The Chinese Embassy in Romania on Saturday expressed serious concern and firm opposition to a recent visit to Taiwan region by Romanian lawmaker Alexandru Muraru and his subsequent erroneous remarks concerning Taiwan region, saying his actions violated Romania's official policy and advocated for the DPP authorities' "Taiwan independence" separatist agenda.
According to the statement published on the embassy's official WeChat account, a spokesperson for the embassy said Taiwan is part of China, and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. This is a historical and legal fact, the true status quo across the Taiwan Straits, and an important component of the post-World War II international order.
The spokesperson said that recognizing the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China and adhering to the one-China principle are widely accepted by the international community and constitute a basic norm governing international relations.
Romania established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1949, the spokesperson noted, adding that the one-China principle has served as the political foundation of bilateral relations and ensured the steady development of China-Romania ties despite changes in the international landscape.
The statement noted that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and lies at the core of China's core interests. "Just as a province or region of Romania cannot separate from the country for any reason, Taiwan cannot separate from China for any reason," the spokesperson said.
Quoting the Chinese saying, "Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire," the spokesperson said Muraru's actions constituted blatant interference in China's internal affairs and support for "Taiwan independence," adding that such behavior not only runs counter to basic diplomatic norms but also raises questions about whether he is genuinely acting in Romania's interests.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has repeatedly made fallacious remarks about China and his latest statements once again prove his having no gratitude for key Chinese commodities and exploiting issues of people's livelihoods to make political stunt.
Mao made the remarks on Tuesday, commenting on media reports that Teodoro alleged at the Shangri-La Dialogue that China had provided fertilizer and fuel to the Philippines but did not show good faith on a long-term basis, and "no matter how they sugarcoat their assistance to us, it doesn't cut the mustard." He also claimed the Philippines were under severe threat territory-wise and politically by China.
Mao stated that Teodoro's latest words shows that he completely disregards the welfare of the Philippine people, lacks any sense of gratitude, only cares about his personal interests, and is even exploiting livelihood issues for political stunt, which damages China-Philippines relations and mutual trust, and is completely contrary to the interests of the Philippine nation and its people.
Mao further asked: The Philippine side should seriously reflect on this. If it allows such a person to do whatever he wants, how can China continue to provide material assistance to the Philippines? Who will ultimately foot the bill? Whose interests will be harmed?
Mao noted that Philippine leaders have repeatedly expressed their willingness to properly resolve differences with China and promote the easing of bilateral relations. It is hoped that the Philippines will match its words with deeds, strictly discipline its officials, and not allow a few clowns to repeatedly undermine bilateral efforts to stabilize the relationship, Mao added.
Former Australian environment minister Peter Garrett will head up a crowd-funded review of the multi-billion-dollar AUKUS submarine deal, Australia's biggest ever defense project, with one of its questions including an examination of how the deal affects Australia's relations with China, BBC News reported. A Chinese expert said this reflects a growing number of voices within Australia questioning whether it is worthwhile to sacrifice relations with China in order to accommodate US interests.
Launched by a group of Labor veterans and public figures concerned that proper scrutiny was not applied to the deal, the inquiry will hold public hearings and take written submissions before delivering a final report by October 30, the Guardian reported.
Garrett, who served as environment minister between 2007 and 2010, said the independent inquiry into the A$368 billion ($239 billion) deal - where Australia will buy second-hand US submarines to replace its ageing fleet - was "long overdue," the BBC reported.
He also said the inquiry would consider if the submarines can be delivered on time and on budget, how nuclear waste will be managed and if Australia's defense and strategic interests are well served by the deal, the Guardian reported.
This inquiry has dealt a blow to the AUKUS pact, while also reflecting concerns among some Australian Labor Party figures over the prospects of the AUKUS nuclear submarine program, its staggering costs, distrust of the US government, and the program's implications for Australia's sovereignty, Ning Tuanhui, an associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
After Garrett's inquiry, Labor backbencher Ed Husic urged a new vote on the future of the AUKUS submarine pact, warning the deal as it stood could impact sovereignty, news outlet The Australian reported.
Ning said these developments have left the Anthony Albanese administration caught between internal rifts within its own party and relentless opposition censure, placing the government under mounting pressure from two flanks.
"This will likewise cast tangible headwinds over the administration's future efforts to advance the pact," he added.
The BBC reported that the inquiry will ask how the deal will affect Australia's relationship with China, its largest trading partner.
The inquiry specifically calls for an assessment of AUKUS's impact on China-Australia relations, indicating that some figures within Australia are rethinking whether sacrificing ties with China to align with US geopolitical objectives truly serves Australia's national interests, Chen Hong, director of the Asia-Pacific Studies Center at East China Normal University, told the Global Times.
The AUKUS deal was announced in September 2021, and while it is not explicitly stated, it is believed to be about countering China's growing presence in the so-called Indo-Pacific region, and about the South China Sea issue, according to a BBC report.
A growing number of Australians clearly see that the US prioritizes its own interests, not those of its allies, and the consensus is also deepening that relying on the Chinese market while proactively defining China as a potential adversary is a strategic contradiction, Chen added.
Concerns are growing within Australia over the US role in and commitment to the AUKUS pact. Husic warned that Australia needs a backup plan for the AUKUS submarine agreement, arguing that sluggish US production and the "transactional nature" of the current US administration have put the multibillion-dollar defense deal at risk, per BBC News.
Arthur Rorris, the secretary of the South Coast Labour Council, which opposes the establishment of a nuclear submarine base at Port Kembla, said the proposed base was never intended for Australian submarines but "would be ceded to the US navy as a staging post for their 7th fleet," the Guardian reported.
Australia's case underscores that tying one's strategic and economic fortunes to the US at steep costs may yield heightened troubles and lingering uncertainties, serving as a sobering wake-up call for Washington's other allies, Ning said.
Newly released footage from the Wolong area of Giant Panda National Park in Southwest China's Sichuan Province shows the world's only known wild white panda wandering across snow-blanketed forests and bamboo groves, chinanews.com reported.
This was the first time in several years that the rare albino giant panda has been fully captured by an infrared-triggered camera equipped with real-time transmission capabilities, the report said.
The footage shows the all-white giant panda calmly roaming through dense forests and bamboo groves, pausing at times to forage for food and patrol its habitat.
Compared with its appearance as a cub when first discovered in 2019, the white giant panda has now reached adulthood, and appears healthy and agile. It appears to have adapted exceptionally well to the wild, and its natural habitat independently, according to chinanews.com.
According to Tan Yingchun, project lead of the conservation and research program for white giant pandas at the Wolong National Nature Reserve, judging by footage captured by infrared cameras, this white giant panda boasts a robust physique, and the fur of its limbs tint faint golden-brown in adulthood.
The panda is seen moving solo in every recorded clip, leading researchers to estimate its age at around 9 and conclude that it has long been fully independent.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called on the Chinese people to learn from heroes and role models to form a mighty force to build a strong China.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a ceremony awarding the country's highest state honors ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
China is in a crucial period for building a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, Xi said.
Before his speech, Xi presented the Medal of the Republic, the Friendship Medal, and medals of national honorary titles at the Great Hall of the People.
Four people, including veteran war hero Huang Zongde and medical scientist Wang Zhenyi, were awarded the Medal of the Republic. Ten individuals, including border patrolman Bayika Kalidibek, technician Xu Zhenchao, and acclaimed actress Tian Hua, were awarded national honorary titles, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Dilma Rousseff, former Brazilian president and president of the New Development Bank, received the Friendship Medal.
President Xi extended warm congratulations and paid high respect to the recipients of China's highest state honors.
Xi said that over the past 75 years the CPC has led Chinese people of all ethnic groups in creating the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. Great times call for heroes
The presentation ceremony was held amid the jubilant atmosphere as China is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, with flower baskets, floral displays, decorative lights seen on the streets in China's capital.
Before the ceremony, the recipients of the national medals and honorary titles were escorted by a state guest motorcade to the Great Hall of the People. At the entrance to the Great Hall of the People, they were warmly welcomed by a group of children carrying flowers and national flags.
At the ceremony, President Xi hailed the earthshaking changes that have taken place in China and stated that national rejuvenation is now on an irreversible historical course.
A galaxy of heroes emerging generation after generation will ensure the lasting prosperity of the Party and the people's cause, Xi said.
The Chinese president also called on the Chinese people to learn from heroes and role models to form a mighty force to build a strong China.
He emphasized the need for people to bear in mind their aspirations, hone their skills, and make contributions to building a strong China.
He also encouraged the Chinese people to strive for extraordinary achievements at ordinary job posts and urged all to make contributions to resolve development and reform challenges, and safeguard social harmony and stability.
Speaking at the ceremony, Huang Zongde, 93, said that the honor belongs to every member of the people's armed forces and all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for China's national independence, the liberation of the people, and the endeavor to make China prosperous and strong.
Su Wei, a professor from the Party School of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, told the Global Times on Sunday that the awarding of role models and heroes in various fields not only reflects China's full recognition of their contributions, but also highlights the prominent role of patriotism in advancing China's modernization.
"The Party and country have long had the tradition of establishing model of heroes. By calling on the people of the whole country to learn from them, we can better inspire the patriotism of the people and contribute more to the development of the country," he noted.
Zhu Lijia, a professor as the National Academy of Governance, said that many outstanding people's quiet dedication to the country often went unknown for a long time, and so the grand commendation at the level of national leadership has a vital importance in inspiring and motivating the Chinese people to strive for rejuvenation.
Same aspirations
While awarding Rousseff the Friendship Medal on Sunday, Xi lauded her as an outstanding representative of China's old friends and good friends who have shared the same aspirations and stood together with the Chinese people over the past 75 years.
Chinese people will never forget the international friends who have made prominent contributions to China's development and the friendship between Chinese and foreign people, Xi said.
Xi said the Chinese people stand ready to work together with people of various countries to safeguard world peace and boost common development.
Xi also called for joint efforts to build a human community with a shared future and create an even brighter future for humanity.
In her address, Rousseff said the medal fills her with immense honor, pledging continued efforts to help strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation between Brazil and China.
In an interview with the Xinhua News Agency released on Sunday, Rousseff said she feels proud and pleased to receive the medal, adding that China's achievements toward economic, social, cultural and political modernization over the past 75 years are unprecedented in history. "China's reform and opening up never ends," said Rousseff, adding that China provides a model to the Global South for economic, political and social development.
The rising demand for travel during China's week-long National Day holidays starting on October 1 is expected to inject more vitality into domestic consumption, with growth foreseen in relevant sectors amid ramped-up policy support.
Amid the peak season of "Golden September and Silver October," observers expect growth in tourism and related industries to fuel the nation's recovering consumption.
The transport sector is expected to handle 1.94 billion passenger trips nationwide during the holidays, with a daily average of 277 million trips. The daily average would be up 0.7 percent year-on-year and 19.4 percent compared with the same period in 2019, Vice Minister of Transport Li Yang said at a press conference on Friday.
Li highlighted a growing demand for domestic and international travel during the "golden week."
He noted that family tours and cross-provincial travel would be the mainstream options, with major destinations including such locations as Beijing, Shanghai and North China's Shanxi Province.
As of Saturday, searches for "travel during the National Day holidays" had surged 27 times year-on-year on domestic service apps Meituan and Dianping. Bookings for natural scenic spots accounted for 29.6 percent of the total orders and remained the top choice for family tours.
It is expected that the proportion of self-driving trips during the National Day holidays will exceed 80 percent, reaching 1.526 billion trips, Li said.
He also anticipated a rising demand for medium- and long-distance travel, as the average travel distance during the holidays is estimated to increase by about 30 percent compared with the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival break.
As for outbound travel, Li said that neighboring Southeast Asian countries are among the highly favored attractions.
Outbound flight and hotel bookings on Chinese online travel agency Qunar for the holiday covered nearly 1,600 cities in 144 countries and regions, the company said.
Holiday consumption will play a vital role in boosting GDP growth for the coming months, bolstered by growth in sectors such as tourism, catering, accommodation and transportation, said Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences.
In the first eight months of 2024, retail sales rose by 3.4 percent year-on-year to 31.25 trillion yuan ($4.46 trillion), according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Online sales remained a bright spot, rising by 8.9 percent year-on-year to 9.63 trillion yuan.
In addition, the beautiful autumn weather will attract more travelers to opt for outdoor activities such as bike riding, leading to an increase in sales and production of corresponding equipment and tools, Jiang Yiyi, a vice dean of the School of Leisure Sports and Tourism at Beijing Sport University, told the Global Times on Saturday.
Jiang noted that support measures adopted by Chinese localities and responsible authorities - such as distributing vouchers and optimizing service quality in scenic spots - have significantly stimulated tourism.
Wang said that the implementation of dedicated measures to stimulate consumption represented by the trade-in program has been showing an effect while promoting consumption upgrading.
However, NBS spokesperson Liu Aihua said at a separate press conference in September that the consumption recovery still faces constraints, prompting authorities to channel even more energy into strengthening consumer sentiment and stimulating domestic demand.
The presence of improved government policies, combined with better products and services on the market, means that the potential of consumption will be unleashed at a faster pace and thus the consumer market will have a more solid foundation for recovery, Liu noted.
In soft, ambient lighting, “The Thinker” rests his fist against his chin, lost in profound contemplation. Just a few steps away, “Balzac” stands tall, head held high. These masterpieces, crafted by the legendary French artist Auguste Rodin, are quietly placed at an exhibition hall in Shanghai, inviting local visitors on a journey through the splendor of 19th-century French art.
The exhibition Rodin: A Hinge Figure towards Modernity will kick off on Saturday as the opening exhibition of the much-anticipated Centre d’ Art Rodin, or Rodin art center in Shanghai, a key cultural exchange project under the theme of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties this year.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 authentic artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and porcelain pieces, collector and the center’s president Wu Jing said at the opening ceremony on Friday.
Some of the most emblematic works on display include Age of Bronze (large model), Monument to Balzac, and The Thinker (medium model), which are precious French national cultural properties deposited in the collection of Paris-based Rodin Museum that have been loaned to the center, Wu introduced.
For example, Age of Bronze (large model), is considered Rodin’s first truly personal work. The sensitive and vibrant modeling of the statue, which a young Belgian soldier named Auguste Ney posed for, was “the result of a close study of all the profiles of the model,” said a booklet of the exhibition.
The medium model of the world-renowned The Thinker on display, was an original size version of The Thinker that Rodin made in 1880. Years later, Rodin created the monumental version of The Thinker in 1903, which then became an iconic work in the history of world sculpture.
Notably, most exhibits are displayed openly without glass covers. “It’s a bold move, but we want to offer a perfect visiting experience,” Wu told the Global Times.
Born in Paris in 1840, Rodin is hailed as the “father of modern sculpture.” In addition to being a great sculptor, he was also a collector deeply interested in Chinese art. The exhibition also features 16 Chinese artworks and objects collected by Rodin during his lifetime, including terracotta figurines from the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907), bronzes and porcelain pieces from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
The venue of the center, located by Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River, was transformed from the former French Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Amélie Simier, director of the center’s partner Rodin Museum, said it is an ideal location for the center. “And it’s also an ideal time to open the center in Shanghai, showcasing our best sculptures and culture to Chinese visitors, to mark the 60 years anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between France and China,” Simier told the Global Times.
China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it commenced from Thursday an anti-discrimination investigation into Canada's tariff hikes on electric vehicles (EVs) as well as steel and aluminum products imported from China, after initial results have unveiled such discriminatory approach.
The investigation has commenced in accordance with the Article 36 and Article 37 of China's Foreign Trade Law, MOFCOM announced, noting that the investigation will typically last for three months and can be extended under special circumstances, according to a statement posted on its website on Thursday.
According to Xinhua News Agency, it is the first such investigation initiated by China and also the first of its kind in the world.
Stakeholders can submit the comments in written form within 30 days of the commencement of the probe and written request for a hearing can be submitted within 20 days from when the probe is launched.
The Article 7 of China's Foreign Trade Law clearly stipulates that in the event that any country or region applies prohibitive, restrictive or other like measures on a discriminatory basis against China in respect of trade, China may, as the case may be, take measures against the country or region in question. The Article 36 of China's Foreign Trade Law states that the authority responsible for foreign trade under the State Council may conduct investigation with regard to relevant matters, including the matter that requires investigation for implementing Article 7.
The step taken on Thursday is a follow-up of measures outlined by MOFCOM on September 3, when it said "China's attitude is clear-cut and it will take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."
In addition to launching an anti-discriminatory probe, measures detailed then include plans to initiate dispute settlement proceedings at the WTO, which China did on September 6 by requesting consultation over Ottawa's tariff hikes.
On September 9, MOFCOM also initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of rapeseed from Canada, citing initial evidence that Canada's dumping practices have caused substantial harm to China's domestic industry.
After announcing its decision to impose hefty additional tariffs on Chinese products, including EVs, steel and aluminum, Canada on September 10 moved to escalate the trade row by announcing a 30-day public consultation to study the need for additional tariffs on more Chinese products including batteries, semiconductors and critical minerals.
Amid Canada-provoked trade tensions which Chinese experts said have negatively impacted bilateral ties, trade between China and Canada dropped by 0.5 percent year-on-year in the first eight months this year to $57.66 billion, reversing the 2.4 percent growth seen in the first seven months, customs data showed in earlier September.
The integration of AI-generated content (AIGC) into the film industry has taken a step forward with the launch of the Kling AI "Movie Co-Creation Project" on Monday. This initiative brings together nine prominent Chinese directors, including Li Shaohong and Yu Baimei, to create nine short films using AIGC. It marks China's first large-scale effort to apply AI-powered video-generation models to cinematic content creation.
Kling AI's ability to generate videos from images, control motion, and manage camera angles not only enhances production efficiency but also elevates the quality of cinematic output. The platform's broader application potential underscores its significance beyond experimental projects.
The technology's importance is further highlighted by the Beijing International Film Festival's recent announcement of its first AIGC filmmaking course. This course is designed to equip new filmmakers with the skills to integrate AI technology into the creative process, blending technical expertise with emotional storytelling.
"Technological innovation has always been part of cinema's evolution," Shi Wenxue, a veteran film critic and a preliminary judge in the main competition section at the Beijing International Film Festival, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
He emphasized how tools like AIGC are accelerating the filmmaking process by streamlining scriptwriting and project planning.
"Many of my colleagues are primarily using AIGC for technical tasks like previs (previsualization). Previously, we had to build preview models using tools like LEGO blocks; now AIGC offers a more direct and effective solution," Shi noted.
While AIGC excels in certain film genres such as animation, sci-fi, and archaeology-themed productions, Shi also noted that it is unlikely to fully replace human creativity or the emotional depth that actors and filmmakers bring to their work.
"AIGC serves as a support tool rather than a core replacement in the filmmaking process," Shi said.
Major players in the film industry have already begun to recognize the advantages offered by AIGC. Domestically, productions like the short narrative series Sanxingdui: Future Apocalypse, and CCTV's fully AI-produced micro film Chinese Mythology demonstrate how AI is driving advancements in the domestic film sector, particularly in the emerging micro drama industry.
Internationally, the influence of AIGC is also growing. Glenn Marshall, an AI artist, won the Jury Award at the 2022 Cannes Short Film Festival with his AI-generated film The Crow, highlighting the global reach and recognition of AI's role in creative content creation.
It's worth noting that the rise of AIGC has also sparked debate, particularly in industries that traditionally rely on human creativity. The 2023 Hollywood strikes, initially targeting employees' benefits, were also driven by concerns that AI could replace human roles, with issues around compensation and job security taking center stage.
"Don't see them as competitors or enemies; they are your work partners. Every technological breakthrough has benefited artistic creation, allowing creators' visions to be realized more perfectly and accurately. At the same time, AI also places higher demands on film professionals - they must have ideas that surpass it," Chinese director Liu Jiacheng said in an interview with the Xinhua News Agency.
Experts say as AIGC continues to develop, it will drive the next wave of innovation in the film industry. Its ability to enhance productivity and reduce costs could unlock a new era of efficiency, particularly in the rapidly expanding micro drama sector.
The natural scenery of Sayram Lake is magnificent and beautiful, with its green waves rippling. The tourism popularity is increasing year by year. In order to protect the ecological environment of Sayram Lake, in recent years, the scenic area has implemented a ban on grazing on 164,500 mu of grassland in the core area and relocated more than 900 herdsmen households and 200,000 livestock. 80 kilometers of fences have been set up around the lake and 12 management and protection stations have been established to prohibit tourists from entering the glacier and permanent snow area. The area of Sayram Lake scenic area is 1,314 square kilometers. 21 power supply lines with a voltage level of 10 kV and above provide continuous power for the scenic area. In 2022, Sayram Lake was built into the first all-green electricity scenic area in Xinjiang. A power supply ring network was formed by means of buried cables. Charging piles were set up around the lake, an ecological parking lot was built, and low-carbon tourism transportation tools such as electric vehicles, bicycles, and hybrid vehicles were used. The annual electricity consumption of Sayram Lake scenic area is 36 million kilowatt-hours. The development of the scenic area takes ecological tourism and green tourism as the main line. The "full electrification" transformation covers all aspects such as travel, accommodation, and play. More than 770 electricity customers such as hotels, shops, and food courts all adopt clean and stable power supply. The past coal-fired heating method has become history. This year, State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company has explored new ways to consume clean energy to help the green development of Sayram Lake. The "integrated photovoltaic storage and charging" demonstration project is promoted in the scenic area. Based on the existing green electricity, the construction of distributed photovoltaic microgrid is piloted and the application of V2G charging piles is promoted. Sayram Lake scenic area is built into a zero-carbon scenic area model from the four aspects of "source, grid, load, and storage".
