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China's technological development in tunnel boring machines (TBMs) has greatly advanced, from scratch to cutting-edge over the past decade, exemplifying the country's progress in high-tech manufacturing. 

Currently, seven out of every 10 TBMs used worldwide come from China, while 95 percent of the TBMs operating in the country were manufactured domestically, according to media reports. 

In a recent development, China’s largest-diameter underwater shield tunnel began the tunneling process on Sunday for Huanggang Road in Jinan city, East China’s Shandong Province, using the “Shanhe” TBM with a diameter of 17.5 meters, China Media Group reported on Monday.

TBMs can excavate tunnels using a circular cross-section that drills through soil and rock strata, seamlessly laying concrete segments to construct tunnels, subway tubes and sewer lines.

The “Shanhe” TBM is 163 meters in length, 5,200 tons in weight, and the diameter is equivalent to the height of a 6-storey building, which will operate through 3,290 meters in the tunnel that has a total length of 5,755 meters. 

The length of the “Shanhe” TBM is equivalent to 16 connected buses with a weight equivalent to 520 adult elephants, making it the largest among the TBMs used in construction projects globally, said Huang Lu, a project manager in charge of the TBM. 

The “Shanhe” TBM is equipped with advanced equipment, including dedicated telescopic cameras. The relatively larger TBM requires a more complex manufacturing process and poses construction difficulties, with higher risks compared with traditional models, according to CMG.

In recent years, the diameter of TBMs produced in China has been increasing, enabling their use in a wider range of applications and significantly improving the efficiency of construction projects. The use of TBMs has also been extending from traditional fields such as the construction of urban rail transportation to more sectors including railway construction, mining, and other industries, offering a new growth point for economic development. 

China’s continuous industrial upgrading and transformation will further spur high-quality economic development, while the rapid development of emerging industries including the high-tech manufacturing will become an important engine driving up the economy, Wang Peng, an associate research fellow from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. 

The market scale of China’s TBMs reached 27.6 billion yuan ($3.87 billion), achieving year-on-year growth of 14.05 percent in 2022, which is expected to reach 40 billion yuan in 2024, according to data from the China Construction Machinery Association. 

Profits generated by Chinese industrial enterprises above the designated size increased by 3.6 percent year-on-year in the first seven months, up 0.1 percentage points from the first half year, the National Bureau of Statistics said in August. High-tech manufacturing led the way, with the sector's profits soaring 12.8 percent year-on-year from January to July. The improvement boosted overall industrial profit growth rate by 2.1 percentage points. 

From the stunning portrayal of Chinese modernization to the inspiring tales of self-improvement and perseverance demonstrated in the nation's technological advancements, from the unwavering sportsmanship and profound patriotism exhibited by Olympic athletes to the unique emphasis on the rule of law in education, Chinese primary and high school students embraced the start of their new school year by attending exceptional "first lessons," setting out on a path to becoming a resilient, patriotic and self-assured generation.

At the opening ceremony of the new semester at Beijing No.4 High School on Sunday, Ying Yong, procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, delivered the first rule of law class to the students. He explained the importance of respecting and abiding by the law.

Ying delivered the "first lesson" as the school's vice principal for rule of law, whose responsibility includes not only carrying out legal education for minors, but also assisting schools in establishing a comprehensive mechanism for preventing sexual abuse, sexual harassment, campus bullying, and integrating judicial protection into school protection.

Officially taking effect in 2022, the policy of vice principals for rule of law in primary and secondary schools plays an important role in promoting the thorough implementation of education laws and juvenile delinquency prevention laws. It is of great significance for effectively protecting the legitimate rights and interests of young people and promoting their healthy growth, analysts said.

The problem of school bullying nowadays is partially attributed to a lack of sufficient education on the rule of law. Therefore, emphasizing such education is conducive to strengthening the protection of minors, Xiong Bingqi, director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, told the Global Times on Monday.

In addition, the "first lesson" of the new school year broadcast by China Central Television on Sunday evening also offered students a great chance to appreciate a "lovely China" by inviting guests such as historians, wildlife rescuers, Olympic athletes, military transport aircraft captains, and AI and aerospace technology experts to share their stories of unremitting self-improvement. 

A wide range of images such as the oracle bone pits in the Yin Ruins, the cross-sea bridge spanning the Lingding Channel, and the landing of the Chang'e-6 probe on the far side of the moon also allowed students to witness the stunning landscapes of China and experience the rapid progress it has made over the years.

The series of inspirational, motivational lessons inspired students' interest in scientific exploration and promoted their spirit of patriotism, innovation, and hard work.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony here on Monday for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is on a state visit to China.

Three dock workers have been sentenced to prison after being convicted of stealing cultural relics from exposed Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25) tombs in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, according to a report by The Paper on Saturday.
The three men, identified as Liu and two other accomplices, were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from three years and 10 months to four years and six months, and each was fined 30,000 yuan ($4,190).

In 2011, Liu and his co-defendants discovered exposed tombs when the water level in the Three Gorges Reservoir receded. The trio excavated the site and found 20 items, including Western Han Dynasty bronze drinking and ritual vessels. They later gave up to the police and confessed their crimes in March 2024.

China has a large number of buried cultural relics, especially in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. As early as 2 million years ago, the famous Wushan Man lived in this area. The region is also known for the Bachu culture as well as cultural relics.

With the box office of the film Decoded surpassing 300 million yuan ($42 million), it has become a standout work in the 2024 summer movie season. The film, adapted from the novel of the same name by Mao Dun Literature Prize winner Mai Jia, showcases a blend of cinema and literature.

Mai expressed his high regard for the film in an interview with the Global Times, calling it "the ultimate in artistic beauty." Mai said that Decoded is not only a faithful adaptation that adheres to the spirit of literature but also a bold exploration and attempt at artistic pursuit in Chinese cinema.

"I believe that whether it's a novel or a film, to reach the world, it first needs to be technically proficient. If the technical aspects are not addressed, it's difficult to move people," Mai noted.

Decoded demonstrates rare courage and determination in technical innovation. The film team boldly employs cutting-edge techniques such as IMAX photography, high-frame-rate shooting, and virtual reality pre-visualization to elevate the visual and auditory experience to a new level.

The film presents a series of spectacular scenes, including golden reeds, a shining Ferris wheel, giant walruses, deep-sea whirlpools, and enormous computers, all of which provide viewers with a visual feast. Many audiences regard ­Decoded as a visual effects blockbuster.

"Recently, the Chinese market has been ­flooded with a lot of popcorn movies, deliberately pandering to audiences without treating film as an art form, or lacking a cinematic dream. However, the dream in Decoded is particularly grand. For example, to achieve an aesthetic effect, the crew used 60 tons of sand to create a red beach," Mai told the Global Times.

One particularly striking scene takes place on this red beach, which was brought to life by the crew constructing a 5,000-square-meter soundstage and a 2,000-square-meter man-made red beach. It took 90 days to finish the entire process, from construction to filming.

Decoded made full use of innovative technology, presenting key scenes like the confrontation on the red beach and the dreamscape under the setting sun with grandeur and meticulous detail.

From the perspective of a literature enthusiast, Mai said that Decoded is a sophisticated film, turning a grand narrative of mainstream themes into something artistic and aesthetically pleasing.

In recent years, China's film industry has made continuous breakthroughs in technical innovation, artistic exploration, and market strategy, and Decoded has made a significant mark in this process. This film not only attracts audiences with its unique narrative style and visual impact but also promotes the upgrading and transformation of China's film industry on multiple levels.

Chinese humor in English has become a powerful tool for fostering global understanding through cultural products. Social media is buzzing with examples where this unique blend of English, infused with Chinese cultural nuances, not only entertains netizens, but also bridges gaps in cross-cultural communication.

A viral example of Chinese humor in English evolving appeal surfaced when a foreign blogger YourKris shared an emotional post on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu about seeing off her boyfriend at the airport.

Her comments quickly were filled with well-meaning but imperfectly translated messages from Chinese netizens, turning phrases like "You pretty, he ugly, u swan, he frog" into a source of both consolation and amusement. 

This exchange highlighted how Chinese-style English, referred to as Chinglish, once seen as an embarrassing mishmash, has become a unique cultural bridge, resonating with humor and warmth across languages and borders.

Originally, Chinglish was often viewed as mistakes to be corrected or even ridiculed, especially in formal English education in China, where accuracy and native-like pronunciation were emphasized. 

However, after the Beijing 2008 Olympics, when English speakers expressed a relaxed attitude toward Chinglish signs in China, this linguistic blend gained recognition, not just as a source of humor, but as a reflection of the cultural exchange and globalization that characterizes modern China.

The shift in perception is reflected in the gaming ­community, particularly in the recent hit video game Black Myth: Wukong, where terms from Chinese mythology, such as yaoguai, are no longer translated as "monster," but kept in their original form. 

Chinese netizens have started explaining key game terms to foreign players to help them better understand the cultural background of the game. This effort fosters a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of China.

A writing professor in the US told the Global Times on condition of anonymity that Chinglish is increasingly used by teenagers as a tool for better communication, citing phrases like "Long time no see." 

He emphasized that language, as a form of communication, can evolve with cultural exchanges, making it acceptable to use Chinglish phrases in everyday conversation to achieve better understanding.

The story of German scholar Oliver Radtke also illustrates this shift. His curiosity about Chinese society led him to document the various Chinglish signs he encountered during his travels in 2019. 

Initially, Oliver's project was met with criticism from some Chinese netizens who perceived it as mocking. 

However, as he clarified his intentions - to highlight the charm and creativity within Chinglish - more people began to appreciate the unique cultural interplay these translations represent, according to the Chinese Consulate-General in Frankfurt. 

Chinglish has not only captured the interest of individuals like Oliver, but has also entered broader cultural conversations.

The stage play Chinglish, written by David Henry Hwang in 2011, set in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou Province, explores the complexities and humor of cross-cultural communication. 

The play underscores how Chinglish can create both challenges and opportunities for understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

Moreover, the incorporation of Chinglish into mainstream language resources, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, further solidifies its status as a recognized linguistic form. 

Phrases like "add oil" - a cheer meaning "go for it" are now officially recorded in the dictionary, demonstrating how Chinglish captures uniquely Chinese expressions that resonate globally. 

These entries, often related to Chinese culture and food, highlight the growing influence of Chinglish as a distinct variant of English.

However, the US professor also expressed concern over the potential misuse of Chinglish, emphasizing that while it can be effective in oral communication, it remains unsuitable for formal and academic settings. Learning and using standard English remains important in public and professional contexts.

The spread of Chinglish reflects a broader acceptance of linguistic diversity and the idea that language evolves with cultural exchange. 

The playful mix of languages has become a way for people worldwide to engage with Chinese culture, often leading to moments of cross-cultural understanding and amusement.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently held a joint naval exercise with the Egyptian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea, with observers on Wednesday highlighting the PLA Navy's strides toward blue water operations and the deepening of friendships with its foreign counterparts.

After completing a five-day friendly visit to Egypt, the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Jiaozuo and the Type 903A comprehensive replenishment ship Honghu of the PLA Navy's 46th escort task group embarked from the Egyptian port city Alexandria on Monday local time and held a joint maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea with the Egyptian side, the PLA Navy said in a press release on Wednesday.

The joint exercise took place in waters to the north of Alexandria, as the Jiaozuo and the Honghu joined forces with the Egyptian Navy's FREMM multipurpose frigate Al-Galala and carried out training courses including communications coordination, formation maneuvering and maritime replenishment positioning, the PLA Navy said.

During the drill, the two navies' ships took turn to command in close coordination, and successfully completed all scheduled trainings before holding a flotilla separation ceremony, according to the PLA Navy.

During the Chinese warships' visit in Alexandria from August 15 to Monday, sailors from the two sides visited each other's vessels and took part in activities including professional exchanges and soccer friendly matches, as the visit significantly promoted exchanges between the two navies and deepened friendship between the two countries, the PLA Navy said.

Before visiting Egypt, the two Chinese naval vessels visited St. Petersburg in celebration of Russia's navy day, after which they held a joint exercise with the Russian Navy in the Gulf of Finland in late July, according to the PLA Navy.

The PLA Navy vessels' consecutive visits to Russia and Egypt and joint drills with them show deep friendships and high levels of pragmatic cooperation, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Observers noted the long distance the Chinese warships have sailed. The 46th escort task group set out from South China's Guangdong Province in February and conducted escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, before sailing all the way to St. Petersburg and then Alexandria on the return voyage.

It reflects that the PLA Navy is capable of operating in distant waters for extended periods, the expert said, highlighting the PLA Navy's progress in its pursuit of building a blue-water navy.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit China from August 27 to 29, Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Saturday, and the two sides will hold a new round of China-US strategic communication. 

Observers said maintaining open communication channels at a high level between China and the US is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings in the current complex China-US relationship. The visit to China, the first by Sullivan, will also provide an opportunity to discuss urgent issues of concern and manage differences. 

Sullivan's visit is at the invitation of Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Saturday. 

The Financial Times described the visit as "part of a broader effort to stabilize the relationship between the two superpowers."

Sullivan's upcoming visit comes only months before the US presidential election. 

During recent discussions on drug control and financial stability, the overall atmosphere between the two countries was calm, with a focus on addressing specific and practical issues. However, tensions remain elevated due to actions taken by the Biden administration in areas such as economic and trade policies, in addition to national security. These actions have had a detrimental effect on the relationship between the two countries, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. "We may now find it very difficult to rely on a national security advisor to ease ties." 

However, China will remain open for discussion as long as it is conducive to developing situation in a stable direction.

Maintaining open communication channels at a high level between China and the US is crucial in preventing misunderstandings, and the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss pressing issues and address differences promptly, accurately, and effectively, Li Haidong, a professor from the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

As two major global powers, China and the US maintain that high-level visits are crucial for stabilizing the expectations of other countries. This is particularly true regarding the current and future development order and the handling of transnational issues, Li noted. 

Li believed that China will express core concerns to the US during Sullivan's visit. The US persistently interferes in China's internal affairs, including issues related to Taiwan and human rights. Recently, on the South China Sea issue, the US has been encouraging the Philippines to provoke tensions, reflecting its ulterior motive to create problems for China, Li said.

Such behavior clearly violates the basic principles of international relations and the UN Charter. The US defines its relationship with China as one of competition, which clearly goes against the objective reality that neither side can do without the other or change the other, Li said. 

In areas such as drug trafficking, climate change response, and the maintenance of the non-proliferation system, there may be progress, but whether both sides will have very practical measures to stabilize their strategic relationship remain to be seen, Li said. 

"The most important thing is to look at the actual actions of the US. The US talks big, but its actions could be very disappointing."

Wang Yi and Sullivan have met four times over the last year and a half, according to a recent AFP report. 

An official from China’s delegation for the Paris Olympic Games clarified rumors about the Chinese team bringing self-installed air conditioning and their own mattresses at an online press conference held Wednesday.

Zhang Xin, the secretary-general of the Chinese Olympic delegation, said that the Olympic Village can provide mobile air conditioning rental services. The delegation will consider renting based on the weather conditions. It is not true that the team had their own air conditioning installed, and it is also not true that the delegation brought their own mattresses, Zhang said, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The Chinese delegation and nearly 20 teams have already settled in the Olympic Village. Zhang said that at every Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee and the event organizing committee provide excellent services for athletes from around the world. 

“Compared to previous Olympic Games, the accommodation and dining conditions, living environment, training, competition, venues, and transportation services in the Paris Olympic Village all have their own characteristics, but the basic standards remain consistent,” Zhang said.

Rumors about Chinese athletes in the Olympic Village installing their own air conditioning units and bringing their own mattresses are false. Each delegation is assigned accommodation with different cooling systems, and the Olympic Village provides rental services for portable air conditioners.

“It is not true that we brought over 300 air conditioners with us. The Olympic Village can provide portable air conditioning rental services, and the delegation will assess the weather conditions and the need for air conditioning,” said Zhang. If necessary, the delegation may consider renting portable air conditioners for specific teams, according to Zhang.

Regarding the rumors of bringing their own mattresses, Zhang said that there are a few athletes or staff members who may have their own sleeping habits, or they may be staying in official hotels outside the village. In order to better serve the athletes, they sometimes prefer to sleep on the floor in the village, so will prepare mattresses. 

“Interpreting one mattress as the entire delegation bringing their own mattresses, which is also inaccurate,” Zhang noted.

Chinese athletes “are not delicate flowers in a greenhouse, they can actively overcome various challenges and make timely adjustments. Currently, each team is focusing on pre-match training and preparing for the competition seriously,” Zhang said. 

Chinese gymnasts Zhang Boheng and Xiao Ruoteng won silver and bronze medals in the men's individual all-around final in gymnastics at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday. This is likely Xiao's final Olympic appearance, as he bid farewell to the Paris Games in a post that night.

During the all-around final, team captain Zhang made an error on the first apparatus, the floor exercise. Commentators noted that the mistake was likely due to fatigue rather than technical issues.

For all-around athletes, the nearly three-hour competition across six pieces of apparatus is physically draining.

Despite the early setback, Zhang performed exceptionally well on his subsequent rotations. Although he staged a remarkable comeback, Zhang had to settle for silver, being beaten out for the gold by Japanese gymnast Oka Shinnosuke by the slimmest of margins.

Regarding his upcoming individual events, Zhang said, "Enjoy the competition, and there is nothing to regret. Life is about looking forward."

"I approach this as my final all-around event and final high bar routine in my Olympic career," Xiao stated before the final.

In 2016, Xiao was unable to compete in the Rio Olympics due to an elbow injury.

Xiao was set to retire after the Tokyo Olympics, but he continued through another Olympic cycle despite injuries to pursue his Olympic dream.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Xiao and his teammates won a bronze medal in the men's team event. He also secured a silver in the men's individual all-around final and a bronze in the men's floor exercise.

Unfortunately, at the Paris Olympics, he once again fell short of an Olympic gold medal and may not have another chance.

"I hope the spirit of facing difficulties and challenges, never giving up, and persevering until the end can help you!" This is the message Xiao aimed to convey in his farewell post to the Olympics.