitics.

With China and the US, two countries locked in fierce competition in almost all arenas, tied in Olympic golds, the two countries' performances at the Paris Olympics mirrored their strength and how they compete: Washington weaponized the anti-doping rules to serve its purpose of dominating its opponents, while China, being respectful of the regulations, rebutted the US slander with strong results and medals.

"The Chinese sports delegation achieved a record-breaking performance, winning 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals across 11 major events and 14 sub-events, totaling 91 medals. This marks the best result for China in an Olympic Games held overseas since it began participating in the Summer Olympics in 1984," Zhou Jinqiang, vice chief of the Chinese delegation, told a news conference in Paris on Sunday.

This brought China level with Team USA in the gold medal table with 40 golds.

Not only did Team China achieve outstanding performances in its traditionally strong disciplines such as diving and ping-pong, it also branched out and made breakthroughs in fields that were not its strong points.

Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle broke his own world record on the way to winning the men's 100-meter freestyle, finishing in 46.40 seconds for China's first swimming gold medal in the Games.

Meanwhile, Chinese tennis ace Zheng Qinwen won the women's singles gold, the first time a Chinese or Asian woman had won a singles gold in the Olympics.

Furthermore, in emerging sports such as freestyle scooter, rock climbing, breakdancing, skateboarding, and surfing, young Chinese athletes pushed their limits and showcased the vibrant, energetic, confident spirit of China's new generation of athletes.

Those results proved that China is on the fast track to becoming a major power in sports, thanks to the country's thriving comprehensive national strength, Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University, who is also a national political advisor, told the Global Times. "The development of sports is closely associated with a country's development level, economy and degree of civilization. For example, a starving person would have no chance of practicing freestyle scooter."

Zhang said Team China's results at the Paris Olympics showcase China's advanced capabilities in terms of cultivating and training athletes, as well as the outstanding qualities of Chinese people such as diligence, hard work, and pursuit of excellence. It also embodies the highest standards of sports ethics such as perseverance, fair competition, and respect for rules.

Zhou from the Chinese delegation also noted that Chinese athletes, whether during competitions or when interacting with the media, displayed grace, natural friendliness and an evident love for their country and pride in being Chinese.

Chinese Badminton silver medallist He Bingjiao won millions of hearts with a fine display of sportsmanship when she stood on the podium.

With a silver medal around her neck, He held a small badge of the Spanish flag, paying tribute to her semi-final opponent Carolina Marin, who suffered an injury to her right knee, forcing her to retire and leave Paris empty-handed.

Stalemate between China, US

China and the US drawing level for golds obviously drew attention from US media. CNN published an article on Monday saying that "the race was dramatically close as the two sporting superpowers went head-to-head in yet another aspect of their geopolitical rivalry in a Games that was at times overshadowed by a doping controversy."

The Paris Olympics has become a new arena for competition between China and the US, reflecting the increasingly intense rivalry between the two countries on the international stage, Shen Yi, a professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University, told the Global Times.

He said sport nowadays is no longer just about technical and physical prowess, but has also become an important means of showcasing national soft power and maintaining an international image.

Using the "doping controversy" as an example, he said that after smearing Chinese athletes in recent months over the so-called doping problems, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) reviewed the Chinese athletes' case and found no evidence to dispute the conclusion that they had been contaminated.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers then threatened to cut US funding for WADA, accusing it of failing to properly investigate alleged doping by Chinese Olympic swimmers.

Last week, China hit back. The China Anti-Doping Agency called for intensified testing on US athletics and the rebuilding of global trust in fair play, after US Olympic sprinting star Erriyon Knighton tested positive for the banned steroid trenbolone during an out-of-competition test in March 2024, which also brought other doping scandals in US track and field into the public spotlight.

Shen said the performances of China and the US during the Olympics also mirrored the fundamental difference between the two countries in how they participate in global affairs: China tends to enhance its global status and capabilities by participating in international competition and adhering to the existing international rules system. However, when faced with a strong competitor, the US is willing to go so far as to bend the rules, smear opponents and manipulate international organizations to ensure victory.

That is why the organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics (LA 2028) had to make solemn promises at a press conference on Saturday that the US Olympic and Paralympic Committees are working diligently to ensure fairness for all participants at the Los Angeles Games.

The US practice of using hegemony and long-arm tactics to gain victory may be heightened in 2028, but China's strength and willingness to fight back will help ensure a more stable and fair Olympic Games, as well as an international order, said experts.

Iran may retaliate against Israel in a way similar to the previous round in April, but the intensity and scope could be larger with the deployment of proxies, Chinese experts said, as Israel and the US brace for potential attacks from Iran and Lebanese group Hezbollah, which could happen "as soon as Monday." 

However, the likelihood of a large-scale Middle East war being triggered is minimal, they said. 

Israeli officials said they believe a joint or separate attack by Iran and Hezbollah is "inevitable," and are considering launching "a preemptive strike" to deter Iran, media reported, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened its security chiefs for a meeting late Sunday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his counterparts from the G7 countries on Sunday that although the exact timing is unknown, the attack by Iran and Hezbollah could start in the next 24-48 hours, meaning as early as Monday, Axios reported citing sources.

On what seems like "the brink of a wider war," Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, believes Iran may organize a retaliation similar to the form of the previous round in April, which are all fundamentally of "a performative nature," but the intensity and scale, as well as the value and quantity of targets, may moderately expand. 

However, Iran will avoid involvement in a direct military conflict with Israel to prevent being drawn into potential military actions with the US, which is their top concern, Zhu told the Global Times on Monday.

Even if Iran takes such actions, the likelihood of triggering a large-scale Middle East war is minimal, Zhu said, "but Iran's involvement through its proxies will likely increase."

Pentagon has boosted US forces in the Middle East by deploying extra fighter jets and warships, and sending the commander of US Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, who was expected to arrive in Israel on Monday, to finalize preparations with the Israel Defense Forces.

Zhu said the US deployment is primarily aimed at deterring Iran and preventing it from inflicting serious harm on Israel. He noted that the US is currently caught in a dilemma, as it is unwilling to engage in a war with Iran at this stage and opening a new front, and at the same time it can do nothing about Israel's reckless aggression. 

This has led to a peculiar scenario in which the US is being manipulated by Israel, the result of the US own indulgence of the country for a long time, Zhu said.

After a massive typhoon recently swept through parts of eastern and southern provinces of China, a large number of oysters appeared on the beaches of coastal cities, as local residents flocked to the shores with buckets, sacks, and various tools to collect the crustaceans, the China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday.

According to a video clip posted by a netizen from Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, a beach in Shenzhen was covered in oysters, with city residents rushing to the shores, some carrying buckets of oysters directly to their homes. Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, also saw oysters piled up on the beach, according to CCTV.

Industry insiders speculated that the oysters may have come from surrounding areas where artificially farmed oysters are raised, but this is just an assumption, and the specific origin of the oysters is still under investigation, CCTV reported.

However, the action of collecting oysters after the typhoon still poses hidden risks, according to the report. Under the influence of the peripheral circulation of the typhoon, strong winds and long waves will be generated in the coastal areas, and there is a danger of being swept away by the waves if people go to the beach and fail to take due care.

The beach may also have sharp and dangerous objects including glass shards and nails after low tide, which can easily lead to foot or hand injuries. Dangerous marine organisms, including jellyfish and sea urchins, whose venom can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries, can be found in the near-shore seawater.

Because the freshness of the seafood cannot be guaranteed, some of the oysters may have been soaked in seawater for a long time. In addition, these oysters may also carry a large number of pollutants and harmful substances.

As the summer heat begins to wane and the days grow shorter, the traditional Chinese calendar ushers in the 13th solar term known as the Beginning of Autumn, or Liqiu, on Wednesday. Marking the end of the sweltering summer and the beginning of cooler weather, this period signifies a time of transition and preparation for the harvest season, which lasts until August 22.

At this time, the average daily temperature in most parts of China has remained above 22 C for five consecutive days, so autumn in the meteorological sense has not yet arrived. In ancient China, this period was divided into three pentads, each reflecting changes in climate, dew and fauna. The first pentad marks the arrival of the cool breeze, which is eagerly awaited after the oppressive heat of the previous period. In the second, nighttime temperatures drop, causing moisture in the air to condense into mist and leading to the appearance of what is known as "white dew." In the third, summer cicadas shift from their loud and continuous song to the intermittent and subdued calls of cold cicadas.

There is a saying that goes, "If it rains on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, a good harvest is expected." The Beginning of Autumn is a pivotal moment for farmers, who adapt their agricultural practices to the changing climate. The cooler temperatures and reduced humidity create optimal conditions for crops like rice, corn, and sweet potatoes to mature. Farmers closely monitor their fields, ensuring timely harvests and planting to make the most of the remaining warmth and sunlight. 

The Beginning of Autumn is not only an agricultural milestone but also a cultural celebration rich with traditional customs and practices. In some regions, there is a time-honored tradition of weighing people on this day. Families gather to compare their weights from the Beginning of Summer, or Lixia, to the present, playfully noting any changes. This practice, though light-hearted, is rooted in the belief that maintaining a healthy weight reflects overall well-being.

In Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, the celebration of the Beginning of Autumn includes eating peaches.The peach stones are kept until Chinese New Year's Eve and then thrown into the stove and burned into ash. People believed that in this way, plagues could be prevented over the coming year.

There's also a culinary tradition that traveled through time. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), people would put gourds outside for a day before the Beginning of Autumn, and then eat them on the day to drive off the summer heat. Today people in North China's Tianjin still keep this custom, believing that eating melons such as towel gourds, white gourds and bitter gourds can prevent diarrhea in autumn and the coming winter and spring. It is known as "eating autumn."

In addition to these culinary customs, the Beginning of Autumn is a time for health practices rooted in traditional Chinese therapy. As the body adjusts to the cooler weather, the high season for illnesses such as stiff neck, cervical spondylosis, and throat inflammation arrives. 

Experts suggest people try cupping therapy as a solution. Indeed, the "mysterious Eastern power" of cupping therapy has also made an appearance on swimmers' backs at the Paris Olympics, including renowned Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei, who sported cupping marks at the Olympic swimming venue when she was doing acclimatization training.

As the Beginning of Autumn arrives, the emphasis on aligning oneself with the season's changing energy is paramount. It is also encouraged to gradually reduce the consumption of cold food and drinks, which can shock the system. Instead, moderate physical activities are suggested that promote gentle sweating, help release toxins, and naturally cool the body.

The Beginning of Autumn, with its blend of agricultural significance, cultural richness, and health-conscious practices, is a time of harmony between humans and nature. As people across China celebrate this solar term, they honor the wisdom of their ancestors, embracing traditions that have been passed down through millennia to maintain health, ensure a bountiful harvest, and welcome the cool embrace of autumn.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) unveiled new guidelines on Tuesday, vowing to strengthen the innovation of telecom management and aiming to create an efficient, open and unified market access environment.

The move aims to accelerate the construction of a modern industry supervision and service system that is compatible with digital development and help build a market-oriented, legal and international first-class business environment. It seeks to enhance the telecom industry's role in driving new industrialization, strengthening manufacturing, fostering digital growth and promoting high-quality economic development, the MIIT said on its website.

Experts said that the new guidelines reflect the Chinese government's response to foreign investment needs by streamlining and expanding market access. This move aims to attract more foreign capital, boost confidence among domestic and international market players, and align with the country's commitment to further opening-up, experts said.

The guidelines require to optimize market access management and realize a "one-time application, one-stop approval" system for new technologies and applications of various telecom services. The guidelines require to accelerate the revision of the telecom business classification catalog and coordinate commercial pilot programs for new telecom services, and support innovation in emerging technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence and quantum information.

Additionally, the guidelines encourage private-sector involvement, and they support reforms in satellite internet to boost the growth of private telecom enterprises.

"Driven by the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and many exchanges between foreign businesses and China, our government addresses both domestic and international needs. We are increasing support for domestic tech innovation while striving to create a more convenient and fair business environment for high-tech foreign enterprises," Bian Yongzu, the executive deputy editor-in-chief of Modernization of Management magazine, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

This sends a positive signal, making companies more willing to invest in China, which will help enhance the security and stability of China's industrial and supply chains, Bian added.

The guidelines aim to foster a fair telecom market ecosystem by monitoring key areas like campus telecom markets and addressing issues promptly. They urge to ensure that large platforms treat third-party companies equally and tackle disruptive behavior like intentional incompatibility and interference with internet applications, according to the MIIT.

"In the global high-tech telecom sector, China is still in a catch-up phase, making the creation of a more transparent business environment crucial. This strategy not only fosters the development of local talent but also attracts foreign investment, driving technological breakthroughs and enhancing telecom-related management expertise," Bian said.

As of the end of March, 1,926 foreign enterprises had been approved to operate telecom businesses in China. In April, the MIIT launched a pilot program to expand the opening-up of value-added telecom services in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and South China's Hainan Province, injecting new vitality into China's digital transformation and digital economy development.

In recent years, China's information and communications industry has made remarkable strides. The country has built the world's largest fiber optic and mobile broadband networks and created the world's largest digital consumer market, according to media reports.

The high-quality development of China's information and communications industry has achieved remarkable results. There are 3.837 million 5G base stations, reaching more than 60 percent of the world, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong told a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on July 5. 

China's state security authority on Tuesday said that a global IT outage caused by CrowdStrike exposed that the US, a self-claimed network guardian is actually a hacker empire, as it failed to take on the responsibility of maintaining global cyber security, but instead used its technological advantage to infringe upon the sovereignty and interests of other countries.

Last month, a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike crippled computers-running Microsoft Windows at organizations, causing major IT outages, taking out banks, airlines and businesses globally.

US federal airspace officials later announced a nationwide ground stop of air traffic due to the outages. Airlines and airports across Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Australia, Japan, India, and Singapore also reported problems with check-in and ticketing systems, resulting in flight delays.

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) wrote in a post on WeChat on Tuesday that CrowdStrike causing IT outage is not first case that the US has caused a serious global accident due to a security software update error. For example, in May 2007, the US antivirus software manufacturer Symantec updated the virus database, causing the Windows XP operating system to experience blue screen and restart issues.

The US, as a leading cyber power, possesses advanced network technology capabilities. However, instead of taking on the responsibility of maintaining global network security, it uses its technological advantage to infringe upon the sovereignty and interests of other countries. It also acts with impunity in cyberspace, carrying out infiltration, attacks, and sabotage activities at will, and is constantly exposed for various scandals of monitoring other countries, the MSS said.

In June 2013, Edward Snowden revealed that the US National Security Agency was conducting large-scale global surveillance and information monitoring on numerous countries.

Data revealed that from May 2023 to January 2024, US government-backed hacking organizations had conducted over 45 million cyberattacks — all authorized by Section 702 — against Chinese government entities, academies, scientific research institutes, enterprises and critical infrastructures, according to findings of a Chinese investigation.

In the face of numerous criticisms and concerns from the international community, the US has turned a deaf ear, even turning the tables and repeatedly politicizing and weaponizing cybersecurity issues, smearing other countries without factual basis, erecting a "digital iron curtain," creating a "cyberattack island chain," seeking technological monopoly and cyber hegemony, using its own advantages to attack, steal secrets, infiltrate and sabotage other countries, and undermining the efforts of the international community to promote internet governance.

In stark contrast to the global IT outage caused by CrowdStrike, public services in China were not significantly affected by the Windows system failure. This is largely due to China's active integration of independent technological innovation, with domestically developed operating systems demonstrating high levels of stability and reliability during this event, ensuring the normal operation of public services, the MSS said.

In a conversation with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chan Heng Chee, ambassador-at-large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, repeatedly expressed concerns from Southeast Asian countries about the US' growing trend toward trade protectionism. She said she gets discouraged when she hears Americans say they can't do trade, and is very worried about the US "small yard, high fence" policy, as it is becoming a bigger yard and higher fences. This mirrors the deep concerns of Washington's Asian allies about the US' growing trade protectionism and reckless high-tech crackdowns.

Singapore is one of the stops on Blinken's 18th visit to the Asia-Pacific region since becoming Secretary of State. His visit has largely revolved around China, with the aim of strengthening the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" and using the pretext of US-defined "freedom and openness" to form more exclusive cliques. During the conversation in Singapore on about protectionism nesday, Ambassador Chan questioned the US about its generalization of security which she believes is causing the definition of national security to become "looser and looser." Chan's concerns about these worrying trends in the US are representative.

Ironically, in response to Chan's questions, Blinken stated that the US government wants to "make sure that even as we're taking what we believe are necessary measures to protect our security, we're not doing it in a way that undermines, inhibits trade." This suggests that the US promises to protect trade freedom while implementing trade protectionism, a contradictory commitment. But Blinken indicates that the US will allow these two almost opposite terms to coexist.

In the conversation, there is also a pair of terms that are difficult to coexist: "minilaterals" and "multilateral system." The multilateral system represents openness and inclusivity, while the minilateral system is the exclusionary cliques that the US has become more adept at forming in recent years. Faced with Ambassador Chan's questioning of the Biden administration's obsession with creating minilaterals such as Quad, AUKUS to meet security objectives, Blinken stated that the multilateral system remains an important part of US' cooperation with countries around the world. This response was pale and unconvincing.

What we see is that the so-called multilateral system Washington has been promoting is operating based on the idea of America First. In fact, it is not even a multilateral mechanism but a truly minilateral one. Washington's minilateralism is essentially a selfish act that protects US' core interests, said Sun Xihui, an associate research fellow with the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The strategy inevitably harms the interests of other countries, including US allies. Therefore, if the strategy is implemented in the long term, it will inevitably lead to conflicts of interest between the US and its allies.

The dialogue between Ambassador Chan and Blinken is a good footnote on Southeast Asian countries' views on the US. As a neutral and politically independent country, Singapore's voices effectively represent the sentiments of Southeast Asian countries regarding the negative impact of US technology restrictions and trade policies. This should serve as a wake-up call for the US.

In order to block China's technological advancement, the US has spared no effort in building "small yard, high fence" and suppressing China's technological development, even at the cost of disrupting global technological cooperation and supply chains. This has led to concerns in countries like Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries that the US' abuse of economic tools to achieve geopolitical goals will have a significant impact on the global economy and even threaten global stability.

The current US strategy is at odds with the traditional development concepts of Southeast Asian countries. If the US continues to push for "small yard, high fence" approaches or other anti-globalization measures such as minilateralism, it will only bring harm to Southeast Asia without any benefits.

Blinken's assurances will not only be scrutinized by Southeast Asian nations but also by other countries worldwide affected by US trade protectionism. It is crucial for the US to fulfill its promises rather than offering empty assurances to temporarily alleviate concerns. Repeatedly failing to deliver on promises will only erode trust and credibility in the long run.

After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine wants Russia to be present at the next peace conference, analysts said on Thursday that Kiev's stance is based on pragmatic considerations, expressing hope that the longstanding conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

According to media outlet The Kiev Independent, Zelensky told French media in an interview published on Wednesday that Ukraine believes that Russia "must be present" at a second peace conference in order to end the war.

"I believe - as do most countries - that at the second peace summit in November, Russian representatives must be present, otherwise we won't achieve viable results," Zelensky reportedly said.

Zelensky had said in mid-July that he aimed to have a plan ready in November to hold a second international summit that representatives of Russia should attend, according to Reuters.

"Zelensky's remarks can be seen as a consideration based on reality, hoping to seek resolution through diplomatic means," Yang Jin, an associate research fellow with the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Yang noted that since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted, both sides have been left drained and suffering significant losses. Currently, it appears that neither side can envision achieving their ultimate goals through the continued use of force.

Zelensky's remarks came after a peace conference on the Ukraine crisis held in Switzerland in June that was marked by Russia's absence. The conference ended without any significant progress, according to observers.

"Therefore, the current signal shows Ukraine's willingness to resolve the conflict through political and diplomatic channels, indicating the country's basic stance of hoping to engage in peaceful negotiations," Yang said.

During the interview with French media, Zelensky acknowledged that China was a key player but said he did not want mediation from Beijing and instead urged it to "pressure the Kremlin" to end the conflict, France media reported. 

Chinese experts emphasized that China has not and will not exert pressure on either side. Rather, as a responsible major power, China is willing to play a constructive role in mediating the conflict.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui started a visit to Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia from Sunday to carry out the fourth round of shuttle diplomacy on the Ukraine crisis, further exchanging views with major members of the Global South on the current situation and the process of peace talks.

"On the Ukraine crisis, China always believes that to end the hostilities as soon as possible and seek a political settlement is in the interests of all parties. China is of the view that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a Monday routine press conference. 

China will continue to stand on the side of peace and dialogue, support the international community in building up more consensus, and jointly look for viable means toward a political way out of the crisis, Lin said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to China from July 27 to 31 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Thursday. 

During Prime Minister Meloni's visit to China, President Xi Jinping will meet with her, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at Thursday's routine news conference. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and top legislator Zhao Leji will also meet with Meloni to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

China and Italy are both countries with an ancient civilization, Mao said. The two countries are comprehensive strategic partners and have maintained close high-level exchanges and fruitful mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. A sound and stable China-Italy relationship is in the interest of both countries and peoples, and contributes to inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning.

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. China looks to work with Italy through this visit to cement traditional friendship, promote the Silk Road spirit, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, deepen practical cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, pursue the steady and sustained growth of China-Italy and China-EU relations, and jointly contribute to a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world.

The visit will be the first since Italy's withdrawal from the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and also Meloni's first visit to China after taking office. The visit is likely aimed at making up for the regret of withdrawal and personally clarifying some misunderstandings, Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

This visit once again demonstrates that Italy's withdrawal from the BRI was not due to a reluctance to cooperate with China or Meloni's own political beliefs, but rather due to the huge pressure from the US and other major Western powers at the time, Zhao Junjie said, noting that the withdrawal does not mean a decoupling from China, as economic and trade cooperation between China and Italy has since remained close.

Observers noted that Italy has been experiencing a technical recession in recent years, with high levels of national debt and deficits, while Meloni has also seen that the US and the West have pressured Italy to distance itself from China, but have not provided any real support in its place.

"Although far-right political figures like Meloni may resort to extreme rhetoric to attract votes during elections, they often return to rationality and seek the greatest benefit once in power," Zhao Junjie said. "Currently, Italy is beginning to return to rationality and trying to seek a balance between China, the US, and the EU in diplomacy."

Now that Meloni's position has been further consolidated, she also needs more cooperation and support from China, especially after her previous visit to the US clearly did not bring her any real benefits, he said.

With this visit, Italy can also set an example in Europe, showing more European countries that the benefits of enhancing friendship and promoting cooperation with China far outweigh the disadvantages of decoupling from it, said Zhao Junjie.

Practical cooperation and communication with China are expected during her visit, analysts said.

Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso visited China earlier in July, laying the groundwork for Meloni's visit. During the visit, Urso said that China is an indispensable market for Italian companies and a key partner. The cooperation between China and Italy in the fields of green technology, electric vehicles, and public buses is becoming increasingly important, marking a new stage in the strategic partnership between the two countries. 

He also stated on social media that his visit demonstrates the Italian government's emphasis on restarting bilateral economic and trade relations, and Italy has a strong interest in investing in China, especially in the renewable energy sector.

Normally, seeing people walking their dogs in the evening is a common sight in Beijing, including big dogs like golden retrievers, huskies and border collies.

But on Monday evening this week, the Global Times only saw one person walking her small teddy bear dog.

This might be because of reports that have gone viral on social media platforms claiming that Beijing regional authorities planned to inspect every local community on Monday to catch stray dogs and any illegal or unregistered pet dogs, or those being walked without a leash.

The inspection did not happen in the end, despite the claims online. But the Global Times learned from some dog breeders in Chaoyang that some people have been promoting high-end kennels - which cost 20,000 yuan ($2,736) per year - citing the so-called Monday inspections.

There are similar situations across the country and heated discussion over dog management, after a 2-year-old girl was reportedly seriously hurt by a rottweiler in Chongzhou, a county-level city in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The girl has got through the most dangerous period, media reports said, and was moved from intensive care to a normal ward on Monday. But the controversy over the news is growing, and many local authorities and property management companies are reportedly planning campaigns to strengthen local dog management, including catching and possibly even killing stray dogs.

The authorities in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, announced on Tuesday the launch of a rectification campaign against illegal dogs until December 30. The campaign will focus on illegal dog-raising behavior like failure to register the dog or conduct a yearly inspection, as well as raising certain fierce dog breeds that are banned in cities and walking dogs without a leash.

A security guard from Chongqing Technology and Business University was reported to have captured and killed a stray dog on October 17, sparking a backlash from the student body. Five days later, the school announced that it had fired the security guard on the grounds of inappropriate behavior during the disposal process.

On Tuesday, posts went viral on Chinese social media platforms claiming that Shanghai public security authorities broke into a local resident's home and took away a large dog. The Shanghai authorities had not responded to the claims as of Tuesday.

Dog owners are now hesitating to take out their pets, and dog lovers are angry about the action being taken against all dogs just based on one incident. Others have called for a more rational approach amid mixed information, and stressed that the most important thing is to complete an effective dog management system.
One dog bites, all dogs pay

The measures to try and catch stray dogs in several Chinese cities have worried some animal rights advocates and dog lovers, who complained the regional governments were using a one-size-fits-all approach.

"Many dogs become strays after being abandoned by their previous owners. They are poor and innocent," said an animal protection volunteer surnamed Wei. "Why do these cities punish the abandoned dogs rather than the people who abandoned them?"

Wei has been rescuing stray dogs and cats in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province for almost a decade. Along with other local volunteers, she has paid with her own money to have the rescued strays vaccinated, and found families willing to adopt them.

Wei said she was sad about the attack on the 2-year-old, as well as other cases of ferocious dogs attacking humans. "But the dogs don't know they've done something wrong," she said, noting that the dog owners should be responsible and take the punishment for their pets.

"Keeping dogs in a civilized manner is a slogan that everybody knows. The important thing is whether there are accompanying measures to put this slogan into practice," Wei told the Global Times. She suggested that regional governments could build a pet-keeping system with practical policies and regulations, such as mandatory use of a leash in public, severe penalties for pet abuse and abandonment, and neutering or spaying the strays.

'Not the dog's fault'

In recent years, reports of dogs biting people have not been uncommon in China. According to data released by the National Health Commission, by the end of 2021 China had the largest number of dogs in the world, reaching 130 million in 2012, with over 12 million people bitten each year. Data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in 2019, there were 276 deaths from rabies nationwide, while in 2018 and 2017, there were 410 and 502 deaths, respectively.

Shen Ruihong, former secretary-general of the China Small Animal Protection Association, said that dogs biting people is not the fault of the dogs, but the fault of their owners and of social management.

"Fierce dogs like rottweilers are in fact relatively obedient and have a stable temperament. With proper training, they can also be used as working dogs, such as police dogs and guard dogs and have great social value. However, in our country, the threshold for owning a dog is too low. You can easily purchase a dog on platforms like Taobao and Douyin without anyone supervising whether you get a dog license, vaccinate the dog, or care for and train it," Shen told Sanlian Lifeweek.

Shen criticized the one-size-fits-all measures by some local authorities that catch and kill all dogs that are not leashed or licensed. Raising pets is an important way for people to cope with stress and loneliness nowadays. Such measures by the authorities could lead to public outrage, he said.

Chinese authorities have been actively making efforts on management of pet dogs in urban areas. Since 1994, the regulations governing dog ownership in Beijing have been revised twice. Before that year, keeping the animals was strictly prohibited in the city.

Most Chinese cities have divided their administrative areas into restricted and non-restricted areas for pet ownership, with restricted areas mostly being the central urban areas. Local regulations explicitly prohibit individuals from keeping aggressive dogs and large breeds in the restricted areas, and a list of banned dog breeds has been established. Some cities also have height requirements for adult dogs. For example, in Beijing, it is forbidden to keep adult dogs with a height exceeding 35 centimeters in the restricted areas.

In addition, pet owners are required to obtain a dog license, which includes registration information such as the owner's name, address, contact information, dog breed, and major physical characteristics. Illegal dogs or those ineligible for a license can be confiscated by the public security authorities, and the owners may also face fines. The fine for individuals is set at 5,000 yuan in Beijing, Shenzhen, and other places, and ranges from 50 yuan to 200 yuan in Chengdu, according to media reports.

The revised national law on prevention of animal epidemics also requires the display of dog licenses and dogs must be leashed when being walked outside. Some cities like Shanghai also require owners to put muzzles on their dogs in public areas.

But few of the regulations are effectively implemented. "The cost of law enforcement is high and the cost of violation is low, requiring a certain amount of manpower and financial resources to implement the regulations. Meanwhile, there are difficulties in defining penalties for dog owners and timely supervision of dog licenses. There is also a need for discussion on how to divide restricted dog ownership areas," a lawyer from Henan-based Zejin law office named Fu Jian told the media.

Shen noted the strict regulations in Germany, as compared to China's ineffective management system. He said that in Germany, dog owners need to pay an annual dog tax. Before owning a large dog or certain breeds, owners must obtain a breeding certificate by passing a theoretical test that covers topics such as animal medicine, animal psychology, and legal knowledge. Dogs also need to attend training schools for behavior correction and training, with training fees typically costing 50 euros per hour. The training cost for aggressive dogs is even higher. Those who fail to properly supervise their dogs in public places will be fined 10,000 euros. Those who privately feed "dangerous dogs" or take dogs out in public will be fined 50,000 euros. "But in China, people barely receive any punishment if they illegally keep, abuse or abandon dogs."

It is also urgently necessary to increase Chinese dog owners' sense of responsibility and their awareness of laws.

"Leashing is necessary, it is the bottom line," Yi Tongmo, a dog trainer told the media. Whether it is a large or small dog, leashing is a must when going out. Yi suggests that dog owners must have a good understanding of civilized dog ownership and actively guide their dogs' behavior. "Prevention is always better than cure; don't wait until the dog shows a tendency to attack people before seeking a solution."

Some successful examples

Shen suggested that Chinese cities could establish a registration system for dog ownership. This has been implemented in some cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Mechanisms to evaluate and train dogs and supervise their health are also needed. Similar mechanisms should also be applied to other pets, according to Shen.

A dog owner surnamed Guo in Shenzhen told the Global Times on Monday that she just took her dog to implant a chip in its neck. "Pet hospitals can get to know the owner's name and address by simply scanning the chip." But getting the chip is not mandatory.

Amid the current wave of controversy, Shenzhen is one of the few Chinese cities that has been praised for its measures to deal with stray dogs. According to media reports, Shenzhen residents can call local authorities to report stray dogs. The authorities will then go to pick them up, but the stray dogs are then either trained to become working dogs for the local authorities, or sent to local pet shelters for adoption.

The Global Times also found that Shenzhen authorities have established an app for dog ownership services. Owners can make reservations for registration, implanting chips and recording nose prints in the app. People can also use the app to apply to adopt stray dogs.

Another example is Macao. For dogs weighing over 23 kilograms, Macao authorities not only require them to be leashed but also mandate the use of a muzzle. Additionally, the city has established an exemption test for muzzles. The test, designed by animal experts, includes touching, tapping, and holding the dog's mouth to observe if any abnormal reactions occur. Dogs are also introduced to unfamiliar people and dogs to assess their behavior toward strangers. If the test is not passed, the dog must wear a muzzle when going out; if passed, the certification is valid for three years. The establishment of such exams actually promotes the scientific training of large dogs by their owners.