上海魔都后花园

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday delivered an important speech at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting under the title "Shouldering Responsibility to Our Times And Jointly Promoting Asia-Pacific Development."

Following is the English version of the full text of the speech:

Shouldering Responsibility to Our Times And Jointly Promoting Asia-Pacific Development

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting

Lima, November 16, 2024

Your Excellency President Dina Boluarte,

Colleagues,

It is my great pleasure to visit the beautiful garden city of Lima again after eight years and join you in discussing Asia-Pacific cooperation. I wish to thank President Boluarte and the Peruvian government for the excellent organization of this meeting.

Over the decades, APEC has been instrumental in leading Asia and the Pacific to great success in development, prosperity and connectivity, making the region the most dynamic economy and primary engine of global economic growth. The world today is gripped by accelerating transformation unseen in a century as well as anemic growth. The World Openness Index has been on the decline. Asia-Pacific cooperation is confronted with challenges such as rising tendencies of geopolitics, unilateralism and protectionism. At this historic crossroads, we Asia-Pacific countries carry greater responsibilities on our shoulders. We must act in solidarity and cooperation to meet the challenges, fully deliver on the Putrajaya Vision 2040, build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, and start a new era in Asia-Pacific development. To this end, I wish to propose the following.

First, we need to build an open and interconnected paradigm for Asia-Pacific cooperation. We should stay committed to multilateralism and an open economy, firmly uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, fully reactivate APEC's role as an incubator of global economic and trade rules, and advance regional economic integration and connectivity. We should tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade, investment, technology and services, uphold stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, and promote economic circulation in the region and the world. A Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) is an ambitious vision for regional economic integration, and is critical for long-term development and prosperity of our region. Ten years ago, a historic decision to kick off the FTAAP process was taken at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Beijing. Today, we will adopt a new document to guide this process. I believe that this will give new impetus to our efforts toward an open Asia-Pacific economy.

Opening up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization. China always promotes reform through opening up. We voluntarily subscribe to high-standard international economic and trade rules, adopt proactive measures for further opening up, and take systematic steps to further open the telecom, Internet, education, culture, medical service and other sectors. We continue to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) against high standards. We are also working actively to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). We have just signed a protocol to upgrade the free trade agreement with Peru, and have substantially concluded negotiations with ASEAN to upgrade to free trade area 3.0. Together with the relevant parties, we will seek to discuss trade agreements in digital and green areas, and steadily expand the globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas.

Second, we need to make green innovation a catalyst for the Asia-Pacific. We need to firmly seize the opportunities presented by the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum information, life and health, and other frontier areas. We need to foster an open, fair, just and nondiscriminatory ecosystem for innovation, and promote a leapfrog development of productive forces across our region. To build a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific, we should prioritize ecological protection, promote resources conservation and their efficient use as well as green and low-carbon development, and engineer an all-round green transition in economic and social development. We need to push forward coordinated digital and green transformation and development to create new momentum and new drivers for Asia-Pacific development.

China is developing new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions and deepening cooperation with interested parties on green innovation. China will launch a Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative, and seek deeper cooperation with other parties to promote efficient, convenient and secure cross-border data flows. China has put forward initiatives in the APEC framework concerning, among others, the application of digital bill of lading, capacity building on green supply chains, exchanges and dialogue on approaches to AI, and the digitalization of food supply chains, with a view to contributing to high-quality development of the Asia-Pacific.

Third, we need to uphold a universally beneficial and inclusive vision for Asia-Pacific development. We should make good use of the APEC platform to strengthen economic and technical cooperation. We should increase support for developing economies and disadvantaged groups, and work together to grow the pie and distribute it equitably to allow more economies and people to benefit from development. This year, Peru has been actively promoting cooperation on the transition from the informal economy to the formal and global economy. China welcomes this effort which dovetails with our development philosophy of putting people first, promoting social fairness and justice and improving the people's well-being. China will advance initiatives through the APEC platform on increasing residents' income and promoting the industrial cluster development of small and medium-sized enterprises, for the purpose of bringing about universally beneficial and inclusive development of Asia-Pacific economies.

China will host APEC 2026. We look forward to working with all parties to deepen Asia-Pacific cooperation to the benefit of the peoples in the region.

Colleagues,

Reform and opening up is a historic process in which China and the world achieve development and progress together. A few months ago, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, at its third plenum, laid out systematic plans for further deepening reform across the board to advance Chinese modernization. More than 300 consequential reform measures were unveiled pertaining to building a high-standard socialist market economy, advancing high-quality economic development, promoting high-standard opening up, improving the people's quality of life, and building a beautiful country. China's further development will provide new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

An ancient Chinese sage observed, "A man of virtue, while establishing himself and pursuing success, also works to help others establish themselves and succeed." There is a similar saying in Latin America which goes, "The only way to be profitably national is to be generously universal." China welcomes all parties to continue riding the "express train" of its development and grow together with the Chinese economy so that we can all contribute to the modernization of all countries featuring peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity.

China and Britain enjoy vast space for cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

A Y-20A transport aircraft opened its cabin for public tours on Tuesday at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province. A Global Times reporter found that the cabin is clean, bright, and with spacious interior. During personnel transport missions, the cabin can even convert into a double-decker layout.

The Y-20 debuted on November 11, 2014, at the 10th Airshow China, quickly becoming a star attraction. During the Airshow China 2024, the Y-20 opened its cabin for public tours for the first time, providing an opportunity for the public to have close contact with it.

The entire cabin of the Y-20A is systematically divided into four main areas based on its specific mission requirements: parachuting, medical care, cargo transport, and personnel transport.

Specifically, in the parachuting area, the seats are arranged back-to-back. The design allows for quick parachuting operations from both the left and right side doors as well as the cargo door.

The medical care area consists of multi-layer portable stretchers arranged in double rows, significantly enhancing space utilization and enabling rapid and efficient transport of injured personnel.

The cargo transport area is primarily used for transporting rescue supplies and other goods.

The seating arrangement resembles that of a commercial passenger aircraft in the personnel transport area.

In addition, folding chairs are installed on both sides of the inner walls of the cabin, making full use of the space.

The four modes can be switched at any time according to task requirements, allowing for modular assembly based on needs. For example, when carrying out humanitarian rescue missions overseas, the cabin needs to accommodate rescue supplies. Depending on the volume of the supplies, the spacing of the sliding tracks on the floor can be adjusted to securely fix the supplies on the cargo pallets.

The Y-20A is China's new-generation large, multi-role military transport aircraft. It features a long range, high load capacity, and swift speed, enabling it to conduct various long-distance strategic airlift missions for personnel and supplies.

On July 6, 2016, the Y-20 officially joined the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, marking a major advancement in the PLA Air Force's strategic airlift capabilities, according to Xinhua.

Since entering service eight years ago, the Y-20 has performed a wide range of missions, from disaster relief to repatriating the remains of Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) soldiers.

The Y-20's operational reach extends across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania, fostering connections with communities worldwide. The Y-20 now stands as a symbol of the PLA Air Force's dedication to bolstering its strategic capabilities.

Since entering service, the Y-20 has carried out several overseas humanitarian rescue missions. In January 2022, two Y-20s delivered critical disaster relief supplies to Tonga in response to its call for volcanic disaster assistance with volcanic disaster relief.

Y-20 is officially nicknamed

On Thursday, the China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted law enforcement patrols on Thursday in the territorial waters and surrounding areas of Huangyan Dao. This rights protection patrol activity was carried out by the CCG in accordance with the law, according to a statement released by the CCG on Thursday.

The Chinese military on Wednesday conducted combat readiness patrols over the territorial waters and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said the latest move, involving naval and air forces, is a lawful patrol activity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday extended congratulations to Donald Trump on his election as president of the US.

Xi urged the two countries to find the right way to get along in the new era, so as to benefit both countries and the wider world, according to Xinhua News Agency.

History teaches that China and the US gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation, said Xi, noting that a stable, sound and sustainable China-US relationship serves the two countries' shared interests and meets the aspiration of the international community.

He expressed the hope that the two sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

On the same day, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng extended congratulations to J.D. Vance on his election as vice president of the US.

During Chinese Foreign Ministry's press briefing on Thursday, Mao Ning, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said President Xi pointed out that history tells us that both China and the US stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. A China-US relationship with stable, healthy and sustainable development serves the common interests of the two countries and meets the expectations of the international community.

Hope the two sides will work in the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and to find the right way for China and the US to get along with each other in the new era to the benefit of the two countries and the world, Mao said.

When asked how China will respond to Trump's claim about blanket tariffs on goods from China, Mao said, "we do not answer hypothetical questions. But broadly speaking, let me reiterate that there is no winner in a trade war, nor will the world benefit from it."

When asked about China's response to Trump's claim that China will not invade Taiwan, Mao emphasized that "the Taiwan question is the most important and most sensitive issue in China-US relations. China firmly opposes official interactions of any form between the US and Taiwan. This position is consistent and clear. The US government needs to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, and prudently handle Taiwan-related issues, so as to avoid severe damage to China-US relations and cross-Straits peace and stability."

When asked about whether the prospect of Elon Musk playing important role in the Trump administration will potentially be a positive factor for China-US relations, Mao stated that China's position on its relations with the US is consistent.

Separately, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, responding to a question on Trump being elected as US president, that China is willing to strengthen communication, expand cooperation, and resolve differences with the US based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win to promote the development of China-US economic and trade relations toward a stable, healthy, and sustainable direction, benefiting both countries and the world at large.

Transition of presidential power

Campaign of Trump said that the former US president has accepted the invitation from incumbent President Joe Biden to meet at the White House to discuss the transition of presidential power, after Trump was elected as president of the US, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Thursday.

The specific date for the meeting between Trump and Biden has not yet been announced, but a spokesperson for Trump's campaign indicated that the meeting "will take place shortly" and noted that Trump "greatly appreciates" the congratulatory phone call from Biden on Wednesday, according to CCTV.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Wednesday delivered a concession speech at Howard University in Washington, DC, saying that she is proud of the campaign and stressing that "when we lose an election, we accept the results," Xinhua reported.

The vice president emphasized the importance of accepting the election results. She confirmed that she had spoken with Trump and congratulated him on his victory, noting that her administration would facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.

US Justice Department officials have been evaluating how to wind down the two federal criminal cases against Trump before he takes office to comply with long-standing department policy that a sitting president can't be prosecuted, two people familiar with the matter told NBC News, CCTV reported.
Phone calls from other leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he had a phone call with Trump, and both sides agreed to maintain close dialogue and strengthen cooperation, according to CCTV.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump held their first telephone talks on Thursday, following Trump's victory, the Japan Times reported. The call lasted about five minutes, with Ishiba telling reporters he had congratulated Trump on his victory and the two allied leaders agreeing to meet soon to "elevate the Japan-US alliance to an even higher level," said the Japanese media.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol also spoke to Trump on Thursday and congratulated him on winning the US presidency with the "Make America Great Again" slogan and expressed hope for continued collaboration with the US under his leadership, Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo told reporters, according to the Korea Times.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that it is not appropriate to discuss Trump's future policy toward Russia, as the positions of presidential candidates during the campaign do not always align with their policies once they take office. Currently, US-Russia relations are at a historical low, but the Russian side is open to dialogue, according to CCTV.

"It is almost impossible to worsen the Russia-US ties further, as relations are at their historically lowest point. What happens next will depend on the next US leadership," said Peskov, CCTV reported.

When Yang Niuhua, a 34-year-old woman who was abducted when she was 5, recently brought her trafficker to justice, her story reignited public concern over child trafficking, a crime that has torn countless families apart.

As China advances toward a society in which "no child is lost to trafficking," new technologies like DNA identification, artificial intelligence (AI), and facial recognition have become essential tools, backed by the determined efforts of police and government support.

In recent years, these technological breakthroughs, combined with a robust national commitment, have made anti-trafficking efforts faster and more precise, bringing fresh hope to families searching for loved ones. Each successful reunion underscores the power of innovation and dedication, inspiring confidence in the vision of a society without child trafficking.
DNA hunt

Deng Yajun's involvement in using DNA technology for family reunification began with a failed search.

Deng, one of China's first DNA paternity test experts and founder of Beijing Zhongzheng DNA Evidence Institute, felt it was very necessary to start a DNA data bank in 2007 after she conducted DNA tests for 25 pairs of potential families and children who met each other at a family search event in Yixing, East China's Jiangsu Province.

"The 25 pairs of potential families were already about to claim their kin at the event as they thought they had matched some basic information with each other. We asked them to hold on and wait for us to conduct DNA tests for final identification. Unfortunately, it turned out that none of the pair was related," Deng told the Global Times.

DNA testing is currently the most advanced and accurate technology to determine parentage. Thus, this technology plays a decisive role in helping parents and their abducted children to find each other.

In cooperation with baobeihuijia.com, a major non-profit organization in China that searches for people who have lost contact with their families, Deng's DNA database aimed at helping people find their long-lost families has collected more than 2,000 samples, most of which come from those who lost contact with their families in the 1960s.

About two years after the establishment of Deng's database, China's Ministry of Public Security built a national DNA database to fight child trafficking in early 2009. At the end of that year, the database reported its first successful case when it helped an abducted girl, named Xi Xi, in North China's Hebei Province, to reunite with her family through blind-paired comparison testing.

According to Deng, the national database, thus far, contains samples from hundreds of thousands of parents whose children are lost or have been abducted. Once a lost child is found, the child's DNA sample is collected by police and added to the database to conduct blind comparison with the hundreds of thousands of samples available. If the child's parents' samples are in the database, they will be matched; otherwise, the child's sample will be stored in the database until new parent samples are added.

"In some cases, the DNA can confirm the parentage relationship between the child and a pair of parents in the database. But in some other cases, if it fails to find any match with the child in the national database, it requires further police survey and investigation to find other potential relatives of the child, and conduct DNA testing to identify parentage for them," she explained.

The workload is huge. But in recent years, China has continued to update its technologies and standards to help enhance the accuracy.

"In my 20 years of working experience in this industry, the first major development was the emergence of domestically produced reagent kits, which have significantly reduced testing costs. Secondly, the number of genetic loci that can be tested has increased. In the past, there were only two kits available on the market, both of which were imported. However, the two kits were only able to test 16 genes, which made it difficult to distinguish relationships among more than 1.4 billion people in China. Now, we have reached a point where the quality of our domestic reagent kits is comparable to imported products, and can test up to 73 genetic loci. Additionally, many kits for sex chromosomes have also been developed, such as those for testing the X and Y chromosomes. These advancements are particularly helpful for us in dealing with complex and challenging cases," Deng noted.

As many more advanced technologies, such as AI, are being applied to anti-abduction efforts, Deng expects that these new technologies will help promote the efficiency and accuracy of DNA testing. For example, AI-generated portraits can help police screen potential lost families and AI-powered apps can help enhance data comparison efficiency.
Happy reunion

Has he had enough to eat? How is he doing? Is he still alive? Where is he?

For 14 years, these questions lingered in Sun Haiyang's mind.

In 2007, his three-year-old son, Sun Zhuo, was abducted from outside their shop in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, devastating the family.

From then on, Sun Haiyang's life revolved around one mission - finding Sun Zhuo.

This journey captured the hearts of people across the country and even became part of a film.

Sun Haiyang's torture ended on December 6, 2021. That day, he and his wife held their son reunited with them in their arms, witnessed by the police.

Three years have now passed. Sun Haiyang spoke to the Global Times, detailing how technology has been used in the search for missing family members.

"Sun Zhuo was found through facial recognition technology," he explained, adding that this technology uses childhood photos to predict adult likeness, which is then matched with data in the police system.

When Sun Zhuo, who grew up with a different identity in East China's Shandong Province, applied for his first ID card, his information entered the national system. After extensive screening, the police identified him as Sun Haiyang's son.

"Sun Zhuo's hukou (household registration) was registered in Bei'an, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, about 3,800 kilometers from Shenzhen. Without high-tech tools, it would be nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact location in cross-provincial cases like this," Sun said.

Even after ending his own painful mission, Sun Haiyang has remained committed to helping others still looking for their loved ones.

According to Sun Haiyang, as technology has advanced, the requirements have lowered, from needing clear photos of children aged 3 to 5, to now allowing photos from infancy or of relatives to be used for approximate matching.

For cases where photos of the abducted child are unavailable, authorities can compare features from parents or close relatives.

'No more trafficking'

Technology has also significantly enhanced the efficiency of law enforcement agencies.

In recent years, Chinese public security authorities have implemented a series of innovative technological measures to combat child trafficking, which have notably improved the effectiveness and success rates of these efforts.

In addition to DNA matching, the continuous advancement of biometric technology - which identifies and verifies individuals by collecting and analyzing their biological characteristics (such as facial features) - enables the police to monitor and identify suspects in public spaces and transportation hubs, facilitating the rapid location of missing persons.

The system "Tuanyuan," or reunion in Chinese, is another powerful tool employed by Chinese police to expand the search for clues in the internet era. "Tuanyuan" directs alerts about missing children reported within one to three hours, to police and the public within 100 to 300 kilometers, through major social media platforms. For reports of missing children that exceed three hours, alerts are sent to police and the public within a 500-kilometer radius.

Since its official launch in May 2016, the "Tuanyuan" system, with the support of cutting-edge mapping technology and assistance from dozens of Chinese social media giants, has continuously reported good news, successfully recovering missing children.

According to data released by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security in 2022, the system has achieved a remarkable recovery rate of 98 percent for missing children. The average time taken to locate missing children has been reduced from 132 hours to just 78 hours, nearly halving the previous duration.

Thanks to the "Tuanyuan" system, the "reunion action," a special initiative by the Chinese police force to locate abducted and missing children - had successfully recovered over 11,198 missing children as of May 2022. In 2021, the number of child trafficking cases nationwide saw a significant decline of 82.6 percent compared to 2013. Undoubtedly, behind these encouraging statistics lies the relentless efforts of numerous Chinese police officers, as well as robust technological support.

After hearing the death sentence handed to her trafficker after 26 years of efforts to find her families, Yang Niuhua stepped out of the court house and said to the media, "I never feel like I'm fighting alone; today's verdict is the result of everyone's collective efforts. Individual bravery is called solitary courage, social bravery is called collective heroism, and national bravery is what constitutes the rule of law in China."

A Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet landed in China on Sunday, marking its inaugural visit to China, with military observers anticipating that the Russian warplane will join its Chinese counterparts like the J-20 in delivering impressive aerial displays at the upcoming Airshow China event.

At about 2:20 pm, a Su-57 landed in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi Province, signifying its first-ever visit to China, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday, as a part of the coverage for Airshow China 2024, to be held from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.

If the Su-57 indeed later arrives in Zhuhai for the airshow, it would mean that several types of stealth fighter jets will be showcased at the event, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Fu noted that China's J-20 fighter jet has delivered multiple flight performances in previous editions of Airshow China. He also hopes to see the long-expected J-35, China's new-type stealth fighter jet, to perform at the event.

The Su-57 is equipped with thrust vectoring control technologies, enabling it to perform high-maneuverability moves that other aircraft cannot, making the Russian aircraft's performance potentially thrilling to watch, Fu said.

In addition to the Su-57, the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team is set to participate in Airshow China 2024 with six Su-35S and one Su-30SM fighter jet, marking their return to the Chinese airshow after an eight-year absence, CCTV reported.

With the Su-57, the Su-35 and the Su-30, Russia is sending almost all of its best fighter aircraft to the Airshow China, Fu said.

Fu expects China and Russia to seize this opportunity for exchanges and mutual learning regarding each other's aircraft, as the two countries make strides in defense cooperation.

As an international airshow, the Chinese exhibition will also provide Russia the chance to market the Su-57 globally, Fu said.

Various Chinese aircraft, such as the J-10C and the J-16 fighter jets, the J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, the H-6K bomber, the JL-10 trainer jet, as well as the WZ-7 and WZ-10 reconnaissance drones, had arrived in Zhuhai by Sunday, CCTV reported.

China's 41st Antarctic expedition team departed on a nearly seven-month mission to Antarctica on Friday, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. During this time, researchers will work on building supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station in Antarctica, study the effects of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem, and engage in international research and logistical collaboration.

This also marks the first time scientists from Hong Kong have been selected to join the national Antarctic expedition team. It not only reflects the country's recognition of Hong Kong's polar research efforts but also highlights Hong Kong's potential to play an active role in the nation's scientific research and development tasks, marking a milestone for the region, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said on Friday.

During the mission, the expedition team will finalize the installation and interior work finishing the primary building structure at Qinling Station. The team will also, for the first time, conduct an overwintering research mission in Antarctica.

A primary scientific goal of the expedition is to investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem. Using the research vessels Xuelong and Xuelong 2, the team will conduct comprehensive monitoring in key regions, including Prydz Bay in East Antarctica, the Cosmonauts Sea, the Ross Sea, the Amundsen Sea, and the surrounding waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. 

The surveys will cover key areas such as biological ecosystems, aquatic environments, sedimentary conditions, atmospheric conditions, and pollutant distribution. Additional studies on ecosystem health, coastal marine environments, and soil conditions will also be carried out at China's Kunlun, Taishan, Zhongshan, and Great Wall stations to deepen understanding of Antarctica's role in global climate change.

The expedition will also expand international cooperation across scientific research and logistical support. Through initiatives such as the Circumpolar Action Plan, the team will pursue joint research on critical frontiers in Antarctic science. 

Key collaborative projects include an aerial survey of the Enderby Land region with Norwegian and Australian partners to examine ice, ocean, and bedrock interactions, which are essential for accurately assessing the ice sheet's mass balance and stability. 

Furthermore, China will continue to strengthen bilateral and multilateral logistical partnerships with the US, the UK, Australia, Italy, South Korea, Russia, and Chile.

The team is composed of over 500 members from more than 80 domestic organizations, and supported by three ships. Xuelong and Xuelong 2, departing from Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, will primarily handle scientific research, personnel transportation, and logistical resupply, while the Yong Sheng cargo vessel, departing from Zhangjiagang, East China's Jiangsu Province, will transport essential construction materials for Qinling Station's infrastructure.

The expedition is expected to return to China in May 2025.

This year commemorates the 40th anniversary of the start of China's polar expeditions. Over the past four decades, China has continuously strengthened its comprehensive capabilities in polar expedition and actively cooperated with relevant countries, and has made significant contributions toward understanding, protecting, and utilizing polar resources.

China's 40th Antarctic expedition successfully concluded on April 10, with the Xuelong returning to port in Qingdao, Shandong Province. The mission yielded significant results, such as completing an aerial scientific survey of the ice sheet margins of Queen Maud Land and Enderby Land, as part of a major international polar cooperation project.

In a so-called "most concerted" move against sanction circumvention aimed at intensifying pressure on Russia, the US Treasury and State departments have imposed sanctions on entities and individuals from over a dozen countries. 

Experts said that the latest move comes as the US government is caught in a dilemma as it has lost control over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the new curbs are unlikely to have a substantial impact on Moscow's military capabilities, they said.

The US Treasury and State departments imposed sanctions on nearly 400 entities and people from over a dozen countries in fresh action against Russia, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a US official who described the action as the "most concerted" push against third-country evasion. 

"The Biden administration is trying to further isolate Russia through intensifying sanctions, but it is caught in a dilemma on the issue as the situation on the battlefield is spiraling out of US control," Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

"If the US chooses to withdraw from the engagement, it will be another embarrassing moment exposing its incompetence, similar to the withdrawal from Afghanistan; but if it continues to escalate its involvement, the Ukraine crisis could drag the US down a bottomless pit where Washington can neither financially nor politically meet the growing needs," Lü said. 

According to Reuters, countries affected by the curbs include Russia, China, India, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia and Switzerland. The sanctions targeted dozens of companies from China and India, marking the largest collective action against entities from these countries to date, the report said. 

To what extent can the US weaken Russia through these curbs? Lü said that non-US supply chains have emerged. Many American and European companies are also seeking to 'de-Americanize' their operations to strengthen other trade relations, as using US technology can subject them to unreasonable US restrictions.

In terms of the US move's impact on Russian military capabilities, the expert believes the sanctions are rather ineffective, as Russia has an independent weapon system and does not need to rely on other countries.

China has accelerated efforts to expand medical insurance coverage for assisted reproductive technology services, with more than 20 provincial-level regions officially including these services in their medical insurance coverage, as part of a series of measures to encourage fertility and support long-term balanced population development.

The provincial-level regions, including South China's Guangdong Province and Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, have officially made announcements to begin implementing the relevant policies from October this year.

For instance, a total of 13 therapeutic assisted reproductive medical services, including "sperm selection treatment" and "egg retrieval surgery," have been included in the medical insurance coverage in Southwest China's Chongqing. The policy will come into effect on January 1, 2025, according to the Chongqing healthcare security authority.

Taking the data from a hospital from Guangdong as an example, the prices for most assisted reproductive technology services decreased after the relevant services were included into the medical insurance coverage. The cost of artificial insemination has fallen by around 50 percent, while fees for procedures like embryo transfer have seen an average decline of over 15 percent, according to the Guangdong healthcare security authority.

More couples are facing the challenges of infertility in modern society due to multiple factors such as a fast-paced lifestyle, and delayed marriage and childbearing age, Jiang Quanbao, a professor from the Institute for Population and Development Studies at Xi'an Jiaotong University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

China has introduced the supportive measures aimed at "promoting long-term balanced population development," including medical insurance coverage for assisted reproduction technologies to assist families facing challenges in having children, to alleviate the economic burden they face, said Jiang.

China on Monday introduced a series of new birth support policies. Among the policies, assisted reproductive technology services will be added to the list of services that qualify for medical insurance reimbursement, according to a government document.

Since July 2023, some regions such as Beijing and South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have gradually included the relevant assisted reproductive technology services in their medical insurance reimbursement. Soon after, other regions actively followed suit, according to National Healthcare Security Administration.

Currently, there are still a few provincial-level regions that have not officially included assisted reproductive technology in their medical insurance including Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Southwest China's Guizhou Province and North China's Tianjin.

Some of them, such as Heilongjiang and Tianjin, have published relevant drafts for public consultation and have completed the process of soliciting opinions from the public, according to the local healthcare security authorities.