Some 40 foreign diplomats from 25 countries will go on a tour to Southwest China's Guizhou Province from Thursday to Sunday and play a friendly soccer game with a local team from the Village Super League (VSL), or Cunchao, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), the 2024 Discover China Cultural Tour of Guizhou for Diplomats event will take envoys from Latin American and Caribbean countries to visit the signature Jiaxiu Tower in Guiyang and ethnic Dong villages in Rongjiang county to explore the region's cultural and architectural heritage.
One of the highlights of this tour will be the friendly game between the diplomats and a local team from the VSL that will kick off on Saturday evening in Rongjiang.
An international cultural and tourism fair will also be held alongside the match to showcase the integration of culture, tourism, sports, and local economies.
The tour is designed to emphasize the role of diplomats as cultural ambassadors, promoting exchanges and friendships, according to the MCT.
Through this event, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and richness of China, which they can then share with the world, an official with the MCT told the reporters.
Rongjiang county has achieved significant progress in its rural revitalization efforts and economic development by integrating agriculture, culture, tourism, sports, and commerce through the phenomenal VSL.
This unique soccer+culture showpiece attracted 7.66 million visitors in 2023, generating a total tourism revenue of 8.4 billion yuan ($1.19 billion), the China Culture Daily reported on Monday. This event emphasizes the role of diplomats in fostering cultural exchanges and building stronger bridges of friendship.
Marcelo Gabriel Suarez Salvia, Argentine ambassador to China, told reporters earlier that the tour could help foreign diplomats stationed in China to gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of China's cultural heritage and economic strengths, enhancing opportunities for long-term partnerships between China and other countries.
This engagement fosters mutual appreciation and opens doors for future collaborations in various sectors, including trade, tourism, and more. The fusion of culture, tourism, sports, and agriculture in this trip not only showcases Guizhou's unique natural charm but also paves the way for partnerships and shared learning experiences, said the ambassador.
Hector Dorbecker, a counselor at the Mexican Embassy in China, said that Mexico and China have already established cooperation in various fields, and he hopes to see further tourism collaboration between the two countries in the future.
"Soccer serves as a bridge for fostering friendship between people of different countries. I believe this event will offer me a more comprehensive understanding of China's culture, tourism, and sports resources," said Dorbecker.
Launched by the MCT in 2021, the program has taken more than 350 diplomats from over 90 countries to 16 provinces and cities across China, including Beijing, Chongqing, Hubei, and Yunnan, allowing them to experience local customs, appreciate China's rich cultural heritage, and observe the country's developments up close.
Thirteen years since the China-Europe Railway Express (CRE), a crucial link in international logistics, began operations in Duisburg, the German city's profile as a key hub on the railway has been steadily rising.
During a recent visit by Xinhua reporters, bustling terminals, ports, and warehouses in Duisburg highlighted the city's growing vitality. The CRE has significantly impacted the local business community.
At one of Duisburg's central logistics centers, AUKLogis GmbH, a German subsidiary of the Chinese logistics company Western Post, provides storage and customs clearance services for clients using CRE services. The company has witnessed a shift in local traders' perceptions of the service, from initial skepticism to recognition, resulting in long-term partnerships.
"Our clients often highlight the railway's speed and reliability, which are unmatched by other freight methods," said Fan Yuliang, warehouse manager of AUKLogis GmbH. As the routes expand and improve, trust in the service has continued to grow.
Daniele Materazzo, an operator in the outbound group for China-Europe Railway Express at AUKLogis, told Xinhua that he now receives better pay and feels a sense of stability working with the company. "Despite our language and cultural differences, we support each other as a team. I feel completely at home here," he said.
Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport), noted that the railway is strengthening ties between Europe and China, opening up a new international transport market that benefits both economies. Duisburg's profile is steadily growing as a key stop on the railway, attracting investment, creating job opportunities, and driving growth in the logistics sector, he added.
In August, a direct route from Chongqing to Duisburg, traversing the Caspian Sea, was put into operation. The route provides a new option for transportation along the so-called Middle Corridor, a trade link between China and Europe that passes through several central Asian and southern Caucasian countries.
Bangen said that since the participants facilitating the Middle Corridor are familiar with CRE operations, the experience gained over the past decade will significantly accelerate the corridor's development.
While enabling faster and more cost-effective delivery of goods from China to Europe, CRE has also opened new trade pathways for European manufacturers and traders aiming to enter the Chinese market, Chinese Consul General in Dusseldorf Du Chunguo told Xinhua. "This exchange has significantly improved consumer welfare and created jobs along the route."
On October 1, the People's Republic of China will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Over the past 75 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the country has made remarkable progress in social and economic development. From a once backward agrarian society, China has transformed itself into a major manufacturing hub backed up with strong technology innovation capability. Chinese economy is globally integrated, offering significant opportunities to the rest of the world. To illustrate this, the Global Times is publishing a series of articles, with the third installment focusing on China's energy transition.
On Friday, tower cranes swirled and other machines roared at the China National Nuclear Power (CNNP) Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co construction site, located in Zhangzhou, East China's Fujian Province. The workers were pouring concrete for the construction of Unit 4 of Zhangzhou nuclear power plant that uses Hualong One - a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor.
"At 5 am on Friday, more than 300 of us were standing ready on the site to start work at any time. It was an incredibly exciting moment," Chen Linhu, the worker who oversees the concrete pouring, told the Global Times as he wiped sweat from his brow.
Li Bin, the trade union chairman of the CNNP Guodian Zhangzhou Energy, said that injecting concrete marks a key milestone for the project, signaling the launch of the second phase of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant and a further advancement of the development of China's homegrown nuclear reactor Hualong One.
All six units at the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant will use the Hualong One reactor, each with a capacity of generating 1 million kilowatts of electricity. Currently, four units are under construction. Unit 1 is expected to be connected to the state grid at the end of 2024, while Unit 4 is slated for commercial operation by 2029.
According to industry insiders, the rapid rollout of China's homegrown nuclear power technology is indicative of the profound transformation of China's energy structure since 1949 when the People's Republic of China was set up.
Now, China, as the world's largest energy producer, has established an energy production and supply system that is resilient, innovative and secure.
Over the past years, the country's energy mix has transitioned from dominated by traditional energy sources, such as coal, gas and other fossil fuels, to clean and diversified sources. The development of clean energy such as hydropower, solar panels, wind turbines, nuclear power and more sources has been gaining pace.
Continuous innovation
Upon full completion, the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant is expected to generate over 58 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, greatly easing local energy demand and providing strong support for the nation's "dual carbon" goals of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060, according to CNNP Guodian Zhangzhou Energy.
Each Hualong One unit generates over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually - sufficient to meet the annual electricity demand of 1 million people.
This is equivalent to saving 3.12 million tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 8.16 million tons each year, Wu Yuanming, chairman of CNNP Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co, told the Global Times on Saturday.
Zhang Yu, general manager for work safety at CNNP Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co, said on Friday that the construction of Unit 4 is built on the success of Units 1 and 2, with more than 30 design enhancements, including improved safety features, a localization rate of over 95 percent spare parts, and the most innovative construction methods.
Zhang noted that the successful implementation of the Hualong One reactor technology represents a major technological breakthrough developed through 30 years of innovation.
As one of the major achievements in China's nuclear power development, Hualong One is highly emblematic of the country's independent innovation capability, standing among the best in the world.
The Hualong One is currently the third-generation nuclear reactor adopted by a rising number of operational and under-construction generation units in the world, indicating that China's nuclear power technology and industrial competitiveness have entered the top rankings in the world.
The technology has also been well recognized for its top-tier safety and reliability, and has been exported to countries like Pakistan and Argentina. Also, it is gaining broad interest among the Belt and Road Initiative partners, according to Li, who has recently hosted a media delegation from Kazakhstan for a potential bid to build a nuclear power station there .
"With a dual-layer containment structure, it can withstand major threats like aircraft impacts, hurricanes, and even 9-magnitude earthquakes. Its innovative design also integrates both active and passive safety systems, ensuring a robust defense against potential natural hazards," Zhang Yu, general manager of the work safety department of CNNP Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Co, told the Global Times on Friday.
As of August 29, China has approved a total of 102 operational and under-construction nuclear power units - the most in the world - with a combined installed capacity of 113.13 million kilowatts.
Profound transformation
Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Saturday that China's nuclear power sector has played a prominent role in the nation's low-carbon industrial transition over the past decades.
"By integrating China's manufacturing capabilities with the Hualong One reactor technology, the country's nuclear power industry is well positioned to drive sustainable energy transformation," he said.
China is the world's largest energy producer. In 2023, China's total primary energy production reached 4.83 billion tons of standard coal, an increase of 202.6 times compared to 1949, with an average annual growth rate of 7.4 percent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Coupling with those nuclear power generators, the country has led the world in exploring and adopting a wide variety of clean energy sources, fast-tracking the development of solar panels, hydropower, nuclear power, wind power and more.
Last year, electricity generated from clean energy sources accounted for nearly 40 percent of China's total electricity generation, according to a white paper on China's energy transition released in August.
Those notable progresses have positioned China as a key engine in the world's green industrial transition.
The efforts also shed light on the country's firm commitment to fulfilling its responsibility to significantly reduce carbon footprint, while some Western developed countries have shown signs of retreating from their climate goals.
According to the white paper, China's exports of wind and solar photovoltaic products have helped many other countries to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 810 million tons in 2023. From 2014 to 2023, the global share of non-fossil fuels in energy consumption rose from 13.6 percent to 18.5 percent, with China contributing 45.2 percent to this increase.
President Xi Jinping on Monday said Chinese people will score more remarkable achievements and make greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development of humanity.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a reception held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The 11-year-old giant panda Meng Meng's twin panda cubs are now more than one month old, and have been developing well, gaining weight daily. They are set to make their public debut at Zoo Berlin in Germany on October 16, according to an email sent to the Global Times by Zoo Berlin.
Meng Meng gave birth to twins on August 22 at Zoo Berlin. Since their birth, the twin cubs and their mother have been cared for in the rear area of the Panda Garden at the zoo and have not been visible to zoo visitors, according to Zoo Berlin.
From October 16, visitors will be able to watch the twin panda cubs as they grow, according to the zoo. The twin panda cubs will be in the Panda Garden every day from October 16 for about an hour between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. This will not change the cubs' daily routine, said the zoo.
In the weeks since the twin panda cubs' birth, they have been developing splendidly, gaining weight daily. Having recently transitioned from the incubator to their own "panda bed," the cubs are now prepared for the next stage, and zoo visitors can take a first look at them, according to the zoo. The two cubs continue to take turns with their mother Meng Meng and drink exclusively from her. The zoo also said that the cubs are beginning to resemble "real" giant pandas as they have developed the typical black and white coloring. They have increased their birth weight more than tenfold.
Meng Meng and Jiao Qing, a male giant panda, arrived in Germany in 2017 from China. In August 2019, Meng Meng gave birth to the twin cubs, Meng Xiang and Meng Yuan, in Germany. In December 2023, the twins were returned to China, according to Xinhua News Agency.
On September 23, 2024, the Chinese national brand "YAYA Down Jacket" made its second appearance at Milan Fashion Week, unveiling the 2024 Black Label Goose collection. This collection features top-grade Siberian goose down, winning the attention of the global fashion industry with its fineness, fluffiness, and exceptional warmth.
Since its inception in 1972, YAYA has continuously explored high-quality down resources worldwide. In 2023, it established cooperation with Iceland for eiderdown. The introduction of the top-grade goose down during this Milan trip not only demonstrates an international perspective but also provides valuable insights for the globalization of Chinese brands.
The YAYA Black Label Goose embodies the transformation of Chinese brands from "Made in China" to "Created in China," marking YAYA Down Jacket's advancement into the high-end segment of the global value chain and a unique exhibition of oriental charm.
Chinese scientists have developed ancient DNA technology to systematically study the microbial genomes of the "oldest cheese," which was discovered from the Bronze Age at the Xiaohe cemetery in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This research reveals two routes for the diffusion of cheese fermentation techniques in the prehistoric Tarim Basin, shedding light on the lifestyle and cultural exchanges of ancient populations in the region, according to China News Service.
Fu Qiaomei, a researcher from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led the research, which was published as a highly recommended paper in the journal Cell on Wednesday.
The research team designed probes for the complete genome of Lactobacillus, raising the DNA concentration of lactic acid bacteria in the kefir cheese samples from around 0.43 percent to 0.55 percent, to 64 percent to 80 percent, making it the first successful case of ancient whole-genome research.
The cheese samples, identified as kefir through earlier ancient protein studies, date back approximately 3,500 years. They were made using kefir grains, which ferment milk into a distinctive yogurt.
By reconstructing the microbial communities involved in the fermentation process, researchers confirmed that the kefir cheese was produced by using lactic acid bacteria, with evidence suggesting that the goats used for milk production originated from a lineage that spread across Eurasia after the Neolithic period. This suggests a probable connection between ancient populations in the Tarim Basin and groups in the Eurasian steppe during that time.
The study also identified a previously unknown route for the dissemination of kefir bacteria. It found the lactic acid bacteria used for fermentation split into two main branches: One associated with strains from Europe and coastal regions of Asia, and the other linked to strains found in inland East Asia, including Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. This indicates that kefir production techniques likely spread from Xinjiang to other parts of East Asia through cultural exchanges.
Researchers believe this differentiation in kefir bacteria strains reflects how ancient populations adapted and shared fermentation practices. By comparing ancient and modern kefir bacteria genomes, the team explored the evolution of these microbes over thousands of years, revealing significant adaptations to environmental pressures and interactions with humans.
This research underscores the long-standing relationship between humans and microorganisms, highlighting the critical role of fermented foods in our dietary history. It provides new insights into how ancient peoples applied and adapted fermentation techniques, contributing to our understanding of cultural exchanges and human development over time.
The commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command attended a defense chiefs conference in Hawaii last week, meeting with representatives from the US and the Philippines, among other countries.
Experts said on Monday that the move is conducive to reducing risks of a conflict with the US or the Philippines amid tensions in the South China Sea.
At the invitation from the US, Wu Ya'nan, commander of the PLA Southern Theater Command, led a delegation to attend the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference in Hawaii from September 18 to 20, where he engaged in bilateral meetings and interactions with representatives from Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, the UK, France and the US, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a press release on Monday.
During his meeting with Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Wu exchanged candid and in-depth views on implementing consensus reached by the two heads of state and on issues of mutual concern, according to the press release.
It marked the second exchange between Wu and Paparo this month, and the first face-to-face meeting. On September 10, they had a video teleconference in which they exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.
The face-to-face meeting by senior officers in charge of two major Chinese and US theaters is conducive to reducing misunderstandings and misjudgments of the frontline forces at sea and in the air in the South China Sea as well as risks of maritime and aerial accidents, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Monday.
It will also help the healthy and stable development of China-US military ties, Zhang said.
The meeting between Chinese and Philippine military officers showed that the two sides are willing to maintain communication channels, which can also prevent misunderstandings and misjudgments amid the ongoing tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea, Zhang said.
Another Chinese military expert, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times that a senior Chinese officer's attendance in a conference organized by the US showed China's sincerity in managing and controlling differences through talks, and the US' invitation showed that the US does not want to have unintended military frictions with China either.
While there remains issues and differences to be worked out, having talks is better than not having talks, the expert said.
Grammy Award-winning rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, performed a sold-out show in Haikou, South China's Hainan Province, on Sunday. Just one day later, an encore performance set for September 21 was announced by the Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports of Haikou City, extending the festivities.
Prior to the show, Ye met with fans in Haikou restaurants. Before the show, he also shared on social media a childhood photo of himself in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, with the caption: "BACK."
A 24-year-old Singaporean fan named Alex told the Global Times that he was surprised by "how good the overall effects of the show" were since he knew that the show had almost been canceled due to Typhoon Yagi.
He noted that the young "globally connected and open-minded" Chinese fans that he met made him want to visit China again and make some friends.
On the stage, Ye interacted with Chinese fans saying "I Love Haikou." Ye once lived in China at the age of 10. His mother was an English professor and worked as a visiting scholar at the Nanjing University in 1987.
Besides Ye, pop icon Mariah Carey, called "Niujie" (Awesome Sister) in China, also finished her two-day show The Celebration of Mimi in Beijing on Monday.
Carey journeyed to the Great Wall during her visit - and featuring her own style, she did it while wearing heels. Dressed in a chic black dress, black shades, immaculate makeup, and a blow-dried ponytail, she shared a picture of the hike on her X page.
"At the Great Wall of China!" she wrote. "Someone should've warned me about heels (not that I would've listened)."
Many netizens reported running into Ye in Haikou, while others spotted Carey, in high heels, during her climb up the Great Wall in Beijing.
Since the introduction of the 144-hour visa-free policy, the topic of "China Travel" has been trending.
"The 144-hour visa-free policy has not only attracted international tourists to come over to China but also encouraged international icons to consider performing here," Bruce Xu, a researcher and student mentor in the field of international relations at a US university, told the Global Times.
Xu said that the booming tourism market and increasing global appeal have significantly attracted international performers to perform and travel in China at the same time.
"The growing interest in China as both a tourist and entertainment hub has created unique opportunities for global artists to connect with local audiences and explore the country's diverse attractions. For many artists and performers, this presents a chance to expand their reach and tap into one of the world's largest and most dynamic markets," he noted.
Kathryn, a Mariah Carey fan from Shanghai, told the Global Times that she saw many foreign tourists attending the show.
"I saw four foreign fans just seated in a row in front of me, and many audiences members from different places went to visit Beijing while enjoy the show. I personally went to the Temple of Heaven with some of these fans," Kathryn told the Global Times.
"Music is like a vessel that carries many expressions and culture is one of them," says Azora Chin, a Malaysian singer, describing his musical journey in China. "Chinese culture is vast and profound, and I love every bit of it here," adds Caelan Moriarty, a Cuban-born artist, reflecting on his experiences in the country.
Both artists have built their careers in China, using music as a bridge to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
Recently, the Global Times interviewed the two foreign musicians to learn more about their journeys in China and how they have grown both personally and professionally through their art. For them, music serves as a universal language that nurtures cross-cultural connections, and China is a land to explore their musical dreams.
A land of dreams
For Chin, often mistaken for a Chinese national, the connection with China feels almost fated. A Malaysian national of Chinese descent, he grew up immersed in Chinese culture.
"My ancestral home is Fujian Province, and I have been influenced by Chinese culture since childhood. My parents insisted that I attend Chinese-language schools from elementary to high school," Chin told the Global Times.
Chin came to China after graduating from high school to study music at university. "The first time I landed in China, I felt at home," he recalled. "Hearing people speak Putonghua everywhere, I thought of the phrase 'cultural resonance.'"
While studying in Malaysia, he watched numerous Chinese TV shows, which he thought provided a platform for people passionate about music to showcase their talents, skills, and ideas. "I thought it was a fantastic environment," said Chin.
Drawn to the open and creative atmosphere of China's music scene, Chin made the leap to pursue his career in the country. He debuted as part of a music group in China in 2018; and after the group disbanded in 2019, he continued his career as a solo artist. For the last six years, he has been pursuing his musical dreams in China.
"China offers a platform where different forms of expression and musical styles collide. It's exactly what I've always wanted to do," he said.
Similarly, Moriarty, debuted in 2018 at the age of 18 as part of a boy group. His first visit to China was paid during a performance with the group. In 2021, he came to China to participate in the reality show CHUANG 2021, where his stage performances won the audience's affection, leading him to establish his career roots in China to pursue his musical dreams.
"It's China that gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams, have joyful experiences, and make lifelong friends," said Moriarty.
Speaking about his decision to come to China, Moriarty said, "I'm glad I took that brave step." The "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" his friends called allowed him to meet more fans and friends, and to experience the beauty of Chinese culture.
"China has so many places worth exploring, and I love every bit of it. Each city has its own unique style and charm." He speaks fondly of his love for the local cuisine, especially the spicy dishes of Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province, and expresses a desire to explore places like Chongqing and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
"If I have the chance, I want to explore China fully. I'd like to visit Chongqing and Xinjiang. I heard that Xinjiang is especially beautiful," said Moriarty. Cultural messenger
BothChin and Moriarty are participants in the fourth season of the Chinese singing reality show Call Me by Fire. On the show, 34 participants from various countries compete in various performing art forms including singing, dancing, and rapping.
Having been influenced by Chinese culture from an early age, Chin views music as a powerful way to connect people.
"Although there are language barriers between us, when we work together to create a piece, we realize that language is not an obstacle. Good work transcends words," he said.
In Chin's view, culture can awaken people's senses, and music brings people closer together. "We can't remember all cultures in our lifetime, but music is like a vessel that can carry many expressions, and culture is one of them."
For Moriarty, growing up in a multicultural family gave him a natural appreciation for diversity.
Working with other members, each from different cultural background, he has learned to embrace differences as a source of inspiration. "Cultural differences open up new conversations," said Moriarty. "There's so much to share, and we could talk about culture for a long time."
Moriarty's immersion into Chinese culture has been transformative. Once unfamiliar with the country, he can now undertake interviews in fluent Putonghua. "I feel comfortable speaking this way, and I want to showcase my Putonghua."
He also enjoys embracing diverse traditional Chinese cultural practices, from writing Spring Festival couplets to celebrating Spring Festival with friends. "Chinese New Year has such a significant meaning in this culture. It's a time of pride and joy for every Chinese person, and I'm lucky to experience it as a foreigner."
Both artists have ambitious plans for the future. Chin is gearing up to release his second album and can't wait to reunite with fans on his next tour. Moriarty, too, is excited to continue his journey in China, "creating more unforgettable memories in this land of opportunity."
"I'll keep being myself," said Moriarty. "And I hope you will too."
